bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergence of a Tandem Duplication of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Nosema bombycis
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Ruizhi , Barandun Jonas , Du Huihui , Chen Deming , Jia Yuping , Song Yue , Vossbrinck Bettina , Li Chong , Zhou Zeyang , Vossbrinck Charles R. , Xiang Heng
Published: July 2017

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a key enzyme in the protection of cells from oxidative stress. A tandem duplication of the MnSOD gene (NbMnSOD1 and NbMnSOD2) in the genome of Nosema bombycis, a parasite of the silkworm Bombyx mori, was previously identified. Here, we compare the protein structures of NbMnSOD1 and NbMnSOD2 and characterize these two proteins in terms of cellular localization, timing of transcription, protein structure, and enzyme activity. Despite a similarity in the primary sequence of NbMnSOD1 and NbMnSOD2, the latter shows a remarkable degree of amino acid sequence difference on the protein's surface and in the active site, where there is a substitution of a phenylalanine for a histidine in NbMnSOD2. Immuno‐electron microscopy demonstrates that NbMnSOD1 is present in the cytosol of mature spores, whereas NbMnSOD2 is localized on the polar tube and the spore wall. Immunofluorescence confirms the localization of NbMnSOD2 on the polar tube of the germinated spore. Quantitative measurement of gene expression (qRT‐PCR) demonstrates production of both alleles during the first day of infection followed by a dramatic decrease during the second to fourth day of infection. From the fifth day onward, the two alleles show a complementary pattern of expression. The qRT‐PCR of the host manganese superoxide dismutase (BmMnSOD) shows a notable increase in transcription upon infection, leading to a three‐fold spike by the first day of infection, followed by a decrease in transcription. Measurement of overall MnSOD activity shows a similar peak at day 1 followed by a decrease to a constant rate of enzyme activity. The differences in cellular localization and pattern of gene expression of NbMnSOD2 compared to NbMnSOD1, as well as the differences in protein structure seen for NbMnSOD2 compared to other microsporidial MnSODs, strongly suggest a unique, recently evolved role for NbMnSOD2.
Diversification of HP1‐like Chromo Domain Proteins in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Wiley Emily A. , Horrell Scott , Yoshino Alyssa , Schornak Cara C. , Bagnani Claire , Chalker Douglas L.
Published: July 2017

Proteins that possess a chromo domain are well‐known for their roles in heterochromatin assembly and maintenance. The Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) family, with a chromo domain and carboxy‐terminal chromo shadow domain, targets heterochromatin through interaction with histone H3 methylated on lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3). The structural and functional diversity of these proteins observed in both fission yeast and metazoans correlate with chromatin specialization. To expand these studies, we examined chromo domain proteins in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, which has functionally diverse and developmentally regulated heterochromatin domains. We identified thirteen proteins similar to HP1. Together they possess only a fraction of the possible chromo domain subtypes and most lack a recognizable chromo shadow domain. Using fluorescence microscopy to track chromatin localization of tagged proteins through the life cycle, we show evidence that in T. thermophila this family has diversified with biological roles in RNAi‐directed DNA elimination, germline genome structure, and somatic heterochromatin. Those proteins with H3K27me3 binding sequence characteristics localize to chromatin in mature nuclei, whereas those with H3K9me2/3 binding characteristics localize to developing nuclei undergoing DNA elimination. Findings point to an expanded and diversified family of chromo domain proteins that parallels heterochromatin diversity in ciliates.
Interannual variability in reproductive traits of the Patagonian toothfishDissostichus eleginoidesaround the sub‐Antarctic island of South Georgia
Authors: Brigden K. E. , Marshall C. T. , Scott B. E. , Young E. F. , Brickle P.
Published: July 2017

Commercial fisheries data, collected as part of an observer programme and covering the period 1997–2014, were utilized in order to define key reproductive traits and spawning dynamics of the Patagonian toothfishDissostichus eleginoidesat South Georgia. Multi‐year spawning site fidelity ofD. eleginoideswas revealed through the identification of previously unknown spawning hotspots. Timing of female spawning was shown to have shifted later, leading to a shorter spawning duration. A decrease in length and mass of female and male spawning fish and a reduced number of large spawning fish was found, evidence of a change in size structure of spawningD. eleginoides. During the study period fewer later maturity stage females (including spawning stage) were observed in conjunction with increased proportions of early stage femaleD. eleginoides. The findings are discussed in the context of reproductive success, with consideration of the possible effects such spawning characteristics and behaviours may have on egg and larval survival. This work presents the first long‐term assessment ofD. eleginoidesspawning dynamics at South Georgia and provides valuable knowledge for both the ecology of the species and for future fisheries management of this commercially important species.
Low expression of soluble human leukocyte antigen G in early gestation and subsequent placenta‐mediated complications of pregnancy
Authors: Marozio Luca , Garofalo Anna , Berchialla Paola , Tavella Anna Maria , Salton Loredana , Cavallo Franco , Benedetto Chiara
Published: July 2017

Aim

Abnormal placentation is a common pathogenic mechanism of many placenta‐mediated complications of late pregnancy, including pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and placental abruption. During successful placentation, the trophoblast (which is a semi‐allograft) is not rejected by decidual immune cells because of maternal immune tolerance, mainly induced by human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G). Deficient HLA‐G expression seems to be associated with the development of complications of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine whether low soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) levels in maternal blood at the beginning of pregnancy may be associated with subsequent placenta‐mediated complications.

