bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image Steganography using Java Swing Templates
Authors: Sundar Ganesh C S
Published: March 2016

Multimedia data hiding techniques have developed a strong basis for steganography area with a growing number of applications like digital rights management, covert communications, hiding executables for access control, annotation etc. The advantage of steganography over cryptography alone is that messages do not attract attention to themselves, to messengers, or to recipients. An unhidden coded message, no matter how unbreakable it is, will arouse suspicion and may in itself be incriminating, as in some countries encryption is illegal.
A New Ultrasound Method for Measuring the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks
Authors: El Abassi Dris , Faiz Bouazza , Ibhi Abderrahmane , Aboudaoud Idris
Published: March 2016

The determination of physical and mechanical properties of rocks such as attenuation coefficient, bulk density, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio in laboratory or in situ conditions is time consuming, tedious and requires special equipment and expertise. However, the use of new technologies based on the propagation of ultrasound waves is non-destructive and is relatively simple to implement. In addition, they are of great interest for improved analysis accuracy. The objective of this paper is to present a new ultrasound technique that uses water as the reference transmission medium. This enables the measurement of the longitudinal velocity, transversal velocity and attenuation coefficient of ultrasound waves in several rock types. The measurement of these parameters allows subsequently inferring the mechanical properties of each rock. Furthermore, good linear correlations were found between the velocity of the measured longitudinal wave and all of the determined mechanical properties.
Cogeneration Systems in Brazilian Sugarcane Industry: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Albarelli Juliana , Santos Diego T. , Meireles M. Angela A.
Published: March 2016

Background: Cogeneration systems using biomass materials as woodships, agricultural and municipal solid waste, are well known and used in different places of the world. Today Brazilian sugarcane bagasse is an important energy source to these industries, most of them are self-sufficient in energy consumption and some generate energy surplus that is sold to the grid. There is a tendency forenlarging the electricity production at these industries and it is expected that in short to mid-term electricity produced from bagasse could become a product as important as ethanol or sugar.

Methods: This study provides an overview of scientific papers and patents regarding the current situation of biomass cogeneration in Brazil and future prospects, focusing on the use of advanced cogeneration systems with integrated gasification combined andsupercritical steam cycles.

Results: The results showed that much can still be done to improve the energetic efficiency at this sector. The current situation shows that although many companies are self-sufficient in terms of electricity just a few are able to sell electricity to the grid. There are many opportunities to better use the sugarcane bagasse and other biomass residues for energy production, from minor changes as improvements at the burning system to advanced power generation solutions. The minor changes can be accomplished with lower investment costs but with significant results for energy generation.

Conclusion: The use of advanced power generation solutions as biomass gasification and supercritical steam cycles, proved to be highly efficient in energy production, generating a great electricity surplus.
Agriculture and worship a contribution to the study of daily life in Roman Singidunum and its environs
Authors: Pilipovic Sanja
Published: March 2016

The paper relies on epigraphic and archaeological evidence for understanding
two aspects of everyday life in Roman Singidunum, agriculture and the worship
of agricultural deities.
Sentio me grauatum de malo ablato compensation for the sin of ill-gotten gain in the wills of Kotor (Cattaro) citizens 1326-1337
Authors: Zivkovic Valentina
Published: March 2016

The focus of the paper is on bequests pro male ablatis in the wills of Kotor
citizens drawn up between 1326 and 1337 against the backdrop of their own
time and the dynamic relationship between Christian ethics and mercantile and
banking practices. The concept of bequests pro male ablatis has been analysed
as part of the well-developed practice, strongly influenced by confessors, of
making testamentary gifts pro remedio animae and preparing for a good death.
Effect of surgical drill guide and irrigans temperature on thermal bone changes during drilling implant sites - thermographic analysis on bovine ribs
Authors: Markovic Aleksa , Lazic Zoran , Misic Tijana , Scepanovic Miodrag , Todorovic Aleksandar , Thakare Kaustubh , Janjic Bojan , Vlahovic Zoran , Glisic Mirko
Published: March 2016

Background/Aim. During drilling implant sites, mechanical energy is converted
into thermal one resulting in transient rise in temperature of surrounding
bone. The temperature of 47?C exeeding one minute impairs osseointegration,
compromises mechanical properties of the local bone and could cause early
implant failure. This in vitro study aimed to assess the effect of surgical
drill guide and temperature of irrigans on thermal changes of the local bone
during drilling implant sites, and to test the influence of irrigans
temperature on the temperature of surgical drill guide. Methods. A total of
48 specimens obtained from bovine ribs were randomly allocated to four
experimental conditions according to the 2 x 2 factorial design: drill guide
(with or without) and saline (at 25?C or 5?C). Real-time infrared
thermography was used as a method for temperature measurement. The primary
outcome was bone temperature change during drilling implant sites measured at
3 osteotomy depths, whereas the second one was change in the temperature of
the drill guide. Data were analyzed by Brunner and Langer nonparametric
analysis and Wilcoxon test. Results. The effect of drill guide on the changes
of bone temperature was significant at the entrance of osteotomy, whereas the
effect of saline temperature was significant at all osteotomy levels (p <
0.001). No significant interaction was found (p > 0.05). Guided surgery and
irrigation with saline at 25?C were associated with the highest bone
temperature increase. Increase in drill guide temperature was significantly
higher when saline at 25?C was used (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Guided implant
site preparation generates higher temperature of the local bone than
conventional drilling, not exceeding the threshold for thermal bone necrosis.
Although saline at room temperature provides sufficient heat control during
drilling, cooled saline is more effective regardless the use of surgical
drill guide.
Comparing the Publication Process in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Psychology, and the Natural Sciences
Authors: Wood David A.
Published: March 2016

