bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAMP Domain Rotation and Tilting Movements Associated with Signal Transduction in the PhoQ Sensor Kinase
Authors: Matamouros Susana , Hager Kyle R. , Miller Samuel I.
Published: May 2015

HAMP domains are α-helical coiled coils that often transduce signals from extracytoplasmic sensing domains to cytoplasmic domains. Limited structural information has resulted in hypotheses that specific HAMP helix movement changes downstream enzymatic activity. These hypotheses were tested by mutagenesis and cysteine cross-linking analysis of the PhoQ histidine kinase, essential for resistance to antimicrobial peptides in a variety of enteric pathogens. These results support a mechanistic model in which periplasmic signals which induce an activation state generate a rotational movement accompanied by a tilt in α-helix 1 which activates kinase activity. Biochemical data and a high-confidence model of the PhoQ cytoplasmic domain indicate a possible physical interaction of the HAMP domain with the catalytic domain as necessary for kinase repression. These results support a model of PhoQ activation in which changes in the periplasmic domain lead to conformational movements in the HAMP domain helices which disrupt interaction between the HAMP and the catalytic domains, thus promoting increased kinase activity.

IMPORTANCE
Most studies on the HAMP domain signaling states have been performed with chemoreceptors or the HAMP domain of Af1503. Full-length structures of the HAMP-containing histidine kinases VicK and CpxA or a hybrid between the HAMP domain of Af1503 and the EnvZ histidine kinase agree with the parallel four-helix bundle structure identified in Af1503 and provide snapshots of structural conformations experienced by HAMP domains. We took advantage of the fact that we can easily regulate the activation state of PhoQ histidine kinase to study its HAMP domain in the context of the full-length protein in living cells and provide biochemical evidence for different conformational states experienced by
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium PhoQ HAMP domain upon signaling.
A Multiprotein DNA Translocation Complex Directs Intramycelial Plasmid Spreading during
Streptomyces
Conjugation
Authors: Thoma Lina , Dobrowinski Hyazinth , Finger Constanze , Guezguez Jamil , Linke Dirk , Sepulveda Edgardo , Muth Günther
Published: May 2015

Conjugative DNA transfer in mycelial
Streptomyces
is a unique process involving the transfer of a double-stranded plasmid from the donor into the recipient and the subsequent spreading of the transferred plasmid within the recipient mycelium. This process is associated with growth retardation of the recipient and manifested by the formation of circular inhibition zones, named pocks. To characterize the unique
Streptomyces
DNA transfer machinery, we replaced each gene of the conjugative 12.1-kbp
Streptomyces venezuelae
plasmid pSVH1, with the exception of the
rep
gene required for plasmid replication, with a hexanucleotide sequence. Only deletion of
traB
, encoding the FtsK-like DNA translocase, affected efficiency of the transfer dramatically and abolished pock formation. Deletion of
spdB3
,
spd79
, or
spdB2
had a minor effect on transfer but prevented pock formation and intramycelial plasmid spreading. Biochemical characterization of the encoded proteins revealed that the GntR-type regulator TraR recognizes a specific sequence upstream of
spdB3
, while Orf108, SpdB2, and TraR bind to peptidoglycan. SpdB2 promoted spheroplast formation by T7 lysozyme and formed pores in artificial membranes. Bacterial two-hybrid analyses and chemical cross-linking revealed that most of the pSVH1-encoded proteins interacted with each other, suggesting a multiprotein DNA translocation complex of TraB and Spd proteins which directs intramycelial plasmid spreading.

IMPORTANCE
Mycelial soil bacteria of the genus
Streptomyces
evolved specific resistance genes as part of the biosynthetic gene clusters to protect themselves from their own antibiotic, making streptomycetes a huge natural reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes for dissemination by horizontal gene transfer.
Streptomyces
conjugation is a unique process, visible on agar plates with the mere eye by the formation of circular inhibition zones, called pocks. To understand the
Streptomyces
conjugative DNA transfer machinery, which does not involve a type IV secretion system (T4SS), we made a thorough investigation of almost all genes/proteins of the model plasmid pSVH1. We identified all genes involved in transfer and intramycelial plasmid spreading and showed that the FtsK-like DNA translocase TraB interacts with multiple plasmid-encoded proteins. Our results suggest the existence of a macromolecular DNA translocation complex that directs intramycelial plasmid spreading.
The unpaved journey of vitamin C in cancer treatment
Authors: Chen Qi , Polireddy Kishore , Chen Ping , Dong Ruochen
Published: May 2015

Effectiveness and low-toxicity to normal tissues are ideal properties for a cancer treatment, and one that numerous research programs are aiming for. Vitamin C has long been used in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a cancer treatment, with profound safety and anecdotal efficacy. Recent studies revealed the scientific basis for this use, and indicated that vitamin C, at supra-nutritional doses, holds considerable promise as an effective and low-toxic therapeutic strategy to treat cancer. Reviewed here are the early controversies surrounding vitamin C and cancer treatment, the breakthrough discoveries that led to the current advancement, and recent clinical studies, as well as research into its mechanisms of action.
Softness of Sn isotopes in relativistic semiclassical approximation
Authors: Biswal S. K. , Singh S. K. , Patra S. K.
Published: May 2015

