bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMERICAN OPTIONS WITH GRADUAL EXERCISE UNDER PROPORTIONAL TRANSACTION COSTS
Authors: ROUX ALET , ZASTAWNIAK TOMASZ
Published: December 2014

American options in a multi-asset market model with proportional transaction costs are studied in the case when the holder of an option is able to exercise it gradually at a so-called mixed (randomized) stopping time. The introduction of gradual exercise leads to tighter bounds on the option price when compared to the case studied in the existing literature, where the standard assumption is that the option can only be exercised instantly at an ordinary stopping time. Algorithmic constructions for the bid and ask prices and the associated superhedging strategies and optimal mixed stopping times for an American option with gradual exercise are developed and implemented, and dual representations are established.
Fast sorting of CD4+ T cells from whole blood using glass microbubbles
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsien , Chen Chihchen , Irimia Daniel , Toner Mehmet
Published: December 2014

The isolation of CD4 positive T lymphocyte (CD4+) from peripheral blood is important for monitoring patients after HIV infection. Here, we demonstrate a fast isolation strategy for CD4+ cells that involves mixing blood and glass microbubbles. After the specific binding of target cells to the microbubbles carrying specific antibodies on their surface, target cells will spontaneously float to the top of the blood vial and can be quickly separated. Using this strategy, we demonstrate that the isolation of CD4+ cells in less than 5 minutes and with better than 90% efficiency. This strategy for cell isolation based on buoyancy and glass microbubbles is quick and inexpensive, minimizes blood handling, does not require magnetic fields, or centrifugation equipment, and could lead to new, efficient strategies for AIDS diagnosis in resource-limited areas.
Development and Validation of an HPLC Method for the Analysis of Chlorpropham and 3-Chloroaniline in Potato Extracts
Authors: Mohammed Nidhal M. Sher , Flowers T. H. , Duncan H. J.
Published: December 2014

Chlorpropham (CIPC) is the main sprout inhibitor used by potato industry. There is concern about the residues of CIPC and its degradation product 3-chloroaniline, 3-CA; hence, analytical methods are required to analyse their residues in potato samples. An HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the separation and quantification of these compounds using propham (IPC) as an internal standard. The chromatographic conditions required to achieve good separation were 60% mobile phase of methanol, 15-minute run time at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, and a detection wavelength of 210 nm using Phenomenex (ODS-2 250 mm × 4.60 mm 5 µm Sphereclone) column at an ambient temperature. The method was validated for precision, linearity, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ), producing high precision through RSD ≤ 0.03%, and acceptable criteria of the coefficient of determination (R2) of the calibration curves (0.990). LOD values of CIPC and 3-CA were approximately 0.01 µg/mL whereas the LOQ values were approximately 0.04 µg/mL using repeated injection approach. The proposed HPLC method was compared with the standard GC method of the CIPC residues extracted showing good agreement R2=0.99. Despite using the same extract, the recovery results for the proposed HPLC method were 13% higher than GC analysis.
Determining Food Insecurity: An Application of the Rasch Model with Household Survey Data in Uganda
Authors: Owino Abraham , Wesonga Ronald , Nabugoomu Fabian
Published: December 2014

The inexplicable nature of food insecurity in parts of Uganda and worldwide necessitated an investigation into the nature, extent, and differentials of household food security. The main objective of this study was to examine the food security dynamics and model household food insecurity. The Rasch modelling approach was employed on a dataset from a sample of 1175 (Tororo = 577; Busia = 598) randomly selected households in the year 2010. All households provided responses to the food security questions and none was omitted from the analysis. At 5 percent level of significance the analysis indicated that Tororo district average food security assessment (0.137 ± 0.181) was lower than that for Busia district (0.768 ± 0.177). All the mean square fit statistics were in the range of 0.5 to 1.5, and none of them showed any signs of distortion, degradation, or less productivity for measurement. This confirmed that items used in this study were very productive for measurement of food security in the study area. The study recommends further analysis where item responses are ordered polytomous rather than the dichotomous item response functions used. Furthermore, consideration should be given to fit models that allow for different latent distributions for households with children and those without children and possibly other subgroups of respondents.
Increased Prevalence of Colorectal Polyp in Acromegaly Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Koksal Ali Riza , Ergun Meltem , Boga Salih , Alkim Huseyin , Bayram Mehmet , Altuntas Yuksel , Ozguven Yilmaz Banu , Alkim Canan
Published: December 2014

An increase in the prevalence of colorectal polyps and cancer is reported in patients with acromegaly. This trial is designed to determine whether there is an increase in the prevalence of colorectal polyps/cancer in Turkish acromegaly patients. Sixty-six patients, who were under follow-up with the diagnosis of acromegaly and underwent total colonoscopic examination, were enrolled in the study. Sixty-five age- and gender-matched patients with nonspecific complaints were selected as control. The mean age of acromegalic patients was 51.5±12.8 years of whom 27 (40.9%) were females. In 20 (30.3%) of the patients with acromegaly a total of 65 colorectal polyps were detected. Forty-seven (72.3%) of the polyps were detected at the rectosigmoid region. In 8 (12.3%) of the 65 control patients a total of 17 polyps were found. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P=0.018). At the logistic regression analysis we found that the risk for colon polyps increased 3.2-fold in the presence of acromegaly, irrespective of age and gender (OR: 3.191, 95% CI: 1.25–8.13). In conclusion, patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of acromegaly should be taken to the colonoscopic surveillance program and all polyps detected should be excised in order to protect them from colorectal cancer.
Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Increased Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bhandari Ruchi , Kelley George A. , Hartley Tara A. , Rockett Ian R. H.
Published: December 2014

