bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Evaluation of Performance during Robot-assisted Treatment
Authors: Biffi E. , Maghini C. , Servodio Iammarrone F. , Gagliardi C. , Germiniasi C. , Pedrocchi A. , Turconi A. C. , Reni G. , Peri E. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIntroduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Methodologies, Models and Algorithms for Patients Rehabilitation”. Objectives: The great potential of robots in extracting quantitative and meaningful data is not always exploited in clinical practice. The aim of the present work is to describe a simple parameter to assess the performance of subjects during upper limb robotic training exploiting data automatically recorded by the robot, with no additional effort for patients and clinicians. Methods: Fourteen children affected by cerebral palsy (CP) performed a training with Armeo®Spring. Each session was evaluated with P, a simple parameter that depends on the overall performance recorded, and median and interquartile values were computed to perform a group analysis. Results: Median (interquartile) values of P significantly increased from 0.27 (0.21) at T0 to 0.55 (0.27) at T1 . This improvement was functionally validated by a significant increase of the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function. Conclusions: The parameter described here was able to show variations in performance over time and enabled a quantitative evaluation of motion abilities in a way that is reliable with respect to a well-known clinical scale.
Natural enemies of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in northeast China, with notes on two species of parasitic Coleoptera
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yi , Cao Liang-Ming , Yang Zhong-Qi , Duan Jian J. , Gould Juli R. , Bauer Leah S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTo investigate natural enemies of emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in northeastern China, we conducted field surveys of ash (FraxinusLinnaeus (Oleaceae)) trees in semi-natural forests and plantations at variable EAB densities from 2008 to 2013. Our surveys revealed a complex of natural enemies including eight hymenopteran parasitoids and two apparently parasitic Coleoptera, woodpeckers, and several undetermined mortality factors. Parasitoid complex abundance and its contribution to EAB mortality varied with the time of year, type of ash stands, and geographic regions. The egg parasitoidOobius agriliZhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and the larval parasitoidTetrastichusplanipennisiYang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were frequently observed in Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces and in Beijing, but not in Tianjin.Spathius agriliYang (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), however, was more prevalent near Beijing and further south in Tianjin. Larvae of two species of apparently parasitic beetle,TenerusLaporte (Coleoptera: Cleridae) species andXenoglena quadrisignataMannerheim (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae), were also recovered attacking overwintering EAB in Liaoning Province, withTenerusspecies being a dominant mortality agent (~13%). Our findings support the need to consider the geographic origin of insect natural enemies for EAB biocontrol, as well as an expanded foreign exploration for EAB natural enemies throughout its native range in Asia.
Assessing phenological synchrony between the Chinese sawfly, Cephus fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), its egg-larval parasitoid, Collyria catoptron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and the North American sawfly, Cephus cinctus: implications for biological control
Authors: Rand Tatyana A. , Morrill Wendell L. , Runyon Justin B. , Hoelmer Kim A. , Shanower Thomas G. , Littlefield Jeffrey L. , Weaver David K. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMany pest and beneficial insects overwinter as larvae in a state of diapause, with development resuming in the spring. In these cases, rates of post-diapause development of parasitoids must be synchronised with the vulnerable life stages of their hosts. Phenological asynchrony between introduced parasitoids and their targeted hosts has limited the success of some biological control efforts. Here, we assess the potential synchrony between Collyria catoptron Wahl (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of the Chinese wheat stem sawfly, Cephus fumipennis Eversmann (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), which is being considered as a biological control against a novel host species, Cephus cinctus Norton, in North America. We compared development timing and emergence patterns of both native and exotic species of sawflies with that of the parasitoid. We found that the mean number of days between termination of larval diapause and adult eclosion varied by less than one day across species, and patterns of emergence were also similar. The rate of development of this egg-larval parasitoid was within the range necessary to attack C. cinctus eggs. Furthermore, the development of C. cinctus from western Montana, United States of America most closely matched that of the parasitoid, suggesting western Montana as a possible release area.