SYNOPSIS

I present two types of data about the publication and review process in the accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, psychology, and natural science disciplines. First, I collect all articles published in 2012 in top-tier journals of these disciplines and compare the articles based on word counts, figures, and tables included in each article, the time it took to be published, citations, the number of co-authors, and submission fees. I then survey academics in each discipline. Survey questions were designed to evaluate overall perceptions of the review process, changes in the review process in the last five years, opinions about appropriate acceptance rates, assessment of reviewers and editors, and general assessments of reviewers and the review process, faculty evaluation, and journals. While there are many results, key results for the accounting discipline include very low citation patterns relative to other disciplines, a belief that reviewers have not improved in the last five years, a desire for acceptance rates twice as high at the top-tier journals, and that reviewers focus too much on incremental contribution and rigor and not enough on research that contributes to practice. Additional results are presented and discussed.

Data Availability: Contact the author.
Waning immunity against mumps in vaccinated young adults, France 2013
Authors: Vygen Sabine , Fischer Aurélie , Meurice Laure , Mounchetrou Njoya Ibrahim , Gregoris Marina , Ndiaye Bakhao , Ghenassia Adrien , Poujol Isabelle , Stahl Jean Paul , Antona Denise , Le Strat Yann , Levy-Bruhl Daniel , Rolland Patrick
Published: March 2016

In 2013, 15 clusters of mumps were notified in France; 72% (82/114) of the cases had been vaccinated twice with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. To determine whether the risk of mumps increased with time since the last vaccination, we conducted a case–control study among clusters in universities and military barracks. A confirmed case had an inflammation of a salivary gland plus laboratory confirmation in 2013. A probable case presented with inflammation of a salivary gland in 2013 either lasting for > 2 days or with epidemiological link to a confirmed case. Controls had no mumps symptoms and attended the same university course, student party or military barracks. We collected clinical and vaccination data via web questionnaire and medical records. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using logistic regression. 59% (50/85) of cases and 62% (199/321) of controls had been vaccinated twice. The odds of mumps increased for twice-vaccinated individuals by 10% for every year that had passed since the second dose (aOR 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.19; p = 0.02). Mumps immunity waned with increasing time since vaccination. Our findings contributed to the French High Council of Public Health’s decision to recommend a third MMR dose during outbreaks for individuals whose second dose dates > 10 years.
Power to Detect Intervention Effects on Ensembles of Social Networks
Authors: Sweet Tracy M. , Junker Brian W.
Published: March 2016

The hierarchical network model (HNM) is a framework introduced by Sweet, Thomas, and Junker for modeling interventions and other covariate effects on ensembles of social networks, such as what would be found in randomized controlled trials in education research. In this article, we develop calculations for the power to detect an intervention effect using the hierarchical latent space model, an important subfamily of HNMs. We derive basic convergence results and asymptotic bounds on power, showing that standard error for the treatment effect is inversely proportional to the product of the number of ties and the number of networks; a result rather different from the usual effect of cluster size in hierarchical linear models, for example. We explore these results with a simulation study and suggest a tentative approach to power for practical applications.
Black Moves
Authors: Cresswell Tim
Published: March 2016

Th is article explores the mutual constitution of blackness and mobility in the context of the United States. Using insights gained from the interdisciplinary field of mobility studies, it argues that mobilities have played a key role in the defi nition of blackness (particularly black masculinity) at the same time as blackness has been mapped onto particular forms of mobility. The article is constructed through a series of suggestive vignettes moving backward through time that illustrate continuities in the way forms of movement, narratives of mobility, and mobile practices have intersected with representations of African-American male bodies. Examples include end-zone celebrations in American. football, stop and frisk procedures in New York City, the medical pathologization of runaway slaves, and the Middle Passage of the slave trade.
Racing Mobility, Excavating Modernity
Authors: Seiler Cotten
Published: March 2016

