bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a third complementation group of emetine-resistant Chinese hamster cell mutants.
Authors: Wasmuth J J , Hill J M , Vock L S
Published: September 2015

We have isolated emetine-resistant cell lines from Chinese hamster peritoneal fibroblasts and have shown that they represent a third distinct class or complementation group of emetine-resistant mutants, as determined by three different criteria. These mutants, like those belonging to the two other complementation groups we have previously defined, which were isolated from Chinese hamster lung and Chinese hamster ovary cells, have alterations that directly affect the protein biosynthetic machinery. So far, there is absolute cell line specificity with respect to the three complementation groups, in that all the emetine-resistant mutants we have isolated from Chinese hamster lung cells belong to one complementation group, all those we have isolated from Chinese hamster ovary cells belong to a second complementation group, and all those isolated from Chinese hamster peritoneal cells belong to a third complementation group. Thus, in cultured Chinese hamster cells, mutations in at least three different loci, designated emtA, emtB, and emtC, encoding for different components of the protein biosynthetic machinery, can give rise to the emetine-resistant phenotype.
Physicochemical characterization and size-resolved source apportionment of airborne particles in Himeji City, Japan
Authors: Saitoh Katsumi , Shima Masayuki , Yoda Yoshiko , Nakatsubo Ryouhei , Hiraki Takatoshi , Tsunetomo Daisuke , Sera Koichiro
Published: September 2015

As a part of epidemiological study on the effects of the chemical composition of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ozone on asthma attacks, we carried out size-resolved sampling of PM in Himeji City, Japan and elemental and ionic composition analyses of the PM samples. Size-resolved PM was collected using a 3-stage NLAS impactor (Tokyo Dylec Co., Ltd.; particle cut size at sampling stages was 10, 2.5 and 1.0 [Formula: see text]m for a flow rate of 3 L/min) with a 1-week sampling interval from November 2009 to May 2012. Concentrations of several elemental and ionic species in the PM samples were determined by PIXE and ion chromatography analysis, respectively. In addition, source apportionment analysis of the PM was performed by positive matrix factorization (PMF) model using the analytical data of size-resolved particles. The research results are important for the physicochemical characterization of PM in the atmosphere, enabling evaluation of various PM emission sources and atmospheric processes. Of particular note is that the PM10 consisted mainly of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and PM2.5 consisted only of [Formula: see text]. This is believed to suggest the different formation processes of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Based on the results from the PMF model analysis, the particles larger then PM2.5 were estimated to have been from soil and sea salt particles. On the other hand, the particles smaller than PM2.5 were estimated to have been from soot, smoke and secondary particles. In particular, the majority of particle smaller than PM1.0 were estimated to be secondary sulfate particles.
Trace element abnormalities in the scalp hair of breast cancer patients
Authors: Kabiri Z. , Kakuee O. , Fathollahi V. , Stout B.
Published: September 2015

Development of a number of diseases like cardiovascular diseases and cancer has been related with abnormalities of certain trace elements in some tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of trace elements in breast cancer patients in comparison with healthy controls. Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was employed to measure the hair trace element concentrations in 30 cancer patients and 30 healthy controls. A 2.2 MeV proton beam was employed to excite the biological samples. The concentrations of Fe and Cu ([Formula: see text]) in the hair of cancer patients were found to be higher compared to those of healthy controls, while the concentration of Zn ([Formula: see text]) was found to be lower. No significant difference was observed for sulfur concentration between the two groups. Also, no meaningful difference was observed in the concentrations of K, Ca, Ti as well as ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Fe in the hair of the two groups ([Formula: see text]). These abnormalities could potentially be used as a means of breast cancer screening in women.
Iso-Quality of Service: Fairly Ranking Servers for Real-Time Data Analytics
Authors: Georgakoudis Giorgis , Gillan Charles , Sayed Ahmed , Spence Ivor , Faloon Richard , Nikolopoulos Dimitrios S.
Published: September 2015

We present a mathematically rigorous iso-Quality-of-Service (QoS) metric which relates the achievable quality of service (QoS) for a real-time analytics service with workload specific and use case specific performance and output quality requirements to the energy cost of offering the service by different server architectures. Using a new iso-QoS evaluation methodology, we scale server resources to meet QoS targets and directly rank the servers in terms of their energy-efficiency and by extension cost of ownership. Our metric and method are platform-independent and enable fair comparison of datacenter compute servers with significant architectural diversity, including micro-servers. We deploy our metric and methodology to compare three servers running financial option pricing workloads on real-life market data. We find that server ranking is sensitive to data inputs and desired QoS level and that although scale-out micro-servers can be up to two times more energy-efficient than conventional heavyweight servers for the same target QoS, they are still six times less energy efficient than high-performance computational accelerators.
Visual Text Mining: Ensuring the Presence of Relevant Studies in Systematic Literature Reviews
Authors: Felizardo Katia Romero , Barbosa Ellen Francine , Martins Rafael Messias , Valle Pedro Henrique Dias , Maldonado José Carlos
Published: September 2015

