bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of CCR, Cockcroft-Gault and Mdrd Formula for the Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Parvin Mimi , Khan Md Aminul Haque , Saiedullah Muhammad , Rahman Muhammad Rezwanur , Islam Md Saiful , Naznin Lubna
Published: June 2016

Many organizations recommend the use of equations that provide a rapid method of assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to facilitate the detection, evaluation, and management of chronic kidney diseases. Indeed, many clinical laboratories already report estimated GFR (eGFR) values whenever the serum creatinine level is measured. To compare the predictive equations for the measurement of GFR in Bangladeshi population, we measured GFR by creatinine clearance rate (CCR) and also estimated it by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) 4 variables equation and Cockcroft and Gault (C-G) formula in 61 Bangladeshi subjects who were referred to Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Dhaka Cantonment for the estimation of GFR by physicians during the period of March 2011 to November 2011. Results are expressed as mean ± SD and compared by two-tailed paired t test, Bland-Altman plots for bias, precision (r2), receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve, and accuracy within 15%, 30% and 50% of the measured GFR. We included 39 (63.93%) males and 22 (36.06%) females with mean age of 52±14 years. The GFR measured by CCR was 61.30±37.38 mL/min/1.73 m2 and eGFR by MDRD4 and C-G were 51.26±26.86 (P<0.05), 54.98±27.21 (P>0.05) mL/min/1.73 m2 respectively. The bias was 10.55±25.34 mL/min/1.73 m2 for MDRD, 6.32±25.90 mL/min/1.73 m2 for C-G; precision was 0.5407 for MDRD, 0.5201 for C-G; the areas under the ROC curve was 0.5722 (P>0.05) for MDRD4, 0.5444 (P>0.05) for C-G. The percentages of eGFR falling within 15% and 30% of measured GFR were 30%, 52% for MDRD and 35%, 52% for C-G. Both MDRD4 and C-G showed positive bias at GFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and negative bias at GFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The results indicate that Cockcroft-Gault formula is more accurate than MDRD4 equation in the overall GFR range, but MDRD4 appears to be more accurate at GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33(4): 207-212
Jarcho-Levin Syndrome  A Case Report
Authors: Naher Begum Sharifun , Sarkar Adity
Published: June 2016

Jarcho- Levin Syndrome is an eponym that represents a spectrum of short trunk skeletal dysplasia with variable involvement of the vertebrae and ribs. Initialy considered to be lethal, it is now accepted as compatible with life in its milder presentations. Neural tube defect is a rare association in Jarcho-Levin Syndrome. Here we report a case of Jarcho- Levin Syndrome with meningomyelocele in a newborn.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33(4): 222-224
Obituary 33(4)
Authors: Mulk Md Tauhid Ul , Fahmida Sultana Kaniz , Rahman Mujibur , Alam AKM Khorshed
Published: June 2016

Abstract not availableJ Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33(4): 246
The hand of God is over their hands(Q. 48:10): On the Notion of Covenant in al-Ṭabarī's Account of Karbala
Authors: Hylén Torsten
Published: June 2016

This article is an analysis of the story of the killing of Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī at Karbala in 61/680, as it is presented by al-Ṭabarī. The main argument is that the notion of the divine covenant, which permeates the Qur'an, constitutes a framework through which al-Ṭabarī views this event. The Qur'anic idea of the covenant is read in structural/thematic continuity with the Hebrew Bible account of the covenant between Yahweh and the Hebrew people, which has, in turn, been traced back in its basic form to Late Bronze Era treaties between rulers and their vassals.

The present study focuses on four speeches ascribed to Ḥusayn during the encounter he and his group had with the vanguard of the Kufan army led by al-Ḥurr. These are analysed in accordance with their use of Qur'anic covenant vocabulary. They are also categorised within the broader framework of the eight standard characteristics of Ancient West Asian and Biblical covenants, as presented by Mendenhall and Herion, which have recently been developed in a Qur'anic context by Rosalind Ward Gwynne. This article argues that al-Ṭabarī’s Karbala narrative presents the pact of loyalty to Ḥusayn as a clear extension of the divine covenant.
BetweenHistoryandTafsīr: Notes on al-Ṭabarī’s Methodological Strategies
Authors: Klar Marianna
Published: June 2016

The bulk of the cited anecdotes in the most immediately relevant section pertaining to the Fall of Adam within al-Ṭabarī’s History consist solely of material that is duplicated in al-Ṭabarī’s commentary on But Satan made them slip in Q. 2:36. The duplicated material is not presented in the same order across the two works, but the extent of the overlap between the two sources is intriguing. In his introduction to the Tafsīr, published (in the form of public lectures) from 270/883–884 onwards, al-Ṭabarī (d. 310/923) gives a definition of his own methodology; the introduction to his History, the first volume of which was made public some 20 years later in 294/906–907, announces meanwhile a focus on the history of kings. Yet al-Ṭabarī does not provide any explicit elucidation of what this difference might entail. In areas where al-Ṭabarī’s subject matter spans both texts such a question seems especially pertinent.

