bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Assessment of a Biomass Gasification Integrated System for Multigeneration Purpose
Authors: Khanmohammadi Shoaib , Atashkari Kazem , Kouhikamali Ramin
Published: February 2016

The use of biomass due to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts has attracted many researchers’ attention in the recent years. Access to an energy conversion system which is able to have the optimum performance for applying valuable low heating value fuels has been considered by many practitioners and scholars. This paper focuses on the accurate modeling of biomass gasification process and the optimal design of a multigeneration system (heating, cooling, electrical power, and hydrogen as energy carrier) to take the advantage of this clean energy. In the process of gasification modeling, a thermodynamic equilibrium model based on Gibbs energy minimization is used. Also, in the present study, a detailed parametric analysis of multigeneration system for undersigning the behavior of objective functions with changing design parameters and obtaining the optimal design parameters of the system is done as well. The results show that with exergy efficiency as an objective function this parameter can increase from 19.6% in base case to 21.89% in the optimized case. Also, for the total cost rate of system as an objective function it can decrease from 154.4 $/h to 145.1 $/h.
Piecewise Linear Model for Multiskilled Workforce Scheduling Problems considering Learning Effect and Project Quality
Authors: Qin Shujin , Liu Shixin , Kuang Hanbin
Published: February 2016

Workforce scheduling is an important and common task for projects with high labour intensities. It becomes particularly complex when employees have multiple skills and the employees’ productivity changes along with their learning of knowledge according to the tasks they are assigned to. Till now, in this context, only little work has considered the minimum quality limit of tasks and the quality learning effect. In this research, the workforce scheduling model is developed for assigning tasks to multiskilled workforce by considering learning of knowledge and requirements of project quality. By using piecewise linearization to learning curve, the mixed 0-1 nonlinear programming model (MNLP) is transformed into a mixed 0-1 linear programming model (MLP). After that, the MLP model is further improved by taking account of the upper bound of employees’ experiences accumulation, and the stable performance of mature employees. Computational experiments are provided using randomly generated instances based on the investigation of a software company. The results demonstrate that the proposed MLPs can precisely approach the original MNLP model but can be calculated in much less time.
Activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling Is Critical for Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Li Chen-Shuang , Zheng Zhong , Su Xiao-Xia , Wang Fei , Ling Michelle , Zou Min , Zhou Hong
Published: February 2016

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are recognized as candidate progenitor cells for bone regeneration. However, the mechanism of hUCMSC osteogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we revealed that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling is involved in hUCMSC osteogenic differentiationin vitro. Particularly, the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 signaling pathways maintained a consistent level in hUCMSCs through the entire 21-day osteogenic differentiation period. At the same time, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling significantly increased from day 5, peaked at day 9, and declined thereafter. Moreover, gene profiling of osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement, and alizarin red staining demonstrated that the application of U0126, a specific inhibitor for ERK activation, completely prohibited hUCMSC osteogenic differentiation. However, when U0126 was removed from the culture at day 9, ERK activation and osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs were partially recovered. Together, these findings demonstrate that the activation of ERK signaling is essential for hUCMSC osteogenic differentiation, which points out the significance of ERK signaling pathway to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs as an alternative cell source for bone tissue engineering.
Ischemic Stroke and Its Risk Factors in a Registry-Based Large Cross-Sectional Diabetic Cohort in a Country Facing a Diabetes Epidemic
Authors: Al-Rubeaan Khalid , Al-Hussain Fawaz , Youssef Amira M. , Subhani Shazia N. , Al-Sharqawi Ahmad H. , Ibrahim Heba M.
Published: February 2016

The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of ischemic stroke among diabetic patients registered in the Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR) database. A cross-sectional sample of 62,681 diabetic patients aged ≥25 years was used to calculate ischemic stroke prevalence and its risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the roles of different risk factors. The prevalence of ischemic stroke was 4.42% and was higher in the older age group with longer diabetes duration. Poor glycemic control and the presence of chronic diabetes complications were associated with a high risk of ischemic stroke. History of smoking and type 2 diabetes were more frequent among stroke patients. Obesity significantly decreased the risk for ischemic stroke. Regression analysis for ischemic stroke risk factors proved that age ≥45 years, male gender, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes duration ≥10 years, insulin use, and hyperlipidemia were significant independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. We conclude that ischemic stroke is prevalent among diabetic individuals, particularly among those with type 2 diabetes. Good glycemic, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia control, in addition to smoking cessation, are the cornerstones to achieve a significant reduction in ischemic stroke risk.
Influence of Grain Boundary Character and Annealing Time on Segregation in Commercially Pure Nickel
Authors: Welsh Shery L. , Kapoor Monica , Underwood Olivia D. , Martens Richard L. , Thompson Gregory B. , Evans Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2016

