bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimization of Mean Tardiness in Hybrid Flow Shop with Missing Operations Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Saravanan M. , Sridhar S. , Harikannan N.
Published: April 2016

A hybrid flow shop (HFS) scheduling is characterized of “[Formula: see text]” jobs “[Formula: see text]” machines with “[Formula: see text]” stages by unidirectional flow of work with a variety of jobs being processed sequentially in a single-pass manner. The HFS scheduling problem is known to be strongly NP-hard in nature. Hence, the essential complexity of the problem necessitates the application of meta-heuristics to solve HFS scheduling problems. A population-based genetic algorithm (GA) and a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm have been proposed to solve the multi-stage HFS scheduling problem with missing operations to minimize the mean tardiness. The computational results observed that the GA is efficient in finding out good quality solutions.
Weyl–Euler–Lagrange equations on twistor space for tangent structure
Authors: Kasap Zeki
Published: April 2016

Twistor spaces are certain complex three-manifolds, which are associated with special conformal Riemannian geometries on four-manifolds. Also, classical mechanic is one of the major subfields for mechanics of dynamical system. A dynamical system has a state determined by a collection of real numbers, or more generally by a set of points in an appropriate state space for classical mechanic. Euler–Lagrange equations are an efficient use of classical mechanics to solve problems using mathematical modeling. On the other hand, Weyl submitted a metric with a conformal transformation for unified theory of classical mechanic. This paper aims to introduce Euler–Lagrage partial differential equations (mathematical modeling, the equations of motion according to the time) for the movement of objects on twistor space and also to offer a general solution of differential equation system using the Maple software. Additionally, the implicit solution of the equation will be obtained as a result of a special selection of graphics to be drawn.
Effect of Morphological and Structural Properties on SIMS Depth Profiles of InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells Grown on Sapphire by MOCVD
Authors: Liu H. F. , Huang J. , Li C. G. , Soh C. B. , Liu W. , Chua S. J. , Chi D. Z.
Published: April 2016

InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures have been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on c-plane sapphire substrates. Inverted diamond-like surface defects (i.e., V-pits) with a density of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] have been observed in an eight-QW structure with Ga[Formula: see text]In[Formula: see text]N (3.6[Formula: see text]nm thick) and GaN (12.7[Formula: see text]nm thick) as the well- and barrier-material, respectively. The density of the surface defects has been significantly decreased by simply reducing the well-width to 2.7[Formula: see text]nm while keeping the other structural parameters nominally intact. The decrement in the well-width caused remarkable changes in depth profiles of In/Ga probed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) from the MQW structures, which is related to the varied effects of cratering roughness and accumulative interface roughness. The SIMS depth profiles also revealed increased In incorporations and QW-period in the QWs near the top surface for the MQW structure with larger well-width. They are most likely associated with surface defects, accumulative interface roughness, and strain evolutions along the growth direction.
Worst case response time and schedulability analysis for real-time software transactional memory-lazy conflict detection (STM-LCD)
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Li Yakun , Zou Xingliang , Cheng Albert M. K. , Jiang Yu
Published: April 2016

Software transactional memory (STM) is a transactional mechanism of controlling access to shared resources in memory. This transactional mechanism is similar to the abort-and-restart execution model in a functional reactive system (FRS). Due to its abort-and-restart nature, the execution semantics of STM are different from the classic preemptive or nonpreemptive model. Some research has strong constraints for its worst case response time (WCRT) analysis. In this paper, we research on worst case response time and schedulability analysis for real-time software transactional memory-lazy conflict detection (STM-LCD). Specifically, we introduce a parameter the remainder factor
m
, formally derive an exact WCRT for a 2-task set on STM systems using lazy conflict detection (LCD), propose an exact schedulability test for a 2-task set. Also, we present a near-exact WCRT for an
n
-task set on STM-LCD, and propose a new necessary condition and a new sufficient condition to schedule an
n
-task set. Finally, we show that experimental results are accordant with the aforementioned analysis.
Thematic program in computer algebra
Authors: Labahn George , Watt Stephen
Published: April 2016

During the second half of 2015, the Fields Institute hosted the Thematic Program on Computer Algebra. This program attracted some 125 individuals working in the subject's various areas.
Workshop on symbolic combinatorics and algorithmic differential algebra
Authors: Kauers Manuel , Paule Peter , Reid Greg
Published: April 2016

The workshop on
Symbolic Combinatorics and Computational Differential Algebra
was held from September 14 to September 20, 2015 as part of the
Thematic Program on Computer Algebra
at the Fields Institute in Toronto, Canada. The workshop was devoted to algorithmic developments in Combinatorics and Differential Algebra with a particular focus on the interaction of these two areas.
Chronology of UPR activation in skeletal muscle adaptations to chronic contractile activity
Authors: Memme Jonathan M. , Oliveira Ashley N. , Hood David A.
Published: April 2016

The mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein responses (UPRmt and UPRER) are important for cellular homeostasis during stimulus-induced increases in protein synthesis. Exercise triggers the synthesis of mitochondrial proteins, regulated in part by peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). To investigate the role of the UPR in exercise-induced adaptations, we subjected rats to 3 h of chronic contractile activity (CCA) for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days followed by 3 h of recovery. Mitochondrial biogenesis signaling, through PGC-1α mRNA, increased 14-fold after 1 day of CCA. This resulted in 10–32% increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity, indicative of mitochondrial content, between days 3 and 7, as well as increases in the autophagic degradation of p62 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A (LC3)-II protein. Before these adaptations, the UPRER transcripts activating transcription factor-4, spliced X-box-binding protein 1, and binding immunoglobulin protein were elevated (1.3- to 3.8-fold) at days 1–3, while CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and chaperones binding immunoglobulin protein and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 were elevated at mRNA and protein levels (1.5- to 3.9-fold) at days 1–7 of CCA. The mitochondrial chaperones 10-kDa chaperonin, HSP60, and 75-kDa mitochondrial HSP, the protease ATP-dependent Clp protease proteolytic subunit, and the regulatory protein sirtuin-3 of the UPRmt were concurrently induced 10–80% between days 1 and 7. To test the role of the UPR in CCA-induced remodeling, we treated animals with the endoplasmic reticulum stress suppressor tauroursodeoxycholic acid and subjected them to 2 or 7 days of CCA. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuated CHOP and HSP70 protein induction; however, this failed to impact mitochondrial remodeling. Our data indicate that signaling to the UPR is rapidly activated following acute contractile activity, that this is attenuated with repeated bouts, and that the UPR is involved in chronic adaptations to CCA; however, this appears to be independent of CHOP signaling.
Caveolin-1 regulates corneal wound healing by modulating Kir4.1 activity
Authors: Zhang Chengbiao , Su Xiaotong , Bellner Lars , Lin Dao-Hong
Published: April 2016

The expression of caveolin-1 (Cav1) in corneal epithelium is associated with regeneration potency. We used Cav1−/− mice to study the role of Cav1 in modulating corneal wound healing. Western blot and whole cell patch clamp were employed to study the effect of Cav1 deletion on Kir4.1 current density in corneas. We found that Ba2+-sensitive K+ currents in primary cultured murine corneal epithelial cells (pMCE) from Cav1−/− were dramatically reduced (602 pA) compared with those from wild type (WT; 1,300 pA). As a consequence, membrane potential was elevated in pMCE from Cav1−/− compared with that from WT (−43 ± 7.5 vs. −58 ± 4.0 mV, respectively). Western blot showed that either inhibition of Cav1 expression or Ba2+ incubation stimulated phosphorylation of the EGFR. The transwell migration assay showed that Cav1 genetic inactivation accelerated cell migration. The regrowth efficiency of human corneal epithelial cells (HCE) transfected with siRNA-Cav1 or negative control was evaluated by scrape injury assay. With the presence of mitomycin C (10 μg/ml) to avoid the influence of cell proliferation, Cav1 inhibition with siRNA significantly increased migration compared with control siRNA in HCE. This promoting effect by siRNA-Cav1 could not be further enhanced by cotransfection with siRNA-Kcnj10. By using corneal debridement, we found that wound healing was significantly accelerated in Cav1−/− compared with WT mice (70 ± 10 vs. 36 ± 3%, P < 0.01). Our findings imply that the mechanism by which Cav-1 knockout promotes corneal regrowth is, at least partially, due to the inhibition of Kir4.1 which stimulates EGFR signaling.
Uptake of ascorbic acid by pancreatic acinar cells is negatively impacted by chronic alcohol exposure
Authors: Subramanian Veedamali S. , Srinivasan Padmanabhan , Said Hamid M.
Published: April 2016

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) is indispensable for normal metabolism of all mammalian cells including pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). PACs obtain AA from their surroundings via transport across the cell membrane. Chronic alcohol exposure negatively affects body AA homeostasis; it also inhibits uptake of other micronutrients into PACs, but its effect on AA uptake is not clear. We examined this issue using both in vitro (266-6 cells) and in vivo (mice) models of chronic alcohol exposure. First, we determined the relative expression of the AA transporters 1 and 2 [i.e., sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-1 (SVCT-1) and SVCT-2] in mouse and human PACs and found SVCT-2 to be the predominant transporter. Chronic exposure of 266-6 cells to alcohol significantly inhibited AA uptake and caused a marked reduction in SVCT-2 expression at the protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) levels. Similarly, chronic alcohol feeding of mice significantly inhibited AA uptake and caused a marked reduction in level of expression of the SVCT-2 protein, mRNA, and hnRNA. These findings suggest possible involvement of transcriptional mechanism(s) in mediating chronic alcohol effect on AA uptake by PACs. We also observed significant epigenetic changes (histone modifications) in the Slc23a2 gene (reduction in H3K4me3 level and an increase in H3K27me3 level) in the alcohol-exposed 266-6 cells. These findings show that chronic alcohol exposure inhibits PAC AA uptake and that the effect is mediated, in part, at the level of transcription of the Slc23a2 gene and may involve epigenetic mechanism(s).
Divergent effects of ERα and ERβ on fluid intake by female rats are not dependent on concomitant changes in AT1R expression or body weight
Authors: Santollo Jessica , Marshall Anikó , Curtis Kathleen S. , Speth Robert C. , Clark Stewart D. , Daniels Derek
Published: April 2016

