bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TgPL2, a patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein, is involved in the maintenance of apicoplast lipids homeostasis in Toxoplasma
Authors: Lévêque Maude F. , Berry Laurence , Yamaryo‐Botté Yoshiki , Nguyen Hoa Mai , Galera Marine , Botté Cyrille Y. , Besteiro Sébastien
Published: April 2017

Patatin‐like phospholipases are involved in numerous cellular functions, including lipid metabolism and membranes remodeling. The patatin‐like catalytic domain, whose phospholipase activity relies on a serine‐aspartate dyad and an anion binding box, is widely spread among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We describe TgPL2, a novel patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein from the parasitic protist Toxoplasma gondii. TgPL2 is a large protein, in which the key motifs for enzymatic activity are conserved in the patatin‐like domain. Using immunofluorescence assays and immunoelectron microscopy analysis, we have shown that TgPL2 localizes to the apicoplast, a non‐photosynthetic plastid found in most apicomplexan parasites. This plastid hosts several important biosynthetic pathways, which makes it an attractive organelle for identifying new potential drug targets. We thus addressed TgPL2 function by generating a conditional knockdown mutant and demonstrated it has an essential contribution for maintaining the integrity of the plastid. In absence of TgPL2, the organelle is rapidly lost and remaining apicoplasts appear enlarged, with an abnormal accumulation of membranous structures, suggesting a defect in lipids homeostasis. More precisely, analyses of lipid content upon TgPL2 depletion suggest this protein is important for maintaining levels of apicoplast‐generated fatty acids, and also regulating phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine levels in the parasite.
Academic voice: On feminism, presence, and objectivity in writing
Authors: Mitchell Kim M.
Published: April 2017

Academic voice is an oft‐discussed, yet variably defined concept, and confusion exists over its meaning, evaluation, and interpretation. This paper will explore perspectives on academic voice and counterarguments to the positivist origins of objectivity in academic writing. While many epistemological and methodological perspectives exist, the feminist literature on voice is explored here as the contrary position. From the feminist perspective, voice is a socially constructed concept that cannot be separated from the experiences, emotions, and identity of the writer and, thus, constitutes a reflection of an author's way of knowing. A case study of how author presence can enhance meaning in text is included. Subjective experience is imperative to a practice involving human interaction. Nursing practice, our intimate involvement in patient's lives, and the nature of our research are not value free. A view is presented that a visible presence of an author in academic writing is relevant to the nursing discipline. The continued valuing of an objective, colorless academic voice has consequences for student writers and the faculty who teach them. Thus, a strategically used multivoiced writing style is warranted.
Alteration in important quality traits and antioxidant activities in Brassica oleracea with Ogura cybrid cytoplasm
Authors: Dey Shyam S. , Bhatia Reeta , Parkash Chander , Sharma Saharsh , Dabral Manish , Mishra Vibha , Bhardwaj Ila , Sharma Komal , Sharma Vinod Kumar , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2017

In vegetable brassicas, cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system is the most preferred mechanism for hybrid seed production and Ogura cybrid cytoplasm is the only source used widely. Effects of the alien cybrid cytoplasm on important quality traits need to be understood for their effective use in breeding programme. In analysing 38 Ogura cybrid cytoplasm‐based cauliflower CMS lines, it was revealed that introgression of Ogura cytoplasm resulted in significant alteration in important quality traits. Cupric reducing antioxidant activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma values were increased up to 5–10 times in different genotypes. Among 38 analysed CMS lines, concentration of plant pigments such as anthocyanin, total chlorophylls and ascorbic acid was reduced in 21, 17 and 32 genotypes, respectively. However, the concentration of total carotenoids and β‐carotene was elevated in most of the CMS lines and total carotenoid was increased up to 20 times in the CMS line, Ogu13‐85‐2A. The results indicate the role of nuclear–cytoplasmic interaction and mitochondrial genome in determining concentration of different quality traits.
Critical discourse analysis of social justice in nursing's foundational documents
Authors: Valderama‐Wallace Claire P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Social inequities threaten the health of the global population. A superficial acknowledgement of social justice by nursing's foundational documents may limit the degree to which nurses view injustice as relevant to nursing practice and education. The purpose was to examine conceptualizations of social justice and connections to broader contexts in the most recent editions.

Design

Critical discourse analysis examines and uncovers dynamics related to power, language, and inequality within the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics, Scope and Standards of Practice, and Social Policy Statement.

Results

This analysis found ongoing inconsistencies in conceptualizations of social justice. Although the Code of Ethics integrates concepts related to social justice far more than the other two, tension between professionalism and social change emerges. The discourse of professionalism renders interrelated cultural, social, economic, historical, and political contexts nearly invisible.

