bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of stimulus content but not of emotional valence is altered in persons with Williams syndrome
Authors: Key A. P. , Dykens E. M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) exhibit hypersociability and may respond atypically to emotional information in social and nonsocial stimuli. It is not yet clear whether these difficulties are specific to emotional content or stimulus type. This study examined the neural processes supporting social and emotional information processing in WS.

Method

Visual event‐related potentials were recorded in 19 adults with WS and 10 typical peers during a picture‐viewing task requiring detection of smiling faces among other social and nonsocial images with positive and negative emotional content.

Results

The participant groups were not significantly different in affective processing of positive and negative stimuli and perceived faces as different from nonsocial images. Participants with WS showed subtle differences in face‐specific perceptual processes (e.g. face inversion, N170 lateralisation), suggesting a more feature‐based processing. They also demonstrated reduced attention and arousal modulation (P3, late positive potential) in response to faces vs. nonsocial images. These differences were independent of intelligence quotient.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of greater than typical perceptual, attentional or affective processing of social information in WS. The results support the idea that altered face perception processes and not the increased salience of social stimuli or difficulties with emotion discrimination may contribute to the hypersocial phenotype in WS.
Synthesis and deposition of basement membrane proteins by primary brain capillary endothelial cells in a murine model of the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Thomsen Maj Schneider , Birkelund Svend , Burkhart Annette , Stensballe Allan , Moos Torben
Published: July 2016

The brain vascular basement membrane is important for both blood–brain barrier (BBB) development, stability, and barrier integrity and the contribution hereto from brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs), pericytes, and astrocytes of the BBB is probably significant. The aim of this study was to analyse four different in vitro models of the murine BBB for expression and possible secretion of major basement membrane proteins from murine BCECs (mBCECs). mBCECs, pericytes and glial cells (mainly astrocytes and microglia) were prepared from brains of C57BL/6 mice. The mBCECs were grown as monoculture, in co‐culture with pericytes or mixed glial cells, or as a triple‐culture with both pericytes and mixed glial cells. The integrity of the BBB models was validated by measures of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and passive permeability to mannitol. The expression of basement membrane proteins was analysed using RT‐qPCR, mass spectrometry and immunocytochemistry. Co‐culturing mBCECs with pericytes, mixed glial cells, or both significantly increased the TEER compared to the monoculture, and a low passive permeability was correlated with high TEER. The mBCECs expressed all major basement membrane proteins such as laminin‐411, laminin‐511, collagen [α1(IV)]2α2(IV), agrin, perlecan, and nidogen 1 and 2 in vitro. Increased expression of the laminin α5 subunit correlated with the addition of BBB‐inducing factors (hydrocortisone, Ro 20‐1724, and pCPT‐cAMP), whereas increased expression of collagen IV α1 primarily correlated with increased levels of cAMP. In conclusion, BCECs cultured in vitro coherently form a BBB and express basement membrane proteins as a feature of maturation.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13789.
An Incentive‐Compatible Experiment on Probabilistic Insurance and Implications for an Insurer's Solvency Level
Authors: Zimmer Anja , Gründl Helmut , Schade Christian D. , Glenzer Franca
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

This article is the first to conduct an incentive‐compatible experiment using real monetary payoffs to test the hypothesis of probabilistic insurance, which states that willingness to pay for insurance decreases sharply in the presence of even small default probabilities as compared to a risk‐free insurance contract. In our experiment, 181 participants state their willingness to pay for insurance contracts with different levels of default risk. We find that the willingness to pay sharply decreases with increasing default risk. Our results, hence, strongly support the hypothesis of probabilistic insurance. Furthermore, we study the impact of customer reaction to default risk on an insurer's optimal solvency level using our experimentally obtained data on insurance demand. We show that an insurer should choose to be default‐free rather than having even a very small default probability. This risk strategy is also optimal when assuming substantial transaction costs for risk management activities undertaken to achieve the maximum solvency level.
God and Dispositional Essentialism: An Account of the Laws of Nature
Authors: Adams Dani
Published: July 2016

It is common to appeal to governing laws of nature in order to explain the existence of natural regularities. Classical theism, however, maintains the sovereignty thesis: everything distinct from God is created by him and is under his guidance and control. It follows from this that God must somehow be responsible for natural laws and regularities. Therefore, theists need an account of the relation between (i) regularities, (ii) laws, and (iii) God. I examine competing accounts of laws of nature and conclude that dispositional essentialism provides the most satisfactory explanation of the relation between (i), (ii) and (iii).
Our Day Jobs: Politics and Pedagogy in Academia
Authors: Rothman Barbara Katz
Published: July 2016

