bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artemisinin-Resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
Malaria
Authors: Fairhurst Rick M. , Dondorp Arjen M.
Published: June 2016

For more than five decades, Southeast Asia (SEA) has been fertile ground for the emergence of drug-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria. After generating parasites resistant to chloroquine, sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, quinine, and mefloquine, this region has now spawned parasites resistant to artemisinins, the world’s most potent antimalarial drugs. In areas where artemisinin resistance is prevalent, artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs)—the first-line treatments for malaria—are failing fast. This worrisome development threatens to make malaria practically untreatable in SEA, and threatens to compromise global endeavors to eliminate this disease. A recent series of clinical,
in vitro
, genomics, and transcriptomics studies in SEA have defined
in vivo
and
in vitro
phenotypes of artemisinin resistance, identified its causal genetic determinant, explored its molecular mechanism, and assessed its clinical impact. Specifically, these studies have established that artemisinin resistance manifests as slow parasite clearance in patients and increased survival of early-ring-stage parasites
in vitro
; is caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms in the parasite’s
K13
gene, is associated with an upregulated “unfolded protein response” pathway that may antagonize the pro-oxidant activity of artemisinins, and selects for partner drug resistance that rapidly leads to ACT failures. In SEA, clinical studies are urgently needed to monitor ACT efficacy where
K13
mutations are prevalent, test whether new combinations of currently available drugs cure ACT failures, and advance new antimalarial compounds through preclinical pipelines and into clinical trials. Intensifying these efforts should help to forestall the spread of artemisinin and partner drug resistance from SEA to sub-Saharan Africa, where the world’s malaria transmission, morbidity, and mortality rates are highest.
Invasive Infections with Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mahon Barbara E. , Fields Patricia I.
Published: June 2016

Invasive nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) infections in Africa cause an enormous burden of illness. These infections are often devastating, with mortality estimated at 20%, even with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Two major groups—young children and HIV-infected adults—suffer the great majority of these infections. In children, younger age itself, as well as malaria, malnutrition, and HIV infection, are prominent risk factors. In adults, HIV infection is by far the most important risk factor. The most common serotypes in invasive infections are
Salmonella enterica
serotypes Typhimurium and Enteritidis. In recent years, a specific strain of
Salmonella
Typhimurium, multilocus sequence type 313, has caused epidemics of invasive disease. Little is known about risk factors for exposure to NTS, making the design of rational interventions to decrease exposure difficult. Antimicrobial therapy is critically important for treatment of invasive NTS infections. Thus, the emergence and spread of resistance to agents commonly used for treatment of invasive NTS infection, now including third-generation cephalosporins, is an ominous development. Already, many invasive NTS infections are essentially untreatable in many health care facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Several candidate vaccines are in early development and, if safe and effective, could be promising. Interventions to prevent exposure to NTS (e.g., improved sanitation), to prevent the occurrence of disease if exposure does occur (e.g., vaccination, malaria control), and to prevent severe disease and death in those who become ill (e.g., preserving antimicrobial effectiveness) are all important in reducing the toll of invasive NTS disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
Zika Virus Disease
Authors: Slenczka Werner
Published: June 2016

The history of Zika virus disease serves as a paradigm of a typical emerging viral infection. Zika virus disease, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was first isolated in 1947 in the Zika forest of Uganda. The same virus was also isolated from jungle-dwelling mosquitoes (
Aedes
[
Stegomyia
]
africanus
). In many areas of Africa and South Asia human infections with Zika virus were detected by both serology and virus isolation. About 80% of infections are asymptomatic, and in 20% a mostly mild disease with fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis may occur. Fetal infections with malformations were not recorded in Africa or Asia. Zika virus was imported to northern Brazil possibly during the world soccer championship that was hosted by Brazil in June through July 2014. A cluster of severe fetal malformations with microcephaly and ocular defects was noted in 2015 in the northeast of Brazil, and intrauterine infections with Zika virus were confirmed. The dramatic change in Zika virus pathogenicity upon its introduction to Brazil has remained an enigma.
Dynamic links among rock damage, erosion, and strain during orogenesis
Authors: Roy S.G. , Koons P.O. , Upton P. , Tucker G.E.
Published: June 2016

We provide model evidence for a previously unexplored positive feedback between tectonic strain and fluvial erosion by considering rock erodibility as a function of shear damage. Plastic shear strain permanently damages the upper crust within planar shear zones, providing a greater ease for detachment and transport by fluvial processes. The subsequent rapid erosion of exposed shear zones reforms the topographic stress field in a way that encourages continued accommodation of strain, a positive feedback response that becomes more prominent with greater shear damage. Based on model results and natural examples, rock strength heterogeneity plays a major role in the evolution of drainage network patterns and the capability for valley-scale strain localization in active orogens.
Lipid rescue for treatment of delayed systemic ropivacaine toxicity from a continuous thoracic paravertebral block
Authors: Tsang Trylon Mathew , Okullo Alfin Taddeo , Field Jeremy , Mamo Patrick
Published: June 2016

