bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen adsorption and diffusion on an Al(111) surface and subsurface: a theoretical study
Authors: Zhou Su-Qin , Wu Yang-Yang , Xu Si-Yu , Zhao Feng-Qi , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: February 2016

The generalized gradient approximation of the density functional theory was used to investigate the adsorption and dissociation of the O2molecule on an Al(111) surface and the subsequent diffusion of an oxygen atom into the subsurface with different oxygen coverages. The total adsorption energies of oxygen atoms on the Al(111) surface increase as the number of adsorbed oxygen atoms increases, while the adsorption heats per oxygen atom decrease firstly and then increase. The adsorption heats for O2physisorption on the Al(111) surface would increase as the oxidization degree of Al(111) surface increased. As the oxidization degree of Al(111) surface increases, the adsorption heats for O2chemisorption decrease firstly and then increase, and the O2molecule would not dissociate when the oxidization degree was up to 1.0 monolayer. In general, the energy barriers for both the interlayer and intralayer diffusions of the oxygen atom on the Al(111) surface would become larger as the number of initial adsorbed oxygen atoms on the Al(111) surface increased due to an increasing repulsion force.
Examination of uncertainty in per unit area estimates of aboveground biomass using terrestrial LiDAR and ground data
Authors: Shettles Michael , Hilker Thomas , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: February 2016

In estimating aboveground forest biomass (AGB), three sources of error that interact and propagate include (i) measurement error, the quality of the tree-level measurement data used as inputs for the individual-tree equations; (ii) model error, the uncertainty about the equations of the individual trees; and (iii) sampling error, the uncertainty due to having obtained a probabilistic or purposive sample, rather than a census, of the trees on a given area of forest land. Monte Carlo simulations were used to examine measurement, model, and sampling errors and to compare total uncertainty between models and between a phase-based terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and traditional forest inventory instruments. Input variables for the equations were diameter at breast height, total tree height (defined the height from the uphill side of the tree to the tree top), and height to crown base; these were extracted from the terrestrial LiDAR data. Relative contributions for measurement, model, and sampling errors were 5%, 70%, and 25%, respectively, when using TLS, and 11%, 66%, and 23%, respectively, when using the traditional inventory measurements as inputs into the models. We conclude that the use of TLS can reduce measurement errors of AGB compared with traditional inventory measurements.
On Determinism and Unambiguity of Weighted Two-Way Automata
Authors: Carnino Vincent , Lombardy Sylvain
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with one-way and two-way weighted automata. When the semiring of weights is commutative, we prove that unambiguous one-way automata, unambiguous two-way automata and deterministic two-way automata realize the same (rational) power series. If the semiring of weights is not commutative, unambiguous one-way automata and deterministic two-way automata realize the same rational power series, but unambiguous two-way automata may realize non rational power series.
Studying the intersystem crossing rate and triplet quantum yield of meso-substituted porphyrins by means of pulse train fluorescence technique
Authors: de Souza Tiago Gualberto Bezera , Vivas Marcelo Gonçalves , Mendonça Cleber Renato , Plunkett Shane , Filatov Mikhail A. , Senge Mathias O. , De Boni Leonardo
Published: February 2016

Excited state dynamics, particularly intersystem crossing, of a set of meso-substituted porphyrins bearing different electron–donor and acceptor groups was studied by pulse train fluorescence technique. Triplet quantum yield was found to be critically dependent on the nature of meso-substituents in the porphyrin system. Porphyrins with meso methoxyphenyl groups were found to show high triplet quantum yields ([Formula: see text] between 0.70 and 0.81). Moreover, the quantity of methoxyphenyl groups and the substitution pattern directly influence [Formula: see text]. Alternatively, porphyrins attached to nitrophenyl group possess low triplet quantum yield values (~0.3). The observed structure-properties relationships suggest new ways for tuning the optical properties of porphyrins via chemical modification.
Outcrop analogues for hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Columbus Basin, offshore east Trinidad
Authors: Bowman Andrew
Published: February 2016

The Mayaro Formation, which is exposed in SE Trinidad, is the key outcrop analogue for prolific hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Columbus Basin, offshore east Trinidad, because it was deposited in the same basin setting by the same depositional system (the palaeo-Orinoco) as the offshore reservoirs. Sequence and parasequence stacking patterns affect the distribution of different types of reservoir sand bodies and heterogeneities, with the potential to influence fluid flow in subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. Spectacular outcrops of successions of storm-wave-influenced sand bodies, tens to hundreds of metres thick, deposited in axial and medial delta-lobe settings are characterized by high sand–shale ratios (0.7–>0.95), and are analogues for many producing reservoirs in the basin. Fluvial- and tide-influenced sand bodies deposited in distal distributary settings are also recognized in the outcrops, but may be difficult to distinguish from medial delta-lobe deposits in subsurface data. More complex, thinly bedded distal delta-lobe deposits, with subsurface reservoir potential, exhibit lower sand–shale ratios (0.3–0.6). Complex depositional architectures, with a high proportion of thinly bedded sandstones, also occur in association with delta-front deposits. The distal delta-lobe and delta-front deposits are analogous to some of the most challenging to develop reservoirs in the Columbus Basin.
Iron induces cancer stem cells and aggressive phenotypes in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Chanvorachote Pithi , Luanpitpong Sudjit
Published: February 2016

