bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurophysiological Effect of External Electromagnetic Field: A Computational Modeling
Authors: Tekieh Tahereh , Sasanpour Pezhman , Rafii-Tabar Hashem
Published: June 2016

The effect of an alternating external field on the pattern of an axon’s action potential and its propagation has been investigated by incorporating the effect of an alternating electric field in the nonlinear Hodgkin–Huxley cable model. The results illustrate that for a wide range of frequencies, the applied field is capable of stimulating the resting potential of the membrane. In addition to hyper-polarization state of the neuron which is inevitable for certain values of the electric field amplitude, there will be additional effects on the propagation of action potentials in the neuron. We have also studied the action potentials velocity and amplitude change in the presence of the external field while the fiber is firing. The initiation of action potential for an axon at rest exposed to external field is possible and during the firing of the neuron and under the influence of the external field, it will act as a velocity modifier, and the neuron will lower the amplitude of the action potentials.
n-IFP-flat modules and n-IFP-injective modules
Authors: Udhayakumar R.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we introduce the concept of [Formula: see text]-flat (respectively, [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-injective) modules as nontrivial generalization of flat (respectively, injective) modules. We first investigate various properties of these modules. For example, we show that over any ring [Formula: see text], every [Formula: see text]-module has an [Formula: see text]-preenvelope, where [Formula: see text] is class of all [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-flat right [Formula: see text]-modules. Secondly, we investigate the existence of [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-injective covers. It is shown that over any ring [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-injective cover always exists. Finally, we show that [Formula: see text] is a perfect cotorsion theory.
Abelian theorems for fractional wavelet transform
Authors: Prasad Akhilesh , Kumar Praveen
Published: June 2016

In this paper, initial and final value Abelian theorems for fractional wavelet transform of function and tempered distributions are obtained. Using Mexican hat wavelet function, an application for Abelian theorems is investigated.
Magnons Heat Transfer and Magnons Scattering in Magnetic Sandwich Lattices: Application to Fe/Gd(5)/Fe System
Authors: Bourahla Boualem , Nafa Ouahiba
Published: June 2016

A model calculation is presented for the coherent magnon transmission and thermal transport at ferromagnetic nanojunction boundaries. The system consists of a Gd ultrathin film sandwiched between two Fe semi-infinite ferromagnetically ordered crystals. The dynamic of the system is analyzed using the equations of motion for the spin precession amplitudes on the lattice sites, valid for the range of temperatures of interest. The coherent transmission and reflection cross sections at the nanojunction boundary are calculated using the matching method. These calculations are presented for arbitrary directions on the boundary, for all accessible frequencies in the propagating bands, at variable temperatures and for a given thicknesses of the ultrathin nanojunction, with no externally applied magnetic field. The model is applied in particular to the Fe/Gd(5)/Fe system with a ferromagnetic Gd nanojunction. Our model yields the total integrated coherent thermal conductivity due to coherent magnons transmission via the sandwiched five Gd spin layers of the nanojunction. It elucidates, in particular, the dependence of the coherent magnons transmission and thermal transport in relation to the spatially inhomogeneous magnetic order of the atomic planes of the nanojunction for a given thickness.
PORTFOLIO FORMATION MEMORY
Authors: SEBEHELA TUMELLANO
Published: June 2016

Real estate investment trade (REIT) memory as illustrated by variations including their Greeks tend to vary during the [0;[Formula: see text]32] window of portfolio formation, i.e. acquisitions. This is partly due to acquisition activities and intensity which tend to be “higher” during the time to expiration. Prior REIT studies explored variances based on long-term measures without focusing on the discrete nature of variations. This article, empirically presents discrete variations at different points in time. Results illustrate that memory decreases as time to expiration approaches maturity. Given high intensity during acquisitions, one infers that memory illustrated in this paper is likely to be optimal one.
Real-Time Anomaly Detection Framework for Many-Core Router through Machine-Learning Techniques
Authors: Kulkarni Amey , Pino Youngok , French Matthew , Mohsenin Tinoosh
Published: June 2016

In this article, we propose a real-time anomaly detection framework for an NoC-based many-core architecture. We assume that processing cores and memories are safe and anomaly is included through a communication medium (i.e., router). The article targets three different attacks, namely, traffic diversion, route looping, and core address spoofing attacks. The attacks are detected by using machine-learning techniques. Comprehensive analysis on machine-learning algorithms suggests that Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) have better attack detection efficiency. It has been observed that both algorithms have accuracy in the range of 94% to 97%. Additional hardware complexity analysis advocates SVM to be implemented on hardware. To test the framework, we implement a condition-based attack insertion module; attacks are performed intra- and intercluster. The proposed real-time anomaly detection framework is fully placed and routed on Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA. Postplace and -route implementation results show that SVM has 12% to 2% area overhead and 3% to 1% power overhead for the quad-core and 16-core implementation, respectively. It is also observed that it takes 25% to 18% of the total execution time to detect an anomaly in transferred packets for quad-core and 16-core, respectively. The proposed framework achieves 65% reduction in area overhead and is 3 times faster compared to previous published work.
An Online and Real-Time Fault Detection and Localization Mechanism for Network-on-Chip Architectures
Authors: Chrysanthou Kypros , Englezakis Panayiotis , Prodromou Andreas , Panteli Andreas , Nicopoulos Chrysostomos , Sazeides Yiannakis , Dimitrakopoulos Giorgos
Published: June 2016

