bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of green envelope components on green building value
Authors: Ab. Azis Shazmin Shareena , Sipan Ibrahim , Sapri Maimunah , Abdul Jalil Rohaya , Mohammad Izran Sarrazin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify green envelope building components of residential buildings applicable under hot and humid climates and to analyze the effect of these components on building value.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors place an emphasis on green envelope components that influence building value and which are derived based on their integration into a building envelope structure that is applicable under hot and humid climates. This is performed through identification of green benefits of each green envelope component based on literature reviews and in relation to green criteria listed by the Malaysia Green Building Index (GBI). Consequently, a quantitative analysis has been conducted to determine the effect of these green envelope components on building value by means of a questionnaire distribution among 550 property valuation practitioners in Malaysia. However, in order to certify respondents’ credibility, the authors analyzed questionnaires answered by property valuation practitioners with experience in green valuation.

Findings

The findings show that there are ten green envelope components currently certified under GBI Malaysia and applicable for hot and humid climates. There are three green envelope components that can increase property values, specifically: solar photovoltaic, green living wall and green roof. However, eight of the green envelope components have no effect on building value.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the relative immaturity of the green building market in Malaysia, the authors were unable to analyze the actual percentage of increment on building value as conveyed by each green envelope component.

Originality/value

This paper aims to provide understanding of the effect of individual green envelope components on building value rather than merely the value of green buildings in general. It proves that green building envelope components do in fact contribute to an increase in green building values. As the green building market in Malaysia is still in its infancy, this study is significant in that it prepares the Malaysian green building market to attain a new level by providing valuation practitioners with awareness of green building values and new knowledge concerning the effect of individual green components on building values. Hence, it is anticipated that this study can assist property valuation practitioners in conducting valuations of green buildings in the future.
What constitutes financing gap in Indian SMEs – owners’ perspective?
Authors: Rao Purnima , Kumar Satish , Gaur Vidhu , Verma Deepak
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to investigate the financing issues faced by Indian small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. It also classifies the financing constraints into four financing gaps, namely, demand, knowledge, supply and benevolence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the convergent interviewing technique to highlight the key issues being faced by SME owners in financing. Forty-four owners from different industries and having dispersed demographics have been interviewed in the study.

Findings

The findings reveal the real-time issues being faced by SME owners. SMEs faced both demand- and supply-side constraints. The most common financing challenges are high cost of credit, complex procedures of lending institutions, information asymmetry, creditworthiness and self-abstaining from external financial resources. Issues pertaining to lack of knowledge and awareness about the financial products and services are also being noticed by the researchers.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies the major financing concerns of SMEs and thereby provides a directional approach to the policymakers in the area of SME financing.

Originality/value

The study offers a better and data-based understanding of financing issues being faced by the SME owners. The usage of convergent interviewing allows the researchers to highlight the common issues raised by the SME owners.
The IslamicShariahprinciples for investment in stock market
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Akbar Chowdhury Shahed , Shahriar Shawon Muhammad , Elahi Mohammad Monzur
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Because of chronic financial crises experienced during past several decades repeatedly and a failure to protect investors’ rights as a result, the world is looking for an alternative form of stock market for quite some time so that interests of all relevant stakeholders can be safeguarded. At the same time, from the perspectives of devout Muslims, the current form of stock market restricts a Muslim to make investments in the market because of several unsatisfying provisions from the viewpoint of the Islamic law known asShariah. This study aims to provide the criteria under which conditions of the IslamicShariahpermit making investments in the stock market. Hand in hand with that primary discussion, it has been eluded briefly why the IslamicShariahprinciples offer a better alternative against conventional practices of the stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive study based on the literature review.

Findings

This study explores the basic Islamic principles of investment in the stock market by revisiting the norms laid down byShariahand current global practices of Islamic stock market and indexes.

Originality/value

This study will work as a guideline for investors and market authorities to understand the originalShariahrulings and the benchmark rulings for investment or establishing full-fledged Islamic stock markets, indexes and mutual funds.
A comparative study of Islamic housing finance models and issues
Authors: Baber Hasnan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide comprehensive review of Islamic housing finance models. The paper provides detailed mechanism and solution to contemporary issues of these models..

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in nature. Based on an extensive study of literature, this paper explains working of two Islamic models al-Bay’ Bithaman Ajil (BBA) and the Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MM) with hypothetical examples.

Findings

It was revealed in the study that BBA is just convergence of conventional housing finance and does not fall in line with shariah regulations. MM approach is a relative new concept and strictly following shariah guidelines. MM approach is based on welfare for all rather than profit for few. There were some issues spotted with MM model when implemented on the ground, and hence this study came up with solution to such issues.

Research limitations/implications

This paper cannot be tested until the models are practically applied. This MM contract is new and will take some time to be accepted by customers, but its reliability promises it..

