bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VGI and Reference Data Correspondence Based on Location‐Orientation Rotary Descriptor and Segment Matching
Authors: Mohammadi Nazila , Malek Mohammadreza
Published: September 2014

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) is spatial data that has been contributed by numerous volunteers in the form of user‐generated content. VGI provides the ability for non‐experts to collect and share geographic information. Comparison of a VGI dataset with a reference dataset in order to find data correspondence is a common process in some analyses of VGI data, such as quantitative analysis of its quality. This study addresses this case and presents an automated feature matching method for VGI linear data. The proposed method consists of two main steps. In the first step, a feature point matching method based on a novel descriptor, named Location‐Orientation Rotary Descriptor (LORD), is performed. The proposed LORD descriptor uses the location and orientation information of the linear data in a log polar structure and in a rotary manner. In the second step, a new segment matching strategy based on the buffered linear features is performed to reject the outliers of the previous step. The usefulness of the proposed method was demonstrated by applying it to the OpenStreetMap (OSM) dataset, as a VGI dataset, using an official reference dataset.
Numerical calculation of three-point branched covers of the projective line
Authors: Klug Michael , Musty Michael , Schiavone Sam , Voight John
Published: September 2014

We exhibit a numerical method to compute three-point branched covers of the complex projective line. We develop algorithms for working explicitly with Fuchsian triangle groups and their finite-index subgroups, and we use these algorithms to compute power series expansions of modular forms on these groups.
Numerical Scheme for a Quadratic Type Generalized Isoperimetric Constraint Variational Problems With A-Operator
Authors: Pandey Rajesh K. , Agrawal Om P.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a numerical scheme for a class of isoperimetric constraint variational problems (ICVPs) defined in terms of an A-operator introduced recently. In this scheme, Bernstein's polynomials are used to approximate the desired function and to reduce the problem from a functional space to an eigenvalue problem in a finite dimensional space. Properties of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of this problem are used to obtain approximate solutions to the problem. Results for two examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. In special cases, the A-operator reduces to Riemann–Liouville, Caputo, Riesz–Riemann–Liouville, and Riesz–Caputo, and several other fractional derivatives defined in the literature. Thus, the approach presented here provides a general scheme for ICVPs defined using different types of fractional derivatives. Although, only Bernstein's polynomials are used here to approximate the solutions, many other approximation schemes are possible. Effectiveness of these approximation schemes will be presented in the future. While the presented numerical scheme is applied to a quadratic type generalized ICVPs, it can also be applied to other types of problems.
On Generalized Jacobi–Bernstein Basis Transformation: Application of Multidegree Reduction of Bézier Curves and Surfaces
Authors: Doha E. H. , Bhrawy A. H. , Saker M. A.
Published: September 2014

This paper formulates a new explicit expression for the generalized Jacobi polynomials (GJPs) in terms of Bernstein basis. We also establish and prove the basis transformation between the GJPs basis and Bernstein basis and vice versa. This transformation embeds the perfect least-square performance of the GJPs with the geometrical insight of the Bernstein form. Moreover, the GJPs with indexes corresponding to the number of endpoint constraints are the natural basis functions for least-square approximation of Bézier curves and surfaces. Application to multidegree reduction (MDR) of Bézier curves and surfaces in computer aided geometric design (CAGD) is given.
Adaptive Robust Control of Circular Machining Contour Error Using Global Task Coordinate Frame
Authors: Davis Tyler A. , Shin Yung C. , Yao Bin
Published: September 2014

The contour error (CE) of machining processes is defined as the difference between the desired and actual produced shape. Two major factors contributing to CE are axis position error and tool deflection. A large amount of research work formulates the CE in convenient locally defined task coordinate frames that are subject to significant approximation error. The more accurate global task coordinate frame (GTCF) can be used, but transforming the control problem to the GTCF leads to a highly nonlinear control problem. An adaptive robust control (ARC) approach is designed to control machine position in the GTCF, while additionally accounting for tool deflection, to minimize the CE. The combined GTCF/ARC approach is experimentally validated by applying the control to circular contours on a three axis milling machine. The results show that the proposed approach reduces CE in all cases tested.
Synthesis of Planar Mechanisms for Pick and Place Tasks With Guiding Positions
Authors: Larochelle Pierre
Published: September 2014

A novel dimensional synthesis technique for solving the mixed exact and approximate motion synthesis problem for planar RR kinematic chains is presented. The methodology uses an analytic representation of the planar RR dyad's rigid body constraint equation in combination with an algebraic geometry formulation of the exact synthesis for three prescribed positions to yield designs that exactly reach the prescribed pick and place positions while approximating an arbitrary number of guiding positions. The result is a dimensional synthesis technique for mixed exact and approximate motion generation for planar RR dyads. A solution dyad may be directly implemented as a 2R open chain or two solution dyads may be combined to form a planar 4R closed chain, also known as a planar four-bar mechanism. The synthesis algorithm utilizes only algebraic geometry and does not require the use of a numerical optimization algorithm or a metric on elements of SE(2); the group of planar displacements. Two implementations of the synthesis algorithm are presented; computational and graphical construction. Moreover, the kinematic inversion of the algorithm is also included. Two examples that demonstrate the synthesis technique are included.
Heat Transfer on Nanofluid Flow With Homogeneous–Heterogeneous Reactions and Internal Heat Generation
Authors: Nandkeolyar Raj , Kameswaran Peri K. , Shaw Sachin , Sibanda Precious
Published: September 2014