Networks-on-Chip (NoC) are becoming increasingly susceptible to emerging reliability threats. The need to
detect
and
localize
the occurrence of faults at runtime is steadily becoming imperative. In this work, we propose

NoCAlert

, a comprehensive online and real-time fault detection and localization mechanism that demonstrates 0% false negatives within the interconnect for the fault models and stimulus set used in this study. Based on the concept of invariance checking, NoCAlert employs a group of lightweight microchecker modules that collectively implement real-time hardware assertions. The checkers operate concurrently with normal NoC operation, thus eliminating the need for periodic, or triggered-based, self-testing. Based on the pattern/signature of asserted checkers, NoCAlert can pinpoint the location of the fault at various granularity levels. Most important, 97% of the transient and 90% of the permanent faults are detected instantaneously, within a single clock cycle upon fault manifestation. The fault localization accuracy ranges from 90% to 100%, depending on the desired localization granularity. Extensive cycle-accurate simulations in a 64-node CMP and analysis at the RTL netlist-level demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technique.
Design Livre: designing locally, cannibalizing globally
Authors: van Amstel Frederick M. C. , Gonzatto Rodrigo Freese
Published: June 2016

Design Livre is a conversation about creative ways of resisting the bad effects of globalization, such as technological dependence. This article tells the story of how this conversation started, where is it going now, and what is the relevance of its underlying topics.
Negotiating science, technology, culture, and religion: the art and ideas of Laleh Mehran
Authors: Jacobs Jennifer
Published: June 2016

In this interview, the artist Laleh Mehran discusses her use of interactive installations to explore the relationships between science, theology, and technology. She also shares how her experience as an Iranian-American has shaped the structure and themes of her work.
The Biochemistry of O-GlcNAc Transferase: Which Functions Make It Essential in Mammalian Cells?
Authors: Levine Zebulon G. , Walker Suzanne
Published: June 2016

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) is found in all metazoans and plays an important role in development but at the single-cell level is only essential in dividing mammalian cells. Postmitotic mammalian cells and cells of invertebrates such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila can survive without copies of OGT. Why OGT is required in dividing mammalian cells but not in other cells remains unknown. OGT has multiple biochemical activities. Beyond its well-known role in adding β-O-GlcNAc to serine and threonine residues of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, OGT also acts as a protease in the maturation of the cell cycle regulator host cell factor 1 (HCF-1) and serves as an integral member of several protein complexes, many of them linked to gene expression. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the mechanisms underlying OGT's biochemical activities and address whether known functions of OGT could be related to its essential role in dividing mammalian cells.
Nucleic Acid–Based Nanodevices in Biological Imaging
Authors: Chakraborty Kasturi , Veetil Aneesh T. , Jaffrey Samie R. , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: June 2016

The nanoscale engineering of nucleic acids has led to exciting molecular technologies for high-end biological imaging. The predictable base pairing, high programmability, and superior new chemical and biological methods used to access nucleic acids with diverse lengths and in high purity, coupled with computational tools for their design, have allowed the creation of a stunning diversity of nucleic acid–based nanodevices. Given their biological origin, such synthetic devices have a tremendous capacity to interface with the biological world, and this capacity lies at the heart of several nucleic acid–based technologies that are finding applications in biological systems. We discuss these diverse applications and emphasize the advantage, in terms of physicochemical properties, that the nucleic acid scaffold brings to these contexts. As our ability to engineer this versatile scaffold increases, its applications in structural, cellular, and organismal biology are clearly poised to massively expand.
Nucleotide Excision Repair and Transcriptional Regulation: TFIIH and Beyond
Authors: Compe Emmanuel , Egly Jean-Marc
Published: June 2016

Transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is a multiprotein complex involved in both transcription and DNA repair, revealing a striking functional link between these two processes. Some of its subunits also belong to complexes involved in other cellular processes, such as chromosome segregation and cell cycle regulation, emphasizing the multitasking capabilities of this factor. This review aims to depict the structure of TFIIH and to dissect the roles of its subunits in different cellular mechanisms. Our understanding of the biochemistry of TFIIH has greatly benefited from studies focused on diseases related to TFIIH mutations. We address the etiology of these disorders and underline the fact that TFIIH can be considered a promising target for therapeutic strategies.
Functions and Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in Plant Development
Authors: Daneva Anna , Gao Zhen , Van Durme Matthias , Nowack Moritz K.
Published: June 2016

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a collective term for diverse processes causing an actively induced, tightly controlled cellular suicide. PCD has a multitude of functions in the development and health of multicellular organisms. In comparison to intensively studied forms of animal PCD such as apoptosis, our knowledge of the regulation of PCD in plants remains limited. Despite the importance of PCD in plant development and as a response to biotic and abiotic stresses, the complex molecular networks controlling different forms of plant PCD are only just beginning to emerge. With this review, we provide an update on the considerable progress that has been made over the last decade in our understanding of PCD as an inherent part of plant development. We highlight both functions of developmental PCD and central aspects of its molecular regulation.
Regulation of mRNA Decay in Bacteria
Authors: Mohanty Bijoy K. , Kushner Sidney R.
Published: June 2016

Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria use a variety of enzymatic pathways to degrade mRNAs. Although several recent reviews have outlined these pathways, much less attention has been paid to the regulation of mRNA decay. The functional half-life of a particular mRNA, which affects how much protein is synthesized from it, is determined by a combination of multiple factors. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, (a) stability elements at either the 5′ or the 3′ terminus, (b) posttranscriptional modifications, (c) ribosome density on individual mRNAs, (d) small regulatory RNA (sRNA) interactions with mRNAs, (e) regulatory proteins that alter ribonuclease binding affinities, (f) the presence or absence of endonucleolytic cleavage sites, (g) control of intracellular ribonuclease levels, and (h) physical location within the cell. Changes in physiological conditions associated with environmental alterations can significantly alter the impact of these factors in the decay of a particular mRNA.
Physics Accomplishments and Future Prospects of the BES Experiments at the Beijing Electron--Positron Collider
Authors: Briere Roy A. , Harris Frederick A. , Mitchell Ryan E.
Published: June 2016

The cornerstone of the Chinese experimental particle physics program is a series of experiments performed in the τ-charm energy region. China began building e+e− colliders at the Institute for High Energy Physics in Beijing more than three decades ago. Beijing Electron Spectrometer (BES) is the common root name for the particle physics detectors operated at these machines. We summarize the development of the BES program and highlight the physics results across several topical areas.
Nutritional Ecology and Human Health
Authors: Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: June 2016

In contrast to the spectacular advances in the first half of the twentieth century with micronutrient-related diseases, human nutrition science has failed to stem the more recent rise of obesity and associated cardiometabolic disease (OACD). This failure has triggered debate on the problems and limitations of the field and what change is needed to address these. We briefly review the two broad historical phases of human nutrition science and then provide an overview of the main problems that have been implicated in the poor progress of the field with solving OACD. We next introduce the field of nutritional ecology and show how its ecological-evolutionary foundations can enrich human nutrition science by providing the theory to help address its limitations. We end by introducing a modeling approach from nutritional ecology, termed nutritional geometry, and demonstrate how it can help to implement ecological and evolutionary theory in human nutrition to provide new direction and to better understand and manage OACD.
The Political Economy of Biotechnology
Authors: Herring Ronald , Paarlberg Robert
Published: June 2016

The political economy of agricultural biotechnology is addressed in this review through three puzzles. First, why were new crop technologies of the Green Revolution readily accepted, versus today's considerable blockage of genetically engineered crops? Second, why has genetic engineering in medicine and pharmaceuticals been normalized, whereas recombinant DNA technology in agriculture is highly restricted? Finally, why is there greater political acceptance of agricultural biotechnology in some countries versus others, for some crops versus others, and for some crop traits versus others? Explanation requires an extended theoretical framework of regulation that goes beyond a vector sum of weighted material interests. Consideration must also be given to the social construction of risk, political structure, and social psychology. A full political economy of agricultural biotechnology must consider not only costs and benefits to multiple actors in different societies within the classic interest-group and regulator model but also the transnational diffusion of ideologies, with attendant costs to poorer farmers and countries.
Race and Politics in the Age of Obama
Authors: Parker Christopher Sebastian
Published: June 2016

Race has rarely mattered more in US politics than it does now. The election of President Obama has laid bare the racial divisions that continue to fracture the United States. In this review, I explore the emerging scholarship that assesses Obama's impact on social and political life in the United States. I first examine the symbolic meaning of Obama's election to black and white citizens. Second, I analyze how racism has influenced whites' political behavior and policy preferences. Next, I examine how President Obama has influenced public policy. Then, I suggest that the toxic political climate surrounding Obama is just another installment of a saga in which rapid social change is met with anxiety and anger by some whites who perceive their way of life as being under threat. Finally, I illustrate how the “Obama effect” combines with the perceived “Latino threat” to affect whites' political behavior.
How Complex Religion Can Improve Our Understanding of American Politics
Authors: Wilde Melissa , Glassman Lindsay
Published: June 2016

Sociologists have long acknowledged the importance of religion for American politics, especially for two groups of people: (a) (white) conservative Protestants, who are increasingly affiliated with the religious right, and (b) progressives, who are more and more disaffiliated from organized religion. However, a comprehensive statement of the ways in which religion matters for politics, the context in which it matters and does not matter, and how this has changed over time is lacking. Recent reviews acknowledge that at best, the relationship between religion and politics in the United States is “not straightforward” ( Grzymala-Busse 2012 , p. 427). We contend that this is primarily a result of the fact that neither the sociology of religion nor political sociology adequately considers the role that inequality (especially race and class but also gender) play in religious affiliation (and nonaffiliation). As a result, both fields have neglected to systematically examine the ways in which class and race may shape the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. We thus argue that both fields would benefit from engagement with theories of complex inequality that take seriously the ways in which inequalities of race, class, and gender interact ( McCall 2001 ). In doing so, scholars also need to recognize that these structures of inequality are deeply intertwined with religious group membership—a theoretical argument that we call complex religion.
Differential effects of respiratory and electrical stimulation-induced dilator muscle contraction on mechanical properties of the pharynx in the pig
Authors: Brodsky A. , Dotan Y. , Samri M. , Schwartz A. R. , Oliven A.
Published: June 2016