A 66-year-old man underwent a left minithoracotomy for pleural biopsies and thoracentesis. A left T3 paravertebral catheter was placed prior to induction of general anaesthesia, and a total of 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% administered. Postoperatively, ropivacaine 0.2% infusion was commenced at 10 mL/hour. Thirty-seven hours after the initial block, the patient developed convulsions without loss of consciousness. The ropivacaine infusion rate was unchanged and no further boluses had been given. He reported of perioral tingling, a burning sensation in his legs and penis and agitation. Ropivacaine infusion was ceased and a bolus of lipid emulsion (Intralipid 20%) administered, followed by an infusion. His symptoms (aside from mild agitation) resolved within an hour of cessation of the local anaesthetic and commencement of lipid rescue. The total serum concentration of ropivacaine during the event was 2.1 mg/L compared with a published toxic level of 2.2 mg/L in healthy human volunteers.
Mediastinal granuloma: a rare cause of dysphagia
Authors: Micic Dejan , Hogarth Douglas Kyle , Kavitt Robert T
Published: June 2016

Dysphagia is commonly attributed to disorders arising from dysfunction of the oesophageal mucosa or oesophageal motility. Mediastinal structures causing compression of the oesophagus remain a rare presenting cause of dysphagia. We report a case of a woman presenting with dysphagia to solid foods and associated symptoms of weight loss. Traditional evaluation for dysphagia was unrevealing until cross-sectional imaging suggested a mediastinal obstructive process. The finding of a mediastinal granuloma, distinct from mediastinal fibrosis, as the aetiology of dysphagia is a rare finding, with specific treatment implications. The patient was treated with itraconazole antifungal therapy with an improvement in her symptoms.
Diagnostic utility of CSF α-synuclein species in Parkinson's disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eusebi Paolo , Giannandrea David , Biscetti Leonardo , Abraha Iosief , Chiasserini Davide , Orso Massimiliano , Calabresi Paolo , Parnetti Lucilla
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The diagnostic criteria currently used for Parkinson's disease (PD) are mainly based on clinical motor symptoms. For these reasons many biomarkers are under investigation to support the diagnosis at the early stage. The neuropathological hallmark of PD is represented by Lewy bodies (LBs), which are intracytoplasmic inclusions in substantia nigra neurons. The major component of LBs, α-synuclein (α-syn), has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD and in other ‘synucleinopathies’ such as multisystem atrophy (MSA) and dementia with LBs (DLBs). Several studies have investigated this presynaptic protein as a potential biomarker of PD. The aim of our meta-analysis is to determine the ability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of total α-syn, oligomeric α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn to discriminate patients with PD from healthy participants, non-degenerative neurological controls and patients suffering from parkinsonism and or synucleinopathies.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol has been developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42016013217). We will search Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE from inception, using appropriate search strategies. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles, and will complete data abstraction. We will include studies that involved patients with PD, DLB, MSA, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal disease and vascular PD, and in which at least one between total α-syn, oligomeric α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn was measured in CSF. To evaluate the risk of bias and applicability of primary diagnostic accuracy studies, we will use QUADAS-2.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study will not include confidential data, and no intervention will be involved, so ethical approval is not required. The results of the study will be reported in international peer-reviewed journals.
Is selective prenatal iron prophylaxis better than routine prophylaxis: final results of a trial (PROFEG) in Maputo, Mozambique
Authors: Hemminki Elina , Nwaru Bright I , Salomé Graca , Parkkali Saara , Abacassamo Fatima , Augusto Orvalho , Cliff Julie , Regushevskaya Elena , Dgedge Martinho , Sousa Cesar , Chilundo Baltazar
Published: June 2016

Objective

To compare routine versus selective (ie, screening and treatment for anaemia) prenatal iron prophylaxis in a malaria-endemic and HIV-prevalent setting, an extended analysis including previously missing data.

Design

A pragmatic randomised controlled clinical trial.

Setting

2 health centres in Maputo, Mozambique.

Participants

Pregnant women (≥18 years old; non-high-risk pregnancy) were randomly allocated to routine iron (n=2184) and selective iron (n=2142) groups.

Interventions

In the routine group, women received 60 mg ferrous sulfate plus 400 μg folic acid daily. In the selective group, women received 1 mg of folic acid daily and haemoglobin (Hb) screening at each visit; with low Hb (cut-off 9 g/dL) treatment (120 mg+800 μg of folic acid daily) for a month.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes: preterm birth, low birth weight; secondary outcomes: self-reported malaria, labour complications, caesarean section, perinatal death, woman's death. Nurses collected pregnancy data. Birth data were abstracted from hospital records for 52% of women and traced using various methods and linked with probabilistic matching for 24%. Women's deaths were collected from death registers.

