bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standing wave in evaporating meniscus detected by infrared thermography
Authors: Buffone Cosimo , Sefiane Khellil , Minetti Christophe , Mamalis Dimitrios
Published: July 2015

A standing wave has been detected in the evaporating meniscus formed on an organic liquid (acetone) inside a horizontally positioned capillary tube of 1 mm internal diameter. The standing wave is believed to originate from the interaction between surface tension and gravitational forces. We found that the standing wave ensues only at the upper part of the meniscus interface where gravity and surface tension act in the opposite direction. This experimental observation is similar to standing waves observed in floating zones in microgravity but different from travelling waves reported recently in volatile drops; in both cases the waves are produced by temperature differences along a liquid-vapour interface. By employing InfraRed thermography, we recorded the temperature distribution of the meniscus interface, and we found that the first characteristic frequency of the standing wave is around 0.3 Hz.
Carbohydrate-binding modules influence substrate specificity of an endoglucanase from Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Ichikawa Shunsuke , Yoshida Mitsuki , Karita Shuichi , Kondo Makoto , Goto Masakazu
Published: July 2015

Most cellulases contain carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) that largely contribute to their activity for insoluble substrates. Clostridium thermocellum Cel5E is an endoglucanase having xylanolytic activity. The Cel5E originally has a family 11 CBM preferentially binding to β-1,4- and β-1,3-1,4-mixed linkage glucans. In this study, we replaced the CBM with a different type of CBM, either a family 3 microcrystalline cellulose-directed CBM from Clostridium josui scaffoldin, or a family 6 xylan-directed CBM from Clostridium stercorarium xylanase 11A. Chimeric endoglucanases showed enhanced activity that was affected by CBM binding specificity. These chimeric enzymes could efficiently degrade milled lignocellulosic materials, such as corn hulls, because of heterologous components in the plant cell wall, indicating that diverse CBMs play roles in degradation of lignocellulosic materials.
Pain management framework in the emergency department: patterns in 40 emergency departments worldwide
Authors: Parnass Adam J. , Greenbaum Nathaniel R. , Glick Michael A. , Halpern Pinchas
Published: July 2015

Many studies illustrate variation in pain management protocols in emergency medicine. This study examines analgesia frameworks in emergency departments (EDs) in multiple countries, compares them with the recent literature, and illuminates the variability in protocols and treatment. A survey was conducted assessing the pain management framework and practices in a convenience sample of 40 hospitals distributed over 22 countries. Most EDs (80%) indicated that pain intensity was routinely documented, most commonly (42.5%) using a verbal numerical 0–10 scale. Most (57.5%) reported specific protocols for specific conditions, with 56.5% reporting that these protocols were mandatory. Structured training was reported by 27.5% of responders. All (100%) reported analgesia administration in the trauma room. Oral paracetamol (67.5%) and intravenous morphine (92.5%) were the most commonly used analgesics. The variability in the pain management framework is high among EDs worldwide, highlighting the need for more international uniformity in analgesia practices in the ED.
Study on antifriction mechanism of lubricating wear-resistant coating with parallel texture
Authors: Zhao Yuncai , Yang Fei , Guo Yongming
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of parallel texturing coating on antifriction mechanism of lubricating wear-resistant coating.

Design/methodology/approach

– A KF301/WS2 lubricating wear-resisting coating was prepared on matrix material GCr15 by applying supersonic plasma spraying technology. On the basis of this sample, the KF301/WS2 modified coating with parallel pit-type texture was prepared by laser re-melting technology and a surface texturing technique. Their friction and wear behaviors were evaluated under ambient temperature, and the antifriction mechanism of two kinds of coatings were discussed.

Findings

– Results showed that parallel texture has a certain impact on the tribological properties of the coating. When friction and wear reach stable state, the value of the friction coefficient of conventional coating was 0.115, while that of parallel texturing coating was 0.09, the latter decreased by 21 per cent. When the friction and wear time was up to 4 hours, the wear loss of the conventional coating was 0.29 mg, while that of the parallel texturing coating was 0.13 mg, the latter decreased by 55 per cent.

Originality/value

– The tribological properties of parallel texturing coating were higher than conventional coating. That is because the change of three-body layer reduces the friction coefficient and the abrasive particles were collected by parallel texture, reducing the effects of debris.
Differences in accounting treatment of Ijarah: a case study of UAE Islamic banks
Authors: Gupta Namrata
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the accounting treatment of one of the most popular instruments of financing in Islamic banks, which is Islamic leasing or Ijarah. This research undertakes an empirical investigation of the accounting practices of Ijarah followed by UAE’s Islamic banks. The main objective of this paper is to compare the accounting practices followed by UAE Islamic banks and accounting practices recommended by Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) for the accounting treatment of Ijarah.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study also aims to examine the justification and explanation behind this practice and clarify the accounting treatment of Ijarah as defined in the regulatory framework and standards.

