bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Propagation of Rotating Stall in a Single- and a Multi-Stage Axial Compressor
Authors: Saxer-Felici H. M. , Saxer A. P. , Ginter F. , Inderbitzin A. , Gyarmathy G.
Published: December 2014

The structure and propagation of rotating stall cells in a single- and a two-stage subsonic axial compressor is addressed in this paper using computational and experimental analysis. Unsteady solutions of the 2-D inviscid compressible (Euler) equations of motion are presented for one operating point in the fully-developed rotating stall regime for both a single- and a two-stage compressor. The inviscid assumption is verified by comparing the single-stage 2-D in viscid/compressible solution with an equivalent 2-D viscous (Navier-Stokes) result for incompressible flow. The structure of the rotating stall cell is analyzed and compared for the single- and two-stage cases. The numerical solutions are validated against experimental data consisting of flow visualization and unsteady row-by-row static pressure measurements obtained in a four-stage water model of a subsonic compressor.

The CFD solutions supply a link between the observed experimental features and provide additional information on the structure of the stall flow. Based on this study. supporting assumptions regarding the driving mechanisms for the propagation of fully-developed rotating stall cells and their structure are postulated. In methodical respect the results suggest that the inviscid model is able to reproduce the essentials of the flow physics associated with the propagation of fully-developed, full-span rotating stall in a subsonic axial compressor.
Do Formulation Differences between the Reference Listed Drug and Generic Piperacillin-Tazobactam Impact Reconstitution?
Authors: Zheng HaiAn , Truong James , Carroll Fred , Pai Manjunath P.
Published: December 2014

Pharmaceutical differences between the reference listed drug (RLD) and generic formulations of piperacillin-tazobactam may impact the reconstitution process for intravenous administration. This study evaluated the RLD against three generic formulations and measured their reconstitution times using a standardized process. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) reconstitution time for one generic formulation was 5.57 (1.49) min, which was 35% to 42% longer (
P
< 0.002) than that for the RLD and two other formulations. Observable microscopic differences in powder particle morphology may explain these findings.
Cyclic Di-GMP Riboswitch-Regulated Type IV Pili Contribute to Aggregation of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Bordeleau Eric , Purcell Erin B. , Lafontaine Daniel A. , Fortier Louis-Charles , Tamayo Rita , Burrus Vincent
Published: December 2014

Clostridium difficile
is an anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium that causes intestinal infections with symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to fulminant colitis. Cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger that typically regulates the switch from motile, free-living to sessile and multicellular behaviors in Gram-negative bacteria. Increased intracellular c-di-GMP concentration in
C. difficile
was recently shown to reduce flagellar motility and to increase cell aggregation. In this work, we investigated the role of the primary type IV pilus (T4P) locus in c-di-GMP-dependent cell aggregation. Inactivation of two T4P genes,
pilA1
(CD3513) and
pilB1
(CD3512), abolished pilus formation and significantly reduced cell aggregation under high c-di-GMP conditions.
pilA1
is preceded by a putative c-di-GMP riboswitch, predicted to be transcriptionally active upon c-di-GMP binding. Consistent with our prediction, high intracellular c-di-GMP concentration increased transcript levels of T4P genes. In addition, single-round
in vitro
transcription assays confirmed that transcription downstream of the predicted transcription terminator was dose dependent and specific to c-di-GMP binding to the riboswitch aptamer. These results support a model in which T4P gene transcription is upregulated by c-di-GMP as a result of its binding to an upstream transcriptionally activating riboswitch, promoting cell aggregation in
C. difficile
.
Identification of a Second Two-Component Signal Transduction System That Controls Fosfomycin Tolerance and Glycerol-3-Phosphate Uptake
Authors: Kurabayashi Kumiko , Hirakawa Yuko , Tanimoto Koichi , Tomita Haruyoshi , Hirakawa Hidetada
Published: December 2014

Particular interest in fosfomycin has resurfaced because it is a highly beneficial antibiotic for the treatment of refractory infectious diseases caused by pathogens that are resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. The biological cost to cells of resistance to fosfomycin because of chromosomal mutation is high. We previously found that a bacterial two-component system, CpxAR, induces fosfomycin tolerance in enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) O157:H7. This mechanism does not rely on irreversible genetic modification and allows EHEC to relieve the fitness burden that results from fosfomycin resistance in the absence of fosfomycin. Here we show that another two-component system, TorSRT, which was originally characterized as a regulatory system for anaerobic respiration utilizing trimethylamine-
N
-oxide (TMAO), also induces fosfomycin tolerance. Activation of the Tor regulatory pathway by overexpression of
torR
, which encodes the response regulator, or addition of TMAO increased fosfomycin tolerance in EHEC. We also show that phosphorylated TorR directly represses the expression of
glpT
, a gene that encodes a symporter of fosfomycin and glycerol-3-phosphate, and activation of the TorR protein results in the reduced uptake of fosfomycin by cells. However, cells in which the Tor pathway was activated had an impaired growth phenotype when cultured with glycerol-3-phosphate as a carbon substrate. These observations suggest that the TorSRT pathway is the second two-component system to reversibly control fosfomycin tolerance and glycerol-3-phosphate uptake in EHEC, and this may be beneficial for bacteria by alleviating the biological cost. We expect that this mechanism could be a potential target to enhance the utility of fosfomycin as chemotherapy against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Styrofoam-and-Velcro: An Alternative to Ball-and-Stick Models
Authors: Masonjones Sawyer R. , Masonjones Heather D. , Malone Megan C. , Williams Ann H. , Beemer Margaret M. , Waggett Rebecca J.
Published: December 2014

