bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor Glycemic Control Is a Major Factor in the Overestimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Tsuda Akihiro , Ishimura Eiji , Ohno Yoshiteru , Ichii Mitsuru , Nakatani Shinya , Machida Yuuichi , Mori Katsuhito , Uchida Junji , Fukumoto Shinya , Emoto Masanori , Nakatani Tatsuya , Inaba Masaaki
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE

Serum creatinine levels are lower in diabetic patients compared with their nondiabetic counterparts. Therefore, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is higher in the former than in the latter group. Factors associated with overestimation of renal function in diabetic patients were examined, and new formulae reflecting precise eGFR were created.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty subjects (age 56.5 ± 15.4 years; 35 males [43.8%]; 40 patients with diabetes and 40 nondiabetic subjects) were enrolled. GFR was evaluated by inulin clearance (Cin). eGFR values were calculated based on serum creatinine and/or serum cystatin C levels. The factors related to the dissociation between eGFR and Cin in diabetic patients and the agreement among each of three eGFR and Cin were compared.

RESULTS

Although Cin was not significantly different between the diabetic and nondiabetic subjects (P = 0.2866), each of three eGFR measures from the diabetic patients was significantly higher than that of the nondiabetic subjects (P < 0.01). There were significant and positive correlations between the ratio of each eGFR/Cin, hemoglobin A1c, and glycated albumin. The intraclass correlation coefficients in diabetic patients were weaker than those in the nondiabetic subjects, and the intercepts of the regression lines between each eGFR measure and Cin in the diabetic patients were significantly higher than those of the nondiabetic subjects. New formulae for the calculation of eGFR corrected by the glycemic control indices were better than the original eGFR, particularly in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

eGFR overestimates Cin as glycemic controls worsen. eGFR corrected by hemoglobin A1c is considered to be clinically useful and feasible.
Methods of determining hip joint centre: their influence on the 3-D kinematics of the hip and knee during the fencing lunge
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Bottoms Lindsay
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The lunge is a fundamental offensive fencing technique, common to all contemporary fencing styles. Therefore, when using 3-D kinematic analysis to quantify lower extremity rotations during the fencing lunge, it is important for researchers to correctly interpret this movement. Locating the centre of the hip is required to accurately quantify hip and knee joint rotations, with three non-invasive techniques using anatomical, functional and projection methods currently available for the estimation of hip joint centre. This study investigated the influence of these three techniques on hip and knee joint kinematics during the fencing lunge.

Methods

Three-dimensional kinematics of the lunge were collected from 13 experienced epee fencers using an eight-camera motion capture system. The 3-D kinematics of the lunge were quantified using the three hip joint centre estimation techniques. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare the discrete 3-D kinematic parameters, and intra-class correlations were employed to identify similarity across the 3-D kinematic waveforms from the three techniques.

Results

The results indicate that whilst the kinematic waveforms were similar (R2 ≥ 0.96); significant differences in discrete parameters were also evident at both the hip and knee joint in the coronal and transverse planes.

Conclusions

It appears based on these observations that different hip joint centre locations can significantly influence the resultant kinematic parameters and cannot be used interchangeably.
Diabetic Rethinopathy Screening by Bright Lesions Extraction from Fundus Images
Authors: Hanđsková Veronika , Pavlovičova Jarmila , Oravec Miloš , Blaško Radoslav
Published: October 2013

Retinal images are nowadays widely used to diagnose many diseases, for example diabetic retinopathy. In our work, we propose the algorithm for the screening application, which identifies the patients with such severe diabetic complication as diabetic retinopathy is, in early phase. In the application we use the patient’s fundus photography without any additional examination by an ophtalmologist. After this screening identification, other examination methods should be considered and the patient’s follow-up by a doctor is necessary. Our application is composed of three principal modules including fundus image preprocessing, feature extraction and feature classification. Image preprocessing module has the role of luminance normalization, contrast enhancement and optical disk masking. Feature extraction module includes two stages: bright lesions candidates localization and candidates feature extraction. We selected 16 statistical and structural features. For feature classification, we use multilayer perceptron (MLP) with one hidden layer. We classify images into two classes. Feature classification efficiency is about 93 percent.
Ohmic Contacts to P–GaN Based on the Single–Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Liday Jozef , Vogrinčič Peter , Vretenár Viliam , Kotlár Mário , Marton Marián , Reháček Vlastimil
Published: October 2013

We have designed and verified a new structure for ohmic contacts to p-GaN, mainly for applications in light emitting devices based on a layer of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and metallic layers of Cr and Au, namely in configuration Au/Cr/SWCNT/p-GaN. The layer of carbon nanotubes was deposited on p-GaN by spraying a solution of synthesized SWCNTs, while the layers of Cr and Au were vapour deposited. The effects of the annealing temperature and time upon the electrical properties of Au/Cr/SWCNT/p-GaN contacts have been studied. It has been found that the contact structure provides a low resistivity ohmic contact after subsequent annealing in N2 ambient at 700 °C for 1 minute.
Semirigid thoracoscopy: an effective method for diagnosing pleural malignancies
Authors: Rozman Ales , Camlek Luka , Kern Izidor , Malovrh Mateja Marc
Published: October 2013

Background. Thoracoscopy with a semirigid instrument is a recent technique for diagnosing pleural diseases. The purpose of this study was to report diagnostic yield and complications of the method.

