bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic and Dynamic Characteristics Design of a Variable-Speed Machine With Slider–Crank and Screw Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Jian-Hao , Hsu Meng-Hui , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: July 2015

Designing the variable-input speed of an existing mechanism could improve the output kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a machine. Based on this concept, this paper proposes a method to improve the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a compound mechanism. It starts deriving with an analysis model of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the compound mechanism. Bezier functions with control points are used to design the variable input of the compound mechanism; and the control points and the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the compound mechanism are determined by solving the optimal function in the optimization toolbox of matlab. Furthermore, the proposed method is illustrated by two design examples. The results show that the output kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the existing machine can be improved by designing the variable-input speed with Bezier functions.
Cancer chemoprevention: Evidence of a nonlinear dose response for the protective effects of resveratrol in humans and mice
Authors: Cai Hong , Scott Edwina , Kholghi Abeer , Andreadi Catherine , Rufini Alessandro , Karmokar Ankur , Britton Robert G. , Horner-Glister Emma , Greaves Peter , Jawad Dhafer , James Mark , Howells Lynne , Ognibene Ted , Malfatti Michael , Goldring Christopher , Kitteringham Neil , Walsh Joanne , Viskaduraki Maria , West Kevin , Miller Andrew , Hemingway David , Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J. , Brown Karen
Published: July 2015

Low-dose resveratrol prevents tumor growth in mice and in human tissues, suggesting a revision of development strategies for preventive dietary agents.
Drug-induced hearing loss: Infection raises the odds
Authors: Kros Corné J. , Desmonds Terri
Published: July 2015

Inflammation due to bacterial infection exacerbates hearing loss caused by aminoglycoside antibiotic treatment in a mouse model of sepsis (Koo
et al
.)
Molecular Dissection of the Essential Features of the Origin of Replication of the Second Vibrio cholerae Chromosome
Authors: Gerding Matthew A. , Chao Michael C. , Davis Brigid M. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: July 2015

Vibrionaceae
family members are interesting models for studying DNA replication initiation, as they contain two circular chromosomes. Chromosome II (chrII) replication is governed by two evolutionarily unique yet highly conserved elements, the origin DNA sequence
oriCII
and the initiator protein RctB. The minimum functional region of
oriCII
,
oriCII-min
, contains multiple elements that are bound by RctB
in vitro
, but little is known about the specific requirements for individual elements during
oriCII
initiation. We utilized undirected and site-specific mutagenesis to investigate the functionality of mutant forms of
oriCII-min
and assessed binding to various mutant forms by RctB. Our analyses showed that deletions, point mutations, and changes in RctB target site spacing or methylation all impaired
oriCII-min
-based replication. RctB displayed a reduced affinity for most of the low-efficacy origins tested, although its characteristic cooperative binding was generally maintained. Mutations that removed or altered the relative positions of origin components other than RctB binding sites (e.g., AT-rich sequence, DnaA target site) also abolished replicative capacity. Comprehensive mutagenesis and deep-sequencing-based screening (OriSeq) allowed the identification of a previously uncharacterized methylated domain in
oriCII
that is required for origin function. Together, our results reveal the remarkable evolutionary honing of
oriCII
and provide new insight into the complex interplay between RctB and
oriCII
.

IMPORTANCE
The genome of the enteric pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
consists of two chromosomes. While the chromosome I replication origin and its cognate replication initiator protein resemble those of
Escherichia coli
, the factors responsible for chromosome II replication initiation display no similarity to any other known initiation systems. Here, to enhance our understanding of how this DNA sequence,
oriCII
, and its initiator protein, RctB, function, we used both targeted mutagenesis and a new random-mutagenesis approach (OriSeq) to finely map the
oriCII
structural features and sequences required for RctB-mediated DNA replication. Collectively, our findings reveal the extraordinary evolutionary honing of the architecture and motifs that constitute
oriCII
and reveal a new role for methylation in
oriCII
-based replication. Finally, our findings suggest that the OriSeq approach is likely to be widely applicable for defining critical bases in
cis
-acting sequences.
Genomically Informed Surveillance for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a Health Care System
Authors: Pecora Nicole D. , Li Ning , Allard Marc , Li Cong , Albano Esperanza , Delaney Mary , Dubois Andrea , Onderdonk Andrew B. , Bry Lynn
Published: July 2015

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) are an urgent public health concern. Rapid identification of the resistance genes, their mobilization capacity, and strains carrying them is essential to direct hospital resources to prevent spread and improve patient outcomes. Whole-genome sequencing allows refined tracking of both chromosomal traits and associated mobile genetic elements that harbor resistance genes. To enhance surveillance of CREs, clinical isolates with phenotypic resistance to carbapenem antibiotics underwent whole-genome sequencing. Analysis of 41 isolates of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Enterobacter cloacae
, collected over a 3-year period, identified
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) genes encoding KPC-2, −3, and −4 and OXA-48 carbapenemases. All occurred within transposons, including multiple Tn
4401
transposon isoforms, embedded within more than 10 distinct plasmids representing incompatibility (Inc) groups IncR, -N, -A/C, -H, and -X. Using short-read sequencing, draft maps were generated of new KPC-carrying vectors, several of which were derivatives of the IncN plasmid pBK31551. Two strains also had Tn
4401
chromosomal insertions. Integrated analyses of plasmid profiles and chromosomal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles refined the strain patterns and provided a baseline hospital mobilome to facilitate analysis of new isolates. When incorporated with patient epidemiological data, the findings identified limited outbreaks against a broader 3-year period of sporadic external entry of many different strains and resistance vectors into the hospital. These findings highlight the utility of genomic analyses in internal and external surveillance efforts to stem the transmission of drug-resistant strains within and across health care institutions.