Evidence has accumulated in support of the critical impact of cancer stem cells (CSCs) behind the chemotherapeutic failure, cancer metastasis, and subsequent disease recurrence and relapse, but knowledge of how CSCs are regulated is still limited. Redox status of the cells has been shown to dramatically influence cell signaling and CSC-like aggressive behaviors. Here, we investigated how subtoxic concentrations of iron, which have been found to specifically induce cellular hydroxyl radical, affected CSC-like subpopulations of human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We reveal for the first time that subchronic iron exposure and higher levels of hydroxyl radical correlated well with increased CSC-like phenotypes. The iron-exposed NSCLC H460 and H292 cells exhibited a remarkable increase in propensities to form CSC spheroids and to proliferate, migrate, and invade in parallel with an increase in level of a well-known CSC marker, ABCG2. We further observed that such phenotypic changes induced by iron were not related to an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Instead, the sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 protein (SOX9) was substantially linked to iron treatment and hydroxyl radical level. Using gene manipulations, including ectopic SOX9 overexpression and SOX9 short hairpin RNA knockdown, we have verified that SOX9 is responsible for CSC enrichment mediated by iron. These findings indicate a novel role of iron via hydroxyl radical in CSC regulation and its importance in aggressive cancer behaviors and likely metastasis through SOX9 upregulation.
Cardiorespiratory upregulation during seawater acclimation in rainbow trout: effects on gastrointestinal perfusion and postprandial responses
Authors: Brijs Jeroen , Gräns Albin , Ekström Andreas , Olsson Catharina , Axelsson Michael , Sandblom Erik
Published: February 2016

Increased gastrointestinal blood flow is essential for euryhaline fishes to maintain osmotic homeostasis during the initial phase of a transition from freshwater to seawater. However, the cardiorespiratory responses and hemodynamic changes required for a successful long-term transition to seawater remain largely unknown. In the present study, we simultaneously measured oxygen consumption rate ( ṀO2), cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and gastrointestinal blood flow (GBF) in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) acclimated to either freshwater or seawater for at least 6 wk. Seawater-acclimated trout displayed significantly elevated ṀO2(day: 18%, night: 19%), CO (day: 22%, night: 48%), and GBF (day: 96%, night: 147%), demonstrating that an overall cardiorespiratory upregulation occurs during seawater acclimation. The elevated GBF was achieved via a combination of increased CO, mediated through elevated stroke volume (SV), and a redistribution of blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly, virtually all of the increase in CO of seawater-acclimated trout was directed to the gastrointestinal tract. Although unfed seawater-acclimated trout displayed substantially elevated cardiorespiratory activity, the ingestion of a meal resulted in a similar specific dynamic action (SDA) and postprandial GBF response as in freshwater-acclimated fish. This indicates that the capacity for the transportation of absorbed nutrients, gastrointestinal tissue oxygen delivery, and acid-base regulation is maintained during digestion in seawater. The novel findings presented in this study clearly demonstrate that euryhaline fish upregulate cardiovascular function when in seawater, while retaining sufficient capacity for the metabolic and cardiovascular changes associated with the postprandial response.
Mapping the calcitonin receptor in human brain stem
Authors: Bower Rebekah L. , Eftekhari Sajedeh , Waldvogel Henry J. , Faull Richard L. M. , Tajti János , Edvinsson Lars , Hay Debbie L. , Walker Christopher S.
Published: February 2016

The calcitonin receptor (CTR) is relevant to three hormonal systems: amylin, calcitonin, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Receptors for amylin and calcitonin are targets for treating obesity, diabetes, and bone disorders. CGRP receptors represent a target for pain and migraine. Amylin receptors (AMY) are a heterodimer formed by the coexpression of CTR with receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). CTR with RAMP1 responds potently to both amylin and CGRP. The brain stem is a major site of action for circulating amylin and is a rich site of CGRP binding. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of these hormone systems by mapping CTR expression in the human brain stem, specifically the medulla oblongata. Widespread CTR-like immunoreactivity was observed throughout the medulla. Dense CTR staining was noted in several discrete nuclei, including the nucleus of the solitary tract, the hypoglossal nucleus, the cuneate nucleus, spinal trigeminal nucleus, the gracile nucleus, and the inferior olivary nucleus. CTR staining was also observed in the area postrema, the lateral reticular nucleus, and the pyramidal tract. The extensive expression of CTR in the medulla suggests that CTR may be involved in a wider range of functions than currently appreciated.
Desensitization-resistant and -sensitive GPCR-mediated inhibition of GABA release occurs by Ca2+-dependent and -independent mechanisms at a hypothalamic synapse
Authors: Pennock Reagan L. , Hentges Shane T.
Published: February 2016