We investigated heat and mass transfer on water based nanofluid due to the combined effects of homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions, an external magnetic field and internal heat generation. The flow is generated by the movement of a linearly stretched surface, and the nanofluid contains nanoparticles of copper and gold. Exact solutions of the transformed model equations were obtained in terms of hypergeometric functions. To gain more insights regarding subtle impact of fluid and material parameters on the heat and mass transfer characteristics, and the fluid properties, the equations were further solved numerically using the matlab bvp4c solver. The similarities and differences in the behavior, including the heat and mass transfer characteristics, of the copper–water and gold–water nanofluids with respect to changes in the flow parameters were investigated. Finally, we obtained the numerical values of the skin friction and heat transfer coefficients.
Kinematic Design of a Novel Spatial Remote Center-of-Motion Mechanism for Minimally Invasive Surgical Robot
Authors: Li Jianmin , Xing Yuan , Liang Ke , Wang Shuxin
Published: September 2014

To deliver more value to the healthcare industry, a specialized surgical robot is needed in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) field. To fill this need, a compact hybrid robotic wrist with four degrees of freedom (DOFs) is developed for assisting physicians to perform MIS. The main body of the wrist is a 2DOF parallel mechanism with a remote center-of-motion (RCM), which is located outside the mechanism. From the mechanical point of view, it is different from existing 2DOF spherical mechanisms, since there is no physical constraint on the RCM. Other DOFs of the wrist are realized by a revolute joint and a prismatic joint, which are serially mounted on the movable platform of the parallel mechanism. The function of these DOFs is to realize the roll motion and the in-out translation of the surgical tool. Special attention is paid to the parallel RCM mechanism. The detailed design is provided and the kinematic equations are obtained in the paper. Further, the Jacobian matrix is derived based on the kinematic equations. Finally, the paper examines the singularity configurations and implements the condition number analysis to identify the kinematic performance of the mechanism.
Motor Demonstration Using a Hand-Cranked Genecon
Authors: Mungan Carl E.
Published: September 2014

A Genecon is an inexpensive hand-cranked dc electric generator. You can use it to charge a one-farad supercapacitor.1 If you stop cranking the handle, the capacitor will discharge, sending a current into the Genecon and thereby causing the handle to start turning as an electric motor. How does the current direction compare before and after you stop cranking the handle? How does the direction of the turning of the handle compare before and after you stop cranking the Genecon?
Science magic for inquiry-based instruction about friction — Powerful paper ring and powerful book
Authors: Lin Jang-Long , Cheng Meng-Fei , Chang Jih-Yuan , Huang Hsin-Lin , Chang Ying-Chi , Li Hsiao-Wen , Lin Deng-Min
Published: September 2014

Science presented as magic is one way to engender surprise prise and curiosity in students, and perhaps interest and motivation for further inquiry.1,2
Preschoolers’ Time On-Task and Physical Activity During a Classroom Activity Break
Authors: Webster E. Kipling , Wadsworth Danielle D. , Robinson Leah E.
Published: September 2014

This study examined the acute effects of a 10-min teacher-implemented classroom-based activity break (AB) on physical activity participation and time on-task in a preschool-age population. 118 (M age = 3.80 ± 0.69 years) students from one preschool served as participants. The intervention took place over 4 days: 2 days AB were conducted and 2 days typical instruction occurred. Physical activity was monitored via accelerometry and time on-task was measured by direct observation. Results demonstrated that AB led to a higher percent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the AB (M = 29.7%, p > .001). Breaks also promoted more on-task behavior (FU17 = 18.86, p > .001) following the AB. Specifically, the most off-task students before the break improved on-task behavior by 30 percentage points (p > .001). Percent of school day MVPA was also higher during AB days (i117 = 3.274, p = .001). Findings indicate teachers may improve time on-task postbreak for preschoolers with a short bout of physical activity in the classroom, especially in children who are the most off-task. In addition, classroom-based AB resulted in marginal increases in MVPA during breaks that influenced whole day activity.
Characterization ofblaTEM-52-Carrying Plasmids of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella enterica Isolates from Chicken Meat with a Common Supplier in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Yuko , Izumiya Hidemasa , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Kuroda Makoto , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: September 2014

The acquisition of resistance to cephalosporins amongSalmonellaspp. is a major public health concern. This study identified clonal plasmids carryingblaTEM-52from 10Salmonella entericaserovar Infantis and Manhattan isolates from retail chicken meats that originated from a common supplier in Japan. Whole-genome analyses of the representative plasmids, including pYM4, revealed that they are 38 kb in size and that pYM4 is identical to pDKX1 from beef in Denmark, suggesting a global dissemination of resistance mediated by the plasmids.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolates Belonging to Clinical Sequence Type 131 (ST131), Clinical Non-ST131, and Fecal Non-ST131 Lineages from India
Authors: Hussain Arif , Ranjan Amit , Nandanwar Nishant , Babbar Anshu , Jadhav Savita , Ahmed Niyaz
Published: September 2014

