bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Annual Phosphorus Loss Estimator tool – a new model for estimating phosphorus losses at the field scale
Authors: Benskin C. McW. H. , Roberts W. M. , Wang Y. , Haygarth P. M.
Published: June 2014

Models that estimate P‐loss from agricultural land to surface waters are important tools used by soil scientists, catchment scientists and land managers, to help identify high‐risk areas and determine measures that can reduce such losses. A widely used method for predicting P‐loss from agricultural land is the ‘Phosphorus Index’ (PI) tool, developed by Lemunyon and Gilbert [Journal of Production Agriculture (1993), 6, 483–486], which requires relatively basic input data and provides a qualitative estimate of the risk of P‐loss from agricultural fields. The PI delivers a single numerical score, typically expressed as a risk factor ranging from ‘low’ to ‘very high’. Across the USA, state‐wide adaptations to the original PI resulted in widely differing indices. In an attempt to reduce these interstate discrepancies, the US Department for Agriculture developed the Annual Phosphorus Loss Estimator (APLE; Vadas et al., Journal of Environmental Quality (2009), 38, 1645–1653) tool to provide a more transparent and quantitative (rather than qualitative) output for both particulate and dissolved P fractions. This short review compares the latest incarnation of the PI in the APLE tool with other P management indices and explores the various features and opportunities included in the model's inbuilt equations.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning self‐medication with antibiotics among university students in western China
Authors: Lv Bing , Zhou Zhongliang , Xu Guiping , Yang Dingkun , Wu Lina , Shen Qian , Jiang Minghuan , Wang Xiao , Zhao Guilan , Yang Shimin , Fang Yu
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviours of university students on the use of antibiotics.

Methods

A knowledge–attitude–practice questionnaire was developed and distributed to undergraduate students of Xi'an Jiaotong University, comprising 18 schools/colleges in Shaanxi Province, western China. Chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify risk factors associated with self‐medication with antibiotics.

Results

Of the 731 respondents (response rate = 73.1%), 294 (40.2%) had self‐medicated with antibiotics in the past 6 months. Most of the antibiotics (59.2%) for self‐medication were purchased without prescription in retail pharmacies. The median score of students' knowledge about antibiotics was 4 (IQR: 3–6) of a maximum possible score of 10. Students had moderately accurate beliefs towards antibiotics. More than half of the students (56.5%) were storing antibiotics frequently. During self‐medication, 16.7% of students claimed to have experienced adverse reactions, and 30.6% had used antibiotics to prevent common colds. The majority preferred to use broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and nearly half preferred intravenous antibiotics. Over 44% of students had changed antibiotic dosage, and 36.5% had switched to another antibiotic during the treatment course. Logistic regression analysis identified college and home town as independent risk factors for self‐medication with antibiotics (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Undergraduate students had inadequate knowledge, moderately accurate beliefs and inappropriate practices concerning antibiotics, and a high rate of self‐medication. This highlights the need for focused educational intervention and stricter governmental regulation concerning antibiotic use and sale in retail pharmacies.
Static Langer's line and wound contraction rates according to anatomical regions in a porcine model
Authors: Kwak Minho , Son Daegu , Kim Junhyung , Han Kihwan
Published: June 2014

This study investigated wound contraction rates according to anatomical regions and wound morphology according to skin tension line in a micropig porcine model. Of the four animals used, skin tension morphology was determined in one pig. In the remaining three pigs, six pairs of full‐thickness skin excisions were created on the dorsum (six square and six circular). The wounds were grouped, Wounds #1 through #5, according to the skin tension line and anatomical regions: Wounds #1 and #2, cephalic; Wounds #4 and #5, caudal; and Wound #3, center. Wound sizes and contraction rates were calculated for 28 days. A static tension topography of the micropig dorsum was obtained. Excisional wounds deformed along the local tension vector and healed in this fashion. Wound contraction rates were significantly higher for cephalic wounds (p = 0.004). No significant difference in wound contraction rates were observed between square and circular wounds. Final wound morphology was related to the local tension vector and initial wound shape. Cephalic wounds contracted more quickly. Further studies are needed to characterize scar formation after primarily closed surgical wounds in relation to the newly established skin tension topography and to elucidate the mechanism behind the variable wound contraction rates in the cephalocaudal gradient.
Efficient Methodologies for Determining Temperature-Dependent Parameters of a Ni-Base Superalloy Crystal Viscoplasticity Model for Cyclic Loadings
Authors: Kirka M. M. , Smith D. J. , Neu R. W.
Published: June 2014

