bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actions, topological terms and boundaries in first-order gravity: A review
Authors: Corichi Alejandro , Rubalcava-García Irais , Vukašinac Tatjana
Published: March 2016

In this review, we consider first-order gravity in four dimensions. In particular, we focus our attention in formulations where the fundamental variables are a tetrad [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text] connection [Formula: see text]. We study the most general action principle compatible with diffeomorphism invariance. This implies, in particular, considering besides the standard Einstein–Hilbert–Palatini term, other terms that either do not change the equations of motion, or are topological in nature. Having a well defined action principle sometimes involves the need for additional boundary terms, whose detailed form may depend on the particular boundary conditions at hand. In this work, we consider spacetimes that include a boundary at infinity, satisfying asymptotically flat boundary conditions and/or an internal boundary satisfying isolated horizons boundary conditions. We focus on the covariant Hamiltonian formalism where the phase space [Formula: see text] is given by solutions to the equations of motion. For each of the possible terms contributing to the action, we consider the well-posedness of the action, its finiteness, the contribution to the symplectic structure, and the Hamiltonian and Noether charges. For the chosen boundary conditions, standard boundary terms warrant a well posed theory. Furthermore, the boundary and topological terms do not contribute to the symplectic structure, nor the Hamiltonian conserved charges. The Noether conserved charges, on the other hand, do depend on such additional terms. The aim of this manuscript is to present a comprehensive and self-contained treatment of the subject, so the style is somewhat pedagogical. Furthermore, along the way, we point out and clarify some issues that have not been clearly understood in the literature.
A study of phantom scalar field cosmology using Lie and Noether symmetries
Authors: Dutta Sourav , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: March 2016

The paper deals with phantom scalar field cosmology in Einstein gravity. At first, using Lie symmetry, the coupling function to the kinetic term and the potential function of the scalar field and the equation of state parameter of the matter field are determined and a simple solution is obtained. Subsequently, Noether symmetry is imposed on the Lagrangian of the system. The symmetry vector is obtained and the potential takes a very general form from which potential using Lie symmetry can be obtained as a particular case. Then, we choose a point transformation [Formula: see text] such that one of the transformed variables (say [Formula: see text]) is a cyclic for the Lagrangian. Using conserved charge (corresponding to the cyclic coordinate) and the constant of motion, solutions are obtained.
Characterization of uni-modal parametric plane curve singularities
Authors: Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Rabia  , Mahmood Hasan , Khan Junaid Alam , Mehmood Khawar
Published: March 2016

In this article we characterize the classification of uni-modal parametric plane curve singularities given by Ishikawa and Janeczko, in terms of invariants. On the basis of this characterization we present an algorithm to classify the uni-modal parametric plane curve singularities and also give its implementation in computer algebra system SINGULAR.
A reappraisal of
Pecopteris miltonii
(Artis) Brongniart, a mid-Westphalian (Early–Mid Pennsylvanian) fern
Authors: Wagner Robert H. , Álvarez-Vázquez Carmen
Published: March 2016

Pecopteris miltonii
, a middle Westphalian fern originally described from Yorkshire, England, is redescribed and figured here from roof shales of the Barnsley Seam, the level from which it was first recorded. This material is regarded as complementary to the holotype, a fertile specimen showing limited morphological variation and almost lacking venation. Pinna shape of the holotype, including terminals, and the shape and dimensions of pinnules, match that of the material in hand. An analysis of the literature shows that only a limited number of specimens recorded with the
miltonii
epithet may be regarded as properly assigned. This includes a magnificent specimen figured from Lower Silesia by Stur. Although the species is apparently rare, it is fairly widespread, from North America to central Europe (Bohemia, Lower Silesia). The taxonomic position of
Pecopteris miltonii
is discussed with reference to the genera
Lobatopteris
and
Crenulopteris
, and its synonymy with
Pecopteris aspidioides
is proposed. A full analysis of
Pecopteris miltonii
and its synonymy serves to delimit this classical species, which has been often misidentified.
Algorithm 957
Authors: Gautschi Walter
Published: March 2016

Nonstandard Gaussian quadrature is applied to evaluate the repeated integral i

n

erfc
x
of the coerror function for
n
∈ N
0
,
x
∈ R in an appropriate domain of the (
n
,
x
)-plane. Relevant software in MATLAB is provided: in particular, two routines evaluating the function to an accuracy of 12 respective 30-decimal digits.
Measuring Collectiveness via Refined Topological Similarity
Authors: Li Xuelong , Chen Mulin , Wang Qi
Published: March 2016