Findings

– The author has found that the accounting treatment of Ijarah practiced by four UAE Islamic banks, it is clear that all of them are following IAS-17 and not FAS-8 of AAOIFI. The main difference is: FAS-8 issued by AAOIFI suggests that the accounting treatment for both Ijarah and Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek be similar to operating lease transactions with certain exceptions. On the other hand, these Islamic banks are accounting for Ijarah as a financing transaction, just like finance lease – in accordance with IAS-17.

Research limitations/implications

– Taking out the right information from banks officials regarding Ijarah was a big hassle.

Practical implications

– After considering the above-mentioned points, according to the researcher, Western accounting standards are not appropriate to be applied in Islamic financial institution because of their different nature and treatment of financial instruments. Therefore, Islamic banks and other Islamic finance professionals should consider making the standards of AAOIFI mandatory, and they should stick to these standards for information disclosure, building investors’ confidence, monitoring and surveillance. These standards would also ensure the integration of Islamic financial markets with international markets.

Social implications

– This study also aims to examine the justification and explanation behind this practice of bankers when the researcher approached these four banks, their officials mentioned that Ijarah contracts are similar to conventional form of financing, and it does not involve the central tenet of Islamic capitalism, i.e. to share risk and profit; therefore, they are justified and convinced to adopt IAS-17 in accounting for Ijarah transactions.

Originality/value

– It is an original case study based on secondary research data.
Does message content matter in negative publicity? A study with young athletes emulating pros
Authors: Özdinç Yalim , Özdinç Özlem
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine changes in the strength of attachment to role models (strong, weak) and in the levels of commitment to the brands endorsed by role models (high, moderate, low) by exposing young athletes emulating sport stars to celebrity-engendered negative messages (CeNM).

Design/methodology/approach

– Two studies were conducted with footballers ranging in age from 13 to 18 years. Study 1 explored emulated football stars, attachment strength and commitment levels (n = 1,425). Study 2 exposed purposively selected 853 young footballers to four types of CeNM by content (social attribute, moral conduct, game performance, physical condition). A combination of non-/parametric t-tests was run for the paired comparisons of before–after exposure to CeNM.

Findings

– All CeNM contents weakened the ties to emulated football stars across the entire sample. Similarly, commitment to endorsed brands was diminished in all three categories after exposure to CeNM. When further examined, it appeared that the message about sport stars’ bad health did not affect the highly and moderately committed subjects. Overall, not just CeNM comprising personality-related topics (e.g. illicit affair, unfair play) but also those covering uncontrollable (e.g. injuries) and transient issues (e.g. penalty-kick misses) damaged young people’s attachment to their celebrity role models and tarnished, to a great extent, their evaluations of the brands the role models endorse.

Originality/value

– Besides echoing the common tendency that attachment to celebrity role models is strong among the youth, findings also indicate that young people, unlike adults, react naively to CeNM.
Keeping a child's donor sperm conception secret is not linked to family and child functioning during middle childhood: An Australian comparative study
Authors: Kovacs Gabor Thomas , Wise Sarah , Finch Sue
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim

Controversy exists as to whether children conceived using donor sperm should be told about their origins and the possible deleterious effects of secrecy.

Materials and Methods

The Follow‐Up of Children Conceived through Donor Insemination research compares ‘family functioning’ and ‘child well‐being’ in 62 families where donor‐conceived children aged between 5 and 13 years had been ‘told’ (N = 29) and ‘not told’ (N = 33) of their genetic heritage. Couples were treated through the Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Reproductive Medicine Clinic. Standardised measures of family functioning and child well‐being collected from mothers were modelled to estimate mean differences according to knowledge of conception.

Results

Mean differences between the two ‘knowledge of conception’ groups were generally very small and not statistically significant; adjustment for covariates did not make a substantive difference to the interpretation of group differences. Scores on family functioning and child well‐being measures were within normal limits for both the ‘told’ and ‘not told’ groups.

Conclusion

Further research on parents' experiences would usefully inform discussion on the forms of education and support that would encourage parents to engage with the issues of disclosure and nondisclosure, and promote transparency as well as societal awareness, acceptance and understanding of this method of family formation.
Serum anti‐Mullerian hormone assessment of ovarian reserve and polycystic ovary syndrome status over the reproductive lifespan
Authors: Tremellen Kelton , Zander‐Fox Deidre
Published: July 2015

Background

To determine normal ranges for serum anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) using the new automated Elecsys® AMH assay platform, with a view to establishing values that signify premature loss of ovarian reserve, increased risk for an excessive response during IVF stimulation and a likely diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and Methods

Serum AMH was measured by the Elecsys® automated electrochemiluminescence assay in 654 women undergoing gynaecological assessment.

Results

Serum AMH levels peaked before 25 years of age, with mean AMH levels halving by 36 and falling to a quarter of their peak by 40 years of age. Overall, AMH results of 95% of patients with PCOS exceeded the 50th percentile for their age, with 72.1% having an AMH result in the top quartile for age. ROC analysis suggested that a serum AMH ≥36 pmol L−1 is the best determinant of PCOS status (sensitivity 83.7% and specificity 82.3%). Serum AMH exhibited an excellent correlation with ultrasound‐assessed antral follicle count (AFC) (r = 0.836, P < 0.0001), with a result of 20 pmol L−1 corresponding to an AFC of 16 and, therefore, increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF treatment.