The prediction of temperature-dependent fatigue deformation and damage in directionally solidified and single-crystal nickel-base superalloy components used in the hot section of gas turbine engines requires a constitutive model that accounts for the crystal orientation in addition to the changing deformation mechanisms and rate dependencies from room temperature to extremes of the use temperature (e.g., 1050 °C). Crystal viscoplasticity (CVP) models are ideal for accounting for all of these dependencies. However, as the models become more physically realistic in capturing the true cyclic deformation mechanisms, increases the requirements to achieve an accurate model calibration. As a result, CVP models have yet to become viable for life analysis in industry. To make CVP models an industry relevant tool, the calibration times must be reduced. This paper explores methods to reduce the calibration time. First, a series of special calibration experiments are conceived and conducted on each relevant orientation and microstructure. Second, a set of parameterization protocols are used to minimize parameter interdependencies that reduce the amount of iteration required during the calibration. These experimental and calibration protocols are exercised using the CVP model of Shenoy et al. (2005, “Thermomechanical Fatigue Behavior of a Directionally Solidified Ni-Base Superalloy,” ASME J. Eng. Mater. Technol., 127(3), pp. 325–336) by calibrating a directionally solidified Ni-base superalloy across an industry relevant temperature range of 20 °C to 1050 °C.
Surface Layer Modification of 6061 Al Alloy by Friction Stir Processing and Second Phase Hard Particles for Improved Friction and Wear Performance
Authors: Lorenzo-Martin M. Cinta , Ajayi Oyelayo O.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the results of the study on mechanical and tribological performance enhancement of 6061 aluminum alloys by incorporation of B4C particle via friction stir processing (FSP). The incorporation of B4C particles reduced friction by 30% and reduced wear by two orders of magnitude compared to unprocessed base material. FSP alone without particles addition did not have a significant effect on the tribological behavior of the aluminum alloy studied.
Taking Cancer Cells Out of Circulation
Authors: Drum Chester L.
Published: June 2014

Circulating cancer cells produce patient-specific tumors in mice that predict response to chemotherapy.
A Stroke of Genius
Authors: Spiller Kara L.
Published: June 2014

Amyloid-β–targeted nanoparticles allow early detection and treatment of stroke-inducing cerebrovascular inflammation.
Capsule Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans Is Coordinated with Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: García-Rodas Rocío , Cordero Radames J. B. , Trevijano-Contador Nuria , Janbon Guilhem , Moyrand Frédérique , Casadevall Arturo , Zaragoza Oscar
Published: June 2014

The fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
has several virulence factors, among which the most important is a polysaccharide capsule. The size of the capsule is variable and can increase significantly during infection. In this work, we investigated the relationship between capsular enlargement and the cell cycle. Capsule growth occurred primarily during the G
1
phase. Real-time visualization of capsule growth demonstrated that this process occurred before the appearance of the bud and that capsule growth arrested during budding. Benomyl, which arrests the cells in G
2
/M, inhibited capsule growth, while sirolimus (rapamycin) addition, which induces G
1
arrest, resulted in cells with larger capsule. Furthermore, we have characterized a mutant strain that lacks a putative G
1
/S cyclin. This mutant showed an increased capacity to enlarge the capsule, both
in vivo
(using
Galleria mellonella
as the host model) and
in vitro
. In the absence of Cln1, there was a significant increase in the production of extracellular vesicles. Proteomic assays suggest that in the
cln1
mutant strain, there is an upregulation of the glyoxylate acid cycle. Besides, this cyclin mutant is avirulent at 37°C, which correlates with growth defects at this temperature in rich medium. In addition, the
cln1
mutant showed lower intracellular replication rates in murine macrophages. We conclude that cell cycle regulatory elements are involved in the modulation of the expression of the main virulence factor in
C. neoformans
.

IMPORTANCE
Cryptococcus neoformans
is a pathogenic fungus that has significant incidence worldwide. Its main virulence factor is a polysaccharide capsule that can increase in size during infection. In this work, we demonstrate that this process occurs in a specific phase of the cell cycle, in particular, in G
1
. In agreement, mutants that have an abnormal longer G
1
phase show larger capsule sizes. We believe that our findings are relevant because they provide a link between capsule growth, cell cycle progression, and virulence in
C. neoformans
that reveals new aspects about the pathogenicity of this fungus. Moreover, our findings indicate that cell cycle elements could be used as antifungal targets in
C. neoformans
by affecting both the growth of the cells and the expression of the main virulence factor of this pathogenic yeast.
The Characterization of RNA Viruses in Tropical Seawater Using Targeted PCR and Metagenomics
Authors: Culley Alexander I. , Mueller Jaclyn A. , Belcaid Madhi , Wood-Charlson Elisha M. , Poisson Guylaine , Steward Grieg F.
Published: June 2014

