bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cell-Based Strategy To Assess Intrinsic Inhibition Efficiencies of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Authors: Abram Michael E. , Tsiang Manuel , White Kirsten L. , Callebaut Christian , Miller Michael D.
Published: November 2014

During HIV-1 reverse transcription, there are increasing opportunities for nucleos(t)ide (NRTI) or nonnucleoside (NNRTI) reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors to stop elongation of the nascent viral DNA (vDNA). In addition, RT inhibitors appear to influence the kinetics of vDNA synthesis differently. While cell-free kinetic inhibition constants have provided detailed mechanistic insight, these assays are dependent on experimental conditions that may not mimic the cellular milieu. Here we describe a novel cell-based strategy to provide a measure of the intrinsic inhibition efficiencies of clinically relevant RT inhibitors on a per-stop-site basis. To better compare inhibition efficiencies among HIV-1 RT inhibitors that can stop reverse transcription at any number of different stop sites, their basic probability,p, of getting stopped at any potential stop site was determined. A relationship between qPCR-derived 50% effective inhibitory concentrations (EC50s) and this basic probability enabled determination ofpby successive approximation. On a per-stop-site basis, tenofovir (TFV) exhibited 1.4-fold-greater inhibition efficiency than emtricitabine (FTC), and as a class, both NRTIs exhibited an 8- to 11-fold greater efficiency than efavirenz (EFV). However, as more potential stops sites were considered, the probability of reverse transcription failing to reach the end of the template approached equivalence between both classes of RT inhibitors. Overall, this novel strategy provides a quantitative measure of the intrinsic inhibition efficiencies of RT inhibitors in the natural cellular milieu and thus may further understanding of drug efficacy. This approach also has applicability for understanding the impact of viral polymerase-based inhibitors (alone or in combination) in other virus systems.
Role of Anaerobiosis in Capsule Production and Biofilm Formation in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Phippen Britney L. , Oliver James D.
Published: November 2014

Vibrio vulnificus
, a pervasive human pathogen, can cause potentially fatal septicemia after consumption of undercooked seafood. Biotype 1 strains of
V. vulnificus
are most commonly associated with human infection and are separated into two genotypes, clinical (C) and environmental (E), based on the virulence-correlated gene. For ingestion-based vibriosis to occur, this bacterium must be able to withstand multiple conditions as it traverses the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately gains entry into the bloodstream. One such condition, anoxia, has yet to be extensively researched in
V. vulnificus
. We investigated the effect of oxygen availability on capsular polysaccharide (CPS) production and biofilm formation in this bacterium, both of which are thought to be important for disease progression. We found that lack of oxygen elicits a reduction in both CPS and biofilm formation in both genotypes. This is further supported by the finding that
pilA
,
pilD
, and
mshA
genes, all of which encode type IV pilin proteins that aid in attachment to surfaces, were downregulated during anaerobiosis. Surprisingly, E-genotypes exhibited distinct differences in gene expression levels of capsule and attachment genes compared to C-genotypes, both aerobically and anaerobically. The importance of understanding these disparities may give insight into the observed differences in environmental occurrence and virulence potential between these two genotypes of
V. vulnificus
.
Staphylococcus epidermidis SrrAB Regulates Bacterial Growth and Biofilm Formation Differently under Oxic and Microaerobic Conditions
Authors: Wu Youcong , Wu Yang , Zhu Tao , Han Haiyan , Liu Huayong , Xu Tao , Francois Patrice , Fischer Adrien , Bai Li , Götz Friedrich , Qu Di
Published: November 2014

SrrAB expression in
Staphylococcus epidermidis
strain 1457 (SE1457) was upregulated during a shift from oxic to microaerobic conditions. An
srrA
deletion (Δ
srrA
) mutant was constructed for studying the regulatory function of SrrAB. The deletion resulted in retarded growth and abolished biofilm formation both
in vitro
and
in vivo
and under both oxic and microaerobic conditions. Associated with the reduced biofilm formation, the Δ
srrA
mutant produced much less polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA) and showed decreased initial adherence capacity. Microarray analysis showed that the
srrA
mutation affected transcription of 230 genes under microaerobic conditions, and 51 genes under oxic conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed this observation and showed downregulation of genes involved in maintaining the electron transport chain by supporting cytochrome and quinol-oxidase assembly (e.g.,
qoxB
and
ctaA
) and in anaerobic metabolism (e.g.,
pflBA
and
nrdD
). In the Δ
srrA
mutant, the expression of the biofilm formation-related gene
icaR
was upregulated under oxic conditions and downregulated under microaerobic conditions, whereas
icaA
was downregulated under both conditions. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay further revealed that phosphorylated SrrA bound to the promoter regions of
icaR
,
icaA
,
qoxB
, and
pflBA
, as well as its own promoter region. These findings demonstrate that in
S. epidermidis
SrrAB is an autoregulator and regulates biofilm formation in an
ica
-dependent manner. Under oxic conditions, SrrAB modulates electron transport chain activity by positively regulating
qoxBACD
transcription. Under microaerobic conditions, it regulates fermentation processes and DNA synthesis by modulating the expression of both the
pfl
operon and
nrdDG
.
Contemporary Avian Influenza A Virus Subtype H1, H6, H7, H10, and H15 Hemagglutinin Genes Encode a Mammalian Virulence Factor Similar to the 1918 Pandemic Virus H1 Hemagglutinin
Authors: Qi Li , Pujanauski Lindsey M. , Davis A. Sally , Schwartzman Louis M. , Chertow Daniel S. , Baxter David , Scherler Kelsey , Hartshorn Kevan L. , Slemons Richard D. , Walters Kathie-Anne , Kash John C. , Taubenberger Jeffery K.
Published: November 2014

