bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid- to high-frequency noise from high-speed boats and its potential impacts on humpback dolphins
Authors: Li Songhai , Wu Haiping , Xu Youhou , Peng Chongwei , Fang Liang , Lin Mingli , Xing Luru , Zhang Peijun
Published: August 2015

The impact of noise made by vessels on marine animals has come under increased concern. However, most measurements on noise from vessels have only taken into account the low-frequency components. For cetaceans operating in the mid- and high-frequencies, such as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), mid- to high-frequency noise components may be of more concern, in terms of their potential impacts. In this study, noise made by a small high-speed boat was recorded using a broadband recording system in a dolphin watching area focusing on the effects on humpback dolphins in Sanniang Bay, China. The high-speed boat produced substantial mid- to high-frequency noise components with frequencies to >100 kHz, measured at three speeds: ∼40, 30, and 15 km/h. The noise from the boat raised the ambient noise levels from ∼5 to 47 decibels (dB) root-mean-square (rms) across frequency bands ranging from 1 to 125 kHz at a distance of 20 to 85 m, with louder levels recorded at higher speeds and at closer distances. To conclude, the noise produced by the small high-speed boat could be heard by Sousa chinensis and therefore potentially had adverse effects on the dolphins.
Using Fan Passion to Predict Attendance, Media Consumption, and Social Media Behaviors
Authors: Wakefield Kirk
Published: August 2015

Passion drives sport consumption, but we lack valid relevant measures of passion. The results of two studies provide evidence of a reliable and valid multiple-item passion scale that may be used in the study of sports-related consumption behavior. In Study 1 a multi-item fan passion scale was compared with established social identification fan classification scales to provide evidence of discriminant and predictive validity. Because the passion scale outperformed other relevant fan classification measures, in Study 2 the fan passion scale was compared with current single-item measurement practices employed by National Football League and Major League Baseball teams, and some academics, to classify fans. Findings confirmed the veracity of the multi-item passion measure over categorical and interval fan avidity measures used by leagues and syndicated research providers. Taken together, the studies validate an accurate measure of fan passion that may be used to segment and predict fan behaviors, including consumption of traditional media (television, radio, news, and the team’s website) and consumption of the team’s official social media outlets.
Cell type–specific glial networks
Authors: Stern Peter
Published: August 2015

Astrocytes are selective when they signal neurons and vice versa.
Ethanol and Isopropanol in Concentrations Present in Hand Sanitizers Sharply Reduce Excystation of Giardia and Entamoeba and Eliminate Oral Infectivity of Giardia Cysts in Gerbils
Authors: Chatterjee Aparajita , Bandini Giulia , Motari Edwin , Samuelson John
Published: August 2015

Enteric protozoan parasites, which are spread by the fecal-oral route, are important causes of diarrhea (
Giardia duodenalis
) and amebic dysentery (
Entamoeba histolytica
). Cyst walls of
Giardia
and
Entamoeba
have a single layer composed of fibrils of β-1,3-linked GalNAc and β-1,4-linked GlcNAc (chitin), respectively. The goal here was to determine whether hand sanitizers that contain ethanol or isopropanol as the active microbicide might reduce transmission of these parasites. We found that treatment with these alcohols with or without drying in a rotary evaporator (to model rapid evaporation of sanitizers on hands) kills 85 to 100% of cysts of
G. duodenalis
and 90 to 100% of cysts of
Entamoeba invadens
(a nonpathogenic model for
E. histolytica
), as shown by nuclear labeling with propidium iodide and failure to excyst
in vitro
. Alcohols with or without drying collapsed the cyst walls of
Giardia
but did not collapse the cyst walls of
Entamoeba
. To validate the
in vitro
results, we showed that treatment with alcohols eliminated oral infection of gerbils by 1,000
G. duodenalis
cysts, while a commercial hand sanitizer (Purell) killed
E. invadens
cysts that were directly applied to the hands. These results suggest that expanded use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers might reduce the transmission of
Giardia
and
Entamoeba
.
IMP-51, a Novel IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase with Increased Doripenem- and Meropenem-Hydrolyzing Activities, in a Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolate
Authors: Tada Tatsuya , Nhung Pham Hong , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Shimada Kayo , Phuong Doan Mai , Anh Nguyen Quoc , Ohmagari Norio , Kirikae Teruo
Published: August 2015

A meropenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolate was obtained from a patient in a medical setting in Hanoi, Vietnam. The isolate was found to have a novel IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase, IMP-51, which differed from IMP-7 by an amino acid substitution (Ser262Gly).
Escherichia coli
expressing
bla
IMP-51
showed greater resistance to cefoxitin, meropenem, and moxalactam than
E. coli
expressing
bla
IMP-7
. The amino acid residue at position 262 was located near the active site, proximal to the H263 Zn(II) ligand.
The Sulfolobus solfataricus GINS Complex Stimulates DNA Binding and Processive DNA Unwinding by Minichromosome Maintenance Helicase
Authors: Lang Shiwei , Huang Li
Published: August 2015