Th e diversity of methodologies, theoretical orientations, geographical settings, and disciplinary perspectives in this special issue of Transfers testifi es
to a dual arrival—that of race as a key category of inquiry in mobility studies, and of mobility as a crucial practice in analyses of what scholars in the
humanities and social sciences call the social construction of race. Drawing on poststructuralist and critical race theory, refl exive ethnographic methods,
and scholarship in literary studies, sociology, and the history of technology, these essays illustrate the versatility of the mobility optic as well as its massive
potential for the formation of new knowledge and the eff ecting of egalitarian policy. Th e scholars here make the case for mobility as central to everything
from the structured inequalities of the contemporary city to the formation of the raced and gendered modern subject; and their interventions range from
the reformist to the ontological. Maybe the infl uential cultural anthropologist Clifford Geertz (and the other Western sahibs who recounted the story before
him) misunderstood the structure of the world as the fabled Hindu interlocutor conveyed it; perhaps the infi nitely regressing turtles on which the universe rested were never simply standing, but crawling.
Passive language mapping combining real-time oscillation analysis with cortico-cortical evoked potentials for awake craniotomy
Authors: Tamura Yukie , Ogawa Hiroshi , Kapeller Christoph , Prueckl Robert , Takeuchi Fumiya , Anei Ryogo , Ritaccio Anthony , Guger Christoph , Kamada Kyousuke
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Electrocortical stimulation (ECS) is the gold standard for functional brain mapping; however, precise functional mapping is still difficult in patients with language deficits. High gamma activity (HGA) between 80 and 140 Hz on electrocorticography is assumed to reflect localized cortical processing, whereas the cortico-cortical evoked potential (CCEP) can reflect bidirectional responses evoked by monophasic pulse stimuli to the language cortices when there is no patient cooperation. The authors propose the use of “passive” mapping by combining HGA mapping and CCEP recording without active tasks during conscious resections of brain tumors.

METHODS

Five patients, each with an intraaxial tumor in their dominant hemisphere, underwent conscious resection of their lesion with passive mapping. The authors performed functional localization for the receptive language area, using real-time HGA mapping, by listening passively to linguistic sounds. Furthermore, single electrical pulses were delivered to the identified receptive temporal language area to detect CCEPs in the frontal lobe. All mapping results were validated by ECS, and the sensitivity and specificity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Linguistic HGA mapping quickly identified the language area in the temporal lobe. Electrical stimulation by linguistic HGA mapping to the identified temporal receptive language area evoked CCEPs on the frontal lobe. The combination of linguistic HGA and frontal CCEPs needed no patient cooperation or effort. In this small case series, the sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% and 89%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The described technique allows for simple and quick functional brain mapping with higher sensitivity and specificity than ECS mapping. The authors believe that this could improve the reliability of functional brain mapping and facilitate rational and objective operations. Passive mapping also sheds light on the underlying physiological mechanisms of language in the human brain.
Resecting critical nodes from an epileptogenic circuit in refractory focal-onset epilepsy patients using subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI
Authors: Jalota Abhijay , Rossi Marvin A. , Pylypyuk Volodymyr , Stein Michael , Stoub Travis , Balabanov Antoaneta , Bergen Donna , Bermeo Adriana , Park Esmeralda , Smith Michael , Byrne Richard
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the positive predictive value of postresection outcomes obtained by presurgical subtracted ictal SPECT in patients with lesional (MRI positive) and nonlesional (MRI negative) refractory extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Specifically, outcomes were compared between partial versus complete resection of the regions of transient hyperperfusion identified using subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) in relation to the ictal onset zone (IOZ) that was confirmed by electrocorticography (ECoG). That is, SISCOM was used to understand the long-term postsurgical outcomes following resection of the IOZ that overlapped with 1 or more regions of ictal onset–associated transient hyperperfusion.

METHODS

The study cohort included 44 consecutive patients with refractory ETLE or TLE who were treated between 2002 and 2013 and underwent presurgical evaluation using SISCOM. Concordance was determined between SISCOM localization and the IOZ on the basis of ECoG monitoring. In addition, the association between the extent of the resection site overlapping with the SISCOM signal and postresection outcomes were assessed. Postsurgical follow-up was longer than 24 months in 39 of 44 patients.

