bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of age of exposure on consumption of a shrub by sheep.
Authors: Squibb R. C. , Provenza F. D. , Balph D. F.
Published: August 2016

We investigated the influence of age of exposure to a specific forage on its consumption by young sheep both during and after that exposure. Prior exposure to the shrub Cercocarpus montanus enhanced subsequent consumption (P ⩽ .05) of that shrub by lambs and yearlings during two experiments in consecutive years. Effects of prior exposure persisted as long as 9 mo without intervening exposure. Age of exposure influenced consumption in lambs both during the period of exposure (P ⩽ .0001) and during feeding trials following exposure (P ⩽ .07) in Exp. 1. Lambs exposed at 1 to 5 wk of age, when they are nonruminant and normally are dependent on the dam, browsed less of the time while at the shrub (P ⩽ .02) and consumed less of the shrub (P ⩽ .02) at a slower rate (P ⩽ .03) than did lambs exposed at older ages. Lambs exposed at 4 to 8 wk of age, a period corresponding to the transition from nonruminant to ruminant digestion, consumed more shrub following exposure than did lambs exposed at younger or older ages (P ⩽ .05, unprotected least significant differences test). In Exp. 2, which compared naive yearlings with the experienced yearlings exposed as lambs in Exp. 1 the previous year, age of exposure did not influence consumption by yearling sheep following exposure; however, the number of months that had elapsed from the period of exposure varied from 0 to 13 among experimental groups and may have confounded results. Learning of forages appeared poor among nonruminant lambs; data were inconclusive concerning the efficiency of learning of lambs in the transition to ruminant digestion.
Waivering as Governance
Authors: Saultz Andrew , McEachin Andrew , Fusarelli Lance D.
Published: August 2016

This article analyzes how the Obama administration used executive power to grant waivers from federal education policies and assesses whether they used this power differently than previous administrations and in other sectors (e.g., health or welfare). The executive use of waivers to shape state policy is not a new trend. However, we find that recent education waivers differ in purpose and specificity from past education waivers, as well as waivers in other social policy arenas, and that the Obama administration is using this executive power to further its policy objectives in ways that often circumvent congressional intent. As the executive branch continues to utilize waivers as a policy lever, this research has important implications for the future of federal involvement in educational policy and provides critical background for Congress’s reaction to waivers in the recently reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Rethinking the Anthropology of Violence for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Robben Antonius
Published: August 2016

Technological developments in the security field are calling for a new anthropological approach to the study of violence. The anthropology of violence shifted during the late 1980s from an emphasis on the structural and symbolic dynamics of violence to a focus on historical and social practices. The concern for violence exercised through political relations was replaced by attention to the everyday experience of violence, while central concepts such as state, power, ritual, mobilization, and resistance made way for terror, trauma, suffering, subjectivity, and resilience. The time has arrived for a new take on violence that can help us understand the revolutionary impact of technological innovations adopted by police, military, secret services, and private companies. The push for seamless surveillance systems, the tapping of e-mail traffic, phone and wireless communications, permanent camera supervision, body scans, biosensors, and activity analyses of cars and people circulating in public places are affecting people’s daily lives, bodily integrity, and freedom of personal expression and selfhood.
Between Labor Migration and Forced Displacement
Authors: Bjarnesen Jesper
Published: August 2016

The significant number of involuntary returns of labor migrants to Burkina Faso is a relatively neglected aspect of the armed conflict in Côte d’Ivoire. Between 500,000 and 1 million Burkinabe migrants were forced to leave Côte d’Ivoire between 2000 and 2007, placing tremendous pressure on local communities in Burkina Faso to receive and integrate these mass arrivals, and causing those returning labor migrants an acute sense of displacement. Th is article analyzes the experiences of displacement and resettlement in the context of the Ivorian crisis and explores the dialectics of displacement and emplacement in the lives of involuntary labor migrant returnees; their young adult children; and Burkinabe recruits returning aft er their service in the Forces Nouvelles rebel forces in Côte d’Ivoire.
Using International Criminal Law to Resist Transitional Justice
Authors: Baaz Mikael , Lilja Mona
Published: August 2016

An increasing body of literature focuses on negotiations of transitional justice, but not much has been written so far regarding contestations over its practices and the refusal of states and individuals to participate. Given the remaining legalistic dominance, this is particularly true regarding the field of international criminal law. Very little, if any, work in international criminal law engages with the topic of “resistance.” Departing from this gap in research, focusing on Cambodia and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the objective of this article is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the “strategy of rupture”—as developed by the late French lawyer Jacques Vergès—and the ways in which this legal defense has been applied in practice at the ECCC in order to resist not only the Tribunal per se, but also the entire Cambodian transitional justice process and, by extension, the post–Cold War global liberal project.
Liminality and Missing Persons
Authors: Huttunen Laura
Published: August 2016