Originality/value

This study is original and new, as it finds BBA not permissible which no other study has concluded so far. Also issues in these models, and their solutions were studied first time.
The effect of cataract surgery and IOL implantation on the magnification of a fundus photograph: a pilot study
Authors: Knaapi Laura , Lehtonen Tuomo , Vesti Eija
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The goal was to determine the effect of cataract surgery‐induced change in ametropia and anterior chamber depth on the magnification of a fundus photograph.

Methods

Fundus photographs were taken from 11 subjects undergoing cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation before and after surgery with a telecentric Zeiss and Topcon fundus cameras. The distance between two distinct fundus landmarks, i.e. two crossings of retinal vessels, was measured before and after surgery, and the results were compared to axial length and surgery‐induced change in ametropia and anterior chamber depth. In addition, the change in the conversion factor of Topcon fundus camera was calculated and its correlation to axial length, change in ametropia and anterior chamber depth was analysed. Further, the change in the mathematical location of P′, i.e. the second principal point of the eye in the formula of Bennett et al. (1994), was calculated.

Results

Cataract surgery and IOL implantation did not significantly influence the magnification of a fundus photograph taken with a telecentric Zeiss or Topcon fundus camera even when ametropia changed markedly. Axial length and anterior chamber depth did not correlate with change in the magnification of a fundus photograph. The average change in the mathematical location P′ due to surgery was −39.4%, SD 0.33.

Conclusion

Fundus photographs taken with a telecentric Zeiss or Topcon fundus camera can be reliably used to follow the size of fundus landmarks even if ametropia and anterior chamber depth are changed after cataract surgery and IOL implantation.
Using a standardised protocol was effective in reducing hospitalisation and treatment use in children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Labrosse R , Vincent M , Nguyen U‐P , Chartrand C , Di Liddo L , Pastore Y
Published: April 2017

Aim

Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been associated with low bleeding rates and a high frequency of spontaneous remission. Although current guidelines suggest that most patients are just observed, children still receive platelet‐enhancing therapies for fear of bleeding complications. We hypothesised that a standardised protocol with a step‐down approach would reduce hospitalisation and treatment use.

Method

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with acute ITP between January 2010 and December 2014, before (n = 54) and after (n = 37) the standardised protocol, which was introduced in January 2013. Management and events during the first 3 months following diagnosis were recorded.

Results

The protocol resulted in a 34% decrease in the hospitalisation rate (p < 0.001) at diagnosis. Prednisone treatment duration at diagnosis was also significantly reduced (13.1 versus 5.8 days, p = 0.004). Children over 3 years of age were 3.8 times less likely to be hospitalised (95% CI 1.94–7.61) and 2.3 times less likely to receive treatment (95% CI 1.2–4.3). There was no difference in the rate of persistent ITP (38% versus 30%, p = 0.43) or serious bleeding complications (7% versus 5%, p = 0.70).

Conclusion

Our ITP management protocol significantly reduced hospitalisation rates and length of prednisone treatment without any increase in disease complications.
Do antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of infectious diseases? A meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: Zaccara Gaetano , Giovannelli Fabio , Giorgi Filippo Sean , Franco Valentina , Gasparini Sara , Tacconi Francesco Mandò
Published: April 2017

Aims

Experimental studies show that some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may modify natural immune defences, thus influencing the risk of developing infectious diseases. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to explore whether AEDs as a class of drugs or singularly may increase risk of infectious diseases.

Methods

A meta‐analysis of all randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials (RCTs) investigating any AED in any condition was performed. All terms that could be coded in the System Organ Classes (SOCs) of infections and infestations using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities were recorded. Additional subanalyses were performed also pooling together AEDs sharing similar mechanisms of action.

Results

Two hundreds and sixty‐nine double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies were identified and, among them, 127 RCTs with 16 AEDs (brivaracetam, gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, perampanel, pregabalin, phenytoin, remacemide, retigabine, rufinamide, tiagabine, topiramate, valproate, zonisamide) reported at least one of 19 symptoms or diseases that could be included in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities SOC term infections and infestations. These terms were singularly recorded and then pooled together in the SOC term infection and infestation. Topiramate was significantly associated with an increased risk of infection (risk difference = 0.04; 95% confidence interval = 0.01/0.06), while oxcarbazepine was significantly associated with a lower risk (–0.005; –0.09/–0.01). Risk difference of all studies with all AEDs showed a slight, but significantly increased risk of infection (0.01; 0.00/0.002). Levetiracetam and brivaracetam RCTs, when pooled together, were associated with a significantly increased risk of infection (0.03; 0.01/0.05).