Conclusion

Serum AMH is a sensitive marker of age‐related decline in ovarian reserve status. A serum AMH result >36 pmol L−1, or above the 75th percentile for age, is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of PCOS. A serum AMH result below the 10th percentile for age suggests accelerated loss of ovarian reserve, while an AMH result exceeding 20 pmol L−1 suggests an increased risk of OHSS during IVF treatment.
Induced pluripotent stem cell technology for dissecting the cancer epigenome
Authors: Semi Katsunori , Yamada Yasuhiro
Published: July 2015

Cancer arises through the accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Although the causal role of genetic mutations on cancer development has been established in vivo, similar evidence for epigenetic alterations is limited. Moreover, mutual interactions between genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations remain unclear. Cellular reprogramming technology can be used to actively modify the epigenome without affecting the underlying genomic sequences. Here we introduce recent studies that have utilized this property for cancer research. We propose that just as it has potential for regenerative medicine and disease modeling, cell reprogramming could also be a powerful tool for dissecting the role of the cancer epigenome in the development and maintenance of cancer cells.
Filtered Stochastic Shadow Mapping Using a Layered Approach
Authors: Andersson M. , Hasselgren J. , Munkberg J. , Akenine‐Möller T.
Published: July 2015

Given a stochastic shadow map rendered with motion blur, our goal is to render an image from the eye with motion‐blurred shadows with as little noise as possible. We use a layered approach in the shadow map and reproject samples along the average motion vector, and then perform lookups in this representation. Our results include substantially improved shadow quality compared to previous work and a fast graphics processing unit (GPU) implementation. In addition, we devise a set of scenes that are designed to bring out and show problematic cases for motion‐blurred shadows. These scenes have difficult occlusion characteristics, and may be used in future research on this topic.
The Contemporary Relevance of Schillebeeckx's Political Theology: On Ecclesial Participation in the Saving Work of Christ
Authors: Alpers Christiane
Published: July 2015

In this article I explore the relation between God's absolute governance of the world and ecclesial dominion over other communities in a shared political forum that seeks the greatest good of all. On this question I compare the positions of Colin Gunton, Robert Jenson, and Edward Schillebeeckx as representatives of three distinct political theologies. Whereas Gunton's reservation regarding the participation of the church's politics in divine governance shows excessive deference to human sinfulness, Jenson on the contrary tends to absorb God's Rule into ecclesial politics. Drawing upon Schillebeeckx's Christology, I argue that God's absolute Rule is compatible with ecclesial sovereignty; however, this does not allow for unilateral ecclesial dominion over others, inasmuch as God's Rule is disclosed as forgiveness.
Quality of life: a research gap in teledermatology
Authors: Whited John D.
Published: July 2015

An important outcome in healthcare, and in particular for dermatologic healthcare, is quality of life. Whereas the literature is well represented by quality of life assessments in dermatology, very little information is available that specifically addresses teledermatology's impact on quality of life. This gap in our knowledge of teledermatology is noteworthy precisely because of the importance that quality of life plays in dermatologic disease and healthcare delivery. The goal of this review is to briefly outline the concept of quality of life and its importance to dermatology, describe the different type of instruments that are used to assess quality of life, and to review studies that implemented teledermatology interventions and made quality of life assessments. The available literature has shown that teledermatology interventions do result in improved quality of life, and those changes correlate with improvements in disease severity and clinical course. Integrating quality of life assessments in future evaluations of teledermatology interventions would be valuable to provide a more comprehensive depiction of teledermatology's impact on patients receiving dermatology care via telemedicine.
The influence of heat treatment of chickpea seeds on antioxidant and fibroblast growth‐stimulating activity of peptide fractions obtained from proteins digested under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Karaś Monika , Baraniak Barbara , Rybczyńska Kamila , Gmiński Jan , Gaweł‐Bęben Katarzyna , Jakubczyk Anna
Published: July 2015

This study presents the effect of heat treatment of chickpea seeds on biological activity of peptides obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The most significant antiradical activity against ABTS+• expressed as IC50 value was observed for 3.5‐ to 7‐kDa peptide fraction from TC hydrolysate (41.01 μg mL−1). In turn, peptide fraction of 3.5–7.0 kDa obtained from raw chickpea seeds hydrolysate showed the highest antiradical activity against DPPH• and Fe2+ chelating activity with IC50 value of 20.94 and 52.53 μg mL−1, respectively. The highest Cu2+ chelating activity was observed for peptides obtained from TC hydrolysate (IC50 = 56.60 μg mL−1). Peptide fraction <3.5 kDa from TC hydrolysate demonstrated the most significant reducing power (0.362 A700/μg mL−1). The peptide fraction of 3.5–7 kDa from TC hydrolysate also showed the highest fibroblast growth‐stimulating activity. These results indicated that the heat treatment process has no significant effect on antiradical activity against DPPH• and Fe2+ chelating ability of peptides.
The Meaning, Antecedents and Outcomes of Employee Engagement: A Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Bailey Catherine , Madden Adrian , Alfes Kerstin , Fletcher Luke
Published: July 2015

