bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavily Tm3+-Doped Silicate Fiber for High-Gain Fiber Amplifiers
Authors: Lee Yin-Wen , Chien Han-Wei , Cho Che-Hung , Chen Ju-Zhe , Chang Juin-Shin , Jiang Shibin
Published: December 2013

We report on investigation the potential of a 7 wt% (8.35 × 1020 Tm3+/cm3) doped silicate fibers for high-gain fiber amplifiers. Such a high ion concentration significantly reduces the required fiber length of high-power 2 μm fiber laser systems and allows the high-repetition rate operation in 2 μm mode-locked fiber lasers. To evaluate the feasibility of extracting high gain-per-unit-length from this gain medium, we measure several key material properties of the silicate fiber, including the absorption/emission cross-sections, upper-state lifetime, fiber background loss, and photodarkening resistance. We show through numerical simulations that a signal gain-per-unit-length of 3.78 dB/cm at 1950 nm can be achieved in a watt-level core-pumped Tm3+-doped silicate fiber amplifier. In addition, an 18-dB 2013-nm amplifier is demonstrated in a 50-cm 7 wt% Tm3+-doped double-clad silicate fiber. Finally, we experimentally confirm that the reported silicate host exhibits no observable photodarkening.
Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Rice Bran Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) on HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Shafie Nurul , Esa Norhaizan , Ithnin Hairuszah , Saad Norazalina , Pandurangan Ashok
Published: December 2013

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), or phytic acid is a natural dietary ingredient and has been described as a “natural cancer fighter”, being an essential component of nutritional diets. The marked anti-cancer effect of IP6 has resulted in our quest for an understanding of its mechanism of action. In particular, our data provided strong evidence for the induction of apoptotic cell death, which may be attributable to the up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-xl in favor of apoptosis. In addition, the up-regulation of caspase-3 and -8 expression and activation of both caspases may also contribute to the apoptotic cell death of human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells when exposed to IP6. Collectively, this present study has shown that rice bran IP6 induces apoptosis, by regulating the pro- and anti-apoptotic markers; Bax and Bcl-xl and via the activation of caspase molecules (caspase-3 and -8).
Colorectal Laterally Spreading Tumors by Computed Tomographic Colonography
Authors: Kakugawa Yasuo , Saito Yutaka , Matsuda Takahisa , Nakajima Takeshi , Miyake Mototaka , Iinuma Gen
Published: December 2013

To date, few reports focused primarily on detecting colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) have been published. The aim of this study was to determine the visibility of LSTs on computed tomographic colonography (CTC) compared with that on colonoscopy as a standard. We retrospectively reviewed and matched data on endoscopic and CTC reports in 157 patients (161 LSTs) who received a multidetector CT scan using contrast media immediately after total colonoscopy at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, between December 2005 and August 2010. The results of the total colonoscopy were known at the time of the CTC procedure and reading. Of the 161 LSTs detected on colonoscopy, 138 were observed and matched by CTC (86%). Of the 91 granular type LSTs (LST-Gs), 88 (97%) were observed and matched, while of the 70 non-granular type LSTs (LST-NGs), 50 (71%) were observed and matched by CTC (p < 0.0001). CTC enabled observation of 73% (22/30) of 20–29 mm, 83% (35/42) of 30–39 mm, 88% (49/56) of 40–59 mm, and 97% (32/33) of ≥60 mm tumors. The rate of observed LSTs by CTC was 86% (97% of LST-G, 71% of LST-NG) of the LSTs found during total colonoscopy.
Sustained Release of Prindopril Erbumine from Its Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Dorniani Dena , Hussein Mohd , Kura Aminu , Fakurazi Sharida , Shaari Abdul , Ahmad Zalinah
Published: December 2013

The preparation of magnetic nanoparticles coated with chitosan-prindopril erbumine was accomplished and confirmed by X-ray diffraction, TEM, magnetic measurements, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopic studies. X-ray diffraction and TEM results demonstrated that the magnetic nanoparticles were pure iron oxide phase, having a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 6 nm, compared to 15 nm after coating with chitosan-prindopril erbumine (FCPE). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study shows that the coating of iron oxide nanoparticles takes place due to the presence of some bands that were emerging after the coating process, which belong to the prindopril erbumine (PE). The thermal stability of the PE in an FCPE nanocomposite was remarkably enhanced. The release study showed that around 89% of PE could be released within about 93 hours by a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4, which was found to be of sustained manner governed by first order kinetic. Compared to the control (untreated), cell viability study in 3T3 cells at 72 h post exposure to both the nanoparticles and the pure drug was found to be sustained above 80% using different doses.
Designing an Index to Reveal the Potential of Multipurpose Landscapes in Southern Africa
Authors: Torquebiau Emmanuel , Cholet Nathalie , Ferguson Willem , Letourmy Philippe
Published: December 2013

