bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE THREAT EFFECT OF ACTIVE LABOR MARKET PROGRAMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Filges Trine , Hansen Anne Toft
Published: November 2015

This paper is a systematic review of the threat effect of active labor market programs for unemployed individuals. The threat effect is the induced change in the hazard rate of leaving unemployment prior to program participation. Studies included in the review all estimated a threat effect, with the participants in all cases being unemployed individuals in receipt of benefit of some kind during their tenure of unemployment. Eight of these studies have been included in a meta‐analysis: The meta‐analysis, which has been carried out using a random effects model to account for heterogeneity, indicated a hazard ratio of 1.25 for the pooled estimate. We conclude that active labor market programs constitute a statistically significant threat effect, although it is modest.
An adolescent with recurrent cough and vomiting
Authors: Verhulst Stijn L , Van de Vijver Els
Published: November 2015

See Answer
Facial rash in an infant
Authors: Schwieger‐Briel Agnes , Loeckermann Stefan
Published: November 2015

See Answer
Effects of Sweet Potato Feathery Mottle Virus and Sweet Potato Chlorotic Stunt Virus on the Yield of SweetPotato in Uganda
Authors: Adikini Scovia , Mukasa Settumba B. , Mwanga Robert O. M. , Gibson Richard W.
Published: November 2015

Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) are the most common viruses infecting sweetpotato in Uganda. Field plots planted with graft inoculated plants of virus‐free cultivars Beauregard, Dimbuka, Ejumula, Kabode and NASPOT 1 were used to assess the effect of SPFMV and SPCSV on yield and quality of sweetpotatoes in two agro‐ecologies. SPFMV spreads rapidly to control plots at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), and these plots had similar yields to those singly infected with SPFMV but at the National Semi Arid Resource Research Institute (NaSARRI) where SPFMV spreads slowly, plots infected with SPFMV yielded 40% less than the control. Recovery from SPFMV appeared to be more frequent at NaSARRI than at MUARIK. Infection by SPCSV alone resulted in yield losses of 14–52%, while mixed infections of SPFMV+SPCSV resulted in yield losses in both locations of 60–95% depending on the cultivar. SPCSV and mixed infections of SPFMV+SPCSV also reduced the number of roots formed as well as the diameter of the roots, resulting in a greater length to diameter ratio compared to the healthy control. This study, therefore, confirms that both SPFMV and SPCSV, both singly and when mixed, can reduce yield, the extent depending on the cultivar. To mitigate the effect of these viruses, farmers should use clean planting materials of resistant varieties.
Isolation of aWickerhamomyces anomalusyeast strain from the sandflyPhlebotomus perniciosus, displaying the killer phenotype
Authors: MARTIN E. , BONGIORNO G. , GIOVATI L. , MONTAGNA M. , CROTTI E. , DAMIANI C. , GRADONI L. , POLONELLI L. , RICCI I. , FAVIA G. , EPIS S.
Published: November 2015

The yeastWickerhamomyces anomalushas been studied for its wide biotechnological potential, mainly for applications in the food industry. Different strains ofW. anomalushave been isolated from diverse habitats and recently from insects, including mosquitoes of medical importance. This paper reports the isolation and phylogenetic characterization ofW. anomalusfrom laboratory‐reared adults and larvae ofPhlebotomus perniciosus(Diptera: Psychodidae), a main phlebotomine vector of human and canine leishmaniasis. Of 65 yeast strains isolated fromP. perniciosus, 15 strains were identified asW. anomalus; one of these was tested for the killer phenotype and demonstrated inhibitory activity against four yeast sensitive strains, as reported for mosquito‐isolated strains. The association betweenP. perniciosusandW. anomalusdeserves further investigation in order to explore the possibility that this yeast may exert inhibitory/killing activity againstLeishmaniaspp.
Oropharyngeal oxygen and volatile anesthetic agent concentration during the use of laryngeal mask airway in children
Authors: Hakim Mumin , Krishna Senthil G. , Syed Ahsan , Lind Meredith , Elmaraghy Charles , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: November 2015

Background

The laryngeal mask airway is increasingly used as an airway adjunct during general anesthesia. Although placement is generally simpler than an endotracheal tube, complete sealing of the airway may not occur, resulting in contamination of the oropharynx with anesthetic gases. Oropharyngeal oxygen enrichment may be one of the contributing factors predisposing to an airway fire during adenotonsillectomy. The current study prospectively assesses the oropharyngeal oxygen and volatile anesthetic agent concentration during laryngeal mask airway use in infants and children.

Methods

Following the induction of general anesthesia and placement of a laryngeal mask airway, the oropharyngeal gas sample was obtained by placing a 14‐gauge catheter attached to the gas sampling tube into the oropharynx above the laryngeal mask airway. The oropharyngeal concentration of the oxygen and the anesthetic agent were recorded for five breaths during both spontaneous ventilation (SV) and positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

Results

The study included 238 patients. The oropharyngeal concentration of sevoflurane was >50% of the inspired sevoflurane concentration during SV in 10 of 238 (4.2%) patients and during PPV in 135 of 238 (56.7%) patients. Similarly, during SV and PPV, the oropharyngeal oxygen concentration was >21% in 30 of 238 (12.6%) patients and in 188 of 238 (79%) patients, respectively. Significantly, we also noticed that the oropharyngeal oxygen concentration exceeded 50% in 5 of 238 (2.1%) patients during SV and in 139 of 238 patients (58.4%) patients during PPV.