Within the framework of relativistic Thomas–Fermi (RTF) and relativistic extended Thomas–Fermi (RETF) approximations, we calculate the giant monopole resonance (GMR) excitation energies for Sn and related nuclei. A large number of nonlinear relativistic force parameters are used in these calculations. We find a parameter set is capable to reproduce the experimental monopole energy of Sn isotopes, when its nuclear matter compressibility lies within 210–230 MeV, however, it fails to reproduce the GMR energy of other nuclei. That means, simultaneously a parameter set cannot reproduce the GMR values of Sn and other nuclei.
A Gain-Tunable Output Buffer for Audio-DAC with Common-Mode Output Independent of Gain Variation
Authors: Liang Yuhua , Zhu Zhangming
Published: May 2015

A novel gain-tunable output buffer for audio-DAC is proposed in this paper. With this proposed architecture, the common-mode output voltage can be independent of gain variation. In practical applications, supply voltage might change. With this proposed architecture, the common-mode output voltage could be set separately, to guarantee that it stays in the mid-scale position of the supply. Therefore, the ability of reaching the maximum output swing for the buffer features the proposed architecture. In addition, the threshold current reference is utilized to generate bias currents for the other building blocks. Therefore, it is always located in the source position of the signal chain. Its output noise would be amplified by all the following circuit blocks. To guarantee high-quality performance of the audio-DAC, the output noise of the threshold current reference should be suppressed. In this letter, noise performance of the threshold current reference is analyzed theoretically and improved significantly. Simulation result shows that the integrated noise current of the threshold current reference can be reduced from 0.61 to 0.15 nA when the integral frequency range sweeps from DC to 50 kHz, i.e., a reduction of 75.4% has been achieved.
Self-Assembly and Tribological Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Film on Silicon Substrates
Authors: Sun Zhiyong , Cheng Xianhua
Published: May 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) film was prepared on silicon ( Si ) substrate with a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) film as the interlayer in a multistep self-assembly process. The formation and microstructure of the CNTs film were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angles (WCAs) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). Tribological properties were evaluated with a UMT-2MT reciprocating friction tester. Results show that the CNTs were successfully assembled on Si substrates by chemical bonding between functional groups. CNTs film exhibited excellent friction reduction, high load-bearing capacity and antiwear ability. The friction coefficient was reduced drastically from 0.7 to 0.16, with markedly prolonged antiwear lifetime compared to bare Si substrates or APTES film. These superior tribological properties are attributable to the remarkable mechanical properties of CNTs and strong bond properties with the APTES film. CNTs film is thus expected to find wider application as high-performance lubricating film in micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) in future.
A Survey of Multiobjective Evolutionary Clustering
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Anirban , Maulik Ujjwal , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra
Published: May 2015

Data clustering is a popular unsupervised data mining tool that is used for partitioning a given dataset into homogeneous groups based on some similarity/dissimilarity metric. Traditional clustering algorithms often make prior assumptions about the cluster structure and adopt a corresponding suitable objective function that is optimized either through classical techniques or metaheuristic approaches. These algorithms are known to perform poorly when the cluster assumptions do not hold in the data. Multiobjective clustering, in which multiple objective functions are simultaneously optimized, has emerged as an attractive and robust alternative in such situations. In particular, application of multiobjective evolutionary algorithms for clustering has become popular in the past decade because of their population-based nature. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical survey of the multitude of multiobjective evolutionary clustering techniques existing in the literature. The techniques are classified according to the encoding strategies adopted, objective functions, evolutionary operators, strategy for maintaining nondominated solutions, and the method of selection of the final solution. The pros and cons of the different approaches are mentioned. Finally, we have discussed some real-life applications of multiobjective clustering in the domains of image segmentation, bioinformatics, web mining, and so forth.
Tracer-based estimates of protein flux in cases of incomplete product renewal: evidence and implications of heterogeneity in collagen turnover
Authors: Zhou Haihong , Wang Sheng-Ping , Herath Kithsiri , Kasumov Takhar , Sadygov Rovshan G. , Previs Stephen F. , Kelley David E.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of various molecules can be estimated by measuring the incorporation of a labeled precursor into a product of interest. Unfortunately, a central problem in many studies has been an inability to estimate the intracellular dilution of the precursor and therein correctly calculate the synthesis of the product; it is generally assumed that measuring the true product labeling is straightforward. We initiated a study to examine liver collagen synthesis and identified an apparent problem with assumptions regarding measurements of the product labeling. Since it is well known that collagen production is relatively slow, we relied on the use of [2H]H2O labeling (analogous to a primed infusion) and sampled animals over the course of 16 days. Although the water labeling (the precursor) remained stable and we observed the incorporation of labeled amino acids into collagen, the asymptotic protein labeling was considerably lower than what would be expected based on the precursor labeling. Although this observation is not necessarily surprising (i.e., one might expect that a substantial fraction of the collagen pool would appear “inert” or turn over at a very slow rate), its implications are of interest in certain areas. Herein, we discuss a novel situation in which tracers are used to quantify rates of flux under conditions where a product may not undergo complete replacement. We demonstrate how heterogeneity in the product pool can lead one to the wrong conclusions regarding estimates of flux, and we outline an approach that may help to minimize errors surrounding data interpretation.
Basin of Attraction through Invariant Curves and Dominant Functions
Authors: AlSharawi Ziyad , Al-Ghassani Asma , Amleh A. M.
Published: May 2015