RESULTS

The dominant SISCOM signals were concordant with ECoG and overlapped the resection site in 32 of 44 (73%) patients (19 ETLE and 13 TLE patients), and 20 of 32 (63%) patients became seizure free. In all 19 ETLE patients with concordant SISCOM and ECoG results, the indicated location of ictal onset on ECoG was completely resected; 11 of 19 patients (58%) became seizure free (Engel Class I). In all 13 TLE patients with concordant SISCOM and ECoG results, the indicated ECoG focus was completely resected; 9 of 13 patients (69%) became seizure free (Engel Class I). Complete resection of the SISCOM signal was found in 7 of 34 patients (21%). Of these 7 patients, 5 patients (72%) were seizure free (Engel Class I). Partial resection of the SISCOM signal was found in 16 of 34 patients (47%), and 10 of these 16 patients (63%) were seizure free (Engel Class I) after more than 24 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Concordance between 1 or more SISCOM regions of hyperperfusion with ECoG and at least partial resection of the dominant SISCOM signal in this refractory epilepsy cohort provided additional useful information for predicting long-term postresection outcomes. Such regions are likely critical nodes in more extensive, active, epileptogenic circuits. In addition, SPECT scanner technology may limit the sensitivity of meaningful SISCOM signals for identifying the maximal extent of the localizable epileptogenic network.
Complication Rates in Altitude Restricted Patients Following Aeromedical Evacuation
Authors: Butler William P. , Steinkraus Lawrence W. , Burlingame Esther E. , Fouts Brittany L. , Serres Jennifer L.
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION: Military aeromedical evacuation, especially that associated with the present Middle East conflict, is seeing increasing research. This ecological study initiates research into the validating flight surgeon by looking at cabin altitude restriction (CAR), arguably
the validating flight surgeon’s prescription with the highest patient-mission impact, and its association with postflight complications.METHODS: CAR rates from January 2006 through February 2008 were determined from the U.S. Transportation Command Regulating and Command and
Control Evacuation System database. Postflight complication rates—the rate of patients with postflight complications (PFC) and the postflight complications per 100 patients (PFC-100)—from January 2007 through June 2008 were calculated from the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
trauma database. CAR and complication rates were examined before, during, and after the authors’ deployment. In addition, the relationship between CAR and postflight complication rates was investigated; as the rates were nonlinear, a Spearman correlation was performed.RESULTS:
CAR rates during the authors’ deployments were significantly up compared to the authors’ predecessors or successors; their predecessors and successors did not differ statistically. Likewise, the PFC rate during the authors’ deployments was significantly lower than that of
the before or after time frames. Furthermore, a statistically significant inverse relationship between CAR and PFC rates (Spearman rho = −0.587) as well as CAR and PFC-100 rates (Spearman rho = −0.568) was demonstrated.DISCUSSION: CAR rate was inversely correlated to
PFC and PFC-100 rates. This finding suggests that aggressive prescribing of CARs may have a salutary effect on postflight complication rates and bears further investigation.Butler WP, Steinkraus LW, Burlingame EE, Fouts BL, Serres JL. Complication rates in altitude restricted patients
following aeromedical evacuation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(4):352–359.
A Performance Comparison of Color Vision Tests for Military Screening
Authors: Walsh David V. , Robinson James , Jurek Gina M. , Capó-Aponte José E. , Riggs Daniel W. , Temme Leonard A.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Current color vision (CV) tests used for aviation screening in the U.S. Army only provide pass-fail results, and previous studies have shown variable sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate seven CV tests to determine an optimal CV test
screener that potentially could be implemented by the U.S. Army.METHODS: There were 133 subjects [65 Color Vision Deficits (CVD), 68 Color Vision Normal (CVN)] who performed all of the tests in one setting. CVD and CVN determination was initially assessed with the Oculus anomaloscope.
Each test was administered monocularly and according to the test protocol. The main outcome measures were test sensitivity, specificity, and administration time (automated tests).RESULTS: Three of the four Pseudoisochromatic Plate (PIP) tests had a sensitivity/specificity > 0.90
OD/OS, whereas the FALANT tests had a sensitivity/specificity > 0.80 OD/OS. The Cone Contrast Test (CCT) demonstrated sensitivity/specificity > 0.90 OD/OS, whereas the Color Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test demonstrated sensitivity/specificity > 0.85 OD/OS. Comparison with the
anomaloscope (“gold standard”) revealed no significant difference of sensitivity and specificity OD/OS with the CCT, Dvorine PIP, and PIPC tests. Finally, the CCT administration time was significantly faster than the CAD test.DISCUSSION: The current U.S. Army CV screening
tests demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity, as did the automated tests. In addition, some current PIP tests (Dvorine, PIPC), and the CCT performed no worse statistically than the anomaloscope with regard to sensitivity/specificity. The CCT letter presentation is randomized and results
would not be confounded by potential memorization, or fading, of book plates.Walsh DV, Robinson J, Jurek GM, Capó-Aponte JE, Riggs DW, Temme LA. A performance comparison of color vision tests for military screening. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(4):382–387.
Policing Marriage under the ‘Tree of Despotism’: The Struggle over Marital, Civic and Police-Judicial Relations in Mid-Nineteenth-Century Edinburgh
Authors: Barrie David G.
Published: March 2016

In 1850 an attempt by the Conservative MP for Bute, James Wortley, to legalise marriage with a deceased wife's sister kick-started an unprecedented and remarkable chain of events in Edinburgh. Over a few short weeks, Scotland's capital became embroiled in a power struggle that would bring Presbyterian churchmen together in a manner that few issues had done since the Disruption, involve the city's religious, civic and judicial elites in a high-profile disturbance and trial, and lay the foundations for a landmark judicial ruling. Although touching upon a number of important historiographical themes relating to marriage, religion, Scottish national identity, and church-state relations, what binds the story together was not only the personalities involved, the events that unfolded, or the perceived conceptual links between them, but male anxieties over control, governance, and masculine honour. In reconstructing this narrative, the essay argues that this was a controversy not just about marriage law, or the perceived abuse of police and judicial power, but of male authority—within the household, the church, and municipal office. It sheds new light on the important role that Scottish values, beliefs, and traditions played in the marriage with a deceased wife's sister debate, and furthers historiographical understanding on police-judicial relations by exploring the intricacies of mid-nineteenth-century Scottish governance.
Development of a High-Precision Touch-Trigger Probe Using a Single Sensor
Authors: Li Rui-Jun , Xiang Meng , He Ya-Xiong , Fan Kuang-Chao , Cheng Zhen-Ying , Huang Qiang-Xian , Zhou Bin
Published: March 2016