Identification of Drosophila Zfh2 as a Mediator of Hypercapnic Immune Regulation by a Genome-Wide RNA Interference Screen
Authors: Helenius Iiro Taneli , Haake Ryan J. , Kwon Yong-Jae , Hu Jennifer A. , Krupinski Thomas , Casalino-Matsuda S. Marina , Sporn Peter H. S. , Sznajder Jacob I. , Beitel Greg J. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Hypercapnia, elevated partial pressure of CO2 in blood and tissue, develops in many patients with chronic severe obstructive pulmonary disease and other advanced lung disorders. Patients with advanced disease frequently develop bacterial lung infections, and hypercapnia is a risk factor for mortality in such individuals. We previously demonstrated that hypercapnia suppresses induction of NF-κB–regulated innate immune response genes required for host defense in human, mouse, and Drosophila cells, and it increases mortality from bacterial infections in both mice and Drosophila. However, the molecular mediators of hypercapnic immune suppression are undefined. In this study, we report a genome-wide RNA interference screen in Drosophila S2* cells stimulated with bacterial peptidoglycan. The screen identified 16 genes with human orthologs whose knockdown reduced hypercapnic suppression of the gene encoding the antimicrobial peptide Diptericin (Dipt), but did not increase Dipt mRNA levels in air. In vivo tests of one of the strongest screen hits, zinc finger homeodomain 2 (Zfh2; mammalian orthologs ZFHX3/ATBF1 and ZFHX4), demonstrate that reducing zfh2 function using a mutation or RNA interference improves survival of flies exposed to elevated CO2 and infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Tissue-specific knockdown of zfh2 in the fat body, the major immune and metabolic organ of the fly, mitigates hypercapnia-induced reductions in Dipt and other antimicrobial peptides and improves resistance of CO2-exposed flies to infection. Zfh2 mutations also partially rescue hypercapnia-induced delays in egg hatching, suggesting that Zfh2’s role in mediating responses to hypercapnia extends beyond the immune system. Taken together, to our knowledge, these results identify Zfh2 as the first in vivo mediator of hypercapnic immune suppression.
Regulatory T Cells Orchestrate Similar Immune Evasion of Fetuses and Tumors in Mice
Authors: Nehar-Belaid Djamel , Courau Tristan , Dérian Nicolas , Florez Laura , Ruocco Maria Grazia , Klatzmann David 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Embryos and tumors are both masses of dividing cells expressing foreign Ags, but they are not rejected by the immune system. We hypothesized that similar tolerogenic mechanisms prevent their rejection. Global comparison of fetal and tumor microenvironments through transcriptomics in mice revealed strikingly similar and dramatic decreases in expression of numerous immune-related pathways, including Ag presentation and T cell signaling. Unsupervised analyses highlighted the parallel kinetics and similarities of immune signature downregulation, from the very first days after tumor or embryo implantation. Besides upregulated signatures related to cell proliferation, the only significant signatures shared by the two conditions across all biological processes and all time points studied were downmodulated immune response signatures. Regulatory T cell depletion completely reverses this immune downmodulation to an immune upregulation that leads to fetal or tumor immune rejection. We propose that evolutionarily selected mechanisms that protect mammalian fetuses from immune attack are hijacked to license tumor development.
Comparative Analysis of Novel Complement-Targeted Inhibitors, MiniFH, and the Natural Regulators Factor H and Factor H–like Protein 1 Reveal Functional Determinants of Complement Regulation
Authors: Harder Markus J. , Anliker Markus , Höchsmann Britta , Simmet Thomas , Huber-Lang Markus , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. , Barlow Paul N. , Schmidt Christoph Q. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The serum proteins factor H (FH), consisting of 20 complement control protein modules (CCPs), and its splice product FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1; consisting of CCPs 1–7) are major regulators of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation. The engineered version of FH, miniFH, contains only the N- and C-terminal portions of FH linked by an optimized peptide and shows ∼10-fold higher ex vivo potency. We explored the hypothesis that regulatory potency is enhanced by unmasking of a ligand-binding site in the C-terminal CCPs 19–20 that is cryptic in full-length native FH. Therefore, we produced an FH variant lacking the central domains 10–15 (FHΔ10–15). To explore how avidity affects regulatory strength, we generated a duplicated version of miniFH, termed midiFH. We compared activities of FHΔ10–15 and midiFH to miniFH, FH, and FHL-1. Relative to FH, FHΔ10–15 exhibited an altered binding profile toward C3 activation products and a 5-fold-enhanced complement regulation on a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patient’s erythrocytes. Contrary to dogma, FHL-1 and FH exhibited equal regulatory activity, suggesting that the role of FHL-1 in AP regulation has been underestimated. Unexpectedly, a substantially increased avidity for complement opsonins, as seen in midiFH, did not potentiate the inhibitory potential on host cells. In conclusion, comparisons of engineered and native FH-based regulators have identified features that determine high AP regulatory activity on host cells. Unrestricted availability of FH CCPs 19–20 and an optimal spatial orientation between the N- and C-terminal FH regions are key.