Commercially pure nickel (Ni) was thermomechanically processed to promote an increase in Σ3 special grain boundaries. Engineering the character and chemistry of Σ3 grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials can help in improving physical, chemical, and mechanical properties leading to improved performance. Type-specific grain boundaries (special and random) were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction and the segregation behavior of elements such as Si, Al, C, O, P, Cr, Mg, Mn, B, and Fe, at the atomic level, was studied as a function of grain boundary character using atom probe tomography. These results showed that the random grain boundaries were enriched with impurities to include metal oxides, while Σ3 special grain boundaries showed little to no impurities at the grain boundaries. In addition, the influence of annealing time on the concentration of segregants on random grain boundaries was analyzed and showed clear evidence of increased concentration of segregants as annealing time was increased.
Large-Scale Recurrent Neural Network Based Modelling of Gene Regulatory Network Using Cuckoo Search-Flower Pollination Algorithm
Authors: Mandal Sudip , Khan Abhinandan , Saha Goutam , Pal Rajat K.
Published: February 2016

The accurate prediction of genetic networks using computational tools is one of the greatest challenges in the postgenomic era. Recurrent Neural Network is one of the most popular but simple approaches to model the network dynamics from time-series microarray data. To date, it has been successfully applied to computationally derive small-scale artificial and real-world genetic networks with high accuracy. However, they underperformed for large-scale genetic networks. Here, a new methodology has been proposed where a hybrid Cuckoo Search-Flower Pollination Algorithm has been implemented with Recurrent Neural Network. Cuckoo Search is used to search the best combination of regulators. Moreover, Flower Pollination Algorithm is applied to optimize the model parameters of the Recurrent Neural Network formalism. Initially, the proposed method is tested on a benchmark large-scale artificial network for both noiseless and noisy data. The results obtained show that the proposed methodology is capable of increasing the inference of correct regulations and decreasing false regulations to a high degree. Secondly, the proposed methodology has been validated against the real-world dataset of the DNA SOS repair network of Escherichia coli. However, the proposed method sacrifices computational time complexity in both cases due to the hybrid optimization process.
Group BStreptococcusInduces a Robust IFN-γResponse by CD4+T Cells in anIn VitroandIn VivoModel
Authors: Clarke Damian , Letendre Corinne , Lecours Marie-Pier , Lemire Paul , Galbas Tristan , Thibodeau Jacques , Segura Mariela
Published: February 2016

Group BStreptococcus(GBS) serotype III causes life-threatening infections. Cytokines have emerged as important players for the control of disease, particularly IFN-γ. Although potential sources of this cytokine have been proposed, no specific cell line has ever been described as a leading contributor. In this study, CD4+T cell activation profiles in response to GBS were evaluated throughin vivo,ex vivo,andin vitroapproaches. Total splenocytes readily produce a type 1 proinflammatory response by releasing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 and actively recruit T cells via chemokines like CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL3. Responding CD4+T cells differentiate into Th1 cells producing large amounts of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2.In vitrostudies using dendritic cell and CD4+T cell cocultures infected with wild-type GBS or a nonencapsulated mutant suggested that GBS capsular polysaccharide, one of the major bacterial virulence factors, differentially modulates surface expression of CD69 and IFN-γproduction. Overall, CD4+T cells are important producers of IFN-γand might thus influence the course of GBS infection through the expression balance of this cytokine.
Robust Control of Underactuated Systems: Higher Order Integral Sliding Mode Approach
Authors: ud Din Sami , Khan Qudrat , Rehman Fazal ur , Akmeliawati Rini
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a robust control design for the class of underactuated uncertain nonlinear systems. Either the nonlinear model of the underactuated systems is transformed into an input output form and then an integral manifold is devised for the control design purpose or an integral manifold is defined directly for the concerned class. Having defined the integral manifolds discontinuous control laws are designed which are capable of maintaining sliding mode from the very beginning. The closed loop stability of these systems is presented in an impressive way. The effectiveness and demand of the designed control laws are verified via the simulation and experimental results of ball and beam system.
Multiresolution Rotational Symmetry Detection via Radius-Based Frieze-Expansion
Authors: Pan Gang , Sun Di , Chen Yarui , Zhang Chuanlei
Published: February 2016

Rotational symmetry is important for many applications in computer graphics, vision, and image processing. However, it remains difficult to design an effective algorithm for automatic symmetry recognition. In this paper, we present a rotational symmetry detection algorithm, which is easy to use and can determine both the center and the radius of the rotational symmetry supporting region without human interaction. Our algorithm is derived from frieze-expansions approach and improved through a radius-based expansion idea. Multiresolution pyramid is used to accelerate this detection process. We also discuss a solution to deal with rotational symmetry detection under slight affine transformation. Experimental results show that the method is effective for most nature images with rotational symmetry.
Optical Flow Sensor/INS/Magnetometer Integrated Navigation System for MAV in GPS-Denied Environment
Authors: Shen Chong , Bai Zesen , Cao Huiliang , Xu Ke , Wang Chenguang , Zhang Huaiyu , Wang Ding , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: February 2016