In view of the epidemiological success of CTX-M-15-producing lineages of
Escherichia coli
and particularly of sequence type 131 (ST131), it is of significant interest to explore its prevalence in countries such as India and to determine if antibiotic resistance, virulence, metabolic potential, and/or the genetic architecture of the ST131 isolates differ from those of non-ST131 isolates. A collection of 126
E. coli
isolates comprising 43 ST131
E. coli
, 40 non-ST131
E. coli
, and 43 fecal
E. coli
isolates collected from a tertiary care hospital in India was analyzed. These isolates were subjected to enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-based fingerprinting, O typing, phylogenetic grouping, antibiotic sensitivity testing, and virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene (VAG) detection. Representative isolates from this collection were also analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), conjugation, metabolic profiling, biofilm production assay, and zebra fish lethality assay. All of the 43 ST131
E. coli
isolates were exclusively associated with phylogenetic group B2 (100%), while most of the clinical non-ST131 and stool non-ST131
E. coli
isolates were affiliated with the B2 (38%) and A (58%) phylogenetic groups, respectively. Significantly greater proportions of ST131 isolates (58%) than non-ST131 isolates (clinical and stool
E. coli
isolates, 5% each) were technically identified to be extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC). The clinical ST131, clinical non-ST131, and stool non-ST131
E. coli
isolates exhibited high rates of multidrug resistance (95%, 91%, and 91%, respectively), extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) production (86%, 83%, and 91%, respectively), and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production (28%, 33%, and 0%, respectively). CTX-M-15 was strongly linked with ESBL production in ST131 isolates (93%), whereas CTX-M-15 plus TEM were present in clinical and stool non-ST131
E. coli
isolates. Using MLST, we confirmed the presence of two NDM-1-positive ST131
E. coli
isolates. The aggregate bioscores (metabolite utilization) for ST131, clinical non-ST131, and stool non-ST131
E. coli
isolates were 53%, 52%, and 49%, respectively. The ST131 isolates were moderate biofilm producers and were more highly virulent in zebra fish than non-ST131 isolates. According to ERIC-based fingerprinting, the ST131 strains were more genetically similar, and this was subsequently followed by the genetic similarity of clinical non-ST131 and stool non-ST131
E. coli
strains. In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into aspects of the fitness advantage of
E. coli
lineage ST131 and suggest that a number of factors are likely involved in the worldwide dissemination of and infections due to ST131
E. coli
isolates.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Intravitreal Caspofungin
Authors: Shen Ying-Cheng , Liang Chiao-Ying , Wang Chun-Yuan , Lin Keng-Hung , Hsu Min-Yen , Yuen Hon-Leung , Wei Li-Chen
Published: September 2014

Caspofungin exhibits potent antifungal activities against
Candida
and
Aspergillus
species. The elimination rate and retinal toxicity of caspofungin were determined in this study to assess its pharmacokinetics and safety in the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. Intravitreal injections of 50 μg/0.1 ml of caspofungin were administered to rabbits. Levels of caspofungin in the vitreous and aqueous humors were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at selected time intervals (10 min and 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h), and the half-lives were calculated. Eyes were intravitreally injected with caspofungin to obtain concentrations of 10 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, and 200 μg/ml. Electroretinograms were recorded 4 weeks after injections, and the injected eyes were examined histologically. The concentrations of intravitreal caspofungin at various time points exhibited an exponential decay with a half-life of 6.28 h. The mean vitreous concentration was 6.06 ± 1.76 μg/ml 1 h after intravitreal injection, and this declined to 0.47 ± 0.15 μg/ml at 24 h. The mean aqueous concentration showed undetectable levels at all time points. There were no statistical differences in scotopic
a
-wave and
b
-wave responses between control eyes and caspofungin-injected eyes. No focal necrosis or other abnormality in retinal histology was observed. Intravitreal caspofungin injection may be considered to be an alternative treatment for fungal endophthalmitis based on its antifungal activity, lower retinal toxicity, and lower elimination rate in the vitreous. More clinical data are needed to determine its potential role as primary therapy for fungal endophthalmitis.
Platelet Profile in Patients with Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections Receiving Tedizolid or Linezolid: Findings from the Phase 3 ESTABLISH Clinical Trials
Authors: Lodise Thomas P. , Fang Edward , Minassian Sonia L. , Prokocimer Philippe G.
Published: September 2014

