bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a T-Cell Epitope That Is Globally Conserved among Outer Membrane Proteins (OMPs) OMP7, OMP8, and OMP9 of Anaplasma marginale Strains and with OMP7 from the A. marginale subsp. centrale Vaccine Strain
Authors: Deringer James R. , Forero-Becerra Elkin G. , Ueti Massaro W. , Turse Joshua E. , Futse James E. , Noh Susan M. , Palmer Guy H. , Brown Wendy C.
Published: October 2016

Within the protective outer membrane (OM) fraction ofAnaplasma marginale, several vaccine candidates have emerged, including a family of OM proteins (OMPs) 7 to 9, which share sequence identity with each other and with the single protein OMP7 in the vaccine strainA. marginalesubsp.centrale.A. marginaleOMPs 7 to 9 are logical vaccine candidates because they are surface exposed, present in the OM immunogen and protective cross-linked OM proteins, recognized by immune serum IgG2 and T cells in cattle immunized with OM, and recognized by immune serum IgG2 from cattle immunized with theA. centralevaccine strain. We report the identification of a globally conserved 9-amino-acid T-cell epitope FLLVDDAI/VV shared betweenA. centralevaccine strain OMP7 and the relatedA. marginaleOMPs 7 to 9, where position 8 of the peptide can be isoleucine or valine. The epitope is conserved in AmericanA. marginalestrains, in the Australia Gypsy Plains strain, and in multiple field isolates from Ghana. This epitope, together with additional T-cell epitopes that are present within these proteins, should be considered for inclusion in a multivalent vaccine forA. marginalethat can provide protection against disease caused by globally distributed bacterial strains.
Antibody-Based Immunotherapy To Treat and Prevent Infection with Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Diago-Navarro Elizabeth , Calatayud-Baselga Isabel , Sun Donglei , Khairallah Camille , Mann Inderjit , Ulacia-Hernando Amaia , Sheridan Brian , Shi Meiqing , Fries Bettina C.
Published: October 2016

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(hv
Kp
) strains are predicted to become a major threat in Asia if antibiotic resistance continues to spread. Anticapsular antibodies (Abs) were developed because disseminated infections caused by hv
Kp
are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, even with antibiotic-sensitive strains. K1-serotype polysaccharide capsules (K1-CPS) are expressed by the majority of hv
Kp
strains. In this study, K1-CPS-specific IgG Abs were generated by conjugation of K1-CPS to immunogenic anthrax protective antigen (PA) protein. Opsonophagocytic efficacy was measured
in vitro
and
in vivo
by intravital microscopy in murine livers.
In vivo
protection was tested in murine models, including a novel model for dissemination in hv
Kp
-colonized mice. Protective efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 4C5 (IgG1) and 19A10 (IgG3) was demonstrated both in murine sepsis and pulmonary infection. In hv
Kp
-colonized mice, MAb treatment significantly decreased dissemination of hv
Kp
from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes and organs. Intravital microscopy confirmed efficient opsonophagocytosis and clearance of bacteria from the liver.
In vitro
studies demonstrate that MAbs work predominantly by promoting FcR-mediated phagocytosis but also indicate that MAbs enhance the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In anticipation of increasing antibiotic resistance, we propose further development of these and other
Klebsiella
-specific MAbs for therapeutic use.
Rapid Detection of Common HIV-1 Drug Resistance Mutations by Use of High-Resolution Melting Analysis and Unlabeled Probes
Authors: Sacks David , Ledwaba Johanna , Morris Lynn , Hunt Gillian M.
Published: October 2016