Multipurpose mosaic (“ecoagriculture”) landscapes can serve the purpose of land sharing to combine objectives of agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. Rewarding the people who shape and maintain those landscapes could act as a mechanism to generate added-value representing an indirect payment for ecosystem services. We investigated the feasibility of such an approach in two areas in Southern Africa differing in spatial configurations, history and socio-economic context. We designed and tested a composite index describing the state of each landscape in terms of ecoagriculture criteria (conservation, production, institutions and livelihood) and ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating and cultural services). The resulting index is made up of different sets of data each comprising 40 scores, obtained from stakeholders’ participatory interviews. Ecosystem services are in general assigned more importance than ecoagriculture criteria. In both cases, cultural services receive the highest scores, whereas the lowest ones are attributed to the livelihood and institutions in the Zimbabwean and South African sites, respectively. Index values reveal that the South African site, where there is more integration between land-use units, does better in terms of a landscape performing multiple functions. Provided relevant stakeholders are involved and a certification mechanism is developed, the landscape labelling index can be used to recognize and reward the value of outstanding rural landscapes.
Mobile Cloud-Computing-Based Healthcare Service by Noncontact ECG Monitoring
Authors: Fong Ee-May , Chung Wan-Young
Published: December 2013

Noncontact electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement technique has gained popularity these days owing to its noninvasive features and convenience in daily life use. This paper presents mobile cloud computing for a healthcare system where a noncontact ECG measurement method is employed to capture biomedical signals from users. Healthcare service is provided to continuously collect biomedical signals from multiple locations. To observe and analyze the ECG signals in real time, a mobile device is used as a mobile monitoring terminal. In addition, a personalized healthcare assistant is installed on the mobile device; several healthcare features such as health status summaries, medication QR code scanning, and reminders are integrated into the mobile application. Health data are being synchronized into the healthcare cloud computing service (Web server system and Web server dataset) to ensure a seamless healthcare monitoring system and anytime and anywhere coverage of network connection is available. Together with a Web page application, medical data are easily accessed by medical professionals or family members. Web page performance evaluation was conducted to ensure minimal Web server latency. The system demonstrates better availability of off-site and up-to-the-minute patient data, which can help detect health problems early and keep elderly patients out of the emergency room, thus providing a better and more comprehensive healthcare cloud computing service.
R2NA: Received Signal Strength (RSS) Ratio-Based Node Authentication for Body Area Network
Authors: Wu Yang , Wang Kai , Sun Yongmei , Ji Yuefeng
Published: December 2013

The body area network (BAN) is an emerging branch of wireless sensor networks for personalized applications. The services in BAN usually have a high requirement on security, especially for the medical diagnosis. One of the fundamental directions to ensure security in BAN is how to provide node authentication. Traditional research using cryptography relies on prior secrets shared among nodes, which leads to high resource cost. In addition, most existing non-cryptographic solutions exploit out-of-band (OOB) channels, but they need the help of additional hardware support or significant modifications to the system software. To avoid the above problems, this paper presents a proximity-based node authentication scheme, which only uses wireless modules equipped on sensors. With only one sensor and one control unit (CU) in BAN, we could detect a unique physical layer characteristic, namely, the difference between the received signal strength (RSS) measured on different devices in BAN. Through the above-mentioned particular difference, we can tell whether the sender is close enough to be legitimate. We validate our scheme through both theoretical analysis and experiments, which are conducted on the real Shimmer nodes. The results demonstrate that our proposed scheme has a good security performance.
A Vision-Based Self-Calibration Method for Robotic Visual Inspection Systems
Authors: Yin Shibin , Ren Yongjie , Zhu Jigui , Yang Shourui , Ye Shenghua
Published: December 2013

A vision-based robot self-calibration method is proposed in this paper to evaluate the kinematic parameter errors of a robot using a visual sensor mounted on its end-effector. This approach could be performed in the industrial field without external, expensive apparatus or an elaborate setup. A robot Tool Center Point (TCP) is defined in the structural model of a line-structured laser sensor, and aligned to a reference point fixed in the robot workspace. A mathematical model is established to formulate the misalignment errors with kinematic parameter errors and TCP position errors. Based on the fixed point constraints, the kinematic parameter errors and TCP position errors are identified with an iterative algorithm. Compared to the conventional methods, this proposed method eliminates the need for a robot-based-frame and hand-to-eye calibrations, shortens the error propagation chain, and makes the calibration process more accurate and convenient. A validation experiment is performed on an ABB IRB2400 robot. An optimal configuration on the number and distribution of fixed points in the robot workspace is obtained based on the experimental results. Comparative experiments reveal that there is a significant improvement of the measuring accuracy of the robotic visual inspection system.
PANI and Graphene/PANI Nanocomposite Films — Comparative Toluene Gas Sensing Behavior
Authors: Parmar Mitesh , Balamurugan Chandran , Lee Dong-Weon
Published: December 2013