This article seeks to contribute to a more detailed understanding of how concepts of genre affected the material that was included by al-Ṭabarī in the History and the Tafsīr, and to expose the author's editorial techniques, with specific reference to the parallel versions of the story of Adam and the Fall al-Ṭabarī provided. It draws upon the preceding historical account of the Creation of Eve, and the material that frames the repentance narratives. It also seeks to ascertain whether the individual context of each Qur'anic pericope affected the presentation of material within the Tafsīr itself.
Surface Roughness Analysis in the Hard Milling of JIS SKD61 Alloy Steel
Authors: Nguyen Huu-That , Hsu Quang-Cherng
Published: June 2016

Hard machining is an efficient solution that can be used to replace the grinding operation in the mold and die manufacturing industry. In this study, an attempt is made to analyze the effect of process parameters on workpiece surface roughness (Ra) in the hard milling of JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) SKD61 steel, based on a combination of the Taguchi method and response surface methodology (RSM). The cutting parameters are selected based on the structural dynamic analysis of the machine tool. A set of experiments is designed according to the Taguchi technique. The average Ra is measured by a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-400, and then analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to determine the influences of cutting parameters on the given Ra. Quadratic mathematical modeling is introduced for prediction of the Ra during the hard milling process. The predicted values are in reasonable agreement with the observation of experiments. In an effort to obtain the minimizing Ra, a single objective optimization is employed based on the desirability function. The result shows that the percentage error between measured and predicted values of Ra is 3.2%, which is found to be insignificant. Eventually, the milled surface roughness under the optimized machining conditions is 0.122 µm. This finding shows that grinding may be replaced by finish hard milling in the mold and die manufacturing field.
Correction: Bastarrachea, L.J., et al. Active Packaging Coatings. Coatings 2015, 5, 771–791
Authors: Bastarrachea Luis , Wong Dana , Roman Maxine , Lin Zhuangsheng , Goddard Julie
Published: June 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1]:[...]
Public Health Aspects of Paediatric Dental Treatment under General Anaesthetic
Authors: Thomson William
Published: June 2016

Early childhood caries (ECC) has negative psychosocial effects on children, with chronic pain, changed eating habits, disrupted sleep and altered growth very common, and it disrupts the day-to-day lives of their families. The treatment of young children with ECC places a considerable burden on health systems, with a considerable amount having to be provided under general anaesthesia (GA), which is resource-intensive. Justifying its use requires evidence of the efficacy of treatment in improving the lives of affected children and their families. This paper discusses the available evidence and then makes some suggestions for a research agenda.
Optimal Operation of Network-Connected Combined Heat and Powers for Customer Profit Maximization
Authors: Xie Da , Lu Yupu , Sun Junbo , Gu Chenghong , Yu Jilai
Published: June 2016

Network-connected combined heat and powers (CHPs), owned by a community, can export surplus heat and electricity to corresponding heat and electric networks after community loads are satisfied. This paper proposes a new optimization model for network-connected CHP operation. Both CHPs’ overall efficiency and heat to electricity ratio (HTER) are assumed to vary with loading levels. Based on different energy flow scenarios where heat and electricity are exported to the network from the community or imported, four profit models are established accordingly. They reflect the different relationships between CHP energy supply and community load demand across time. A discrete optimization model is then developed to maximize the profit for the community. The models are derived from the intervals determined by the daily operation modes of CHP and real-time buying and selling prices of heat, electricity and natural gas. By demonstrating the proposed models on a 1 MW network-connected CHP, results show that the community profits are maximized in energy markets. Thus, the proposed optimization approach can help customers to devise optimal CHP operating strategies for maximizing benefits.
Surface Area Variability of a North-Central Tanzanian Crater Lake
Authors: Higgins Lindsey , Koutsouris Alexander , Westerberg Lars-Ove , Risberg Jan
Published: June 2016

A history of modern (1973–2015) surface area variability for Lake Basotu in north-central Tanzania has been reconstructed using archived Landsat images from the dry season between June and October. This record was compared to local weather data as well as larger scale weather patterns. The lake has been in a state of decline interrupted by major flood events since the beginning of the satellite record. From 1973 to 1997, the lake area was between 0.97 km2 and 4.28 km2. Lake extent abruptly increased to 13.86 km2 in 1998, when a co-occurrence of El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole led to extensive flooding. It is hypothesized that local agricultural practices leading to soil erosion and subsequent basin sedimentation have most likely increased the sensitivity of Lake Basotu to climatic fluctuations.
Addressing Emerging Risks: Scientific and Regulatory Challenges Associated with Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals
Authors: Dugas Tammy , Lomnicki Slawomir , Cormier Stephania , Dellinger Barry , Reams Margaret
Published: June 2016