In many armed conflicts, forced disappearances and hiding the bodies of victims of mass atrocities are used strategically. This article argues that disappearances are powerful weapons, as their consequences reach from the most intimate relations to the formation of political communities. Consequently, political projects of forced disappearances leave difficult legacies for post-conflict reconciliation, and they give rise to a need to address individuals’ and families’ needs as well as relations between national and political groups implicated in the conflict. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this articles explores the question of missing persons in post-1992 Bosnia. The processes of identification and practices of remembering and commemorating the missing are analyzed through the concept of liminality. The article argues that the future-oriented temporality of liminality gives rise to numerous practices of encountering the enigma of the missing, while the political atmosphere of postwar Bosnia restricts possibilities of communitas-type relationality across ethnonational differences.
Timing of cranial vault remodeling in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: a single-institution 30-year experience
Authors: Utria Alan F. , Lopez Joseph , Cho Regina S. , Mundinger Gerhard S. , Jallo George I. , Ahn Edward S. , Kolk Craig Vander , Dorafshar Amir H.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Due to the changing properties of the infant skull, there is still no clear consensus on the ideal time to surgically intervene in cases of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC). This study aims to shed light on how patient age at the time of surgery may affect surgical outcomes and the subsequent need for reoperation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort review was conducted for patients with NSC who underwent primary cranial vault remodeling between 1990 and 2013. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and surgical interventions were recorded. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by assigning each procedure to a Whitaker category. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age at surgery and need for minor (Whitaker I or II) versus major (Whitaker III or IV) reoperation. Odds ratios (ORs) for Whitaker category by age at surgery were assigned.

RESULTS

A total of 413 unique patients underwent cranial vault remodeling procedures for NSC during the study period. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated increased odds of requiring major surgical revisions (Whitaker III or IV) in patients younger than 6 months of age (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.05–5.93), and increased odds of requiring minimal surgical revisions (Whitaker I or II) in patients older than 6 months of age (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.16–6.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Timing, as a proxy for the changing properties of the infant skull, is an important factor to consider when planning vault reconstruction in NSC. The data presented in this study demonstrate that patients operated on before 6 months of age had increased odds of requiring major surgical revisions.
Therapeutic use of Adhatoda vasica
Authors: Hossain Md Tofazzal , Hoq Md Obydul
Published: August 2016

Adhatoda vasica Nees belonging to family Acanthaceae, commonly known as Adosa, is found many regions of India and throughout the world, with a multitude of uses in traditional Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. It is also called Vasaka. It is a well-known herb in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis. Vasaka leaves, bark, the root bark, the fruit and flowers are useful in the removal of intestinal parasites. Vasaka herb is used for treating cold, cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. In acute stages of bronchitis, vasaka gives unfailing relief, especially where the sputum is thick and sticky. It liquefies the sputum so that it is brought up more easily. For relief in asthma, the dried leaves should be smoked. The juice from its leaves should be given in doses of 2 to 4 grams in treating diarrhea and dysentery. A poultice of its leaves can be applied with beneficial results over fresh wounds, rheumatic joints and inflammatory swellings. A warm decoction of its leaves is useful in treating scabies and other skin diseases. In olden times its leaves were made into a decoction with pepper and dried ginger. But the modern medicine searched its active ingredients and found out that vasicine, oxyvascicine and vasicinone are the alkaloids present in vasaka and in which vasicine is the active ingradient for expelling sputum from the body.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 156-163
Distribution of sul genes and their variants in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from two hospitals of Sabah
Authors: Lin Zaw , Lai Yun Mei , Zaw Myo Thura , Samsudin Ahmad Toha
Published: August 2016

Sulphonamides resistant strains are highly prevalent in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates. Sul genes encode sulphonamide resistance and are present on transferrable plasmids. Integrons (IGNs) are genetic elements containing integrase gene, attl site and gene cassettes which carry multiple antibiotic resistant genes. Class 1 integrons have been extensively studied because these were most prevalent among clinical isolates. In this study, UPEC isolates were determined for the antibiotic susceptibility patterns to four antibiotics commonly used for urinary tract infections, which include co-trimethoxazole (TMP-STX). Distribution of sul genes and integrase1 gene (intI1) was studied in TMP-STX resistant UPEC isolates by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Sul genes variants were investigated by DNA sequencing of the whole open reading frame of sul1 and sul2 genes and PCR product of sul3 gene. Sul1, sul2 and sul3 genes were prevalent in 37 (24.7%) of 150 UPEC isolates. IntI1 is positive in 22 sul genes positive isolates. Of six isolates positive with sul2 genes, sul2(a) and sul2(b) variants, which were described in the previous study, in the four isolates and the two isolates respectively were observed. This is the first mPCR which investigates the prevalence of three sul genes and intI1 in the UPEC clinical isolates from two hospitals of Sabah.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 213-220
Determination of appropriate level of fat in milk for the production of good quality dahi
Authors: Yesmin Morsheda , Rakib Md Rezaul Hai , Hossain Al Amin , Khan Akhi , Islam Md Nurul
Published: August 2016