For students learning biology at introductory levels, one of the most significant instructional barriers is their lack of preparation in chemistry. In upper-division college chemistry and biology courses, students employ ball-and-stick models in order to visualize molecular structures, but at the introductory biology level, models are inconsistently used and at the secondary level they are avoided altogether. Traditional ball-and-stick models perform poorly at all levels because they only show bonds, never valence electrons. This poses a problem for students who are visual or kinesthetic learners, as modeling electrons in the bonding process may be critical to understanding the mechanisms behind the biochemical reactions that serve as a foundation for biological concepts. Our molecular modeling kits show the action of valence electrons and correctly deal with the issue of polarity and partial charge, while still illustrating structure and function similarly to ball-and-stick models, allowing students to model nearly every reaction or molecule they may need to learn. Additionally, this kit will foster model building exercises required as part of the Next Generation Science Standards (
http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards
). This model was devloped in conjunction with 'Molecular Twister: A Game for Exploring Solution Chemistry' (JMBE Vol 15, No 1;
http://jmbe.asm.org/index.php/jmbe/article/view/652
) by the same authors, which uses principles derived from the present paper.
The Development and Implementation of an Instrument to Assess Students’ Data Analysis Skills in Molecular Biology
Authors: Rybarczyk Brian J. , Walton Kristen L.W. , Grillo Wendy Heck
Published: December 2014

Developing visual literacy skills is an important component of scientific literacy in undergraduate science education. Comprehension, analysis, and interpretation are parts of visual literacy that describe related data analysis skills important for learning in the biological sciences. The Molecular Biology Data Analysis Test (MBDAT) was developed to measure students’ data analysis skills connected with scientific reasoning when analyzing and interpreting scientific data generated from experimental research. The skills analyzed included basic skills, such as identification of patterns and trends in data and connecting a method that generated the data, and advanced skills, such as distinguishing positive and negative controls, synthesizing conclusions, determining if data supports a hypothesis, and predicting alternative or next-step experiments. Construct and content validity were established and calculated statistical parameters demonstrate that the MBDAT is valid and reliable for measuring students’ data analysis skills in molecular and cell biology contexts. The instrument also measures students’ perceived confidence in their data interpretation abilities. As scientific research continues to evolve in complexity, interpretation of scientific information in visual formats will continue to be an important component of scientific literacy. Thus science education will need to support and assess students’ development of these skills as part of students’ scientific training.
Positioning Genomics in Biology Education: Content Mapping of Undergraduate Biology Textbooks
Authors: Wernick Naomi L. B. , Ndung’u Eric , Haughton Dominique , Ledley Fred D.
Published: December 2014

Biological thought increasingly recognizes the centrality of the genome in constituting and regulating processes ranging from cellular systems to ecology and evolution. In this paper, we ask whether genomics is similarly positioned as a core concept in the instructional sequence for undergraduate biology. Using quantitative methods, we analyzed the order in which core biological concepts were introduced in textbooks for first-year general and human biology. Statistical analysis was performed using self-organizing map algorithms and conventional methods to identify clusters of terms and their relative position in the books. General biology textbooks for both majors and nonmajors introduced genome-related content after text related to cell biology and biological chemistry, but before content describing higher-order biological processes. However, human biology textbooks most often introduced genomic content near the end of the books. These results suggest that genomics is not yet positioned as a core concept in commonly used textbooks for first-year biology and raises questions about whether such textbooks, or courses based on the outline of these textbooks, provide an appropriate foundation for understanding contemporary biological science.
Experiential Posters: Theatrical and Improvisational Tools Aid in Science Museum Outreach
Authors: Segarra Verónica A. , Birnbaum Michael , Ortíz-Rosado Alexandria , López-Rodríguez Darlah , Varona Victoria , Zha Ji , Fiedler Shashana , Azaizeh Wesam , Autore Herman
Published: December 2014