Conclusions

Some AEDs are associated with a mild increased risk of infection.
Long‐term sexual health outcomes in men with classic bladder exstrophy
Authors: Baumgartner Timothy S. , Lue Kathy M. , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Metzger Sarita , Everett Ross G. , Reddy Sunil S. , Young Ezekiel , Anele Uzoma A. , Alexander Cameron E. , Gandhi Nilay M. , Di Carlo Heather N. , Gearhart John P.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To identify the long‐term sexual health outcomes and relationships in men born with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE).

Materials and Methods

A prospectively maintained institutional database comprising 1248 patients with exstrophy‐epispadias was used. Men aged ≥18 years with CBE were included in the study. A 42‐question survey was designed using a combination of demographic information and previously validated questionnaires.

Results

A total of 215 men met the inclusion criteria, of whom 113 (53%) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 32 years. Ninety‐six (85%) of the respondents had been sexually active in their lifetime, and 66 of these (58%) were moderately to very satisfied with their sex life. The average Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 19.8. All aspects of assessment using the Penile Perception Score questionnaire were on average between ‘very dissatisfied’ and ‘satisfied’. Thirty‐two respondents (28%) had attempted to conceive with their partner. Twenty‐three (20%) were successful in conceiving, while 31 (27%) reported a confirmed fertility problem. A total of 31 respondents (27%) reported undergoing a semen analysis or post‐ejaculatory urine analysis. Of these, only four respondents reported azoospermia.

Conclusion

Patients with CBE have many of the same sexual and relationship successes and concerns as the general population. This is invaluable information to give to both the parents of boys with CBE, and to the boys themselves as they transition to adulthood.
A qualitative exploration of the experiences of patients with breast cancer receiving outpatient‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Lai Xiao Bin , Ching Shirley Siu Yin , Wong Frances Kam Yuet
Published: April 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of patients with breast cancer and their involvement during outpatient‐based chemotherapy in Hong Kong.

Background

The outcome evaluation using a mixed‐methods approach is not common in interventional studies of nurse‐led chemotherapy care programmes. A qualitative approach could provide a deep understanding of the experiences of patients.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted.

Methods

This is part of a randomized controlled trial of a nurse‐led care programme (NCT02228200). Individual interviews were conducted in 2013 with 10 patients with breast cancer after they had completed the chemotherapy. Qualitative content analysis was adopted to analyse the interviews.

Findings

Chemotherapy affected the patients in different ways. Some participants completed the chemotherapy treatment smoothly with minimum side effects, while others encountered many problems during the treatment, which had a great impact on their lives. Guided by their coping attitudes, which were affected by the Chinese culture, most participants adopted behavioural, social, cognitive and emotional strategies to actively cope with the chemotherapy. A few tolerated the treatment passively. Some thought that the process of undergoing chemotherapy was physically bearable, while some equated it with suffering. Others regarded it as a chance to get a new start.

Conclusion

The experience of patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy can be likened to that of going on a hike. They reach the peak through different paths and bear different burdens. Yet, they have to go through until the end, regardless of how much of a burden they bear and how they achieve the peak.
Role of vitamin D in energy and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 6‐month follow‐up evaluation
Authors: Ogata Makiko , Iwasaki Naoko , Ide Risa , Takizawa Miho , Tanaka Mizuho , Tetsuo Tamaki , Sato Asako , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: April 2017

Aims/Introduction

Resting energy expenditure was associated with a serum bone turnover marker in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DMPW) in the present cross‐sectional study. To clarify the fundamental pathological factor for the correlation of bone metabolism and basal metabolism in type 2 diabetes, a 6‐month prospective follow‐up study was carried out with supplementation of vitamin D.

Materials and Methods

A total of 44 T2DMPW were enrolled. The following factors were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the summer: procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide, carboxy‐terminal collagen crosslinks‐1, intact parathyroid hormone and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), as well as diabetic complications, body composition, respiratory quotient and resting energy expenditure. A total of 23 patients with low 25(OH)D levels (˂20 ng/mL) were instructed to increase vitamin D levels by lifestyle change. Among them, 15 patients with osteoporosis were also administered alfacalcidol.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D increased in 25 patients and decreased in 19 patients. Patients who did not receive the study intervention at the start tended to have a decreased 2525(OH)D level; therefore, the average 25(OH)D level of all patients was not changed. Changes in resting energy expenditure were positively correlated with those of procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide/carboxy‐terminal collagen crosslinks‐1. Changes in the respiratory quotient correlated with the mean glycated hemoglobin levels; procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide levels positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D after the intervention. These correlations were prominent in patients with increased 25(OH)D and those with alfacalcidol supplementation.