Respiratory stimulation (RS) during sleep often fails to discontinue flow limitation, whereas electrical stimulation (ES) of the hypoglossus (HG) nerve frequently prevents obstruction. The present work compares the effects of RS and HG-ES on pharyngeal mechanics and the relative contribution of tongue muscles and thoracic forces to pharyngeal patency. We determined the pressure-area relationship of the collapsible segment of the pharynx in anesthetized pigs under the following three conditions: baseline (BL), RS induced by partial obstruction of the tracheostomy tube, and HG-ES. Parameters were obtained also after transection of the neck muscles and the trachea (NMT) and after additional bilateral HG transection (HGT). In addition, we measured the force produced by in situ isolated geniohyoid (GH) during RS and HG-ES. Intense RS was recognized by large negative intrathoracic pressures and triggered high phasic genioglossus and GH EMG activity. GH contraction produced during maximal RS less than a quarter of the force obtained during HG-ES. The major finding of the study was that RS and ES differed in the mechanism by which they stabilized the pharynx: RS lowered the pressure-area slope, i.e., reduced pharyngeal compliance (14.1 ± 2.9 to 9.2 ± 1.9 mm2/cmH2O, P < 0.01). HG-ES shifted the slope toward lower pressures, i.e., lowered the calculated extraluminal pressure (17.4 ± 5.8 to 9.2 ± 7.4 cmH2O, P < 0.01). Changes during RS and HG-ES were not affected by NMT, but the effect of RS decreased significantly after HGT. In conclusion, HG-ES and RS affect the pharyngeal site of collapse differently. Tongue muscle contraction contributes to pharyngeal stiffening during RS.
Low-Dose Oxygen Enhances Macrophage-Derived Bacterial Clearance following Cigarette Smoke Exposure
Authors: Bain William G. , Tripathi Ashutosh , Mandke Pooja , Gans Jonathan H. , D’Alessio Franco R. , Sidhaye Venkataramana K. , Aggarwal Neil R.
Published: June 2016

Background.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, smoking-related lung disease. Patients with COPD frequently suffer disease exacerbations induced by bacterial respiratory infections, suggestive of impaired innate immunity. Low-dose oxygen is a mainstay of therapy during COPD exacerbations; yet we understand little about whether oxygen can modulate the effects of cigarette smoke on lung immunity.Methods.Wild-type mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 weeks, followed by intratracheal instillation ofPseudomonas aeruginosa(PAO1) and 21% or 35–40% oxygen. After two days, lungs were harvested for PAO1 CFUs, and bronchoalveolar fluid was sampled for inflammatory markers. In culture, macrophages were exposed to cigarette smoke and oxygen (40%) for 24 hours and then incubated with PAO1, followed by quantification of bacterial phagocytosis and inflammatory markers.Results.Mice exposed to 35–40% oxygen after cigarette smoke and PAO1 had improved survival and reduced lung CFUs and inflammation. Macrophages from these mice expressed less TNF-αand more scavenger receptors. In culture, macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke and oxygen also demonstrated decreased TNF-αsecretion and enhanced phagocytosis of PAO1 bacteria.Conclusions.Our findings demonstrate a novel, protective role for low-dose oxygen following cigarette smoke and bacteria exposure that may be mediated by enhanced macrophage phagocytosis.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Primary School Children Aged 8–13 Years in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
Authors: Pangani Ismail N. , Kiplamai Festus K. , Kamau Jane W. , Onywera Vincent O.
Published: June 2016

Background. The understanding of obesity as a growing health problem in Africa and Tanzania in particular is hampered by lack of data as well as sociocultural beliefs in which overweight and obesity are revered. This study sought to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children aged 8–13 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Method. A cross-sectional analytical research design was used to study overweight and obesity in primary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The target population was 150,000 children aged 8–13 years. Stratified random sampling was used to select 1781 children. Weight and height were taken and WHO standards for children were used to determine weight status.Results. Findings showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15.9% and 6.7%, respectively (N=1781). However, 6.2% of the children were underweight. There were significant differences in mean BMI between children in private and public schools (p=0.021), between male and female (p<0.001), and across age groups of 8–10 and 11–13 years (p<0.001).Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children is significant and requires management and prevention strategies.
A Phase I/II Clinical Trial of Belinostat (PXD101) in Combination with Doxorubicin in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Vitfell-Rasmussen Joanna , Judson Ian , Safwat Akmal , Jones Robin L. , Rossen Philip Blach , Lind-Hansen Maja , Knoblauch Poul , Krarup-Hansen Anders
Published: June 2016

