bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the theory and applications of modern cosmography
Authors: Dunsby Peter K. S. , Luongo Orlando
Published: December 2015

Cosmography represents an important branch of cosmology which aims to describe the universe without the need of postulating a priori any particular cosmological model. All quantities of interest are expanded as a Taylor series around here and now, providing in principle, a way of directly matching with cosmological data. In this way, cosmography can be regarded a model-independent technique, able to fix cosmic bounds, although several issues limit its use in various model reconstructions. The main purpose of this review is to focus on the key features of cosmography, emphasizing both the strategy for obtaining the observable cosmographic series and pointing out any drawbacks which might plague the standard cosmographic treatment. In doing so, we relate cosmography to the most relevant cosmological quantities and to several dark energy models. We also investigate whether cosmography is able to provide information about the form of the cosmological expansion history, discussing how to reproduce the dark fluid from the cosmographic sound speed. Following this, we discuss limits on cosmographic priors and focus on how to experimentally treat cosmographic expansions. Finally, we present some of the latest developments of the cosmographic method, reviewing the use of rational approximations, based on cosmographic Padé polynomials. Future prospects leading to more accurate cosmographic results, able to better reproduce the expansion history of the universe, are also discussed in detail.
Association between HMGB1 and COPD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gangemi Sebastiano , Casciaro Marco , Trapani Giovanni , Quartuccio Sebastiano , Navarra Michele , Pioggia Giovanni , Imbalzano Egidio
Published: December 2015

HMGB1 is an alarmin, a protein that warns and activates inflammation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by a progressive airflow obstruction and airway inflammation. Current anti‐inflammatory therapies are poorly effective in maintaining lung function and symptoms of COPD. This underlines the need for finding new molecular targets involved in disease pathogenesis in order to block pathology progression. This review aims to analyse latest advances on HMGB1 role, utilisation, and potential application in COPD. To this purpose we reviewed experimental studies that investigated this alarmin as marker as well as a potential treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. In almost all the studies, it emerged that HMGB1 levels are augmented in smokers and in patients affected by COPD. It emerged that cigarette smoking, the most well‐known causative factor of COPD, induces neutrophils death and necrosis. The necrosis of neutrophil cells leads to HMGB1 release, which recruits other neutrophils in a self‐maintaining process. According to the results reported in the paper both inhibiting HMGB1 and its receptor (RAGE) and blocking neutrophils necrosis (inducted by cigarette smoking) could be the aim for further studies.
Balancing Innate Immunity and Inflammatory State via Modulation of Neutrophil Function: A Novel Strategy to Fight Sepsis
Authors: Fang Haoshu , Jiang Wei , Cheng Jin , Lu Yan , Liu Anding , Kan Lixin , Dahmen Uta
Published: December 2015

Sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) belong to a severe disease complex characterized by infection and/or a whole-body inflammatory state. There is a growing body of evidence that neutrophils are actively involved in sepsis and are responsible for both release of cytokines and phagocytosis of pathogens. The neutrophil level is mainly regulated by G-CSF, a cytokine and drug, which is widely used in the septic patient with neutropenia. This review will briefly summarize the role of neutrophils and the therapeutic effect of G-CSF in sepsis. We further suggest that targeting neutrophil function to modulate the balance between innate immunity and inflammatory injury could be a worthwhile therapeutic strategy for sepsis.
Multiple, Pan-Enteric Perforation Secondary to Intestinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Masood Irfan , Majid Zain , Rafiq Ali , Rind Waqas , Zia Aisha , Raza Sajjad
Published: December 2015

Free perforation is one of the most feared complications of the intestinal tuberculosis. The terminal ileum is the most common site of perforation, while the majority of (90%) perforations are solitary. Herein, we describe a case of a 25-year-old male who presented with generalized peritonitis requiring an emergency exploratory laparotomy, which revealed pan-enteric perforation characterized by multiple perforations of the small bowel extending 10–15 cm from the DJ flexure up to the terminal ileum. The perforations were primarily closed, while 6–8 cm of the diseased terminal ileum was resected and the two ends were brought out as double-barreled ostomy. To the best of our knowledge, such an extensive tuberculous perforation of the small bowel has not been previously reported in the literature before.
A Universal Concept for Robust Solving of Shortest Path Problems in Dynamically Reconfigurable Graphs
Authors: Chedjou Jean Chamberlain , Kyamakya Kyandoghere
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a flexible analytical concept for robust shortest path detection in dynamically reconfigurable graphs. The concept is expressed by a mathematical model representing the shortest path problem solver. The proposed mathematical model is characterized by three fundamental parameters expressing (a) the graph topology (through the “incidence matrix”), (b) the edge weights (with dynamic external weights’ setting capability), and (c) the dynamic reconfigurability through external input(s) of the source-destination nodes pair. In order to demonstrate the universality of the developed concept, a general algorithm is proposed to determine the three fundamental parameters (of the mathematical model developed) for all types of graphs regardless of their topology, magnitude, and size. It is demonstrated that the main advantage of the developed concept is that arc costs, the origin-destination pair setting, and the graph topology are dynamically provided by external commands, which are inputs of the shortest path solver model. This enables high flexibility and full reconfigurability of the developed concept, without any retraining need. To validate the concept developed, benchmarking is performed leading to a comparison of its performance with the performances of two well-known concepts based on neural networks.
Acute Unilateral Blindness from Superior Ophthalmic Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Presentation of Nephrotic Syndrome from Class IV Lupus Nephritis in the Absence of Antiphospholipid or Anticardiolipin Syndrome
Authors: Baidoun Firas , Issa Rommy , Ali Robert , Al-Turk Bashar
Published: December 2015

