bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking low-temperature tectonism of the St. Lawrence Platform and Humber Zone, southern Quebec Appalachians, through apatite and zircon (U–Th)/He thermochronology
Authors: Emberley J.M. , Schneider D.A.
Published: May 2017

The St. Lawrence Platform (SLP) and Humber Zone (HZ) of the southern Quebec Appalachians have been the subject of extensive studies to resolve the degree of thermal maturation, yet the timing of the thermal maximum is not well understood. We have employed apatite (AHe) and zircon (ZHe) (U–Th)/He thermochronometry across a network of Late Cambrian to Late Ordovician siliciclastic and Grenvillian basement outcrops to resolve the thermal history below 200 °C. Single crystal dates from individual samples exhibit age dispersion by as much as 300 million years, with a strong positive to negative correlation with increasing effective uranium (eU) concentration. The data in the southwestern portion of the basin allow for thermal maxima of up to 200 °C during the Late Ordovician or Early Devonian. Regional burial trends combined with local estimates of paleogeothermal gradients indicate that, if sedimentation continued after the Late Ordovician, there was no significant increase in burial in southwestern portions of the SLP as previously suggested. Heating was followed by protracted cooling through 180–100 °C during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, and the cooling rate increased by an order of magnitude through the uppermost crust (80–60 °C) until ca. 100 Ma. Both the external and internal HZ sections experienced rapid cooling through the Silurian after a Taconic thermal maximum. The HZ witnessed protracted cooling through the Late Jurassic, followed by accelerated cooling until the present. Increased recognition of these low-temperature events can augment our understanding of the evolution of accretionary orogens, consequently increasing the efficiency of petroleum exploration.
On the extension of L2 holomorphic functions VIII — a remark on a theorem of Guan and Zhou
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: May 2017

An optimal [Formula: see text] extension theorem for the bundle-valued holomorphic sections over Stein manifolds is proved as a geometric reformulation of a theorem of Guan and Zhou. As an application, a new sharp [Formula: see text] extension theorem is proved.
Synthesis and characterization of β-Sialon powders from Si, halloysite clay and AlN powders
Authors: Yin Li , Jones Mark Ian
Published: May 2017

Two [Formula: see text]-Sialons, with [Formula: see text]-values of 1 and 4, respectively, were successfully synthesized by silicothermal reduction and nitridation method under 0.4 MPa nitrogen pressure. The effect of firing temperatures on the phase transformations and morphologies of [Formula: see text]-Sialons were analyzed by XRD and SEM. For [Formula: see text]-Sialons ([Formula: see text]), the product was finally composed of targeted [Formula: see text]-Sialon ([Formula: see text]) and secondary phase [Formula: see text]-Si3N4; for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-Sialon ([Formula: see text]) was the main phase, and 15R-Sialon and [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 co-existed as secondary phases. A higher firing temperature is more beneficial for the phase transformations and crystal growth of [Formula: see text]-Sialons, however, the most suitable firing temperature was 1400[Formula: see text]C.
Data hiding in halftone images with authentication ability using three-level noise-balanced error diffusion
Authors: Liang Zhuoqian , Wu Xiaotian
Published: May 2017

A novel data hiding method in halftone images with authentication ability was proposed in this paper. A secret image and an authentication image were simultaneously encoded into two halftone images. The secret image was visually reconstructed by stacking the two halftone images together. To verify the validity of the secret, one halftone image was shifted down for several units and stacked with the other one to reveal the authentication image. Experimental results were provided, demonstrating that the proposed method is effective and outperforms existing methods.
Material procedure quality forecast based on genetic BP neural network
Authors: Zheng Bao-Hua
Published: May 2017

Material procedure quality forecast plays an important role in quality control. This paper proposes a prediction model based on genetic algorithm (GA) and back propagation (BP) neural network. It can obtain the initial weights and thresholds of optimized BP neural network with the GA global search ability. A material process quality prediction model with the optimized BP neural network is adopted to predict the error of future process to measure the accuracy of process quality. The results show that the proposed method has the advantages of high accuracy and fast convergence rate compared with BP neural network.
A Fast Engine for Multi-String Pattern Matching
Authors: Peng Zhan , Wang Yuping , Yue Wei
Published: May 2017

