bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-equilibrium fluctuations in the ring of material points with gravity
Authors: Melkikh E. A. , Melkikh A. V. , Tokmantsev V. I.
Published: December 2016

As a result of numerical modeling the dependence of relative mean-square fluctuation of evaporating particles for the ring of material points interacting via gravitational forces is obtained. It is shown that this dependence is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] = 0.39–0.6 for different virial ratios. The dependence of a fraction of evaporated particles on the width of the ring and on the ratio between the average kinetic and potential energy of the particles is obtained. The dependence of mean square deviation of fraction of evaporated particles on time was investigated. It was concluded that the concept “entropy” (as well as other thermodynamical parameters) could not be correctly introduced in the systems with gravity.
Fuzzy Measures of Quality of Life: a Multidimensional and Comparative Approach
Authors: Betti Gianni
Published: December 2016

It is unanimously recognised in the literature that the concept of Quality of Life should be measured within a multidimensional framework, that is able to add to the information usually provided by indices based on economic variables. This paper proposes to adopt a new brand approach for the measurement of quality of life, which is based on the so called fuzzy set approach, and for the first time implement it in a comparative context. The empirical analysis is based on the third wave of European Quality of Life Survey, conducted in 2012 by Eurofound. The fuzzy set approach to Quality of Life measurement, results to be consistent when compared to the traditional approach defined by Eurofound; moreover, it results to also statistically robust. In conclusion, the fuzzy set approach provides quite significant added value for both data users and data analysts since it presents results which are easy to read, are concise, and it also facilitates comparison among dimensions.
Assessing the Equitable and Sustainable Well-Being of the Italian Provinces
Authors: Chelli Francesco Maria , Ciommi Mariateresa , Emili Alessandra , Gigliarano Chiara , Taralli Stefania
Published: December 2016

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the measurement of well-being of individuals and societies. Influenced by the “beyond GDP” initiative, in 2012 the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and the National Council for Economics and Labour launched the Equitable and Sustainable Well-being (BES, from the Italian acronym of “Benessere Equo e Sostenibile”) project, a set of 134 indicators aimed at capturing the Italian well-being. Lately, the debate on how to measure the well-being moved from the national level to the local one. Following this new trend, ISTAT introduced a set of 88 indicators for the local well-being (at NUTS3 level), the so called “Provinces’ BES”. Based on this project, aim of the paper is to provide an exploratory analysis for detecting groups of Italian provinces that share similar well-being profiles. In particular, we first apply a factor analysis with the aim to reduce the high number of indicators and, grounded on these results, we then create groups of the Italian provinces, applying the cluster analysis, in order to find similarity among them. Finally, based on the result of the factor analysis, for each domain and for each Italian province, we construct a composite indicator that is a linear combination of the estimated factor scores, with weights based on the Gini index of concentration.
Inequality, Asymmetry and Social Welfare, and Their Relationship with the Median-Mean Ratio
Authors: Rodrìguez Juan Gabriel , Salas Rafael
Published: December 2016

Inequality, asymmetry, and the median-mean ratio are related but different concepts, although they have been frequently treated as equivalent in the literature. In this paper, we find important connections between these three concepts under particular conditions. We show that the Atkinson family and the generalized entropy class of inequality indices are simple functions of the medianmean ratio when a distribution is symmetrizable by a power transformation. In such a case, the coefficient of asymmetry can be interpreted as the aversion inequality parameter of a social planner, and a social evaluation function à la Kolm-Atkinson is shown to be equivalent to median income. A social evaluation function that depends only on mean income and inequality of opportunity is found as a by-product. In addition, the Hannah-Kay family of concentration indices (of which the Herfindahl-Hirschman is a special case) is also obtained as a function of the median-mean ratio. We illustrate these results empirically using the CPS dataset for the U.S. (1992—2007) and the EU-SILC dataset for the European Union (2005–2007).
ENTREPRENEURIAL AND BUSINESS SKILLS AND LOAN REPAYMENT RATES OF MICROFINANCE CLIENTS IN GHANA
Authors: AGBEKO DANIEL , BLOK VINCENT , OMTA SWF , VELDE G VAN DER
Published: December 2016

Entrepreneurial and business skills are generally considered key to microbusiness success, hence to Microfinance Institution (MFI) clients’ loan repayment as well. However, empirical evidence is largely lacking, and where present, it is inconclusive on the importance of these skills for microfinance success. The present paper uses objective MFI loan repayment data to empirically test whether loan repayment rates positively correlate with self-evaluations on entrepreneurial and business skills of loan clients. A survey was conducted among 235 loan clients of uniCredit — an MFI in Ghana. We establish that MFI clients’ self-evaluation of their entrepreneurial and business skills are not related to their loan repayment rates. However, we observe that women repay their loans better than do male microbusiness entrepreneurs, and loan repayment was also better for those entrepreneurs with more than 15 years of business experience.
THE MEDIATING ROLE OF TEAM COLLABORATION BETWEEN PROCEDURAL JUSTICE CLIMATE AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE
Authors: AÇIKGÖZ ATİF
Published: December 2016

