bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Cross-Layer Optimization Algorithm for Data Transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Chengtie , Wang Jinkuan , Li Mingwei
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we address the problems of joint design for channel selection, medium access control (MAC), signal input control, and power control with cooperative communication, which can achieve tradeoff between optimal signal control and power control in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The problems are solved in two steps. Firstly, congestion control and link allocation are separately provided at transport layer and network layer, by supply and demand based on compressed sensing (CS). Secondly, we propose the cross-layer scheme to minimize the power cost of the whole network by a linear optimization problem. Channel selection and power control scheme, using the minimum power cost, are presented at MAC layer and physical layer, respectively. These functions interact through and are regulated by congestion rate so as to achieve a global optimality. Simulation results demonstrate the validity and high performance of the proposed algorithm.
Selenium Accumulating Leafy Vegetables Are a Potential Source of Functional Foods
Authors: Mabeyo Petro E. , Manoko Mkabwa L. K. , Gruhonjic Amra , Fitzpatrick Paul A. , Landberg Göran , Erdélyi Máté , Nyandoro Stephen S.
Published: December 2015

Selenium deficiency in humans has been associated with various diseases, the risks of which can be reduced through dietary supplementation. Selenium accumulating plants may provide a beneficial nutrient for avoiding such illnesses. Thus, leafy vegetables such asAmaranthus hybridus,Amaranthussp.,Cucurbita maxima,Ipomoea batatas,Solanum villosum,Solanum scabrum, andVigna unguiculatawere explored for their capabilities to accumulate selenium when grown on selenium enriched soil and for use as a potential source of selenium enriched functional foods. Their selenium contents were determined by spectrophotometry using the complex of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine hydrochloride (DABH) as a chromogen. The mean concentrations in the leaves were found to range from7.90±0.40to1.95±0.12 μg/g dry weight (DW), withC. maximaaccumulating the most selenium. In stems, the accumulated selenium content ranged from1.12±0.10 μg/g inAmaranthussp. to5.35±0.78 μg/g DW inC. maximaand was hence significantly different (P<0.01). The cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was used in cytotoxicity assays to determine the anticancer potential of these extracts. With exception ofS. scabrumandS. villosum, no cytotoxicity was detected for the selenium enriched vegetable extracts up to 100 μg/mL concentration. Hence, following careful evaluation the studied vegetables may be considered as selenium enriched functional foods.
A Contribution to the Study of Ensemble of Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Pasa Leandro Antonio , Costa José Alfredo Ferreira , Medeiros Marcial Guerra de
Published: December 2015

This study presents a factorial experiment to investigate the ensemble of Kohonen Self-Organizing Maps. Clusters Validity Indexes and the Mean Square Quantization Error were used as a criterion for fusing Kohonen Maps, through three different equations and four approaches. Computational simulations were performed with traditional dataset, including those with high dimensionality, not linearly separable classes, Gaussian mixtures, almost touching clusters, and unbalanced classes, from the UCI Machine Learning Repository and from Fundamental Clustering Problems Suite, with variations in map size, number of ensemble components, and the percentage of dataset bagging. The proposed method achieves a better classification than a single Kohonen Map and we applied the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test to evidence its effectiveness.
An Energy Efficient Anchor-Free Localization Algorithm for No-Identity Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Qu Zhe , Shu Minglei , Yang Ming , Zhang Chongqing , Wei Nuo , Guo Qingbei , Du Tao
Published: December 2015

A wireless sensor network (WSN) model by analyzing the limitations of existing localization algorithm is proposed in this paper. Specifically, neither the anchor nor the ID is required in the proposed model, and the node function is limited. The hardware function of the node in our model is independent of the MAC protocol. Moreover, based on the proposed WSN model, we design an energy efficient anchor-free localization algorithm for no-identity WSN. Instead of multiple measurements, mathematical calculation is adopted to acquire the position information. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the algorithm is confirmed by rigid theory. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the performance of localization and energy efficiency in WSN significantly.
Atmospheric Circulation Regimes in a Nonlinear Quasi-Geostrophic Model
Authors: Labsch Henriette , Handorf Dörthe , Dethloff Klaus , Kurgansky Michael V.
Published: December 2015

Atmospheric low-frequency variability and circulation regime behavior are investigated in the context of a quasi-geostrophic (QG) three-level T63 model of the wintertime atmospheric circulation over the Northern Hemisphere (NH). The model generates strong interannual and decadal variability, with the domination of the annular mode of variability. It successfully reproduces a satisfactory model climatology and the most important atmospheric circulation regimes. The positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation is a robust feature of the quasi-geostrophic T63 model. The model results based on QG dynamics underlie atmospheric regime behavior in the extratropical NH and suggest that nonlinear internal processes deliver significant contribution to the atmospheric climate variability on interannual and decadal timescales.
Atomic Distribution in Catalytic Amorphous Metals
Authors: Mridha Sanghita , Jaeger David L. , Arora Harpreet Singh , Banerjee Rajarshi , Mukherjee Sundeep
Published: December 2015