Whereas the activation of Gαi/o-coupled receptors commonly results in postsynaptic responses that show acute desensitization, the presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release caused by many Gαi/o-coupled receptors is maintained during agonist exposure. However, an exception has been noted where GABAB receptor (GABABR)-mediated inhibition of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded in mouse proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons exhibit acute desensitization in ∼25% of experiments. To determine whether differential effector coupling confers sensitivity to desensitization, voltage-clamp recordings were made from POMC neurons to compare the mechanism by which μ-opioid receptors (MORs) and GABABRs inhibit transmitter release. Neither MOR- nor GABABR-mediated inhibition of release relied on the activation of presynaptic K+ channels. Both receptors maintained the ability to inhibit release in the absence of external Ca2+ or in the presence of ionomycin-induced Ca2+ influx, indicating that inhibition of release can occur through a Ca2+-independent mechanism. Replacing Ca2+ with Sr2+ to disrupt G-protein-mediated inhibition of release occurring directly at the release machinery did not alter MOR- or GABAB -mediated inhibition of IPSCs, suggesting that reductions in evoked release can occur through the inhibition of Ca2+ channels. Additionally, both receptors inhibited evoked IPSCs in the presence of selective blockers of N- or P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. Altogether, the results show that MORs and GABABRs can inhibit transmitter release through the inhibition of calcium influx and by direct actions at the release machinery. Furthermore, since both the desensitizing and nondesensitizing presynaptic receptors are similarly coupled, differential effector coupling is unlikely responsible for differential desensitization of the inhibition of release.
Increased intensity and reduced frequency of EMG signals from feline self-reinnervated ankle extensors during walking do not normalize excessive lengthening
Authors: Pantall Annette , Hodson-Tole Emma F. , Gregor Robert J. , Prilutsky Boris I.
Published: February 2016

Kinematics of cat level walking recover after elimination of length-dependent sensory feedback from the major ankle extensor muscles induced by self-reinnervation. Little is known, however, about changes in locomotor myoelectric activity of self-reinnervated muscles. We examined the myoelectric activity of self-reinnervated muscles and intact synergists to determine the extent to which patterns of muscle activity change as almost normal walking is restored following muscle self-reinnervation. Nerves to soleus (SO) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) of six adult cats were surgically transected and repaired. Intramuscular myoelectric signals of SO, LG, medial gastrocnemius (MG), and plantaris (PL), muscle fascicle length of SO and MG, and hindlimb mechanics were recorded during level and slope (±27°) walking before and after (10–12 wk postsurgery) self-reinnervation of LG and SO. Mean myoelectric signal intensity and frequency were determined using wavelet analysis. Following SO and LG self-reinnervation, mean myoelectric signal intensity increased and frequency decreased in most conditions for SO and LG as well as for intact synergist MG ( P < 0.05). Greater elongation of SO muscle-tendon unit during downslope and unchanged magnitudes of ankle extensor moment during the stance phase in all walking conditions suggested a functional deficiency of ankle extensors after self-reinnervation. Possible effects of morphological reorganization of motor units of ankle extensors and altered sensory and central inputs on the changes in myoelectric activity of self-reinnervated SO and LG are discussed.
mGlu1 receptor mediates homeostatic control of intrinsic excitability through Ih in cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Shim Hyun Geun , Jang Sung-Soo , Jang Dong Cheol , Jin Yunju , Chang Wonseok , Park Joo Min , Kim Sang Jeong
Published: February 2016

Homeostatic intrinsic plasticity is a cellular mechanism for maintaining a stable neuronal activity level in response to developmental or activity-dependent changes. Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu1 receptor) has been widely known to monitor neuronal activity, which plays a role as a modulator of intrinsic and synaptic plasticity of neurons. Whether mGlu1 receptor contributes to the compensatory adjustment of Purkinje cells (PCs), the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, in response to chronic changes in excitability remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the mGlu1 receptor is involved in homeostatic intrinsic plasticity through the upregulation of the hyperpolarization-activated current ( Ih) in cerebellar PCs. This plasticity was prevented by inhibiting the mGlu1 receptor with Bay 36–7620, an mGlu1 receptor inverse agonist, but not with CPCCOEt, a neutral antagonist. Chronic inactivation with tetrodotoxin (TTX) increased the components of Ih in the PCs, and ZD 7288, a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel selective inhibitor, fully restored reduction of firing rates in the deprived neurons. The homeostatic elevation of Ih was also prevented by BAY 36–7620, but not CPCCOEt. Furthermore, KT 5720, a blocker of protein kinase A (PKA), prevented the effect of TTX reducing the evoked firing rates, indicating the reduction in excitability of PCs due to PKA activation. Our study shows that both the mGlu1 receptor and the PKA pathway are involved in the homeostatic intrinsic plasticity of PCs after chronic blockade of the network activity, which provides a novel understanding on how cerebellar PCs can preserve the homeostatic state under activity-deprived conditions.
A chronic neural interface to the macaque dorsal column nuclei
Authors: Richardson Andrew G. , Weigand Pauline K. , Sritharan Srihari Y. , Lucas Timothy H.
Published: February 2016

