bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent spin states constructed from SUq(2) coherent states
Authors: Reboiro M. , Civitarese O.
Published: May 2015

It is shown that q-deformed Coherent Spin States (CSS), belonging to the SU q(2) representation, behave as Intelligent Spin States (ISS). The proof is based on the calculation of spin-squeezing observables, for both CSS and ISS.
The generalized Landau–Raychaudhuri equation and its applications
Authors: Stepanov Sergey E. , Mikeš Josef
Published: May 2015

More than twenty years ago, the first of the two authors of this paper has deduced the generalized Landau–Raychaudhuri equation and demonstrated its numerous applications. Now we present some new interesting applications of the generalized Landau–Raychaudhuri equation.
DOES GOVERNMENT FUNDING HAVE THE SAME IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS? THE CASE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CANADA
Authors: TAHMOORESNEJAD LEILA , BEAUDRY CATHERINE
Published: May 2015

University patenting has become an important research outcome in the past few decades. There has been an increase in the number of faculty patents and individual scientists listed as inventors on patent applications. The effective allocation of funding to universities is of great concern to policymakers. In this paper, we evaluate whether an increase in government funding for academic scientists enhances the performance of researchers in both scientific publications and academic patents or if this merely increases publications in the academic realm. We provide summary statistics from nanotechnology data in Quebec, compare it with other provinces in Canada, and build econometric models of various publication, patenting and grant databases. The analysis illustrates the strong relationship between funding and publication productivity as well as the citation impact of publications. In the light of research performance in patenting activities of academic researchers, this empirical study finds a strong influence on the number of patents. Moreover, increased funding appears to strengthen the citation impact of patents in Quebec, which affects the citation impact of patenting activities.
Piezoelectric performance — composition relations in anisotropic materials based on Pb0.85Ca0.15-xCdxTi0.9Zr0.1O3 phases
Authors: Nesterov Alexey A. , Topolov Vitaly Yu. , Panich Anatoly E.
Published: May 2015

The effect of processing methods and a composition of ferroelectric (FE) (piezoelectric) phases on forming a microstructure of a ceramic framework during poling is studied in a ceramic material of the composition Pb 0.85 Ca 0.15-x Cd x Ti 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 3. A transition from using the solid-phase method for the synthesis of powder of a particular phase to a method of bulk "chemical assembly" leads to a change in the mechanical strength of the bulk granular medium and intergranular boundaries therein. Depending on a relationship between mechanical strength parameters of the studied materials, on poling the samples with a particular composition, anisotropic piezo-active composite materials with various connectivities of Pb 0.85 Ca 0.15-x Cd x Ti 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 3 phases can be obtained. These materials are characterized by various combinations of electrophysical properties and demonstrate advantages over the known anisotropic Pb Ti O 3-type ceramics. The fracture of ceramic grains during the poling process can be intensified by introducing FE phases with the composition comprising Cd 2+ ions with a smaller radius and a most deformability in comparison to the Ca 2+ ion.
Methods of Identification in Social Networks
Authors: Graham Bryan S.
Published: May 2015

Social and economic networks are ubiquitous, serving as contexts for job search, technology diffusion, the accumulation of human capital, and even the formulation of norms and values. The systematic empirical study of network formation—the process by which agents form, maintain, and dissolve links—within economics is recent, is associated with extraordinarily challenging modeling and identification issues, and is an area of exciting new developments, with many open questions. This article reviews prominent research on the empirical analysis of network formation, with an emphasis on contributions made by economists.
The Theory and Practice of Genome Sequence Assembly
Authors: Simpson Jared T. , Pop Mihai
Published: May 2015

The current genomic revolution was made possible by joint advances in genome sequencing technologies and computational approaches for analyzing sequence data. The close interaction between biologists and computational scientists is perhaps most apparent in the development of approaches for sequencing entire genomes, a feat that would not be possible without sophisticated computational tools called genome assemblers (short for genome sequence assemblers). Here, we survey the key developments in algorithms for assembling genome sequences since the development of the first DNA sequencing methods more than 35 years ago.
Alignment of Next-Generation Sequencing Reads
Authors: Reinert Knut , Langmead Ben , Weese David , Evers Dirk J.
Published: May 2015

High-throughput DNA sequencing has considerably changed the possibilities for conducting biomedical research by measuring billions of short DNA or RNA fragments. A central computational problem, and for many applications a first step, consists of determining where the fragments came from in the original genome. In this article, we review the main techniques for generating the fragments, the main applications, and the main algorithmic ideas for computing a solution to the read alignment problem. In addition, we describe pitfalls and difficulties connected to determining the correct positions of reads.
In Search of a Human Self-Regulation System
Authors: Kelley William M. , Wagner Dylan D. , Heatherton Todd F.
Published: May 2015