The atomic distribution in catalytically active metallic glass alloys, Pd43Cu27Ni10P20 and Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5, was investigated using three‐dimensional atom probe microscopy. Atom probe analysis showed uniform distribution of constituent elements for both the starting amorphous alloys, with no phase separation. Both the crystallized alloys showed eutectic microstructure with a very sharp interface (~0.5 nm as determined from atom probe). The atomic distribution in the devitrified state is explained based on the “fragile liquid” behavior for these noble‐metal glassy alloys.
Serum Cytokine of IL-10 and IL-12 in Chronic Liver Disease: The Immune and Inflammatory Response
Authors: El-Emshaty Hoda Mohamed , Nasif Wesam Ahmad , Mohamed Ibrahim Eldsoky
Published: December 2015

The current study was designed to investigate the potential association of serum interleukin-10 and interleukin-12 with HCV infection in chronic liver disease and to evaluate their possible role as new biomarkers in HCC development.Material and Methods. Forty-one patients suffering from chronic liver disease (33 patients harbor HCV infection and 8 are HCV-negative patients) were enrolled in the present study and histopathologically diagnosed into 15 patients with HCC, 16 patients with LC, and 10 patients with liver histology compatible with precirrhotic hepatitis (PCH). Ten patients complaining of cholecystitis were included as nondisease control. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-12 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. HCV-infected patients showed elevated expression of IL-10 and IL-12 compared to nondisease controls (P<0.0001) but there is no significant difference with respect to their expression in HCV-negative patients. Serum IL-10 and IL-12 were elevated significantly with disease progression (P<0.0001) and a positive correlation coefficient was detected between IL-10, IL-12 (r=0.785,P<0.0001), and transaminase values suggesting their possible role in chronic inflammation progression leading to HCC.Conclusion. IL-10 and IL-12 might be involved in chronic inflammation progression leading to HCC and their evaluation could be used as new biomarkers to reflect the degree of inflammation in HCC development.
A Rare Case of a 15-Year-Old Boy with Two Accessory Nipples: One in the Forearm and One in the Milk Line
Authors: Tauchen Alexander J. , Kueberuwa Essie , Schiffman Kenneth , Mudaliar Kumaran M. , Noland Shelley S.
Published: December 2015

A 15-year-old male presented for evaluation of a volar forearm mass that he noticed four years before. The mass was not painful and his main concern was cosmesis. The mass was two centimeters in diameter with a pinpoint central sinus and scant drainage. After excision, the pathology report noted pilosebaceous units and smooth muscle bundles, consistent with an accessory nipple. In addition, the patient had another accessory nipple in the “milk line” on his torso. While accessory nipples and breast tissue have been reported in numerous locations throughout the body, this is the first reported case of an accessory nipple on the forearm.
Development of Monoclonal Antibodies against CMP-N-Acetylneuraminate-beta-galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3Gal-I) Recombinant Protein Expressed inE. coli
Authors: Gupta Anuj Kumar , Kaur Parvinder , Patil Harshada , Kadam Pallavi , Bhanushali Paresh B. , Chugh Manoj
Published: December 2015

Aberrant glycosylation is one of the major hallmarks of cancer with altered gene expression signatures of sialyltransferases. ST3Gal-I, a sialyltransferase, is known to play a crucial role in sialylation of T antigen in bladder cancer and it has reported elevated expression in breast carcinogenesis with increased tumor progression stages. The aim of the current study is to develop new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human ST3Gal-I and evaluate their diagnostic potential. We developed a repertoire of stable hybridoma cell lines producing high-affinity IgG antibodies against recombinant human ST3Gal-I, expressed inE. coliBL21-DE3 strain. In order to demonstrate the diagnostic value of the mAbs, various clones were employed for the immunohistochemistry analysis of ST3Gal-I expression in cancerous tissues. Antibodies generated by 7E51C83A10 clone demonstrated a strong and specific fluorescence staining in breast cancer tissue sections and did not exhibit significant background in fibroadenoma sections. In conclusion, the mAbs raised against recombinant ST3Gal-I recognize cellular ST3Gal-I and represent a promising diagnostic tool for the immunodetection of ST3Gal-I expressing cells. Specific-reactivity of clone 7E51C83A10 mAbs towards ST3Gal-I was also confirmed by immunoblotting. Therefore, our observations warrant evaluation of ST3Gal-I as a potential marker for cancer diagnosis at larger scale.
Dynamic Task Distribution Model for On-Chip Reconfigurable High Speed Computing System
Authors: Vucha Mahendra , Rajawat Arvind
Published: December 2015

Modern embedded systems are being modeled as Reconfigurable High Speed Computing System (RHSCS) where Reconfigurable Hardware, that is, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and softcore processors configured on FPGA act as computing elements. As system complexity increases, efficient task distribution methodologies are essential to obtain high performance. A dynamic task distribution methodology based on Minimum Laxity First (MLF) policy (DTD-MLF) distributes the tasks of an application dynamically onto RHSCS and utilizes available RHSCS resources effectively. The DTD-MLF methodology takes the advantage of runtime design parameters of an application represented as DAG and considers the attributes of tasks in DAG and computing resources to distribute the tasks of an application onto RHSCS. In this paper, we have described the DTD-MLF model and verified its effectiveness by distributing some of real life benchmark applications onto RHSCS configured on Virtex-5 FPGA device. Some benchmark applications are represented as DAG and are distributed to the resources of RHSCS based on DTD-MLF model. The performance of the MLF based dynamic task distribution methodology is compared with static task distribution methodology. The comparison shows that the dynamic task distribution model with MLF criteria outperforms the static task distribution techniques in terms of schedule length and effective utilization of available RHSCS resources.
Aerodynamic Drag Reduction for a Generic Truck Using Geometrically Optimized Rear Cabin Bumps
Authors: Ait Moussa Abdellah , Fischer Justin , Yadav Rohan
Published: December 2015