Viruses have a profound influence on the ecology and evolution of plankton, but our understanding of the composition of the aquatic viral communities is still rudimentary. This is especially true of those viruses having RNA genomes. The limited data that have been published suggest that the RNA virioplankton is dominated by viruses with positive-sense, single-stranded (+ss) genomes that have features in common with those of eukaryote-infecting viruses in the order
Picornavirales
(picornavirads). In this study, we investigated the diversity of the RNA virus assemblages in tropical coastal seawater samples using targeted PCR and metagenomics. Amplification of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes from fractions of a buoyant density gradient suggested that the distribution of two major subclades of the marine picornavirads was largely congruent with the distribution of total virus-like RNA, a finding consistent with their proposed dominance. Analyses of the RdRp sequences in the library revealed the presence of many diverse phylotypes, most of which were related only distantly to those of cultivated viruses. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that there were hundreds of unique picornavirad-like phylotypes in one 35-liter sample that differed from one another by at least as much as the differences among currently recognized species. Assembly of the sequences in the metagenome resulted in the reconstruction of six essentially complete viral genomes that had features similar to viruses in the families
Bacillarna
-,
Dicistro
-, and
Marnaviridae
. Comparison of the tropical seawater metagenomes with those from other habitats suggests that +ssRNA viruses are generally the most common types of RNA viruses in aquatic environments, but biases in library preparation remain a possible explanation for this observation.

IMPORTANCE
Marine plankton account for much of the photosynthesis and respiration on our planet, and they influence the cycling of carbon and the distribution of nutrients on a global scale. Despite the fundamental importance of viruses to plankton ecology and evolution, most of the viruses in the sea, and the identities of their hosts, are unknown. This report is one of very few that delves into the genetic diversity within RNA-containing viruses in the ocean. The data expand the known range of viral diversity and shed new light on the physical properties and genetic composition of RNA viruses in the ocean.
Standards for Sequencing Viral Genomes in the Era of High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Ladner Jason T. , Beitzel Brett , Chain Patrick S. G. , Davenport Matthew G. , Donaldson Eric , Frieman Matthew , Kugelman Jeffrey , Kuhn Jens H. , O’Rear Jules , Sabeti Pardis C. , Wentworth David E. , Wiley Michael R. , Yu Guo-Yun ,   The Threat Characterization Consortium, Sozhamannan Shanmuga , Bradburne Christopher , Palacios Gustavo
Published: June 2014

Thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies, genome sequencing has become a common component in nearly all aspects of viral research; thus, we are experiencing an explosion in both the number of available genome sequences and the number of institutions producing such data. However, there are currently no common standards used to convey the quality, and therefore utility, of these various genome sequences. Here, we propose five “standard” categories that encompass all stages of viral genome finishing, and we define them using simple criteria that are agnostic to the technology used for sequencing. We also provide genome finishing recommendations for various downstream applications, keeping in mind the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different levels of finishing. Our goal is to define a common vocabulary that will allow comparison of genome quality across different research groups, sequencing platforms, and assembly techniques.
Haemorrhage, hyponatraemia and more than just a hack
Authors: Shah Mitsu , Kandil Hala
Published: June 2014

A 43-year-old previously healthy solicitor presented with a 9-day history of cough productive of yellow sputum with a prodrome of sore throat and myalgia. The cough was paroxysmal in nature and severe enough to cause extensive bilateral subconjunctival haemorrhages and cough syncopes multiple times a day, with one bout of associated haematemesis on the day of admission. He was isolated, treated for a presumed atypical chest infection with tazocin and clarithromycin, and monitored carefully until the hyponatraemia on presentation was resolved. Atypical screen and blood cultures were sent off, though unexciting at first, eventually confirmed the unlikely;Bordetella pertussis, much to the surprise of many who hadLegionellaas the top differential.
A mixed methods feasibility study to evaluate the use of a low-intensity, nurse-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dainty Andrew David , Fox Mark , Lewis Nina , Hunt Melissa , Holtham Elizabeth , Timmons Stephen , Kinsella Philip , Wragg Andrew , Callaghan Patrick
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. These symptoms impact on health-related quality of life, result in excess service utilisation and are a significant burden to healthcare systems. Certain mechanisms which underpin IBS can be explained by a biopsychosocial model which is amenable to psychological treatment using techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). While current evidence supports CBT interventions for this group of patients, access to these treatments within the UK healthcare system remains problematic.

Methods and analysis

A mixed methods feasibility randomised controlled trial will be used to assess the feasibility of a low-intensity, nurse-delivered guided self-help intervention within secondary care gastrointestinal clinics. A total of 60 participants will be allocated across four treatment conditions consisting of: high-intensity CBT delivered by a fully qualified cognitive behavioural therapist, low-intensity guided self-help delivered by a registered nurse, self-help only without therapist support and a treatment as usual control condition. Participants from each of the intervention arms of the study will be interviewed in order to identify potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of CBT interventions within clinical practice settings. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics only. Qualitative data will be analysed using a group thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will provide essential information regarding the feasibility of nurse-delivered CBT interventions within secondary care gastrointestinal clinics. The data gathered during this study would also provide useful information when planning a substantive trial and will assist funding bodies when considering investment in substantive trial funding. A favourable opinion for this research was granted by the Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN: 83683687 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN83683687).
Estimating treatment effects in randomised controlled trials with non-compliance: a simulation study
Authors: Ye Chenglin , Beyene Joseph , Browne Gina , Thabane Lehana
Published: June 2014

Objective

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are often considered as the gold standard for assessing new health interventions. Patients are randomly assigned to receive an intervention or control. The effect of the intervention can be estimated by comparing outcomes between groups, whose prognostic factors are expected to balance by randomisation. However, patients’ non-compliance with their assigned treatment will undermine randomisation and potentially bias the estimate of treatment effect. Through simulation, we aim to compare common approaches in analysing non-compliant data under different non-compliant scenarios.