Background. Belinostat is a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor.Primary Objectives. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) of belinostat (Bel) in combination with doxorubicin (Dox) in solid tumours (phase I) and response rate (RR) in soft tissue sarcomas (phase II).Methods. Bel was administered as a 30-minute IV infusion on days 1–5 and on day 5 with Dox. The dose escalation schedule was as follows: cohort 1: Bel 600 mg/m2and 50 mg/m2Dox, cohort 2: Bel 600 mg/m2and 75 mg/m2Dox, cohort 3: Bel 800 mg/m2and 75 mg/m2Dox, and cohort 4: Bel 1000 mg/m2and 75 mg/m2Dox.Results. 41 patients were included (25 in phase I, 16 in phase II). Adverse events were fatigue (95%), nausea (76%), and alopecia (63%). There was one DLT, grade 3 rash/hand and foot syndrome. MTD was Bel 1000 mg/m2/d and Dox 75 mg/m2. Four responses were seen: 2 PR in phase I, RR of 8%; in phase II, 1 PR/1 CR, RR of 13%, and 9 patients (56%) with SD.Conclusion. The combination was well tolerated. Response rate was moderate but median time to progression was 6.0 months (95% CI, 1.6–9.7 months) which is superior to some reports of single-agent Dox.
Confined Nystatin Polyenes in Nanopore Induce Biologic Ionic Selectivity
Authors: Boukari Khaoula , Paris Guillaume , Gharbi Tijani , Balme Sébastien , Janot Jean-Marc , Picaud Fabien
Published: June 2016

Antifungal polyenes such as nystatin (or amphotericin B) molecules play an important role in regulating ions permeability through membrane cell. The creation of self-assembled nanopores into the fungal lipid membranes permits the leakage and the selectivity of ions (i.e., blockage of divalent cations) that cause the cell death. These abilities are thus of first interest to promote new biomimetic membranes with improved ionic properties. In the present work, we will use molecular dynamic simulations to interpret recent experimental data that showed the transfer of the nystatin action inside artificial nanopore in terms of ion permeability and selectivity. We will demonstrate that nystatin polyenes can be stabilized in a hydrophobic carbon nanotube, even at high concentration. The high potential interaction between the polyenes and the hydrophobic pore wall ensures the apparition of a hole inside the biomimetic nanopore that changes its intrinsic properties. The probability ratios of cation versus anion show interesting reproducibility of experimental measurements and, to a certain extent, opened the way for transferring biological properties in synthetic membranes.
Computational Modelling Strategies for Nonlinear Response Prediction of Corroded Circular RC Bridge Piers
Authors: Kashani Mohammad M. , Lowes Laura N. , Crewe Adam J. , Alexander Nicholas A.
Published: June 2016

A numerical model is presented that enables simulation of the nonlinear flexural response of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) components. The model employs a force-based nonlinear fibre beam-column element. A new phenomenological uniaxial material model for corroded reinforcing steel is used. This model accounts for the impact of corrosion on buckling strength, postbuckling behaviour, and low-cycle fatigue degradation of vertical reinforcement under cyclic loading. The basic material model is validated through comparison of simulated and observed responses for uncorroded RC columns. The model is used to explore the impact of corrosion on the inelastic response of corroded RC columns.
Information in a Network of Neuronal Cells: Effect of Cell Density and Short-Term Depression
Authors: Onesto Valentina , Cosentino Carlo , Di Fabrizio Enzo , Cesarelli Mario , Amato Francesco , Gentile Francesco
Published: June 2016

Neurons are specialized, electrically excitable cells which use electrical to chemical signals to transmit and elaborate information. Understanding how the cooperation of a great many of neurons in a grid may modify and perhaps improve the information quality, in contrast to few neurons in isolation, is critical for the rational design of cell-materials interfaces for applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and personalized lab-on-a-chips. In the present paper, we couple an integrate-and-fire model with information theory variables to analyse the extent of information in a network of nerve cells. We provide an estimate of the information in the network in bits as a function of cell density and short-term depression time. In the model, neurons are connected through a Delaunay triangulation of not-intersecting edges; in doing so, the number of connecting synapses per neuron is approximately constant to reproduce the early time of network development in planar neural cell cultures. In simulations where the number of nodes is varied, we observe an optimal value of cell density for which information in the grid is maximized. In simulations in which the posttransmission latency time is varied, we observe that information increases as the latency time decreases and, for specific configurations of the grid, it is largely enhanced in a resonance effect.
Planetary Sciences, Geodynamics, Impacts, Mass Extinctions, and Evolution: Developments and Interconnections
Authors: Urrutia-Fucugauchi Jaime , Pérez-Cruz Ligia
Published: June 2016