Background. Although individual metabolic risk factors are reported to be associated with breast cancer risk, controversy surrounds risk of breast cancer from metabolic syndrome (MS). We report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between MS and breast cancer risk in all adult females.Methods. Studies were retrieved by searching four electronic reference databases [PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and ProQuest through June 30, 2012] and cross-referencing retrieved articles. Eligible for inclusion were longitudinal studies reporting associations between MS and breast cancer risk among females aged 18 years and older. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each study and pooled using random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed quantitatively (Trim and Fill) and qualitatively (funnel plots). Heterogeneity was examined usingQandI2statistics.Results. Representing nine independent cohorts and 97,277 adult females, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. A modest, positive association was observed between MS and breast cancer risk (RR: 1.47, 95% CI, 1.15–1.87;z=3.13;p=0.002;Q=26.28,p=0.001;I2=69.55%). No publication bias was observed.Conclusions. MS is associated with increased breast cancer risk in adult women.
A Case of Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Cyst
Authors: Yalcin Yavuz , Mete Turkan , Aktimur Recep , Kucuk Gultekin Ozan , Duman Gulhan , Ozbalci Aysu Basak , Alici Omer
Published: December 2014

Parathyroid cysts constitute 0.08–3.41% of all parathyroid masses. Intrathyroidal parathyroid cysts, however, are rare conditions with only a few cases being reported. Most of the parathyroid cysts are found to be nonfunctional and functional cysts are generally thought to be due to cystic degeneration of parathyroid adenomas. A cystic, smooth contoured lesion of 24 × 19 × 16 mm was observed in left thyroid lobe of a 76-year-old woman during ultrasonography which was performed as routine workup for primary hyperparathyroidism. It was defined as a cystic thyroid nodule at first. Tc99msestamibi scintigraphy was performed to see any parathyroid lesions, but no radioactive uptake was observed. Intact parathormone (iPTH) level was found to be >600 pg/mL in cyst aspiration fluid. Left lobectomy was performed, with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to functional parathyroid cyst. Serum iPTH level was decreased >50% postoperatively and histopathological evaluation was consistent with an encapsulated parathyroid adenoma with a cystic center. Parathyroid cysts are among rare causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis is made by markedly increased iPTH level in cyst fluid and observation of parathyroid epithelium lining the cyst wall.
A Sequential Statistical Approach towards an Optimized Production of a Broad Spectrum Bacteriocin Substance from a Soil BacteriumBacillussp. YAS 1 Strain
Authors: Embaby Amira M. , Heshmat Yasmin , Hussein Ahmed , Marey Heba S.
Published: December 2014

Bacteriocins, ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides, display potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry. The present study highlights integral statistical optimization and partial characterization of a bacteriocin substance from a soil bacterium taxonomically affiliated asBacillussp. YAS 1 after biochemical and molecular identifications. A sequential statistical approach (Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken) was employed to optimize bacteriocin (BAC YAS 1) production. Using optimal levels of three key determinants (yeast extract (0.48% (w/v), incubation time (62 hrs), and agitation speed (207 rpm)) in peptone yeast beef based production medium resulted in 1.6-fold enhancement in BAC YAS 1 level (470 AU/mL arbitrary units againstErwinia amylovora). BAC YAS 1 showed activity over a wide range of pH (1–13) and temperature (45–80°C). A wide spectrum antimicrobial activity of BAC YAS 1 against the human pathogens (Clostridium perfringens,Staphylococcus epidermidis,Campylobacter jejuni,Enterobacter aerogenes,Enterococcussp.,Proteussp.,Klebsiellasp., andSalmonella typhimurium), the plant pathogen (E. amylovora), and the food spoiler (Listeria innocua) was demonstrated. On top and above, BAC YAS 1 showed no antimicrobial activity towards lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus,L. casei,L. lactis, andL. reuteri). Promising characteristics of BAC YAS 1 prompt its commercialization for efficient utilization in several industries.
Plasticity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Mouse Bone Marrow in the Presence of Conditioned Medium of the Facial Nerve and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2
Authors: Lucena Eudes Euler de Souza , Guzen Fausto Pierdoná , Cavalcanti José Rodolfo Lopes de Paiva , Marinho Maria Jocileide de Medeiros , Pereira Wogelsanger Oliveira , Barboza Carlos Augusto Galvão , Costa Miriam Stela Mariz de Oliveira , Júnior Expedito Silva do Nascimento , Cavalcante Jeferson Sousa
Published: December 2014

