bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fingolimod (FTY720) on cerebral blood flow, platelet function and macular thickness in healthy volunteers
Authors: Ocwieja Magdalena , Meiser Karin , David Olivier J. , Valencia Jessica , Wagner Frank , Schreiber Stephan J. , Pleyer Uwe , Ziemer Sabine , Schmouder Robert
Published: June 2014

Aim

Fingolimod, a sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor modulator, is the first oral disease modifying therapy approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. The aim of this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the effect of fingolimod on cerebral blood flow, platelet function and macular thickness in healthy volunteers.

Methods

The study included 88 healthy volunteers who received fingolimod 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg or matched placebo over a period of 4 weeks. Transcranial colour coded sonography was performed to measure mean blood flow velocities, the platelet function was measured by the PFA‐100® assay using a collagen/epinephrine cartridge and macular thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography. An assessment of non‐inferiority of fingolimod vs. placebo was performed against a reference value (20% of the overall baseline value).

Results

All 88 randomized participants completed the study. At day 28 compared with baseline value, for 0.5 mg, 1.25 mg and placebo treatments, the mean middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity decreased by 4, 1 and 3.7 cm s−1, respectively. The platelet function analyzer closure time increase was not significant (7.8, 7.5 and 10.4 s, respectively). The mean percentage change in the central foveal thickness from baseline for both eyes was below 3% for all groups. The safety profile of fingolimod in this study was found consistent with the previous reports.

Conclusions

In healthy volunteers, the changes seen with both fingolimod doses were found to be within normal variability, non‐inferior and comparable with those observed with placebo for all the pharmacodynamic parameters assessed.
PI3K Inhibitors LY294002 and IC87114 Reduce Inflammation in Carrageenan‐Induced Paw Oedema and Down‐Regulate Inflammatory Gene Expression in Activated Macrophages
Authors: Eräsalo Heikki , Laavola Mirka , Hämäläinen Mari , Leppänen Tiina , Nieminen Riina , Moilanen Eeva
Published: June 2014

PI3K/Akt pathway is a well‐characterized pathway controlling cellular processes such as proliferation, migration and survival, and its role in cancer is vastly studied. There is also evidence to suggest the involvement of this pathway in the regulation of inflammatory responses. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the role of PI3Ks in acute inflammation in vivo using pharmacological inhibitors against PI3Ks in the carrageenan‐induced paw oedema model. A non‐selective PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and a PI3Kδ‐selective inhibitor IC87114 were used. Both of these inhibitors reduced inflammatory oedema upon carrageenan challenge in the mouse paw. To explain this result, the effects of the two inhibitors on inflammatory gene expression were investigated in activated macrophages. LY294002 and IC87114 prevented Akt phosphorylation as expected and down‐regulated the expression of inflammatory factors IL‐6, MCP‐1,TNFα and iNOS. These findings suggest that PI3K inhibitors could be used to attenuate inflammatory responses and that the mechanism of action behind this effect is the down‐regulation of inflammatory gene expression.
Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin Induce Apoptosis in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line SH‐SY5Y
Authors: Raszewski Grzegorz , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Łukawski Krzysztof , Juszczak Małgorzata , Rzeski Wojciech
Published: June 2014

Our previous in vivo studies showed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CM) in a mixture dermally administered, strongly inhibited cholinesterase activity in plasma and the brain and were very toxic to the rat central nervous system. In this work, the mechanisms of neurotoxicity have not been elucidated. We used human undifferentiated SH‐SY5Y cells to study mechanisms of pesticide‐induced neuronal cell death. It was found that chlorpyrifos (CPF) and its mixture with cypermethrin (CPF+CM) induced cell death of SH‐SY5Y cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, as shown by MTT assays. Pesticide‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell death was characterized by concentration‐dependent down‐regulation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL as well as an increase in the caspase 3 activation. Pan‐caspase inhibitor Q‐VD‐OPh produced a slight but significant reversal effect of pesticide‐induced toxicity indicating that the major caspase pathways are not integral to CPF‐ and CPF+CM‐induced cell death. Furthermore, signal transduction inhibitors PD98059, SL‐327, SB202190, SP600125 and mecamylamine failed to attenuate pesticides effect. Atropine exhibited minimal ability to reverse toxicity. Finally, it was shown that inhibition of TNF‐α by pomalidomide attenuated CPF‐/CPF+CM‐induced apoptosis. Overall, our data suggest that FAS/TNF signalling pathways may participate in CPF and CPF+CM toxicity.
Diabetes in South Asians
Authors: Misra A. , Ramchandran A. , Jayawardena R. , Shrivastava U. , Snehalatha C.
Published: June 2014