Methods

For this retrospective case–control study, 117 cases of placenta‐mediated complications of pregnancy and 234 controls with uneventful pregnancy were selected. Plasma sHLA‐G levels were measured at 11–13 weeks' gestation by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method in blood samples previously obtained at first‐trimester prenatal screening for chromosomal fetal abnormalities.

Results

Women who subsequently developed placenta‐mediated complications had significantly lower sHLA‐G levels at the beginning of pregnancy (median, 43.08 IU/mL) than controls (median, 49.10 IU/mL; P = 0.008). An sHLA‐G level lower than 43.50 IU/mL at the end of the first trimester was associated with a twofold increased risk of developing a pregnancy complication (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.73). The strongest association, although only moderately strong, was observed with severe pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–6.56).

Conclusion

Placenta‐mediated complications of pregnancy may be associated with low sHLA‐G levels in the first trimester, suggesting a potential role of sHLA‐G in the early stages of placentation.
Fetal left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy with ascites: A case report
Authors: Muraoka Junsuke , Kodama Yuki , Sameshima Hiroshi , Michikata Kaori , Matsuzawa Satoshi , Masanao Oohashi , Kaneko Masatoki , Akaki Mayumi , Sato Yuichiro
Published: July 2017

Here we report a case of fetal left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy with ascites and cardiac dysfunction at a gestational age of 34+5 weeks. Laboratory tests did not reveal any sign of viral infection in utero. A female neonate weighing 2436 g was delivered by emergency cesarean section due to non‐reassuring fetal status. Postnatal echocardiography confirmed left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy with severe cardiac failure. Although she was treated effectively during the acute period by continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus, and inhaled nitric oxide, she died on day 41 of life. Symptoms of severe cardiac dysfunction appeared antenatally in this patient and the outcome was poor.
The Value of Delegated Quality Control
Authors: Saak Alexander E.
Published: July 2017

This paper studies the case in which a firm delegates quality control to an independent monitor. In a repeated game, consumers’ trust provides incentives to acquire information about whether the good is defective, and withhold defective goods from sale. If third‐party reports are observable to consumers, delegation lessens the first and dispenses with the second moral hazard concern but also creates agency costs. Internal quality control is optimal only if trades are sufficiently frequent and consumer information is sufficiently precise. This result holds in the presence of the possibility of collusion, fully non‐verifiable presale information, and economies of scale in external quality control.
The health threats to people with asthma through asthma‐associated infectious disease comorbidities are largely under‐recognized
Authors: Juhn Y. J.
Published: July 2017

Click here to view the Original Article by Dr. J. Helby et al.
Health Limitations Among Mothers and Fathers: Implications for Parenting
Authors: Turney Kristin , Hardie Jessica Halliday
Published: July 2017

Despite the good reasons in which poor health could impede parenting, relatively little research considers this possibility. This study uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,376) and propensity score matching to examine the relationship between maternal and paternal health limitations—health conditions that limit the amount or type of work one can do—and mother‐ and father‐reported parenting stress, cooperation in parenting, and engagement with children. First, the authors find that mothers' and fathers' health limitations are associated with greater parenting stress. Second, they find evidence of spillover associations; when compared with their counterparts, parents with health limitations report that their child's other parent exhibits less cooperation. Third, they find that the associations between health and parenting are not moderated by parents' coresidential status. Taken together, these findings inform the stress process perspective and its implications for family life.
Successes and Challenges in School Meal Reform: Qualitative Insights From Food Service Directors
Authors: Asada Yuka , Ziemann Margaret , Zatz Laura Y. , Chriqui Jamie
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The Healthy, Hunger‐Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA) directed the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revise school meal standards to increase healthy food offerings. A critical stakeholder in the implementation of standards is Food Service Directors (FSDs). We sought to examine FSDs' perspectives on revised school meal standards to gain insight into successful implementation strategies.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with FSDs (N = 9) from high schools that had achieved HealthierUS Schools Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms (HUSSC: SL) status. Qualitative interview data were team coded in Atlas.ti v7 and analyzed with principles of constant comparative analysis.