Patients and methods. Patients with pleural effusion of unknown origin and/or pleural irregularities suspicious for pleural malignancy were included after less invasive means of diagnosis had failed. All procedures were performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation/analgesia with a single point of entry with a semirigid thoracoscope (Olympus LTF-160). Data were collected prospectively between 2008 and 2012.

Results. One hundred fifteen thoracoscopies were performed on 111 patients. The median age was 65 years (range 28-86 years), 14.4% were female and 85.6% male. Seventy-three (65.8%) patients had malignant pleural disease (malignant mesothelioma, metastatic cancer) and 38 (34.2%) had benign disease. The sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the procedure for malignancy were 96.0%, 93.0%, and 97.4% respectively. Pleurodesis was carried out in 34 patients; in 32 (94.1%) it was assessed as successful after 1 month. There were 24 adverse events: three empyemas/pleural infections, three bronchopleural fistulae after chest tube placement and lung re-expansion, five patients had excessive pain after pleurodesis, six patients had sedation-associated hypotension, and seven patients had self-limited fever after plerodesis. One patient died 11 days after a procedure for advanced carcinoma.

Conclusions. Semirigid thoracoscopy is an accurate and safe method for evaluation of pleural diseases and useful for therapeutic talc pleurodesis.
RAPD Markers Linked to Late Blight Resistance in Tomato
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Panthee Dilip R , Louws Frank J , Yencho G Craig , Sosinski Bryon , Arellano Consuelo
Published: October 2013

Identification of marker is the prerequisite for marker assisted selection (MAS) and is also very effective for gene pyramiding. Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) technique was used to identify RAPD markers linked to the late blight disease (caused by Phytopthora infestans (Mont. de Bary) resistance in tomato using F2 population generated by crossing tomato inbred lines, NC 85L-1W(2007) which is resistant to late blight and NC 839-2(2007)-1 which is susceptible to it. A total of 250 F2 plants, and 10 plants each of the parents and F1 were used for BSA. Transgressive segregation was observed for late blight resistance. The segregation of susceptible and resistance perfectly fit the expected ratio of 3:1, that means resistance is governed by single recessive gene. Only 34 RAPD primers (17.26%) were found polymorphic between parents. Sixteen RAPD primers (47%) out of 34 gave polymorphic bands between resistant and susceptible bulks of the late blight. Four RAPD primers, namely MRTOMR-026, MRTOMR-031, MRTOMR-038 and MRTOMR-046 were identified as linked markers to loci related to late blight disease. Among those, two were linked to susceptible and two to resistance. Because of low reproducibility and dominant nature of RAPD, these markers need to be converted to SCAR markers. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 1-14 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8871
Multiple Ovulation and Non-Surgical Embryo Transfer in Cattle by Using Intravaginal Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) Progesterone Inserts
Authors: Bajagai Yadav Sharma
Published: October 2013

This paper has been presented to share the protocol and techniques of multiple ovulation and non-surgical embryo transfer in cattle among Nepalese animal scientists. Three elite Holstein cows kept for research and study purpose in the animal farm of the University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia were selected as donors of the embryo for this multiple ovulation and embryo transfer program. Similarly, 11 Holstein heifers of age 14 to 20 months from the same farm were selected as recipients for the program. Synchronization of estrus in both donor and recipients and superovulation in donor has been done by using intravaginal controlled internal drug release (CIDR) progesterone inserts, GnRH, FSH and PGF2á as per a set protocol. Oestrus was detected by heat mount detector and artificial insemination in donors was done immediately after detecting heat and repeated every 12 hours for 2 to 3 times with semen of proven bulls. Embryos from the donors were recovered by flushing using Foley catheter. The embryos were then evaluated microscopically according to the stage of development and quality of them. The embryos were non-surgically transferred into recipients by using embryo transfer gun. Unrecovered embryos were terminated by injecting PGF2á after 6 days. The pregnancies in recipients were diagnosed on 45th day of transfer by real time ultrasonography (USG). All of the recipients (100%) came in estrus within 72 hours of removal of CIDR while it took 96 hours after removal of CIDR to donors to show the sign of estrus. Sixteen embryos were recovered from three donors out of which 11 (68.75 %) were transferable. Number of transferable embryos could be collected from one donor which could affect the average result. Five cows (62.5%) were pregnant when diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) after 7 weeks. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 15-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8872
Effect of Fresh or Cryopreserved Pollen on Seed Setting of Intervarietal and Interspecific Crosses of Gladiolus
Authors: Poon Tul Bahadur , Rao TM , Rajshekharan PE , Aswath C , Kumar DP
Published: October 2013