The research was conducted to determine the approximate fat in milk for good quality dahi production and to inform dahi manufacturers about the acceptable level of milk fat to be used and also their economic benefit. Quality assessment tests were conducted on four different types of dahi prepared by adding different percentage of milk fat such as 3.5% (A), 4.0% (B), 4.5% (C) and 5.0% (D) respectively. All the samples were analyzed for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological qualities. The scores for smell and taste, body and texture, color and appearance, and total scores for four types of dahi samples showed significant differences at various levels (p<0.01 to p<0.05). It was found that scores for all the organoleptic parameters of sample C were the highest among the samples, whereas sample A obtained the lowest scores. Smell and taste, body and texture, total score, TS content, water content, fat content and coliform count were differed significantly (P<0.01). Color and appearance, protein content and % acidity also showed significant differences (P<0.05), though CHO content, ash content and pH value showed insignificant differences. It could be concluded that sample C (containing 4.5% milk fat) was the best in terms of physical, chemical and microbiological qualities.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 253-258
Study on effect of different levels of concentrate on growth performance of both male and female lamb
Authors: Billah Masum , Kabir Md Humayun , Rahman Md Hafizur , Hamid Md Abdul
Published: August 2016

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of concentrate on growth performances of both male and female lamb. For this purpose twenty four (12 male and 12 female) lamb aged about 5-6 months were selected and divided into three groups (Treatment group T1, T2 and control group T0). In each group having 4 males and 4 females lamb, all lambs were supplied green roughages ad-libitum, control group T0 was allowed no concentrate and treatment group T1 & T2 were supplied 100 gm & 200 gm concentrate mixture respectively for 90 days experimental period. Animals were weighed at 15 days interval. Significant differences of live weight gain among these three groups were found. Allowing 100 gm (T1) concentrate mixture along with green grass improved growth rate in both male and female lamb. Increasing of concentrate supplementation improved live weight gain (found in T2 group). Total live weight gain (kg) and average daily live weight gain (g/d) were 4.25±0.52 kg and 47.20±5.75 g, 5.38±0.83 kg and 59.73+9.17 g and 7.00±0.54 kg and 77.78±6.00 g in male lambs and 2.25±0.21 kg and 25.00±2.34 g, 3.18±0.32 kg and 35.39±3.63 g and 3.81±0.24 kg and 42.33±2.77 g in female lambs for the To, T1 and T2 groups respectively. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female lambs. The results showed that 100 g concentrate supplementation with green roughages improved growth rate in lambs (male and female) under stall feeding condition. Increase of supplementation might improve nutrients supply to promote higher live weight gain.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 274-278
A study on consumption of iodine by an individual in selected area in Tangail, Bangladesh
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Kamrul Najia , Uddin M Burhan , Jubayer Md Fahad
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess consumption of iodized salt by an individual (g/person/day) in a village of Tangail district and to compute the intake of iodine by an individual (?g/person/day) in a village in Tangail district. Vacuum evaporated salt was used for the study. The salt was analyzed for chemical composition and iodine content. Various physico-chemical characteristics of salt were analyzed to determine the moisture content, chloride content (as NaCl), water insoluble matter, pH, calcium content, magnesium content, and iodine content. Study was done among 68 families for a period of 35 days. Family member was divided into 4 groups according to their age - below 5 years, 5-9 years, 10-19 years and above 19 years. Male member among the family members was minimum 1 and maximum was 8. In case of female, minimum number was 1 and maximum number was 7. Among family members, 45.58% were male and 54.42% were female consumers. Percentage of salt consumers among Family members below 5 years was 11.81%, in 5-9 years it was 6.94%. Percentage of salt consumer in family members between 10-19 years was 24.54%, and salt consumers percentage in family members above 19 years was 56.71%. By statistical analysis among data, mean value of salt consumption g/ person /day was 12.49, standard deviation was 2.05 and minimum salt consumption among family members was 10.02 g/person/day and maximum value was 18.47 g/person/day. Among the family members, mean value of intake of iodine was 399.68 ?g/person/day, maximum intake of iodine was 591.04 ?g/person/day and minimum intake was 320.64 ?g/person/day. Finding of this study was that, salt consumption rate are satisfactory and intake of iodine by individual in village Chamuria in Tangail district is adequate to avoid Iodine Deficiency Disorder in normal health condition.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 341-347
Comparative performances of hilly chicken and naked neck hilly chicken at Naikhongchari hilly areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Md Azharul Islam , Alam Md Ashadul , Rahman Md Moklesur , Hemayet Md Abu , Islam Md Asadul
Published: August 2016