Conclusions

Restoration of vitamin D level might be a prerequisite for a normal correlation between bone and basal metabolism in T2DMPW. Lifestyle intervention for retention of vitamin D level is important even in summer, in T2DMPW.
Increasing acetyl‐CoA metabolism attenuates injury and alters spinal cord lipid content in mice subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Chevalier Amber C. , Rosenberger Thad A.
Published: April 2017

Acetate supplementation increases brain acetyl‐CoA metabolism, alters histone and non‐histone protein acetylation, increases brain energy reserves, and is anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective in rat models of neuroinflammation and neuroborreliosis. To determine the impact acetate supplementation has on a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, we quantified the effect treatment had on injury progression, spinal cord lipid content, phospholipase levels, and myelin structure in mice subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced by inoculating mice with a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide fragment (MOG35–55), and acetate supplementation was maintained with 4 g/kg glyceryl triacetate by a daily oral gavage. Acetate supplementation prevented the onset of clinical signs in mice subject to EAE compared to control‐treated mice. Furthermore, acetate supplementation prevented the loss of spinal cord ethanolamine and choline glycerophospholipid and phosphatidylserine in mice subjected to EAE compared to EAE animals treated with water. Treatment increased saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid levels in phosphatidylserine compared to controls suggesting that acetate was utilized to increase spinal cord fatty acid content. Also, acetate supplementation prevented the loss of spinal cord cholesterol in EAE animals but did not change cholesteryl esters. Treatment significantly increased GD3 and GD1a ganglioside levels in EAE mice when compared to EAE mice treated with water. Treatment returned levels of phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) levels back to baseline and based on FluoroMyelin™ histochemistry maintained myelin structural characteristics. Overall, these data suggest that acetate supplementation may modulate lipid metabolism in mice subjected to EAE.

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Profiles of Emotion Deficits and Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury in an Inpatient Sample
Authors: Thomassin Kristel , Quint Elise , Sezlik Sage , Shaffer Anne
Published: April 2017

This study examined profiles of specific emotion deficits, including poor emotion awareness, reluctance to express emotion, sadness inhibition and dysregulation, and anger inhibition and dysregulation. Self‐report questionnaires assessed adolescents’ emotion skills and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) engagement, frequency, severity, methods, and age of onset. Latent profile analysis yielded a three‐profile solution: Low Deficit (LD; n = 49), Unaware/Anger Dysregulated (UAD; n = 24), and Anger Inhibited (AI; n = 20) profiles. Adolescents in the UAD profile were more likely to engage in NSSI, displayed a higher NSSI frequency, and reported a higher number of NSSI methods when compared to adolescents in the LD profile. No links emerged for NSSI severity or age of onset.
The effect of three‐monthly albendazole treatment on Th2 responses: Differential effects on IgE and IL‐5
Authors: de Ruiter K. , Tahapary D. L. , Wammes L. J. , Wiria A. E. , Hamid F. , van Lieshout L. , Smit J. W. A. , Houwing‐Duistermaat J. J. , Sartono E. , Supali T. , Yazdanbakhsh M.
Published: April 2017

Helminth parasites induce a strong Th2 response, characterized by high levels of IgE and elevated signature cytokines such as IL‐5. As many global deworming programmes are underway, there is concern that this might lead to emergence of Th1‐mediated pathologies when the counterbalancing helminth‐induced Th2 response is absent. Therefore, we assessed the effect of deworming on Th2‐mediated responses in a household‐clustered randomized controlled trial in Indonesia. Total plasma IgE and whole‐blood IL‐5 responses to mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were measured in 1494 and 682 subjects, respectively, at baseline, 9 and 21 months after three‐monthly single‐dose treatment with albendazole or placebo. Anthelmintic treatment did not result in complete removal of helminth infections in the community. However, treatment significantly decreased IgE levels in albendazole‐ compared to placebo‐treated subjects. IL‐5 responses to PHA were not significantly affected by anthelmintic treatment and tended to increase in albendazole‐treated subjects, indicating that intensive treatment of helminth parasites has different outcomes on B‐cell (IgE levels) and T‐cell (IL‐5) responses. The data shows that 2 years of deworming can have differential effects on responses typified as Th2‐mediated, which needs to be taken into account when examining the impact of helminths on noncommunicable diseases.
Centromere structure and function analysis in wheat–rye translocation lines
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Yalin , Su Handong , Guo Xianrui , Han Fangpu
Published: April 2017