Research frontiers in geophysics are being expanded, with development of new fields resulting from technological advances such as the Earth observation satellite network, global positioning system, high pressure-temperature physics, tomographic methods, and big data computing. Planetary missions and enhanced exoplanets detection capabilities, with discovery of a wide range of exoplanets and multiple systems, have renewed attention to models of planetary system formation and planet’s characteristics, Earth’s interior, and geodynamics, highlighting the need to better understand the Earth system, processes, and spatio-temporal scales. Here we review the emerging interconnections resulting from advances in planetary sciences, geodynamics, high pressure-temperature physics, meteorite impacts, and mass extinctions.
Quality and Conservation of Riparian Forest in a Mountain Subtropical Basin of Argentina
Authors: Fernández Romina Daiana , Ceballos Sergio Javier , González Achem Ana Lucía , Hidalgo Margarita del Valle , Fernández Hugo Rafael
Published: June 2016

The aims of this work were to describe the conservation status of riparian forests located in a mountain subtropical basin of Tucumán province, Argentina, and assess how the quality of riparian forests is related with altitude, plant species richness, proportion of exotic species, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in adjacent rivers. Composition and species richness of riparian forests were studied at 16 sites located along an altitudinal gradient and TSS was determined from water samples collected in each site. In order to evaluate conservation status of riparian forests, we calculated an index of Quality of Yungas Riparian Forests (QBRy). We recorded 90 plant species at all sites, from which 77% were native. QBRy index was mainly associated with altitude and varied from riparian forests with good preservation or slightly disturbed to those with extreme degradation. At lower altitude, forests were more disturbed, more invaded by exotic plant species, and closer to urban and cropped areas. QBRy was not correlated with species richness or TSS. Like other riparian forests of Argentina, plant species invasion increased their degradation; therefore, future studies should focus on native riparian forests conservation and on the management of invasive plant species, which affect their quality.
Adrenal-Derived Hormones Differentially Modulate Intestinal Immunity in Experimental Colitis
Authors: Souza Patrícia Reis de , Sales-Campos Helioswilton , Basso Paulo José , Nardini Viviani , Silva Angelica , Banquieri Fernanda , Alves Vanessa Beatriz Freitas , Chica Javier Emílio Lazo , Nomizo Auro , Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro de Barros
Published: June 2016

The adrenal glands are able to modulate immune responses through neuroimmunoendocrine interactions and cortisol secretion that could suppress exacerbated inflammation such as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, here we evaluated the role of these glands in experimental colitis induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice subjected to adrenalectomy, with or without glucocorticoid (GC) replacement. Mice succumbed to colitis without adrenals with a higher clinical score and augmented systemic levels of IL-6 and lower LPS. Furthermore, adrenalectomy negatively modulated systemic regulatory markers. The absence of adrenals resulted in augmented tolerogenic lamina propria dendritic cells but no compensatory local production of corticosterone and decreased mucosal inflammation associated with increased IFN-γand FasL in the intestine. To clarify the importance of GC in this scenario, GC replacement in adrenalectomized mice restored different markers to the same degree of that observed in DSS group. Finally, this is the first time that adrenal-derived hormones, especially GC, were associated with the differential local modulation of the gut infiltrate, also pointing to a relationship between adrenalectomy and the modulation of systemic regulatory markers. These findings may elucidate some neuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms that dictate colitis outcome.
Abnormal TREC-Based Newborn Screening Test in a Premature Neonate with Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition of the Placenta
Authors: Kostadinov Stefan , Robbins Karen A. , Hayward Anthony
Published: June 2016

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a primary immunodeficiency arising from variable defects in lymphocyte development and survival, is characterized by significant deficiency of thymus derived (T-) lymphocytes and variable defects in the B-lymphocyte population. Newborn screening for SCID is based on detection of low numbers of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) by real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This screening allows for early identification of individuals with SCID and other disorders characterized by T-lymphopenia. Higher rates of abnormal screens are commonly seen in premature and critically ill neonates, often representing false positives. It is possible that many abnormal screens seen in these populations are result of conditions that are characterized by systemic inflammation or stress, possibly in the context of stress-induced thymic involution. We present a case of a male infant delivered at 27 weeks, 6 days of gestation, with severe intrauterine growth restriction who had an abnormal TREC screen and amassive perivillous fibrin deposition(MPFD) of the placenta. This association has not been reported previously. We are raising the awareness to the fact that conditions, such as MPFD, that can create adverse intrauterine environment are capable of causing severe stress-induced thymic involution of the fetus which can present with abnormal TREC results on newborn screening.
Enhanced Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation by Bioactive Glass Functionalized Graphene Oxide Substrates
Authors: Mo Xiaoju , Wei Yan , Zhang Xuehui , Cai Qing , Shen Yang , Dai Xiaohan , Meng Song , Liu Xing , Liu Yun , Hu Zhewen , Deng Xuliang
Published: June 2016