IMPORTANCE
We demonstrate how detection of resistance genes within mobile elements and resistance-carrying strains furthers active surveillance efforts for drug resistance. Whole-genome sequencing is increasingly available in hospital laboratories and provides a powerful and nuanced means to define the local landscape of drug resistance. In this study, isolates of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Enterobacter cloacae
with resistance to carbapenem antibiotics were sequenced. Multiple carbapenemase genes were identified that resided in distinct transposons and plasmids. This mobilome, or population of mobile elements capable of mobilizing drug resistance, further highlighted the degree of strain heterogeneity while providing a detailed timeline of carbapenemase entry into the hospital over a 3-year period. These surveillance efforts support effective targeting of infection control resources and the development of institution-specific repositories of resistance genes and the mobile elements that carry them.
Validating prediction scales of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain: the SPREDIA-2 population-based prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Salinero-Fort Miguel Ángel , de Burgos-Lunar Carmen , Mostaza Prieto José , Lahoz Rallo Carlos , Abánades-Herranz Juan Carlos , Gómez-Campelo Paloma , Laguna Cuesta Fernando , Estirado De Cabo Eva , García Iglesias Francisca , González Alegre Teresa , Fernández Puntero Belén , Montesano Sánchez Luis , Vicent López David , Cornejo Del Río Víctor , Fernández García Pedro J , Sabín Rodríguez Concesa , López López Silvia , Patrón Barandío Pedro ,   the SPREDIA-2 Group
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. When diagnosed, many patients already have organ damage or advance subclinical atherosclerosis. An early diagnosis could allow the implementation of lifestyle changes and treatment options aimed at delaying the progression of the disease and to avoid cardiovascular complications. Different scores for identifying undiagnosed diabetes have been reported, however, their performance in populations of southern Europe has not been sufficiently evaluated. The main objectives of our study are: to evaluate the screening performance and cut-off points of the main scores that identify the risk of undiagnosed T2DM and prediabetes in a Spanish population, and to develop and validate our own predictive models of undiagnosed T2DM (screening model), and future T2DM (prediction risk model) after 5-year follow-up. As a secondary objective, we will evaluate the atherosclerotic burden of the population with undiagnosed T2DM.

Methods and analysis

Population-based prospective cohort study with baseline screening, to evaluate the performance of the FINDRISC, DANISH, DESIR, ARIC and QDScore, against the gold standard tests: Fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance and/or HbA1c. The sample size will include 1352 participants between the ages of 45 and 74 years. Analysis: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio positive, likelihood ratio negative and receiver operating characteristic curves and area under curve. Binary logistic regression for the first 700 individuals (derivation) and last 652 (validation) will be performed. All analyses will be calculated with their 95% CI; statistical significance will be p<0.05.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Carlos III Hospital (Madrid). The score performance and predictive model will be presented in medical conferences, workshops, seminars and round table discussions. Furthermore, the predictive model will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal to further increase the exposure of the scores.
Grading of Regional Apposition after Flow-Diverter Treatment (GRAFT): a comparative evaluation of VasoCT and intravascular OCT
Authors: van der Marel Kajo , Gounis Matthew J , Weaver John P , de Korte Antonius M , King Robert M , Arends Jennifer M , Brooks Olivia W , Wakhloo Ajay K , Puri Ajit S
Published: July 2015

Background

Poor vessel wall apposition of flow diverter (FD) stents poses risks for stroke-related complications when treating intracranial aneurysms, necessitating long-term surveillance imaging. To facilitate quantitative evaluation of deployed devices, a novel algorithm is presented that generates intuitive two-dimensional representations of wall apposition from either high-resolution contrast-enhanced cone-beam CT (VasoCT) or intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.

Methods

VasoCT and OCT images were obtained after FD implant (n=8 aneurysms) in an experimental sidewall aneurysm model in canines. Surface models of the vessel wall and FD device were extracted, and the distance between them was presented on a two-dimensional flattened map. Maps and cross-sections at potential locations of malapposition detected on VasoCT-based maps were compared. The performance of OCT-based apposition detection was evaluated on manually labeled cross-sections using logistic regression against a thresholded (≥0.25 mm) apposition measure.