1RS.1BL translocations are centric translocations formed by misdivision and have been used extensively in wheat breeding. However, the role that the centromere plays in the formation of 1RS.1BL translocations is still unclear. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to detect the fine structures of the centromeres in 130 1RS.1BL translocation cultivars. Immuno‐FISH, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐qPCR and RT‐PCR were used to investigate the functions of the hybrid centromeres in 1RS.1BL translocations. New 1R translocations with different centromere structures were created by misdivision and pollen irradiation to elucidate the role that the centromere plays in the formation of 1RS.1BL translocations. We found that all of the 1RS.1BL translocations detected contained hybrid centromeres and that wheat‐derived CENH3 bound to both the wheat and rye centromeres in the 1RS.1BL translocation chromosomes. Moreover, a rye centromere‐specific retrotransposon was actively transcribed in 1RS.1BL translocations. The frequencies of new 1RS hybrid centromere translocations and group‐1 chromosome translocations were higher during 1R misdivision. Our study demonstrates the hybrid nature of the centromere in 1RS.1BL translocations. New 1R translocations with different centromere structures were created to help understand the fusion centromere used for wheat breeding and for use as breeding material for the improvement of wheat.
Estimating the spectral tilt of the glottal source from telephone speech using a deep neural network
Authors: Jokinen Emma , Alku Paavo
Published: April 2017

Estimation of the spectral tilt of the glottal source has several applications in speech analysis and modification. However, direct estimation of the tilt from telephone speech is challenging due to vocal tract resonances and distortion caused by speech compression. In this study, a deep neural network is used for the tilt estimation from telephone speech by training the network with tilt estimates computed by glottal inverse filtering. An objective evaluation shows that the proposed technique gives more accurate estimates for the spectral tilt than previously used techniques that estimate the tilt directly from telephone speech without glottal inverse filtering.
Use of semantic context and F contours by older listeners during Mandarin speech recognition in quiet and single-talker interference conditions
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Yu , Shu Hua , Zhang Linjun , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2017

This study followed up Wang, Shu, Zhang, Liu, and Zhang [(2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 34(1), EL91–EL97] to investigate factors influencing older listeners' Mandarin speech recognition in quiet vs single-talker interference. Listening condition significantly interacted with F0 contours but not with semantic context, revealing that natural F0 contours provided benefit in the interference condition whereas semantic context contributed similarly to both conditions. Furthermore, the significant interaction between semantic context and F0 contours demonstrated the importance of semantic context when F0 was flattened. Together, findings from the two studies indicate that aging differentially affects tonal language speakers' dependence on F0 contours and semantic context for speech perception in suboptimal conditions.
Validity of field assessments to predict peak muscle power in preschoolers
Authors: King-Dowling Sara , Proudfoot Nicole A. , Cairney John , Timmons Brian W.
Published: April 2017

Field-based fitness assessments are time- and cost-efficient. However, no studies to date have reported the predictive value of field-based musculoskeletal fitness assessments in preschoolers. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of 2 field assessments to predict peak muscle power in preschool-aged children. Four-hundred and nineteen 3- to 5-year olds participated (208 girls, 211 boys; mean age: 4.5 ± 0.9 years). Peak power (PP) was evaluated using a modified 10-s Wingate protocol as the criterion standard. Standing long-jump was measured in inches to the back of the heel using a 2-footed takeoff and landing. Shuttle-run time was measured using a shuttle-run protocol, which required children to sprint 50 feet (15.2 m), pick up a small block, and sprint back, with time measured to the closest tenth of a second. Regression modelling was used to calculate the predictive power of each field-based measurement, adjusting for weight (kg), age, and sex. Both standing long-jump distance and shuttle-run time were significantly correlated with PP (r = 0.636, p < 0.001, and r = –0.684, p < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression analysis determined that a child’s PP can be predicted from the child’s weight, age, and sex and either standing long-jump or shuttle-run time (adjusted R2 = 0.79, p < 0.001, and 0.81, p < 0.001, respectively). The standing long-jump and the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2nd Edition shuttle-run are both significant predictors of peak muscle power in preschool children. Either measure can be used as a cost- and time-efficient estimate of musculoskeletal fitness in preschoolers.
Uncovering the Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Allergic Activity of Silkworm Pupa-Grown Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body
Authors: Wu Ting-Feng , Chan Yu-Yi , Shi Wan-Yin , Jhong Meng-Ting
Published: April 2017

Cordyceps militaris has been widely used as an herbal drug and tonic food in East Asia and has also been recently studied in the West because of its various pharmacological activities such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies in activated mast cells. Our results showed that ethanol extract treatment significantly inhibited the release of [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] as well as interleukin-4 in RBL-2H3 cells. The cells were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol specific IgE and then stimulated with human serum albumin conjugated with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Oral administration of 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg ethanol extract significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reaction in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Western immunoblotting results demonstrated that ethanol extract incubation significantly inhibited Syk/PI3K/MEKK4/JNK/c-jun biochemical cascade in activated RBL-2H3 cells, which activated the expression of various allergic cytokines. In addition, it suppressed Erk activation and PLC[Formula: see text] evocation, which would respectively evoke the synthesis of lipid mediators and Ca[Formula: see text] mobilization to induce degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. A compound, identified as [Formula: see text]-sitostenone, was shown to inhibit [Formula: see text]–hexosaminidase secretion from activated mast cells. Our study demonstrated that ethanol extract contained the ingredients, which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic lipid mediators and cytokines in activated mast cells.
What remains invariant: Life lessons from Abdus Salam
Authors: Husain T. Z.
Published: April 2017

Abdus Salam was a multi-dimensional man who straddled research and institution-building with enviable flair; he was both religious and iconoclastic, a true citizen of the world yet deeply nationalistic, a scientist and a lover of literature, a villager and a cosmopolitan. While the specific details of his life belong to the man alone, Salam’s rich experiences exemplify certain values, attitudes and lessons that are universal.