The claim that high levels of engagement can enhance organizational performance and individual well‐being has not previously been tested through a systematic review of the evidence. To bring coherence to the diffuse body of literature on engagement, the authors conducted a systematic synthesis of narrative evidence involving 214 studies focused on the meaning, antecedents and outcomes of engagement. The authors identified six distinct conceptualizations of engagement, with the field dominated by the Utrecht Group's ‘work engagement’ construct and measure, and by the theorization of engagement within the ‘job demands–resources’ framework. Five groups of factors served as antecedents to engagement: psychological states; job design; leadership; organizational and team factors; and organizational interventions. Engagement was found to be positively associated with individual morale, task performance, extra‐role performance and organizational performance, and the evidence was most robust in relation to task performance. However, there was an over‐reliance on quantitative, cross‐sectional and self‐report studies within the field, which limited claims of causality. To address controversies over the commonly used measures and concepts in the field and gaps in the evidence‐base, the authors set out an agenda for future research that integrates emerging critical sociological perspectives on engagement with the psychological perspectives that currently dominate the field.
Octreotide protects ovary against ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats: Evaluation of histological and biochemical parameters
Authors: Yildirim Nuri , Yigitturk Gurkan , Sahingoz Yildirim Alkim Gulsah , Akdemir Ali , İlgen Orkun , Yeniel Ozgur , Ergenoglu Mete , Erbas Oytun
Published: July 2015

Aim

This study investigated the efficacy of octreotide for prevention of ischemia–reperfusion injury in rat ovary.

Methods

Thirty‐two adult female rats were included. Rats were divided into five groups: in the sham group, the abdominal wall was only opened and closed; in the torsion group, ischemia was induced for 3 h using a torsion model involving atraumatic vascular clips; in the torsion/octreotide group, rats were given 100 µg/kg i.p. octreotide 30 min before torsion was induced; in the torsion/detorsion group, rats underwent 3 h ischemia–3 h reperfusion; in the torsion/detorsion/octreotide group, rats underwent 3 h ischemia followed by 100 µg/kg octreotide i.p. 30 min prior to 3 h reperfusion. Ovarian tissue damage was scored on histopathology. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde and plasma pentraxin 3 were measured biochemically.

Results

In comparison with the sham group, both the torsion and torsion/detorsion groups had significantly higher scores for follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, edema, hemorrhage and leukocyte infiltration. Octreotide significantly decreased these scores in both groups. Ovarian malondialdehyde and plasma pentraxin 3 were significantly higher both in the torsion and torsion/detorsion groups compared with the sham group. Octreotide also decreased these levels significantly both in the torsion/octreotide and torsion/detorsion/octreotide groups.

Conclusion

Octreotide ameliorated the potential side‐effects of ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury in a rat model.
Retinal detachment in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome: Color vision abnormality as the first and predominant manifestation
Authors: Morisawa Hiroyuki , Makino Shinji , Takahashi Hironori , Sorita Mari , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: July 2015

Serous retinal detachment is sometimes caused by hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and its associated conditions, in which the predominant eye symptoms are blurred vision, distorted vision, and reduced visual acuity. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a puerperal woman with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome in whom color vision abnormality was the first and predominant manifestation of serous retinal detachment. At 32 weeks of gestation, the 34‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent cesarean section due to HELLP syndrome. She complained of color vision abnormality on day 1 post‐partum and ophthalmological examination revealed serous retinal detachment of both eyes. The visual acuity was preserved. With supportive therapy, her color vision abnormality gradually ameliorated and retinal detachment completely resolved on day 34 post‐partum without any sequelae. Obstetricians should be aware that color vision abnormality can be the first and predominant symptom of HELLP‐related serous retinal detachment.
Nonbullous Erythema Multiforme in Hospitalized Children: A 10‐Year Survey
Authors: Keller Noy , Gilad Oded , Marom Daphna , Marcus Nufar , Garty Ben Zion
Published: July 2015

Background

Nonbullous erythema multiforme (NBEM) is an acute, immune‐mediated, self‐limiting skin disease with distinctive target lesions. Its pathogenesis is unclear, but most cases are considered to be infection related or drug related. In adults, the main precipitating factor is infection. This study reviewed a 10‐year experience with hospitalized children with NBEM in a tertiary pediatric medical center in Israel with a focus on precipitating factors.

Methods

The medical files of all children hospitalized from 2001 to 2011 with the diagnosis of NBEM were reviewed.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients (55 boys and 42 girls) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 4.0 years. At least one precipitating factor was recognized in 72 cases; the remainders were classified as idiopathic. The most common factor was drugs (n = 45), particularly penicillin (n = 30), followed by infection with various pathogens (n = 27) including Epstein‐Barr virus (7), group A Streptococcus (n = 6), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n = 5) and herpes simplex virus (n = 4). Analysis according to age showed that medication was the most common precipitating factor in the first year of life, and infection was as common as drugs in the older age groups (1–18 years).