Economic, dietary and other lifestyle transitions have been occurring rapidly in most South Asian countries, making their populations more vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data show an increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in urban areas as well as in semi‐urban and rural areas, inclusive of people belonging to middle and low socio‐economic strata. Prime determinants for Type 2 diabetes in South Asians include physical inactivity, imbalanced diets, abdominal obesity, excess hepatic fat and, possibly, adverse perinatal and early life nutrition and intra‐country migration. It is reported that Type 2 diabetes affects South Asians a decade earlier and some complications, for example nephropathy, are more prevalent and progressive than in other races. Further, prevalence of pre‐diabetes is high, and so is conversion to diabetes, while more than 50% of those who are affected remain undiagnosed. Attitudes, cultural differences and religious and social beliefs pose barriers in effective prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes in South Asians. Inadequate resources, insufficient healthcare budgets, lack of medical reimbursement and socio‐economic factors contribute to the cost of diabetes management. The challenge is to develop new translational strategies, which are pragmatic, cost‐effective and scalable and can be adopted by the South Asian countries with limited resources. The key areas that need focus are: generation of awareness, prioritizing health care for vulnerable subgroups (children, women, pregnant women and the underprivileged), screening of high‐risk groups, maximum coverage of the population with essential medicines, and strengthening primary care. An effective national diabetes control programme in each South Asian country should be formulated, with these issues in mind.
Temperature adaptation in Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya pinguis, two blow fly species of forensic significance
Authors: Yang Shih‐Tsai , Shiao Shiuh‐Feng
Published: June 2014

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a common and forensically important blow fly species in the Oriental region. However, in the higher mountain regions and on winter days, its habitats are occupied by a closely related species, Chrysomya pinguis (Walker). The resources that the two species employ to survive are very similar and competition between the species may be one of the factors that trigger differentiation of their behaviors. We conducted experiments to examine how these two closely related species may have adapted to different temperature regimes to avoid competition. Several adult and immature parameters were assessed, such as fecundity, locomotor ability, hatching ratio, larval survivorship, and eclosion ratio. Results indicate that species show specific diapause at high temperature (38 °C), larval survivorship of Ch. megacephala was significantly better than that of Ch. pinguis. Conversely, at low temperature (15 °C), adult locomotor ability was better for Ch. pinguis than for Ch. megacephala. The results indicate that the two species may have evolved different temperature adaptation strategies to avoid competition. In mixed‐species larval rearing experiments, competition between Ch. pinguis and Ch. megacephala was observed: at higher temperature (30 °C), the immature performance index of Ch. megacephala was significantly increased when compared to that in single‐species culture, whereas the index of Ch. pinguis was decreased. These data are consistent with the idea that tolerance for higher temperature conditions would allow larvae of Ch. megacephala to gain a competitive advantage over Ch. pinguis in certain habitats. These results may help to explain their current distribution in the environment and provide more biological information on these forensically important species.
Translucency of Ceramic Materials for CEREC CAD/CAM System
Authors: Vichi Alessandro , Carrabba Michele , Paravina Rade , Ferrari Marco
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To compare translucency of the ceramic materials (CEREC CAD/CAM).

Materials and Methods

Fifteen ceramic materials for CEREC CAD/CAM system were evaluated: IPS e.max HT/LT/MO, ZirCAD, Empress HT/LT; VITA Mark II, VITA AL; VITA YZ, VITA In‐Ceram Spinell/Alumina/Zirconia; and Sirona InCoris AL; Sirona InCoris ZI/TZI. Specimens (0.5‐mm and 1.0‐mm thick; n = 10 each material) were cut from commercial blocks using a water‐cooled diamond saw. Contrast ratio (CR = YB/YW) was measured using a spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. Kruskal–Wallis one way analysis of variance was performed followed by Dunn's multiple test for post‐hoc.

Results

CR varied from 0.35 to 1.00 and from 0.48 to 1.00 for 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm thicknesses, respectively. CR increased in the following order: IPS e.max HT (most translucent—least opaque), IPS Empress HT, VITA Mark II, IPS Empress LT, IPS e.max LT, In‐Ceram Spinell, IPS e.max MO, VITA YZ, InCoris TZI, IPS e.max ZirCAD, InCoris ZI, In‐Ceram Alumina, VITA AL, InCoris AL, and In‐Ceram Zirconia (least translucent—most opaque).

Conclusions

The null hypothesis has been rejected because tested materials exhibited a wide range of CR. Translucency needs to be taken into account in different clinical situations, including considerations associated with thickness of restoration and/or particular layers.

Clinical Significance

A wide range of translucency was identified for the ceramic materials tested. This variability has to be taken into account for the selection of the materials in different clinical situations also related to the thickness clinically required.
Effect of Three pFSH Doses on Superovulation and Embryo Quality in Goats During Two Breeding Seasons in North‐eastern Mexico
Authors: Sánchez‐Dávila F , Ledezma‐Torres RA , Padilla‐Rivas G , del Bosque‐González AS , González Gómez A , Bernal‐Barragán H
Published: June 2014