One of the activities associated with the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) process is the selection review of primary studies. When the researcher faces large volumes of primary studies to be analyzed, the process used to select studies can be arduous. In a previous experiment, we conducted a pilot test to compare the performance and accuracy of PhD students in conducting the selection review activity manually and using Visual Text Mining (VTM) techniques. The goal of this paper is to describe a replication study involving PhD and Master students. The replication study uses the same experimental design and materials of the original experiment. This study also aims to investigate whether the researcher's level of experience with conducting SLRs and research in general impacts the outcome of the primary study selection step of the SLR process. The replication results have confirmed the outcomes of the original experiment, i.e., VTM is promising and can improve the performance of the selection review of primary studies. We also observed that both accuracy and performance increase in function of the researcher's experience level in conducting SLRs. The use of VTM can indeed be beneficial during the selection review activity.
Entrepreneurship in Transition Economies: Selected Characteristics and Relevant Lessons for Cuba
Authors: González-Corzo Mario A.
Published: September 2015

The experiences of the former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union demonstrate that entrepreneurs can make important contributions in transition economies. The most notable include employment creation, the efficient utilization of human capital, and positive externalities resulting from the entrepreneurial drive to experiment, innovate, and adapt. In these countries, as well as in China and Vietnam, the transition from the classical socialist system facilitated the emergence of four types of entrepreneurs (agricultural entrepreneurs, informal sector operators, cadre entrepreneurs, and professional entrepreneurs), which mainly engaged in three principal entrepreneurial strategies: prospecting, networking, and boundary-blurring. The experiences of the former socialist countries offer valuable lessons for Cuba, as it continues to rely on the reduction of the State sector and the expansion of small-scale private entrepreneurial activities in the emerging non-State sector as one of the principal policy measures to gradually "update" its socialist economy.
Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization by Subconjunctival Injection of Fc-Endostatin, a Novel Inhibitor of Angiogenesis
Authors: Yoshida Junko , Wicks Robert T. , Zambrano Andrea I. , Tyler Betty M. , Javaherian Kashi , Grossman Rachel , Daoud Yassine J. , Gehlbach Peter , Brem Henry , Stark Walter J.
Published: September 2015

We assessed the antiangiogenic effects of subconjunctival injection of Fc-endostatin (FcE) using a human vascular endothelial growth factor-induced rabbit corneal neovascularization model. Angiogenesis was induced in rabbit corneas through intrastromal implantations of VEGF polymer implanted 2 mm from the limbus. NZW rabbits were separated into groups receiving twice weekly subconjunctival injections of either saline; 25 mg/mL bevacizumab; 2 mg/mL FcE; or 20 mg/mL FcE. Corneas were digitally imaged at 5 time points. An angiogenesis index (AI) was calculated (vessel length (mm) × vessel number score) for each observation. All treatment groups showed a significant decrease in the vessel length and AI compared to saline on all observation days (P<0.001). By day 15, FcE 2 inhibited angiogenesis significantly better than FcE 20 (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between FcE 2 and BV, although the values trended towards significantly increased inhibition by BV. BV was a significantly better inhibitor than FcE 20 by day 8 (P<0.01). FcE was safe and significantly inhibited new vessel growth in a rabbit corneal neovascularization model. Lower concentration FcE 2 exhibited better inhibition than FcE 20, consistent with previous FcE studies referencing a biphasic dose-response curve. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the efficacy and clinical potential of this novel angiogenesis inhibitor.
Mean-Square Asymptotically Almost Automorphic Solutions to Fractional Stochastic Relaxation Equations
Authors: Wu Qiong
Published: September 2015

Mild solutions generated by aa, k-regularized family to fractional stochastic relaxation equations are studied. The main objective is to establish the existence and uniqueness of square-mean asymptotically almost automorphic mild solutions to linear and semilinear case of these equations. Under different hypotheses, some new theorems concerning the main objective are derived.
Relationship between Tibial Baseplate Design and Rotational Alignment Landmarks in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Indelli Pier Francesco , Graceffa Angelo , Baldini Andrea , Payne Brielle , Pipino Gennaro , Marcucci Massimiliano
Published: September 2015

This study evaluated the influence of modern tibial baseplate designs when using the anterior tibial cortex as a primary rotational landmark for the tibial baseplate in TKA. Eighty patients undergoing TKA were randomized in two groups. Group 1 included 25 females and 15 males receiving a posterior-stabilized (PS) symmetric tibial baseplate while Group 2 included 24 females and 16 males receiving a PS anatomical tibial component. Identical surgical technique, including the use of the surgical transepicondylar femoral axis (sTEA) and the anterior tibial cortex (“Curve-on-Curve”) as rotational alignment landmarks, was used. All patients underwent CT evaluation performed with the knee in full extension. Three observers independently measured the rotational alignment of the tibial component in relation to the sTEA. The rotational alignment of the symmetric baseplate showed an average external rotation of 1.3° (minimum 5°, maximum −1°): 91% of the knees showed 0 ± 3° with respect to the surgical sTEA, being internally rotated in 20%. The rotational alignment of the anatomical baseplate showed an average external rotation of 4.1° (minimum 0.4°, maximum 8.9°): only 47.5% of the knees showed 0 ± 3°, being externally rotated in 100%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. This study confirms the reliability of the “Curve-on-Curve” technique as an adequate rotational alignment anatomical landmark in TKA: the use of an asymmetric tibial baseplate might lead to external rotation of the tibial component when this technique is intraoperatively chosen.
Error Prediction for SINS/GPS after GPS Outage Based on Hybrid KF-UKF
Authors: Zhang Baiqiang , Chu Hairong , Sun Tingting , Jia Hongguang , Guo Lihong , Zhang Yue
Published: September 2015