An experiment was conducted in the field of Indian Institute of Hortricultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore during August 2006 to June 2008. The experiment consisting of eight treatment combinations were laid out in ‘2x4’ factorial RCBD with 5 replications to assess seed set per capsule. The results revealed that highly significant differences were observed for number of well-developed seeds and underdeveloped seeds. Among four cross combinations ‘H.S. 88-10-22 x Shobha’ (27.63 well-developed seeds per capsule) and ‘H.S. 84-7-11 x Shobha’ (27.01 well-developed seeds per capsule) were significantly higher than those of other two cross combinations. The interaction effect of fresh pollen- cum- ‘H.S.88-10-22 x Shobha’ produced significantly higher number of welldeveloped seeds (41.02 per capsule) than those of the other treatment combinations. In contrast, treatment combinations viz., cryopreserved pollen- cum- ‘H.S. 88-10-22 x Shobha’ produced the lowest number of welldeveloped seeds (10.85 per capsule).Inclusion of fresh pollen to genotype ‘Shobha’ and cryopreserved pollen of H.S. 88-10-22' revealed better performances for maximum seed set per capsule. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 31-34 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8874
Briquette Fuel - An Option for Management of Mikania micrantha
Authors: Singh Ramesh Man , Poudel Mridaney Sharma
Published: October 2013

Mikania micrantha (mile- a-minute in English) is assessed as one of the six high risks posed IAS in terrestrial ecosystem in Nepal and is as a considered second biggest threat after deforestation to biodiversity conservation. It is becoming pervasive and estimated to have covered over 20% of the Chitwan National Park. A survey was conducted jointly with NTNC, TCN and NAST to establish the estimates of available Mikania biomass raw material. After being cut, it can even regenerate by old rootstocks, runners and suckers. It does not have much use after manual removal. So, using dried biomass for briquetting to get fuel may be an option for its utilization. Different types of briquettes using biomass as well as char were made from its raw materials. Various physical and fuel characteristics of the briquette fuels and combustion tests were performed and studied as an alternative fuel. Different test results show that the use of this weed to produce briquette fuel will generate a potential source of alternative energy and will also help in conserving biodiversity in long run. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 109-114 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8930
Managing Soil Erosion in Northern Ireland: A Review of Past and Present Approaches
Authors: Mullan Donal
Published: October 2013

In recent decades, the off-site transport of sediment and nutrients from agricultural land into the neighbouring natural and built environment has become a more pressing environmental sustainability issue than the on-site threats of soil erosion in many of the world’s temperate regions. In the temperate region of Northern Ireland, recent studies have highlighted the off-site issue of soil erosion by water in the present day, and projected that the problem may become more widespread and serious in a changing climate. This review paper examines how this problem is being managed in the present day, and draws on examples of policy in other countries to consider how the role of policy needs to be modified for more effective management. Farmers are generally not adhering to present-day policy and “keeping their land in good agricultural and environmental condition”. A range of suggested changes in policy and practice is offered, ranging from educating farmers on erosion mitigation and remediation to developing specific policies aimed at targeting soil erosion and conservation as their sole objective. An increase in the evidence base from measured erosion rates in the field is postulated to be the most likely route to achieving policy changes.
Antioxidant Potential of the Extracts, Fractions and Oils Derived from Oilseeds
Authors: Ishtiaque Shagufta , Khan Nasir , Siddiqui Muhammad , Siddiqi Rahmanullah , Naz Shahina
Published: October 2013

The polyphenolic extracts and oils were obtained from ajwain, mustard, fenugreek and poppy seeds. The extracts were partitioned into acidic and neutral polyphenolic fractions and following estimation of total phenolics in the crude extract, acidic and neutral fractions and oil, all were analyzed for their DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging potential, ferric reducing ability and chelating power. The highest amount of polyphenols was found in ajwain (8330 ± 107), then in mustard seeds (2844 ± 56.00) and in fenugreek (1130 ± 29.00), and least in poppy seeds (937 ± 18.52). The higher amounts of polyphenols were estimated in neutral fraction compared to acidic (p < 0.05). % Inhibition of DPPH by the crude extract and fractions of all oilseeds was quite significant, being higher for acidic than neutral. The highest % DPPH inhibition was shown by ajwain extract than mustard > fenugreek and least by poppy seed extracts (p < 0.05). The reducing power and the chelating effect of the oilseeds followed the same order as DPPH, but higher % chelation was shown by neutral than acidic fraction (p < 0.05). Though low in polyphenols, the oil fractions were as strong antioxidants as the acidic one. Though oilseeds are used in very small quantity in food, they are potential sources of natural antioxidants and may replace synthetic ones.
Diffusion in Relatively Homogeneous Sand Columns: A Scale-Dependent or Scale-Independent Process?
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xu Hongxia , Lv Xueyan , Wu Jichun
Published: October 2013