Results

VasoCT and OCT acquisitions yielded similar Grading of Regional Apposition after Flow-Diverter Treatment (GRAFT) apposition maps. GRAFT maps from VasoCT highlighted 16 potential locations of malapposition, of which two were found to represent malapposed device struts. Logistic regression showed that OCT could detect malapposition with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 81%.

Conclusions

GRAFT delivered quantitative and visually convenient representations of potential FD malapposition and occasional acute thrombus formation. A powerful combination for future neuroendovascular applications is foreseen with the superior resolution delivered by intravascular OCT.
Considerations for determining the time course of post-activation potentiation
Authors: Nibali Maria L. , Chapman Dale W. , Robergs Robert A. , Drinkwater Eric J.
Published: July 2015

We sought to determine the efficacy of using a continuous time course trial to assess the temporal profile of post-activation potentiation and to determine the time course of potentiation of discrete jump squat kinetic and kinematic variables. Eight physically trained men performed jump squats before and 4, 8, and 12 min after a 5-repetition maximum back squat. Time intervals were assessed in 3 discontinuous trials (each time interval assessed in a separate trial) and in 1 continuous trial (all time intervals assessed in a single trial). Percentage differences between continuous and discontinuous trials at each time interval were mostly insubstantial. Discrete variables displayed a diverse time course (effect size: trivial to large); time to maximal values ranged between 5.00 ± 2.53 min (concentric peak force) and 9.50 ± 2.98 min (eccentric mean force). Eccentric variables (8.58 ± 3.56 min) took longer to peak than concentric variables (6.64 ± 2.93 min) (effect size: small). Individual subjects attained maximal values for kinetic and kinematic variables at different time intervals, yet the 4-min interval typically displayed the greatest magnitude and frequency of potentiation. We conclude that a continuous time course trial does not substantially influence performance of subsequent jumps and is appropriate for determining the temporal profile of potentiation, which is influenced by discrete jump squat kinetic and kinematic variables and individual differences.
Krein regularization of quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Forghan B. , Tanhayi M. R.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we use Krein regularization to study certain standard computations in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this method, the auxiliary modes[Formula: see text]— those with negative norms[Formula: see text]— are employed to calculate the quark self-energy, vacuum polarizations and vertex functions. We explicitly show that after making use of these modes and by taking into account the quantum metric fluctuation for the problems at hand, the conventional results can indeed be reproduced; but with the advantage of finite answers which require fewer mathematical procedures. An obvious merit of this approach is that the theory is naturally renormalized. The ultraviolet (UV) divergences disappear due to the presence of negative norm state, similar to the Pauli–Villars regularization method. We compare the answers of Krein regularization with the results of calculations which have been done in Hilbert space.
Relaxation Oscillator Exploiting PTAT Hysteresis of Differential Schmitt Trigger
Authors: He Lin , Li Gang , Tang Meng
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we proposed a novel relaxation oscillator to address the frequency variation caused by the comparator delay. The conventional operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs)-comparator is replaced with a Schmitt trigger to significantly reduce the delay. This Schmitt trigger is implemented by a differential structure operating in the subthreshold region to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) hysteresis. Both the voltage reference and the current source are made PTAT as well. The proposed oscillator can be made ultra-low power and have excellent frequency stability over process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variation.
FACILE FABRICATION OF GRADIENT SURFACE BASED ON (METH)ACRYLATE COPOLYMER FILMS
Authors: ZHANG Y. , YANG H. , WEN X.-F. , CHENG J. , XIONG J.
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a simple and economic approach for fabrication of surface wettability gradient on poly(butyl acrylate – methyl methacrylate) [P (BA–MMA)] and poly(butyl acrylate – methyl methacrylate – 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [P (BA–MMA–HEMA)] films. The (meth)acrylate copolymer [including P (BA–MMA) and P (BA–MMA–HEMA)] films are hydrolyzed in an aqueous solution of NaOH and the transformation of surface chemical composition is achieved by hydrolysis in NaOH solution. The gradient wetting properties are generated based on different functional groups on the P (BA–MMA) and P (BA–MMA–HEMA) films. The effects of both the surface chemical and surface topography on wetting of the (meth)acrylate copolymer film are discussed. Surface chemical composition along the materials length is determined by XPS, and surface topography properties of the obtained gradient surfaces are analyzed by FESEM and AFM. Water contact angle system (WCAs) results show that the P (BA–MMA–HEMA) films provide a larger slope of the gradient wetting than P (BA–MMA). Moreover, this work demonstrates that the gradient concentration of chemical composition on the poly(meth) acrylate films is owing to the hydrolysis processes of ester group, and the hydrolysis reactions that have negligible influence on the surface morphology of the poly(meth) acrylate films coated on the glass slide. The gradient wettability surfaces may find broad applications in the field of polymer coating due to the compatibility of (meth) acrylate polymer.
Governing Global Supply Chains: What We Know (and Don't) About Improving Labor Rights and Working Conditions
Authors: Berliner Daniel , Greenleaf Anne Regan , Lake Milli , Levi Margaret , Noveck Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Research over the past decade has made considerable progress toward achieving a holistic understanding of the myriad actors, interests, and relationships shaping labor rights in global supply chains, but numerous obstacles remain to building a more cumulative research program. In this essay we outline two major challenges and several fruitful directions forward. First, we review the different outcomes of interest in research on labor rights and highlight several tensions that lead to difficulty comparing findings across studies, inappropriate data choices, and unexamined causal assumptions. Second, we highlight a failure to adequately integrate the findings of research in two different subliteratures, one focusing on the incentives of states and firms to adopt reforms, and a second focusing on the implementation of those reforms with monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. We conclude by highlighting the important questions raised by a clearer integration of these two literatures and identifying several recent studies that begin to answer them.
Limited capacity for glucose oxidation in fetal sheep with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Brown Laura D. , Rozance Paul J. , Bruce Jennifer L. , Friedman Jacob E. , Hay William W. , Wesolowski Stephanie R.
Published: July 2015

Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetal sheep, produced by placental insufficiency, have lower oxygen concentrations, higher lactate concentrations, and increased hepatic glucose production that is resistant to suppression by insulin. We hypothesized that increased lactate production in the IUGR fetus results from reduced glucose oxidation, during basal and maximal insulin-stimulated conditions, and is used to support glucose production. To test this, studies were performed in late-gestation control (CON) and IUGR fetal sheep under basal and hyperinsulinemic-clamp conditions. The basal glucose oxidation rate was similar and increased by 30–40% during insulin clamp in CON and IUGR fetuses ( P < 0.005). However, the fraction of glucose oxidized was 15% lower in IUGR fetuses during basal and insulin-clamp periods ( P = 0.05). IUGR fetuses also had four-fold higher lactate concentrations ( P < 0.001) and lower lactate uptake rates ( P < 0.05). In IUGR fetal muscle and liver, mRNA expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase ( PDK4), an inhibitor of glucose oxidation, was increased over fourfold. In IUGR fetal liver, but not skeletal muscle, mRNA expression of lactate dehydrogenase A ( LDHA) was increased nearly fivefold. Hepatic expression of the gluconeogenic genes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase ( PCK)1, and PCK2, was correlated with expression of PDK4 and LDHA. Collectively, these in vivo and tissue data support limited capacity for glucose oxidation in the IUGR fetus via increased PDK4 in skeletal muscle and liver. We speculate that lactate production also is increased, which may supply carbon for glucose production in the IUGR fetal liver.
A Case of Orf Disease Complicated with Erythema Multiforme and Bullous Pemphigoid-Like Eruptions
Authors: Alian Shahriar , Ahangarkani Fatemeh , Arabsheybani Sara
Published: July 2015

Parapoxvirus infection in sheep and goats is usually referred to ascontagious pustular dermatitis/ecthyma, ororf, and the corresponding human infection is referred to asorf. In humans, after a brief incubation period of 3 to 5 days, lesions begin as pruritic erythematous macules and then rise to form papules, often with a target appearance. Lesions become nodular or vesicular, and orf lesions often ulcerate after 14 to 21 days. Erythema multiforme and bullous pemphigoid have been associated with parapoxvirus infections and they are rare complications of orf disease. In this case report, we presented a 36-year-old woman with history of contact with sheep, developing a typical orf lesion that is complicated with erythema multiforme and bullous pemphigoid-like eruptions.
Use of Cetuximab in Combination with Cisplatin and Adjuvant Pelvic Radiation for Stage IIIB Vulvar Carcinoma
Authors: Bergstrom Jennifer , Bidus Michael , Miles Edward , Allard Jay
Published: July 2015

Vulvar cancer is a rare carcinoma constituting only 4% of gynecologic malignancies and 0.6% of female cancers. Most chemotherapy regimens have been created from extrapolation from anal and cervical cancer research. Advanced stages have the worst prognosis and oftentimes invasive surgical procedures are needed to cure disease with high recurrence rates.Case.A 50 yo G2P2 presented for a 2 cm mass in her right labia. The patient underwent a partial radical vulvectomy and bilateral superficial and deep inguinal lymph node dissection. Bilateral inguinal lymph nodes were positive for residual disease. The patient underwent whole pelvic radiation with cisplatin as a radiosensitizer. The primary tumor was epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive and cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody to EGFR, was added. The patient underwent seven cycles of chemotherapy including cisplatin and cetuximab with adjuvant radiation therapy to the pelvis. She currently is without evidence of disease recurrence since completing treatment 4 years ago.Conclusion.One previous case report showed short-term palliative success of five months for recurrent, metastatic vulvar cancer. This case suggests that cetuximab could possibly be used in initial management of patients with advanced stages of vulvar cancer to improve prognosis.
CCL27: Novel Cytokine with Potential Role in Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Khaiboullina Svetlana F. , Gumerova Aigul R. , Khafizova Irina F. , Martynova Ekaterina V. , Lombardi Vincent C. , Bellusci Saverio , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: July 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology. Leukocyte infiltration of brain tissue and the subsequent inflammation, demyelination, axonal damage, and formation of sclerotic plaques is a hallmark of MS. Upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines has been suggested to play an essential role in regulating lymphocyte migration in MS. Here we present data on serum cytokine expression in MS cases. Increased serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were observed, suggesting activation of the Th17 population of immune effector cells. Additionally, increased levels of IL-22 were observed in the serum of those with acute phase MS. Unexpectedly, we observed an upregulation of the serum chemokine CCL27 in newly diagnosed and acute MS cases. CCL27 is an inflammatory chemokine associated with homing of memory T cells to sites of inflammation. Therefore, its upregulation in association with MS suggests a potential role in disease pathogenesis. Our data supports previous reports showing IL-17 and -23 upregulation in association with MS and potentially identify a previously unknown involvement for CCL27.
An Overview of Potential Targets for Treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease
Authors: de Paula Caroline Zocatelli , Gonçalves Bruno Daniel Correia , Vieira Luciene Bruno
Published: July 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Progressive damage or loss of neurons, neurodegeneration, has severe consequences on the mental and physical health of a patient. Despite all efforts by scientific community, there is currently no cure or manner to slow degeneration progression. We review some treatments that attempt to prevent the progress of some of major neurodegenerative diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Huntington’s disease.
Two Cases of Pneumatosis Intestinalis during Cetuximab Therapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Miller James A. , Ford Daniel J. , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Loree Thom R.
Published: July 2015