Crowd system has motivated a surge of interests in many areas of multimedia, as it contains plenty of information about crowd scenes. In crowd systems, individuals tend to exhibit collective behaviors, and the motion of all those individuals is called collective motion. As a comprehensive descriptor of collective motion,
collectiveness
has been proposed to reflect the degree of individuals moving as an entirety. Nevertheless, existing works mostly have limitations to correctly find the individuals of a crowd system and precisely capture the various relationships between individuals, both of which are essential to measure collectiveness. In this article, we propose a collectiveness-measuring method that is capable of quantifying collectiveness accurately. Our main contributions are threefold: (1) we compute relatively accurate collectiveness by making the tracked feature points represent the individuals more precisely with a point selection strategy; (2) we jointly investigate the spatial-temporal information of individuals and utilize it to characterize the topological relationship between individuals by manifold learning; (3) we propose a
stability
descriptor to deal with the irregular individuals, which influence the calculation of collectiveness. Intensive experiments on the simulated and real world datasets demonstrate that the proposed method is able to compute relatively accurate collectiveness and keep high consistency with human perception.
A single dose of alcohol does not meaningfully alter circadian phase advances and phase delays to light in humans
Authors: Burgess Helen J. , Rizvydeen Muneer , Fogg Louis F. , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: March 2016

Central circadian timing influences mental and physical health. Research in nocturnal rodents has demonstrated that when alcohol is consumed, it reaches the central hypothalamic circadian pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nuclei) and can directly alter circadian phase shifts to light. In two separate studies, we examined, for the first time, the effects of a single dose of alcohol on circadian phase advances and phase delays to light in humans. Two 23-day within-subjects placebo-controlled counterbalanced design studies were conducted. Both studies consisted of 6 days of fixed baseline sleep to stabilize circadian timing, a 2-day laboratory session, a 6-day break, and a repeat of 6 days of fixed sleep and a 2-day laboratory session. In the phase advance study ( n = 10 light drinkers, 24–45 yr), the laboratory sessions consisted of a baseline dim light phase assessment, sleep episode, alcohol (0.6 g/kg) or placebo, 2-h morning bright light pulse, and final phase assessment. In the phase-delay study ( n = 14 light drinkers, 22–44 yr), the laboratory sessions consisted of a baseline phase assessment, alcohol (0.8 g/kg) or placebo, 2-h late night bright light pulse, sleep episode, and final phase assessment. In both studies, alcohol either increased or decreased the observed phase shifts to light (interaction P ≥ 0.46), but the effect of alcohol vs. placebo on phase shifts to light was always on average smaller than 30 min. Thus, no meaningful effects of a single dose of alcohol vs. placebo on circadian phase shifts to light in humans were observed.
Polycythemia and high levels of erythropoietin in blood and brain blunt the hypercapnic ventilatory response in adult mice
Authors: Menuet Clément , Khemiri Hanan , de la Poëze d'Harambure Théodora , Gestreau Christian
Published: March 2016

Changes in arterial Po2, Pco2, and pH are the strongest stimuli sensed by peripheral and central chemoreceptors to adjust ventilation to the metabolic demand. Erythropoietin (Epo), the main regulator of red blood cell production, increases the hypoxic ventilatory response, an effect attributed to the presence of Epo receptors in both carotid bodies and key brainstem structures involved in integration of peripheral inputs and control of breathing. However, it is not known whether Epo also has an effect on the hypercapnic chemoreflex. In a first attempt to answer this question, we tested the hypothesis that Epo alters the ventilatory response to increased CO2levels. Basal ventilation and hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) were recorded from control mice and from two transgenic mouse lines constitutively expressing high levels of human Epo in brain only (Tg21) or in brain and plasma (Tg6), the latter leading to polycythemia. To tease apart the potential effects of polycythemia and levels of plasma Epo in the HCVR, control animals were injected with an Epo analog (Aranesp), and Tg6 mice were treated with the hemolytic agent phenylhydrazine after splenectomy. Ventilatory parameters measured by plethysmography in conscious mice were consistent with data from electrophysiological recordings in anesthetized animals and revealed a blunted HCVR in Tg6 mice. Polycythemia alone and increased levels of plasma Epo blunt the HCVR. In addition, Tg21 mice with an augmented level of cerebral Epo also had a decreased HCVR. We discuss the potential implications of these findings in several physiopathological conditions.
Pronounced kidney hypoxia precedes albuminuria in type 1 diabetic mice
Authors: Franzén Stephanie , Pihl Liselotte , Khan Nadeem , Gustafsson Håkan , Palm Fredrik
Published: March 2016

Intrarenal tissue hypoxia has been proposed as a unifying mechanism for the development of chronic kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy. However, hypoxia has to be present before the onset of kidney disease to be the causal mechanism. To establish whether hypoxia precedes the onset of diabetic nephropathy, we implemented a minimally invasive electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry technique using implanted oxygen sensing probes for repetitive measurements of in vivo kidney tissue oxygen tensions in mice. Kidney cortex oxygen tensions were measured before and up to 15 days after the induction of insulinopenic diabetes in male mice and compared with normoglycemic controls. On day 16, urinary albumin excretions and conscious glomerular filtration rates were determined to define the temporal relationship between intrarenal hypoxia and disease development. Diabetic mice developed pronounced intrarenal hypoxia 3 days after the induction of diabetes, which persisted throughout the study period. On day 16, diabetic mice had glomerular hyperfiltration, but normal urinary albumin excretion. In conclusion, intrarenal tissue hypoxia in diabetes precedes albuminuria thereby being a plausible cause for the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy.
The rebirth of interest in renal tubular function
Authors: Lowenstein Jerome , Grantham Jared J.
Published: March 2016