We study a second-order difference equation of the formzn+1=znF(zn-1)+h, where bothF(z)andzF(z)are decreasing. We consider a set of invariant curves ath=1and use it to characterize the behaviour of solutions whenh>1and when0<h<1. The caseh>1is related to the Y2K problem. For0<h<1, we study the stability of the equilibrium solutions and find an invariant region where solutions are attracted to the stable equilibrium. In particular, for certain range of the parameters, a subset of the basin of attraction of the stable equilibrium is achieved by bounding positive solutions using the iteration of dominant functions with attracting equilibria.
Prevalence of Stunting among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Kemba Woreda, Southern Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Agedew Eskezyiaw , Chane Tefera
Published: May 2015

Background. Stunting is a public health problem in developing countries. Stunting (HAZ < −2Z-score) is a major cause of disability preventing children who survive from reaching their full developmental potential.Objective. To assess stunting and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Southern Ethiopia.Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 562 mothers who have children from 6 to 23 months in 2014/15 in Kemba district. Multivariate analyses were applied to identify predictor variables and control effect of confounding.Results. The study revealed that out of 562 children, 18.7% (95% CI (15.6–22.1)) of children were stunted. In multiple logistic regressions, boys [AOR: 2.50; 95% CI (1.60–4.01)], older mothers [AOR: 2.60; 95% CI (1.07–6.35)], mothers who have no formal education [AOR: 2.76; 95% CI (1.63–4.69)], mothers who work as daily workers [AOR: 3.06; 95% CI (1.03–9.12)] and have private work activity [AOR: 2.39; 95% CI (1.61–3.53)], mothers who have no postnatal follow-up [AOR: 1.64; 95% CI (1.05–2.55)], and maternal illness encountered after delivery [AOR: 1.56; 95% CI (1.05–2.32)] were identified as significant independent predictors of childhood stunting.Conclusion and Recommendation. A significant number of children had chronic undernutrition in critical periods. An organized effort should be made at all levels to solve the problems of chronic undernutrition (stunting) in children.
Quasilinear Extreme Learning Machine Model Based Internal Model Control for Nonlinear Process
Authors: Li Dazi , Xie Qianwen , Jin Qibing
Published: May 2015

A new strategy for internal model control (IMC) is proposed using a regression algorithm of quasilinear model with extreme learning machine (QL-ELM). Aimed at the chemical process with nonlinearity, the learning process of the internal model and inverse model is derived. The proposed QL-ELM is constructed as a linear ARX model with a complicated nonlinear coefficient. It shows some good approximation ability and fast convergence. The complicated coefficients are separated into two parts. The linear part is determined by recursive least square (RLS), while the nonlinear part is identified through extreme learning machine. The parameters of linear part and the output weights of ELM are estimated iteratively. The proposed internal model control is applied to CSTR process. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are extensively verified through numerical results.
A Game Theory Based on Monte Carlo Analysis for Optimizing Evacuation Routing in Complex Scenes
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhu Jinlong , Li Huiying , Wu Qiong , Zhang Liang
Published: May 2015

With more complex structures and denser populations, congestion is a crucial factor in estimating evacuation clearance time. This paper presents a novel evacuation model that implements a game theory combining the greatest entropy optimization criterion with stochastic Monte Carlo methods to optimize the congestion problem and other features of emergency evacuation planning. We introduce the greatest entropy criterion for convergence to Nash equilibrium in then-person noncooperative game. The process of managing the conflict problem is divided into two steps. In the first step, we utilize Monte Carlo methods to evaluate the risk degree of each route. In the second step, we propose an improved method based on game theory, which obtains an optimal solution to guide the evacuation of all agents from the building.
Attentional Control and Intelligence: MRI Orbital Frontal Gray Matter and Neuropsychological Correlates
Authors: Nestor Paul G. , Nakamura Motoaki , Niznikiewicz Margaret , Levitt James J. , Newell Dominick T. , Shenton Martha E. , McCarley Robert W.
Published: May 2015

Attentional control is a key function of working memory that is hypothesized to play an important role in psychometric intelligence. To test the neuropsychological underpinnings of this hypothesis, we examined full-scale IQ, as measured by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III), and attentional control, as measured by Trails B response time and Wisconsin Card Sorting (WCS) test perseverative errors in 78 healthy participants, 25 of whom also had available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gray matter volume studies of the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) parcellated into three regions: gyrus rectus, middle orbital gyrus, and lateral orbital gyrus. Hierarchical regression indicated that Trails B response time specifically explained 15.13% to 19.18% of the variation in IQ and WCS perseverative errors accounted for an additional 8.12% to 11.29% of the variance. Full-scale IQ correlated very strongly with right middle orbital gyrus gray matter volume (r=0.610,p=0.002), as did Trails B response time with left middle orbital gyrus gray matter volume (r=-0.608,p=0.003). Trails B response time and right middle orbital gyrus gray matter volume jointly accounted for approximately 32.95% to 54.82% of the variance in IQ scores. These results provided evidence of the unique contributions of attentional control and OFC gray matter to intelligence.
A Case of Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease with Extensive Multiorgan Involvements
Authors: Higashioka Kazuhiko , Yoshida Kenji , Oryoji Kensuke , Kamada Kazuo , Mizuki Shinichi , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Yokota Eisuke , Akashi Koichi
Published: May 2015