Contents

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of three pFSH doses (80 mg; 145 mg and 215 mg) on ovarian response and on quantity and quality of transferable embryos of goats during the breeding and the non‐breeding seasons. Ovary structures were exposed (laparatomy under general anaesthesia) and numbers of follicles and corpora lutea were registered. Surgical embryo flushing was conducted to count and classify embryos. There were more follicles (3.4 ± 1.1) in does administered 80 mg of pFSH (p < 0.05) than in goats administered 145 mg of pFSH (2.2 ± 1.1) and 215 mg of pFSH (0.9 ± 0.6). Numbers of corpora lutea, blastocysts, and recovered and transferable embryos of goats administered 145 mg pFSH (13.4 ± 3.7, 2.42 ± 1.0, 3.4 ± 1.2 and 3.2 ± 1.1, respectively) and those of goats administered 215 mg pFSH (11.6 ± 2.6, 3.2 ± 0.9, 5.7 ± 1.5, and 5.6 ± 1.5) were greater (p < 0.05) than values obtained from goats administered 80 mg pFSH (4.0 ± 1.5, 0.5 ± 0.3, 1.0 ± 0.5, and 0.8 ± 0.5). Numbers of morula of does administered 80 and 145 mg pFSH (0.4 ± 0.4 and 0.8 ± 0.3) were lower (p < 0.05) than those obtained from animals treated with 215 mg pFSH (2.4 ± 0.9). There was no effect of season upon the analyzed variables. In conclusion, under the prevalent conditions in north‐eastern Mexico, administration of 145 or 215 mg pFSH in a decreasing dose schedule over 3.5 days to bred goats provided a satisfactory superovulatory result.
Quantity of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, INF‐γ, TNF‐α and KC‐Like Cytokines in Serum of Bitches With Pyometra in Different Stages of Oestrous Cycle and Pregnancy
Authors: Maciel GS , Uscategui RR , de Almeida VT , Oliveira MEF , Feliciano MAR , Vicente WRR
Published: June 2014

Contents

The occurrence of the pyometra is most common in the first half of the dioestrus when there is decreased cellular immunity associated with increased serum concentration of progesterone in females. The aim of this study was to determine the immunological profile of bitches with pyometra, studying serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐γ, KC‐like and TNF‐α and comparing them with those of healthy bitches in anoestrus, dioestrus and pregnant. Forty females were divided into four experimental groups: group 1 (G1): with pyometra (n = 10); group 2 (G2): bitches in the second week of gestation (n = 10); group 3 (G3): in anoestrus (n = 10); and group 4 (G4): in dioestrus (n = 10). The serum levels for IL‐2, KC‐like, INF‐γ and TNF‐α were similar for all experimental groups. The values obtained for IL‐10 were found increased (p < 0.001) in animals in dioestrus and pyometra compared with females in anoestrus and pregnant, and the levels of IL‐4 observed were significantly greater (p < 0.001) in bitches with pyometra when compared with others. The cytokine profile in animals with pyometra is similar to bitches in dioestrus for IL‐10 and had increase in IL‐4 for bitches with pyometra, which represents an anti‐inflammatory these cases. This suggests the presence of an immunosuppressive state in both cases, which may explain the propensity of bitches in dioestrus to be affected by pyometra and the severity of the disease on these animals.
Negation in Exclamatives
Authors: Delfitto Denis , Fiorin Gaetano
Published: June 2014

The goal of this article is to provide a principled account of the semantic contribution of the so‐called “expletive” negation, as it occurs in negative exclamatives. This type of negation differs from canonical negation in that it does not contribute its canonical meaning as a propositional operator, occurs higher in the syntactic structure of the clause, does not license negative polarity items, and expresses a bias towards the opposite polarity. In this article, we show that these properties are also found in negative rhetorical questions. We propose that exclamatives, as well as rhetorical questions, denote sets of propositions structured into Boolean algebras, with the negation imposing an order of informativity upon such structures.
Probabilistic Performance of Helical Compound Planetary System in Wind Turbine
Authors: Alemayehu Fisseha M. , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen
Published: June 2014

The dynamics of contact, stress and failure analysis of multibody systems is highly nonlinear. Nowadays, several commercial and other analysis software dedicated for this purpose are available. However, these codes do not consider the uncertainty involved in loading, design, and assembly parameters. One of these systems with a combined high nonlinearity and uncertainty of parameters is the gearbox of wind turbines (WTs). Wind turbine gearboxes (WTG) are subjected to variable torsional and nontorsional loads. In addition, the manufacturing and assembly process of these devices results in uncertainty of the design parameters of the system. These gearboxes are reported to fail in their early life of operation, within three to seven years as opposed to the expected twenty years of operation. Their downtime and maintenance process is the most costly of any failure of subassembly of WTs. The objective of this work is to perform a probabilistic multibody dynamic analysis (PMBDA) of a helical compound planetary stage of a selected wind turbine gearbox that considers ten random variables: two loading (the rotor speed, generator side torque), and eight design parameters. The reliability or probabilities of failure of each gear and probabilistic sensitivities of the input variables toward two performance functions have been measured and conclusions have been drawn. The results revealed that PMBDA has demonstrated a new approach of gear system design beyond a traditional deterministic approach. The method demonstrated the components' reliability or probability of failure and sensitivity results that will be used as a tool for designers to make sound decisions.
Performance-Adaptive Generalized Predictive Control-Based Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control System and Its Application
Authors: Sato Takao , Yamamoto Toru , Araki Nozomu , Konishi Yasuo
Published: June 2014