GINS is a key component of the eukaryotic Cdc45-minichromosome maintenance (MCM)-GINS (CMG) complex, which unwinds duplex DNA at the moving replication fork. Archaeal GINS complexes have been shown to stimulate the helicase activity of their cognate MCM mainly by elevating its ATPase activity. Here, we report that GINS from the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
(SsoGINS) is capable of DNA binding and binds preferentially to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) over double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Notably, SsoGINS binds more strongly to dsDNA with a 5′ ssDNA tail than to dsDNA with a 3′ tail and more strongly to an ssDNA fragment blocked at the 3′ end than to one at the 5′ end with a biotin-streptavidin (SA) complex, suggesting the ability of the protein complex to slide in a 5′-to-3′ direction along ssDNA. DNA-bound SsoGINS enhances DNA binding by SsoMCM. Furthermore, SsoGINS increases the helicase activity of SsoMCM. However, the ATPase activity of SsoMCM is not affected by SsoGINS. Our results suggest that SsoGINS facilitates processive DNA unwinding by SsoMCM by enhancing the binding of the helicase to DNA. We propose that SsoGINS stabilizes the interaction of SsoMCM with the replication fork and moves along with the helicase as the fork progresses.

IMPORTANCE
GINS is a key component of the eukaryotic Cdc45-MCM-GINS complex, a molecular motor that drives the unwinding of DNA in front of the replication fork.
Archaea
also encode GINS, which interacts with MCM, the helicase. But how archaeal GINS serves its role remains to be understood. In this study, we show that GINS from the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
is able to bind to DNA and slide along ssDNA in a 5′-to-3′ direction. Furthermore,
Sulfolobus
GINS enhances DNA binding by MCM, which slides along ssDNA in a 3′-to-5′ direction. Taken together, these results suggest that
Sulfolobus
GINS may stabilize the interaction of MCM with the moving replication fork, facilitating processive DNA unwinding.
The Absence of Pupylation (Prokaryotic Ubiquitin-Like Protein Modification) Affects Morphological and Physiological Differentiation in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Boubakri Hasna , Seghezzi Nicolas , Duchateau Magalie , Gominet Myriam , Kofroňová Olga , Benada Oldřich , Mazodier Philippe , Pernodet Jean-Luc
Published: August 2015

Protein turnover is essential in all living organisms for the maintenance of normal cell physiology. In eukaryotes, most cellular protein turnover involves the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, in which proteins tagged with ubiquitin are targeted to the proteasome for degradation. In contrast, most bacteria lack a proteasome but harbor proteases for protein turnover. However, some actinobacteria, such as mycobacteria, possess a proteasome in addition to these proteases. A prokaryotic ubiquitination-like tagging process in mycobacteria was described and was named pupylation: proteins are tagged with Pup (prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein) and directed to the proteasome for degradation. We report pupylation in another actinobacterium,
Streptomyces coelicolor
. Both the morphology and life cycle of
Streptomyces
species are complex (formation of a substrate and aerial mycelium followed by sporulation), and these bacteria are prolific producers of secondary metabolites with important medicinal and agricultural applications. The genes encoding the pupylation system in
S. coelicolor
are expressed at various stages of development. We demonstrated that pupylation targets numerous proteins and identified 20 of them. Furthermore, we established that abolition of pupylation has substantial effects on morphological and metabolic differentiation and on resistance to oxidative stress. In contrast, in most cases, a proteasome-deficient mutant showed only modest perturbations under the same conditions. Thus, the phenotype of the
pup
mutant does not appear to be due solely to defective proteasomal degradation. Presumably, pupylation has roles in addition to directing proteins to the proteasome.

IMPORTANCE
Streptomyces
spp. are filamentous and sporulating actinobacteria, remarkable for their morphological and metabolic differentiation. They produce numerous bioactive compounds, including antifungal, antibiotic, and antitumor compounds. There is therefore considerable interest in understanding the mechanisms by which
Streptomyces
species regulate their complex physiology and production of bioactive compounds. We studied the role in
Streptomyces
of pupylation, a posttranslational modification that tags proteins that are then directed to the proteasome for degradation. We demonstrated that the absence of pupylation had large effects on morphological differentiation, antibiotic production, and resistance to oxidative stress in
S. coelicolor
. The phenotypes of pupylation and proteasome-defective mutants differed and suggest that pupylation acts in a proteasome-independent manner in addition to its role in proteasomal degradation.
Supplementation with vitamin A enhances oxidative stress in the lungs of rats submitted to aerobic exercise
Authors: Gasparotto Juciano , Petiz Lyvia Lintzmaier , Girardi Carolina Saibro , Bortolin Rafael Calixto , de Vargas Amanda Rodrigues , Henkin Bernardo Saldanha , Chaves Paloma Rodrigues , Roncato Sabrina , Matté Cristiane , Zanotto-Filho Alfeu , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca , Gelain Daniel Pens
Published: August 2015