A total of 115 hilly chickens (92 female and 23 males) and 35 naked neck hilly Chickens (28 females and 7 males) were reared in open sided poultry house for 10 months period to compare their productive and reproductive performances. The mean body weights of adult female and male hilly birds and naked neck hilly birds were 2244, 2005 and 2664, 2576 g respectively. The age at first egg of both type of birds were 147 and 159 days respectively and hen-day egg production were 27±1.4 and 35±3.3 respectively. The average egg weight was 41±4 and 38±3.6 g respectively. Both type of bird per day average feed consumption were 97.61±11 and 102±22 g and mortality were 15.56±3.7 and 11.42±2.7 percent respectively. The average hatchability percentage performed by 14 broody hens reared on litter floor was 67.5±10 and 57±22 percent respectively. The average hatching egg weight and chick weight were 47.28±3, 41.48±1 and 31.4±3, 29.6±4 g respectively. The body weight of growing hilly bird and Naked Neck hilly bird after eleven weeks of age were 727.3±17.4 and 645±97.6g, respectively and Feed conversion ratios (FCR) were 3.39 and 3.34 respectively. It was concluded that Hilly chicken improved by body weight than previous year and both feathered and Naked Neck Hilly chicken given an indication of meat type native chicken and required to reproduce to have large stock for undertaking conservation and further improvement programme.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 348-351
Activity-Aware Energy-Efficient Automation of Smart Buildings
Authors: Thomas Brian , Cook Diane
Published: August 2016

This paper introduces the idea of activity-aware cyber-physical systems (CPS). Activity-aware systems allow smart city services to adapt to the needs of individual residents by being sensitive to their daily tasks. The paper first defines activity recognition and activity prediction algorithms that form the foundation of activity-aware CPS and implement a prototype activity-aware building automation system, called CASAS activity aware resource learning (CARL). Evaluation of CARL on real sensor data shows not only an accurate ability to sense and predict activities but an effective means of automation buildings that reduces energy consumption while being sensitive to user activities in the building. Our ideas are demonstrated in the context of a smart home but can be utilized in a variety of smart city settings including smart offices, smart hospitals, and smart communities.
Energy Optimization for Train Operation Based on an Improved Ant Colony Optimization Methodology
Authors: Huang Youneng , Yang Chen , Gong Shaofeng
Published: August 2016

More and more lines are using the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) systems in urban rail transit. Trains are operated by tracking a pre-determined target speed curve in the CBTC system, so one of the most effective ways of reducing energy consumption is to fully understand the optimum curves that should prevail under varying operating conditions. Additionally, target speed curves need to be calculated with optimum real-time performance in order to cope with changed interstation planning running time. Therefore, this paper proposes a fast and effective algorithm for optimization, based on a two-stage method to find the optimal curve using a max-min ant colony optimization system, using approximate calculations of a discrete combination optimization model. The first stage unequally discretizes the line based on static gradient and speed limit in low-density and it could conduct a comprehensive search for viable energy saving target speed curves. The second stage unequally discretizes the line based on first stage discretion results, it makes full use of first-stage optimization information as pheromone, quickly optimizing the results to satisfy real-time demands. The algorithm is improved through consideration of the experience of train drivers. Finally, the paper presents some examples based on the operation data of Beijing Changping Subway Line, which is using CBTC system. The simulation results show that the proposed approach presents good energy-efficient and real-time performance.
Sensor Observation Service API for Providing Gridded Climate Data to Agricultural Applications
Authors: Chinnachodteeranun Rassarin , Honda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2016

We developed a mechanism for seamlessly providing weather data and long-term historical climate data from a gridded data source through an international standard web API, which was the Sensor Observation Service (SOS) defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Japan has been providing gridded climate data consisting of nine daily meteorological variables, which are average, minimum, maximum of air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, solar radiant exposure, downward longwave radiation, precipitation and wind speed for 35 years covering Japan. The gridded data structure is quite useful for spatial analysis, such as developing crop suitability maps and monitoring regional crop development. Individual farmers, however, make decisions using historical climate information and forecasts for an incoming cropping season of their farms. In this regard, climate data at a point-based structure are convenient for application development to support farmers’ decisions. Through the proposed mechanism in this paper, the agricultural applications and analysis can request point-based climate data from a gridded data source through the standard API with no need to deal with the complicated hierarchical data structure of the gridded climate data source. Clients can easily obtain data and metadata by only accessing the service endpoint. The mechanism also provides several web bindings and data encodings for the clients’ convenience. Caching, including the pre-caching mechanism, was developed and evaluated to secure an effective response time. The mechanism enhances the accessibility and usability of the gridded weather data source, as well as SOS API for agricultural applications.
Walking off the Edge of the World: Sacrifice, Chance, and Dazzling Dissolution in the Book of Job and Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”
Authors: Hirsch Alexander
Published: August 2016