A number of evidences show the influence of the growth of injured nerve fibers in peripheral nervous system as well as potential implant stem cells (SCs). The SCs implementation in the clinical field is promising and the understanding of proliferation and differentiation is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the plasticity of mesenchymal SCs from bone marrow of mice in the presence of culture medium conditioned with facial nerve explants and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). The growth and morphology were assessed for over 72 hours. Quantitative phenotypic analysis was taken from the immunocytochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), protein OX-42 (OX-42), protein associated with microtubule MAP-2 (MAP-2), proteinβ-tubulin III (β-tubulin III), neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), and neurofilament 200 (NF-200). Cells cultured with conditioned medium alone or combined with FGF-2 showed morphological features apparently similar at certain times to neurons and glia and a significant proliferative activity in groups 2 and 4. Cells cultivated only with conditioned medium acquired a glial phenotype. Cells cultured with FGF-2 and conditioned medium expressed GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2,β-tubulin III, NeuN, and NF-200. This study improves our understanding of the plasticity of mesenchymal cells and allows the search for better techniques with SCs.
Thermoacoustic, Volumetric, and Viscometric Investigations in Binary Liquid System of Cyclohexanone with Benzyl Benzoate at T = 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15 K
Authors: Md Nayeem Sk. , Kondaiah M. , Sreekanth K. , Krishna Rao D.
Published: December 2014

Ultrasonic velocities (u), densities (ρ), and viscosities (η) of binary liquid mixtures of cyclohexanone with benzyl benzoate, including pure liquids, over the entire composition range have been measured at 308.15 K, 313.15 K, and 318.15 K. Using the experimental results, parameters such as molar volume (Vm), isentropic compressibility (ks), intermolecular free length (Lf), acoustic impedance (Z), internal pressure (πi), enthalpy (H), Gibbs free energy of activation of viscous flow (G*E), and excess/deviation properties of these including partial molar volumes (V-m,1 and V-m,2), excess partial molar volumes (V-m,1E and V-m,2E), partial molar volume of the components at infinite dilution (V-m,1∞, V-m,2∞), and excess partial molar volume at infinite dilution (V-m,1E,∞and V-m,2E,∞) have been computed. The observed negative values of VmE, Δks, LfE, and πiE and positive values of zE, HE, ΔG*E, Δη, and Δu for all the liquid mixtures studied clearly indicate the presence of strong dipole-dipole-type interactions, fitting of smaller molecules into bigger molecules. Further theoretical values of sound velocity and viscosity in the mixtures have been evaluated using various theories and have been compared with experimental values to verify the applicability of such theories to the systems studied.
Vasospasm in Cerebral Inflammation
Authors: Eisenhut Michael
Published: December 2014

All forms of cerebral inflammation as found in bacterial meningitis, cerebral malaria, brain injury, and subarachnoid haemorrhage have been associated with vasospasm of cerebral arteries and arterioles. Vasospasm has been associated with permanent neurological deficits and death in subarachnoid haemorrhage and bacterial meningitis. Increased levels of interleukin-1 may be involved in vasospasm through calcium dependent and independent activation of the myosin light chain kinase and release of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1. Another key factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral arterial vasospasm may be the reduced bioavailability of the vasodilator nitric oxide. Therapeutic trials in vasospasm related to inflammation in subarachnoid haemorrhage in humans showed a reduction of vasospasm through calcium antagonists, endothelin receptor antagonists, statins, and plasminogen activators. Combination of therapeutic modalities addressing calcium dependent and independent vasospasm, the underlying inflammation, and depletion of nitric oxide simultaneously merit further study in all conditions with cerebral inflammation in double blind randomised placebo controlled trials. Auxiliary treatment with these agents may be able to reduce ischemic brain injury associated with neurological deficits and increased mortality.
Intrapelvic Migration of the Lag Screw in Intramedullary Nailing
Authors: Takasago Tomoya , Goto Tomohiro , Toki Shunichi , Hamada Daisuke , Yoshioka Shinji , Tonogai Ichiro , Tsutsui Takahiko , Tamaki Yasuaki , Wada Keizo , Sairyo Koichi
Published: December 2014

Internal fixation with intramedullary devices has gained popularity for the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures, which are common injuries in the elderly. The most common complications are lag screw cut out from the femoral head and femoral fracture at the distal tip of the nail. We report here a rare complication of postoperative lag screw migration into the pelvis with no trauma. The patient was subsequently treated with lag screw removal and revision surgery with total hip arthroplasty. This case demonstrated that optimal fracture reduction and positioning of the lag screw are the most important surgical steps for decreasing the risk of medial migration of the lag screw. Furthermore, to prevent complications, careful attention should be paid to subsequent steps such as precise insertion of the set screw.
Effect of Serum and Oxygen Concentration on Gene Expression and Secretion of Paracrine Factors by Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Page Patrick , DeJong Joshua , Bandstra Alaina , Boomsma Robert A.
Published: December 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete paracrine factors that may exert a protective effect on the heart after coronary artery occlusion. This study was done to determine the effect of hypoxia and serum levels on the mRNA expression and secretion of paracrine factors. Mouse bone marrow MSC were cultured with 5% or 20% serum and in either normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. Expression of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was determined by RT-qPCR. Secretion into the culture media was determined by ELISA. Hypoxia caused a reduction in gene expression for MCP-1 and an increase for VEGF (5% serum), MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and MMP-2. Serum reduction lowered gene expression for VEGF (normoxia), MCP-1 (hypoxia), MIP-1α(hypoxia), MIP-1β(hypoxia), and MMP-2 (hypoxia) and increased gene expression for MMP-2 (normoxia). The level of secretion of these factors into the media generally paralleled gene expression with some exceptions. These data demonstrate that serum and oxygen levels have a significant effect on the gene expression and secretion of paracrine factors by MSC which will affect how MSC interactin vivoduring myocardial ischemia.
Fortifying Intrusion Detection Systems in Dynamic Ad Hoc and Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Derhab Abdelouahid , Bouras Abdelghani , Senouci Mustapha Reda , Imran Muhammad
Published: December 2014