Airborne fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM) are often generated through widely-used thermal processes such as the combustion of fuels or the thermal decomposition of waste. Residents near Superfund sites are exposed to PM through the inhalation of windblown dust, ingestion of soil and sediments, and inhalation of emissions from the on-site thermal treatment of contaminated soils. Epidemiological evidence supports a link between exposure to airborne PM and an increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. It is well-known that during combustion processes, incomplete combustion can lead to the production of organic pollutants that can adsorb to the surface of PM. Recent studies have demonstrated that their interaction with metal centers can lead to the generation of a surface stabilized metal-radical complex capable of redox cycling to produce ROS. Moreover, these free radicals can persist in the environment, hence their designation as Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFR). EPFR has been demonstrated in both ambient air PM2.5 (diameter < 2.5 µm) and in PM from a variety of combustion sources. Thus, low-temperature, thermal treatment of soils can potentially increase the concentration of EPFR in areas in and around Superfund sites. In this review, we will outline the evidence to date supporting EPFR formation and its environmental significance. Furthermore, we will address the lack of methodologies for specifically addressing its risk assessment and challenges associated with regulating this new, emerging contaminant.
Spatial Partitioning of miRNAs Is Related to Sequence Similarity in Overall Transcriptome
Authors: Seffens William , Abebe Fisseha , Evans Chad , Wang Xiao-Qian
Published: June 2016

RNAs have been shown to exhibit differential enrichment between nuclear, cytoplasmic, and exosome fractions. A current fundamental question asks why non-coding RNA partition into different spatial compartments. We report on the analysis of cellular compartment models with miRNA data sources for spatial-mechanistic modeling to address the broad area of multi-scalar cellular communication by miRNAs. We show that spatial partitioning of miRNAs is related to sequence similarity to the overall transcriptome. This has broad implications in biological informatics for gene regulation and provides a deeper understanding of nucleotide sequence structure and RNA language meaning for human pathologies resulting from changes in gene expression.
A High Diet Quality Based on Dietary Recommendations Is Not Associated with Lower Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cohort
Authors: Mandalazi Emmanuel , Drake Isabel , Wirfält Elisabet , Orho-Melander Marju , Sonestedt Emily
Published: June 2016

A high diet quality index based on Swedish nutrition recommendations has previously been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in the Malmö Diet and Cancer (MDC) cohort. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this diet quality index was associated with the risk for type 2 diabetes. Of 26,868 participants (44–74 years) in the MDC cohort study, 3838 type 2 diabetes cases were identified from registers during 17 years of follow-up. A diet quality index (from a modified diet history method) was constructed based on adherence to the recommended intakes of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, fish, fiber, fruit and vegetables, and sucrose. After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed no significant association between the diet quality index and type 2 diabetes risk. The HR for the highest vs. lowest index category was 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.20; p-trend = 0.56). Because of the protective associations shown for cardiovascular disease and mortality, the specific dietary components that were chosen to represent adherence to the recommendations may be less applicable to type 2 diabetes risk.
The Effect of Limited Diffusion and Wet–Dry Cycling on Reversible Polymerization Reactions: Implications for Prebiotic Synthesis of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Higgs Paul
Published: June 2016

A long-standing problem for the origins of life is that polymerization of many biopolymers, including nucleic acids and peptides, is thermodynamically unfavourable in aqueous solution. If bond making and breaking is reversible, monomers and very short oligomers predominate. Recent experiments have shown that wetting and drying cycles can overcome this problem and drive the formation of longer polymers. In the dry phase, bond formation is favourable, but diffusion is restricted, and bonds only form between monomers that are initially close together. In the wet phase, some of the bonds are hydrolyzed. However, repositioning of the molecules allows new bonds to form in the next dry phase, leading to an increase in mean polymer length. Here, we consider a simple theoretical model that explains the effect of cycling. There is an equilibrium length distribution with a high mean length that could be achieved if diffusion occurred freely in the dry phase. This equilibrium is inaccessible without diffusion. A single dry cycle without diffusion leads to mean lengths much shorter than this. Repeated cycling leads to a significant increase in polymerization relative to a single cycle. In the most favourable case, cycling leads to the same equilibrium length distribution as would be achieved if free diffusion were possible in the dry phase. These results support the RNA World scenario by explaining a potential route to synthesis of long RNAs; however, they also imply that cycling would be beneficial to the synthesis of other kinds of polymers, including peptides, where bond formation involves a condensation reaction.
Synergetic Effect of Ultrasound, the Heterogeneous Fenton Reaction and Photocatalysis by TiO2 Loaded on Nickel Foam on the Degradation of Pollutants
Authors: Qiu Shan , Xu Shanwen , Li Guangming , Yang Jixian
Published: June 2016

The synergistic effect of ultrasound, the heterogeneous Fenton reaction and photocatalysis was studied using a nickel foam (NF)-supporting TiO2 system and rhodamine B (RhB) as a target. The NF-supporting TiO2 system was prepared by depositing TiO2 on the skeleton of NF repeatedly and then calcining it. To optimize the conditions and parameters, the catalytic activity was tested in four systems (ultrasound alone (US), nickel foam (NF), US/NF and NF/US/H2O2). The optimal conditions were fixed at 0.1 g/mL NF, initial 5.00 mg/L RhB, 300 W ultrasonic power, pH = 3 and 5.00 mg/L H2O2. The effects of the dissolution of nickel from NF and quenching of the Fenton reaction were studied on degradation efficiency. When the heterogeneous Fenton reaction is combined with TiO2-photocatalysis, the pollutant removal efficiency is enhanced significantly. Through this synergistic effect, 22% and 80% acetochlor was degraded within 10 min and 80 min, respectively.
Synthesis of Phthalimide Derivatives as Potential PPAR-γ Ligands
Authors: Eom So , Liu Sen , Su Mingzhi , Noh Tae , Hong Jongki , Kim Nam , Chung Hae , Yang Min , Jung Jee
Published: June 2016

