bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body composition of obese adolescents: association between adiposity indicators and cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Araújo A. J. S. , Santos A. C. O. , Prado W. L.
Published: September 2016

Background

The association between obesity during adolescence and the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases indicates the need to identify reproducible and cost effective methods for identifying individuals who are at increased risk of developing diseases. The present cross‐sectional study investigated the occurrence of metabolic consequences of obesity in adolescents and the use of adiposity indicators as predictors of cardiometabolic risk.

Methods

A fasting blood sample was taken in 93 pubertal obese adolescents aged 13–18 years old (39 males, 54 females) for the assessment of cardiometabolic risk markers (glucose, lipid profiles, insulin resistence, and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers). Together with anthropometry, total fat mass and lean mass were determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Results

The prevalence of dyslipidaemia and disorders in glucose metabolism are noticeably higher in the present study. There was no correlation between the percentage of body fat according to DXA and most indicators of adiposity. For boys, the arm circumference values predicted the increase in fasting insulin (r² = 0.200), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r² = 0.267) and cardiometabolic risk score (r² = 0.338). The percentage of body fat according to DXA predicted the inflammation score (r² = 0.172). For girls, body mass index was the parameter that best described the variability of fasting insulin (r² = 0.079) and inflammation score (r² = 0.263). The waist‐to‐stature ratio was able to predict the triglyceride values (r² = 0.090).

Conclusions

Anthropometric measures of adiposity, such a body mass index, waist‐to‐stature ratio, arm circumference and waist circumference,should be considered in the clinical evaluation of obese adolescents.
Deficiency in the voltage‐gated proton channel Hv1 increases M2 polarization of microglia and attenuates brain damage from photothrombotic ischemic stroke
Authors: Tian Dai‐Shi , Li Chun‐Yu , Qin Chuan , Murugan Madhuvika , Wu Long‐Jun , Liu Jun‐Li
Published: September 2016

Microglia become activated during cerebral ischemia and exert pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory role dependent of microglial polarization. NADPH oxidase (NOX)‐dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in microglia plays an important role in neuronal damage after ischemic stroke. Recently, NOX and ROS are consistently reported to participate in the microglial activation and polarization; NOX2 inhibition or suppression of ROS production are shown to shift the microglial polarization from M1 toward M2 state after stroke. The voltage‐gated proton channel, Hv1, is selectively expressed in microglia and is required for NOX‐dependent ROS generation in the brain. However, the effect of Hv1 proton channel on microglial M1/M2 polarization state after cerebral ischemia remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of microglial Hv1 proton channel in modulating microglial M1/M2 polarization during the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral injury using a mouse model of photothrombosis. Following photothrombotic ischemic stroke, wild‐type mice presented obvious brain infarct, neuronal damage, and impaired motor coordination. However, mice lacking Hv1 (Hv1−/−) were partially protected from brain damage and motor deficits compared to wild‐type mice. These rescued phenotypes in Hv1−/− mice in ischemic stroke is accompanied by reduced ROS production, shifted the microglial polarization from M1 to M2 state. Hv1 deficiency was also found to shift the M1/M2 polarization in primary cultured microglia. Our study suggests that the microglial Hv1 proton channel is a unique target for modulation of microglial M1/M2 polarization in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.

image

The voltage‐gated proton channel, Hv1, is selectively expressed in microglia and is required for NOX‐dependent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. ROS participate in microglial activation and polarization. However, the effect of Hv1 on microglial M1/M2 polarization state after cerebral ischemia remains unknown. Hv1 deficiency was found to shift the microglial polarization from M1 to M2 state in ischemic stroke accompanied by reduced ROS production. Our study suggests that the microglial Hv1 proton channel is a unique target for modulation of microglial M1/M2 polarization in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.
Genetic polymorphisms in the serotonergic system are associated with circadian manifestations of bruxism
Authors: Oporto G. H. , Bornhardt T. , Iturriaga V. , Salazar L. A.
Published: September 2016

Bruxism (BRX) is a condition of great interest for researchers and clinicians in dental and medical areas. BRX has two circadian manifestations; it can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism, SB) or during wakefulness (awake bruxism, WB). However, it can be suffered together. Recent investigations suggest that central nervous system neurotransmitters and their genes could be involved in the genesis of BRX. Serotonin is responsible for the circadian rhythm, maintaining arousal, regulating stress response, muscle tone and breathing. Thus, serotonin could be associated with BRX pathogenesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency of genetic polymorphisms in the genes HTR1A (rs6295), HTR2A (rs1923884, rs4941573, rs6313, rs2770304), HTR2C (rs17260565) and SLC6A4 (rs63749047) in subjects undergoing BRX treatment. Patients included were classified according to their diagnosis in awake bruxism (61 patients), sleep bruxism (26 patients) and both (43 patients). The control group included 59 healthy patients with no signs of BRX. Data showed significant differences in allelic frequencies for the HTR2A rs2770304 polymorphism, where the C allele was associated with increased risk of SB (odds ratio = 2·13, 95% confidence interval: 1·08–4·21, P = 0·03). Our results suggest that polymorphisms in serotonergic pathways are involved in sleep bruxism. Further research is needed to clarify and increase the current understanding of BRX physiopathology.
Modulatory effects of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 on cellular immune responses against Hypoderma lineatum antigens
Authors: CABANELAS E. , LÓPEZ C. M. , DÍAZ P. , PÉREZ ‐CREO A. , MORRONDO P. , DÍEZ ‐BAÑOS P. , PANADERO R.
Published: September 2016