To measure various components with nano-scale precision, a new high-precision touch-trigger probe using a single low-cost sensor for a micro-coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is presented in this paper. The sensor is composed of a laser diode, a plane mirror, a focusing lens, and a quadrant photo detector (QPD). The laser beam from the laser diode with an incident angle is reflected by the plane mirror and then projected onto the quadrant photo detector (QPD) via the focusing lens. The plane mirror is adhered to the upper surface of the floating plate supported by an elastic mechanism, which can transfer the displacement of the stylus’s ball tip in 3D to the plane mirror’s vertical and tilt movement. Both motions of the plane mirror can be detected by respective QPDs. The probe mechanism was analyzed, and its structural parameters that conform to the principle of uniform sensitivity and uniform stiffness were obtained. The simulation result showed that the stiffness was equal in 3D and less than 1 mN/µm. Some experiments were performed to investigate the probe’s characteristics. It was found that the probe could detect the trigger point with uniform sensitivity, a resolution of less than 5 nm, and a repeatability of less than 4 nm. It can be used as a touch-trigger probe on a micro/nano-CMM.
Dynamically Determining the Toll Plaza Capacity by Monitoring Approaching Traffic Conditions in Real-Time
Authors: Kim Cheolsun , Kim Dong-Kyu , Kho Seung-Young , Kang Seungmo , Chung Koohong
Published: March 2016

This study presents an analytical method for dynamically adjusting toll plaza capacity to cope with a sudden shift in demand. The proposed method uses a proxy measure developed using discharge rate observed at toll plazas and segment travel times measured by probe vehicles. The effectiveness of the method has been evaluated by analyzing the empirical data obtained from toll plazas in the San Francisco Bay Area before and after toll plaza capacity changed. Findings indicate that the estimated number of vehicles stored near the upstream of toll plaza based on discharge rate and their travel times can be used as a proxy measure for predicting the effect of changes in toll plaza capacity. The proposed model can aid government agencies to dynamically adjust the toll plaza capacity in response to a sudden shift in demand due to various situations of failure.
Effect of Edge Roughness on Static Characteristics of Graphene Nanoribbon Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Banadaki Yaser , Srivastava Ashok
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we present a physics-based analytical model of GNR FET, which allows for the evaluation of GNR FET performance including the effects of line-edge roughness as its practical specific non-ideality. The line-edge roughness is modeled in edge-enhanced band-to-band-tunneling and localization regimes, and then verified for various roughness amplitudes. Corresponding to these two regimes, the off-current is initially increased, then decreased; while, on the other hand, the on-current is continuously decreased by increasing the roughness amplitude.
Climate Change and Market Collapse: A Model Applied to Darfur
Authors: Olsson Ola
Published: March 2016

A recurring argument in the global debate is that climate deterioration is likely to make social conflicts over diminishing natural resources more common in the future. The exact mechanism behind such a development has so far not been successfully characterized in the literature. In this paper, we present a general model of a community populated by farmers and herders who can either divide up land in a market economy or in autarky. The key insight from our model is that decreasing resources can make trade between the two groups collapse, which in turn makes each group’s welfare independent of that of the other. Predictions from the model are then applied to the conflict in Darfur. Our analysis suggests that three decades of drought in the area can at least partially explain the observed disintegration of markets and the subsequent rise of social tensions.
Polyethyleneimine Capped Silver Nanoclusters as Efficient Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Xu Dong , Wang Qingyun , Yang Tao , Cao Jianzhong , Lin Qinlu , Yuan Zhiqin , Li Le
Published: March 2016

Development of efficient antibacterial agents is critical for human health. In the present study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped silver nanoclusters (PEI-AgNCs), based on the fact that nanoclusters normally have higher surface-to-volume ratios than traditional nanomaterials and PEI itself has a strong antimicrobial capacity. We synthesized stable silver nanoclusters by altering PEI molecular weight from 0.6 kDa to 25 kDa and characterized them by UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The sizes of AgNCs were around 2 nm in diameter and were little influenced by the molecular weight of PEIs. The antibacterial abilities of the four PEI-AgNCs were explored on agar plate and in liquid systems. Our results revealed that the antibacterial activity of PEI-AgNCs is excellent and the reduction of PEI molecular weight could result in the increased antibacterial capacity of PEI-AgNCs. Such proposed new materials might be useful as efficient antibacterial agents in practical clinical applications.
Salivary Cortisol Reactivity in Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care: An Integrative Review
Authors: Mörelius Evalotte , He Hong-Gu , Shorey Shefaly
Published: March 2016