HIV rapidly accumulates resistance mutations following exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of antiretroviral drugs that reduces treatment efficacy. High-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) has been used to successfully identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to genotype viral and bacterial species. Here, we tested the ability of HRMA incorporating short unlabeled probes to accurately assign drug susceptibilities at the 103, 181, and 184 codons of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase gene. The analytical sensitivities of the HRMA assays were 5% of mixed species for K103N and Y181C and 20% for M184V. When applied to 153 HIV-1 patient specimens previously genotyped by Sanger population sequencing, HRMA correctly assigned drug sensitivity or resistance profiles to 80% of the samples at codon 103 (K103K/N) (Cohen's kappa coefficient [κ] > 0.6;P< 0.05), 90% at 181 (Y181Y/C) (κ > 0.74,P< 0.05), and 80% at 184 (M184M/V) (κ > 0.62;P< 0.05). The frequency of incorrect genotypes was very low (≤1 to 2%) for each assay, which in most cases was due to the higher sensitivity of the HRMA assay. Specimens for which drug resistance profiles could not be assigned (9 to 20%) often had polymorphisms in probe binding regions. Thus, HRMA is a rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive method for the determination of drug sensitivities caused by major HIV-1 drug resistance mutations and, after further development to minimize the melting effects of nontargeted polymorphisms, may be suitable for surveillance purposes.
YopJ Family Effectors Promote Bacterial Infection through a Unique Acetyltransferase Activity
Authors: Ma Ka-Wai , Ma Wenbo
Published: October 2016

Gram-negative bacterial pathogens rely on the type III secretion system to inject virulence proteins into host cells. These type III secreted “effector” proteins directly manipulate cellular processes to cause disease. Although the effector repertoires in different bacterial species are highly variable, the
Yersinia
outer protein J (YopJ) effector family is unique in that its members are produced by diverse animal and plant pathogens as well as a nonpathogenic microsymbiont. All YopJ family effectors share a conserved catalytic triad that is identical to that of the C55 family of cysteine proteases. However, an accumulating body of evidence demonstrates that many YopJ effectors modify their target proteins in hosts by acetylating specific serine, threonine, and/or lysine residues. This unique acetyltransferase activity allows the YopJ family effectors to affect the function and/or stability of their targets, thereby dampening innate immunity. Here, we summarize the current understanding of this prevalent and evolutionarily conserved type III effector family by describing their enzymatic activities and virulence functions in animals and plants. In particular, the molecular mechanisms by which representative YopJ family effectors subvert host immunity through posttranslational modification of their target proteins are discussed.
Comparative Genome Analysis of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Strains from Nepal and Japan
Authors: Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Sherchan Jatan Bahadur , Doi Yohei , Nagamatsu Maki , Sherchand Jeevan B. , Tandukar Sarmila , Ohmagari Norio , Kirikae Teruo , Ohara Hiroshi , Hayakawa Kayoko
Published: October 2016

The global spread of ESBL-
E. coli
has been driven in large part by pandemic sequence type 131 (ST131). A recent study suggested that, within
E. coli
ST131, certain sublineages have disseminated worldwide with little association with their geographical origin, highlighting the complexity of the epidemiology of this pandemic clone. ST131 bacteria have also been classified into four virotypes based on the distribution of certain virulence genes. Information on virotype distribution in Asian ST131 strains is limited. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of ESBL-
E. coli
ST131 strains collected in Nepal and Japan, two Asian countries with a high and low prevalence of ESBL-
E. coli
, respectively. We systematically compared these ST131 genomes with those reported from other regions to gain insights into the molecular epidemiology of their spread and found the distinct phylogenetic characteristics of the spread of ESBL-
E. coli
ST131 in these two geographical areas of Asia.
Long-term prognosis after out-of-hospital resuscitation of cardiac arrest in trauma patients: prehospital trauma-associated cardiac arrest
Authors: Duchateau François-Xavier , Hamada Sophie , Raux Mathieu , Gay Matthieu , Mantz Jean , Paugam Burtz Catherine , Gauss Tobias ,   Traumabase Group
Published: October 2016

Background

Although prehospital cardiac arrest (CA) remains associated with poor long-term outcome, recent studies show an improvement in the survival rate after prehospital trauma associated CA (TCA). However, data on the long-term neurological outcome of TCA, particularly from physician-staffed Emergency Medical Service (EMS), are scarce, and results reported have been inconsistent. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients admitted to several trauma centres after a TCA.

Methods

This study is a retrospective database review of all patients from a multicentre prospective registry that experienced a TCA and had undergone successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior their admission at the trauma centre. The primary end point was neurological outcome at 6 months among patients who survived to hospital discharge.