The measurement of glomerular filtration rate by the clearance of inulin or creatinine has evolved over the past 50 years into an estimated value based solely on plasma creatinine concentration. We have examined some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings of the classification of renal disease and its course, which have followed this evolution. Furthermore, renal plasma flow and tubular function, which in the past were estimated by the clearance of the exogenous aryl amine, para-aminohippurate, are no longer measured. Over the past decade, studies in experimental animals with reduced nephron mass and in patients with reduced renal function have identified small gut-derived, protein-bound uremic retention solutes (“uremic toxins”) that are poorly filtered but are secreted into the lumen by organic anion transporters (OATs) in the proximal renal tubule. These are not effectively removed by conventional hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Residual renal function, urine produced in patients with advanced renal failure or undergoing dialysis treatment, may represent, at least in part, secretion of fluid and uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate, mediated by proximal tubule OATs and might serve as a useful survival function. In light of this new evidence of the physiological role of proximal tubule OATs, we suggest that measurement of renal tubular function and renal plasma flow may be of considerable value in understanding and managing chronic kidney disease. Data obtained in normal subjects indicate that renal plasma flow and renal tubular function might be measured by the clearance of the endogenous aryl amine, hippurate.
Bronchodilating effect of deep inspirations in asthma and chronic cough
Authors: V. Wasilewski Nastasia , Fisher Thomas , Turcotte Scott E. , Fisher John T. , Lougheed M. Diane
Published: March 2016

The pathophysiologic processes distinguishing classic asthma (CA), cough-variant asthma (CVA), and methacholine (MCh)-induced cough but normal airway sensitivity (COUGH) are inadequately understood and may be a result of differences in the ability to bronchodilate following a deep inspiration (DI). The purpose of this study was to compare the bronchodilating effect of DIs in individuals with CA, CVA, and COUGH using high-dose MCh. Individuals aged 18-65 yr with CA or suspected CVA completed high-dose MCh testing to a maximum change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 50% from baseline (MAX). Impulse oscillometry (IOS) measurements and partial and maximal-flow volume curves (used to calculate a DI index) were recorded at baseline and at each dose of MCh. Body plethysmography was performed at baseline and MAX. Twenty-eight subjects [25 women, 39.8 ± 11.9 yr (means ± SD)] were studied ( n = 11 CA, n = 10 CVA, and n = 7 COUGH). At MAX, the percent change in FEV1 was greater in subjects with CA compared with those with CVA ( P < 0.001) and COUGH ( P < 0.001), and the percent change in forced vital capacity was greater in those with CA than with COUGH ( P = 0.017). Subjects with CA and CVA developed dynamic hyperinflation and gas trapping. In subjects with CA and CVA, all IOS parameters were significantly increased from baseline to MAX, except for central respiratory resistance (R20). In individuals with COUGH, total respiratory resistance, R20, and resonant frequency were significantly increased from baseline. At MAX, the DI index was positive in all groups, suggesting preserved bronchodilation (CA, 0.67 ± 0.97; CVA, 0.51 ± 0.73; COUGH, 0.01 ± 0.36; P = 0.211). We conclude that the bronchodilating effect of DIs is preserved in individuals with CA, CVA, and borderline with COUGH; however, hyperinflation and gas trapping are avoided in subjects with COUGH alone.
Temporal and spatial tuning of dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus neurons in unanesthetized rats
Authors: Sriram Balaji , Meier Philip M. , Reinagel Pamela
Published: March 2016

Visual response properties of neurons in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) have been well described in several species, but not in rats. Analysis of responses from the unanesthetized rat dLGN will be needed to develop quantitative models that account for visual behavior of rats. We recorded visual responses from 130 single units in the dLGN of 7 unanesthetized rats. We report the response amplitudes, temporal frequency, and spatial frequency sensitivities in this population of cells. In response to 2-Hz visual stimulation, dLGN cells fired 15.9 ± 11.4 spikes/s (mean ± SD) modulated by 10.7 ± 8.4 spikes/s about the mean. The optimal temporal frequency for full-field stimulation ranged from 5.8 to 19.6 Hz across cells. The temporal high-frequency cutoff ranged from 11.7 to 33.6 Hz. Some cells responded best to low temporal frequency stimulation (low pass), and others were strictly bandpass; most cells fell between these extremes. At 2- to 4-Hz temporal modulation, the spatial frequency of drifting grating that drove cells best ranged from 0.008 to 0.18 cycles per degree (cpd) across cells. The high-frequency cutoff ranged from 0.01 to 1.07 cpd across cells. The majority of cells were driven best by the lowest spatial frequency tested, but many were partially or strictly bandpass. We conclude that single units in the rat dLGN can respond vigorously to temporal modulation up to at least 30 Hz and spatial detail up to 1 cpd. Tuning properties were heterogeneous, but each fell along a continuum; we found no obvious clustering into discrete cell types along these dimensions.
Effects of aging on the response of single neurons to amplitude-modulated noise in primary auditory cortex of rhesus macaque
Authors: Overton Jacqueline A. , Recanzone Gregg H.
Published: March 2016