We report a case of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) with multiple ten-organ involvement. This case showed many clinical findings, such as bilateral swelling of salivary and lacrimal glands, autoimmune pancreatitis, interstitial nephritis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, periaortitis, systemic swelling of lymph nodes, pulmonary lesions, splenomegaly, and jejunal lesions. He was suspected as having SLE or malignant lymphoma but diagnosed as having IgG4-RD by the elevated serum IgG4 level and histological findings from kidney and lymph node. We report a case of IgG4-RD with multiple ten-organ involvement that was successfully treated with prednisolone therapy.
Intoxication by Cyanide in Pregnant Sows: Prenatal and Postnatal Evaluation
Authors: Gotardo André T. , Hueza Isis M. , Manzano Helena , Maruo Viviane M. , Maiorka Paulo C. , Górniak Silvana L.
Published: May 2015

Cyanide is a ubiquitous chemical in the environment and has been associated with many intoxication episodes; however, little is known about its potentially toxic effects on development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to potassium cyanide (KCN) during pregnancy on both sows and their offspring. Twenty-four pregnant sows were allocated into four groups that orally received different doses of KCN (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 mg/kg of body weight) from day 21 of pregnancy to term. The KCN-treated sows showed histological lesions in the CNS, thyroid follicle enlargement, thyroid epithelial thickening, colloid reabsorption changes, and vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubular epithelium. Sows treated with 4.0 mg/kg KCN showed an increase in the number of dead piglets at birth. Weaned piglets from all KCN-treated groups showed histological lesions in the thyroid glands with features similar to those found in their mothers. The exposure of pregnant sows to cyanide thus caused toxic effects in both mothers and piglets. We suggest that swine can serve as a useful animal model to assess the neurological, goitrogenic, and reproductive effects of cyanide toxicosis.
Multidimensional QoE of Multiview Video and Selectable Audio IP Transmission
Authors: Nunome Toshiro , Ishida Takuya
Published: May 2015

We evaluate QoE of multiview video and selectable audio (MVV‐SA), in which users can switch not only video but also audio according to a viewpoint change request, transmitted over IP networks by a subjective experiment. The evaluation is performed by the semantic differential (SD) method with 13 adjective pairs. In the subjective experiment, we ask assessors to evaluate 40 stimuli which consist of two kinds of UDP load traffic, two kinds of fixed additional delay, five kinds of playout buffering time, and selectable or unselectable audio (i.e., MVV‐SA or the previous MVV‐A). As a result, MVV‐SA gives higher presence to the user than MVV‐A and then enhances QoE. In addition, we employ factor analysis for subjective assessment results to clarify the component factors of QoE. We then find that three major factors affect QoE in MVV‐SA.
N‐Type Conductive Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Films Grown by Hot Filament CVD
Authors: Mertens Michael , Mohr Markus , Wiora Neda , Brühne Kai , Fecht Hans-Jörg
Published: May 2015

We present the synthesis of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films by application of hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). We furthermore studied the different morphological, structural, and electrical properties. The grown films are fine grained with grain sizes between 4 and 7 nm. The UNCD films exhibit different electrical conductivities, dependent on grain boundary structure. We present different contact metallizations exhibiting ohmic contact behavior and good adhesion to the UNCD surface. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity is presented between −200 and 900°C. We furthermore present spectroscopic investigations of the films, supporting that the origin of the conductivity is the structure and volume of the grain boundary.
Magnetic and Electrical Properties of Nitrogen‐Doped Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by a Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: García-Betancourt María Luisa , Vega-Cantu Yadira Itzel , Vega-Díaz Sofía Magdalena , Morelos-Gómez Aarón , Terrones Mauricio , Muñoz-Sandoval Emilio
Published: May 2015

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a preferential method to fabricate carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Several changes have been proposed to obtain improved CNTs. In this work we have fabricated nitrogen‐doped multiwall carbon nanotubes (N‐MWCNTs) by means of a CVD which has been slightly modified. Such modification consists in changing the content of the by‐product trap. Instead of acetone, we have half‐filled the trap with an aqueous solution of NaCl (0–26.82 wt.%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterization showed morphological changes depending upon concentration of NaCl included in the trap. Using high resolution transmission electron microscopy several shape changes on the catalyst nanoparticles were also observed. According to Raman spectroscopy results N‐MWCNTs fabricated using pure distillate water exhibit better crystallinity. Resistivity measurements performed on different samples by physical properties measurement Evercool system (PPMS) showed metallic to semiconducting temperature dependent transitions when high content of NaCl is used. Results of magnetic properties show a ferromagnetic response to static magnetic fields and the coercive fields were very similar for all the studied cases. However, saturation magnetization is decreased if aqueous solution of NaCl is used in the trap.
Use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Study Relationship between Serum Uric Acid and Renal Microvascular Perfusion in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Ling , Cheng Jia-Fen , Sun Li-Ping , Song Ya-Xiang , Guo Le-Hang , Xu Jun-Mei , Wu Tian-Fu , Mohan Chandra , Peng Ai , Xu Hui-Xiong , Liu Xin-Ying
Published: May 2015