The management of innovation and technology (MIT) literature has emphasised several determinants of team collaboration in new product development (NPD) projects. However, the literature lacks the evidence which supports the relationship between procedural justice climate (PJC) and team collaboration in NPD projects. The literature also has limited evidences about the mediating role of team collaboration in NPD projects. To address these gaps, this study collected the data from 133 NPD teams. The results strongly suggest that (i) PJC is positively related to team collaboration, (ii) effective collaboration among NPD team members leads to superior NPD performance, and (iii) team collaboration fully mediates between PJC and the indicators of NPD performance. Suggestions are further made regarding new responsibilities for team leaders.
A Double-Distribution-Function Lattice Boltzmann Method for Bed-Load Sediment Transport
Authors: Cai Li , Xu Wenjing , Luo Xiaoyu
Published: December 2016

The governing equations of bed-load sediment transport are the shallow water equations and the Exner equation. To embody the advantages of the lattice Boltzmann method (e.g., simplicity, efficiency), the three-velocity (D1Q3) and five-velocity (D1Q5) double-distribution-function lattice Boltzmann models (DDF-LBMs), which can present the numerical solution for one-dimensional bed-load sediment transport, are proposed here based on the quasi-steady approach. The so-called DDF-LBM means we use two distribution functions to describe the movement of the two components, respectively. By using the Chapman–Enskog expansion, the governing equations can be recovered correctly from the DDF-LBMs. To illustrate the efficiency of these, two benchmark tests are used, and excellent agreements between the numerical and analytical solutions are demonstrated. In addition, we show that the D1Q5 DDF-LBM has better accuracy compared to the Hudson’s method.
2ℓ-Incorrigible set distributions of some linear codes by the finite geometry
Authors: Shen Lin-Zhi , Fu Fang-Wei
Published: December 2016

The [Formula: see text]-incorrigible set distributions of binary linear codes over the erasure channels can be used to determine the decoding error probability of a linear code under maximum likelihood decoding and [Formula: see text]-list decoding. In this short paper, we give the [Formula: see text]-incorrigible set distributions of some linear codes by the finite geometry theory.
On chromatic Zagreb indices of certain graphs
Authors: Kok Johan , Sudev N. K. , Mary U.
Published: December 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite and simple undirected connected graph of order [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a proper vertex coloring of [Formula: see text]. Denote [Formula: see text] simply, [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we introduce a variation of the well-known Zagreb indices by utilizing the parameter [Formula: see text] instead of the invariant [Formula: see text] for all vertices of [Formula: see text]. The new indices are called chromatic Zagreb indices. We study these new indices for certain classes of graphs and introduce the notion of chromatically stable graphs.
Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for a Tethered Unmanned Helicopter Using a Square-Root Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Sandino Luis A. , Bejar Manuel , Kondak Konstantin , Ollero Anibal
Published: December 2016

The use of tethered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in aerial robotic applications is a relatively unexplored research field. This work addresses the attitude and position estimation of a small-size unmanned helicopter tethered to a moving platform using a multi-sensor data fusion algorithm based on a numerically efficient sigma-point Kalman filter implementation. For that purpose, the state prediction is performed using a kinematic process model driven by measurements of the inertial sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) onboard the helicopter and the subsequent correction is done using information from additional sensors like magnetometer, barometric altimeter, LIDAR altimeter and magnetic encoders measuring the tether orientation relative to the helicopter. Assuming the tether is kept taut by an actuated device on the platform during the system operation, the helicopter position is estimated relative to the anchor point. Although this configuration avoids the need of a GPS, a standard operation mode for estimation of the absolute position (the position relative to the inertial reference frame) incorporating corrections with the GPS position and velocity measurements, is also implemented in order to highlight the benefits of the proposed tethered setup. The filter performance is evaluated in simulations.
Stochastic cost flow system for stock markets with an application in behavioral finance
Authors: Chan Oliver , Ma Alfred Ka Chun
Published: December 2016

We introduce a new stochastic cost flow system for stock markets in which the probability distribution of the weighted average purchase price of a stock among all of its shareholders can be explicitly determined. The stochastic system is illustrated in three empirical applications. Through the empirical results, we demonstrate the impact of choosing cost flow assumptions on the reference purchase price estimates, we show the value of high-frequency financial data, and we advocate the need for the stochastic cost flow system when estimating the proportion of gains realized (PGR) and the proportion of losses realized (PLR) which are the most important measures for the disposition effect.
Pricing volatility swaps in the Heston’s stochastic volatility model with regime switching: A saddlepoint approximation method
Authors: Zhang Mengzhe , Chan Leunglung
Published: December 2016

