bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New LUX result constrains exotic quark mediators with the vector dark matter
Authors: Chen Chuan-Ren , Li Ming-Jie
Published: December 2016

The scenario of the compressed mass spectrum between heavy quark and dark matter is a challenge for LHC searches. However, the elastic scattering cross-section between dark matter and nuclei in dark matter direct detection experiments can be enhanced with nearly degenerate masses between heavy quarks and dark matter. In this paper, we illustrate such scenario with a vector dark matter, using the latest result from LUX 2016. The mass constraints on heavy quarks can be more stringent than current limits from LHC, unless the coupling strength is very small. However, the compress mass spectrum with allowed tiny coupling strength makes the decay lifetime of heavy quarks longer than the timescale of QCD hadronization.
Modeling behavioral social systems
Authors: Bellomo N. , Brezzi F. , Pulvirenti M.
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the papers published in a special issue devoted to the modeling of behavioral social systems. Some perspective ideas on possible objectives of future research are extracted from the contents of this issue and brought to the reader’s attention. The final ambitious aim is the development of a mathematical theory for complex living systems.
Canvas and cosmos: Visual art techniques applied to astronomy data
Authors: English Jayanne
Published: December 2016

Bold color images from telescopes act as extraordinary ambassadors for research astronomers because they pique the public’s curiosity. But are they snapshots documenting physical reality? Or are we looking at artistic spacescapes created by digitally manipulating astronomy images? This paper provides a tour of how original black and white data, from all regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum, are converted into the color images gracing popular magazines, numerous websites, and even clothing. The history and method of the technical construction of these images is outlined. However, the paper focuses on introducing the scientific reader to visual literacy (e.g. human perception) and techniques from art (e.g. composition, color theory) since these techniques can produce not only striking but politically powerful public outreach images. When created by research astronomers, the cultures of science and visual art can be balanced and the image can illuminate scientific results sufficiently strongly that the images are also used in research publications. Included are reflections on how they could feedback into astronomy research endeavors and future forms of visualization as well as on the relevance of outreach images to visual art. (See the color online PDF version at http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S0218271817300105 ; the figures can be enlarged in PDF viewers.)
Penalty-Based and Other Representations of Economic Inequality
Authors: Beliakov Gleb , Gagolewski Marek , James Simon
Published: December 2016

Economic inequality measures are employed as a key component in various socio-demographic indices to capture the disparity between the wealthy and poor. Since their inception, they have also been used as a basis for modelling spread and disparity in other contexts. While recent research has identified that a number of classical inequality and welfare functions can be considered in the framework of OWA operators, here we propose a framework of penalty-based aggregation functions and their associated penalties as measures of inequality.
Measuring the Dependence Among Dimensions of Welfare: A Study Based on Spearman’s Footrule and Gini’s Gamma
Authors: Pérez Ana , Prieto-Alaiz Mercedes
Published: December 2016

Welfare is multidimensional as it involves not only income, but also education, health or labour. The composite indicators of welfare are usually based on somehow aggregating the information across dimensions and individuals. However, this approach ignores the relationship between the dimensions being aggregated. To face this goal, in this paper, we analyse the multivariate dependence between the dimensions included in the Human Development Index (HDI), namely income, health and schooling, through three copula-based measures of multivariate association: Spearman’s footrule, Gini’s gamma and Spearman’s rho. We discuss their properties and prove new results on Spearman’s footrule. The copula approach focuses on the positions of the individuals across dimensions, rather than the values that the variables attain for such individuals. Thus, it allows for more general types of dependence than the linear correlation. We base our study on data from 1980 till 2014 for the countries included in the 2015 Human Development Report. We find out that though the overall HDI has increased over this period, the dependence between its dimensions remains high and nearly unchanged, so the richest countries also tend to be the best ranked in both health and education.
Solutions to the mean king’s problem: Higher-dimensional quantum error-correcting codes
Authors: Yoshida Masakazu , Kuriyama Toru , Cheng Jun
Published: December 2016

Mean king’s problem is a kind of quantum state discrimination problems. In the problem, we try to discriminate eigenstates of noncommutative observables with the help of classical delayed information. The problem has been investigated from the viewpoint of error detection and correction. We construct higher-dimensional quantum error-correcting codes against error corresponding to the noncommutative observables. Any code state of the codes provides a way to discriminate the eigenstates correctly with the classical delayed information.
On the Dispersion and Attenuation of Guided Waves in Tubular Section with Multi-Layered Viscoelastic Coating — Part I: Axial Wave Propagation
Authors: Kuo Chi-Wei , Steve Suh C.
Published: December 2016