Conclusion

Greater consistency would provide a clearer path for nurses to mobilize and engage in the courageous work necessary to address social injustice. These findings also call for an examination of how nurses can critique and use the power and privilege of professionalism to amplify the connection between social institutions and health equity in nursing education, practice, and policy development.
Closure and Epistemic Modals
Authors: Bledin Justin , Lando Tamar
Published: April 2017

According to a popular closure principle for epistemic justification, if one is justified in believing each of the premises in set Φ and one comes to believe thatψon the basis of competently deducingψfrom Φ—while retaining justified beliefs in the premises—then one is justified in believing thatψ. This principle isprima faciecompelling; it seems to capture the sense in which competent deduction is an epistemically secure means to extend belief. However, even the single‐premise version of this closure principle is in conflict with certain seemingly good inferences involving the epistemic possibility modal ♢. According to other compelling principles concerning competent deduction and epistemic justification, one can competently infer ¬♢φfrom ¬φin deliberation even though there are cases in which one can justifiably believe ¬φbut would be unjustified in believing ¬♢φ. Thus, as we argue, philosophers must choose between unrestricted closure for justification and the validity of these other principles.
Origins and evolution of innate lymphoid cells: Wardens of barrier immunity
Authors: Neill D. R. , Flynn R. J.
Published: April 2017

The identification, in the late 2000s, of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as a new class of non‐B, non‐T lymphocytes has led to global efforts to understand their functions, plasticity and evolutionary origins and to define their place within the leucocyte family. Although this work has uncovered striking similarities in the developmental cues, lineage‐specific transcription factors and functional capacities of innate and adaptive lymphocytes, it has become clear that ILCs play a unique and defining role as stewards of barrier defence and that this sets them apart from their adaptive cousins. This review will explore how the dynamic environment of barrier surfaces has shaped ILC evolution and functionality. We highlight the critical importance of the microbiome and the unique role of ILCs as environmental sensors. We reflect on how these factors may have influenced the development of ILC2s and barrier immunity in the context of exposure to helminth parasites that have been driving forces of our evolution throughout human history. Finally, we argue that the plasticity of ILC function reflects their role as first responders to environmental change.
Interaction of an antecedent fluvial system with early normal fault growth: Implications for syn‐rift stratigraphy, western Corinth rift (Greece)
Authors: Hemelsdaël Romain , Ford Mary , Malartre Fabrice , Gawthorpe Rob
Published: April 2017

Continental ‘overfilled’ conditions during rift initiation are conventionally explained as due to low creation of accommodation compared with sediment supply. Alternatively, sediment supply can be relatively high from the onset of rifting due to an antecedent drainage system. The alluvial Lower Group of the western Plio–Pleistocene Corinth rift is used to investigate the interaction of fluvial sedimentation with early rifting. This rift was obliquely superimposed on the Hellenide mountain belt from which it inherited a significant palaeorelief. Detailed sedimentary logging and mapping of the well‐exposed syn‐rift succession document the facies distributions, palaeocurrents and stratigraphic architecture. Magnetostratigraphy and biostratigraphy are used to date and correlate the alluvial succession across and between fault blocks. From 3·2 to 1·8 Ma, a transverse low sinuosity braided river system flowed north/north‐east to east across east–west‐striking active fault blocks (4 to 7 km in width). Deposits evolved downstream from coarse alluvial conglomerates to fine‐grained lacustrine deposits over 15 to 30 km. The length scale of facies belts is much greater than, and thus not directly controlled by, the width of the fault blocks. At its termination, the distributive river system built small, stacked deltas into a shallow lake margin. The presence of a major antecedent drainage system is supported by: (i) a single major sediment entry point; (ii) persistence of a main channel belt axis; (iii) downstream fining at the scale of the rift basin. The zones of maximum subsidence on individual faults are aligned with the persistent fluvial axis, suggesting that sediment supply influenced normal fault growth. Instead of low accommodation rate during the early rift phase, this study proposes that facies progradation can be controlled by continuous and high sediment supply from antecedent rivers.
Meeting the Reproductive Health Needs of Female Key Populations Affected by HIV in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Ippoliti Nicole B. , Nanda Geeta , Wilcher Rose
Published: April 2017

Female sex workers and other women at high risk of acquiring HIV have the right to sexual and reproductive health, including the right to determine the number and timing of pregnancies. We conducted a literature review to examine the data that exist regarding the family planning and reproductive health needs of female key populations, the underlying determinants of these populations’ vulnerability to poor reproductive health outcomes, and the obstacles they face in accessing high‐quality reproductive health services. Findings indicate that female key populations experience high rates of unmet need for family planning and safer conception services, unintended pregnancies, sexual violence, and abortion, and that they practice inconsistent condom use. Restrictive policy environments, stigma and discrimination in health care settings, gender inequality, and economic marginalization restrict access to services and undermine the ability to safely achieve reproductive intentions. We offer recommendations for structural, health system, community, and individual‐level interventions that can mitigate the effects of these barriers and improve reproductive health outcomes.
Rates of Return to Four‐Year University Education: An Application of Regression Discontinuity Design
Authors: Fan Elliott , Meng Xin , Wei Zhichao , Zhao Guochang
Published: April 2017