The continuous surge in gas prices has raised major concerns about vehicle fuel efficiency, and drag reduction devices offer a promising strategy. In this paper, we investigate the mechanisms by which geometrically optimized bumps, placed on the rear end of the cabin roof of a generic truck, reduce aerodynamic drag. The incorporation of these devices requires proper choices of the size, location, and overall geometry. In the following analysis we identify these factors using a novel methodology. The numerical technique combines automatic modeling of the add-ons, computational fluid dynamics and optimization using orthogonal arrays, and probabilistic restarts. Numerical results showed reduction in aerodynamic drag between 6% and 10%.
Survey of QoS Routing Protocols in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Aswale Shailendra , Ghorpade Vijay R.
Published: December 2015

The emergence of Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) has stimulated the refocusing of research from conventional scalar Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) to WMSNs. Currently, because of their prevalence WMSNs are used in different applications. Due to the unique features of WMSNs, fulfilling Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for a variety of applications is the challenge. QoS routing is a backbone of WMSNs and plays a vital role in satisfying QoS requirements. The performance of QoS routing depends upon the selection of an optimal path or paths. Path selection is based on evaluation of a cost function using various routing metrics. A careful blend of such metrics in a routing cost function guarantees a committed level of QoS. This survey uses number of routing metrics as criteria for categorizing state-of-the-art QoS WMSNs routing techniques. In addition, open issues and future research directions to further develop efficient routing protocols to guarantee QoS are discussed.
Extraocular Surgical Approach for Placement of Subretinal Implants in Blind Patients: Lessons from Cochlear-Implants
Authors: Koitschev Assen , Stingl Katarina , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Braun Angelika , Gekeler Florian , Greppmaier Udo , Sachs Helmut , Peters Tobias , Wilhelm Barbara , Zrenner Eberhart , Besch Dorothea
Published: December 2015

In hereditary retinal diseases photoreceptors progressively degenerate, often causing blindness without therapy being available. Newly developed subretinal implants can substitute functions of photoreceptors. Retina implant extraocular surgical technique relies strongly on cochlear-implant know-how. However, a completely new surgical approach providing safe handling of the photosensor array had to be developed. The Retina Implant Alpha IMS consisting of a subretinal microphotodiode array and cable linked to a cochlear-implant-like ceramic housing was introduced via a retroauricular incision through a subperiosteal tunnel above the zygoma into the orbit using a specially designed trocar. Implant housing was fixed in a bony bed within a tight subperiosteal pocket in all patients. Primary outcomes were patient short term safety as well as effectiveness. Nine patients participated in the first part of the multicenter trial and received the subretinal visual implant in one eye. In all cases microphotodiode array pull-through procedure and stable positioning were possible without affecting the device function. No intraoperative complications were encountered. The minimally invasive suprazygomatic tunneling technique for the sensor unit as well as a subperiosteal pocket fixation of the implant housing provides a safe extraocular implantation approach of a subretinal device with a transcutaneous extracorporeal power supply.
Extraction of Protein-Protein Interaction from Scientific Articles by Predicting Dominant Keywords
Authors: Koyabu Shun , Phan Thi Thanh Thuy , Ohkawa Takenao
Published: December 2015

For the automatic extraction of protein-protein interaction information from scientific articles, a machine learning approach is useful. The classifier is generated from training data represented using several features to decide whether a protein pair in each sentence has an interaction. Such a specific keyword that is directly related to interaction as “bind” or “interact” plays an important role for training classifiers. We call it a dominant keyword that affects the capability of the classifier. Although it is important to identify the dominant keywords, whether a keyword is dominant depends on the context in which it occurs. Therefore, we propose a method for predicting whether a keyword is dominant for each instance. In this method, a keyword that derives imbalanced classification results is tentatively assumed to be a dominant keyword initially. Then the classifiers are separately trained from the instance with and without the assumed dominant keywords. The validity of the assumed dominant keyword is evaluated based on the classification results of the generated classifiers. The assumption is updated by the evaluation result. Repeating this process increases the prediction accuracy of the dominant keyword. Our experimental results using five corpora show the effectiveness of our proposed method with dominant keyword prediction.
The Impact of Transport Mode and Carbon Policy on Low-Carbon Retailer
Authors: Zheng Yi , Yang Xue , Jiang Wen
Published: December 2015

Low-carbon retail has become a strategic target for many developed and developing economies. This study discusses the impact of transport mode and carbon policy on achieving this objective. We investigated the retailer transportation mode, pricing, and ordering strategy, which all consider carbon-sensitive demand under the carbon cap-and-trade policy. We analyzed the optimal decision of retailer and their maximum profit affected by transport mode and cap-and-trade policy parameters. Results show that the two elements (cap-and-trade policy and consumer low-carbon awareness) could encourage the retailer to choose low-carbon transportation. The two elements also influence the profit and optimal decision of retailer. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the applicability of the model.
Effect of Vitamins C and E on Endothelial Function in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cazeau Rachel-Marie , Huang Hong , Bauer John A. , Hoffman Robert P.
Published: December 2015