RESULTS

FSDs reported overall positive perceptions of the revised school meal standards and its potential impacts, as well as improved fruit and vegetable consumption, despite initial challenges with plate waste, procurement of whole grain‐rich products, and fast paced sodium targets. Implementation was described as complex, ongoing processes; with time and in‐service trainings, student acceptance to these changes improved.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are directly relevant to future reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act and to revisions to the implementation time line for the federal school meal standards related to sodium, whole grains, and flavored milk. Insights into FSDs' strategies suggest that more time and targeted technical assistance at federal, state, and local levels is warranted.
The Body Mass Index of Adolescents Attending Seventh‐Day Adventist Schools in Australia: 2001‐2012
Authors: Craig Bevan A. , Morton Darren P. , Kent Lillian M. , Butler Terry L. , Rankin Paul M. , Price Kevin R.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

We examined the body mass index (BMI) of students attending Seventh‐day Adventist (Adventist) schools in Australia in 2001 and 2012.

METHODS

A total of 3069 students attending Adventist schools in Australia responded to a health and lifestyle survey in 2001 (N = 1335) and 2012 (N = 1734). The survey captured self‐reported height and weight, demographics (age, sex, year level, religion), and select health behaviors.

RESULTS

Compared with national norms, lower rates of overweight and obesity were observed in the study cohort, but higher rates of underweight. There was no change in the mean BMI of the students attending Adventist schools in Australia from 2001 to 2012. Regression analyses indicated that a lower BMI was associated with age, sex, more regularly eating breakfast, consuming less soft drink, and having a regular exercise program. The students reported a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains compared with Australian national norms, and 29% claimed to be vegetarian.

CONCLUSIONS

Students attending Adventist schools appear to have a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity than the secular population, but a higher prevalence of underweight. The mechanisms through which Adventist schools may influence student's BMI warrants further investigation.
Song and the Music of Poetry
Authors: RODGERS STEPHEN
Published: July 2017

As much as the Lied has been a mainstay in studies of the relationship between text and music, one important aspect of that relationship has been largely ignored: the ways in which composers respond to the sounds, or phonemes, of words themselves. Analysts of German Lieder (and art song in general) have emphasised the diverse ways in which music expresses themeaningof poetry, but they have remained largely indifferent to how music captures, and often enhances, poetry'smateriality– its patterns of consonants and vowels, its intonational shapes, its ‘music’. Drawing in part upon literary scholarship on the sonic aspects of poetry (by Robert Pinsky, M. H. Abrams and others), this article explores how the sound worlds of poetry and music interact. I begin by evaluating three common approaches to the analysis of art song, each of which neglects poetic sound to some degree. I then propose an alternative approach, one designed to ensure that the music of poetry is given its due. Finally, I apply this method to a detailed analysis of ‘Wenn ich in deine Augen seh’’, fromDichterliebe, and to another setting by Schumann, ‘Melancholie’, from theSpanisches Liederspiel.
On some forgotten species of Exidia and Myxarium (Auriculariales, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Spirin Viacheslav , Malysheva Vera , Larsson Karl-Henrik
Published: July 2017

As shown by morphological and molecular (ITS, nrLSU and tef1 sequences) evidence, the current concept of Myxarium nucleatum covers four species in the Nordic countries: M. cinnamomescens, M. hyalinum, M. nucleatum s.s. and M. populinum. These species are redescribed here, their nomenclature is discussed and all relevant names are typified. Exidia cartilaginea and E. villosa are typified and shown to be conspecific with the North American species E. candida. Based on morphological differences, E. cartilaginea is retained as a variety of E. candida. Exidia subrepanda is treated as a synomym of E. saccharina, and Heterochaete europaea as a synomym of E. thuretiana.
E3 ligase SAUL1 serves as a positive regulator of PAMP‐triggered immunity and its homeostasis is monitored by immune receptor SOC3
Authors: Tong Meixuezi , Kotur Tanja , Liang Wanwan , Vogelmann Katja , Kleine Tatjana , Leister Dario , Brieske Catharina , Yang Shuhua , Lüdke Daniel , Wiermer Marcel , Zhang Yuelin , Li Xin , Hoth Stefan
Published: July 2017

In both plants and animals, intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat proteins (NLRs; or Nod‐like receptors) serve as immune receptors to recognize pathogen‐derived molecules and mount effective immune responses against microbial infections. Plant NLRs often guard the presence or activity of other host proteins, which are the direct virulence targets of pathogen effectors. These guardees are sometimes immune‐promoting components such as those in a mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade. Plant E3 ligases serve many roles in immune regulation, but it is unclear whether they can also be guarded by NLRs.

Here, we report on an immune‐regulating E3 ligase SAUL1, whose homeostasis is monitored by a Toll interleukin 1 receptor (TIR)‐type NLR (TNL), SOC3.

SOC3 can associate with SAUL1, and either loss or overexpression of SAUL1 triggers autoimmunity mediated by SOC3. By contrast, SAUL1 functions redundantly with its close homolog PUB43 to promote PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI).