This essay addresses the changing face of the university. It is based on my presidential address at the 2016 meetings of the Eastern Sociological Society.
Viral load and ganciclovir (GCV) concentration in cerebrospinal fluid of patients successfully treated with GCV or valGCV for human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis/myelitis following umbilical cord blood transplantation
Authors: Morita D. , Hirabayashi K. , Katsuyama Y. , Morokawa H. , Motobayashi M. , Kurata T. , Shigemura T. , Tanaka M. , Inaba Y. , Koike K. , Nakazawa Y.
Published: July 2016

We describe successful treatment of 3 cases of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) encephalitis/myelitis following cord blood transplantation (CBT). Ganciclovir (GCV) (10 mg/kg/day) reduced HHV‐6 load to undetectable levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Early dose reduction in the presence of HHV‐6 detectable in CSF resulted in an increased HHV‐6 load. GCV was capably shifted to valganciclovir (VGCV) with an almost equivalent concentration. GCV/VGCV may be effective for HHV‐6 encephalitis/myelitis after CBT, although HHV‐6 load in CSF should be monitored.
Coordination of I&C Design With the Obligatory Consideration of Human Factors: A Project Management Approach
Authors: Sanz Silvia , Ciriello Antonio , Krause Wolfgang , Eisinger Asriel
Published: July 2016

Human factors engineering (HFE), such as other engineering disciplines involved in plant design, cannot be considered retroactively. The engineering principles and methods derived from deep knowledge of the cognitive and perceptual capabilities and limitations of the plant’s “human element” are applied instead throughout the plant design. Focusing HFE efforts, the plant’s HMI is designed to ensure effective and error-free performance of the monitoring, control, and administrative tasks allocated to the control-room crew. A project’s HFE program prescribes three main steps (1) The task analysis and the analyses of plant monitoring and control functions to identify those to be performed manually (all others are performed automatically, or in a combination of manual and automatic, while still manually monitored) and determine in turn the HMI inventory of information displays, controls, alarms, and operating procedures required to support their performance. (2) The guided design of the plant’s HMI, ensuring its compliance with HFE principles and the completeness and correctness of the task support it provides. (3) The subsequent evaluation of operator performance, trained to follow the operating procedures and use of the HMI. Authors’ experience shows that the three following required steps pose challenges to project execution: (1) the acquisition and analysis of the multidisciplinary functional requirements (related to plant monitoring and control); (2) the likely interdisciplinary analysis and how fulfillment of these requirements shall be allocated to I&C automation systems or operators (or both); and (3) the HFE-guided HMI design and validation. An additional fourth challenge poses a timely and cost-effective application of HFE to I&C engineering, which can be achieved by adequate planning and project management procedures. This paper aims to summarize some of our industrial experiences gained in new builds and modernization projects of nuclear power plants around the world.
Level Dynamics Monitoring of a Once-Through Steam Generator: A New Method Using the Reflectometric Technique
Authors: Cordella Francesco , Cappelli Mauro , Sepielli Massimo
Published: July 2016

We present here some theoretical and experimental results about the application of the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technique to a once-through steam generator (OTSG) bayonet-type, which is considered here, from a new point of view, as a coaxial transmission line and used as a level monitoring device for its own dynamics. This original approach leads to the design of a new kind of sensor, employable as a general-level measuring system in harsh conditions as well. This sensor may offer some interesting features for the design of control systems for nuclear facilities as well as for oil and gas plants. In order to experimentally verify the theoretical part, a mockup has been designed and built, so as to be used as a level control for a dedicated hydraulic loop system both in static and dynamic conditions. The purpose of the hydraulic loop system is to implement a short-/medium-term transient-level dynamics requiring fast sensor response, online measurement, and some nonlinearity features that are crucial for its control. The obtained results show that the TDR application on the OTSG is feasible at standard ambient temperature and pressure (SATP) conditions, paving the way for tests at the operating pressure and temperature ranges of a real plant.
Physiological and acoustic characteristics of the male music theatre voice
Authors: Bourne Tracy , Garnier Maëva , Samson Adeline
Published: July 2016

Six male music theatre singers were recorded in three different voice qualities: legit and two types of belt (“chesty” and “twangy”), on two vowels ([e] and [ɔ]), at four increasing pitches in the upper limit of each singer's belt range (∼250–440 Hz). The audio signal, the electroglottographic (EGG) signal, and the vocal tract impedance were all measured simultaneously. Voice samples were analyzed and then evaluated perceptually by 16 expert listeners. The three qualities were produced with significant differences at the physiological, acoustical, and perceptual levels: Singers produced belt qualities with a higher EGG contact quotient (CQEGG) and greater contacting speed quotient (Qcs), greater sound pressure level (SPL), and energy above 1 kHz (alpha ratio), and with higher frequencies of the first two vocal tract resonances (fR1, fR2), especially in the upper pitch range when compared to legit. Singers produced the chesty belt quality with higher CQEGG, Qcs, and SPL values and lower alpha ratios over the whole belt range, and with higher fR1 at the higher pitch range when compared to twangy belt. Consistent tuning of fR1 to the second voice harmonic (2f0) was observed in all three qualities and for both vowels. Expert listeners tended to identify all qualities based on the same acoustical and physiological variations as those observed in the singers' intended qualities.
The stability of multichannel sound systems with time-varying mixing matrices
Authors: Schlecht Sebastian J. , Habets Emanuël A. P.
Published: July 2016