The present work discusses and compares the toluene sensing behavior of polyaniline (PANI) and graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite (C-PANI) films. The graphene–PANI ratio in the nanocomposite polymer film is optimized at 1:2. For this, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent is used to prepare PANI-NMP solution as well as graphene-PANI-NMP solution. The films are later annealed at 230 °C, characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tested for their sensing behavior towards toluene. The sensing behaviors of the films are analyzed at different temperatures (30, 50 and 100 °C) for 100 ppm toluene in air. The nanocomposite C-PANI films have exhibited better overall toluene sensing behavior in terms of sensor response, response and recovery time as well as repeatability. Although the sensor response of PANI (12.6 at 30 °C, 38.4 at 100 °C) is comparatively higher than that of C-PANI (8.4 at 30 °C, 35.5 at 100 °C), response and recovery time of PANI and C-PANI varies with operating temperature. C-PANI at 50 °C seems to have better toluene sensing behavior in terms of response time and recovery time.
Why an Unbiased External R&D Evaluation System is Important for the Progress of Social Sciences—the Case of a Small Social Science Community
Authors: Mali Franc
Published: December 2013

This article deals with the impact of external R&D evaluations as one of the institutional factors that can encourage (or discourage) the progress of the social sciences. A critical overview is presented of the increasing use of bibliometric indicators in the external R&D evaluation procedures employed by the Slovenian Research Agency, which is the leading research council for financing the public sector of social sciences in Slovenia. We attempt to establish that, in order to ensure a good external R&D evaluation practice for a small social science community, it is insufficient to only have reliable bibliometric meta-databases. It is argued that it is equally important to formulate very precise criteria to ascertain their validity.
Development of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the high alpine perennial Primula halleri (Primulaceae)
Authors: Zhang Li‐Rui , Conti Elena , Keller Barbara , Nowak Michael D.
Published: December 2013

• Premise of the study: Primula halleri is a high alpine endemic species with a patchy distribution in Central and Eastern European mountains. Little is known about the structure of genetic variation and mating system in populations of this species.

• Methods and Results: We report on the development of 12 novel, polymorphic microsatellite loci for P. halleri. Tests for amplification and polymorphism were performed on 45 individuals sampled from three populations in the Swiss Alps. Interspecific amplification of the loci was evaluated using samples of the closely related species P. farinosa, P. frondosa, and P. scotica.

• Conclusions: The results show that the new microsatellite loci will be useful to study the structure of genetic diversity and mating system of P. halleri, and possibly its closely related species.
Novel microsatellite loci forSebaea aurea(Gentianaceae) and cross‐amplification in related species
Authors: Kissling Jonathan , Bachmann Olivier , Thali Marco R. , Segarra‐Moragues José Gabriel
Published: December 2013

•Premise of the study:Microsatellite loci were developed inSebaea aurea(Gentianaceae) to investigate the functional role of diplostigmaty (i.e., the presence of additional stigmas along the style).

•Methods and Results:One hundred seventy‐four and 180 microsatellite loci were isolated through 454 shotgun sequencing of genomic and microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries, respectively. Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized, and 12 of them were selected to genotype individuals from two populations. Microsatellite amplification was conducted in two multiplex groups, each containing six microsatellite loci. Cross‐species amplification was tested in seven other species ofSebaea. The 12 novel microsatellite loci amplified only in the two most closely related species toS. aurea(i.e.,S. ambiguaandS. minutiflora) and were also polymorphic in these two species.

•Conclusions:These results demonstrate the usefulness of this set of newly developed microsatellite loci to investigate the mating system and population genetic structure inS. aureaand related species.
Future Direction for Next Generation Web
Authors: Choi Young B , Choe Young Han , Oh Tae H
Published: December 2013

We explore recent developments on the Web and forecast future development trends of Next Generation Web. This is based upon the current technologies and emerging Web technologies developed by international standard organizations. The changing requirements of Web users and industry market will be introduced.
Effect of Web Caching on Load Time
Authors: Tang Emma , Oh Tae , Choi Young B , Subramaniam Swapna Kalpagam
Published: December 2013

This paper explores the effect of web caching on load times in terms of browser choice and website type. By comparing the load time of web pages using different browsers and website types it was possible to determine the relationship between the variables. Load time differs between browsers based on how the browsers parse different kinds of data. It terms of website type, the traffic volume as well as frequency of updates by administrators and website users is responsible for the varying load times.
Enhancing Motivation and Engagement: A Top-Down Approach for the Design of a Learning Experience According to the S2P-LM
Authors: Bahji Salah Eddine , Lefdaoui Youssef , El Alami Jamila
Published: December 2013

Demotivation and disengagement of students toward the formal learning curriculum, know an increasingly strong and even alarming proliferation.

In this paper, we try to deal with motivation and engagement of learners during learning process and learning experience within a formal context, by the adoption of a Top-Down approach through three levels of design: Macro, Meso, and Micro level.

The Macro Level tries to rely on a conceptual framework: the S2P Learning Model. The Meso Level is related to the design of the learning experience, by which we formalize the pedagogical scenario, the didactic tools, the pedagogical activities and roles: based on the Extended Blended Learning. Finally, the Micro Level stresses on the use of game mechanics and Gamification of activities and tools as a way to enhance the motivation and engagement of learners during the learning experience.