Tedizolid, the active moiety of tedizolid phosphate, is a recently approved oxazolidinone antibacterial with activity against a wide range of Gram-positive pathogens, including resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. To date, 6 days of 200 mg tedizolid once daily has been shown to be noninferior to 10 days of 600 mg linezolid twice daily in two randomized, double-blind phase 3 trials (ESTABLISH-1 and ESTABLISH-2) for the treatment of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). The intent of this study was to characterize the platelet profiles of patients receiving tedizolid relative to linezolid over the course of treatment using pooled data from these two trials. The occurrences of clinically defined and statistical analysis plan–specified reduced platelet counts were assessed at the study days 7 to 9 visit, the study days 11 to 13 visit, and the posttherapy evaluation (PTE) visit. At the study days 7 to 9 visit, incidences of reduced platelet counts were low and largely similar between the groups. The only notable difference was a lower incidence of thrombocytopenia (platelet counts, <150,000 cells/mm
3
) among patients who received tedizolid (3.2%) relative to those who received linezolid (5.6%). At the study days 11 to 13 visit, patients who received tedizolid had lower incidences of platelet counts of <150,000 cells/mm
3
(−5.9%), <112,500 cells/mm
3
(−2.4%), and <100,000 cells/mm
3
(−1.9%) than patients in the linezolid group. Similar differences were noted at the PTE visit. Findings across the two phase 3 ABSSSI trials suggest that 6 days of 200 mg tedizolid daily confers a low potential for reduced platelet counts among patients with ABSSSIs. (The ESTABLISH-1 and ESTABLISH-2 trials have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration numbers NCT01170221 and NCT01421511, respectively.)
pncA
and
bptA
Are Not Sufficient To Complement Ixodes scapularis Colonization and Persistence by Borrelia burgdorferi in a Linear Plasmid lp25-Deficient Background
Authors: Gilmore Robert D. , Brandt Kevin S. , Hyde Jenny A.
Published: September 2014

The complex segmented genome of
Borrelia burgdorferi
is comprised of a linear chromosome along with numerous linear and circular plasmids essential for tick and/or mammalian infectivity. The pathogenic necessity for specific borrelial plasmids has been identified; most notably, infections of the tick vector and mammalian host both require linear plasmid 25 (lp25). Genes carried on lp25, specifically
bptA
and
pncA
, are postulated to play a role for
B. burgdorferi
to infect and persist in
Ixodes
ticks. In this study, we complemented an lp25-deficient borrelial strain with
pncA
alone or
pncA
accompanied by
bptA
to evaluate the ability of the complemented strains to restore larval colonization and persistence through transstadial transmission relative to that of wild-type
B. burgdorferi
. The acquisition of the complemented strains by tick larvae from infected mice and/or the survival of these strains was significantly decreased when assayed by cultivation and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Only 10% of the
pncA
-complemented strain organisms were found by culture to survive 17 days following larval feeding, while 45% of the
pncA
- and
bptA
-complemented strain organisms survived, with similar results by PCR. However, neither of the complemented
B. burgdorferi
strains was capable of persisting through the molt to the nymphal stage as analyzed by culture. qPCR analyses of unfed nymphs detected
B. burgdorferi
genomes in several nymphs at low copy numbers, likely indicating the presence of DNA from dead or dying cells. Overall, the data indicate that
pncA
and
bptA
cannot independently support infection, suggesting that lp25 carries additional gene(s) or regulatory elements critical for
B. burgdorferi
survival and pathogenesis in the
Ixodes
vector.
Silicone oil pupil block glaucoma in a pseudophakic eye
Authors: Yusuf Imran H , Fung Timothy H M , Salmon John F , Patel Chetan Kantibhai
Published: September 2014

Intravitreal silicone oil achieves an effective endotamponade in patients with complex retinal detachments. Silicone oil displacement into the anterior chamber risks glaucoma and endothelial failure. We describe a 52-year-old patient with pseudophakia with silicone oil endotamponade presenting with visual loss and intraocular pressure of 60 mm Hg. Inferior YAG iridotomy was undertaken to repatriate silicone oil to the posterior segment. Despite normal intraocular pressure, acute corneal oedema occurred postiridotomy, resolving spontaneously over 2 weeks. Pupil block glaucoma secondary to silicone oil requires a management approach based on an understanding of silicone oil fluidics. Careful selection of inferior laser iridotomy site is critical to effectively reverse pupil block. Anterior migration of silicone oil in patients with pseudophakia is rare. We offer an hypothesis to explain unanticipated transient corneal oedema following silicone oil displacement from the anterior chamber. Clinicians must discuss the possibility of transient or permanent endothelial failure preoperatively in this patient group.
Frequency, interobserver reproducibility and clinical significance of equivocal peaks in PCR clonality testing using Euroclonality/BIOMED-2 primers
Authors: Park Il Joong , Bena James , Cotta Claudiu V , Hsi Eric D , Jegalian Armin G , Rogers Heesun J , Tubbs Raymond R , Wang Lu , Cook James R
Published: September 2014

Aims

PCR studies for lymphoid clonality are now widely employed, especially using Euroclonality/BIOMED-2 primers. Criteria for interpretation as a clonal result, however, have proven controversial. This study examines the frequency and clinical significance of equivocal amplification patterns and measures the interobserver reproducibility of clonality interpretations.

Methods

At our institution, results of each primer set are first classified as clonal, non-clonal or abnormal (equivocal peak on polyclonal background). Final results for all primer sets are then collectively reported as positive (≥1 clonal result), negative (non-clonal results) or indeterminate (≥1 abnormal result) for a clonal population. Results of 274 consecutive clonality cases were reviewed, and the interobserver reproducibility of individual primer set reactions and final results was determined in a subset of 30 cases.