Guided modes admissible in elastic hollow pipes are derived to establish their dispersion and attenuation characteristics in the presence of multi-layered viscoelastic coatings. Longitudinal waves propagating in the axial direction in response to displacement continuity boundary conditions signifying perfect interfacial bonds are evaluated against a baseline uncoated tubing. Viscoelastic bitumen and epoxy are coating materials applied to improve pipeline reliability. The impact of viscoelastic coating layers on wave dispersion and attenuation are investigated by incorporating complex material properties in the characteristic equation. The real and complex roots of the corresponding characteristic equation are determined, allowing the phase velocity and attenuation dispersion to be depicted as functions of the propagation frequency. The effects of varying attenuation parameter and coating thickness are also examined. Viscoelastic protective materials are found to have a substantial impact on the propagation and attenuation of longitudinal waveguide modes.
Dynamic Responses and Failure of Short Glass-Fiber Reinforced Syntactic Foams
Authors: Liang Minzu , Lu Fangyun , Li Xiangyu
Published: December 2016

The quasi-static and dynamic compression responses and failure of fiber-reinforced syntactic foams were investigated. The role of fiber volume fraction on the compression response of syntactic foams was examined in terms of mechanical behavior and energy absorption under both quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Results showed that the mechanical behavior and energy absorption of the reinforced specimens increased with increasing fiber volume fraction. The syntactic foams exhibited distinct strain rate sensitivity; and their yield strength and elastic modulus increased by 41.1% and 85.1%, respectively, as strain rate increased from 0.0011 s[Formula: see text] to 1070 s[Formula: see text]. The deformation and failure processes of the syntactic foams were also examined, and the underlying mechanisms were discussed.
Monitoring the Dynamic Behavior of The Merlynston Creek Bridge Using Interferometric Radar Sensors and Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Kafle Bidur , Zhang Lihai , Mendis Priyan , Herath Nilupa , Maizuar Maizuar , Duffield Colin , Thompson Russell G.
Published: December 2016

Bridges play an important role in economic development and bring important social benefits. The development of innovative bridge monitoring techniques will enable road authorities to optimize operational and maintenance activities for bridges. However, monitoring the dynamic behavior of a bridge requires a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the bridge and traffic loading which has not been fully achieved so far. In the present study, an integrated bridge health monitoring framework is developed using advanced 3D Finite Element modeling in conjunction with Weight-in-motion (WIM) technology and interferometric radar sensors (IBIS-S). The realistic traffic loads imposed on the bridge will be obtained through calibration and validation of traffic loading prediction model using real-time bridge dynamic behavior captured by IBIS-S and WIM data. Using the Merlynston Creek Bridge in Melbourne, Australia as a case study, it demonstrated that the proposed bridge monitoring framework can both efficiently and accurately capture the real-time dynamic behavior of the bridge under traffic loading as well as the dynamic characteristics of the bridge. The outcomes from this research could potentially enhance the durability of bridges which is an important component of the sustainability of transport infrastructure.
Analytical Solution of Thick Piezoelectric Curved Beams with Variable Curvature Considering Shearing Deformation
Authors: Zhou Yong , Nyberg Timo , Xiong Gang , Li Shi , Zhou Hongbo , Bao Sen
Published: December 2016

In this paper, an analytical method based on Timoshenko theory is derived for obtaining the in-plane static closed-form general solutions of deep curved laminated piezoelectric beams with variable curvatures. The equivalent modulus of elasticity is utilized to take into account the material couplings in the laminated beam. The linear piezoelectric effect is considered to develop the static governing equations. The governing differential equations are formulated as functions of the angle of tangent slope by introducing the coordinate system defined by the arc length of the centroidal axis and the angle of tangent slope. To solve the governing equations, defined are the fundamental geometric properties, such as the moments of the arc length with respect to horizontal and vertical axes. As the radius is known, the fundamental geometric quantities can be calculated to obtain the static closed-form solutions of the axial force, shear force, bending moment, rotation angle, and displacement fields at any cross-section of curved beams. The closed-form solutions of the circle beams covered with piezoelectric layers under various loading cases are presented. The results show the consistency in comparison with finite results. Solutions of the non-dimensional displacements for the laminated circular and spiral curved beams with different lay-ups are available. The non-dimensional displacements with geometry and material parameters are also investigated.
Crack Identification in Graphene Using Eigenfrequencies
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios I.
Published: December 2016

Graphene, due to its remarkable properties, is expected to be a key element for nanomachines and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMs). Progressively, research on graphene should be shifted from property characterization towards reliability performance. In this context, an initial effort is made here to establish a diagnostic technique, capable of detecting the size and the position of a straight crack in graphene. The formulation is grounded on the fact that the presence of a crack in graphene has a significant impact on its vibration behavior. Not only the crack size but also the position of the crack influences the eigenbehavior of graphene. Hence, in the present study, the free vibration of a cracked and an uncracked graphene sheet of the same size is simulated to compute the first three natural frequencies as well as to calculate the corresponding frequency changes. The simulations are realized by adopting an efficient, atomistic, three-dimensional, spring-based, structural mechanics method. Numerous crack sizes and locations and two representative crack orientations are investigated. Validation of the adopted numerical approach is preceded through comparisons with relevant data found in the literature, regarding the free vibration of pristine graphene. Then, the diagrams of the arisen natural frequency shifts due to the crack are appropriately superposed in common contour maps to enable simple crack identification, i.e., detection of the crack length and position, from contour intersections.
The Combination of Multi-Step Differential Transformation Method and Finite Element Method in Vibration Analysis of Non-Prismatic Beam
Authors: Hołubowski Ryszard , Jarczewska Kamila
Published: December 2016