The drift of inertial navigation system (INS) will lead to large navigation error when a low-cost INS is used in microaerial vehicles (MAV). To overcome the above problem, an INS/optical flow/magnetometer integrated navigation scheme is proposed for GPS-denied environment in this paper. The scheme, which is based on extended Kalman filter, combines INS and optical flow information to estimate the velocity and position of MAV. The gyro, accelerator, and magnetometer information are fused together to estimate the MAV attitude when the MAV is at static state or uniformly moving state; and the gyro only is used to estimate the MAV attitude when the MAV is accelerating or decelerating. The MAV flight data is used to verify the proposed integrated navigation scheme, and the verification results show that the proposed scheme can effectively reduce the errors of navigation parameters and improve navigation precision.
A New Link Scheduling Algorithm for 60 GHz-WPAN Communication System
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Hao , Liu Yun , Niu Qiuna , Wu Chunlei
Published: February 2016

With apparent advantages of several GHz license-free spectra, low power consumption, low-cost implementation of CMOS devices, and so forth, 60 GHz wireless communication technology becomes the first choice for short-range high rate wireless communication in future wireless personal area network (WPAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN). While different from common WPAN system with omnidirectional communication, 60 GHz-WPAN system generally adopts directional communication. In this paper, a device (DEV) interconnected mechanism of 60 GHz-WPAN based on switched beamforming technology is structured firstly. Without considering the directional transmission characteristic of 60 GHz communication, most of the 60 GHz-WPAN Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols fail to make full use of the high spatial reuse degree caused by directional communication. In this paper, an average time slot multiplexing allocation (ATSMA) algorithm based on space/time division multiple access (STDMA) solution is proposed, which allows concurrent transmission in a single time slot. The designed link schedule process includes common channel interference (CCI) probing scheme, link coexistence determination scheme, and link schedule algorithm. Extensive simulations are conducted in order to demonstrate the efficiency of proposed scheme. Simulation results demonstrated that the capacity gain is obvious using ATSMA algorithm, no matter whether under omnidirectional antenna or under directional antenna.
Modified Rice Straw as Adsorbent Material to Remove Aflatoxin B1from Aqueous Media and as a Fiber Source in Fino Bread
Authors: Mohamed Sherif R. , El-Desouky Tarek A. , Hussein Ahmed M. S. , Mohamed Sherif S. , Naguib Khayria M.
Published: February 2016

The aims of the current work are in large part the benefit of rice straw to be used as adsorbent material and natural source of fiber in Fino bread. The rice straw was subjected to high temperature for modification process and the chemical composition was carried out and the native rice straw contained about 41.15% cellulose, 20.46% hemicellulose, and 3.91% lignin while modified rice straw has 42.10, 8.65, and 5.81%, respectively. The alkali number was tested and showed an increase in the alkali consumption due to the modification process. The different concentrations of modified rice straw, aflatoxin B1, and pH were tested for removal of aflatoxin B1from aqueous media and the maximum best removal was at 5% modified rice straw, 5 ng/mL aflatoxin B1, and pH 7. The modified rice straw was added to Fino bread at a level of 5, 10, and 15% and the chemical, rheological, baking quality, staling, and sensory properties were studied. Modified rice straw induced an increase of the shelf life and the produced Fino bread has a better consistency.
A Superposition Based Diffraction Technique to Study Site Effects in Earthquake Engineering
Authors: Gomez Juan , Jaramillo Juan , Saenz Mario , Vergara Juan
Published: February 2016

A method to study the response of surface topographies submitted to incidentSHwaves is presented. The method is based on the superposition of diffracted sources described in Jaramillo et al. (2013). Since the technique proceeds in the frequency domain in terms of the superposition of incident, reflected, and diffracted waves, it has been termed like a superposition based diffraction approach. The final solution resulting from the superposition approach takes the form of a series of infinite terms, where each term corresponds to diffractions of increasing order and of decreasing amplitude generated by the interactions between the geometric singularities of the scatterer. A detailed, step-by-step algorithm to apply the method is presented with regard to the simple problem of scattering by a V-shaped canyon. In order to show the accuracy of the method we compare our time and frequency domain results with those obtained from a direct Green’s function approach. We show that fast solutions with an error of the order of 6.0% are obtained.
On Fuzzy Improper Integral and Its Application for Fuzzy Partial Differential Equations
Authors: ElJaoui ElHassan , Melliani Said
Published: February 2016

We establish some important results about improper fuzzy Riemann integrals; we prove some properties of fuzzy Laplace transforms, which we apply for solving some fuzzy linear partial differential equations of first order, under generalized Hukuhara differentiability.
Peritoneal Fluid Transport rather than Peritoneal Solute Transport Associates with Dialysis Vintage and Age of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Waniewski Jacek , Antosiewicz Stefan , Baczynski Daniel , Poleszczuk Jan , Pietribiasi Mauro , Lindholm Bengt , Wankowicz Zofia
Published: February 2016