Multi-string matching (MSM) is a core technique searching a text string for all occurrences of some string patterns. It is widely used in many applications. However, as the number of string patterns increases, most of the existing algorithms suffer from two issues: the long matching time, and the high memory consumption. To address these issues, in this paper, a fast matching engine is proposed for large-scale string matching problems. Our engine includes a filter module and a verification module. The filter module is based on several bitmaps which are responsible for quickly filtering out the invalid positions in the text, while for each potential matched position, the verification module confirms true pattern occurrence. In particular, we design a compact data structure called Adaptive Matching Tree (AMT) for the verification module, in which each tree node only saves some pattern fragments of the whole pattern set and the inner structure of each tree node is chosen adaptively according to the features of the corresponding pattern fragments. This makes the engine time and space efficient. The experiments indicate that, our matching engine performs better than the compared algorithms, especially for large pattern sets.
Consistency of nonlinear interacting ghost dark energy with recent observations
Authors: Ebrahimi E. , Golchin H. , Mehrabi A. , Movahed S. M. S.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate ghost dark energy model in the presence of nonlinear interaction between dark energy and dark matter. We also extend the analysis to the so-called generalized ghost dark energy (GGDE) which [Formula: see text]. The model contains three free parameters as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (the coupling coefficient of interactions). We propose three kinds of nonlinear interaction terms and discuss the behavior of equation of state, deceleration and dark energy density parameters of the model. We also find the squared sound speed and search for signs of stability of the model. To compare the interacting GGDE model with observational data sets, we use more recent observational outcomes, namely SNIa from JLA catalog, Hubble parameter, baryonic acoustic oscillation and the most relevant CMB parameters including, the position of acoustic peaks, shift parameters and redshift to recombination. For GGDE with the first nonlinear interaction, the joint analysis indicates that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at 1 optimal variance error. For the second interaction, the best fit values at [Formula: see text] confidence are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. According to combination of all observational data sets considered in this paper, the best fit values for third nonlinearly interacting model are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] confidence interval. Finally, we found that the presence of interaction is compatible in mentioned models via current observational datasets.
A Shell Element for Buckling Analysis of Thin-Walled Composite-Laminated Members
Authors: Erkmen R. Emre , Gottgens Bram
Published: May 2017

This paper introduces a new shell element formulation and investigates the buckling behavior of thin-walled beams composed of fiber-reinforced polymer composite-laminates, which is a primary design concern for thin-walled beams composed of fiber-reinforced polymer composite-laminates due to their slenderness. Although global buckling behavior can be captured using beam-column type two-node simple finite element formulations, shell-type more sophisticated elements are needed in order to be able to capture the effects due to cross-sectional deformations. Pursuit of an efficient shell element formulation continues to date and in this study, a new flat rectangular shell element formulation is developed for the buckling analysis of thin-walled composite-laminated members. The plate component of the shell is locking-free and based on the twist-Kirchhoff theory. For the membrane component of the shell element, variational formulation employing drilling degrees of freedom is adopted. Convergence studies were presented to illustrate the numerical performances of the element. A broad class of problems including distortional as well as global buckling cases were solved and compared with solutions from the literature to validate the use of the developed shell element for the buckling analysis of thin-walled composite-laminated members.
COMPARISON OF FEMALE AND MALE YOUTH CHARACTERISTICS PRIOR TO ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM UGANDA
Authors: MAWANGA FREDDIE FESTO
Published: May 2017

All pre-entrepreneurial development training programs collect data on the participating individuals as baseline data. This paper’s research question is whether the baseline data of youths can be analyzed to establish comparative gender characteristics. The analysis, data compared gender characteristics to identify customized gender training programs and policies; and as a mechanism for monitoring these characteristics as individuals develop into entrepreneurs. Data from youths being trained after an insurgency in a developing country were used and analysis was conducted with the help of SPSS ver. 21. Findings were that male youths were significantly more interested than female youth in the training. Significant correlations of assosiated chararctertisitcs among the youths were found to be similar across gender, although some were gender related. ANOVA revealed a significant difference in education, meals eaten per day and savings with varying levels of effect among male and female youths, with male youths scoring higher than the females. Education mediated monthly income and savings among female youths; however, among male youth its mediation was on the number of dependents they had. Finally, a binary logit regression showed that both genders were predictable using their education, quality of house they reside in, number of dependents and amount of savings but with varying direction of likelihood and extent. Implications of the study are discussed in the paper.
Indicator mineral and geochemical signatures associated with the Sisson W–Mo deposit, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: McClenaghan M. B. , Parkhill M. A. , Pronk A. G. , Seaman A. A. , McCurdy M. W. , Leybourne M. I.
Published: May 2017

An indicator mineral and geochemical case study was carried out around the Sisson W–Mo deposit to test modern indicator mineral and analytical methods and document glacial and fluvial dispersal from a significant W–Mo source. Indicator minerals in the 0.25 – 2.0 mm non-ferromagnetic heavy mineral fraction of till and stream sediments include the primary ore minerals scheelite, wolframite and molybdenite, as well as chalcopyrite, joseite, native Bi, bismutite, bismuthinite, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. Indicator minerals in
c.
12 – 14 kg samples define glacial dispersal of at least 10 km down ice (SE) of the deposit and fluvial dispersal at least 4 km downstream. The presence of very coarse (0.5 – 2.0 mm) indicator minerals in till and stream sediments marks proximity (<1 km) to the mineralized source. Indicator elements for the deposit in the <0.063 mm fraction of till, the <0.177 mm fraction of stream sediments, and in stream water include W and Mo, and various combinations of pathfinder elements Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cu, In, Pb, Te and Zn. This list of elements is more extensive than previously identified for the Sisson deposit or other studies around W mineralization in glaciated terrain. The study demonstrates that indicator mineral methods, so well known for diamond and gold exploration, have a broader application that includes W–Mo exploration.
Mesozoic evolution of NW Africa: implications for the Central Atlantic Ocean dynamics
Authors: Leprêtre Rémi , Barbarand Jocelyn , Missenard Yves , Gautheron Cécile , Pinna-Jamme Rosella , Saddiqi Omar
Published: May 2017