The paper presents a new algorithm being the combination of multi-step differential transformation method (MsDTM) and finite element method (FEM) as a powerful tool for solving variety dynamic problems. The proposed algorithm, named as differential transformation finite element method (DTFEM), transforms partial differential equation into a set of recursive algebraic equations. The final form of a solution is a piecewise function which in general case may be a symbolic function. High effectiveness and accuracy of DTFEM is demonstrated on the example of forced vibrations of non-prismatic Euler–Bernoulli beam. Computed time histories of displacements, velocities and accelerations are highly consistent with results obtained by Newmark method.
Elastic Analysis of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Plates with Piezoelectric Layers Using Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Nejad Mohammad Zamani , Taghizadeh Tahereh , Mehrabadi Saeed Jafari , Herasati Saeed
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the deflection and stress behavior of composite plates reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with piezoelectric layers which are under transverse mechanical load. Two kinds of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (CNTRC) plates, namely uniformly distributed (UD) and functionally graded (FG) along the plate thickness, are considered. The extended rule of mixture approach is used to estimate the effective material properties. The governing equations are derived using the Hamilton approach based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) and third-order shear deformation plate theory (TSDT). In addition, the Navier technique is employed to obtain the deflection and stress response of the nanocomposite plates. The results of present work are also compared with those available in the literature and show good agreement. The effects of applied force, volume fraction of CNT, distribution of CNT, thickness of piezoelectric layer, thickness to width ratio and aspect ratio on the static behavior are studied. In previous studies, deflection and stress analysis of nanocomposite plate with piezoelectric layers based on third-order shear deformation plate theory has not investigated.
Simple and Accurate Eight-Node and Six-Node Solid-Shell Elements with Explicit Element Stiffness Matrix Based on Quasi-Conforming Element Technique
Authors: Wang Yu , Shi Guangyu
Published: December 2016

Based on the quasi-conforming (QC) element technique, accurate and reliable eight-node and six-node solid-shell elements are presented in this paper. These QC solid-shell elements can alleviate shear and Poisson thickness locking by appropriately interpolating the strain fields over the element domain, and they are completely free from hourglass modes by ensuring the rank sufficiency of the element stiffness matrix a priori. Furthermore, the element stiffness matrices of the present elements are evaluated explicitly rather than resorting to the numerical integration, which leads to a high computational efficiency. The QC solid-shell elements with the properly interpolated element strain fields can rigorously pass both membrane and bending patch tests. The popular benchmark problems are used to evaluate the performance of the QC solid-shell elements. The numerical results show that the present QC solid-shell elements yield not only accurate displacements but also good stress results for all the stress components. Particularly, the present QC solid-shell elements are capable of giving quite accurate results even with very coarse mesh.
On a subclass of quasi-convex functions with fixed second coefficient
Authors: Thirupathi G.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we introduce the concept of quasi-convex functions by considering a subclass [Formula: see text] of normalized analytic functions in the unit disk [Formula: see text] for some convex function [Formula: see text] with fixed second coefficient of order [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] We obtain results on growth and distortion theorems and radius of convexity.
Additive cyclic codes over mixed alphabets and the football pool problem
Authors: Abualrub Taher , Aydin N.
Published: December 2016

Motivated by a generalization of the football pool problem, we introduce additive cyclic codes over mixed alphabets of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for distinct primes [Formula: see text]. We study their algebraic properties, generating sets, and duals. Additionally, we give examples of additive cyclic codes over the alphabet [Formula: see text] that have best-known or optimal parameters.
A note on 3-choosability of plane graphs under distance restrictions
Authors: Jin Jing , Wei Yiming
Published: December 2016

A graph [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-choosable if it has an [Formula: see text]-coloring whenever [Formula: see text] is a list assignment such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. We provide two sufficient conditions for 3-choosability of plane graphs. Every plane graph with [Formula: see text] without cycles of length from 4 to 6 and special 7-cycles is 3-choosable. Every plane graph with [Formula: see text] without cycles of length from 4 to 5 and adjacent 6-cycles is also 3-choosable.
Strong edge-coloring of subcubic planar graphs
Authors: Bu Yuehua , Zhu Hongguo
Published: December 2016

A strong[Formula: see text]-edge-coloring of a graph [Formula: see text] is a mapping [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] for every pair of distinct edges at distance at most two. The strong chromatical index of a graph [Formula: see text] is the least integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] has a strong-[Formula: see text]-edge-coloring, denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove [Formula: see text] for any subcubic planar graph with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-cycles are not adjacent to [Formula: see text]-cycles.
Dubious Economic Partnership: Why a China-Russia Free Trade Agreement Is Hard to Reach
Authors: Schubert Jeffery , Savkin Dmitry
Published: December 2016