Taken together, the E3 ligase SAUL1 serves as a positive regulator of PTI and its homeostasis is monitored by the TNL SOC3.
Asymmetric response of the US–India trade balance to exchange rate changes: Evidence from 68 industries
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Saha Sujata
Published: July 2017

The relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate continues to attract attention by international economists and has entered into new territory, mostly due to advances in econometric methods. The introduction of asymmetric error‐correction modelling and asymmetric cointegration using the nonlinear ARDL approach of Shin et al. (Festschrift in Honor of Peter Schmidt: Econometric methods and applications, Springer, 2014, 281) as compared to the symmetric and linear ARDL approach of Pesaran et al. (Journal of Applied Econometrics, 2001, 16, 289) has led us in a new direction to discover relatively better results. We apply these methods to the bilateral trade balance model of each of the 68 industries that trade between India and the USA. The nonlinear approach not only provides more support to the J‐curve effect, but also yields support in favour of short‐run and long‐run asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes in most of the industries.
A computable general equilibrium model of international sanctions in Iran
Authors: Gharibnavaz Mohammad Reza , Waschik Robert
Published: July 2017

We detail recent international sanctions against the Iranian economy and its government imposed by a subset of developed countries. The effects of these sanctions on the Iranian economy in general and upon upper and lower‐income rural and urban Iranian households, as well as the Iranian government, are modelled using a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. We supplement the Global Trade Analysis Project 8 data set using income and expenditure shares from the Urban and Rural Household Income and Expenditure Survey from the Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI). The model is calibrated to simulate the effects of international sanctions as closely as possible. We use endogenous trade taxes to simulate the effects of sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports and Iranian imports of petroleum products, metal products and motor vehicles. Our study finds that international sanctions reduced aggregate Iranian welfare by 14%–15%. Rural households in Iran suffered welfare losses which were almost double those experienced by urban households, and the poorest urban and rural households experienced the largest welfare losses, in the order of 5%–10%. But the government of Iran sees a decrease in real revenue of 40%–50%, due to the large negative effect of sanctions on the Iranian oil sector.
Effects on prey–predator with different functional responses
Authors: Roy Banani , Roy Sankar Kumar , Biswas M. H. A.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we investigate the effects on prey of two predators which are also related in terms of prey–predator relationship. Different types of functional responses are considered to formulate the mathematical model for predator and generalist predator of our proposed model. Harvesting effort for the generalist predator is considered and the density-dependent mortality rate for predator and generalist predator is incorporated in our proposed model. Local stability as well as global stability for the system is discussed. We analyze the different bifurcation parameters to evaluate Hopf bifurcation in the neighborhood of interior equilibrium point. Finally, some numerical simulations and graphical figures are provided to verify our analytical results with the help of different sets of parameters.
Byte protecting perfect burst code
Authors: Tyagi Vinod , Tyagi Ambika
Published: July 2017

Byte correcting perfect codes are developed to correct burst errors within bytes. If a code is byte correcting code and we say that the code is [Formula: see text]-burst correcting, meaning that it corrects a single burst of length [Formula: see text] or less within a byte.

A byte correcting code is such that if [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] denote the set of syndromes obtained from the [Formula: see text]th-byte of the parity check matrix [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] denote the set of syndromes obtained from the [Formula: see text]th-byte of the parity check matrix [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text].

In an [Formula: see text] code, if there are [Formula: see text] bytes of size [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]. Byte correcting codes are preferred where information stored in all bytes are equally important. But there are cases where some parts of the message are more important than other parts of the message, for example, if we have to transmit a message on a border location “ Shift Battalion (Bn) from Location A to Location B” then, we will focus more on the information shift, location [Formula: see text] and location [Formula: see text] i.e., bytes containing these information will be more important than others. In this situation, it is needed that during transmission these bytes should have no possibility of error. In other words, these bytes should be protected absolutely against any error. Keeping this in mind, we study burst error correcting capabilities of byte oriented codes in terms of byte protection level of each byte. If there is a byte error pattern of length [Formula: see text] in the transmission then all those bytes of the received pattern will be decoded correctly whose burst protection level is [Formula: see text] or more even though the code word may be decoded wrongly. Taking the code length [Formula: see text] to be divided into [Formula: see text] bytes with burst protection level of the [Formula: see text]th-byte as [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text], we construct linear codes that we call byte protecting burst (BPB) codes and investigate their byte protecting capabilities in this paper.
Infinite graphs with finite dominating sets
Authors: Das Angsuman
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the infinite graphs which admit a finite dominating set. The main contribution of the work is two folds: (i) characterization of infinite trees and hence infinite connected graphs with a finite dominating set, (ii) it is shown that apart from a family of graphs, all infinite graphs or their complements possess a finite dominating set. Moreover, some conditions of existence of finite dominating sets in product graphs are studied.
Dynamical load sharing behaviors of heavy load planetary gear system with multi-floating components
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Luo Tianhong , Luo Jiayuan , Hua Xia , Langari Reza
Published: July 2017