The capacity for self-regulation allows people to control their thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and desires. In spite of this impressive ability, failures of self-regulation are common and contribute to numerous societal problems, from obesity to drug addiction. Such failures frequently occur following exposure to highly tempting cues, during negative moods, or after self-regulatory resources have been depleted. Here we review the available neuroscientific evidence regarding self-regulation and its failures. At its core, self-regulation involves a critical balance between the strength of an impulse and an individual's ability to inhibit the desired behavior. Although neuroimaging and patient studies provide consistent evidence regarding the reward aspects of impulses and desires, the neural mechanisms that underlie the capacity for control have eluded consensus, with various executive control regions implicated in different studies. We outline the necessary properties for a self-regulation control system and suggest that the use of resting-state functional connectivity analyses may be useful for understanding how people regulate their behavior and why they sometimes fail in their attempts.
Genome-Enabled Analysis of Plant-Pathogen Migration
Authors: Goss Erica M.
Published: May 2015

Trade in plant and plant products has profoundly affected the global distribution and diversity of plant pathogens. Identification of migration pathways can be used to monitor or manage pathogen movement for proactive disease management or quarantine measures. Genomics-based genetic marker discovery is allowing unprecedented collection of population genetic data for plant pathogens. These data can be used for detailed analysis of the ancestry of population samples and therefore for analysis of migration. Reconstruction of migration histories has confirmed previous hypotheses based on observational data and led to unexpected new findings on the origins of pathogens and source populations for past and recent migration. The choice of software for analysis depends on the type of migration being studied and the reproductive mode of the pathogen. Biased sampling and complex population structures are potential challenges to accurate inference of migration pathways.
Dissecting the Molecular Network of Virus-Plant Interactions: The Complex Roles of Host Factors
Authors: Wang Aiming
Published: May 2015

A successful infection by a plant virus results from the complex molecular interplay between the host plant and the invading virus. Thus, dissecting the molecular network of virus-host interactions advances the understanding of the viral infection process and may assist in the development of novel antiviral strategies. In the past decade, molecular identification and functional characterization of host factors in the virus life cycle, particularly single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, have been a research focus in plant virology. As a result, a number of host factors have been identified. These host factors are implicated in all the major steps of the infection process. Some host factors are diverted for the viral genome translation, some are recruited to improvise the viral replicase complexes for genome multiplication, and others are components of transport complexes for cell-to-cell spread via plasmodesmata and systemic movement through the phloem. This review summarizes current knowledge about host factors and discusses future research directions.
Investing in Africa’s Infrastructure: Financing and Policy Options
Authors: Collier Paul , Cust James
Published: May 2015

Africa has a severe shortage of infrastructure. Addressing this shortage involves both correcting the problems of poor maintenance and underinvestment that have caused it and raising the finance for a phase of remedial investment. We review evidence that substantiates the shortage, in terms of both stocks and the potential for high rates of return. We then turn to the range of options for attracting remedial finance, focusing in particular on how they relate to the region’s endowment of natural resources. Governments will need to build the regulatory and technical capacities to tap into this opportunity for leveraged private capital flows by reducing the risks associated with large, capital-intensive projects. Furthermore, governments must build the authority necessary to manage both the challenges associated with deferred public consumption and the time consistency needed to support long-term ventures.
The Sociology of Consumption: Its Recent Development
Authors: Warde Alan
Published: May 2015

This article examines the development of the sociology of consumption. It identifies three periods in its evolution: origins prior to the 1980s; the years between the 1980s and the mid-2000s under the influence of the cultural turn; and the subsequent decade, when new theoretical perspectives and political issues have emerged. Achievements of the second period are reviewed and three areas of fresh and productive recent research are identified: cultural consumption and its intersection with inequality and stratification, sustainable consumption and the organization of everyday life in Western societies, and the politics of consumption. The article concludes with a discussion of possibilities for future research.
Intraregional Migration in South America: Trends and a Research Agenda
Authors: Cerrutti Marcela , Parrado Emilio
Published: May 2015

This article contributes to the global dialogue attempting to incorporate South-South intraregional migration into policy and academic discussions by reviewing the dynamics, characteristics, and legal contexts of interregional migration in South America. We first present the historical formation of migratory subsystems and identify emerging trends. We then organize our revision along the main theoretical issues surrounding international migration and their significance in the region. These issues include motivation, contexts of origin and reception, migration dynamics, gender, race and ethnicity, immigrant adaptation, and migration policies. Next, we consider the study of South American migrations, both internal and international, to be a research agenda with significant potential to deepen our understanding of migrations in general and to propose new theoretical orientations that go beyond the questions already identified in the mobility from poorer to wealthier countries. We conclude with suggestions for a research agenda devoted to interregional migration in South America.
The Emergence of Global Systemic Risk
Authors: Centeno Miguel A. , Nag Manish , Patterson Thayer S. , Shaver Andrew , Windawi A. Jason
Published: May 2015