The performance of MEMS-SINS/GPS integrated system degrades evidently during GPS outage due to the poor error characteristics of low-cost IMU sensors. The normal EKF is unable to estimate SINS error accurately after GPS outage owing to the large nonlinear error caused by MEMS-IMU. Aiming to solve this problem, a hybrid KF-UKF algorithm for real-time SINS/GPS integration is presented in this paper. The linear and nonlinear SINS error models are discussed, respectively. When GPS works well, we fuse SINS and GPS with KF with linear SINS error model using normal EKF. In the case of GPS outage, we implement Unscented Transform to predict SINS error covariance with nonlinear SINS error model until GPS signal recovers. In the simulation test that we designed, an evident accuracy improvement in attitude and velocity could be noticed compared to the normal EKF method after the GPS signal recovered.
The Crosstalk between Hypoxia and Innate Immunity in the Development of Obesity-Related Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Arias-Loste María Teresa , Fábrega Emilio , López-Hoyos Marcos , Crespo Javier
Published: September 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health issue in western countries in parallel with the dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity and all obesity related conditions, including respiratory diseases as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Interestingly, the severity of the liver damage in obesity-related NAFLD has been associated with the concomitant presence of OSAHS. In the presence of obesity, the proinflammatory state in these patients together with intermittent episodes of hypoxia, characteristic of OSAHS pathogenesis, may lead to an enhanced inflammatory response mediated by a positive feedback loop mechanism that implicates HIF-1 and NFκB. Thus, the severity of liver involvement in obese NAFLD patients with a concomitant diagnosis of OSAHS could be explained. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatic response to chronic intermittent hypoxia and its interaction with innate immunity in obesity-related NAFLD.
A Hybrid Fuzzy Genetic Algorithm for an Adaptive Traffic Signal System
Authors: Odeh S. M. , Mora A. M. , Moreno M. N. , Merelo J. J.
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a hybrid algorithm that combines Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) and Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and its application on a traffic signal system. FLCs have been widely used in many applications in diverse areas, such as control system, pattern recognition, signal processing, and forecasting. They are, essentially, rule-based systems, in which the definition of these rules and fuzzy membership functions is generally based on verbally formulated rules that overlap through the parameter space. They have a great influence over the performance of the system. On the other hand, the Genetic Algorithm is a metaheuristic that provides a robust search in complex spaces. In this work, it has been used to adapt the decision rules of FLCs that define an intelligent traffic signal system, obtaining a higher performance than a classical FLC-based control. The simulation results yielded by the hybrid algorithm show an improvement of up to 34% in the performance with respect to a standard traffic signal controller, Conventional Traffic Signal Controller (CTC), and up to 31% in the comparison with a traditional logic controller, FLC.
Synergistic Inhibitory Effects of Cetuximab and Cisplatin on Human Colon Cancer Cell GrowthviaInhibition of the ERK-Dependent EGF Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Son Dong Ju , Hong Ji Eun , Ban Jung Ok , Park Ju Ho , Lee Hye Lim , Gu Sun Mi , Hwang Jae Yeon , Jung Myung Hee , Lee Dong Won , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of cetuximab combined with cisplatin (combination treatment) on colon cancer growth, as well as its underlying action mechanism. Combination treatment synergistically potentiated the effect of cetuximab on cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Combination treatment further suppressed the expression of the activated form of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MAP kinase (p-ERK and p-p38) and also significantly inhibited the activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Additionally, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA was significantly reduced by the combination treatment as compared to the expression seen for treatment with cetuximab or cisplatin alone. We found that the synergistic inhibitory effects of cetuximab and cisplatin on AP-1 and NF-κB activation, as well as on cell viability, were reversed by pretreatment with an ERK inhibitor. Results demonstrate that combined treatment with cetuximab and cisplatin exerts synergistic anticancer effects on colon cancer cells and also suggest that the ERK pathway plays a critical role in these effectsviathe suppression of the EGFR signaling pathway, along with the inhibition of COX-2, IL-8, and AP-1 and NF-κB.
Sharp Bounds for Toader Mean in terms of Arithmetic and Second Contraharmonic Means
Authors: Qian Wei-Mao , Song Ying-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: September 2015