During peritoneal dialysis (PD), the peritoneal membrane undergoes ageing processes that affect its function. Here we analyzed associations of patient age and dialysis vintage with parameters of peritoneal transport of fluid and solutes, directly measured and estimated based on the pore model, for individual patients. Thirty-three patients (15 females; age 60 (21–87) years; median time on PD 19 (3–100) months) underwent sequential peritoneal equilibration test. Dialysis vintage and patient age did not correlate. Estimation of parameters of the two-pore model of peritoneal transport was performed. The estimated fluid transport parameters, including hydraulic permeability (LpS), fraction of ultrasmall pores (αu), osmotic conductance for glucose (OCG), and peritoneal absorption, were generally independent of solute transport parameters (diffusive mass transport parameters). Fluid transport parameters correlated whereas transport parameters for small solutes and proteins did not correlate with dialysis vintage and patient age. Although LpS and OCG were lower for older patients and those with long dialysis vintage,αuwas higher. Thus, fluid transport parameters—rather than solute transport parameters—are linked to dialysis vintage and patient age and should therefore be included when monitoring processes linked to ageing of the peritoneal membrane.
A Contribution of Beef to Human Health: A Review of the Role of the Animal Production Systems
Authors: Pighin Dario , Pazos Adriana , Chamorro Verónica , Paschetta Fernanda , Cunzolo Sebastián , Godoy Fernanda , Messina Valeria , Pordomingo Anibal , Grigioni Gabriela
Published: February 2016

Meat and meat products constitute important source of protein, fat, and several functional compounds. Although beef consumption may implicate possible negative impacts on human health, its consumption can also contribute to human health. Quality traits of beef, as well as its nutritional properties, depend on animal genetics, feeding, livestock practices, andpost mortemprocedures. Available data show that emerging beef production systems are able to improve both, quality and nutritional traits of beef in a sustainable way. In this context, Argentina’s actions are aimed at maximising beef beneficial effects and minimising its negative impact on human health, in a way of contributing to global food security.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy Complicating Hyperemesis during Pregnancy
Authors: Berdai Mohamed Adnane , Labib Smael , Harandou Mustapha
Published: February 2016

Wernicke’s encephalopathy is caused by severe thiamine deficiency; it is mostly observed in alcoholic patients. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman, at 17 weeks of gestational age, with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She presented with disturbance of consciousness, nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia. The resonance magnetic imagery showed bilaterally symmetrical hyperintensities of thalamus and periaqueductal area. The case was managed with very large doses of thiamine. The diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy was confirmed later by a low thiamine serum level. The patient was discharged home on day 46 with mild ataxia and persistent nystagmus. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum. It should be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent long-term neurological sequela or death. Thiamine supplementation in pregnant women with prolonged vomiting should be initiated, especially before parenteral dextrose infusion. Early thiamine replacement will reduce maternal morbidity and fetal loss rate.
Performance Simulation Comparison for Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors in China
Authors: Wang Jinping , Wang Jun , Bi Xiaolong , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2016

Parabolic trough systems are the most used concentrated solar power technology. The operating performance and optical efficiency of the parabolic trough solar collectors (PTCs) are different in different regions and different seasons. To determine the optimum design and operation of the parabolic trough solar collector throughout the year, an accurate estimation of the daily performance is needed. In this study, a mathematical model for the optical efficiency of the parabolic trough solar collector was established and three typical regions of solar thermal utilization in China were selected. The performance characteristics of cosine effect, shadowing effect, end loss effect, and optical efficiency were calculated and simulated during a whole year in these three areas by using the mathematical model. The simulation results show that the optical efficiency of PTCs changes from 0.4 to 0.8 in a whole year. The highest optical efficiency of PTCs is in June and the lowest is in December. The optical efficiency of PTCs is mainly influenced by the solar incidence angle. The model is validated by comparing the test results in parabolic trough power plant, with relative error range of 1% to about 5%.
An Erupted Dilated Odontoma: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Nagra Amritpreet , Singh Gurkeerat , Nagpal Archna , Soin Atul , Bhardwaj Vishal
Published: February 2016

A dilated odontoma is an extremely rare developmental anomaly represented as a dilatation of the crown and root as a consequence of a deep, enamel-lined invagination and is considered a severe variant of dens invaginatus. An oval shape of the tooth lacking morphological characteristics of a crown or root implies that the invagination happened in the initial stages of morphodifferentiation. Spontaneous eruption of an odontoma is a rare occurrence and the occurrence of a dilated odontoma in a supernumerary tooth is even rarer with only a few case reports documented in the English literature. We present an extremely rare case of erupted dilated odontoma occurring in the supernumerary tooth in anterior maxillary region in an 18-year-old male, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first ever case reported in English literature.
At the Crossroads of Cancer Stem Cells, Radiation Biology, and Radiation Oncology
Authors: Gerweck Leo E. , Wakimoto Hiroaki
Published: February 2016