Results

44/161 (27%) B-cell and 50/163 (31%) T-cell cases contained at least one abnormal peak. Of these, 29 (64%) and 31 (62%), respectively, showed clonal results in another primer set. Interobserver reproducibility was excellent for most primer sets and for final interpretations, but only fair to good for IGK V-J and TCRB D-J1+2 primer sets. A definitive diagnosis of lymphoma was rendered in 93%, 20% and 6% of B-cell cases and 90%, 42%, and 14% of T-cell cases positive, indeterminate or negative for a clonal population, respectively.

Conclusions

Using a subjective approach, abnormal (equivocal) peaks are frequently observed in routine practice. However, most cases with abnormal peaks contain clonal rearrangements in other primer sets, facilitating overall interpretation of final results with excellent interobserver reproducibility.
Seismic analysis of elevated pure conical tanks under vertical excitation
Authors: Jolie Michael , El Ansary Ayman M. , El Damatty Ashraf A.
Published: September 2014

Truncated conical vessels are commonly used as liquid containers in elevated tanks. Despite the widespread use of this type of structure worldwide, no direct code provisions are currently available covering its seismic analysis and design. The purpose of the current study is to assess the importance of considering the vertical component of ground accelerations when analyzing and designing this type of water-storage structure. The study is conducted using an equivalent mechanical model that estimates the normal forces that develop in the tank walls when subjected to vertical excitation. In addition, a three-dimensional finite element model has been developed by modeling the walls of the tank using shell elements. The finite element model has been employed to predict maximum membrane and overall meridional stresses due to both hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure distributions. Comparisons have been conducted to assess the significance of considering vertical excitation and to identify the magnification in meridional stresses due to bending effects associated with support conditions and large deformations.
Differential expression of dual Bt genes in transgene poplar Juba (Populus deltoides cv. ‘Juba’) transformed by two different transformation vectors
Authors: Dong Yan , Du ShaSha , Zhang Jun , Yang Minsheng , Wang Jinmao
Published: September 2014

To increase the expression efficiency of the Bt gene in transgenic poplar and expand the insect resistance spectrum, Cry1Ac and Cry3A were simultaneously constructed in two different plant transformation vectors. Two Bt genes on vector p71A68Y71 were separately driven by promoters CAMV35S and CoYMV, and a matrix attachment region (MAR) sequence was added to both sides; in contrast, two Bt genes on vector p05A68A71 were driven by the promoter CAMV35S without a MAR sequence structure. With the agrobacterium mediation method, two vectors transformed the high-quality hybrid clone poplar Juba of Populus deltoides (W. Bartram ex Marshall) and thus produced four transgenic resistant lines. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the targeted genes were integrated into the poplar Juba genome. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used to detect the transcription abundance and toxic protein expression of the Bt gene in the leaves of eight transgenic leaves. Results show the significant difference in transcription abundance of the two Bt genes between different lines. The transcription abundance of the gene Cry1Ac of the K series lines from vector p71A68Y71 was significantly higher than that of the H series lines from the other vector; however, no significant difference in the transcription abundance of gene Cry3A between the two vectors was observed. The transcription abundance of gene Cry3A was higher than that of gene Cry1Ac. Significant differences in the toxic expression of the two Bt genes existed among the lines but not in the H and K series lines. The Cry3A toxic protein content was much higher than the Cry1Ac toxic protein content in all lines, and the expression of the latter at 0.13 ng·g−1 to 0.69 ng·g−1 was extremely low. The insect-resistant effect of the transgenic lines to lepidoptera pests such as the Hyphantria cunea (Drury) larva was unremarkable, and no significant difference was found in different lines and vectors. The lines strongly resisted coleoptera pests, e.g., Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting), and their insect-resistant effect was significantly higher than that of the highly resistant trans-Cry3A poplar line CC84. Significant differences were found between different lines, but no significant difference was found between the K and H series lines, which were from different vectors. Trangenic lines H4 and K1 had a higher transcription abundance, toxic protein expression, and lethal effect on P. versicolora than the other lines.
High-order kinetic relaxation schemes as high-accuracy Poisson solvers
Authors: Mendoza M. , Succi S. , Herrmann H. J.
Published: September 2014

We present a new approach to find accurate solutions to the Poisson equation, as obtained from the steady-state limit of a diffusion equation with strong source terms. For this purpose, we start from Boltzmann's kinetic theory and investigate the influence of higher-order terms on the resulting macroscopic equations. By performing an appropriate expansion of the equilibrium distribution, we provide a method to remove the unnecessary terms up to a desired order and show that it is possible to find, with high level of accuracy, the steady-state solution of the diffusion equation for sizeable Knudsen numbers. In order to test our kinetic approach, we discretize the Boltzmann equation and solve the Poisson equation, spending up to six order of magnitude less computational time for a given precision than standard lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs).
HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF THE ANASTOMOSES IN THE MODIFIED BLALOCK–TAUSSIG SHUNT: A NUMERICAL STUDY USING A 0D/3D COUPLING METHOD
Authors: ZHAO XI , LIU YOUJUN , DING JINLI , REN XIAOCHEN , BAI FAN , ZHANG MINGZI , MA LIANCAI , WANG WENXIN , XIE JINSHENG , QIAO AIKE
Published: September 2014