We investigate three aspects of dynamicity in ad hoc and wireless sensor networks and their impact on the efficiency of intrusion detection systems (IDSs). The first aspect is magnitude dynamicity, in which the IDS has to efficiently determine whether the changes occurring in the network are due to malicious behaviors or or due to normal changing of user requirements. The second aspect is nature dynamicity that occurs when a malicious node is continuously switching its behavior between normal and anomalous to cause maximum network disruption without being detected by the IDS. The third aspect, named spatiotemporal dynamicity, happens when a malicious node moves out of the IDS range before the latter can make an observation about its behavior. The first aspect is solved by defining a normal profile based on the invariants derived from the normal node behavior. The second aspect is handled by proposing an adaptive reputation fading strategy that allows fast redemption and fast capture of malicious node. The third aspect is solved by estimating the link duration between two nodes in dynamic network topology, which allows choosing the appropriate monitoring period. We provide analytical studies and simulation experiments to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed solutions.
Acupuncture for Visceral Pain: Neural Substrates and Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Shuping , Wang Shubin , Rong Peijing , Wang Junying , Qiao Lina , Feng Xiumei , Liu Junling , Zhang Jianliang
Published: December 2014

Visceral pain is the most common form of pain caused by varied diseases and a major reason for patients to seek medical consultation. Despite much advances, the pathophysiological mechanism is still poorly understood comparing with its somatic counterpart and, as a result, the therapeutic efficacy is usually unsatisfactory. Acupuncture has long been used for the management of numerous disorders in particular pain and visceral pain, characterized by the high therapeutic benefits and low adverse effects. Previous findings suggest that acupuncture depresses pain via activation of a number of neurotransmitters or modulators including opioid peptides, serotonin, norepinephrine, and adenosine centrally and peripherally. It endows us, by advancing the understanding of the role of ion channels and gut microbiota in pain process, with novel perspectives to probe the mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia. In this review, after describing the visceral innervation and the relevant afferent pathways, in particular the ion channels in visceral nociception, we propose three principal mechanisms responsible for acupuncture induced benefits on visceral pain. Finally, potential topics are highlighted regarding the future studies in this field.
Temporal Synchrony Detection and Associations with Language in Young Children with ASD
Authors: Patten Elena , Watson Linda R. , Baranek Grace T.
Published: December 2014

Temporally synchronous audio-visual stimuli serve to recruit attention and enhance learning, including language learning in infants. Although few studies have examined this effect on children with autism, it appears that the ability to detect temporal synchrony between auditory and visual stimuli may be impaired, particularly given social-linguistic stimuli delivered via oral movement and spoken language pairings. However, children with autism can detect audio-visual synchrony given nonsocial stimuli (objects dropping and their corresponding sounds). We tested whether preschool children with autism could detect audio-visual synchrony given video recordings of linguistic stimuli paired with movement of related toys in the absence of faces. As a group, children with autism demonstrated the ability to detect audio-visual synchrony. Further, the amount of time they attended to the synchronous condition was positively correlated with receptive language. Findings suggest that object manipulations may enhance multisensory processing in linguistic contexts. Moreover, associations between synchrony detection and language development suggest that better processing of multisensory stimuli may guide and direct attention to communicative events thus enhancing linguistic development.
Varicella Zoster Virus Meningitis in a Young Immunocompetent Adult without Rash: A Misleading Clinical Presentation
Authors: Pasedag Thomas , Weissenborn Karin , Wurster Ulrich , Ganzenmueller Tina , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: December 2014