This study investigates the in vitro modulatory effects of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) on both proliferative bovine T cell responses and IL‐10 production induced by different antigens [crude larval extract and the purified fractions hypodermin A, B and C (HyA, HyB, HyC)] obtained from first instars of Hypoderma lineatum (Diptera: Oestridae), alone or in the presence of the mitogen concanavalin A. Incubation with the different parasitic antigens resulted in significant inhibition of T cell proliferation and IL‐10 production, which, in general, did not revert after the addition of IFN‐γ and IL‐4. In the absence of antigens, IL‐4 induced significant inhibition of mitogen‐induced T cell responses. Exogenous IFN‐γ exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in the presence of the purified fractions HyB and HyC. These in vitro data suggest that far from neutralizing the effects of larval antigens, the addition of IFN‐γ potentiates their anti‐proliferative activity; by contrast, IL‐4 had no consistent effects on proliferative responses to Hypoderma. IL‐4 provoked an increment of IL‐10 levels in supernatants of HyB‐stimulated cells. In conclusion, exogenous IFN‐γ and IL‐4 were unable to counteract the suppressor effects of H. lineatum antigens.
Tapentadol Prolonged Release for Chronic Pain: A Review of Clinical Trials and 5 Years of Routine Clinical Practice Data
Authors: Baron Ralf , Eberhart Leopold , Kern Kai‐Uwe , Regner Stefan , Rolke Roman , Simanski Christian , Tölle Thomas
Published: September 2016

Tapentadol prolonged release (PR) for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain combines 2 modes of action. These are μ‐opioid receptor agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition in a single molecule that allow higher analgesic potency through modulation of different pharmacological targets within the pain transmitting systems. At the same time, this can also serve as a clue for modulation of different pain‐generating mechanisms according to nociceptive, neuropathic, or mixed pain conditions. Tapentadol PR has now been on the market for 5 years, with over 4.6 million people treated worldwide. A panel of pain specialists convened in Germany to review the clinical program and to discuss the role of tapentadol PR in the management of chronic pain. The clinical study program demonstrated effective and generally well‐tolerated treatment for up to 2 years in a broad range of chronic pain conditions, including those with neuropathic pain components. This was confirmed in routine clinical practice observations. Head‐to‐head studies with World Health Organization (WHO) III opioids such as oxycodone controlled release and oxycodone/naloxone PR showed at least comparable pain relief in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe musculoskeletal pain. Rotation from poorly tolerated WHO III opioids to tapentadol PR provided effective pain relief and better symptom control for musculoskeletal pain compared to previous medication. Functionality, health status and quality of life also improved under tapentadol PR treatment. The gastrointestinal tolerability profile was more favorable compared to other tested WHO III opioids. Tapentadol PR has a good safety profile and no evidence of acquired tolerance from the long‐term data so far collected. Overall, tapentadol PR represents an effective and generally well‐tolerated alternative to “classical” opioidergic drugs.
Aldo‐keto reductase enzymes detoxify glyphosate and improve herbicide resistance in plants
Authors: Vemanna Ramu S. , Vennapusa Amaranatha Reddy , Easwaran Murugesh , Chandrashekar Babitha K. , Rao Hanumantha , Ghanti Kirankumar , Sudhakar Chinta , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Makarla Udayakumar
Published: September 2016

In recent years, concerns about the use of glyphosate‐resistant crops have increased because of glyphosate residual levels in plants and development of herbicide‐resistant weeds. In spite of identifying glyphosate‐detoxifying genes from microorganisms, the plant mechanism to detoxify glyphosate has not been studied. We characterized an aldo‐keto reductase gene from Pseudomonas (PsAKR1) and rice (OsAKR1) and showed, by docking studies, both PsAKR1 and OsAKR1 can efficiently bind to glyphosate. Silencing AKR1 homologues in rice and Nicotiana benthamiana or mutation of AKR1 in yeast and Arabidopsis showed increased sensitivity to glyphosate. External application of AKR proteins rescued glyphosate‐mediated cucumber seedling growth inhibition. Regeneration of tobacco transgenic lines expressing PsAKR1 or OsAKRI on glyphosate suggests that AKR can be used as selectable marker to develop transgenic crops. PsAKR1‐ or OsAKRI‐expressing tobacco and rice transgenic plants showed improved tolerance to glyphosate with reduced accumulation of shikimic acid without affecting the normal photosynthetic rates. These results suggested that AKR1 when overexpressed detoxifies glyphosate in planta.
A Systematic Approach to Determining the Identifiability of Multistage Carcinogenesis Models
Authors: Brouwer Andrew F. , Meza Rafael , Eisenberg Marisa C.
Published: September 2016