Exercise training induces reactive oxygen species production and low levels of oxidative damage, which are required for induction of antioxidant defenses and tissue adaptation. This process is physiological and essential to improve physical conditioning and performance. During exercise, endogenous antioxidants are recruited to prevent excessive oxidative stress, demanding appropriate intake of antioxidants from diet or supplements; in this context, the search for vitamin supplements that enhance the antioxidant defenses and improve exercise performance has been continuously increasing. On the other hand, excess of antioxidants may hinder the pro-oxidant signals necessary for this process of adaptation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin A supplementation (2000 IU/kg, oral) upon oxidative stress and parameters of pro-inflammatory signaling in lungs of rats submitted to aerobic exercise (swimming protocol). When combined with exercise, vitamin A inhibited biochemical parameters of adaptation/conditioning by attenuating exercise-induced antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and decreasing the content of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products. Increased oxidative damage to proteins (carbonylation) and lipids (lipoperoxidation) was also observed in these animals. In sedentary animals, vitamin A decreased superoxide dismutase and increased lipoperoxidation. Vitamin A also enhanced the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and decreased interleukin-10, effects partially reversed by aerobic training. Taken together, the results presented herein point to negative effects associated with vitamin A supplementation at the specific dose here used upon oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues of rats submitted to aerobic exercise.
Observations of hydraulic fracturing in soils through field testing and numerical simulations
Authors: Chang Muhsiung , Huang Ren-Chung
Published: August 2015

Hydraulic fracturing is a potential cause of leakage of earth dams or loss of fluid in drilling and field permeability testing. The effect of hydraulic fracturing on soil grouting is also a major concern. Although hydraulic fracturing has been adopted for decades by the petroleum industry for oil recovery in rock formations, studies on fracturing in soils are relatively few and inconclusive. The aim of this study is to provide further insight into the mechanism of hydrofracturing in soils through a field grouting trial and numerical simulation. We observe hydraulic fracturing in soils during this field trial as predicted by generally accepted groutability requirements. The hydraulic fractures are found vertically developed up to the ground surface. Numerical simulations show the hydraulic fracturing is easier to be initiated in anisotropic stress conditions, where the minor principal stress is the key factor. Numerical simulations also demonstrate significant compressions and shears during injection, suggesting the mechanism of fracturing in soils would be a shearing type. Based on this study, we propose a punching and splitting mode for the hydrofracturing in soils. The equation associated with estimating fracturing pressure is verified, and the results are found to be in good agreement with the cases examined.
Oil–source rock correlation for tight oil in tuffaceous reservoirs in the Permian Tiaohu Formation, Santanghu Basin, northwest China
Authors: Ma Jian , Huang Zhilong , Gao Xiaoyu , Chen Changchao
Published: August 2015

Tight oil in the Permian Tiaohu Formation in the Santanghu Basin, northwest China, has a peculiar property such that the reservoir is sedimentary organic matter-bearing tuff characterized by high porosity (10%–25%) and very low permeability, mainly in the range of 0.01–0.50 mD. Biomarker and stable carbon isotope compositions of selected crude oils and source-rock extracts were analyzed to determine the source rock of the tight oil. Source rocks in the Lucaogou Formation consist of various rock types dominated by mudstones containing organic matter with intense yellow–green fluorescence. Mudstones in the Lucaogou Formation have total organic carbon (TOC) values mainly in the range of 1.0–8.0 wt%, hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+ S2) mostly >6 mg/g, and chloroform extractable bitumen “A” generally >0.1%. The maceral composition is predominantly fluorescing amorphinite. The hydrogen index (HI) varies from 300 to 900 mg HC/g TOC, indicating dominant Type I and Type II kerogen. Compared with the mudstones and tuffs in the Tiaohu Formation, the mudstones in the Lucaogou Formation are the best source rocks. The biomarker characteristics of mudstone extracts in the Lucaogou Formation differ from those in the Tiaohu Formation, based on the gammacerane index, β-carotane content, and the relative contents of C27, C28, and C29regular steranes. Crude oil samples in the tuff show low pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios, high gammacerane indices, high β-carotane, and a dominance of the C29regular sterane followed by C28and C27steranes, as well as depleted stable carbon isotope compositions. Oil–source correlation with biomarkers and δ13C values shows that the crude oil in the tuffs mainly originates from underlying source rocks in the Lucaogou Formation. The sedimentary organic matter in the tuffs also makes a small contribution to the tuffaceous reservoir. Therefore, the tuffaceous tight reservoir in the Tiaohu Formation is unusual in that the oil is not indigenous; rather, it migrates a long distance to accumulate in the upper reservoir.
Voronoi polygons quantify bias when sampling the nearest plant
Authors: Lynch Thomas B.
Published: August 2015