Pricing a volatility swap is a highly nonlinear problem. Explicit solutions of the prices of volatility swaps are notoriously difficult to find. In this paper, we consider a saddlepoint approximation method for the valuation of a volatility swap under the Heston’s stochastic volatility model with regime switching. All the values of key parameters in our model are supposed to depend on the states of a continuous time observable Markov chain process. We present a closed-form exact cumulant generating functions (CGFs) of the continuous realized variance. Additionally, an approximated CGF is given. Then we approximate the volatility swaps by the saddlepoint approximation formula which derived from the Fourier inversion representation. The numerical results suggest that the alternative saddlepoint approximation method (ASAP) and the approximated ASAP method could both produce fairly accurate results for the given range of maturities.
Firm, industry and economic determinants of working capital at risk
Authors: Eldomiaty Tarek Ibrahim , Rashwan Mohamed Hashem , Bahaa El Din Mohamed , Tayel Waleed
Published: December 2016

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the relative contribution of firm-level, industry-level and country level variables to working capital at risk. Working capital at risk is treated as the value at risk for a portfolio of firm’s current assets. As far as short-term liquidity is concerned, working capital at risk, being the maximum amount that a firm may lose at a certain confidence interval, must be the most important part that a firm’s management must focus on.

Design/methodology/approach: This study empirically examines the possible associations between wide range of variables and working capital at risk. The sample firms include 143 non-financial firms listed in Egypt stock exchange. The data cover the years 2000–2014. The statistical tests include the fixed and random effects, testing for linearity versus nonlinearity. The least squares dummy variables and discriminant analysis are utilized. The working capital at risk is classified into three levels: low, medium and high.

Findings: The general findings of the study show that cash conversion cycle and the leverage are the most significant determinants of working capital at risk. Both determinants have significant influence on the level of volatility of working capital throughout the three categories of working capital at risk.

Originality/value: This study offers a new approach that deals with working capital as a portfolio, rather than single ratios, that firm’s management must decrease its volatility (value at risk), therefore, short-term liquidity can be improved significantly. This approach can be considered a financial engineering in terms of monitoring and managing short-term liquidity exposure.
Security Analysis of Arbiter PUF and Its Lightweight Compositions Under Predictability Test
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Ha , Sahoo Durga Prasad , Chakraborty Rajat Subhra , Mukhopadhyay Debdeep
Published: December 2016

Unpredictability is an important security property of Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) in the context of statistical attacks, where the correlation between challenge-response pairs is explicitly exploited. In the existing literature on PUFs, the Hamming Distance Test, denoted by HDT(
t
), was proposed to evaluate the unpredictability of PUFs, which is a simplified case of the Propagation Criterion test PC(
t
). The objective of these test schemes is to estimate the output transition probability when there are
t
or fewer than
t
bits flips, and ideally this probability value should be 0.5. In this work, we show that aforementioned two test schemes are not enough to ensure the unpredictability of a PUF design. We propose a new test, which is denoted as HDT(
e
,
t
). This test scheme is a fine-tuned version of the previous schemes, as it considers the flipping bit pattern vector
e
along with parameter
t
. As a contribution, we provide a comprehensive discussion and analytic interpretation of HDT(
t
), PC(
t
), and HDT(
e
,
t
) test schemes for Arbiter PUF (APUF), Exclusive-OR (XOR) PUF, and Lightweight Secure PUF (LSPUF). Our analysis establishes that HDT(
e
,
t
) test is more general in comparison with HDT(
t
) and PC(
t
) tests. In addition, we demonstrate a few scenarios where the adversary can exploit the information obtained from the analysis of HDT(
e
,
t
) properties of APUF, XOR PUF, and LSPUF to develop statistical attacks on them, if the ideal value of HDT(
e
,
t
) = 0.5 is not achieved for a given PUF. We validate our theoretical observations using the simulated and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implemented APUF, XOR PUF, and LSPUF designs.
CALM
Authors: Zhu Di , Yue Siyu , Pedram Massoud , Chen Lizhong
Published: December 2016

With the emergence of many-core multiprocessor system-on-chips (MPSoCs), on-chip networks are facing serious challenges in providing fast communication among various tasks and cores. One promising on-chip network design approach shown in recent studies is to add express channels to traditional mesh network as shortcuts to bypass intermediate routers, thereby reducing packet latency. This approach not only changes the packet latency models, but also greatly affects network traffic behaviors, both of which have not been fully exploited in existing mapping algorithms. In this article, we explore the opportunities in optimizing application mapping for flattened butterfly, a popular express channel-based on-chip network. Specifically, we identify the unique characteristics of flattened butterfly, analyze the opportunities and new challenges, and propose an efficient heuristic mapping algorithm. The proposed algorithm
Contention-Aware Latency Minimal (CALM)
is able to reduce unnecessary turns that would otherwise impose additional router pipeline latency to packets, as well as adjust forwarding traffic to reduce network contention latency. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve, on average, 3.4X reduction in the number of turns, 24.8% reduction in contention latency, and 14.12% reduction in the overall packet latency.
Scalable SMT-Based Equivalence Checking of Nested Loop Pipelining in Behavioral Synthesis
Authors: Azarbad Mohammad Reza , Alizadeh Bijan
Published: December 2016