Multistage clonal expansion (MSCE) models of carcinogenesis are continuous‐time Markov process models often used to relate cancer incidence to biological mechanism. Identifiability analysis determines what model parameter combinations can, theoretically, be estimated from given data. We use a systematic approach, based on differential algebra methods traditionally used for deterministic ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, to determine identifiable combinations for a generalized subclass of MSCE models with any number of preinitation stages and one clonal expansion. Additionally, we determine the identifiable combinations of the generalized MSCE model with up to four clonal expansion stages, and conjecture the results for any number of clonal expansion stages. The results improve upon previous work in a number of ways and provide a framework to find the identifiable combinations for further variations on the MSCE models. Finally, our approach, which takes advantage of the Kolmogorov backward equations for the probability generating functions of the Markov process, demonstrates that identifiability methods used in engineering and mathematics for systems of ODEs can be applied to continuous‐time Markov processes.
Effects of maternal postpartum depression in a well‐resourced sample: Early concurrent and long‐term effects on infant cognitive, language, and motor development
Authors: Smith‐Nielsen Johanne , Tharner Anne , Krogh Marianne Thode , Væver Mette Skovgaard
Published: September 2016

This study examined early and long‐term effects of maternal postpartum depression on cognitive, language, and motor development in infants of clinically depressed mothers. Participants were 83 mothers and their full‐term born children from the urban region of Copenhagen, Denmark. Of this group, 28 mothers were diagnosed with postnatal depression three to four months postpartum in a diagnostic interview. Cognitive, language, and motor development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition, when the infants were 4 and 13 months of age. We found that maternal postpartum depression was associated with poorer cognitive development at infant age four months, the effect size being large (Cohen's d = 0.8) and with similar effects for boys and girls. At 13 months of age infants of clinical mothers did not differ from infants of non‐clinical mothers. At this time most (79%) of the clinical mothers were no longer, or not again, depressed. These results may indicate that maternal depression can have an acute, concurrent effect on infant cognitive development as early as at four months postpartum. At the same time, in the absence of other risk factors, this effect may not be enduring. The main weaknesses of the study include the relatively small sample size and that depression scores were only available for 35 of the non‐clinical mothers at 13 months.
Blood group A mothers are more likely to develop anemia during antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lakkaraja Madhavi , Jin Jenny C. , Manotas Karen C. , Vinograd Cheryl A. , Ferd Polina , Gabor Julia , Wissert Megan , Berkowitz Richard L. , McFarland Janice G. , Bussel James B.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Incompatibility between parental platelet (PLT) antigens may lead to sensitization of mother and development of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) resulting in fetal thrombocytopenia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with or without prednisone is the most effective, evidence‐based antenatal treatment for subsequent FNAIT‐affected pregnancies. IVIG infusion causes hemolysis in other settings, the degree depending upon patient blood groups (BGs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00194987, 102 pregnant women received randomized antenatal treatment: Arm A received 2 g/kg/week IVIG; Arm B received 1 g/kg/week IVIG + 0.5 mg/kg/day prednisone. This post hoc analysis explored BG and anemia in 69 FNAIT mothers treated with Arm A or Arm B without salvage treatment to explore the effects of IVIG and steroid treatment on development of anemia in these women. Mothers whose treatment changed, for example, those with insufficient or unknown fetal PLT response who received salvage therapy, were excluded.

RESULTS

For Arm A, 17 of 21 (hemoglobin [Hb] < 10 g/dL) mothers with anemia but only three of 15 mothers without anemia had BG‐A and/or BG‐B (p = 0.0005). BG was unrelated to anemia in Arm B; only nine of 33 Arm B mothers became anemic during treatment. The mean decrease in Hb level in women with BG‐non‐O was 1.9 g/dL and in women with BG‐O was 1.1 g/dL (p = 0.004). Anemia was not caused by iron deficiency; the lowest mean corpuscular volume was 79.

CONCLUSION

FNAIT women with BG‐non‐O more frequently develop anemia secondary to high‐dose IVIG infusion (2 g/kg/week), quite possibly from isohemagglutinin‐mediated hemolysis; maternal Hb requires monitoring. IVIG at 1 g/kg/week did not cause anemia in women with BG‐non‐O; concomitant prednisone likely alleviated the IVIG effect. Maternal BG could influence selection of antenatal treatment for FNAIT.
Weak solutions of complex Hessian equations on compact Hermitian manifolds
Authors: Kołodziej Sławomir , Nguyen Ngoc Cuong
Published: September 2016

We prove the existence of weak solutions of complex $m$-Hessian equations on compact Hermitian manifolds for the non-negative right-hand side belonging to $L^{p}$, $p>n/m$ ($n$ is the dimension of the manifold). For smooth, positive data the equation has recently been solved by Székelyhidi and Zhang. We also give a stability result for such solutions.
Integrated Chemical Effects Head Loss Experiments Using Multiconstituent Fibrous Debris Beds
Authors: LaBrier Daniel , Ali Amir , Howe Kerry J. , Blandford Edward D.
Published: September 2016