By these principles, we move gradually towards a new kind of teachers (â??Integratorsâ? & â??Facilitatorsâ?); and a new kind of learners (â??Learnplayersâ?).

Therefore, we try by this paper, to outline of the conceptual basis of our approach that must build the frame of validation by experimentation during the next steps of our research.
A Technological Tool to Optimize Educational Assessment
Authors: Gabli Mohammed , Jaara El Miloud , Mermri El Bekkaye
Published: December 2013

In this paper we consider a table of specification problem which allows teachers to specify number of questions of a test based on weights and importance of different topics and objectives. In order to use the table of specification properly we have modeled it as an optimization problem. To facilitate the task of the teacher, we have developed a technological tool (software) that automatically optimizes the table of specification. The teacher or the decision maker must simply enter the necessary data.
The Role of NOD2 in Murine and Human Melioidosis
Authors: Myers Nicolle D. , Chantratita Narisara , Berrington William R. , Chierakul Wirongrong , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Robertson Johanna D. , Liggitt H. Denny , Peacock Sharon J. , Skerrett Shawn J. , West T. Eoin
Published: December 2013

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is a cytosolic pathogen recognition receptor that regulates susceptibility to a variety of infections and chronic diseases. Burkholderia pseudomallei, a facultative intracellular bacterium, causes the tropical infection melioidosis. We hypothesized that NOD2 may participate in host defense in melioidosis. We performed a series of in vitro assays and in vivo experiments and analyzed the association of human genetic variation with infection to delineate the contribution of NOD2 to the host response to B. pseudomallei. We found that transfection with NOD2 mediated NF-κB activation induced by B. pseudomallei stimulation of HEK293 cells. After low-dose inoculation with aerosolized B. pseudomallei, Nod2-deficient mice showed impaired clinical responses and permitted greater bacterial replication in the lung and dissemination to the spleen compared with wild-type mice. IL-6 and KC levels were higher in the lungs of Nod2-deficient mice. In a cohort of 1562 Thai subjects, a common genetic polymorphism in the NOD2 region, rs7194886, was associated with melioidosis, and this effect was most pronounced in women. rs7194886 was not associated with differences in cytokine production induced by whole-blood stimulation with the NOD2 ligand, muramyl dipeptide, or B. pseudomallei. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to characterize the role of NOD2 in host defense in mammalian melioidosis.
Qualitatively Different T Cell Phenotypic Responses to IL-2 versus IL-15 Are Unified by Identical Dependences on Receptor Signal Strength and Duration
Authors: Arneja Abhinav , Johnson Hannah , Gabrovsek Laura , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , White Forest M.
Published: December 2013

IL-2 and IL-15 are common γ-chain family cytokines involved in regulation of T cell differentiation and homeostasis. Despite signaling through the same receptors, IL-2 and IL-15 have non-redundant roles in T cell biology, both physiologically and at the cellular level. The mechanisms by which IL-2 and IL-15 trigger distinct phenotypes in T cells remain elusive. To elucidate these mechanisms, we performed a quantitative comparison of the phosphotyrosine signaling network and resulting phenotypes triggered by IL-2 and IL-15. This study revealed that the signaling networks activated by IL-2 or IL-15 are highly similar and that T cell proliferation and metabolism are controlled in a quantitatively distinct manner through IL-2/15R signal strength independent of the cytokine identity. Distinct phenotypes associated with IL-2 or IL-15 stimulation therefore arise through differential regulation of IL-2/15R signal strength and duration because of differences in cytokine–receptor binding affinity, receptor expression levels, physiological cytokine levels, and cytokine–receptor intracellular trafficking kinetics. These results provide important insights into the function of other shared cytokine and growth factor receptors, quantitative regulation of cell proliferation and metabolism through signal transduction, and improved design of cytokine based clinical immunomodulatory therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
Cardiac troponin T quantitative assay failure as a result of antibody interference
Authors: Fortgens Philip H. , Omar Fierdoz
Published: December 2013

Background: Immunoassays are prone to interference by various substances which may cause inaccurate results. This type of interference is difficult to detect analytically.Objective: A case of CARDIAC Troponin T Quantitative reader (Roche Diagnostics) assayfailure was detected and investigated in order to ascertain the likely cause.Method: Patient whole blood was mixed with cardiac troponin T-positive blood, patient and control sera were denuded of immunoglobulin G by protein A-affinity chromatographyand patient sera were mixed with mouse serum. Samples were analysed on a CARDIAC Troponin T Quantitative reader.Results: A mixture of patient whole blood and cardiac troponin T-positive blood resultedin assay failure; removal of immunoglobulin G from patient sera reversed the cardiactroponin T assay failure; the addition of mouse serum as a heterophile antibody blocking agent had no effect.Conclusion: It is proposed that the interference resulting in assay failure may not be because of a heterophile antibody, but rather a result of a circulating autoantibody to cardiactroponin T, which may compete with antibody assay reagents for binding sites.
The efficacy of a slow-release albendazole capsule against Haemonchus contortus with known resistance to albendazole
Authors: Fisher Alan D. , Van Sittert Sybrand J.
Published: December 2013