Reports that a small subset of tumor cells initiate and sustain tumor growth, are resistant to radiation and drugs, and bear specific markers have led to an explosion of cancer stem cell research. These reports imply that the evaluation of therapeutic response by changes in tumor volume is misleading, as volume changes reflect the response of the sensitive rather than the resistant tumorigenic cell population. The reports further suggest that the marker-based selection of the tumor cell population will facilitate the development of radiation treatment schedules, sensitizers, and drugs that specifically target the resistant tumorigenic cells that give rise to treatment failure. This review presents evidence that contests the observations that cancer stem cell markers reliably identify the subset of tumor cells that sustain tumor growth and that the marker-identified population is radioresistant relative to the marker-negative cells. Experimental studies show that cells and tumors that survive large radiation doses are not more radioresistant than unirradiated cells and tumors, and also show that the intrinsic radiosensitivity of unsorted colony-forming tumor cells, in combination with the fraction of unsorted tumor cells that are tumor initiating, predicts tumor radiocurability. Cancer Res; 76(5); 994–8. ©2016 AACR.
CD20-Targeting Immunotherapy Promotes Cellular Senescence in B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Däbritz J. Henry M. , Yu Yong , Milanovic Maja , Schönlein Martin , Rosenfeldt Mathias T. , Dörr Jan R. , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Dörken Bernd , Schmitt Clemens A.
Published: February 2016

The CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody rituximab is an established component of immunochemotherapeutic regimens against B-cell lymphomas, where its coadministration with conventional anticancer agents has significantly improved long-term outcome. However, the cellular mechanisms by which rituximab exerts its antilymphoma activity are only partially understood. We show here that rituximab induces typical features of cellular senescence, a long-term growth arrest of viable cells with distinct biologic properties, in established B-cell lymphoma cell lines as well as primary transformed B cells. In addition, rituximab-based immunotherapy sensitized lymphoma cells to senescence induction by the chemotherapeutic compound adriamycin (a.k.a. doxorubicin), and, to a lesser extent, by the antimicrotubule agent vincristine. Anti-CD20 treatment further enhanced secretion of senescence-associated cytokines, and augmented the DNA damage response signaling cascade triggered by adriamycin. As the underlying prosenescence mechanism, we found intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to be elevated in response to rituximab, and, in turn, the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine to largely abrogate rituximab-mediated senescence. Our results, further supported by gene set enrichment analyses in a clinical data set of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient samples exposed to a rituximab-containing treatment regimen, provide important mechanistic insights into the biologic complexity of anti-CD20-evoked tumor responses, and unveil cellular senescence as a hitherto unrecognized effector principle of the antibody component in lymphoma immunochemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 1074–81. ©2016 AACR.
Mutant KRAS Conversion of Conventional T Cells into Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Zdanov Stephanie , Mandapathil Magis , Abu Eid Rasha , Adamson-Fadeyi Saudat , Wilson Willie , Qian Jiahua , Carnie Andrea , Tarasova Nadya , Mkrtichyan Mikayel , Berzofsky Jay A. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Khleif Samir N.
Published: February 2016

Constitutive activation of the KRAS oncogene in human malignancies is associated with aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis. Similar to other oncogenes, KRAS acts in a cell-intrinsic manner to affect tumor growth or survival. However, we describe here a different, cell-extrinsic mechanism through which mutant KRAS contributes to tumor development. Tumor cells carrying mutated KRAS induced highly suppressive T cells, and silencing KRAS reversed this effect. Overexpression of the mutant KRASG12V gene in wild-type KRAS tumor cells led to regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction. We also demonstrate that mutant KRAS induces the secretion of IL10 and transforming growth factor-β1 (both required for Treg induction) by tumor cells through the activation of the MEK–ERK–AP1 pathway. Finally, we report that inhibition of KRAS reduces the infiltration of Tregs in KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis even before tumor formation. This cell-extrinsic mechanism allows tumor cells harboring a mutant KRAS oncogene to escape immune recognition. Thus, an oncogene can promote tumor progression independent of its transforming activity by increasing the number and function of Tregs. This has a significant clinical potential, in which targeting KRAS and its downstream signaling pathways could be used as powerful immune modulators in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(4); 354–65. ©2016 AACR.
Breast Cancer Survivors' Supportive Care Needs, Posttraumatic Growth and Satisfaction with Doctors' Interpersonal Skills in Relation to Physical Activity 8 Months after the End of Treatment: A Prospective Exploratory Study
Authors: Brédart Anne , Untas Aurélie , Copel Laure , Leufroy Mylène , Mino Jean-Christophe , Boiron Claude , Dolbeault Sylvie , Kop Jean-Luc
Published: February 2016