Estradiol (E2) decreases both water and saline intakes by female rats. The ERα and ERβ subtypes are expressed in areas of the brain that control fluid intake; however, the role that these receptors play in E2's antidipsogenic and antinatriorexigenic effects have not been examined. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that activation of ERα and ERβ decreases water and saline intakes by female rats. We found a divergence in E2's inhibitory effect on intake: activation of ERα decreased water intake, whereas activation of ERβ decreased saline intake. E2decreases expression of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), a receptor with known relevance to water and salt intakes, in multiple areas of the brain where ERα and ERβ are differentially expressed. Therefore, we tested for agonist-induced changes in AT1R mRNA expression by RT-PCR and protein expression by analyzing receptor binding to test the hypothesis that the divergent effects of these ER subtypes are mediated by region-specific changes in AT1R expression. Although we found no changes in AT1R mRNA or binding in areas of the brain known to control fluid intake associated with agonist treatment, the experimental results replicate and extend previous findings that body weight changes mediate alterations in AT1R expression in distinct brain regions. Together, the results reveal selective effects of ER subtypes on ingestive behaviors, advancing our understanding of E2's inhibitory role in the controls of fluid intake by female rats.
Role of aortic arch vascular mechanics in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity
Authors: Klassen Stephen A. , Chirico Daniele , Dempster Kylie S. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , O'Leary Deborah D.
Published: April 2016

Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) measures the efficiency of the cardiovagal baroreflex to modulate heart rate in response to increases or decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Given that baroreceptors are located in the walls of the carotid sinuses (CS) and aortic arch (AA), the arterial mechanics of these sites are important contributors to cvBRS. However, the relative contribution of CS and AA mechanics to cvBRS remains unclear. This study employed sex differences as a model to test the hypothesis that differences in cvBRS between groups would be explained by the vascular mechanics of the AA but not the CS. Thirty-six young, healthy, normotensive individuals (18 females; 24 ± 2 yr) were recruited. cvBRS was measured using transfer function analysis of the low-frequency region (0.04–0.15 Hz). Ultrasonography was performed at the CS and AA to obtain arterial diameters for the measurement of distensibility. Local pulse pressure (PP) was taken at the CS using a hand-held tonometer, whereas AA PP was estimated using a transfer function of brachial PP. Both cvBRS (25 ± 11 vs. 19 ± 7 ms/mmHg, P = 0.04) and AA distensibility (16.5 ± 6.0 vs. 10.5 ± 3.8 mmHg−1 × 10−3, P = 0.02) were greater in females than males. Sex differences in cvBRS were eliminated after controlling for AA distensibility ( P = 0.19). There were no sex differences in CS distensibility (5.32 ± 2.3 vs. 4.63 ± 1.3 mmHg−1 × 10−3, P = 0.32). The present data demonstrate that AA mechanics are an important contributor to differences in cvBRS.
Intention-Aware Autonomous Driving Decision-Making in an Uncontrolled Intersection
Authors: Song Weilong , Xiong Guangming , Chen Huiyan
Published: April 2016

Autonomous vehicles need to perform social accepted behaviors in complex urban scenarios including human-driven vehicles with uncertain intentions. This leads to many difficult decision-making problems, such as deciding a lane change maneuver and generating policies to pass through intersections. In this paper, we propose an intention-aware decision-making algorithm to solve this challenging problem in an uncontrolled intersection scenario. In order to consider uncertain intentions, we first develop a continuous hidden Markov model to predict both the high-level motion intention (e.g., turn right, turn left, and go straight) and the low level interaction intentions (e.g., yield status for related vehicles). Then a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) is built to model the general decision-making framework. Due to the difficulty in solving POMDP, we use proper assumptions and approximations to simplify this problem. A human-like policy generation mechanism is used to generate the possible candidates. Human-driven vehicles’ future motion model is proposed to be applied in state transition process and the intention is updated during each prediction time step. The reward function, which considers the driving safety, traffic laws, time efficiency, and so forth, is designed to calculate the optimal policy. Finally, our method is evaluated in simulation with PreScan software and a driving simulator. The experiments show that our method could lead autonomous vehicle to pass through uncontrolled intersections safely and efficiently.
Biomechanical, Topological and Chemical Features That Influence the Implant Success of an Urogynecological Mesh: A Review
Authors: De Maria Carmelo , Santoro Vito , Vozzi Giovanni
Published: April 2016