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk of arterial and venous thrombosis secondary to anti-phospholipid antibodies. Herein, we are presenting an interesting case of venous thrombosis in a patient with SLE in the absence of anti-phospholipid antibodies.
Simple Moving Voltage Average Incremental Conductance MPPT Technique with Direct Control Method under Nonuniform Solar Irradiance Conditions
Authors: Ali Amjad , Li Wuhua , He Xiangning
Published: December 2015

A new simple moving voltage average (SMVA) technique with fixed step direct control incremental conductance method is introduced to reduce solar photovoltaic voltage (VPV) oscillation under nonuniform solar irradiation conditions. To evaluate and validate the performance of the proposed SMVA method in comparison with the conventional fixed step direct control incremental conductance method under extreme conditions, different scenarios were simulated. Simulation results show that in most cases SMVA gives better results with more stability as compared to traditional fixed step direct control INC with faster tracking system along with reduction in sustained oscillations and possesses fast steady state response and robustness. The steady state oscillations are almost eliminated because of extremely smalldP/dVaround maximum power (MP), which verify that the proposed method is suitable for standalone PV system under extreme weather conditions not only in terms of bus voltage stability but also in overall system efficiency.
How to Control Component Ratio of Conducting Polymer Blend for Organic Photovoltaic Devices by Annealing
Authors: Augustine Bobins , Fabritius Tapio
Published: December 2015

There are various conducting polymer blends which are used as hole transporting layers (HTL) in organic photovoltaic devices (OPV). The electrical performance of these conducting polymer blends depends crucially on its surface compositions and morphology. In this paper, we studied poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS as an example of the HTL conducting polymer blends used in OPV. We have investigated the effect of annealing PEDOT:PSS in different atmospheres such as vacuum, N2, and air at different temperatures. It was found that the component ratio of the polymer blend is changing with annealing temperature and atmosphere. PSS/PEDOT ratio was found to have clear influence on the electrical performance of the material. In practice, we found that annealing can be used as a method to control component ratio of the HTL conducting polymer blend to achieve better electrical performance in OPV devices. The component ratio changes of the polymer with annealing were understood by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Annealing in N2atmosphere at 220°C for 1 hour gave best electrical performance for the polymer and the PSS/PEDOT ratio at that condition was close to 1.1, while the initial ratio was 2.5. Optimizing HTL layer by simple conductivity measurement does not guarantee best performance in OPV since surface property changes during annealing might affect the deposition of successive active layers on top and thus final device. Thus we have optimized annealing condition of the HTL layer according to the OPV performance itself.
Application of Random Forest Survival Models to Increase Generalizability of Decision Trees: A Case Study in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yosefian Iman , Mosa Farkhani Ehsan , Baneshi Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2015

Background. Tree models provide easily interpretable prognostic tool, but instable results. Two approaches to enhance the generalizability of the results are pruning and random survival forest (RSF). The aim of this study is to assess the generalizability of saturated tree (ST), pruned tree (PT), and RSF.Methods. Data of 607 patients was randomly divided into training and test set applying 10-fold cross-validation. Using training sets, all three models were applied. Using Log-Rank test, ST was constructed by searching for optimal cutoffs. PT was selected plotting error rate versus minimum sample size in terminal nodes. In construction of RSF, 1000 bootstrap samples were drawn from the training set.C-index and integrated Brier score (IBS) statistic were used to compare models.Results. ST provides the most overoptimized statistics. Mean difference betweenC-index in training and test set was 0.237. Corresponding figure in PT and RSF was 0.054 and 0.007. In terms of IBS, the difference was 0.136 in ST, 0.021 in PT, and 0.0003 in RSF.Conclusion. Pruning of tree and assessment of its performance of a test set partially improve the generalizability of decision trees. RSF provides results that are highly generalizable.
Allergy to Prolene Sutures in a Dural Graft for Chiari Decompression
Authors: Cajigas Iahn , Burks S. Shelby , Gernsback Joanna , Fine Lauren , Moshiree Baharak , Levi Allan D.
Published: December 2015