Background/Objectives. Endothelial dysfunction due to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage is an important predictor of future cardiovascular risk in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and is present in adolescent T1DM. We hypothesized that combined treatment with the antioxidant vitamins C and E might improve endothelial function (EF) and other biochemical risk factors in adolescents with T1DM.Subjects/Methods. Open-label antioxidant supplementation was given for six weeks with endpoint measurements collected at baseline and study completion. Endpoints measured included EF and plasma measurements of biochemical endothelial risk.Results. Two males and 7 females were studied. Mean age was 12.9 ± 0.9 yrs; mean T1DM duration was 5.5 ± 2.5 yrs; mean BMI was 22.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2; and mean hemoglobin A1c was 9.3 ± 1.1%. No differences were found for EF, high sensitivity CRP, total antioxidant capacity, adiponectin, or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) between before and after combined vitamin C and E therapy.Conclusions. Our negative study results do not support previous findings of decreased oxidative damage, improved endothelial function, and increased vascular repair capacity with antioxidant therapy. Longer term studies may be needed to determine the effects, if any, of combined antioxidant therapy on EPCs, EF, and markers of micro- and macrovascular complications in T1DM.
Molecular Pathways: Mitochondrial Reprogramming in Tumor Progression and Therapy
Authors: Caino M. Cecilia , Altieri Dario C.
Published: December 2015

Small-molecule inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and mTOR pathway currently in the clinic produce a paradoxical reactivation of the pathway they are intended to suppress. Furthermore, fresh experimental evidence with PI3K antagonists in melanoma, glioblastoma, and prostate cancer shows that mitochondrial metabolism drives an elaborate process of tumor adaptation culminating with drug resistance and metastatic competency. This is centered on reprogramming of mitochondrial functions to promote improved cell survival and to fuel the machinery of cell motility and invasion. Key players in these responses are molecular chaperones of the Hsp90 family compartmentalized in mitochondria, which suppress apoptosis via phosphorylation of the pore component, Cyclophilin D, and enable the subcellular repositioning of active mitochondria to membrane protrusions implicated in cell motility. An inhibitor of mitochondrial Hsp90s in preclinical development (gamitrinib) prevents adaptive mitochondrial reprogramming and shows potent antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Other therapeutic strategies to target mitochondria for cancer therapy include small-molecule inhibitors of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) IDH1 (AG-120) and IDH2 (AG-221), which opened new therapeutic prospects for patients with high-risk acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A second approach of mitochondrial therapeutics focuses on agents that elevate toxic ROS levels from a leaky electron transport chain; nevertheless, the clinical experience with these compounds, including a quinone derivative, ARQ 501, and a copper chelator, elesclomol (STA-4783) is limited. In light of this evidence, we discuss how best to target a resurgence of mitochondrial bioenergetics for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(3); 540–5. ©2015 AACR.
Disruption ofin vivoChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Tumor–Microenvironment Interactions by Ibrutinib – Findings from an Investigator-Initiated Phase II Study
Authors: Niemann Carsten U. , Herman Sarah E.M. , Maric Irina , Gomez-Rodriguez Julio , Biancotto Angelique , Chang Betty Y. , Martyr Sabrina , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Yuan Constance M. , Calvo Katherine R. , Braylan Raul C. , Valdez Janet , Lee Yuh Shan , Wong Deanna H. , Jones Jade , Sun Clare , Marti Gerald E. , Farooqui Mohammed Z.H. , Wiestner Adrian
Published: December 2015

Purpose: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells depend on microenvironmental interactions for proliferation and survival that are at least partially mediated through B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, disrupts BCR signaling and leads to the egress of tumor cells from the microenvironment. Although the on-target effects on CLL cells are well defined, the impact on the microenvironment is less well studied. We therefore sought to characterize the in vivo effects of ibrutinib on the tumor microenvironment.

Experimental Design: Patients received single-agent ibrutinib on an investigator-initiated phase II trial. Serial blood and tissue samples were collected pretreatment and during treatment. Changes in cytokine levels, cellular subsets, and microenvironmental interactions were assessed.

Results: Serum levels of key chemokines and inflammatory cytokines decreased significantly in patients on ibrutinib. Furthermore, ibrutinib treatment decreased circulating tumor cells and overall T-cell numbers. Most notably, a reduced frequency of the Th17 subset of CD4+ T cells was observed concurrent with reduced expression of activation markers and PD-1 on T cells. Consistent with direct inhibition of T cells, ibrutinib inhibited Th17 differentiation of murine CD4+ T cells in vitro. Finally, in the bone marrow microenvironment, we found that ibrutinib disaggregated the interactions of macrophages and CLL cells, inhibited secretion of CXCL13, and decreased the chemoattraction of CLL cells.