In the present paper, we discuss a new design method for a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control system using a model predictive approach. The PID compensator is designed based on generalized predictive control (GPC). The PID parameters are adaptively updated such that the control performance is improved because the design parameters of GPC are selected automatically in order to attain a user-specified control performance. In the proposed scheme, the estimated plant parameters are updated only when the prediction error increases. Therefore, the control system is not updated frequently. The control system is updated only when the control performance is sufficiently improved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated numerically. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a weigh feeder, and experimental results are presented.
Thermo-Economic Optimization of Solar CCHP Using Both Genetic and Particle Swarm Algorithms
Authors: Sanaye Sepehr , Hajabdollahi Hassan
Published: June 2014

A combined cooling, heating and power generation (CCHP) system is modeled and optimized. The heat demand in this plant can provide by prime mover, backup boiler, and solar panels. Both the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used to find the maximum of actual annual benefit (AAB) as an objective function. The design parameters or decision variables are capacity of prime mover, their number as well as their partial load (PL), backup boiler and storage tank heating capacity, the number of solar panels, types of electrical and absorption chiller as well as the electric cooling ratio. Both genetic and PSO algorithms are converged with maximum 0.6% difference. As a result, a diesel engine with nominal power of 350 kW combined with 255 solar panels is selected in the optimum situation. In addition, the optimization results show that the advantage of absorption chiller than the electrical chiller due to the extra availability of heat by the prime mover at the warm season in residential area. Finally, the effect of electric cooling ratio, number of solar panels and solar panels investment cost on objective function are investigated and results are reported.
Confined Jet Impingement With Boiling on a Variety of Enhanced Surfaces
Authors: Rau Matthew J. , Garimella Suresh V.
Published: June 2014

Confined jet impingement with boiling offers unique and attractive performance characteristics for thermal management of high heat flux components. Two-phase operation of jet impingement has been shown to provide high heat transfer coefficients while maintaining a uniform temperature over a target surface. This can be achieved with minimal increases in pumping power compared to single-phase operation. To investigate further enhancements in heat transfer coefficients and increases in the maximum heat flux supported by two-phase jet impingement, an experimental study of surface enhancements is performed using the dielectric working fluid HFE-7100. The performance of a single, 3.75 mm-diameter jet orifice is compared across four distinct copper target surfaces of varying enhancement scales: a baseline smooth flat surface, a flat surface coated with a microporous layer, a surface with macroscale area enhancement (extended square pin fins), and a hybrid surface on which the pin fins are coated with the microporous layer. The heat transfer performance of each surface is compared in single- and two-phase operation at three volumetric flow rates (450 ml/min, 900 ml/min, and 1800 ml/min); area-averaged heat transfer parameters and pressure drop are reported. The mechanisms resulting in enhanced performance for the different surfaces are identified, with a special focus on the coated pin fins. This hybrid surface showed the best enhancement of all those tested, and resulted in an extension of critical heat flux (CHF) by a maximum of 2.42 times compared to the smooth flat surface at the lowest flow rate investigated; no increase in the overall pressure drop was measured.
Balance Decrements Are Associated With Age-Related Muscle Property Changes
Authors: Hasson Christopher J. , van Emmerik Richard E.A. , Caldwell Graham E.
Published: June 2014

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of static and dynamic balance abilities was performed in young and older adults and regression analysis was used to test whether age-related variations in individual ankle muscle mechanical properties could explain differences in balance performance. The mechanical properties included estimates of the maximal isometric force capability, force-length, force-velocity, and series elastic properties of the dorsiflexors and individual plantarflexor muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). As expected, the older adults performed more poorly on most balance tasks. Muscular maximal isometric force, optimal fiber length, tendon slack length, and velocity-dependent force capabilities accounted for up to 60% of the age-related variation in performance on the static and dynamic balance tests. In general, the plantarflexors had a stronger predictive role than the dorsiflexors. Plantarflexor stiffness was strongly related to general balance performance, particularly in quiet stance; but this effect did not depend on age. Together, these results suggest that age-related differences in balance performance are explained in part by alterations in muscular mechanical properties.
Characteristics of Stride Behavior During Treadmill Walking and Stationary Stepping
Authors: Rhea Christopher K. , Wittstein Matthew W.
Published: June 2014

Much has been learned about the characteristics of gait in overground and treadmill walking. However, there are many contexts in which overground or treadmill walking might not be possible, such as in home-based physical therapy. In those cases, a surrogate task to index gait behavior would be a valuable tool. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the stride behavior characteristics of stationary stepping compared with treadmill walking. Healthy young adults (N = 10) preformed two 15-minute tasks: (1) treadmill walking and (2) stationary stepping. Several stride behavior characteristics were recorded, including the number of strides taken, minimum and maximum knee angle, stride interval mean, stride interval standard deviation, and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) alpha of the stride interval time series. The results showed that stride behavior was similar between tasks when examined at the group level. However, when individual level analyses were used to examine the reliability of each metric between tasks, poor reliability was observed in most metrics, indicating that stationary stepping may not be an appropriate surrogate task for overground or treadmill walking. These results are discussed in the context of a gait dynamics framework, with attention to task constraints that may have influenced the findings.
Viruses and Human Cancers: a Long Road of Discovery of Molecular Paradigms
Authors: White Martyn K. , Pagano Joseph S. , Khalili Kamel
Published: June 2014