It is invariably difficult to estimate the rate of return to university education, because of the problem of omitted variable bias. Using a regression discontinuity design, we estimate the effect of a four‐year university education on earnings, and we explore the pathways through which the effect operates. Our estimation exploits the centralized, score‐based college/university admission system in China, where the minimum scores required for university admission are externally determined by the provincial governments. Our findings suggest that being eligible for four‐year university admission implies a sizable increase in earnings. The payoff can be attributed to the prolonged length of education and improvements in education quality, although the quality effects cannot be precisely estimated.
Carriers of Change and Continuity: New Restaurants in Amsterdam
Authors: Terhorst Pieter , Erkuş‐Öztürk Hilal
Published: April 2017

This paper analyses new firm formation in the Amsterdam restaurant industry, on the basis of an in‐depth research of 37 new restaurants, through the lens of the theory of evolutionary economic geography. The findings show that restaurateur‐chefs largely replicate the kitchen of their parent firms whereas restaurateur‐managers can more easily switch to a different type of kitchen. It means that replication of individual knowledge and skills are more important than replication of routines. Restaurateurs who came from other related industries did not bring something special from their former jobs in their restaurants. In addition, new restaurants benefit differently from extra‐firm relations (with respect to attracting capital, monitoring other restaurants, finding chefs and cooks, relations with suppliers and media) during their start‐up process and thereafter. Those extra‐firm relations are found at the local, national, and global scale.
Routine Yoga Practice Impacts Whole Body Protein Utilization in Healthy Women
Authors: Colletto Megan , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: April 2017

Whole body protein utilization (WBPU), which includes flux (Q), protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB), and whole body protein balance (WBPB), provides insight regarding muscle mass, a criterion for sarcopenia. To characterize yoga’s impact on WBPU, body composition and functional measures in healthy (50–65 years) women. WBPU and functional measures were compared between women who routinely practiced yoga (YOGA; n = 7) and nonactive counterparts (CON; n = 8). Q (0.61 ± 0.06 vs. 0.78 ± 0.07, p = .04), PS (3.07 ± 0.37 vs. 4.17 ± 0.40, p = .03), PB (2.59 ± 0.48 vs. 3.80 ± 0.48, p = .05) were lower, and lean body mass higher (64 ± 1 vs. 58 ± 2%, p ≤ .01) for YOGA vs. CON, respectively. WBPB and functional measures were similar. Routine yoga practice influenced WBPU in healthy older women. Study findings are novel and provide a basis for future investigations evaluating long-term benefits of yoga as an alternative mode of exercise for maintaining muscle mass in support of active aging.
Effect of Physical Activity Intervention in Prediabetes: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Jadhav Radhika Aditya , Hazari Animesh , Monterio Ashma , Kumar Sampath , Maiya Arun G.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Prediabetes is a strong risk factor for the development of Type2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Modification in lifestyle plays an important role to avoid the prognosis of T2DM and its complications in future. The aim of our study was to focus on the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) intervention program on different outcome measures in individuals with prediabetes. The effort of the present review was to contribute to the existing literature by strengthening the evidence pointing toward the positive impact of physical activity in individuals with prediabetes.

Methods:

Studies have been identified through database like PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials have been included. Nineteen articles have been selected for the qualitative analysis and 08 for meta-analysis.

Results:

PA intervention showed a favorable effect on improving oral glucose tolerance (Risk ratio [RR] –0.26, 95% CI –0.06 to 0.07) and fasting blood sugar (RR –0.05, 95% CI –0.14 to 0.04). It also showed the favorable effect on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and body composition.

Conclusion:

Present review suggests that the PA promotion and participation can help to slow down the progression of disease in individuals with prediabetes and thus reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with T2DM.
Effectiveness of a Home-Based Eccentric-Exercise Program on the Torque-Angle Relationship of the Shoulder External Rotators: A Pilot Study
Authors: Uhl Timothy L. , Rice Thomas , Papotto Brianna , Butterfield Timothy A.
Published: April 2017

Context:

The role of the rotator cuff is to provide dynamic stability to the glenohumeral joint. Human and animal studies have identified sarcomerogenesis as an outcome of eccentric training indicated by more torque generation with the muscle in a lengthened position.

Objective:

The authors hypothesized that a home-based eccentric-exercise program could increase the shoulder external rotators’ eccentric strength at terminal internal rotation (IR).

Design:

Prospective case series.

Setting:

Clinical laboratory and home exercising.

Participants:

10 healthy subjects (age 30 ± 10 y).

Intervention:

All participants performed 2 eccentric exercises targeting the posterior shoulder for 6 wk using a home-based intervention program using side-lying external rotation (ER) and horizontal abduction.

Main Outcome Measures:

Dynamic eccentric shoulder strength measured at 60°/s through a 100° arc divided into 4 equal 25° arcs (ER 50–25°, ER 25–0°, IR 0–25°, IR 25–50°) to measure angular impulse to represent the work performed. In addition, isometric shoulder ER was measured at 5 points throughout the arc of motion (45° IR, 30° IR, 15° IR, 0°, and 15° ER). Comparison of isometric and dynamic strength from pre- to posttesting was evaluated with a repeated-measure ANOVA using time and arc or positions as within factors.