Results

Birth data were available for 3301 (76%) of the women. Outcomes were similar in the two groups: preterm births (27.1% in the selective vs 25.3% in the routine group), low birthweight infants (11.0% vs 11.7%), perinatal deaths (2.4% vs 2.4%) and caesarean sections (4.0% vs 4.5%). Women's deaths during pregnancy or <42 days postpartum were more common in the selective group (0.8% among the two best matched women) than in the routine group (0.4%). Extra deaths could not be explained by the cause of death, Hb level or HIV status at recruitment.

Conclusions

Birth outcomes were similar in the two iron groups. There might have been more women's deaths in the selective iron group, but it is unclear whether this was due to the intervention, other factors or chance finding.

Trial registration number

NCT00488579.
Randomized controlled trial of vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Evans Avery J , Kip Kevin E , Brinjikji Waleed , Layton Kennith F , Jensen Mary L , Gaughen John R , Kallmes David F
Published: June 2016

Background

We present the results of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of vertebroplasty versus kyphoplasty in treating vertebral body compression fractures.

Methods

Patients with vertebral body compression fractures were randomly assigned to treatment with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Primary endpoints were pain (0–10 scale) and disability assessed using the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Outcomes were assessed at 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following the procedure.

Results

115 subjects were enrolled in the trial with 59 (51.3%) randomly assigned to kyphoplasty and 56 (48.7%) assigned to vertebroplasty. Mean (SD) pain scores at baseline, 3 days, 30 days, and 1 year for kyphoplasty versus vertebroplasty were 7.4 (1.9) vs 7.9 (2.0), 4.1 (2.8) vs 3.7 (3.0), 3.4 (2.5) vs 3.6 (2.9), and 3.0 (2.8) vs 2.3 (2.6), respectively (p>0.05 at all time points). Mean (SD) RMDQ scores at baseline, 3 days, 30 days, 180 days, and 1 year were 17.3 (6.6) vs 16.3 (7.4), 11.8 (7.9) vs 10.9 (8.2), 8.6 (7.2) vs 8.8 (8.5), 7.9 (7.4) vs 7.3 (7.7), 7.5 (7.2) vs 6.7 (8.0), respectively (p>0.05 at all time points). For baseline to 12-month assessment in average pain and RMDQ scores, the standardized effect size between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty was small at −0.36 (95% CI −1.02 to 0.31) and −0.04 (95% CI −1.68 to 1.60), respectively.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty appear to be equally effective in substantially reducing pain and disability in patients with vertebral body compression fractures.

Trial registration number

NCT00279877.
Effect of participants’ static stretching knowledge or deception on the responses to prolonged stretching
Authors: Janes W.C. Ian , Snow Brandon B.G. , Watkins Caisie E. , Noseworthy Elecia A.L. , Reid Jonathan C. , Behm David G.
Published: June 2016

Much of the static stretching (SS) literature reports performance impairments with prolonged SS. However, it has been acknowledged that a limitation of these studies is participants’ knowledge or bias. Since many participants have knowledge of the literature, their performance may be subconsciously influenced by expectations. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of stretching knowledge or deception on subsequent force output following SS. Two groups of male participants who were either aware (BIASED: 14) or unaware (DECEPTION: 14) of the SS literature participated. Unaware participants were misinformed that SS increases force production. Testing involved maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) of the quadriceps and hamstrings at pre-, post-, and 5 min post-intervention (three 30-s passive hamstring stretches to the point of discomfort with 30-s rest intervals) or control. While the DECEPTION group displayed impaired knee flexion force (p = 0.04; 3.6% and 10.4%) following hamstrings SS, there was no significant impairment with the BIASED (–1.1% and +0.9%) group. Both groups exhibited hamstrings F200 (force produced in the first 200 ms) impairments following SS. Whereas BIASED participants exhibited an overall decrease (p < 0.05; 1.8% and 4.2%) in knee extension MVC, DECEPTION participants showed (p = 0.005; 8.8% and 5.1%) force increases. The quadriceps F200 was not significantly affected with the BIASED group but overall there were 4.5% and 8.7% F200 impairments at 1 and 5 min post-intervention (p = 0.05) with the DECEPTION group. Thus while deception resulted in enhanced quadriceps muscle force output, there was no knowledge or deception advantage when stretching the hamstrings.
87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio analysis by laser ablation MC-ICP-MS in scales, spines, and fin rays as a nonlethal alternative to otoliths for reconstructing fish life history
Authors: Willmes Malte , Glessner Justin J.G. , Carleton Scott A. , Gerrity Paul C. , Hobbs James A.
Published: June 2016

Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in otoliths are a well-established tool to determine origins and movement patterns of fish. However, otolith extraction requires sacrificing fish, and when working with protected or endangered species, the use of nonlethal samples such as scales, spines, and fin rays is preferred. Unlike otoliths that are predominantly aragonite, these tissues are composed of biological apatite. Laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) analysis of biological apatite can induce significant interference on mass 87, causing inaccurate 87Sr/86Sr measurements. To quantify this interference, we applied LA-MC-ICP-MS to three marine samples (white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) otolith; green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) pectoral fin ray; salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) tooth), and freshwater walleye (Sander vitreus) otoliths, scales, and spines). Instrument conditions that maximize signal intensity resulted in elevated 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in the bioapatite samples, related to a polyatomic interference (40Ca31P16O, 40Ar31P16O). Retuning instrument conditions to reduce oxide levels removed this interference, resulting in accurate 87Sr/86Sr ratios across all tissue samples. This method provides a novel, nonlethal alternative to otolith analysis to reconstruct fish life histories.
Enriching acid rock drainage related microbial communities from surface-deposited oil sands tailings
Authors: Dean Courtney , Xiao Yeyuan , Roberts Deborah J.
Published: June 2016

Little is known about the microbial communities native to surface-deposited pyritic oil sands tailings, an environment where acid rock drainage (ARD) could occur. The goal of this study was to enrich sulfur-oxidizing organisms from these tailings and determine whether different populations exist at pH levels 7, 4.5, and 2.5. Using growth-based methods provides model organisms for use in the future to predict potential activities and limitations of these organisms and to develop possible control methods. Thiosulfate-fed enrichment cultures were monitored for approximately 1 year. The results showed that the enrichments at pH 4.5 and 7 were established quicker than at pH 2.5. Different microbial community structures were found among the 3 pH environments. The sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms identified were most closely related to Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, Achromobacter spp., and Curtobacterium spp. While microorganisms related to Chitinophagaceae and Acidocella spp. were identified as the only possible iron-oxidizing and -reducing microbes. These results contribute to the general knowledge of the relatively understudied microbial communities that exist in pyritic oil sands tailings and indicate these communities may have a potential role in ARD generation, which may have implications for future tailings management.
Exploring the relationship between exposure to technological and gastrointestinal stress and probiotic functional properties of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria
Authors: Amund O.D.
Published: June 2016

Strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are considered probiotic because of their associated potential health benefits. Probiotics are commonly administered orally via incorporation into food products. Microorganisms for use as probiotics encounter stress conditions, which include acid, bile, osmotic, oxidative, heat and cold stresses. These can occur during processing and storage and during passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and can affect viability. Probiotic bacteria have to remain viable to confer any health benefits. Therefore, the ability to withstand technological and gastrointestinal stresses is crucial probiotic selection criteria. While the stress tolerance mechanisms of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are largely understood, the impact of exposure to stressful conditions on the functional properties of surviving probiotic microorganisms is not clear. This review explores the potentially positive and negative relationships between exposure to stress conditions and probiotic functional properties, such as resistance to gastric acid and bile, adhesion and colonization potential, and tolerance to antibiotics. Protective strategies can be employed to combat negative effects of stress on functional properties. However, further research is needed to ascertain synergistic relationships between exposure to stress and probiotic properties.
Estimation of genotypic correlation and heritability of apricot traits, using restricted maximum likelihood in repeated measures data
Authors: Ismaili Ahmad , Karami Farhad , Akbarpour Omidali , Rezaei Nejad Abdolhossein
Published: June 2016

In estimation of genetic parameters in perennial tree species on the basis of analysis of variance (ANOVA), heterogeneity of years and genotype × environment interaction for data sets during the juvenility to maturity life period is ignored. Therefore, a linear mixed model based on restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approximation for modeling of covariance structure of longitudinal data can improve our ability to analyze repeated measures data. In the present research, a modeling of variance-covariance structure by mixed model based on the REML approach has been used for characteristics of 26 apricot genotypes recorded during three years. Fitting unstructured covariance (UN) models for all traits indicated a great heterogeneity of variances among repeated years and the trends of response variables in the genotypes (except for RWC) was due to imperfect correlation of subjects measured in different years. Based on the same structure, positive correlations were estimated among fruit set, potassium content, and yield of pistil in repetitive years, and most traits showed high heritability estimation. To our knowledge, this is the first report in plant that genotypic correlation and heritability and their standard errors are estimated in a repeated measures data over years using REML approximation.
Seizure Forecasting and the Preictal State in Canine Epilepsy
Authors: Varatharajah Yogatheesan , Iyer Ravishankar K. , Berry Brent M. , Worrell Gregory A. , Brinkmann Benjamin H.
Published: June 2016