Solute transport through homogeneous media has long been assumed to be scale-independent and can be quantified by the second-order advection-dispersion equation (ADE). This study, however, observed the opposite in the laboratory, where transport of CuSO4 through relatively homogeneous silica-sand columns exhibits sub-diffusion growing with the spatial scale. Only at a very small travel distance (approximately 10 cm) and a relatively short temporal scale can the transport be approximated by normal diffusion. This is also the only spatiotemporal scale where the fundamental concept of the “representative element volume” (which defines the scale of homogeneous cells used by the ADE-based hydrologic models) is valid. The failure of the standard ADE motivated us to apply a tempered-stable, fractional advection-dispersion equation (TS-FADE) to capture the transient anomalous dispersion with exponentially truncated power-law late-time tails in CuSO4 breakthrough curves. Results show that the tempering parameter in the TS-FADE model generally decreases with an increase of the column length (probably due to the higher probability of long retention processes), while the time index (which is a non-local parameter) remains stable for the uniformly packed columns. Transport in sand columns filled with relatively homogeneous silica sand, therefore, is scale-dependent, and the resultant transient sub-diffusion can be quantified by the TS-FADE model.
Efficiently Measuring Complexity on the Basis of Real-World Data
Authors: Unakafova Valentina , Keller Karsten
Published: October 2013

Permutation entropy, introduced by Bandt and Pompe, is a conceptually simple and well-interpretable measure of time series complexity. In this paper, we propose efficient methods for computing it and related ordinal-patterns-based characteristics. The methods are based on precomputing values of successive ordinal patterns of order d, considering the fact that they are “overlapped” in d points, and on precomputing successive values of the permutation entropy related to “overlapping” successive time-windows. The proposed methods allow for measurement of the complexity of very large datasets in real-time.
Building Agro-Energy Supply Chains in the Basilicata Region: Technical and Economic Evaluation of Interchangeability between Fossil and Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Romano Severino , Cozzi Mario , Di Napoli Francesco , Viccaro Mauro
Published: October 2013

In this study, we present a model for the implementation of agro-energy chains based on the actual availability of forest biomass and the real demand for energy (heat) in the area of the Basilicata region, Italy. The demand for energy has been estimated by drawing on the database of the Ministry of Economic Development or by calculating the Annual Energy Requirement (AER) index, while for the estimate of the available forest biomass, reference was made to the public forest lands managed according to forestry management plans. The collected data were cross-checked with a view to detecting the technical and economic feasibility of district heating systems. The technical evaluation has mainly focused on the energetic and plant aspects, while the economic assessment was directed to defining the cost effectiveness criteria [Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period] that can measure the profitability of the investment. In the economic evaluation we also included the national public incentives, designed to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources in compliance with the international agreements signed by Italy for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Psychological Distress, Related Work Attendance, and Productivity Loss in Small-to-Medium Enterprise Owner/Managers
Authors: Cocker Fiona , Martin Angela , Scott Jenn , Venn Alison , Sanderson Kristy
Published: October 2013

Owner/managers of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are an under-researched population in terms of psychological distress and the associated health and economic consequences. Using baseline data from the evaluation of the Business in Mind program, a mental health promotion intervention amongst SME owner/managers, this study investigated: (i) prevalence of high/very high psychological distress, past-month sickness absenteeism and presenteeism days in SME owner/managers; (ii) associated, self-reported lost productivity; and (iii) associations between work, non-work and business-specific factors and work attendance behaviours. In our sample of 217 SME owner/managers 36.8% reported high/very high psychological distress. Of this group 38.7% reported past-month absenteeism, 82.5% reported past-month presenteeism, and those reporting presenteeism were 50% less productive as than usual. Negative binomial regression was used to demonstrate the independent effects of socio-demographic, work-related wellbeing and health-related factors, as well as various individual and business characteristics on continuous measures of absenteeism and presenteeism days. Health-related factors (self-rated health and treatment) were the strongest correlates of higher presenteeism days (p < 0.05). Work-related wellbeing factors (job tension and job satisfaction) were the strongest correlates of higher absenteeism days (p < 0.05). Higher educational attainment, treatment and neuroticism were also correlated with more absenteeism days. SME-specific information about the occurrence of psychological distress, work attendance behaviour, and the variables that influence these decisions, are needed for the development of guidelines for managing psychological distress within this sector.
The Measurement of Dry Deposition and Surface Runoff to Quantify Urban Road Pollution in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yunn-Jinn , Chen Chi-Feng , Lin Jen-Yang
Published: October 2013

Pollutants deposited on road surfaces and distributed in the environment are a source of nonpoint pollution. Field data are traditionally hard to collect from roads because of constant traffic. In this study, in cooperation with the traffic administration, the dry deposition on and road runoff from urban roads was measured in Taipei City and New Taipei City, Taiwan. The results showed that the dry deposition is 2.01–5.14 g/m2·day and 78–87% of these solids are in the 75–300 µm size range. The heavy metals in the dry deposited particles are mainly Fe, Zn, and Na, with average concentrations of 34,978, 1,519 and 1,502 ppm, respectively. Elevated express roads show the highest heavy metal concentrations. Not only the number of vehicles, but also the speed of the traffic should be considered as factors that influence road pollution, as high speeds may accelerate vehicle wear and deposit more heavy metals on road surfaces. In addition to dry deposition, the runoff and water quality was analyzed every five minutes during the first two hours of storm events to capture the properties of the first flush road runoff. The sample mean concentration (SMC) from three roads demonstrated that the first flush runoff had a high pollution content, notably for suspended solid (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease, Pb, and Zn. Regular sweeping and onsite water treatment facilities are suggested to minimize the pollution from urban roads.
Comparison of the Cytotoxic Potential of Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Vapour Extract on Cultured Myocardial Cells
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos , Romagna Giorgio , Allifranchini Elena , Ripamonti Emiliano , Bocchietto Elena , Todeschi Stefano , Tsiapras Dimitris , Kyrzopoulos Stamatis , Voudris Vassilis
Published: October 2013