Results:

The isometric force measures revealed no significant differences between the 5 positions (P = .56). Analysis of the dynamic eccentric data revealed a significant difference between arcs (P = .02). The percentage-change score of the arc of IR 25–50° was found to be significantly greater than that of the arc of IR 0–25° (P = .007).

Conclusion:

After eccentric training the only arc of motion that had a positive improvement in the capacity to absorb eccentric loads was the arc of motion that represented eccentric contractions at the longest muscle length.
Long-term stabilisation of myeloma with curcumin
Authors: Zaidi Abbas , Lai Maggie , Cavenagh Jamie
Published: April 2017

Myeloma is a haematological malignancy which typically follows a relapsing-remitting course. While treatment can control the myeloma and improve quality of life for given periods of time, remissions generally become progressively shorter with subsequent relapses, and patients ultimately enter a final refractory phase. To help control symptoms and enhance quality of life, some patients use complementary therapies as an adjunct to their conventional therapy. Here, we describe a myeloma patient who started a daily dietary supplement of curcumin when approaching her third relapse. In the absence of further antimyeloma treatment, the patient plateaued and has remained stable for the last 5 years with good quality of life.
Baryogenesis and dark matter in U(1) extensions
Authors: Feng Wan-Zhe , Nath Pran
Published: April 2017

A brief review is given of some recent works where baryogenesis and dark matter have a common origin within the U(1) extensions of the Standard Model (SM) and of the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). The models considered generate the desired baryon asymmetry and the dark matter to baryon ratio. In one model, all of the fundamental interactions do not violate lepton number, and the total [Formula: see text] in the Universe vanishes. In addition, one may also generate a normal hierarchy of neutrino masses and mixings in conformity with the current data. Specifically, one can accommodate [Formula: see text] consistent with the data from Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment.
Spectral signatures of charge transfer in assemblies of molecularly-linked plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Lerch Sarah , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: April 2017

Self-assembly of functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) provides a unique class of nanomaterials for exploring and utilizing quantum-plasmonic effects that occur if the interparticle separation between NPs approaches a few nanometers and below. We review recent theoretical and experimental studies of plasmon coupling in self-assembled NP structures that contain molecular linkers between the NPs. Charge transfer through the interparticle gap of an NP dimer results in a significant blue-shift of the bonding dipolar plasmon (BDP) mode relative to classical electromagnetic predictions, and gives rise to new coupled plasmon modes, the so-called charge transfer plasmon (CTP) modes. The blue-shift of the plasmon spectrum is accompanied by a weakening of the electromagnetic field in the gap of the NPs. Due to an optical far-field signature that is sensitive to charge transfer across the gap, plasmonic molecules represent a sensor platform for detecting and characterizing gap conductivity in an optical fashion and for characterizing the role of molecules in facilitating the charge transfer across the gap.
Effect of Zr on the microstructures and mechanical properties of as-extruded Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–xZr alloys
Authors: Wang Yufan , Zhang Yingbo , Gao Wei
Published: April 2017

The microstructures and mechanical properties of as-extruded Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–[Formula: see text]Zr ([Formula: see text] = 0.03, 0.06 and 0.13 at.%) alloys and aged Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–0.13Zr alloy were studied. The results revealed that the microstructures of as-extruded Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–[Formula: see text]Zr alloys are typical bimodal structures. The coarse [Formula: see text]-Mg grains are surrounded by fine dynamically recrystallized [Formula: see text]-Mg grains. The average size of [Formula: see text]-Mg grains decreases with increasing Zr content. Moreover, the addition of Zr (at.%) can improve the mechanical properties of alloy. The as-extruded Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–0.13Zr alloy has the best mechanical properties with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) of 346 MPa and 292 MPa, respectively, and an elongation of 26.7%, which can be attributed to the grain refining effect and precipitate strengthening. The UTS and elongation of Mg–2.3Zn–0.18Y–0.13Zr alloy changed slightly after aging treatment, but the YS increases remarkably, with the maximum increase of 30 MPa. The fracture surfaces of all alloys consist of many tearing ridges and dimples.
The solidification and precipitation behaviors of AE42 magnesium alloy
Authors: Liao Huimin , Yang Gang , Zeng Ming , Wang Xiaoli
Published: April 2017

The solidification and precipitation behaviors of AE42 magnesium at different quenching temperatures were studied. The results showed that the liquid–solid transition temperature range of AE42 alloy was from 630[Formula: see text]C to 590[Formula: see text]C. Precipitation of two kinds of rare earth compounds during solidification had been found. One was Al2RE phase at 616[Formula: see text]C. The other was Al[Formula: see text]RE3 phase at 604[Formula: see text]C. The solidification path of AE42 alloy was L [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-Mg [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-Mg+Al2RE [Formula: see text] Al2RE+[Formula: see text]-Mg+Al[Formula: see text]RE3.
Theoretical construction of weak topological crystalline insulators
Authors: Zhu Qing-Li , Hua Liang , Shen Ji-Mei
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the discovery of topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) in three-dimensional materials such as Pb[Formula: see text]Sn[Formula: see text]Se(Te), the classification of topological insulators has been extended to other discrete symmetry classes such as crystal point group symmetries. In this paper, we construct and study a simple model of weak TCIs, which will serve as a more viable project in the experimental probe for such new type of topological phases.
Theoretical explanation of spin-Hamiltonian parameters and local structure for the orthorhombic MnO42− clusters in K2SO4:Mn6+ crystal
Authors: Wang Ning , Xie Linhua , Tu Chao
Published: April 2017