Synthetic meshes are normally used to treat several diseases in the field of urogynecological surgery. Not-optimal selection of mesh and/or its not-correct implant may increase patient’s pain and discomfort. The knowledge of mechanical behaviour and topological and chemical properties of a mesh plays a fundamental role to minimize patient’s suffering and maximize the implant success. We analysed several papers reporting the meshes application for urogynecological pathologies, to extrapolate the principal parameters that normally are used to characterise the biomechanical, topological, and chemical properties, and to verify their influence on implant success. In this way we want demonstrate that, knowing these features, it is possible to foresee the success of a mesh implant. This review shows that the application of a mesh strictly depends on elastic modulus, failure load, porosity and pore size, filament diameter, polymer weight, and crystallinity. To increase the success of the implant and to help choice of optimal mesh for a clinical need, two indexes have been proposed for comparing, in an easier way, the mechanical performance of different commercially available meshes.
Evaluation of NO Oxidation Properties over a Mn-Ce/γ-Al2O3Catalyst
Authors: Wang Pan , Luo Peng , Yin Junchen , Lei Lili
Published: April 2016

With the purpose of studying the effect of diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) on the NO oxidation activity, a series ofxMn10Ce/γ-Al2O3(x= 4, 6, 8, and 10) catalysts were synthesized by acid-aided sol-gel method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Result showed that the crystalline size of MnOxand CeO2ranges from 5 nm to 30 nm and manganese existed mainly in the catalysts in the form of manganese dioxide. Moreover, NO oxidation experiments were carried out to evaluate the activity of the catalysts; according to the results, 6Mn10Ce/γ-Al2O3catalyst showed the supreme NO oxidation activity with a NO to NO2conversion rate of 83.5% at 300°C. Compared to 500 ppm NO inlet concentration, the NO conversion was higher than that of 750 and 1000 ppm NO over 6Mn10Ce/γ-Al2O3catalyst in the temperature range of 150–300°C.
A Frequency Agile Semicircular Slot Antenna For Cognitive Radio System
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Vijay Ritu
Published: April 2016

A frequency agile antenna is proposed with its ground plane having a semicircular shaped slot which is capable of switching the frequency to different bands, one at a time, in the wide frequency range of 5.33 GHz to 9.90 GHz. To achieve frequency agility, switching of six RF PIN diodes which are placed along the slot length is done in various combinations. Frequency tuning ratio of about 1.85 : 1 can be achieved using this design. Results such as return losses, gain, bandwidth, and radiation patterns are presented in this paper.
Through-Wall Detection with LS-SVM under Unknown Wall Characteristics
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Zhang Yerong , Zhang Huamei
Published: April 2016

One of the main challenges in through-wall imaging (TWI) is the presence of the walls, whose returns tend to obscure the target behind the walls and must be considered and computed in the imaging procedure. In this paper, a two-step procedure for the through-wall detection is proposed. Firstly, an effective clutter mitigation method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) is used. It does not require knowledge of the background scene or rely on accurate modeling and estimation of wall parameters. Then, TWI problem is cast as a regression one and solved by means of least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). The complex scattering process due to the presence of the walls is automatically included in the nonlinear relationship between the feature vector extracted from the target scattered fields and the position of the target. The relationship is obtained through a training phase using LS-SVM. Simulated results show that the proposed approach is effective. We also analyze the impacts of training samples and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on test detection accuracy. Simulated results reveal that the proposed LS-SVM based approach can provide comparative performances in terms of accuracy, convergence, robustness, and generalization in comparison with the support vector machine (SVM) based approach.
Certain Subclasses of Bistarlike and Biconvex Functions Based on Quasi-Subordination
Authors: Magesh Nanjundan , Balaji Vitalrao Kupparao , Yamini Jagadesan
Published: April 2016

We introduce the unified biunivalent function classMq,σδ,λ(γ,φ)defined based on quasi-subordination and obtained the coefficient estimates for Taylor-Maclaurin coefficients|a2|and|a3|. Several related classes of functions are also considered and connections to earlier known and new results are established.
Experimental Method of Temperature and Strain Discrimination in Polymer Composite Material by Embedded Fiber-Optic Sensors Based on Femtosecond-Inscribed FBGs
Authors: Shishkin Victor V. , Terentyev Vadim S. , Kharenko Denis S. , Dostovalov Alexandr V. , Wolf Alexey A. , Simonov Victor A. , Fedotov Mikhail Yu. , Shienok Anton M. , Shelemba Ivan S. , Babin Sergey A.
Published: April 2016

Experimental method of temperature and strain discrimination with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) sensors embedded in carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is proposed. The method is based on two-fiber technique, when two FBGs inscribed in different fibers with different sensitivities to strain and/or temperature are placed close to each other and act as a single sensing element. The nonlinear polynomial approximation of Bragg wavelength shift as a function of temperature and strain is presented for this method. The FBGs were inscribed with femtosecond laser by point-by-point inscription technique through polymer cladding of the fiber. The comparison of linear and nonlinear approximation accuracies for array of embedded sensors is performed. It is shown that the use of nonlinear approximation gives 1.5–2 times better accuracy. The obtained accuracies of temperature and strain measurements are 2.6–3.8°C and 50–83 μεin temperature and strain range of 30–120°C and 0–400 με, respectively.
The Investigation of EM Scattering from the Time-Varying Overturning Wave Crest Model by the IEM
Authors: Meng Xiao , Guo Li-xin , Fan Tian-qi
Published: April 2016