Settings

Based on a real study, we simulated hypothetical trials by varying three non-compliant factors: the type, randomness and degree of non-compliance. We compared the intention-to-treat (ITT), as-treated (AT), per-protocol (PP), instrumental variable (IV) and complier average casual effect (CACE) analyses to estimate large (50% improvement over the control), moderate (25% improvement) and null (same as the control) treatment effects. Different approaches were compared by the bias of estimate, mean square error (MSE) and 95% coverage of the true value.

Results

For a large or moderate treatment effect, the ITT estimate was considerably biased in all scenarios. The AT, PP, IV and CACE estimates were unbiased when non-compliant behaviours were random. The IV estimate was unbiased when non-compliant behaviours were symmetrically dependent on patients’ conditions. The PP estimate was mostly unbiased when patients in the control group did not have access to the intervention. When the intervention was not different from the control, the ITT was less biased than the other approaches. Similar results were found when comparing the MSE and 95% coverage.

Conclusions

The standard ITT analysis under non-compliance is biased when the intervention has a moderate or large effect. Alternative analyses can provide unbiased or less biased estimates. Based on the results, we make some suggestions on choosing optimal approaches for analysing specific non-compliant scenarios.
A protocol for an exploratory phase I mixed-methods study of enhanced integrated care for care home residents with advanced dementia: the Compassion Intervention
Authors: Elliott Margaret , Harrington Jane , Moore Kirsten , Davis Sarah , Kupeli Nuriye , Vickerstaff Victoria , Gola Anna , Candy Bridget , Sampson Elizabeth L , Jones Louise
Published: June 2014

Introduction

In the UK approximately 700 000 people are living with, and a third of people aged over 65 will die with, dementia. People with dementia may receive poor quality care towards the end of life. We applied a realist approach and used mixed methods to develop a complex intervention to improve care for people with advanced dementia and their family carers. Consensus on intervention content was achieved using the RAND UCLA appropriateness method and mapped to sociological theories of process and impact. Core components are: (1) facilitation of integrated care, (2) education, training and support, (3) investment from commissioners and care providers. We present the protocol for an exploratory phase I study to implement components 1 and 2 in order to understand how the intervention operates in practice and to assess feasibility and acceptability.

Methods and analysis

An ‘Interdisciplinary Care Leader (ICL)’ will work within two care homes, alongside staff and associated professionals to facilitate service integration, encourage structured needs assessment, develop the use of personal and advance care plans and support staff training. We will use qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data for a range of outcome and process measures to detect effects on individual residents, family carers, care home staff, the intervention team, the interdisciplinary team and wider systems. Analysis will include descriptive statistics summarising process and care home level data, individual demographic and clinical characteristics and data on symptom burden, clinical events and quality of care. Qualitative data will be explored using thematic analysis. Findings will inform a future phase II trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted (REC reference 14/LO/0370). We shall publish findings at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, on the Marie Curie Cancer Care website and prepare reports for dissemination by organisations involved with end-of-life care and dementia.
Guidance: The practical management of the gastrointestinal symptoms of pelvic radiation disease
Authors: Andreyev H Jervoise N , Muls Ann C , Norton Christine , Ralph Charlotte , Watson Lorraine , Shaw Clare , Lindsay James O
Published: June 2014

Background

A recent randomised trial suggested that an algorithmic approach to investigating and managing gastrointestinal symptoms of pelvic radiation disease (PRD) is beneficial and that specially trained nurses can manage patients as effectively as a gastroenterologist.

Aims

The aim of the development and peer review of the guide was to make the algorithm used in the trial accessible to all levels of clinician.

Methods

Experts who manage patients with PRD were asked to review the guide, rating each section for agreement with the recommended measures and suggesting amendments if necessary. Specific comments were discussed and incorporated as appropriate, and this process was repeated for a second round of review.

Results

34 gastroenterologists, 10 nurses, 9 dietitians, 7 surgeons and 5 clinical oncologists participated in round one. Consensus (defined prospectively as 60% or more panellists selecting ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’) was reached for 27 of the original 28 sections in the guide, with a median of 75% of panellists agreeing with each section. 86% of panellists agreed that the guide was acceptable for publication or acceptable with minor revisions. 55 of the original 65 panellists participated in round two. 89% agreed it was acceptable for publication after the first revision. Further minor amendments were made in response to round two.