An unmet need in engineered bone regeneration is to develop scaffolds capable of manipulating stem cells osteogenesis. Graphene oxide (GO) has been widely used as a biomaterial for various biomedical applications. However, it remains challenging to functionalize GO as ideal platform for specifically directing stem cell osteogenesis. Herein, we report facile functionalization of GO with dopamine and subsequent bioactive glass (BG) to enhance stem cell adhesion, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation. On the basis of graphene, we obtained dopamine functionalized graphene oxide/bioactive glass (DGO/BG) hybrid scaffolds containing different content of DGO by loading BG nanoparticles on graphene oxide surface using sol-gel method. To enhance the dispersion stability and facilitate subsequent nucleation of BG in GO, firstly, dopamine (DA) was used to modify GO. Then, the modified GO was functionalized with bioactive glass (BG) using sol-gel method. The adhesion, spreading, and osteoinductive effects of DGO/BG scaffold on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were evaluated. DGO/BG hybrid scaffolds with different content of DGO could influence rBMSCs’ behavior. The highest expression level of osteogenic markers suggests that the DGO/BG hybrid scaffolds have great potential or elicit desired bone reparative outcome.
Multi-OMICs and Genome Editing Perspectives on Liver Cancer Signaling Networks
Authors: Lin Shengda , Yin Yi A. , Jiang Xiaoqian , Sahni Nidhi , Yi Song
Published: June 2016

The advent of the human genome sequence and the resulting ~20,000 genes provide a crucial framework for a transition from traditional biology to an integrative “OMICs” arena (Lander et al., 2001; Venter et al., 2001; Kitano, 2002). This brings in a revolution for cancer research, which now enters a big data era. In the past decade, with the facilitation by next-generation sequencing, there have been a huge number of large-scale sequencing efforts, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the HapMap, and the 1000 genomes project. As a result, a deluge of genomic information becomes available from patients stricken by a variety of cancer types. The list of cancer-associated genes is ever expanding. New discoveries are made on how frequent and highly penetrant mutations, such as those in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) andTP53, function in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Most genes with relatively frequent but weakly penetrant cancer mutations still remain to be characterized. In addition, genes that harbor rare but highly penetrant cancer-associated mutations continue to emerge. Here, we review recent advances related to cancer genomics, proteomics, and systems biology and suggest new perspectives in targeted therapy and precision medicine.
Comparison Criteria for Nonlinear Functional Dynamic Equations of Higher Order
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Grace Said R.
Published: June 2016

We will consider the higher order functional dynamic equations with mixed nonlinearities of the formxnt+∑j=0Npjtϕγjxφjt=0, on an above-unbounded time scaleT, wheren≥2,xi(t)≔ri(t)ϕαixi-1Δ(t),  i=1,…,n-1,   with  x0=x,  ϕβ(u)≔uβsgn⁡u, andα[i,j]≔αi⋯αj. The functionφi:T→Tis a rd-continuous function such thatlimt→∞φi(t)=∞forj=0,1,…,N. The results extend and improve some known results in the literature on higher order nonlinear dynamic equations.
Knowledge and Attitude of Obstetric Care Providers on Partograph and Its Associated Factors in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Zelellw Desalegne Amare , Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Getie Girma Alem
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Universal use of partograph is recommended during labor, to improve maternal and fetal outcome. The aim was to assess knowledge and attitude of obstetric caregivers about partograph and associated factors.Methods. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 study participants. Study facilities and study units were selected using simple random sampling technique. Midwives, Nurses, Public Health Officers, Medical Doctors, and masters in Emergency Surgery and Obstetric were included in the study. Epi-data and SPSS statistical software were used.Results. About 153 (56.04%) and 150 (54.95%) of the obstetric caregivers had good knowledge and favorable attitude about partograph, respectively. Knowledge of partograph was significantly higher among obstetric caregivers that learnt about partograph during their College and who had received partograph on job training (AOR: 2.14, 95% C.I (1.17–3.93)) and (AOR: 2.25, 95% C.I (1.21–4.19)), respectively. Favorable attitude towards partograph was significantly higher among obstetrical caregivers who had training and learnt about partograph during their college (AOR: 3.37, 95% C.I (1.49–5.65)) and (AOR: 2.134, 95% C.I (1.175–3.877)), correspondingly.Conclusion. Above half of obstetric caregivers had good knowledge and a favorable attitude on partograph. The provision of on preservice and job training is necessary to improve caregivers’ knowledge and attitude.
Color Stability of the Bulk-Fill Composite Resins with Different Thickness in Response to Coffee/Water Immersion
Authors: Shamszadeh Sayna , Sheikh-Al-Eslamian Seyedeh Mahsa , Hasani Elham , Abrandabadi Ahmad Najafi , Panahandeh Narges
Published: June 2016

We aimed to evaluate the color stability of bulk-fill and conventional composite resin with respect to thickness and storage media. Twenty specimens of a conventional composite resin (6 mm diameter and 2 mm thick) and 40 specimens of the bulk-fill Tetric EvoCeram composite resin at two different thicknesses (6 mm diameter and 2 mm thick or 4 mm thick,n=20) were prepared. The specimens were stored in distilled water during the study period (28 d). Half of the specimens were remained in distilled water and the other half were immersed in coffee solution 20 min/d and kept in distilled water between the cycles. Color changes (ΔE) were measured using the CIEL⁎a⁎b⁎color space and a digital imaging system at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days of storage. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (P<0.05). Composite resins showed significant increase in color changes by time (bulk-fill > conventional;P<0.001). Coffee exhibited significantly more staining susceptibility than that of distilled water (P<0.001). There was greater color changes with increasing the increment thickness, which was significant at 14 (P<0.001) and 28 d (P<0.01). Color change of bulk-fill composite resin was greater than that of the conventional one after coffee staining and is also a function of increment thicknesses.
A Methodology for the Hybridization Based in Active Components: The Case of cGA and Scatter Search
Authors: Villagra Andrea , Alba Enrique , Leguizamón Guillermo
Published: June 2016