We frequently use diagrams or animations to reveal to others biological phenomena that are both invisible to the naked eye and difficult to conceptualize. But these didactic tools fall short in that they generally do not provide feedback or interaction with the user, nor adapt easily to the user’s needs and abilities. Adaptability to the user’s educational level and needs is critical to catalyze effective learning, especially when the new content is highly complex in nature. The need for adaptability is key in museum learning environments, where the student audience is very diverse in age and academic training. We are rethinking the way we go about representing biological processes to general audiences, particularly highly complex topics such as those found in neuroscience. We have experimented with the concept of using (what we are calling) “experiential posters” in the context of museum educational experiences to represent processes in neuroscience in a way that is more accessible to the general public. An experiential poster is an installation that uses props and staging to provide the user or learner an opportunity to “act out” the sequence of events and the flow of materials in a biological process of interest. We describe the use of an “experiential poster” to meet specific learning objectives. We also discuss the potential for its use in service learning and science outreach education.
Ethical Dilemmas in the Biology Undergraduate Classroom: Role-Playing Congressional Testimony
Authors: Wiles Amy M.
Published: December 2014

Students often struggle with weighing multiple sides of bioethical dilemmas. The assignment described here incorporates discussion of ethical dilemmas in an upper-level undergraduate biology course. Students are introduced to ethical dilemmas in genetics through discussion of issues in small groups. They are then polled as to what positions they take on each dilemma and are assigned to argue a side opposite of one of their choices. Each student receives a subpoena to appear before a Senate subcommittee to give testimony as an expert witness. This role-play provides students with a starting point and motivation for developing their argument as well as a way to distance themselves from their own opinions by acting as someone holding the opposite stance. At the end of the presentations, students are required to reflect on the experience.
Using a Popular Science Nonfiction Book to Introduce Biomedical Research Ethics in a Biology Majors Course
Authors: Walton Kristen L. W.
Published: December 2014

Although bioethics is an important topic in modern society, it is not a required part of the curriculum for many biology degree programs in the United States. Students in our program are exposed to biologically relevant ethical issues informally in many classes, but we do not have a requirement for a separate bioethics course.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
is a recent nonfiction book that describes the life of the woman whose cervical cancer biopsy gave rise to the HeLa cell line, as well as discussing relevant medical, societal, and ethical issues surrounding human tissue use for research. Weekly reading assignments from the book with discussion questions and a final paper were used to engage students in learning about the ethics of human subjects and human tissues research. Students were surveyed for qualitative feedback on the usefulness of including this book as part of the course. This book has been a successful platform for increasing student knowledge and interest in ethics related to biomedical and biological research.
Introducing Ethics in Your Instruction Using a TED Talks PlaylistReview of:	Selected TED talks focused on ethics, http://www.ted.com/.
Authors: Fragasso Mariagiovanna , Capozzi Vittorio
Published: December 2014

Review of:
Selected TED talks focused on ethics,
http://www.ted.com/
.
Getting to Know Your Microbiota in Health and DiseaseReview of:	The Human Microbiota: How Microbial Communities Affect Health and Disease;	FredricksDavid N. (ed.); (	2013).	John Wiley and Sons,	Hoboken, NJ.	362 pages.
Authors: Jandu Narveen
Published: December 2014

Review of:
The Human Microbiota: How Microbial Communities Affect Health and Disease;
David N. Fredricks (ed.); (2013). John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ. 362 pages.
Introductory Text Answers the Question “Why Does Scientific Ethics Matter?”Review of:	Ethics and Science: An Introduction;	BriggleAdamMitchamCarl; (	2012).	Cambridge University Press,	Cambridge, UK.	392 pages.
Authors: Stadtländer Christian T. K.-H.
Published: December 2014

Review of:
Ethics and Science: An Introduction;
Adam Briggle and Carl Mitcham; (2012). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 392 pages.
Introducing Undergraduates to Global Health Epidemiology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Parasitology: A Small Book with a Big ImpactReview of:	Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases: The Neglected Tropical Diseases and their Impact on Global Health and Development,	2nd Edition;	HotezPeter J.; (	2013).	ASM Press,	Washington, DC.	255 pages.
Authors: Wegman-Geedey Dara L.
Published: December 2014

Review of:
Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases: The Neglected Tropical Diseases and their Impact on Global Health and Development,
2nd Edition; Peter J. Hotez; (2013). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 255 pages.
Online Resources for Introducing Bioethics through Case-Studies and Active LearningComparative review of:	Bioethics 101https://www.nwabr.org/sites/default/files/NWABR_Bioethics_101_5.13.pdf and	Exploring Bioethicshttps://www.nwabr.org/teacher-center/bioethics-101#overview.
Authors: Kiely Joan K.
Published: December 2014

Comparative review of:
Bioethics 101
https://www.nwabr.org/sites/default/files/NWABR_Bioethics_101_5.13.pdf
and
Exploring Bioethics
https://www.nwabr.org/teacher-center/bioethics-101#overview
.
Ethical Values and Biological Diversity: A Preliminary Assessment Approach
Authors: Cohen Joel I.
Published: December 2014

