bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Band gaps in grid structure with periodic local resonator subsystems
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Jun , Wang Rongqi , Lin Jieqiong
Published: July 2017

The grid structure is widely used in architectural and mechanical field for its high strength and saving material. This paper will present a study on an acoustic metamaterial beam (AMB) based on the normal square grid structure with local resonators owning both flexible band gaps and high static stiffness, which have high application potential in vibration control. Firstly, the AMB with variable cross-section frame is analytically modeled by the beam–spring–mass model that is provided by using the extended Hamilton’s principle and Bloch’s theorem. The above model is used for computing the dispersion relation of the designed AMB in terms of the design parameters, and the influences of relevant parameters on band gaps are discussed. Then a two-dimensional finite element model of the AMB is built and analyzed in COMSOL Multiphysics, both the dispersion properties of unit cell and the wave attenuation in a finite AMB have fine agreement with the derived model. The effects of design parameters of the two-dimensional model in band gaps are further examined, and the obtained results can well verify the analytical model. Finally, the wave attenuation performances in three-dimensional AMBs with equal and unequal thickness are presented and discussed.
Image Annotation by a Hierarchical and Iterative Combination of Recognition and Segmentation
Authors: Morales-González Annette , García-Reyes Edel , Sucar Luis Enrique
Published: July 2017

Automatic image annotation and image segmentation are two prominent research fields of Computer Vision, that are getting higher attention these days to accomplish image analysis and scene understanding. In this work, we present an annotation algorithm based on a hierarchical image partition, that makes use of Markov Random Fields (MRFs) to model spatial and hierarchical relations among regions in the image. In this way, we can capture local, global and contextual information. Also, we combine the processes of annotation and segmentation in an iterative way so that each process benefits from the other. Furthermore, we investigate the selection of the starting segmentation level for the hierarchical annotation process, to show its relevance for the final results. We experimentally validate our approach in three well-known datasets: CorelA, Stanford Background and MSRC-21 datasets. In these datasets, we achieved better or comparable results to other state-of-the-art algorithms, improving our base classifier in all cases.
EDITORIAL
Authors: LIU SHUAI
Published: July 2017

Fractal represents a special feature of nature and functional objects. However, fractal based computing can be applied to many research domains because of its fixed property resisted deformation, variable parameters and many unpredictable changes. Theoretical research and practical application of fractal based computing have been hotspots for 30 years and will be continued. There are many pending issues awaiting solutions in this domain, thus this thematic issue containing 14 papers publishes the state-of-the-art developments in theorem and application of fractal based computing, including mathematical analysis and novel engineering applications. The topics contain fractal and multifractal features in application and solution of nonlinear odes and equation.
A REVIEW ON ADHESION STRENGTH OF PEO COATINGS BY SCRATCH TEST METHOD
Authors: SHARIFI HOSSEIN , ALIOFKHAZRAEI MAHMOOD , DARBAND GHASEM BRATAI , SHRESTHA SUMAN
Published: July 2017

Adhesion strength is one of the important properties that reflects the quality of a plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating. Scratch testing can be considered as an appropriate technique to evaluate the adhesion strength of PEO coatings on magnesium, titanium, and aluminum substrates. The scratch test is usually performed either under a constant or a progressively increasing normal load, where the critical load is used as a measure of adhesion strength of the coatings. In this review paper, the effect of different factors such as duration of coating processing, electrolyte composition, and processing current density, as well as different additives to the electrolyte bath, was studied on the adhesion strength of PEO coatings formed on magnesium, titanium, and aluminum substrates. It is understood that an optimum increase in process time and input energy leads to a corresponding increase in thickness of the PEO dense oxide layer and, consequently, an increase in critical load and adhesion strength. Moreover, the electrolyte composition and additives were found to affect the coating microstructure and composition and, subsequently, the coating adhesion strength.
PLASMA NITRIDING OF AISI 5140 LOW ALLOY STEEL ASSISTED WITH HOLLOW CATHODE DISCHARGE AT LOW PRESSURE
Authors: WANG ENBO , YANG HAO , WANG LIANG
Published: July 2017

Plasma nitriding of AISI 5140 low alloy steel was carried at pressures ranging from 100[Formula: see text]Pa–500[Formula: see text]Pa for 4[Formula: see text]h with hollow cathode discharge assistance. The treated samples were characterized by optical microscope, microhardness tester, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical workstation. The results show that the compound layer is about 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m in thickness and the depth of surface hardening layer is about 240[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m for the sample nitrided at 100[Formula: see text]Pa for 4[Formula: see text]h. The hardness value of nitrided surface is about 830[Formula: see text]HV[Formula: see text], which is about 2.9 times higher than that (290[Formula: see text]HV[Formula: see text]) of the substrate. There is no obvious difference in the thickness of compound and diffusion layers, surface microhardness and phase composition of nitrided layers in comparison with that of samples nitrided at pressure 300 and 500[Formula: see text]Pa used by conventional plasma nitriding. But plasma nitriding with low pressure can effectively reduce the assumption of nitriding gas and amount of exhausted emission.
Monotonic Redistribution: Reconciling Performance-Based Allocation and Weighted Division
Authors: Abe Takaaki , Nakada Satoshi
Published: July 2017