The Central Atlantic Ocean opened during the Early Jurassic and represents the oldest portion of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the American margin has been well studied, the onshore evolution of its African counterpart is poorly understood. We investigated the evolution of a
c
. 1300 km transect across the Reguibat Shield (Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria) in the northern West African Craton using low-temperature thermochronology. Fourteen samples were dated using apatite fission-track analysis. Nine of these samples were also dated using (U–Th–Sm)/He analysis. Fission-track ages range from 118 ± 10 to 497 ± 61 Ma, with mean track lengths between 11.2 ± 0.4 and 12.5 ± 0.2 µm. (U–Th–Sm)/He single-grain ages range from 32 ± 3 to 396 ± 32 Ma. Through forward and inverse thermal modelling, we demonstrate that the craton underwent kilometre-scale exhumation between the Early–Middle Jurassic and the Late Cretaceous. Based on our new results, published data on NW Africa and data from the conjugate eastern North American passive margin, we show that this post-rift Early–Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous exhumation affected both margins to a similar areal extent and simultaneously. Transient mantle dynamic support is suggested to account for the major erosional phase recorded on both margins.

Supplementary material:
The method for thermal modelling, the thermal modelling for all samples and the relationship between apatite chemistry and (U–Th)/He ages are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3770918
Structural framework of the gneiss–amphibolite–pegmatite assemblage of the Lewisian Complex south of Durness, NW Highlands
Authors: Findlay D. , Bowes D. R.
Published: May 2017

After a gap of more than a century new mapping has established that the structural framework of the Lewisian Complex southwards from the north coast of Scotland consists of a pattern of shallowly-plunging upright folds with southeasterly trending axial planes resulting from Palaeoproterozoic deformation of the products of Neoarchaean crust formation. The lithologies and structural features are consistent with polyphase tectonothermal deformation at depth, including crustal shortening, of a flat-lying, mantle-derived protolith assemblage that consisted mainly of acidic and some basic igneous sheet-like intrusions and the products of their metamorphism (quartzofeldspathic gneiss and amphibolite) during crust formation. The crustal shortening is represented by penetrative planar and linear fabrics that largely replace those formed earlier in the less competent gneisses. Large-scale upright northeasterly trending folds formed subsequently are both a major feature of the structural framework and a major control of the emplacement of many pegmatite intrusions. Rotation of structural units with respect to one another was associated with the extension along fold axes, the common development of boudinage structures at various scales and the local reversal of the general southeasterly direction of fold plunge to northwesterly.
Permian tetrapod biochronology, correlation and evolutionary events
Authors: Lucas Spencer G.
Published: May 2017