Conclusions

Unlike adult NBEM, the majority of pediatric NBEM is associated with medications, especially penicillin. This may be due to the frequent use of antibiotics in children.
Voices under trial. Inquisition, abjuration, and preachers’ orality in sixteenth‐century Italy
Authors: Dall'Aglio Stefano
Published: July 2015

Early modern Italian preachers who had been condemned by the Holy Office of the Inquisition for words uttered from the pulpit were often forced to abjure the doctrinal errors contained in their sermons. In some cases the abjuration was made in public in the same venue where the heretical statements had been pronounced, supposedly so as to be heard by the same people who had already listened to the incriminated sermons. The text of the abjuration put into writing by the inquisitors was a different version of the spoken words previously uttered by the preacher in church; the defendant had to read it aloud word by word before the same people. This article considers public abjurations as an attempt to substitute the ‘wrong’ orality of the preachers with the ‘right’ orality written by religious authorities, a replacement of the original performance with a new one that would erase from the audience's mind the memory of the heretical propositions. The aim is to analyse the reasons, the nature, the consequences, and the implications of this process.
A Numerical Study of the Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Outward Convex Corrugated Tubes With Twisted-Tape Insert
Authors: Yang Longbin , Han Huaizhi , Li Yanjun , Li Xiaoming
Published: July 2015

This work presents a mathematical model for simulating the swirling flow in an outward convex corrugated tube with twisted-tape insert (CT). The synergistic effect on the flow, heat transfer, and friction loss behaviors between the surface-based and fluid-based enhancements is numerically investigated. Renormalized group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model applied in our paper is verified by comparing with experimental results investigated by Manglik and Bergles. Comparisons of the CT and smooth tube with twisted-tape insert (ST) plots are confirmed to investigate the performance differences between them. When comparing the performance of the CT against the ST, the maximum ratio of Nusselt number (Nuc/Nus), ratio of friction factor (f/fs), and overall heat transfer performance (η) values realized in the CT are 1.36, 1.53, and 1.15 times higher, respectively, than the maximum values for those same variables in the ST.
The landing(s) of Philae and inferences about comet surface mechanical properties
Authors: Biele Jens , Ulamec Stephan , Maibaum Michael , Roll Reinhard , Witte Lars , Jurado Eric , Muñoz Pablo , Arnold Walter , Auster Hans-Ulrich , Casas Carlos , Faber Claudia , Fantinati Cinzia , Finke Felix , Fischer Hans-Herbert , Geurts Koen , Güttler Carsten , Heinisch Philip , Herique Alain , Hviid Stubbe , Kargl Günter , Knapmeyer Martin , Knollenberg Jörg , Kofman Wlodek , Kömle Norbert , Kührt Ekkehard , Lommatsch Valentina , Mottola Stefano , Pardo de Santayana Ramon , Remetean Emile , Scholten Frank , Seidensticker Klaus J. , Sierks Holger , Spohn Tilman
Published: July 2015

The Philae lander, part of the Rosetta mission to investigate comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, was delivered to the cometary surface in November 2014. Here we report the precise circumstances of the multiple landings of Philae, including the bouncing trajectory and rebound parameters, based on engineering data in conjunction with operational instrument data. These data also provide information on the mechanical properties (strength and layering) of the comet surface. The first touchdown site, Agilkia, appears to have a granular soft surface (with a compressive strength of 1 kilopascal) at least ~20 cm thick, possibly on top of a more rigid layer. The final landing site, Abydos, has a hard surface.
Cloacibacillus sp., a Potential Human Pathogen Associated with Bacteremia in Quebec and New Brunswick
Authors: Domingo M.-C. , Yansouni C. , Gaudreau C. , Lamothe F. , Lévesque S. , Tremblay C. , Garceau R.
Published: July 2015

Bacteremia due to
Cloacibacillus
species is poorly described. We present three cases involving either
Cloacibacillus
evryensis
or
Cloacibacillus
porcorum
. The isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and were susceptible to antibiotics commonly used for anaerobic infections. The clinical significance of these organisms as potential emerging pathogens is discussed.
Diseases Transmitted by Birds
Authors: Levison Matthew E.
Published: July 2015

Although many people these days actually work very hard at leisure time activities, diseases are most commonly acquired from birds during the course of work in the usual sense of the term, not leisure. However, travel for pleasure to areas where the diseases are highly endemic puts people at risk of acquiring some of these bird-related diseases (for example, histoplasmosis and arbovirus infections), as does ownership of birds as pets (psittacosis).
Ameliorative Effect of Aspalathin and Nothofagin from Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on HMGB1-Induced Septic ResponsesIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Lee Wonhwa , Kim Kyung-Min , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: July 2015