We show that a proportional taxation redistribution rule regarding heterogeneity among members of a society is implied by four axioms: efficiency, total wealth monotonicity, contribution monotonicity and additivity. Moreover, we offer another axiomatization with dropping additivity. Our rule is an extension of [Casajus, A. [2015] Monotonic distribution of performance-based allocations: A case for proportional taxation, Theor. Econ. 10, 887–892]’s redistribution rule in which each member of a society is identified only with his/her income.
Enhancement of the Metallic Behavior of Graphene due to Coulomb Interaction in the Paramagnetic Limit: A Tight-Binding Study
Authors: Panda Rudrashish , Sahu Sivabrata , Rout G. C.
Published: July 2017

The pristine graphene is a zero band gap semiconductor with valence and conduction bands touching each other at Dirac points. The graphene-on-substrate exhibits a small gap at the Dirac points. The microscopic Hamiltonian describes the nearest-neighbor [Formula: see text]-electron hopping with tight-binding approach. Graphene-on-substrate exhibits a gap at the Dirac points where the energy at A sublattice is raised by [Formula: see text] and the energy at B sublattice is lowered by energy [Formula: see text] leading to asymmetry in the two sublattices. Further, we have introduced impurities at both the sublattices. The Coulomb interaction in graphene-on-substrate is described by Hubbard-type Coulomb interaction with energy U. The Coulomb interaction is treated in the calculation within the mean-field approximation in the paramagnetic limit. The temperature-dependent site-independent electron occupancies at both the sublattices are calculated and computed self-consistently. The difference between the electron occupancies of both the sublattices introduces a charge gap. The effect of charge gap on the electronic band dispersion in graphene-on-substrate is investigated by varying different model parameters of the system like Coulomb energy, substrate-induced gap, temperature, total band filling and impurity concentrations. It is observed that both the valence and conduction bands are shifted above the Fermi level exhibiting a charge gap between the bands. As a result, the partially filled valence band exhibits metallic behavior.
Study on Structural and Optical Properties of Sb2S3 and CdI2 Composite Thin Films Deposited by Thermal Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lahariya Vikas , Kumar Sumeet
Published: July 2017

Thin films of Sb2S3 and CdI2 composites were deposited by thermal vapor deposition method on a glass substrate. The structural and optical properties have been investigated as a function of the film thickness. Three samples were deposited with thickness of 160[Formula: see text]nm, 210[Formula: see text]nm and 380[Formula: see text]nm. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD result confirms the orthorhombic structure of Sb2S3 peaks. The bigger crystals are formed with the increase of the thickness of the film. The band gaps of the deposited composite thin films were found to be in range 2.17–1.48[Formula: see text]eV and suggest the possibility of band gap tunability in the visible region with the changing the thickness of the film. The PL study reveals the intense emission due to band to band recombination with emission in the red region corresponding to trap states.
Approximation of the Ribs-Bounded Contour in a Tomography Scan Slice
Authors: Bilinskas Mykolas J. , Dzemyda Gintautas , Trakymas Mantas
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a method for analyzing transversal plane images obtained by computer tomography (CT) scans is presented. A mathematical model that describes the ribs-bounded contour was created and the problem of approximation is solved by finding out the optimal parameters of the model in the least-squares sense. The paper discloses the problems that appear in building the proper model. Such a model would be useful in the registration of images independently on the patient position on the bed and of the radiocontrast agent injection. We consider the slices where ribs are visible because many important internal organs are located here: liver, heart, stomach, pancreas, lungs, etc. The model is flexible and describes the ribs-bounded contour independently on the patient age, sex and disease. The only exception is patients with the bone fracture. This makes the basis for the proper registration of slices.
Finite Element Simulation and the Application of Amphoteric pH-sensitive Hydrogel
Authors: Yi Chengzhi , Zhang Xiaowei , Yan Huixian , Jin Bo
Published: July 2017

Amphoteric hydrogels have been widely used in biologic and mechanic areas such as robot joints, biological cells, drug delivery systems. There are many factors that can influence the deformation of hydrogels, such as pH value, concentration of salt ions, solid constrains and external force, which all together makes the calculation very complicated. In this paper, an improved model for the calculation of amphoteric pH-sensitive hydrogels’ deformation is developed so that the behaviors of hydrogels in both acidic and alkaline solutions can be described quantitatively, and this model is implemented into finite element method (FEM) software ABAQUS in order to simulate hydrogel’s homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformations. The FEM results under free swelling state are compared with both analytical solution and FEM results existed before, and FEM results fit well with the experimental data. The buckling of amphoteric pH-sensitive hydrogel membrane is also analyzed, some natural phenomena, such as the wrinkling of human finger’s skin and the broad bean testa are successfully explained.
Determination of carbonate vein chemistry using portable X-ray fluorescence and its application to mineral exploration
Authors: Andrew Benjamin S. , Barker Shaun L. L.
Published: July 2017