The most extensive Permian tetrapod (amphibian and reptile) fossil records from the western USA (New Mexico to Texas) and South Africa have been used to define 11 land vertebrate faunachrons (LVFs). These are, in ascending order, the Coyotean, Seymouran, Mitchellcreekian, Redtankian, Littlecrotonian, Kapteinskraalian, Gamkan, Hoedemakeran, Steilkransian, Platbergian and Lootsbergian. These faunachrons provide a biochronological framework with which to assign ages to, and correlate, Permian tetrapod fossil assemblages. Intercalated marine strata, radioisotopic ages and magnetostratigraphy were used to correlate the Permian LVFs to the standard global chronostratigraphic scale with varying degrees of precision. Such correlations identified the following significant events in Permian tetrapod evolution: a Coyotean chronofaunal event (end Coyotean); Redtankian events (Mitchellcreekian–Littlecrotonian); Olson's gap (late Littlecrotonian); a therapsid event (Kapteinskraalian); a dinocephalian extinction event (end Gamkan); and a latest Permian extinction event (Platbergian–Lootsbergian boundary). Problems of incompleteness, endemism and taxonomy, and the relative lack of non-biochronological age control continue to hinder the refinement and correlation of a Permian timescale based on tetrapod biochronology. Nevertheless, the global Permian timescale based on tetrapod biochronology is a robust tool for both global and regional age assignment and correlation. Advances in Permian tetrapod biochronology will come from new fossil discoveries, more detailed biostratigraphy and additional alpha taxonomic studies based on sound evolutionary taxonomic principles.
Functional high-intensity training improves pancreatic β-cell function in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nieuwoudt Stephan , Fealy Ciarán E. , Foucher Julie A. , Scelsi Amanda R. , Malin Steven K. , Pagadala Mangesh , Rocco Michael , Burguera Bartolome , Kirwan John P.
Published: May 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by reductions in β-cell function and insulin secretion on the background of elevated insulin resistance. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve β-cell function, despite a subset of T2D patients displaying “exercise resistance.” Further investigations into the effectiveness of alternate forms of exercise on β-cell function in the T2D patient population are needed. We examined the effect of a novel, 6-wk CrossFit functional high-intensity training (F-HIT) intervention on β-cell function in 12 sedentary adults with clinically diagnosed T2D (54 ± 2 yr, 166 ± 16 mg/dl fasting glucose). Supervised training was completed 3 days/wk, comprising functional movements performed at a high intensity in a variety of 10- to 20-min sessions. All subjects completed an oral glucose tolerance test and anthropometric measures at baseline and following the intervention. The mean disposition index, a validated measure of β-cell function, was significantly increased (PRE: 8.4 ± 3.1, POST: 11.5 ± 3.5, P = 0.02) after the intervention. Insulin processing inefficiency in the β-cell, expressed as the fasting proinsulin-to-insulin ratio, was also reduced (PRE: 2.40 ± 0.37, POST: 1.78 ± 0.30, P = 0.04). Increased β-cell function during the early-phase response to glucose correlated significantly with reductions in abdominal body fat ( R2= 0.56, P = 0.005) and fasting plasma alkaline phosphatase ( R2= 0.55, P = 0.006). Mean total body-fat percentage decreased significantly (Δ: −1.17 0.30%, P = 0.003), whereas lean body mass was preserved (Δ: +0.05 ± 0.68 kg, P = 0.94). We conclude that F-HIT is an effective exercise strategy for improving β-cell function in adults with T2D.
Responses of Purkinje cells in the oculomotor vermis of monkeys during smooth pursuit eye movements and saccades: comparison with floccular complex
Authors: Raghavan Ramanujan T. , Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: May 2017

The midline oculomotor cerebellum plays a different role in smooth pursuit eye movements compared with the lateral, floccular complex and appears to be much less involved in direction learning in pursuit. The output from the oculomotor vermis during pursuit lies along a null-axis for saccades and vice versa. Thus the vermis can play independent roles in the two kinds of eye movement.
Context effects on smooth pursuit and manual interception of a disappearing target
Authors: Kreyenmeier Philipp , Fooken Jolande , Spering Miriam
Published: May 2017

In our natural environment, we interact with moving objects that are surrounded by richly textured, dynamic visual contexts. Yet most laboratory studies on vision and movement show visual objects in front of uniform gray backgrounds. Context effects on eye movements have been widely studied, but it is less well known how visual contexts affect hand movements. Here we ask whether eye and hand movements integrate motion signals from target and context similarly or differently, and whether context effects on eye and hand change over time. We developed a track-intercept task requiring participants to track the initial launch of a moving object (“ball”) with smooth pursuit eye movements. The ball disappeared after a brief presentation, and participants had to intercept it in a designated “hit zone.” In two experiments ( n = 18 human observers each), the ball was shown in front of a uniform or a textured background that either was stationary or moved along with the target. Eye and hand movement latencies and speeds were similarly affected by the visual context, but eye and hand interception (eye position at time of interception, and hand interception timing error) did not differ significantly between context conditions. Eye and hand interception timing errors were strongly correlated on a trial-by-trial basis across all context conditions, highlighting the close relation between these responses in manual interception tasks. Our results indicate that visual contexts similarly affect eye and hand movements but that these effects may be short-lasting, affecting movement trajectories more than movement end points.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a novel track-intercept paradigm, human observers tracked a briefly shown object moving across a textured, dynamic context and intercepted it with their finger after it had disappeared. Context motion significantly affected eye and hand movement latency and speed, but not interception accuracy; eye and hand position at interception were correlated on a trial-by-trial basis. Visual context effects may be short-lasting, affecting movement trajectories more than movement end points.
Learning temporal context shapes prestimulus alpha oscillations and improves visual discrimination performance
Authors: Toosi Tahereh , K. Tousi Ehsan , Esteky Hossein
Published: May 2017

It is not well understood how the uncertainty in the timing of an external event affects its processing, particularly at subsecond scales. Here we demonstrate how a predictable timing scheme improves visual processing. We found that learning the predictable scheme gradually shaped the prestimulus alpha power. These findings indicate that the human brain is able to extract implicit subsecond patterns in the temporal context of events.
Type 2 Diabetes in Young Females Results in Increased Serum Amyloid A and Changes to Features of High Density Lipoproteins in Both HDL2 and HDL3
Authors: Griffiths Kayleigh , Pazderska Agnieszka , Ahmed Mohammed , McGowan Anne , Maxwell Alexander P. , McEneny Jane , Gibney James , McKay Gareth J.
Published: May 2017

Persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an elevated risk of atherosclerosis. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) normally protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD), but this may be attenuated by serum amyloid A (SAA). In a case-control study of young females, blood samples were compared between subjects with T2DM (n=42) and individuals without T2DM (n=42). SAA and apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) concentrations, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activities were measured in the serum and/or HDL2 and HDL3 subfractions. SAA concentrations were higher in T2DM compared to controls: serum (30 mg/L (17, 68) versus 15 mg/L (7, 36); p=0.002), HDL2 (1.0 mg/L (0.6, 2.2) versus 0.4 mg/L (0.2, 0.7); p<0.001), and HDL3 (13 mg/L (8, 29) versus 6 mg/L (3, 13); p<0.001). Serum-PON-1 activity was lower in T2DM compared to that in controls (38,245 U/L (7025) versus 41,109 U/L (5690); p=0.043). CETP activity was higher in T2DM versus controls in HDL2 (232.6 μmol/L (14.1) versus 217.1 μmol/L (25.1); p=0.001) and HDL3 (279.5 μmol/L (17.7) versus 245.2 μmol/L (41.2); p<0.001). These results suggest that individuals with T2DM have increased SAA-related inflammation and dysfunctional HDL features. SAA may prove to be a useful biomarker in T2DM given its association with elevated CVD risk.
Assessment of Vascular Change Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: A New Theory Explains Central Visual Loss in Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Somkijrungroj Thanapong , Vongkulsiri Sritatath , Kongwattananon Wijak , Chotcomwongse Peranut , Luangpitakchumpol Sasivarin , Jaisuekul Korrawan
Published: May 2017

Objective. To evaluate retinal vascular structural change in ocular Behcet’s using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Methods. An analytic cross-sectional study of 37 eyes of 21 Behcet’s uveitic patients was performed. Foveal retinal thickness (FRT), perifoveal hypoperfusion areas in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were measured with swept-source optical coherence tomography and OCTA. FA images were used for assessing the vascular features and correlation. Results. Twenty-one patients were enrolled (52.4% males). The average age at onset was 36.7 ± 12.93 years. The median of disease duration was 5 years (1–25). FRT was 118.1 ± 52.35 μm, which correlated with visual acuity (95% CI −60.47, −13.92). Using OCTA, the area of hypoperfusion in SCP (0.47 ± 0.17 mm2) was smaller than that in DCP (1.94 ± 3.87 mm2) (p<0.001). Superficial to deep capillary plexus nonperfusion (SCP : DCP) ratio was 0.57 ± 0.27 which had the positive coefficient correlation with visual acuity (95% CI −0.644, −0.015). Conclusions. OCTA is an alternative noninvasive method to monitor macular ischemia in Behcet. Behcet’s uveitis affects DCP more than SCP. Decreasing SCP : DCP ratio and decrease FRT correlates with poor visual acuity. Macular ischemia and DCP loss can be found early and can explain vision loss in Behcet.
Flow Characteristics and Grain Size Distribution of Granular Gangue Mineral by Compaction Treatment
Authors: Yuan Ran , Ma Dan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: May 2017

A test system for water flow in granular gangue mineral was designed to study the flow characteristics by compaction treatment. With the increase of the compaction displacement, the porosity decreases and void in granular gangue becomes less. The main reason causing initial porosity decrease is that the void of larger size is filled with small particles. Permeability tends to decrease and non-Darcy flow factor increases under the compaction treatment. The change trend of flow characteristics shows twists and turns, which indicate that flow characteristics of granular gangue mineral are related to compaction level, grain size distribution, crushing, and fracture structure. During compaction, larger particles are crushed, which in turn causes the weight of smaller particles to increase, and water flow induces fine particles to migrate (weight loss); meanwhile, a sample with more weight of size (0–2.5 mm) has a higher amount of weight loss. Water seepage will cause the decrease of some chemical components, where SiO2 decreased the highest in these components; the components decreased are more likely locked at fragments rather than the defect of the minerals. The variation of the chemical components has an opposite trend when compared with permeability.
Soluble Urokinase Receptor and the Kidney Response in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dande Ranadheer R. , Peev Vasil , Altintas Mehmet M. , Reiser Jochen
Published: May 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. DN typically manifests by glomerular hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria; then, the disease progresses to impaired glomerular filtration rate, which leads to ESRD. Treatment options for DN include the strict control of blood glucose levels and pressure (e.g., intraglomerular hypertension). However, the search for novel therapeutic strategies is ongoing. These include seeking specific molecules that contribute to the development and progression of DN to potentially interfere with these “molecular targets” as well as with the cellular targets within the kidney such as podocytes, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of DN. Recently, podocyte membrane protein urokinase receptor (uPAR) and its circulating form (suPAR) are found to be significantly induced in glomeruli and sera of DN patients, respectively, and elevated suPAR levels predicted diabetic kidney disease years before the occurrence of microalbuminuria. The intent of this review is to summarize the emerging evidence of uPAR and suPAR in the clinical manifestations of DN. The identification of specific pathways that govern DN will help us build a more comprehensive molecular model for the pathogenesis of the disease that can inform new opportunities for treatment.
A Survey on Secure Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Zou Shihong , Xu Yanhong , Wang Honggang , Li Zhouzhou , Chen Shanzhi , Hu Bo
Published: May 2017