Allergy to Prolene suture is exceedingly rare with only 5 cases reported in the literature. There have been no such cases associated with neurosurgical procedures. Diagnosis is nearly always delayed in spite of persistent symptomatology. A 27-year-old girl with suspected Ehlers-Danlos, connective tissue disorder, underwent posterior fossa decompression for Chiari Type 1 malformation. One year later, the patient presented with urticarial rash from the neck to chest. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative exploration did not suggest allergic reaction. Eventually skin testing proved specific Prolene allergy. After suture material was removed, the patient no longer complained of pruritus or rash. This single case highlights the important entity of allergic reaction to suture material, namely, Prolene, which can present in a delayed basis. Symptomatology can be vague but has typical allergic characteristics. Multidisciplinary approach is helpful with confirmatory skin testing as a vital part of the workup.
Evaluation of Antibiotic Susceptibility of Gram-Positive Anaerobic Cocci Isolated from Cancer Patients of the N. N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center
Authors: Shilnikova Irina I. , Dmitrieva Natalia V.
Published: December 2015

In total, 81 nonduplicate gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) were involved in this study. The GPAC were isolated from samples collected from cancer patients between 2004 and 2014. Species identification was carried out by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The majority of isolates were identified asFinegoldia magna(47%) andPeptoniphilus harei(28%). The susceptibility of six species of GPAC was determined for eight antibiotics according toE-test methodology. Furthermore, all isolates were susceptible to imipenem, vancomycin, and linezolid. Susceptibility to penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanate, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin varied for different species. OneFinegoldia magnaisolate was multidrug-resistant (i.e., parallel resistance to five antimicrobial agents, including metronidazole, was observed). TwoParvimonas micraisolates were highly resistant to metronidazole (MIC 256 μg/mL) but were sensitive to other tested antibiotics.
Enhanced Adsorption and Removal of Ciprofloxacin on Regenerable Long TiO2 Nanotube/Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Adsorbents
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Yu Fei , Ma Jie
Published: December 2015

To improve the adsorption performance and regeneration ability of adsorbent, a simple method was designed to synthesize long TiO2 nanotube/reduced graphene oxide (rGO‐TON) hydrogel, which has good adsorption and regeneration capacity toward ciprofloxacin. rGO‐TON hydrogel could form 3D structure, which makes the separation and regeneration of adsorbent easy. For comparison, commercial P25 particle is used to prepare composite hydrogel with rGO; the results showed that TiO2 nanotube supports the graphene sheets better than P25 particles, which would reduce the agglomeration of graphene sheets. rGO‐TON have larger specific surface area (138.2 m2/g) than rGO‐P25 (79.4 m2/g). In this paper, ciprofloxacin was chosen as target pollutants, the rGO‐TON obtain excellent adsorption capacity, and the maximum adsorption capacities of rGO‐TON for ciprofloxacin calculated from Langmuir model are 178.6 mg/g (R2 = 0.9929), 181.8 mg/g (R2 = 0.9954), and 108.7 mg/g (R2 = 0.9964) for graphene oxide (GO), GO‐TON, and GO‐P25, respectively. In regeneration, the adsorption capacity of rGO‐TON and rGO‐P25 has little reduced after 5 cycles, while the adsorption capacity of rGO decreases to below 100 mg/g. Results of this work are of great significance for environmental applications of regenerable long TiO2 nanotube/graphene oxide hydrogel as a promising adsorbent nanomaterial for antibiotic pollutants from aqueous solutions.
Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Cooccurrence of Both among the Elderly in Panama: Differential Associations with Multimorbidity and Functional Limitations
Authors: Villarreal Alcibiades E. , Grajales Shantal , Lopez Lineth , Britton Gabrielle B. , Initiative Panama Aging Research
Published: December 2015

Cognitive impairment and depression are common mental health problems among the elderly, although few studies have examined their cooccurrence in older adults in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive impairment, depression, and cooccurrence of the two conditions and associated factors in a sample of older adults in Panama. This study included 304 community-dwelling elderly (≥65 years) individuals. Participants underwent a clinical interview and assessments of cognitive function by the Minimental State Examination and depressive symptoms by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Limitations in basic (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities in daily living and the presence of chronic illnesses were recorded. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that cooccurrence of cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms was explained by increasing age (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.20, 8.30), low education (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.33, 8.38), having four or more chronic conditions (OR: 11.5, 95% CI: 2.84, 46.63), and BADL limitations (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.26, 19.68). Less education and limitations in BADL and IADL increased the odds of cognitive impairment alone, while less education and three or more chronic conditions increased the odds of depression alone. These findings underscore the relevance of assessing cognitive impairment in the elderly as part of a long-term approach to managing depression and vice versa.
Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Devices (Provent) for OSA: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Certal Victor , Nigam Gaurav , Abdullatif Jose , Zaghi Soroush , Kushida Clete A. , Camacho Macario
Published: December 2015