The dorsal column nuclei (DCN) of the brain stem contain secondary afferent neurons, which process ascending somatosensory information. Most of the known physiology of the DCN in primates has been acquired in acute experiments with anesthetized animals. Here, we developed a technique to implant a multielectrode array (MEA) chronically in the DCN of macaque monkeys to enable experiments with the animals awake. Two monkeys were implanted with brain-stem MEAs for 2–5 mo with no major adverse effects. Responses of the cuneate and gracile nuclei were quantified at the level of both field potentials and single units. Tactile receptive fields (RFs) were identified for 315 single units. A subset of these units had very regular spiking patterns with spike frequencies predominantly in the alpha band (8–14 Hz). The stability of the neuronal recordings was assessed with a novel analysis that identified units by their mean spike waveform and by the spike-triggered average of activity on all other electrodes in the array. Fifty-six identified neurons were observed over two or more sessions and in a few cases for as long as 1 mo. RFs of stable neurons were largely consistent across days. The results demonstrate that a chronic DCN implant in a macaque can be safe and effective, yielding high-quality unit recording for several months. The unprecedented access to these nuclei in awake primates should lead to a better understanding of their role in sensorimotor behavior.
Online Incremental Learning for High Bandwidth Network Traffic Classification
Authors: Loo H. R. , Joseph S. B. , Marsono M. N.
Published: February 2016

Data stream mining techniques are able to classify evolving data streams such as network traffic in the presence of concept drift. In order to classify high bandwidth network traffic in real-time, data stream mining classifiers need to be implemented on reconfigurable high throughput platform, such as Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This paper proposes an algorithm for online network traffic classification based on the concept of incrementalk-means clustering to continuously learn from both labeled and unlabeled flow instances. Two distance measures for incrementalk-means (Euclidean and Manhattan) distance are analyzed to measure their impact on the network traffic classification in the presence of concept drift. The experimental results on real datasets show that the proposed algorithm exhibits consistency, up to 94% average accuracy for both distance measures, even in the presence of concept drifts. The proposed incrementalk-means classification using Manhattan distance can classify network traffic 3 times faster than Euclidean distance at 671 thousands flow instances per second.
The Synchrotron Radiation for Steel Research
Authors: Suwanpinij Piyada
Published: February 2016

The synchrotron X-ray radiation is a great tool in materials characterization with several advantageous features. The high intensity allows clear interaction signals and high energy of X-ray yields higher sampling volume. The samples do not need extra preparation and the microstructure is therefore not affected. With the tunability of the X-ray energy, a large range of elements and features in the samples can be investigated by different techniques, which is a significant difference between a stand-alone X-ray tube and synchrotron X-ray. Moreover, any experimental equipment can be installed through which the synchrotron beam travels. This facilitates the so-called in situ characterization such as during heat treatment, hot deformation, chemical reaction or welding. Although steel which possesses rather high density requires very high energy X-ray for large interaction volume, lower energy is still effective for the investigation of local structure of nanoconstituents. This work picks up a couple examples employing synchrotron X-ray for the characterization of high strength steels. The first case is the quantification of precipitates in high strength low alloyed (HSLA) steel by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The other case is the in situ X-ray diffraction for phase fraction and carbon partitioning in multiphase steels such as transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell as a New Source for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Rami Farzaneh , Mollainezhad Halimeh , Salehi Mansoor
Published: February 2016

The immune system consists of cells, proteins, and other molecules that beside each other have a protective function for the host against foreign pathogens. One of the most essential features of the immune system is distinguishability between self- and non-self-cells. This function has an important role in limiting development and progression of cancer cells. In this case, the immune system can detect tumor cell as a foreign pathogen; so, it can be effective in elimination of tumors in their early phases of development. This ability of the immune system resulted in the development of a novel therapeutic field for cancer treatment using host immune components which is called cancer immunotherapy. The main purpose of cancer immunotherapy is stimulation of a strong immune response against the tumor cells that can result from expressing either the immune activator cytokines in the tumor area or gene-modified immune cells. Because of the problems of culturing and manipulating immune cells ex vivo, in recent years, embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) have been used as new sources for generation of modified immune stimulatory cells. In this paper, we reviewed some of the progressions in iPSC technology for cancer immunotherapy.
Online Cooperative Promotion and Cost Sharing Policy under Supply Chain Competition
Authors: E Erjiang , Peng Geng , Tian Xin , Chen Qinghong
Published: February 2016