Combining tiny sensors and wireless communication technology, wireless body area network (WBAN) is one of the most promising fields. Wearable and implantable sensors are utilized for collecting the physiological data to achieve continuously monitoring of people’s physical conditions. However, due to the openness of wireless environment and the significance and privacy of people’s physiological data, WBAN is vulnerable to various attacks; thus, strict security mechanisms are required to enable a secure WBAN. In this article, we mainly focus on a survey on the security issues in WBAN, including securing internal communication in WBAN and securing communication between WBAN and external users. For each part, we discuss and identify the security goals to be achieved. Meanwhile, relevant security solutions in existing research on WBAN are presented and their applicability is analyzed.
Topological Design of Planar Circularly Polarized Directional Antenna with Low Profile Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhao Xiaonan , Geng Junping , Jin Ronghong , Jin Yao , Liu Xiang , Yin Wenyan
Published: May 2017

A topological method for the design and optimization of planar circularly polarized (CP) directional antenna with low profile was presented. By inserting two parasitic layers, generated by particle swarm optimization, between the equiangular spiral antenna and the ground, a low-profile wideband CP antenna with directional radiation pattern and high gain is achieved. The optimized antenna shows an impedance matching band (S11<-10 dB) of 4–12 GHz with a whole-band stable directional pattern in 4–11.5 GHz, and the antenna gain peak is 8 dBi, which work well in the available band. Measured return loss, antenna gain, and far field patterns agree well with simulation results.
Targets of Neutrophil Influx and Weaponry: Therapeutic Opportunities for Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease
Authors: Mårdh Carina Kärrman , Root James , Uddin Mohib , Stenvall Kristina , Malmgren Anna , Karabelas Kostas , Thomas Matthew
Published: May 2017

Neutrophils are important effector cells of antimicrobial immunity in an acute inflammatory response, with a primary role in the clearance of extracellular pathogens. However, in respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is excessive infiltration and activation of neutrophils, subsequent production of reactive oxygen species, and release of serine proteases, matrix metalloproteinases, and myeloperoxidase—resulting in collateral damage as the cells infiltrate into the tissue. Increased neutrophil survival through dysregulated apoptosis facilitates continued release of neutrophil-derived mediators to perpetuate airway inflammation and tissue injury. Several target mechanisms have been investigated to address pathologic neutrophil biology and thereby provide a novel therapy for respiratory disease. These include neutrophil influx through inhibition of chemokine receptors CXCR2, CXCR1, and PI3Kγsignaling and neutrophil weaponry by protease inhibitors, targeting matrix metalloproteinases and neutrophil serine proteases. In addition, neutrophil function can be modulated using selective PI3Kδinhibitors. This review highlights the latest advances in targeting neutrophils and their function, discusses the opportunities and risks of neutrophil inhibition, and explores how we might better develop future strategies to regulate neutrophil influx and function for respiratory diseases in dire need of novel effective therapies.
Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage by Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles in Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: Alarifi Saud , Ali Daoud , Alkahtani Saad
Published: May 2017

Metal nanoparticles have been extensively used in industry as well as in biomedical application. In this work, we have evaluated the toxic potential of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (MNPs) on human neuronal (SH-SY5Y) cells. Cellular toxicity due to MNPs (0, 10, 30, and 60 μg/ml) on the SH-SY5Y cell was observed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and neutral red uptake (NRU) tests. MNPs produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and declined in mitochondrial membrane potential in the SH-SY5Y cell in dose and duration dependent manner. Moreover, lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were increased and glutathione was reduced in dose and time dependent manner. A significant upgrade in Hoechst 33342 fluorescence intensity (chromosome condensation) and phosphatidylserine translocation (apoptotic cell) was visualized in cells treated with MNPs for 48 h. On the other hand, caspase-3 activity was increased due to MNPs in SH-SY5Y cells. DNA strand breaks were determined by alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay (Comet Assay) and maximum fragmentation of DNA produced due to MNPs (60 μg/ml) for 48 hours. This result provides a basic mechanism of induction of apoptosis and toxicity by MNPs in SH-SY5Y cells.
The Fibularis (Peroneus) Tertius Muscle in Humans: A Meta-Analysis of Anatomical Studies with Clinical and Evolutionary Implications
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Erić Mirela
Published: May 2017