Various time-varying algorithms have been applied in multichannel sound systems to improve the system's stability and, among these, frequency shifting has been demonstrated to reach the maximum stability improvement achievable by time-variation in general. However, the modulation artifacts have been found to diminish the gain improvement unusable for a higher number of channels and high-quality applications such as music reproduction. This paper proposes alternatively time-varying mixing matrices, which is an efficient algorithm corresponding to symmetric up and down frequency shifting. It is shown with a statistical approach that time-varying mixing matrices can as well achieve maximum stability improvement for a higher number of channels. A listening test demonstrates the improved quality of time-varying mixing matrices over frequency shifting.
Cognitive Disequilibrium and Service-Learning in Physical Education Teacher Education: Perceptions of Pre-Service Teachers in a Study Abroad Experience
Authors: Ward Stefan , Pellett Heidi Henschel , Perez Mark I.
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to explore preservice teachers’ experiences of cognitive disequilibrium (CD) theory during a service-learning project in a study abroad experience.

Method:

A case study with 8 participants was used. Data sources consisted of: Formal interviews, videos of planning, videos of teaching, videos of reflection sessions, and informal interviews. Data were analyzed utilizing open and axial coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Trustworthiness strategies included: prolonged engagement, multiple data source triangulation, and member checks.

Results:

Results indicated four themes: “We made it our own thing”, “Summer camp for teachers”, “Struggle and disequilibrium”, and “By the end it was a transformation”.

Discussion/Conclusions:

CD was ultimately positive for these students. The positive resolution of CD catalyzed a transformative effect on their perceptions of their teaching. This was supported by positive peer interaction.
Using Photovoice to Initiate Improvement in a PETE Program
Authors: Walker Ashley , Langdon Jody L. , Colquitt Gavin , McCollum Starla
Published: July 2016

There is limited research that includes democratic practices to evaluate the PETE program in its ability to prepare preservice teachers (PTs). In other areas such as community health, methodologies have been used to provide a voice to individuals living the experience. The purpose of this study was to examine PTs’ perceptions of a teacher education program during the student teaching experience using Photovoice. A group of PTs (N = 16) from a university in southeast Georgia were given 14 days to capture the strengths and weakness of their teacher preparation program through photography. The PTs then discussed their photographs during two focus groups with the researcher. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data analysis included an evaluation of interview transcripts and photographs using content analysis to identify significant themes that emerged. An action plan to promote curricular change was created by the PTs and presented to PETE faculty.
Delamanid Coadministered with Antiretroviral Drugs or Antituberculosis Drugs Shows No Clinically Relevant Drug-Drug Interactions in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mallikaarjun Suresh , Wells Charles , Petersen Carolyn , Paccaly Anne , Shoaf Susan E. , Patil Shiva , Geiter Lawrence
Published: July 2016

Delamanid is a medicinal product approved for treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the potential drug-drug interactions between delamanid and antiretroviral drugs, including ritonavir, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, and selected anti-TB drugs, including rifampin, a strong inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes. Multiple-dose studies were conducted in parallel groups of healthy subjects. Plasma samples were analyzed for delamanid, delamanid metabolite, and coadministered drug concentrations, and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were determined. The magnitude of the interaction was assessed by the ratio of the geometric means and 90% confidence intervals. Coadministration of delamanid with tenofovir or efavirenz did not affect the PK characteristics of delamanid. Coadministration of Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) with delamanid resulted in an approximately 25% higher delamanid area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to the end of the dosing interval (AUCτ). Tenofovir, efavirenz, lopinavir, and ritonavir exposure were not affected by delamanid. Coadministration of delamanid with the TB drugs (ethambutol plus Rifater [rifampin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid]) resulted in lower delamanid exposures (47 and 42% for the AUCτ and C
max
[maximum concentration of a drug in plasma] values, respectively), as well as decreased exposure of three primary metabolites (approximately 30 to 50% lower AUCτ values). Delamanid did not affect rifampin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid exposure; the ethambutol AUCτ and
C
max
values were about 25% higher with delamanid coadministration. The lack of clinically significant drug-drug interactions between delamanid and selected antiretroviral agents (including the strong CYP inhibitor ritonavir) and a combination of anti-TB drugs was demonstrated. Although there was a decrease in the delamanid concentrations when coadministered with ethambutol plus Rifater, this is likely related to decreased delamanid absorption and not to CYP induction.
First Report of German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica) as Reservoirs of CTX-M-15 Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase- and OXA-48 Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Batna University Hospital, Algeria
Authors: Loucif Lotfi , Gacemi-Kirane Djamila , Cherak Zineb , Chamlal Naima , Grainat Nadia , Rolain Jean-Marc
Published: July 2016