Controlled-release albendazole capsules (CRCs) are currently registered for use in Australia and New Zealand as anthelmintic treatment in sheep. However, reports on the efficacy of such products on resistant parasite populations are sometimes controversial. This is the first study to report on the efficacy of such products under South African field conditions in sheep harbouring a population of Haemonchus contortus with known multiple anthelmintic resistance, including to albendazole. Treatment groups were comprised of CRC-treated and single dose albendazole-treated sheep, as well as negative controls. Groups were compared by using faecal egg count reduction tests, FAMACHA© anaemia scoring, conception rates and comparative weight gains over three and a half months. Based on a comparison of faecal egg counts, no advantage could be found using CRCs. Moreover, the use of the product actually decreased weight gain when compared with the control group animals.
Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Methods. Nonlinear Elliptic Equations
Authors: Efendiev Yalchin , Galvis Juan , Li Guanglian , Presho Michael
Published: December 2013

In this paper we use the Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method (GMsFEM) framework, introduced in [26], in order to solve nonlinear elliptic equations with high-contrast coefficients. The proposed solution method involves linearizing the equation so that coarse-grid quantities of previous solution iterates can be regarded as auxiliary parameters within the problem formulation. With this convention, we systematically construct respective coarse solution spaces that lend themselves to either continuous Galerkin (CG) or discontinuous Galerkin (DG) global formulations. Here, we use Symmetric Interior Penalty Discontinuous Galerkin approach. Both methods yield a predictable error decline that depends on the respective coarse space dimension, and we illustrate the effectiveness of the CG and DG formulations by offering a variety of numerical examples.
Chaotic Lid-Driven Square Cavity Flows at Extreme Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Garcia Salvador
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the chaotic lid-driven square cavity flows at extreme Reynolds numbers. Several observations have been made from this study. Firstly, at extreme Reynolds numbers two principles add at the genesis of tiny, loose counterclockwise- or clockwise-rotating eddies. One concerns the arousing of them owing to the influence of the clockwise- or counterclockwise currents nearby; the other, the arousing of counterclockwise-rotating eddies near attached to the moving (lid) top wall which moves from left to right. Secondly, unexpectedly, the kinetic energy soon reaches the qualitative temporal limit’s pace, fluctuating briskly, randomly inside the total kinetic energy range, fluctuations which concentrate on two distinct fragments: one on its upper side, the upper fragment, the other on its lower side, the lower fragment, switching briskly, randomly from each other; and further on many small fragments arousing randomly within both, switching briskly, randomly from one another. As the Reynolds number Re → ∞, both distance and then close, and the kinetic energy fluctuates shorter and shorter at the upper fragment and longer and longer at the lower fragment, displaying tall high spikes which enlarge and then disappear. As the time t → ∞ (at the Reynolds number Re fixed) they recur from time to time with roughly the same amplitude. For the most part, at the upper fragment the leading eddy rotates clockwise, and at the lower fragment, in stark contrast, it rotates counterclockwise. At Re=109 the leading eddy — at its qualitative temporal limit’s pace — appears to rotate solely counterclockwise.
Investigating Plasma Jets Behavior using Axisymmetric Lattice Boltzmann Model under Temperature Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Djebali Ridha
Published: December 2013

This study aims to investigate turbulent plasma flow using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method. A double population model D2Q9-D2Q4 is employed to calculate the plasma velocity and temperature fields. Along with the calculation process a conversion procedure is made between the LB and the physical unit systems, so that thermo-physical properties variation is fully accounted for and the convergence is checked in physical space. The configuration domain and the boundary condition treatment are selected based on the most cited studies in order to illustrate a realistic situation. The jet morphology analysis gives credible results by comparison with commonly published works. It was demonstrated also that accounting for the substrate as wall boundary condition modify greatly the flow and temperature structures with may affect absolutely the particles behavior during its in-flight in the hot gas.
A Penalty Optimization Algorithm for Eigenmode Optimization Problem Using Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhengfang , Chen Weifeng , Cheng Xiaoliang
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates the eigenmode optimization problem governed by the scalar Helmholtz equation in continuum system in which the computed eigenmode approaches the prescribed eigenmode in the whole domain. The first variation for the eigenmode optimization problem is evaluated by the quadratic penalty method, the adjoint variable method, and the formula based on sensitivity analysis. A penalty optimization algorithm is proposed, in which the density evolution is accomplished by introducing an artificial time term and solving an additional ordinary differential equation. The validity of the presented algorithm is confirmed by numerical results of the first and second eigenmode optimizations in 1Dand 2Dproblems.
A Numerical Method and its Error Estimates for the Decoupled Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Zhang Wei , Ju Lili
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a new numerical method for solving the decoupled forward-backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) is proposed based on some specially derived reference equations. We rigorously analyze errors of the proposed method under general situations. Then we present error estimates for each of the specific cases when some classical numerical schemes for solving the forward SDE are taken in the method; in particular, we prove that the proposed method is second-order accurate if used together with the order-2.0 weak Taylor scheme for the SDE. Some examples are also given to numerically demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method and verify the theoretical results.
Training Programs Within Global Networks: Lessons Learned in the Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars and Fellows Program
Authors: Carothers Catherine L. , Heimburger Douglas C. , Schlachter Sarah , Gardner Pierce , Primack Aron , Warner Tokesha L. , Vermund Sten H.
Published: December 2013

The Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars and Fellows Support Center at Vanderbilt describes administrative lessons learned from the management of 436 scholars (American students or host country junior trainees) and 122 post-doctoral fellows (Americans or host country nationals). Trainees spent 10–11 months working on mentored research projects at 61 well-vetted sites in 27 low- or middle-income host countries (LMICs) with strong US partners. Economies of scale, strong centralized information exchange, and effective standardized operations linking US institutions with LMIC field sites were achieved in a program that minimized administrative overhead. Advantages and drawbacks of this approach are presented and discussed. Training of a new generation of global research leaders is greatly facilitated by an overseas mentored research experience that is administratively streamlined to optimize the use of resources for training, research, and capacity building.
Ocular Onchocerciasis in the Yanomami Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Effects on Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Herzog-Neto Guilherme , Jaegger Karen , do Nascimento Erika S. , Marchon-Silva Verônica , Banic Dalma M. , Maia-Herzog Marilza
Published: December 2013

To determine the influence of onchocercal eye disease on the intraocular pressure of the Yanomami Tribe Aratha-ú of Roraima State, Brazil, considered endemic for onchocerciasis, a total of 86 patients were submitted to an ophthalmologic exam that included external examination, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and a fundus ophthalmoscope examination. A high prevalence of onchocerciasis-related eye lesions was encountered in 68.6% of the patients. Punctate keratitis and microfilariae in the anterior chamber were found in ∼28%. The mean of intraocular eye pressure found was 10.47 mm of Hg.
Comparative studies of pelagic microbial methane oxidation within the redox zones of the Gotland Deep and Landsort Deep (central Baltic Sea)
Authors: Jakobs G. , Rehder G. , Jost G. , Kießlich K. , Labrenz M. , Schmale O.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Pelagic methane oxidation was investigated in dependence on differing hydrographic conditions within the redox zone of the Gotland Deep (GD) and Landsort Deep (LD), central Baltic Sea. The redox zone of both deeps, which indicates the transition between oxic and anoxic conditions, was characterized by a pronounced methane concentration gradient between the deep water (GD: 1233 nM, 223 m; LD: 2935 nM, 422 m) and the surface water (GD and LD < 10 nM). This gradient together with a 13C CH4 enrichment (δ13C CH4 deep water: GD −84‰, LD −71‰; redox zone: GD −60‰, LD −20‰; surface water: GD −47‰, LD −50‰; δ13C CH4 vs. Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite standard), clearly indicating microbial methane consumption within the redox zone. Expression analysis of the methane monooxygenase identified one active type I methanotrophic bacterium in both redox zones. In contrast, the turnover of methane within the redox zones showed strong differences between the two basins (GD: max. 0.12 nM d−1, LD: max. 0.61 nM d−1), with a nearly four-times-lower turnover time of methane in the LD (GD: 455 d, LD: 127 d). Vertical mixing rates for both deeps were calculated on the base of the methane concentration profile and the consumption of methane in the redox zone (GD: 2.5 × 10–6 m2 s−1, LD: 1.6 × 10–5 m2 s−1). Our study identified vertical transport of methane from the deep-water body towards the redox zone as well as differing hydrographic conditions (lateral intrusions and vertical mixing) within the redox zone of these deeps as major factors that determine the pelagic methane oxidation.
UV-induced carbon monoxide emission from living vegetation
Authors: Bruhn D. , Albert K. R. , Mikkelsen T. N. , Ambus P.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The global burden of carbon monoxide (CO) is rather uncertain. In this paper we address the potential for UV-induced CO emission by living terrestrial vegetation surfaces. Real-time measurements of CO concentrations were made with a cavity-enhanced laser spectrometer connected in closed loop to either a chamber on a field of grass or a plant-leaf scale chamber. Leaves of all plant species that were examined exhibited emission of CO in response to artificial UV radiation as well as the UV component of natural solar radiation. The UV-induced rate of CO emission exhibited a low dependence on temperature, indicating an abiotic process. The emission of CO in response to the UV component of natural solar radiation was also evident at the natural grassland scale.
Influence of aquifer heterogeneity on karst hydraulics and catchment delineation employing distributive modeling approaches
Authors: Oehlmann S. , Geyer T. , Licha T. , Birk S.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Due to their heterogeneous nature, karst aquifers pose a major challenge for hydrogeological investigations. Important procedures like the delineation of catchment areas for springs are hindered by the unknown locations and hydraulic properties of highly conductive karstic zones. In this work numerical modeling was employed as a tool in delineating catchment areas of several springs within a karst area in southwestern Germany. For this purpose, different distributive modeling approaches were implemented in the finite element simulation software Comsol Multiphysics®. The investigation focuses on the question to which degree the effect of karstification has to be taken into account for accurately simulating the hydraulic head distribution and the observed spring discharges. The results reveal that the representation of heterogeneities has a large influence on the delineation of the catchment areas. Not only the location of highly conductive elements but also their geometries play a major role for the resulting hydraulic head distribution and thus for catchment area delineation. The size distribution of the karst conduits derived from the numerical models agrees with knowledge from karst genesis. It was thus shown that numerical modeling is a useful tool for catchment delineation in karst aquifers based on results from different field observations.
Portrait et dynamique des organismes desservant les personnes itinérantes ou à risque d’itinérance dans la région de Montréal
Authors: Grenier Guy , Fleury Marie-Josée , Imboua Armelle , NGui André
Published: December 2013