Conclusions

Development of the guide in response to feedback included

▸ improvement of occasional algorithmic steps

▸ a more user-friendly layout

▸ clearer timeframes for referral to other teams

▸ expansion of reference list

▸ addition of procedures to the appendix.
Republished: Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Philpott H L , Nandurkar S , Lubel J , Gibson P R
Published: June 2014

Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders can mimic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and, hence, recognition can prevent unnecessary investigations and treatment. While the knowledge and awareness relating to the adverse gastrointestinal effects of some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are well established, other commonly prescribed drugs, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants and metformin are less well understood and warrant further study. This review attempts to integrate recent information regarding adverse drug reactions and place this in a useful clinical context.
Republished: Is hypertension associated with job strain? A meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Babu Giridhara R , Jotheeswaran A T , Mahapatra Tanmay , Mahapatra Sanchita , Kumar Ananth , Detels Roger , Pearce Neil
Published: June 2014

Job strain results from a combination of high workload and few decision-making opportunities in the workplace. There is inconsistent evidence regarding the association between job strain and hypertension, and methodological shortcomings preclude firm conclusions. Thus, a meta-analysis of observational studies on hypertension among occupational groups was conducted to determine whether job strain was associated with hypertension. In January 2012, we carried out a comprehensive, topic-specific electronic literature search of the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychoINFO databases complemented by individual help from non-communicable disease experts. Experimental/interventional studies and studies on personality disorders were excluded. Nine of 894 identified studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled OR of the nine studies was 1.3 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.48; p<0.001), of case–control studies 3.17 (95% CI 1.79 to 5.60; p<0.001) and of cohort studies 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41; p<0.001), all of which indicated statistically significant positive associations between job strain and hypertension. In a subgroup analysis, cohort studies of good methodological quality showed significant associations between job strain and hypertension, while those of poor methodological quality showed no association or subgroup differences. We conclude that despite methodological differences, case–control and cohort studies of good methodological quality showed positive associations between hypertension and job strain.
Kähler–Ricci solitons and generalized Tian–Zhu's invariant
Authors: Xiong Meikui
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we introduce the notion of modified K-stability (K-semistability) associated with the soliton field on a Fano manifold M. Then we prove that if the modified K-energy associated with the soliton vector field is bounded from below, M is modified K-semistable associated with the soliton field. This result generalizes the corresponding result in a paper of Ding and Tian.
A speed gradient viscous continuum model with the consideration of coupling effect for two-lane freeways
Authors: Peng Guanghan
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a speed gradient viscous continuum model is proposed with the consideration of coupling effect for two-lane freeways. Both the speed gradient viscous term and the lane changing term are introduced into the continuity equations. The numerical simulation is carried out to investigate the shock, rarefaction waves, local clusters and changing behaviors. The results show that speed gradient viscous continuum model can describe some particular traffic behaviors in two-lane traffic system.
Lane-changing model with dynamic consideration of driver's propensity
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Jinglei , Ban Xuegang Jeff
Published: June 2014

Lane-changing is the driver's selection result of the satisfaction degree in different lane driving conditions. There are many different factors influencing lane-changing behavior, such as diversity, randomicity and difficulty of measurement. So it is hard to accurately reflect the uncertainty of drivers' lane-changing behavior. As a result, the research of lane-changing models is behind that of car-following models. Driver's propensity is her/his emotion state or the corresponding preference of a decision or action toward the real objective traffic situations under the influence of various dynamic factors. It represents the psychological characteristics of the driver in the process of vehicle operation and movement. It is an important factor to influence lane-changing. In this paper, dynamic recognition of driver's propensity is considered during simulation based on its time-varying discipline and the analysis of the driver's psycho-physic characteristics. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to quantify the hierarchy of driver's dynamic lane-changing decision-making process, especially the influence of the propensity. The model is validated using real data. Test results show that the developed lane-changing model with the dynamic consideration of a driver's time-varying propensity and the AHP method are feasible and with improved accuracy.
INTENT RECOGNITION IN MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS: COW HERDING
Authors: AHMAD NAJLA , AGAH ARVIN
Published: June 2014