This article compares Ursula K. Le Guin’s short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” (1974) to the book of Job. Both stories feature characters who can be read as innocent victims, but whereas the suffering in Le Guin’s tale benefits many, Job is the victim of useless suffering. Exploring this difference, I draw on George Bataille’s theory of sacrifice as useless expenditure, and developed his concept of the “will to chance” in my reading of how each set of characters responds to the complex moral impasses faced. In the end, I read both stories as being about the struggle to create a viable, meaningful life in a world that is unpredictable and structurally unjust.
A Workflow for Automatic Quantification of Structure and Dynamic of the German Building Stock Using Official Spatial Data
Authors: Hartmann André , Meinel Gotthard , Hecht Robert , Behnisch Martin
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of the German building stock is largely based on census data and annual construction statistics. Despite the wide range of statistical data, they are constrained in terms of temporal, thematic and spatial resolution, and hence do not satisfy all requirements of spatial planning and research. In this paper, we describe a new workflow for data integration that allows the quantification of the structure and dynamic of national building stocks by analyzing authoritative geodata. The proposed workflow has been developed, tested and demonstrated exemplarily for the whole country of Germany. We use nationwide and commonly available authoritative geodata products such as building footprint and address data derived from the real estate cadaster and land use information from the digital landscape model. The processing steps are (1) data preprocessing; (2) the calculation of building attributes; (3) semantic enrichment of the building using a classification tree; (4) the intersection with spatial units; and finally (5) the quantification and cartographic visualization of the building structure and dynamic. Applying the workflow to German authoritative geodata, it was possible to describe the entire building stock by 48 million polygons at different scale levels. Approximately one third of the total building stock are outbuildings. The methodological approach reveals that 62% of residential buildings are detached, 80% semi-detached and 20% terraced houses. The approach and the novel database will be very valuable for urban and energy modeling, material flow analysis, risk assessment and facility management.
Recombinant Expression of a Modified Shrimp Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor Gene in Pichia pastoris GS115 and Its Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Shihao , Li Fuhua , Yu Kuijie , Yang Fusheng , Xiang Jianhai
Published: August 2016

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) with a LPS-binding domain (LBD) are considered to have broad spectrum antimicrobial activities and certain antiviral properties in crustaceans. FcALF2 was one isoform of ALFs isolated from the Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis. Our previous study showed that a modified LBD domain (named LBDv) of FcALF2 exhibited a highly enhanced antimicrobial activity. In the present study, a modified FcALF2 gene (mFcALF2), in which the LBD was substituted by LBDv, was designed and synthesized. This gene was successfully expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris GS115 eukaryotic expression system, and the characteristics of the recombinant protein mFcALF2 were analyzed. mFcALF2 exhibited apparent antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus licheniformis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, mFcALF2 could reduce the propagation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in vivo by pre-incubation with virus. The present study paves the way for developing antimicrobial drugs in aquaculture.
Microwave-Assisted Syntheses of Bioactive Seven-Membered, Macro-Sized Heterocycles and Their Fused Derivatives
Authors: Driowya Mohsine , Saber Aziza , Marzag Hamid , Demange Luc , Bougrin Khalid , Benhida Rachid
Published: August 2016

This review describes the recent advances in the microwave-assisted synthesis of 7-membered and larger heterocyclic compounds. Several types of reaction for the cyclization step are discussed: Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM), Heck and Sonogashira reactions, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, dipolar cycloadditions, multi-component reactions (Ugi, Passerini), etc. Green syntheses and solvent-free procedures have been introduced whenever possible. The syntheses discussed herein have been selected to illustrate the huge potential of microwave in the synthesis of highly functionalized molecules with potential therapeutic applications, in high yields, enhanced reaction rates and increased chemoselectivity, compared to conventional methods. More than 100 references from the recent literature are listed in this review.
Upconversion Nanoparticle-Based Förster Resonance Energy Transfer for Detecting DNA Methylation
Authors: Kim Seockjune , Hwang Sang-Hyun , Im Su-Gyeong , Lee Min-Ki , Lee Chang-Hun , Son Sang , Oh Heung-Bum
Published: August 2016

Aberrant methylation of a crucial CpG island is the main mechanism for the inactivation of CDKN2A in the early stages of carcinogenesis. Therefore, the detection of DNA methylation with high sensitivity and specificity is important, and various detection methods have been developed. Recently, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been found to display a high signal-to-noise ratio and no photobleaching, making them useful for diagnostic applications. In this pilot study, we applied UCNPs to the detection of CDKN2A methylation and evaluated the feasibility of this system for use in molecular diagnostics. DNA PCR was performed using biotinylated primers, and the PCR amplicon was then intercalated with SYTOX Orange dye, followed by incubation with streptavidin-conjugated UCNPs. Fluorescence detection of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of the UCNPs (MS-UC-FRET) was then performed, and the results were compared to those from real-time PCR (RQ-PCR) and pyrosequencing. Detection by MS-UC-FRET was more sensitive than that by either RQ-PCR or pyrosequencing. Our results confirmed the success of our MS-UC-FRET system for detecting DNA methylation and demonstrated the potential application of this system in molecular diagnostics.
Synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-ones: Rearrangement of pyrrolo[1,2-d][1,3,4]oxadiazines and regioselective intramolecular cyclization of 1,2-biscarbamoyl-substituted 1H-pyrroles
Authors: Son Kkonnip , Park Seong Jun
Published: August 2016

Pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-ones 12 have been easily prepared via nucleophile-induced rearrangement of pyrrolooxadiazines 11 and regioselective intramolecular cyclization of 1,2-biscarbamoyl-substituted 1H-pyrroles 10. In this work, we demonstrated that the described synthetic approaches can be considered to be more facile and practical than previously reported procedures.
Athapaskan Classifiers, Person, and Deference
Authors: Collins James
Published: August 2016

When we view the verb classifier prefixes from the perspective of comparative subject (actor)2properties, and from the perspective of discourse structure, we see the interplay of Person and Anaphora on two levels of historical grammar. Comparative subject (actor) properties, indefiniteness and depersonalization, figure importantly in the constitution of the morphological set known in the Athapaskan literature as "classifiers." In particular, we find that depersonalization via pluralization of first person subject (actor) plays a major role in the regularization of this paradigm. Additionally, deictic elements employed in discourse coreference and deference behaviors intersect the Proto-Athapaskan person system at first person plural.
The Auxiliary Verb in Natchez
Authors: Haas Mary R.
Published: August 2016

Natchez verbs are inflected for person (first, second, and third), for number (singular, dual, and plural), and for tense-mode (present, past, optative). There are two main kinds of verbs. There are, first, active verbs which are directly inflected only for the distinction between singular and plural. All the rest of the inflectional paraphernalia is carried by the auxiliary verb with which it obligatorily occurs. Secondly, there are inflected verbs which occur in two subcategories, (i) inpendent inflected verbs and auxiliary verbs. The two inflected subcategories are inflected alike except for the plural number. The independent inflected verbs have their own special type of plural formation. The auxiliary verbs, on the other hand, do not since that is shown by the active verb.
Coping with Complex Polysemy: A Comparison of Dative/Benefactive Constructions in Mandarin and Thai
Authors: Hermann Karen
Published: August 2016

In Mandarin and Thai, many prepositions have etymologically and semantically related homonyms that are members of other lexical classes. In Mandarin these homonyms can be verbs, and in Thai they may be verbs or substantives. In both languaes there exists a benefactive/goal preposition (gei in Mandarin, hai in Thai) which is homonymous with a common verb that has extensive dative and causative usage. In this article I compare the syntactic and semantic characteristics of dative/benefactive constructions in the two languages, and conclude with the hypothesis that certain striking similarities that will be seen reflect a trend to avoid the possible confusion that could result from these closely parallel cases of complex polysemy.
Raising to Oblique in Modern Greek
Authors: Joseph Brian D.
Published: August 2016

No abstract available.
Re-Weaving the Word-Web: Graph Theory and Rhymes
Authors: Joyce James
Published: August 2016

My title, "Re-Weaving the Word-Web," refers to the ongoing effort to reconstruct earlier states of language. The word-web in question is that of sound and semantic associations in either prose or poetry. Today we have a much better idea how Chaucer may have pronounced his words than Dryden did, for example. However, we do not have recordings of the actual speech - such as those made by Tennyson, Browning, and others in the nineteenth century - with which to guide our re-weaving of marks on the manuscript page that are the suggestions of sounds into knowledge of how to produce those sounds.
A SEARCH FOR SUBMILLIMETER H2O MASERS IN ACTIVE GALAXIES: THE DETECTION OF 321 GHz H2O MASER EMISSION IN NGC 4945
Authors: Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Horiuchi Shinji , Doi Akihiro , Miyoshi Makoto , Edwards Philip G.
Published: August 2016

We present further results of a search for extragalactic submillimeter H2O masers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The detection of a 321 GHz H2O maser in the nearby type 2 Seyfert galaxy, the Circinus galaxy, has previously been reported, and here the spectral analysis of four other galaxies is described. We have discovered H2O maser emission at 321 GHz toward the center of NGC 4945, a nearby type 2 Seyfert. The maser emission shows Doppler-shifted velocity features with velocity ranges similar to those of the previously reported 22 GHz H2O masers; however, the non-contemporaneous observations also show differences in velocity offsets. The subparsec-scale distribution of the 22 GHz H2O masers revealed by earlier very long baseline interferometry observations suggests that the submillimeter masers could arise in an edge-on rotating disk. The maser features remain unresolved by the synthesized beam of ∼0.″54 (∼30 pc) and are located toward the 321 GHz continuum peak within errors. A marginally detected (3σ) high-velocity feature is redshifted by 579 km

with respect to the systemic velocity of the galaxy. Assuming that this feature is real and arises from a Keplerian rotating disk in this galaxy, it is located at a radius of ∼0.020 pc (∼1.5 × 105 Schwarzschild radii), which would enable molecular material closer to the central engine to be probed than the 22 GHz H2O masers. This detection confirms that submillimeter H2O masers are a potential tracer of the circumnuclear regions of active galaxies, which will benefit from higher angular resolution studies with ALMA.
EXTRASOLAR GIANT MAGNETOSPHERIC RESPONSE TO STEADY-STATE STELLAR WIND PRESSURE AT 10, 5, 1, AND 0.2 au
Authors: Tilley Matt A. , Harnett Erika M. , Winglee Robert M.
Published: August 2016