Purpose.To investigate the relationship between uric acid and renal microvascular perfusion in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) method.Materials and Methods.79 DKD patients and 26 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Renal function and urine protein markers were tested. DKD patients were subdivided into two groups including a normal serum uric acid (SUA) group and a high SUA group. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed, and low acoustic power contrast-specific imaging was used for quantitative analysis.Results.Normal controls (NCs) had the highest levels of AUC, AUC1, and AUC2. Compared to the normal SUA DKD group, high SUA DKD patients had significantly higher IMAX, AUC, and AUC1 (P<0.05). DKD patients with low urinary uric acid (UUA) excretion had significantly higher AUC2 compared to DKD patients with normal UUA (P<0.05).Conclusion.Hyperuricemia in DKD patients was associated with a renal ultrasound image suggestive of microvascular hyperperfusion. The CEUS parameter AUC1 holds promise as an indicator for renal microvascular hyperperfusion, while AUC2 might be a useful indicator of declining glomerular filtration rate in DKD patients with decreased excretion of uric acid.
Midline Prostatic Cyst Marsupialization Using Holmium Laser
Authors: Kilinc Mehmet , Goger Yunus Emre , Piskin Mesut , Balasar Mehmet , Kandemir Abdulkadir
Published: May 2015

Many of the prostatic cysts are asymptomatic and only 5% are symptomatic (Hamper et al., 1990; Higashi et al., 1990). These symptoms include pelvic pain, hematospermia, infertility, voiding dysfunction, prostatitis-like syndrome, and painful ejaculation. Treatment of prostatic cysts includes TRUSG guided drainage, endoscopic transurethral resection, and in some cases even open surgery. In the literature, endoscopic interventions use marsupialization of the midline prostatic cyst with transurethral resection (TUR) or transurethral incision with endoscopic urethrotomy (Dik et al., 1996; Terris, 1995). Holmium: YAG laser was employed for the marsupialization of the cyst wall in midline prostatic cyst treatment for the first time in the present study. Symptoms, treatment, and follow-up are presented in this paper.
Mindfulness Training among Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: Neurobehavioral Effects
Authors: Pickut Barbara , Vanneste Sven , Hirsch Mark A. , Van Hecke Wim , Kerckhofs Eric , Mariën Peter , Parizel Paul M. , Crosiers David , Cras Patrick
Published: May 2015

Objective. To investigate possible neurobehavioral changes secondary to a mindfulness based intervention (MBI) training for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Background. In the context of complementary medicine, MBIs are increasingly being used for stress reduction and in patient populations coping with chronic illness. The use of alternative and complementary medicine may be higher in patients with chronic conditions such as PD. However, behavioral effects of mindfulness training in PD have not yet been reported in the literature and this points to an unmet need and warrants further examination.Methods. A total of 27 out of 30 PD patients completed a randomized controlled longitudinal trial. Questionnaires and the UPDRS I–IV were obtained at baseline and 8-week follow-up.Results. Significant changes after the MBI were found including a 5.5 point decrease on the UPDRS motor score, an increase of 0.79 points on Parkinson’s disease questionnaire (PDQ-39) pain item, and a 3.15 point increase in the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire observe facet.Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative analysis of neurobehavioral effects of MBI in PD.
Multiobjective Optimization of Steering Mechanism for Rotary Steering System Using Modified NSGA-II and Fuzzy Set Theory
Authors: Li Hongtao , Niu Wentie , Fu Shengli , Zhang Dawei
Published: May 2015

Due to the complicated design process of gear train, optimization is a significant approach to improve design efficiency. However, the design of gear train is a complex multiobjective optimization with mixed continuous-discrete variables under numerous nonlinear constraints, and conventional optimization algorithms are not suitable to deal with such optimization problems. In this paper, based on the established dynamic model of steering mechanism for rotary steering system, the key component of which is a planetary gear set with teeth number difference, the optimization problem of steering mechanism is formulated to achieve minimum dynamic responses and outer diameter by optimizing structural parameters under geometric, kinematic, and strength constraints. An optimization procedure based on modified NSGA-II by incorporating dynamic crowding distance strategies and fuzzy set theory is applied to the multiobjective optimization. For comparative purpose, NSGA-II is also employed to obtain Pareto optimal set, and dynamic responses of original and optimized designs are compared. The results show the optimized design has better dynamic responses with minimum outer diameter and the response decay decreases faster. The optimization procedure is feasible to the design of gear train, and this study can provide guidance for designer at the preliminary design phase of mechanical structures with gear train.
Weibo Information Propagation Dissemination Based on User Behavior Using ELM
Authors: Liu Huilin , Li Yao
Published: May 2015