The design bias in the sample mean obtained from sampling the trees nearest to points randomly and uniformly distributed over a forested area can be exactly quantified in terms of the Voronoi polygons (V polygons) surrounding each tree in the forest of interest. For this sampling method, the V polygon for a prospective sample tree is its inclusion zone. The sides of such polygons are perpendicular to a line joining adjacent trees and equidistant from these trees. For any individual tree attribute Y, the design bias in such a sample mean for estimating the population mean of Y will be equal to the covariance between Y and V-polygon area V divided by the mean V-polygon area. The bias as a percent of the population mean of Y is the product of the correlation coefficient between Y and V and the coefficients of variation for Y and V multiplied by 100. This implies that attempts to estimate the means of commonly measured individual tree variables such as DBH, basal area, and crown diameter or the area from sampling trees nearest to randomly located points will likely be positively biased, and the magnitude of that bias will depend on the strength of the linear relationship to the V-polygon area, as well as the variability among the V-polygon areas and the variable of interest. It is not obvious whether increment core data will be positively or negatively biased, because this depends on the characteristics of the forest of interest. The main conclusion of the study is that the bias formula derived for unweighted estimation from sampling the tree nearest to a point indicates that bias in the range of 5%–10% or greater can occur in many forest populations.
Functional reconstitution of an unusual Firmicutes σ factor into a Gram-negative heterologous host
Authors: Davis Maria C. , Kesthely Christopher A. , Smith Logan K. , Breen Jillian , MacLellan Shawn R.
Published: August 2015

Sigma (σ) factors are single-subunit proteins that reversibly bind RNA polymerase and play an important role in the transcription initiation process. An unusual 2-subunit σ factor, consisting of proteins SigO and RsoA, activates transcription from a group of related promoters in Bacillus subtilis. These 2 proteins specifically interact with each other and with RNA polymerase subunits. This system is widespread among species in several Bacillus-related genera, but otherwise appears restricted to the Firmicutes. Here, we reconstituted SigO–RsoA, and a cognate promoter, into the distantly related heterologous host Escherichia coli to examine whether this system can function in bacteria outside of the Firmicutes. We show that these proteins can productively associate with E. coli RNA polymerase and activate transcription, demonstrating that there are no structural barriers to function. In parallel, we tested a wide array of protein–protein interaction mutations and promoter mutations that impact SigO–RsoA function in both B. subtilis and E. coli and conclude that the SigO–RsoA system behaves, in most instances, similarly in both genetic backgrounds. These data raise the possibility of genetically isolating the system in this heterologous host and away from unknown B. subtilis factors that may also be playing a role in SigO–RsoA regulatory pathways, thus facilitating further study of the system. As a result of this work, we also provide a comprehensive mutational analysis of a SigO–RsoA promoter and report the preliminary identification of amino acids in SigO that play a role in mediating the SigO–RsoA protein–protein interaction.
Habitat selection following recent disturbance: model transferability with implications for management and conservation of moose (Alces alces)
Authors: Street Garrett M. , Vander Vennen Lucas M. , Avgar Tal , Mosser Anna , Anderson Morgan L. , Rodgers Arthur R. , Fryxell John M.
Published: August 2015

Site-specific variation in relative habitat abundance and disturbance regimes may produce differences in habitat preferences of associated populations. An evaluation of the predictive power of habitat selection models across space would benefit our understanding of the reliability of models of selection and space use in predicting animal occurrence. We used presence–absence data from winter surveys of moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) to estimate resource selection functions (RSFs) across two study sites using Far North Land Cover updated with recent disturbance from fire and timber harvest. Moose selected foraging habitat (e.g., deciduous land cover) and for increasing deciduous foliage cover (ΔNDVI, i.e., the difference in the normalized difference vegetation index). Snow depth negatively influenced habitat selection, likely due to increased predation risk and reduced movement and foraging efficiency. Models lost little predictive power when applied to another site based on comparison of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Our results corroborated the current body of knowledge concerning moose habitat selection, i.e., moose preferentially use forest stands dominated by deciduous species, but suggested that moose strongly avoided very recently disturbed areas. Minimal site-specific variation and ROC comparison suggests that RSFs may be extended into novel systems, given adequate consideration for habitat quality and abundance, thereby simplifying management needs of this important species.
Colonization of a temperate-zone region by the fruit fly Drosophila simulans (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Serga Svitlana V. , Maistrenko Oleksandr M. , Rozhok Andrii I. , Mousseau Timothy A. , Kozeretska Iryna A.
Published: August 2015

The fruit flies Drosophila simulans Sturtevant, 1919 and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 are sibling species that occupy similar niches. However, unlike D. simulans, D. melanogaster has spread far beyond tropical and subtropical regions deep into temperate climate zones. A number of invasion events by D. simulans into temperate climate zones have been reported; however, its ability to overwinter and establish local populations in these areas is disputed. Here, we report the wide dispersal of D. simulans in mixed populations with D. melanogaster in Ukraine. Drosophila simulans flies found in Ukraine belong to the siII mtDNA haplogroup and are infected with maternally inherited intracellular symbiotic bacteria of the genus Wolbachia Hertig, 1936 of the strain wRi. These genetic markers indicate a common origin of the Ukrainian D. simulans flies from a subgroup of the species found to invade other temperate climate areas worldwide. Here, we report for the first time detection of D. simulans flies early in the breeding season in a temperate climate area with severe winter conditions. We also report a moderate negative relationship between relative abundance of D. simulans and mean temperature in the month of sampling reflecting this species’ known lower tolerance of high temperatures.
Field theory as a tool to constrain new physics models
Authors: Maas Axel
Published: August 2015