Here we report the isolation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
from German cockroaches caught in the burn unit of Batna University Hospital in Algeria. Nine of 12 isolates harbored the
bla
CTX-M-15
ESBL gene. One
Enterobacter cloacae
isolate belonging to sequence type 528 coexpressed the
bla
OXA-48
,
bla
CTX-M-15
, and
bla
TEM
genes. Our findings indicate that cockroaches may be one of the most dangerous reservoirs for ESBL and carbapenemase producers in hospitals.
Characterization of Spectinomycin Resistance in Streptococcus suis Leads to Two Novel Insights into Drug Resistance Formation and Dissemination Mechanism
Authors: Huang Kaisong , Zhang Qiang , Song Yajing , Zhang Zhewen , Zhang Anding , Xiao Jingfa , Jin Meilin
Published: July 2016

Spectinomycin is an aminocyclitol antibiotic used clinically to treat a variety of infections in animals. Here, we characterized drug resistance prevalence in clinical
Streptococcus suis
isolates and discovered a novel resistance mechanism in which the s5 mutation (Gly26Asp) results in high spectinomycin resistance. Additionally, a novel integrative and conjugative element encompassing a multidrug resistance
spw_like-aadE-lnu
(B)-
lsa
(E) cluster and a cadmium resistance operon were identified, suggesting a possible cause for the wide dissemination of spectinomycin resistance in
S. suis
.
Saliva-Induced Clotting Captures Streptococci: Novel Roles for Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Host Defense and Immune Evasion
Authors: Wollein Waldetoft Kristofer , Mohanty Tirthankar , Karlsson Christofer , Mörgelin Matthias , Frick Inga-Maria , Malmström Johan , Björck Lars
Published: July 2016

Streptococcal pharyngitis is among the most common bacterial infections, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the interactions among three major players in streptococcal pharyngitis: streptococci, plasma, and saliva. We find that saliva activates the plasma coagulation system through both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways, entrapping the bacteria in fibrin clots. The bacteria escape the clots by activating host plasminogen. Our results identify a potential function for the intrinsic pathway of coagulation in host defense and a corresponding role for fibrinolysis in streptococcal immune evasion.
Recombinant Mucin-Type Fusion Proteins with a Galα1,3Gal Substitution as Clostridium difficile Toxin A Inhibitors
Authors: Cherian Reeja Maria , Jin Chunsheng , Liu Jining , Karlsson Niclas G. , Holgersson Jan
Published: July 2016

The capability of a recombinant mucin-like fusion protein, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1/mouse IgG2b (PSGL-1/mIgG2b), carrying Galα1,3Galβ1,4GlcNAc determinants to bind and inhibit
Clostridium difficile
toxin A (TcdA) was investigated. The fusion protein, produced by a glyco-engineered stable CHO-K1 cell line and designated C-PGC2, was purified by affinity and gel filtration chromatography from large-scale cultures. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to characterize
O
-glycans released by reductive β-elimination, and new diagnostic ions to distinguish Galα1,3Gal- from Galα1,4Gal-terminated
O
-glycans were identified. The C-PGC2 cell line, which was 20-fold more sensitive to TcdA than the wild-type CHO-K1, is proposed as a novel cell-based model for TcdA cytotoxicity and neutralization assays. The C-PGC2-produced fusion protein could competitively inhibit TcdA binding to rabbit erythrocytes, making it a high-efficiency inhibitor of the hemagglutination property of TcdA. The fusion protein also exhibited a moderate capability for neutralization of TcdA cytotoxicity in both C-PGC2 and CHO-K1 cells, the former with and the latter without cell surface Galα1,3Galβ1,4GlcNAc sequences. Future studies in animal models of
C. difficile
infection will reveal its TcdA-inhibitory effect and therapeutic potential in
C. difficile
-associated diseases.
Mutagen Synergy: Hypermutability Generated by Specific Pairs of Base Analogs
Authors: Ang Jocelyn , Song Lisa Yun , D'Souza Sara , Hong Irene L. , Luhar Rohan , Yung Madeline , Miller Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2016