Pneumatosis intestinalis is a rare but known potential complication of treatment with cetuximab. Here we present two cases of pneumatosis intestinalis occurring in patients who were receiving cetuximab as treatment for advanced head and neck cancer. In both cases, cetuximab was discontinued after discovery of the pneumatosis intestinalis.
Oligoclonal Bands in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Black Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gama Paulo Diniz da , Machado Luís dos Ramos , Livramento José Antonio , Gomes Hélio Rodrigues , Adoni Tarso , Morales Rogério de Rizo , Gama Rodrigo Assad Diniz da , Gama Daniel Assad Diniz da , Lana-Peixoto Marco Aurélio , Fragoso Yara Dadalti , Callegaro Dagoberto
Published: July 2015

Genetic susceptibility is a well-recognized factor in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of oligoclonal bands (OCB) restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid, in an ethnically mixed group of MS patients in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Techniques used to detect OCB consisted of isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting. OCB were found in 49 (54.4%) out of 90 patients with clinically definite MS; out of the 23 brown/black patients, 17 (73.9%) were OCB+; out of the 66 white patients, 32 (48.5%) were OCB+; and the only patient yellow was OCB+ (p=0.05). Analysis of the IgG index was also consistent with the findings, but with lower statistical significance. The data presented in our study show that the ethnic differences in MS extend to the immune response.
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Reconfiguration of Neuronal Activity Revealed by Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging in the Cerebellar Granular Layer
Authors: Gandolfi Daniela , Mapelli Jonathan , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: July 2015

Understanding the spatiotemporal organization of long-term synaptic plasticity in neuronal networks demands techniques capable of monitoring changes in synaptic responsiveness over extended multineuronal structures. Among these techniques, voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSD imaging) is of particular interest due to its good spatial resolution. However, improvements of the technique are needed in order to overcome limits imposed by its low signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we show that VSD imaging can detect long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in acute cerebellar slices. Combined VSD imaging and patch-clamp recordings revealed that the most excited regions were predominantly associated with granule cells (GrCs) generating EPSP-spike complexes, while poorly responding regions were associated with GrCs generating EPSPs only. The correspondence with cellular changes occurring during LTP and LTD was highlighted by a vector representation obtained by combining amplitude with time-to-peak of VSD signals. This showed that LTP occurred in the most excited regions lying in the core of activated areas and increased the number of EPSP-spike complexes, while LTD occurred in the less excited regions lying in the surround. VSD imaging appears to be an efficient tool for investigating how synaptic plasticity contributes to the reorganization of multineuronal activity in neuronal circuits.
Shock Analysis on a Packaged Washing Machine from Damage Boundary: Shock Response Spectrum to Component Failure
Authors: Qian Jing , Cai Heping , Ma Weiwei , Hao Zhiwei
Published: July 2015

Both analyses of the damage boundary and shock response spectrum (RSR) are the basis for the development of the protective packaging system. The shock analysis through lab test and numerical simulation found that the root cause of packaging failure was due to the stress of the critical component beyond the yield limit of the material. Lab shock test data showed that the packaging design based on the damage boundary is conservative, and the RSR could be helpful and provide support to develop more effective packaging system. Furthermore, numerical simulation can accurately analyze the component and the entire product packaging system in great detail.
Identifying the Mechanical Parameters of Hard Coating with Strain Dependent Characteristic by an Inverse Method
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Zhuo , Zhu Mingwei , Du Guangyu
Published: July 2015