In this article, we discuss the increasing interdependence of societies, focusing specifically on issues of systemic instability and fragility generated by the new and unprecedented level of connectedness and complexity resulting from globalization. We define the global system as a set of tightly coupled interactions that allow for the continued flow of information, capital, goods, services, and people. Using the general concepts of globality, complexity, networks, and the nature of risk, we analyze case studies of trade, finance, infrastructure, climate change, and public health to develop empirical support for the concept of global systemic risk. We seek to identify and describe the sources and nature of such risks and methods of thinking about risks that may inform future academic research and policy-making decisions.
Sociology and School Choice: What We Know After Two Decades of Charter Schools
Authors: Berends Mark
Published: May 2015

Charter schools have been on the educational reform landscape for over twenty years. In the last ten years, a number of rigorous studies have examined the effects of these schools on student achievement and educational attainment. Findings reveal mixed results where student achievement is concerned (i.e., some positive, some negative, some neutral) and positive results in terms of educational attainment (i.e., high school graduation and college attendance). The article places this research within a framework that draws on both market and institutional theories, and concludes that additional research on the social organization of charter schools and traditional public schools is needed to better understand the conditions under which school choice is or is not effective.
An Accurate Method for Real-Time Aircraft Dynamics Simulation Based on Predictor-Corrector Scheme
Authors: Zhao Jiaxin , Wang Hongwei , Zhang Heming
Published: May 2015

Real-time aircraft dynamics simulation requires very high accuracy and stability in the numerical integration process. Nonetheless, traditional multistep numerical methods cannot effectively meet the new requirements. Therefore, a novel real-time multistep method based on Predict-Evaluate-Correct scheme of three-step fourth-order method (RTPEC-34) is proposed and developed in this research to address the gap. In addition to the development of a highly accurate algorithm based on predictor-corrector, the contribution of this work also includes the analysis of truncation error for real-time problems. Moreover, the parameters for the RTPEC-34 method are optimized using intelligent optimization algorithms. The application and comparison of the optimization algorithms also lead to general guidelines for their applications in the development of improved multistep methods. Last but not least, theoretical analysis is also conducted on the stability of the proposed RTPEC-34 method, which is corroborated in simulation experiments and thus provides general guidelines for the evaluation of real-time numerical methods. The RTPEC-34 method is compared with other multistep algorithms using both numerical experiments and a real engineering example. As shown in the comparison, it achieves improved performance in terms of accuracy and stability and it is also a viable and efficient algorithm for real-time aircraft dynamics simulation.
Oxaliplatin Induced Digital Ischemia and Necrosis
Authors: Karabacak Kubilay , Kadan Murat , Kaya Erkan , Durgun Baris , Arslan Gokhan , Doganci Suat , Bolcal Cengiz , Demirkilic Ufuk
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Digital ischemia is a rare complication of several chemotherapeutic medications. We aimed to present a patient with digital ischemia, secondary to a new generation chemotherapeutic drug, oxaliplatin.Case Report. 62-year-old woman presented to our department with severe pain, paresthesia, and distal acrocyanosis on her right hand fingertips. Her complaints started five days after the third cycle of a chemotherapy protocol consisting of 5-fluorourasil (5-FU), folinic acid, and oxaliplatin due to advanced colon carcinoma. On physical examination, hemorrhagic and partly ulcerative lesions were detected at her right hand fingertips. Radial and ulnar pulses were absent at affected side. Digital subtraction angiography revealed severe vascular resistance in the affected extremity. Iloprost trometamol treatment was started with the dosage of 1 ng/kg/min. In addition, low-molecule-weight heparin was used for preventing possible microemboli. Symptomatic relief was provided after five days, and patient was discharged on 7th day of treatment.Discussion. The pathogenesis of oxaliplatin induced vascular toxicity remains unclear. Endothelial damage, increased adherence of platelets, deposition of immune complexes as an immunologic effect of oxaliplatin, and hypercoagulable state may be the reason for arterial thrombosis, digital microemboli, possible digital ischemia, and their several consequences.
The Emerging Adult with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Challenges and Recommendations for the Adult Gastroenterologist
Authors: Trivedi Itishree , Keefer Laurie
Published: May 2015

Incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising. Adult gastroenterologists are seeing increasing numbers of young adults with IBD, a subpopulation with unique needs and challenges that can impair their readiness to thrive in an adult healthcare system. Most adult gastroenterologists might not have the training or resources to address these needs. “Emerging adulthood” is a useful developmental lens through which this group can be studied. With complex disease phenotype and specific concerns of medication side effects and reproductive health, compounded by challenges of geographical and social flux and lack of adequate health insurance, emerging adults with IBD (EAI) are at risk of disrupted care with lack of continuity. Lessons learned from structured healthcare transition process from pediatric to adult services can be applied towards challenges in ongoing care of this population in the adult healthcare system. This paper provides an overview of the challenges in caring for the post transition EAI from the perspective of adult gastroenterologists and offers a checklist of provider and patient skills that enable effective care. This paper discusses the system-based challenges in care provision and search for meaningful patient-oriented outcomes and presents a conceptual model of determinants of continuity of care in this unique population.
The Role of Delay and Connectivity in Throughput Reduction of Cooperative Decentralized Wireless Networks
Authors: Alkhayyat Ahmed , Gazi Orhan , Sadkhan Sattar B.
Published: May 2015