Temporal envelope processing is critical for speech comprehension, which is known to be affected by normal aging. Whereas the macaque is an excellent animal model for human cerebral cortical function, few studies have investigated neural processing in the auditory cortex of aged, nonhuman primates. Therefore, we investigated age-related changes in the spiking activity of neurons in primary auditory cortex (A1) of two aged macaque monkeys using amplitude-modulated (AM) noise and compared these responses with data from a similar study in young monkeys (Yin P, Johnson JS, O'Connor KN, Sutter ML. J Neurophysiol 105: 582–600, 2011). For each neuron, we calculated firing rate (rate code) and phase-locking using phase-projected vector strength (temporal code). We made several key findings where neurons in old monkeys differed from those in young monkeys. Old monkeys had higher spontaneous and driven firing rates, fewer neurons that synchronized with the AM stimulus, and fewer neurons that had differential responses to AM stimuli with both a rate and temporal code. Finally, whereas rate and temporal tuning functions were positively correlated in young monkeys, this relationship was lost in older monkeys at both the population and single neuron levels. These results are consistent with considerable evidence from rodents and primates of an age-related decrease in inhibition throughout the auditory pathway. Furthermore, this dual coding in A1 is thought to underlie the capacity to encode multiple features of an acoustic stimulus. The apparent loss of ability to encode AM with both rate and temporal codes may have consequences for stream segregation and effective speech comprehension in complex listening environments.
The vestibular system does not modulate fusimotor drive to muscle spindles in relaxed leg muscles of subjects in a near-vertical position
Authors: Knellwolf T. P. , Hammam E. , Macefield V. G.
Published: March 2016

It has been shown that sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation (sGVS) has no effect on the firing of spontaneously active muscle spindles in either relaxed or voluntarily contracting human leg muscles. However, all previous studies have been conducted on subjects in a seated position. Given that independent vestibular control of muscle spindle firing would be more valuable during postural threat, we tested the hypothesis that this modulation would become apparent for subjects in a near-vertical position. Unitary recordings were made from 18 muscle spindle afferents via tungsten microelectrodes inserted percutaneously into the common peroneal nerve of awake human subjects laying supine on a motorized tilt table. All recorded spindle afferents were spontaneously active at rest, and each increased its firing rate during a weak static contraction. Sinusoidal bipolar binaural galvanic vestibular stimulation (±2 mA, 100 cycles) was applied to the mastoid processes at 0.8 Hz. This continuous stimulation produced a sustained illusion of “rocking in a boat” or “swinging in a hammock.” The subject was then moved into a near-vertical position (75°), and the stimulation repeated. Despite robust vestibular illusions, none of the fusimotor-driven spindles exhibited phase-locked modulation of firing during sinusoidal GVS in either position. We conclude that this dynamic vestibular stimulus was insufficient to modulate the firing of fusimotor neurons in the near-vertical position. However, this does not mean that the vestibular system cannot modulate the sensitivity of muscle spindles via fusimotor neurons in free unsupported standing, when reliance on proprioceptive feedback is higher.
On the Occurrence of Four Diatom Taxa from Eastern India with a Taxonomic Note
Authors: Keshri Jai Prakash , Ghosh Amit K. , Roy Surajit
Published: March 2016

Diatoms were collected from the Kotulpur area of West Bengal. Four diatom taxa, namely,Eunotia minor(Kützing) Grunow,Achnanthidium minutissimum(Kützing) Czarnecki,Lemnicola hungarica(Grunow) Round and Basson, andNavicula radiosaKützing were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and identified in light of modern diatom taxonomic trends. ExceptEunotia minor, all these taxa are new records to Eastern India. A note on the taxonomy ofAchnanthes pseudobiasolletianaas described by Gandhi andEunotia serratavar.diadema(Ehr.) R. M. Patrick as reported by Dwivedi and Misra has been added.
Clinical Characteristics and 30-Day Outcomes of Intermittent Hemodialysis for Acute Kidney Injury in an African Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kwizera Arthur , Tumukunde Janat , Ssemogerere Lameck , Ayebale Emmanuel , Agaba Peter , Yakubu Jamali , Lubikire Aggrey , Nabukenya Mary , Kalyesubula Robert
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common occurrence in the intensive care unit (ICU). Studies have looked at outcomes of renal replacement therapy using intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) in ICUs with varying results. Little is known about the outcomes of using IHD in resource-limited settings where continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is limited. We sought to determine outcomes of IHD among critically ill patients admitted to a low-income country ICU.Methods. A retrospective review of patient records was conducted. Patients admitted to the ICU who underwent IHD for AKI were included in the study. Patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, cause of AKI, laboratory parameters, haemodialysis characteristics, and survival were interpreted and analyzed. Primary outcome was mortality.Results. Of 62 patients, 40 had complete records. Median age of patients was 38.5 years. Etiologic diagnoses associated with AKI included sepsis, malaria, and ARDS. Mortality was 52.5%. APACHE II (OR 4.550; 95% CI 1.2–17.5,p=0.028), mechanical ventilation (OR 13.063; 95% CI 2.3–72,p=0.003), and need for vasopressors (OR 16.8; 95% CI 3.4–82.6,p=0.001) had statistically significant association with mortality.Conclusion. IHD may be a feasible alternative for RRT in critically ill haemodynamically stable patients in low resource settings where CRRT may not be available.
Investigation of Control Model in a New Series Hybrid Hydraulic/Electric System for Heavy Vehicles Based on Energy Efficiency
Authors: Mahmoodi Soroosh , Guoqing Hu , Khajavi Mehrdad Nouri
Published: March 2016