Conclusions

With the use of a laryngeal mask airway and the administration of 100% oxygen, there was significant contamination of the oropharynx during both PPV and SV. The oropharyngeal concentration of oxygen was high enough to support combustion in a significant number of patients. The use of a laryngeal mask airway does not ensure sealing of the airway and may be one risk factor for an airway fire during adenotonsillectomy.
Dissection of the genetic architecture for grain quality‐related traits in three RIL populations of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Liu Na , Ku Lixia , Tian Zhiqiang , Shi Yong , Guo Shulei , Su Huihui , Zhang Liangkun , Ren Zhenzhen , Li Guohui , Wang Xiaobo , Zhu Yuguang , Qi Jianshuang , Zhang Xin , Chen Yanhui
Published: November 2015

To manipulate the composition of the maize kernel to meet future needs, an understanding of the molecular regulation of kernel quality‐related traits is required. In this study, the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the concentrations of grain protein, starch and oil were identified using three sets of RIL populations in three environments. The genetic maps and the initial QTL were integrated using meta‐analyses. A total of 38 QTL were identified, including 15 in population 1, 12 in population 2 and 11 in population 3. The individual effects ranged from 2.87% to 13.11% of the phenotypic variation, with seven QTL each contributing over 10%. One common QTL was found for the concentrations of grain protein and starch in bin 3.09 in the three environments and the three RIL populations. Of the 38 initial QTL, 22 were integrated into eight mQTL by meta‐analysis. mQTL3 and mQTL8 of the key mQTL in which the initial QTL displayed R2 > 10% included six and three initial QTL for grain protein and starch concentrations from two or three populations, respectively. These results will provide useful information for marker‐assisted selection to improve the quality of the maize kernel.
Daytime and nighttime wind differentially affects hydraulic properties and thigmomorphogenic response of poplar saplings
Authors: Huang Ping , Wan Xianchong , Lieffers Victor J.
Published: November 2015

This study tested how wind in daytime and nighttime affects hydraulic properties and thigmomorphogenic response of poplar saplings. It shows that wind in daytime interrupted water balance of poplar plants by aggravating cavitation in the stem xylem under high xylem tension in the daytime, reducing water potential in midday and hence reducing gas exchange, including stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation. The wind blowing in daytime significantly reduced plant growth, including height, diameter, leaf size, leaf area, root and whole biomass, whereas wind blowing in nighttime only caused a reduction in radial and height growth at the early stage compared with the control but decreased height:diameter ratios. In summary, the interaction between wind loading and xylem tension exerted a negative impact on water balance, gas exchanges and growth of poplar plants, and wind in nighttime caused only a
small thigmomorphogenic response.
The influence of metabolic and circulatory heterogeneity on the expression of pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics in humans
Authors: Keir Daniel A. , Robertson Taylor C. , Benson Alan P. , Rossiter Harry B. , Kowalchuk John M.
Published: November 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The finding that pulmonary oxygen uptake () kinetics on transition to moderate exercise is invariant and exponential is consistent with a first‐order reaction controlling . However, slowed kinetics when initiating exercise from raised baseline intensities challenges this notion.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Here, we demonstrate how a first‐order system can respond with non‐first‐order response dynamics. Data suggest that progressive recruitment of muscle fibre populations having progressively lower mitochondrial density and slower microvascular blood flow kinetics can unify the seemingly contradictory evidence for the control of on transition to exercise.

We examined the relationship amongst baseline work rate (WR), phase II pulmonary oxygen uptake () time constant () and functional gain during moderate‐intensity exercise. Transitions were initiated from a constant or variable baseline WR. A validated circulatory model was used to examine the role of heterogeneity in muscle metabolism () and blood flow () in determining kinetics. We hypothesized that and GP would be invariant in the constant baseline condition but would increase linearly with increased baseline WR. Fourteen men completed three to five repetitions of ∆40 W step transitions initiated from 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 W on a cycle ergometer. The ∆40 W step transitions from 60, 80, 100 and 120 W were preceded by 6 min of 20 W cycling, from which the progressive ΔWR transitions (constant baseline condition) were examined. The was measured breath by breath using mass spectrometry and a volume turbine. For a given ΔWR, both (22–35 s) and GP (8.7–10.5 ml min−1 W−1) increased (P < 0.05) linearly as a function of baseline WR (20–120 W). The was invariant (P < 0.05) in transitions initiated from 20 W, but GP increased with ΔWR (P < 0.05). Modelling the summed influence of multiple muscle compartments revealed that could appear fast (24 s), and similar to in vivo measurements (22 ± 6 s), despite being derived from values with a range of 15–40 s and with a range of 20–45 s, suggesting that within the moderate‐intensity domain phase II kinetics are slowed dependent on the pretransition WR and are strongly influenced by muscle metabolic and circulatory heterogeneity.
1.5 nm fabrication of test patterns for characterization of metrological systems
Authors: Babin Sergey , Calafiore Giuseppe , Peroz Christophe , Conley Raymond , Bouet Nathalie , Cabrini Stefano , Chan Elaine , Lacey Ian , McKinney Wayne R. , Yashchuk Valeriy V. , Vladar Andras E.
Published: November 2015