We proposed a multiple relay selection protocol for decentralized wireless networks. The proposed relays selection protocol aims to address three issues: (1) selecting relays within the coverage area of the source and destination to ensure that the relays are positioned one hop away from the destination, (2) ensuring that the best node (best relays with less distance and attenuation from the destination) access the channel first, and (3) ensuring that the proposed relays selection is collision-free. Our analysis also considers three important characteristics of decentralized wireless networks that are directly affected by cooperation: delay, connectivity, and throughput. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate that improving connectivity and increasing number of relays reduce the throughput of cooperative decentralized wireless networks; consequently, a trade-off equation has been derived.
Mineral and Skeletal Homeostasis Influence the Manner of Bone Loss in Metabolic Osteoporosis due to Calcium-Deprived Diet in Different Sites of Rat Vertebra and Femur
Authors: Ferretti Marzia , Cavani Francesco , Smargiassi Alberto , Roli Laura , Palumbo Carla
Published: May 2015

Rats fed calcium-deprived diet develop osteoporosis due to enhanced bone resorption, secondary to parathyroid overactivity resulting from nutritional hypocalcemia. Therefore, rats provide a good experimental animal model for studying bone modelling alterations during biochemical osteoporosis. Three-month-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups: (1) baseline, (2) normal diet for 4 weeks, (3) calcium-deprived diet for 4 weeks, and (4) calcium-deprived diet for 4 weeks and concomitant administration of PTH (1-34) 40 µg/Kg/day. Histomorphometrical analyses were made on cortical and trabecular bone of lumbar vertebral body as well as of mid-diaphysis and distal metaphysis of femur. In all rats fed calcium-deprived diet, despite the reduction of trabecular number (due to the maintenance of mineral homeostasis), an intense activity of bone deposition occurs on the surface of the few remaining trabeculae (in answering to mechanical stresses and, consequently, to maintain the skeletal homeostasis). Different responses were detected in different sites of cortical bone, depending on their main function in answering mineral or skeletal homeostasis. This study represents the starting point for work-in-progress researches, with the aim of defining in detail timing and manners of evolution and recovery of biochemical osteoporosis.
The Microstructures and Electrical Resistivity of (Al, Cr, Ti)FeCoNiOxHigh-Entropy Alloy Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Tsau Chun-Huei , Hwang Zhang-Yan , Chen Swe-Kai
Published: May 2015

The (Al, Cr, Ti)FeCoNi alloy thin films were deposited by PVD and using the equimolar targets with same compositions from the concept of high-entropy alloys. The thin films became metal oxide films after annealing at vacuum furnace for a period; and the resistivity of these thin films decreased sharply. After optimum annealing treatment, the lowest resistivity of the FeCoNiOx, CrFeCoNiOx, AlFeCoNiOx, and TiFeCoNiOxfilms was 22, 42, 18, and 35 μΩ-cm, respectively. This value is close to that of most of the metallic alloys. This phenomenon was caused by delaminating of the alloy oxide thin films because the oxidation was from the surfaces of the thin films. The low resistivity of these oxide films was contributed to the nonfully oxidized elements in the bottom layers and also vanishing of the defects during annealing.
Improved Monosegment Pedicle Instrumentation for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Incomplete Burst Fractures
Authors: Liu Liehua , Gan Yibo , Zhou Qiang , Wang Haoming , Dai Fei , Luo Fei , Hou Tianyong , Zhang Chengmin , Zhao Chen , Zhang Jinsong , Xu Jianzhong , Lü Yingwen
Published: May 2015

Aim. Comparing the clinical results of improved monosegment pedicle instrumentation (iMSPI) and short-segment pedicle instrumentation (SSPI) retrospectively.Method. 63 patients with thoracolumbar incomplete burst fracture were managed with iMSPI or SSPI. 30 patients were managed with iMSPI and fusion. 33 patients were managed with SSPI and fusion. Operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, and complications were recorded. Percentage of anterior body height compression (ABHC%) and sagittal index (SI) were obtained preoperatively, one week postoperatively, and at the last followup.Results. The blood loss and postoperative drainage were significantly less in the iMSPI group than in SSPI group(P<0.05). The follow-up duration of the two groups was not significantly different(P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively posterolateral fusion was obtained satisfactorily. Neither preoperative ABHC% and SI nor postoperative SI were significantly different(P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in postoperative ABHC%(P=0.000). The ABHC% and SI were not significantly different between the two groups at the last followup(P>0.05). There were no fixation failures or other complications.Summary. IMSPI yielded satisfactory results similar to those of SSPI in patients with type A3.1/3.2 thoracolumbar fractures. IMSPI is recommended for minor trauma, reducing one-segment fusion, and maximization of the remaining motor function.
A Time Efficient Adaptive Gridding Approach and Improved Calibrations in Five-Hole Probe Measurements
Authors: Town Jason , Camci Cengiz
Published: May 2015