Being considered an exclusive human structure for a long time, fibularis tertius (FT) is believed to have a secondary function of foot dorsiflexion and eversion. This study is an attempt to approach the issue from an anatomical perspective. A systematic literature search identified 35 studies (7601 legs) which met the inclusion criteria. The weighted results of FT presence were as follows: an “adult cadaveric” frequency of 93.2% and a clinical frequency of 80%. The most common FT origin and insertion sites were the distal half of fibula and the base of the 5th metatarsal, respectively. In 95% of cases, an accessory fibular muscle was detected when FT was lacking. We demonstrated that the discrepancy found between the adult cadaveric and clinical frequency values would point out a probable bias in interpreting previous kinesiological results. On an evolutionary level, comparative anatomy demonstrated a very low FT prevalence among monkeys while reaching a frequency of 30% in gorillas, the only non-human apes having an almost exclusive terrestrial locomotion. The consistent prevalence among humans and the presence of similar functional muscles when it is missing would support an essential role of FT during the phylogenetic development of the erect bipedal posture and probably during gait.
Noradrenergic Modulation of Cognition in Health and Disease
Authors: Borodovitsyna Olga , Flamini Matthew , Chandler Daniel
Published: May 2017

Norepinephrine released by the locus coeruleus modulates cellular processes and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system through its actions at a number of pre- and postsynaptic receptors. This transmitter system facilitates sensory signal detection and promotes waking and arousal, processes which are necessary for navigating a complex and dynamic sensory environment. In addition to its effects on sensory processing and waking behavior, norepinephrine is now recognized as a contributor to various aspects of cognition, including attention, behavioral flexibility, working memory, and long-term mnemonic processes. Two areas of dense noradrenergic innervation, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, are particularly important with regard to these functions. Due to its role in mediating normal cognitive function, it is reasonable to expect that noradrenergic transmission becomes dysfunctional in a number of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cognitive deficits. In this review, we summarize the unique role that norepinephrine plays in prefrontal cortical and hippocampal function and how its interaction with its various receptors contributes to cognitive behaviors. We further assess the changes that occur in the noradrenergic system in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia and how these changes contribute to cognitive decline in these pathologies.
Prdx6 Upregulation by Curcumin Attenuates Ischemic Oxidative Damage via SP1 in Rats after Stroke
Authors: Jia Gongwei , Tan Botao , Ma Jingxi , Zhang Lina , Jin Xinhao , Li Changqing
Published: May 2017

Background. The role of Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) in brain ischemia remains unclear. Curcumin (Cur) treatment elicits neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemic injury, and the associated mechanisms may involve Prdx6. In this study, we investigated whether Prdx6 and the transcription factor specific protein 1 (SP1) were involved in the antioxidant effect of Cur after stoke. Methods. Focal cerebral ischemic injury was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 hours in male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with or without Prdx6 siRNA. Expression of Prdx6 in the penumbra was assessed by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunoflourescent staining. In addition, infarct volume, neurological deficit score, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Prdx6 levels were also determined in the presence and absence of SP1 antagonist mithramycin A (MTM-A). Results. Cur treatment upregulated Prdx6 protein expression and the number of Prdx6-positive neuronal cells 24 hours after reperfusion. Cur treatment also attenuated oxidative stress and induced neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage, whereas the beneficial effects of Cur treatment were lost in animals treated with Prdx6-siRNA. Prdx6 upregulation by Cur treatment was abolished by SP1 antagonists MTM. Conclusions. Prdx6 upregulation by Cur treatment attenuates ischemic oxidative damage through SP1 induction in rats after stroke. This represents a novel mechanism of Cur-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia.
Ship Radiated Noise Recognition Using Resonance-Based Sparse Signal Decomposition
Authors: Yan Jiaquan , Sun Haixin , Cheng En , Kuai Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoliang
Published: May 2017

Under the complex oceanic environment, robust and effective feature extraction is the key issue of ship radiated noise recognition. Since traditional feature extraction methods are susceptible to the inevitable environmental noise, the type of vessels, and the speed of ships, the recognition accuracy will degrade significantly. Hence, we propose a robust time-frequency analysis method which combines resonance-based sparse signal decomposition (RSSD) and Hilbert marginal spectrum (HMS) analysis. First, the observed signals are decomposed into high resonance component, low resonance component, and residual component by RSSD, which is a nonlinear signal analysis method based not on frequency or scale but on resonance. High resonance component is multiple simultaneous sustained oscillations, low resonance component is nonoscillatory transients, and residual component is white Gaussian noises. According to the low-frequency periodic oscillatory characteristic of ship radiated noise, high resonance component is the purified ship radiated noise. RSSD is suited to noise suppression for low-frequency oscillation signals. Second, HMS of high resonance component is extracted by Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) as the feature vector. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) is adopted as a classifier. Real audio recordings are employed in the experiments under different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The experimental results indicate that the proposed method has a better recognition performance than the traditional method under different SNRs.
Hesperidin Protects against Acute Alcoholic Injury through Improving Lipid Metabolism and Cell Damage in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Zhou Zhenting , Zhong Weichao , Lin Haiyan , Huang Peng , Ma Ning , Zhang Yuqing , Zhou Chuying , Lai Yuling , Huang Shaohui , Huang Shiying , Gao Lei , Lv Zhiping
Published: May 2017