Any metrology tool is only as good as it is calibrated. The characterization of metrology systems requires test patterns at a scale about ten times smaller than the measured features. The fabrication of patterns with linewidths down to 1.5 nm is described. The test sample was designed in such a way that the distribution of linewidths appears to be random at any location. This pseudorandom test pattern is used to characterize dimensional metrology equipment over its entire dynamic range by extracting the modulation transfer function of the system. The test pattern contains alternating lines of silicon and tungsten silicide, each according to its designed width. The fabricated test samples were imaged using a transmission electron microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and an atomic force microscope.
Level considerations for chimeric processing: Temporal envelope and fine structure contributions to speech intelligibility
Authors: Fogerty Daniel , Entwistle Jenine L.
Published: November 2015

Chimeric processing is used to assess the respective role of the acoustic temporal envelope (ENV) and the temporal fine structure (TFS) by adding noise to either component. An acoustic analysis demonstrates that adding noise to the ENV results in noise degradation of the ENV and overall signal attenuation, whereas adding noise to the TFS results in only noise degradation of the TFS. Young normal hearing adults were then tested using a modified chimeric strategy to maintain speech levels. Results partially confirm the primary role of the ENV in determining speech intelligibility but demonstrate significant TFS contributions during selective ENV masking.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium bovis Strain MbURU-001, Isolated from Fresh Bovine Infected Samples
Authors: Lasserre Moira , Berná Luisa , Greif Gonzalo , Díaz-Viraqué Florencia , Iraola Gregorio , Naya Hugo , Castro-Ramos Miguel , Juambeltz Arturo , Robello Carlos
Published: November 2015

Bovine tuberculosis in cattle has a high incidence in Uruguay, where it is considered a disease of national importance. We present the genome sequence of
Mycobacterium bovis
strain MbURU-001, isolated from pectoral lymph nodes of a bovine host from a cattle farm.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methanosphaerula palustris E1-9C
T
, a Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen Isolated from a Minerotrophic Fen Peatland
Authors: Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby , Browne Patrick , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , Goodwin Lynne , Detter Chris , Yavitt Joseph B. , Zinder Stephen H.
Published: November 2015

Here, we report the complete genome sequence (2.92 Mb) of
Methanosphaerula palustris
E1-9C
T
, a methanogen isolated from a minerotrophic fen. This is the first genome report of the
Methanosphaerula
genus, within the
Methanoregulaceae
family, in the
Methanomicrobiales
order. E1-9C
T
relatives are found in a wide range of ecological and geographical settings.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Campylobacter ureolyticus Clinical Isolate RIGS 9880
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma , On Stephen L. W. , Andersen Leif P. , Bono James L.
Published: November 2015

The emerging pathogen
Campylobacter ureolyticus
has been isolated from human and animal genital infections, human periodontal disease, domestic and food animals, and from cases of human gastroenteritis. We report the whole-genome sequence of the human clinical isolate RIGS 9880, which is the first closed genome for
C. ureolyticus
.
Detecting 16S rRNA Methyltransferases in Enterobacteriaceae by Use of Arbekacin
Authors: McGann Patrick , Chahine Sarah , Okafor Darius , Ong Ana C. , Maybank Rosslyn , Kwak Yoon I. , Wilson Kerry , Zapor Michael , Lesho Emil , Hinkle Mary
Published: November 2015

16S rRNA methyltransferases confer resistance to most aminoglycosides, but discriminating their activity from that of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs) is challenging using phenotypic methods. We demonstrate that arbekacin, an aminoglycoside refractory to most AMEs, can rapidly detect 16S methyltransferase activity in
Enterobacteriaceae
with high specificity using the standard disk susceptibility test.
Accidental overdose in the deep shade of night: a warning on the assumed safety of ‘natural substances’
Authors: Chadwick Andrew , Ash Abigail , Day James , Borthwick Mark
Published: November 2015

There is an increasing use of herbal remedies and medicines, with a commonly held belief that natural substances are safe. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman who was a trained herbalist and had purchased an ‘Atropa belladonna(deadly nightshade) preparation’. Attempting to combat her insomnia, late one evening she deliberately ingested a small portion of this, approximately 50 mL. Unintentionally, this was equivalent to a very large (15 mg) dose of atropine and she presented in an acute anticholinergic syndrome (confused, tachycardic and hypertensive) to our accident and emergency department. She received supportive management in our intensive treatment unit including mechanical ventilation. Fortunately, there were no long-term sequelae from this episode. However, this dramatic clinical presentation does highlight the potential dangers posed by herbal remedies. Furthermore, this case provides clinicians with an important insight into potentially dangerous products available legally within the UK. To help clinicians’ understanding of this our discussion explains the manufacture and ‘dosing’ of theA. belladonnapreparation.
The impact of meeting locations for men having sex with men on the risk for bacterial sexually transmitted infections: analyses from a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Marcus U , an der Heiden M , Gassowski M , Kruspe M , Drewes J
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Opportunities for men having sex with men (MSM) to meet each other have very much improved by new communication technologies. Meeting venue-based characteristics can impact how many partners are met and how much sexual risk is taken. We analysed the association between physical and virtual venues and the risk for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (bSTIs) among participants in an MSM online survey.