Meningitis caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) is rare in healthy population. Predominantly immunocompromised patients are affected by reactivation of this virus with primary clinical features of rash and neurological symptoms. Here we report a young otherwise healthy man diagnosed with a VZV meningitis without rash. He complained of acute headache, nausea, and vomiting. The clinical examination did not show any neurological deficits or rash. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a high leukocyte cell count of 1720 cells/µL and an elevated total protein of 1460 mg/L misleadingly indicating a bacterial infection. Further CSF analyses, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detection of intrathecal synthesis of antibodies, showed a VZV infection. Clinical and CSF follow-up examinations proved the successful antiviral treatment. In conclusion, even young immunocompetent patients without rash might present with VZV meningitis. CSF examination is a key procedure in the diagnosis of CNS infections but in rare cases the standard values cell count and total protein might misleadingly indicate a bacterial infection. Thus, virological analyses should be considered even when a bacterial infection is suspected.
SIRT1 Functions as an Important Regulator of Estrogen-Mediated Cardiomyocyte Protection in Angiotensin II-Induced Heart Hypertrophy
Authors: Shen Tao , Ding Ling , Ruan Yang , Qin Weiwei , Lin Yajun , Xi Chao , Lu Yonggang , Dou Lin , Zhu Yuping , Cao Yuan , Man Yong , Bian Yunfei , Wang Shu , Xiao Chuanshi , Li Jian
Published: December 2014

Background. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a member of the sirtuin family, which could activate cell survival machinery and has been shown to be protective in regulation of heart function. Here, we determined the mechanism by which SIRT1 regulates Angiotensin II- (AngII-) induced cardiac hypertrophy and injury in vivo and in vitro.Methods. We analyzed SIRT1 expression in the hearts of control and AngII-induced mouse hypertrophy. Female C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized and pretreated with 17β-estradiol to measure SIRT1 expression. Protein synthesis, cardiomyocyte surface area analysis, qRT-PCR, TUNEL staining, and Western blot were performed on AngII-induced mouse heart hypertrophy samples and cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) to investigate the function of SIRT1.Results. SIRT1 expression was slightly upregulated in AngII-induced mouse heart hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by elevated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. SIRT1 overexpression relieves AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis. 17β-Estradiol was able to protect cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced injury with a profound upregulation of SIRT1 and activation of AMPK. Moreover, estrogen receptor inhibitor ICI 182,780 and SIRT1 inhibitor niacinamide could block SIRT1’s protective effect.Conclusions. These results indicate that SIRT1 functions as an important regulator of estrogen-mediated cardiomyocyte protection during AngII-induced heart hypertrophy and injury.
Retrograde Gastrojejunostomy Tube Migration
Authors: Adesina Adeleke , Rammohan Guhan , Jeanmonod Rebecca
Published: December 2014

Percutaneous enteral feeding tubes are placed about 250,000 times each year in the United States. Although they are relatively safe, their placement may be complicated by perforation, infection, bleeding, vomiting, dislodgment, and obstruction. There have been numerous reports of antegrade migration of gastrojejunostomy (G-J) tubes. We report a case of G-J tube regurgitation following protracted vomiting and discuss the management of this very rare entity.
Effects of UV-B Radiation on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Identification ofPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici
Authors: Cheng Pei , Li Xiaolong , Qin Feng , Zhao Longlian , Li Junhui , Ma Zhanhong , Wang Haiguang
Published: December 2014

Based on near-infrared spectra of three physiological races ofPuccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici(i.e., CYR31, CYR32, and CYR33) irradiated under four UV-B intensities (i.e., 0, 150, 200, and 250 μw/cm2), the effects of UV-B radiation on near-infrared spectroscopy of the pathogen were investigated in spectral region 4000–10000 cm−1, and support vector machine models were built to identify UV-B radiation intensities and physiological races, respectively. The results showed that the spectral curves under UV-B radiation treatments exhibited great differences compared with the corresponding control treatment (0 μw/cm2) in the spectral regions 5300–5600 cm−1and 7000–7400 cm−1and that the absorbance values of all the three physiological races increased with the enhancement of UV-B radiation intensity. Based on near-infrared spectroscopy, different UV-B radiation intensities could be identified and different physiological races could be distinguished from each other with high accuracies. The results demonstrated the utility and stability of the proposed method to identify the physiological races.
Autonomic Wireless Sensor Networks: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Portocarrero Jesús M. T. , Delicato Flávia C. , Pires Paulo F. , Gámez Nadia , Fuentes Lidia , Ludovino David , Ferreira Paulo
Published: December 2014

Autonomic computing (AC) is a promising approach to meet basic requirements in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and its principles can be applied to efficiently manage nodes operation and optimize network resources. Middleware for WSNs supports the implementation and basic operation of such networks. In this systematic literature review (SLR) we aim to provide an overview of existing WSN middleware systems that address autonomic properties. The main goal is to identify which development approaches of AC are used for designing WSN middleware system, which allow the self-management of WSN. Another goal is finding out which interactions and behavior can be automated in WSN components. We drew the following main conclusions from the SLR results: (i) the selected studies address WSN concerns according to the self-*properties of AC, namely, self-configuration, self-healing, self-optimization, and self-protection; (ii) the selected studies use different approaches for managing the dynamic behavior of middleware systems for WSN, such as policy-based reasoning, context-based reasoning, feedback control loops, mobile agents, model transformations, and code generation. Finally, we identified a lack of comprehensive system architecture designs that support the autonomy of sensor networking.
Age and Cultural Differences in Self-Perceptions of Mastery Motivation and Competence in American, Chinese, and Hungarian School Age Children
Authors: Jozsa Krisztian , Wang Jun , Barrett Karen Caplovitz , Morgan George A.
Published: December 2014