The chemical head loss experiment (CHLE) program has been designed to acquire realistic material release and product formation in containment under post-loss of coolant accident (LOCA) conditions and their impact on the measured head loss through the use of modified debris beds developed at the University of New Mexico (UNM). A full-scale water chemistry test was conducted under Vogtle containment chemistry conditions to determine the release of these materials and the resulting head loss response of the formed products within the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) under prototypical chemical conditions. The test was designed to investigate material corrosion with the presence of excess aluminum and a nonprototypical temperature profile (80 °C for 120 h) to promote the production of aluminum precipitates. The head loss measured within the first 72 h of the test either surpassed the operational limits of the equipment or caused a failure within the system. The increase in head loss is not attributed to the formation of in situ precipitates but to a physical reaction of the epoxy used in constructing the debris beds to the local chemistry during the early stages of the test.
Modeling of Energy and Exergy Efficiencies of a Wind Turbine Based on the Blade Element Momentum Theory Under Different Roughness Intensities
Authors: Khanjari Ali , Sarreshtehdari Ali , Mahmoodi Esmail
Published: September 2016

In this study, the analysis of energy and exergy of a horizontal axis wind turbine based on blade element momentum (BEM) theory is presented. The computations are validated against wind tunnel data measured in the MEXICO wind turbine experiment. Blade roughness as one of the important environmental parameters is considered in the computations. Results show that the blade element momentum (BEM) theory has good ability to predict the energy and exergy efficiencies. The computation of energy and exergy exhibits that with the increasing the roughness from 0 mm to 0.5 mm, 2324 W of the output power is reduced. Roughness of 0.5 mm at the wind speed of 16 m/s reduced exergy and energy efficiencies 5.75% and 5.83%, respectively. It is also found that the roughness in the first four months of the operation has a more negative effect on the wind turbine performance.
Development of Micro Pencil Grinding Tools Via an Electroless Plating Process
Authors: Arrabiyeh Peter A. , Kirsch Benjamin , Aurich Jan C.
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the development process of a new coating method for micro pencil grinding tools (MPGTs). MPGTs, applied for microgrinding, consist of a base body, abrasives, and a metallic bond. The manufacturing process of these microtools presents two challenges. The first being in finding a method to embed the abrasives with a uniform grit distribution and the second finding the correct parameters, required for a bond with adequate grit retention forces. In this research, an electroless plating process is presented. Both the abrasive grit distribution method and the plating parameters will be presented in this paper.
Flame Holding in the Premixing Zone of a Gas Turbine Model Combustor After Forced Ignition of H2–Natural Gas–Air Mixtures
Authors: Utschick Matthias , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: September 2016

Flashback (FB) and self-ignition in the premixing zone of typical gas turbine swirl combustors in lean premixed operation are immanent risks and can lead to damage and failure of components. Thus, steady combustion in the premixing zone must be avoided under all circumstances. This study experimentally investigates the flame holding propensity of fuel injectors in the swirler of a gas turbine model combustor with premixing of H2–natural gas (NG)–air mixtures under atmospheric pressure and proposes a model to predict the limit for safe operation. The A2EV swirler concept exhibits a hollow, thick walled conical structure with four tangential slots. Four fuel injector geometries were tested. One of them injects the fuel orthogonal to the air flow in the slots (jet-in-crossflow injector, JICI). Three injector types introduce the fuel almost isokinetic to the air flow at the trailing edge of the swirler slots (trailing edge injector, TEI). A cylindrical duct and a window in the swirler made of quartz glass allow the application of optical diagnostics (OH* chemiluminescence and planar laser induced fluorescence of the OH radical (OH-PLIF)) inside the swirler. The fuel–air mixture was ignited with a focused single laser pulse during steady operation. The position of ignition was located inside the swirler in proximity to a fuel injection hole. If the flame was washed out of the premixing zone not later than 4 s after the ignition, the operation point was defined as safe. Operation points were investigated at three air mass flows, three air ratios, two air preheat temperatures (573 K and 673 K), and 40 to 100 percent per volume hydrogen in the fuel composed of hydrogen and natural gas. The determined safety limit for atmospheric pressure yields a similarity rule based on a critical Damköhler number. Application of the proposed rule at conditions typical for gas turbines leads to these safety limits for the A2EV burner: With the TEIs, the swirler can safely operate with up to 80 percent per volume hydrogen content in the fuel at an air ratio of two. With the JIC injector, safe operation at stoichiometric conditions and 95 percent per volume hydrogen is possible.
Scaling Laws for Radial Clearance and Support Structure Stiffness of Radial Foil Bearings
Authors: Prasad Srikanth Honavara , Kim Daejong
Published: September 2016