Methods

Data were collected during 2013/2014 with a survey targeting MSM living in Germany. The impact of the meeting place with the last non-steady anal sex partner on diagnosis with a bSTI in the previous year was analysed using bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, taking into account self-reported HIV status, serostatus communication, condom use, partner number, age and city size.

Results

The study sample consisted of 8878 respondents (7799 not diagnosed with HIV; 1079 diagnosed with HIV). Meeting partners online was most common (62% HIV−/51% HIV+), followed by sex venues (11% HIV−/25% HIV+); other venues were each reported by 2–6% of the respondents. Venue-dependent proportions reporting bSTIs in the recent year were 2–4 folds higher among men diagnosed with HIV. In multivariate analysis, HIV status was the strongest predictor for bSTIs (OR=5.0; 95% CI 2.8 to 8.7). Compared with meeting partners online, sex (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.5) and social venues (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.6) were associated with increased bSTI risk for men not diagnosed with HIV, but the risk when meeting partners by smartphone apps was only of borderline significance (OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.9 to 2.3). For men diagnosed with HIV, bSTI risk increased for sex venues (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1), and was lower for non-gay/other venues (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5).

Conclusions

Venues are connected to social-behavioural facets of corresponding sexual encounters, and may be important arenas for differential HIV and STI education, treatment and prevention.
Evictions and suicide: a follow-up study of almost 22 000 Swedish households in the wake of the global financial crisis
Authors: Rojas Yerko , Stenberg Sten-Åke
Published: November 2015

Background

Millions of families across the world are evicted every year. However, very little is known about the impact that eviction has on their lives. This lack of knowledge is also starting to be noticed within the suicidological literature, and prominent scholars are arguing that there is an urgent need to explore the extent to which suicides may be considered a plausible consequence of being faced with eviction.

Method

The present study's sample consists of all persons served with an application for execution of an eviction order during 2009–2012. This group is compared to a random 10% sample of the general Swedish population, ages 16 years and over. The analysis is based on penalised maximum likelihood logistic regressions.

Results

Those who had lost their legal right to their dwellings and for whom the landlord had applied for the eviction to be executed were approximately four times more likely to commit suicide than those who had not been exposed to this experience (OR=4.42), controlling for several demographic, socioeconomic and mental health conditions prior to the date of the judicial decision.

Conclusions

Home evictions have a significant and detrimental impact on individuals’ risk of committing suicide, even when several other well-known suicidogenic risk factors are controlled for. Our results reinforce the importance of ongoing attempts to remove the issue of evictions from its status as a hidden and neglected social problem.
Clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapy and outcome of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs
Authors: Corsini M. , Geissbühler U. , Howard J. , Gottstein B. , Spreng D. , Frey C. F.
Published: November 2015

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a parasitic disease primarily of the liver caused by the larval stage ofEchinococcus multilocularis, is highly endemic in Switzerland. In contrast to well‐established management protocols in people, little is known with regard to optimal treatment strategies in dogs. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs and diagnostic procedures in dogs with AE and to evaluate outcome following medical treatment alone or surgery and medical treatment. Of 23 putative AE cases between 2004 and 2014, 20 were classified as confirmed (n=18) or probable (n=2) AE, based on abdominal ultrasound, serology, cytology, histology and/or PCR. Most dogs presented with abdominal distension in an advanced stage of disease. Dogs receiving specific treatment (radical or debulking surgery together with medical treatment, or medical treatment alone) survived longer than dogs left untreated, but no difference was found between treatment types. Survival at one year was associated with absence of free abdominal fluid, absence of abdominal distension and treatment of any type. However, dogs treated with debulking surgery all faced relapse. Findings of this study suggest that in AE‐affected dogs for which a therapeutic approach is regarded appropriate by owners and veterinarians, radical surgical resection and medical treatment or, if total resection is not possible, medical treatment alone should be considered. However, studies on larger numbers of dogs are necessary before definitive treatment recommendations can be made.
Evaluation of structural responses of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) using falling weight deflectometer
Authors: Choi Pangil , Kim Dong-Ho , Lee Bong-Hak , Won Moon C.
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study is to suggest reasonable structural evaluation method of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) using falling weight deflectometer (FWD). The effects of transverse crack spacing and temperature conditions were investigated in CRCP sections with various slab thicknesses and pavement ages. A total of 20 CRCP sections were selected throughout Texas and structural responses were evaluated from 2006 to 2013 for 8 testing years. Test results show that transverse crack spacing has little effect on deflection and load transfer efficiency (LTE). The LTE values were maintained at above 90%, regardless of crack spacing, temperature condition or pavement age. Temperature variations had small effects on deflections at cracks and the mid-slab, but almost no effects on LTE. Maximum deflections and back-calculated k-values appear to be better indicators of structural condition of CRCP than LTE. Load transfer efficiency is not the best indicator of structural condition of transverse cracks in CRCP. Deficiencies in slab support are the primary cause of full-depth distresses in Texas, and back-calculated k-values, which combine both a maximum deflection and the shape of deflection bowl from FWD testing, may be a better indicator of the structural condition of CRCP.
Another look at delineation of uniform pavement sections based on falling weight deflectometer deflections data
Authors: Haider Syed Waqar , Varma Sudhir
Published: November 2015