There have been five major extinction events over geological time. However, the current rate of extinction or reduction of species and their habitats is directly related to anthropomorphic causes. For seventh grade students, biodiversity and its ethical considerations were introduced in a life sciences curriculum, following lessons on evolution, natural selection, and decent from common ancestry. This paper takes a preliminary look at the approach used in this unit, the ethical survey developed, and improvements to be made in subsequent years.
Smart Teaching Matters! Applying the Research on Learning to Teaching RCR
Authors: Nebeker Camille
Published: December 2014

Requirements for educating the next generation of scientists in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) were published approximately 25 years ago. Over the years, an extensive collection of research ethics educational resources have been developed, most of which are available to the scientific community. We can use these resources to effect change in student learning about responsible and ethical research practices; however, research on RCR educational effectiveness reveals mixed results. Rather than assume ethics education is ineffective, perhaps we should examine whether we are making the best use of these training tools and resources when teaching RCR. Connecting the body of knowledge on how people learn with how we teach research ethics may be a solution to improving student-learning outcomes associated with research ethics education. This essay provides a brief review of the research on human learning and introduces practical tips for connecting evidence-based principles to RCR teaching. Next steps involve RCR educators planning empirical research to support the application of research-informed practices to teaching research ethics.
Integration of Ethics across the Curriculum: From First Year through Senior Seminar
Authors: Gasparich Gail E. , Wimmers Larry
Published: December 2014

The Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (FCSM) at Towson University (TU) has integrated authentic research experiences throughout the curriculum from first year STEM courses through advanced upper-level classes and independent research. Our observation is that training in both responsible conduct of research (RCR) and bioethics throughout the curriculum was an effective strategy to advance the cognitive and psychosocial development of the students. As students enter TU they generally lack the experience and tools to assess their own competence, to apply ethical debates, to investigate scientific topics from an ethical perspective, or to integrate ethics into final conclusions. Student behavior and development follow cognitive models such as described in the theories put forth by Piaget, Kohlberg, and Erikson, both for initial learning and for how concepts are understood and adopted. Three examples of this ethics training integration are described, including a cohort-based course for first year students in the STEM Residential Learning Community, a cohort-based course for community college students that are involved in an NIH-funded Bridges to the Baccalaureate program, and a senior seminar in Bioethics in the Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics Program. All three focus on different aspects of RCR and bioethics training, providing opportunities for students to learn about the principles of effective decision-making, critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication with increasing degrees of complexity as they move through the curriculum.
Rethinking the Meaning of Ethics in RCR Education
Authors: Devereaux Mary L.
Published: December 2014

Training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is meant to ensure that federally funded scientists have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to conduct science in line with agreed upon scientific norms and ethical principles. At its institutional best, RCR education begins early, with reinforcement in subsequent stages of career development. Studies suggest, however, that scientists perceive the push to think about ethical matters negatively, narrowly equating ethics with burdensome oversight and regulation, or with controversies in a few highly charged areas. For their part, RCR instructors contribute to this narrow conception of ethics education by placing disproportionate emphasis on the misconduct of the few and its career-destroying consequences. The result is an ethics that is both individualistic and uncritical, an ethics incapable of explaining the threat to scientific integrity posed by a rigidly hierarchical distribution of power, severe competition for funding, a “winner takes all” credit system, and many other features of ordinary science. What is needed is a broader, richer conception of ethics, one that focuses not only on individual instances of misconduct, but also on the growing gap between the normative ideals of science and its institutional reward systems.
A Proposal for Considering Research Integrity from the Perspective of Behavioral Economics
Authors: Anderson Melissa S. , Adam Jamal A.
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes that theory and findings from behavioral economics may shed light on research integrity and misconduct. It suggests ways in which strategies based on behavioral theory and research might be used by principal investigators to support research integrity among their research teams.
Introductory Comments for the Scientific Ethics Theme
Authors: Fischer Beth A. , Grinnell Frederick , Zigmond Michael J.
Published: December 2014

In this letter, the three Guest Editors for
JMBE's
first-ever themed section introduce the topic of scientific ethics and decribe the organization of essays within the special section.
Effect of rapid HIV testing on HIV incidence and services in populations at high risk for HIV exposure: an equity-focused systematic review
Authors: Pottie Kevin , Medu Olanrewaju , Welch Vivian , Dahal Govinda P , Tyndall Mark , Rader Tamara , Wells George
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the effects of rapid voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV on HIV incidence and uptake of HIV/AIDS services in people at high risk for HIV exposure.

Design

Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, AIDSearch, LILACS, Global Health, Medline Africa, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group Specialized Register and grey literature from 1 January 2001 to 5 June 2014 without language restriction.