Recently, more and more researchers have been using salivary cortisol reactivity to evaluate stress in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim of this integrative literature review was to summarize the evidence of interventions leading to a change in salivary cortisol from the baseline in preterm infants in the NICU. The electronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies. The inclusion criteria were studies with preterm infants exposed to an intervention evaluated by salivary cortisol reactivity before discharge from the NICU, which were published in English. In total, 16 studies were included. Eye-screening examination and heel lance provoked an increase in the salivary cortisol level. Music, prone position, and co-bedding among twins decreased the salivary cortisol level. Several studies reported a low rate of successful saliva sampling or did not use control groups. Future studies need to focus on non-painful interventions in order to learn more about salivary cortisol regulation in preterm infants. Moreover, these studies should use study designs comprising homogenous gestational and postnatal age groups, control groups, and reliable analysis methods that are able to detect cortisol in small amounts of saliva.
Impact of Lipoprotein Lipase Gene Polymorphism, S447X, on Postprandial Triacylglycerol and Glucose Response to Sequential Meal Ingestion
Authors: Shatwan Israa , Minihane Anne-Marie , Williams Christine , Lovegrove Julie , Jackson Kim , Vimaleswaran Karani
Published: March 2016

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key rate-limiting enzyme for the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein. Given that postprandial assessment of lipoprotein metabolism may provide a more physiological perspective of disturbances in lipoprotein homeostasis compared to assessment in the fasting state, we have investigated the influence of two commonly studied LPL polymorphisms (rs320, HindIII; rs328, S447X) on postprandial lipaemia, in 261 participants using a standard sequential meal challenge. S447 homozygotes had lower fasting HDL-C (p = 0.015) and a trend for higher fasting TAG (p = 0.057) concentrations relative to the 447X allele carriers. In the postprandial state, there was an association of the S447X polymorphism with postprandial TAG and glucose, where S447 homozygotes had 12% higher TAG area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.037), 8.4% higher glucose-AUC (p = 0.006) and 22% higher glucose-incremental area under the curve (IAUC) (p = 0.042). A significant gene–gender interaction was observed for fasting TAG (p = 0.004), TAG-AUC (Pinteraction = 0.004) and TAG-IAUC (Pinteraction = 0.016), where associations were only evident in men. In conclusion, our study provides novel findings of an effect of LPL S447X polymorphism on the postprandial glucose and gender-specific impact of the polymorphism on fasting and postprandial TAG concentrations in response to sequential meal challenge in healthy participants.
Evolving Diversity of Hepatitis C Viruses in Yunnan Honghe, China
Authors: Yang Lanhui , Jiang Chenyan , Hu Song , Diao Qiongni , Li Jia , Si Wei , Chen Mei , Zhao Richard
Published: March 2016

The Chinese Honghe Autonomous Prefecture (Honghe) in Yunnan Province is a unique ethnic area because it is inhabited by more than ten different minority ethnic groups. Geographically, Honghe directly shares a border with Vietnam. The objective of this study was to investigate genetic diversity and distribution of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Honghe. Ninety nine subjects who were infected with HCV or HCV/HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1) were recruited into this study. HCV genotypes and subtypes were determined based on the sequences of the core/envelope 1 (C/E1) and the nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) genomic regions. The viral diversity and origins of dissemination were examined by phylogenetic analyses. Three HCV genotypes (1, 3 and 6) with six subtypes (1b, 3b, 3a, 6a, 6n and 6v) were identified. The most predominant form was genotype 3 (54.6%) followed by 6 (34.3%), and 1 (9.1%). The HCV subtype 3b appeared to be the most frequent form (38.4%) followed by 6n (20.2%) and 3a (16.2%). Statistical analyses suggested a possible rise of the genotype 6a in Honghe among intravenous drug users with HCV/HIV co-infections. Further phylogenetic analyses suggested that similar HCV-6a viruses might have been circulating in the Honghe area for more than a decade, which likely originated from Vietnam or vice versa. Two HCV samples with single HCV infection (SC34 and SC45) were isolated that could represent new recombinant variants. Although the genetic prevalence of HCV in Honghe is in general agreement with that of Southwest China and Yunnan Province, the diversity of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Honghe is somewhat unique and evolving. Information presented here should provide useful information for future health surveillance and prevention of HCV infection in this area.
(S)-4-[(3aR,4S,7aR)-4-Methoxy-6-methyl-3-methylene-2-oxo-2,3,3a,4,7,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran-5-yl]pentyl Acetate
Authors: Guo Xin , Gao Jin-Ming , Tang Jiang-Jiang
Published: March 2016

A new etherified 1-O-acetylbritannilactone (ABL) analogue 2 was semi-synthesized by a mild etherification reaction. The structure of the newly synthesized analogue was identified by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HR-ESI-MS analysis. 2 exhibited similar cytotoxicity against HCT116, SGC-7901 and HeLa human cancer cell lines with ABL.
Perpendicular Magnetization Behavior of Low- Temperature Ordered FePt Films with Insertion of Ag Nanolayers
Authors: Wei Da-Hua
Published: March 2016