Investigation of the electromagnetic (EM) scattering of time-varying overturning wave crests is a worthwhile endeavor. Overturning wave crest is one of the reasons of sea spike generation, which increases the probability of false radar alarms and reduces the performance of multitarget detection in the environment. A three-dimensional (3D) time-varying overturning wave crest model is presented in this paper; this 3D model is an improvement of the traditional two-dimensional (2D) time-varying overturning wave crest model. The integral equation method (IEM) was employed to investigate backward scattering radar cross sections (RCS) at various incident angles of the 3D overturning wave crest model. The super phenomenon, where the intensity of horizontal polarization scattering is greater than that of vertical polarization scattering, is an important feature of sea spikes. Simulation results demonstrate that super phenomena may occur in some time samples as variations in the overturning wave crest.
Mechanisms Underlying Adaptation of Respiratory Network Activity to Modulatory Stimuli in the Mouse Embryo
Authors: Chevalier Marc , De Sa Rafaël , Cardoit Laura , Thoby-Brisson Muriel
Published: April 2016

Breathing is a rhythmic behavior that requires organized contractions of respiratory effector muscles. This behavior must adapt to constantly changing conditions in order to ensure homeostasis, proper body oxygenation, and CO2/pH regulation. Respiratory rhythmogenesis is controlled by neural networks located in the brainstem. One area considered to be essential for generating the inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm is the preBötzinger complex (preBötC). Rhythmogenesis emerges from this network through the interplay between the activation of intrinsic cellular properties (pacemaker properties) and intercellular synaptic connections. Respiratory activity continuously changes under the impact of numerous modulatory substances depending on organismal needs and environmental conditions. The preBötC network has been shown to become active during the last third of gestation. But only little is known regarding the modulation of inspiratory rhythmicity at embryonic stages and even less on a possible role of pacemaker neurons in this functional flexibility during the prenatal period. By combining electrophysiology and calcium imaging performed on embryonic brainstem slice preparations, we provide evidence showing that embryonic inspiratory pacemaker neurons are already intrinsically sensitive to neuromodulation and external conditions (i.e., temperature) affecting respiratory network activity, suggesting a potential role of pacemaker neurons in mediating rhythm adaptation to modulatory stimuli in the embryo.
Antioxidant Composition of a Selection of Italian Red Wines and Their Corresponding Free-Radical Scavenging Ability
Authors: Cassino Claudio , Gianotti Valentina , Bonello Federica , Tsolakis Christos , Cravero Maria Carla , Osella Domenico
Published: April 2016

This study correlates the antioxidant composition profiles and the overall antioxidant capacities of 36 Italian red wine samples. The samples were fully characterized by chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. The overall antioxidant capacity was determined by titrating a solution of the semistable free radical DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) with each wine sample followed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and then measuring the resulting decrease in DPPH-signal. The antioxidant activities of the samples were expressed as (+)-catechin equivalents and related to their antioxidant composition profiles. Samples with a high polyphenol content showed a high DPPH scavenging ability as well. Seven well-defined groups, mainly constituted by wines coming from the same cultivar, were evidenced by PCA analysis. Alcohol content and pH did not influence the wine DPPH scavenging ability. The most important variables contributing to the wines’ antioxidant power are total flavonoid, total phenol, and proanthocyanidin indices together with fertaric acid,trans-caftaric acid,trans-coutaric acid, and both quercetin glucoside and quercetin glucuronide. EPR is demonstrated to be faster than the other analytical methods (spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses) to determine the wine overall antioxidant activity.
miR-145a-5p Promotes Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Du Jingjing , Li Qiang , Shen Linyuan , Lei Huaigang , Luo Jia , Liu Yihui , Zhang Peiwen , Pu Qiang , Zhang Yi , Shuai Surong , Li Xuewei , Zhang Shunhua , Zhu Li
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs are a class of 18–22-nucleotide noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression and have been shown to play an important role during myoblast differentiation. In this study, we found that the expression of miR-145a-5p was gradually increased during C2C12 myoblast differentiation, and miR-145a-5p inhibitors or mimics significantly suppressed or promoted the relative expression of specific myogenesis related marker genes. Moreover, overexpression or inhibition of miR-145a-5p enhanced or repressed the expression of some special genes involved in the endogenous Wnt signaling pathway during C2C12 myoblast differentiation, includingWnt5a,LRP5,Axin2, andβ-catenin. These results indicated that miR-145a-5p might be considered as a new myogenic differentiation-associated microRNA that can promote C2C12 myoblast differentiation by enhancing genes related to myoblasts differentiation.
Prevalence of HIV and Associated Risks of Sex Work among Youth in the Slums of Kampala
Authors: Swahn Monica H. , Culbreth Rachel , Salazar Laura F. , Kasirye Rogers , Seeley Janet
Published: April 2016