About a fifth of all human cancers worldwide are caused by infectious agents. In 12% of cancers, seven different viruses have been causally linked to human oncogenesis: Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, hepatitis C virus, Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Here, we review the many molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis that have been discovered over the decades of study of these viruses. We discuss how viruses can act at different stages in the complex multistep process of carcinogenesis. Early events include their involvement in mutagenic events associated with tumor initiation such as viral integration and insertional mutagenesis as well as viral promotion of DNA damage. Also involved in tumor progression is the dysregulation of cellular processes by viral proteins, and we describe how this has been investigated by studies in cell culture and in experimental animals and by molecular cellular approaches. Also important are the molecular mechanisms whereby viruses interact with the immune system and the immune evasion strategies that have evolved.
Investigating significant health trends in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (INSIGHTS-IPF): rationale, aims and design of a nationwide prospective registry
Authors: Behr Juergen , Hoeper Marius M , Kreuter Michael , Klotsche Jens , Wirtz Hubert , Pittrow David
Published: June 2014

Background

Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare manifestation of chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, have been updated by ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT in 2011. In Europe, data are limited on the characteristics and management of such patients.

Methods/design

Investigating significant health trends (INSIGHTS)-IPF is a prospective observational longitudinal registry designed to describe the characteristics and management of newly diagnosed (incident) and prevalent patients with IPF on the long term. The registry uses a non-probability sampling approach to collect data on characteristics, therapeutic interventions, health-related quality of life and health economic parameters. At least 500 patients in ambulatory care will be included consecutively in about 30 centres. The study has been initiated in November 2012, and currently (December 2013) follows 344 patients. ClinTrials.gov identifier isNCT01695408.

Discussion

INSIGHTS-IPF documents one of the largest IPF cohorts in Europe. The registry is expected to provide much-needed data on the characteristics and management situation of patients with IPF in Germany. It will allow comparisons with other countries. Gap analyses based on current guidelines for management of these patients will be possible.
Revisiting canonical quantization
Authors: Klauder John R.
Published: June 2014

Conventional canonical quantization procedures directly link various c-number and q-number quantities. Here, we advocate a different association of classical and quantum quantities that renders classical theory a natural subset of quantum theory with ℏ > 0, in conformity with the real world wherein nature has chosen ℏ > 0 rather than ℏ = 0. While keeping the good results of conventional procedures, some examples are presented for which the new procedures offer better results than the conventional ones.
Structure and System Nonprobabilistic Reliability Solution Method Based on Enhanced Optimal Latin Hypercube Sampling
Authors: He Xin-Dang , Gou Wen-Xuan , Liu Yong-Shou , Gao Zong-Zhan
Published: June 2014

Using the convex model approach, the bounds of uncertain variables are only required rather than the precise probability distributions, based on which it can be made possible to conduct the reliability analysis for many complex engineering problems with limited information. This paper aims to develop a novel nonprobabilistic reliability solution method for structures with interval uncertainty variables. In order to explore the entire domain represented by interval variables, an enhanced optimal Latin hypercube sampling (EOLHS) is used to reduce the computational effort considerably. Through the proposed method, the safety degree of a structure with convex modal uncertainty can be quantitatively evaluated. More importantly, this method can be used to deal with any general problems with nonlinear and black-box performance functions. By introducing the suggested reliability method, a convex-model-based system reliability method is also formulated. Three numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
What Kind of Noise Guarantees Security for the Kirchhoff-Law–Johnson-Noise Key Exchange?
Authors: Mingesz Robert , Vadai Gergely , Gingl Zoltan
Published: June 2014

This paper is a supplement to our recent one about the analysis of the noise properties in the Kirchhoff-law–Johnson-noise (KLJN) secure key exchange system [Gingl and Mingesz, PLOS ONE 9 (2014) e96109, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096109]. Here, we use purely mathematical statistical derivations to prove that only normal distribution with special scaling can guarantee security. Our results are in agreement with earlier physical assumptions [Kish, Phys. Lett. A 352 (2006) 178–182, doi: 10.1016/j.physleta.2005.11.062]. Furthermore, we have carried out numerical simulations to show that the communication is clearly unsecure for improper selection of the noise properties. Protection against attacks using time and correlation analysis is not considered in this paper. Related simulations are available at http://www.noise.inf.u-szeged.hu/Research/kljn/ .
BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT PRODISC-C ARTHROPLASTY DESIGNS AFTER IMPLANTATION: A NUMERICAL SENSITIVITY STUDY
Authors: TANG QIAOHONG , WANG LIZHEN , MO ZHONGJUN , LI QI , YAO JIE , DU CHENGFEI , FAN YUBO
Published: June 2014