We examined age differences in self-perceptions of five dimensions of mastery motivation and also of competence in American, Chinese, and Hungarian children and teens. Participants included 200 Americans, 1,465 Chinese, and 8,175 Hungarians from 7 to 19 years of age. The Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire provides comparable data across these different cultures as indicated by very similar factor structures and reasonably good internal consistency reliabilities for the scales. Across all three cultures, there was the expected decline from primary to secondary school in total persistence and the four instrumental mastery motivation scales, except for social persistence with adults in the American sample. Mastery pleasure did not decline in the American and Chinese samples but declined in the Hungarian sample. Self-perceived competence did not decline significantly in the American sample or in the Hungarian sample from age 11 to 17; however, competence self-ratings declined in the Chinese sample. The three cultures were compared at 11 and 16. Although there were some significant differences, small effect sizes indicated that the level of motivation was similar for each culture at each age. The other literature provides clues about why the declines occur in all three cultures and why there are some differences among cultures.
New Insights into the Chemical and Biochemical Basis of the “Yang‐Invigorating” Action of Chinese Yang‐Tonic Herbs
Authors: Chen Jihang , Wong Hoi Shan , Leong Pou Kuan , Leung Hoi Yan , Chan Wing Man , Ko Kam Ming
Published: December 2014

In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, many Yang‐tonic herbs have been used for retarding the decline in bodily function and delaying the onset of age‐related diseases. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that Yang‐invigorating herbs/formulations protect against oxidative injury in various organs and also extend the median lifespan in mice. This lifespan extension was associated with an upregulation of cellular antioxidant status including that of mitochondria whose functional capacity is also increased by “Yang‐invigorating” herbs/formulations. In this paper, we propose that triterpenes and phytosterols, which are ubiquitously found in Yang‐tonic herbs, may be the chemical entities responsible for enhancing mitochondrial functional and antioxidant capacity and thus the “Yang‐invigorating” action. The biochemical mechanism underlying this “Yang‐invigorating” action may involve a sustained production of low levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) secondary to an increased activity of the electron transport chain, with the possible involvement of mitochondrial uncoupling. The increase in mitochondrial functional capacity can retard the decline in bodily function during aging, whereas the mitochondrial ROS production is instrumental in eliciting a glutathione antioxidant response via redox‐sensitive signaling pathways, which can delay the onset of age‐related diseases.
Coefficient of Thermal Diffusivity of Insulation Brick Developed from Sawdust and Clays
Authors: Bwayo E. , Obwoya S. K.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an experimental result on the effect of particle size of a mixture of ball clay, kaolin, and sawdust on thermal diffusivity of ceramic bricks. A mixture of dry powders of ball clay, kaolin of the same particle size, and sawdust of different particle sizes was mixed in different proportions and then compacted to high pressures before being fired to 950°C. The thermal diffusivity was then determined by an indirect method involving measurement of thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat capacity. The study reveals that coefficient of thermal diffusivity increases with decrease in particle size of kaolin and ball clay but decreases with increase in particle size of sawdust.
Testing Automation of Context-Oriented Programs Using Separation Logic
Authors: El-Zawawy Mohamed A.
Published: December 2014

A new approach for programming that enables switching among contexts of commands during program execution is context-oriented programming (COP). This technique is more structured and modular than object-oriented and aspect-oriented programming and hence more flexible. For context-oriented programming, as implemented in COP languages such as ContextJ*and ContextL, this paper introduces accurate operational semantics. The language model of this paper uses Java concepts and is equipped with layer techniques for activation/deactivation of layer contexts. This paper also presents a logical system for COP programs. This logic is necessary for the automation of testing, developing, and validating of partial correctness specifications for COP programs and is an extension of separation logic. A mathematical soundness proof for the logical system against the proposed operational semantics is presented in the paper.
Influences of Mg Doping on the Electrochemical Performance of TiO2Nanodots Based Biosensor Electrodes
Authors: Al-Furjan M. S. H. , Cheng Kui , Weng Wenjian
Published: December 2014

Electrochemical biosensors are essential for health monitors to help in diagnosis and detection of diseases. Enzyme adsorptions on biosensor electrodes and direct electron transfer between them have been recognized as key factors to affect biosensor performance. TiO2has a good protein adsorption ability and facilitates having more enzyme adsorption and better electron transfer. In this work, Mg ions are introduced into TiO2nanodots in order to further improve electrode performance because Mg ions are considered to have good affinity with proteins or enzymes. Mg doped TiO2nanodots on Ti substrates were prepared by spin-coating and calcining. The effects of Mg doping on the nanodots morphology and performance of the electrodes were investigated. The density and size of TiO2nanodots were obviously changed with Mg doping. The sensitivity of 2% Mg doped TiO2nanodots based biosensor electrode increased to 1377.64 from 897.8 µA mM−1 cm−2and itsKMappdecreases to 0.83 from 1.27 mM, implying that the enzyme achieves higher catalytic efficiency due to better affinity of the enzyme with the Mg doped TiO2. The present work could provide an alternative to improve biosensor performances.
Single Image Super‐Resolution via L0 Image Smoothing
Authors: Liu Zhang , Huang Qi , Li Jian , Wang Qi
Published: December 2014