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for engaging in sex work among youth living in Kampala, Uganda.Methods. Analyses are based on a cross-sectional study (N= 1,134) of youth aged 12-18 years, living in the slums of Kampala, conducted in Spring of 2014. The analytic sample consisted of only sexually active youth (n= 590). Youth who reported engaging in sex work were compared to youth who did not report sex work. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with sex work.Results. Among the youth who had ever had sexual intercourse (n= 590), 13.7% (n= 81) reported engaging in sex work. Self-reported HIV prevalence was 13.9% among the total sample (n= 81) and 22.5% (n= 18) among youth engaged in sex work. Engaging in sex work was associated with being female (AOR 10.4; 95% CI: 3.9, 27.4), being an orphan (AOR 3.8; 95% CI: 1.7, 8.4), ever drinking alcohol (AOR 8.3; 95% CI 3.7, 19.0), and experiencing any rape (AOR 5.3; 95% CI: 2.9, 9.5).Discussion. The reported prevalence of sex work is high among youth in the slums of Kampala and is associated with high HIV prevalence, ever drinking alcohol, previously being raped, and being an orphan.
Thermal Transport of Flexural and In-Plane Phonons Modulated by Bended Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Pan Changning , He Jun , Yang Diwu , Chen Keqiu
Published: April 2016

Ballistic thermal transport properties are investigated comparatively for out-of-plane phonon modes (FPMs) and in-plane phonon modes (IPMs) in bended graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Results show that the phonon modes transports can be modulated separately by the phonon dispersion mismatch between armchair and zigzag GNRs in considered system. The contribution of FPMs to total thermal conductance is larger than 50% in low temperature for perfect GNRs. But it becomes less than 20% in the bended GNRs. Furthermore, this contribution can be modulated by changing the structural parameters of the bended GNRs. The result is useful for the design of thermal or thermoelectric nanodevices in future.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Canadian First Nations and Non-First Nations Patients
Authors: Uhanova Julia , Minuk Gerald , Lopez Ficher Federico , Chandok Natasha
Published: April 2016

Background.Features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have yet to be described in the Canadian First Nations (FN) population. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, severity, and outcome of NAFLD in FN versus non-FN patients at an urban, tertiary care centre.Methods.Adults with NAFLD and no additional liver disease were identified in a prospectively derived database at the University of Manitoba. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histologic data were analyzed.Results.482 subjects fulfilled diagnostic criteria for NAFLD, including 33 (7%) FN. Aside from rural residence, diabetes and cholestasis being more common in FN patients, the ages, gender distributions, clinical and radiologic features, and liver enzyme/function test results were similar in the two cohorts. Noninvasive tests of fibrosis (APRI and NAFLD fibrosis scores) were also similar in the two cohorts. There were no significant differences in liver enzyme or function tests in either cohort after approximately three years of follow-up.Conclusion.Compared to the prevalence of FN persons in the general population of this study site (10–15%), FN patients were underrepresented in this NAFLD population. The severity and progression of liver disease in FN patients appear to be similar to those in non-FN patients.
Stage of Change and Motivation to a Healthier Lifestyle before and after an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Livia Buratta , Elisa Reginato , Claudia Ranucci , Roberto Pippi , Cristina Aiello , Emilia Sbroma Tomaro , Chiara Perrone , Alberto Tirimagni , Angelo Russo , Pierpaolo De Feo , Claudia Mazzeschi
Published: April 2016

Objective.Lifestyle modification programs are different but typically include both nutritional aspects and physical activity as main domains with different behavioral and/or psychological strategies designed to affect change. A fundamental role in modifying unhealthy habits is played by personal motivation for change. The present study sought to investigate, in a group of 100 overweight/obese outpatients with and/or without TMD2, treatment seeking, the effect of an intensive lifestyle program on medical measures and motivational profile for physical activity (PA) and healthy nutrition (NUTR).Method.Subjects participated in an intensive multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention at C.U.R.I.A.MO. Before and after the intervention, patients received a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic states and motivation to lifestyle changes.Results.Data showed differences before and after intervention in both medical and motivational measures. Before the intervention patients reported to be ready, open, and determined to change and gave importance to healthy habits. After the intervention patients continued to be determined but increased the actions toward the change showing a higher degree of maintenance and of acquisition of habits especially in the physical domain of the new lifestyle.Conclusion.Data support the notion that the motivation should be followed during all the lifestyle interventions to support the change on both domains of the lifestyle program.
Guitar: An R/Bioconductor Package for Gene Annotation Guided Transcriptomic Analysis of RNA-Related Genomic Features
Authors: Cui Xiaodong , Wei Zhen , Zhang Lin , Liu Hui , Sun Lei , Zhang Shao-Wu , Huang Yufei , Meng Jia
Published: April 2016