In this article, we present a novel methodology based on SMT-solvers to verify equality of a high-level described specification and a pipelined RTL implementation produced by a high-level synthesis tool. The complex transformations existing in the high-level synthesis process, such as nested loop pipelining, cause the conventional methods of equivalence checking to be inefficient. The proposed equivalence checking method simultaneously attacks the two problems in this context: (1) state space explosion and (2) complex high-level synthesis transformations. To show the scalability and efficiency of the proposed method, the verification results of large designs are compared with those of the SAT-based method, including three different state-of-the-art SAT-solvers: the SMT-based procedure, the modular Horner expansion diagram (M-HED)-based method, and the M-HED partitioning approach. The results show 2470×, 2540×, and 142× average memory usage reduction and 252×, 28×, and 914× speedup in comparison with M-HED, M-HED partitioning, and SMT-solver without using the proposed method, respectively.
Unsupervised Head--Modifier Detection in Search Queries
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Wang Fang , Wang Haixun , Hu Zhirui , Yan Jun , Li Fangtao , Wen Ji-Rong , Li Zhoujun
Published: December 2016

Interpreting the user intent in search queries is a key task in query understanding. Query intent classification has been widely studied. In this article, we go one step further to understand the query from the view of head--modifier analysis. For example, given the query “popular iphone 5 smart cover,” instead of using coarse-grained semantic classes (e.g.,
find electronic product
), we interpret that “smart cover” is the head or the intent of the query and “iphone 5” is its modifier. Query head--modifier detection can help search engines to obtain particularly relevant content, which is also important for applications such as ads matching and query recommendation. We introduce an unsupervised semantic approach for query head--modifier detection. First, we mine a large number of instance level head--modifier pairs from search log. Then, we develop a conceptualization mechanism to generalize the instance level pairs to concept level. Finally, we derive weighted concept patterns that are concise, accurate, and have strong generalization power in head--modifier detection. The developed mechanism has been used in production for search relevance and ads matching. We use extensive experiment results to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Manipulation among the Arbiters of Collective Intelligence
Authors: Das Sanmay , Lavoie Allen , Magdon-Ismail Malik
Published: December 2016

Our reliance on networked, collectively built information is a vulnerability when the quality or reliability of this information is poor. Wikipedia, one such collectively built information source, is often our first stop for information on all kinds of topics; its quality has stood up to many tests, and it prides itself on having a “neutral point of view.” Enforcement of neutrality is in the hands of comparatively few, powerful administrators. In this article, we document that a surprisingly large number of editors change their behavior and begin focusing more on a particular controversial topic once they are promoted to administrator status. The conscious and unconscious biases of these few, but powerful, administrators may be shaping the information on many of the most sensitive topics on Wikipedia; some may even be explicitly infiltrating the ranks of administrators in order to promote their own points of view. In addition, we ask whether administrators who change their behavior in this suspicious manner can be identified in advance. Neither prior history nor vote counts during an administrator’s election are useful in doing so, but we find that an alternative measure, which gives more weight to influential voters, can successfully reject these suspicious candidates. This second result has important implications for how we harness collective intelligence: even if wisdom exists in a collective opinion (like a vote), that signal can be lost unless we carefully distinguish the true expert voter from the noisy or manipulative voter.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Human Interaction with Artificial Advice Givers
Authors: Tintarev Nava , O'donovan John , Felfernig Alexander
Published: December 2016

Many interactive systems in today’s world can be viewed as providing advice to their users. Commercial examples include recommender systems, satellite navigation systems, intelligent personal assistants on smartphones, and automated checkout systems in supermarkets. We will call these systems that support people in making choices and decisions
artificial advice givers (AAGs)
: They propose and evaluate options while involving their human users in the decision-making process. This special issue addresses the challenge of improving the interaction between artificial and human agents. It answers the question of how an agent of each type (human and artificial) can influence and understand the reasoning, working models, and conclusions of the other agent by means of novel forms of interaction. To address this challenge, the articles in the special issue are organized around three themes: (a) human factors to consider when designing interactions with AAGs (e.g., over- and under-reliance, overestimation of the system’s capabilities), (b) methods for supporting interaction with AAGs (e.g., natural language, visualization, and argumentation), and (c) considerations for evaluating AAGs (both criteria and methodology for applying them).
The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Artesunate on Stroke and Other Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Zuo Shilun , Li Qiang , Liu Xin , Feng Hua , Chen Yujie
Published: December 2016