The composition of carbonate minerals infilling hydrothermal veins can vary as a function of factors including fluid chemistry, temperature and pressure. If effectively quantified, carbonate vein chemistry can represent an important tool in mineral exploration. We present a method for determining carbonate vein chemistry using portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF) utilising matrix matched certified reference materials (CRMs) to assess pXRF analyser performance, before establishing strict QA/QC procedures, along with linear calibration equations for Mg, S, Mn, Fe, Zn, Sr and Pb. However, low concentrations of mineralization-related elements in commercially available CRMs meant raw S, Zn and Pb concentrations determined for case study samples could not be reliably corrected. Our new workflow was then applied to carbonate vein samples collected from Mount Isa, Northwest Queensland, Australia. Though complexity of this system limited the interpretation of results, the case study showed that pXRF can also be used to identify veins with multiple generations of carbonate infill. Portable X-ray fluorescence analyses, used in conjunction with robust QA/QC processes is a powerful tool that can quickly and cost-effectively inform decisions during exploration programs.

Supplementary material:
Results of pXRF analyser performance for six reference materials (S1) and results from analysis of carbonate veins collected from Mount Isa, Australia (S2). All tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3831385
Practical Acquisition and Rendering of Diffraction Effects in Surface Reflectance
Authors: Toisoul Antoine , Ghosh Abhijeet
Published: July 2017

We propose two novel contributions for measurement-based rendering of diffraction effects in surface reflectance of planar homogeneous diffractive materials. As a general solution for commonly manufactured materials, we propose a practical data-driven rendering technique and a measurement approach to efficiently render complex diffraction effects in real time. Our measurement step simply involves photographing a planar diffractive sample illuminated with an LED flash. Here, we directly record the resultant diffraction pattern on the sample surface due to a narrow-band point source illumination. Furthermore, we propose an efficient rendering method that exploits the measurement in conjunction with the Huygens-Fresnel principle to fit relevant diffraction parameters based on a first-order approximation. Our proposed data-driven rendering method requires the precomputation of a
single
diffraction look-up table for accurate spectral rendering of complex diffraction effects. Second, for sharp specular samples, we propose a novel method for practical measurement of the underlying diffraction grating using out-of-focus “bokeh” photography of the specular highlight. We demonstrate how the measured bokeh can be employed as a height field to drive a diffraction shader based on a first-order approximation for efficient real-time rendering. Finally, we also drive analytic solutions for a few special cases of diffraction from our measurements and demonstrate realistic rendering results under complex light sources and environments.
A Schur Complement Preconditioner for Scalable Parallel Fluid Simulation
Authors: Chu Jieyu , Zafar Nafees Bin , Yang Xubo
Published: July 2017

We present an algorithmically efficient and parallelized domain decomposition based approach to solving Poisson’s equation on irregular domains. Our technique employs the Schur complement method, which permits a high degree of parallel efficiency on multicore systems. We create a novel Schur complement preconditioner which achieves faster convergence, and requires less computation time and memory. This domain decomposition method allows us to apply different linear solvers for different regions of the flow. Subdomains with regular boundaries can be solved with an FFT-based Fast Poisson Solver. We can solve systems with 1,024
3
degrees of freedom, and demonstrate its use for the pressure projection step of incompressible liquid and gas simulations. The results demonstrate considerable speedup over preconditioned conjugate gradient methods commonly employed to solve such problems, including a multigrid preconditioned conjugate gradient method.
Higher-Order Areas of the Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Glickfeld Lindsey L. , Olsen Shawn R.
Published: July 2017

The brain has evolved to transform sensory information in the environment into neural representations that can be used for perception and action. Higher-order sensory cortical areas, with their increasingly complex receptive fields and integrative properties, are thought to be critical nodes for this function. This is especially true in the primate visual cortex, in which functionally specialized areas are engaged in parallel streams to support diverse computations. Recent anatomical and physiological studies of the mouse visual cortex have revealed a similarly complex network of specialized higher-order areas. This structure provides a useful model for determining the synaptic and circuit mechanisms through which information is transformed across distinct processing stages. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the layout, connectivity, and functional properties of the higher visual areas in the mouse. In addition, we speculate on the contribution of these areas to perception and action, and how knowledge of the mouse visual system can inform us about the principles that govern information processing in integrated networks.
Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin is sufficient to elicit weight loss in diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Roberts Zachary S. , Wolden-Hanson Tami , Matsen Miles E. , Ryu Vitaly , Vaughan Cheryl H. , Graham James L. , Havel Peter J. , Chukri Daniel W. , Schwartz Michael W. , Morton Gregory J. , Blevins James E.
Published: July 2017