We present the best possible parametersλ1,μ1∈Randλ2,μ2∈1/2,1such that double inequalitiesλ1C(a,b)+1-λ1A(a,b)<T(a,b)<μ1C(a,b)+1-μ1A(a,b),Cλ2a+1-λ2b,λ2b+1-λ2a<T(a,b)0witha≠b, whereA(a,b)=(a+b)/2,C(a,b)=a3+b3/a2+b2andT(a,b)=2∫0π/2a2cos2θ+b2sin2θdθ/πare the arithmetic, second contraharmonic, and Toader means ofaandb, respectively.
Automatic Condition Monitoring of Industrial Rolling-Element Bearings Using Motor’s Vibration and Current Analysis
Authors: Yang Zhenyu
Published: September 2015

An automatic condition monitoring for a class of industrial rolling-element bearings is developed based on the vibration as well as stator current analysis. The considered fault scenarios include a single-point defect, multiple-point defects, and a type of distributed defect. Motivated by the potential commercialization, the developed system is promoted mainly using off-the-shelf techniques, that is, the high-frequency resonance technique with envelope detection and the average of short-time Fourier transform. In order to test the flexibility and robustness, the monitoring performance is extensively studied under diverse operating conditions: different sensor locations, motor speeds, loading conditions, and data samples from different time segments. The experimental results showed the powerful capability of vibration analysis in the bearing point defect fault diagnosis. The current analysis also showed a moderate capability in diagnosis of point defect faults depending on the type of fault, severity of the fault, and the operational condition. The temporal feature indicated a feasibility to detect generalized roughness fault. The practical issues, such as deviations of predicted characteristic frequencies, sideband effects, time-average of spectra, and selection of fault index and thresholds, are also discussed. The experimental work shows a huge potential to use some simple methods for successful diagnosis of industrial bearing systems.
A Case Report of an Atypical Presentation of IgG4-Related Disease and Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia
Authors: Rapisarda Francesco , Zanoli Luca , Portale Grazia , Scuto Salvo , Castellino Pietro
Published: September 2015

The IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory disease characterized by tumefactive lesions, a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, and, often but not always, elevated serum levels of IgG4. Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia is a heterogenic and rare syndrome characterized by the detection of a persistent absolute CD4 T cells count <300 cells/mm3(or <20% of total T cells) in more than one occasion and no evidence of HIV infection in absence of immunodeficiency or therapy associated with depressed levels of CD4 T cells. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with a multiorgan IgG4-related disease presenting in a temporal association with a profound and symptomatic idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Both clinical pictures improved after steroid treatment. Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia has been associated with a number of autoimmune conditions but, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which an association with the IgG4-related disease is reported.
AR Pathway Is Involved in the Regulation of CX43 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Ruibao , Luan Yang , Liu Zhuo , Song Wen , Wu Licheng , Li Mingchao , Yang Jun , Liu Xiaming , Wang Tao , Liu Jihong , Ye Zhangqun
Published: September 2015

CX43 plays a critical role in tumor progression. Previous studies imply that AR pathway
may be involved in regulation of CX43. This study was focused on determining the
relationship between AR pathway and CX43. The result showed that the expression of
CX43 in malignant cells was higher than that in normal cells, and in nonmalignant
and malignant cells, not only is the expression level of CX43 different, but the
localization of CX43 can also be changed. After androgen stimulation and inhibition
of AR pathway, expression of CX43 can also be changed. Thus, AR pathway plays an
important role in regulation of CX43 expression in prostate cancer cells. AR may be
the upstream signal of CX43.
Preoperative Diagnostic Angiogram and Endovascular Aortic Stent Placement for Appleby Resection Candidates: A Novel Surgical Technique in the Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Trabulsi N. , Pelletier J. S. , Abraham C. , Vanounou T.
Published: September 2015

Background. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma of the body and tail usually presents late and is typically unresectable. The modified Appleby procedure allows resection of pancreatic body carcinoma with celiac axis (CA) invasion. Given that the feasibility of this technique is based on the presence of collateral circulation, it is crucial to confirm the presence of an anatomical and functional collateral system. Methods. We here describe a novel technique used in two patients who were candidates for Appleby resection. We present their clinical scenario, imaging, operative findings, and postoperative course. Results. Both patients had a preoperative angiogram for assessment of anatomical circulation and placement of an endovascular stent to cover the CA. We hypothesize that this new technique allows enhancement of collateral circulation and helps minimize intraoperative blood loss when transecting the CA at its takeoff. Moreover, extra length on the CA margin may be gained, as the artery can be transected at its origin without the need for vascular clamp placement. Conclusion. We propose this novel technique in the preoperative management of patients who are undergoing a modified Appleby procedure. While further experience with this technique is required, we believe that it confers significant advantages to the current standard of care.
Amidine Sulfonamides and Benzene Sulfonamides: Synthesis and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Abdul Qadir Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood , Aslam Hina , Waseem Sadia , Shafiq Muhammad Imtiaz
Published: September 2015