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a series of abnormalities of liver function, including alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. Hesperidin, the major constituent of flavanone in grapefruit, is proved to play a role in antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and reducing multiple organs damage in various animal experiments. However, the underlying mechanism of resistance to alcoholic liver injury is still unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of hesperidin against ALD and its molecular mechanism in this study. We established an ALD zebrafish larvae model induced by 350 mM ethanol for 32 hours, using wild‐type and transgenic line with liver‐specific eGFP expression Tg (lfabp10α:eGFP) zebrafish larvae (4 dpf). The results revealed that hesperidin dramatically reduced the hepatic morphological damage and the expressions of alcohol and lipid metabolism related genes, including cyp2y3, cyp3a65, hmgcra, hmgcrb, fasn, and fads2 compared with ALD model. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that hesperidin alleviated hepatic damage as well, which is reflected by the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress and DNA damage related genes (chop, gadd45αa, and edem1). In conclusion, this study revealed that hesperidin can inhibit alcoholic damage to liver of zebrafish larvae by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and DNA damage, regulating alcohol and lipid metabolism.
Practices of Breast Self-Examination and Associated Factors among Female Debre Berhan University Students
Authors: Birhane Kalayu , Alemayehu Miskir , Anawte Belayneh , Gebremariyam Gebru , Daniel Ruth , Addis Semeneh , Worke Teshome , Mohammed Abdurrahman , Negash Wassie
Published: May 2017

Background. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in Ethiopia of all female cancers. It is considered to be a progressive disease with a poor prognosis if detected late. Breast self-examination is an important prevention method of breast cancer. This study was aimed at assessing practice and associated factors of breast self-examination (BSE) among female Debre Berhan University students in Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 among 420 using self-administrated questionnaire. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done. Results. Majority of the study participants, 338 (84.5%), were between 20 and 24 years old with the mean age of 21.1 ± 1.65. Only 14 (3.5%) had family history of breast cancer. Two hundred fifty-six (64%) of the participants had heard about BSE and 30.25% had good knowledge about BSE. Mass media were the most common source of information about breast cancer. Few of the participants (28.3%) had performed BSE. Lack of knowledge on how to perform BSE was cited as the main reason for not practicing BSE. Knowing how to perform, when to perform, and position to perform BSE and having a perception that BSE is important and useful to detect breast cancer were significant predictors of practices of BSE. Conclusions. This study revealed that most of the participants had low knowledge and practice of BSE. Therefore, it important to develop health educational programs in the university to raise awareness about BSE and breast cancer so as to practice self-breast examination.
Enhancement of Mitochondrial Transfer by Antioxidants in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Li Chia-Jung , Chen Po-Kong , Sun Li-Yi , Pang Cheng-Yoong
Published: May 2017

Excessive reactive oxygen species is the major component of a harsh microenvironment after ischemia/reperfusion injury in human tissues. Combined treatment of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) and L‐ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate (AAP) promoted the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and suppressed oxidative stress‐induced cell death by enhancing mitochondrial integrity and function in vitro. In this study, we aimed to determine whether NAC and AAP (termed MCA) could enhance the therapeutic potential of hMSCs. We established a coculture system consisting of MCA‐treated and H2O2‐treated hMSCs and investigated the role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in the exchange of mitochondria between the 2 cell populations. The consequences of mitochondria exchange were assessed by fluorescence confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The results showed that MCA could increase the mitochondrial mass, respiratory capacity, and numbers of TNTs in hMSCs. The “energized” mitochondria were transferred to the injured hMSCs via TNTs, the oxidative stress was decreased, and the mitochondrial membrane potential of the H2O2‐treated hMSCs was stabilized. The transfer of mitochondria decreased the expression of S616‐phosphorylated dynamin‐related protein 1, a protein that dictates the fragmentation/fission of mitochondria. Concurrently, MCA also enhanced mitophagy in the coculture system, implicating that damaged mitochondria were eliminated in order to maintain cell physiology.
Foreign Body Moves Retrograde through Ileocecal Valve during Colonoscopy
Authors: Paparoupa Maria , Bruns-Toepler Markus
Published: May 2017

Ingestion of foreign bodies and particularly of button or/and cylindrical batteries is frequent in children and adults with underlying psychiatric diseases. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman with unstable borderline disorder, where overall 4 button and 2 cylindrical batteries were endoscopically removed from her digestive system. During the last session of colonoscopy a peculiar incident was observed, as a cylindrical battery of 15 mm diameter and 43 mm length moved retrograde through ileocecal valve into the small bowel. The foreign body removal from terminal ileum was effective and safe using an endoscopic loop. This report suggests that endoscopic insertion in terminal ileum should be attempted in every colonoscopy session conducted under the indication of foreign body removal, as the possibility of retrograde movement of even large foreign bodies in the colon and through ileocecal valve is given.