Since the successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations in the early 1990s, regional trade agreements of various types, including bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), have replaced internationally comprehensive agreements as the main driver for development of official trade relations. There is also a tendency for such agreements to extend beyond trade and cover security and other issues. Russia is a “resource-cursed” country like Australia, and there seems to be a prima facie case for China and Russia to conclude an FTA similar to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). However, Russia intends to promote free trade with China via the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) because it views any FTA in quite narrow political and security terms, and its economic agenda is orientated toward new industrial development rather than trade development. In comparison, China prefers an FTA within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) because it is, at the current stage, most interested in enhancing economic development and trade across the Central Asian and wider Eurasian regions. Russian resistance to the idea of an SCO-based FTA was one of the reasons for China’s initial development of the land part of the “One Belt, One Road (OBOR)” initiative. While China and Russia have recently agreed to work toward an FTA between China and the EAEU, it is not quite hopeful in the near future, and a ChAFTA-type FTA between China and Russia will be even more difficult to achieve mainly due to Russia’s lingering strategic considerations.
Modeling liquidation risk with occupation times
Authors: Makarov Roman N.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we develop a new structural model that allows for a distinction between default and liquidation to be made. Default occurs when firm’s asset value process crosses a bankruptcy barrier. Here, we do not assume that default immediately triggers liquidation. Instead, the firm is allowed to continue operating even if it is in default. Liquidation is triggered as soon as the firm’s asset value has cumulatively spent a prespecified amount of time below the default barrier or has dropped below the liquidation barrier. The proposed model includes the Black–Cox model as a limiting case. A semi-analytical formula of the liquidation probability is derived for the case where firm’s asset value follows a geometric Brownian motion. Nonlinear volatility diffusion models are discussed as well.
Co-movement analysis of Asian stock markets against FTSE100 and S&P 500: Wavelet-based approach
Authors: Yilmaz Adil , Unal Gazanfer
Published: December 2016

Wavelet coherence of time series provide valuable information about dynamic correlation and its impact on time scales. Here we analyze the wavelet coherence of FTSE100 and S&P 500 with selected Asian markets of S&P/ASX 200 (Australia), S&P/ASX200 A-REIT (Australia), BIST (Turkey), HIS (Hong Kong), IDX (Indonesia), KLSE (Malaysia), KOSPI (Korea), N225 (Japan), RTS (Russia), Shenzhen (China), 0050.TW (Taiwan). Wavelet coherence results revealed interconnected relationships between stock markets and how these relationships vary in the time–frequency space. We conclude that developed economy stock markets have strong influences over Asian stock markets, although market dependencies vary by country and change over time. We also suggested that because co-movements shift over time, short term and middle term diversification could be more beneficial taking into account the degree of interrelations. From investors point of view, these relationships provides beneficial information, especially for portfolio diversification and risk elimination.
Nondeterminism and An Abstract Formulation of Nečiporuk’s Lower Bound Method
Authors: Beame Paul , Grosshans Nathan , McKenzie Pierre , Segoufin Luc
Published: December 2016

A formulation of
Nečiporuk’s lower bound method
slightly more inclusive than the usual complexity-measure-specific formulation is presented. Using this general formulation, limitations to lower bounds achievable by the method are obtained for several computation models, such as branching programs and Boolean formulas having access to a sublinear number of nondeterministic bits. In particular, it is shown that any lower bound achievable by the method of Nečiporuk for the size of nondeterministic and parity branching programs is at most
O
(
n
3/2
/log
n
).
Successful Percutaneous Retrieval of Embolized Septal Occluder Device from Aortic Arch and Placement of a Newer Septal Occluder Device in Combined Procedure
Authors: Katta Natraj , Gautam Sandeep , Webel Richard
Published: December 2016

Embolization of the Amplatzer Septal Occluder (ASO) device (St. Jude Medical, Minnesota) after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare and potentially catastrophic complication. Percutaneous retrieval of the embolized device is gaining ground as an acceptable method, although these patients are usually subsequently referred for open surgical closure of the ASD. We present a unique case of percutaneous retrieval embolized ASO device and placement of newer larger ASO device in a single procedure.
A Case of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Possible “Disease Flare” on Nivolumab Treatment
Authors: Chubachi Shotaro , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Irie Hidehiro , Fukunaga Koichi , Naoki Katsuhiko , Soejima Kenzo , Betsuyaku Tomoko
Published: December 2016