Ball-and-socket disc prostheses are the leading type of artificial disc replacement (ADR) and are typically used to treat degenerative cervical spine instability. Previous publications focused on the influence of different ProDisc-C design parameters in view of biomechanics. However, more beneficial data could be gathered if the implant was implanted prior to testing. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effect of different ProDisc-C arthroplasty designs and alignments when implanted at the C5-6 segment. This research can provide advice on the design of artificial discs as well as optimal placement. The geometry of the vertebrae was developed based on computed tomography (CT) images of a 32-year-old healthy male (170 cm height and 68 kg weight) with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. A finite element (FE) model of intact C5–C6 segments including vertebrae and disc was developed and validated. A ball-and-socket artificial disc prosthesis model (ProDisc-C, Synthes) was implanted into the validated FE model. The curvature of the ProDisc-C prosthesis as well as the implanted position was varied. All models were loaded with a 74 N compressive force and pure moments of 1.8 Nm in flexion-extension, bilateral bending and axial torsion. The radius of the artificial disc influenced the ROM, facet joint force and capsule ligament tension only in flexion, while the position influenced these aspects in all loading conditions. The disc with a 6 mm radius had a greater ROM in flexion, and lower stress on the polyethylene (PE) insert without apparent stress concentrations, but it had a greater facet joint force and ligament tension compared to other radii. For all the designs, the implant position in the anterior–posterior direction had a significant influence on the disc biomechanics. Disc design and surgical procedure, such as implantation position, are important factors in postoperative rehabilitation, especially regarding the ROM in flexion/extension and implant stress. Thus, a suitable disc design should consider preserving an adequate range of motion (ROM) as well as a moderate facet joint force or stress, and proper implant positioning along the anterior–posterior direction should be monitored.
Extraoral Plasmablastic Lymphoma Detected Using Ascitic Fluid Cytology and Flow Cytometry: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Dorwal Pranav , Sachdev Ritesh , Mishra Pankaj , Guleria Mridula , Pande Amit , Tyagi Neetu , Jain Dharmendra , Raina Vimarsh
Published: June 2014

Background: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PL) is a relatively new category of lymphoma, which has been considered to be found predominantly in the oral cavity and has a strong association with HIV. Case: We report a case of extraoral/mesenteric PL detected using cytological examination of ascitic fluid assisted by flow cytometric (FC) analysis. The cells were positive for CD38, CD138, CD10, CD45 and CD56 and negative for CD3, CD19, CD20 and CD79a, with cytoplasmic lambda light-chain restriction. We also reviewed 67 cases of extraoral PL from the available literature and found them to be less often associated with HIV (than oral PL), occurring mostly in males aged 30-60 years, with the most common extraoral site being the anorectal region. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion at the level of the cytopathologist is imperative for identifying lymphoma cells in a body fluid. A rare entity like PL can also be diagnosed on cytology assisted by ancillary techniques (like FC), without the need for a biopsy. We also suggest that the minimum panel to diagnose PLs should include CD138, MUM-1, Ki-67, ALK-1, CD3, immunoglobulin light-chains, CD20 and PAX5.
Revision of the leafhopper genus Dusuna Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Ledrinae), with description of one new species from China
Authors: Sun Jing , Webb Mick , Zhang Yalin
Published: June 2014

The leafhopper genus Dusuna Distant is revised to include seven species including one new species D. anacantha sp. nov. from China and one new combination D. distanti (Schmidt) n. comb. All species are described and illustrated. A checklist to species of the genus is provided together with a key to separate the two species known from the male. Figures of an unknown species from Malaysia (possibly new) are also included.
Definition of the Elachista puplesisi Sruoga complex (Lepidoptera, Gelechioidea, Elachistidae), with description of a new species
Authors: KAILA LAURI , SRUOGA VIRGINIJUS
Published: June 2014

The Elachista puplesisi group is defined. Its characterization is based on two species, E. puplesisi Sruoga, 2000, known from the holotype collected in Turkmenistan and E. helia sp. nov., from Rhodos, Greece. The group is assigned to the subgenus Atachia of Elachista, but its affinities within Atachia remain unknown.
Factors That Influence the Job Market Decision
Authors: Weeks William A. , Rutherford Brian , Boles James , Loe Terry
Published: June 2014

This study examines the perceptions of students, recruiters, and faculty regarding the importance of various workplace attributes to students who are entering the job market. Furthermore, this study discusses the important role that faculty can play as a knowledge broker with both students and recruiters. Looking at students’ Top 10 attributes, we found there is a significant difference between students and faculty perceptions for (1) job satisfaction, (2) company culture, (3) company’s employee treatment, (4) training program, (5) company growth potential, and (6) company financial stability. In each case, the faculty underestimated the importance of these attributes to the students. Regarding (1) fit with goals and (2) current organization employees are satisfied/loyalty, both faculty and recruiters significantly underestimated the attributes’ importance to the students. Results indicate recruiters are more accurate with respect to what students look for in a job than are faculty. This study also begins some initial exploratory work on developing factors for the items used within this study. Specifically, the three samples were combined and exploratory factor analysis was conducted, resulting in a five-factor solution. Furthermore, this study provides faculty with a better understanding of what student job applicants are looking for in a job and also gives suggestions for helping the faculty become better able to serve as knowledge brokers between recruiters and students.
Principals’ perceptions from within
Authors: Medina Venus , Martinez Gloria , Murakami Elizabeth T , Rodriguez Mariela , Hernandez Frank
Published: June 2014