This paper studies online cooperative promotion and cost sharing decisions in competing supply chains. We consider a model of one B2C e-commerce platform and two supply chains each consisting of a supplier and an online retailer. The problem is studied using a multistage game. Firstly, the e-commerce platform carries out the cooperative promotion and sets the magnitude of markdown (the value of e-coupon). Secondly, each retailer and his supplier determine the fraction of promotional cost sharing when they have different bargaining power. Lastly, the retailers decide whether to participate in the cooperative promotion campaign. We show that the retailers are likely to participate in the promotion if consumers become more price-sensitive. However, it does not imply that the retailers can benefit from the price promotion; the promotion decision game resembles the classical prisoner’s dilemma game. The retailers and suppliers can benefit from the cooperative promotion by designing an appropriate cost sharing contract. For a supply chain, the bargaining power between supplier and retailer, consumer price sensitivity, and competition intensity affect the fraction of the promotional cost sharing. We also find that equilibrium value of e-coupon set by the e-commerce platform is not optimal for all the parties.
Archaeal Community Changes Associated with Cultivation of Amazon Forest Soil with Oil Palm
Authors: Tupinambá Daiva Domenech , Cantão Maurício Egídio , Costa Ohana Yonara Assis , Bergmann Jessica Carvalho , Kruger Ricardo Henrique , Kyaw Cynthia Maria , Barreto Cristine Chaves , Quirino Betania Ferraz
Published: February 2016

This study compared soil archaeal communities of the Amazon forest with that of an adjacent area under oil palm cultivation by 16S ribosomal RNA gene pyrosequencing. Species richness and diversity were greater in native forest soil than in the oil palm-cultivated area, and 130 OTUs (13.7%) were shared between these areas. Among the classified sequences, Thaumarchaeota were predominant in the native forest, whereas Euryarchaeota were predominant in the oil palm-cultivated area. Archaeal species diversity was 1.7 times higher in the native forest soil, according to the Simpson diversity index, and the Chao1 index showed that richness was five times higher in the native forest soil. A phylogenetic tree ofunclassified Thaumarchaeotasequences showed that most of the OTUs belong to Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group. Several archaeal genera involved in nutrient cycling (e.g., methanogens and ammonia oxidizers) were identified in both areas, but significant differences were found in the relative abundances ofCandidatusNitrososphaera andunclassified Soil Crenarchaeotic Group(prevalent in the native forest) andCandidatusNitrosotalea andunclassified Terrestrial Group(prevalent in the oil palm-cultivated area). More studies are needed to culture some of these Archaea in the laboratory so that their metabolism and physiology can be studied.
Triple Layer Antireflection Design Concept for the Front Side of c-Si Heterojunction Solar Cell Based on the Antireflective Effect of nc-3C-SiC:H Emitter Layer
Authors: Ateto Erick Omondi , Konagai Makoto , Miyajima Shinsuke
Published: February 2016

We investigated the antireflective (AR) effect of hydrogenated nanocrystalline cubic silicon carbide (nc-3C-SiC:H) emitter and its application in the triple layer AR design for the front side of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell. We found that the nc-3C-SiC:H emitter can serve both as an emitter and antireflective coating for SHJ solar cell, which enables us to realize the triple AR design by adding one additional dielectric layer to normally used SHJ structure with a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and an emitter layer. The optimized SHJ structure with the triple layer AR coating (LiF/ITO/nc-3C-SiC:H) exhibit a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 38.65 mA/cm2and lower reflectivity of about 3.42% at wavelength range of 300 nm–1000 nm.
Thumbnail with Integrated Blur Based on Edge Width Analysis
Authors: Koik Boon Tatt , Ibrahim Haidi
Published: February 2016

Thumbnail image is widely used in electronic devices to help the user to scan through original high resolution images. Hence, it is essential to represent the thumbnail image correspondingly to the original image. A blur image should not appear to be a clear image in thumbnail form, where this situation might mislead the perceptual analysis of user. The main purpose of this research work is to develop a downsampling algorithm to create a thumbnail image which includes blur information. The proposed method has three stages involved to obtain the proposed output thumbnail, which are preliminary processes, blur detection, and lastly image downsampling. For preliminary processes, Sobel first-order derivatives, gradient magnitude, and gradient orientation are determined. In blur detection stage, local maximum, local minimum, and gradient orientation are ultilized to calculate the edge width. The thumbnail image with blur information is generated using the average edge width map as a weightage to integrate blur information. This proposed method has achieved satisfying results and has high potential to be applied as one of the thumbnail generation options for photo viewing.
The Association between Adult Participation and the Engagement of Preschoolers with ASD
Authors: Sam Ann M. , Reszka Stephanie S. , Boyd Brian A. , Pan Yi , Hume Kara , Odom Samuel L.
Published: February 2016