Zoonotic avian influenza virus infections may lead to epidemics or pandemics. The 1918 pandemic influenza virus has an avian influenza virus-like genome, and its H1 hemagglutinin was identified as a key mammalian virulence factor. A chimeric 1918 virus expressing a contemporary avian H1 hemagglutinin, however, displayed murine pathogenicity indistinguishable from that of the 1918 virus. Here, isogenic chimeric avian influenza viruses were constructed on an avian influenza virus backbone, differing only by hemagglutinin subtype expressed. Viruses expressing the avian H1, H6, H7, H10, and H15 subtypes were pathogenic in mice and cytopathic in normal human bronchial epithelial cells, in contrast to H2-, H3-, H5-, H9-, H11-, H13-, H14-, and H16-expressing viruses. Mouse pathogenicity was associated with pulmonary macrophage and neutrophil recruitment. These data suggest that avian influenza virus hemagglutinins H1, H6, H7, H10, and H15 contain inherent mammalian virulence factors and likely share a key virulence property of the 1918 virus. Consequently, zoonotic infections with avian influenza viruses bearing one of these hemagglutinins may cause enhanced disease in mammals.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza viruses from birds can cause outbreaks in humans and may contribute to the development of pandemics. The 1918 pandemic influenza virus has an avian influenza virus-like genome, and its main surface protein, an H1 subtype hemagglutinin, was identified as a key mammalian virulence factor. In a previous study, a 1918 virus expressing an avian H1 gene was as virulent in mice as the reconstructed 1918 virus. Here, a set of avian influenza viruses was constructed, differing only by hemagglutinin subtype. Viruses with the avian H1, H6, H7, H10, and H15 subtypes caused severe disease in mice and damaged human lung cells. Consequently, infections with avian influenza viruses bearing one of these hemagglutinins may cause enhanced disease in mammals, and therefore surveillance for human infections with these subtypes may be important in controlling future outbreaks.
Treatment of asymmetrical vernal keratoconjunctivitis with supratarsal corticosteroid injection
Authors: Thanathanee Onsiri , Bhoomibunchoo Chavakij , Suwan-apichon Olan
Published: November 2014

A 6-year-old Thai girl presented with itching, redness and copious discharge in both eyes. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the left eye revealed cobblestone papillae with marked ptosis while in the right eye only small papillae were observed. Punctuate epithelial keratitis was noted only in the left eye. There were no associated factors for giant papillary conjunctivitis (ie, suture or contact lens). The cobblestone papillae in the left eye persisted after maximal topical and oral antiallergic medications. Two doses of supratarsal corticosteroid (20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide) injection without any topical or oral antiallergic medications were undertaken in the left eye 1 month apart. Cobblestone papillae and punctate epithelial erosion (including allergic symptoms) were completely recovered. There was no recurrence after 18 months of follow-up. This case report indicates that using supratarsal corticosteroid injection by itself in recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis provides promising results.
Enterolithotomy for the treatment of large bowel obstruction secondary to gallstones
Authors: Swarbrick Kate , Allin Benjamin , Yeung Trevor , Sampson Marianne
Published: November 2014

We describe the case of an 81-year-old woman with large bowel-obstruction caused by an impacted gallstone. An 81-year-old, Caucasian, fully independent woman without significant comorbidities presented with absolute constipation, faecal vomiting and abdominal pain. Abdominal radiography revealed dilated small bowel, and a subsequent contrast CT demonstrated a 2.5 cm gallstone in the sigmoid colon. This is believed to have entered the transverse colon via a cholecyst-colonic fistula, and then migrated to a section of sigmoid colon affected by diverticular disease, where it became impacted. Two sigmoidoscopic removals were attempted but were unsuccessful as the gallstone's size prevented removal with an endoscopic basket. A laparotomy was performed and the stone extracted via a sigmoid enterotomy. No covering stoma was formed, and following 48 h on intensive trauma unit and a short ward-based stay for rehabilitation, the patient was discharged home and is currently doing well.
Exercise interventions for weight management during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum among normal weight, overweight and obese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elliott-Sale K J , Barnett C T , Sale C
Published: November 2014

Background

The prevalence of excessive gestation weight gain, extended postpartum weight retention and pregravid obese women is increasing and is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes.

Objective

To review the evidence from studies employing exercise-only interventions for weight management among pregnant and postpartum women.

Search strategy

Ten databases were searched for randomised controlled trials conducted during pregnancy or within the 12 months following childbirth and published between 1990 and 2013.