New amidine and benzene sulfonamide derivatives were developed and structures of the new products were confirmed by elemental and spectral analysis (FT-IR, ESI-MS,1HNMR, and13CNMR). In vitro, developed compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against medically important bacterial strains, namely,S. aureus, B. subtilis, andE. coli, and fungi, namely,A. flavus, A. parasiticus, andA.sp. The antibacterial and antifungal activities have been determined by measuring MIC values (μg/mL) and zone of inhibitions (mm). Among the tested compounds, it was found that compounds3b,9a, and9bhave most potent activity againstS. aureus, A. flavus, and A. parasiticus, respectively, and were found to be more active than sulfamethoxazole and itraconazole with MIC values 40 μg/mL. In contrast, all the compounds were totally inactive against theA.sp. except10band15bto show activity to some extent.
On SU(3) Effective Models and Chiral Phase Transition
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Magdy Niseem
Published: September 2015

Sensitivity of Polyakov Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model and Polyakov linear sigma-model (PLSM) has been utilized in studying QCD phase-diagram. From quasi-particle model (QPM) a gluonic sector is integrated into LSM. The hadron resonance gas (HRG) model is used in calculating the thermal and dense dependence of quark-antiquark condensate. We review these four models with respect to their descriptions for the chiral phase transition. We analyze the chiral order parameter, normalized net-strange condensate, and chiral phase-diagram and compare the results with recent lattice calculations. We find that PLSM chiral boundary is located in upper band of the lattice QCD calculations and agree well with the freeze-out results deduced from various high-energy experiments and thermal models. Also, we find that the chiral temperature calculated from HRG is larger than that from PLSM. This is also larger than the freeze-out temperatures calculated in lattice QCD and deduced from experiments and thermal models. The corresponding temperature and chemical potential are very similar to that of PLSM. Although the results from PNJL and QLSM keep the same behavior, their chiral temperature is higher than that of PLSM and HRG. This might be interpreted due the very heavy quark masses implemented in both models.
Calcitonin-Secreting Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Larynx with Metastasis to Thyroid
Authors: LaBryer Lauren , Sawh Ravindranauth , McLaurin Colby , Scofield R. Hal
Published: September 2015

Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx are rare, with moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (MDNC) being the most frequent histologic type. We report a MDNC in a 57-year-old gentleman with an enlarging right-sided neck mass. Flexible fiberoptic exam revealed a right arytenoid lesion. Histology from excisional biopsy was concerning for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) versus NET of the larynx. Immunohistochemistry was diffusely positive for calcitonin and CEA and focally positive for TTF-1. Serum calcitonin was elevated. Thyroid ultrasound was unremarkable. The patient underwent laryngectomy, thyroidectomy, and neck dissection. Pathology showed neuroendocrine carcinoma of right arytenoid with positive cervical lymph nodes. A 4 mm deposit of NET was present in right thyroid with adjacent intravascular tumor consistent with thyroidal metastasis from a primary laryngeal NET (MDNC). MDNC and MTC can be microscopically indistinguishable. Both tumors can stain positively for calcitonin and CEA. TTF-1 staining has been useful to help distinguish these tumors as it is strongly and diffusely positive in MTC, but usually negative (or only focally positive) in MDNC. We report the fourth case of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx associated with elevated serum calcitonin level and the first such case associated with metastasis to the thyroid.
Investigation of Collision Behavior of Hoisting Catenaries during a Lifting Cycle in Coal Mines
Authors: Yao Jiannan , Xiao Xingming
Published: September 2015

This investigation focused on the analyses of transverse vibrations of mine hoisting catenaries where collision between adjacent ropes is more likely to occur. To support the analyses of transverse vibrations of catenaries, theoretical correlation models for longitudinal tension and transverse vibration were first established. Based on a severe rope collision case, on-site measurements and numerical simulations were performed. The research results indicated that the external second-order excitation frequency induced by axial fluctuations of head sheave was the primary excitation frequency, which was closer to the resonance frequency. Furthermore, the effects of excitation amplitude and imbalanced tension were also investigated revealing that larger excitation amplitude contributes to larger response amplitude and the maximum response amplitude of a catenary is sensitive to imbalanced rope tension. Eventually, new solutions, which will facilitate hoisting catenary operation beyond the resonance frequency range, were proposed.
Characteristics of Boron Decorated TiO2Nanoparticles for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Photoanode
Authors: Ho Ching-Yuan , Lin J. K. , Wang Hong-Wen
Published: September 2015