To investigate the dynamical load sharing behaviors of multi-floating components in the heavy load planetary gear system, a multi-floating planetary gear system that includes a floating central component and a quasi-floating planet flexible supporting pin is employed. Then a 21 degree of freedom lumped parameters dynamical model of this system is presented to study the dynamical load sharing behaviors. Some influencing factors, such as supporting stiffness, positions error of sun or carrier, and external input load are analyzed on the dynamical load sharing of the planetary gear system with multi-floating components. The results demonstrate that the load sharing condition of the system is best when both the sun gear and planet gears are multi-floating at the same time. When the planet gear position errors remain constant, reducing the flexible pin stiffness of planet gear or increasing external input load can effectively improve the load sharing. These conclusions are verified by the relevant experiments.
Towards Inferring Communication Patterns in Online Social Networks
Authors: Balsa Ero , Pérez-Solà Cristina , Diaz Claudia
Published: July 2017

The separation between the public and private spheres on online social networks is known to be, at best, blurred. On the one hand, previous studies have shown how it is possible to
infer
private attributes from publicly available data. On the other hand, no distinction exists between public and private data when we consider the ability of the online social network (OSN) provider to access them. Even when OSN users go to great lengths to protect their privacy, such as by using encryption or communication obfuscation, correlations between data may render these solutions useless. In this article, we study the relationship between private communication patterns and publicly available OSN data. Such a relationship informs both privacy-invasive inferences as well as OSN communication modelling, the latter being key toward developing effective obfuscation tools. We propose an inference model based on Bayesian analysis and evaluate, using a real social network dataset, how archetypal social graph features can lead to inferences about private communication. Our results indicate that both friendship graph and public traffic data may not be informative enough to enable these inferences, with time analysis having a non-negligible impact on their precision.
Characteristic Analysis of Fractional‐Order 4D Hyperchaotic Memristive Circuit
Authors: Mou Jun , Sun Kehui , Wang Huihai , Ruan Jingya
Published: July 2017

Dynamical behaviors of the 4D hyperchaotic memristive circuit are analyzed with the system parameter. Based on the definitions of fractional‐order differential and Adomian decomposition algorithm, the numerical solution of fractional‐order 4D hyperchaotic memristive circuit is investigated. The distribution of stable and unstable regions of the fractional‐order 4D hyperchaotic memristive circuit is determined, and dynamical characteristics are studied by phase portraits, Lyapunov exponents spectrum, and bifurcation diagram. Complexities are calculated by employing the spectral entropy (SE) algorithm and C0 algorithm. Complexity results are consistent with that of the bifurcation diagrams, and this means that complexity can also reflect the dynamic characteristics of a chaotic system. Results of this paper provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of fractional‐order 4D hyperchaotic memristive circuit in the field of encryption and secure communication.
Galectin-3 Knockdown Impairs Survival, Migration, and Immunomodulatory Actions of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a Mouse Model of Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Souza Bruno Solano de Freitas , Silva Kátia Nunes da , Silva Daniela Nascimento , Rocha Vinícius Pinto Costa , Paredes Bruno Diaz , Azevedo Carine Machado , Nonaka Carolina Kymie , Carvalho Gisele Batista , Vasconcelos Juliana Fraga , Santos Ricardo Ribeiro dos , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: July 2017

Therapies based on transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) hold promise for the management of inflammatory disorders. In chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), caused by chronic infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the exacerbated immune response plays a critical pathophysiological role and can be modulated by MSC. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-3 (Gal-3), a beta-galactoside-binding lectin with several actions on immune responses and repair process, on the immunomodulatory potential of MSC. Gal-3 knockdown in MSC did not affect the immunophenotype or differentiation potential. However, Gal-3 knockdown MSC showed decreased proliferation, survival, and migration. Additionally, when injected intraperitoneally into mice with CCC, Gal-3 knockdown MSC showed impaired migration in vivo. Transplantation of control MSC into mice with CCC caused a suppression of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, reducing expression levels of CD45, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ, and type I collagen. In contrast, Gal-3 knockdown MSC were unable to suppress the immune response or collagen synthesis in the hearts of mice with CCC. Finally, infection with T. cruzi demonstrated parasite survival in wild-type but not in Gal-3 knockdown MSC. These findings demonstrate that Gal-3 plays a critical role in MSC survival, proliferation, migration, and therapeutic potential in CCC.
Performance Analysis and Optimization for Cognitive Radio Networks with Classified Secondary Users and Impatient Packets
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Bai Luyi
Published: July 2017

A cognitive radio network with classified Secondary Users (SUs) is considered. There are two types of SU packets, namely, SU1 packets and SU2 packets, in the system. The SU1 packets have higher priority than the SU2 packets. Considering the diversity of the SU packets and the real-time need of the interrupted SU packets, a novel spectrum allocation strategy with classified SUs and impatient packets is proposed. Based on the number of PU packets, SU1 packets, and SU2 packets in the system, by modeling the queue dynamics of the networks users as a three-dimensional discrete-time Markov chain, the transition probability matrix of the Markov chain is given. Then with the steady-state analysis, some important performance measures of the SU2 packets are derived to show the system performance with numerical results. Specially, in order to optimize the system actions of the SU2 packets, the individually optimal strategy and the socially optimal strategy for the SU2 packets are demonstrated. Finally, a pricing mechanism is provided to oblige the SU2 packets to follow the socially optimal strategy.
Mismatch Repair Deficiency as a Predictive Biomarker for Immunotherapy Efficacy
Authors: Viale Giulia , Trapani Dario , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: July 2017