In this talk, we attempt to draw out those truths, by looking through the lens of physics. Our analysis of Salam’s personal journey mirrors the search for the invariants of a physical system in that we look beyond the particularities of his unique set of circumstances, to the essence that both categorizes, and transcends, explicit events.

Thus we move through Salam’s life, collecting ’invariants’ that apply as much to us today as they did to him several decades ago. Together, these constitute an enduring wisdom that can prove invaluable to young scientists — especially those from developing countries — as they navigate different cultures, manage diverse loyalties, and balance the lure of research with the demands of service.
Cubic constraints for the resolvents of the ABJM matrix model and its cousins
Authors: Itoyama H. , Oota T. , Suyama Takao , Yoshioka R.
Published: April 2017

A set of Schwinger–Dyson equations forming constraints for at most three resolvent functions are considered for a class of Chern–Simons matter matrix models with two nodes labeled by a nonvanishing number [Formula: see text]. The two cases [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] label, respectively, the ABJM matrix model, which is the hyperbolic lift of the affine [Formula: see text] quiver matrix model, and the lens space matrix model. In the planar limit, we derive two cubic loop equations for the two planar resolvents. One of these reduces to the quadratic one when [Formula: see text].
Kalb–Ramond field localization in sine-Gordon braneworld models
Authors: Moazzen M.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we investigate Kalb–Ramond field localization in two types of five-dimensional braneworld models given by sine-Gordon potentials. The sine-Gordon (SG) and double sine-Gordon (DSG) branes are generated by a real scalar field coupled to gravity minimally. In both scenarios, we employ two localization mechanisms. One is the well-known dilaton coupling and the other is based on a five-dimensional Stueckelberg-like action. With two mechanisms, we find that the massless zero mode of Kalb–Ramond field is localized on the SG and DSG branes. Also, it is shown that both the mechanisms can result in a volcano-like potential of the Kalb–Ramond massive modes. Furthermore, we study the effects of the dilaton coupling constant on the mass spectrum of the Kalb–Ramond field.
Mass spectroscopy using Borici–Creutz fermions on 2D lattice
Authors: Goswami J. , Chakrabarti D. , Basak S.
Published: April 2017

Minimally doubled fermion proposed by Creutz and Borici is a promising chiral fermion formulation on lattice. In this work, we present excited state mass spectroscopy for the meson bound states in Gross–Neveu model using Borici–Creutz (BC) fermion. We also evaluate the effective fermion mass as a function of coupling constant which shows a chiral phase transition at strong coupling. The lowest lying meson in two-dimensional QED is also obtained using BC fermion.
Thermodynamic and structural properties of liquid Al–Au alloys
Authors: Olajire B. A. , Musari A. A.
Published: April 2017

The mixing properties of liquid Al–Au alloys with respect to the concentration of each constituent is determined using a method based on hard sphere system and pseudo-potential perturbation. These models were used to get relevant information on mixing properties of the Al–Au alloys like the Gibbs energy and the entropy of mixing. The concentration fluctuations, chemical short range order for the hard sphere mixture (quasi-lattice theory) and the activity are calculated to know the extent of order in the liquid alloys. The results revealed that there is a degree of ordering in liquid Al–Au alloy (hetero-coordinated).
Dynamics of thin-shell wormholes with different cosmological models
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Mumtaz Saadia
Published: April 2017

This work is devoted to investigate the stability of thin-shell wormholes in Einstein–Hoffmann–Born–Infeld electrodynamics. We also study the attractive and repulsive characteristics of these configurations. A general equation-of-state is considered in the form of linear perturbation which explores the stability of the respective wormhole solutions. We assume Chaplygin, linear and logarithmic gas models to study exotic matter at thin-shell and evaluate stability regions for different values of the involved parameters. It is concluded that the Hoffmann–Born–Infeld parameter and electric charge enhance the stability regions.
LISA Pathfinder first results
Authors: Vetrugno D. ,   for the LISA Pathfinder Collaboration
Published: April 2017