Conclusions: In conjunction with inhibition of BCR signaling, these changes in the tumor microenvironment likely contribute to the antitumor activity of ibrutinib and may impact the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies in patients with CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1572–82. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Bachireddy and Wu, p. 1547
TIPE2 Mediates the Suppressive Effects of Shikonin on MMP13 in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Deng Biyong , Feng Youwei , Deng Bixiang
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor in humans, and is notorious mainly for its distal metastases. We have recently shown that Shikonin, an effective constituent extracted from Chinese medicinal herb, inhibits OS cell invasion through suppression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Methods: Here, we studied the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) in OS cells upon Shikonin treatment. TIPE2 levels were adapted in OS cell lines through transfection with plasmids carrying transgene or short-hairpin interference RNA (shRNA), and the effects of TIPE2 adaptation on MMP13 and cell invasiveness were evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA and transwell cell migration assay, respectively. TIPE2 levels in OS specimens from patients were examined and correlated with cancer metastases and patient survival. Results: We found that Shikonin dose-dependently decreased MMP13 levels, and increased TIPE2 levels in two OS cell lines, U2OS and SaOS-2. Overexpression of TIPE2 in U2OS significantly suppressed MMP13 levels and cell invasiveness. Depletion of TIPE2 in SaOS-2 cells significantly increased MMP13 levels and cell invasiveness. Moreover, TIPE2 levels in OS specimens were significantly decreased, compared to adjacent non-cancer bone tissue. Lower TIPE2 levels correlated with higher incidence of metastases and worse 5-year survival. Conclusion: TIPE2 mediates the suppressive effects of Shikonin on MMP13 in osteosarcoma cells, and TIPE2 may be a novel therapeutic target for OS.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 2 and 3.5 Years for Very Preterm Babies Enrolled in a Randomized Trial of Milking the Umbilical Cord versus Delayed Cord Clamping
Authors: Rabe Heike , Sawyer Alexandra , Amess Philip , Ayers Susan ,   for the Brighton Perinatal Study Group
Published: December 2015

Background: Guidelines published by the International Liaison Committee for Resuscitation and by the World Health Organization recommend delaying cord clamping at birth as part of routine care for infants. Objective: To study the use of milking of the cord 4 times as an alternative to enhance the redistribution of placental blood into the baby. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of neurodevelopmental assessment by the Bayley III method of very preterm infants who had participated in a trial of delayed cord clamping versus cord milking at birth that was conducted in a neonatal tertiary care hospital. The primary outcomes were differences in cognitive, motor and language development at 2 and 3.5 years. Two-tailed analyses were performed with the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, t test, Mann-Whitney U test and ANCOVA. Results: Out of the 58 infants enrolled in the original study, 39 infants (67%) were assessed at 2 years and 29 (50%) at 3.5 years of age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 and 3.5 years did not significantly differ between the two groups for the three Bayley III composite scores. At 3.5 years there was a trend towards higher scores for girls in the language composite scores (girls: mean = 121.6, SD = 15.22; boys: mean = 101.07, SD = 19.84) and on the motor scale (girls: mean = 124.60, SD = 18.15; boys: mean = 97.86, SD = 17.23). Conclusions: In this small number of participants followed up at 2 and 3.5 years of age, milking of the cord 4 times did not have any long-term adverse effect on neurodevelopmental outcome, suggesting that cord milking could be used as an alternative to delayed cord clamping.
Topical Administration Is a Promising Inoculating Route versus Intramuscular Inoculation for the Nanoparticle-Carried DNA Vaccine to Prevent Corneal Infections
Authors: Hu Kai , Malla Tejsu , Zhai Yujia , Dong Lili , Tang Ru
Published: December 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the comparative effect of topical versus intramuscular administration of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine in preventing corneal herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Methods: Nanoparticle [polyethylenimine (PEI)-Fe3O4]-carried DNA vaccine (PEI-Fe3O4-pRSC-gD-IL-21) or DNA vaccine (pRSC-gD-IL-21) alone were topically versus intramuscularly inoculated into one eye each of mice on days 0, 14 and 28. Three weeks after the final immunization, the specific immune responses and clinical degrees of primary herpes simplex keratitis were evaluated. Results: Topical inoculation of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine induced mice to generate similar levels of specific HSV-1-neutralizing antibody, IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum and specific killing (cytotoxicity) and proliferative activities of the splenic lymphocytes, but a significantly higher level of secretory IgA in tears compared to those of intramuscular inoculation. More importantly, the mice inoculated topically showed a significantly decreased herpes simplex keratitis severity than the mice inoculated intramuscularly after HSV-1 challenge on the corneas of the mice. Conclusions: Topical inoculation of nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine elicits a stronger specific local immune response and more effectively inhibits herpes simplex keratitis as compared to intramuscular inoculation in an HSV-1 ocular challenge mouse model. Thus, topical administration may be a promising inoculating route for the nanoparticle-carried DNA vaccine to prevent corneal infections.
Rates of HIV and Hepatitis Infections in Clients Entering Heroin-Assisted Treatment between 2003 and 2013 and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Dickson-Spillmann Maria , Haug Severin , Uchtenhagen Ambros , Bruggmann Philip , Schaub Michael P.
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: We report on the rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1,313 clients entering heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) in Switzerland from 2003 to 2013. We identify predictors of HCV infection. Methods: Data were collected using questionnaires within 2 weeks of clients' first entry into HAT. Prevalence of HAV, HBV, HCV and HIV was calculated using laboratory test results collected at entry or using reports of older test results. Predictors of HCV status were identified through multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Results show stable rates of HIV-positive clients and decreasing proportions of HAV- and HBV-infected clients. In 2013, there were 12% (n = 8) HIV-, 20% (n = 12) HAV-, 20% (n = 12) HBV- and 52% HCV- (n = 34) positive clients. Vaccination against HAV and HBV had become more frequent. Predictors of positive HCV status included older age, female gender, earlier year of entry, having spent 1 month or more in detention or prison, use of injected heroin and more years of intravenous use. Conclusion: Our results highlight the fact that efforts to prevent and test for infections and to promote vaccination against HAV and HBV in heroin users need to be continued.
Impact of Acquired Pellicle Modification on Adhesion of Early Colonizers
Authors: Cheaib Zeinab , Rakmathulina Ekaterina , Lussi Adrian , Eick Sigrun
Published: December 2015