Information dissemination prediction based on Weibo has been a hot topic in recent years. In order to study this, people always extract features and use machine learning algorithms to do the prediction. But there are some disadvantages. Aiming at these deficiencies, we proposed a new feature, the dependency between the Weibos involved in geographical locations and location of the user. We use ELM to predict behaviors of users. An information dissemination prediction model has also been proposed in this paper. Experimental results show that our proposed new feature is real and effective, and the model we proposed can accurately predict the scale of information dissemination. It also can be seen in the experimental results that the use of ELM significantly reduces the time, and it has a better performance than the traditional method based on SVM.
Pharmacoethnicity in Paclitaxel-Induced Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Komatsu Masaaki , Wheeler Heather E. , Chung Suyoun , Low Siew-Kee , Wing Claudia , Delaney Shannon M. , Gorsic Lidija K. , Takahashi Atsushi , Kubo Michiaki , Kroetz Deanna L. , Zhang Wei , Nakamura Yusuke , Dolan M. Eileen
Published: May 2015

Purpose: Paclitaxel is used worldwide in the treatment of breast, lung, ovarian, and other cancers. Sensory peripheral neuropathy is an associated adverse effect that cannot be predicted, prevented, or mitigated. To better understand the contribution of germline genetic variation to paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, we undertook an integrative approach that combines genome-wide association study (GWAS) data generated from HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) and Asian patients.

Methods: GWAS was performed with paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity generated in 363 LCLs and with paclitaxel-induced neuropathy from 145 Asian patients. A gene-based approach was used to identify overlapping genes and compare with a European clinical cohort of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells were used for functional validation of candidate genes.

Results: SNPs near AIPL1 were significantly associated with paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity in Asian LCLs (P < 10−6). Decreased expression of AIPL1 resulted in decreased sensitivity of neurons to paclitaxel by inducing neurite morphologic changes as measured by increased relative total outgrowth, number of processes and mean process length. Using a gene-based analysis, there were 32 genes that overlapped between Asian LCL cytotoxicity and Asian patient neuropathy (P < 0.05), including BCR. Upon BCR knockdown, there was an increase in neuronal sensitivity to paclitaxel as measured by neurite morphologic characteristics.

Conclusions: We identified genetic variants associated with Asian paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity and functionally validated the AIPL1 and BCR in a neuronal cell model. Furthermore, the integrative pharmacogenomics approach of LCL/patient GWAS may help prioritize target genes associated with chemotherapeutic-induced peripheral neuropathy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4337–46. ©2015 AACR.
Inhibition of PI3K Pathway Reduces Invasiveness and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Squamous Lung Cancer Cell Lines Harboring PIK3CA Gene Alterations
Authors: Bonelli Mara A. , Cavazzoni Andrea , Saccani Francesca , Alfieri Roberta R. , Quaini Federico , La Monica Silvia , Galetti Maricla , Cretella Daniele , Caffarra Cristina , Madeddu Denise , Frati Caterina , Lagrasta Costanza Annamaria , Falco Angela , Rossetti Pietro , Fumarola Claudia , Tiseo Marcello , Petronini Pier Giorgio , Ardizzoni Andrea
Published: May 2015

A prominent role in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SQCLC) has been attributed to the aberrant activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, due to amplification or mutations of the p110α subunit of class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3CA) gene. The aim of our study was to determine whether different genetic alterations of PIK3CA affect the biologic properties of SQCLC and to evaluate the response to specific targeting agents in vitro and in vivo. The effects of NVP-BEZ235, NVP-BKM120, and NVP-BYL719 on two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) cellular growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and invasiveness were evaluated in E545K or H1047R PIK3CA–mutated SQCLC cells and in newly generated clones carrying PIK3CA alterations, as well as in a xenograft model. PIK3CA mutated/amplified cells showed increased growth rate and enhanced migration and invasiveness, associated with an increased activity of RhoA family proteins and the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype. PI3K inhibitors reverted this aggressive phenotype by reducing metalloproteinase production, RhoA activity, and the expression of mesenchymal markers, with the specific PI3K inhibitors NVP-BKM120 and NVP-BYL719 being more effective than the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235. A xenograft model of SQCLC confirmed that PIK3CA mutation promotes the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype in vivo and proved the efficacy of its specific targeting drug NVP-BYL719 in reducing the growth and the expression of mesenchymal markers in xenotransplanted tumors. These data indicate that PIK3CA mutation/amplification may represent a good predictive feature for the clinical application of specific PI3K inhibitors in SQCLC patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(8); 1916–27. ©2015 AACR.
Statins for Treating Alzheimer's Disease: Truly Ineffective?
Authors: Liang Ting , Li Rong , Cheng Oumei
Published: May 2015