The ability to predict seizures may enable patients with epilepsy to better manage their medications and activities, potentially reducing side effects and improving quality of life. Forecasting epileptic seizures remains a challenging problem, but machine learning methods using intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) measures have shown promise. A machine-learning-based pipeline was developed to process iEEG recordings and generate seizure warnings. Results support the ability to forecast seizures at rates greater than a Poisson random predictor for all feature sets and machine learning algorithms tested. In addition, subject-specific neurophysiological changes in multiple features are reported preceding lead seizures, providing evidence supporting the existence of a distinct and identifiable preictal state.
Search for neutrinoless double beta decay
Authors: Ostrovskiy Igor , O’Sullivan Kevin
Published: June 2016

We review current experimental efforts to search for neutrinoless double beta decay [Formula: see text]. A description of the selected leading experiments is given and the strongest recent results are compared in terms of achieved background indexes (BI) and limits on effective Majorana mass. A combined limit is also shown. The second part of the review covers next generation experiments, highlighting the challenges and new technologies that may be necessary to achieve a justifiable discovery potential. A potential synergy with direct dark matter searches, which could be an especially prudent strategy in case the axial vector coupling constant is quenched in [Formula: see text] decay, is emphasized.
The 750 GeV diphoton excess in unified SU(2)L ×SU(2)R ×SU(4) models from noncommutative geometry
Authors: Aydemir Ufuk , Minic Djordje , Sun Chen , Takeuchi Tatsu
Published: June 2016

We discuss a possible interpretation of the 750 GeV diphoton resonance, recently reported at the large hadron collider (LHC), within a class of [Formula: see text] models with gauge coupling unification. The unification is imposed by the underlying noncommutative geometry (NCG), which in these models is extended to a left–right symmetric completion of the Standard Model (SM). Within such unified [Formula: see text] models the Higgs content is restrictively determined from the underlying NCG, instead of being arbitrarily selected. We show that the observed cross-sections involving the 750 GeV diphoton resonance could be realized through a SM singlet scalar field accompanied by colored scalars, present in these unified models. In view of this result, we discuss the underlying rigidity of these models in the NCG framework and the wider implications of the NCG approach for physics beyond the SM.
Inflationary cosmology leading to a soft type singularity
Authors: Brevik I. , Obukhov V. V. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: June 2016

A remarkable property of modern cosmology is that it allows for a special case of symmetry, consisting in the possibility of describing the early-time acceleration (inflation) and the late-time acceleration using the same theoretical framework. In this paper, we consider various cosmological models corresponding to a generalized form for the equation of state for the fluid in a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe, emphasizing cases where the so-called type IV singular inflation is encountered in the future. This is a soft (non-crushing) kind of singularity. Parameter values for an inhomogeneous equation of state leading to singular inflation are obtained. We present models for which there are two type IV singularities, the first corresponding to the end of the inflationary era and the second to a late-time event. We also study the correspondence between the theoretical slow-roll parameters leading to type IV singular inflation and the recent results observed by the Planck satellite.
Structural properties of Al and TiAl3 metallic glasses — An embedded atom method study
Authors: Tahiri M. , Trady S. , Hasnaoui A. , Mazroui M. , Saadouni K. , Sbiaai K.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we investigated the structural properties of metallic glasses (MGs). We emphasized our study on monatomic Al and binary TiAl3 systems. The calculations are performed by using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation based on semi-empirical many-body potentials derived from the embedded atom method. The structure is analyzed using the radial distribution function (RDF), the common neighbor analysis (CNA) and the coordination numbers (CNs). Our results demonstrated that it is possible to form MGs in both systems upon fast cooling from the liquid state. This is confirmed by the fact that the system energy and/or volume during the cooling stage decrease continuously with a slight change and by atomic scale analysis using the RDF, CNA and CN analyzing techniques. Furthermore, this specific study shows that under the same conditions, the icosahedral structures appeared in TiAl3 are more abundant than in pure Al. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Analytic study of heat transfer with variable viscosity on solid particle motion in dusty Jeffery fluid
Authors: Bhatti M. M. , Zeeshan A.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, effects of variable viscosity with heat transfer on solid particle motion of dusty Jeffrey fluid model through a planar channel has been examined. The governing flow problem for fluid phase and dusty phase is formulated with the help of momentum and energy equation. The resulting coupled ordinary differential equations have been solved analytically and closed form solutions are presented. The influence of all the physical parameters are sketched for velocity profile, pressure rise and temperature profile. Numerical computation is used to evaluate the expression for pressure rise. The present analysis is also presented for Newtonian fluid by taking [Formula: see text] as a special case of our study. It is found that due to the influence of variable viscosity, the fluid velocity changes in the center of the channel and shows opposite behavior near the walls. It is also found that temperature profile increases for larger values of Prandtl number (Pr) and Eckert number (Ec).
Copy Move Forgery Image Detection via Discrete Radon and Polar Complex Exponential Transform-Based Moment Invariant Features
Authors: Zhong Junliu , Gan Yanfen , Young Janson , Lin Peiyu
Published: June 2016