Artesunate is an important agent for cerebral malaria and all kinds of other severe malaria because it is highly efficient, lowly toxic, and well-tolerated. Loads of research pointed out that it had widespread pharmacological activities such as antiparasites, antitumor, anti-inflammation, antimicrobes activities. As we know, the occurrence and development of neurological disorders usually refer to intricate pathophysiologic mechanisms and multiple etiopathogenesis. Recent progress has also demonstrated that drugs with single mechanism and serious side-effects are not likely the candidates for treatment of the neurological disorders. Therefore, the pluripotent action of artesunate may result in it playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of these neurological disorders. This review provides an overview of primary pharmacological mechanism of artesunate and its potential therapeutic effects on neurological disorders. Meanwhile, we also briefly summarize the primary mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives. We hope that, with the evidence presented in this review, the effect of artesunate in prevention and curing for neurological disorders can be further explored and studied in the foreseeable future.
An Improved Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm for Multiobjective Problem
Authors: Wang Ruihua
Published: December 2016

In this paper, an improved NSGA2 algorithm is proposed, which is used to solve the multiobjective problem. For the original NSGA2 algorithm, the paper made one improvement: joining the local search strategy into the NSGA2 algorithm. After each iteration calculation of the NSGA2 algorithm, a kind of local search strategy is performed in the Pareto optimal set to search better solutions, such that the NSGA2 algorithm can gain a better local search ability which is helpful to the optimization process. Finally, the proposed modified NSGA2 algorithm (MNSGA2) is simulated in the two classic multiobjective problems which is called KUR problem and ZDT3 problem. The calculation results show the modified NSGA2 outperforms the original NSGA2, which indicates that the improvement strategy is helpful to improve the algorithm.
Ferritin Is a Marker of Inflammation rather than Iron Deficiency in Overweight and Obese People
Authors: Khan Abidullah , Khan Wazir Muhammad , Ayub Maimoona , Humayun Mohammad , Haroon Mohammad
Published: December 2016

Background. In clinical practice, serum ferritin is used as a screening tool to detect iron deficiency. However, its reliability in obesity has been questioned. Objectives. To investigate the role of ferritin in overweight and obese people, either as a marker of inflammation or iron deficiency. Methods. On the basis of body mass index (BMI), 150 participants were divided into three equal groups: A: BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2, B: BMI 25–30 kg/m2, and C: BMI>30 kg/m2. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin (Hb) were measured for each participant and analyzed through SPSS version 16. One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation tests were applied. Results. Ferritin was the highest in group C (M=163.48±2.23, P<0.001) and the lowest in group A, (M=152.78±1.81, P<0.001). Contrarily to ferritin, transferrin was the lowest in group C, (M=30.65±1.39, P<0.001) and the highest in group A, (M=38.66±2.14, P<0.001). Ferritin had a strong positive correlation with both BMI (r=0.86, P<0.001) and CRP (r=0.87, P<0.001) and strong negative correlation with Hb, iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation (P<0.001). Conclusion. Ferritin is a marker of inflammation rather than iron status in overweight and obese people. Complete iron profile including transferrin, rather than serum ferritin alone, can truly predict iron deficiency in such people.
Heteroreceptors Modulating CGRP Release at Neurovascular Junction: Potential Therapeutic Implications on Some Vascular-Related Diseases
Authors: González-Hernández Abimael , Marichal-Cancino Bruno A. , Lozano-Cuenca Jair , López-Canales Jorge S. , Muñoz-Islas Enriqueta , Ramírez-Rosas Martha B. , Villalón Carlos M.
Published: December 2016

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino-acid neuropeptide belonging to the calcitonin gene peptide superfamily. CGRP is a potent vasodilator with potential therapeutic usefulness for treating vascular-related disease. This peptide is primarily located on C- and Aδ-fibers, which have extensive perivascular presence and a dual sensory-efferent function. Although CGRP has two major isoforms (α-CGRP andβ-CGRP), theα-CGRP is the isoform related to vascular actions. Release of CGRP from afferent perivascular nerve terminals has been shown to result in vasodilatation, an effect mediated by at least one receptor (the CGRP receptor). This receptor is an atypical G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) composed of three functional proteins: (i) the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR; a seven-transmembrane protein), (ii) the activity-modifying protein type 1 (RAMP1), and (iii) a receptor component protein (RCP). Although under physiological conditions, CGRP seems not to play an important role in vascular tone regulation, this peptide has been strongly related as a key player in migraine and other vascular-related disorders (e.g., hypertension and preeclampsia). The present review aims at providing an overview on the role of sensory fibers and CGRP release on the modulation of vascular tone.
Identification of Stem‐Like Cells in Atrial Myxoma by Markers CD44, CD19, and CD45
Authors: Song Xianghe , Liu Danni , Cui Jian , Zhou Manqian , Wang Hui , Liu Na , Qi Xin , Li Zongjin
Published: December 2016