Design and analysis of foil bearings involve consideration to various physical aspects such as fluid pressure, structural deformation, and heat generation due to viscous effects within the bearing. These complex physical interactions are mathematically governed by highly nonlinear partial differential equations. Therefore, foil bearing design involves detailed calculations of flow fields (velocities, pressures), support structure deflections (structural compliance), and heat transfer phenomena (viscous dissipation in the fluid, frictional heating, temperature profile, etc.). The computational effort in terms of time and hardware requirements make high level engineering analyses tedious which presents an opportunity for development of rule of thumb laws for design guidelines. Scaling laws for bearing clearance and support structure stiffness of radial foil bearings of various sizes are presented in this paper. The scaling laws are developed from first principles using the scale invariant Reynolds equation and support structure deflection equation. Power law relationships are established between the (1) radial clearance and bearing radius and (2) support structure stiffness and bearing radius. Simulation results of static and dynamic performance of various bearing sizes following the proposed scaling laws are presented.
On the Interaction of Multiple Traveling Wave Modes in the Flutter Vibrations of Friction-Damped Tuned Bladed Disks
Authors: Krack Malte , Panning-von Scheidt Lars , Wallaschek Jörg
Published: September 2016

It is well-known that flutter vibrations of bladed disks can be saturated by dry friction. Previous theoretical investigations indicated that the steady-state, friction-damped flutter vibrations of tuned bladed disks are always dominated by a single traveling wave component, even if multiple traveling wave forms are unstable. This contrasts recent experimental investigations where multiple traveling wave forms were found to participate at steady state. In this paper, we demonstrate that this phenomenon can be explained by nonlinear frictional interblade coupling. To this end, we consider a simple phenomenological model of a bladed disk with frictional intersector coupling and two unstable traveling waves forms. Vibrations occur not only in the form of limit cycle oscillations (periodic) but also in the form of limit torus oscillations (quasi-periodic). It is shown how the limit state depends on the initial conditions, and that the occurrence of multiwave flutter depends on the proximity of the complex eigenvalues of the associated unstable waves. Finally, by computing the limit torus oscillation with a frequency-domain method, we lay the cornerstone for the systematic prediction of friction-saturated flutter vibrations of state-of-the-art bladed disk models.
Priming HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody precursors in human Ig loci transgenic mice
Authors: Sok Devin , Briney Bryan , Jardine Joseph G. , Kulp Daniel W. , Menis Sergey , Pauthner Matthias , Wood Andrew , Lee E-Chiang , Le Khoa M. , Jones Meaghan , Ramos Alejandra , Kalyuzhniy Oleksandr , Adachi Yumiko , Kubitz Michael , MacPherson Skye , Bradley Allan , Friedrich Glenn A. , Schief William R. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: September 2016

A major obstacle to a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb)–based HIV vaccine is the activation of appropriate B cell precursors. Germline-targeting immunogens must be capable of priming rare bnAb precursors in the physiological setting. We tested the ability of the VRC01-class bnAb germline-targeting immunogen eOD-GT8 60mer (60-subunit self-assembling nanoparticle) to activate appropriate precursors in mice transgenic for human immunoglobulin (Ig) loci. Despite an average frequency of, at most, about one VRC01-class precursor per mouse, we found that at least 29% of singly immunized mice produced a VRC01-class memory response, suggesting that priming generally succeeded when at least one precursor was present. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using germline targeting to prime specific and exceedingly rare bnAb-precursor B cells within a humanlike repertoire.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Largest Known Flavi-Like Virus,
Diaphorina citri flavi-like virus
, a Novel Virus of the Asian Citrus Psyllid,
Diaphorina citri
Authors: Matsumura Emilyn E. , Nerva Luca , Nigg Jared C. , Falk Bryce W. , Nouri Shahideh
Published: September 2016

A novel flavi-like virus tentatively named
Diaphorina citri flavi-like virus
(DcFLV) was identified in field populations of
Diaphorina citri
through small RNA and transcriptome sequencing followed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of DcFLV, the largest flavi-like virus identified to date.
Deep Sequencing Reveals the Complete Genome Sequence of
Sweet potato virus G
from East Timor
Authors: Maina Solomon , Edwards Owain R. , Barbetti Martin J. , de Almeida Luis , Ximenes Abel , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: September 2016

We present the first complete
Sweet potato virus G
(SPVG) genome from sweet potato in East Timor and compare it with seven complete SPVG genomes from South Korea (three), Taiwan (two), Argentina (one), and the United States (one). It most resembles the genomes from the United States and South Korea.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Xanthomonas bromi Type Strain LMG 947
Authors: Hersemann Lena , Wibberg Daniel , Blom Jochen , Widmer Franco , Kölliker Roland
Published: September 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
Xanthomonas bromi
type strain LMG 947, an important pathogen of bromegrasses (
Bromus
spp.). Comparative analysis with other
Xanthomonas
spp. that are pathogenic on forage grasses will assist the analysis of host-plant adaptation at the genome level.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: a challenge to diagnose and treat
Authors: Phaw Naw April , Tsai Her Hsin
Published: September 2016