We tested pairwise combinations of classical base analog mutagens in
Escherichia coli
to study possible mutagen synergies. We examined the cytidine analogs zebularine (ZEB) and 5-azacytidine (5AZ), the adenine analog 2-aminopurine (2AP), and the uridine/thymidine analog 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5BrdU). We detected a striking synergy with the 2AP plus ZEB combination, resulting in hypermutability, a 35-fold increase in mutation frequency (to 53,000 × 10
−8
) in the
rpoB
gene over that with either mutagen alone. A weak synergy was also detected with 2AP plus 5AZ and with 5BrdU plus ZEB. The pairing of 2AP and 5BrdU resulted in suppression, lowering the mutation frequency of 5BrdU alone by 6.5-fold. Sequencing the mutations from the 2AP plus ZEB combination showed the predominance of two new hot spots for A·T→G·C transitions that are not well represented in either single mutagen spectrum, and one of which is not found even in the spectrum of a mismatch repair-deficient strain. The strong synergy between 2AP and ZEB could be explained by changes in the dinucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools.

IMPORTANCE
Although mutagens have been widely studied, the mutagenic effects of combinations of mutagens have not been fully researched. Here, we show that certain pairwise combinations of base analog mutagens display synergy or suppression. In particular, the combination of 2-aminopurine and zebularine, analogs of adenine and cytidine, respectively, shows a 35-fold increased mutation frequency compared with that of either mutagen alone. Understanding the mechanism of synergy can lead to increased understanding of mutagenic processes. As combinations of base analogs are used in certain chemotherapy regimens, including those involving ZEB and 5AZ, these results indicate that testing the mutagenicity of all drug combinations is prudent.
Perils of police action: a cautionary tale from US data sets
Authors: Miller Ted R , Lawrence Bruce A , Carlson Nancy N , Hendrie Delia , Randall Sean , Rockett Ian R H , Spicer Rebecca S
Published: July 2016

Objective

To count and characterise injuries resulting from legal intervention by US law enforcement personnel and injury ratios per 10 000 arrests or police stops, thus expanding discussion of excessive force by police beyond fatalities.

Design

Ecological.

Population

Those injured during US legal police intervention as recorded in 2012 Vital Statistics mortality census, 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project nationwide inpatient and emergency department samples, and two 2015 newspaper censuses of deaths.

Exposure

2012 and 2014 arrests from Federal Bureau of Investigation data adjusted for non-reporting jurisdictions; street stops and traffic stops that involved vehicle or occupant searches, without arrest, from the 2011 Police Public Contact Survey (PPCS), with the percentage breakdown by race computed from pooled 2005, 2008 and 2011 PPCS surveys due to small case counts.

Results

US police killed or injured an estimated 55 400 people in 2012 (95% CI 47 050 to 63 740 for cases coded as police involved). Blacks, Native Americans and Hispanics had higher stop/arrest rates per 10 000 population than white non-Hispanics and Asians. On average, an estimated 1 in 291 stops/arrests resulted in hospital-treated injury or death of a suspect or bystander. Ratios of admitted and fatal injury due to legal police intervention per 10 000 stops/arrests did not differ significantly between racial/ethnic groups. Ratios rose with age, and were higher for men than women.

Conclusions

Healthcare administrative data sets can inform public debate about injuries resulting from legal police intervention. Excess per capita death rates among blacks and youth at police hands are reflections of excess exposure. International Classification of Diseases legal intervention coding needs revision.
Dark-field Z-scan technique with highly nonlinear absorbing materials: Application to porphyrins
Authors: Chniti Meherzia , Cassagne Christophe , Wang Hongzhen , Boudebs Georges
Published: July 2016

The newly introduced imaging Dark-field Z-scan (DFZ-scan) technique is applied here to demonstrate its ability to measure the optical third-order nonlinear (NL) index coefficient in the presence of nonlinear absorption (NLA). We present our experimental results for two compounds of Porphyrin molecules, known to have relatively high NLA in the picosecond regime, at 532[Formula: see text]nm, allowing to test both cases of positive and negative nonlinear refraction (NLR). Moreover, we show that, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the method by introducing a circular aperture in the image plane. Also, limitations are discussed to process optically a pure NL refractive signal, not subject to the influence of the NLA one, at the output of the imaging setup.
Study of dependence between thermal diffusivity and sample concentration measured by means of frequency-resolved thermal lens experiment
Authors: Rodriguez Luis G. , Iza Peter , Paz J. L.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes experimental results of thermal diffusivity measurements performed on different concentrations of aqueous Tartrazine solutions. The measurements are performed using the frequency-resolved thermal lensing technique and the results are compared with the thermal diffusivity value of pure water used as a solvent or host liquid. The results show that at low concentrations, the thermal properties of the solution are roughly equal to those of the water. However, when the concentration is increased, the thermal properties of the solutions diverge from that of the host liquid.
A new characterization of Kac–Moody–Malcev superalgebras
Authors: Azam S.
Published: July 2016