The modified Blalock–Taussig (BT) shunt is a palliative surgery which can help the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patient increase the blood oxygen saturation by interposing a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt. Two typical anastomotic shapes are frequently used in clinical practice: the end-to-side (ETS) and the side-to-side (STS) anastomosis. This paper examines the hemodynamic influence of the anastomotic shape in the modified BT shunt. Three models with different anastomotic shapes were reconstructed. The ETS anastomoses were applied in the first model. For the innominate artery (IA) and the pulmonary artery (PA) in the second model, the ETS and the STS anastomosis were applied, respectively. Finally, the STS anastomoses were applied in the third model. The 0D/3D coupling method was used to perform a numerical simulation by coupling the three-dimensional (3D) artery model with a zero-dimensional (0D) lumped parameter model for the cardiovascular system. The simulation results showed that the perfusion into the left and right PA in Model 1 was unbalanced. Swirling flow appeared in the shunt in Model 3, but the shunt flow rate in Model 3 was lower. The ETS anastomosis at the PA may cause unbalanced blood perfusion into the left and right PA. Conversely, the STS anastomosis can make the blood perfusion more balanced. Otherwise, the STS anastomosis at the IA could generate a swirling flow in the shunt which may provide a better hemodynamic environment while decreasing the pulmonary perfusion.
THE CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER VIRUS LPC VACCINE AND E2 GLYCOPROTEINS PROTECT FROM CHALLENGE WITH GENOTYPICALLY HOMOLOGOUS VIRUSES
Authors: Tung Yen-Chun , Chang Chia-Yi , Wang Fun-In
Published: September 2014

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an acute viral disease that has high contagion and high mortality in domestic pigs and wild boars. In Taiwan, classical swine fever virus (CSFV) of subgroup 3.4 (Native strain; 94.4/IL/94/TWN) was almost 100% isolated before 1993. In 1994, Subgroup 2.1 (Exotic strain; TD/96/TWN) was first detected, and since a severe outbreak in 1995, it has dominated the field. There is a concern that the Lapinized Philippines Coronel (LPC) of genotype 1.1, widely used in Taiwan, may not completely protect animals from the currently prevalent genotype 2.1 CSFV in the field. In this study, pigs were immunized by LPC vaccine and E2 glycoprotein expressed from cloned genes of LPC, TD/96, and 94.4 viruses, respectively before challenge with genotypically homologous viruses. The viral distributions and intensity after challenge were analyzed by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Both LPC vaccine and E2 glycoproteins provided significant protection potency from CSFV. However, the LPC vaccine antigen was noted, although to a significantly milder degree (p < 0.05) than in the positive control, in lymphoid follicles of the lymph node and in various organs after the vaccinated animals were challenged with virulent ALD strain. Tissues from all experimental groups were tested negative by RT-PCR. In conclusion, the LPC attenuated virus and E2 glycoproteins offer protection against their genotypically homologous viruses. A change of vaccine seed to genotype 2.1 may be an option to combat the currently prevalent genotype 2.1 CSFVs in the field.
Characterization of a Commercial, Front-Illuminated Interline Transfer CCD Camera for use as a Guide Camera on a Balloon-Borne Telescope
Authors: Clark Paul , Massey Richard , Chang Herrick L. , Galloway Mathew , Israel Holger , Jones Laura L. , Li Lun , Mandic Milan , Morris Tim , Netterfield C. Barth , Peacock John , Sharples Ray , Susca Sara
Published: September 2014

We report results obtained during the characterization of a commercial front-illuminated progressive scan interline transfer CCD camera. We demonstrate that the unmodified camera operates successfully in temperature and pressure conditions (-40°C, 4 mBar) representative of a high altitude balloon mission. We further demonstrate that the centroid of a well-sampled star can be determined to better than 2% of a pixel, even though the CCD is equipped with a microlens array. This device has been selected for use in a closed-loop star-guiding and tip-tilt correction system in the BIT-STABLE balloon mission.
Making Effective Use of Multicore Systems A software perspective
Authors: Cooper Keith D.
Published: September 2014

Multicore processors dominate the commercial marketplace, with the consequence that almost all computers are now parallel computers. To take maximum advantage of multicore chips, applications and systems should take advantage of that parallelism. As of today, a small fraction of applications do. To improve that situation and to capitalize fully on the power of multicore systems, we need to adopt programming models, parallel algorithms, and programming languages that are appropriate for the multicore world, and to integrate these ideas and tools into the courses that educate the next generation of computer scientists.
The Multicore Transformation Closing Statement
Authors: Tichy Walter
Published: September 2014

Multicore CPUs and GPUs have brought parallel computation within reach of any programmer. How can we put the performance potential of these machines to good use? The contributors of the symposium suggest a number of approaches, among them algorithm engineering, parallel programming languages, compilers that target both SIMD and MIMD architectures, automatic detection and repair of data races, transactional memory, automated performance tuning, and automatic parallelizers. The transition from sequential to parallel computing is now perhaps at the half-way point. Parallel programming will eventually become routine, because advances in hardware, software, and programming tools are simplifying the problems of designing and implementing parallel computations.
BESiDE
Authors: McIntyre Lesley J.
Published: September 2014

This article describes BESiDE, a multi-disciplinary research project that investigates themes of ageing, wellbeing, accessibility and digital technologies within the context of built environment design. Through the development of dialogue tools, indoor localization and physical activity tracking sensors, BESiDE is taking steps towards enhancing understanding of accessibility within the design of care home environments.