Malting Process Effects on Antioxidant Activity of Finger Millet and Amaranth Grains
Authors: Najdi Hejazi Sara , Orsat Valerie 
Published: December 2015

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) are two nutritious and gluten-free grains with high contents of phenolic compounds. Phenols are known as the main source of antioxidants, with numerous health benefits. Being rich in phenol makes these grains good choices for the functional food industry. In this study, the effects of malting/germination factors, duration and temperature, on the phenolic content and antioxidant activities of these grains are thoroughly investigated and optimized. Based on a central composite design, the grains were germinated for 24, 36, and 48 hrs at 22, 26, and 30. Both temperature and duration factors are found to be significantly influential on the monitored quantities. While malting of amaranth grains for 48 hrs at 26 increased the total phenol content four times, in case of millet, a 25% reduction was observed. Linear correlations between the included phenol content and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were observed.
The Moderating Effect of Religiosity on the Relationship between Trust and Diffusion of Electronic Commerce
Authors: Ali Basharat , Baluch Nazim , Mohamed Udin Zulkifli 
Published: December 2015

<p>Electronic commerce, an enormous revolution in today’s business world, has genuinely influenced the financial systems, marketplaces, product manufacturing, service and job industries, logistics and consumers’ mind-set. Consumers, posturing different individual characteristics, act differently in showing their trust in e-commerce business mainly due to the nature of the business. As an important predecessor of customers’ readiness to make use of e-commerce, it is essential to maintain consumers’ level of trust. Importantly, religiosity is one of the leading factors in building Muslim consumers’ opinion, both intra-personally and interpersonally, towards new ideas or latest technologies. This is a conceptual study to explore the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between trust and diffusion of e-commerce; in particular in Islamic perspective. Exploring the enlightened moderate version of Islamic teachings toward new ideas and innovations including e-commerce, the study aims to highlight applicability of Islamic traits.</p>
A Chemical CO2 Sensor Monitoring CO2 Movement Under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Wang Sai , San Jingshan , Liu Ning 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
A downhole CO2 sensor can continuously collect real-time data about CO2 movement and concentration changes at subsurface conditions. These data are very valuable for better understanding of subsurface uncertainties and quality-controlling theoretical studies such as reaction, transport, and mechanics in oil and gas formations. This paper describes the development of a downhole CO2 sensor tested under high pressure and reservoir conditions to monitor aqueous CO2 concentration change. The CO2 sensor developed is a Severinghaus-type sensor, which includes a metal-oxide electrode, a gas-permeable membrane, a porous steel cup, and a bicarbonate-based internal electrolyte solution. The CO2 sensor thus prepared 0.7 in. in diameter and 1.5 in long. A linear correlation was observed between a change in sensor output potential and dissolved CO2 in water under 1,000 psi pressure. CO2/brine coreflooding tests were performed to simulate the CO2 storage process and the sensor was deployed to monitor CO2 movement. The results indicated that the CO2 sensor could monitor CO2 movement in-situ in CO2 storage processes.

Introduction
Geologic sequestration of CO2 involves putting CO2 into long-term storage in geologic zones at subsurface conditions [1]. Such sites as deep saline aquifers and unmined coal seams onshore, and depleted oil or gas formations both onshore and offshore have been recommended for further serious consideration [2]. Thus far, in various regions of the world (Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Chinese East sea, and the Atlantic Ocean), a large part of research studies and pilot projects have looked at the feasibility of geological sequestration of CO2 [3]. The first commercial project occurred in Norway in 1996, in which CO2 was captured from natural gas streams and around 1 million tons of CO2 per year were into the Utsira formation [4] and to provide insight into CO2 migration [8]. All these pilot studies, located in Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Canada, are either under consideration or have been initiated.
Compositional Simulation of CO2 Storage Capacity in Depleted Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Ampomah William , Balch Robert S. , Grigg Reid B. , Dai Zhenxue , Pan Feng 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The Farnsworth Unit (FWU) of Ochiltree County, Texas operated by Chaparral Energy L.L.C. is the site of a CO2-EOR project using anthropogenic CO2. The Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP), sponsored by the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory, is using this project to monitor CO2 injection and movement in the field to determine CO2 storage potential in depleted oil reservoirs. The field was discovered in 1955 with estimated initial oil in place of about 120 MMBO. The target reservoir is the Pennsylvanian-aged Upper Morrow sandstone, locally termed the Morrow "B" sandstone. CO2 flooding was initiated by Chaparral Energy in December 2010.
This paper describes a compositional simulation of CO2 storage in a depleted oil reservoir. Mechanisms considered for CO2 storage include structural/stratigraphic trapping, dissolution in formation water and oil, and residual trapping. A high resolution geological model constructed from geological, geophysical and engineering data from FWU was used for the study. FWU has no recorded oil-water contact. The model was first calibrated to the reservoir's primary and secondary recovery history performance as a benchmark for the study. Several models were constructed and the storage capacity was analyzed as a function of injection volume, time and pressure.