Selection criteria

There were no restrictions to the type, frequency, duration or intensity of exercise intervention. Interventions not specifically designed to target weight were excluded. The outcomes were a change in body weight (kg) or body mass index (BMI; kg/m2).

Data collection and analysis

All data were continuous and were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD), with 95% CIs. Data were analysed with a fixed-effect model and heterogeneity was determined using the I2statistic.

Results

Five studies were included in this review. Exercise significantly reduced gestational weight gain (WMD=−2.22 kg, CI −3.14 to −1.3, p≤0.00001) and had no significant effect on postpartum weight loss (WMD=−1.74 kg, CI −3.59 to 0.10, p=0.06) or BMI during pregnancy (WMD=−2.8 kg/m2, CI −5.60 to 0.00, p=0.05) or postpartum (WMD=−0.54 kg/m2, CI −1.17 to 0.08, p=0.09).

Conclusions

There is currently limited evidence to suggest that exercise can be used to limit maternal gestational weight gain.
Supporting patients with uncertain recovery: the use of the AMBER care bundle in an acute hospital
Authors: Etkind Simon Noah , Karno Jennifer , Edmonds Polly M , Carey Irene , Murtagh Fliss E M
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Patients who are deteriorating, with uncertain recovery and with a short prognosis often have complex needs. The AMBER care bundle systematically manages these patients by promoting consistent communication and care planning. To describe how the AMBER bundle is applied in a UK hospital. To identify factors affecting the use of the AMBER bundle in patients who subsequently died. To gain preliminary data with regard to potential markers of deterioration in groups less frequently supported by AMBER

Methods

Retrospective review of electronic case notes for all deaths over 11 months on five inpatient wards where AMBER was implemented.

Results

N=149. Median age 80, IQR 72–87. Admission diagnoses: cancer (25%), non-cancer (31%), multimorbidity (44%). 38% were supported by AMBER. Patients with cancer were more frequently supported by AMBER (62% vs 30% p<0.001). Illness trajectory was defined a priori as ‘predictable gradual’ (40%), ‘predictable rapid’ (22%), ‘unpredictable’ (21%) or ‘sudden death’ (17%). ‘Predictable gradual’ deterioration resulted in more frequent support by AMBER (62% vs 21%, p<0.001). Patients were supported by AMBER after median 10 days of admission (IQR 5–17 days), and died median 9 days later (IQR 3–15 days). Patients with multimorbidity or unpredictable deterioration were less frequently supported by AMBER. Potential markers of deterioration were acute kidney injury, delirium, falls and comorbidity.

Conclusions

The use of the AMBER care bundle is affected by illness trajectory and diagnosis. Future work should clarify predictors of deterioration in patients with an unpredictable course.
Magneto-convection of a binary micropolar fluid with suspended particles
Authors: Gupta U. , Aggarwal P. , Kumar R.
Published: November 2014

The present paper investigates the effect of vertical magnetic field and dust particles on the stability of a micropolar fluid layer heated and soluted from below. The Lorentz force term is introduced due to the presence of a magnetic field, which gives rise to oscillatory motions in the system. The other reason for the introduction of overstable motions is the coupling between micropolar and thermosolutal effects. The normal mode technique, along with the Boussinesq approximation is used to derive the dispersion relation. The thermal Rayleigh number is found for both types of convections and it is observed that it is more for stationary motions than for oscillatory motions; except for high values of the suspended particles factor. The effect of solute Rayleigh number and Chandrasekhar number is to stabilize the micropolar fluid layer while dust particles hasten the onset of convection. Interestingly, as the suspended particle factor increases, the mode of instability shifts from overstability to stationary convection. The effect of micropolar coefficient of coupling is found to stabilize the fluid–particle layer for stationary convection. Some earlier known results are recovered as special cases from the present formulation.
How we view competitions between the converging Internet social platforms: Does higher user number mean the final victory?
Authors: Fu Tao , Li Chenguang , Guo Liping , Wang Yanni
Published: November 2014

We propose a special opinion model on Internet users' social platform selections where users only view those converging platforms as tools to maintain their communications with all of their friends or partners and one may use more than one platform at the same time. We construct the time evolution differential equations, seek the fixed points, and study their attractability and repellency by analyzing those equations. Then, we verify the analytical results and observe their accuracy by numerical simulation. The conclusion shows that in any practical system described by our model, one platform will completely eliminate its competitor sooner or later, and when the average degree of the interaction network is relatively low, the laggard may have more chance to turn the tide, but when that average degree is high, that chance is extremely limited.
In vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Oxymatrine on Toll-Like Receptor 9 Signal Pathway in Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Yao Ning , Wang Xin
Published: November 2014