Different boron weight percents on mixed-phase (anatase and rutile) TiO2nanoparticles were synthesized to investigate structure morphology, defect states, luminescence properties, and energy conversion. The measured results indicate that boron doping of TiO2both increases the crystallite size and rutile-phase percent in an anatase matrix. Decreasing the band gap by boron doping can extend the absorption to the visible region, while undoped TiO2exhibits high UV absorption. Oxygen vacancy defects generated by boron ions reduce Ti+4and affect electron transport in dye-sensitized solar cells. Excess electrons originating from the oxygen vacancies of doped TiO2downward shift in the conduction band edge and prompt the transfer of photoelectrons from the conduction band of the rutile phase to the lower energy anatase trapping sites; they then separate charges to enhance the photocurrent andJsc. Although the resistance of the electron recombination (Rk) between doped TiO2photoanode and the electrolyte for the doped TiO2sample is lower, a longer electron lifetime (τ) of 19.7 ms with a higher electron density (ns) of 2.1 × 1018 cm−3contributes to high solar conversion efficiency.
Lsh Is Essential for Maintaining Global DNA Methylation Levels in Amphibia and Fish and Interacts Directly with Dnmt1
Authors: Dunican Donncha S. , Pennings Sari , Meehan Richard R.
Published: September 2015

Eukaryotic genomes are methylated at cytosine bases in the context of CpG dinucleotides, a pattern which is maintained through cell division by the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1. Dramatic methylation losses are observed in plant and mouse cells lacking Lsh (lymphoid specific helicase), predominantly at repetitive sequences and gene promoters. However, the mechanism by which Lsh contributes to the maintenance of DNA methylation is unknown. Here we show that DNA methylation is lost in Lsh depleted frog and fish embryos, both of which exhibit developmental delay. Additionally, we show that both Lsh and Dnmt1 are associated with chromatin and that Lsh knockdown leads to a decreased Dnmt1-chromatin association. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments reveal that Lsh and Dnmt1 are found in the same protein complex, and pulldowns show this interaction is direct. Our data indicate that Lsh is usually diffuse in the nucleus but can be recruited to heterochromatin in a HP1α-dependent manner. These data together (a) show that the role of Lsh in DNA methylation is conserved in plants, amphibian, fish, and mice and (b) support a model in which Lsh contributes to Dnmt1 binding to chromatin, explaining how its loss can potentially lead to perturbations in DNA methylation maintenance.
Exploiting Small Leakages in Masks to Turn a Second‐Order Attack into a First‐Order Attack and Improved Rotating Substitution Box Masking with Linear Code Cosets
Authors: DeTrano Alexander , Karimi Naghmeh , Karri Ramesh , Guo Xiaofei , Carlet Claude , Guilley Sylvain
Published: September 2015

Masking countermeasures, used to thwart side‐channel attacks, have been shown to be vulnerable to mask‐extraction attacks. State‐of‐the‐art mask‐extraction attacks on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm target S‐Box recomputation schemes but have not been applied to scenarios where S‐Boxes are precomputed offline. We propose an attack targeting precomputed S‐Boxes stored in nonvolatile memory. Our attack targets AES implemented in software protected by a low entropy masking scheme and recovers the masks with 91% success rate. Recovering the secret key requires fewer power traces (in fact, by at least two orders of magnitude) compared to a classical second‐order attack. Moreover, we show that this attack remains viable in a noisy environment or with a reduced number of leakage points. Eventually, we specify a method to enhance the countermeasure by selecting a suitable coset of the masks set.
Neural Cognition and Affective Computing on Cyber Language
Authors: Huang Shuang , Zhou Xuan , Xue Ke , Wan Xiqiong , Yang Zhenyi , Xu Duo , Ivanović Mirjana , Yu Xueer
Published: September 2015

Characterized by its customary symbol system and simple and vivid expression patterns, cyber language acts as not only a tool for convenient communication but also a carrier of abundant emotions and causes high attention in public opinion analysis, internet marketing, service feedback monitoring, and social emergency management. Based on our multidisciplinary research, this paper presents a classification of the emotional symbols in cyber language, analyzes the cognitive characteristics of different symbols, and puts forward a mechanism model to show the dominant neural activities in that process. Through the comparative study of Chinese, English, and Spanish, which are used by the largest population in the world, this paper discusses the expressive patterns of emotions in international cyber languages and proposes an intelligent method for affective computing on cyber language in a unified PAD (Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance) emotional space.
Significance of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Level-to-Serum Creatinine Ratio for Assessing Severity of Inflammation in Patients with Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Choi Jong Weon , Fujii Tatsuyoshi , Fujii Noriyoshi
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the significance of the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/serum creatinine ratio (NGAL/sCr ratio) in patients with renal dysfunction. The percent difference between plasma NGAL level and the NGAL/sCr ratio was 36.7% (95% CI, 18.4–83.7%) in patients with sCr level ≥ 1.2 mg/dL. In a multivariate analysis, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was significantly associated with the NGAL/sCr ratio and plasma NGAL level (r=0.526andr=0.453, resp.,P<0.001). In a receiver operating characteristics curve, the diagnostic ability of the NGAL/sCr ratio to identify hsCRP > 4.0 mg/dL was superior to that of NGAL [0.783 (95% CI, 0.674–0.892) versus 0.733 (95% CI, 0.615–0.852),P=0.032]. The area under the curve of the NGAL/sCr ratio was larger than that of hsCRP to detect corrected erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 25 mm/h and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >4.5 in renal dysfunction. In short, the NGAL/sCr ratio may offer useful information when screening patients with both systemic inflammation and renal dysfunction.
Survival of Preterm Singleton Deliveries: A Population-Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Ibrahimou Boubakari , Kodali Sireesha , Salihu Hamisu
Published: September 2015