Focused on initial reflections from contemporary design practice, we have found that, design guidance; a lack of research 'tools' to engage with users; an absent research culture; and missing elements of design training, are factors preventing a designer's holistic engagement with the experiences of older people and technologies within the built environment. In addition to reviewing these findings, an overview of BESiDE'S continuing work and methods planned for assessing the accessibility within older peoples' care environments is discussed.
Mosaic
Authors: Hiyama Atsushi , Kobayashi Masatomo , Takagi Hironobu , Hirose Michitaka
Published: September 2014

The demographic ratio of people over 65 in Japan passed 25% in 2013. Although there are countless challenges posed by an aging population, they can be overcome by harnessing the relatively increasing vitality and productivity of senior citizens. We are studying and developing an information technology (IT) platform called the "Senior Cloud" for a hyper-aged society. The Senior Cloud innovates by proposing a novel social model that leverages the power of senior citizens. Maintaining relationships with the surrounding community is an important factor for improving the quality of life of the elderly. Working at an occupation is one of the simplest ways to sustain social relationships. However, after retirement it is often difficult for senior citizens to find suitable full-time jobs. Their preferable post-retirement working style may be part-time or working online, situations in which they are often less restricted by the working hours or locations. To realize the less-restricted working style of elderly, we introduce mosaic-type working styles that combine the skills of elderly people to form a single "virtual worker". We consider the combination in terms of the temporal, spatial, and skill dimensions.
Opinions of people
Authors: Basu Anirban , Vaidya Jaideep , Corena Juan Camilo , Kiyomoto Shinsaku , Marsh Stephen , Guo Guibing , Zhang Jie , Miyake Yutaka
Published: September 2014

The growth of online social networks has seen the utilisation of these network graphs for the purpose of providing recommendations. Automated recommendations, however, do not take into account inter-personal trust levels that exist in a social network. In this article, we propose a privacy-preserving trusted social feedback (TSF) scheme where users can obtain feedback on questions from their friends whom they trust. We show that the concept can be extended to the domain of crowdsourcing -- the trusted crowdsourcing (TCS) scheme. In crowdsourcing, instead of asking friends, one can solicit opinions from experts in the crowd through a privacy preserving trusted feedback mechanism. Our proposal supports categorical answers as well as single-valued numerical answers. We evaluate our proposals in a number of ways: based on a prototype implementation built atop the Google App Engine, we illustrate the performance of the trusted social feedback. In addition, we present a user study to measure the impact that our trusted social feedback proposal has on users' perception of privacy and on foreground trust. We also present another user study to capture a model for user acceptance testing of the trusted crowdsourcing.
Hlaallele Detection Using Molecular Techniques
Authors: Dyer Philip A. , Jawaheeri Damini , Allier Bill , Poulton Kay , Sinnott Paul , Thomson Wendy
Published: September 2014

There are now many molecular biological techniques available to define HLA class I and class II alleles. Some of these are also applicable to other human polymorphic genes, in particular to those non‐HLA genes encoded within the Mhc. The range of techniques available allows laboratories to choose those most suited to their purpose. The routine laboratory supporting solid organ transplants will need to type large numbers of potential recipients over a period of time, probably using PCR‐SSOP while donors will be typed singly and rapidly using PCR‐SSP with HLA allele compatibility determined by heteroduplex analysis. Laboratories supporting bone marrow transplantation, where time is less pressing, can choose from the whole range of techniques to determine accurately donor recipient Mhc compatibility. For disease studies, techniques defining precise HLA allele sequence polymorphisms are needed and high sample numbers have to be accommodated. When an association is established allele sequencing has to be used. In the near future, the precise role of HLA alleles in transplantation and disease susceptibility is likely to be established unambiguously.
PCR Expression Analysis Of the Estrogeninducible Gene Bcei in Gastrointestinal and Other Human Tumors
Authors: Wundrack Iris , Müllenbach Roman , Welter Cornelius , Seitz Gerhard , Blin Nikolaus
Published: September 2014

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to test for tumor cell specific expression of the BCEI gene. This new marker gene, reported at first for human breast cancer, was found specifically active in various gastrointestinal carcinomas by previously applying immunohistochemistry and RNA (Northern blot) analysis. Presently, by using reverse transcription ‐PCR analysis, a series of primary tumor tissues and established tumor cell lines were testcd for BCEI transcription. This approach was compared to immunostaining achieved by an antibody directed against the BCEI gene’s product. The result demonstrate the superior sensitivity of PCR by indicating the gene’ s expression in cases where immunohistochemical testing remained negative.
Cytokine Receptor Expression in Human Lymphoid Tissue: Analysis by Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Zola Heddy , Ridings Jodie , Weedon Helen , Fusco Michael , Byard Roger W. , Macardle Peter J.
Published: September 2014