Oxymatrine, extracted from the herb Sophora alopecuraides L., was investigated to determine its anti-HBV immunomodulatory mechanism in vitro. Human peripheral lymphocytes were isolated from heparinized whole blood from 48 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The lymphocytes from each patient were divided into two groups according to pretreatment or no pretreatment with Oxymatrine in vitro. We examined the changes of expression and function of the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signal transduction pathway in the peripheral lymphocytes with different treatment methods and investigated the synergism of Oxymatrine and the TLR9 ligand on antiviral cytokine secretions in vitro. The data showed Oxymatrine could induce antiviral cytokine secretions directly from the peripheral lymphocytes. For the TLR9 signal pathway, Oxymatrine not only augmented the expressions of TLR9 signal transduction molecules, but also activated the TLR9 signal function. This study has clearly demonstrated that TLR9 ligand could stimulate peripheral lymphocytes that have been pretreated with Oxymatrine. Furthermore, the quantity of antiviral cytokines secreted by the pretreated lymphocytes was greater than that of those without pretreatment. The interaction between the Oxymatrine and the TLR9 ligand appears to be synergistic. This study suggests Oxymatrine could be a strong immunomodulator, influence TLR9 signaling transduction, and synergistically improve the immune efficacy of the TLR9 ligand against CHB.
Supply Chain Coordination Under Ramp-Type Price and Effort Induced Demand Considering Revenue Sharing Contract
Authors: Saha Subrata , Sarmah S. P.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, a revenue sharing contract is designed to coordinate a distribution channel where the demand of the product is ramp-type price and effort sensitive. It is shown that traditional revenue sharing contract does not coordinate the system. As an alternative, two new mechanisms are proposed (i) revenue sharing with coordinated effort of the retailer alone and (ii) both revenue and effort sharing contract. In addition, a crucial modification of revenue sharing fraction is also proposed. To enhance the applicability of revenue sharing contract, the contract parameters are determined by using bi-level multi-objective fuzzy goal programming technique where manufacturer sets the wholesale price greater than the marginal cost. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate all the models.
Quark model and CP violation
Authors: Kobayashi Makoto
Published: November 2014

After a short review of the activities of Shoichi Sakata and his group, how the six-quark model explains CP violation is described. Experimental verification of the model at the B-factories is also briefly discussed.
Quantum Kerr(Newman) degenerate stringy vacua in 4D on a non-BPS brane
Authors: Singh Sunita , Pandey K. Priyabrat , Singh Abhishek K. , Kar Supriya
Published: November 2014

We investigate some of the quantum gravity effects on a vacuum created pair of [Formula: see text]-brane by a nonlinear U(1) gauge theory on a D4-brane. In particular, we obtain a four-dimensional quantum Kerr–(Newman) black hole in an effective torsion curvature formalism sourced by a two form dynamics in the worldvolume of a D4-brane on S1. Interestingly, the event horizon is found to be independent of a nonlinear electric charge and the 4D quantum black hole is shown to describe degenerate vacua in string theory. We show that the quantum Kerr brane universe possesses its origin in a de Sitter vacuum. In a nearly S2-symmetric limit, the Kerr geometries may seen to describe a Schwarzschild and Reissner–Nordstrom quantum black holes. It is argued that a quantum Reissner–Nordstrom tunnels to a large class of degenerate Schwarzschild vacua. In a low energy limit, the nonlinear electric charge becomes significant at the expense of the degeneracies. In the limit, the quantum geometries may identify with the semiclassical black holes established in Einstein gravity. Analysis reveals that a quantum geometry on a vacuum created D3-brane universe may be described by a low energy perturbative string vacuum in presence of a nonperturbative quantum correction.
Role of e–e repulsion interaction in nonsequential double ionization of Xe by linearly and elliptically polarized laser pulses
Authors: Yu Benhai , Tang Qingbin , Li Yingbin , Li Fangtao , Jia Shasha
Published: November 2014

We investigated the nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) of Xe by linearly polarized (LP) and elliptically polarized (EP) laser pulses using the classical ensemble model. For the two cases, the ensemble from NSDI was separated into two kinds of subensemble according to the relative momentum along the y-axis [Formula: see text], respectively. The results show only for the case of relatively small [Formula: see text], the momentum distribution along the x-axis can show a V-like shape obviously, which is according with the experiment [Phys. Rev. Lett.99, 263003 (2007)]. What is important is that we firstly examine the role of the repulsion interaction between two electrons for the two kinds of subensemble, and find that the process of NSDI for the case of relatively small [Formula: see text] exits a strong repulsion interaction which contributes significantly to the V-like shape. However, for the case of relatively big [Formula: see text], the repulsion interaction between two electrons is relatively weak, and both the nuclear Coulomb attraction and electric field force dominate the process of NSDI.
On the Wielandt subgroup of generalized FC-groups
Authors: Kaplan G. , Vincenzi G.
Published: November 2014

We extend to soluble FC*-groups, the class of generalized FC-groups introduced in [de Giovanni, Russo and Vincenzi, Groups with restricted conjugacy classes, Serdica Math. J. 28(3) (2002) 241–254], the characterization of finite soluble T-groups, and some results on the Wielandt subgroup, obtained recently in [Kaplan, On finite T-groups and the Wielandt subgroup, J. Group Theory. 14 (2011) 855–863].
Nonstandard Dirac equations for nonstandard spinors
Authors: Nikitin A. G.
Published: November 2014