Data selection

We included controlled studies that compared rapid VCT with conventional testing among people at risk for HIV exposure.

Data extraction

Two reviewers extracted data. We used Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE criteria: risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision and publication bias. For observational studies we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used the PRISMA-Equity reporting guideline.

Results

From 2441 articles, we included 8 randomised controlled trials and 5 observational studies. Rapid VCT was associated with a threefold increase in HIV-testing uptake (relative risk (RR)=2.95 95% CI 1.69 to 5.16) and a twofold increase in the receipt of test results (RR=2.14, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.24). Women accepted testing more often than men in rapid VCT arm, but no differences in effect for age or socioeconomic status. Observational studies also showed rapid VCT led to higher rates of uptake of testing. Heterogeneity was high. A cluster-randomised trial reported an 11% reduction in HIV incidence in intervention communities (RR=0.89, 95% CI=0.63 to 1.24) over 3 years trial.

Conclusions

Rapid VCT in health facilities and communities was associated with a large increase in HIV-testing uptake and receipt of results. This has implications for WHO guidelines. The routine use of rapid VCT may also help avoid human rights violations among marginalised populations where testing may occur without informed consent and where existing stigma may create barriers to testing.
Surgical advances during the First World War: the birth of modern orthopaedics
Authors: Ramasamy Arul , Eardley W G P , Edwards D S , Clasper J C , Stewart M P M
Published: December 2014

The First World War (1914–1918) was the first truly industrial conflict in human history. Never before had rifle fire and artillery barrage been employed on a global scale. It was a conflict that over 4 years would leave over 750 000 British troops dead with a further 1.6 million injured, the majority with orthopaedic injuries. Against this backdrop, the skills of the orthopaedic surgeon were brought to the fore. Many of those techniques and systems form the foundation of modern orthopaedic trauma management. On the centenary of ‘the War to end all Wars’, we review the significant advances in wound management, fracture treatment, nerve injury and rehabilitation that were developed during that conflict.
Modeling the Material Allocation System for TFT-LCD Module Factories Based on Make-to-Stock Production
Authors: Lin Chun-Cheng , Kang Jia-Rong , Chung Shu-Hsing
Published: December 2014

The thin flim transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) module factories are in charge of the last process of the TFT-LCD supply chain, i.e., assembling LCD panels (produced from the former process in the supply chain) as well as electronic components into TFT-LCD panels or the finished products using TFT-LCD panels. Since the variation of machine processes and production techniques at the former process of the supply chain results in a variety of qualities of LCD panels, the finished products assembled with those LCD panels of different qualities are also of different qualities, according to which they are classified into different grades. This paper models the material allocation system for a TFT-LCD module factory based on the make-to-stock (MTS) production, in which one of the main designs is to allow the flexibility that the finished products of higher grades are able to be downgraded to respond to the drastic variation of customer requirements for each grade of finished products. The system is modelled in detail by an integer programming approach that takes into account not only downgraded products but also the customer requirements for the quality qualification rate and the lower bound of non-dot-defect rate of products, to maximize the total profit of the product portfolio. The model is evaluated by conducting an experimental study for a numerical example, which turns out that the proposed system looks promising as it determines a feasible product portfolio that decreases both the inventory of LCD panels and the volume of unqualified products while maintaining a high profit.
DEVELOPING A STANDARDISED APPROACH TO MEASURING THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF ANTARCTIC RESEARCH STATIONS
Authors: BROOKS SHAUN T.
Published: December 2014

Within the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, momentum has been building to define and manage the human footprint of research stations in Antarctica. This has been reflected by national operators and researchers offering varied approaches to measuring "footprint". By not having a standard method, comparative measurements have shown great disparity. By formulating a standard approach, this study delivered a method that enables comparison. To achieve this, recognition was needed of the vastly different environments in which Antarctic stations are situated. To aid this, defining what to measure, resources consumed, and location descriptors were developed to represent the actual impact of the footprint. The model was then tested on Australia's Davis Station. Inspection of aerial photography and mapping with geographical information systems was supported by field measurements. The model was found to be applicable, with on-the-ground measurements detecting additional footprint area not obvious from the desktop methods. While open to refinement, this study offers a standardised and comparable approach to measuring the footprint of Antarctic research stations.
Low-Temperature Preparation of a Carbon Nanotube–ZnO Hybrid on Glass Substrate for Field Emission Applications
Authors: Tabatabaei M. K. , Fard H. Ghafoori , Koohsorkhi J.
Published: December 2014