A three-dimensional, multifluid simulation of a giant planet’s magnetospheric interaction with steady-state stellar wind from a Sun-like star was performed for four different orbital semimajor axes—10, 5, 1, and 0.2 au. We simulate the effect of the increasing, steady-state stellar wind pressure related to the planetary orbital semimajor axis on the global magnetospheric dynamics for a Saturn-like planet, including an Enceladus-like plasma torus. Mass-loss processes are shown to vary with orbital distance, with the centrifugal interchange instability displayed only in the 10 and 5 au cases, which reach a state of mass-loss equilibrium more slowly than the 1 or 0.2 au cases. The compression of the magnetosphere in the 1 and 0.2 au cases contributes to the quenching of the interchange process by increasing the ratio of total plasma thermal energy to corotational energy. The strength of field-aligned currents, associated with auroral radio emissions, is shown to increase in magnitude and latitudinal coverage with a corresponding shift equatorward from increased dynamic ram pressure experienced in the hotter orbits. Similar to observed hot Jovian planets, the warm exo-Saturn simulated in the current work shows enhanced ion density in the magnetosheath and magnetopause regions, as well as the plasma torus, which could contribute to altered transit signals, suggesting that for planets in warmer (>0.1 au) orbits, planetary magnetic field strengths and possibly exomoons—via the plasma torus—could be observable with future missions.
ELEVEN MULTIPLANET SYSTEMS FROM K2 CAMPAIGNS 1 AND 2 AND THE MASSES OF TWO HOT SUPER-EARTHS
Authors: Sinukoff Evan , Howard Andrew W. , Petigura Erik A. , Schlieder Joshua E. , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Ciardi David R. , Fulton Benjamin J. , Isaacson Howard , Aller Kimberly M. , Baranec Christoph , Beichman Charles A. , Hansen Brad M. S. , Knutson Heather A. , Law Nicholas M. , Liu Michael C. , Riddle Reed , Dressing Courtney D.
Published: August 2016

We present a catalog of 11 multiplanet systems from Campaigns 1 and 2 of the K2 mission. We report the sizes and orbits of 26 planets split between seven two-planet systems and four three-planet systems. These planets stem from a systematic search of the K2 photometry for all dwarf stars observed by K2 in these fields. We precisely characterized the host stars with adaptive optics imaging and analysis of high-resolution optical spectra from Keck/HIRES and medium-resolution spectra from IRTF/SpeX. We confirm two planet candidates by mass detection and validate the remaining 24 candidates to >99% confidence. Thirteen planets were previously validated or confirmed by other studies, and 24 were previously identified as planet candidates. The planets are mostly smaller than Neptune (21/26 planets), as in the Kepler mission, and all have short periods (P < 50 days) due to the duration of the K2 photometry. The host stars are relatively bright (most have Kp < 12.5 mag) and are amenable to follow-up characterization. For K2-38, we measured precise radial velocities using Keck/HIRES and provide initial estimates of the planet masses. K2-38b is a short-period super-Earth with a radius of

1.55
±
0.16

R
⊕, a mass of

12.0
±
2.9

M
⊕, and a high density consistent with an iron-rich composition. The outer planet K2-38c is a lower-density sub-Neptune-size planet with a radius of

2.42
±
0.29

R
⊕ and a mass of

9.9
±
4.6

M
⊕ that likely has a substantial envelope. This new planet sample demonstrates the capability of K2 to discover numerous planetary systems around bright stars.
Early Prognostic Factors for the Progress of Preeclampsia â€“ Our Experience in the Period 2010-2011
Authors: Angelova Mariya Angelova , Todorov Ivan , Kovachev Emil
Published: August 2016

AIM: To determine the prognostic value of the low Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels in the early stages of pregnancy (11â€“13 weeks GA) independently and in combination with a Doppler test of the uterine arteries during the second half of pregnancy (22â€“23 weeks GA).MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered the period 2010â€“2011 and included 106 pregnant women, aged 35â€“40, with a single child pregnancy. The research excluded pregnant women with anomalies of the fetus, smokers and women taking prophylactically low doses of aspirin.RESULTS: Thirty-six pregnant women had PAPP-A level below 0.4 MoM, whereas 20 of them developed preeclampsia and 7 â€“ early preeclampsia. The combination of the low PAPP-A values and the abnormal Doppler test of the uterine arteries is with a considerably better prognostic value in regards to the risk of developing preeclampsia.CONCLUSION: The Doppler test is a non-invasive, quick and easy method for assessment of the uterine-placental blood flow.
Clinical Evaluation of Reading Performance Using the Salzburg Reading Desk With a Refractive Rotational Asymmetric Multifocal Intraocular Lens
Authors: Linz Katharina , Attia Mary S. A. , Khoramnia Ramin , Tandogan Tamer , Kretz Florian T. , Auffarth Gerd Uwe
Published: August 2016

PURPOSE:

To evaluate functional results and reading performance using the Salzburg Reading Desk after implantation of a sector-shaped near-embedded, rotational asymmetrical multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and a multifocal toric IOL with a +3.00 diopter (D) near addition.