Objective.To quantify the effectiveness of nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (nasal EPAP) devices or Provent as treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods.PubMed and six other databases were searched through November 15, 2015, without language limitations.Results.Eighteen studies (920 patients) were included. Pre- and post-nasal EPAP means ± standard deviations (M ± SD) for apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in 345 patients decreased from27.32±22.24to12.78±16.89events/hr (relative reduction = 53.2%). Random effects modeling mean difference (MD) was −14.78 events/hr [95% CI −19.12, −10.45],pvalue < 0.00001. Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) in 247 patients decreased from21.2±19.3to12.4±14.1events/hr (relative reduction = 41.5%,pvalue < 0.00001). Lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) M ± SD improved in 146 patients from83.2±6.8% to86.2±11.1%, MD 3 oxygen saturation points [95% CI 0.57, 5.63]. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) M ± SD improved (359 patients) from9.9±5.3to7.4±5.0, MD −2.5 [95% CI −3.2, −1.8],pvalue < 0.0001.Conclusion.Nasal EPAP (Provent) reduced AHI by 53.2%, ODI by 41.5% and improved LSAT by 3 oxygen saturation points. Generally, there were no clear characteristics (demographic factors, medical history, and/or physical exam finding) that predicted favorable response to these devices. However, limited evidence suggests that high nasal resistance could be associated with treatment failure. Additional studies are needed to identify demographic and polysomnographic characteristics that would predict therapeutic success with nasal EPAP (Provent).
Classifying Obstructive and Nonobstructive Code Clones of Type I Using Simplified Classification Scheme: A Case Study
Authors: Staron Miroslaw , Meding Wilhelm , Eriksson Peter , Nilsson Jimmy , Lövgren Nils , Österström Per
Published: December 2015

Code cloning is a part of many commercial and open source development products. Multiple methods for detecting code clones have been developed and finding the clones is often used in modern quality assurance tools in industry. There is no consensus whether the detected clones are negative for the product and therefore the detected clones are often left unmanaged in the product code base. In this paper we investigate how obstructive code clones of Type I (duplicated exact code fragments) are in large software systems from the perspective of the quality of the product after the release. We conduct a case study at Ericsson and three of its large products, which handle mobile data traffic. We show how to use automated analogy-based classification to decrease the classification effort required to determine whether a clone pair should be refactored or remain untouched. The automated method allows classifying 96% of Type I clones (both algorithms and data declarations) leaving the remaining 4% for the manual classification. The results show that cloning is common in the studied commercial software, but that only 1% of these clones are potentially obstructive and can jeopardize the quality of the product if left unmanaged.
Lung Transplantation in Patients with High Lung Allocation Scores in the US: Evidence for the Need to Evaluate Score Specific Outcomes
Authors: Hayanga Jeremiah A. , Lira Alena , Vlahu Tedi , Yang Jingyan , Aboagye Jonathan K. , Hayanga Heather K. , Luketich James D. , D’Cunha Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Objective.The lung allocation score (LAS) resulted in a lung transplantation (LT) selection process guided by clinical acuity. We sought to evaluate the relationship between LAS and outcomes.Methods.We analyzed Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient (SRTR) data pertaining to recipients between 2005 and 2012. We stratified them into quartiles based on LAS and compared survival and predictors of mortality.Results.We identified 10,304 consecutive patients, comprising 2,576 in each LAS quartile (quartile 1 (26.3–35.5), quartile 2 (35.6–39.3), quartile 3 (39.4–48.6), and quartile 4 (48.7–95.7)). Survival after 30 days (96.9% versus 96.8% versus 96.0% versus 94.8%), 90 days (94.6% versus 93.7% versus 93.3% versus 90.9%), 1 year (87.2% versus 85.0% versus 84.8% versus 80.9%), and 5 years (55.4% versus 54.5% versus 52.5% versus 48.8%) was higher in the lower groups. There was a significantly higher 5-year mortality in the highest LAS group (HR 1.13,p=0.030, HR 1.17,p=0.01, and HR 1.17,p=0.02) comparing quartiles 2, 3, and 4, respectively, to quartile 1.Conclusion.Overall, outcomes in recipients with higher LAS are worse than those in patients with lower LAS. These data should inform more individualized evidence-based discussion during pretransplant counseling.
RNAi and Antiviral Defense in the Honey Bee
Authors: Brutscher Laura M. , Flenniken Michelle L.
Published: December 2015

Honey bees play an important agricultural and ecological role as pollinators of numerous agricultural crops and other plant species. Therefore, investigating the factors associated with high annual losses of honey bee colonies in the US is an important and active area of research. Pathogen incidence and abundance correlate with Colony Collapse Disorder- (CCD-) affected colonies in the US and colony losses in the US and in some European countries. Honey bees are readily infected by single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses. Largely dependent on the host immune response, virus infections can either remain asymptomatic or result in deformities, paralysis, or death of adults or larvae. RNA interference (RNAi) is an important antiviral defense mechanism in insects, including honey bees. Herein, we review the role of RNAi in honey bee antiviral defense and highlight some parallels between insect and mammalian immune systems. A more thorough understanding of the role of pathogens on honey bee health and the immune mechanisms bees utilize to combat infectious agents may lead to the development of strategies that enhance honey bee health and result in the discovery of additional mechanisms of immunity in metazoans.
Dynamic Model and Control of a New Underwater Three-Degree-of-Freedom Tidal Energy Converter
Authors: Somolinos José A. , López Amable , Portilla Marina P. , Morales Rafael
Published: December 2015