A new method for preparation of a carbon nanotube (CNT)–zinc oxide hybrid on a glass substrate at low temperature is introduced and the stability improvement of field emission of CNTs is reported. The emission current stability and substrate material are the two main commercial parameters for field emission applications of CNTs. The two alternative current (AC) and direct current (DC) plasma enhancement chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is used to achieve low-temperature growth of vertically aligned CNTs and the hydrothermal processing is used for production of zinc oxide nanowires to improve the emission current stability and properties. The nanoscale junction between a semiconductor and conductive material are critical for electronic applications. The present study examined the field emission properties of CNTs near the crystalline structure of the zinc oxide hybrids and showed the improvement in the field enhancement factor and emission current stability of CNT– ZnO hybrid than the CNT emitters.
On the lcm-analog of binomial coefficient
Authors: Hong Siao , Qian Guoyou
Published: December 2014

Let n ≥ 1 and k ≥ 0 be integers with n ≥ k. Let C(n, k) denote the binomial coefficient indexed by n and k, i.e. [Formula: see text]. Define the lcm-analog of binomial coefficient by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that L(n, n-k) divides L(n, k) if [Formula: see text], and give some couples (n, k) satisfying that L(n, k) = L(n, n-k). Subsequently, we give a sufficient condition such that L(n, k) divides L(n + 1, k). Finally, we provide a new proof for the known fact that L(n, k) divides C(n, k), and present many couples (n, k) such that L(n, k) = C(n, k).
Associate elements in ADLs
Authors: Venkateswarlu B. , Vasu Babu R.
Published: December 2014

The concept of an Almost Distributive Lattice (ADL) is an abstraction of several lattice theoretic and ring theoretic generalizations of Boolean algebras and Boolean rings. In this paper, we introduce notion of associate elements in an ADL A and mainly prove that the associativity relation is the smallest congruence relation on A with respect to which the quotient of A is a distributive lattice.
Locally ample semigroup algebras
Authors: Guo Xiaojiang , Shum K. P.
Published: December 2014

An idempotent-connected abundant semigroup S is a locally ample semigroup if for any idempotent e of S, the local submonoid eSe of S is an ample subsemigroup of S. Clearly, an ample semigroup is a locally ample semigroup. In this paper, it is proved that the semigroup algebra of a finite locally ample semigroup is isomorphic to the semigroup algebra of an associate primitive abundant semigroup. As an application of this result, we characterize Jacobson radicals of finite locally ample semigroup algebras.
An Analytical Framework for Understanding Knowledge-Sharing Processes in Online Q&A Communities
Authors: Wang G. Alan , Wang Harry Jiannan , Li Jiexun , Abrahams Alan S. , Fan Weiguo
Published: December 2014

Online communities have become popular knowledge sources for both individuals and organizations. Computer-mediated communication research shows that communication patterns play an important role in the collaborative efforts of online knowledge-sharing activities. Existing research is mainly focused on either user egocentric positions in communication networks or communication patterns at the community level. Very few studies examine thread-level communication and process patterns and their impacts on the effectiveness of knowledge sharing. In this study, we fill this research gap by proposing an innovative analytical framework for understanding thread-level knowledge sharing in online Q&A communities based on dialogue act theory, network analysis, and process mining. More specifically, we assign a dialogue act tag for each post in a discussion thread to capture its conversation purpose and then apply graph and process mining algorithms to examine knowledge-sharing processes. Our results, which are based on a real support forum dataset, show that the proposed analytical framework is effective in identifying important communication, conversation, and process patterns that lead to helpful knowledge sharing in online Q&A communities.
Snap & Play
Authors: Liu Si , Chen Qiang , Yan Shuicheng , Xu Changsheng , Lu Hanqing
Published: December 2014

In this article, by taking a popular game, the Find-the-Difference (FiDi) game, as a concrete example, we explore how state-of-the-art image processing techniques can assist in developing a personalized, automatic, and dynamic game. Unlike the traditional FiDi game, where image pairs (source image and target image) with five different patches are manually produced by professional game developers, the proposed Personalized FiDi (P-FiDi) electronic game can be played in a fully automatic Snap & Play mode.
Snap
means that players first take photos with their digital cameras. The newly captured photos are used as source images and fed into the P-FiDi system to autogenerate the counterpart target images for users to
play
. Four steps are adopted to autogenerate target images: enhancing the visual quality of source images, extracting some changeable patches from the source image, selecting the most suitable combination of changeable patches and difference styles for the image, and generating the differences on the target image with state-of-the-art image processing techniques. In addition, the P-FiDi game can be easily redesigned for the im-game advertising. Extensive experiments show that the P-FiDi electronic game is satisfying in terms of player experience, seamless advertisement, and technical feasibility.
Measuring Change-Readiness of Classes by Mining Change-History
Authors: Parashar Anshu , Chhabra Jitender Kumar
Published: December 2014