The patient presented with bloody diarrhoea, and crampy abdominal pains. She was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) after the finding of persistently high peripheral eosinophil counts and histology of endoscopic biopsies. She responded to steroids but became dependent on it and her symptoms recurred on steroid tapering. There was little improvement with alternative treatment such as budesonides, azathioprine and montelukast. Surprisingly her symptoms improved significantly after she was treated with clarithromycin for chest infection and she was continued on clarithromycin. Her eosinophil counts fell dramatically and follow-up CT (thorax, abdomen and pelvic) scan showed the mucosal thickening had improved. She became completely free of the symptoms since she was on clarithromycin and her eosinophils counts fell within the normal range during the follow-up.
Gender equity programmes in academic medicine: a realist evaluation approach to Athena SWAN processes
Authors: Caffrey Louise , Wyatt David , Fudge Nina , Mattingley Helena , Williamson Catherine , McKevitt Christopher
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Gender inequity has persisted in academic medicine. Yet equity is vital for countries to achieve their full potential in terms of translational research and patient benefit. This study sought to understand how the gender equity programme, Athena SWAN, can be enabled and constrained by interactions between the programme and the context it is implemented into, and whether these interactions might produce unintended consequences.

Design

Multimethod qualitative case studies using a realist evaluation approach.

Setting

5 departments from a university medical school hosting a Translational Research Organisation.

Participants

25 hours of observations of gender equality committee meetings, 16 in-depth interviews with Heads of Departments, Committee Leads and key personnel involved in the initiative. 4 focus groups with 15 postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and senior lecturers.

Results

The implementation of Athena SWAN principles was reported to have created social space to address gender inequity and to have highlighted problematic practices to staff. However, a number of factors reduced the programme's potential to impact gender inequity. Gender inequity was reproduced in the programme's enactment as female staff was undertaking a disproportionate amount of Athena SWAN work, with potential negative impacts on individual women's career progression. Early career researchers experienced problems accessing Athena SWAN initiatives. Furthermore, the impact of the programme was perceived to be undermined by wider institutional practices, national policies and societal norms, which are beyond the programme's remit.

Conclusions

Gender equity programmes have the potential to address inequity. However, paradoxically, they can also unintentionally reproduce and reinforce gender inequity through their enactment. Potential programme impacts may be undermined by barriers to staff availing of career development and training initiatives, and by wider institutional practices, national policies and societal norms.
Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on blood eosinophil count in steroid-naïve patients with COPD
Authors: Kreindler James L , Watkins Michael L , Lettis Sally , Tal-Singer Ruth , Locantore Nicholas
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Sputum and blood eosinophil counts have attracted attention as potential biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One question regarding the use of blood eosinophils as a biomarker in COPD is whether their levels are affected by the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are commonly prescribed for COPD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of peripheral blood leucocytes from a previously completed clinical trial that examined effects of ICS in steroid-naïve patients with COPD.

Results and conclusion

The data show that the ICS-containing treatment arms (containing fluticasone propionate) had a small effect on peripheral blood eosinophils in steroid-naïve patients with COPD.

Trial registration number

NCT00358358; Post-results.
Actinomyces denticolenscolonisation identified in equine tonsillar crypts
Authors: Murakami S. , Otaki M. , Hayashi Y. , Higuchi K. , Kobayashi T. , Torii Y. , Yokoyama E. , Azuma R.
Published: September 2016

Recently, submandibular abscesses associated withActinomyces denticolenshave been reported in horses. The actinomycotic clumps have been observed in the tonsillar crypts. The aim of this study was to demonstrate colonisation ofA denticolensin equine tonsils. Twelve equine tonsils obtained from a slaughterhouse were divided into two parts for histopathological examination and for isolation ofA denticolens. When actinomycotic clumps were found in these tonsillar crypts, immunohistochemistry using hyperimmune serum againstA denticolens(DMS 20671) was performed on the serial sections. To determine whetherActinomyces‐like bacteria isolated using immunoantigenic separation technique wereA denticolens, the isolates were analysed for the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Actinomycotic clumps were found in the tonsillar crypts of 11 (91.7 per cent) horses. The clumps were of the saprophytic type accompanied with the feedstuffs, but a few clumps were surrounded by inflammatory cells.A denticolensantigens were immunodetected not only in the clumps of 11 (100 per cent) tonsils, but also in the tonsillar parenchyma. Six isolates obtained from four tonsils showed 99.7–99.9 per cent similarity toA denticolensin the 16S rRNA gene sequence. In horses, the colonisation sites ofA denticolensare the tonsils, thus the authors suggest that the tonsils provide the intrinsic infection site forA denticolens.
Cecilanthus polymerus, a novel multiparted flower from the mid-Cretaceous Rocky Point locality, Maryland
Authors: Herendeen Patrick S. , Doyle James A. , Endress Peter K. , Takahashi Masamichi
Published: September 2016