There is currently a growing interest in developing devices that can be used to exploit energy from oceans. In the recent past, the search for oil and gas at ever-greater depths has led to the evolution of devices with which these resources are extracted. These devices range from those that simply rest on the seabed to those that are fully floating and anchored to it. This trend can be considered as the basis needed to understand the future evolution of devices for harnessing depth renewable resources. This paper presents a simple dynamic modeling and a nonlinear multivariable control model-based system for a new three-degree-of-freedom underwater generator with which energy from depth marine currents is harnessed when reference trajectory tracking for the emersion maneuvers needed to carry out maintenance tasks is performed. The goodness of both the model and the proposed controller has been demonstrated through the development of various simulations in the MATLAB-Simulink environment. Additionally, the validation of the control algorithms was carried out by using the dynamic model offered by the simulation environment Orcina OrcaFlex (software for the dynamic analysis for offshore marine systems) through the MATLAB-OrcaFlex interface.
Yangjing Capsule Ameliorates Spermatogenesis in Male Mice Exposed to Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Zhao Hongle , Jin Baofang , Zhang Xindong , Cui Yugui , Sun Dalin , Gao Chao , Gu Yalong , Cai Bin
Published: December 2015

Yangjing capsule (YC), a traditional Chinese compound herbal preparation, has been proven as an effective drug to improve spermatogenesis in clinical practice. However, its pharmacological mechanisms were not fully clarified. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of YC on spermatogenesis in the mouse model of spermatogenesis dysfunction induced by cyclophosphamide (CP). The administration of YC significantly increased the epididymal index, sperm count, and sperm motility of model mice. Histopathological changes demonstrated that CP caused obvious structural damage to testis, which were reversed by the administration of YC. Results from TUNEL assay showed that treatment with YC dramatically decreased the apoptosis of spermatogenic cell induced by CP. Moreover, YC treatment could inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of Bax to Bcl-2 and also raised expression of AR at both mRNA and protein levels. These data suggest that YC might ameliorate spermatogenesis in male mice exposed to CP through inhibiting the apoptosis of spermatogenic cell and enhancing the actions of testosterone in spermatogenesis.
Diabetes‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Progenitor Cells May Be Sustained by a Positive Feedback Loop Involving High Mobility Group Box‐1
Authors: Wu Han , Li Ran , Wei Zhong-Hai , Zhang Xin-Lin , Chen Jian-Zhou , Dai Qing , Xie Jun , Xu Biao
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress is considered to be a critical factor in diabetes‐induced endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) dysfunction, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) in diabetes‐induced oxidative stress. HMGB‐1 was upregulated in both serum and bone marrow‐derived monocytes from diabetic mice compared with control mice. In vitro, advanced glycation end productions (AGEs) induced, expression of HMGB‐1 in EPCs and in cell culture supernatants in a dose‐dependent manner. However, inhibition of oxidative stress with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) partially inhibited the induction of HMGB‐1 induced by AGEs. Furthermore, p66shc expression in EPCs induced by AGEs was abrogated by incubation with glycyrrhizin (Gly), while increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in cell culture supernatants was observed in the Gly treated group. Thus, HMGB‐1 may play an important role in diabetes‐induced oxidative stress in EPCs via a positive feedback loop involving the AGE/reactive oxygen species/HMGB‐1 pathway.
The Mechanical Performance of Shear Key of Immersed Tube Tunnel with Differential Foundation Settlement
Authors: Weng Xiaolin , Feng Ying , Lou Yuanpeng
Published: December 2015

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensor network was developed to monitor the strain distributions within immersed tube tunnel shear key, which was subjected to differential settlements. An improved packaging and installation method of the quasi-distributed sensor system was utilized, which not only ensured a high sensor survival rate but also achieved accurate measurement of axial strains. Based on the monitoring results, the stress variations of shear keys of the immersed tunnel joint, which originate from the buckling caused by the longitudinal differential siltation at seabed and the surface defects, were analyzed in detail.
Sympathetic Nervous System Control of Carbon Tetrachloride‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Liver through α‐Adrenergic Signaling
Authors: Lin Jung-Chun , Peng Yi-Jen , Wang Shih-Yu , Lai Mei-Ju , Young Ton-Ho , Salter Donald M. , Lee Herng-Sheng
Published: December 2015