LISA Pathfinder (LPF) is an in-flight technological demonstrator designed and launched to prove the feasibility of sub-femto-[Formula: see text] free fall of kilo-sized test masses (TM), an essential ingredient for the future gravitational wave observatory from space. Half a year after launch, the first results are available and show an incredibly well-performing instrument. The results represent a first and important step towards the long awaited construction and launch of LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.
Nonlinear In-Plane Stability of Deep Parabolic Arches Using Geometrically Exact Beam Theory
Authors: Sabale Aditya , Gopal K. V. Nagendra
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we investigate the in-plane stability and post-buckling response of deep parabolic arches with high slenderness ratios subjected to a concentrated load on the apex, using the finite element implementation of a geometrically exact rod model and the cylindrical version of the arc-length continuation method enabled with pivot-monitored branch-switching. The rod model used here includes geometrically exact kinematics of the cross-section, exact kinetics, and a linear elastic constitutive law; and advantageously employs quaternion parameters to treat the cross-sectional rotations and to compute the exponential map in the configurational update of rotations. The evolution of the Frenet frame along the centroidal curve is used to determine the initial curvature of the rod. Three sets of boundary conditions, i.e. fixed–fixed (FF), fixed–pinned (FP) and pinned–pinned (PP), are considered, and arches with a wide range of rise-to-span ratios are analyzed for each set. Complete post-buckling response has been derived for all cases. The results reveal that although all the PP arches and all the FF arches (with the exception of FF arches with rise-to-span ratio less than 0.3) considered in this study buckle via bifurcation, the nature of stability of the different solution branches in the post-buckling regime differs from case to case. All FP slender parabolic arches exhibit limit-point buckling, again with several markedly different post-buckling behaviors. Also, some arches in the FF and PP case are shown to exhibit a clear bistable behavior in the post-buckled state.
The three acid tests of persuasive writing
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: April 2017

Each Communication Corner essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, if you have not already done so, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay sequentially.
Protecting interoperable clinical environment with authentication
Authors: Cheng Liang , Li Zhangtan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yang , Lee Insup
Published: April 2017

The Integrated Clinical Environment (ICE) is a standard dedicated to promote open coordination of heterogeneous medical devices in a plug-and-play manner. This carries the potential to radically improve medical care through coordinating, cooperating devices, but also to undermine the patient safety by giving rise to security vulnerabilities in the cyber world. In this paper, we propose an authentication framework as the first step to build an ICE security architecture. This framework is designed in a three-layered structure, allowing it to fit in the variety of authentication requirements from different ICE entities and of networking middleware from ICE instantiations. We implement the authentication framework on OpenICE, an open source ICE instantiation. Our experiments shows that the framework can help OpenICE mitigate the vulnerabilities caused by forged identity with negligible performance overload.
Flexible and timely on-line integration of medical services using iLand middleware
Authors: García-Valls Marisol , Herrasti Natividad , Jouvray Christophe , Armentia Aintzane
Published: April 2017

Modern medical systems are intensive in the use of distribution technology in medical services. Communication among professionals and patients is enabled to exchange patient information, and for on-line monitoring of health conditions. A miriad of specialized middleware solutions that have appeared in this domain, typically focus on providing more and more patient-data processing services over basic communication backbones (e.g., from pure socket communication to more sophisticated interaction models). Paradigms such as service oriented architectures and decoupled communication middleware support the development of emerging medical systems based on the composition of existing (posibly remote) services into a new application. This adjusts to the phylosophy of
systems of systems
(SoS) development. In a cyber-physical medical domain, service based applications require support for this composition in a way that a new application is created (or simply modified) in a timely fashion. iLand middleware supports this phylosophy, enabling both off-line and run-time reconfiguration of distributed service based applications. It provides timely operation, controlled communication delays, and a decoupled interaction model for stateless services. iLand has been used in medical applications for remote patient monitoring and in surveillance domains for remote real-time video transmission. This paper presents the systems that iLand has enabled in the medical domain, mainly based on remote patient monitoring. These iLand-based systems have shown to be flexible and capable of undergoing timely service reconfigurations.
FEM and Von Mises Analysis on Prosthetic Crowns Structural Elements: Evaluation of Different Applied Materials
Authors: Bramanti Ennio , Cervino Gabriele , Lauritano Floriana , Fiorillo Luca , D’Amico Cesare , Sambataro Sergio , Denaro Deborah , Famà Fausto , Ierardo Gaetano , Polimeni Antonella , Cicciù Marco
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to underline the mechanical properties of dental single crown prosthodontics materials in order to differentiate the possibility of using each material for typical clinical condition and masticatory load. Objective of the investigation is to highlight the stress distribution over different common dental crowns by using computer-aided design software and a three-dimensional virtual model. By using engineering systems of analyses like FEM and Von Mises investigations it has been highlighted the strength over simulated lower first premolar crowns made by chrome cobalt alloy, golden alloy, dental resin, and zirconia. The prosthodontics crown models have been created and put on simulated chewing stresses. The three-dimensional models were subjected to axial and oblique forces and both guaranteed expected results over simulated masticatory cycle. Dental resin presented the low value of fracture while high values have been recorded for the metal alloy and zirconia. Clinicians should choose the better prosthetic solution for the teeth they want to restore and replace. Both prosthetic dental crowns offer long-term success if applied following the manufacture guide limitations and suggestions.
Specific Features of Structural-Phase State and Properties of Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel at Elevated Irradiation Temperature
Authors: Kuleshova E. A. , Gurovich B. A. , Krikun E. V. , Frolov A. S. , Maltsev D. A. , Bukina Z. V. , Saltykov M. A. , Balikoev A. G.
Published: April 2017