Generalized Dirac equation with operator mass term is presented. Its solutions are nonstandard spinors (NSS) which, like eigenspinoren des Ladungskonjugationsoperators (ELKO), are eigenvectors of the charge conjugation and dual-helicity operators. It is demonstrated that in spite of their noncovariant nature the NSS can serve as a carrier space of a representation of Poincaré group. However, the corresponding boost generators are not manifestly covariant and generate nonlocal momentum dependent transformations, which are presented explicitly. These results can present a new look on group-theoretical grounds of ELKO theories.
Wormhole geometries supported by quark matter at ultra-high densities
Authors: Harko Tiberiu , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Mak M. K.
Published: November 2014

A fundamental ingredient in wormhole physics is the presence of exotic matter, which involves the violation of the null energy condition (NEC). In this context, we investigate the possibility that wormholes could be supported by quark matter at extreme densities. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the structure of baryons show that strange quark matter, consisting of the u, d and s quarks, is the most energetically favorable state of baryonic matter. Moreover, at ultra-high densities, quark matter may exist in a variety of superconducting states, namely, the Color–Flavor-Locked (CFL) phase. Motivated by these theoretical models, we explore the conditions under which wormhole geometries may be supported by the equations of state (EOS) considered in the theoretical investigations of quark–gluon interactions. For the description of the normal quark matter, we adopt the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) bag model EOS, while the color superconducting quark phases are described by a first-order approximation of the free energy. By assuming specific forms for the bag and gap functions, several wormhole models are obtained for both normal and superconducting quark matter. The effects of the presence of an electrical charge are also taken into account.
The generalized quadratic covariation for fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index less than 1/2
Authors: Yan Litan , Liu Junfeng , Chen Chao
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we study the generalized quadratic covariation of f(BH) and BHdefined by [Formula: see text] in probability, where f is a Borel function and BHis a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index 0 < H < 1/2. We construct a Banach space [Formula: see text] of measurable functions such that the generalized quadratic covariation exists in L2(Ω) and the Bouleau–Yor identity takes the form [Formula: see text] provided [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the weighted local time of BH. These are also extended to the time-dependent case, and as an application we give the identity between the generalized quadratic covariation and the 4-covariation [g(BH), BH, BH, BH] when [Formula: see text].
β-conjugation of gadolinium(III) DOTA complexes to zinc(II) porpholactol as potential multimodal imaging contrast agents
Authors: Ke Xian-Sheng , Tang Juan , Yang Zi-Shu , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: November 2014

Synthesis of two bimodal imaging agents consist of a hydrophobic zinc(II) tetrapentafluorophenylporpholactol core and a β-substituted hydrophilic Gd ( III ) DO3A (ZnLGd539) or DOTA (ZnLGd595) like moiety has been described (DO3A = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid, DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid). Through β-conjugation approach, the absorption at deep red region increases compared to traditional conjugation methods at meso-position. More importantly, these new complexes possess largely improved ionic relaxitivites relative to the sole Gd ( III ) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents such as Gd ( III ) DO3A and Gd ( III ) DOTA like complexes. Combining the optical and magnetic resonance measurements in aqueous media, the largely enhanced r1 relaxivities was attributed to the aggregation of ZnLGd539 and ZnLGd595 in aqueous media. Furthermore, fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging experiment showed that both ZnLGd539 and ZnLGd595 can be applied as potential bimodal imaging contrast agents. Finally, both compounds showed no dark cytotoxicity and good photocytotoxicity (IC50 = 1.73 ± 0.13 and 1.52 ± 0.10 μM for ZnLGd539 and ZnLGd595 respectively) on Hela cells.
Electrochemical oxidation of glucose on gold nanoparticle-modified reduced graphene oxide electrodes in alkaline solutions
Authors: Shi Qiaofang , Diao Guowang , Mu Shaolin
Published: November 2014

A given amount of gold is electrodeposited on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/glassy carbon (GC) electrodes to form Au /RGO/GC electrodes, which are carried out at different potentials. The Au /RGO/GC electrode with Au loading of 250 μg cm-2 prepared at a constant potential of -0.30 V exhibits the best electrocatalytic activity to glucose oxidation in alkaline solutions because of homogeneous dispersion of gold nanoparticles with smaller sizes. This electrode shows long-term stability, rapid charge transfer ability, and higher current density compared to other gold electrodes reported previously.
Effects of flow rate of atmosphere gases on the characteristics of Zn-doped ITO (ZITO) thin films for organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Jeong Hwa-Kyun , Lee Kyu-Mann
Published: November 2014