Atrial myxoma is the most frequent tumor arising mainly in atrial septum and its origin remains uncertain. It has been reported that a subpopulation of stem‐like cells are present in benign tumors and responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance. In this study, we investigated whether stem‐like cells could contribute to the atrial cardiac myxoma. Immunohistology data confirmed that a population of cells bearing the surface markers CD19, CD45, and CD44 resided in a mucopolysaccharide‐rich matrix of myxoma. Moreover, we isolated myxoma cells with phase‐bright culture method and confirmed that myxoma derived cells express robust level of CD19, CD45, and CD44. Furthermore, the pluripotency of this population of cells also was validated by cardiomyocytes and smooth muscle cells differentiation in vitro. Our results indicate that primary cardiac myxoma may arise from mesenchymal stem cells with the ability to generate tumors with multilineage differentiation. In conclusion, this study for the first time verified that stem‐like cells are present in atrial myxoma and this population of cells may have the capacity for myxoma initiation and progression.
Preparation of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Immobilized on Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibres for the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Nyamukamba Pardon , Okoh Omobola , Tichagwa Lilian , Greyling Corinne
Published: December 2016

Herein, we describe the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles by the hydrolysis and condensation of titanium tetrachloride. The resulting nanoparticles were immobilized on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based nanofibres by an electrospinning technique in order to allow simple isolation and reuse of titania semiconductor photocatalyst. The composite nanofibres were heat treated to convert the polymer nanofibres to carbon nanofibres and to convert amorphous TiO2to crystalline TiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the rutile phase was the major phase and the equatorial peaks of PAN disappeared after heat treatment at 600°C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed that some TiO2nanoparticles were encapsulated whereas some were surface residing on the electrospun nanofibres. The TiO2nanoparticles were found to lower the cyclization temperature of PAN as indicated by differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Photocatalytic studies on the degradation of methyl orange dye under UV light irradiation showed that composite nanofibres were capable of degrading organic contaminants in water. The carbon nanofibres with surface residing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2/CNF-SR) showed the highest photocatalytic activity (59.35% after 210 minutes) due to direct contact between the TiO2photocatalyst and methyl orange.
Proteomics‐Based Identification of the Molecular Signatures of Liver Tissues from Aged Rats following Eight Weeks of Medium‐Intensity Exercise
Authors: Li Fanghui , Li Tao , Liu Yanying
Published: December 2016

Physical activity has emerged as a powerful intervention that promotes healthy aging by maintaining the functional capacity of critical organ systems. Here, by combining functional and proteomics analyses, we examined how hepatic phenotypes might respond to exercise treatment in aged rats. 16 male aged (20 months old) SD rats were divided into exercise and parallel control groups at random; the exercise group had 8 weeks of treadmill training with medium intensity. Whole protein samples of the liver were extracted from both groups and separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Alternatively objective protein spots with >2‐fold difference in expression were selected for enzymological extraction and MS/MS identification. Results show increased activity of the manganese superoxide dismutase and elevated glutathione levels in the livers of exercise‐treated animals, but malondialdehyde contents obviously decreased in the liver of the exercise group. Proteomics‐based identification of differentially expressed proteins provided an integrated view of the metabolic adaptations occurring in the liver proteome during exercise, which significantly altered the expression of several proteins involved in key liver metabolic pathways including mitochondrial sulfur, glycolysis, methionine, and protein metabolism. These findings indicate that exercise may be beneficial to aged rats through modulation of hepatic protein expression profiles.
Biocompatibility and Biomechanical Effect of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Implanted in the Corneal Stroma: A Proof of Concept Investigation
Authors: Vega-Estrada Alfredo , Silvestre-Albero Joaquin , Rodriguez Alejandra E. , Rodriguez-Reinoso Francisco , Gomez-Tejedor Jose A. , Antolinos-Turpin Carmen M. , Bataille Laurent , Alio Jorge L.
Published: December 2016

Corneal ectatic disorders are characterized by a progressive weakening of the tissue due to biomechanical alterations of the corneal collagen fibers. Carbon nanostructures, mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, are nanomaterials that offer extraordinary mechanical properties and are used to increase the rigidity of different materials and biomolecules such as collagen fibers. We conducted an experimental investigation where New Zealand rabbits were treated with a composition of CNTs suspended in balanced saline solution which was applied in the corneal tissue. Biocompatibility of the composition was assessed by means of histopathology analysis and mechanical properties by stress-strain measurements. Histopathology samples stained with blue Alcian showed that there were no fibrous scaring and no alterations in the mucopolysaccharides of the stroma. It also showed that there were no signs of active inflammation. These were confirmed when Masson trichrome staining was performed. Biomechanical evaluation assessed by means of tensile test showed that there is a trend to obtain higher levels of rigidity in those corneas implanted with CNTs, although these changes are not statistically significant (p>0.05). Implanting CNTs is biocompatible and safe procedure for the corneal stroma which can lead to an increase in the rigidity of the collagen fibers.
Application of Blind Source Separation Algorithms and Ambient Vibration Testing to the Health Monitoring of Concrete Dams
Authors: Cheng Lin , Tong Fei
Published: December 2016