The large amount of data commonly used to characterize the pavement surface and structural conditions offer a challenge to practitioners making decisions about the representative value of a particular parameter for design. While a large number of observations along the length of a road allow a better quantification of the expected value and variance of a parameter, basing a design on an average parameter along the project length will typically be uneconomical and less reliable. Therefore, pavement surface and structural condition data along a project length needs to be delineated into uniform sections. The design can be performed individually for each of these uniform sections to achieve economy without compromising reliability level. This paper documents delineation methods that explicitly address the problem of segmentation of measurement series obtained from Falling weight deflectometer deflections. Modifications in the existing American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) delineation procedure were incorporated to address the mean differences and the local variability. The results of delineation show that the AASHTO methodology ignores the local variations along the project length which may not be valid from a practical standpoint while designing rehabilitation or preservation strategies. The inclusion of restrictions on mean difference and section length resulted in better delineation than the AASHTO method but it could be sensitive to local variations of the deflections within a section. The delineation approach can handle the local deflection variations within a section if appropriate constraints on the local variations are imposed. The results from the delineation of field deflections showed that the restrictions on mean difference, minimum section length, and location variability are vital to delineate the project length into appropriate homogenous sections which can be different from each other from both statistical and practical viewpoints.
Vulnerability Measures of Transformation Graph Gxy+
Authors: Aytaç Aysun , Turaci Tufan
Published: November 2015

Several factors have to be taken into account in the design of large interconnection networks. Optimal design is important both to achieve good performance and to reduce the cost of construction and maintenance. Practical communication networks are exposed to failures of network components. Failures between nodes and connections happen and it is desirable that a network is robust in the sense that a limited number of failures does not break down the whole system. Robustness of the network topology is a key aspect in the design of computer networks. A variety of measures have been proposed in the literature to quantify the robustness of networks and a number of graph-theoretic parameters have been used to derive formulas for calculating network reliability. In this paper, we study the vulnerability of interconnection networks to the failure of individual nodes, using a graph-theoretic concept of domination and strong-weak domination numbers of the transformation graph Gxy+ as a measure of network robustness.
Nanomachining analysis of a multi-cracked atomic force microscope cantilever based on a modified couple stress theory
Authors: Chang Win-Jin , Yang Yu-Ching , Lee Haw-Long
Published: November 2015

The vibration analysis of an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever with an arbitrary number of cracks during the nanomachining process is studied based on the modified couple stress theory. The cantilever with [Formula: see text] cracks is divided into [Formula: see text] segments by the cracks and a rotational spring is used to simulate each crack. An analytical expression for the vibration frequency and displacement of the cracked cantilever is derived. According to the analysis, in addition, the displacement increases with an increase in the number of cracks and crack flexibilities. For nanomachining, the displacement of the cantilever tip is related to the depth of cut. The area under the displacement-time curve implies the material removal rate. The present study is useful for the design of an AFM-based nanomachining cantilever with cracks.
Chomsky Hierarchy Control on Isotonic Array P Systems
Authors: Sureshkumar Williams , Rama Raghavan
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose a new regulated evolution in P systems with isotonic arrays and isotonic array rules. The regulated language will be a language of Chomsky hierarchy. This model generates interesting pictures for a given regulated language. The generative capacity is explored.
Mode Analysis During Program Development
Authors: Marakakis Emmanouil , Kondylakis Haridimos
Published: November 2015

Mode analysis in logic programs has been used mainly for code optimization. The mode analysis in this paper supports the program construction process. It is applied to partially complete logic programs. The program construction process is based on schema refinements and refinements by data type operations. Refinements by data type operations are at the end of the refinement process. This mode analysis supports the proper application of refinements by data type operations. In addition, it checks that the declared modes as defined by the Data Type (DT) operations are consistent with the inferred runtime modes. We have implemented an algorithm for mode analysis based on minimal function graphs. An overview of our logic program development method and the denotational semantics of the analysis framework are presented in this paper.
Elliptic associators and the LMO functor
Authors: Katsir Ronen
Published: November 2015