Oxytocin (OT) administration elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans by reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure. Although the neurocircuitry underlying these effects remains uncertain, OT neurons in the paraventricular nucleus are positioned to control both energy intake and sympathetic nervous system outflow to interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) through projections to the hindbrain nucleus of the solitary tract and spinal cord. The current work was undertaken to examine whether central OT increases BAT thermogenesis, whether this effect involves hindbrain OT receptors (OTRs), and whether such effects are associated with sustained weight loss following chronic administration. To assess OT-elicited changes in BAT thermogenesis, we measured the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of OT on interscapular BAT temperature in rats and mice. Because fourth ventricular (4V) infusion targets hindbrain OTRs, whereas third ventricular (3V) administration targets both forebrain and hindbrain OTRs, we compared responses to OT following chronic 3V infusion in DIO rats and mice and chronic 4V infusion in DIO rats. We report that chronic 4V infusion of OT into two distinct rat models recapitulates the effects of 3V OT to ameliorate DIO by reducing fat mass. While reduced food intake contributes to this effect, our finding that 4V OT also increases BAT thermogenesis suggests that increased energy expenditure may contribute as well. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that, in DIO rats, OT action in the hindbrain evokes sustained weight loss by reducing energy intake and increasing BAT thermogenesis.
Sympathetic neural and hemodynamic responses to head-up tilt during isoosmotic and hyperosmotic hypovolemia
Authors: Posch Alexander M. , Luippold Adam J. , Mitchell Katherine M. , Bradbury Karleigh E. , Kenefick Robert W. , Cheuvront Samuel N. , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: July 2017

We hypothesized that muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during head-up tilt (HUT) would be augmented during exercise-induced (hyperosmotic) dehydration but not isoosmotic dehydration via an oral diuretic. We studied 26 young healthy subjects (7 female, 19 male) divided into three groups: euhydrated (EUH, n = 7), previously exercised in 40°C while maintaining hydration; dehydrated (DEH, n = 10), previously exercised in 40°C during which ~3% of body weight was lost via sweat loss; and diuretic (DIUR, n = 9), a group that did not exercise but lost ~3% of body weight via diuresis (furosemide, 80 mg by mouth). We measured MSNA, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) during supine rest and 30° and 45° HUT. Plasma volume (PV) decreased similarly in DEH (−8.5 ± 3.3%) and DIUR (−11.4 ± 5.7%) ( P > 0.05). Plasma osmolality was similar between DIUR and EUH (288 ± 4 vs. 284 ± 5 mmol/kg, respectively) but was significantly higher in DEH (299 ± 5 mmol/kg) ( P < 0.05). Mixed-model ANOVA was used with repeated measures on position (HUT) and between-group analysis on condition. HR and MSNA increased in all subjects during HUT (main effect of position; P < 0.05). There was also a significant main effect of group, such that MSNA and HR were higher in DEH compared with DIUR ( P < 0.05). Changes in HR with HUT were larger in both hypovolemic groups compared with EUH ( P < 0.05). The differential HUT response “strategies” in each group suggest a greater role for hypovolemia per se in controlling HR responses during dehydration, and a stronger role for osmolality in control of SNA.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Interactions of volume regulation with control of vascular sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) have important implications for blood pressure regulation. Here, we demonstrate that SNA and heart rate (HR) during hyperosmotic hypovolemia (exercise-induced) were augmented during supine and tilt compared with isoosmotic hypovolemia (diuretic), which primarily augmented the HR response. Our data suggest that hypovolemia per se had a larger role in controlling HR responses, whereas osmolality had a stronger role in control of SNA.
Effect of Flow Direction on Relative Permeability Curves in Water/Gas Reservoir System: Implications in Geological CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Adebayo Abdulrauf Rasheed , Barri Assad A. , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad
Published: July 2017

The effect of gravity on vertical flow and fluids saturation, especially when flow is against gravity, is not often a subject of interest to researchers. This is because of the notion that flow in subsurface formations is usually in horizontal direction and that vertical flow is impossible or marginal because of the impermeable shales or silts overlying them. The density difference between two fluids (usually oil and water) flowing in the porous media is also normally negligible; hence gravity influence is neglected. Capillarity is also often avoided in relative permeability measurements in order to satisfy some flow equations. These notions have guided most laboratory core flooding experiments to be conducted in horizontal flow orientation, and the data obtained are as good as what the experiments tend to mimic. However, gravity effect plays a major role in gas liquid systems such as CO2 sequestration and some types of enhanced oil recovery techniques, particularly those involving gases, where large density difference exists between the fluid pair. In such cases, laboratory experiments conducted to derive relative permeability curves should take into consideration gravity effects and capillarity. Previous studies attribute directional dependence of relative permeability and residual saturations to rock anisotropy. It is shown in this study that rock permeability, residual saturation, and relative permeability depend on the interplay between gravity, capillarity, and viscous forces and also the direction of fluid flow even when the rock is isotropic. Rock samples representing different lithology and wide range of permeabilities were investigated through unsteady-state experiments covering drainage and imbibition in both vertical and horizontal flow directions. The experiments were performed at very low flow rates to capture capillarity. The results obtained showed that, for each homogeneous rock and for the same flow path along the core length, the relative permeability and residual saturation are dependent on flow direction. The results were reproducible in all experiments conducted on the samples. This directional dependence, when accounted for in numerical simulation, can significantly improve simulation accuracy in the flow processes described.
Simultaneous Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescents Associated with Higher Economic Class in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Leão Arley Santos , Moura Soares Nara Michelle , Gonçalves Eliane Cristina de Andrade , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Silva Roberto Jerônimo dos Santos , Thomazzi Sara Maria
Published: July 2017