Biological features, such as genes and transcription factor binding sites, are often denoted with genome-based coordinates as the genomic features. While genome-based representation is usually very effective in correlating various biological features, it can be tedious to examine the relationship between RNA-related genomic features and the landmarks of RNA transcripts with existing tools due to the difficulty in the conversion between genome-based coordinates and RNA-based coordinates. We developed here an open sourceGuitarR/Bioconductor package for sketching the transcriptomic view of RNA-related biological features represented by genome based coordinates. Internally,Guitarpackage extracts the standardized RNA coordinates with respect to the landmarks of RNA transcripts, with which hundreds of millions of RNA-related genomic features can then be efficiently analyzed within minutes. We demonstrated the usage ofGuitarpackage in analyzing posttranscriptional RNA modifications (5-methylcytosine and N6-methyladenosine) derived from high-throughput sequencing approaches (MeRIP-Seq and RNA BS-Seq) and show that RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is enriched in 5′UTR. The newly developedGuitarR/Bioconductor package achieves stable performance on the data tested and revealed novel biological insights. It will effectively facilitate the analysis of RNA methylation data and other RNA-related biological features in the future.
Laboratory and Pilot-Plant Scale Photocatalytic Degradation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Seawater Using CM-n-TiO2Nanoparticles
Authors: Shaban Yasser A. , El Sayed Mohamed A. , El Maradny Amr A. , Al Farawati Radwan Kh. , Al Zobidi Mosa I. , Khan Shahed U. M.
Published: April 2016

Photocatalytic degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seawater was successfully achieved at laboratory level with UV light and at pilot-plant scale under natural solar radiation using carbon-modified titanium oxide (CM-n-TiO2) nanoparticles. The photocatalytic performance of CM-n-TiO2was comparatively evaluated with reference n-TiO2under identical conditions. As a result of carbon incorporation, significant enhancement of photodegradation efficiency using CM-n-TiO2was clearly observed. To optimize the operating parameters, the effects of catalyst loading and pH of the solution on the photodegradation rate of PCBs were investigated. The best degradation rate was obtained at pH 5 and CM-n-TiO2loading of 0.5 g L−1. The photodegradation results fitted the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and obeyed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics.
Association Analysis ofNALCNPolymorphisms rs1338041 and rs61973742 in a Chinese Population with Isolated Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Yang Jing , Cao Bei , Chen Yongping , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Shang Huifang
Published: April 2016

Background. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) demonstrated a possible association between cervical dystonia (CD) and a sodium leak channel, nonselective (NALCN) gene. However, the association betweenNALCNand CD was largely unknown in Asian population. The present study was carried out to examine the associations between the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1338041 and rs61973742 in theNALCNgene and CD in a Chinese population.Methods. In a cohort of 201 patients with isolated CD, we genotyped the two SNPs rs1338041 and rs61973742 using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). We also included 289 unrelated, age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) from the same region.Result. No significant differences were observed in either the genotype distributions or the minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of the two SNPs between the CD patients and the HCs. There were no significant differences between early-onset and late-onset CD patients, between patients with and without a positive family history of dystonia, or between patients with and without tremor or sensory tricks.Conclusion. Lack of association between the SNPs ofNALCNand CD suggests that the SNPs ofNALCNdo not play a role in CD in a Chinese population.
Energy Conservation Using Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling for Computational Cloud
Authors: Florence A. Paulin , Shanthi V. , Simon C. B. Sunil
Published: April 2016

Cloud computing is a new technology which supports resource sharing on a “Pay as you go” basis around the world. It provides various services such as SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS. Computation is a part of IaaS and the entire computational requests are to be served efficiently with optimal power utilization in the cloud. Recently, various algorithms are developed to reduce power consumption and even Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) scheme is also used in this perspective. In this paper we have devised methodology which analyzes the behavior of the given cloud request and identifies the associated type of algorithm. Once the type of algorithm is identified, using their asymptotic notations, its time complexity is calculated. Using best fit strategy the appropriate host is identified and the incoming job is allocated to the victimized host. Using the measured time complexity the required clock frequency of the host is measured. According to that CPU frequency is scaled up or down using DVFS scheme, enabling energy to be saved up to 55% of total Watts consumption.
Huge Congenital Segmental Dilatation of the Sigmoid Colon in a Neonate: A “Rarity to Meet” and a “Challenge to Treat”
Authors: Kaiser Margarita , Castellani Christoph , Singer Georg , Marterer Robert , Ratschek Manfred , Till Holger
Published: April 2016

Only ten cases of neonatal congenital segmental dilatation (CSD) of the colon have been described so far. We present a full-term female newborn with trisomy 21, ventricular septal defect, and gross abdominal distension. Plain abdominal radiographs revealed a huge cystic lesion occupying the left hemiabdomen. Upon laparotomy on day 4 a CSD of the distal sigmoid and proximal rectum was confirmed and resected. The proximal colon was exteriorized and the distal part closed as a Hartmann pouch. Histology confirmed a huge segmental dilatation of the sigmoid without dysganglionosis or pseudodiverticula, but normal intestinal architecture. After correction of the ventricular septal defect a low rectal end-to-end anastomosis could be performed at an age of 5 months. The postoperative course was uneventful. CSD of the sigmoid colon is extremely “rare to meet” and a “challenge to treat” in the newborn period, but clinical awareness of this entity prompts pediatric surgical success.
A Composite Cytology–Histology Endpoint Allows a More Accurate Estimate of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Prevalence
Authors: Machalek Dorothy A. , Poynten I. Mary , Jin Fengyi , Hillman Richard J. , Templeton David J. , Law Carmella , Roberts Jennifer M. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Garland Suzanne M. , Farnsworth Annabelle , Fairley Christopher K. , Grulich Andrew E.
Published: April 2016

Background: There is debate about the accuracy of anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA), in the diagnosis of anal human papillomavirus (HPV)-related squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). Few studies have performed both simultaneously in a large sample of high-risk individuals.