An interesting model which was able to recuperate and reuse braking energy was investigated. It was named series hybrid hydraulic/electric system (SHHES). The innovated model was presented for heavy hybrid vehicles to overcome the existing drawbacks of single energy storage sources. The novelty of this paper was investigation of a new series hybrid vehicle with triple sources, combustion engine, electric motor, and hydraulic sources. It was simulated with MATLAB-Simulink and different operational mode of control system was investigated. The aim was to improve the efficiency of the energy-loading components in the power train system and the transmission system independently. The ability to store and reuse the kinetic energy was added to the system to prevent energy wasting while the vehicle was braking. Control models were also investigated to realize suitable control algorithms to offer the best efficiency in system components for different vehicle conditions. The torque control strategy based on fuzzy logic controller was proposed to achieve better vehicle performance while the fuel consumption was minimized. The results implied efficient storage and usage in the transmission system. A small vehicle model experimentally verified the simulation results.
Carotenoids Functionality, Sources, and Processing by Supercritical Technology: A Review
Authors: Mezzomo Natália , Ferreira Sandra R. S.
Published: March 2016

Carotenoid is a group of pigments naturally present in vegetal raw materials that have biological properties. These pigments have been used mainly in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Currently, the industrial production is executed through chemical synthesis, but natural alternatives of carotenoid production/attainment are in development. The carotenoid extraction occurs generally with vegetal oil and organic solvents, but supercritical technology is an alternative technique to the recovery of these compounds, presenting many advantages when compared to conventional process. Brazil has an ample diversity of vegetal sources inadequately investigated and, then, a major development of optimization and validation of carotenoid production/attainment methods is necessary, so that the benefits of these pigments can be delivered to the consumer.
Product of the GeneralizedL-Subgroups
Authors: Bayrak Dilek , Yamak Sultan
Published: March 2016

We introduce the notion of(λ,μ)-product ofL-subsets. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for(λ,μ)-L-subgroup of a product of groups to be(λ,μ)-product of(λ,μ)-L-subgroups.
Concomitant Thyroid Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review
Authors: Shizuma Toru
Published: March 2016

The aim of this report was to review and summarize the literature on cases of concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and thyroid diseases. We included the following previous case reports of concomitant IBD and thyroid diseases: 16 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Graves’ disease (GD), 3 cases of Crohn’s disease (CD) and GD, 10 cases of CD and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), 4 cases of IBD and subacute thyroiditis (SAT) or SAT-like symptoms, and 13 cases of IBD (12/13 cases were CD) and amyloid goiter. There might be no obvious differences of prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (hyper- or hypothyroidism), GD, and thyroid cancer between IBD patients and general populations. However, concomitant UC and HT might be relatively common in patients with multiple autoimmune disorders, and AG is one of the complications with CD patients. There might be no obvious differences of fatal prognoses between IBD patients with thyroid diseases and patients with thyroid diseases without IBD.
Simple One-Step Method to Synthesize Polypyrrole-Indigo Carmine-Silver Nanocomposite
Authors: Loguercio Lara Fernandes , Demingos Pedro , Manica Luiza de Mattos , Griep Jordana Borges , Santos Marcos José Leite , Ferreira Jacqueline
Published: March 2016

A nanocomposite of indigo carmine doped polypyrrole/silver nanoparticles was obtained by a one-step electrochemical process. The nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The simple one-step process allowed the growth of silver nanoparticles during the polymerization of polypyrrole, resulting in films with electrochromic behavior and improved electroactivity. In addition, polypyrrole chains in the nanocomposite were found to present longer conjugation length than pristine polypyrrole films.
Cutaneous Side Effects of BRAF Inhibitors in Advanced Melanoma: Review of the Literature
Authors: Gençler Bilgen , Gönül Müzeyyen
Published: March 2016