The elliptic associator of Enriquez can be used to define an invariant of tangles embedded in the thickened torus, which extends the Kontsevich integral. This construction by Humbert uses the formulation of categories with elliptic structures. In this work we show that an extension of the LMO functor also leads to an elliptic structure on the category of Jacobi diagrams which is used by the Kontsevich integral, and find the relation between the two structures. We use this relation to give an alternative proof for the properties of the elliptic associator of Enriquez. Those results can lead the way to finding associators for higher genera.
Can Customer Expectations be Measured in Real Time?
Authors: Hsieh Yen-Hao , Yuan Soe-Tsyr
Published: November 2015

Customer expectation has been an important issue across different academic fields. Customer expectation management enables service providers to provide customers with suitable services in order to achieve high customer satisfaction especially in real-time dynamic service contexts. Understanding actual customer expectations is the primary step before managing customer expectations. However, to our knowledge, there is no research investigating how to measure real-time customer expectations during service delivery. Hence, this study proposes a customer expectation measurement mechanism and evaluates its feasibility and reliability through simulations. Simulation results show that the proposed mechanism offers researchers and service providers a feasible approach to measuring and managing real-time customer expectations at service encounters for building satisfactory customer experiences.
Topology Optimization Using Node-Based Smoothed Finite Element Method
Authors: He Z. C. , Zhang G. Y. , Deng L. , Li Eric , Liu G. R.
Published: November 2015

The node-based smoothed finite element method (NS-FEM) proposed recently has shown very good properties in solid mechanics, such as providing much better gradient solutions. In this paper, the topology optimization design of the continuum structures under static load is formulated on the basis of NS-FEM. As the node-based smoothing domain is the sub-unit of assembling stiffness matrix in the NS-FEM, the relative density of node-based smoothing domains serves as design variables. In this formulation, the compliance minimization is considered as an objective function, and the topology optimization model is developed using the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) interpolation scheme. The topology optimization problem is then solved by the optimality criteria (OC) method. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method are illustrated with both 2D and 3D examples that are widely used in the topology optimization design.
Almost periodic solution of Nicholson’s blowflies difference equation with linear harvesting term
Authors: Yao Zhijian
Published: November 2015

This paper is concerned with Nicholson’s blowflies difference model with linear harvesting term. We obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of an almost periodic positive solution by using contraction mapping principle. The exponential convergence of almost periodic positive solution is derived by discrete Lyapunov functional.
On distance and distance Laplacian spectra of corona of two graphs
Authors: Paul Somnath
Published: November 2015

Corona of two graphs has been defined in [F. Harary, Graph Theory (Addison-Wesley, 1969)]. In this paper, we study the distance and the distance Laplacian spectra of corona of two graphs and describe the complete distance (distance Laplacian) spectrum for some particular cases. As an application, we show that the corona operation can be used to create distance singular graphs. We also show that these results enable us to construct infinitely many pairs of distance (respectively, distance Laplacian) cospectral graphs. Last, we give a graph transformation and discuss its effect on the distance Laplacian spectral radius.
Recent Development and Implications of China’s Monetary Policy
Authors: WAN Jing , XIE Na
Published: November 2015

The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to proactive fiscal and prudent monetary policies. Since 2014, the central bank has taken measures to loosen money supply as the economy faces growing downward pressure. The leadership strives to maintain modest growth while facilitating economic restructuring. For the central bank, besides maintaining an accommodating monetary environment, it is asked to achieve better credit allocation among sectors. Numerous new innovative policy tools have been experimented.
Combinations of differentiation markers distinguish subpopulations of alveolar epithelial cells in adult lung
Authors: Liebler Janice M. , Marconett Crystal N. , Juul Nicholas , Wang Hongjun , Liu Yixin , Flodby Per , Laird-Offringa Ite A. , Minoo Parviz , Zhou Beiyun
Published: November 2015

Distal lung epithelium is maintained by proliferation of alveolar type II (AT2) cells and, for some daughter AT2 cells, transdifferentiation into alveolar type I (AT1) cells. We investigated if subpopulations of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) exist that represent various stages in transdifferentiation from AT2 to AT1 cell phenotypes in normal adult lung and if they can be identified using combinations of cell-specific markers. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that, in distal rat and mouse lungs, ∼20–30% of NKX2.1+ (or thyroid transcription factor 1+) cells did not colocalize with pro-surfactant protein C (pro-SP-C), a highly specific AT2 cell marker. In distal rat lung, NKX2.1+ cells coexpressed either pro-SP-C or the AT1 cell marker homeodomain only protein x (HOPX). Not all HOPX+ cells colocalize with the AT1 cell marker aquaporin 5 (AQP5), and some AQP5+ cells were NKX2.1+. HOPX was expressed earlier than AQP5 during transdifferentiation in rat AEC primary culture, with robust expression of both by day 7. We speculate that NKX2.1 and pro-SP-C colocalize in AT2 cells, NKX2.1 and HOPX or AQP5 colocalize in intermediate or transitional cells, and HOPX and AQP5 are expressed without NKX2.1 in AT1 cells. These findings suggest marked heterogeneity among cells previously identified as exclusively AT1 or AT2 cells, implying the presence of subpopulations of intermediate or transitional AEC in normal adult lung.
Reactive oxygen species: players in the cardiovascular effects of testosterone
Authors: Tostes Rita C. , Carneiro Fernando S. , Carvalho Maria Helena C. , Reckelhoff Jane F.
Published: November 2015