The change-history of a software system records how the system evolved over time. The change-history can tell which components (classes) are changed together, i.e. are change-coupled. In this paper, we propose two metrics for quantifying change-coupling among classes on the basis of their change-history and then propose another measure to compute a change-readiness index of the classes. The change-readiness of a class is measured as how much the class is ready to change. In this paper, we define change-history-based metrics, demonstrate computation of these measures by example and validate them theoretically. The SVNSearch subversion web-based utility has been used to mine the change logs of the EGit project of Eclipse. Further, change-readiness is computed for the classes of EGit and our findings are discussed. It has been found that the metrics based on change-history can be helpful to predict the future change behavior of the classes.
On the Benefits of Using Constant Visual Angle Glyphs in Interactive Exploration of 3D Scatterplots
Authors: Stenholt Rasmus
Published: December 2014

Visual exploration of clouds of data points is an important application of virtual environments. The common goal of this activity is to use the strengths of human perception to identify interesting structures in data, which are often not detected using traditional, computational analysis methods. In this article, we seek to identify some of the parameters that affect how well structures in visualized data clouds can be identified by a human observer. Two of the primary factors tested are the volumetric densities of the visualized structures and the presence/absence of clutter around the displayed structures. Furthermore, we introduce a new approach to glyph visualization—constant visual angle (CVA) glyphs—which has the potential to mitigate the effect of clutter at the cost of dispensing with the common real-world depth cue of relative size. In a controlled experiment where test subjects had to locate and select visualized structures in an immersive virtual environment, we identified several significant results. One result is that CVA glyphs ease perception of structures in cluttered environments while not deteriorating it when clutter is absent. Another is the existence of threshold densities, above which perception of structures becomes easier and more precise.
We are out of balance
Authors: Spafford Gene
Published: December 2014

This paper is a republication of an original blog post by Gene Spafford with a title of the same name. It includes comments on the general lack of women in the computing subfield of cybersecurity and advice for both men and women. The original blog posting can be found at https://www.cerias.purdue.edu/site/blog/post/were_out_of_balance/
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion following Dental Extraction
Authors: Oğurel Tevfik , Onaran Zafer , Oğurel Reyhan , Örnek Nurgül , Büyüktortop Gökçınar Nesrin , Örnek Kemal
Published: December 2014

Aim. To describe a case of branch retinal artery occlusion following dental extraction and to point out the ophthalmic complications of dental procedures to ophthalmologists and dentists.Case. A 51-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with painless sudden visual loss in her left eye after tooth extraction two days ago. In her left eye the best corrected visual acuity was 6/30 and fundus examination revealed peripapillary flame-shaped hemorrhages and pale retina in the upper temporal arcuate. The right eye examination was unremarkable.Conclusion. Dental procedures can lead to miscellaneous ophthalmic complications possibly due to the close proximity of the anatomic structures. Retinal arterial occlusion is a rare but serious cause of permanent visual loss among these dental procedures where the exact pathologic mechanism is still obscure.
Coordinate Descent Based Hierarchical Interactive Lasso Penalized Logistic Regression and Its Application to Classification Problems
Authors: Wang Jin-Jia , Lu Yang
Published: December 2014

We present the hierarchical interactive lasso penalized logistic regression using the coordinate descent algorithm based on the hierarchy theory and variables interactions. We define the interaction model based on the geometric algebra and hierarchical constraint conditions and then use the coordinate descent algorithm to solve for the coefficients of the hierarchical interactive lasso model. We provide the results of some experiments based on UCI datasets, Madelon datasets from NIPS2003, and daily activities of the elder. The experimental results show that the variable interactions and hierarchy contribute significantly to the classification. The hierarchical interactive lasso has the advantages of the lasso and interactive lasso.
Nanoemulsion Based Hydrogel for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Ketoprofen
Authors: Arora Ritika , Aggarwal Geeta , Harikumar S. L. , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the nanoemulgel as transdermal delivery system for poorly water soluble drug, ketoprofen, in order to overcome the troubles associated with its oral delivery. Different nanoemulsion components (oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant) were selected on the basis of solubility and emulsification ability. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed using titration method to figure out the concentration range of components. Carbomer 940 was added as gel matrix to convert nanoemulsion into nanoemulgel. Drug loaded nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels were characterized for particle size, TEM, viscosity, conductivity, spreadability, rheological behavior, and permeation studies using Wistar rat skin and stability studies. Transdermal permeation of ketoprofen from nanoemulgels was determined by using Franz diffusion cell. Nanoemulgel containing 6% oleic acid as oil, 35% Tween 80, and Transcutol P as surfactant cosurfactant mixture, 56.5% water, 2.5% drug, and 0.6% carbomer was concluded as optimized formulation (NG6). The ex vivo permeation profile of optimized formulation was compared with nanoemulsion and marketed formulation (Fastum). Nanoemulgel showed significantly higher (P<0.05) cumulative amount of drug permeated and flux along with lower lag time and skin retention than marketed formulation. Thus, the study substantiated that nanoemulgel formulation can be used as a feasible alternative to conventional formulations of ketoprofen with advanced permeation characteristics for transdermal application.
Towards the Equation of State for Neutral (C2H4), Polar (H2O), and Ionic ([bmim][BF4], [bmim][PF6], [pmmim][Tf2N]) Liquids
Authors: Rogankov Vitaly B. , Levchenko Valeriy I.
Published: December 2014