This work presents the results of a new methodology for hybridizing metaheuristics. By first locating the active components (parts) of one algorithm and then inserting them into second one, we can build efficient and accurate optimization, search, and learning algorithms. This gives a concrete way of constructing new techniques that contrasts the spread ad hoc way of hybridizing. In this paper, the enhanced algorithm is a Cellular Genetic Algorithm (cGA) which has been successfully used in the past to find solutions to such hard optimization problems. In order to extend and corroborate the use of active components as an emerging hybridization methodology, we propose here the use of active components taken from Scatter Search (SS) to improve cGA. The results obtained over a varied set of benchmarks are highly satisfactory in efficacy and efficiency when compared with a standard cGA. Moreover, the proposed hybrid approach (i.e., cGA+SS) has shown encouraging results with regard to earlier applications of our methodology.
Evaluation of Nonmotor Symptoms in Diagnosis of Parkinsonism and Tremor
Authors: Evans Andrew H. , Chai Chiun-Hian
Published: June 2016

Background. Nonmotor symptoms particularly olfactory dysfunction, RBD, depression, hallucinations, and constipation are currently not included in the typical clinical criteria for diagnosing Lewy body Parkinsonian disorders (LBPD). The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of nonmotor symptoms in patients presenting with Parkinsonism and tremor.Methods. All new patients seen between January 2007 and May 2013 in the Movement Disorders Specialist Clinics of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), who were referred with a possible neurodegenerative syndrome or concerns of Parkinsonism and/or tremor, were included. Patients underwent routine evaluation with the four-minute “Sniffin Sticks” test, RBD, depression, and constipation.Results. 291 patients were included in the analysis.Conclusion. We found that lower olfaction scores based on “Sniffin Sticks” testing combined with reports of depression and constipation are independent predictors for the diagnosis of the spectrum of Lewy body Parkinsonian disorders (LBPD). Parkinson’s disease (PD) cannot be reliably clinically differentiated from other causes of Parkinsonism that share symptomatology and structural abnormalities.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic and Proteomic Strategies in Organic Acidemias
Authors: Imperlini Esther , Santorelli Lucia , Orrù Stefania , Scolamiero Emanuela , Ruoppolo Margherita , Caterino Marianna
Published: June 2016

Organic acidemias (OAs) are inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiency of enzymatic activities in the catabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, or lipids. These disorders result in the accumulation of mono-, di-, or tricarboxylic acids, generally referred to as organic acids. The OA outcomes can involve different organs and/or systems. Some OA disorders are easily managed if promptly diagnosed and treated, whereas, in others cases, such as propionate metabolism-related OAs (propionic acidemia, PA; methylmalonic acidemia, MMA), neither diet, vitamin therapy, nor liver transplantation appears to prevent multiorgan impairment. Here, we review the recent developments in dissecting molecular bases of OAs by using integration of mass spectrometry- (MS-) based metabolomic and proteomic strategies. MS-based techniques have facilitated the rapid and economical evaluation of a broad spectrum of metabolites in various body fluids, also collected in small samples, like dried blood spots. This approach has enabled the timely diagnosis of OAs, thereby facilitating early therapeutic intervention. Besides providing an overview of MS-based approaches most frequently used to study the molecular mechanisms underlying OA pathophysiology, we discuss the principal challenges of metabolomic and proteomic applications to OAs.
Effect of Different Nucleating Agents on the Crystallization of Ziegler-Natta Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Avalos-Belmontes Felipe , Ramos-deValle Luis Francisco , Espinoza-Martínez Adriana Berenice , Martínez-Colunga Juan Guillermo , Ramírez-Vargas Eduardo , Sánchez-Valdés Saul , Ortíz-Cisneros Jose Carlos , Martínez-Segovia Esperanza Elizabeth , Beltrán-Ramírez Flora Itzel
Published: June 2016

Ziegler-Natta isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was melt mixed with four different nucleating agents (carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF), lithium benzoate (LiBe), and a sorbitol derivative (Millad)) in order to study their effect on the crystallization of iPP. It was found that the four different nucleating agents promote the alpha crystalline form. At 0.01 wt%, the carbon nanoparticles produced the higher crystallization temperature “Tc” (~119°C), whereas, at 0.10 wt%, LiBe and Millad produced a markedly higherTc(~125°C).Tcof pure iPP was 111°C. With 0.1 wt% nucleating agent, at 120°C, the crystallization half-life time of PP, when using LiBe or Millad, was 15 times faster than for pure PP, whereas, when using carbon nanoparticles, it was 20–25 times faster. At 135°C, with 0.01 wt% nucleating agent, the isothermal crystallization process of iPP was completed after 25 min, as well as with Millad. With LiBe, it was completed after just 15 min and, with any of the carbon nanoparticles, it was practically over after only a couple of minutes.