A flower from the early Cenomanian of northeastern Maryland, Cecilanthus polymerus gen. et sp. nov., is described using SEM and synchrotron X-ray microtomography. The flower has >20 strap-shaped tepals, ca. 50 spatulate stamens with embedded adaxial pollen sacs and possibly H-valvate dehiscence, and ca. 100 more-or-less plicate carpels. Floral phyllotaxis is whorled, with >10 parts per whorl, but slightly irregular. Pollen and ovules are not preserved, but locule shape suggests that the carpels are uniovulate. Similar characters occur in extant Magnoliales and the basal ANITA grade, but never in combination. In an attempt to resolve these ambiguities, we performed morphological phylogenetic analyses, with the arrangement of extant taxa constrained to trees based primarily on molecular data. With anther dehiscence and ovule number treated as unknown, Cecilanthus has several most-parsimonious positions: nested in Nymphaeales, nested in Magnoliales, sister to Laurales, and sister to Chloranthaceae. However, scoring anther dehiscence as H-valvate and ovule number as = 1, increases support for a position in Magnoliales. Cecilanthus demonstrates that the early radiation of angiosperms produced floral morphotypes unlike those in any surviving taxa, and it illustrates the value of characters such as pollen morphology and seed anatomy for phylogenetic placement of floral mesofossils.
Stability-Guaranteed Two-Phase Design of Odd-Order Variable-Magnitude Digital Filters
Authors: Deng Tian-Bo
Published: September 2016

Guaranteeing the stability is one of the most critical issues in designing a variable recursive digital filter. In this paper, we first present an odd-order recursive variable model (transfer function) that is used for designing an odd-order variable-magnitude (VM) digital filter, and then we replace the original coefficients of the denominator of the odd-order transfer function with a set of new parameters. These new parameters can ensure that they can take arbitrary values without incurring instability of the designed odd-order VM filter. To make the VM filter coefficients variable, we find all the VM filter coefficients as polynomial functions of the tuning parameter, which includes two phases. The first phase designs a set of recursive digital filters with fixed coefficients (constant filters), and the second phase utilizes a curve-fitting scheme to represent each coefficient as a polynomial function. As a result, the VM filter coefficients become variable, and the proposed parameter-substitution-based denominator coefficients ensure the filter stability. This is the most important contribution of the parameter-substitution-based design scheme. This paper uses the fifth-order demonstrative example to verify the stability guarantee as well as the design accuracy of the obtained the fifth-order VM filter.
INFILTRATED SILICA PHOTONIC CRYSTAL WITH LIQUID CRYSTAL AND VARIOUS ORGANIC LIQUIDS
Authors: DHIMAN NARESH , PATHAK DINESH , SINGH BHANU PARTAP , GATHANIA ARVIND KUMAR
Published: September 2016

Tunable photonic crystal has been developed by infiltration of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) and different organic liquids in the void of silica microspheres. Optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. It has been observed that the position of photonic band gap (PBG) shifts from 336[Formula: see text]nm to 326[Formula: see text]nm with the increase of applied field from 0[Formula: see text]V to 9[Formula: see text]V and 316[Formula: see text]nm to 324[Formula: see text]nm after the infiltration of the organic liquids. The refractive index of infiltrated liquid crystal (LC) is calculated at different applied electric field. The present results could be suited for implementation of low cost and compact design tunable devices with low power consumption for high density integrated optics.
Deep vs. shallow networks: An approximation theory perspective
Authors: Mhaskar H. N. , Poggio T.
Published: September 2016

The paper briefly reviews several recent results on hierarchical architectures for learning from examples, that may formally explain the conditions under which Deep Convolutional Neural Networks perform much better in function approximation problems than shallow, one-hidden layer architectures. The paper announces new results for a non-smooth activation function — the ReLU function — used in present-day neural networks, as well as for the Gaussian networks. We propose a new definition of relative dimension to encapsulate different notions of sparsity of a function class that can possibly be exploited by deep networks but not by shallow ones to drastically reduce the complexity required for approximation and learning.
Two-dimensional orthogonal wavelet multi-resolution analysis on multi-scale flow structures behind triangle cylinder
Authors: Zheng Yan , Rinoshika Akira , Fujimoto Shun
Published: September 2016

This study focuses on the multi-scale turbulent structures of triangle cylinder wake flow measured by high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV). The measured turbulent structures were spatially extracted into large-, intermediate-, relatively small-, and small-scale components using two-dimensional orthogonal wavelet analysis. Then the features of multi-scale turbulent structures were analyzed in terms of two-point auto correlation, power spectra, turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress. It is found that the large-scale structure attributed to coherent motions in the wake flow makes largest contribution to the total fluctuating energy and maximum Reynolds shear stress, accounting for 84% and 92% respectively. The intermediate scale structures, which are unidentifiable by PIV measurement, are found to shed into the separated shear layer due to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, and the central frequency of intermediate scale vortex is approximately twice of Kármán vortex shedding frequency. Besides, two symmetric regions of intensive velocity fluctuations having relatively small-scale are observed near the cylinder surface and the boundary of separation region, and they are not dominant.
Modeling and analysis of a predator–prey system with time delay
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Yaolin
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a differential-algebraic predator–prey system with time delay is investigated, where the time delay is regarded as a parameter. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of the positive equilibrium and the existence of Hopf bifurcation are demonstrated. Furthermore, the explicit formulae which determine the stability, direction and other properties of bifurcating periodic solutions are obtained by applying the normal form theory and the center manifold argument. At last, some numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the feasibility of our main results.
Deep tissue near-infrared imaging for vascular network analysis
Authors: Seker Kübra , Engin Mehmet
Published: September 2016