In the past two decades there has been great attention to Lie (super)algebras, which are extensions of affine Kac–Moody Lie (super)algebras, in certain typical or axiomatic approaches. These Lie (super)algebras have been mostly studied under variations of the name “extended affine Lie (super)algebras”. We show that certain classes of Malcev (super)algebras also can be put in this framework. This in particular allows us to provide new examples of Malcev (super)algebras which extend the known Kac–Moody Malcev (super)algebras.
Assessments of the Effectiveness of an Earthquake Emergency Plan Implementation with Hesitant Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Ren Peijia , Xu Zeshui , Gu Jing
Published: July 2016

Numerous earthquakes occur throughout the world, and thus, earthquake emergency plan is a significant issue that concerns everyone in the affected areas. However, the absence of an effective, scientific assessments system may lead to a lack of awareness about the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of earthquake emergency plan implementation. This delays the construction of emergency plan and leads to low operational efficiency. In order to improve this situation, this paper aims to efficiently assess the earthquake emergency plan implementation to accelerate the replenishment and the amendment of the earthquake emergency plan. Firstly, we review the existing researches on the earthquake emergency system and some guidelines and plans of earthquake emergency. Secondly, we carefully conduct 30 indicators to assess the effectiveness of earthquake emergency plan implementation in terms of operational mechanism, emergency response, and emergency safeguards. Thirdly, according to the characteristic information obtained from the effectiveness assessments of earthquake emergency plan implementation, and based on the advantages of hesitant fuzzy elements for expressing information, we develop a method for the effectiveness assessments of earthquake emergency plan implementation using hesitant analytic hierarchy process (HAHP). Furthermore, we apply the method to assess the Wenchuan, Yushu and Lushan earthquakes, and also compare our method with the analytic hierarchy process. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the HAHP is highly suitable for assessments of earthquake emergency plan implementation’s effectiveness.
Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres Derived from Dopamine as High-Performance Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Yurong , Qiu Min , Liu Li , Su Dan , Pi Yanmei , Yan Guomin
Published: July 2016

Designed as an anode material for sodium ion batteries, porous nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanospheres (N-HCS, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm) are successfully synthesized via the mature template-assisted method using silica and dopamine as template and carbon precursor, respectively. For detailed characterization of Raman, FTIR and XPS results, it is revealed that N-doping can form a disordered carbon structure and induce a large number of topological defects on carbon outer wall. The N-HCS electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability and rate capability, delivering a satisfying capacity of 306[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] over 600 cycles at a discharging rate of 0.05[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] and an attainable capacity of 188[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] even at a high discharging rate of 3.0[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text]. The excellent electrochemical performance of N-HCS can be attributed to the high content of pores. Moreover, the high content of pyridinic and graphitic N could facilitate the transfer of sodium ion and electron.
Some complexity results and an efficient algorithm for quay crane scheduling problem
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Shijin , Chu Feng , Xu Yinfeng
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the quay crane scheduling problem (QCSP) at container ports, subject to arbitrary precedence constraint among vessel container tasks. Differing from classic machine scheduling problems, noncrossing constraint for quay cranes must be satisfied. This is because quay cranes work in parallel and they travel on a same rail (along the berth), to perform container unloading and loading tasks for vessels. Precedence relation in an arbitrary form is rarely investigated in the literature, however, it may be originated from reefers or dangerous cargo which requires high priority of processing, and yard stacking plan. We present the computational complexity for several problem variations. In particular, we show the QCSP, even without precedence constraint, is strongly NP-hard. This complexity result improves the state-of-the-art, in which the same problem is shown to be NP-hard in the ordinary sense. Besides, we also prove that for two parallel quay cranes, if the processing times of container tasks are ones and twos, then this scheduling problem is NP-hard. This result implies that the QCSP with arbitrary precedence constraint is very difficult to solve. A genetic algorithm is proposed to obtain near-optimal solutions. Computational experiments demonstrate the efficiency.
CSM
Authors: Jiang Yexi , Perng Chang-Shing , Sailer Anca , Silva-Lepe Ignacio , Zhou Yang , Li Tao
Published: July 2016

The cloud service marketplace (CSM) is an exploratory project aiming to provide “an AppStore for Services.” It is an intelligent online marketplace that facilitates service discovery and acquisition for enterprise customers. Traditional service discovery and acquisition are time-consuming. In the era of OneClick Checkout and pay-as-you-go service plans, users expect services to be purchased online efficiently and conveniently. However, as services are complex and different from software apps, the currently prevailing App Store based on keyword search is inadequate for services.