We have investigated the effect of ambient gases on the structural, electrical, and optical characteristics of Zn -doped indium tin oxide (ZITO) thin films intended for use as anode contacts in organic light emitting diodes (OLED) devices. These ZITO thin films are deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering under different ambient gases ( Ar , Ar + O 2 and Ar + H 2) at 300°C. In order to investigate the influences of the oxygen and hydrogen, the flow rate of oxygen and hydrogen in argon mixing gas has been changed from 0.1 sccm to 0.5 sccm and from 0.1 sccm to 1 sccm, respectively. The intensity of the (400) peak in the ZITO thin films increases with increasing H 2 flow rate whilst the (400) peak was nearly invisible in an atmosphere of Ar + O 2. The electrical resistivity of the ZITO thin films increases with increasing O 2 flow rate, whereas the electrical resistivity decreases with increasing H 2 flow rate. The change of electrical resistivity with changes in the ambient gas composition is mainly interpreted in terms of the charge carrier mobility and the charge carrier concentration. All the films show an average transmittance of over 80% in the visible range. The optical bandgap of the ZITO films increases with increasing H 2 flow rates, whereas the optical bandgap of the ZITO films deposited in an O 2 atmosphere decreases with increasing O 2 flow rates. The current density and the luminance of the OLED devices with ZITO thin films deposited in 1 sccm of H 2 ambient gas are the highest among all the films. The optical bandgap energy of ZITO thin films plays a major role in OLED device performance, especially the current density and luminance.
APPLICATION OF DISSIPATIVE PARTICLE DYNAMICS TO THE STUDY OF A RED BLOOD CELL IN SIMPLE SHEAR FLOW
Authors: YE TING , PHAN-THIEN NHAN , KHOO BOO CHEONG , LIM CHWEE TECK
Published: November 2014

The present work reports an attempt to apply the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method to study the dynamic behaviors of a red blood cell (RBC) in simple shear flow. The simulation system is discretized into four types of particles, namely wall particles, fluid particles, membrane particles and internal particles. The particle interaction is modeled by the DPD method, and the membrane particles are connected into a viscoelastic triangular network to represent the RBC membrane. As benchmarking tests, we simulate the deformation of a spherical capsule in shear flow and compare it with the past study, and also examine the effect of computational domain size. After that, we investigate the dynamics of a RBC in shear flow at different membrane shear and bending moduli. Our simulations reproduce the tank-treading, trembling and tumbling motions of the RBC at the shear modulus Es = 6, 60 and 600 μN/m, respectively. Moreover, we find that the RBC undergoes a trembling motion when its bending modulus is large enough, where the obvious stretching and smoothing of the RBC occur alternately in shape.
Designing Garbage-Free Reversible Implementations of the Integer Cosine Transform
Authors: De Vos Alexis , Burignat Stéphane , Glück Robert , Mogensen Torben Ægidius , Axelsen Holger Bock , Thomsen Michael Kirkedal , Rotenberg Eva , Yokoyama Tetsuo
Published: November 2014

Discrete linear transformations are important tools in information processing. Many such transforms are injective and therefore prime candidates for a physically reversible implementation into hardware. We present here reversible integer cosine transformations on
n
input integers. The resulting reversible circuit is able to perform both the forward transform and the inverse transform. The detailed structure of such a reversible design strongly depends on the odd prime factors of the determinant of the transform: whether those are of the form 2

k

± 1 or of the form 2

k

± 2

l

± 1 or neither of these forms.
The Ordering Principle in a Fragment of Approximate Counting
Authors: Atserias Albert , Thapen Neil
Published: November 2014

The ordering principle states that every finite linear order has a least element. We show that, in the relativized setting, the surjective weak pigeonhole principle for polynomial time functions does not prove a Herbrandized version of the ordering principle over T
1
2
. This answers an open question raised in Buss et al. [2012] and completes their program to compare the strength of Jeřábek's bounded arithmetic theory for approximate counting with weakened versions of it.
Novel Through-Silicon-Via Inductor-Based On-Chip DC-DC Converter Designs in 3D ICs
Authors: Tida Umamaheswara Rao , Zhuo Cheng , Shi Yiyu
Published: November 2014

There has been a tremendous research effort in recent years to move DC-DC converters on chip for enhanced performance. However, a major limiting factor to implementing on-chip inductive DC-DC converters is the large area overhead induced by spiral inductors. Thus, we propose using through-silicon-vias (TSVs), a critical enabling technique in three-dimensional (3D) integrated systems, to implement on-chip inductors for DC-DC converters. While existing literature show that TSV inductors are inferior compared with conventional spiral inductors due to substrate loss for RF applications, in this article, we demonstrate that it is not the case for DC-DC converters, which operate at relatively low frequencies. Experimental results show that by replacing conventional spiral inductors with TSV inductors, with almost the same efficiency and output voltage, up to 4.3× and 3.2× inductor area reduction can be achieved for the single-phase buck converter and the interleaved buck converter with magnetic coupling, respectively.
Scalable Offline Searches in DNA Sequences
Authors: Mohanty Pragyan (Sheela) , Tragoudas Spyros
Published: November 2014

Searching for a particular pattern in a very large DNA database is a fundamental and essential component in computational biology. In the biological world, pattern matching is required for finding repeats in a particular DNA sequence, finding motif, aligning sequences, and other similar tasks. Due to an immense amount and continuous increase of biological data, the searching process requires very fast algorithms. A function-based tool set for fast offline pattern searches in large DNA sequences is proposed. The method benefits from the use of Boolean functions, their compact storage using canonical data structure, and the existence of built-in operators for these data structures. Experiments on DNA sequences from the NCBI database show that the proposed approach is scalable. The time complexity depends on the size of the data structure used for storing the function that represents the DNA sequence. It is shown that the presented approach exhibits sublinear time complexity to the DNA sequence size.
Sketch classification and classification-driven analysis using Fisher vectors
Authors: Schneider Rosália G. , Tuytelaars Tinne
Published: November 2014