We propose a single image super‐resolution method based on a
L0 smoothing approach. We consider a low‐resolution image as two parts: one
is the smooth image generated by the L0 smoothing method and the other is
the error image between the low‐resolution image and the smoothing image. We
get an intermediate high‐resolution image via a classical interpolation and then
generate a high‐resolution smoothing image with sharp edges by the L0 smoothing
method. For the error image, a learning‐based super‐resolution approach, keeping
image details well, is employed to obtain a high‐resolution error image. The
resulting high‐resolution image is the sum of the high‐resolution smoothing image
and the high‐resolution error image. Experimental results show the effectiveness
of the proposed method.
Three new species of thelotremoid Graphidaceae from tropical Africa
Authors: Lücking Robert
Published: December 2014

Three new species of thelotremoid Graphidaceae are described from tropical Africa. Astrochapsa fusca Lücking differs from A. platycarpella in the brown thallus and larger ascospores with more numerous septa. Ocellularia abbayesiana is similar to O. exuta in morphology and chemistry but has smaller, hyaline ascospores. Ocellularia grantii resembles O. terebrata in the carbonized excipulum and columella, the hyaline, transversely septate ascospores, and the psoromic acid chemistry, but is distinguished by its verrucose-bullate thallus, white-tipped columella, and smaller ascospores. The three species were discovered in historic material collected between 1874 and 1954 and underline the importance of revising herbarium collections for the discovery of novel taxa.
New species and new records of thelotremoid Graphidaceae (Ascomycota: Ostropales) from Thailand
Authors: PAPONG KHWANRUAN BUTSATORN , MANGOLD ARMIN , LÜCKING ROBERT , LUMBSCH H. THORSTEN
Published: December 2014

Six new species of thelotremoid Graphidaceae are described from Thailand. Leucodecton confusum Papong, Mangold & Lücking has a densely corticate thallus and small, lepadinoid ascomata with double margin producing small, hyaline, submuriform ascospores. Ocellularia cerebriformis Papong, Lücking & Lumbsch is characterized by a brain-like, folded thallus surface, in combination with small, (sub-)muriform ascospores and protocetraric acid chemistry. Ocellularia kohphangangensis Papong, Mangold & Lücking features an unusual combination of small, brown, submuriform ascospores and the cinchonarum unknown chemistry. Ocellularia pseudopapillata Papong, Mangold & Lücking differs from O. papillata in the uneven-verrucose thallus, the thin, indistinctly fissured proper margin of the ascomata, and the carbonized columella. Ocellularia salazinica Papong, Mangold & Lücking is characterized by the presence of salazinic acid (a rare substance in Graphidaceae), in combination with ascomata resembling those of Rhabdodiscus, and comparatively large, muriform ascospores. A further species of Ocellularia, O. subdolichotata Papong, Mangold & Lumbsch, has a smooth, white thallus, prominent, columellate and carbonized ascomata, large, transversely septate ascospores (smaller than in O. dolichotata), and lacks secondary substances. The following 11 species are new records for Thailand: Chapsa discoides (Stirt.) Lücking, Glaucotrema glaucophaenum (Kremp.) Rivas Plata & Lumbsch, Leucodecton anamalaiense (Patw. & C. R. Kulk.) Rivas Plata & Lücking, Ocellularia fumosa (Ach.) Müll. Arg., O. granulifera (Kremp.) Müll. Arg., O. violacea Räsänen, O. viridipallens Müll. Arg., Rhabdodiscus subcavatus (Nyl.) Rivas Plata & Lumbsch, Stegobolus berkeleyanus Mont., Thelotrema defossum (Müll. Arg.) Mangold, and T. subadjectum Mangold.
New species of Graphidaceae from the Neotropics and Southeast Asia
Authors: SIPMAN HARRIE J. M.
Published: December 2014