In CSM, exploring and configuring services are an iterative process. Customers provide their requirements in natural language and interact with the system through questioning and answering. Learning from the input, the system can incrementally clarify users’ intention, narrow down the candidate services, and profile the configuration information for the candidates at the same time. CSM’s back end is built around the
Services Knowledge Graph (SKG)
and leverages data mining technologies to enable the semantic understanding of customers’ requirements. To quantitatively assess the value of CSM, empirical evaluation on real and synthetic datasets and case studies are given to demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of the proposed system.
Neighborhood View Consistency in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jhumka Arshad , Mottola Luca
Published: July 2016

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are characterized by
localized interactions
, that is, protocols are often based on message exchanges within a node’s direct radio range. We recognize that for these protocols to work effectively, nodes must have consistent information about their shared neighborhoods. Different types of faults, however, can affect this information, severely impacting a protocol’s performance. We factor this problem out of existing WSN protocols and argue that a notion of
neighborhood view consistency
(NVC) can be embedded within existing designs to improve their performance. To this end, we study the problem from both a theoretical and a system perspective. We prove that the problem cannot be solved in an asynchronous system using any of Chandra and Toueg’s failure detectors. Because of this, we introduce a new software device called
pseudocrash failure detector
(PCD), study its properties, and identify necessary and sufficient conditions for solving NVC with PCDs. We prove that, in the presence of transient faults, NVC is impossible to solve with any PCDs, thus define two weaker specifications of the problem. We develop a global algorithm that satisfies both specifications in the presence of unidirectional links, and a localized algorithm that solves the weakest specification in networks of bidirectional links. We implement the latter atop two different WSN operating systems, integrate our implementations with four different WSN protocols, and run extensive micro-benchmarks and full-stack experiments on a real 90-node WSN testbed. Our results show that the performance significantly improves for NVC-equipped protocols; for example, the Collection Tree Protocol (CTP) halves energy consumption with higher data delivery.
A Comparative Study of Recent Wireless Sensor Network Simulators
Authors: Minakov Ivan , Passerone Roberto , Rizzardi Alessandra , Sicari Sabrina
Published: July 2016

Over recent years, the continuous interest in
wireless sensor networks
(WSNs) has led to the appearance of new modeling methods and simulation environments for WSN applications. A broad variety of different simulation tools have been designed to explore and validate WSN systems before actual implementation and real-world deployment. These tools address different design aspects and offer various simulation abstractions to represent and model real-world behavior. In this article, we present a comprehensive comparative study of mainstream open-source simulation tools for WSNs. Two benchmark applications are designed to evaluate the frameworks with respect to the simulation runtime performance, network throughput, communication medium modeling, packet reception rate, network latency, and power consumption estimation accuracy. Such metrics are also evaluated against measurements on physical prototypes. Our experiments show that the tools produce equivalent results from a functional point of view and capacity to model communication phenomena, while the ability to model details of the execution platform significantly impacts the runtime simulation performance and the power estimation accuracy. The benchmark applications are also made available in the public domain for further studies.
Unusual Late Onset of Parenchymal Neuro-Behçet Disease
Authors: Miller Wai Wai , Konstas Demetrios , Gandhy Chetan , Robertson Derrick
Published: July 2016

Neuro-Behçet disease (NBD) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by oral lesions, genital lesions, uveitis, and neurological deficits. If left untreated, it may lead to worsening neurological function and can be fatal. Here we present a case of a 52-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Behçet disease (BD) as a teenager and had a relatively mild disease course. Decades later after her initial DB diagnosis, she presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of headache. She did not have focal neurological deficits or any active mucosal lesions. Upon further investigation, the patient was found to have multiple inflammatory changes on neuroimaging and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), consistent with the diagnosis of NBD. She was treated with intravenous corticosteroid therapy and her symptoms resolved. Although our patient presented with minimal symptoms decades after her initial diagnosis, any neurological complaint warranted a thorough investigation for a proper diagnosis and treatment given the multisystem involvement of BD.
Abstract 1002: IDH1 promotes tumor growth and resistance to targeted therapies in the absence of mutation
Authors: Stegh Alexander H.
Published: July 2016

Metabolic abnormalities of cancers provide opportunities for novel tumor-specific therapies. Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs) are enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH. Oncogenic mutations in two IDH-encoding genes (IDH1 and IDH2) have been identified in acute myelogenous leukemia, low-grade glioma, and secondary glioblastoma (GBM). Our in silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data combined with wet-bench analysis of tumor extracts indicate that non-mutated IDH1 mRNA and protein is commonly overexpressed in primary GBM. We show that genetic and pharmacologic inactivation of IDH1 decreases GBM cell growth, promotes a more differentiated tumor cell state, increases apoptosis in response to targeted therapies, and prolongs survival of animal subjects bearing patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). On molecular levels, diminished IDH1 activity results in reduced α-KG and NADPH production, which is paralleled by deficient metabolic flux from glucose or acetate into lipids, exhaustion of reduced glutathione, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced histone methylation and differentiation marker expression. These findings suggest that IDH1 upregulation represents a common mechanism of metabolic adaptation of GBM to support macromolecular synthesis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance.