In addition to being the primary organ involved in redox cycling, the liver is one of the most highly innervated tissues in mammals. The interaction between hepatocytes and sympathetic, parasympathetic, and peptidergic nerve fibers through a variety of neurotransmitters and signaling pathways is recognized as being important in the regulation of hepatocyte function, liver regeneration, and hepatic fibrosis. However, less is known regarding the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in modulating the hepatic response to oxidative stress. Our aim was to investigate the role of the SNS in healthy and oxidatively stressed liver parenchyma. Mice treated with 6‐hydroxydopamine hydrobromide were used to realize chemical sympathectomy. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection was used to induce oxidative liver injury. Sympathectomized animals were protected from CCl4 induced hepatic lipid peroxidation‐mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity as assessed by 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal levels, morphological features of cell damage, and DNA oxidative damage. Furthermore, sympathectomy modulated hepatic inflammatory response induced by CCl4‐mediated lipid peroxidation. CCl4 induced lipid peroxidation and hepatotoxicity were suppressed by administration of an α‐adrenergic antagonist. We conclude that the SNS provides a permissive microenvironment for hepatic oxidative stress indicating the possibility that targeting the hepatic α‐adrenergic signaling could be a viable strategy for improving outcomes in patients with acute hepatic injury.
Oligonol Ameliorates CCl4‐Induced Liver Injury in Rats via the NF‐Kappa B and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Bak Jeonghyeon , Je Nam Kyung , Chung Hae Young , Yokozawa Takako , Yoon Sik , Moon Jeon-Ok
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress is thought to be a key risk factor in the development of hepatic diseases. Blocking or retarding the reactions of oxidation and the inflammatory process by antioxidants could be a promising therapeutic intervention for prevention or treatment of liver injuries. Oligonol is a low molecular weight polyphenol containing catechin‐type monomers and oligomers derived from lychee fruit. In this study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of oligonol on carbon tetrachloride‐ (CCl4‐) induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Oral administration of oligonol (10 or 50 mg/kg) reduced CCl4‐induced abnormalities in liver histology and serum AST and serum ALT levels. Oligonol treatment attenuated the CCl4‐induced production of inflammatory mediators, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels. Western blot analysis showed that oligonol suppressed proinflammatory nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 activation, phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as well as Akt. Oligonol exhibited strong antioxidative activity in vitro and in vivo, and hepatoprotective activity against t‐butyl hydroperoxide‐induced HepG2 cells. Taken together, oligonol showed antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects in CCl4‐intoxicated rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and NF‐κB activation via blockade of the activation of upstream kinases including MAPKs and Akt.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Stromal Evolution and Cancer Progression
Authors: Cammarota Francesca , Laukkanen Mikko O.
Published: December 2015

The study of cancer biology has mainly focused on malignant epithelial cancer cells, although tumors also contain a stromal compartment, which is composed of stem cells, tumor‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs), endothelial cells, immune cells, adipocytes, cytokines, and various types of macromolecules comprising the extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor stroma develops gradually in response to the needs of epithelial cancer cells during malignant progression initiating from increased local vascular permeability and ending to remodeling of desmoplastic loosely vascularized stromal ECM. The constant bidirectional interaction of epithelial cancer cells with the surrounding microenvironment allows damaged stromal cell usage as a source of nutrients for cancer cells, maintains the stroma renewal thus resembling a wound that does not heal, and affects the characteristics of tumor mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Although MSCs have been shown to coordinate tumor cell growth, dormancy, migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, recently they have been successfully used in treatment of hematopoietic malignancies to enhance the effect of total body irradiation‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy. Hence, targeting the stromal elements in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics and usage of MSCs to attenuate graft‐versus‐host disease may offer new strategies to overcome cancer treatment failure and relapse of the disease.
Optical Waveguides with Compound Multiperiodic Grating Nanostructures for Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Neustock Lars Thorben , Jahns Sabrina , Adam Jost , Gerken Martina
Published: December 2015

The spectral characteristics and refractive index sensitivity of compound multiperiodic grating waveguides are investigated in theory and experiment. Compound gratings are formed by superposition of two or more monoperiodic gratings. Compared to monoperiodic photonic crystal waveguides, compound grating waveguides offer more degrees of design freedom by choice of component grating periods and duty cycles. Refractive index sensing is achieved by evaluating the wavelength or intensity of guided mode resonances in the reflection spectrum. We designed, fabricated, and characterized 24 different compound multiperiodic nanostructured waveguides for refractive index sensing. Simulations are carried out with the Rigorous Coupled Wave Algorithm (RCWA). The resulting spectra, resonance sensitivities, and quality factors are compared to monoperiodic as well as to three selected aperiodic nanostructures (Rudin-Shapiro, Fibonacci, and Thue-Morse). The refractive index sensitivity of the TE resonances is similar for all types of investigated nanostructures. For the TM resonances the compound multiperiodic nanostructures exhibit higher sensitivity values compared to the monoperiodic nanostructure and similar values as the aperiodic nanostructures. No significant influence of the compound grating duty cycles on the sensitivity is observed.
The Plant‐Derived Chalcone 2,2′,5′‐Trihydroxychalcone Provides Neuroprotection against Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Triggered Inflammation in Microglia
Authors: Jiwrajka Manasi , Phillips Alexandra , Butler Matt , Rossi Miriam , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: December 2015