Background. Recent clinical trials proven the clinically significant efficacy and tolerability of nivolumab, a programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Case Presentation. Here, we describe the case of a patient who experienced possible “disease flare” immediately after initiation of nivolumab treatment. A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with Stage IIB (T2N1M0) lung adenocarcinoma. After 7 years from recurrence, 10th line chemotherapy, nivolumab, was initiated. Six weeks later, after 3 cycles of nivolumab treatment, rapid lung cancer progression was observed with an increase in the size of the primary lesion, multiple novel nodules on both lungs, and multiple novel brain metastases. Conclusion. We believe that physicians should be made aware that, in a subset of NSCLC patients, disease flare might occur on nivolumab treatment.
Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Lipid Oxidation Using the Reagent Kit Based on Spectrophotometry (FOODLABfatSystem)
Authors: Kwon Chang Woo , Park Kyung-Min , Park Jeong Woong , Lee JaeHwan , Choi Seung Jun , Chang Pahn-Shick
Published: December 2016

The reliability and availability of FOODLABfatsystem for determining acid value (AV) and peroxide value (POV) were assessed during the hydrolytic rancidification and lipid oxidation of edible oils. This reagent kit based on spectrophotometry was compared to the official methods (ISO 660 and 3960 protocols) based on manual titration employing the standard mixture for the simulated oxidation models and edible oils during the thermally induced oxidation at 180°C. The linear regression line of standard mixture and the significant difference of thermally oxidized time course study determined between them showed high correlations (R2=0.998andp<0.05) in both AVs and POVs. Considering ISO protocols with a probability of human error in manual titration, the rapidness and simplicity of the reagent kit based on spectrophotometry make it a promising alternative to monitor the lipid oxidation of edible oils and lipid-containing foods.
Enteric Pathogens and Coinfections in Foals with and without Diarrhea
Authors: Olivo Giovane , Lucas Thays Mizuki , Borges Alexandre Secorun , Silva Rodrigo Otávio Silveira , Lobato Francisco Carlos Faria , Siqueira Amanda Keller , da Silva Leite Domingos , Brandão Paulo Eduardo , Gregori Fábio , de Oliveira-Filho José Paes , Takai Shinji , Ribeiro Márcio Garcia
Published: December 2016

Diarrhea is a major clinical problem affecting foals up to 3 months of age. The aim of this study was to identify enteric microorganisms involved in monoinfections and coinfections and the associated virulence factors in healthy and diarrheic foals. Diarrheic (D) (n=56) and nondiarrheic (ND) foals (n=60) up to three months of age were studied. Fecal samples were analyzed for identification of infectious agents (microbiological culturing, molecular techniques, and microscopic analyses).Escherichia coli fimH(30% versus 25%),Salmonellaspp. (25% versus 7%),Strongyloides westeri(25% versus 25%),Clostridium perfringenstype A (21% versus 10%),E. coli ag43(20% versus 35%),Strongylus(11% versus 18%), andvapA-positiveRhodococcus equi(5% versus 2%) were the most frequent enteric pathogens detected in D and ND foals, respectively. The frequency of toxin A-positiveC. perfringenswas significantly increased in the D (p=0.033) compared with the ND animals.R. equistrains harboring virulent plasmids were also identified (VapA 85-kb type I and VapA 87-kb type I) in D and ND foals. Coinfections were observed in 46% of the D and 33% of the ND foals. Our results demonstrate the great diversity of enteric pathogens, virulence factors, and coinfections involved in enteric infections of foals.
Assessment of Meteorological Drought in Korea under Climate Change
Authors: Kwak Jaewon , Kim Soojun , Jung Jaewon , Singh Vijay P. , Lee Dong Ryul , Kim Hung Soo
Published: December 2016

Drought has become one of the most important elements for water resources planning and management in Korea. The objective of this study is to estimate the spatial distribution of drought and change in the drought characteristics over time due to climate change. For the spatial characterization of drought, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) is calculated from the 45 observatories in Korea and the spatial distribution is also estimated based on the joint probability analysis using the copula method. To analyze the effect of climate change, spatial distribution of drought in the future is analyzed using the SPI time series calculated from Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenarios and HADGEM3-RA regional climate model. The results show that the Youngsan River and the northwest of Nakdong River basins in Korea have nearly doubled drought amount compared to the present and are most vulnerable to drought in near future (2016 to 2039 years).
Use of Oxalic-Acid-Modified Stellerite for Improving the Filter Capability of PM2.5 of Paper Composed of Bamboo Residues
Authors: Chen Hua , Lou Jian , Yang Fei , Zhou Jia-nan , Zhang Yan , Yao Huabo
Published: December 2016