Aim. To identify sociodemographic and medical characteristics associated with preterm birth survival.Methods. A retrospective study of singleton births was performed using Missouri linked data for the years 1978 to 2005. We computed hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazards model.Results. High rates of infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality were observed among preterm as compared to term births. White are at low risk for postneonatal (HR = 0.77, CI: 0.65, 0.90) and infant mortality (HR = 0.90, CI: 0.81, 0.99) compared to blacks. We observed increased risks of all mortality types for preterm deliveries by caesarean section (neonatal HR = 1.53, CI: 1.40, 1.68; postneonatal HR = 1.39, CI: 1.22, 1.58; infant HR = 1.37, CI: 1.27, 1.48). As compared to nonsmokers, preterm singletons born to smoking mothers are 69% more likely to experience postneonatal mortality and have a 17% increased risk for infant death.Conclusions. Caesarean section is associated with increased risk of all types of mortality. Racial disparity is still a concern. Further research is required to identify the detailed differences in structure and procedures that result in the disadvantage associated with preterm birth especially with respect to caesarean section and race.
The Benefits of Using RONDO and an In-the-Ear Hearing Aid in Patients Using a Combined Electric-Acoustic System
Authors: Távora-Vieira Dayse , Miller Stuart
Published: September 2015

People with residual hearing in the low frequencies and profound hearing loss in the high frequencies often do not benefit from acoustic amplification. Focus on this group of patients led to the development of the combined electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) systems which can provide users with greater speech perception than can cochlear implant (CI) alone or acoustic hearing alone. EAS users wear a combined speech processor that incorporates a behind-the-ear audio processor that sits with an ear hook on the user’s pinna and a hearing aid, which sits in the ear canal. However, with the introduction of single-unit processors, which combine the audio processor, coil, control unit, and battery pack into a single device that sits on the implant site, therefore off the ear, simultaneous electric (CI) and acoustic (hearing aid) stimulation is not currently possible with a combined processor. To achieve EAS with a single-unit processor, a CI user must also wear a hearing aid. This study seeks to determine if experienced users of combined EAS speech processors could also benefit from using a combination of a single-unit speech processor that sits off the ear and an in-the-ear hearing aid.
Roles of Akt and SGK1 in the Regulation of Renal Tubular Transport
Authors: Satoh Nobuhiko , Nakamura Motonobu , Suzuki Masashi , Suzuki Atsushi , Seki George , Horita Shoko
Published: September 2015

A serine/threonine kinase Akt is a key mediator in various signaling pathways including regulation of renal tubular transport. In proximal tubules, Akt mediates insulin signaling via insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) and stimulates sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1), resulting in increased sodium reabsorption. In insulin resistance, the IRS2 in kidney cortex is exceptionally preserved and may mediate the stimulatory effect of insulin on NBCe1 to cause hypertension in diabetes via sodium retention. Likewise, in distal convoluted tubules and cortical collecting ducts, insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation mediates several hormonal signals to enhance sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activities, resulting in increased sodium reabsorption. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) mediates aldosterone signaling. Insulin can stimulate SGK1 to exert various effects on renal transporters. In renal cortical collecting ducts, SGK1 regulates the expression level of ENaC through inhibition of its degradation. In addition, SGK1 and Akt cooperatively regulate potassium secretion by renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK). Moreover, sodium-proton exchanger 3 (NHE3) in proximal tubules is possibly activated by SGK1. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding of the roles of Akt and SGK1 in the regulation of renal tubular transport.
Cutaneous Eruption due to Telaprevir
Authors: Falcão Eduardo Mastrangelo Marinho , Trope Beatriz Moritz , Godinho Mariana Marteleto , Carneiro Leonardo Hoehl , Araujo-Neto João Marcello de , Nogueira Cristiane Alves Villela , Ramos-e-Silva Marcia
Published: September 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects 0.5-3% of the world population. A large group of patients develop cirrhosis and its complications. Since 2011, telaprevir and boceprevir are used, improving the disease evolution. One of the main side effects of these drugs is skin eruption. We report a 53-year-old patient with cirrhosis due to HCV who started the classic treatment associated with telaprevir. In the ninth week, he presented a severe rash that required the interruption of this drug. We emphasize the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of adverse skin reaction.
A 24-Week, Randomized, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of 2 Different Titration Schemes of the Rivastigmine Patch in Japanese Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Nakamura Yu , Strohmaier Christine , Tamura Kaoru , Kataoka Naoko , Nakano Masayuki , Oda Shoichiro , Nishimura Kazuma , Homma Akira
Published: September 2015