One of the major problems in developing new physics scenarios is that very often the parameters can be adjusted such that in perturbation theory almost all experimental low-energy results can be accommodated. It is therefore desirable to have additional constraints. Field-theoretical considerations can provide such additional constraints on the low-lying spectrum and multiplicities of models. Especially for theories with elementary or composite Higgs particle the Fröhlich–Morchio–Strocchi (FMS) mechanism provides a route to create additional conditions, though showing it to be at work requires genuine non-perturbative calculations. The qualitative features of this procedure are discussed for generic 2-Higgs-doublet models (2HDMs), grand-unified theories (GUTs) and technicolor-type theories.
Extended sigma-model in nontrivially deformed field–antifield formalism
Authors: Batalin Igor A. , Lavrov Peter M.
Published: August 2015

We propose an action for the extended sigma-models in the most general setting of the kinetic term allowed in the nontrivially deformed field–antifield formalism. We show that the classical motion equations do naturally take their desired canonical form.
Bipolar spintronics with generation-recombination of electrons and holes: Macroscopic equations
Authors: Rossani A.
Published: August 2015

A new model based on an asymptotic procedure for solving the spinor kinetic equations of carriers and phonons is proposed, which gives naturally the displaced Maxwellian at the leading order. The balance equations for the carrier numbers, total energy density and total momentum for the whole system constitute now a system of four equations for the carrier chemical potentials, the temperature of the system and the drift velocity. In the drift–diffusion approximation, the constitutive laws are derived and the Onsager relations recovered. Moreover, equations for the evolution of the spin densities are added, which account for a general dispersion relation. The treatment of spin-flip processes, derived from first principles, is new and leads to an explicit expression of the relaxation time [Formula: see text] as a function of the temperature.
On commutativity of weighted Hankel operators and their spectra
Authors: Datt Gopal , Porwal Deepak Kumar
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we describe the conditions on which the nonzero weighted Hankel operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on H2(β) induced by ϕ ∈ L∞(β) and ψ ∈ L∞(β) respectively commute, where β = {βn}n∈ℤis a sequence of positive numbers with β0= 1. Spectrum of the weighted Hankel operator [Formula: see text], when ϕ(z) = az-1+ bz-2, is computed and it is also shown that the Weyl's theorem holds for the compact weighted Hankel operators.
INVESTIGATING BIOMECHANICS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND ANGLES OF BLADES OF FORCEPS FOR OPERATIVE DELIVERY BY FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: SU KUO-MIN , YU MU-HSIEN , SU HER-YOUNG , WANG YU-CHI , SU KUO-CHIH
Published: August 2015

Using of forceps during labors and vaginal delivery accomplished operative deliveries in some circumstances. Forceps may induce fractures in the neonatal skull if excessive force is applied to it during an operative delivery. Therefore, newborns may be affected by forceps. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different curve angles and materials of the blades of forceps on neonates during labor or delivery for gynecologists and obstetricians using a finite element analysis (FEA). Computer models of the forceps, neonate’s scalp, and skull, were generated for the FEA. Moreover, the use of different materials (stainless steel and titanium alloy) and three different angles of the blades of forceps (20[Formula: see text], 40[Formula: see text], and 60[Formula: see text]) on a newborn’s head were simulated in a biomechanical analysis. The results indicate that a larger curve angle of the blades of forceps can decrease the stress and pressure on the neck of the newborn but may lead to rotation toward the posterior side. Moreover, forceps made of a lower Young’s modulus material can also reduce the stress and pressure on the neck of the newborn. It is hoped that this research can provide a more reasonable reference for manufacturers to design better medical equipment such as forceps in the future for obstetricians and gynecologists to use to attenuate the stress and pressure on the neck of a newborn.
Competition phenomena for elliptic equations involving a general operator in divergence form
Authors: Molica Bisci Giovanni , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Servadei Raffaella
Published: August 2015

In this paper, by using variational methods, we study the following elliptic problem [Formula: see text] involving a general operator in divergence form of [Formula: see text]-Laplacian type ([Formula: see text]). In our context, [Formula: see text] is a bounded domain of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], with smooth boundary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a continuous function with potential [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a real parameter, [Formula: see text] is allowed to be indefinite in sign, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a continuous function oscillating near the origin or at infinity. Through variational and topological methods, we show that the number of solutions of the problem is influenced by the competition between the power [Formula: see text] and the oscillatory term [Formula: see text]. To be precise, we prove that, when [Formula: see text] oscillates near the origin, the problem admits infinitely many solutions when [Formula: see text] and at least a finite number of solutions when [Formula: see text]. While, when [Formula: see text] oscillates at infinity, the converse holds true, that is, there are infinitely many solutions if [Formula: see text], and at least a finite number of solutions if [Formula: see text]. In all these cases, we also give some estimates for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-norm of the solutions. The results presented here extend some recent contributions obtained for equations driven by the Laplace operator, to the case of the [Formula: see text]-Laplacian or even to more general differential operators.
A justification of the Timoshenko beam model through Γ-convergence
Authors: Falach Lior , Paroni Roberto , Podio-Guidugli Paolo
Published: August 2015