Five-Hole Probes (FHP), being a dependable and accurate aerodynamic tool, are an excellent choice for measuring three-dimensional flow fields in turbomachinery. To improve spatial resolution, a subminiature FHP with a diameter of 1.68 mm is employed. High length to diameter ratio of the tubing and manual pitch and yaw calibration cause increased uncertainty. A new FHP calibrator is designed and built to reduce the uncertainty by precise, computer controlled movements and reduced calibration time. The calibrated FHP is then placed downstream of the nozzle guide vane (NGV) assembly of a low-speed, large-scale, axial flow turbine. The cold flow HP turbine stage contains 29 vanes and 36 blades. A fast and computer controllable traversing system is implemented using an adaptive grid method for the refinement of measurements in regions such as vane wake, secondary flows, and boundary layers. The current approach increases the possible number of measurement points in a two-hour period by 160%. Flow structures behind the NGV measurement plane are identified with high spatial resolution and reduced uncertainty. The automated pitch and yaw calibration and the adaptive grid approach introduced in this study are shown to be a highly effective way of measuring complex flow fields in the research turbine.
Implication of Caspase-3 as a Common Therapeutic Target for Multineurodegenerative Disorders and Its Inhibition Using Nonpeptidyl Natural Compounds
Authors: Khan Saif , Ahmad Khurshid , Alshammari Eyad M. A. , Adnan Mohd , Baig Mohd Hassan , Lohani Mohtashim , Somvanshi Pallavi , Haque Shafiul
Published: May 2015

Caspase-3 has been identified as a key mediator of neuronal apoptosis. The present study identifies caspase-3 as a common player involved in the regulation of multineurodegenerative disorders, namely, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The protein interaction network prepared using STRING database provides a strong evidence of caspase-3 interactions with the metabolic cascade of the said multineurodegenerative disorders, thus characterizing it as a potential therapeutic target for multiple neurodegenerative disorders.In silicomolecular docking of selected nonpeptidyl natural compounds against caspase-3 exposed potent leads against this common therapeutic target. Rosmarinic acid and curcumin proved to be the most promising ligands (leads) mimicking the inhibitory action of peptidyl inhibitors with the highest Gold fitness scores 57.38 and 53.51, respectively. These results were in close agreement with the fitness score predicted using X-score, a consensus based scoring function to calculate the binding affinity. Nonpeptidyl inhibitors of caspase-3 identified in the present study expeditiously mimic the inhibitory action of the previously identified peptidyl inhibitors. Since, nonpeptidyl inhibitors are preferred drug candidates, hence, discovery of natural compounds as nonpeptidyl inhibitors is a significant transition towards feasible drug development for neurodegenerative disorders.
Perceived Pain during Cataract Surgery with Topical Anesthesia: A Comparison between First-Eye and Second-Eye Surgery
Authors: Jiang Lin , Zhang Keke , He Wenwen , Zhu Xiangjia , Zhou Peng , Lu Yi
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To compare pain scores between first-eye and second-eye cataract surgery and to determine the affecting factors.Methods. 106 first-eye and 53 second-eye cataract surgery patients (mean age: 67 ± 13 and 69 ± 10 years, resp.) were enrolled. The patients completed simplified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analog scale (VAS) for anxiety questionnaires before surgery, and VAS for pain and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale questionnaires after surgery. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded perioperatively.Results. A greater proportion of patients who underwent second-eye surgery reported intraoperative pain compared with first-eye surgery patients (85% versus 35%,P<0.001). The pain scores were higher in second-eye surgery, while the VAS anxiety score was lower in second-eye surgery. Moreover, 31 patients reported greater pain during second-eye surgery than their first one, with higher pain scores than other 22 patients (P=0.032and 0.003, resp.). The VAS pain score of these 31 patients was positively correlated with the differences between the intraoperative and postoperative diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and HR.Conclusions. Cataract patients were likely to have more pain during second-eye surgery, which may be related to lower preoperative anxiety. Monitoring perioperative BP and HR may help to identify patients with intraoperative pain.
Confidence and Attitudes of Doctors and Dietitians towards Nutrition Care and Nutrition Advocacy for Hospital Patients in Kolkata, India
Authors: Ray Sumantra , Rajput-Ray Minha , Ball Lauren , Crowley Jennifer , Laur Celia , Roy Suchismita , Agarwal Shweta , Ray Sabyasachi
Published: May 2015