Design. The social, cultural, and economic context can be an important variable in the perception and adoption of risk behaviors in adolescents. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of simultaneous health risk behaviors and associated socioeconomic factors in adolescents living in the metropolitan region of Aracaju, State of Sergipe, Brazil. Methods. The sample consisted of 2,207 high school students aged 13–18 years. The risk behaviors measured were “low levels of physical activity,” “excessive daily TV time,” “high consumption of alcoholic beverages on a single occasion,” “involvement in fights,” “smoking cigarettes,” “carrying firearms,” and “marijuana consumption.” Information was obtained through self-administered questionnaire. Results. Considering the results, it was observed that female adolescents and those aged up to 16 years were less likely to have two or more health risk behaviors compared to males and those aged 17 years or more, respectively. It was also found that both high- and middle-income level adolescents had higher prevalence of having two or more health risk behaviors. Conclusions. It was concluded that male adolescents older than 16 years with better socioeconomic level were more exposed to the simultaneous presence of several health risk behaviors.
Existence of Random Attractor for Stochastic Fractional Long-Short Wave Equations with Periodic Boundary Condition
Authors: Liu Na , Xin Jie
Published: July 2017

We consider the asymptotic behaviors of stochastic fractional long-short equations driven by a random force. Under a priori estimates in the sense of expectation, using Galerkin approximation by the stopping time and the Borel-Cantelli lemma, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Then a global random attractor and the existence of a stationary measure are obtained via the Birkhoff ergodic theorem and the Chebyshev inequality.
Kalman Filtering for Genetic Regulatory Networks with Missing Values
Authors: Lin Qiongbin , Liu Qiuhua , Lai Tianyue , Wang Wu
Published: July 2017

The filter problem with missing value for genetic regulation networks (GRNs) is addressed, in which the noises exist in both the state dynamics and measurement equations; furthermore, the correlation between process noise and measurement noise is also taken into consideration. In order to deal with the filter problem, a class of discrete-time GRNs with missing value, noise correlation, and time delays is established. Then a new observation model is proposed to decrease the adverse effect caused by the missing value and to decouple the correlation between process noise and measurement noise in theory. Finally, a Kalman filtering is used to estimate the states of GRNs. Meanwhile, a typical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and it turns out to be the case that the concentrations of mRNA and protein could be estimated accurately.
Machine Learning Approach for Software Reliability Growth Modeling with Infinite Testing Effort Function
Authors: Ramasamy Subburaj , Lakshmanan Indhurani
Published: July 2017

Reliability is one of the quantifiable software quality attributes. Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGMs) are used to assess the reliability achieved at different times of testing. Traditional time‐based SRGMs may not be accurate enough in all situations where test effort varies with time. To overcome this lacuna, test effort was used instead of time in SRGMs. In the past, finite test effort functions were proposed, which may not be realistic as, at infinite testing time, test effort will be infinite. Hence in this paper, we propose an infinite test effort function in conjunction with a classical Nonhomogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) model. We use Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for training the proposed model with software failure data. Here it is possible to get a large set of weights for the same model to describe the past failure data equally well. We use machine learning approach to select the appropriate set of weights for the model which will describe both the past and the future data well. We compare the performance of the proposed model with existing model using practical software failure data sets. The proposed log‐power TEF based SRGM describes all types of failure data equally well and also improves the accuracy of parameter estimation more than existing TEF and can be used for software release time determination as well.
Relationship between the Antifungal Susceptibility Profile and the Production of Virulence-Related Hydrolytic Enzymes in Brazilian Clinical Strains ofCandida glabrata
Authors: Figueiredo-Carvalho Maria Helena Galdino , Ramos Lívia de Souza , Barbedo Leonardo Silva , Oliveira Jean Carlos Almeida de , Santos André Luis Souza dos , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria
Published: July 2017

Candida glabratais a facultative intracellular opportunistic fungal pathogen in human infections. Several virulence-associated attributes are involved in its pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, modulation of host immune defenses, and regulation of antifungal drug resistance. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profile to five antifungal agents, the production of seven hydrolytic enzymes related to virulence, and the relationship between these phenotypes in 91 clinical strains ofC. glabrata. AllC. glabratastrains were susceptible to flucytosine. However, some of these strains showed resistance to amphotericin B (9.9%), fluconazole (15.4%), itraconazole (5.5%), or micafungin (15.4%). Overall,C. glabratastrains were good producers of catalase, aspartic protease, esterase, phytase, and hemolysin. However, caseinase and phospholipase in vitro activities were not detected. Statistically significant correlations were identified between micafungin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and esterase production, between fluconazole and micafungin MIC and hemolytic activity, and between amphotericin B MIC and phytase production. These results contribute to clarify some of theC. glabratamechanisms of pathogenicity. Moreover, the association between some virulence attributes and the regulation of antifungal resistance encourage the development of new therapeutic strategies involving virulence mechanisms as potential targets for effective antifungal drug development for the treatment ofC. glabratainfections.
SmartFix: Indoor Locating Optimization Algorithm for Energy-Constrained Wearable Devices
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Xu Ke , Li Ziwei
Published: July 2017