The ability for a child to engage in the classroom is associated with better academic outcomes. Yet, there is limited information on how child characteristics of autism and adult behavior impact engagement. This study examined (1) the pattern of adult participation and child engagement in preschool classrooms that serve children with ASD, (2) the associations between child engagement and adult participation, and (3) how characteristics of ASD (autism severity, language ability, and challenging behavior) moderate the relationship between adult participation and child engagement. Overall, children were less likely to be engaged when adults were actively or passively participating with them. Moderators impacted this relationship. Children with higher levels of autism severity were more likely to be engaged when adults were actively or passively participating with them. Similarly, children with lower language abilities were more likely to be engaged when adults were actively or passively participating with them. Finally, children with higher levels of challenging behaviors were less likely to be engaged when adults were actively or passively participating with them. These findings have important implications for how adults can best support the engagement of children with ASD.
Access to Network Login by Three-Factor Authentication for Effective Information Security
Authors: Vaithyasubramanian S. , Christy A. , Saravanan D.
Published: February 2016

Today’s technology development in the field of computer along with internet of things made huge difference in the transformation of our lives. Basic computer framework and web client need to make significant login signify getting to mail, long range interpersonal communication, internet keeping money, booking tickets, perusing online daily papers, and so forth. The login user name and secret key mapping validate if the logging user is the intended client. Secret key is assumed an indispensable part in security. The objective of MFA is to make a layered safeguard and make it more troublesome for an unauthenticated entity to get to an objective, for example, a physical area, processing gadget, system, or database. In the event that one element is bargained or broken, the assailant still has two more boundaries to rupture before effectively breaking into the objective. An endeavor has been made by utilizing three variable types of authentication. In this way managing additional secret key includes an additional layer of security.
In SilicoScreening, Alanine Mutation, and DFT Approaches for Identification of NS2B/NS3 Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Balajee R. , Srinivasadesikan V. , Sakthivadivel M. , Gunasekaran P.
Published: February 2016

To identify the ligand that binds to a target protein with high affinity is a nontrivial task in computer-assisted approaches. Antiviral drugs have been identified for NS2B/NS3 protease enzyme on the mechanism to cleave the viral protein using the computational tools. The consequence of the molecular docking, free energy calculations, and simulation protocols explores the better ligand. It provides in-depth structural insights with the catalytic triad of His51, Asp75, Ser135, and Gly133. The MD simulation was employed here to predict the stability of the complex. The alanine mutation has been performed and its stability was monitored by using the molecular dynamics simulation. The minimal RMSD value suggests that the derived complexes are close to equilibrium. The DFT outcome reveals that the HOMO-LUMO gap of Ligand19is 2.86 kcal/mol. Among the considered ligands, Ligand19shows the lowest gap and it is suggested that the HOMO of Ligand19may transfer the electrons to the LUMO in the active regions. The calculated binding energy of Ligand19using the DFT method is in good agreement with the docking studies. The pharmacological activity of ligand was performed and satisfies Lipinski rule of 5. Moreover, the computational results are compared with the available IC50values of experimental results.
Selective Removal of Perfluorooctanoic Acid Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Modified TiO2Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Wu Yunbo , Li Yi , Tian Aijun , Mao Kai , Liu Jian
Published: February 2016

Perfluorinated chemicals have attracted worldwide concern owing to their wide occurrence and resistance to most conventional treatment processes. In this work, a novel photocatalyst was fabricated by modifying TiO2nanotube arrays with molecularly imprinted polymers. The molecularly imprinted polymer-modified TiO2nanotubes (MIP-TiO2NTs) were characterized and tested for the selective removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water. The amount of PFOA adsorbed by the MIP-TiO2NTs was as high as 0.8125 μg/cm2. PFOA decomposition and defluorination by the MIP-TiO2NTs reached 84% and 30.2% after 8 h reaction, respectively. The Freundlich model and pseudo-first-order kinetics were used to describe the observed adsorption and decomposition of PFOA, respectively. Compared with TiO2NTs and nonmolecularly imprinted polymer-modified TiO2NTs, the MIP-TiO2NTs exhibited not only a higher PFOA degradation rate but also enhanced selectivity for target chemicals. The MIP-TiO2NTs could also selectively and rapidly remove PFOA from secondary effluent, exhibiting a decomposition of 81.1%, almost as high as that observed in pure water. Investigation of the effects of scavengers on the photocatalytic reaction indicated that photogenerated holes were the main oxidant for PFOA decomposition, and the PFOA degradation mechanism and pathway were proposed.
Simulations of Magnetohemodynamics in Stenosed Arteries in Diabetic or Anemic Models
Authors: Alshare Aiman , Tashtoush Bourhan
Published: February 2016

Pulsatile flow simulations of non-Newtonian blood flow in an axisymmetric multistenosed artery, subjected to a static magnetic field, are performed using FLUENT. The influence of artery size and magnetic field intensity on transient wall shear stress, mean shear stress, and pressure drop is investigated. Three different types of blood, namely, healthy, diabetic, and anemic are considered. It is found that using Newtonian viscosity model of blood in contrast to Carreau model underestimates the pressure drop and wall shear stress by nearly 34% and 40%, respectively. In addition, it is found that using a magnetic field increases the pressure drop by 15%. Generally, doubling the artery diameter reduces the wall shear stress approximately by 1.6 times. Also increasing the stenosis level from moderate to severe results in reduction of the shear stress by 1.6 times. Furthermore, doubling the diameter of moderately stenosed artery results in nearly 3-fold decrease in pressure drop. It is also found that diabetic blood results in higher shear stress and greater pressure drop in comparison to healthy blood, whereas anemic blood has a decreasing effect on both wall shear stress and pressure drop in comparison to healthy blood.
Online Adaptive Error Compensation SVM-Based Sliding Mode Control of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Xue Kaijia , Wang Congqing , Li Zhiyu , Chen Hanxin
Published: February 2016