A highl y‐sen sitile tlourescence method, capable of detecting cytokine receptors present at low concentrations (around I DO molecules per cell) by flow cytometry, was adapted for use on tissue sections. This method was used to examine the expression of several cytokine receptors in lymphoid ti ss ues. lL‐2 receptors were distributed broadly, with higher concentrations in T cell areas. lL‐1 receptor Type I was detected in T cell areas and in the follicular mantle, and was strongly expressed on vasc ular endothelium. IL‐6 receptor was found at very low concentration, both within and outside germinal centres. The gp 130 molecule, which is involved in the functional receptor complex for IL‐6 and several other cytokines, was present at higher concentrations, particularly in the germinal centre. Analysis of receptor expression in secondary lymphoid tissue provides evidence bearing on the physiological roles of cytokines, as these tissues contain cells at various stages of physiological activation located in well‐defined functional zones.
Increased Sensitivity of DMD Lymphoblastoid Cell To Low Doses of X‐Irradiation
Authors: Melchiorri L. , Carturan S. , Ferrari D. , Di Virgilio F. , Baricordi O. R.
Published: September 2014

Several cell membrane abnormalities affecting various cell populations have been reported in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by different investigators. In peripheral blood lymphocytes intrinsic cellular membrane defect evidentiated by impairment of capping capacities has been repeatedly obtained, suggesting that DMD product could act in such cellular phenotype at the cytoskeletal compartment. It has been previously reported that lymphoid cells are characterized by high radiosensitivity. On the assumption that DMD phenotypes could increase this susceptibility, we have compared the radiosensitivity of normal and DMD lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) to small doses (0‐2Gy) of x‐irradiation. The results obtained suggest an increased sensitivity of DMD cells without Ca++ uptake or apoptotic phenomena, associated with an effect upon cell cycle length.
Runtime Instrumentation of SystemC/TLM2 Interfaces for Fault Tolerance Requirements Verification in Software Cosimulation
Authors: da Silva Antonio , Parra Pablo , Polo Óscar R. , Sánchez Sebastián
Published: September 2014

This paper presents the design of a SystemC transaction level modelling wrapping library that can be used for the assertion of system properties, protocol compliance, or fault injection. The library uses C++ virtual table hooks as a dynamic binary instrumentation technique to inline wrappers in the TLM2 transaction path. This technique can be applied after the elaboration phase and needs neither source code modifications nor recompilation of the top level SystemC modules. The proposed technique has been successfully applied to the robustness verification of the on-board boot software of the Instrument Control Unit of the Solar Orbiter’s Energetic Particle Detector.
Acute Abdomen Resulting from Concurrent Thrombosis of Celiac Trunk and Superior Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Bayrak Savaş , Bektas Hasan , Duzkoylu Yigit , Guneyi Ayhan , Cakar Ekrem
Published: September 2014

Mesenteric ischemia is one of the most mortal diseases of the gastrointestinal system causing acute abdomen. In most of the patients, the etiological factor is the obstructive embolism or thrombosis of superior mesenteric artery. In the literature, there have been reports regarding also celiac trunk occlusion in rare situations. The gold standard treatment relies on early diagnosis. The originality of our report relies on the concurrent obstruction of both vascular structures.
Prepapillary Vascular Loops Complicated by Suspected Macroaneurysm Rupture
Authors: Akaiwa Kei , Mitamura Yoshinori , Katome Takashi , Semba Kentaro , Egawa Mariko , Naito Takeshi
Published: September 2014

We present a case of prepapillary vascular loops complicated by a suspected macroaneurysm rupture which was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB). A 62-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and myodesopsia in her left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.6 in the left eye. Fundus examination disclosed an elevated, round, and reddish lesion, retinal hemorrhage at the superior aspect of the optic disc, retinal opacification along the superior branch retinal artery, and a small vitreous hemorrhage. Optical coherence tomography showed a serous retinal detachment, and indocyanine green angiography demonstrated prepapillary vascular loops and a hypofluorescent area with hyperfluorescent margins. These findings suggested the presence of a macroaneurysm. No filling of the dye in the aneurysm-like dilatation suggested a blockage of the lumen with a thrombus which might be associated with a branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). A diagnosis of prepapillary vascular loops complicated by a suspected macroaneurysm rupture and BRAO was made. Because of a persistent serous retinal detachment, IVB was performed. One month later, the BCVA improved to 1.0. Fundus examination disclosed an organized yellowish-white macroaneurysm and resolution of the serous retinal detachment. We recommend careful monitoring of patients with prepapillary vascular loops because of complications such as macroaneurysm rupture and BRAO.
P-RANSAC: An Integrity Monitoring Approach for GNSS Signal Degraded Scenario
Authors: Castaldo Gaetano , Angrisano Antonio , Gaglione Salvatore , Troisi Salvatore
Published: September 2014

Satellite navigation is critical in signal-degraded environments where signals are corrupted and GNSS systems do not guarantee an accurate and continuous positioning. In particular measurements in urban scenario are strongly affected by gross errors, degrading navigation solution; hence a quality check on the measurements, defined as RAIM, is important. Classical RAIM techniques work properly in case of single outlier but have to be modified to take into account the simultaneous presence of multiple outliers. This work is focused on the implementation of random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, developed for computer vision tasks, in the GNSS context. This method is capable of detecting multiple satellite failures; it calculates position solutions based on subsets of four satellites and compares them with the pseudoranges of all the satellites not contributing to the solution. In this work, a modification to the original RANSAC method is proposed and an analysis of its performance is conducted, processing data collected in a static test.