Indoor localization technology based on Wi-Fi has long been a hot research topic in the past decade. Despite numerous solutions, new challenges have arisen along with the trend of smart home and wearable computing. For example, power efficiency needs to be significantly improved for resource-constrained wearable devices, such as smart watch and wristband. For a Wi-Fi-based locating system, most of the energy consumption can be attributed to real-time radio scan; however, simply reducing radio data collection will cause a serious loss of locating accuracy because of unstable Wi-Fi signals. In this paper, we present SmartFix, an optimization algorithm for indoor locating based on Wi-Fi RSS. SmartFix utilizes user motion features, extracts characteristic value from history trajectory, and corrects deviation caused by unstable Wi-Fi signals. We implemented a prototype of SmartFix both on Moto 360 2nd-generation Smartwatch and on HTC One Smartphone. We conducted experiments both in a large open area and in an office hall. Experiment results demonstrate that average locating error is less than 2 meters for more than 80% cases, and energy consumption is only 30% of Wi-Fi fingerprinting method under the same experiment circumstances.
Modelling the Influence of Ground Surface Relief on Electric Sounding Curves Using the Integral Equations Method
Authors: Mukanova Balgaisha , Mirgalikyzy Tolkyn , Rakisheva Dilyara
Published: July 2017

The problem of electrical sounding of a medium with ground surface relief is modelled using the integral equations method. This numerical method is based on the triangulation of the computational domain, which is adapted to the shape of the relief and the measuring line. The numerical algorithm is tested by comparing the results with the known solution for horizontally layered media with two layers. Calculations are also performed to verify the fulfilment of the “reciprocity principle” for the 4‐electrode installations in our numerical model. Simulations are then performed for a two‐layered medium with a surface relief. The quantitative influences of the relief, the resistivity ratios of the contacting media, and the depth of the second layer on the apparent resistivity curves are established.
The Geography of Primary Hepatic Neoplasms Treatments in Canada: Changes in Latitudes and Changes in Attitudes
Authors: Cwinn Matthew , Walsh Gordon , Rahman Sheikh Hasibur , Molinari Michele
Published: July 2017

Background. Studies on treatment modalities for primary hepatic neoplasms (PHN) in Canada are lacking. Our primary aim was to analyze the age-standardized incidence of hepatic resection, ablation, transplantation, and embolization for PHN between 2002 and 2013. Secondary aim was to evaluate temporal trends for these treatment modalities. Study Design. National Canadian Cancer Registries were accessed for relevant epidemiological data. Age-standardized incidence of treatment ratios (SIRs) was calculated and comparisons were performed for Atlantic Canada, Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia. Results. British Columbia recorded the highest SIRs for ablation (1.9; 95% CI 1.8–2.0), hepatic resection (1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.3), and transarterial locoregional therapies (2.8; 95% CI 2.4–3.2). For hepatic resection, the lowest SIR was found in Atlantic Canada (0.7; 95% CI 0.6–0.9), while the Prairies recorded the lowest estimate for transarterial therapies (0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.4). Liver transplantation had the highest SIR in Ontario (1.5; 95% CI 1.3–1.6) and the lowest SIR in British Columbia. No significant temporal changes in SIRs were observed for any of the treatments except for transarterial therapies. Conclusions. Treatment of PHN in Canada differs by geography. Variations might be due to differences in expertise or access to therapeutic modalities.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Vertebral Compression Fracture after Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy for Primary Spinal and Paraspinal Sarcoma
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Shinoto Makoto , Endo Makoto , Setsu Nokitaka , Iida Keiichiro , Fukushi Jun-Ichi , Kawaguchi Kenichi , Okada Seiji , Bekki Hirofumi , Imai Reiko , Kamada Tadashi , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose. Carbon-ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) was effective therapy for inoperable spinal and paraspinal sarcomas. However, a significant adverse event following radiotherapies is vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). In this study, we investigated the incidence of and risk factors for post-C-ion RT VCFs in patients with spinal or paraspinal sarcomas. Material and Methods. Thirty consecutive patients with spinal or paraspinal sarcomas treated with C-ion RT were retrospectively reviewed. Various clinical parameters and the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) were used to evaluate the risk factors for post-C-ion RT VCFs. Results. The overall incidence of VCFs was 23% (median time: 7 months). Patients with VCFs showed a markedly higher SINS score (median value, 9 points) than those without VCF (5 points). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the SINS score was 0.88, and the optimum SINS cut-off score was 8 points. The cumulative incidence of VCFs at 1 year was 9% for patients with a SINS score under 8 points, versus 80% for those with a SINS score of 8 points or higher (p<0.0001). Conclusions. In patients with a SINS score of 8 points or higher, referral to a spine surgeon for stabilization and multidisciplinary discussion is appropriate.
¿Qué tipo de innovación desarrollar?
Authors: Geldes Cristian , Heredia Jorge
Published: July 2017