Paecilocin A, a phthalide derivative isolated from the jellyfish-derived fungus Paecilomyces variotii, activates PPAR-γ (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) in rat liver Ac2F cells. Based on a SAR (Structure-activity relationships) study and in silico analysis of paecilocin A-mimetic derivatives, additional N-substituted phthalimide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for PPAR-γ agonistic activity in both murine liver Ac2F cells and in human liver HepG2 cells by luciferase assay, and for adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells. Docking simulation indicated PD6 was likely to bind most strongly to the ligand binding domain of PPAR-γ by establishing crucial H-bonds with key amino acid residues. However, in in vitro assays, PD1 and PD2 consistently displayed significant PPAR-γ activation in Ac2F and HepG2 cells, and adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
Designing of Synergistic Waste Mixtures for Multiphase Reactive Smelting
Authors: Manojlović Vaso , Kamberović Željko , Sokić Miroslav , Gavrilovski Milorad , Korać Marija
Published: June 2016

Electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, together with a mill scale and coke were smelted in a laboratory electric arc furnace. These metallurgical wastes consist of a many different phases and elements, making the reaction process complex. Thermo-chemical analysis of the reactions in metal, slag, and gas phases was done, and used for modeling of the mixture composition and energy consumption required for smelting. Modelling was performed with the software named RikiAlC. The crude ZnO, slag, and metal phase were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), the optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES), the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and reflected and transmitted light microscopy. Also, in order to follow the behavior of this process the exhausted gases were monitored. The synergetic effects of the designed mixture may be recognized in minimizing energy consumption for the smelting process, improving the product yield efficiency, and reducing the negative environmental effects.
Correction: Mariappan, S.G. et al. Polymer Magnetic Composite Core Based Microcoils and Microtransformers for Very High Frequency Power Applications. Micromachines, 2016, 7, 60
Authors: Mariappan Saravana , Moazenzadeh Ali , Wallrabe Ulrike
Published: June 2016

In the published paper [1], there are two errors in Table 5, both of which correspond to the reported results of a paper authored by Macrelli et al. in 2014 [48].[...]
Synthesis, Anti-HCV, Antioxidant and Reduction of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Generation of a Chlorogenic Acid Analogue with an Amide Bond Replacing the Ester Bond
Authors: Wang Ling-Na , Wang Wei , Hattori Masao , Daneshtalab Mohsen , Ma Chao-Mei
Published: June 2016

Chlorogenic acid is a well known natural product with important bioactivities. It contains an ester bond formed between the COOH of caffeic acid and the 3-OH of quinic acid. We synthesized a chlorogenic acid analogue, 3α-caffeoylquinic acid amide, using caffeic and quinic acids as starting materials. The caffeoylquinc acid amide was found to be much more stable than chlorogenic acid and showed anti-Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) activity with a potency similar to chlorogenic acid. The caffeoylquinc acid amide potently protected HepG2 cells against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
High Affinity Immobilization of Proteins Using the CrAsH/TC Tag
Authors: Schulte-Zweckel Janine , Rosi Federica , Sreenu Domalapally , Schröder Hendrik , Niemeyer Christof , Triola Gemma
Published: June 2016

Protein microarrays represent important tools for biomedical analysis. We have recently described the use of the biarsenical-tetracysteine (TC) tag for the preparation of protein microarrays. The unique feature of this tag enables the site-specific immobilization of TC-containing proteins on biarsenical-modified surfaces, resulting in a fluorescence enhancement that allows the direct quantification of the immobilized proteins. Moreover, the reversibility of the binding upon incubation with large quantities of thiols permits the detachment of the proteins from the surface, thereby enabling recovery of the substrate to extend the life time of the slide. Herein, we describe our recent results that further extend the applicability of the CrAsH/TC tag to the fabrication of biochips. With this aim, the immobilization of proteins on surfaces has been investigated using two different spacers and two TC tags, the minimal TC sequence (CCPGCC) and an optimized motif (FLNCCPGCCMEP). While the minimal peptide motif enables a rapid recycling of the slide, the optimized TC sequence reveals an increased affinity due to its greater resistance to displacement by thiols. Moreover, the developed methodology was applied to the immobilization of proteins via on-chip ligation of recombinant protein thioesters.
Gd-Si Oxide Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Cabrera-García Alejandro , Vidal-Moya Alejandro , Bernabeu Ángela , Pacheco-Torres Jesús , Checa-Chavarria Elisa , Fernández Eduardo , Botella Pablo
Published: June 2016