We validate the Timoshenko beam model as an approximation of the linear-elasticity model of a three-dimensional beam-like body. Our validation is achieved within the framework of [Formula: see text]-convergence theory, in two steps: firstly, we construct a suitable sequence of energy functionals; secondly, we show that this sequence [Formula: see text]-converges to a functional representing the energy of a Timoshenko beam.
Geometric classification of semidirect products in the maximal parabolic subgroup of Sp(2, ℝ)
Authors: De Mari Filippo , De Vito Ernesto , Vigogna Stefano
Published: August 2015

We classify up to conjugation by [Formula: see text] (more precisely, block diagonal symplectic matrices) all the semidirect products inside the maximal parabolic of [Formula: see text] by means of an essentially geometric argument. This classification has already been established in [G. S. Alberti, L. Balletti, F. De Mari and E. De Vito, Reproducing subgroups of [Formula: see text]. Part I: Algebraic classification, J. Fourier Anal. Appl. 9(4) (2013) 651–682] without geometry, under a stricter notion of equivalence, namely, conjugation by arbitrary symplectic matrices. The present approach might be useful in higher dimensions and provides some insight.
Near-Field Cosmology with Extremely Metal-Poor Stars
Authors: Frebel Anna , Norris John E.
Published: August 2015

The oldest, most metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo and satellite dwarf galaxies present an opportunity to explore the chemical and physical conditions of the earliest star-forming environments in the Universe. We review the fields of stellar archaeology and dwarf galaxy archaeology by examining the chemical abundance measurements of various elements in extremely metal-poor stars. Focus on the carbon-rich and carbon-normal halo star populations illustrates how these provide insight into the Population III star progenitors responsible for the first metal enrichment events. We extend the discussion to near-field cosmology, which is concerned with the formation of the first stars and galaxies, and how metal-poor stars can be used to constrain these processes. Complementary abundance measurements in high-redshift gas clouds further help establish the early chemical evolution of the Universe. The data appear consistent with the existence of two distinct channels of star formation at the earliest times.
Does Schooling Increase or Reduce Social Inequality?
Authors: Raudenbush Stephen W. , Eschmann Robert D.
Published: August 2015

Does experience in school increase or reduce social inequality in skills? Sociologists have long debated this question. Drawing from the counterfactual account of causality, we propose that the impact of going to school on a given skill depends on the quality of the instructional regime a child will experience at school compared with the quality of the instructional regime the child would receive if not at school. Children vary in their benefit from new instruction, and current skill increases this benefit. We hypothesize that the expansion of free, universal schooling promotes social equality in part by equalizing access to school, but also because disadvantaged children benefit more from access. However, we predict that this equalizing effect will be more pronounced for younger children than for older children. To test these hypotheses, we review empirical evidence regarding the impact of (a) increasing access to universal kindergarten and preschool, (b) interrupting schooling with the summer recess, (c) extending the school day, and (d) extending years of compulsory schooling. We consider implications for the potential of school reform to reduce educational inequality.
A Simple but Accurate Estimation of Residual Energy for Reliable WSN Applications
Authors: Kim Jae Ung , Kang Min Jae , Yi Jun Min , Noh Dong Kun
Published: August 2015

A number of studies have been actively conducted to address limited energy resources in sensor systems over wireless sensor networks. Most of these studies are based on energy-aware schemes, which take advantage of the residual energy from the sensor system's own or neighboring nodes. However, existing sensor systems estimate residual energy based solely on voltage and current consumption, leading to inaccurate estimations because the residual energy in real batteries is affected by temperature and load. This misinformation makes a complete nonsense of existing energy-aware research, which is not allowed in reliable WSN applications. In this study, therefore, an efficient residual-energy estimation scheme is proposed in consideration of not only the voltage but also the temperature and load characteristics of batteries. The performance of the proposed scheme was verified through an experiment and simulations in the actual environment, and its effect gets more notable when the scale of the WSN goes larger.
Model Predictive Control for Continuous-Time Singular Jump Systems with Incomplete Transition Rates
Authors: Gu Xinxin , Wen Jiwei , Peng Li
Published: August 2015

This paper is concerned with model predictive control (MPC) problem for continuous-time Markov Jump Systems (MJSs) with incomplete transition rates and singular character. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a model predictive controller, which could optimize a quadratic cost function and guarantee that the system is piecewise regular, impulse-free, and mean square stable, are given in two cases at each sampling time. Since the MPC strategy is aggregated into continuous-time singular MJSs, a discrete-time controller is employed to deal with a continuous-time plant and the cost function not only refers to the singularity but also considers the sampling period. Moreover, the feasibility of the MPC scheme and the mean square admissibility of the closed-loop system are deeply discussed by using the invariant ellipsoid. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the main results.
Studies on the Antifatigue Activities ofCordyceps militarisFruit Body Extract in Mouse Model
Authors: Song Jingjing , Wang Yingwu , Teng Meiyu , Cai Guangsheng , Xu Hongkai , Guo Hanxiao , Liu Yang , Wang Di , Teng Lesheng
Published: August 2015