This paper considers influence of elevated irradiation temperature on structure and properties of 15Kh2NMFAA reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel. The steel is investigated after accelerated irradiation at 300°C (operating temperature of VVER-1000-type RPV) and 400°C supposed to be the operating temperature of advanced RPVs. Irradiation at 300°C leads to formation of radiation-induced precipitates and radiation defects-dislocation loops, while no carbide phase transformation is observed. Irradiation at a higher temperature (400°C) neither causes formation of radiation-induced precipitates nor provides formation of dislocation loops, but it does increase the number density of the main initial hardening phase—of the carbonitrides. Increase of phosphorus concentration in grain boundaries is more pronounced for irradiation at 400°C as compared to irradiation at 300°C due to influence of thermally enhanced diffusion at a higher temperature. The structural-phase changes determine the changes of mechanical properties: at both irradiation temperatures irradiation embrittlement is mainly due to the hardening mechanism with some contribution of the nonhardening one for irradiation at 400°C. Lack of formation of radiation-induced precipitates at T = 400°C provides a small ΔTK shift (17°C). The obtained results demonstrate that the investigated 15Kh2NMFAA steel may be a promising material for advanced reactors with an elevated operating temperature.
In Acute IgA Nephropathy, Proteinuria and Creatinine Are in the Spot, but Podocyturia Operates in Silence: Any Place for Amiloride?
Authors: Trimarchi H. , Paulero M. , Canzonieri R. , Schiel A. , Iotti A. , Costales-Collaguazo C. , Stern A. , Forrester M. , Lombi F. , Pomeranz V. , Iriarte R. , Rengel T. , Gonzalez-Hoyos I. , Muryan A. , Zotta E.
Published: April 2017

IgA nephropathy is the most frequent cause of primary glomerulonephritis, portends erratic patterns of clinical presentation, and lacks specific treatment. In general, it slowly progresses to end-stage renal disease. The clinical course and the response to therapy are usually assessed with proteinuria and serum creatinine. Validated biomarkers have not been identified yet. In this report, we present a case of acute renal injury with proteinuria and microscopic hematuria in a young male. A kidney biopsy disclosed IgA nephropathy. Podocyturia was significantly elevated compared to normal subjects. Proteinuria, renal function, and podocyturia improved promptly after steroids and these variables remained normal after one year of follow-up, when steroids had already been discontinued and patient continued on valsartan and amiloride. Our report demonstrates that podocyturia is critically elevated during an acute episode of IgA nephropathy, and its occurrence may explain the grim long-term prognosis of this entity. Whether podocyturia could be employed in IgA nephropathy as a trustable biomarker for treatment assessment or even for early diagnosis of IgA nephropathy relapses should be further investigated.
Periodic Solutions andS-Asymptotically Periodic Solutions to Fractional Evolution Equations
Authors: Mu Jia , Zhou Yong , Peng Li
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions,S-asymptotically periodic solutions, and other types of bounded solutions for some fractional evolution equations with the Weyl-Liouville fractional derivative defined for periodic functions. Applying Fourier transform we give reasonable definitions of mild solutions. Then we accurately estimate the spectral radius of resolvent operator and obtain some existence and uniqueness results.
Sequential Monte Carlo Localization Methods in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review
Authors: Abu Znaid Ammar M. A. , Idris Mohd. Yamani Idna , Abdul Wahab Ainuddin Wahid , Khamis Qabajeh Liana , Adil Mahdi Omar
Published: April 2017

The advancement of digital technology has increased the deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in our daily life. However, locating sensor nodes is a challenging task in WSNs. Sensing data without an accurate location is worthless, especially in critical applications. The pioneering technique in range-free localization schemes is a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method, which utilizes network connectivity to estimate sensor location without additional hardware. This study presents a comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art SMC localization schemes. We present the schemes as a thematic taxonomy of localization operation in SMC. Moreover, the critical characteristics of each existing scheme are analyzed to identify its advantages and disadvantages. The similarities and differences of each scheme are investigated on the basis of significant parameters, namely, localization accuracy, computational cost, communication cost, and number of samples. We discuss the challenges and direction of the future research work for each parameter.