In this study, pulping conditions for kraft pulping of bamboo residues were investigated, predominantly focusing on cooking temperature and time during pulping. Oxalic acid and cationic starch were used for the modification of natural stellerite, and the use of modified stellerite for preparing filter paper for PM2.5 filtration was investigated. The optimal pulping technology of bamboo residues was established based on the following experimental parameters: liquor ratio of 1 : 5.5, cooking temperature of 160°C, and a holding time of 2 h. Modification by oxalic acid resulted in the promotion of pore formation at the stellerite surfaces and induced the microscopic changes. Nevertheless, paper strength remained practically unchanged after the addition of fillers, indicating that the cationic starch preblend method is a promising technique for papermaking because it enhances the strength properties of paper. With the variation in the addition of modified stellerite from 3 to 15%, while simultaneously maintaining the basis weight constant at 60 gm−2, the filtration efficiency of paper sheets first increased and then decreased later; thus the optimum stellerite content was found to be 9%. Filtration efficiency was suggested to be affected by gas flowing velocity.
Molecular Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Norovirus in Young Children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Nakjarung Kaewkanya , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Neesanant Pimmnapar , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Sethabutr Orntipa , Vansith Ket , Meng Chhour Y. , Swierczewski Brett E. , Mason Carl J.
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the genetic diversity of noroviruses identified from a previous surveillance study conducted at the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 2004 to 2006. In the previous study, 926 stool samples were collected from children aged 3–60 months with acute diarrhea (cases) and without diarrhea (controls) with reported 6.7% of cases and 3.2% of controls being positive for norovirus. The initial norovirus diagnostic assay was performed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT PCR) which also distinguished between genogroups I and II (GI and GII). Norovirus infection was most commonly detected in children aged 12–23 months in both cases and controls. Norovirus Genotyping Tool and phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of the 3′ end of the RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) and the capsid domain region were employed to assign genotypes of the norovirus strains. GII.4 was the most predominant capsid genotype detected at 39.5% followed by GII.6 at 14.9%. The GII.4 Hunter 2004 variant was the predominant strain detected. Six RdRP/capsid recombinants including GII.P7/GII.6, GII.P7/GII.14, GII.P7/GII.20, GII.P12/GII.13, GII.P17/GII.16, and GII.P21/GII.3 were also identified. This study of norovirus infection in young children in Cambodia suggests genetic diversity of norovirus as reported worldwide.
Medicinal Plants of the Australian Aboriginal Dharawal People Exhibiting Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Akhtar Most A. , Raju Ritesh , Beattie Karren D. , Bodkin Frances , Münch Gerald
Published: December 2016

Chronic inflammation contributes to multiple ageing‐related musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. More recently, chronic neuroinflammation has been attributed to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and autism‐spectrum and obsessive‐compulsive disorders. To date, pharmacotherapy of inflammatory conditions is based mainly on nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs which in contrast to cytokine‐suppressive anti‐inflammatory drugs do not influence the production of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor‐α or nitric oxide. However, their prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal toxicity and promote adverse events such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and thrombosis. Hence, there is a critical need to develop novel and safer nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs possessing alternate mechanism of action. In this study, plants used by the Dharawal Aboriginal people in Australia for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, for example, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, fever, oedema, eye inflammation, and inflammation of bladder and related inflammatory diseases, were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro. Ethanolic extracts from 17 Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae) were assessed for their capacity to inhibit nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Eucalyptus benthamii showed the most potent nitric oxide inhibitory effect (IC50  5.57 ± 1.4 µg/mL), whilst E. bosistoana, E. botryoides, E. saligna, E. smithii, E. umbra, and E. viminalis exhibited nitric oxide inhibition values between 7.58 and 19.77 µg/mL.
Comparison of the Effects of Intrathecal Fentanyl and Intrathecal Morphine on Pain in Elective Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Authors: Kılıçkaya Refika , Orak Yavuz , Balcı Mehtap Arda , Balcı Fatih , Ünal İlker
Published: December 2016

Objective. Total knee replacement is one of the most painful orthopedic surgical procedures. In this study, our goal was to compare the intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic effects, the side effects, the effect on the duration of pain start, the 24-hour VAS, and the amount of additional analgesia used, of the fentanyl and morphine we added to the local anesthetic in the spinal anesthesia we administered in cases of elective knee replacement. Materials and Methods. After obtaining the approval of the Erciyes University Medical Faculty Clinical Drug Trials Ethics Committee, as well as the verbal and written consent of the patients, we included 50 patients in our prospective, randomized study. Results. In our study, the morphine group (Group M) had lower pain scores in the 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours compared to the fentanyl group (Group F). When additional analgesic requirements were compared, it was found that in the 2nd, 6th, and 24th hours fewer Group M patients needed more analgesics than did Group F patients. Conclusion. The fentanyl group also had lower first analgesic requirement times than did the morphine group. In terms of nausea and vomiting, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
System Safety Assessment Based on Past Incidents in Oil and Gas Industries: A Focused Approach in Forecasting of Minor, Severe, Critical, and Catastrophic Incidents, 2010–2015
Authors: Patel Praveen , Sohani Nagendra
Published: December 2016