We describe the synthesis, characterization and application as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging of a novel type of magnetic nanoparticle based on Gd-Si oxide, which presents high Gd3+ atom density. For this purpose, we have used a Prussian Blue analogue as the sacrificial template by reacting with soluble silicate, obtaining particles with nanorod morphology and of small size (75 nm). These nanoparticles present good biocompatibility and higher longitudinal and transversal relaxivity values than commercial Gd3+ solutions, which significantly improves the sensitivity of in vivo magnetic resonance images.
Dietary, Nutrient Patterns and Blood Essential Elements in Chinese Children with ADHD
Authors: Zhou Fankun , Wu Fengyun , Zou Shipu , Chen Ying , Feng Chang , Fan Guangqin
Published: June 2016

Dietary or nutrient patterns represent the combined effects of foods or nutrients, and elucidate efficaciously the impact of diet on diseases. Because the pharmacotherapy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was reported be associated with certain side effects, and the etiology of ADHD is multifactorial, this study investigated the association of dietary and nutrient patterns with the risk of ADHD. We conducted a case-control study with 592 Chinese children including ADHD (n = 296) and non-ADHD (n = 296) aged 6–14 years old, matched by age and sex. Dietary and nutrient patterns were identified using factor analysis and a food frequency questionnaire. Blood essential elements levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. A fish-white meat dietary pattern rich in shellfish, deep water fish, white meat, freshwater fish, organ meat and fungi and algae was inversely associated with ADHD (p = 0.006). Further analysis found that a mineral-protein nutrient pattern rich in zinc, protein, phosphorus, selenium, calcium and riboflavin was inversely associated with ADHD (p = 0.014). Additionally, the blood zinc was also negatively related to ADHD (p = 0.003). In conclusion, the fish-white meat dietary pattern and mineral-protein nutrient pattern may have beneficial effects on ADHD in Chinese children, and blood zinc may be helpful in distinguishing ADHD in Chinese children.
Weight-Loss Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Energy Restriction Trials Lasting a Minimum of 6 Months
Authors: Headland Michelle , Clifton Peter , Carter Sharayah , Keogh Jennifer
Published: June 2016

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the effects of intermittent energy restriction on weight and biological markers in long term intervention studies of >6 months duration. An electronic search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases for intervention trials lasting 6 months or longer investigating the effects of intermittent energy restriction. A total of nine studies were identified as meeting the pre-specified criteria. All studies included an intermittent energy restriction arm, with six being directly compared to continuous energy restriction. A total of 981 subjects were enrolled and randomised, with weight loss observed in all intermittent energy restriction arms regardless of study duration or follow up length. Eight interventions in six trials were used for the meta-analyses, with results indicating neither intermittent or continuous energy restriction being superior with respect to weight loss, 0.084 ± 0.114 (overall mean difference between groups ± standard error; p = 0.458). The effects of intermittent energy restriction in the long term remain unclear. The number of long term studies conducted is very limited, and participant numbers typically small (less than 50 completers), indicating the need for larger, long term trials of 12 months or more, to be conducted in order to understand the impact of intermittent energy restriction on weight loss and long term weight management. Blood lipid concentrations, glucose, and insulin were not altered by intermittent energy expenditure in values greater than those seen with continuous energy restriction.
Rickettsia Detected in the Reptile Tick Bothriocroton hydrosauri from the Lizard Tiliqua rugosa in South Australia
Authors: Whiley Harriet , Custance Georgie , Graves Stephen , Stenos John , Taylor Michael , Ross Kirstin , Gardner Michael
Published: June 2016

Rickettsiosis is a potentially fatal tick borne disease. It is caused by the obligate intracellular bacteria Rickettsia, which is transferred to humans through salivary excretions of ticks during the biting process. Globally, the incidence of tick-borne diseases is increasing; as such, there is a need for a greater understanding of tick–host interactions to create more informed risk management strategies. Flinders Island spotted fever rickettsioses has been identified throughout Australia (Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and Torres Strait Islands) with possible identifications in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Italy. Flinders Island spotted fever is thought to be spread through tick bites and the reptile tick Bothriocroton hydrosauri has been implicated as a vector in this transmission. This study used qPCR to assay Bothriocroton hydrosauri ticks collected from Tiliqua rugosa (sleepy lizard) hosts on mainland South Australia near where spotted fever cases have been identified. We report that, although we discovered Rickettsia in all tick samples, it was not Rickettsia honei. This study is the first to use PCR to positively identify Rickettsia from South Australian Bothriocroton hydrosauri ticks collected from Tiliqua rugosa (sleepy lizard) hosts. These findings suggest that B. hydrosauri may be a vector of multiple Rickettsia spp. Also as all 41 tested B. hydrosauri ticks were positive for Rickettsia this indicates an extremely high prevalence within the studied area in South Australia.
SANS from Salt-Free Aqueous Solutions of Hydrophilic and Highly Charged Star-Branched Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Boué François , Combet Jérôme , Demé Bruno , Heinrich Martine , Zilliox Jean-Georges , Rawiso Michel
Published: June 2016