New preventive approaches against dental erosion caused by acidic drinks and beverages include fortification of beverages with natural polymers. We have shown that the mixture of casein and mucin significantly improved the erosion-inhibiting properties of the human pellicle layer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pellicle modification by casein, mucin and a casein-mucin mixture on the adhesion of early bacterial colonizers. Test specimens of human tooth enamel were prepared, covered with saliva and coated with 0.5% aqueous (aq.) casein, 0.27% aq. mucin or with 0.5% aq. casein-0.27% aq. mucin, after which the adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, and Actinomyces odontolyticus was measured after incubation for 30 min and 2 h. log10 colony-forming units were compared by nonparametric tests. All three bacterial strains adhered in higher number to pellicle-coated enamel than to native enamel. The protein modifications of pellicle all decreased the counts of adhering bacteria up to 0.34 log10/mm2, the most efficient being the casein-mucin mixture. In addition to the recently shown erosion-reducing effect by casein-mucin, modification of the pellicle may inhibit bacterial adherence compared to untreated human pellicle.
Systematic Review on the Definition of Allergic Diseases in Children: The MeDALL Study
Authors: Pinart Mariona , Albang Richard , Maier Dieter , Duran-Tauleria Enric , Mena Guillermo , Gimeno-Santos Elena , Solà Ivan , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Guerra Stefano , Stein Renato T. , Benet Marta , Carlsen Kai-Håkon , Herr Marie , Jacquemin Bénédicte , Momas Isabelle , Pin Isabelle , Rancière Fanny , Smit Henriëtte A. , Varraso Raphaelle , Bonfill Xavier , Keil Thomas , Bousquet Jean , Antó Josep M.
Published: December 2015

Background: During the last decades, a large number of phenotypes and disease classifications of allergic diseases have been proposed. Despite the heterogeneity across studies, no systematic review has been conducted on phenotype classification and the criteria that define allergic diseases. We aimed to identify clinically expressed, population-based phenotypes of allergic diseases and their interrelationships, to explore disease heterogeneity and to evaluate the measurements employed in disease diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a search of MEDLINE up to December 2012, to identify relevant original studies published in the English language that examine at least one objective of this systematic review in subjects aged 0-18 years. The screening of titles and abstracts and the extraction of data were conducted independently by two reviewers. Results: From a total of 13,767 citations, 197 studies met the criteria for inclusion, with 54% being cohort studies. Allergic diseases were studied as a single entity in 55% (109/197) of the studies or in the context of multimorbidity in 45%. Asthma accounted for 81.7% of the studies examining single diseases. Overall, up to 33 different phenotypes of allergic disease were reported. Transient early, late-onset and persistent wheeze were the most frequently reported phenotypes. Most studies (78%) used questionnaires. The skin-prick test was the preferred measurement of sensitization (64%). Spirometry and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were assessed in one third of the studies, peak flow rate in 8.6% and disease severity in 35%. Conclusions: Studies reporting phenotypes of allergic diseases in children are highly heterogeneous and often lack objective phenotypical measures. A concerted effort to standardize methods and terminology is necessary.
Diffuse Anterior Retinoblastoma with Sarcoidosis-Like Nodule
Authors: Kitazawa Koji , Nagata Kenji , Yamanaka Yukito , Kuwahara Yasumichi , Iehara Tomoko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie
Published: December 2015