Methods: At baseline in a community-based cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected homosexual men ages ≥35 years in Sydney, Australia, all men underwent anal swabbing for cytology and HPV genotyping, and HRA-guided biopsy. We evaluated the separate and combined diagnostic accuracy of cytology and histology, based on a comparison with the prevalence of HPV16 and other high-risk (HR) HPV. We examined trends in HPV prevalence across cytology–histology combinations.

Results: Anal swab, HRA, and HPV genotyping results were available for 605 of 617 participants. The prevalence of cytologically predicted high-grade SIL (HSIL, 17.9%) was lower than histologically diagnosed HSIL (31.7%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of composite-HSIL (detected by either method) was 37.7%. HPV16 prevalence was similar in men with HSIL by cytology (59.3%), HSIL by histology (51.0%), and composite-HSIL (50.0%). HPV16 prevalence was 31.1% in men with composite-atypical squamous cells suggestive of HSIL, to 18.5% in men with composite-low-grade SIL, to 12.1% in men with composite-negative results (Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions: Significantly more HSIL was detected when a composite cytology–histology endpoint was used. Increasing grade of composite endpoint was associated with increasing HPV16 prevalence.

Impact: These data suggest that a composite cytology–histology endpoint reflects meaningful disease categories and is likely to be an important biomarker in anal cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1134–43. ©2016 AACR.
RNA-seq Identification of RACGAP1 as a Metastatic Driver in Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Mi Shijun , Lin Mingyan , Brouwer-Visser Jurriaan , Heim Jennifer , Smotkin David , Hebert Tiffany , Gunter Marc J. , Goldberg Gary L. , Zheng Deyou , Huang Gloria S.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Uterine carcinosarcoma is a rare aggressive malignancy frequently presenting at advanced stage of disease with extrauterine metastases. Median survival is less than 2 years due to high relapse rates after surgery and poor response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The goal of this study was to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Experimental Design: We applied RNA-seq analysis to prospectively collected uterine carcinosarcoma tumor samples from patients undergoing primary surgical resection and for comparison, normal endometrial tissues from postmenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. Functional assays were done in primary carcinosarcoma cell lines developed from patients and in established cell lines, as well as a cell line–derived xenograft model. Validation was done by analysis of an independent cohort of patients with uterine carcinosarcoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Results: Rac GTPase–activating protein 1 (RACGAP1) was identified to be highly upregulated in uterine carcinosarcoma. Functional assays showed that RACGAP1 mediates motility and invasion via regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation and survivin expression. RACGAP1 depletion or survivin inhibition abrogated motility and invasiveness of carcinosarcoma cells, while RACGAP1 overexpression conferred invasiveness to endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. In the TCGA cohort, RACGAP1 expression correlated with survivin expression and extrauterine spread of disease.

Conclusions: The RACGAP1–STAT3–survivin signaling pathway is required for the invasive phenotype of uterine carcinosarcoma and is a newly identified therapeutic target in this lethal disease. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4676–86. ©2016 AACR.
Prevalent Diabetes Mellitus: Mortality and Management in Norwegian Heart Failure Outpatients
Authors: Stubnova Viera , Os Ingrid , Grundtvig Morten , Waldum-Grevbo Bård
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Heart failure (HF) patients with diabetes mellitus experience poor prognosis. We assessed the independent predictive effect of prevalent diabetes mellitus on all-cause mortality in HF outpatients. Furthermore, we investigated if optimized HF medication differed in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. Methods: From 6,289 patients included in the Norwegian HF registry during 2000-2012, 724 diabetic HF outpatients were propensity-score-matched with nondiabetic HF outpatients (1:1), based on 21 measured baseline variables. Baseline characteristics, measured comorbidities and medication were balanced in the matched sample. Results: Diabetes was not an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in the propensity-matched analyses (hazard ratio 1.041; 95% confidence interval 0.875-1.240). No interactions were found between the prognostic impact of diabetes and the strata renal function, systolic function or etiology of chronic HF. Diabetic HF outpatients were independently prescribed higher doses of β-blockers and loop diuretics (both p < 0.001) and were more prone to receive statins (p = 0.003) than nondiabetics. Conclusions: Prevalent diabetes mellitus was not an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in HF outpatients. Explanations other than tight glycemic control should be assessed to improve the prognosis of diabetic HF outpatients. The more intensive, optimized HF medication for diabetic HF outpatients may, to a certain degree, explain our results.