Copy move forgery with geometric distortions such as the rotational operation, the scaling operation, the mirror operation and the additive noise operation became more common. Existing methods are not competent for the detection of the copy move forgery with these distortions. In fact, the most critical issue for the detection of the forgery is the determination of the geometric features. This paper proposes an efficient Discrete Radon Polar Complex Exponential Transform (DRPCET)-based method for the extraction of the rotational and the scaling invariant features for the copy move forgery detection. First, the features obtained by the Radon transform (RT) and the Polar Complex Exponential Transform (PCET) are fused together. Then, these features are normalized. In order to achieve the scaling invariant property, an auxiliary circular template is introduced. With the auxiliary circular template, the translational moment invariant features, the rotational moment invariant features and the scaling moment invariant features are constructed for the extraction of the planar geometrical features. By further extracting some useful features for the representation of the image background, the interference of the background information can be reduced. After extracting the geometrical features, the lexicographic sorting is applied. Then, a correlation between the same part or similar parts of the image which are copied and moved to another image is computed. Based on the obtained correlations, these forgery parts can be identified and their composed positions can be located. Finally, these images are denoted as the forgery image. Extensive computer numerical simulations have been performed. The obtained results show that the proposed method can detect the copy move region in the forgery image precisely even though the forgery regions are suffered from the mixed geometric distortions.
The signed weighted resolution set is not a complete pseudoknot invariant
Authors: Henrich Allison K. , Jablan Slavik , Johnson Inga
Published: June 2016

When the signed weighted resolution set (or were-set) was defined as an invariant of pseudoknots, it was unknown whether this invariant was complete. Using the Gauss-diagrammatic invariants of pseudoknots introduced by Dorais et al., we show that the signed were-set cannot distinguish all non-equivalent pseudoknots. This goal is achieved through studying the effects of a flype-like local move on a pseudodiagram.
Delta diagrams
Authors: Jablan Slavik , Kauffman Louis H. , Lopes Pedro
Published: June 2016

We call a delta diagram any diagram of a knot or link whose regions (including the unbounded one) have 3, 4, or 5 sides. We prove that any knot or link admits a delta diagram. We define and estimate combinatorial link invariants stemming from this definition.
Meanders, knots, labyrinths and mazes
Authors: Kappraff Jay , Radović Ljiljana , Jablan Slavik
Published: June 2016

There are strong indications that the history of design may have begun with the concept of a meander. This paper explores the application of meanders to new classes of meander and semi-meander knots, meander friezes, labyrinths and mazes. A combinatorial system is introduced to classify meander knots and labyrinths. Mazes are analyzed with the use of graphs. Meanders are also created with the use of simple proto-tiles upon which a series of lines are etched.
Knots in knots: A study of classical knot diagrams
Authors: Millett Kenneth C.
Published: June 2016

Looking at the structure of minimal prime knot presentations, one can notice that there are often, perhaps always, segments that present either the trefoil or the figure-eight knot. This note explores the question as to whether this is always the case, reporting on conversations with Jablan Slavik that began at a [Formula: see text] conference in Trieste, Italy and which never reached a conclusion. Evidence supporting this conjectured presence is reported and potential consequences are described.
On Slavik Jablan’s work on 4-moves
Authors: Przytycki Józef H.
Published: June 2016

We show that every alternating link of two components and [Formula: see text] crossings can be reduced by [Formula: see text]-moves to the trivial link or the Hopf link. It answers the question asked in one of the last papers by Slavik Jablan.
Slavik Jablan’s last notes on the Chern–Simons invariants of knots
Authors: Stošić Marko
Published: June 2016

This note is dedicated to the memory of Slavik Jablan, and the last work we had together on the computation and properties of Cherns–Simons invariant of knots and links.
PN sequences obtained from signs of crossings of knot diagrams
Authors: Takaoka Kuniyuki
Published: June 2016

For an oriented knot diagram, we define a cyclic word in letters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] corresponding to positive and negative crossings along the diagram, respectively. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a cyclic word in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to be obtained from some knot diagram. Also, we prove that any PN sequence of a diagram of a nontrivial knot contains at least four subsequences [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Superresonant instability of a compressible hydrodynamic vortex
Authors: Oliveira Leandro A. , Cardoso Vitor , Crispino Luís C. B.
Published: June 2016

We show that a purely circulating and compressible system, in an adiabatic regime of acoustic propagation, presents superresonant instabilities. To show the existence these instabilities, we compute the quasinormal mode frequencies of this system numerically using two different frequency domain methods.
Shape evolution with angular momentum in Lu isotopes
Authors: Kardan Azam , Sayyah Sepideh
Published: June 2016