Background: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have been marketed as an alternative-to-smoking habit. Besides chemical studies of the content of EC liquids or vapour, little research has been conducted on their in vitro effects. Smoking is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cigarette smoke (CS) has well-established cytotoxic effects on myocardial cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of the vapour of 20 EC liquid samples and a “base” liquid sample (50% glycerol and 50% propylene glycol, with no nicotine or flavourings) on cultured myocardial cells. Included were 4 samples produced by using cured tobacco leaves in order to extract the tobacco flavour. Methods: Cytotoxicity was tested according to the ISO 10993-5 standard. By activating an EC device at 3.7 volts (6.2 watts—all samples, including the “base” liquid) and at 4.5 volts (9.2 watts—four randomly selected samples), 200 mg of liquid evaporated and was extracted in 20 mL of culture medium. Cigarette smoke (CS) extract from three tobacco cigarettes was produced according to ISO 3308 method (2 s puffs of 35 mL volume, one puff every 60 s). The extracts, undiluted (100%) and in four dilutions (50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25%), were applied to myocardial cells (H9c2); percent-viability was measured after 24 h incubation. According to ISO 10993-5, viability of <70% was considered cytotoxic. Results: CS extract was cytotoxic at extract concentrations >6.25% (viability: 76.9 ± 2.0% at 6.25%, 38.2 ± 0.5% at 12.5%, 3.1 ± 0.2% at 25%, 5.2 ± 0.8% at 50%, and 3.9 ± 0.2% at 100% extract concentration). Three EC extracts (produced by tobacco leaves) were cytotoxic at 100% and 50% extract concentrations (viability range: 2.2%–39.1% and 7.4%–66.9% respectively) and one (“Cinnamon-Cookies” flavour) was cytotoxic at 100% concentration only (viability: 64.8 ± 2.5%). Inhibitory concentration 50 was >3 times lower in CS extract compared to the worst-performing EC vapour extract. For EC extracts produced by high-voltage and energy, viability was reduced but no sample was cytotoxic according to ISO 10993-5 definition. Vapour produced by the “base” liquid was not cytotoxic at any extract concentration. Cell survival was not associated with nicotine concentration of EC liquids. Conclusions: This study indicates that some EC samples have cytotoxic properties on cultured cardiomyoblasts, associated with the production process and materials used in flavourings. However, all EC vapour extracts were significantly less cytotoxic compared to CS extract.
Forecast-Driven Enhancement of Received Signal Strength (RSS)-Based Localization Systems
Authors: Barsocchi Paolo , Chessa Stefano , Micheli Alessio , Gallicchio Claudio
Published: October 2013

Real-time user localization in indoor environments is an important issue in ambient assisted living (AAL). In this context, localization based on received signal strength (RSS) has received considerable interest in the recent literature, due to its low cost and energy consumption and to its availability on all wireless communication hardware. On the other hand, the RSS-based localization is characterized by a greater error with respect to other technologies. Restricting the problem to localization of AAL users in indoor environments, we demonstrate that forecasting with a little user movement advance (for example, when the user is about to leave a room) provides significant benefits to the accuracy of RSS-based localization systems. Specifically, we exploit echo state networks (ESNs) fed with RSS measurements and trained to recognize patterns of user’s movements to feed back to the RSS-based localization system.
Structural Insights into a Novel Interkingdom Signaling Circuit by Cartography of the Ligand-Binding Sites of the Homologous Quorum Sensing LuxR-Family
Authors: Covaceuszach Sonia , Degrassi Giuliano , Venturi Vittorio , Lamba Doriano
Published: October 2013

Recent studies have identified a novel interkingdom signaling circuit, via plant signaling molecules, and a bacterial sub-family of LuxR proteins, bridging eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Indeed pivotal plant-bacteria interactions are regulated by the so called Plant Associated Bacteria (PAB) LuxR solo regulators that, although closely related to the quorum sensing (QS) LuxR family, do not bind or respond to canonical quorum sensing N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), but only to specific host plant signal molecules. The large body of structural data available for several members of the QS LuxR family complexed with different classes of ligands (AHLs and other compounds), has been exploited to dissect the cartography of their regulatory domains through structure-based multiple sequence alignments, structural superimposition and a comparative analysis of the contact residues involved in ligand binding. In the absence of experimentally determined structures of members of the PAB LuxR solos subfamily, an homology model of its prototype OryR is presented, aiming to elucidate the architecture of its ligand-binding site. The obtained model, in combination with the cartography of the regulatory domains of the homologous QS LuxRs, provides novel insights into the 3D structure of its ligand-binding site and unveils the probable molecular determinants responsible for differences in selectivity towards specific host plant signal molecules, rather than to canonical QS compounds.
A Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Pinellia ternata Leaves Exposed to Heat Stress
Authors: Zhu Yunhao , Zhu Guosheng , Guo Qiaosheng , Zhu Zaibiao , Wang Changlin , Liu Zuoyi
Published: October 2013