Cet article dresse un portrait des organismes desservant les personnes itinérantes ou à risque d’itinérance (PIRI) à Montréal ainsi que des déterminants de leurs relations interorganisationnelles. L’étude montre que la collaboration interorganisationnelle, particulièrement avec le réseau de la santé et des services sociaux (RSSS), gagnerait à être accrue afin de répondre aux problèmes concomitants auxquels sont confrontées les PIRI. Le nombre de services offerts, l’appréciation des relations avec les organismes du RSSS, le pourcentage d’anglophones en situation d’itinérance et d’individus ayant des problèmes de jeu parmi la clientèle sont les déterminants influençant l’intensité des relations interorganisationnelles.
Autisme et soutien social dans des familles d’immigration récente : l’expérience de parents originaires du Maghreb
Authors: Ben-Cheikh Imen , Rousseau Cécile
Published: December 2013

Cette étude qualitative exploratoire analyse l’impact d’un diagnostic d’autisme sur les réseaux de soutien social de parents originaires du Maghreb, nouvellement immigrants au Québec, et ayant un enfant diagnostiqué avec un trouble envahissant du développement. Des entrevues semi-structurées ont été réalisées avec dix parents et une observation participante a été effectuée lors de rencontres de soutien pour les mères. Nos résultats soulignent que le diagnostic d’autisme transforme le réseau familial et communautaire des parents, en créant des distances et des tensions mais aussi en générant de nouveaux liens, sources de soutien. Des rencontres de groupe entre mères originaires de la même communauté ayant un enfant autiste sont perçues par celles-ci comme étant particulièrement bénéfiques. L’analyse du rapport aux services professionnels montre que l’élaboration d’une alliance thérapeutique est souvent ardue à cause d’obstacles administratifs et de difficultés sur le plan de la communication interculturelle. Une meilleure compréhension, par les intervenants en santé et services sociaux, de l’interaction qui existe entre le contexte migratoire et la fragilisation des réseaux familiaux et sociaux associés à un diagnostic d’autisme chez un enfant de famille immigrante pourrait contribuer à diminuer la solitude et la souffrance de ces parents.
Réflexions sur le traitement basé sur la mentalisation ainsi que son adaptation pour des hommes présentant des troubles de la personnalité mixte ou narcissique
Authors: Cherrier Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Le trouble de la personnalité narcissique (TPN) et le trouble de la personnalité mixte (limite et narcissique) sont de sérieux problèmes de santé mentale chez les hommes. Ces pathologies sont notamment caractérisées par des réactions intenses à une menace perçue de l’estime de soi et une capacité compromise à être empathique, ce qui prédispose à des difficultés relationnelles importantes. Considérant aussi ces troubles de la personnalité comme étant des troubles de la régulation affective, l’auteur illustre comment la dysrégulation affective stimulée par l’émergence de la honte engendre une perte de la capacité de mentaliser. Cet article présente la mise en place de même qu’une description d’un traitement individuel et de groupe basé sur la mentalisation pour hommes narcissiques. Différentes réflexions sur le traitement, sur l’empathie, ainsi que l’adaptation de cette approche pour des patients vivant avec un TPN sont faites et sont illustrées par des vignettes cliniques.
Facteurs associés à l’exposition élevée aux médicaments psychotropes identifiés lors d’une étude épidémiologique montréalaise
Authors: Perreault Michel , Mechakra-Tahiri Djemaâ-Samia , Fleury Marie-Josée , Touré El Hadj , Mitchell Emma , Caron Jean
Published: December 2013