The incidence of melanoma has recently been increasing. BRAF mutations have been found in 40–60% of melanomas. The increased activity of BRAF V600E leads to the activation of downstream signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which plays a key role as a regulator of cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The use of BRAF inhibitors in metastatic melanoma with BRAF mutation ensures clinical improvement of the disease. Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are two selective BRAF inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both drugs are well tolerated and successfully used in clinical practice. However, some adverse reactions have been reported in patients in the course of treatment. Cutaneous side effects are the most common adverse events among them with a broad spectrum. Both the case reports and several original clinical trials reported cutaneous reactions during the treatment with BRAF inhibitors. In this review, the common cutaneous side effects of BRAF inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E mutation were reviewed.
Adult Onset Still’s Disease: A Review on Diagnostic Workup and Treatment Options
Authors: Gopalarathinam Rajesh , Orlowsky Eric , Kesavalu Ramesh , Yelaminchili Sreeteja
Published: March 2016

Adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis that presents in 5 to 10% of patients as fever of unknown origin (FUO) accompanied by systemic manifestations. We report an interesting case of a 33-year-old African-American male who presented with one-month duration of FUO along with skin rash, sore throat, and arthralgia. After extensive workup, potential differential diagnoses were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with AOSD based on the Yamaguchi criteria. The case history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, diagnostic workup, treatment modalities, and prognosis of AOSD are discussed in this case report.
Structural Changes in Rice Bran Protein upon Different Extrusion Temperatures: A Raman Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Zhou Linyi , Yang Yong , Ren Haibin , Zhao Yan , Wang Zhongjiang , Wu Fei , Xiao Zhigang
Published: March 2016

Raman spectroscopy is critically evaluated to establish the limits to which it may be used to detect changes in protein conformation upon extrusion. Rice bran protein (RBP) extruded with different temperatures (100, 120, 140, and 160°C, labeled as ERBP-) was considered. DSC showed that extrusion at 100°C increasedTDof RBP but decreased itsΔH, while, after extrusion treatment at 120°C, RBP completely denatured. A progressive increase in unordered structure and a general decrease inα-helix structure andβ-sheet structure of extruded RBP were observed from Raman study. Meanwhile the content of unordered structure increased up to 140°C and then decreased at 160°C, while the trend ofα-helix andβ-sheet content was opposite, which was contributed to the composite effect of formation of some more protein aggregation and protein denaturation. Extrusion generally induced a significant decrease in Trp band near 760 cm−1but an increase at 160°C. No significant difference was observed in Tyr doublet ratios between controlled RBP samples and extruded RBP below 160°C, whereas Tyr doublet ratios of extruded RBP decreased at 160°C. Intensity of the band assigned toCHnbending decreased progressively and then increased as extrusion temperature increased, indicating changes in microenvironment and polarity.
Multiserver Queue with Guard Channel for Priority and Retrial Customers
Authors: Kajiwara Kazuki , Phung-Duc Tuan
Published: March 2016

This paper considers a retrial queueing model where a group of guard channels is reserved for priority and retrial customers. Priority and normal customers arrive at the system according to two distinct Poisson processes. Priority customers are accepted if there is an idle channel upon arrival while normal customers are accepted if and only if the number of idle channels is larger than the number of guard channels. Blocked customers (priority or normal) join a virtual orbit and repeat their attempts in a later time. Customers from the orbit (retrial customers) are accepted if there is an idle channel available upon arrival. We formulate the queueing system using a level dependent quasi-birth-and-death (QBD) process. We obtain a Taylor series expansion for the nonzero elements of the rate matrices of the level dependent QBD process. Using the expansion results, we obtain an asymptotic upper bound for the joint stationary distribution of the number of busy channels and that of customers in the orbit. Furthermore, we develop an efficient numerical algorithm to calculate the joint stationary distribution.
The Impact of Sleep Timing, Sleep Duration, and Sleep Quality on Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation amongst Japanese Freshmen: The EQUSITE Study
Authors: Supartini Atin , Honda Takanori , Basri Nadzirah A. , Haeuchi Yuka , Chen Sanmei , Ichimiya Atsushi , Kumagai Shuzo
Published: March 2016

Aim. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of bedtime, wake time, sleep duration, sleep-onset latency, and sleep quality on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation amongst Japanese freshmen.Methods. This cross-sectional data was derived from the baseline survey of the Enhancement of Q-University Students Intelligence (EQUSITE) study conducted from May to June, 2010. A total of 2,631 participants were recruited and completed the following self-reported questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the original Health Support Questionnaires developed by the EQUSITE study research team.Results. Of 1,992 participants eligible for analysis, 25.5% (n=507) reported depressive symptoms (CES-D total score ≥ 16), and 5.8% (n=115) reported suicidal ideation. The present study showed that late bedtime (later than 01:30), sleep-onset latency (≥30 minutes), and poor sleep quality showed a marginally significant association with depressive symptoms. Poor sleep quality was seen to predict suicidal ideation even after adjusting for depressive symptoms.Conclusion. The current study has important implications for the role of bedtime in the prevention of depressive symptoms. Improving sleep quality may prevent the development of depressive symptoms and reduce the likelihood of suicidal ideation.
Analysis of Trunk Rolling Performances by Mattress Mobility Detection System in Poststroke Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chiang Shang-Lin , Lin Chia-Huei , Lin Chueh-Ho , Lu Liang-Hsuan , Chang Shin-Tsu , Sung Wen-Hsu , Wei Shun-Hwa
Published: March 2016