Androgens are essential for the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and sexual function and for overall health and well being. Testosterone, the predominant and most important androgen, not only affects the male reproductive system, but also influences the activity of many other organs. In the cardiovascular system, the actions of testosterone are still controversial, its effects ranging from protective to deleterious. While early studies showed that testosterone replacement therapy exerted beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, some recent safety studies point to a positive association between endogenous and supraphysiological levels of androgens/testosterone and cardiovascular disease risk. Among the possible mechanisms involved in the actions of testosterone on the cardiovascular system, indirect actions (changes in the lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, and hemostatic mechanisms, modulation of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), as well as direct actions (modulatory effects on proinflammatory enzymes, on the generation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide bioavailability, and on vasoconstrictor signaling pathways) have been reported. This mini-review focuses on evidence indicating that testosterone has prooxidative actions that may contribute to its deleterious actions in the cardiovascular system. The controversial effects of testosterone on ROS generation and oxidant status, both prooxidant and antioxidant, in the cardiovascular system and in cells and tissues of other systems are reviewed.
Human Achilles tendon glycation and function in diabetes
Authors: Couppé Christian , Svensson Rene Brüggebusch , Kongsgaard Mads , Kovanen Vuokko , Grosset Jean-Francois , Snorgaard Ole , Bencke Jesper , Larsen Jytte Overgaard , Bandholm Thomas , Christensen Tomas Møller , Boesen Anders , Helmark Ida Carøe , Aagaard Per , Kjaer Michael , Magnusson Stig Peter
Published: November 2015

Diabetic patients have an increased risk of foot ulcers, and glycation of collagen may increase tissue stiffness. We hypothesized that the level of glycemic control (glycation) may affect Achilles tendon stiffness, which can influence gait pattern. We therefore investigated the relationship between collagen glycation, Achilles tendon stiffness parameters, and plantar pressure in poorly ( n = 22) and well ( n = 22) controlled diabetic patients, including healthy age-matched (45–70 yr) controls ( n = 11). There were no differences in any of the outcome parameters (collagen cross-linking or tendon stiffness) between patients with well-controlled and poorly controlled diabetes. The overall effect of diabetes was explored by collapsing the diabetes groups (DB) compared with the controls. Skin collagen cross-linking lysylpyridinoline, hydroxylysylpyridinoline (136%, 80%, P < 0.01) and pentosidine concentrations (55%, P < 0.05) were markedly greater in DB. Furthermore, Achilles tendon material stiffness was higher in DB (54%, P < 0.01). Notably, DB also demonstrated higher forefoot/rearfoot peak-plantar-pressure ratio (33%, P < 0.01). Overall, Achilles tendon material stiffness and skin connective tissue cross-linking were greater in diabetic patients compared with controls. The higher foot pressure indicates that material stiffness of tendon and other tissue (e.g., skin and joint capsule) may influence foot gait. The difference in foot pressure distribution may contribute to the development of foot ulcers in diabetic patients.
Myriocin prevents muscle ceramide accumulation but not muscle fiber atrophy during short-term mechanical unloading
Authors: Salaun Erwann , Lefeuvre-Orfila Luz , Cavey Thibault , Martin Brice , Turlin Bruno , Ropert Martine , Loreal Olivier , Derbré Frédéric
Published: November 2015

Bedridden patients in intensive care unit or after surgery intervention commonly develop skeletal muscle weakness. The latter is promoted by a variety of prolonged hospitalization-associated conditions. Muscle disuse is the most ubiquitous and contributes to rapid skeletal muscle atrophy and progressive functional strength reduction. Disuse causes a reduction in fatty acid oxidation, leading to its accumulation in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that muscle fatty acid accumulation could stimulate ceramide synthesis and promote skeletal muscle weakness. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effects of sphingolipid metabolism on skeletal muscle atrophy induced by 7 days of disuse. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were treated with myriocin, an inhibitor of de novo synthesis of ceramides, and subjected to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 7 days. Soleus muscles were assayed for fiber diameter, ceramide levels, protein degradation, and apoptosis signaling. Serum and liver were removed to evaluate the potential hepatoxicity of myriocin treatment. We found that HU increases content of saturated C16:0 and C18:0 ceramides and decreases soleus muscle weight and fiber diameter. HU increased the level of polyubiquitinated proteins and induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle. Despite a prevention of C16:0 and C18:0 muscle accumulation, myriocin treatment did not prevent skeletal muscle atrophy and concomitant induction of apoptosis and proteolysis. Moreover, myriocin treatment increased serum transaminases and induced hepatocyte necrosis. These data highlight that inhibition of de novo synthesis of ceramides during immobilization is not an efficient strategy to prevent skeletal muscle atrophy and exerts adverse effects like hepatotoxicity.
Reducing Toxicity of Immune Therapy Using Aptamer-Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Gilboa Eli , Berezhnoy Alexey , Schrand Brett
Published: November 2015