Descriptions and illustrations are provided for 20 new species in the family Graphidaceae (lichenized fungi) originating from El Salvador, the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, and Malaysia: Acanthothecis adjuncta Welz & Sipman, differing from all other Acanthothecis species by the rounded ascocarps with covered discs; Astrochapsa albella Sipman, differing from A. meridensis in the white apothecium rim, the corticolous growth habit, the more or less clear hymenium, and the protocetraric acid chemistry; A. columnaris Sipman, differing from other Astrochapsa species by the columnar marginal slips; Chapsa francisci Sipman, differing from other Chapsa species by the numerous marginal lacinae; C. nubila Sipman, differing from other Chapsa species by the combination of a guttulate hymenium and 4- to 8-spored asci; Diorygma extensum Sipman, differing from D. minisporum in producing norstictic acid instead of stictic acid; Fissurina chapsoides Sipman, a Fissurina species with large, muriform ascospores and short ascocarps opening mostly by branched slits; F. gigas Sipman, differing from F. rufula in the larger ascomata and muriform ascospores; F. vorax Sipman, differing from other Fissurina species by the aggregated ascocarps in combination with papillose paraphysis tips; Graphis murali-elegans Sipman, differing from G. elegans and G. lumbricina in the muriform ascospores; G. nigroglobosa Sipman, differing from G. mexicana in the absence of a complete thalline margin; Melanotrema comosum Sipman, a species of Melanotrema with extruding, clavate, brown hyphae on columella and excipulum; Myriochapsa annulata Sipman, differing from M. psoromica by the conspicuous, free excipulum; M. chocoensis Sipman, differing from M. psoromica in the smaller ascospores; Ocellularia pitalensis Sipman, differing from O. maxima by producing hypoprotocetraric acid; O. rugosa Sipman, similar to O. zamorana but with wider ostioles and 1-septate, pigmented ascospores with thick-walled juvenile stage; Thelotrema berendsohnii Sipman, similar to T. alboolivaceum, from which it differs by submuriform ascospores; T. kinabaluense Sipman, differing from other Thelotrema species by small, brown ascospores and protocetraric acid; T. paludosum Sipman, differing from other Thelotrema species by an inspersed hymenium, hypoprotocetraric acid and colorless, transversely septate ascospores of c. 30 × 7 µm; and T. parvisporum Sipman, differing from T. adjectum in the small, grey-brown ascospores.
Thirteen new species of Graphidaceae (lichenized Ascomycota: Ostropales) from Sri Lanka
Authors: WEERAKOON GOTHAMIE , LÜCKING ROBERT , LUMBSCH H. THORSTEN
Published: December 2014

Based on further study of collections of Graphidaceae originating from Sri Lanka, thirteen new species are described: Acanthothecis aurantiacodiscus G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from A. socotrana in the corticate thallus, larger and broader ascomata with orange disc, and larger ascospores; Chapsa isidiata G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, characterized by a yellowish, isidiate thallus; Halegrapha masoniana G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from other species of Halegrapha in the combination of inspersed hymenium and norstictic acid chemistry, as well as the comparatively large ascospores; Leucodecton canescens G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, with grey thallus and rather large, black-rimmed ascoma pores; L. fuscomarginatum G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from L. coppinsii in the immersed ascomata and larger ascospores; Ocellularia aptrootiana G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from O. pluriporoides in the less prominent, regularly rounded ascomata with broad white rim, the brown (uncarbonized) columella, and the smaller ascospores; O. balangoda G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from O. mauritiana in the more regular, apically carbonized columella; O. cloonanii G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from O. pluripora in the ascomata with broader pore, the apically carbonized columella, and the larger ascospores; O. raveniana G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from O. laeviuscula in the distinct columella and the hyaline, transversely septate ascospores; Platythecium sripadakandense G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, with pseudostromatic lirellae and norstictic acid chemistry; Rhabdodiscus isidiatus G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, characterized by a cream-white thallus with robust isidia and by small, 3-septate ascospores; R. parnmenianus G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, with immersed, annulate ascomata and submuriform, hyaline ascospores; and Thalloloma pedespulli G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch, differing from T. haemographum in the larger ascospores. The new combination Leucodecton coppinsii (Homchant.) G. Weerakoon, Lücking & Lumbsch is also proposed. The considerable diversity of Graphidaceae in Sri Lanka is placed into perspective given the destruction of most of the natural rain forest habitats typical for this family and many other organisms.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE NEW SPECIES OF GRAPHIDACEAE—a special issue of Phytotaxa
Authors: SOHRABI MOHAMMAD , Lücking ROBERT , LUMBSCH H. THORSTEN
Published: December 2014

The current issue of Phytotaxa is dedicated to a lichen-forming fungal family that forms an important component of tropical ecosystems. It is one of the most diverse families of lichenized fungi, with approximately 2,500 known species, and has its center of distribution in the wet tropics. The current issue sheds light on how poorly the species diversity of lichenized fungi is still known, with the description of 175 species new to science – all within a single family. We assembled 21 scientific papers, including three general publications and 18 papers focusing on description of new species.
New Insights into the Genus Lithophyllum (Lithophylloideae, Corallinaceae, Corallinales) from Deepwater Rhodolith Beds Offshore the NW Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Richards Joseph L. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Fredericq Suzanne
Published: December 2014

Hard bank rhodolith beds at 45–80 m depth offshore Louisiana in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico harbor a diverse community of non-geniculate coralline algae spanning multiple lineages including both rhodolith-forming (biogenic) taxa and others encrusting autogenic rhodoliths. Identifying these members of the Corallinales to the correct genus and species is an ongoing process because many available names need to be validated by comparison to historical type specimens. A phylogenetic analysis of concatenated plastid (psbA), nuclear (LSU rDNA), and mitochondrial (COI) DNA sequences of non-geniculate corallines belonging to the subfamily Lithophylloideae (Corallinaceae), including newly generated sequences from recently collected specimens dredged at Ewing and Sackett Banks following the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, reveals at least two distinct species of Lithophyllum sensu lato for the region. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of vegetative characters congruent with those for both Lithophyllum and Titanoderma. Lithophyllum is a newly reported genus for the northern Gulf of Mexico. The generic boundaries within the Lithophylloideae are addressed in light of possible evolutionary progenetic heterochrony that may have occurred within this subfamily.