Purpose.The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of kinematic variables with quality of trunk control in poststroke patients.Methods.This cross-sectional study included stroke subjects with mild to moderate motor deficit corresponding to Brunnstrom stages 3-4. Trunk functional performance was measured using bed mobility monitor system. All tasks were repeated ten times for both directions in each subject. Outcome measurements included the movement time and displacement of center of pressure (CoP) from supine to side lying and returning.Results.The results revealed that a significant longer turning time was observed when turning from the paretic side toward the nonparetic side compared to the other direction, with an estimated mean difference of 0.427 sec (P=0.005). We found a significant difference in the time of rolling back to supine position between two directions. The displacement of CoP in rolling back from side lying on the nonparetic side was smaller than that from the paretic side with an estimated mean difference of −0.797 cm (P=0.023).Conclusions.The impaired trunk mobility was associated with increased movement time and decreased displacement of CoP in poststroke patients. Trunk rolling performance has potential in assessment of stroke patients.
Comparative Study of Deposit through a Membrane and Spin-Coated MWCNT as a Flexible Anode for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Aloui Walid , Hamza Saidi , Bouazizi Abdelaziz
Published: March 2016

We present a comparative study between multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) thin films deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates using (i) spin-coating technique and (ii) deposition through a membrane. We deduce from transparence, electrical properties, and AFM image that deposition through membrane presents better properties than spin-coating method. The concentration comparison shows that the optimum result was achieved at a concentration of 1.2 mg·mL−1corresponding to a resistance (Rs) of 180 Ω·cm−2and an optical transparence of about 81% using a wavelength 550 nm. We will also demonstrate the use of the elaborated electrodes to fabricate the following flexible structure: PET-MWCNTs/MEH-PPV/Al. The series resistanceRsand the ideality factornwere calculated.
Knock Detection in Spark Ignition Engines Base on Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition-Hilbert Transform
Authors: Bi Fengrong , Ma Teng , Zhang Jian , Li Lin , Shi Chunfang
Published: March 2016

In spark ignition engines, knock onset limits the maximum spark advance. An inaccurate identification of this limit penalises the fuel conversion efficiency. Thus knock feature extraction is the key of closed-loop control of ignition in spark ignition engine. This paper reports an investigation of knock detection in spark ignition (SI) engines using CEEMD-Hilbert transform based on the engine cylinder pressure signals and engine cylinder block vibration signals. Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) was used to decompose the signal and detect knock characteristic. Hilbert transform was used to analyze the frequency information of knock characteristic. The result shows that, for both of cylinder pressure signals and vibration signals, the CEEMD algorithm could extract the knock characteristic, and the Hilbert transform result shows that the energy of knock impact areas has the phenomenon of frequency concentration in both cylinder pressure signal and cylinder block vibration signal. At last, the knock window is then determined, based on which a new knock intensity evaluation factorKis propose, and it can accurately distinguish between heavy knock, light knock, and normal combustion three states.
Targeting MDM2 for Treatment of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Warner Kristy A. , Nör Felipe , Acasigua Gerson A. , Martins Manoela D. , Zhang Zhaocheng , McLean Scott A. , Spector Matthew E. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Helman Joseph , Wick Michael J. , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Castilho Rogerio M. , Pearson Alexander T. , Wang Shaomeng , Nör Jacques E.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: There are no effective treatment options for patients with advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here, we evaluated the effect of a new small molecule inhibitor of the MDM2–p53 interaction (MI-773) in preclinical models of ACC.

Experimental Design: To evaluate the anti-tumor effect of MI-773, we administered it to mice harboring three different patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of ACC expressing functional p53. The effect of MI-773 on MDM2, p53, phospho-p53, and p21 was examined by Western blots in 5 low passage primary human ACC cell lines and in MI-773-treated PDX tumors.

Results: Single-agent MI-773 caused tumor regression in the 3 PDX models of ACC studied here. For example, we observed a tumor growth inhibition index of 127% in UM-PDX-HACC-5 tumors that was associated with an increase in the fraction of apoptotic cells (P = 0.015). The number of p53-positive cells was increased in MI-773-treated PDX tumors (P < 0.001), with a correspondent shift in p53 localization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Western blots demonstrated that MI-773 potently induced expression of p53 and its downstream targets p21, MDM2, and induced phosphorylation of p53 (serine 392) in low passage primary human ACC cells. Notably, MI-773 induced a dose-dependent increase in the fraction of apoptotic ACC cells and in the fraction of cells in the G1 phase of cell cycle (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Collectively, these data demonstrate that therapeutic inhibition of the MDM2–p53 interaction with MI-773 activates downstream effectors of apoptosis and causes robust tumor regression in preclinical models of ACC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3550–9. ©2016 AACR.
Inflammation-Related IL1β/IL1R Signaling Promotes the Development of Asbestos-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Kadariya Yuwaraj , Menges Craig W. , Talarchek Jacqueline , Cai Kathy Q. , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Pietrofesa Ralph A. , Christofidou-Solomidou Melpo , Cheung Mitchell , Mossman Brooke T. , Shukla Arti , Testa Joseph R.
Published: March 2016