We introduce an approach for sketch classification based on Fisher vectors that significantly outperforms existing techniques. For the TU-Berlin sketch benchmark [Eitz et al. 2012a], our recognition rate is close to human performance on the same task. Motivated by these results, we propose a different benchmark for the evaluation of sketch classification algorithms. Our key idea is that the relevant aspect when recognizing a sketch is not the intention of the person who made the drawing, but the information that was effectively expressed. We modify the original benchmark to capture this concept more precisely and, as such, to provide a more adequate tool for the evaluation of sketch classification techniques. Finally, we perform a classification-driven analysis which is able to recover semantic aspects of the individual sketches, such as the quality of the drawing and the importance of each part of the sketch for the recognition.
Co-constrained handles for deformation in shape collections
Authors: Yumer Mehmet Ersin , Kara Levent Burak
Published: November 2014

We present a method for learning custom deformation handles for an object, from a co-analysis of similar objects. Our approach identifies the geometric and spatial constraints among the different parts of an object, and makes this information available through abstract shape handles. These handles allow the user to prescribe arbitrary deformation directives including free-form surface deformations. However, only a subset of admissible deformations is enabled to the user as learned from the constraint space. Example applications are presented in shape editing, co-deformation and style transfer.
Level-of-detail quad meshing
Authors: Ebke Hans-Christian , Campen Marcel , Bommes David , Kobbelt Leif
Published: November 2014

The most effective and popular tools for obtaining feature aligned quad meshes from triangular input meshes are based on cross field guided parametrization. These methods are incarnations of a conceptual three-step pipeline: (1) cross field computation, (2) field-guided surface parametrization, (3) quad mesh extraction. While in most meshing scenarios the user prescribes a desired target quad size or edge length, this information is typically taken into account from step 2 onwards only, but not in the cross field computation step. This turns into a problem in the presence of small scale geometric or topological features or noise in the input mesh: closely placed singularities are induced in the cross field, which are not properly reproducible by vertices in a quad mesh with the prescribed edge length, causing severe distortions or even failure of the meshing algorithm. We reformulate the construction of cross fields as well as field-guided parametrizations in a scale-aware manner which effectively suppresses densely spaced features and noise of geometric as well as topological kind. Dominant large-scale features are adequately preserved in the output by relying on the unaltered input mesh as the computational domain.
Quality-driven poisson-guided autoscanning
Authors: Wu Shihao , Sun Wei , Long Pinxin , Huang Hui , Cohen-Or Daniel , Gong Minglun , Deussen Oliver , Chen Baoquan
Published: November 2014

We present a quality-driven, Poisson-guided autonomous scanning method. Unlike previous scan planning techniques, we do not aim to minimize the number of scans needed to cover the object's surface, but rather to ensure the high quality scanning of the model. This goal is achieved by placing the scanner at strategically selected Next-Best-Views (NBVs) to ensure progressively capturing the geometric details of the object, until both completeness and high fidelity are reached. The technique is based on the analysis of a Poisson field and its geometric relation with an input scan. We generate a confidence map that reflects the quality/fidelity of the estimated Poisson iso-surface. The confidence map guides the generation of a viewing vector field, which is then used for computing a set of NBVs. We applied the algorithm on two different robotic platforms, a PR2 mobile robot and a one-arm industry robot. We demonstrated the advantages of our method through a number of autonomous high quality scannings of complex physical objects, as well as performance comparisons against state-of-the-art methods.
Creating consistent scene graphs using a probabilistic grammar
Authors: Liu Tianqiang , Chaudhuri Siddhartha , Kim Vladimir G. , Huang Qixing , Mitra Niloy J. , Funkhouser Thomas
Published: November 2014

Growing numbers of 3D scenes in online repositories provide new opportunities for data-driven scene understanding, editing, and synthesis. Despite the plethora of data now available online, most of it cannot be effectively used for data-driven applications because it lacks consistent segmentations, category labels, and/or functional groupings required for co-analysis. In this paper, we develop algorithms that infer such information via parsing with a probabilistic grammar learned from examples. First, given a collection of scene graphs with consistent hierarchies and labels, we train a probabilistic hierarchical grammar to represent the distributions of shapes, cardinalities, and spatial relationships of semantic objects within the collection. Then, we use the learned grammar to parse new scenes to assign them segmentations, labels, and hierarchies consistent with the collection. During experiments with these algorithms, we find that: they work effectively for scene graphs for indoor scenes commonly found online (bedrooms, classrooms, and libraries); they outperform alternative approaches that consider only shape similarities and/or spatial relationships without hierarchy; they require relatively small sets of training data; they are robust to moderate over-segmentation in the inputs; and, they can robustly transfer labels from one data set to another. As a result, the proposed algorithms can be used to provide consistent hierarchies for large collections of scenes within the same semantic class.
Local random-phase noise for procedural texturing
Authors: Gilet Guillaume , Sauvage Basile , Vanhoey Kenneth , Dischler Jean-Michel , Ghazanfarpour Djamchid
Published: November 2014