In this work, using AVT data, a health monitoring method for concrete dams based on two different blind source separation (BSS) methods, that is, second-order blind identification (SOBI) and independent component analysis (ICA), is proposed. A modal identification procedure, which integrates the SOBI algorithm and modal contribution, is first adopted to extract structural modal features using AVT data. The method to calculate the modal contribution index for SOBI-based modal identification methods is studied, and the calculated modal contribution index is used to determine the system order. The selected modes are then used to calculate modal features and are analysed using ICA to extract some independent components (ICs). The square prediction error (SPE) index and its control limits are then calculated to construct a control chart for the structural dynamic features. For new AVT data of a dam in an unknown health state, the newly calculated SPE is compared with the control limits to judge whether the dam is normal. With the simulated AVT data of the numerical model for a concrete gravity dam and the measured AVT data of a practical engineering project, the performance of the dam health monitoring method proposed in this paper is validated.
Chemical and Molecular Characterization of Crude Oil Obtained by Olive-Pomace Recentrifugation
Authors: Pasqualone Antonella , Di Rienzo Valentina , Sabetta Wilma , Fanelli Valentina , Summo Carmine , Paradiso Vito Michele , Montemurro Cinzia , Caponio Francesco
Published: December 2016

In oil-mills, olive-pomace recentrifugation is a common way to reduce pomace moisture and, at the same time, to recover the oil therein. According to current rules, the obtained oil is defined as “crude olive-pomace oil.” The aim of this work is to verify the effect of recentrifugation on specific chemical and molecular parameters of the crude olive-pomace oil, by comparing it with the corresponding virgin olive oil obtained from the same olive lots. In particular, the following were considered: (i) the polar compounds of the oils that include compounds originated from oxidative and hydrolytic degradation, analyzed by high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), and (ii) the profile of DNA microsatellite molecular markers that was analyzed by using the High Resolution Melting (HRM) technique. The obtained results evidenced the significantly higher hydrolytic degradation of crude olive-pomace oil, compared with the corresponding virgin olive oil, but at an extent unlikely able to allow the detection of fraudulent admixtures with virgin olive oils. In addition, the findings demonstrated the feasibility of the application of the HRM analysis of DNA microsatellites to crude olive-pomace oil, able to reveal the alteration of the declared varietal profile of a virgin olive oil sample by simply checking the HRM curve profiles.
Quantum Tunneling in Deformed Quantum Mechanics with Minimal Length
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Lv Bochen , Tao Jun , Wang Peng
Published: December 2016

In the deformed quantum mechanics with a minimal length, one WKB connection formula through a turning point is derived. We then use it to calculate tunneling rates through potential barriers under the WKB approximation. Finally, the minimal length effects on two examples of quantum tunneling in nuclear and atomic physics are discussed.
What Is Driving Gender Equality in Secondary Education? Evidence from 57 Developing Countries, 1970–2010
Authors: Østby Gudrun , Urdal Henrik , Rudolfsen Ida
Published: December 2016

Despite global efforts to expand educational opportunities for women, gender inequalities persist in many developing countries. Addressing the root causes of gender inequalities in secondary education we ask whether such disparities persist because of low state capacity or low willingness. Based on gender- and age-specific educational attainment data for 57 developing countries in 1970–2010, our analysis indicates that willingness factors are central to understanding gender equality in education: ethnically heterogeneous countries and countries where Islam is the primary religion experience lower levels of equality. However, key capacity factors like a country’s income level are unrelated to gender differences in education.
A Review of Artificial Lateral Line in Sensor Fabrication and Bionic Applications for Robot Fish
Authors: Liu Guijie , Wang Anyi , Wang Xinbao , Liu Peng
Published: December 2016

Lateral line is a system of sense organs that can aid fishes to maneuver in a dark environment. Artificial lateral line (ALL) imitates the structure of lateral line in fishes and provides invaluable means for underwater-sensing technology and robot fish control. This paper reviews ALL, including sensor fabrication and applications to robot fish. The biophysics of lateral line are first introduced to enhance the understanding of lateral line structure and function. The design and fabrication of an ALL sensor on the basis of various sensing principles are then presented. ALL systems are collections of sensors that include carrier and control circuit. Their structure and hydrodynamic detection are reviewed. Finally, further research trends and existing problems of ALL are discussed.
Optimized Extraction of Resveratrol from Arachis repens Handro by Ultrasound and Microwave: A Correlation Study with the Antioxidant Properties and Phenol Contents
Authors: Garcia Leonardo , Garcia Renata , Pacheco Georgia , Sutili Felipe , Souza Rodrigo De , Mansur Elisabeth , Leal Ivana
Published: December 2016