Scattering functions of sodium sulfonated polystyrene (NaPSS) star-branched polyelectrolytes with high sulfonation degrees were measured from their salt-free aqueous solutions, using the Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) technique. Whatever the concentration c, they display two maxima. The first, of abscissa q1*, is related to a position order between star cores and scales as q1* ∝ c1/3. The second, of abscissa q2*, is also observed in the scattering function of a semi-dilute solution of NaPSS linear polyelectrolytes. In the dilute regime (c < c*, non-overlapping stars), peak abscissa does not depend on concentration c and is just an intramolecular characteristic associated with the electrostatic repulsion between arms of the same star. In the semi-dilute regime, due to the star interpenetration, the scattering function – through the peak position, reflects repulsion between arms of the same star or of different stars. The c threshold between these distinct c-dependencies of q2* in the dilute and semi-dilute regimes is estimated as c*. Just as simple is the measurement of the geometrical radius R of the star obtained from the q1* value at c* through the relation 2R = 2π/q1*. By considering NaPSS stars of the same functionality with different degrees of polymerization per arm Na, we find R scaling linearly with Na, suggesting an elongated average conformation of the arms. This is in agreement with theoretical predictions and simulations. Meanwhile the value of q2* measured in the dilute regime does not allow any inhomogeneous counterion distribution inside the stars to be revealed.
On the Orientation-Induced Crystallization of Polymers
Authors: Nitta Koh-hei
Published: June 2016

In order to understand orientation-induced crystallization of polymers, we introduced an intermolecular interaction between polymer chains based on quantum mechanics. We therefore considered a pair of perfectly extended chains where the intermolecular interaction is assumed to be based on the hydrogen interaction with a single chain. When two protons of each extended chain become closer together under tension, the attractive force between the extended chains is caused by the interaction between hydrogen atoms surrounding the main chains based on the hydrogen molecule ion H 2 + . The energy is split into the ground and excited states, and the spontaneous process leading to the ground state is the origin for orientation-induced crystallization.
An Energy Efficient Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement Scheme Preserving Anonymity for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lu Yanrong , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Yang Yixian
Published: June 2016

WSNs (Wireless sensor networks) are nowadays viewed as a vital portion of the IoTs (Internet of Things). Security is a significant issue in WSNs, especially in resource-constrained environments. AKA (Authentication and key agreement) enhances the security of WSNs against adversaries attempting to get sensitive sensor data. Various AKA schemes have been developed for verifying the legitimate users of a WSN. Firstly, we scrutinize Amin-Biswas’s currently scheme and demonstrate the major security loopholes in their works. Next, we propose a lightweight AKA scheme, using symmetric key cryptography based on smart card, which is resilient against all well known security attacks. Furthermore, we prove the scheme accomplishes mutual handshake and session key agreement property securely between the participates involved under BAN (Burrows, Abadi and Needham) logic. Moreover, formal security analysis and simulations are also conducted using AVISPA(Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications) to show that our scheme is secure against active and passive attacks. Additionally, performance analysis shows that our proposed scheme is secure and efficient to apply for resource-constrained WSNs.
Networked Fusion Filtering from Outputs with Stochastic Uncertainties and Correlated Random Transmission Delays
Authors: Caballero-Águila Raquel , Hermoso-Carazo Aurora , Linares-Pérez Josefa
Published: June 2016

This paper is concerned with the distributed and centralized fusion filtering problems in sensor networked systems with random one-step delays in transmissions. The delays are described by Bernoulli variables correlated at consecutive sampling times, with different characteristics at each sensor. The measured outputs are subject to uncertainties modeled by random parameter matrices, thus providing a unified framework to describe a wide variety of network-induced phenomena; moreover, the additive noises are assumed to be one-step autocorrelated and cross-correlated. Under these conditions, without requiring the knowledge of the signal evolution model, but using only the first and second order moments of the processes involved in the observation model, recursive algorithms for the optimal linear distributed and centralized filters under the least-squares criterion are derived by an innovation approach. Firstly, local estimators based on the measurements received from each sensor are obtained and, after that, the distributed fusion filter is generated as the least-squares matrix-weighted linear combination of the local estimators. Also, a recursive algorithm for the optimal linear centralized filter is proposed. In order to compare the estimators performance, recursive formulas for the error covariance matrices are derived in all the algorithms. The effects of the delays in the filters accuracy are analyzed in a numerical example which also illustrates how some usual network-induced uncertainties can be dealt with using the current observation model described by random matrices.
On a Reduction Formula for a Kind of Double q-Integrals
Authors: Liu Zhi-Guo
Published: June 2016

Using the q-integral representation of Sears’ nonterminating extension of the q-Saalschütz summation, we derive a reduction formula for a kind of double q-integrals. This reduction formula is used to derive a curious double q-integral formula, and also allows us to prove a general q-beta integral formula including the Askey–Wilson integral formula as a special case. Using this double q-integral formula and the theory of q-partial differential equations, we derive a general q-beta integral formula, which includes the Nassrallah–Rahman integral as a special case. Our evaluation does not require the orthogonality relation for the q-Hermite polynomials and the Askey–Wilson integral formula.
Universal multiplexable matK primers for DNA barcoding of angiosperms
Authors: Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Barfuss Michael H. J. , Samuel Rosabelle
Published: June 2016

Premise of the study:

PCR amplification of the matK barcoding region is often difficult when dealing with multiple angiosperm families. We developed a primer cocktail to amplify this region efficiently across angiosperm diversity.