Local random-phase noise is a noise model for procedural texturing. It is defined on a regular spatial grid by local noises, which are sums of cosines with random phase. Our model is versatile thanks to separate sampling in the spatial and spectral domains. Therefore, it encompasses Gabor noise and noise by Fourier series. A stratified spectral sampling allows for a faithful yet compact and efficient reproduction of an arbitrary power spectrum. Noise by example is therefore obtained faster than state-of-the-art techniques. As a second contribution we address texture by example and generate not only Gaussian patterns but also structured features present in the input. This is achieved by fixing the phase on some part of the spectrum. Generated textures are continuous and non-repetitive. Results show unprecedented framerates and a flexible visual result: users can control with one parameter the blending between noise by example and structured texture synthesis.
Local barycentric coordinates
Authors: Zhang Juyong , Deng Bailin , Liu Zishun , Patanè Giuseppe , Bouaziz Sofien , Hormann Kai , Liu Ligang
Published: November 2014

Barycentric coordinates yield a powerful and yet simple paradigm to interpolate data values on polyhedral domains. They represent interior points of the domain as an affine combination of a set of control points, defining an interpolation scheme for any function defined on a set of control points. Numerous barycentric coordinate schemes have been proposed satisfying a large variety of properties. However, they typically define interpolation as a combination ofallcontrol points. Thus alocalchange in the value at a single control point will create aglobalchange by propagation into the whole domain. In this context, we present a family oflocal barycentric coordinates(LBC), which select for each interior point a small set of control points and satisfy common requirements on barycentric coordinates, such as linearity, non-negativity, and smoothness. LBC are achieved through a convex optimization based on total variation, and provide a compact representation that reduces memory footprint and allows for fast deformations. Our experiments show that LBC provide more local and finer control on shape deformation than previous approaches, and lead to more intuitive deformation results.
Rendering volumetric haptic shapes in mid-air using ultrasound
Authors: Long Benjamin , Seah Sue Ann , Carter Tom , Subramanian Sriram
Published: November 2014

We present a method for creating three-dimensional haptic shapes in mid-air using focused ultrasound. This approach applies the principles of
acoustic radiation force
, whereby the non-linear effects of sound produce forces on the skin which are strong enough to generate tactile sensations. This mid-air haptic feedback eliminates the need for any attachment of actuators or contact with physical devices. The user perceives a discernible haptic shape when the corresponding acoustic interference pattern is generated above a precisely controlled two-dimensional phased array of ultrasound transducers. In this paper, we outline our algorithm for controlling the volumetric distribution of the acoustic radiation force field in the form of a three-dimensional shape. We demonstrate how we create this acoustic radiation force field and how we interact with it. We then describe our implementation of the system and provide evidence from both visual and technical evaluations of its ability to render different shapes. We conclude with a subjective user evaluation to examine users' performance for different shapes.
Automatic shader simplification using surface signal approximation
Authors: Wang Rui , Yang Xianjin , Yuan Yazhen , Chen Wei , Bala Kavita , Bao Hujun
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we present a new automatic shader simplification method using surface signal approximation. We regard the entire multi-stage rendering pipeline as a process that generates signals on surfaces, and we formulate the simplification of the fragment shader as a global simplification problem across multi-shader stages. Three new shader simplification rules are proposed to solve the problem. First, the code transformation rule transforms fragment shader code to other shader stages in order to redistribute computations on pixels up to the level of geometry primitives. Second, the surface-wise approximation rule uses high-order polynomial basis functions on surfaces to approximate pixel-wise computations in the fragment shader. These approximations are pre-cached and simplify computations at runtime. Third, the surface subdivision rule tessellates surfaces into smaller patches. It combines with the previous two rules to approximate pixel-wise signals at different levels of tessellations with different computation times and visual errors. To evaluate simplified shaders using these simplification rules, we introduce a new cost model that includes the visual quality, rendering time and memory consumption. With these simplification rules and the cost model, we present an integrated shader simplification algorithm that is capable of automatically generating variants of simplified shaders and selecting a sequence of preferable shaders. Results show that the sequence of selected simplified shaders balance performance, accuracy and memory consumption well.
BiggerPicture
Authors: Wang Miao , Lai Yu-Kun , Liang Yuan , Martin Ralph R. , Hu Shi-Min
Published: November 2014

Filling a small hole in an image with plausible content is well studied. Extrapolating an image to give a distinctly larger one is much more challenging---a significant amount of additional content is needed which matches the original image, especially near its boundaries. We propose a data-driven approach to this problem. Given a source image, and the amount and direction(s) in which it is to be extrapolated, our system determines visually consistent content for the extrapolated regions using library images. As well as considering low-level matching, we achieve consistency at a higher level by using graph proxies for regions of source and library images. Treating images as graphs allows us to find candidates for image extrapolation in a feasible time. Consistency of subgraphs in source and library images is used to find good candidates for the additional content; these are then further filtered. Region boundary curves are aligned to ensure consistency where image parts are joined using a photomontage method. We demonstrate the power of our method in image editing applications.