Objective: We assessed whether breast cancer survivors' (BCSs) supportive care needs, posttraumatic growth (positive psychological changes) and satisfaction with doctors' interpersonal skills could be related to physical activity (PA). Methods: A total of 426 BCSs were approached during the last week of treatment. Eight months later, 278 (65%) provided information on their PA levels. Ordinal logistic multiple regressions were performed. Results: PA levels included no PA (n = 68), some PA (n = 83), high PA levels more than twice or more than 2 h per week (n = 127). The multivariate model significantly explained 13% of PA variance (p = 0.001). An increase in posttraumatic growth total scores (proportional OR = 1.310; p < 0.05) and a decrease in physical and daily living supportive care needs subscale scores (proportional OR = 0.980; p < 0.001) and in satisfaction with doctors' interpersonal skill scores (proportional OR = 0.898; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with an increase in the likelihood of performing higher levels of PA. A lower educational level was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of performing PA. Conclusion: The prevalence of PA in BCSs should be improved. Positive psychological changes after a breast cancer experience might contribute to performing PA. Encouraging PA needs to be accompanied by the alleviation of physical symptoms.
Congenital Hypothyroidism: Long-Term Experience with Early and High Levothyroxine Dosage
Authors: Uyttendaele Marie , Lambert Sophie , Tenoutasse Sylvie , Boros Emese , Ziereisen France , Van Vliet Guy , Heinrichs Claudine , Brachet Cécile
Published: February 2016

Aim: To assess the management and outcome of the congenital hypothyroidism (CH) patients followed at our institution since the introduction of systemic neonatal screening for CH. Study Design: The records of 139 CH patients referred to our center between 1978 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Biochemical and imaging data at diagnosis, initial treatment and growth were analyzed. Results: 111 patients had thyroid dysgenesis (64 ectopy, 46 athyreosis and 1 hypoplasia) and 28 patients had a gland in situ (17 dyshormonogenesis/goiter and 11 normal-sized gland). Levothyroxine treatment was initiated at a median age of 11 days with a mean dose of 11.4 µg/kg/day. Compared to those with ectopy, patients with athyreosis had higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and lower thyroxine at diagnosis as well as more delayed bone maturation. Between 1978 and 2014, we observed earlier treatment and earlier TSH normalization. Birth auxology was slightly above the mean of the reference population. Growth at 1 and 6 years and school progression at 11 years were similar to those of the reference population. Conclusion: Ectopy is the commonest cause of CH. Children with CH treated early with a mean levothyroxine dose of 11.4 µg/kg/day had a median TSH of 3.07 mU/l at 1 month of age and normal growth.
Sexually Diergic Trophic Effects of Estradiol Exposure on Developing Bovine Cerebellar Granule Cells
Authors: Montelli Stefano , Suman Matteo , Corain Livio , Cozzi Bruno , Peruffo Antonella
Published: February 2016

In the mammalian brain, the differentiation of neural cells and the developmental organization of the underlying circuitry are influenced by steroid hormones. The estrogen 17-β estradiol (E2) is one of the most potent regulators of neural growth during prenatal life, synthetized locally from steroid precursors including prenatal testicular testosterone. Estradiol promotes brain differentiation counting sexually dimorphic neural circuits by binding to the estrogen receptors, ER-α and ER-β. The cerebellum has been described as a site of estrogen action and a potentially sexually dimorphic area. The goal of this study was to analyze the capacity of E2 to affect the growth of male and female fetal bovine cerebellar granule. We performed primary cultures of fetal cerebellar granules, and verified the mRNA expression of the ER-α and ER-β in both sexes. Moreover, the distribution of ERs in the male and female cerebellar granules of the second fetal stage was characterized by immunohistochemistry. We measured morphological parameters in presence (or absence) of estradiol administration, focusing on the variations of the dendritic branching pattern of granule neurons. By using the nonparametric combination and permutation testing approach, we proposed a sophisticated multivariate statistical analysis to demonstrate that E2 induces multifarious and dimorphic changes in the granule cells. E2 exerts trophic effects in both female and male granules and this effect is stronger in female. Male granules treated with E2 became similar to female control granule. Bos taurus species has a long gestation and a large brain that offers an interesting alternative in comparative neuroscience.
Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Ke , Ji Fu-hai , Liu Hua-yue , Wu Shao-ru
Published: February 2016

Objectives: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that compared ultrasound-guided TAP block with control for analgesia in adult patients undergoing LC. The original data were pooled for the meta-analysis using Review Manager 5. The main outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, and adverse events. Out of a total of 77 trials, 7 were included. Results: Compared with control, ultrasound-guided TAP block reduced the following: (1) postoperative pain intensity (visual analog scale: 0-10) both at rest and on movement at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h (at rest: mean difference, MD0 h = -2.19, 95% confidence interval, CI: -3.46 to -0.91, p = 0.0008; on movement: MD0 h = -2.67, 95% CI: -3.86 to -1.48, p < 0.0001); (2) intraoperative fentanyl consumption (MD = -27.85 µg, 95% CI: -44.91 to -10.79, p = 0.001), and (3) morphine consumption in the recovery room (MD = -1.57 mg, 95% CI: -3.0 to -0.14, p = 0.03) and 0-24 h postoperatively. Fewer patients required analgesics in the recovery room when receiving TAP blocks (risk ratio, RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.62, p = 0.0003). TAP blocks also reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.81, p = 0.006). None of the studies reported symptoms of local anesthetic toxicity. Conclusions: In this study, the ultrasound-guided TAP block was an effective strategy for analgesia in patients undergoing LC.
Ecowomanism
Authors: Harris Melanie L.
Published: February 2016