FePt-Ag nanocomposite films with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy have been fabricated by alternate-atomic-layer electron beam evaporation onto MgO(100) substrates at the low temperature of 300 °C. Their magnetization behavior and microstructure have been studied. The surface topography was observed and varied from continuous to nanogranular microstructures with insertion of Ag nanolayers into Fe/Pt bilayer films. The measurement of angular-dependent coercivity showed a tendency of the domain-wall motion as a typical peak behavior shift toward more like a coherent Stoner-Wohlfarth rotation type with the insertion of Ag nanolayers into the FePt films. On the other hand, the inter-grain interaction was determined from a Kelly-Henkel plot. The FePt film without insertion of Ag nanolayers has a positive δM, indicating strong exchange coupling between neighboring grains, whereas the FePt film with insertion of Ag nanolayers has a negative δM, indicating that inter-grain exchange coupling is weaker, thus leading to the presence of dipole interaction in the FePt–Ag nanogranular films. The magnetic characteristic measurements confirmed that the perpendicular magnetization reversal behavior and related surface morphology of low-temperature-ordered FePt(001) nanogranular films can be systematically controlled by the insertion of Ag nanolayers into the FePt system for next generation magnetic storage medium applications.
Computational Investigation of the Effect of Lipid Membranes on Ion Permeation in Gramicidin A
Authors: Setiadi Jeffry , Kuyucak Serdar
Published: March 2016

Membrane proteins are embedded in a lipid bilayer and interact with the lipid molecules in subtle ways. This can be studied experimentally by examining the effect of different lipid bilayers on the function of membrane proteins. Understanding the causes of the functional effects of lipids is difficult to dissect experimentally but more amenable to a computational approach. Here we perform molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations to study the effect of two lipid types (POPC and NODS) on the conductance of the gramicidin A (gA) channel. A larger energy barrier is found for the K+ potential of mean force in gA embedded in POPC compared to that in NODS, which is consistent with the enhanced experimental conductance of cations in gA embedded in NODS. Further analysis of the contributions to the potential energy of K+ reveals that gA and water molecules in gA make similar contributions in both bilayers but there are significant differences between the two bilayers when the lipid molecules and interfacial waters are considered. It is shown that the stronger dipole moments of the POPC head groups create a thicker layer of interfacial waters with better orientation, which ultimately is responsible for the larger energy barrier in the K+ PMF in POPC.
Functionalization of Calcium Sulfate/Bioglass Scaffolds with Zinc Oxide Whisker
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Zhou Jianhua , Gao Dan , Gao Chengde , Feng Pei , Peng Shuping
Published: March 2016

There are urgent demands for satisfactory antibacterial activity and mechanical properties of bone scaffolds. In this study, zinc oxide whisker (ZnOw) was introduced into calcium sulfate/bioglass scaffolds. Antimicrobial behavior was analyzed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results showed that the scaffolds presented a strong antibacterial activity after introducing ZnOw, due to the antibacterial factors released from the degradation of ZnO. Moreover, ZnOw was also found to have a distinct reinforcing effect on mechanical properties. This was ascribed to whisker pull-out, crack bridging, crack deflection, crack branching and other toughening mechanisms. In addition, the cell culture experiments showed that the scaffolds with ZnOw had a good biocompatibility.
The Host’s Reply to Candida Biofilm
Authors: Nett Jeniel
Published: March 2016

Candida spp. are among the most common nosocomial fungal pathogens and are notorious for their propensity toward biofilm formation. When growing on a medical device or mucosal surface, these organisms reside as communities embedded in a protective matrix, resisting host defenses. The host responds to Candida biofilm by depositing a variety of proteins that become incorporated into the biofilm matrix. Compared to free-floating Candida, leukocytes are less effective against Candida within a biofilm. This review highlights recent advances describing the host’s response to Candida biofilms using ex vivo and in vivo models of mucosal and device-associated biofilm infections.
Functional Analysis of Jasmonates in Rice through Mutant Approaches
Authors: Dhakarey Rohit , Kodackattumannil Peethambaran Preshobha , Riemann Michael
Published: March 2016

Jasmonic acid, one of the major plant hormones, is, unlike other hormones, a lipid-derived compound that is synthesized from the fatty acid linolenic acid. It has been studied intensively in many plant species including Arabidopsis thaliana, in which most of the enzymes participating in its biosynthesis were characterized. In the past 15 years, mutants and transgenic plants affected in the jasmonate pathway became available in rice and facilitate studies on the functions of this hormone in an important crop. Those functions are partially conserved compared to other plant species, and include roles in fertility, response to mechanical wounding and defense against herbivores. However, new and surprising functions have also been uncovered by mutant approaches, such as a close link between light perception and the jasmonate pathway. This was not only useful to show a phenomenon that is unique to rice but also helped to establish this role in plant species where such links are less obvious. This review aims to provide an overview of currently available rice mutants and transgenic plants in the jasmonate pathway and highlights some selected roles of jasmonate in this species, such as photomorphogenesis, and abiotic and biotic stress.
Studies on Preparation of Poly(3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine)-Polylactide Copolymers and the Effect of the Structure of the Copolymers on Their Properties
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Shen Jiali , Zhao Zenghui , Shi Chang , Chen Mingqing
Published: March 2016