Chalcones are plant metabolites with potential for therapeutic exploitation as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiproliferative agents. Here we explored the neuroprotective effects of 2,2′,5′‐trihydroxychalcone (225THC), a potent antioxidant with radical‐scavenging properties. 225THC was found to be a potent inhibitor of apoptosis in stimulated primary rat neuronal cultures. This was likely mediated by an anti‐inflammatory effect on microglial cells since 225THC inhibited LPS‐stimulated TNF‐α and IL‐6 secretion from primary rat microglia and modulated the cytokine/chemokine profile of BV2 microglial cells. Additionally, 225THC inhibited LPS‐evoked inducible nitric oxide synthase expression but did not influence endogenous superoxide generation. Microglial flow cytometric analyses indicated the 225THC treatment induced a shift from an M1‐like phenotype to a more downregulated microglial profile. Taken together these data suggest that the chalcone 2,2′,5′‐trihydroxychalcone can modulate neuroinflammatory activation in brain‐derived microglia and holds promise as a therapeutic in neuroinflammatory conditions.
A checklist of the New World species of Tillinae (Coleoptera: Cleridae), with an illustrated key to genera and new country records
Authors: BURKE ALAN F. , LEAVENGOOD, JR. JOHN M. , ZOLNEROWICH GREGORY
Published: December 2015

This checklist presents the distribution of the checkered beetle subfamily Tillinae (Coleoptera: Cleridae) in the New World. Information for 164 species and 2 subspecies from 11 genera is included. The data are based on an extensive survey of material collected throughout the Americas, descriptions of new species, a number of revisionary works, data from museum specimens, as well as unpublished checklists. Cymatodera, the most speciose tilline genus in the New World, has its greatest diversity in Mexico where 100 of the 134 recognized species are known to occur. Remaining genera inhabiting the New World and corresponding species numbers are: Araeodontia, 5 species; Barrotillus, 1 species; Bogcia, 2 species; Bostrichoclerus, 1 species; Callotillus, 5 species; Cylidrus, 1 species; Cymatoderella, 3 species; Lecontella, 3 species; Monophylla, 4 species; and Onychotillus, 5 species. An illustrated key to the genera of the New World Tillinae is provided. Forty-eight new country records are given for 35 species. References are presented for all species listed. Distribution maps for all New World genera are provided and locality data is presented for selected species.
Two new species of Phasmatocoris Breddin from Brazil, and description of the male of Phasmatocoris borgmeieri (Wygodzinsky) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae)
Authors: Gil-Santana Hélcio R.
Published: December 2015

Phasmatocoris catarinae sp. nov. and P. galvaoi sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Emesini) are described from Brazil based on female and male specimens. The male of Phasmatocoris borgmeieri (Wygodzinsky, 1945) is described and short taxonomical notes on this species and P. xavieri Gil-Santana et al., 2007 are provided.
Redescriptions of Polysteganus coeruleopunctatus (Klunzinger 1870) and P. lineopunctatus (Boulenger 1903), with two new species from Western Indian Ocean
Authors: IWATSUKI YUKIO , HEEMSTRA PHILLIP C.
Published: December 2015

Five valid species in the genus Polysteganus (Pisces; Sparidae) from the Western Indian Ocean are currently known: P. baissaci Smith 1978, P. coeruleopunctatus (Klunzinger 1870), P. mascarenensis Iwatsuki & Heemstra, 2011, P. praeorbitalis (Günther 1859), and P. undulosus (Regan 1908). Although P. lineopunctatus (Boulenger 1903) has long been synonymized under P. coeruleopunctatus, both species are redescribed as valid. Two new species of Polysteganus were discovered in the course of this review. Polysteganus flavodorsalis n. sp. is described on the basis of six type specimens (143–265 mm SL) from Nazareth Bank, Mascarene Plateau, Indian Ocean, and P. cerasinus n. sp. is described based on the holotype (134 mm SL) from Saya de Malha Bank. Provisional distribution patterns of the eight valid species of Polysteganus in the Western Indian Ocean are discussed. A key to the species of Polysteganus is provided.
Taxonomy and nomenclature of some mainland SE-Asian Coeliccia species
(Odonata, Platycnemididae) using micro-CT analysis
Authors: STEINHOFF PHILIP O. M. , UHL GABRIELE
Published: December 2015

The taxonomic status of some mainland Southeast Asian Coeliccia species is evaluated. The following synonymies are presented: C. acco is a junior synonym of C. pyriformis; C. tomokunii that of C. scutellum; C.onoi that of C. cyanomelas. C. scutellum hainanense is promoted to species level, C. hainanense. Redescriptions of the holotype of C. pyriformis and of the lectotypes of C. scutellum and C. hainanense are presented with illustrations. The male genital ligulae were examined by means of non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and subsequent 3D-reconstruction. The advantage of virtual types generated by micro-CT analysis, particularly for the examination of internal structures, is discussed.
A new genus and species of winter stoneflies (Plecoptera: Capniidae) from Southwest China, with a commented checklist of the family in the Oriental Realm
Authors: MURÁNYI DÁVID , LI WEIHAI , YANG DING
Published: December 2015

A new genus and species of the family Capniidae (Plecoptera), Sinocapnia kuankuoshui gen. n., sp. n. is described from the adult male and a female collected in Guizhou Province of southwest China. The new taxon is distinguished from all extant Capniidae genera and the assemblage of species currently included in Capnia sensu lato by combination of unique genitalic, wing, and thoracic sclerites characters. No closely related taxon is indicated on the basis of morphological characters. An annotated checklist of the family Capniidae from the Oriental Realm is given.
The Coastal Convective Interactions Experiment (CCIE): Understanding the Role of Sea Breezes for Hailstorm Hotspots in Eastern Australia
Authors: Soderholm Joshua , McGowan Hamish , Richter Harald , Walsh Kevin , Weckwerth Tammy , Coleman Matthew
Published: December 2015