In a multi-agent system, an agent may utilize its idle time to assist other agents in the system. Intent recognition is proposed to accomplish this with minimal communication. An agent performing recognition observes the tasks other agents are performing and, unlike the much studied field of plan recognition, the overall intent of an agent is recognized instead of a specific plan. The observing agent may use capabilities that it has not observed. A conceptual framework is proposed for intent recognition systems. An implementation of the conceptual framework is tested and evaluated. We hypothesize that using intent recognition in a multi-agent system increases utility (where utility is domain specific) and decreases the amount of communication. We test our hypotheses using the domain of Cow Herding, where agents attempt to herd cow agents into team corrals. A set of metrics, including task time and number of communications, is used to compare the performance of plan recognition and intent recognition. In our results, we find that intent recognition agents communicate fewer times than plan recognition agents. In addition, unlike plan recognition, when agents use the novel approach of intent recognition, they select unobserved actions to perform. Intent recognition agents were also able to outperform plan recognition agents by consistently scoring more points in the Cow Herding domain. This research shows that under certain conditions, an intent recognition system is more efficient than a plan recognition system. The advantage of intent recognition over plan recognition becomes more apparent in complex domains.
Simplified Soil–Structure Interaction Analysis for High-Tech Industrial Buildings Subjected to Forced Vibrations
Authors: Chen Shi-Shuenn , Shi Jun-Yang
Published: June 2014

To implement a safe and reliable design for high-tech industrial buildings, the system response should be accurate enough to include the effect of soil–structure interaction (SSI). This study proposed a simplified building–soil system to analyze the dynamic responses, using parameters that are representative of the practical design values for typical semiconductor fab structures in Taiwan. The responses of the simplified building–soil system subjected to dynamic horizontal loadings are verified in the frequency domain and time domain. The dynamic responses of the simplified building–soil system are found to agree very well with those of the complete system obtained by the half-space theory and by the numerical analysis program. It is shown that the proposed simplified system can effectively analyze the coupled SSI effects in the translational and rotational directions. It is also found that the structural responses may deviate significantly by neglecting the coupling of horizontal and rocking motions as the building has a deeper embedded foundation and a stiffer upper structure. The proposed method can be applied to the vibration analysis of high-tech industrial buildings subjected to dynamic loadings.
Convergent and asymptotic expansions of solutions of second-order differential equations with a large parameter
Authors: Ferreira Chelo , López José L. , Pérez Sinusía Ester
Published: June 2014

We consider the second-order linear differential equation [Formula: see text] where x ∈ [0, X], X > 0, α ∈ (-∞, 2), Λ is a large complex parameter and g is a continuous function. The asymptotic method designed by Olver [Asymptotics and Special Functions (Academic Press, New York, 1974)] gives the Poincaré-type asymptotic expansion of two independent solutions of the equation in inverse powers of Λ. We add initial conditions to the differential equation and consider the corresponding initial value problem. By using the Green's function of an auxiliary problem, we transform the initial value problem into a Volterra integral equation of the second kind. Then using a fixed point theorem, we construct a sequence of functions that converges to the unique solution of the problem. This sequence has also the property of being an asymptotic expansion for large Λ (not of Poincaré-type) of the solution of the problem. Moreover, we show that the idea may be applied also to nonlinear differential equations with a large parameter.
Static second hyperpolarizability of Λ shaped alkaline earth metal complexes
Authors: Hatua Kaushik , Nandi Prasanta K.
Published: June 2014

A number of Λ shaped complexes of alkaline earth metals Be , Mg and Ca with varying terminal groups have been considered for the theoretical study of their second hyperpolarizability. The chosen complexes are found to be sufficiently stable and for a chosen ligand the stability decreases in the order: Be -complex > Ca -complex > Mg -complex. The calculated results of second hyperpolarizability obtained at different DFT functionals for the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set are found to be fairly consistent. The Λ shaped ligands upon complex formation with metals lead to strong enhancement of second hyperpolarizability. The highest magnitude of cubic polarizability has been predicted for the metal complex having > C ( C 2 H 5)2 group. For a chosen ligand, the magnitude of second hyperpolarizability increases in the order Be -complex < Mg -complex < Ca -complex which is the order of increasing size and electropositive character of the metal. The variation of second hyperpolarizability among the investigated metal complexes has been explained in terms of the transition energy and transition moment associated with the most intense electronic transition.
Selective entanglement in a two-mode optomechanical system
Authors: Aggarwal Neha , Debnath Kamanasish , Mahajan Sonam , Bhattacherjee Aranya B. , Mohan Man
Published: June 2014

We analyze an optomechanical system formed by a mechanical mode and the two optical modes of an optomechanical cavity for the realization of a strongly quantum correlated three-mode system. We show that the steady state of the system shows three possible bipartite continuous variable (CV) entanglements in an experimentally accessible parameter regime, which are robust against temperature. We further show that selective entanglement between the mechanical mode and any of the two optical modes is also possible by the proper choice of the system parameters. Such a two-mode optomechanical system can be used for the realization of CV quantum information interfaces and networks.
A COST-EFFECTIVE PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIZING MAGNESIUM BORATE NANORODS AND ITS MECHANICAL PROPERTY FOR REINFORCED NYLON-6 COMPOSITES
Authors: WANG LICONG , ZHANG YUSHAN , CHEN DAN , LIU YUAN , WANG YUQI , DONG ZELIANG , LU YONGCHAO , HUANG XIPING
Published: June 2014