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors, on balance, showed a favorable efficacy/toxicity profile with durable response in different cancer types. No predictive biomarker has been validated thus far to select patients who would benefit from therapy. Among the candidate predictive biomarkers, mismatch repair status of the tumor is currently one of the most promising. Indeed, tumors displaying mismatch repair deficiency or microsatellite instability showed remarkable response to immunotherapy in clinical trials. This correlation has been first reported in colorectal cancers, but similar results have been observed also in other cancer types. The possible mechanism behind this correlation may be the higher mutational load observed in mismatch repair deficient tumors, leading to neoantigens formation, recruitment of immune cells, and release of proinflammatory factors in the microenvironment. These results support an approach to treatment based on assessment of the genomic stability of the tumor besides its biologic characteristics and may change our therapeutic decision making process. However, due to the small percentage of patients with tumors displaying mismatch repair deficiency, data from clinical trials should not be considered definitive and need further confirmation.
NFC Secure Payment and Verification Scheme with CS E-Ticket
Authors: Fan Kai , Song Panfei , Du Zhao , Zhu Haojin , Li Hui , Yang Yintang , Li Xinghua , Yang Chao
Published: July 2017

As one of the most important techniques in IoT, NFC (Near Field Communication) is more interesting than ever. NFC is a short-range, high-frequency communication technology well suited for electronic tickets, micropayment, and access control function, which is widely used in the financial industry, traffic transport, road ban control, and other fields. However, NFC is becoming increasingly popular in the relevant field, but its secure problems, such as man-in-the-middle-attack and brute force attack, have hindered its further development. To address the security problems and specific application scenarios, we propose a NFC mobile electronic ticket secure payment and verification scheme in the paper. The proposed scheme uses a CS E-Ticket and offline session key generation and distribution technology to prevent major attacks and increase the security of NFC. As a result, the proposed scheme can not only be a good alternative to mobile e-ticket system but also be used in many NFC fields. Furthermore, compared with other existing schemes, the proposed scheme provides a higher security.
Inactivation Kinetics ofVibrio parahaemolyticuson Sand Shrimp(Metapenaeus ensis)by Cinnamaldehyde at 4°C
Authors: Zhang DongLai , Dong QingLi , Ross Thomas
Published: July 2017

Sand shrimp(Metapenaeus ensis), shrimp shell, and shrimp meat were inoculated with a three-strain cocktail ofVibrio parahaemolyticuswith or without the natural antimicrobial cinnamaldehyde (2.5 mg/ml) and were, then, stored at 4°C for up to 25 days and 18 inactivation curves were obtained.V. parahaemolyticuswere inactivated down to the minimum level of detection (2.48 log CFU/g) on thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar (TCBS) plates within 7 and 10 days with low and high densities ofV. parahaemolyticusinoculation, 4.5 log CFU/g and 8.2 log CFU/g, respectively. With adding cinnamaldehyde, the inactivation process ofV. parahaemolyticuswith low populations, 4.5 log CFU/g, lasted for only 4 days. Therefore, cinnamaldehyde inactivated cells faster as expected. However, unexpectedly, in shrimp meat cases, cells have much more persistence of over even 25 days before entering the minimum level of detection both with and without cinnamaldehyde treatment. Therefore, a hypothesis was formed that when cells kept in cold environments (4°C) after several days recovered to up to 103–104CFU/g towards the end of the experiments and with starvation (shell and shrimp studies), cells might render a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state.
Dual-Band RFID Antenna for 0.92 GHz Near-Field and 2.45 GHz Far-Field Applications
Authors: Xing Zijian , Wei Kun , Wang Ling , Li Jianying
Published: July 2017

A novel antenna used in the near field of a 0.92 GHz and the far field of a 2.45 GHz RFID reader system is investigated. The new antenna achieves strong magnetic field distribution over 0.92 GHz with good performance of detecting tags when applied in FCC RFID systems, as well as a good performance of circular polarization at 2.45 GHz. Furthermore, the investigation shows the operation principle by circuit models and the advantages of the structure in terms of the operation frequency and field performances. The advantages of these two bands could be achieved by this novel RFID reader antenna.
Laplace Transform Methods for a Free Boundary Problem of Time-Fractional Partial Differential Equation System
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Gao Xuemei
Published: July 2017

We study the pricing of the American options with fractal transmission system under two-state regime switching models. This pricing problem can be formulated as a free boundary problem of time-fractional partial differential equation (FPDE) system. Firstly, applying Laplace transform to the governing FPDEs with respect to the time variable results in second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with two free boundaries. Then, the solutions of ODEs are expressed in an explicit form. Consequently the early exercise boundaries and the values for the American option are recovered using the Gaver-Stehfest formula. Numerical comparisons of the methods with the finite difference methods are carried out to verify the efficiency of the methods.
Three-Dimensional Vehicle-to-Vehicle Channel Modeling with Multiple Moving Scatterers
Authors: Du Derong , Zeng Xiaoping , Jian Xin , Miao Lijuan , Wang Haobo
Published: July 2017