Cordyceps militarishas been used extensively as a crude drug and a folk tonic food in East Asia due to its various pharmacological activities. Our study aims to investigate the effect ofCordyceps militarisfruit body extract (CM) on antifatigue in mouse model. Two week CM administration significantly delayed fatigue phenomenon which is confirmed via rotating rod test, forced swimming test and forced running test. Compared to nontreated mouse, CM administration increased ATP levels and antioxidative enzymes activity and reduced the levels of lactic acid, lactic dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species. Further data suggests that CM-induced fatigue recovery is mainly through activating 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways and regulating serum hormone level. Moreover, CM-enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK contributes to its antioxidant effect. Our data provides experimental evidence in supporting clinical use of CM as an effective agent against fatigue.
Doppler Shift Compensation Schemes in VANETs
Authors: Nyongesa F. , Djouani K. , Olwal T. , Hamam Y.
Published: August 2015

Over the last decade vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication has received a lot of attention as it is a crucial issue in intravehicle communication as well as in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). In ITS the focus is placed on integration of communication between mobile and fixed infrastructure to execute road safety as well as nonsafety information dissemination. The safety application such as emergence alerts lays emphasis on low-latency packet delivery rate (PDR), whereas multimedia and infotainment call for high data rates at low bit error rate (BER). The nonsafety information includes multimedia streaming for traffic information and infotainment applications such as playing audio content, utilizing navigation for driving, and accessing Internet. A lot of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) research has focused on specific areas including channel multiplexing, antenna diversity, and Doppler shift compensation schemes in an attempt to optimize BER performance. Despite this effort few surveys have been conducted to highlight the state-of-the-art collection on Doppler shift compensation schemes. Driven by this cause we survey some of the recent research activities in Doppler shift compensation schemes and highlight challenges and solutions as a stock-taking exercise. Moreover, we present open issues to be further investigated in order to address the challenges of Doppler shift in VANETs.
A Navigation System for the Visually Impaired: A Fusion of Vision and Depth Sensor
Authors: Kanwal Nadia , Bostanci Erkan , Currie Keith , Clark Adrian F.
Published: August 2015

For a number of years, scientists have been trying to develop aids that can make visually impaired people more independent and aware of their surroundings. Computer-based automatic navigation tools are one example of this, motivated by the increasing miniaturization of electronics and the improvement in processing power and sensing capabilities. This paper presents a complete navigation system based on low cost and physically unobtrusive sensors such as a camera and an infrared sensor. The system is based around corners and depth values from Kinect’s infrared sensor. Obstacles are found in images from a camera using corner detection, while input from the depth sensor provides the corresponding distance. The combination is both efficient and robust. The system not only identifies hurdles but also suggests a safe path (if available) to the left or right side and tells the user to stop, move left, or move right. The system has been tested in real time by both blindfolded and blind people at different indoor and outdoor locations, demonstrating that it operates adequately.
A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Okoh Helen Chioma , Lubana Sandeep Singh , Langevin Spencer , Sanelli-Russo Susan , Abrudescu Adriana
Published: August 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune systemic disease with multiple organ involvement with high morbidity and mortality rate. Among the severe potential fatal complications are those of the central and peripheral nervous system which usually develop during the course of the disease and very rarely from the outset of the disease. We are reporting a rare case of Miller-Fisher (MFS) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as the first manifestation of SLE in a 41-year-old female who progressed to flaccid paralysis with no neurological improvement with initial immunosuppressive therapy, plasmapheresis, and first cycle of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) but with remarkable and complete recovery after the second 5-day course of IVIG.
Parkinson’s Disease Prevalence and Proximity to Agricultural Cultivated Fields
Authors: Yitshak Sade Maayan , Zlotnik Yair , Kloog Itai , Novack Victor , Peretz Chava , Ifergane Gal
Published: August 2015

The risk for developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a combination of multiple environmental and genetic factors. The Negev (Southern Israel) contains approximately 252.5 km2of agricultural cultivated fields (ACF). We aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of PD and to examine possible geographical clustering and associations with agricultural exposures. We screened all “Clalit” Health Services members in the Negev (70% of the population) between the years 2000 and 2012. Individual demographic, clinical, and medication prescription data were available. We used a refined medication tracer algorithm to identify PD patients. We used mixed Poisson models to calculate the smoothed standardized incidence rates (SIRs) for each locality. We identified ACF and calculate the size and distance of the fields from each locality. We identified 3,792 cases of PD. SIRs were higher than expected in Jewish rural localities (median SIR [95% CI]: 1.41 [1.28; 1.53] in 2001–2004, 1.62 [1.48; 1.76] in 2005–2008, and 1.57 [1.44; 1.80] in 2009–2012). Highest SIR was observed in localities located in proximity to large ACF (SIR 1.54, 95% CI 1.32; 1.79). In conclusion, in this population based study we found that PD SIRs were higher than expected in rural localities. Furthermore, it appears that proximity to ACF and the field size contribute to PD risk.
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination and Individual Domain Cut-Off Scores for Discriminating between Different Cognitive Subtypes of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Berankova Dagmar , Janousova Eva , Mrackova Martina , Eliasova Ilona , Kostalova Milena , Skutilova Svetlana , Rektorova Irena
Published: August 2015