In this paper, based on the double-spin–orbit-coupling model, the third-order perturbation formulas of the crystal field (CF) mechanism and the charge-transfer (CT) mechanism, the spin-Hamiltonian parameters ([Formula: see text] factors: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and hyperfine structure constants [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and the optical spectra of K2SO4:Mn[Formula: see text] crystal are theoretically explained. The contributions of the CF mechanism and the CT mechanism to the spin-Hamiltonian parameters are calculated and compared, and the results show that the contribution of the CT mechanism cannot be ignored when calculating the spin-Hamiltonian parameters of crystals doped with Mn[Formula: see text] ions. Meanwhile, the local structure of the impurity ions in the crystal is studied and the CF parameters of the crystal are acquired.
Training a Feed-Forward Neural Network Using Particle Swarm Optimizer with Autonomous Groups for Sonar Target Classification
Authors: Mosavi M. R. , Khishe M.
Published: April 2017

Feed-Forward Neural Networks (FFNNs), as one of the wide-spreading Artificial NNs, has been used to solve many practical problems such as classification of the sonar dataset. Improper selection of the training method, which is an important part of the design process, results in slow convergence rate, entrapment in local minima, and sensitivity to initial conditions. To overcome these issues, the recently proposed method known as “Particle Swarm Optimizer with Autonomous Groups (AGPSO)” has been used in this paper. It is known that the FNNs are very sensitive to the problem’s dimension, so clearly applying it to a dataset with large dimension results in poor performance. However, the combination of FNN and AGPSO solves this problem because of the ability of AGPSO in the optimization of high dimension problems. To evaluate the performance of the proposed classifier, it is applied to other datasets and the results are compared to the standard PSO, modified PSO (IPSO), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) and Gray Wolf Optimizer (GWO). Simulation results show that the AGPSO classifier provides better performance in terms of convergence speed, entrapment in local minima and classification accuracy compared to the other algorithms.
An Efficient Method to Generate Test Data for Software Structural Testing Using Artificial Bee Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Aghdam Zohreh Karimi , Arasteh Bahman
Published: April 2017

Software testing is a process for determining the quality of software system. Many small and medium-sized software projects can be manually tested. Nevertheless, due to the widespread extension of software in large-scale projects, testing them will be highly time consuming and costly. Hence, automated software testing (AST) is considered to be as a solution which can ease and simplify heavy and cumbersome tasks involved in software testing. For AST, certain data are needed through which the quality of systems can be evaluated. In this paper, an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm was used for solving the issue of test data generation and branch coverage criterion was used as a fitness function for optimizing the proposed solutions. For doing comparisons, seven well-known and traditional programs in the literature were used as benchmarks. The experimental results indicate that our method, on average, outperforms simulated annealing, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and ant colony optimization based on the following four criteria: 99.99% average branch coverage, 99.94% success rate, 3.59 average convergence generation and 0.18[Formula: see text]ms average execution time.
The binary systems associated with short and long gamma-ray bursts and their detectability
Authors: Rueda Jorge A. , Aimuratov Y. , de Almeida U. Barres , Becerra L. , Bianco C. L. , Cherubini C. , Filippi S. , Karlica M. , Kovacevic M. , Fuksman J. D. Melon , Moradi R. , Muccino M. , Penacchioni A. V. , Pisani G. B. , Primorac D. , Ruffini R. , Sahakyan N. , Shakeri S. , Wang Y.
Published: April 2017

Short and long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been recently sub-classified into seven families according to the binary nature of their progenitors. For short GRBs, mergers of neutron star binaries (NS–NS) or neutron star-black hole binaries (NS-BH) are proposed. For long GRBs, the induced gravitational collapse (IGC) paradigm proposes a tight binary system composed of a carbon–oxygen core (CO[Formula: see text]) and a NS companion. The explosion of the CO[Formula: see text] as supernova (SN) triggers a hypercritical accretion process onto the NS companion which might reach the critical mass for the gravitational collapse to a BH. Thus, this process can lead either to a NS-BH or to NS–NS depending on whether or not the accretion is sufficient to induce the collapse of the NS into a BH. We shall discuss for the above compact object binaries: (1) the role of the NS structure and the equation-of-state on their final fate; (2) their occurrence rates as inferred from the X and gamma-ray observations; (3) the expected number of detections of their gravitational wave (GW) emission by the Advanced LIGO interferometer.
Entanglement of 0p-, 1s0d- and 1p0f-shell nucleon pairs
Authors: Kwaśniewicz Edward , Kurzyk Dariusz
Published: April 2017