Background: Animal studies suggest that statins may have a protective effect on Alzheimer's disease (AD), but some clinical trials have reported negative results. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of statins in the treatment of AD. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, OVID SP, and ProQuest databases to select double-blind, randomized controlled trials pertaining to statins given to patients diagnosed with AD. The meta-analysis used main outcomes such as scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog) and secondary outcomes such as scores on the Dependence Scale, Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and Alzheimer's Disease Functional Assessment and Change Scale (ADFACS). Safety measures included the standard reporting of any adverse events or laboratory abnormalities. Results: Four studies (1,127 participants) involving patients with a diagnosis of probable or possible AD were included. There were no significant differences between the statins and placebo groups regarding the main outcomes, secondary outcomes, or adverse events. Most of the studies ignored or downplayed risk factors for cerebral vascular disease. Conclusion: Statins are well tolerated without unexpected adverse events. However, more research is needed to determine whether statins are effective for AD with vascular risk factors.
Lower Coated-Platelet Levels Are Associated With Increased Mortality After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Prodan Calin I. , Stoner Julie A. , Dale George L.
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose—

Coated-platelets are highly procoagulant platelets observed on dual-agonist stimulation with collagen and thrombin. Coated-platelet levels are decreased in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage when compared with controls and inversely correlated with bleed volume. We sought to investigate whether coated-platelets are associated with increased mortality at 30 days after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

Coated-platelet levels were assayed in 95 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. The main outcome was mortality at 30 days according to coated-platelet levels at enrollment. Subjects were grouped into tertiles of the observed coated-platelet level distribution. Groups defined by tertile of coated-platelet level were compared using either ANOVA or a Kruskal–Wallis test for small group size for continuous measures and an exact Cochrane–Armitage trend test for categorical measures. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds of death within 30 days associated with coated-platelet levels.

Results—

Cumulative mortality at 30 days was 23% (22 subjects). Mortality at 30 days differed among the coated-platelet tertiles: 44% for the first tertile (lowest coated-platelet levels), 19% for the second tertile, and 6% for the third tertile (trend test;
P
=0.0004). Logistic regression examining the association between mortality and coated-platelet levels showed that the odds of death at 30 days in those with levels <27% (n=47) were 6.83× the odds for patients with levels ≥27% (95% confidence interval, 2.10–22.23).

Conclusions—

These results support a link between impaired coated-platelet potential and outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage.
The Distinct Nature of the European Union
Authors: Luitwieler Sander
Published: May 2015

This article aims to examine the distinct nature of the European Union (eu), specifically from a neo-Calvinist perspective. While Herman Dooyeweerd makes a distinction between a state and an international organisation, namely the United Nations (un), within his radical type of juridically qualified societal structures, he mainly deals with the state in his work. This article considers whether Jonathan Chaplin’s critique of Dooyeweerd’s distinction, focusing on coercion and legitimacy in the context of the un, may be helpful to establish the nature of the eu. In addition, it introduces another distinction to this end, namely between the state as a political community and the nation as a cultural community. This distinction suggests the need to think about an additional category in between an inter-communal relationship and a community: the eu as a “community of peoples”.
The black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Thua Thien Hue and Lam Dong Provinces, Vietnam
Authors: TAKAOKA HIROYUKI , SOFIAN-AZIRUN MOHD , YA’COB ZUBAIDAH , CHEN CHEE DHANG , LAU KOON WENG , PHAM XUAN DA
Published: May 2015

Surveys of pupae and larvae of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) were carried out in Thua Thien Hue Province of central Vietnam, and Lam Dong Province of southern Vietnam in 2014. A total of 26 species belonging to the genus Simulium were collected, consisting of eight known species, one newly recorded species, and 17 new species (of which three species of the subgenus Nevermannia were described in 2014). The remaining 14 new species (nine of the subgenus Gomphostilbia and five of the subgenus Simulium) are described here based on females, males, pupae and mature larvae. The total number of species of black flies in Vietnam is now 46. Keys to identify all 26 species recorded from the two provinces of Vietnam are given for females, males, pupae and mature larvae.
Metzia parva, a new cyprinid species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from south China
Authors: LUO WEN , SULLIVAN JOHN P. , ZHAO HAI-TAO , PENG ZUO-GANG
Published: May 2015

A new species of a small cyprinid fish, Metzia parva sp. nov., is described here based on specimens collected from a tributary of Hongshui-He River in the Pearl River basin at Anyang Town, Du’an County, Guangxi Province, south China. It differs from congeners in having a smaller body with a standard length of 48.3–57.7 mm (vs. 58.3–151.4 mm in other species); a complete lateral line (although some specimens show interruptions on the ventral margin above the anal-fin); 12–14 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 10–11 or 15–20); 10 branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 11–16); 6 branched pelvic-fin rays (vs. 7–9); a longer caudal peduncle (17.8–21.7% vs. 14.8–17.4% SL); a shorter preanal length (60.9–66.0% vs. 69.0–73.0% SL) and an obviously larger interorbital width (28.4–33.0% vs. 20.2–24.7% of head length). While Metzia parva shares a lateral black stripe from the gill opening to the caudal-fin base with M. formosae, the new species can be distinguished from M. formosae by a deeper head (16.4–19.2% vs. 13.3–15.7% SL) and a longer anal fin (15.4–18.9% vs. 10.0–13.6% SL) in addition to the diagnostic characters above. Kimura's 2-parameter genetic distance between the two species is 6.6% for the barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene and 7.3% across the complete mitochondrial genome.
Preface and Constitution of the Asian Society of Ichthyologists
Authors: PAGE LAWRENCE M. , NOR SITI AZIZAH MOHD
Published: May 2015