Malnutrition results in increased duration of patient stay and increases hospital costs.
However, few studies address this issue in the Indian context. A recent UK study showed that
intensive nutrition training was effective in increasing awareness of health professionals. In
order to inform such educational interventions in India, a needs assessment was conducted in
Kolkata by measuring doctors’ and dietitians’ attitudes and confidence regarding nutrition
care, advocacy, and leadership. A total of 123 doctors (including general medicine,
endocrinology, and critical care) and 56 dietitians completed a questionnaire. Doctors displayed moderate confidence in providing nutrition care but
were less confident in their skills relating to advocacy and leadership. Dietitians displayed
greater confidence than doctors in providing nutrition care but similarly lacked confidence in
skills relating to advocacy and leadership. Overall, doctors and dietitians displayed equally
positive attitudes towards nutrition in patient care. The greater confidence of dietitians
compared to doctors in providing nutrition care may be the result of specialised training.
Despite the limitations of this study, this paper provides a first glance at the gaps in
nutritional practice within the doctors and dietitians community of Kolkata such that targeted
future studies can now be planned.
Diversity of House Dust Mite Species in Xishuangbanna Dai, a Tropical Rainforest Region in Southwest China
Authors: Yu Jing-Miao , Luo Qing-Hua , Sun Jin-Lu , Shi Cun-Lian , Yin Jia , Zhou Yu-Ling , Tang Rui , Zhang Hui , Yu Zhang , Chen Meng
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To survey the species diversity of home dust mites (HDM) in Xishuangbanna, a tropical rainforest region in Southwest China.Methods. From August 2010 to January 2011, mite-allergic patients and healthy controls were invited to participate. Dust samples from the patients’ homes were collected, and mites in the samples were isolated. Permanent slides were prepared for morphologically based species determination.Results. In total, 6316 mite specimens of morphologically identifiable species were found in 233 dust samples taken from 41 homes. The result shows that the mite family of Pyroglyphidae occupied the highest percentage of the total amount of mites collected, followed by Cheyletidae family. The most common adult Pyroglyphidae mites wereDermatophagoides(D.)farinae,D. pteronyssinus, andD. siboney. The most common mites found from other families wereBlomia tropicalis,Tyrophagus putrescentiae, andAleuroglyphus ovatus. Four main allergenic dust mite speciesD. farinae,D. pteronyssinus,D. siboney, andBlomia tropicaliswere found to be coinhabiting in 6/41 homes.Conclusion. The HDM population in homes in Xishuangbanna, a tropical rainforest region in Southwest China, has its own characteristics. It has rich dust mite species and the dust mite densities do not show significant variation across seasons.
An Experimental Investigation of FNN Model for Wind Speed Forecasting Using EEMD and CS
Authors: Wang Jianzhou , Jiang Haiyan , Han Bohui , Zhou Qingping
Published: May 2015

With depletion of traditional energy and increasing environmental problems, wind energy, as an alternative renewable energy, has drawn more and more attention internationally. Meanwhile, wind is plentiful, clean, and environmentally friendly; moreover, its speed is a very important piece of information needed in the operations and planning of the wind power system. Therefore, choosing an effective forecasting model with good performance plays a quite significant role in wind power system. A hybrid CS-EEMD-FNN model is firstly proposed in this paper for multistep ahead prediction of wind speed, in which EEMD is employed as a data-cleaning method that aims to remove the high frequency noise embedded in the wind speed series. CS optimization algorithm is used to select the best parameters in the FNN model. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed hybrid model, three other short-term wind speed forecasting models, namely, FNN model, EEMD-FNN model, and CS-FNN model, are carried out to forecast wind speed using data measured at a typical site in Shandong wind farm, China, over three seasons in 2011. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed hybrid CS-EEMD-FNN model outperforms other models with more accuracy, which is suitable to wind speed forecasting in this area.
Oxygenator Is the Main Responsible for Leukocyte Activation in Experimental Model of Extracorporeal Circulation: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Rungatscher Alessio , Tessari Maddalena , Stranieri Chiara , Solani Erika , Linardi Daniele , Milani Elisabetta , Montresor Alessio , Merigo Flavia , Salvetti Beatrice , Menon Tiziano , Faggian Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

In order to assess mechanisms underlying inflammatory activation during extracorporeal circulation (ECC), several small animal models of ECC have been proposed recently. The majority of them are based on home‐made, nonstandardized, and hardly reproducible oxygenators. The present study has generated fundamental information on the role of oxygenator of ECC in activating inflammatory signaling pathways on leukocytes, leading to systemic inflammatory response, and organ dysfunction. The present results suggest that experimental animal models of ECC used in translational research on inflammatory response should be based on standardized, reproducible oxygenators with clinical characteristics.
Optimization Analysis of Supply Chain Resource Allocation in Customized Online Shopping Service Mode
Authors: Yao Jianming , Gu Mengjie
Published: May 2015

For an online-shopping company, whether it can provide its customers with customized service is the key to enhance its customers’ experience value and its own competence. A good customized service requires effective integration and reasonable allocation of the company’s supply chain resources running in the background. Based on the analysis of the allocation of supply chain resources in the customized online shopping service mode and its operational characteristics, this paper puts forward an optimization model for the resource allocation and builds an improved ant algorithm to solve it. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the optimization method and algorithm are demonstrated by a numerical simulation. This paper finds that the special online shopping environments lead to many dynamic and uncertain characters of the service demands. Different customized service patterns and their combination patterns should match with different supply chain resource allocations. The optimization model not only reflects the required service cost and delivery time in the objective function, but also considers the service scale effect optimization and the relations of integration benefits and risks. The improved ant algorithm has obvious advantages in flexibly balancing the multiobjective optimizations, adjusting the convergence speed, and adjusting the operation parameters.
Assessing Traffic Accident Occurrence of Road Segments through an Optimized Decision Rule
Authors: Ma Lu , Yan Xuedong
Published: May 2015