Objective. The main aim of this study was to verify the sensitivity and specificity of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) in discriminating between Parkinson’s disease (PD) with normal cognition (PD-NC) and PD with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and between PD-MCI and PD with dementia (PD-D). We also evaluated how ACE-R correlates with neuropsychological cognitive tests in PD.Methods. We examined three age-matched groups of PD patients diagnosed according to the Movement Disorder Society Task Force criteria: PD-NC, PD-MCI, and PD-D. ROC analysis was used to establish specific cut-off scores of ACE-R and its domains. Correlation analyses were performed between ACE-R and its subtests with relevant neuropsychological tests.Results. Statistically significant differences between groups were demonstrated in global ACE-R scores and subscores, except in the language domain. ACE-R cut-off score of 88.5 points discriminated best between PD-MCI and PD-NC (sensitivity 0.68, specificity 0.91); ACE-R of 82.5 points distinguished best between PD-MCI and PD-D (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.73). The verbal fluency domain of ACE-R demonstrated the best discrimination between PD-NC and PD-MCI (cut-off score 11.5; sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.73) while the orientation/attention subscore was best between PD-MCI and PD-D (cut-off score 15.5; sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.97). ACE-R scores except for ACE-R language correlated with specific cognitive tests of interest.
Effect of Ethanol/Water Solvents on Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Properties of Beijing Propolis Extracts
Authors: Sun Chunli , Wu Zhengshuang , Wang Ziyan , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: August 2015

Propolis is a natural substance known to be beneficial for human health and used as a folk medicine in many parts of the world. In this study, phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties of Beijing propolis extracted by different ethanol/water solvents were analyzed. Our results reveal that phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of propolis extracts were significantly dependent on the concentration of ethanol/water solvents. Totally, 29 phenolic compounds were identified: 12 phenolic acids, 13 flavonoids, and 4 phenolic acid esters. In particular, 75 wt.% ethanol/water solvent may be the best for the highest extraction yield and the strongest antioxidant properties. Caffeic acid, benzyl caffeate, phenethyl caffeate, 5-methoxy pinobanksin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, chrysin, and galangin were the characteristic compounds of Beijing propolis, and these compounds seem to verify that Beijing propolis may be poplar-type propolis. In addition, the presence of high level of pinobanksin-3-O-acetate in Chinese propolis may be a novel finding, representing one-third of all phenolics.
A Convergence Study of Multisubdomain Schwarz Waveform Relaxation for a Class of Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wu Shu-Lin
Published: August 2015

Schwarz waveform relaxation (SWR) is a new type of domain decomposition methods, which is suited for solving time-dependent PDEs in parallel manner. The number of subdomains, namely,N, has a significant influence on the convergence rate. For the representative nonlinear problem∂tu=∂xxu+f(u), convergence behavior of the algorithm in the two-subdomain case is well-understood. However, for the multisubdomain case (i.e.,N≥3), the existing results can only predict convergence whenf′(u)≤0  (∀u∈R). Therefore, there is a gap betweenN≥3andf′(u)>0. In this paper, we try to finish this gap. Precisely, for a specified subdomain numberN, we find that there exists a quantitydmaxsuch that convergence of the algorithm on unbounded time domains is guaranteed iff′(u)≤dmax  (∀u∈R). The quantitydmaxdepends onNand we present concise formula to calculate it. We show that the analysis is useful to study more complicated PDEs. Numerical results are provided to support the theoretical predictions.
The ABCC6 Transporter as a Paradigm for Networking from an Orphan Disease to Complex Disorders
Authors: De Vilder Eva Y. G. , Hosen Mohammad Jakir , Vanakker Olivier M.
Published: August 2015

The knowledge on the genetic etiology of complex disorders largely results from the study of rare monogenic disorders. Often these common and rare diseases show phenotypic overlap, though monogenic diseases generally have a more extreme symptomatology.ABCC6, the gene responsible for pseudoxanthoma elasticum, an autosomal recessive ectopic mineralization disorder, can be considered a paradigm gene with relevance that reaches far beyond this enigmatic orphan disease. Indeed, common traits such as chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disorders have been linked to theABCC6gene. While during the last decade the awareness of the wide ramifications ofABCC6has increased significantly, the gene itself and the transmembrane transporter it encodes have not unveiled all of the mysteries that surround them. To gain more insights, multiple approaches are being used including next-generation sequencing, computational methods, and various “omics” technologies. Much effort is made to place the vast amount of data that is gathered in an integrated system-biological network; the involvement ofABCC6in common disorders provides a good view on the wide implications and potential of such a network. In this review, we summarize the network approaches used to studyABCC6and the role of this gene in several complex diseases.