En los últimos años, se ha observado un esfuerzo creciente por promover la innovación en las empresas con el objeto de aumentar su competitividad. Sin embargo, es necesario precisar el tipo de innovación que éstas deberían desarrollar porque sus efectos en el desempeño empresarial difieren dependiendo del sector productivo en que ésta se desarrolle. En este contexto, el objetivo de este artículo presentar distintos tipos de innovación y su relevancia en distintos sectores de la economía chilena.
Treatment Outcomes for Metastatic Melanoma of Unknown Primary in the New Era: A Single-Institution Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Utter Kierstin , Goldman Chloe , Weiss Sarah A. , Shapiro Richard L. , Berman Russell S. , Wilson Melissa Ann , Pavlick Anna C. , Osman Iman
Published: July 2017

Background: Metastatic melanoma of unknown primary (MUP) is uncommon, biologically ill defined, and clinically understudied. MUP outcomes are seldom reported in clinical trials. In this study, we analyze responses of MUP patients treated with systemic therapy in an attempt to inform treatment guidelines for this unique population. Methods: New York University (NYU)'s prospective melanoma database was searched for MUP patients treated with systemic therapy. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for MUP patients treated with immunotherapy or targeted therapy reported in the literature, and their response and survival data were compared to the MUP patient data from NYU. Both groups' response data were compared to those reported for melanoma of known primary (MKP). Results: The MUP patients treated at NYU had better outcomes on immunotherapy but worse on targeted therapy than the MUP patients in the literature. The NYU MUP patients and those in the literature had worse outcomes than the majority-MKP populations in 10 clinical trial reports. Conclusions: Our study suggests that MUP patients might have poorer outcomes on systemic therapy as compared to MKP patients. Our cohort was small and limited data were available, highlighting the need for increased reporting of MUP outcomes and multi-institutional efforts to understand the mechanism behind the observed differences.
Addition of four species to the butterfly checklist of Kaleshwar National Park, Haryana, India
Authors: Ranade Sachin P.
Published: July 2017

First records of the butterfly species Dark Himalayan Oakblue Arhopala rama and Slate Flash Rapala manea (Lycaenidae), Gaudy Baron Euthalia lubentina and Orange Oakleaf Kallima inachus (Nymphalidae), in Kaleshwar National Park, Haryana are presented along with photographs.  The sightings of Dark Himalayan Oakblue Arhopala rama at Kaleshwar represent very low altitudinal records in the Himalaya.
Additions to the Indian dragonfly fauna, and new records of two enigmatic damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) from northeastern India
Authors: Joshi Shantanu , Veino Joyce , Veino Dahru , Veino Lightson , Veino Rakoveine , Kunte Krushnamegh
Published: July 2017

Pseudothemis zonata (Burmeister, 1839) and Burmagomphus divaricatus Lieftinck, 1964 are reported for the first time from northeastern India—hitherto not reported from the west of Thailand.  The female of Anisopleura vallei St. Quentin, 1937, is described for the first time, with new records of this species from four localities in Kohima District, Nagaland, India.  Previously, the only known record of this species was the type series collected by St. Quentin in 1935.  We also provide new records of Schmidtiphaea chittaranjani (Lahiri, 2003) which was previously known only from the holotype.
Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata: Insecta) of Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Dheerendra , Singh Brijendra , Hermans Jan T.
Published: July 2017

The present study was undertaken to examine the diversity, occurrence and distribution pattern of damselflies and dragonflies (Odonata) in Keoladeo National Park from 2010–2015.  A combination of direct search, observation and opportunistic sighting methods were used to record 37 different species of Odonata (9 damselflies and 28 dragonflies).  Among the Odonata recorded, the most diverse families are Libellulidae presented by 22 species and Coenagrionidae was present with eight species.  According to the list presented by Palot & Soniya (2000) 21 species could be added; of the species presented here five are recorded for the first time from Rajasthan.
Eight new records of family Erebidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) from India
Authors: Kirti Jagbir Singh , Singh Navneet , Singh Harkanwal
Published: July 2017

Eight species, spread over six subfamilies of family Erebidae, Ischyja hagenii (Snellen, 1885), Ophisma pallescens (Walker, [1863] 1864), Serrodes caesia Warren, 1915, Simplicia bimarginata (Walker, [1863], 1864), Diomea fasciata (Leech, 1900), Platyja acerces (Prout, 1928), Tamba delicata Prout, 1932, and Tiruvaca hollowayi Kobes, 1988 are reported for the first time from India.  All the newly reported species are distributed in northeastern India.  For each of the newly reported species: first and latest reference, diagnosis, wing length, remarks, material examined and distribution is given whereas, first reference and name of the type species is provided for the respective genus.
Paracrine Effects of the Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Myocytes Salvage the Injured Myocardium
Authors: Tachibana Atsushi , Santoso Michelle R. , Mahmoudi Morteza , Shukla Praveen , Wang Lei , Bennett Mihoko , Goldstone Andrew B. , Wang Mouer , Fukushi Masahiro , Ebert Antje D. , Woo Y. Joseph , Rulifson Eric , Yang Phillip C.
Published: July 2017

Rationale:

Cardiac myocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells have demonstrated the potential to mitigate damage of the infarcted myocardium and improve left ventricular ejection fraction. However, the mechanism underlying the functional benefit is unclear.