The nuclear potential energies of Lu isotopes with neutron number [Formula: see text] up to high spins are computed within the framework of the unpaired cranked Nilsson–Strutinsky method. The potential and the macroscopic Lublin–Strasbourg drop (LSD) energy-surface diagrams are analyzed in terms of quadrupole deformation and triaxiality parameter. The shape evolution of these isotopes with respect to angular momentum, as well as the neutron number is studied.
SURFACE ROUGHNESS STUDY ON MICROCHANNELS OF CO2 LASER FABRICATING PMMA-BASED MICROFLUIDIC CHIP
Authors: CHEN XUEYE , LI TIECHUAN , FU BAODING
Published: June 2016

A novel method named soak sacrificial layer ultrasonic method (SSLUM) has been presented for optimizing the surface roughness of the microchannels of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based microfluidic chips. CO2 laser was used for ablative microchannels on the PMMA sheet, and the effects of key parameters including laser power, laser ablation speed and solution concentration on the surface roughness of microchannels were estimated and optimized by SSLUM. The experimental observation demonstrates that the surface roughness results mainly from the residues on the channel wall, which are produced by the bubbles movement and bursting. The research results show that the surface roughness can be improved effectively by using SSLUM. In our experiment, the best value was Ra [Formula: see text] 110[Formula: see text]nm with laser power 12[Formula: see text]W, laser ablation speed 10[Formula: see text]mm/s, the solution concentration 75%, and the time of ultrasonic vibration 25[Formula: see text]min. SSLUM is proven to be an effective, simple and rapid method for optimizing the surface roughness of microchannels of microfluidic chips.
Morse index of radial nodal solutions of Hénon type equations in dimension two
Authors: Moreira dos Santos Ederson , Pacella Filomena
Published: June 2016

We consider non-autonomous semilinear elliptic equations of the type [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is either a ball or an annulus centered at the origin, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] on bounded sets of [Formula: see text]. We address the question of estimating the Morse index [Formula: see text] of a sign changing radial solution [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text] and that [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is even. If [Formula: see text] is superlinear the previous estimates become [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, where [Formula: see text] denotes the number of nodal sets of [Formula: see text], i.e. of connected components of [Formula: see text]. Consequently, every least energy nodal solution [Formula: see text] is not radially symmetric and [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] along the sequence of even exponents [Formula: see text].
Generalized packing radius theorems of Alexandrov spaces with curvature ≥ 1
Authors: Su Xiaole , Sun Hongwei , Wang Yusheng
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we give some generalized packing radius theorems of an [Formula: see text]-dimensional Alexandrov space [Formula: see text] with curvature [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be any [Formula: see text]-separated subset in [Formula: see text] (i.e. the distance [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]). Under the condition “[Formula: see text]” (after [K. Grove and F. Wilhelm, Hard and soft packing radius theorems, Ann. of Math. 142 (1995) 213–237]), we give the upper bound of [Formula: see text] (which depends only on [Formula: see text]), and classify the geometric structure of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] attains the upper bound. As a corollary, we get an isometrical sphere theorem in Riemannian case.
A generalization of Turaev’s virtual string cobracket and self-intersections of virtual strings
Authors: Cahn Patricia
Published: June 2016

Previously we defined an operation [Formula: see text] that generalizes Turaev’s cobracket for loops on a surface. We showed that, in contrast to the cobracket, this operation gives a formula for the minimum number of self-intersections of a loop in a given free homotopy class. In this paper, we consider the corresponding question for virtual strings, and conjecture that [Formula: see text] gives a formula for the minimum number of self-intersection points of a virtual string in a given virtual homotopy class. To support the conjecture, we show that [Formula: see text] gives a bound on the minimal self-intersection number of a virtual string which is stronger than a bound given by Turaev’s virtual string cobracket. We also use Turaev’s based matrices to describe a large set of strings [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] gives a formula for the minimal self-intersection number [Formula: see text]. Finally, we compare the bound given by [Formula: see text] to a bound given by Turaev’s based matrix invariant [Formula: see text], and construct an example that shows the bound on the minimal self-intersection number given by [Formula: see text] is sometimes stronger than the bound [Formula: see text].
The Term Structure of Interest Rates Under Heath–Jarrow–Morton Models with Fast Mean-Reverting Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Park Sang-Hyeon , Lee Min-Ku , Kim Jeong-Hoon
Published: June 2016