Modulating the function of immune receptors with antibodies is ushering in a new era in cancer immunotherapy. With the notable exception of PD-1 blockade used as monotherapy, immune modulation can be associated with significant toxicities that are expected to escalate with the development of increasingly potent immune therapies. A general way to reduce toxicity is to target immune potentiating drugs to the tumor or immune cells of the patient. This Crossroads article discusses a new class of nucleic acid–based immune-modulatory drugs that are targeted to the tumor or to the immune system by conjugation to oligonucleotide aptamer ligands. Cell-free chemically synthesized short oligonucleotide aptamers represent a novel and emerging platform technology for generating ligands with desired specificity that offer exceptional versatility and feasibility in terms of development, manufacture, and conjugation to an oligonucleotide cargo. In proof-of-concept studies, aptamer ligands were used to target immune-modulatory siRNAs or aptamers to induce neoantigens in the tumor cells, limit costimulation to the tumor lesion, or enhance the persistence of vaccine-induced immunity. Using increasingly relevant murine models, the aptamer-targeted immune-modulatory drugs engendered protective antitumor immunity that was superior to that of current “gold-standard” therapies in terms of efficacy and lack of toxicity or reduced toxicity. To overcome immune exhaustion aptamer-targeted siRNA conjugates could be used to downregulate intracellular mediators of exhaustion that integrate signals from multiple inhibitory receptors. Recent advances in aptamer development and second-generation aptamer–drug conjugates suggest that we have only scratched the surface. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(11); 1195–200. ©2015 AACR.
ESCANEAMENTO 3D A LASER, FOTOGRAMETRIA E MODELAGEM DA INFORMAÇÃO DA CONSTRUÇÃO PARA GESTÃO E OPERAÇÃO DE EDIFICAÇÕES HISTÓRICAS
Authors: Dezen-Kempter Eloisa , Soibelman Lucio , Chen Meida , Müller Filho Alexandre Victor
Published: November 2015

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de integração de tecnologias de levantamento híbridas (escaneamento 3D a laser, fotogrametria) para a captura do estado real de uma edificação histórica do Campus da University of Southern California em Los Angeles visando a sua modelagem BIM. O estudo de caso é um edifício de dois andares, construído em 1964 em linguagem modernista, com estrutura metálica aparente, considerado patrimônio histórico recentemente. A escolha da abordagem híbrida pautou-se em critérios como: precisão dos dados levantados; nível de detalhe requerido para cada elemento do edifício; esforço para aquisição e pós-processamento dos dados; e acessibilidade ao elemento a ser capturado. Levando-se em conta os resultados obtidos, apresentamos a avaliação das ferramentas e estratégias empregadas para aquisição dos dados espaciais do edifício, em função dos seguintes critérios: escala, complexidade e alcance dos equipamentos. O modelo tridimensional em forma de nuvens de pontos gerado pela captura constitui a base para a criação de um modelo de informações de construção semanticamente orientado, ferramenta potencial para produzir um inventário abrangente que considere os requisitos de manutenção peculiares de edificações históricas. Esse artigo pretende contribuir para ampliar a discussão sobre a adoção de BIM na área de patrimônio histórico.
Examining Differences in Patterns of Sensory and Motor Recovery After Stroke With Robotics
Authors: Semrau Jennifer A. , Herter Troy M. , Scott Stephen H. , Dukelow Sean P.
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Developing a better understanding of the trajectory and timing of stroke recovery is critical for developing patient-centered rehabilitation approaches. Here, we quantified proprioceptive and motor deficits using robotic technology during the first 6 months post stroke to characterize timing and patterns in recovery. We also make comparisons of robotic assessments to traditional clinical measures.

Methods—

One hundred sixteen subjects with unilateral stroke were studied at 4 time points: 1, 6, 12, and 26 weeks post stroke. Subjects performed robotic assessments of proprioceptive (position sense and kinesthesia) and motor function (unilateral reaching task and bimanual object hit task), as well as several clinical measures (Functional Independence Measure, Purdue Pegboard, and Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment).

Results—

One week post stroke, many subjects displayed proprioceptive (48% position sense and 68% kinesthesia) and motor impairments (80% unilateral reaching and 85% bilateral movement). Interindividual recovery on robotic measures was highly variable. However, we characterized recovery as early (normal by 6 weeks post stroke), late (normal by 26 weeks post stroke), or incomplete (impaired at 26 weeks post stroke). Proprioceptive and motor recovery often followed different timelines. Across all time points, robotic measures were correlated with clinical measures.

Conclusions—

These results highlight the need for more sensitive, targeted identification of sensory and motor deficits to optimize rehabilitation after stroke. Furthermore, the trajectory of recovery for some individuals with mild to moderate stroke may be much longer than previously considered.
Enoch and The Fall of the Angels
Authors: Stone Michael E.
Published: November 2015

The present article proposes that Enoch’s status in Watchers and Parables is virtually angelic. It then goes on to compare the knowledge revealed to angelified Enoch with the teachings of the fallen angels in those two Enochic booklets. It becomes clear that the subjects taught by the Watchers are negative aspects of subjects apprehended by Enoch is his angelified state. Thus the status of the revealer determines what can be revealed.