Accident in an occupation which occurred due to series of repetitive minor incidents within the working environment. This work demonstrates the critical system safety assessment based on various incidents that took place to the different system and subsystem of two Indian oil refineries in five years of span 2010 to 2015. The categorization of incidents and hazard rate function of each incident category were classified and calculated. The result of Weibull analysis estimators in the form of scale and shape parameters provides useful information of incidents forecasting and their patterns in a particular time.
Atypical Mycobacterial Infection after Abdominoplasty Overseas: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sharma Prabin , Vazquez Guillamet Laia Jimena , Miljkovic Goran
Published: December 2016

Increasing number of medical tourists travel internationally for cosmetic procedures. Lipotourism is a form of medical tourism becoming popular among patients of developed countries due to the cost efficiency of cosmetic procedures when performed in developing nations. There is a paucity of data on quality, safety, and risks involved with these surgeries. Many cases of infections have been documented in patients following cosmetic surgeries in developing countries. We present a case of a 34-year-old female who underwent abdominoplasty in Dominican Republic that was complicated with development of multiple abdominal wall abscesses due to infection from rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). In the absence of clear treatment guidelines, she was treated with a combination of intermittent surgical drainage and prolonged antibiotic course. This case is of interest as more than one species of RGM was isolated from the same patient. Our case highlights the fact that identification of these organisms can be difficult requiring referral of samples to specialized laboratories and treatment duration can last several months, which is determined by clinical and microbiological response.
Biosynthesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using Tie Guanyin Tea Extract for Degradation of Bromothymol Blue
Authors: Xin Haiyan , Yang Xin , Liu Xiaoli , Tang Xueping , Weng Lianjin , Han Yuanyuan
Published: December 2016

Facile synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles has been developed using Tie Guanyin tea extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The characterization carried out by UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques has identified the successful synthesis of the zero-valent iron nanoparticles. It is evident from the TEM result that spherical zero-valent iron nanoparticles with average size of 6.58±0.76 nm have been obtained through biological method in this study. FTIR spectrum demonstrates that the polyphenols play an important role in the synthetic process. Diffraction peak at 2θ of 44.9° and 49.1° in XRD spectrum explains the existence of the iron nanoparticles. Additionally, effect of concentration of iron nanoparticles and concentration of bromothymol blue on the kinetic rate constants during the degradation process was studied.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cognitive, Behavioural, and MRI Study
Authors: Campbell J. , Langdon D. , Cercignani M. , Rashid W.
Published: December 2016

Aim. To explore the efficacy of home-based, computerised, cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis using neuropsychological assessment and advanced structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods. 38 patients with MS and cognitive impairment on the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) were enrolled. Patients were randomised to undergo 45 minutes of computerised cognitive rehabilitation using RehaCom software (n=19) three times weekly for six weeks or to a control condition (n=19). Neuropsychological and MRI data were obtained at baseline (time 1), following the 6-week intervention (time 2), and after a further twelve weeks (time 3). Cortical activations were explored using fMRI and microstructural changes were explored using quantitative magnetisation transfer (QMT) imaging. Results. The treatment group showed a greater improvement in SDMT gain scores between baseline and time 2 compared to the control group (p=0.005). The treatment group exhibited increased activation in the bilateral prefrontal cortex and right temporoparietal regions relative to control group at time 3 (p<0.05FWE  corrected). No significant changes were observed on QMT. Conclusion. This study supports the hypothesis that home-based, computerised, cognitive rehabilitation may be effective in improving cognitive performance in patients with MS. Clinical trials registration is
ISRCTN54901925.
An Investigation of the Enolization and Isomeric Products Distribution in the Water Promoted Aldol Reaction of Tropinone and Granatanone
Authors: Lazny Ryszard , Ratkiewicz Artur , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Nodzewska Aneta , Sidorowicz Katarzyna
Published: December 2016

The exo,anti/exo,syn-diastereoselectivity of water promoted direct aldol reactions of tropinone and granatanone (pseudopelletierine) is strongly dependent on the amount of water added and aromatic aldehyde used. DFT methods were applied to calculate the free energies of tropinone and granatanone enols, transition states, and isomeric aldol products. A theoretical model was verified by comparison of results from several DFT methods and functionals with experiments. The 6-31g(d)/CPCM method proved most suited to the problem, although all methods tested predicted similar trends. Explicit inclusion of a water molecule bonded to the amino ketones resulted in increased stability of the enol forms. The dependence of the anti/syn-diastereoselectivity on the amount of water used may be rationalized on the basis of change in the polarity of the reaction medium. The predicted stabilities of competing products agreed with experimental results supporting the notion of thermodynamic control. The isomeric products distributions for the aldol reaction of several aromatic aldehydes in solventless (neat) conditions were accurately calculated from free energies of the aldol addition step in the gas phase using B3LYP/6-31g(d) method and in aqueous conditions using the CPCM-B3LYP/6-31g(d) model. Our methodology can be useful for predicting the outcome of this type of aldol reactions.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis as Complication of Interaction between Atorvastatin and Fusidic Acid in a Patient in Lifelong Antibiotic Prophylaxis: A Dangerous Combination
Authors: Nandy Anirban , Gaïni Shahin
Published: December 2016