Magnesium borate ( Mg 2 B 2 O 5) nanorods were synthesized by a two-step process, including solution-chemical technology and a ternary-flux method, using concentrated seawater and H 3 BO 3 as raw materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the sample had triclinic structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) indicated that it consisted of rod-like particles with an average diameter of 100–150 nm and length over 5 μm. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) confirmed that the melting point of the ternary-flux and the formation temperature of Mg 2 B 2 O 5 were lower than single-flux process. The formation of Mg 2 B 2 O 5 nanorods was more efficient by ternary-flux than single-flux. Mechanical property of Mg 2 B 2 O 5 nanorods reinforced Nylon-6 composites showed that KH550 was the optimal coupling agent and made the strength of the composites to be improved to different degrees.
Mathematical model to investigate the effect of design and process parameters on nip width of supercalender
Authors: Kanth Neel , Ray A. K. , Riti
Published: June 2014

Calendaring is an important operation in pulp and paper mill, with an objective to increase the smoothness or reduce the roughness of paper. Bypassing calendering operation in paper machine, paper of desired quality cannot be produced. In the present investigation, a nip mechanics model for supercalendering has been developed by expanding Meijers nip mechanics model up to fourth term, and using this model the effect of additional fourth term and various design and process parameters on results of supercalendering has been discussed using the data taken from paper industry.
From 1.5 Meters to 10.4 Meters in 20 Years: Technological Evolution at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias in the Development of Infrared Instrumentation for Terrestrial Telescopes
Authors: Caicoya P. G. R. , Cabrera M. B. , Izquierdo P. F. , Patrón J. , Sánchez De La Rosa V. , Sangines F. T.
Published: June 2014

This paper reviews the evolution of the technical development of infrared instrumentation for terrestrial telescopes at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). The three most representative instruments, CAIN (installed on the 1.5 m Carlos Sánchez Telescope), LIRIS (on the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope), and EMIR (on the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias) are described and compared. Each project entailed an improvement and a technological advance in relation to its predecessor. Larger optical beams brought larger lenses, larger mechanisms to hold them, stiffer and more massive support structures, and a scale factor upgrade of their cryostats. The evolution of infrared projects has been closely linked to the development of the manufacturing, assembly, integration and verification facilities at the IAC and has also had a strong influence on management techniques. As an indication of the growth in complexity of projects over time, this paper highlights the framework of available human resources, established consortia, timing and costs associated with the three instruments.
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase-4-deficient mice are protected from diet-induced insulin resistance by the enhanced association of mTOR and rictor
Authors: Zhang Chongben , Cooper Daniel E. , Grevengoed Trisha J. , Li Lei O. , Klett Eric L. , Eaton James M. , Harris Thurl E. , Coleman Rosalind A.
Published: June 2014

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) activity is highly induced in obese individuals with insulin resistance, suggesting a correlation between GPAT function, triacylglycerol accumulation, and insulin resistance. We asked whether microsomal GPAT4, an isoform regulated by insulin, might contribute to the development of hepatic insulin resistance. Compared with control mice fed a high fat diet, Gpat4−/−mice were more glucose tolerant and were protected from insulin resistance. Overexpression of GPAT4 in mouse hepatocytes impaired insulin-suppressed gluconeogenesis and insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis. Impaired glucose homeostasis was coupled to inhibited insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt(Ser473) and Akt(Thr308). GPAT4 overexpression inhibited rictor's association with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) activity. Compared with overexpressed GPAT3 in mouse hepatocytes, GPAT4 overexpression increased phosphatidic acid (PA), especially di16:0-PA. Conversely, in Gpat4−/−hepatocytes, both mTOR/rictor association and mTORC2 activity increased, and the content of PA in Gpat4−/−hepatocytes was lower than in controls, with the greatest decrease in 16:0-PA species. Compared with controls, liver and skeletal muscle from Gpat4−/−-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet were more insulin sensitive and had a lower hepatic content of di16:0-PA. Taken together, these data demonstrate that a GPAT4-derived lipid signal, likely di16:0-PA, impairs insulin signaling in mouse liver and contributes to hepatic insulin resistance.
The aging suppressor klotho: a potential regulator of growth hormone secretion
Authors: Shahmoon Shiri , Rubinfeld Hadara , Wolf Ido , Cohen Zvi R. , Hadani Moshe , Shimon Ilan , Rubinek Tami
Published: June 2014