The ubiquitous nuclear protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), is released by activated macrophages and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and functions as a late mediator of experimental sepsis. Aspalathin (Asp) and nothofagin (Not), which have been reported to have anti-oxidant activity, are the two major active dihydrochalcones found in green rooibos. In this study, we investigated the antiseptic effects and underlying mechanisms of Asp and Not against HMGB1-mediated septic responses in HUVECs and mice. The anti-inflammatory activities of Asp and Not were determined by measuring permeability, monocyte adhesion and migration, and activation of proinflammatory proteins in HMGB1-activated HUVECs and mice. According to the results, Asp and Not effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of HMGB1, and suppressed HMGB1-mediated septic responses, such as hyperpermeability, adhesion and migration of leukocytes, and expression of cell adhesion molecules. In addition, Asp and Not suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) by HMGB1. Collectively, these results indicate that Asp and Not could be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.
Particle production at RHIC and LHC energies
Authors: Tawfik A. , Gamal E. , Shalaby A. G.
Published: July 2015

The production of pion, kaon and proton was measured in Pb–Pb collisions at nucleus–nucleus center-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] by the ALICE experiment at Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The particle ratios of these species compared to the RHIC measurements are confronted to the hadron resonance gas (HRG) model and to simulations based on the event generators PYTHIA 6.4.21 and HIJING 1.36. It is found that the homogeneous particle–antiparticle ratios (same species) are fully reproducible by means of HRG and partly by PYTHIA 6.4.21 and HIJING 1.36. The mixed kaon–pion and proton–pion ratios measured at RHIC and LHC energies seem to be reproducible by the HRG model. On the other hand, the strange abundances are underestimated in both event generators. This might be originated to strangeness suppression in the event generators and/or possible strangeness enhancement in the experimental data. It is apparent that the values of kaon–pion ratios are not sensitive to the huge increase of [Formula: see text] from 200 (RHIC) to 2760 GeV (LHC). We conclude that the ratios of produced particle at LHC seem not depending on the system size.
HYBRID ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS BLENDED WITH CNTs
Authors: ADHIKARI SUDIP , UCHIDA HIDEO , UMENO MASAYOSHI
Published: July 2015

In this paper, composite carbon nanotubes (C-CNTs); single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) are synthesized using an ultrasonic nebulizer in a large quartz tube for photovoltaic device fabrication in poly-3-octyl-thiophene (P3OT)/ n - Si heterojunction solar cells. We found that the device fabricated with C-CNTs shows much better photovoltaic performance than that of a device without C-CNTs. The device with C-CNTs shows open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.454 V, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 12.792 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 0.361 and power conversion efficiency of 2.098 %. Here, we proposed that SWCNTs and MWCNTs provide efficient percolation paths for both electron and hole transportation to opposite electrodes and leading to the suppression of charge carrier recombination, thereby increasing the photovoltaic device performance.
Report on ASSETS 2014
Authors: Kurniawan Sri , Richards John
Published: July 2015

The 16th ACM SIGACCESS International Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2014) was held in Rochester, New York, USA, one of America's first boomtowns that rose to prominence as the site of many flour mills located on the Genesee River. The conference was held at the Hyatt Rochester, Monday - Wednesday, October 20th - 22nd, preceded by a Doctoral Consortium on Sunday October 19th, led by Jinjuan Heidi Feng from Towson University and Claude Chapdelaine from CRIM.
Exploring the use of an aerial robot to guide blind runners
Authors: Folmer Eelke
Published: July 2015

Lack of physical activity is a serious health concern for individuals with visual impairments who have fewer opportunities to engage in physical activities that provide the amounts and kinds of stimulation to maintain adequate fitness and to support a healthy standard of living. Adolescents with visual impairments often exhibit delays in motor development, such as poor balance and inefficient gait that are considered by-products of predominantly sedentary behaviors during the developmental years [1]. Physical inactivity has been associated with several medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
Using humanitarian free and open source software (HFOSS) to introduce computing for the social good
Authors: Postner Lori , Burdge Darci , Jackson Stoney , Ellis Heidi , Hislop George W. , Goggins Sean
Published: July 2015

Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software (HFOSS) is a category of free and open source software that improves the human condition. HFOSS projects focus on a range of societal needs including microfinance, healthcare, education, and disaster relief. Many HFOSS projects are developed by international teams whose goal is to make the world a better place. These projects are often primarily used in developing nations, but many have been adopted across the world because of the robustness of the software and the ability to contribute to its direction and applications.

HFOSS projects have been successfully infused into the computing curriculum at a number of institutions in a range of ways and courses [1]. The benefits of introducing students to HFOSS projects potentially includes improved students learning, increased motivation to study computing, attracting women to computing and increased appreciation of the societal impact of computing. HFOSS projects are an excellent real-world learning environment for a number of reasons:

- The altruistic nature of HFOSS makes the community welcoming of new contributors and tolerant of student participation

- The ability to help others is a potential draw for women and under-represented minorities

- The transparency of HFOSS projects provides artifacts that can use for instructional purposes in the classroom

- Students can build a visible portfolio of their contributions to show potential employers.