Methods and Results:

We developed 14 matK primers (seven forward, seven reverse) for multiplex PCR, using sequences available in GenBank for 178 taxa belonging to 123 genera in 41 families and 18 orders. Universality of these new multiplexed primers was tested with 53 specimens from 44 representative angiosperm families in 23 different orders. Our primers showed high PCR amplification and sequencing success.

Conclusions:

These results show that our newly developed primers are highly effective for multiplex PCR and can be employed in future barcode projects involving taxonomically diverse samples across angiosperms. Using multiplex primers for barcoding will reduce the cost and time needed for PCR amplification.
Characterization of 19 microsatellite loci in the clonal monkshood Aconitum kusnezoffii (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Ge Xing‐Yue , Tian Hao , Liao Wan‐Jin
Published: June 2016

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Aconitum kusnezoffii (Ranunculaceae) to estimate male and female reproductive success and evaluate the effects of clonal growth on sexual reproduction.

Methods and Results:

A genomic enrichment approach was used to develop microsatellite markers. In three investigated A. kusnezoffii populations, a total of 19 microsatellite loci were successfully amplified, and 13 of these loci were polymorphic. Most of the primer pairs designed for the identified loci also amplified corresponding microsatellite loci in A. barbatum var. puberulum and A. alboviolaceum.

Conclusions:

The identified microsatellite loci will be useful for quantifying male and female fitness in A. kusnezoffii and evaluating the effects of clonal growth on sexual reproduction.
MODEL FOR RAPID ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY OF OFFICE BUILDINGS TO BLAST USING SWARA AND SMART METHODS (A CASE STUDY OF SWISS RE TOWER)
Authors: NAKHAEI Jalal , BITARAFAN Mahdi , LALE AREFI Shahin , KAPLIŃSKI Oleg
Published: June 2016

Accidental and intentional explosions are incidents often destroying buildings and leaving casualties. As a re­sult of these blasts all over the world, demand of safe constructions with less vulnerability to explosions is rising. A large number of office buildings are built each year in many countries, housing large numbers of staff and clients, and due to specific nature and function, activities and services, these buildings are usually centrally located. Their architectural form being vital, therefore the article attempts, firstly, to present indices depicting the building form from the viewpoint of vulnerability to explosion. Secondly, the article presents such indexes as: capability to reduce blast effects, economic factors, simplicity of implementation, relationship among spaces in the crisis condition, and creating the least unusable space. The model of rapid assessment of vulnerability of office buildings forms to blast, SMART (simple multi attribute ranking technique) procedure is used and, applying the SWARA method, the weight of each major index and sub-index is arrived at. The model presented in the paper shows the assessment systems using figures between zero and a hundred, and four levels of vulnerability: weak, medium, good and excellent. The closer the figure to a hundred, the lower the vulnerability of the office building forms to blast. Swiss Re Tower case study was presented in the article rating of vul­nerability of this building against explosion. It was found to be equal to 62.11%, and its standing was at medium level.
AN ADVANCED MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION MODEL OF THE RATIONAL BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Authors: MIGILINSKAS Darius , BALIONIS Evaldas , DZIUGAITE-TUMENIENE Rasa , SIUPSINSKAS Giedrius
Published: June 2016

Different optimization methods generate a large variety of solutions that are suitable for achieving the sets of chosen objectives. The selection of appropriate design variables and objective functions are essential elements in the optimization process. However, the existing methodologies seem to be too complicated and designers seek to use simpli-fied methods in order to evaluate the overall performance of the buildings. The advancement of information technology enables the use of Building Information Modelling and energy simulation tools for the integrated building design in an early stage. Thus, this article introduces a new evaluation method for analysis of the effective solution of the building performance and aims at determining the influence of a complex criteria (construction duration, construction cost, annual bill-based costs, annual primary energy demand, annual CO2 emissions of energy use, CO2 emissions of construction materials and works, thermal comfort) for the final decision making. The findings of the article have confirmed that the high level of the building energy efficiency is not directly proportional to the overall investments, i.e. additional invest-ments do not bring benefits from economic and environmental points of view.
USING A HYBRID DECISION-MAKING MODEL TO EVALUATE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE OF HIGH-TECH LISTED COMPANIES
Authors: OU Yih-Chang
Published: June 2016

In this study, we use a triple bottom-line concept including economic, social and environmental performance as the sustainable development performance evaluation categories for companies. Moreover, an integrated model based on grey relational analysis, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, analytic network process and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution is proposed for solving a corporate sustainability performance evaluation and ranking problem. In order to verify the proposed model, we adopt 34 high-tech listed companies in Taiwan as the research object to measure companies’ sustainable development performance and ranking in 2013. The results can be used as an important basis for management decision-making, and can also serve as reference for banks and investors when developing investment strategy.
ON THE LINEAR DAMPING RELATION FOR DENSITY WAVES IN SATURN’S RINGS
Authors: Schmidt Jürgen , Colwell Joshua E. , Lehmann Marius , Marouf Essam A. , Salo Heikki , Spahn Frank , Tiscareno Matthew S.
Published: June 2016