Despite considerable effort of experimentalists no reliable vapor-liquid coexistence at very small pressures and liquid-solid coexistence at high pressures have been until now observed in the working range of temperature 290<T/K<350 for ionic liquids. The measurements of high-pressure properties in low-temperature stable liquid are relatively scarce while the strong influence of their consistency on the phase equilibrium prediction is obvious. In this work we discuss the applicability of fluctuational-thermodynamic methodology and respective equation of state to correlate the properties of any (neutral, polar, ionic) liquids since our ultimate goal is the simple reference predictive model to describe vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid, and liquid-solid equilibria of mixtures containing above components. It is shown that the inconsistencies among existing volumetric measurements and the strong dependence of the mechanical and, especially, caloric derived properties on the shape of the functions chosen to fit the experimental data can be resolved in the framework of fluctuational-thermodynamic equation of state. To illustrate its results the comparison with the known experimental data for [bmim][BF4] and [bmim][PF6] as well as with the lattice-fluid equation of state and the methodology of thermodynamic integration is represented. It corroborates the thermodynamic consistency of predictions and excellent correlation of derived properties over the wide range of pressures 0<P/MPa<200.
A New Method for Inextensible Flows of Timelike Curves in Minkowski Space-Time E14
Authors: Körpinar Talat
Published: December 2014

We construct a new method for inextensible flows of timelike curves in Minkowski space-time E14. Using the Frenet frame of the given curve, we present partial differential equations. We give some characterizations for curvatures of a timelike curve in Minkowski space-time E14.
The Association between Early Artificial Amniotomy and Chorioamnionitis in Nulliparous Induction of Labor
Authors: Cooney Laura G. , Bastek Jamie A.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. To investigate whether early artificial amniotomy (AROM) <4 cm in nulliparous women admitted for induction of labor was associated with an increased rate of chorioamnionitis and cesarean section or a decreased time to vaginal delivery. Study Design. A retrospective cohort study was performed on nulliparous women with a term, singleton gestation and intact membranes who presented for induction of labor (January 2008 to December 2011). Chorioamnionitis was defined using ICD9 codes. Results. 1,567 women were enrolled; 25.4% underwent early AROM. Overall, the prevalence of chorioamnionitis was 12.4%, the rate of cesarean section was 32.2%, and the time from 4 cm cervical dilation to vaginal delivery was 413 min. Compared to women without AROM < 4 cm, early AROM did not affect overall chorioamnionitis rates (10.2 versus 13.2%, P=0.12) but was associated with an increased cesarean section rate (40.2 versus 29.5%, P<0.001). However, among those who delivered vaginally, AROM < 4 cm decreased the rate of chorioamnionitis (8.4 versus 14.6%, P=0.01), which persisted when controlling for potential confounders (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.92), and decreased the time from 4 cm dilation to vaginal delivery (329 versus 472 min, P<0.001). Conclusions. Our findings do not suggest that early AROM is associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis.
Functional Assessment Based Parent Intervention in Reducing Children’s Challenging Behaviors: Exploratory Study of Group Training
Authors: Fettig Angel , Ostrosky Michaelene M.
Published: December 2014

This study examined the effects of group parent training on children’s challenging behaviors in home settings. Eight parents of young children with challenging behaviors were trained in a large group setting on using functional assessment to design interventions that fit the strengths and needs of individual families. The training included information sharing and collaborating with parents on designing functional-assessment based interventions. An Interrupted Time Series Design was used to examine the effects of large group training by comparing parent and child behaviors prior to intervention with behaviors after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA. The results indicated that group training increased parents’ ability to implement functional assessment based strategies and these strategies resulted in a significant reduction in children’s challenging behaviors. Furthermore, parent implementation of functional assessment based strategies and children’s decreased levels of challenging behaviors were maintained after the completion of the intervention.
“Peripheral Neuropathy Crippling Bronchial Asthma”: Two Rare Case Reports of Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: Pandita Kamal Kishore , Bhat Khalid Javid , Razdan Sushil , Kudyar R. P.
Published: December 2014

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare cause of vasculitic neuropathy. Although rare and potentially fatal, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is easily diagnosable and treatable. The presence of bronchial asthma with peripheral neuropathy in a patient alerts a physician to this diagnosis. This is vividly illustrated by the presented two cases who had neuropathy associated with bronchial asthma, eosinophilia, sinusitis, and positive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) test, which improved with administration of steroids.