Subcutaneous vein network plays important roles to maintain microcirculation that is related to some diagnostic aspects. Despite developments of optical imaging technologies, still the difficulties about deep skin vascular imaging have been continued. On the other hand, since hemoglobin concentration of human blood has key role in the veins imaging by optical manner, the used wavelength in vascular imaging, must be chosen considering absorption of hemoglobin. In this research, we constructed a near infrared (NIR) light source because of lower absorption of hemoglobin in this optical region. To obtain vascular image, reflectance geometry was used. Next, from recorded images, vascular network analysis, such as calculation of width of vascular of interest and complexity of selected region were implemented. By comparing with other modalities, we observed that proposed imaging system has great advantages including nonionized radiation, moderate penetration depth of 0.5–3[Formula: see text]mm and diameter of 1[Formula: see text]mm, cost-effective and algorithmic simplicity for analysis.
The harmonic index of unicyclic graphs
Authors: Rasi R. , Sheikholeslami S. M.
Published: September 2016

The harmonic index of a graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is defined as the sum of weights [Formula: see text] over all edges [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the degree of a vertex [Formula: see text]. Hu and Zhou [WSEAS Trans. Math. 12 (2013) 716–726] proved that for any unicyclic graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] with equality if and only if [Formula: see text]. Recently, Zhong and Cui [Filomat 29 (2015) 673–686] generalized the above bound and proved that for any unicyclic graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] other than [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we generalize the aforemention results and show that for any connected unicyclic graph [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] with maximum degree [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and classify the extremal unicyclic graphs.
Double domination and super domination in trees
Authors: Krishnakumari B. , Venkatakrishnan Y. B.
Published: September 2016

A vertex of a graph [Formula: see text] is said to dominate itself and all its neighbors. A double dominating set (DDS) of a graph [Formula: see text] is a set [Formula: see text] of vertices such that every vertex of [Formula: see text] is dominated by at least two vertices of [Formula: see text]. The double domination number of a graph [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a DDS of [Formula: see text]. For a graph [Formula: see text], a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a super dominating set SDS if for every vertex of [Formula: see text] there exists an external private neighbor of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text]. The super domination number of [Formula: see text] is the minimum cardinality of a SDS of [Formula: see text]. We prove that for every tree [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and we characterize the trees attaining this bound.
Degree associated reconstruction number of certain connected graphs with unique end vertex and a vertex of degree n−2
Authors: Anu A. , Monikandan S.
Published: September 2016

A vertex-deleted subgraph of a graph [Formula: see text] is called a card of [Formula: see text] A card of [Formula: see text] with which the degree of the deleted vertex is also given is called a degree associated card (or dacard) of [Formula: see text] The degree associated reconstruction number (or drn) of a graph [Formula: see text] is the size of the smallest collection of dacards of [Formula: see text] that uniquely determines [Formula: see text] A P-graph is a graph of order [Formula: see text] with exactly two blocks, one of them has just two vertices and the other has vertex of degree [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the drn of all connected graphs of order [Formula: see text] with a unique end vertex and a vertex of degree [Formula: see text] is 1 or 2 if the drn of certain [Formula: see text]-graphs with at least two vertices of degree 2 is 2.
The Jan Mayen microcontinent: an update of its architecture, structural development and role during the transition from the Ægir Ridge to the mid-oceanic Kolbeinsey Ridge
Authors: Blischke A. , Gaina C. , Hopper J. R. , Péron-Pinvidic G. , Brandsdóttir B. , Guarnieri P. , Erlendsson Ö. , Gunnarsson K.
Published: September 2016

We present a revised tectonostratigraphy of the Jan Mayen microcontinent (JMMC) and its southern extent, with the focus on its relationship to the Greenland–Iceland–Faroe Ridge area and the Faroe–Iceland Fracture Zone. The microcontinent's Cenozoic evolution consists of six main phases corresponding to regional stratigraphic unconformities. Emplacement of Early Eocene plateau basalts at pre-break-up time (56–55 Ma), preceded the continental break-up (55 Ma) and the formation of seawards-dipping reflectors (SDRs) along the eastern and SE flanks of the JMMC. Simultaneously with SDR formation, orthogonal seafloor spreading initiated along the Ægir Ridge (Norway Basin) during the Early Eocene (C24n2r, 53.36 Ma to C22n, 49.3 Ma). Changes in plate motions at C21n (47.33 Ma) led to oblique seafloor spreading offset by transform faults and uplift along the microcontinent's southern flank. At C13n (33.2 Ma), spreading rates along the Ægir Ridge started to decrease, first south and then in the north. This was probably complemented by intra-continental extension within the JMMC, as indicated by the opening of the Jan Mayen Basin – a series of small pull-apart basins along the microcontinent's NW flank. JMMC was completely isolated when the mid-oceanic Kolbeinsey Ridge became fully established and the Ægir Ridge was abandoned between C7 and C6b (24–21.56 Ma).