Aim: To investigate whether 1-step titration of the rivastigmine patch (initiated at 5 cm2 and titrated to 10 cm2 after 4 weeks) is well tolerated in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as compared to 3-step titration (initiated at 2.5 cm2 and titrated by 2.5 cm2 every 4 weeks to 10 cm2). Methods: A 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in Japan between July 2012 and May 2014. Patients with mild to moderate AD aged 50-85 years were randomized 1:1 to 1-step or 3-step titration of the rivastigmine once-daily patch. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with adverse events leading to discontinuation. Results: Of 216 patients randomized, 215 (1-step, n = 107; 3-step, n = 108) were included in the safety analysis. The primary endpoint outcome was 15.0% in the 1-step group and 18.5% in the 3-step group. The observed treatment difference was −3.6% (95% confidence interval: −17.0, 9.6), falling within the prespecified acceptance range. Conclusion: The tolerability of two different titration schemes was similar in Japanese patients with AD.
The Prevalence and Long-Term Outcomes of Extreme Right versus Extreme Left Ventricular Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guo Xiying , Fan Chaomei , Wang Hongyue , Zhao Shihua , Duan Fujian , Wang Zhimin , Yan Lirong , Yang Yinjian , An Shuoyan , Li Yishi
Published: September 2015

Objectives: Extreme left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a known risk factor for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Extreme right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is rare, and whether it is linked to a poor outcome is unknown. This study was designed to investigate differences between HCM patients with extreme RVH and those with extreme LVH. Methods: Among 2,413 HCM patients, 31 with extreme RVH (maximum right ventricular wall thickness ≥10 mm) and 194 with extreme LVH (maximum left ventricular wall thickness ≥30 mm) were investigated. The main clinical features and natural history were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The prevalence of extreme RVH and extreme LVH was 1.3 and 8.0%, respectively. Patients with extreme RVH tended to be younger and female (p < 0.01). Cardiovascular-related mortality and morbidity within 10 years were significantly greater in the extreme RVH group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated 3 independent predictors for cardiovascular mortality - extreme RVH, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension ≥50 mm, and age ≤18 years at baseline - and 2 for morbidity - extreme RVH and presyncope. Conclusions: Compared with extreme LVH, extreme RVH was quite uncommon in HCM and had a worse prognosis. A right ventricle examination should be performed in routine HCM evaluation.
Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , McCoy Lisa A. , Negi Smita I. , Hameed Irfan , Atri Prashant , Al’Aref Subhi J. , Curtis Jeptha , McNulty Ed , Anderson H. Vernon , Shroff Adhir , Menegus Mark , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Gurm Hitinder , Messenger John , Wang Tracy , Bradley Steven M.
Published: September 2015

Background—

Little is known about the contemporary use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and other mechanical circulatory support (O-MCS) devices in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of cardiogenic shock.

Methods and Results—

We identified 76 474 patients who underwent PCI in the setting of cardiogenic shock at one of 1429 National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI participating hospitals from 2009 to 2013. Temporal trends and hospital-level variation in the use of IABP and O-MCS were evaluated. No mechanical circulatory support was used in 41 286 (54%) patients, 29 730 (39%) received IABP only, 2711 (3.5%) received O-MCS only, and 2747 (3.6%) received both IABP and O-MCS. At the start of the study period, 45% of patients undergoing PCI in the setting of cardiogenic shock received an IABP and 6.7% received O-MCS. The proportion of patients receiving IABP declined at an average rate of 0.3% per quarter, whereas the rate of O-MCS use was unchanged over the study period. The predicted probability of IABP use varied significantly by site (hospital median 42%, interquartile range 33% to 51%, range 8% to 85%). The probability of O-MCS use was <5% for half of hospitals and >20% in less than one-tenth of hospitals.

Conclusions—

In this large national registry, the use of IABP in the setting of PCI for cardiogenic shock decreased over time without a concurrent increase in O-MCS use. The probability of IABP and O-MCS use varied across hospitals, and the use of O-MCS was clustered at a small number of hospitals.
Invisible Women
Authors: Bertini Catherine
Published: September 2015

Women are ubiquitous and critical to the nutritional well-being of their families, yet they are often invisible to policy-makers, public officials, community leaders, and researchers. Effecting significant decreases in the number of hungry poor people, as well as the improvement of nutritional and economic outcomes, requires policy in addition to operational and research priorities that are directed at the needs of women and girls.
The Ethics of Food, Fuel & Feed
Authors: Henning Brian G.
Published: September 2015

As the collective impact of human activity approaches Earth's biophysical limits, the ethics of food become increasingly important. Hundreds of millions of people remain undernourished, yet only 60 percent of the global harvest is consumed by humans, while 35 percent is fed to livestock and 5 percent is used for biofuels and other industrial products. This essay considers the ethics of such use of edible nutrition for feedstock and biofuel. How humanity uses Earth's land is a reflection of its values. The current land-use arrangements, which divert 40 percent of all food to feed animals or create fuels, suggest that dietary and transportation preferences of wealthier individuals are considered more important than feeding undernourished people, or the stability of the wider biotic community.