The entanglement of pure states of the [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-shell nucleon pairs has been studied. The von Neumann entropy of the partial density matrix has been employed to quantify the entanglement of the [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-shell nucleon pairs. The Slater decomposition theorem has been used to verify if any pure state of a nucleon pair is an entangled state. Results of calculations have evidenced that a dominant part of the isospin [Formula: see text] proton–neutron states of the [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-shell nucleon pairs, respectively, are strongly entangled. It is shown that the calculated data are a source of valuable information on the spin quantum numbers of the entangled protons from two-proton decay.
Spin and pseudospin symmetries and their breaking mechanisms in antinucleon spectrum
Authors: Sun Ming , Li Dong-Peng , Chen Shou-Wan , Guo Jian-You
Published: April 2017

We explore the origins and breaking mechanisms of the spin and pseudospin symmetries for the antinucleon spectrum by the use of the similarity renormalization group, which transforms the Dirac Hamiltonian into a diagonal form and decomposes it into several independent components. By comparing the contribution of every component to the spin and pseudospin splittings, it is found that the energy splitting of spin doublets is dominated by the spin-orbit coupling while the pseudospin breaking comes mainly from these contributions of the nonrelativistic term and the dynamical term. In addition, the dependencies of the spin and pseudospin symmetries on the shape of the potential and the quantum numbers of the doublets are clarified.
An Advanced Active Vision System with Multimodal Visual Odometry Perception for Humanoid Robots
Authors: Wang Xin , Jonker Pieter
Published: April 2017

Using active vision to perceive surroundings instead of just passively receiving information, humans develop the ability to explore unknown environments. Humanoid robot active vision research has already half a century history. It covers comprehensive research areas and plenty of studies have been done. Nowadays, the new trend is to use a stereo setup or a Kinect with neck movements to realize active vision. However, human perception is a combination of eye and neck movements. This paper presents an advanced active vision system that works in a similar way as human vision. The main contributions are: a design of a set of controllers that mimic eye and neck movements, including saccade eye movements, pursuit eye movements, vestibulo-ocular reflex eye movements and vergence eye movements; an adaptive selection mechanism based on properties of objects to automatically choose an optimal tracking algorithm; a novel Multimodal Visual Odometry Perception method that combines stereopsis and convergence to enable robots to perform both precise action in action space and scene exploration in personal space. Experimental results prove the effectiveness and robustness of our system. Besides, the system works in real-time constraints with low-cost cameras and motors, providing an affordable solution for industrial applications.
Surface Estimation ICP Algorithm for Building a 3D Map by a Scanning LRF
Authors: Hwang Yoseop , Lee Jangmyung
Published: April 2017

A new three-dimensional (3D) map building method based on Laser Range Finder (LRF) has been proposed in this research, performing a surface estimation with the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. While a mobile robot is navigating in an unknown environment, the entire environment cannot be scanned by LRF since kinematic features of the mobile robot and surface conditions are dynamically changing. To resolve this difficulty in building a 3D map while the mobile robot is navigating, a surface estimation ICP algorithm is proposed, which is based on the continuity of the environment around mobile robot. That is, this new algorithm recovers the un-scanned area by estimating feature points in the neighboring two regions based on the continuous environment information. The effectiveness of proposed algorithm has been demonstrated through real experiments of the mobile robot navigation.
ICCM2016: Implementation of the Parareal Algorithm to Optimize Nanoparticle Transport in Porous Media Simulations
Authors: Waghmare Akhil , Seshaiyer Padmanabhan
Published: April 2017

This research study aims to conduct the analysis and implementation of efficient algorithms for simulations of micro and nanoparticle transport models in porous media, coupled with the Darcy–Forchheimer fluid model, modified to include electromagnetic effects. The schemes developed were implemented via a parallel infrastructure for benchmark problems with a flexible algorithm that is efficient, robust, and stable. These improvements in the reliability and efficiency of simulations of nanoparticle transport in porous media contribute to the creation of an efficient method to counteract the contaminants in groundwater, and ultimately increase the availability of clean drinking water.
Key Success Factors Positively Affecting Organizational Performance of Academic Spin-Offs
Authors: Poponi Stefano , Braccini Alessio Maria , Ruggieri Alessandro
Published: April 2017

Universities create academic spin-offs (ASOs) as a strategy to market innovations produced through research. By their nature, ASOs are exposed to risky endeavors and often fail in achieving an adequate level of performance. In this paper, we focus on performance generation in ASOS. By way of a literature review, we contribute with the identification of nine factors associated with positive performance in ASOS: championed start-up, heterogeneity of founders’ skills, access to funding, environmental wealth, networking capital, relative size, trustworthiness, innovativeness and motivation for venturing. The paper describes and discusses the performance factors and suggests implications for research to further study performance in ASOS.
Knowledge Sharing in Innovation Ecosystems: A Focus on Functional Food Industry
Authors: Amitrano Cristina C. , Coppola Mariarosaria , Tregua Marco , Bifulco Francesco
Published: April 2017