Statistical models for estimating the safety status of transportation facilities have received great attention in the last two decades. These models also perform an important role in transportation safety planning as well as diagnoses of locations with high accident risks. However, the current methods largely rely on regression analyses and therefore they could ignore the multicollinearity characteristics of factors, which may provide additional information for enhancing the performance of forecasting models. This study seeks to develop more precise models for forecasting safety status as well as addressing the issue of multicollinearity of dataset. The proposed mathematical approach is indeed a discriminant analysis with respect to the goal of minimizing Bayes risks given multivariate distributions of factors. Based on this model, numerical analyses also perform with the application of a simulated dataset and an empirically observed dataset of traffic accidents in road segments. These examples essentially illustrate the process of Bayes risk minimization on predicating the safety status of road segments toward the objective of smallest misclassification rate. The paper finally concludes with a discussion of this methodology and several important avenues for future studies are also provided.
Generation and Characterization of a Transgenic Mouse Carrying a Functional Humanβ-Globin Gene with the IVSI-6 Thalassemia Mutation
Authors: Breveglieri Giulia , Mancini Irene , Bianchi Nicoletta , Lampronti Ilaria , Salvatori Francesca , Fabbri Enrica , Zuccato Cristina , Cosenza Lucia C. , Montagner Giulia , Borgatti Monica , Altruda Fiorella , Fagoonee Sharmila , Carandina Gianni , Rubini Michele , Aiello Vincenzo , Breda Laura , Rivella Stefano , Gambari Roberto , Finotti Alessia
Published: May 2015

Mouse models that carry mutations causing thalassemia represent a suitable tool to testin vivonew mutation-specific therapeutic approaches. Transgenic mice carrying theβ-globin IVSI-6 mutation (the most frequent in Middle-Eastern regions and recurrent in Italy and Greece) are, at present, not available. We report the production and characterization of a transgenic mouse line (TG-β-IVSI-6) carrying the IVSI-6 thalassemia point mutation within the humanβ-globin gene. In the TG-β-IVSI-6 mouse (a) the transgenic integration region is located in mouse chromosome 7; (b) the expression of the transgene is tissue specific; (c) as expected, normally spliced humanβ-globin mRNA is produced, giving rise toβ-globin production and formation of a human-mouse tetrameric chimeric hemoglobinαmu-globin2/βhu-globin2and, more importantly, (d) the aberrantβ-globin-IVSI-6 RNAs are present in blood cells. The TG-β-IVSI-6 mouse reproduces the molecular features of IVSI-6β-thalassemia and might be used as anin vivomodel to characterize the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting the cryptic sites responsible for the generation of aberrantly splicedβ-globin RNA sequences, caused by the IVSI-6 mutation. These experiments are expected to be crucial for the development of a personalized therapy forβ-thalassemia.
Influence of Size Effect on the Electronic and Elastic Properties of Graphane Nanoflakes: Quantum Chemical and Empirical Investigations
Authors: Kolesnikova A. S. , Slepchenkov M. M. , Lin M. F. , Glukhova O. E.
Published: May 2015

By application of empirical method it is found that graphene nanoflake (graphane) saturated by hydrogen is not elastic material. In this case, the modulus of the elastic compression of graphane depends on its size, allowing us to identify the linear parameters of graphane with maximum Young’s modulus for this material. The electronic structure of graphane nanoflakes was calculated by means of the semiempirical tight-binding method. It is found that graphane nanoflakes can be characterized as dielectric. The energy gap of these particles decreases with increasing of the length tending to a certain value. At the same time, the ionization potential of graphane also decreases. A comparative analysis of the calculated values with the same parameters of single-walled nanotubes is performed.
Serum Angiogenesis Markers and Their Correlation with Ultrasound-Detected Synovitis in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Świdrowska Joanna , Smolewski Piotr , Stańczyk Jerzy , Smolewska Elżbieta
Published: May 2015