Exposure to asbestos is causally associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of cells lining the internal body cavities. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer resistant to all current therapies. Once inhaled or ingested, asbestos causes inflammation in and around tissues that come in contact with these carcinogenic fibers. Recent studies suggest that inflammation is a major contributing factor in the development of many types of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. The NALP3/NLRP3 inflammasome, including the component ASC, is thought to be an important mediator of inflammation in cells that sense extracellular insults, such as asbestos, and activate a signaling cascade resulting in release of mature IL1β and recruitment of inflammatory cells. To determine if inflammasome-mediated inflammation contributes to asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma, we chronically exposed Asc-deficient mice and wild-type littermates to asbestos and evaluated differences in tumor incidence and latency. The Asc-deficient mice showed significantly delayed tumor onset and reduced malignant mesothelioma incidence compared with wild-type animals. We also tested whether inflammation-related release of IL1β contributes to tumor development in an accelerated mouse model of asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma. Nf2+/−;Cdkn2a+/− mice exposed to asbestos in the presence of anakinra, an IL1 receptor (IL1R) antagonist, showed a marked delay in the median time of malignant mesothelioma onset compared with similarly exposed mice given vehicle control (33.1 weeks vs. 22.6 weeks, respectively). Collectively, these studies provide evidence for a link between inflammation-related IL1β/IL1R signaling and the development of asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma. Furthermore, these findings provide rationale for chemoprevention strategies targeting IL1β/IL1R signaling in high-risk, asbestos-exposed populations. Cancer Prev Res; 9(5); 406–14. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating MiR-19b-3p, MiR-134-5p and MiR-186-5p are Promising Novel Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Ke-Jing , Zhao Xin , Liu Yu-Zhou , Zeng Qiu-Tang , Mao Xiao-Bo , Li Song-Nan , Zhang Ming , Jiang Chao , Zhou You , Qian Cheng , Feng Kai-Ge , Guan Hong-Quan , Tang Ting-Ting , Cheng Xiang , Chen Zhi-Jian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine whether miR-19b-3p, miR-134-5p and miR-186-5p can be used as novel indicators for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: To investigate the kinetic expression of the three selected miRNAs, we enrolled 18 patients with AMI and 20 matched controls. Plasma samples were collected from each participant, and total RNA was extracted. Quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA assays were used to investigate the expression of circulating miRNAs and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), respectively. Plasma samples from another age- and gender-matched cohort were collected to investigate the impact of medications for AMI on the expression of the selected miRNAs. Results: Levels of plasma miR-19b-3p, miR-134-5p and miR-186-5p were significantly increased in early stage of AMI. Plasma miR-19b-3p and miR-134-5p levels reached peak expression immediately after admission (T0), whereas miR-186-5p achieved peak expression at 4 h after T0. All of these times were earlier than the peak for cTnI (8 h after T0). In addition, all three miRNAs were positively correlated with cTnI. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that each single miRNA showed considerable diagnostic efficiency for predicting AMI. Furthermore, combining all three miRNAs in a panel increased the efficiency of distinguishing between patients with AMI and controls. Moreover, we found that heparin and medications for AMI did not impact the expression of these circulating miRNAs. Conclusion: Circulating miR-19b-3p, miR-134-5p and miR-186-5p could be considered promising novel diagnostic biomarkers for the early phase of AMI.
Overexpression of SULT2B1b Promotes Angiogenesis in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Wen , Zhou Haiyu , Ye Lei , Zhan Baogen
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Overexpression of cytosolic sulfotransferase 2B1b (SULT2B1b) has been commonly found in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that SULT2B1b might act as a potential oncogenic protein. However, its clinical significance and biological role in gastric cancer progression remain largely unknown. Methods: Expressions of SULT2B1b in clinical gastric cancer (GC) samples were examined using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: SULT2B1b was markedly overexpressed in human GC samples, and positively correlated with vessel density and associated with poor clinical features. We also demonstrated that overexpression of SULT2B1b resulted in increased tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth in mouse GC models. In addition, ablation of SULT2B1b in human GC cells lines BGC823 and MKN45 decreased the capability of the cells to recruit endothelial cells. Moreover, depletion of SULT2B1b in GC cells reduced VEGF-A expression by downregulating SP1 and AP2. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the SULT2B1b-mediated angiogenic pathway could serve as biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis, and suppressing SULT2B1b-mediated angiogenic signaling might be a promising strategy for developing novel GC treatment.