This paper is a study of the term structure of interest rates based on the Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) models with Hull–White volatility function. Under fast mean-reverting stochastic volatility, we obtain an analytic formula for an approximate bond price with estimated error using a Markovian transform method combined with a singular perturbation method. The stochastic volatility correction effect against time-to-maturity is revealed so that it can capture more of the complexities of the interest rate term structure.
Effect of Autaptic Activity on Intrinsic Coherence Resonance in Newman–Watts Networks of Stochastic Hodgkin–Huxley Neurons
Authors: Wang Qi , Gong Yubing
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we study the effect of autaptic activity on intrinsic coherence resonance (CR) induced by channel noise in Newman–Watts (NW) networks of stochastic Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) neurons. It is found that autaptic strength and autaptic delay have a big effect on the intrinsic CR. As autaptic strength increases, there is optimal autaptic strength by which the intrinsic CR is most highly enhanced. Autaptic delay can enhance, reduce, or destroy the intrinsic CR, depending on the delay length. Moreover, there are optimal coupling strength and network randomness by which autaptic activity can most highly enhance the intrinsic CR. These results show that autaptic activity has different effects on the intrinsic CR in the neuronal networks, and it can most highly enhance the intrinsic CR at optimal coupling strength and network randomness. These findings could find potential implications of channel noise and autaptic activity for the information processing and transmission in neural systems.
Free pairs of symmetric and unitary units in normal subgroups of a division ring
Authors: Goncalves Jairo Z.
Published: June 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the field of fractions of the group algebra [Formula: see text] of the Heisenberg group [Formula: see text], over the field [Formula: see text] of characteristic [Formula: see text]. We show that for some involutions of [Formula: see text] that are not induced from involutions of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] contains free symmetric and unitary pairs. We also give a general condition for a normal unitary subgroup of a division ring to contain a free group, and prove a generalization of Lewin’s Conjecture.
Features Influencing Researchers’ Selection of Reference Management Software
Authors: Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Ibrahim Othman , Sohaei Shamila , Ahmadi Hossein , Almaee Alireza
Published: June 2016

Reference management software (RMS) is the most important aspect that is essential for all levels of researchers. They are established as research tools to help scholars in organising their work, improving workflows, and ultimately saving time. Choosing an appropriate RMS for managing records and utilising the bibliographic citation has been a challenge among researchers. They always seek for the features of an appropriate RMS prior to making an investment to buy the software. In this paper, a fuzzy logic approach is adopted for assessing the features of RMS from the researchers’ perspectives. Accordingly, a web-based survey was conducted and data collected from the researchers who had experience with different types of RMS. Then, we analyse the effects of RMS features on researcher perception in selecting an appropriate reference management program and find the importance level of those features. This study provides a toolset for RMS developers to identify the importance level of RMS features and accordingly consider these important features in developing the next generation of citation management software.
Knowledge Sharing in Cross-Functional Teams and its Antecedents: Role of Mutual Trust as a Moderator
Authors: Verma Jyoti , Sinha Anamika
Published: June 2016

Growth and success of an organisation are primarily dependent on its ability to develop, leverage, and utilise its knowledge base. This study developed a model to test the impact of antecedents of knowledge Sharing (KS) on team performance. The antecedents were classified as organisational characteristics (structure, learning culture, employee training, reward system, top management support) and individual characteristic (emotional intelligence). The study is based on data collected with the help of structured questionnaires from 582 team members working under 69 teams in 26 surveyed organisations in India. Results suggest that high emotional intelligence increases the extent of KS and hence, has positive impact on team performance among cross-functional team members. Moreover, mutual trust among team members moderates KS behaviour and team performance. Thus, findings confirm the applicability and predictive power of the proposed model. Furthermore, this model contributes to the literature of predicting KS practices in cross-functional projects.
Manage Your Company’s Innovation Interdependencies
Authors: Lichtenthaler Ulrich
Published: June 2016

In face of growing competitive pressures, many companies broaden their innovation activities beyond product development to address other types of innovation, such as new services, processes, and business models, which traditionally were often neglected. There are important interfaces among these innovation types, but their interplay is often ignored. The findings of 45 exploratory interviews underscore the managerial relevance of innovation interdependencies. A framework with the different innovation types is developed, and a case example of car-sharing is described. Moreover, the performance implications and implementation steps for actively managing innovation interdependencies are described. Without considering the interplay of multiple innovation types, the potential benefits of a firm’s innovation activities will not fully materialize. Consequently, many firms’ difficulties in profiting from innovation do not derive from an inappropriate management of product innovation. Instead, many of these difficulties can be traced back to an insufficient attention to innovation interdependencies.
DOES THE SUPPLIER AFFECTS CONSUMERS’ PRODUCT PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS? AN ANALYSIS ABOUT THE INNOVATIVENESS PERCEPTION
Authors: LINDER CHRISTIAN , SEIDENSTRICKER SVEN
Published: June 2016

The extent that a firm is perceived as innovative is crucial for competitiveness. Thus, companies constantly try to build a strong reputation for product innovation. One way to increase this reputation is to collaborate with highly reputed partners. In this respect, this study investigates ingredient branding alliances based on responsibility attributions theory. In particular, we show that there are various combinations of supplier and manufacturer reputation, but only one combination that finally leads to the desired increased intention to buy the joint offering. This particular combination is a collaboration where a highly reputed supplier promotes the offering of a manufacturer with a low reputation. This study makes a contribution to a better understanding of ingredient branding potential for increasing the innovativeness of manufacturers.