Pinellia ternata is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The growth of P. ternata is sensitive to high temperatures. To gain a better understanding of heat stress responses in P. ternata, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis. P. ternata seedlings were subjected to a temperature of 38 °C and samples were collected 24 h after treatment. Increased relative ion leakage and lipid peroxidation suggested that oxidative stress was frequently generated in rice leaves exposed to high temperature. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) was used to analyze heat-responsive proteins. More than 600 protein spots were reproducibly detected on each gel; of these spots, 20 were up-regulated, and 7 were down-regulated. A total of 24 proteins and protein species were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. These proteins and protein species were found to be primarily small heat shock proteins (58%) as well as proteins involved in RNA processing (17%), photosynthesis (13%), chlorophyll biosynthetic processes (4%), protein degradation (4%) and defense (4%). Using 2-DE Western blot analysis, we confirmed the identities of the cytosolic class II small heat shock protein (sHSPs-CII) identified by MS. The expression levels of four different proteins [cytosolic class I small heat shock protein (sHSPs-CI), sHSPs-CII, mitochondrial small heat shock protein (sHSPs-MIT), glycine-rich RNA-binding protein (GRP)] were analyzed at the transcriptional level by quantitative real-time PCR. The mRNA levels of three sHSPs correlated with the corresponding protein levels. However, GRP was down-regulated at the beginning of heat stress but then increased substantially to reach a peak after 24 h of heat stress. Our study provides valuable new insight into the responses of P. ternata to heat stress.
Thermal Properties and Crystallite Morphology of Nylon 66 Modified with a Novel Biphenyl Aromatic Liquid Crystalline Epoxy Resin
Authors: Cai Zhiqi , Mei Shuang , Lu Yuan , He Yuanqi , Pi Pihui , Cheng Jiang , Qian Yu , Wen Xiufang
Published: October 2013

In order to improve the thermal properties of important engineering plastics, a novel kind of liquid crystalline epoxy resin (LCER), 3,3',5,5' -Tetramethylbiphenyl-4,4' -diyl bis(4-(oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)benzoate) (M1) was introduced to blend with nylon 66 (M2) at high temperature. The effects of M1 on chemical modification and crystallite morphology of M2 were investigated by rheometry, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). TGA results showed that the initial decomposition temperature of M2 increased by about 8 °C by adding 7% wt M1, indicating the improvement of thermal stability. DSC results illustrated that the melting point of composites decreased by 12 °C compared to M2 as the content of M1 increased, showing the improvement of processing property. POM measurements confirmed that dimension of nylon-66 spherulites and crystallization region decreased because of the addition of liquid crystalline epoxy M1.
Youth Gang Members: Psychiatric Disorders and Substance Use
Authors: Harris Toi , Elkins Sara , Butler Ashley , Shelton Matthew , Robles Barbara , Kwok Stephanie , Simpson Sherri , Young Dennis , Mayhew Amy , Brown Ayanna , Sargent Albert
Published: October 2013

Objective: Approximately 260,000 of youth in the United States are gang-affiliated. There is a paucity of data available to identify the prevalence of mental health disorders in this population. Gang members share many of the features of “at risk” or juvenile justice involved youth who deny gang membership. The authors identified rates of psychiatric disorders within a juvenile justice population delineated in three categories: gang members, friends of gang members, and non-gang members. Methods: A retrospective review of records obtained by a juvenile probation department. A large detention center conducted mental health screenings on 7,615 youth aged 13–17. The mental health screenings were performed by either a master level or doctoral level mental health professional. Odds ratios were computed as an effect size for gender, race/ethnic differences, and gang-membership associations with self-reported psychiatric and substance use disorders. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders among gang-members and friends of gang members. Diagnostic information was generated through a clinical interview and flexible battery. Results: Of the 7,615 youth in this study, ~50% had contact with gangs; 11% were self-identified gang-members, and 38% acknowledged having at least one friendship with a gang member. Similar to other studies, being male was a risk-factor for gang-membership (2.31 odds). In this multi-racial and ethnic study, Latinos had a greater affiliation with gang membership and association with gang members as friends (1.44 odds). Gang members were found to have increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (1.77 odds), current substance abuse (2.58 odds), oppositional defiant disorder, (1.24 odds) and conduct disorder (4.05 odds); however, they were less likely to have an adjustment disorder than non-gang members (0.70 odds). Conclusions: Juveniles who received a mental health assessment in this study were found to have differences in rates of psychiatric disorders and substance use based upon gang-affiliation or association. Current data is limited and inconsistent in the delineation of individual, family, peer, school and community characteristics specific to gang members. These differences warrant further investigation for intervention and treatment.
Room-Temperature Electron Spin Generation by Femtosecond Laser Pulses in Colloidal CdS Quantum Dots
Authors: Tong Haifang , Feng Donghai , Li Xiao , Deng Li , Leng Yuxin , Jia Tianqing , Sun Zhenrong
Published: October 2013