Objective:

To evaluate whether the transplantation of cardiac-lineage differentiated derivatives enhance myocardial viability and restore left ventricular ejection fraction more effectively than undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells after a myocardial injury. Herein, we utilize novel multimodality evaluation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hESC-derived cardiac myocytes (hCMs), human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived cardiac myocytes (iCMs) in a murine myocardial injury model.

Methods and Results:

Permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was induced in immunosuppressed mice. Intramyocardial injection was performed with (1) hESCs (n=9), (2) iPSCs (n=8), (3) hCMs (n=9), (4) iCMs (n=14), and (5) PBS control (n=10). Left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial viability, measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, was significantly improved in hCM- and iCM-treated mice compared with pluripotent stem cell- or control-treated mice. Bioluminescence imaging revealed limited cell engraftment in all treated groups, suggesting that the cell secretions may underlie the repair mechanism. To determine the paracrine effects of the transplanted cells, cytokines from supernatants from all groups were assessed in vitro. Gene expression and immunohistochemistry analyses of the murine myocardium demonstrated significant upregulation of the promigratory, proangiogenic, and antiapoptotic targets in groups treated with cardiac lineage cells compared with pluripotent stem cell and control groups.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that the cardiac phenotype of hCMs and iCMs salvages the injured myocardium effectively than undifferentiated stem cells through their differential paracrine effects.
Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications and Stroke Risk: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xu Tao , Yu Xinyuan , Ou Shu , Liu Xi , Yuan Jinxian , Tan Xinjie , Chen Yangmei
Published: July 2017

Background

Inconsistent findings have been obtained for previous studies evaluating the association between antihypertensive medication (
AHM
) adherence and the risk of stroke. This dose‐response meta‐analysis was designed to investigate the association between
AHM
adherence and stroke risk.

Methods and Results

MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. The quantification of adherence to
AHM
was calculated as the percentage of the sum of days with
AHM
actually taken divided by the total number of days in a specific period. Summary relative risks (
RR
) and 95%
CIs
were estimated using a random‐effects model. Stratified and dose‐response analyses were also performed. A total of 18 studies with 1 356 188 participants were included. The summary
RR
of stroke for the highest compared with the lowest
AHM
adherence level was 0.73 (95%
CI
, 0.67–0.79). Stratified by stroke subtype, a higher
AHM
adherence was associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke (
RR
, 0.74; 95%
CI
, 0.69–0.79) and hemorrhagic stroke (RR, 0.55; 95%
CI
, 0.42–0.72). Moreover, both fatal (
RR
, 0.51; 95%
CI
, 0.36–0.73) and nonfatal stroke (
RR
, 0.52; 95%
CI
, 0.28–0.94) were lower in participants with higher
AHM
adherence. The results of a dose‐response analysis indicated that a 20% increment in
AHM
adherence level was associated with a 9% lower risk of stroke (
RR,
0.91; 95%
CI
, 0.86–0.96).

Conclusions

Higher
AHM
adherence is dose‐dependently associated with a lower risk of stroke in patients with hypertension.
Retreating From Vinter in Europe: Sacrificing Whole Life Prisoners To Save The Strasbourg Court?
Authors: Pettigrew Mark
Published: July 2017

In Vinter and Others v United Kingdom (2013) the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights ruled that existing release mechanisms from a whole life prison sentence in England & Wales contravened Article 3 of the European Convention. Domestically, the defiant legal, and political, response declared the current law as sufficiently clear with no amendments to procedures, or the material governing those procedures, being necessary. In a reversal of the reasoning of Vinter, the Grand Chamber has been persuaded by that response. The ramifications of that most recent ruling, Hutchinson v United Kingdom (2017), are explored which, in the long term, threaten the court’s legitimacy and future.
Commentary on Lewis
Authors: Lawrence Joseph P.
Published: July 2017

If Lewis prefers the political Plato to the apolitical Socrates, I take my stand with Socrates. I also regard Plato as having been more profoundly invested in establishing a philosophical religion than in establishing a philosophical politics. Cultivating trust in the Good is ultimately of more importance than arming a state against potential enemies. Courage is a virtue greater than prudence. Plato’s Laws, on my reading, is less concerned with maintaining the order of the state than with civilizing its inhabitants. In light of this contention, I understand Plato as being more Socratic—more open to question and thus more flexible—than Lewis’s reading seems to allow. This is why I think Plato provides more attention to his extended preambles to the laws than to the laws themselves. As seriously as Plato took the quest for true law, he realized that any positive code of law (or any constitution) has to be subject to constant revision.