METHODS:

In a prospective study, the LentisMplus and Mplus toric IOLs (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) were implanted in 34 eyes of 18 patients at the University Eye Hospital of Heidelberg. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA) and uncorrected and corrected near visual acuity (UNVA, CNVA) were evaluated using standardized visual acuity charts (ETDRS). The Salzburg Reading Desk was used to analyze unilateral and bilateral uncorrected and corrected reading acuity, reading distance, reading speed, and the smallest log-scaled print size that could be read effectively at a set (40 cm/80 cm) and subjective chosen near and intermediate distance.

RESULTS:

Postoperatively, the median UDVA was 0.08 logMAR (20/25 Snellen) and the median CDVA was 0.01 logMAR (20/20 Snellen). The median UNVA was 0.12 logMAR (20/25 Snellen) and the median CNVA was 0.03 logMAR (20/20 Snellen). The median uncorrected reading acuity measured with the Salzburg Reading Desk for near distance at 40 cm was 0.18 logMAR (20/32 Snellen). The subjectively preferred near distance was 39 cm and revealed similar visual acuity results. The best reading acuity for intermediate distance with a median of 0.22 logMAR (20/32 Snellen) was achieved at a median distance of 62 cm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reading performance of the multifocal IOL corresponded for near standardized and individual distance, whereas reading function was better at the patient's preferred intermediate distance.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2016;32(8):526–532.]
Using a Use Case Methodology and an Architecture Model for Describing Smart City Functionalities
Authors: Gottschalk Marion , Uslar Mathias
Published: August 2016

The development of complex software and hardware systems has increased in recent years. One reason is the continuous development in information and communication technologies sectors that enable a smooth and seamless connection of single components or systems. Another reason is the changed way of life, e.g. urbanization leads to new challenges in city planning to deal with large crowds, high-energy consumption, or big garbage quantities. The future or rather present city planning focuses on the concept of these complex systems (alias smart city). Information technologies interconnect smart city components and enable several smart city sub-systems like smart grid, smart building, supply/waste management, smart traffic, smart government etc. A definition of component functionalities and interfaces is needed to demonstrate their interconnections and information flow. Therefore, alternative techniques can be utilized to specify these both component and system requirements.
Use of Social Media for Teaching Online Courses and Enhancing Business Communication Skills at the University Level
Authors: Haylett Corie
Published: August 2016

This study reviews the literature on the advantages, disadvantages, best practices, communication challenges, and benefits of using social media for teaching online, particularly the enhancement of essential business communication skills. Social media tools for teaching online are varied, plentiful, and easily accessible to teachers and students. Nevertheless, educators cannot assume because social media is an appropriate technology, it will essentially involve learners and enhance student achievement. This study, therefore, will examine the literature that reported positive effects of social media for teaching online, as it relates to learners' achievement and engagement, as well as literature showing a negative relationship or showing no conclusive evidence that there exists any relationship between the two. The findings of the review will reveal there is irrefutable evidence to suggest the use of social media for teaching online has a positive relationship to learner engagement, however, a negative relationship to learner achievement.
Online Interactions as a Terror Management Mechanism
Authors: Partouche-Sebban Judith
Published: August 2016

Death is source of fascination and fear and the deny of death is at the basis of the human motivation. Terror Management Theory suggests that death awareness and the fundamental instinct of self-preservation create a potential for anxiety that individuals try to face by using different mechanisms oriented toward self-esteem striving. While existing research deals with the role of close relationships in the terror management, research on how online interactions may serve as a terror mechanism is lacking. This research seeks to examine the relationship between death anxiety and Facebook use. A quantitative study was conducted among 181 participants. Results show a positive relationship between death anxiety and Facebook use, as Facebook is a means to present a valuable self-image and gain social recognition. Contributions for social marketing in particular and limits of the study are discussed.
The Implications of Social Influence Theory on Continuance Intention for Social Networking Among Chinese University Students
Authors: Xiao Xuan , Wang Tienan
Published: August 2016

A better understanding of users' continuance intention towards social networking services (SNSs) gives SNS providers greater insight to reducing turnover rate of their users. Drawing on social influence theory, this study develops a theoretical model to investigate users' continuance intention towards SNSs within the context of China. Specifically, this model examines how sociability and social overload mediate the impact of subjective norms, peer effects and social identity on continuance intention. Data of 286 Chinese university students were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed by the partial least square method. Results reveal that although subjective norms have an insignificant impact on continuance intention, both peer effects and social identity positively impact continuance intention, and their impacts are partially mediated by sociability and social overload. The findings highlight the importance of peer effects and social identity, the positive role of sociability and the negative role of social overload in determining continuance intention.
Editorial
Authors: Dayaratne Ranjith
Published: August 2016

No abstract available