However, determining which project to choose, how to incorporate HFOSS into a class and deciding how to assess students' participation, can be challenging. OpenFE is an NSF-funded project whose goal is to help faculty members introduce their students to HFOSS and become contributing members in HFOSS communities. Faculty typically start with choosing a project, then learning about the chosen project, getting up to speed on the tools and communication used by the project and getting a handle on the work flow. Then faculty members have to figure out how to integrate the project into their existing curriculum and determine how to assess the student performance. The goal of the OpenFE project is to help faculty through the hurdles presented by joining an HFOSS project.
One Dimensional Mathematical Modelling of the All-Vanadium and Vanadium/Oxygen Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Chen Ching Liang , Yeoh Hak Koon , Chakrabarti M H
Published: July 2015

The one-dimensional (1-D) model for both the all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) and the vanadium/oxygen redox fuel cell (VORFC) incorporates species conservation equations along with an advection term to describe the concentration changes in the porous electrodes. Also, a complete Nernst equation, which accounts for proton concentrations in both systems, is included to improve the cell voltage prediction without using any arbitrary fitting contact voltage. The model is also coupled with the electrochemical reaction kinetics of the vanadium species and the gaseous oxygen (VORFC). Some results predicted by the model are validated against experimental data from the literature successfully such as charging and polarization characteristics. All the predicted trends as well as the cell voltages are consistent with those from higher-dimensional models, which indicate that both the surface overpotentials and transfer current densities vary primarily in the cross-flow (x-) direction.
Effects of Substrates on the Growth Mode of Carbon Fibers
Authors: Tian Meijuan , Zhang Qian , Dong Lifeng
Published: July 2015

In this article, three different types of substrates, including graphite, ceramic, and porous titanium plate, were used in the preparation process of carbon fibers, in which acetylene gas was used as carbon source and chemical vapor deposition as synthesis method. The morphology and structures of the obtained carbon fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Carbon fibers with different morphologies formed on different substrates, which indicates the growth substrates affected the growth mode and morphologies of carbon fibers.
Effect of Dispersing Agent on the Photovoltaic Performance of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) : Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Hayakawa Akinobu , Sagawa Takashi
Published: July 2015

Optimization of the thin-film making process for highly efficient poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) based solar cell was examined using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with or without dispersing agent. Increment of the short circuit current density was observed after the addition of the dispersing agent to the mixture of P3HT and ZnO. Further quenching of the emission of P3HT by ZnO with the dispersing agent than that without the agent was also observed. It was found the 1.5 times enhancement of power conversion efficiency by the addition of dispersing agent. The impedance analyses to evaluate the parallel resistance (R
p) and the series resistance (R
s) of the cells were investigated and found the thickness dependence of the R
p. The current density of ZnO-P3HT hybrid system is crucially affected by the interfacial resistance of the grain boundaries of ZnO.
Function of Reaction Layer in Pyrochlore Thermal Barrier Coatings against CMAS Corrosion
Authors: Wang Honglong , Sheng Zhizhi , Tarwater Emily , Zhang Xingxing , Fergus Jeff W.
Published: July 2015

Higher working temperatures improve the energy conversion efficiency in gas turbine engines, so thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are applied to protect the blades to increase the operating temperature. However, CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CMAS) from volcanic ash and other debris can lead to corrosion of the coating. Rare earth zirconates with the pyrochlore structure are promising thermal barrier materials due to their low thermal conductivity and better corrosion resistance compared to the commonly used thermal barrier material, yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ). CMAS reacts with the pyrochlore materials to form cubic fluorite and silicate phases which can form a sealing layer and inhibit the corrosion process. In this presentation, Gd2Zr2O7 and Sm2Zr2O7 were used to study the corrosion mechanism of CMAS on pyrochlore materials.
Gold Nanoparticle Metallization of Flexible Conducting Polymer Electrode
Authors: Ofek Almog Rakefet , Pandey Richa , Sverdlov Yelena , Shacham-Diamand Yosi
Published: July 2015

Flexible electrodes made of conjugate polymers are used for whole plastic MEMS & bio-electrochemical sensors. In this paper we report on novel electrode made of made of gold nanoparticle on polypyrrole. Electrodepositing gold on polypyrrole was successful, while similar attempt to deposit gold on polyaniline failed. One application for the conjugate polymer conductor was electrodes for “All polymer” MEMS. Second application is bio-electrochemical sensing of redox reactions, for example for detecting electrochemically active products of enzymatic reactions. In this paper, the device fabrication process flow is described as well as its electrical properties. The polypyrrole was deposited by electrochemical polymerization. Gold nanoparticle were deposited by electroplating. That gold nano-particle layer was less than one nano-particle monolayer thick which maintained the device flexibility while its electrochemical behavior was similar to that of bare gold electrode. A study of the nucleation and growth of the top gold using high-resolution scanning electron microscope is presented as well as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in biological solution is demonstrated.
Microfabrication by High Rate Anodic Dissolution: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Datta Madhav
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a review of the basic principles of electrochemical metal removal processes and their application in microfabrication. After a brief description of anodic behavior of metals, the influence of mass transport, surface films and current distribution on microfabrication performance are discussed. Some examples of microelectronic component fabrication are presented that demonstrate the challenges and opportunities offered by high rate anodic dissolution processes.
Surface Structuring of Ti-Al-V and Al-Mg Alloys by Chemical Etching for Advanced Polymer Adhesion
Authors: Baytekin-Gerngross Melike , Gerngross Mark-Daniel , Carstensen Jürgen , Adelung Rainer
Published: July 2015