This study explores leadership in high-need schools where social and economic issues collide with learning, preventing students and their families from receiving the level of education they deserve. Two Latina principals in primary schools identified as high-need schools answer these questions: (a) “How can high-need schools be defined?”; (b) “Would a school inevitably be a high-need school in a high-need area?”; and (c) “In what ways do you see your leadership as influencing your specific school?” The views of these principals carry larger implications for the promotion of Latinos as the fastest-growing school-age group in the US. They defined their leadership as a moral craft, as one that prepares adults on campus to support families and students in urban high-need areas. At an international and cross-comparative level, considerations of socio-economic issues, and unaddressed academic, emotional, and physical issues, were regarded as needs to be met before focusing on students’ academic success.
Human genomic regions with exceptionally high levels of population differentiation identified from 911 whole-genome sequences
Authors: Colonna Vincenza , Ayub Qasim , Chen Yuan , Pagani Luca , Luisi Pierre , Pybus Marc , Garrison Erik , Xue Yali , Tyler-Smith Chris ,   The 1000 Genomes Project Consortium
Published: June 2014

Background

Population differentiation has proved to be effective for identifying loci under geographically localized positive selection, and has the potential to identify loci subject to balancing selection. We have previously investigated the pattern of genetic differentiation among human populations at 36.8 million genomic variants to identify sites in the genome showing high frequency differences. Here, we extend this dataset to include additional variants, survey sites with low levels of differentiation, and evaluate the extent to which highly differentiated sites are likely to result from selective or other processes.

Results

We demonstrate that while sites with low differentiation represent sampling effects rather than balancing selection, sites showing extremely high population differentiation are enriched for positive selection events and that one half may be the result of classic selective sweeps. Among these, we rediscover known examples, where we actually identify the established functional SNP, and discover novel examples including the genes ABCA12, CALD1 and ZNF804, which we speculate may be linked to adaptations in skin, calcium metabolism and defense, respectively.

Conclusions

We identify known and many novel candidate regions for geographically restricted positive selection, and suggest several directions for further research.
Activators of PKA and Epac Distinctly Influence Insulin Secretion and Cytosolic Ca2+ in Female Mouse Islets Stimulated by Glucose and Tolbutamide
Authors: Henquin Jean-Claude , Nenquin Myriam
Published: June 2014

Amplification of insulin secretion by cAMP is mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac). Using selective activators, we determined how each effector influences the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) and insulin secretion in mouse islets. Alone PKA activator amplified glucose- and tolbutamide-induced insulin secretion, with a greater impact on second than first phase. Epac activator strongly amplified both phases in response to either secretagogue. Amplification was even greater when activators were combined. Although both activators similarly amplified glucose-induced insulin secretion, Epac activator was particularly efficient on tolbutamide-induced insulin secretion. That greater efficacy is attributed to higher [Ca2+]c rather than interaction of tolbutamide with Epac, because it was also observed during KCl stimulation. Moreover, in contrast to Epac activator, tolbutamide was inactive when insulin secretion was increased by gliclazide, and its effect on glucose-induced insulin secretion was unaffected by an inhibitor of Epac2. PKA activator increased [Ca2+]c during acute or steady-state glucose stimulation, whereas Epac activator had no effect alone or in combination. Neither activator affected [Ca2+]c response to tolbutamide or KCl. Metabolic (glucose-mediated) amplification of insulin secretion was unaffected by PKA activator. It was attenuated when insulin secretion was augmented by Epac activator but insensitive to Epac2 inhibitor, which suggests distinct although somewhat overlapping mechanisms. In conclusion, activators of PKA and Epac amplify insulin secretion by augmenting the action of Ca2+ on exocytosis and, for PKA only, slightly increasing glucose-induced [Ca2+]c rise. The influence of Epac seems more important than that of PKA during first phase.
Soil modification through bioslime processing
Authors: Чукалина Елена , Chukalina Elena , Крымская Елена , Krymskaya Elena , Иванов Владимир , Ivanov Vladimir
Published: June 2014

Communal facilities performance improvement is a critical component of the overall issue of improving the citizens’ quality of life. Recreation schemes for drain-water utilization should provide not only for a primary treatment, but also for finer and more efficient methods of neutralization and sanitation. The authors of the article focus on the technologies of processing the bioslime obtained from the municipal wastewarer.
‘I feel secure, confident and comfortable’: a patient's perspective
Authors: Day Karen
Published: June 2014

This account relates how the Esteem Plus pouch improved a patient's quality of life, enabling her to resume her normal day-to-day activities and plan for the future
Periphally inserted central catheters—a ‘serous’ complication
Authors: Hughes Meinir Elen
Published: June 2014

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in the upper arm appears to have led to an increased incidence of the inadvertent puncture of lymph vessels, which transport lymph fluid around the body. The fluid flows from the lymph vessel in the arm, through the subcutaneous tract created by the PICC, accumulating in discharge of serous fluid at the exit site. The symptoms may be minimal or excessive and currently there are no published data or guidance as to how to manage this complication. Possible management strategies are proposed in this article. They involve the assessment of the amount and persistence of the discharge, with removal indicated when symptoms persist or when the volume is excessive.
The rigidity theorems for Lagrangian self-shrinkers
Authors: Ding Qi , Xin Yuanlong
Published: June 2014