The mechanical parameters of hard coating, such as storage modulus and loss factor, are affected by preparation technology significantly and have the strain dependent characteristic. So the effective identification of these mechanical parameters becomes a challenge task. In this study, a hard-coating cantilever thin plate under base excitation was taken as the research object, and an inverse method was developed to identify these mechanical parameters. Firstly, the principles of identifying storage modulus and loss factor of hard coating were presented according to the inverse method. Then, from the need of parameters identification, the analytical model and calculation formula of equivalent strain for the hard-coating composite plate were derived. Next, also for parameter identification, the vibration experiments about the cantilever plate coated with NiCoCrAlY+ yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) hard coating were performed. Finally, the mechanical parameters of NiCoCrAlY+YSZ hard coating with strain dependent characteristic were identified by the proposed method. The identification results show that the change rules of storage modulus and loss factor of hard coating with the strain amplitude are almost consistent with the results listed in the other similar references. However, the identification results herein can more directly serve for the dynamic modeling of hard-coating plate-shape composite structure.
Using the Negative Exponential Model to Describe Changes in Risk of Smoking-Related Diseases following Changes in Exposure to Tobacco
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Hamling John , Fry John , Forey Barbara
Published: July 2015

Recently published analyses for four smoking-related diseases show that the declining excess relative risk by time quit is well fitted by the negative exponential model. These analyses estimated the half-life of this excess, that is, the time after quitting when the excess relative risk reaches half that for continuing smokers. We describe extensions of the simple model. One quantifies the decline following an exposure reduction. We show that this extension satisfactorily predicts results from studies investigating the effect of reducing cigarette consumption. It may also be relevant to exposure reductions following product-switching. Another extension predicts changes in excess relative risk occurring following multiple exposure changes over time. Suitable published epidemiological data are unavailable to test this, and we recommend its validity to be investigated using large studies with data recorded on smoking habits at multiple time points in life. The basic formulae described assume that the excess relative risk for a continuing smoker is linearly related to exposure and that the half-life is invariant of age. We describe model adaptations to allow for nonlinear dose-response and for age-dependence of the half-life. The negative exponential model, though relatively simple, appears to have many potential uses in epidemiological research for summarizing variations in risk with exposure changes.
Research on Multinozzle Near‐Field Electrospinning Patterned Deposition
Authors: Wang Han , Huang Shenneng , Liang Feng , Wu Peixuan , Li Minhao , Lin Sen , Chen Xindu
Published: July 2015

Multinozzle electrospinning systems are designed to increase productivity, while near‐field electrospinning (NFES) systems are designed to deposit solid nanofibers in a direct, continuous, and controllable manner. In this paper, several multinozzle NFES setups are tested. The experiment reveals that the deposition distance becomes larger when working distance and needle spacing increase, and the influence of voltage is relatively weaker. The deposition of double nozzle NFES has been studied with Coulomb’s law and theoretical derivation has been verified by the experimental conclusion. The experiment result and theoretical derivation are helpful to get different distance of direct‐written fibers by adjusting working distance or needle spacing to change distance of fibers largely and adjusting voltage to change distance slowly. Through these efforts, it is convenient to adjust the distance of straight fibers in multinozzle system.
Urban Land Use and Land Cover Classification Using Remotely Sensed SAR Data through Deep Belief Networks
Authors: Lv Qi , Dou Yong , Niu Xin , Xu Jiaqing , Xu Jinbo , Xia Fei
Published: July 2015

Land use and land cover (LULC) mapping in urban areas is one of the core applications in remote sensing, and it plays an important role in modern urban planning and management. Deep learning is springing up in the field of machine learning recently. By mimicking the hierarchical structure of the human brain, deep learning can gradually extract features from lower level to higher level. The Deep Belief Networks (DBN) model is a widely investigated and deployed deep learning architecture. It combines the advantages of unsupervised and supervised learning and can archive good classification performance. This study proposes a classification approach based on the DBN model for detailed urban mapping using polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) data. Through the DBN model, effective contextual mapping features can be automatically extracted from the PolSAR data to improve the classification performance. Two-date high-resolution RADARSAT-2 PolSAR data over the Great Toronto Area were used for evaluation. Comparisons with the support vector machine (SVM), conventional neural networks (NN), and stochastic Expectation-Maximization (SEM) were conducted to assess the potential of the DBN-based classification approach. Experimental results show that the DBN-based method outperforms three other approaches and produces homogenous mapping results with preserved shape details.
Application and Progress of Combined Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hua Ping , Liu Jian-Yang , Tao Jun , Yang Song-Ran
Published: July 2015

Treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy caused by myocardial infarction (MI) using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a widely researched field, with promising clinical application. However, the low survival rate of transplanted cells has a severe impact on treatment outcome. Currently, research is focused on investigating the strategy of combining genetic engineering, tissue engineering materials, and drug/hypoxia preconditioning to improve ischemic cardiomyopathy treatment outcome using MSC transplantation treatment (MSCTT). This review discusses the application and progress of these techniques.
Insights into Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease: From Biomarkers to Anti-Inflammatory Based Therapies
Authors: Rocha Natália Pessoa , de Miranda Aline Silva , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio
Published: July 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, being characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Among several putative factors that may contribute to PD pathogenesis, inflammatory mechanisms may play a pivotal role. The involvement of microglial activation as well as of brain and peripheral immune mediators in PD pathophysiology has been reported by clinical and experimental studies. These inflammatory biomarkers evaluated by imaging techniques and/or by biological sample analysis have become valuable tools for PD diagnosis and prognosis. Regardless of the significant increase in the number of people suffering from PD, there are still no established disease-modifying or neuroprotective therapies for it. There is growing evidence of protective effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on PD development. Herein, we reviewed the current literature regarding the central nervous system and peripheral immune biomarkers in PD and advances in diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as the neuroprotective effects of anti-inflammatory therapies.
Physiological Age Structure andLeishmaniaspp. Detection inPhlebotomus (Larroussius) orientalis(Parrot, 1936) (Diptera: Psychodidae) at an Endemic Focus of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebresilassie Araya , Abbasi Ibrahim , Kirstein Oscar David , Aklilu Essayas , Yared Solomon , Tekie Habte , Balkew Meshesha , Warburg Alon , Hailu Asrat , Gebre-Michael Teshome
Published: July 2015

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused byLeishmania donovaniis endemic in northern Ethiopia, whereP. orientalisis the most important presumed vector. This study was designed to determine the physiological age structure and the occurrence ofLeishmaniainfection in the vector of VL in Tahtay Adiyabo district, northern Ethiopia. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps from peridomestic and agricultural fields between May 2011 and April 2012 andP. orientalisfemales were dissected for age determination and detection ofLeishmaniapromastigotes. Sand flies were also analyzed forL. donovanidetection using molecular methods. Of 1,282P. orientalisexamined for abdominal stages and age characterization, 66.2%, 28.2%, 4.1%, and 1.6% were unfed, freshly fed, half-gravid, and gravid. Parous rate in unfed females was 34.1% and 35.4% in peridomestic and agricultural fields, respectively. Out of 921P. orientalisfemales dissected, one specimen (0.1%) was found naturally infected with promastigotes. Five pools (25 females) of unfedP. orientaliswere also found with DNA ofLeishmaniaspp. In particular, a singleP. orientaliswas positive forL. donovani(0.5%). Based on this and other evidences (abundance, human blood feeding, and xenodiagnostic studies),P. orientalisis the principal vector of VL in this endemic focus.
Compressive Sensing for High-Resolution Direction-of-Arrival Estimation via Iterative Optimization on Sensing Matrix
Authors: Li Hongtao , Wang Chaoyu , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: July 2015

A novel compressive sensing- (CS-) based direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm is proposed to solve the performance degradation of the CS-based DOA estimation in the presence of sensing matrix mismatching. Firstly, a DOA sparse sensing model is set up in the presence of sensing matrix mismatching. Secondly, combining the Dantzig selector (DS) algorithm and least-absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, a CS-based DOA estimation algorithm which performs iterative optimization alternatively on target angle information vector and sensing matrix mismatching error vector is proposed. The simulation result indicates that the proposed algorithm possesses higher angle resolution and estimation accuracy compared with conventional CS-based DOA estimation algorithms.
The Effects of Dorsal Cortical Comminution on Radiographic Results following Percutaneous Pinning for Extra-Articular Colles’ Fracture
Authors: Chuang Po-Yao , Yang Tien-Yu , Shen Shih-Hsun , Tsai Yao-Hung , Huang Kuo-Chin
Published: July 2015

A number of studies have demonstrated that dorsal cortical comminution (DCC) can predict redisplacement after nonoperative treatment of Colles’ fractures; however, the effects of a DCC defect on radiographic outcomes following percutaneous pinning for dorsally displaced extraarticular Colles’ fractures are unclear. We, therefore, performed a retrospective study on 85 patients who sustained such fractures treated with percutaneous pinning within 2006–2009. The main outcome measures included four radiographic parameters, including radial height, radial inclination, radial tilt, and ulnar variance. The radiological results showed that all fractures after percutaneous pinning followed the same time series changes and patterns of fracture collapse regardless of the presence of a DCC defect. The use of the pinning construct is to provide support for static loading but not for dynamic loading. Although the final radiographic outcomes were classified as acceptable in fractures with and without DCC, we recommend that a different approach in the management of displaced Colles’ fractures might be necessary in consideration of increasing patient expectations of health care.
Neck Circumference as a Predictive Indicator of CKD for High Cardiovascular Risk Patients
Authors: Liu Ya-Fang , Chang Shih-Tai , Lin Wei-Shiang , Hsu Jen-Te , Chung Chang-Min , Chang Jung-Jung , Hung Kuo-Chun , Chen Kang-Hua , Chang Chi-Wen , Chen Fu-Chi , Shih Yun-Wen , Chu Chi-Ming
Published: July 2015