We present an experimental investigation of optical spin orientation in colloidal CdS quantum dots (QDs) by a femtosecond laser pulse at room temperature. The spin carrier and its spin-generation process are clarified. Firstly, the observed spin signals of CdS QDs in time-resolved Faraday rotation measurements are shown to belong to electron carriers, by comparing the spin dephasing dynamics and Landé g factor between CdS QDs and bulk materials. Secondly, spin dynamics unaffected by the faster carrier recombination suggests that the spin-polarized electrons are not photoexcited but resident in the dots. Moreover, hole spins should dephase very fast compared with electron spins, otherwise the trion (two electrons with opposite spin orientations and one hole) recombination process will affect the resident electron spin signals. The electron spin is generated in a short time of which the excitation light is absorbed and the resident electron is excited to trion states, i.e., of pulse durations. Due to fast hole spin dephasing, trion recombination gives null spin signals, and the subsequent electron spin dynamics is controlled by its intrinsic mechanisms.
Sign-Periodicity of Traces of Singular Moduli
Authors: Choi Dohoon , Kim Byungchan , Lim Subong
Published: October 2013

Zagier proved that the generating functions of traces of singular values of Jm(z) are weight 3 2 weakly holomorphic modular forms. In this paper we prove that there is the sign-periodicity of traces of singular values of Jm(z).
Limited Influence of Oxygen on the Evolution of Chemical Diversity in Metabolic Networks
Authors: Takemoto Kazuhiro , Yoshitake Ikumi
Published: October 2013

Oxygen is thought to promote species and biomolecule diversity. Previous studies have suggested that oxygen expands metabolic networks by acquiring metabolites with different chemical properties (higher hydrophobicity, for example). However, such conclusions are typically based on biased evaluation, and are therefore non-conclusive. Thus, we re-investigated the effect of oxygen on metabolic evolution using a phylogenetic comparative method and metadata analysis to reduce the bias as much as possible. Notably, we found no difference in metabolic network expansion between aerobes and anaerobes when evaluating phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, we showed that previous studies have overestimated or underestimated the degrees of differences in the chemical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity) between oxic and anoxic metabolites in metabolic networks of unicellular organisms; however, such overestimation was not observed when considering the metabolic networks of multicellular organisms. These findings indicate that the contribution of oxygen to increased chemical diversity in metabolic networks is lower than previously thought; rather, phylogenetic signals and cell-cell communication result in increased chemical diversity. However, this conclusion does not contradict the effect of oxygen on metabolic evolution; instead, it provides a deeper understanding of how oxygen contributes to metabolic evolution despite several limitations in data analysis methods.
Resistless Fabrication of Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) Stamps Using Nano-Stencil Lithography
Authors: Villanueva Luis , Vazquez-Mena Oscar , Martin-Olmos Cristina , Savu Veronica , Sidler Katrin , Brugger Juergen
Published: October 2013

In order to keep up with the advances in nano-fabrication, alternative, cost-efficient lithography techniques need to be implemented. Two of the most promising are nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and stencil lithography. We explore here the possibility of fabricating the stamp using stencil lithography, which has the potential for a cost reduction in some fabrication facilities. We show that the stamps reproduce the membrane aperture patterns within ±10 nm and we validate such stamps by using them to fabricate metallic nanowires down to 100 nm in size.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Antifungal Activity and DFT Theoretical Study of Some Novel 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives Containing the 1,2,3-Thiadiazole Moiety
Authors: Sun Na-Bo , Fu Jian-Qun , Weng Jian-Quan , Jin Jian-Zhong , Tan Cheng-Xia , Liu Xing-Hai
Published: October 2013

In order to investigate the biological activity of 1,2,4-triazole compounds, seventeen novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing 1,2,3-thiadiazole moieties were synthesized by multi-step reactions under microwave assisted conditions. The structures were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and elemental analyses. The target compounds were evaluated for their in vivo fungicidal activities against Corynespora cassiicola, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Lachrymans, and Pseudoperonospora cubensis, and the results indicated that some of the title compounds displayed good fungicidal activities. Theoretical calculations on the title compounds were carried out at the B3LYP/6-31G (d,p). level. The full geometry optimization was carried out using the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, and the frontier orbital energy, atomic net charges were discussed, and the structure-activity relationships were also studied.
The Effect of Molecular Crowding on the Stability of Human c-MYC Promoter Sequence I-Motif at Neutral pH
Authors: Cui Jingjing , Waltman Phillip , Le Vu , Lewis Edwin
Published: October 2013