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a nonlinear dynamic system with uncertainties and noises. Therefore, an appropriate control system has an obligation to ensure the stabilization and navigation of UAV. This paper mainly discusses the control problem of quad-rotor UAV system, which is influenced by unknown parameters and noises. Besides, a sliding mode control based on online adaptive error compensation support vector machine (SVM) is proposed for stabilizing quad-rotor UAV system. Sliding mode controller is established through analyzing quad-rotor dynamics model in which the unknown parameters are computed by offline SVM. During this process, the online adaptive error compensation SVM method is applied in this paper. As modeling errors and noises both exist in the process of flight, the offline SVM one-time mode cannot predict the uncertainties and noises accurately. The control law is adjusted in real-time by introducing new training sample data to online adaptive SVM in the control process, so that the stability and robustness of flight are ensured. It can be demonstrated through the simulation experiments that the UAV that joined online adaptive SVM can track the changing path faster according to its dynamic model. Consequently, the proposed method that is proved has the better control effect in the UAV system.
Fructose-Induced Carbonyl/Oxidative Stress inS. cerevisiae: Involvement of TOR
Authors: Valishkevych Bohdana V. , Vasylkovska Ruslana A. , Lozinska Liudmyla M. , Semchyshyn Halyna M.
Published: February 2016

The TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway first described in the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis highly conserved in eukaryotes effector of cell growth, longevity, and stress response. TOR activation by nitrogen sources, in particular amino acids, is well studied; however its interplay with carbohydrates and carbonyl stress is poorly investigated. Fructose is a more potent glycoxidation agent capable of producing greater amounts of reactive carbonyl (RCS) and oxygen species (ROS) than glucose. The increased RCS/ROS production, as a result of glycoxidationin vivo, is supposed to be involved in carbonyl/oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, and lifespan shortening of eukaryotes. In this work we aim to expand our understanding of how TOR is involved in carbonyl/oxidative stress caused by reducing monosaccharides. It was found that in fructose-grown compared with glucose-grown cells the level of carbonyl/oxidative stress markers was higher. The defects in the TOR pathway inhibited metabolic rate and suppressed generation of glycoxidation products in fructose-grown yeast.
A Kind of Urban Road Travel Time Forecasting Model with Loop Detectors
Authors: Zhu Guangyu , Wang Li , Zhang Peng , Song Kang
Published: February 2016

Urban road travel time is an important parameter to reflect the traffic flow state. Besides, it is one of the important parameters for the traffic management department to formulate guidance measures, provide traffic information service, and improve the efficiency of the detectors group. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the forecast accuracy of travel time in traffic management practice. Based on the analysis of the change-point and the ARIMA model, this paper constructs a model for the massive data collected by loop detectors to forecast travel time parameters. Firstly, the preprocessing algorithm for the data of loop detectors is given, and the calculating model of the travel time is studied. Secondly, a change-point detection algorithm is designed to classify the sequence of large number of travel time data items into several patterns. Then, this paper establishes a forecast model to forecast travel time in different patterns using the improved ARIMA model. At last, the model is verified by simulation and the verification results of several groups of examples show that the model has high accuracy and practicality.
Drug Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Tetsu Osamu , Hangauer Matthew J. , Phuchareon Janyaporn , Eisele David W. , McCormick Frank
Published: February 2016

Background: The discovery of mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has dramatically changed the treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. EGFR-targeted therapies show considerable promise, but drug resistance has become a substantial issue. Methods: We reviewed the literature to provide an overview of the drug resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in NSCLC. Results: The mechanisms causing primary, acquired and persistent drug resistance to TKIs vary. Researchers and clinicians, who have used study findings to develop more effective therapeutic approaches, have found that the sequential use of single agents presents a formidable challenge, suggesting that multidrug combinations must be considered. Conclusions: In the era of precision medicine, oncologists should promptly obtain an accurate diagnosis of drug resistance in each patient to be able to design the most relevant combination therapy to overcome patient-specific drug resistance.
Haploidentical Donors: Can Faster Transplantation Be Life-Saving for Patients with Advanced Disease?
Authors: Tanase Alina , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Marculescu Alexandra , Bardas Alexandru , Colita Anca , Orban Carmen , Ciurea Stefan Octavian
Published: February 2016