Background. Neck circumference (NC) is an anthropometric measure of obesity for upper subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution which is associated with cardiometabolic risk. This study investigated whether NC is associated with indicators of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for high cardiometabolic risk patients.Methods. A total of 177 consecutive patients who underwent the outpatient departments of cardiology were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients were aged >20 years with normal renal function or with stages 1–4 CKD. A linear regression was performed using the Enter method to present an unadjustedR2, standardized coefficients, and standard error, and the Durbin-Watson test was used to assess residual independence.Results. Most anthropometric measurements from patients aged ≧65 were lower than those from patients aged <65, except for women’s waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio. Female NC obtained the highestR2values for 24 hr CCR, uric acid, microalbuminuria, hsCRP, triglycerides, and HDL compared to BMI, WC, and hip circumference. The significances of female NC with 24 hr CCR and uric acid were improved after adjusted age and serum creatinine.Conclusions. NC is associated with indicators of CKD for high cardiometabolic risk patients and can be routinely measured as easy as WC in the future.
An Approach to Generate Spatial Voronoi Treemaps for Points, Lines, and Polygons
Authors: Tian Song , Cui Ximin , Gong Yu
Published: July 2015

As a space-filling method, Voronoi Treemaps are used for showcasing hierarchies. Previously presented algorithms are limited to visualize nonspatial data. The approach of spatial Voronoi Treemaps is proposed in this paper to eliminate these problems by enabling the subdivisions for points, lines, and polygons with spatial coordinates and references. The digital distance transformation is recursively used to generate nested raster Voronoi polygons while the raster to vector conversion is used to create a vector-based Treemap visualization in a GIS (geographic information system) environment. The objective is to establish a spatial data model to better visualize and understand the hierarchies in the geographic field.
Serum Syndecan-1 Levels and Its Relationship to Disease Activity in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Çekiç Cem , Kırcı Adnan , Vatansever Sezgin , Aslan Fatih , Yılmaz Huriye Erbak , Alper Emrah , Arabul Mahmut , Sarıtaş Yüksel Elif , Ünsal Belkıs
Published: July 2015

Background. Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), a member of the family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, plays an important role in the resolution of inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SDC-1 and disease activity in Crohn’s disease (CD).Methods. Serum samples of 54 patients with CD and 30 healthy controls were obtained. First, SDC-1 levels of the CD patients were compared to the control group. Subsequently, SDC-1 levels were analyzed in patients with CD in active and remission periods. Finally, SDC-1 efficacy in predicting disease activity was evaluated by performing correlation analysis between SDC-1 and C-reactive protein (CRP) and Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI).Results. SDC-1 level was higher in the CD group (61.9 ± 42.6 ng/mL) compared with the control group (34.1 ± 8.0 ng/mL)p=0.03. SDC-1 levels were higher in active CD patients (97.1 ± 40.3 ng/mL) compared with those in remission (33.7 ± 13.5 ng/mL)p<0.001. A significant positive correlation was found between SDC-1 and CRP (r=0.687,p<0.001) and between SDC-1 and CDAI (r=0.747,p<0.001).Conclusion. Serum levels of SDC-1 are higher in CD compared to the normal population and can be an effective marker of disease severity.
Lipoma of the Small Intestine: A Cause for Intussusception in Adults
Authors: Vagholkar Ketan , Chavan Rahulkumar , Mahadik Abhishek , Maurya Inder
Published: July 2015

Intussusception as a cause of intestinal obstruction in adults is rare. There is invariably an underlying pathology which leads to intussusception in adults. A case of intussusception in an adult due to a small intestinal lipoma is presented in view of this association. Ultrasound and CECT may help in a preoperative diagnosis. However early surgical intervention is the mainstay of treatment in order to confirm the diagnosis of the underlying pathology, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis of an underlying cancer.
Association of Environmental Arsenic Exposure, Genetic Polymorphisms of Susceptible Genes, and Skin Cancers in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ling-I , Wu Meei-Maan , Wang Yuan-Hung , Lee Cheng-Yeh , Yang Tse-Yen , Hsiao Bo-Yu , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: July 2015

Deficiency in the capability of xenobiotic detoxification and arsenic methylation may be correlated with individual susceptibility to arsenic-related skin cancers. We hypothesized that glutathione S-transferase (GST M1, T1, and P1), reactive oxygen species (ROS) related metabolic genes (NQO1, EPHX1, and HO-1), and DNA repair genes (XRCC1, XPD, hOGG1, and ATM) together may play a role in arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis. We conducted a case-control study consisting of 70 pathologically confirmed skin cancer patients and 210 age and gender matched participants with genotyping of 12 selected polymorphisms. The skin cancer risks were estimated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using logistic regression. EPHX1 Tyr113His, XPD C156A, and GSTT1 null genotypes were associated with skin cancer risk (OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.01–8.83; OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.99–4.27; OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.00–3.02, resp.). However, none of these polymorphisms showed significant association after considering arsenic exposure status. Individuals carrying three risk polymorphisms of EPHX1 Tyr113His, XPD C156A, and GSTs presented a 400% increased skin cancer risk when compared to those with less than or equal to one polymorphism. In conclusion, GSTs, EPHX1, and XPD are potential genetic factors for arsenic-induced skin cancers. The roles of these genes for arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis need to be further evaluated.