This paper shows the wet chemical formation of a mechanical interlocking structure with hook-like surface feature by etching exemplarily for a commonly used Ti (Ti3Al2.5V) and Al alloy (AlMg3) and the structural characterization of these surfaces. The mechanical properties of such metal-polymer joints are investigated by standard lap shear tests of metal-polymer-metal sandwich structures. They exhibit always cohesive failure in the polymer for the mechanical interlocking metal surfaces and adhesive failure for the grit-blasted metal surfaces. The ultimate shear strength before failure is at least tripled compared to the grit-blasted metal surfaces.
Electrochemical Properties of Residues for Bioinspired Molecular Electrets
Authors: Espinoza Eli M. , Larsen Jillian M. , Vullev Valentine Ivanov
Published: July 2015

Anthranilamides are a class of bioinspired molecular electrets that have promising characteristics for organic electronics and energy applications. Derivatives of anthranilic acid, i.e., non-native aromatic beta-amino acids, are the principal building blocks for the anthranilamide conjugates. Derivatization with three types of electron-donating substituents results in anthranilamide residues exhibiting a diverse range of reduction potentials (that correlate with their ionization energies). The electrochemical trends reveal a structural and functional means for course- and fine-tuning of the electronic properties of anthranilamides. These findings set a foundation of design principles for easily modifiable organic electrets, and in particular for electrets that mediate charge transfer.
AIMD Results for a Concentrated Solution of Tetra-ethylammonium Tetra-fluoroborate in Propylene Carbonate
Authors: Zhang W. , Pratt Lawrence R
Published: July 2015

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations are implemented for a concentrated solution of tetra-ethylammonium tetra-fluoroborate in propylene carbonate (TEABF4/PC), which is of interest in electrochemical double-layer capacitors. AIMD calculations predict more sharply structured ion-ion center partial radial distributions than either GAFF or OPLS-aa force-fields in classic FFMD calculations. This may be due to AIMD refinement of van der Waals interactions which drive ion-pairing and phase separation of TEABF4 from PC at this elevated concentration. Quantifying the charge transfer of BF4
- and N(CH2CH3)4
+ ions to neighboring solution species, the (Bader) partial charges of BF4
- and N(CH2CH3)4
+ ions in PC solution differ from the formal charges by being smaller in magnitude by about 5%.
(Invited) A Kinetics Analysis of Methanol Oxidation under Electrolysis/Fuel Cell Working Conditions
Authors: Lamy Claude , Guenot Benoît , Cretin Marc , Pourcelly Gérald
Published: July 2015

The production of clean hydrogen for PEMFC was carried out by the electrochemical decomposition of methanol inside a DMFC hardware working as a PEMEC at different temperatures (25 to 85°C) and several methanol concentrations (0.1 to 10 M). Using the Pt/C cathode where hydrogen evolution does occur, as a reference electrode, it was possible to derive the methanol anode potential, Emeth, from the cell voltage Ucell(j), vs. the current density j, of the electrolysis cell corrected from ohmic losses. A Tafel plot analysis of Emeth vs. Ln (j) allowed us to estimate the cell resistance (Re ~ 0.75 Ω at 85°C), the transfer coefficient (a ~ 0.5-0.6) and the heat of activation (ΔH* ~ 50-60 kJ mole-1) for methanol oxidation.
Interrogating a Deeply Buried Electrode by Vibrational Sum Frequency Spectroscopy. Towards Understanding the Electroreduction at Ionic Liquid-Metal Interfaces
Authors: Garcia Rey Natalia , Dlott Dana D.
Published: July 2015

We used vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) synchronized with cyclic voltammetry (CV) to study CO2 electroreduction on polycrystalline Ag, in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolyte, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluorborate (EMIM-BF4). CO was produced from CO2 at -1.33V (vs. Ag/AgCl). SFG measurements showed CO adsorbed on Ag, but at -1.33V adsorption was weak, so CO did not poison Ag. At this same -1.33 V potential, the nonresonant SFG intensity was a minimum and the curvature of the SFG intensity vs. potential relation changed dramatically. This was true whether or not CO2 was present. The SFG results indicate the RTIL undergoes a potential-driven structural transition in the double layer, and this transition controls the reduction of CO2. Adding water to the RTIL increases the efficiency of CO2 reduction and shifted the structural transition 80 mV to lower potential.