Numerical simulation results show that with over 25 years of WAG injection, 75% of the CO2 was sequestered. Afterwards wells were shut-in to monitor the storage. Significant amount of stored CO2 was dissolved in remaining oil, contributing to enhanced oil recovery from the tertiary stage of the field operations. Supercritical phase CO2 mass within the reservoir compared to CO2 dissolved in formation water was dependent on CO2 injection rate. Residual trapping contribution was significant when hysteresis was modeled. Pressure, volume of reservoir fluid present, and cap rock integrity and optimized WAG injection strategies were significant parameters to determine long-term CO2 storage capacity within FWU.
Fast Modeling of Local Capillary Trapping during CO2 Injection into a Saline Aquifer
Authors: Ren Bo , Bryant Steven L. , Lake Larry W. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
When CO2 migrates upwards under buoyancy in the subsurface saline aquifer and encounters local capillary barriers (regions of rock with large capillary entry pressure), CO2 would accumulate beneath these small barriers, and these accumulations are called local capillary trapping (LCT). LCT benefits storage because locally trapped CO2 has a much larger saturation than residual gas, and such trapped gases cannot escape from the formation even if leakage conduits (fractures or fault) in the seal develop during the long-term storage of CO2. Thus predicting and maximizing LCT is valuable in design and risk assessment of geologic storage projects.
Modeling LCT is computationally expensive and may even be intractable by using a conventional reservoir simulator. In this work, we decouple the problem into two parts: permeability-based flow simulation and capillary entry pressure-based local capillary trapping phenomenon. The connectivity analysis originally developed for characterizing well-to-reservoir connectivity is adapted to the flow simulation by means of a newly defined edge weight property between neighboring grid blocks, which accounts for the multiphase flow properties, injection rate, and buoyancy effect. Then the connectivity was estimated from shortest path algorithm to predict the CO2 migration behavior and plume shape during injection. A geologic criteria algorithm is developed to estimate the potential LCT only from the entry capillary pressure field. The latter is correlated to a geostatistical realization of permeability field.
The extended connectivity analysis shows a good match of CO2 plume computed by the full-physics simulation. We then incorporate it into the geologic algorithm to quantify the amount of LCT structures identified within the entry capillary pressure field that can be filled during CO2 injection. Several simulations were conducted in the reservoirs with different level of heterogeneity (measured by the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient) under various injection scenarios. We demonstrate the reservoir heterogeneity affects the optimal injection rate in maximizing the LCT during injection.
Both the geologic algorithm and connectivity analysis are very fast; therefore, the integrated methodology can be used as a quick tool to estimate LCT. It can also be used as a potential complement to the full-physics simulation to evaluate the total safe storage capacity.
Two-dimensional physically based semi-analytical model of source/drain series resistance in MOSFETs
Authors: He Pei , Ke Daoming , Hu Pengfei 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this study, a two-dimensional physically based semi-analytical model of source/drain series resistance in MOSFETs is developed, in which only one parameter needs to be extracted by measurement and the extracted parameter can be repeatedly used when the structure size of the source or drain is changed. The model at the first time separates the resistance into two independent parameters that multiply each other. One is the extracted parameter that is only related to the resistivity. The other one is calculated by the expressions obtained by using the semi-analytical method and Eigen function expansion method, and is only related to the structure size of the source or drain area. The model provides a new approach to solve the resistance problem and matches well with simulation results. It can be used easily to estimate the resistance when the device structure changes in device design.
Trail Making Test performance contributes to subjective judgment of visual efficiency in older adults
Authors: Setti Annalisa , Loughman James , Savva George M. , Kenny RoseAnne 
Published: December 2015

Introduction.The determinant factors that influence self-reported quality of vision have yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated a range of contextual information, established psychophysical tests, and in particular, a series of cognitive tests as potentially novel determinant factors.Materials & Methods.Community dwelling adults (aged 50+) recruited to Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, excluding those registered blind, participated in this study (N= 5,021). Self-reports of vision were analysed in relation to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, ocular pathology, visual (Choice Response Time task; Trail Making Test) and global cognition. Contextual factors such as having visited an optometrist and wearing glasses were also considered. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine univariate and multivariate associations.Results and Discussion.Poor Trail Making Test performance (Odds ratio, OR = 1.36), visual acuity (OR = 1.72) and ocular pathology (OR = 2.25) were determinant factors for poor versus excellent vision in self-reports. Education, wealth, age, depressive symptoms and general cognitive fitness also contributed to determining self-reported vision.Conclusions.Trail Making Test contribution to self-reports may capture higher level visual processing and should be considered when using self-reports to assess vision and its role in cognitive and functional health.