Thunderstorm-affected communities develop an awareness of “hotspot” regions that historically experience more frequent or intense storm activity across many years. A scientifically based understanding of this localized variability has significant implications for both the public and industry; however, a lack of sufficiently long and robust observational datasets has limited prior research at the mesogamma spatial scale (2–20 km). This is particularly true for coastal environments, where hotspot activity has been documented in very few locales (e.g., Florida, southern Appalachian coastal plains, and the Iberian Peninsula), despite 45% of the global population living within 150 km of the coast. The Coastal Convective Interactions Experiment (CCIE) focuses on quantifying hailstorm hotspot activity for the coastal South East Queensland (SEQ) region of Australia and understanding the meteorological conditions that result in the spatial clustering of hailstorm activity.

An automated thunderstorm identification and tracking technique applied to 18 years of radar data identifies not only the hailstorm hotpots well known to experienced local forecasters but an apparent link between localized maxima and the presence of sea-breeze activity. These climatological findings provided the motivation and guidance for a two-season field campaign to investigate the role of the sea breeze in thunderstorm development. Details of the experiment strategy and equipment specifications are presented alongside preliminary results. Significant complexities were observed within sea-breeze and thunderstorms circulations, limiting the application of standard concepts for idealized gravity current interactions. Furthermore, a multi-instrument case study of a sea-breeze–thunderstorm cold pool interaction identifies the comparatively low sea-breeze buoyancy as the primary contributor toward inhibiting new convective initiation, despite the vorticity balance argument favoring deeper updrafts.
The NASA Airborne Tropical Tropopause Experiment: High-Altitude Aircraft Measurements in the Tropical Western Pacific
Authors: Jensen Eric J. , Pfister Leonhard , Jordan David E. , Bui Thaopaul V. , Ueyama Rei , Singh Hanwant B. , Thornberry Troy D. , Rollins Andrew W. , Gao Ru-Shan , Fahey David W. , Rosenlof Karen H. , Elkins James W. , Diskin Glenn S. , DiGangi Joshua P. , Lawson R. Paul , Woods Sarah , Atlas Elliot L. , Navarro Rodriguez Maria A. , Wofsy Steven C. , Pittman Jasna , Bardeen Charles G. , Toon Owen B. , Kindel Bruce C. , Newman Paul A. , McGill Matthew J. , Hlavka Dennis L. , Lait Leslie R. , Schoeberl Mark R. , Bergman John W. , Selkirk Henry B. , Alexander M. Joan , Kim Ji-Eun , Lim Boon H. , Stutz Jochen , Pfeilsticker Klaus
Published: December 2015

The February–March 2014 deployment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Airborne Tropical Tropopause Experiment (ATTREX) provided unique in situ measurements in the western Pacific tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Six flights were conducted from Guam with the long-range, high-altitude, unmanned Global Hawk aircraft. The ATTREX Global Hawk payload provided measurements of water vapor, meteorological conditions, cloud properties, tracer and chemical radical concentrations, and radiative fluxes. The campaign was partially coincident with the Convective Transport of Active Species in the Tropics (CONTRAST) and the Coordinated Airborne Studies in the Tropics (CAST) airborne campaigns based in Guam using lower-altitude aircraft (see companion articles in this issue). The ATTREX dataset is being used for investigations of TTL cloud, transport, dynamical, and chemical processes, as well as for evaluation and improvement of global-model representations of TTL processes. The ATTREX data are publicly available online (at https://espoarchive.nasa.gov/).
Characterization of Hydrometeors in Sahelian Convective Systems with an X-Band Radar and Comparison with In Situ Measurements. Part I: Sensitivity of Polarimetric Radar Particle Identification Retrieval and Case Study Evaluation
Authors: Cazenave F. , Gosset M. , Kacou M. , Alcoba M. , Fontaine E. , Duroure C. , Dolan B.
Published: December 2015

The particle identification scheme developed by Dolan and Rutledge for X-band polarimetric radar is tested for the first time in Africa and compared with in situ measurements. The data were acquired during the Megha-Tropiques mission algorithm-validation campaign that occurred in Niger in 2010. The radar classification is compared with the in situ observations gathered by an instrumented aircraft for the 13 August 2010 squall-line case. An original approach has been developed for the radar–in situ comparison: it consists of simulating synthetic radar variables from the microphysical-probe information and comparing the two datasets in a common “radar space.” The consistency between the two types of observation is good considering the differences in sampling illustrated in the paper. The time evolution of the hydrometeor types and their relative proportion in the convective and stratiform regions are analyzed. The farther away from the convection one looks, the more aggregation dominates, riming diminishes, and hydrometeors are less dense. Particle identification based on the polarimetric radar will be applied to a 5-yr African dataset in the future.