Properties of copolymers are generally influenced by the structure of the monomers and polymers. For the purpose of understanding the effect of polymer structure on the properties, two kinds of copolymers, poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-g-polylactide and poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-b-polylactide (PDOPA-g-PLA and PDOPA-b-PLA) were designed and prepared by ring-opening polymerization of lactide with pre-prepared PDOPA as the initiator and the amidation of the functional PLA and PDOPA oligomer, respectively. The molecular weight and composition of the copolymers could be adjusted by changing the molar ratio of LA and DOPA and were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. The obtained copolymers with graft and block structures showed high solubility even in common organic solvents. The effects of the graft and block structures on the thermal and degradation properties were also detected. The PDOPA-g-PLA copolymers showed higher thermal stability than the PDOPA-b-PLA copolymers, due to the PDOPA-g-PLA copolymers with regular structure and strong π-π stacking interactions among the intermolecular and intramolecular chains. In addition, the degradation results showed that the PDOPA-g-PLA copolymers and the copolymers with higher DOPA composition had quicker degradation speeds. Interestingly, both two kinds of copolymers, after degradation, became undissolved in the organic solvents because of the oxidation and crosslinking formation of the catechol groups in the DOPA units during degradation in alkaline solution. Moreover, fluorescent microscopy results showed good biocompatibility of the PDOPA-g-PLA and PDOPA-b-PLA copolymers. The PDOPA and PLA copolymers have the potential applications to the biomedical and industrial fields.
Evaluation of an Airborne Remote Sensing Platform Consisting of Two Consumer-Grade Cameras for Crop Identification
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Chenghai , Song Huaibo , Hoffmann Wesley , Zhang Dongyan , Zhang Guozhong
Published: March 2016

Remote sensing systems based on consumer-grade cameras have been increasingly used in scientific research and remote sensing applications because of their low cost and ease of use. However, the performance of consumer-grade cameras for practical applications has not been well documented in related studies. The objective of this research was to apply three commonly-used classification methods (unsupervised, supervised, and object-based) to three-band imagery with RGB (red, green, and blue bands) and four-band imagery with RGB and near-infrared (NIR) bands to evaluate the performance of a dual-camera imaging system for crop identification. Airborne images were acquired from a cropping area in Texas and mosaicked and georeferenced. The mosaicked imagery was classified using the three classification methods to assess the usefulness of NIR imagery for crop identification and to evaluate performance differences between the object-based and pixel-based methods. Image classification and accuracy assessment showed that the additional NIR band imagery improved crop classification accuracy over the RGB imagery and that the object-based method achieved better results with additional non-spectral image features. The results from this study indicate that the airborne imaging system based on two consumer-grade cameras used in this study can be useful for crop identification and other agricultural applications.
Adaptive Transcutaneous Power Transfer to Implantable Devices: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Bocan Kara , Sejdić Ervin
Published: March 2016

Wireless energy transfer is a broad research area that has recently become applicable to implantable medical devices. Wireless powering of and communication with implanted devices is possible through wireless transcutaneous energy transfer. However, designing wireless transcutaneous systems is complicated due to the variability of the environment. The focus of this review is on strategies to sense and adapt to environmental variations in wireless transcutaneous systems. Adaptive systems provide the ability to maintain performance in the face of both unpredictability (variation from expected parameters) and variability (changes over time). Current strategies in adaptive (or tunable) systems include sensing relevant metrics to evaluate the function of the system in its environment and adjusting control parameters according to sensed values through the use of tunable components. Some challenges of applying adaptive designs to implantable devices are challenges common to all implantable devices, including size and power reduction on the implant, efficiency of power transfer and safety related to energy absorption in tissue. Challenges specifically associated with adaptation include choosing relevant and accessible parameters to sense and adjust, minimizing the tuning time and complexity of control, utilizing feedback from the implanted device and coordinating adaptation at the transmitter and receiver.
A Micro Aerosol Sensor for the Measurement of Airborne Ultrafine Particles
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhu Rong , Yang Wenming
Published: March 2016

Particle number concentration and particle size are the two key parameters used to characterize exposure to airborne nanoparticles or ultrafine particles that have attracted the most attention. This paper proposes a simple micro aerosol sensor for detecting the number concentration and particle size of ultrafine particles with diameters from 50 to 253 nm based on electrical diffusion charging. The sensor is composed of a micro channel and a couple of planar electrodes printed on two circuit boards assembled in parallel, which thus integrate charging, precipitating and measurement elements into one chip, the overall size of which is 98 × 38 × 25 mm3. The experiment results demonstrate that the sensor is useful for measuring monodisperse aerosol particles with number concentrations from 300 to 2.5 × 104 /cm3 and particle sizes from 50 to 253 nm. The aerosol sensor has a simple structure and small size, which is favorable for use in handheld devices.