L’article examine les associations entre l’exposition élevée aux médicaments psychotropes, la présence d’un diagnostic de trouble mental et les caractéristiques sociodémographiques chez la population adulte. Un questionnaire a été passé par entrevue auprès de 2433 personnes de 15 ans et plus dans le cadre de l’enquête ZEPSOM (zone épidémiologique du sud-ouest de Montréal). Les déterminants de leur consommation de psychotropes ont fait l’objet d’analyses bivariées et de régression logistique multivariée. Une association bivariée significative a été observée entre la consommation de somnifères, d’anxiolytiques et d’antidépresseurs et être plus âgé, être une femme, vivre seul, avoir un niveau d’instruction et de revenu faible, de ne pas avoir occupé un emploi au cours des 12 mois précédant l’enquête et présenter un trouble mental. Une exposition élevée aux différents médicaments psychotropes (trois ou plus) a été rapportée chez 3,1 % des répondants. Toutes choses étant égales, elle augmente avec l’âge, le fait de vivre seul, ne pas avoir occupé d’emploi au cours de la dernière année et de présenter un trouble mental. Les résultats suggèrent la nécessité de considérer l’isolement social et la prévalence des troubles mentaux pour contextualiser l’exposition élevée aux médicaments psychotropes puisque la polypharmacie peut présenter des risques importants si elle ne s’inscrit pas dans la logique d’un protocole d’intervention clinique cohérent.
Une validation de la forme abrégée de l’Échelle de provisions sociales : l’ÉPS-10 items
Authors: Caron Jean
Published: December 2013

L’Échelle de provisions sociales-10 items (ÉPS-10) est une version abrégée de l’Échelle de provisions sociales (Social Provisions Scale) (Cutrona et Russell, 1987) validée en langue française sur une population québécoise (Caron, 1996) et qui permet de mesurer la disponibilité du soutien social. L’ÉPS-10 conserve cinq des six sous-échelles de l’ÉPS (l’attachement ; l’intégration sociale ; la confirmation de sa valeur ; l’aide matérielle et l’orientation), le besoin de se sentir utile et nécessaire ayant été exclu, et ne garde que les items formulés positivement, soit deux items par dimension du soutien. L’article présente la validation de l’EPS-10 sur un échantillon représentatif de 2433 personnes provenant de la population générale du sud-ouest de Montréal. Elle a une forte validité concomitante avec l’Échelle originelle de 24 items (ÉPS). Tous ces items sont fortement corrélés au score total et sa consistance interne est excellente. Des analyses de corrélation entre les sous-échelles et le score global et une analyse factorielle indiquent que l’ÉPS-10 conserve sa validité de construit. L’ÉPS-10 explique 14,1 % de la variance de la détresse psychologique et 25,4 % de la variance de la qualité de vie et conserve un pouvoir prédictif équivalent à l’ÉPS à 24 items. L’ensemble des analyses suggère que l’ÉPS-10 est un instrument fiable et valide pour mesurer la disponibilité du soutien social avec un temps d’administration réduit de moitié. Il s’avère un excellent choix pour les enquêtes épidémiologiques.
A Note on Mutual Savings and Loan Societies in Nineteenth-Century Ireland
Authors: McLaughlin Eoin
Published: December 2013

Mutual savings and loan societies played an important role in social and economic life in nineteenth-century Ireland yet, to date, they have been overlooked by economic historians of the island. This article addresses this lacuna by providing an overview of the history of Friendly Society Loan Funds (FSLFs) and Building Societies. It finds that there were a variety of savings strategies in urban Ireland and concludes that the economic function of these mutual institutions sheds light on other aspects of Irish history, such as Loan Fund Societies (LFSs), savings banks and cooperative banks.
Teaching Innovative Thinking and Consumer-Oriented Design to Engineering Students: Perspectives Based on Observations and Experience
Authors: Shekar A.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents some observations made during the teaching of the design process to undergraduate engineering students. It discusses the challenges of teaching engineering students to be more consumer-oriented in their design projects. It emphasises the importance of understanding a design problem fully and of appreciating the motivation behind the development of a product. In addition good design requires a thorough knowledge of both the context and user needs.
A Note on the Shear Formula
Authors: Ecsedi Istvà , Baksa Attila
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a non-homogeneous, isotropic, linearly elastic bar of uniform cross-section is considered. The bar is subjected to bending and shear. The modulus of elasticity of the bar is independent of the axial coordinate. A generalization of the classic Jourawski shear formula is presented for bars of non-homogeneous cross-section. The shear formula derived is valid for arbitrary directions of the applied shear force. Three examples illustrate the application of the generalized Jourawski shear formula.
Ribosome profiling reveals pervasive and regulated stop codon readthrough in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dunn Joshua G , Foo Catherine K , Belletier Nicolette G , Gavis Elizabeth R , Weissman Jonathan S
Published: December 2013

Ribosomes can read through stop codons in a regulated manner, elongating rather than terminating the nascent peptide. Stop codon readthrough is essential to diverse viruses, and phylogenetically predicted to occur in a few hundred genes in Drosophila melanogaster, but the importance of regulated readthrough in eukaryotes remains largely unexplored. Here, we present a ribosome profiling assay (deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments) for Drosophila melanogaster, and provide the first genome-wide experimental analysis of readthrough. Readthrough is far more pervasive than expected: the vast majority of readthrough events evolved within D. melanogaster and were not predicted phylogenetically. The resulting C-terminal protein extensions show evidence of selection, contain functional subcellular localization signals, and their readthrough is regulated, arguing for their importance. We further demonstrate that readthrough occurs in yeast and humans. Readthrough thus provides general mechanisms both to regulate gene expression and function, and to add plasticity to the proteome during evolution.