Background: Retinoblastomas account for 4% of malignancies in children, 1-2% of which are diffuse infiltrating retinoblastomas. Diffuse anterior retinoblastoma is rare and does not involve the retina. Here, we report on a diffuse anterior retinoblastoma with large sarcoidosis-like nodules on the iris that were responsive to anti-inflammatory therapy. Case: We present a 6-year-old girl who had anterior uveitis with white nodules on the iris and posterior surface of the cornea in her right eye. The nodules initially responded well to anti-inflammatory treatment. However, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) showed that the nodules gradually grew, shrinking the iris. We then collected the aqueous humor for diagnosis. A biopsy revealed clusters of small cells with a high nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio with partial rosette formation. Therefore, we diagnosed diffuse anterior retinoblastoma without retinal involvement and performed enucleation of the right eye. The histopathology demonstrated undifferentiated cells similar to those seen on the biopsy, and tumor cells invaded the iris stroma, posterior surface of the cornea, ciliary body, and sclera. After the enucleation, she underwent chemotherapy and remains alive. Conclusion: A differential diagnosis of retinoblastoma should be considered when white nodules refractory to anti-inflammatory therapy occur in the eye, even in the absence of obvious retinal masses. AS-OCT findings are useful in assessing retinoblastoma.
Phosphotidylserine exposure and neutrophil extracellular traps enhance procoagulant activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ma Ruishuang , Zhang Yan , Cao Muhua , Li Tao , Yao Zhipeng , Zhao Lu , Fang Shaohong , Yu Bo , Dong Zengxiang , Thatte Hemant S. , Bi Yayan , Kou Junjie , Yang Shufen , Piao Daxun , He Zhangxiu , Si Yu , Jiang Tao , Hao Lirong , Zhou Jin , Shi Jialan
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated thromboembolic event often lacks precise aetiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) towards the hypercoagulable state in IBD. We demonstrated that the levels of PS exposed MPs and the sources of MP-origin, platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes and cultured endothelial cells (ECs) were higher in IBD groups than in healthy controls using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Wright-Giemsa and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the elevated NETs were released by activated IBD neutrophils or by control neutrophils treated with IBD sera obtained from patients with the active disease. MPs and MP-origin cells in IBD groups, especially in active stage, markedly shortened coagulation time and had increased levels of fibrin, thrombin and FXa production as assessed by coagulation function assays. Importantly, we found that on stimulated ECs, PS rich membranes provided binding sites for FXa and FVa, promoting fibrin formation while TNF blockage or IgG depletion attenuated this effect. Treatment of control neutrophils with TNF and isolated IgG from PR3-ANCA-positive active IBD patients also resulted in the release of NETs. Blockade of PS with lactadherin prolonged coagulation time, decreased fibrin formation to control levels, and inhibited the procoagulant enzymes production in the MPs and MP-origin cells. NET cleavage by DNase I partly decreased PCA in IBD or stimulated neutrophils. Our study reveals a previously unrecognised link between hypercoagulable state and PS exposure or NETs, and may further explain the epidemiological association of thrombosis within IBD patients.
A tecelagem lírica de uma Penélope moderna: a alquimia dos nós, de Yêda Schmaltz
Authors: Vieira Júnior Paulo Antônio
Published: December 2015

A alquimia dos nós (1979), de Yêda Schmaltz, reinventa o mito de Penélope sob registro de Homero, na Odisseia. Através de uma visão feminina, a voz lírica constante no livro, sobretudo na primeira parte, “Fios (O livro de Penélope)”, desenvolve o relato lírico da sua união com Ulisses, do período em que sofre a ausência do esposo e do retorno dele. A principal modificação na identidade da Penélope yediana decorre da reflexão e do tratamento em relação a sua sexualidade, bem  como do desencanto ao divisar o homem amado, quando ele retorna. Os versos que integram essa obra não raro usam da metáfora da tecelagem e do tecido para caracterizar a voz lírica como pertencente à heroína do passado mitológico. Porém, a tecelagem metafórica também alude à sexualidade solitária de Penélope, bem como à atividade por ela exercida, o trabalho com o fio e a escrita poética. O presente estudo empreende leitura dos versos da poeta goiana a partir das considerações desenvolvidas sobre a metáfora da tecelagem e da consciência erótica do literário desenvolvidas por Hughes Liborel (1997), Ana Maria Machado (2001), Octavio Paz (2001) e Angélica Soares (1999).
Tisser la sociabilité, la presse et les imaginaires: Entretien avec Guillaume Pinson (Université Laval - Canada)
Authors: Cerqueira dos Anjos Yuri
Published: December 2015

Guillaume Pinson, professeur titulaire au Département des Littératures de l’Université Laval, est l’un des plus importants chercheurs de l’histoire de la culture médiatique en Europe et en Amérique du Nord francophones. Dans cet entretien il nous présente les lignes (théoriques, méthodologiques et thématiques) qui traversent son parcours et incarnent un vrai renouveau des études littéraires et médiatiques actuelles. Mettant en relief des corpus traditionnellement considérés comme « mineurs », comme la presse, la mondanité, la mode, etc. il montre qu’il est possible d’envisager un futur très fertile pour les études littéraires dès qu’on adopte un nouveau regard sur le système de circulation textuelle d’une époque.
Vestes que falam: a tecelagem e as personagens femininas dos poemas homéricos
Authors: Sais Lilian Amadei
Published: December 2015

O objetivo desse artigo é mostrar de que forma as vestes são apresentadas na sociedade homérica. Podemos observar que a tecelagem, sendo um trabalho exclusivamente feminino em Homero, é importante para que as mulheres obtenham prestígio e fama. A Odisseia nos mostra que o oferecimento de roupas como presente era uma etapa importante na cena típica de hospitalidade, consolidando os laços existentes entre anfitrião e hóspede. Por fim, argumentamos que na narrativa homérica a vestimenta possui capacidade de comunicação.
Targeting NCK-Mediated Endothelial Cell Front-Rear Polarity Inhibits Neovascularization
Authors: Dubrac Alexandre , Genet Gael , Ola Roxana , Zhang Feng , Pibouin-Fragner Laurence , Han Jinah , Zhang Jiasheng , Thomas Jean-Léon , Chedotal Alain , Schwartz Martin A. , Eichmann Anne
Published: December 2015

Background—

Sprouting angiogenesis is a key process driving blood vessel growth in ischemic tissues and an important drug target in a number of diseases, including wet macular degeneration and wound healing. Endothelial cells forming the sprout must develop front-rear polarity to allow sprout extension. The adaptor proteins Nck1 and 2 are known regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and polarity, but their function in angiogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that the Nck adaptors are required for endothelial cell front-rear polarity and migration downstream of the angiogenic growth factors VEGF-A and Slit2.