Klotho is a transmembranal protein highly expressed in the kidneys, choroid plexus, and anterior pituitary. Klotho can also be cleaved and shed and acts as a circulating hormone. Klotho-deficient mice ( kl/kl mice) develop a phenotype resembling early aging. Several lines of evidence suggest a role for klotho in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion. The kl/kl mice are smaller compared with their wild-type counterparts, and their somatotropes show reduced numbers of secretory granules. Moreover, klotho is a potent inhibitor of the IGF-I pathway, a negative regulator of GH secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that klotho may enhance GH secretion. The effect of klotho on GH secretion was examined in GH3 rat somatotrophs, cultured rat pituitaries, and cultured human GH-secreting adenomas. In all three models, klotho treatment increased GH secretion. Prolonged treatment of mice with intraperitoneal klotho injections increased mRNA levels of IGF-I and IGF-I-binding protein-3 mRNA in the liver, reflecting increased serum GH levels. In accord with its ability to inhibit the IGF-I pathway, klotho partially restored the inhibitory effect of IGF-I on GH secretion. Klotho is known to be a positive regulator of basic bFGF signaling. We studied rat pituitaries and human adenoma cultures and noted that bFGF increased GH secretion and stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both effects were augmented following treatment with klotho. Taken together, our data indicate for the first time that klotho is a positive regulator of GH secretion and suggest the IGF-I and bFGF pathways as potential mediators of this effect.
The IGF-derived tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu is a weak NMDA receptor agonist
Authors: Vaaga Christopher E. , Tovar Kenneth R. , Westbrook Gary L.
Published: June 2014

Glutamate acts as the universal agonist at ionotropic glutamate receptors in part because of its high degree of conformational flexibility. Other amino acids and small peptides, however, can activate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, albeit usually with lower affinity and efficacy. Here, we examined the action of glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE), a naturally occurring tripeptide formed in the brain following cleavage of IGF-I. GPE is thought to have biological activity in the brain, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. With its flanking glutamate and glycine residues, GPE could bind to either the agonist or coagonist sites on NMDA receptors, however, this has not been directly tested. Using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in combination with rapid solution exchange, we examined both steady-state currents induced by GPE as well as the effects of GPE on synaptically evoked currents. High concentrations of GPE evoked inward currents, which were blocked either by NMDA receptor competitive antagonists or the voltage-dependent channel blocker Mg2+. GPE also produced a slight attenuation in the NMDA- and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents without altering the paired-pulse ratio. Our results suggest that GPE can activate NMDA receptors but at concentrations well above the expected concentration of GPE in the brain. Therefore, it is unlikely that endogenous GPE interacts with glutamate receptors under normal conditions.
Smart HVAC Control in IoT: Energy Consumption Minimization with User Comfort Constraints
Authors: Serra Jordi , Pubill David , Antonopoulos Angelos , Verikoukis Christos
Published: June 2014

Smart grid is one of the main applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. Within this context, this paper addresses the efficient energy consumption management of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in smart grids with variable energy price. To that end, first, we propose an energy scheduling method that minimizes the energy consumption cost for a particular time interval, taking into account the energy price and a set of comfort constraints, that is, a range of temperatures according to user’s preferences for a given room. Then, we propose an energy scheduler where the user may select to relax the temperature constraints to save more energy. Moreover, thanks to the IoT paradigm, the user may interact remotely with the HVAC control system. In particular, the user may decide remotely the temperature of comfort, while the temperature and energy consumption information is sent through Internet and displayed at the end user’s device. The proposed algorithms have been implemented in a real testbed, highlighting the potential gains that can be achieved in terms of both energy and cost.
Rank-Based miRNA Signatures for Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Lauria Mario
Published: June 2014

We describe a new signature definition and analysis method to be used as biomarker for early cancer detection. Our new approach is based on the construction of a reference map of transcriptional signatures of both healthy and cancer affected individuals using circulating miRNA from a large number of subjects. Once such a map is available, the diagnosis for a new patient can be performed by observing the relative position on the map of his/her transcriptional signature. To demonstrate its efficacy for this specific application we report the results of the application of our method to published datasets of circulating miRNA, and we quantify its performance compared to current state-of-the-art methods. A number of additional features make this method an ideal candidate for large-scale use, for example, as a mass screening tool for early cancer detection or for at-home diagnostics. Specifically, our method is minimally invasive (because it works well with circulating miRNA), it is robust with respect to lab-to-lab protocol variability and batch effects (it requires that only the relative ranking of expression value of miRNA in a profile be accurate not their absolute values), and it is scalable to a large number of subjects. Finally we discuss the need for HPC capability in a widespread application of our or similar methods.
Acute Aneurismal Bilateral Subdural Haematoma without Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mansour Ossama , Hassen Tamer , Fathy Sameh
Published: June 2014

Spontaneous pure acute bilateral subdural haematoma (ASDH) without intraparenchymal or subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is extremely rare. It can follow rupture of different aneurysms specially located in anterior incisural space; the most frequently encountered location is the PcoA aneurysms as demonstrated in the present case. We present a case report of a PcoA aneurysm presenting as pure bilateral ASDH. A high level of suspicion for bleeding of arterial origin should be maintained in all cases of acute subdural haematoma without history of trauma. The neurological status on admission dictates the appropriate timing and methodology of the neuroradiological investigations.