The vegetal species Arachis repens, commonly known as peanut grass, was studied and, for the first time, we detected the presence of the bioactive compound trans-resveratrol (t-RSV). We compared the efficiency of three different methodologies (conventional maceration [CM], ultrasound-assisted extractions [UAE], and microwave-assisted extractions [MAE]) concerning total phenolics (TP) and resveratrol (t-RSV) content, followed by antioxidant activity (AA) evaluation. By CM, at 1 h, the highest RSV content (1.024±0.036 mg/L) and, correspondingly, the highest DPPH capture (23.90±0.04%) were found. The TP contents, at 1 h, presented the highest value (27.26±0.26 mg/g GAE). By the UAE, the maximum yields of TP (357.18 mg/g GAE) and RSV (2.14 mg/L), as well as, the highest AA (70.95%), were obtained by 5 min after a maceration pretreatment, on the solid-solvent ratio 1 : 40 w/v. For MAE, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied followed by the FFD design in order to evaluate the statistical effects of four independent variables on the extraction of RSV. The optimal conditions established for obtaining the highest recovery (2.516 mg/g) were 20 min; 90% MeOH aq.; 120 rpm; 60°C; and solid-solvent ratio: 1 : 35 w/v. Relevant correlations were established considering the TP and RSV contents, as well as the AA, corroborating obvious advantages of such techniques in terms of high extraction efficiency in shorter times.
Mathematical Modelling and Acoustical Analysis of Classical Guitars and Their Soundboards
Authors: Lee Meng Koon , Hosseini Fouladi Mohammad , Namasivayam Satesh Narayana
Published: December 2016

Research has shown that the soundboard plays an increasingly important role compared to the sound hole, back plate, and the bridge at high frequencies. The frequency spectrum of investigation can be extended to 5 kHz. Design of bracings and their placements on the soundboard increase its structural stiffness as well as redistributing its deflection to nonbraced regions and affecting its loudness as well as its response at low and high frequencies. This paper attempts to present a review of the current state of the art in guitar research and to propose viable alternatives that will ultimately result in a louder and better sounding instrument. Current research is an attempt to increase the sound level with bracing designs and their placements, control of natural frequencies using scalloped braces, as well as improve the acoustic radiation of this instrument at higher frequencies by deliberately inducing asymmetric modes in the soundboard using the concept of “splitting board.” Various mathematical methods are available for analysing the soundboard based on the theory of thin plates. Discrete models of the instrument up to 4 degrees of freedom are also presented. Results from finite element analysis can be utilized for the evaluation of acoustic radiation.
Prognostic Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A Single-Center Experience from China
Authors: Jiang Qing-Long , Huang Xiang-Hui , Chen Ying-Tai , Zhang Jian-Wei , Wang Cheng-Feng
Published: December 2016

Aim. To evaluate the clinical risk factors influencing overall survival of patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma after potentially curative resection. Methods. A series of 201 patients with primary duodenal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery from 1999 to 2014 at Chinese Medical Academic Cancer Hospital were studied by retrospective chart review and subsequent telephone follow-up. Results. Resectional surgery was performed in 138 of the 201 patients to attempt curative treatment, while 63 patients were treated with palliative surgery. Median survival of patients who underwent resectional operation was 57 months, whereas that of patients who had palliative surgery was shorter, 7 months (p<0.001). For patients who underwent radical resection, the overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 87.3, 59.1, and 44.1%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis (HR 31.76, 2.14 to 470.8; p=0.012) and vascular invasion (HR 3.75, 1.24 to 11.38; p=0.020) were independent prognostic factors negatively associated with survival in patients undergoing curative resection. There was no survival difference between the groups treated by the pancreaticoduodenectomy (n=20) and limited resection (n=10) for early-stage duodenal adenocarcinoma (p=0.704). Conclusions. Duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare disease. Curative resection is the best treatment for appropriate patients. Lymph node metastases and vascular invasion are negative prognostic factors.
Establishment of a Method for Measuring Antioxidant Capacity in Urine, Based on Oxidation Reduction Potential and Redox Couple I2/KI
Authors: Cao Tinghui , He Min , Bai Tianyu , Liu Hui
Published: December 2016

Objectives. To establish a new method for determination of antioxidant capacity of human urine based on the redox couple I2/KI and to evaluate the redox status of healthy and diseased individuals. Methods. The method was based on the linear relationship between oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and logarithm of concentration ratio of I2/KI. ORP of a solution with a known concentration ratio of I2/KI will change when reacted with urine. To determine the accuracy of the method, both vitamin C and urine were reacted separately with I2/KI solution. The new method was compared with the traditional method of iodine titration and then used to measure the antioxidant capacity of urine samples from 30 diabetic patients and 30 healthy subjects. Results. A linear relationship was found between logarithm of concentration ratio of I2/KI and ORP (R2=0.998). Both vitamin C and urine concentration showed a linear relationship with ORP (R2=0.994 and 0.986, resp.). The precision of the method was in the acceptable range and results of two methods had a linear correlation (R2=0.987). Differences in ORP values between diabetic group and control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions. A new method for measuring the antioxidant capacity of clinical urine has been established.