This essay provides a definition and theoretical frame for ecowomanism. The approach to environmental justice centers the perspectives of women of African descent and reflects upon these women’s activist methods, religious practices, and theories on how to engage earth justice. As a part of the womanist tradition, methodologically ecowomanism features race, class, gender intersectional analysis to examine environmental injustice around the planet. Thus, it builds upon an environmental justice paradigm that also links social justice to environmental justice. Ecowomanism highlights the necessity for race-class-gender intersectional analysis when examining the logic of domination, and unjust public policies that result in environmental health disparities that historically disadvantage communities of color. As an aspect of third wave womanist religious thought, ecowomanism is also shaped by religious worldviews reflective of African cosmologies and uphold a moral imperative for earth justice. Noting the significance of African and Native American cosmologies that link divine, human and nature realms into an interconnected web of life, ecowomanism takes into account the religious practices and spiritual beliefs that are important tenets and points of inspiration for ecowomanist activism.
Preliminary phylogeny of Fordiophyton (Melastomataceae), with the description of two new species

Authors: Zeng Si-Jin , Zou Long-Hai , Wang Pan , Hong Wen-Jun , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Chen Li-Jun , Zhuang Xue-Ying
Published: February 2016

A preliminary phylogeny of Fordiophyton (Melastomataceae) and the description of two new taxa, F. chenii and F. huizhouense, from southern China, are presented here. The phylogenetic analyses indicate that Fordiophyton is monophyletic and the two new species are in this clade of Sonerileae. Fordiophyton chenii is morphologically similar to F. cordifolium. Both taxa have glabrous stems, large, cordate leaves and four-sided petioles, but F. chenii has a very short stem, rosette leaves, hypanthia with dense glandular trichomes, and the shorter stamens with yellow anthers. Fordiophyton huizhouense shares with F. peperomiifolium the short, densely hirsute stem and rosette leaves, but F. huizhouense is characterized by adaxially smooth leaves, lanceolate calyx lobes, and inflated, prolonged connective bases in the longer stamens.
Revision of Platycheirus Lepeletier and Serville (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Nearctic north of Mexico
Authors: YOUNG ANDREW D. , MARSHALL STEPHEN A. , SKEVINGTON JEFFREY H.
Published: February 2016

The 75 Nearctic species of Platycheirus Lepeletier and Serville found north of Mexico are revised, including five species new to North America: Platycheirus alpigenus Barkalov and Nielsen, Platycheirus brunnifrons Nielsen, Platycheirus clausseni Nielsen, Platycheirus speighti Doczkal, Stuke & Goeldlin, and Platycheirus splendidus Rotheray. Platycheirus rufimaculatus Vockeroth, Melanostoma willistoni Goot, and Melanostoma concinnus Snow are recognized as junior synonyms of Platycheirus pictipes (Bigot). Melanostoma carinata Curran is recognized as a junior synonym of Platycheirus chilosia (Curran). Melanostoma atra Curran is recognized as a junior synonym of Platycheirus luteipennis (Curran). Platycheirus holarcticus Vockeroth is recognized as a junior synonym of Syrphus naso Walker. Platycheirus trichopus (Thomson) is resurrected and represents what was previously considered the western population of Platycheirus obscurus (Say). One new species, Platycheirus neoperpallidus Young sp. nov., is described. Females of 26 species are described for the first time, and an illustrated key to Nearctic Platycheirus is presented. DNA barcode data are presented for 60 Nearctic species and a COI gene tree of all available world Platycheirus species, as well as morphological and combined morphological/COI phylogenetic analyses of the Platycheirus albimanus species group are presented and discussed.
Measuring change in source of leader support
Authors: Mattes Michaela , Leeds Brett Ashley , Matsumura Naoko
Published: February 2016

This article introduces the CHISOLS (Change in Source of Leader Support) dataset, which identifies which leadership changes within countries bring to power a new leader whose primary support is drawn from different societal groups than those who supported her predecessor. The dataset covers all countries of the world with populations greater than 500,000 from 1919 to 2008. We discuss the underlying rationale of our data collection, provide some brief information about the coding rules and procedures, and share some descriptive statistics. We find that changes in sources of leader support are more common in democracies than non-democracies, but also that changes in sources of leader support often occur without irregular leader transitions or large institutional changes, even within non-democracies. CHISOLS can be productively combined with other datasets like POLITY, Archigos, and DPI that provide information about political institutions, modes of leader transition, and placement on a left–right policy continuum, but CHISOLS also provides something new that was not previously available. These data allow researchers to study the extent to which different types of policy change are associated with all leader transitions, with changes in political institutions, or with changes in the set of interests that leaders most closely represent; CHISOLS facilitates comparing the effect of leaders, interests, and institutions on policy change across a wide spatial temporal domain.
For a Pragmatics of the Useless, or the Value of the Infrathin
Authors: Manning Erin
Published: February 2016