Synovial angiogenesis is considered to be an important early step in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In this study we assessed levels of angiogenic markers in serum or synovial fluid and their possible relevance to disease activity or degree of ultrasound signs of synovial inflammation and angiogenesis in early JIA. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its soluble receptors 1 and 2 (sVEGF-R1, sVEGF-R2), and angiopoietins 1 and 2 (ANG-1, ANG-2) were evaluated in 43 JIA patients and 23 healthy controls. Synovial angiogenesis was assessed by means of Power-Doppler Ultrasonography (PDUS), according to the fourth-grade vascularity scale. VEGF and its receptors’ (sVEGF-R1, sVEGF-R2) serum levels were significantly higher in JIA patients (p=0.002). We found large variation in serum ANG-1 and ANG-2 levels. The PDUS imaging identified increased synovial microvascular blood flow in 15 (35.7%) examined JIA children. Intensity of joint vascularization correlated with higher serum VEGF and its levels was lowest in grade 0 and highest in grade 3 (p<0.007andp<0.001, resp.). In conclusion, the high correlation between synovial microvascular blood flow, serum angiogenic proteins, and symptoms of synovitis may indicate its important role in pathogenesis of JIA.
Strong Ligand-Protein Interactions Derived from Diffuse Ligand Interactions with Loose Binding Sites
Authors: Marsh Lorraine
Published: May 2015

Many systems in biology rely on binding of ligands to target proteins in a single high-affinity conformation with a favorableΔG. Alternatively, interactions of ligands with protein regions that allow diffuse binding, distributed over multiple sites and conformations, can exhibit favorableΔGbecause of their higher entropy. Diffuse binding may be biologically important for multidrug transporters and carrier proteins. A fine-grained computational method for numerical integration of total bindingΔGarising from diffuse regional interaction of a ligand in multiple conformations using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach is presented. This method yields a metric that quantifies the influence on overall ligand affinity of ligand binding to multiple, distinct sites within a protein binding region. This metric is essentially a measure of dispersion in equilibrium ligand binding and depends on both the number of potential sites of interaction and the distribution of their individual predicted affinities. Analysis of test cases indicates that, for some ligand/protein pairs involving transporters and carrier proteins, diffuse binding contributes greatly to total affinity, whereas in other cases the influence is modest. This approach may be useful for studying situations where “nonspecific” interactions contribute to biological function.
Effects of Chitosan Concentration on the Protein Release Behaviour of Electrospun Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Chitosan Nanofibers
Authors: Roozbahani Fatemeh , Sultana Naznin , Almasi Davood , Naghizadeh Farnaz
Published: May 2015

Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/chitosan (PCL/chitosan) blend nanofibers with different ratios of chitosan were electrospun from a formic acid/acetic acid (FA/AA) solvent system. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein to incorporate biochemical cues into the nanofibrous scaffolds. The morphological characteristics of PCL/chitosan and PCL/chitosan/BSA Nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to detect the presence of polymeric ingredients and BSA in the Nanofibers. The effects of the polymer blend ratio and BSA concentration on the morphological characteristics and consequently on the BSA release pattern were evaluated. The average fiber diameter and pore size were greater in Nanofibers containing BSA. The chitosan ratio played a significant role in the BSA release profile from the PCL/chitosan/BSA blend. Nanofibrous scaffolds with higher chitosan ratios exhibited less intense bursts in the BSA release profile.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Antibacterial Properties of Electrospun Membrane Composed of Gum Karaya, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Vellora Thekkae Padil Vinod , Nguyen Nhung H. A. , Ševců Alena , Černík Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Gum karaya (GK), a natural hydrocolloid, was mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at different weight ratios and electrospun to produce PVA/GK nanofibers. An 80 : 20 PVA/GK ratio produced the most suitable nanofiber for further testing. Silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) were synthesised through chemical reduction of AgNO3 (at different concentrations) in the PVA/GK solution, the GK hydroxyl groups being oxidised to carbonyl groups, and Ag+ cations reduced to metallic Ag‐NPs. These PVA/GK/Ag solutions were then electrospun to produce nanofiber membranes containing Ag‐NPs (Ag‐MEMs). Membrane morphology and other characteristics were analysed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and UV‐Vis and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the Ag‐NP solution and Ag‐MEM was then investigated against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus. Our results show that electrospun nanofiber membranes based on natural hydrocolloid, synthetic polymer, and Ag‐NPs have many potential uses in medical applications, food packaging, and water treatment.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Based onK-Means Clustering for Multiobjective Optimal Power Flow Problem
Authors: Sun Liling , Hu Jingtao , Chen Hanning
Published: May 2015

An improved multiobjective ABC algorithm based onK-means clustering, called CMOABC, is proposed. To fasten the convergence rate of the canonical MOABC, the way of information communication in the employed bees’ phase is modified. For keeping the population diversity, the multiswarm technology based onK-means clustering is employed to decompose the population into many clusters. Due to each subcomponent evolving separately, after every specific iteration, the population will be reclustered to facilitate information exchange among different clusters. Application of the new CMOABC on several multiobjective benchmark functions shows a marked improvement in performance over the fast nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), the multiobjective particle swarm optimizer (MOPSO), and the multiobjective ABC (MOABC). Finally, the CMOABC is applied to solve the real-world optimal power flow (OPF) problem that considers the cost, loss, and emission impacts as the objective functions. The 30-bus IEEE test system is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared to NSGA-II, MOPSO, and MOABC, the proposed CMOABC is superior for solving OPF problem, in terms of optimization accuracy.