The U.S. National Science Foundation-funded (DEB 1022720) ‘All Cypriniformes Species Inventory’ was initiated in 2010 and will be completed in 2015.  It has accelerated the rate of discovery and description of cypriniform fishes, expanded our knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships of cypriniforms, increased the capacity for systematic research in other countries through student training and establishing long-term collaborations, including conferences in Thailand in 2012, Brunei in 2013, Burundi in 2013, and Malaysia in 2014, led to the formation of the Asian Society of Ichthyologists, and made available large numbers of specimens and tissues of freshwater fishes, including many species never before collected, in permanent collections in foreign and U.S. institutions.
A new species of highland loach, Schistura sirindhornae, from the upper Chao Phraya River basin, Thailand (Pisces: Ostariophysi: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: SUVARNARAKSHA APINUN
Published: May 2015

Schistura sirindhornae, a new species of nemacheilid, is described from the Nan River basin in northern Thailand. It is distinguished from all other species of Schistura in having overlapping scales on the entire body similar to scales of balitorids, transparent scales on the belly and thorax, a lateral-line canal that is similar to that of most cyprinids and balitorids in being present across the entire lateral-line surface of the scale instead of being represented only by a pore. It also has a unique color pattern of irregular brown bars on the back and side of the faint yellow-orange body, a bright triangular orange mark on the occiput, an orange crown-shaped mark between the eyes, an uninterrupted black mark along the base of the dorsal fin, a crescent-shaped bar on the base of the caudal fin, and bright iridescent orange areas on the upper and lower extremities of the caudal-fin base. Schistura sirindhornae is known only from the upper Nan River drainage, Nan Province, Thailand.
Review of the family Veliidae in Romania (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha)
Authors: BERCHI GAVRIL MARIUS , KMENT PETR
Published: May 2015

A critical review of the family Veliidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) in Romania is provided. In total, two genera and eight species (Microvelia Westwood, 1834—3 species, Velia Latreille, 1804—5 species) are known from the country. Microvelia buenoi Drake, 1920 and Velia serbica Tamanini, 1951 are recorded for the first time from Romania. The occurrence of V. affinis filippii Tamanini, 1947 and V. mancinii mancinii Tamanini, 1947 is confirmed by additional records. Based on proven or suspected misidentifications, V. currens (Fabricius, 1794) and V. rivulorum (Fabricius, 1775) are excluded from the Romanian fauna. A checklist of the Veliidae of Romania and updated distribution maps are provided. Biogeographical aspects of the fauna are summarized.
Two new species of the cheilostome bryozoan Cheilopora from the Aleutian Islands
Authors: KUKLINSKI PIOTR , GRISCHENKO ANDREI V. , JEWETT STEPHEN C.
Published: May 2015

Two new species of Cheilopora—C. peristomata and C. elfa—are described from the shallow water around Adak and Amchitka of the Andreanof and Rat island groups of the Aleutian Islands. Zooids of both new species have cormidial peristomes, composed by the distal (originating from neighbouring zooid) and proximal lappets. In contrast to previously described species, the strongly elevated peristomial lappets defining the secondary orifice confer the overall shape of an incomplete circle with deep U-shaped proximolateral pseudosinuses. Depending on angle of view, this gives a campanuliform or trifoliate outline to the secondary orifice, by which the new species differ from congeners. Together with previous discoveries from the Aleutians, these two new Cheilopora species are indicative of incomplete knowledge of the marine biodiversity of the region, including the distinctive character of the bryozoan fauna. There is a need for intensification of taxonomic effort along the island arc.
A new species of the genus Duolandrevus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Landrevinae) from China
Authors: MA LIBIN , GOROCHOV ANDREJ V. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: May 2015

A bark cricket genus Duolandrevus Kirby, 1906 is discussed here. These species are brownish with depressed bodies, with reduced elytra, lack hind wings and live in the bark of dead trees or branches. Duolandrevus are distributed from the south of China and Japan to the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago and New Guinea. Only one species, Duolandrevus hongkongae Otte, 1988, was recorded in China. Here, one additional species, Duolandrevus (Eulandrevus) unguiculatus sp. nov. is described from Southern China. Its description and illustrations and the key to the subgenera of Duolandrevus worldwide are given.
Blocking TWEAK-Fn14 interaction inhibits hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-induced intestinal cell death and reduces GVHD
Authors: Chopra Martin , Brandl Andreas , Siegmund Daniela , Mottok Anja , Schäfer Viktoria , Biehl Marlene , Kraus Sabrina , Bäuerlein Carina A. , Ritz Miriam , Mattenheimer Katharina , Schwinn Stefanie , Seher Axel , Grabinger Thomas , Einsele Hermann , Rosenwald Andreas , Brunner Thomas , Beilhack Andreas , Wajant Harald
Published: May 2015

Key Points

Fn14 activation is involved in intestinal apoptosis after allo-HCT and contributes to gastrointestinal GVHD. Fn14 blockade with an ADCC-defective human immunoglobulin G1 antibody reduces GVHD severity without modulating GVL responses.