Marcel Duchamp describes the infrathin as “the most minute of intervals, or the slightest of differences.” Working through Duchamp’s proposition, and taking him at his work that the infrathin cannot be defined as such—“One can only give examples of it”—this article explores how the infrathin comes to expression and asks what a politics of the infrathin might look like. Key to the exploration is the question of how else value can be defined and how this rethinking of the concept of value might compose with the concept of a pragmatics of the useless.
A new economical scheme of acceptance sampling plan in a two-stage approach based on the maxima nomination sampling technique
Authors: Fallahnezhad MS , Qazvini E
Published: February 2016

An acceptance sampling plan plays a very important role in any quality assurance system. In this new economical design of acceptance sampling plan, three types of costs are included in the objective function by considering average outgoing quality limit (AOQL), average quality level (AQL) and lot tolerance percent defective (LTPD) constraints based on the maxima nomination sampling (MNS) method in a two-stage approach. The design of this sampling inspection plan involves the minimum average total inspection (ATI). The model is designed to minimize the summation of costs and the proposed MNS economical sampling plan is compared with the classical one. Practitioners can use the proposed model to decrease the total cost of inspection.
Individual differences in timing of peak positive subjective responses to d-amphetamine: Relationship to pharmacokinetics and physiology
Authors: Smith Christopher T , Weafer Jessica , Cowan Ronald L , Kessler Robert M , Palmer Abraham A , de Wit Harriet , Zald David H
Published: February 2016

Rate of delivery of psychostimulants has been associated with their positive euphoric effects and potential addiction liability. However, information on individual differences in onset of d-amphetamine’s effects remains scarce. We examined individual differences in the time to peak subjective and physiological effects and the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of oral d-amphetamine. We considered two independent studies that used different dosing regimens where subjects completed the drug effects questionnaire at multiple time points post d-amphetamine. Based on the observation of distinct individual differences in time course of drug effects questionnaire “feel”, “high”, and “like” ratings (DEQH+L+F) in Study 1, subjects in both studies were categorized as early peak responders (peak within 60 minutes), late peak responders (peak > 60 minutes) or nonresponders; 20–25% of participants were categorized as early peak responders, 50–55% as late peak responders and 20–30% as nonresponders. Physiological (both studies) and plasma d-amphetamine (Study 1) were compared among these groups. Early peak responders exhibited an earlier rise in plasma d-amphetamine levels and more sustained elevation in heart rate compared to late peak responders. The present data illustrate the presence of significant individual differences in the temporal pattern of responses to oral d-amphetamine, which may contribute to heightened abuse potential.
Dairy and Growth, Latest Findings, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Clark David C.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Low birth weight is a significant risk factor in infant mortality and morbidity and the likelihood of chronic and clinical disease in later life.

Objective:

To identify reported associations between maternal dietary patterns and risk of low birth weight offspring.

Methods:

This article reviews some of the literature on this subject, with emphasis on maternal intake of dairy products.

Results:

Published data show a positive association between maternal dairy product intake and birth weight but are inconclusive with respect to fetal length. While data are limited, 2 studies have reported a positive association between maternal consumption of milk and yogurt and birth weight, but this association is not observed with respect to consumption of cheese.

Conclusion:

If correct, by deduction, this observation is suggestive that whey protein may be a contributing factor to birth weight. Indirect evidence supporting why this observation merits further investigation is presented.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Bandeira Igor Dórea , Guimarães Rachel Silvany Quadros , Jagersbacher João Gabriel , Barretto Thiago Lima , de Jesus-Silva Jéssica Regina , Santos Samantha Nunes , Argollo Nayara , Lucena Rita
Published: February 2016

Studies investigating the possible benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation on left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have not been performed. This study assesses the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in children and adolescents with ADHD on neuropsychological tests of visual attention, visual and verbal working memory, and inhibitory control. An auto-matched clinical trial was performed involving transcranial direct current stimulation in children and adolescents with ADHD, using SNAP-IV and subtests Vocabulary and Cubes of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC-III). Subjects were assessed before and after transcranial direct current stimulation sessions with the Digit Span subtest of the WISC-III, inhibitory control subtest of the NEPSY-II, Corsi cubes, and the Visual Attention Test (TAVIS-3). There were 9 individuals with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) criteria. There was statistically significant difference in some aspects of TAVIS-3 tests and the inhibitory control subtest of NEPSY-II. Transcranial direct current stimulation can be related to a more efficient processing speed, improved detection of stimuli, and improved ability to switch between an ongoing activity and a new one.