Connected vehicles have received much attention in recent years due to their significant societal benefit and commercial value. However, a suitable channel model for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications is difficult to build due to the dynamic communication environment. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) geometrical propagation model that includes line-of-sight (LoS), single bounced (SB), and multiple bounced (MB) rays is proposed. Each of multiple scatterers in the model is moving with a random velocity in a random direction. Based on the geometrical propagation model, a generalized 3D reference model for narrowband multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) V2V multipath fading channels is developed. The corresponding space-time correlation functions (ST-CFs), time correlation functions (T-CFs), and space correlation functions (S-CFs) are analytically investigated and numerically simulated in terms of various factors. Several notable ST-CFs for V2V and fixed-to-mobile (F2M) communications become the special cases of ST-CFs of the proposed model by adjusting the corresponding channel parameters. Finally, the theoretical results of the space-Doppler power spectral density (SD-PSD) are compared with the available measured data. The close agreements between the theoretical and measured SD-PSD curves confirm the utility and generality of the proposed model.
Chemical Differentiation of Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium devonianum by Using HPLC Fingerprints, HPLC‐ESI‐MS, and HPTLC Analyses
Authors: Ye Zi , Dai Jia-Rong , Zhang Cheng-Gang , Lu Ye , Wu Lei-Lei , Gong Amy G. W. , Xu Hong , Tsim Karl W. K. , Wang Zheng-Tao
Published: July 2017

The stems of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis) have a high medicinal value as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Because of the limited supply, D. officinale is a high priced TCM, and therefore adulterants are commonly found in the herbal market. The dried stems of a closely related Dendrobium species, Dendrobium devonianum Paxt., are commonly used as the substitute; however, there is no effective method to distinguish the two Dendrobium species. Here, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was successfully developed and applied to differentiate D. officinale and D. devonianum by comparing the chromatograms according to the characteristic peaks. A HPLC coupled with electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS) method was further applied for structural elucidation of 15 flavonoids, 5 phenolic acids, and 1 lignan in D. officinale. Among these flavonoids, 4 flavonoid C‐glycosides were firstly reported in D. officinale, and violanthin and isoviolanthin were identified to be specific for D. officinale compared with D. devonianum. Then, two representative components were used as chemical markers. A rapid and reliable high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was applied in distinguishing D. officinale from D. devonianum. The results of this work have demonstrated that these developed analytical methods can be used to discriminate D. officinale and D. devonianum effectively and conveniently.
Low Temperature Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide over Mesoporous Au-Fe2O3Catalysts
Authors: Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Narasimharao Katabathini
Published: July 2017

Low temperature active and stable mesoporous Au (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.%) supportedα-Fe2O3catalysts were prepared via deposition-precipitation method. The H2-pretreated catalyst with 0.5 wt.% Au loading offered CO conversion of 100% at 323 K and showed continual activity for at least 120 h. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicate that Au species were highly dispersed as nanoparticles (20–40 nm) on the surface ofα-Fe2O3support even after thermal treatment at 773 K. The N2-physisorption measurements show that the synthesizedα-Fe2O3support and Au-Fe2O3nanocomposites possessed mesopores with high specific surface area of about 158 m2 g−1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and H2-TPR results reveal that the Au species exist in metallic and partially oxidized state due to strong interaction with the support. Effective Au-Fe2O3interaction resulted in a high activity for Au nanoparticles, locally generated by the thermal treatment at 773 K in air.
Pharmacy Professionals’ Dispensing Practice, Knowledge, and Attitude towards Emergency Contraceptives in Gondar Town, Northwestern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew , Gebresillassie Begashaw Melaku
Published: July 2017

Background. Pharmacy professionals, as the most available members of medical team, have an important role in educating patients about the effective and appropriate use of contraceptives. The purpose of this study was to assess pharmacy professionals’ dispensing practice, knowledge, and attitude towards emergency contraceptives use in Gondar town, northwestern Ethiopia. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study was employed from May 14 to June 14, 2016, on 60 pharmacy professionals, who have been working in 8 randomly selected pharmacies and 6 drug stores. The collected data was entered to and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Result. More than half 33 (55.0%) of the participants were druggist with 5–9 years of experience. About 56 (93.3%) of the participants knew about the dosing schedule (when and how much to take) and side effects of emergency contraceptives. More than two-thirds of the participants (39, 65%) agreed that the existence of emergency contraceptives is a positive thing and considered their use is ethical (42, 63.3%). The majority of participants (51, 85%) also reported that they counsel all women when dispensing emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). Conclusion. This study revealed that knowledge, attitude, and dispensing practice of emergency contraceptives are very good even though there were variations with respect to different factors. Findings suggested that additional training and proper counseling technique on emergency contraceptives will improve the service delivery.
Building Secure Public Key Encryption Scheme from Hidden Field Equations
Authors: Ping Yuan , Wang Baocang , Yang Yuehua , Tian Shengli
Published: July 2017