Methods and Results—

Mice carrying inducible, endothelial-specific
Nck1/2
deletions fail to develop front-rear polarized vessel sprouts and exhibit severe angiogenesis defects in the postnatal retina and during embryonic development. Inactivation of
NCK1
and
2
inhibits polarity by preventing Cdc42 and Pak2 activation by VEGF-A and Slit2. Mechanistically, NCK binding to ROBO1 is required for both Slit2- and VEGF-induced front-rear polarity. Selective inhibition of polarized endothelial cell migration by targeting
Nck1/2
prevents hypersprouting induced by Notch or Bmp signaling inhibition, and pathological ocular neovascularization and wound healing, as well.

Conclusions—

These data reveal a novel signal integration mechanism involving NCK1/2, ROBO1/2, and VEGFR2 that controls endothelial cell front-rear polarity during sprouting angiogenesis.
Climate Change Mitigation – Law and Policy Development in China
Authors: Zhao Yuhong
Published: December 2015

In the run-up to the Paris Climate Conference (2015), China has formally and confidently announced its commitments to achieve carbon peak by around 2030 or sooner, increase its non-fossil fuels to 20 percent of the primary energy mix by 2030, and cut carbon intensity by 60–65 percent by 2030 as compared to the 2005 level. This paper examines China’s policy change and legal development since 1992 that has made its transformation to low-carbon economy an achievable goal. It analyses key mitigation strategies including control of total energy consumption, economic restructuring, demand-side management of energy conservation and energy efficiency, improvement of China’s primary energy mix, and expansion of carbon sinks. It investigates the cap-and-trade local pilot schemes in preparation for the launch of a national carbon market in 2017. The paper concludes with cautious optimism that, given the actions taken by China so far, cop21 should conclude with significant breakthroughs for a more effective post-2020 climate regime.
Legal Instruments for Phosphorus Supply Security
Authors: Ekardt Felix , Garske Beatrice , Stubenrauch Jessica , Wieding Jutta
Published: December 2015

This article will show which legal measures could lead to more sound use of phosphorus, and which might not. From the perspective of natural science, there are varying accounts as to how long phosphorus will still be available. It is, however, undisputed that phosphorus is a finite resource with vital importance to humankind. It is also certain that overusing phosphorus causes environmental damage further increased by permanent application. In this context, the usage of phosphorus from stocks contaminated by heavy metals might increasingly become an issue. Regulatory policy incentives are required towards establishing more sound phosphorus use with increased focus on recycling. So far, phosphorus has involved tentative proclamations rather than legally binding measures. However, classical regulatory measures directed at single actions – the command-and-control approach – will not suffice in addressing resource and environmental problems, as phosphorus problems are more appropriately viewed as quantity problems. Additional economic instruments are needed in order to avoid enforcement deficits, rebound and shifting effects, and to promote recycling while decreasing phosphorus consumption. These economic instruments would also help in addressing several environmental problems regarding land use, resources, biodiversity loss and climate change all at once.
Five new extinct species of rails (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) from the Macaronesian Islands (North Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: ALCOVER JOSEP ANTONI , PIEPER HARALD , PEREIRA FERNANDO , RANDO JUAN CARLOS
Published: December 2015

Five new species of recently extinct rails from two Macaronesian archipelagoes (Madeira and Azores) are described. All the species are smaller in size than their presumed ancestor, the European rail Rallus aquaticus. Two species inhabited the Madeira archipelago: (1) Rallus lowei n. sp., the stouter of the species described herein, was a flightless rail with a robust tarsometatarsus and reduced wings that lived on Madeira Island; (2) Rallus adolfocaesaris n. sp., a flightless and more gracile species than its Madeiran counterpart, inhabited Porto Santo. So far, six Azorean islands have been paleontologically explored, and the remains of fossil rails have been found on all of them. Here we formally describe the best-preserved remains from three islands (Pico, São Miguel and São Jorge): (1) Rallus montivagorum n. sp., a rail smaller than R. aquaticus with a somewhat reduced flying capability, inhabited Pico; (2) Rallus carvaoensis n. sp., a small flightless rail with short and stout legs and a bill apparently more curved than in R. aquaticus, was restricted to São Miguel; (3) Rallus minutus n. sp., a very small (approaching Atlantisia rogersi in size) flightless rail with a shortened robust tarsometatarsus, lived in São Jorge. We note also the presence of rail fossils on three other Azorean islands (Terceira, Graciosa and Santa Maria). In addition, we describe an extraordinarily complete fossil of an unnamed Rallus preserved in silica from the locality of Algar do Carvão on Terceira.