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation is a therapeutic option for patients without an HLA-matched donor. It is increasingly being used worldwide due to the application of posttransplantation cyclophosphamide and is associated with lower incidence of graft-versus-host disease and treatment-related mortality. Haploidentical donors are generally available for most patients and stem cells can be rapidly obtained. Delays in transplantation while waiting for unrelated donor cells can be potentially problematic for patients with advanced disease at risk for progression; thus, the use of haploidentical donors, especially in this setting, can be life-saving. Here we reviewed the literature on haploidentical stem cell transplantation performed with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide.
Recombinant VLP-Z of JC Polyomavirus: A Novel Vector for Targeting Gene Delivery
Authors: Deng Yong-Ning , Zeng Jun-Yan , Su Hua , Qu Qiu-Min
Published: February 2016

Virus-like particle (VLP) of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is capable of packaging and delivering exogenous DNA into human cells and can be used for mediating therapeutic gene expression. However, many human cells express the JCPyV receptor. Thus, wild-type VLP can transduce a wide range of human cells nonspecifically. This study tested the feasibility of using a modified VLP with a IgG binding domain (Z domain) of protein A in its capsid for targeted gene delivery. The Z domain of protein A isolated from the membrane of Staphylococcus aureus was inserted into the NH3-terminus of VP1, the major JCPyV capsular protein. The recombinant VLP-Z was produced using Escherichia coli. Electron-microscopic analysis showed that VLP-Z has a viral-like structure. A hemagglutination test showed that VLP-Z has hemagglutination activity. VP1 was detected in the nuclei of HeLa cells by immunostaining after VLP-Z inoculation, suggesting that VLP-Z is viable and can enter the cell nucleus. Inoculating HeLa cells with pEGFP-N1 plasmid packaged in VLP-Z has resulted in enhanced green fluorescent protein expression in the cells. In addition, a binding assay showed that VLP-Z was able to bind IgG through the interaction of the Z domain in VLP-Z and IgG. These data suggest that VLP-Z could be armed with cell-specific antibody and be used to deliver therapeutic genes to target cells.
Lower Intraprocedural Systolic Blood Pressure Predicts Good Outcome in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: John Seby , Hazaa Walaa , Uchino Ken , Toth Gabor , Bain Mark , Thebo Umera , Hussain Muhammad S.
Published: February 2016

Background: It is unknown if intraprocedural blood pressure (BP) influences clinical outcomes and what BP parameter best predicts outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who undergo intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for emergent large vessel occlusion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 147 patients who underwent IAT for anterior circulation AIS from January 2008 to December 2012 at our institution. Baseline demographics, stroke treatment variables, and detailed intraprocedural hemodynamic variables were collected. Results: The entire cohort consisted of 81 (55%) females with a mean age of 66.9 ± 15.6 years and a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 16 (IQR 11-21). Thirty-six (24.5%) patients died during hospitalization, 25 (17%) achieved a 30-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2, and 24 (16.3%) suffered symptomatic parenchymal hematoma type 1/2 hemorrhage. Patients who achieved a good outcome had a significantly lower admission NIHSS score, a higher baseline CT ASPECTS score, and a lower rate of ICA terminus occlusions. Successful recanalization was more frequent in the good-outcome group, while symptomatic hemorrhages occurred only in poor-outcome patients. The first systolic BP (SBP; 146.5 ± 0.2 vs. 157.7 ± 25.6 mm Hg, p = 0.042), first mean arterial pressure (MAP; 98.1 ± 20.8 vs. 109.7 ± 20.3 mm Hg, p = 0.024), maximum SBP (164.6 ± 27.6 vs. 180.9 ± 18.3 mm Hg, p = 0.0003), and maximum MAP (125.5 ± 18.6 vs. 138.5 ± 24.6 mm Hg, p = 0.0309) were all significantly lower in patients who achieved good outcomes. A lower maximum intraprocedural SBP was an independent predictor of good outcome (adjusted OR 0.929, 95% CI 0.886-0.963, p = 0.0005). Initial NIHSS score was the only other independent predictor of a good outcome. Conclusion: Lower intraprocedural SBP was associated with good outcome in patients undergoing IAT for AIS, and maximum SBP was an independent predictor of good outcome. SBP may be the optimal hemodynamic variable to monitor intraprocedurally during IAT and may predict outcome.
What Have We Learned from Cross-National Research on the Causes of Income Inequality?
Authors: Marsh Robert M.
Published: February 2016

Reviews of research on the causes of income inequality often limit themselves to the United States or highly industrialized societies. The present review seeks greater generalizability across societies at all levels of development. It covers cross-national studies published since the 1960s, which draw upon a variety of theories and test them empirically, with the result that that we can now identify a broad range of important causal variables that explain variations in income inequality both across societies and over time. These variables include: economic dualism and the Kuznets inverted-U hypothesis, demographic variables, human capital theory and the influence of a population’s level of education, educational inequality, and the race between education (skill) and technology, democracy, communist rule, factors of production, labor institutions, neoliberal globalization, and the effect of the state on inequality. The review suggests which of these variables have more robust effects, and which causal effects are more contested.