Multivariate public key cryptography is a set of cryptographic schemes built from the NP-hardness of solving quadratic equations over finite fields, amongst which the hidden field equations (HFE) family of schemes remain the most famous. However, the original HFE scheme was insecure, and the follow-up modifications were shown to be still vulnerable to attacks. In this paper, we propose a new variant of the HFE scheme by considering the special equation x2=x defined over the finite field F3 when x=0,1. We observe that the equation can be used to further destroy the special structure of the underlying central map of the HFE scheme. It is shown that the proposed public key encryption scheme is secure against known attacks including the MinRank attack, the algebraic attacks, and the linearization equations attacks. The proposal gains some advantages over the original HFE scheme with respect to the encryption speed and public key size.
Identifying High-Cost, High-Risk Patients Using Administrative Databases in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Bellini Irene , Barletta Valentina , Profili Francesco , Bussotti Alessandro , Severi Irene , Isoldi Maddalena , Bimbi Maria , Francesconi Paolo
Published: July 2017

Objective. (1) Assessing the performance of the algorithm in terms of sensitivity and positive predictive value, considering General Practitioners’ (GPs) judgement as benchmark, and (2) describing adverse events (hospitalisation, death, and health services’ consumption) of complex patients compared to the general population. Data Sources. (i) Tuscany administrative database containing health data (2013-5); (ii) lists of complex patients indicated by GPs; and (iii) annual health registry of Tuscany. Study Design. The present study is a validation study. It compares a list of complex patients extracted through an administrative algorithm (criteria of high health consumption) to a gold standard list of patients indicated by GPs. GPs’ decision was subjective but fairly well reasoned. The study compares also adverse outcomes (Emergency Room visits, hospitalisation, and death) between identified complex patients and general population. Principal Findings. Considering GPs’ judgement, the algorithm showed a sensitivity of 72.8% and a positive predictive value of 64.4%. The complex cases presented here have higher incidence rates/100,000 (death 46.8; ER visits 223.2, hospitalisations 110.87, laboratory tests 1284.01, and specialist examinations 870.37) compared to the general population. Conclusions. The final validated algorithm showed acceptable sensitivity and positive predictive value.
Criticism of the Pap Smear as a Diagnostic Tool in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Schneider Volker
Published: July 2017

This editorial by Dr. Leopold G. Koss appeared in the January 1980 issue of Acta Cytologica. It addressed recent critical opinions in the general media on cervical screening and its costs. It marked the beginning of a more critical approach to cytology by the lay press, health care providers, and epidemiologists. It was also the first of a series of highly informative editorials by Dr. Koss that illustrated the critical issues of cytology during the 1980s. The elegance and clarity of his articles reflect the high standard of editorial writing in Acta Cytologica at this time. These articles are reviewed and excerpts are presented.
Six new species of Heteropriapulus (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from South American fishes with an amended diagnosis to the genus
Authors: ACOSTA ALINE ANGELINA , FRANCESCHINI LIDIANE , ZAGO ALINE CRISTINA , SCHOLZ TOMÁŠ , SILVA REINALDO JOSÉ DA
Published: July 2017

Heteropriapulus Kritsky, 2007 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), which originally included only two species from the gills of loricariid catfishes, is reviewed and six newly described species from loricariids in the Paraná River basin in Brazil are added. Diagnosis of the genus is amended and a key to the species identification is provided. Heteropriapulus anchoradiatus n. sp. from Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii (Holmberg) (Hypostominae) differs from its congeners by having a long sclerotized vagina, ventral anchors with short shaft and conspicuous superficial root, and a conspicuous and robust postero-medial process on the dorsal bar; H. bitomus n. sp. from the same fish host differs by the presence of two pairs of sclerotized patches associated with the ventral anchors; H. falxus n. sp. from Hypostomus strigaticeps (Regan) (Hypostominae) and Hypostomus ancistroides (Ihering) (Hypostominae) is unique by the shape of the accessory piece composed of two strongly sclerotized subunits; H. microcleithrus n. sp. from P. ambrosettii differs by presenting the smallest length of the dorsal bar and unique shape of the longer subunit of the accessory piece resembling the ‘hammer and sickle’ shape; H. pterygoplichthyi n. sp. from the same host presents unique shape of the longer subunit of the accessory piece of the cirrus, which is represented by ‘two sickles’ jointed by the base; and H. semitortus n. sp. from Rhinelepis aspera Spix & Agassiz (Rhinelepinae) can be distinguished by the accessory piece composed of a single straight unit and a cirrus tube with the highest number of spiral rings at the proximal end (2½). First molecular data for this genus (partial sequences of the 28S rRNA gene) are provided including the type species H. heterotylus (Jogunoori, Kritsky & Venkatanarasaiah, 2004).