Atorvastatin and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are the most frequently used medication in the world due to very few adverse toxic side effects. One potentially life threatening adverse effect is caused by clinically significant statin induced rhabdomyolysis, either independently or in combination with fusidic acid. The patient in our case who previously had cardiac insufficiency, atrial fibrillation, and thoracic aorta aneurysm and was treated with insertion of an endovascular metallic stent in the aorta is presented in the report. He had an inoperable aortitis with an infected stent and para-aortic abscesses with no identified microorganism. The patient responded well to empirical antibiotic treatment with combination therapy of fusidic acid and moxifloxacin. This treatment was planned as a lifelong prophylactic treatment. The patient had been treated with atorvastatin for several years. He developed severe rhabdomyolysis when he was started on fusidic acid and moxifloxacin. The patient made a fast recovery after termination of treatment with atorvastatin and fusidic acid. We here report a life threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis that physicians must be aware of. This can happen either in atorvastatin monotherapy or as a complication of pharmacokinetic interaction between atorvastatin and fusidic acid.
Chloride Transport of High Alumina Cement Mortar Exposed to a Saline Solution
Authors: Yang Hee Jun , Jin Sung Ho , Ann Ki Yong
Published: December 2016

Chloride transport in different types of high alumina cement (HAC) mortar was investigated in this study. Three HAC cement types were used, ranging from 52.0 to 81.1% of aluminum oxides in clinker. For the development of the strength, the setting time of fresh mortar was measured immediately after mixing and the mortar compressive strength was cured in a wet chamber at 25 ± 2°C and then measured at 1–91 days. Simultaneously, to assess the rate of chloride transport in terms of diffusivity, the chloride profile was performed by an exposure test in this study, which was supported by further experimentation including an examination of the pore structure, chloride binding, and chemical composition (X-ray diffraction) analysis. As a result, it was found that an increase in the Al2O3 content in the HAC clinker resulted in an increase in the diffusion coefficient and concentration of surface chloride due to increased binding of chloride. However, types of HAC did not affect the pore distribution in the cement matrix, except for macro pores.
RNA Sequencing Reveals Xyr1 as a Transcription Factor Regulating Gene Expression beyond Carbohydrate Metabolism
Authors: Ma Liang , Chen Ling , Zhang Lei , Zou Gen , Liu Rui , Jiang Yanping , Zhou Zhihua
Published: December 2016

Xyr1 has been demonstrated to be the main transcription activator of (hemi)cellulases in the well-known cellulase producerTrichoderma reesei. This study comprehensively investigates the genes regulated by Xyr1 through RNA sequencing to produce the transcription profiles ofT. reeseiRut-C30 and itsxyr1deletion mutant (Δxyr1), cultured on lignocellulose or glucose.xyr1deletion resulted in 467 differentially expressed genes on inducing medium. Almost all functional genes involved in (hemi)cellulose degradation and many transporters belonging to the sugar porter family in the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) were downregulated in Δxyr1. By contrast, all differentially expressed protease, lipase, chitinase, some ATP-binding cassette transporters, and heat shock protein-encoding genes were upregulated in Δxyr1. When cultured on glucose, a total of 281 genes were expressed differentially in Δxyr1, most of which were involved in energy, solute transport, lipid, amino acid, and monosaccharide as well as secondary metabolism. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that the intracellularβ-glucosidasebgl2, the putative nonenzymatic cellulose-attacking genecip1, the MFS lactose transporterlp, thenmrA-likegene,endo T, the acid proteasepepA, and the small heat shock proteinhsp23were probable Xyr1-targets. These results might help elucidate the regulation system for synthesis and secretion of (hemi)cellulases inT. reeseiRut-C30.
Prediction on the Peak of the CO2 Emissions in China Using the STIRPAT Model
Authors: Li Li , Lei Yalin , He Chunyan , Wu Sanmang , Chen Jiabin
Published: December 2016

Climate change has threatened our economic, environmental, and social sustainability seriously. The world has taken active measures in dealing with climate change to mitigate carbon emissions. Predicting the carbon emissions peak has become a global focus, as well as a leading target for China’s low carbon development. China has promised its carbon emissions will have peaked by around 2030, with the intention of peaking earlier. Scholars generally have studied the influencing factors of carbon emissions. However, research on carbon emissions peaks is not extensive. Therefore, by setting a low scenario, a middle scenario, and a high scenario, this paper predicts China’s carbon emissions peak from 2015 to 2035 based on the data from 1998 to 2014 using the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model. The results show that in the low, middle, and high scenarios China will reach its carbon emissions peak in 2024, 2027, and 2030, respectively. Thus, this paper puts forward the large-scale application of technology innovation to improve energy efficiency and optimize energy structure and supply and demand. China should use industrial policy and human capital investment to stimulate the rapid development of low carbon industries and modern agriculture and service industries to help China to reach its carbon emissions peak by around 2030 or earlier.