This research investigated knowledge-based activities and outcomes in an innovation context, which is in line with recent contributions on ecosystems. The interactions that shape an innovation ecosystem are addressed to improve knowledge through sharing; this phenomenon was analyzed in-depth by focusing on a cross-industry, namely the Functional Food industry. Through a qualitative approach of the top firms in the UK regarding how they depict the innovation processes, the role of knowledge is described. The results are useful in illustrating how the openness of the approach adopted by firms leads to emphasizing the orientation towards knowledge sharing due to both new products and specific initiatives.
A minimal realization for affine control systems on connected Lie groups
Authors: Hansen A. Kara , Sutlu S. Selcuk
Published: April 2017

In this work, we study minimal realization problem for an affine control system [Formula: see text] on a connected Lie group [Formula: see text]. We construct a minimal realization by using a canonical projection and by characterizing indistinguishable points of the system.
Towards an Integrated Environmental Compensation Scheme in Spain: Linking Biodiversity and Carbon Offsets
Authors: Enríquez-de-Salamanca Álvaro , Martín-Aranda Rosa M. , Diaz-Sierra Ruben
Published: April 2017

Biodiversity offsets and carbon markets are both environmental compensation schemes, which have much in common despite their different origins and development. They need active markets to succeed with actual offer and demand, which are currently practically non-existent in Spain. The inclusion of land use and forestry activities in greenhouse gas accounting could encourage carbon sinks, stimulating the development of carbon markets. Conservation banking was incorporated into Spanish legislation in the 2013 Environmental Assessment Act, as a tool for biodiversity offsets, but the current situation is hindering its development. Combining carbon and biodiversity offsets in a global compensation scheme would provide great opportunities: ecologically, creating and protecting habitats and species; socially, creating employment and deriving financial resources to rural areas; climatically, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration levels; and politically, contributing to the compliance of GHG emission targets. Conservation banking is an appropriate candidate for this integration in Spain, as long as it is regulated flexibly, and different bank models are allowed that are able to integrate forest and agriculture production, conservation and compensation.
ASYMPTOTICS OF BOND YIELDS AND VOLATILITIES FOR EXTENDED VASICEK MODELS UNDER THE REAL-WORLD MEASURE
Authors: FERGUSSON K.
Published: April 2017

Vasicek's short rate model is a mean reverting model of the short rate which permits closed-form pricing formulae of zero coupon bonds and options on zero coupon bonds. This paper supplies proofs which are valid for any single factor mean reverting Gaussian short rate model having time-inhomogeneous parameters. The formulae are for the expected present value of payoffs under the real-world probability measure, known as actuarial pricing. Importantly, we give formulae for asymptotic levels of bond yields and volatilities for extended Vasicek models when suitable conditions are imposed on the model parameters.
Anticorrosion Coatings Based on Zinc Phosphate and Zinc Molybdate Nanoparticles
Authors: Jalilov Almaz S. , Marella Pooja , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: April 2017

Zinc phosphate, and zinc molybdate nanoparticles were prepared from inverse microemulsions of inorganic salts stabilized by a mixture of nonionic and ionic surfactants in cyclohexane. The optimal ratios of surfactants to inorganic salts were found experimentally. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. These nanoparticles were then mixed to epoxy formulations, which were applied to steel coupons. After accelerated aging, the electrochemical characteristics of the corrosion were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The nanoparticles increase the corrosion resistance of the coating, indicating that the use of zinc phosphate and zinc molybdate nanoparticles offer a promising route for the mitigation of steel corrosion.
Adaptive Inference for the Bivariate Mean Function in Functional Data
Authors: Ivanescu Andrada E.
Published: April 2017

Inference methods are proposed for the bivariate mean function of a continuous stochastic process with a two-dimensional domain. Nonparametric bivariate estimation is facilitated by thresholded projection estimators. Estimators adapt to the sparsity of the bivariate function. Oracle inequality results are developed to describe the adaptive inference methods. The construction of nonparametric bivariate confidence bands is presented. Implementation results show the applicability of the methods in practice.
The sulfilimine cross-link of collagen IV contributes to kidney tubular basement membrane stiffness
Authors: Bhave Gautam , Colon Selene , Ferrell Nicholas
Published: April 2017

Basement membranes (BMs), a specialized form of extracellular matrix, underlie nearly all cell layers and provide structural support for tissues and interact with cell surface receptors to determine cell behavior. Both macromolecular composition and stiffness of the BM influence cell-BM interactions. Collagen IV is a major constituent of the BM that forms an extensively cross-linked oligomeric network. Its deficiency leads to BM mechanical instability, as observed with glomerular BM in Alport syndrome. These findings have led to the hypothesis that collagen IV and its cross-links determine BM stiffness. A sulfilimine bond (S = N) between a methionine sulfur and a lysine nitrogen cross-links collagen IV and is formed by the matrix enzyme peroxidasin. In peroxidasin knockout mice with reduced collagen IV sulfilimine cross-links, we find a reduction in renal tubular BM stiffness. Thus this work provides the first direct experimental evidence that collagen IV sulfilimine cross-links contribute to BM mechanical properties and provides a foundation for future work on the relationship of BM mechanics to cell function in renal disease.
Numerical Simulation of Projectile Oblique Impact on Microspacecraft Structure
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Chi Runqiang , Pang Baojun , Guan Gongshun
Published: April 2017