Citation Format: Alexander H. Stegh. IDH1 promotes tumor growth and resistance to targeted therapies in the absence of mutation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1002.
Abstract 1029: Rab1A and Rab1B promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activating mTORC1 signaling and inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Yang Xian-Zi , Wang Ren , Li Xiao-Xing , Yang Yang , Wang Hui-Yun , Zheng. X. F. Steven
Published: July 2016

Background: Rab1A has recently been shown to act as an oncogene and promote colorectal and liver tumorigenesis. In this study, we aim to understand the potential role of Rab1A and its homolog Rab1B in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: The expressions of Rab1A and Rab1B in139 paired human ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to elucidate the biological functions of Rab1A and Rab1B, and their role in the regulation of mTOR signaling, autophagy and ESCC tumorigenesis.

Results: The level of Rab1A and Rab1B is elevated in ESCC tissues, which is positively correlated with tumor TNM stages and N stages. The overall expression of Rab1A and Rab1B is an independent predictor of patient survival (P<0.01). Down-regulation of Rab1A and Rab1B individually and in combination in ESCC cells inhibits cell proliferation and migration, and enhances autophagy. Mechanistically, Rab1A and Rab1B activate mTORC1 to enhance growth and suppress autophagy.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that Rab1A and Rab1B cooperatively regulate ESCC proliferation and autophagy by activating mTORC1 signaling. They may serve as promising prognostic biomarkers and/or potential molecular targets of ESCC treatments.

Citation Format: Xian-Zi Yang, Ren Wang, Xiao-Xing Li, Yang Yang, Hui-Yun Wang, X. F. Steven Zheng. Rab1A and Rab1B promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activating mTORC1 signaling and inhibiting autophagy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1029.
Abstract 1034: Leptin induces early onset and aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Harbuzariu Adriana , Rampoldi Antonio , Daley-Brown Danielle S. , Harmon Tia L. , Beech Derrick J. , Oprea-Ilies Gabriela , Gonzalez-Perez Ruben R.
Published: July 2016

Background: During the past 30 years, pancreatic cancer (PC) has constantly been the fourth leading cause of cancer death. PC is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis, with an overall five years survival rate of less than 5%. Obesity, characterized by high levels of leptin, is pandemic in United States and a risk factor for PC. Notch abnormal signaling is linked to carcinogenesis, tumor angiogenesis and self renewal capacity of PC stem cells (PCSC). We have previously shown that leptin induces proliferation of PC cell lines, increases Notch expression, PCSC and tumorsphere formation. To test leptin effects in a PC mouse model, a specific and potent signaling inhibitor bound to nanoparticles, IONP-LPrA2 was produced by us.

Hypothesis: High levels of leptin induce early onset and multiplicity of PC xenografts, which is abrogated by IONP-LPrA2 treatment.

Methods: Human PC cell line MiaPaCa-2 was challenged with leptin or IONP-LPrA2. The expression of pluripotency associated genes (STAT3, Oct4, Sox2 and NANOG) was evaluated. MiaPaCa-2 cells forming tumorspheres were treated with leptin or IONP-LPrA2 and inoculated into CD1 nu/nu mice. Untreated tumorspheres were inoculated as controls. A group of mice were injected twice a week with IONP-LPrA2. Tumor onset and growth were assessed. PC xenografts were analyzed for expression of Ki67 (proliferation marker), leptin targeted molecules (Notch), PCSC markers etc.

Results: Leptin induced the expression of PCSC pluripotency markers. Moreover, leptin treatment of tumorspheres induced early tumor onset and multiplicity. Also, leptin increased proliferation, PCSC and oncogenic markers in PC xenografts. IONP-LPrA2 reduced leptin effects. No changes of mice food intake and body weight were observed.

Conclusions: This observation might imply that obese patients are at high risk to develop PC. Inhibition of leptin signaling may be used as preventative or therapeutic strategy for PC, especially in obese patients.

Acknowledgements: this work was supported by DOD W81XWH-13-1-0382; NIH/SBIR 1R41CA183399-01A1; Pilot Project Award from MSM/Tuskegee University/UAB Cancer Center partnership grant 5U54CA118638; PC SPORE Grant from UAB to RRGP, and facilities and support services at Morehouse School of Medicine (1G12RR026250-03; NIH RR 03034 and 1C06 RR18386).

Citation Format: Adriana Harbuzariu, Antonio Rampoldi, Danielle S. Daley-Brown, Tia L. Harmon, Derrick J. Beech, Gabriela Oprea-Ilies, Ruben R. Gonzalez-Perez. Leptin induces early onset and aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1034.