We revisit the equation for viscous damping of density waves derived from linearized theory and show that the damping is not only determined by the magnitudes of shear and bulk viscosity. Modifications arise from the dependence of the viscosity on the ring’s surface mass density. This was noted more than 30 years ago by Goldreich & Tremaine (1978b). Still, to date the consequences have not been explored. In the literature these terms have been neglected throughout when fitting the rings’ viscosity from observations of wave damping. Therefore, one must suspect that these viscosities, as well as the dispersion velocities inferred from them, suffer from systematic bias, which might be small or significant, depending on the local conditions in the ring. We show that the modified damping formula, to linear order, is related to the stability threshold for viscous overstability and argue that the appearance of density waves may be altered by this instability.
THE UBIQUITY OF COEVAL STARBURSTS IN MASSIVE GALAXY CLUSTER PROGENITORS
Authors: Casey Caitlin M.
Published: June 2016

The universe’s largest galaxy clusters likely built the majority of their massive >1011
M

galaxies in simultaneous, short-lived bursts of activity well before virialization. This conclusion is reached based on emerging data sets for

proto-clusters and the characteristics of their member galaxies, in particular, rare starbursts and ultraluminous active galactic nuclei (AGN). The most challenging observational hurdle in identifying such structures is their very large volumes, ∼104 comoving Mpc3 at

, subtending areas of approximately half a degree on the sky. Thus, the contrast afforded by an overabundance of very rare galaxies in comparison to the background can more easily distinguish overdense structures from the surrounding, normal density field. Five

proto-clusters from the literature are discussed in detail and are found to contain up to 12 dusty starbursts or luminous AGN galaxies each, a phenomenon that is unlikely to occur by chance even in overdense environments. These are contrasted with three higher-redshift (

) dusty star-forming galaxy (DSFG) groups, whose evolutionary fate is less clear. Measurements of DSFGs’ gas depletion times suggest that they are indeed short-lived on ∼100 Myr timescales, and accordingly the probability of finding a structure containing more than 8 such systems is ∼0.2%, unless their “triggering” is correlated on very large spatial scales, ∼10 Mpc across. The volume density of DSFG-rich proto-clusters is found to be comparable to all of the >1015
M

galaxy clusters in the nearby universe, which is a factor of five larger than expected in some simulations. Some tension still exists between measurements of the volume density of DSFG-rich proto-clusters and the expectation that they are generated via short-lived episodes, as the latter suggests that only a fraction (

) of all proto-clusters should be rich with DSFGs. However, improved observations of proto-clusters over large regions of sky will certainly shed more light on the assembly of galaxy clusters, and whether or not they build their galaxies through episodic bursts as suggested here.
ON THE CONSERVATION OF THE VERTICAL ACTION IN GALACTIC DISKS
Authors: Vera-Ciro Carlos , D’Onghia Elena
Published: June 2016

We employ high-resolution N-body simulations of isolated spiral galaxy models, from low-amplitude, multi-armed galaxies to Milky Way-like disks, to estimate the vertical action of ensembles of stars in an axisymmetrical potential. In the multi-armed galaxy the low-amplitude arms represent tiny perturbations of the potential, hence the vertical action for a set of stars is conserved, although after several orbital periods of revolution the conservation degrades significantly. For a Milky Way-like galaxy with vigorous spiral activity and the formation of a bar, our results show that the potential is far from steady, implying that the action is not a constant of motion. Furthermore, because of the presence of high-amplitude arms and the bar, considerable in-plane and vertical heating occurs that forces stars to deviate from near-circular orbits, reducing the degree at which the actions are conserved for individual stars, in agreement with previous results, but also for ensembles of stars. If confirmed, this result has several implications, including the assertion that the thick disk of our Galaxy forms by radial migration of stars, under the assumption of the conservation of the action describing the vertical motion of stars.
STAR CLUSTERS IN M31. VII. GLOBAL KINEMATICS AND METALLICITY SUBPOPULATIONS OF THE GLOBULAR CLUSTERS
Authors: Caldwell Nelson , Romanowsky Aaron J.
Published: June 2016

We carry out a joint spatial–kinematical–metallicity analysis of globular clusters (GCs) around the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), using a homogeneous, high-quality spectroscopic data set. In particular, we remove the contaminating young clusters that have plagued many previous analyses. We find that the clusters can be divided into three major metallicity groups based on their radial distributions: (1) an inner metal-rich group ([Fe/H] >

); (2) a group with intermediate metallicity (with median [Fe/H] = −1); and (3) a metal-poor group, with [Fe/H] <

. The metal-rich group has kinematics and spatial properties like those of the disk of M31, while the two more metal-poor groups show mild prograde rotation overall, with larger dispersions—in contrast to previous claims of stronger rotation. The metal-poor GCs are the least concentrated group; such clusters occur five times less frequently in the central bulge than do clusters of higher metallicity. Despite some well-known differences between the M31 and Milky Way GC systems, our revised analysis points to remarkable similarities in their chemodynamical properties, which could help elucidate the different formation stages of galaxies and their GCs. In particular, the M31 results motivate further exploration of a metal-rich GC formation mode in situ, within high-redshift, clumpy galactic disks.