We have previously shown that c-MYC promoter sequences can form stable i-motifs in acidic solution (pH 4.5–5.5). In terms of drug targeting, the question is whether c-MYC promoter sequence i-motifs will exist in the nucleus at neutral pH. In this work, we have investigated the stability of a mutant c-MYC i-motif in solutions containing a molecular crowding agent. The crowded nuclear environment was modeled by the addition of up to 40% w/w polyethylene glycols having molecular weights up to 12,000 g/mol. CD and DSC were used to establish the presence and stability of c-MYC i-motifs in buffer solutions over the pH range 4 to 7. We have shown that the c-MYC i-motif can exist as a stable structure at pH values as high as 6.7 in crowded solutions. Generic dielectric constant effects, e.g., a shift in the pKa of cytosine by more than 2 units (e.g., 4.8 to 7.0), or the formation of non-specific PEG/DNA complexes appear to contribute insignificantly to i-motif stabilization. Molecular crowding, largely an excluded volume effect of added PEG, having a molecular weight in excess of 1,000 g/mol, appears to be responsible for stabilizing the more compact i-motif over the random coil at higher pH values.
Elicitation of Induced Resistance against Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pseudomonas syringae by Specific Individual Compounds Derived from Native Korean Plant Species
Authors: Song Geun , Ryu Shi , Kim Young , Lee Ji , Choi Jung , Ryu Choong-Min
Published: October 2013

Plants have developed general and specific defense mechanisms for protection against various enemies. Among the general defenses, induced resistance has distinct characteristics, such as broad-spectrum resistance and long-lasting effectiveness. This study evaluated over 500 specific chemical compounds derived from native Korean plant species to determine whether they triggered induced resistance against Pectobacterium carotovorum supsp. carotovorum (Pcc) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) in Arabidopsis thaliana. To select target compound(s) with direct and indirect (volatile) effects, a new Petri-dish-based in vitro disease assay system with four compartments was developed. The screening assay showed that capsaicin, fisetin hydrate, jaceosidin, and farnesiferol A reduced the disease severity significantly in tobacco. Of these four compounds, capsaicin and jaceosidin induced resistance against Pcc and Pst, which depended on both salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, using Arabidopsis transgenic and mutant lines, including npr1 and NahG for SA signaling and jar1 for JA signaling. The upregulation of the PR2 and PDF1.2 genes after Pst challenge with capsaicin pre-treatment indicated that SA and JA signaling were primed. These results demonstrate that capsaicin and jaceosidin can be effective triggers of strong induced resistance against both necrotrophic and biotrophic plant pathogens.
Susceptibility of CoFeB/AlOx/Co Magnetic Tunnel Junctions to Low-Frequency Alternating Current
Authors: Chen Yuan-Tsung , Chang Zu-Gao
Published: October 2013

This investigation studies CoFeB/AlOx/Co magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) in the magnetic field of a low-frequency alternating current, for various thicknesses of the barrier layer AlOx. The low-frequency alternate-current magnetic susceptibility (χac) and phase angle (θ) of the CoFeB/AlOx/Co MTJ are determined using an cac analyzer. The driving frequency ranges from 10 to 25,000 Hz. These multilayered MTJs are deposited on a silicon substrate using a DC and RF magnetron sputtering system. Barrier layer thicknesses are 22, 26, and 30 Å. The X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) include a main peak at 2θ = 44.7° from hexagonal close-packed (HCP) Co with a highly (0002) textured structure, with AlOx and CoFeB as amorphous phases. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Co(0002) peak, decreases as the AlOx thickness increases; revealing that the Co layer becomes more crystalline with increasing thickness. χac result demonstrates that the optimal resonance frequency (fres) that maximizes the χac value is 500 Hz. As the frequency increases to 1000 Hz, the susceptibility decreases rapidly. However, when the frequency increases over 1000 Hz, the susceptibility sharply declines, and almost closes to zero. The experimental results reveal that the mean optimal susceptibility is 1.87 at an AlOx barrier layer thickness of 30 Å because the Co(0002) texture induces magneto-anisotropy, which improves the indirect CoFeB and Co spin exchange-coupling strength and the χac value. The results concerning magnetism indicate that the magnetic characteristics are related to the crystallinity of Co.
A Joint Land Cover Mapping and Image Registration Algorithm Based on a Markov Random Field Model
Authors: Kasetkasem Teerasit , Rakwatin Preesan , Sirisommai Ratchawit , Eiumnoh Apisit
Published: October 2013

Traditionally, image registration of multi-modal and multi-temporal images is performed satisfactorily before land cover mapping. However, since multi-modal and multi-temporal images are likely to be obtained from different satellite platforms and/or acquired at different times, perfect alignment is very difficult to achieve. As a result, a proper land cover mapping algorithm must be able to correct registration errors as well as perform an accurate classification. In this paper, we propose a joint classification and registration technique based on a Markov random field (MRF) model to simultaneously align two or more images and obtain a land cover map (LCM) of the scene. The expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is employed to solve the joint image classification and registration problem by iteratively estimating the map parameters and approximate posterior probabilities. Then, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) criterion is used to produce an optimum land cover map. We conducted experiments on a set of four simulated images and one pair of remotely sensed images to investigate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm. Our results show that, with proper selection of a critical MRF parameter, the resulting LCMs derived from an unregistered image pair can achieve an accuracy that is as high as when images are perfectly aligned. Furthermore, the registration error can be greatly reduced.