In the present study, the microspacecraft bulkhead was reduced to the double honeycomb panel, and the projectile oblique hypervelocity impact on the double honeycomb panel was simulated. The distribution of the debris cloud and the damage of a honeycomb sandwich panel were investigated when the incident angles were set to be 60°, 45°, and 30°. The results showed that as incident angle decreased, the distribution of debris cloud was increased gradually, while the maximum perforation size of the rear face sheet was firstly increased with the decrease of the incident angle and then decreased. On the other hand, the damage area and the damage degree of the front face sheet of the second honeycomb panel layer were increased with the decrease of the incident angle. Finally, the critical angle of front and rear face sheets of the honeycomb sandwich panel was obtained under oblique hypervelocity impact.
Negative Correlation between miR-200c and Decorin Plays an Important Role in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Ren-Yi , Wang Zun , Chen Hong-Qi , Zhu Si-Bo
Published: April 2017

Aim. To demonstrate the regulatory role of miRNA in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and reveal the transcript markers that may be associated with CRC clinical outcomes. Method. Herein, we analyzed both mRNA and miRNA gene expression profiles of 255 CRC tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas project to reveal the regulatory association between miRNA and mRNA. Also, the potential role of gene coexpression network in CRC has been explored. Results. The negative correlation between miR-200c and DCN (Decorin) was calculated in CRC, indicating that DCN could be a potential target of miR-200c. Clinical features indicated that colon polyp history and overall survival were significantly related to the expression level of miR-200c. Three coexpression networks have been constructed, and genes involved in the networks are related to cell cycle, NOTCH, and mTOR signaling pathways. Conclusion. Our result provides a new insight into cancer related mRNA coexpression network in CRC research.
Bootstrap Order Determination for ARMA Models: A Comparison between Different Model Selection Criteria
Authors: Fenga Livio
Published: April 2017

The present paper deals with the order selection of models of the class for autoregressive moving average. A novel method—previously designed to enhance the selection capabilities of the Akaike Information Criterion and successfully tested—is now extended to the other three popular selectors commonly used by both theoretical statisticians and practitioners. They are the final prediction error, the Bayesian information criterion, and the Hannan-Quinn information criterion which are employed in conjunction with a semiparametric bootstrap scheme of the type sieve.
Comparison of Fecal Calprotectin Methods for Predicting Relapse of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kittanakom Saranya , Shajib Md. Sharif , Garvie Kristine , Turner Joceline , Brooks Dan , Odeh Sufian , Issenman Robert , Chetty V. Tony , Macri Joseph , Khan Waliul I.
Published: April 2017

Background.Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is on the rise worldwide. Endoscopies are necessary for IBD assessment but are invasive, expensive, and inconvenient. Recently, fecal calprotectin (FCal) was proposed as a noninvasive and specific marker of gut inflammation. We evaluated the analytical performance of three FCal assays and their clinical performance in predicting relapse in pediatric IBD.Methods.This study used 40 pediatric IBD and 40 random non-IBD patients’ fecal samples. Two automated ELISAs (Bühlmann and PhiCal® Calprotectin-EIA) and an EliA (Phadia 250 EliA-Calprotectin) were used to evaluate the analytical performance. The clinical performance was assessed by PhiCal Calprotectin-EIA, EliA-Calprotectin, and Bühlmann immunochromatographic point-of-care test (POCT).Results.All assays displayed acceptable analytical performance below and above the medical decision cut-off [imprecision (CV < 10% intra-assay; <15% interassay); linearity (overall mean % deviation < 16.5%)]. The agreement with PhiCal Calprotectin-EIA was 100% and 78.6% for Bühlmann (95% CI, 87.5–100; Kappa: 1) and EliA-Calprotectin (95% CI, 60.5–89.8; Kappa: 0.32), respectively, and 63.6% between Bühlmann and EliA-Calprotectin (95% CI, 46.6–77.8; Kappa: 0.16). All assays evaluated had similar clinical performance [AUC: 0.84 (EliA-Calprotectin); 0.83 (POCT and PhiCal Calprotectin-EIA)].Conclusion.FCal levels determined using the same method and assay together with clinical history would be a noninvasive and useful tool in monitoring pediatric IBD.
Subacute Hypophysitis with Panhypopituitarism as First Presentation of HIV and Syphilis Coinfection
Authors: Alves Rute , França Margarida
Published: April 2017

Infection by Treponema pallidum still represents a clinical challenge due to its various forms of presentation. HIV coinfection added diversity and changed the natural history of syphilis as a systemic infection. We present a rare case of subacute hypophysitis and panhypopituitarism due to an early active neurosyphilis in a previously unknown HIV coinfected patient.