By the integral method we prove that any space-like entire graphic
self-shrinking solution to the Lagrangian mean curvature flow in

ℝ
n

2
n

$\mathbb {R}^{2n}_{n}$

with the indefinite metric

∑
i

d

x
i

d

y
i

$\sum _i dx_idy_i$

is flat.
This improves previous results by Huang–Wang
[Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations 41 (2011), 321–339]
and Chau–Chen–Yuan [J. reine angew. Math. 664 (2012), 229–239]
by removing the additional assumption in their results. In a similar
manner, we reprove its Euclidean counterpart which is established by Chau–Chen–Yuan.
Dualization invariance and a new complex elliptic genus
Authors: Schreieder Stefan
Published: June 2014

We define a new elliptic genus ψ on the complex bordism ring. With coefficients in

ℤ
[
1
/
2
]

$\mathbb {Z}[1/2]$

, we prove that it induces an isomorphism of the complex bordism ring modulo the ideal which is generated by all differences

ℙ

(
E
)

-
ℙ

(

E
*

)

$\mathbb {P}(E)-\mathbb {P}(E^\ast )$

of projective bundles and their duals onto a polynomial ring on four generators in degrees 2, 4, 6 and 8. As an alternative geometric description of ψ, we prove that it is the universal genus which is multiplicative in projective bundles over Calabi–Yau 3-folds. With the help of the q-expansion of modular forms we will see that for a complex manifold M, the value

ψ
(
M
)

$\psi (M)$

is a holomorphic Euler characteristic.
We also compare ψ with Krichever–Höhn's complex elliptic genus and see that their only common specializations are Ochanine's elliptic genus and the

χ
y

$\chi _y$

-genus.
Sustained Percolation in Stretched Silver Nanowire Networks for Stretchable Inter-Connection Applications
Authors: Park Jae Sung , Kim Woo Soo
Published: June 2014

Here we introduce a highly stretchable Printed Circuit Board (PCB) inter-connection technology achieved through the combination of flexibility allowed by the silver nanowire (AgNW)-based electrode and stretchability provided by the meander-shaped substrate. Horseshoe-shaped elastic material, polydimethylsiloxane, is used as a substrate of the AgNW conductors for relaxed stress concentration. Continuously maintained 2-D percolation of stretchable AgNW networks overcomes the usage restrictions with ordinary rigid Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The horseshoe-shaped inter-connection is physically reliable with repeated stretching/releasing processes and maintains its conductivity under tensile strains up to 20 %, allowing the durable and stretchable PCB inter-connecting applications.
Investigation of mineralogy, porosity and pore structure of Olkiluoto bedrock
Authors: Sammaljärvi Juuso , Lindberg Antero , Ikonen Jussi , Voutilainen Mikko , Siitari-Kauppi Marja , Koskinen Lasse
Published: June 2014

Spent nuclear fuel from TVO's (Teollisuuden Voima Oy) and Fortum's nuclear power plants will be deposited deep in the crystalline bedrock in Olkiluoto, Western Finland. The bedrock needs to be well characterized to assess the risks inherent to the waste disposal at the site. If radionuclides (RN) are transported, it happens via water conducting fractures. Retardation may occur either by diffusion into stagnant pore water or by immobilization on mineral surfaces of the rock matrix.

RN’s retardation from flowing water is linked to parameters defining porosity and microscopic rock pore structure, such as pore size distribution, connectivity, tortuosity and constrictivity, and by the mineralogy and chemical nature of the minerals and charge of the pore surfaces.

In this work, centimeter scale rock cores from Olkiluoto were investigated. The work is part of the in situ project REPRO (Experiments to investigate Rock Matrix Retention Properties) where the diffusion and sorption of RN are studied experimentally. Porosity and pore structures were characterized with the PMMA autoradiography method and polarized microscopy, which was used also to ascertain the mineralogy of the samples.

The results show that the rock from the REPRO site has low porosity with a mean value of 0.5% and a range of 0.1-1.5%. Rock heterogeneity explains the variation of porosity values. Correlation between the porosity and the mineralogy was found. Areas of high porosity correspond to areas of altered minerals, such as cordierite, biotite and plagioclase, which cover spatially between 10 and 20% of the rock volume
Islam and Economic Development: Exploring the Role of Indonesian Muslim Society in Developing Islamic Microfinance Institution
Authors: Rusyana Ayi Yunus
Published: June 2014

Although a religion is considered as a one of the cultural barriers that can impede an economic development, nevertheless in this paper I prove that Islam as well as Muslim society has a big role to empower economic life in Indonesian Muslim. The growth of Bayt al-Māl wa al-Tamwīl (BMT), Islamic microfinance institution, initiated by Muslim community is a great evidence on how religioun gave a positive impact in economic development in Indonesia. Using the theory of collective action proposed by Alberto Melucci, I explore the main factors that influenced Muslims to establish BMT, and how BMT movement develops in Indonesian Muslim society. Overall, in this paper I argue that the BMT movement can be considered as a social movement where the civil society takes more important role than the state. Interestingly, the lack of regulation is not becoming an obstacle for Muslim society to establish and develop BMT in some regions in Indonesia.