Results

88 victims of TCA underwent successful CPR and were admitted to the hospital, 90% of whom were victims of blunt trauma. Of these 88 patients, 10 patients (11%; CI 95% 6% to 19%) survived to discharge: on discharge, 9 patients displayed a GCS of 15 and Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) 1–2 and one patient had a GCS 7 and CPC of 3. Hypoxia was the most frequent cause of CA among survivors. 6-month follow-up was achieved for 9 patients of the 10 surviving patients. The 9 patients with a good outcome on hospital discharge had a CPC of 1 or 2 6 months post discharge. All returned to their premorbid family and social settings.

Conclusions

Among patients admitted to hospital after successful CPR from TCA, hypoxia as the likely aetiology of arrest carried a more favourable prognosis. Most of the patients successfully resuscitated from TCA and surviving to hospital discharge had a good neurological outcome, suggesting that prehospital resuscitation may not be futile.
New Development in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Symbolism-Digit Therapy as a Special Naturopathic Treatment
Authors: Li Shanyu , Xutian Stevenson
Published: October 2016

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) grew out of traditional Chinese culture. For example, the eight-diagram symbol is composed of the Yang and the Yin. According to oriental philosophy, everything in the universe has a two-sided property, namely an image (or symbol) and a number (or digit). This paper introduces the new concept and historical background of symbolism-digit therapy (SDT), which is a natural therapy for the treatment of various kinds of diseases. SDT is of TCM heritage, which can be traced back to the ancient publications such as Yi Jing, and this heritage has been incorporated into modern development and practices. The successful treatments using SDT presented in this paper use formulas and/or prescriptions in accordance with TCM. All materials presented in this paper come from first-hand clinical observations, which are supported by TCM theories. Effects of SDT treatments are straightforward and worthy of broader and deeper investigation. SDT and other relevant therapies motivate the further exploration of the essence of TCM to improve the understanding of TCM principles.
Therapeutic Effects of Blue Honeysuckle on Lesions of Hyperthyroidism in Rats
Authors: Park Sang-In , Lee Young Joon , Choi Seong Hun , Park Soo Jin , Song Chang-Hyun , Ku Sae-Kwang
Published: October 2016

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic syndrome characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which enhances the hormone-induced oxidative stress responsible for some complications in the liver, heart and muscle. Blue honeysuckle (BH) is an edible berry, rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids or anthocyanins, known as strong antioxidants. The chemo-protective activities of the berry have been connected to the improvement of symptoms in cancer, diabetes mellitus, tumor or cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the therapeutic effects of BH were examined in hyperthyroidism rat model. The hyperthyroidism was induced by injection with levothyroxine (LT4), and the model was treated with distilled water (LT4 control), propylthiouracil (PTU) or BH at 3 dosages of 500, 250 and 125[Formula: see text]mg/kg. The treatment was performed once a day for 15 days. Compared to LT4 control, the oral administration of BH dose-dependently ameliorated the hyperthyroidism, reducing thyroid hormones and increasing thyroid stimulating hormones. These effects were accompanied by improvement of body weight loss and atrophy in the thyroid gland, liver and epididymal fat pads. BH treatments also reduced the levels of hepatic enzymes (AST and ALT), which suggests BH exerts protective effects on hepatocytes. BH might also be involved in the augmentation of the anti-oxidant activities, supported by increased endogenous antioxidant (glutathione). In addition, the histopathological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of BH on the atrophic changes and cellular injuries in the thyroid gland, liver and epididymal fat pads. The therapeutic potentials of BH were either similar or more effective than PTU. These results provide valuable information that will guide more detailed studies to use the BH as a complementary and alternative medicine.
Effects of optical phonon interaction on dynamical valley polarization in graphene
Authors: Fahandezh Saadi M. , Shirkani H. , Golshan M. M.
Published: October 2016

The present report is concerned with the dynamical behavior of [Formula: see text]-electronic valley states, under the interaction with transverse zone-boundary optical phonons, in graphene. It is assumed that the phonons are thermal and obey the Bose–Einstein distribution, while the [Formula: see text]-electrons are initially prepared in an experimentally realizable particular valley state. In our study, we take the view that such a mixture is completely described by a time-dependent density operator which is then determined, to the second-order of perturbation, from the governing Schrödinger equation. Employing the density operator so calculated, an analytical expression for the valley polarization, as a function of time, phonon frequency and temperature, is obtained. The results, accompanying with illustrative figures, reveal that the [Formula: see text]-electrons, through the elastic exchange of energy with phonons, change the valley states periodically with characteristics that strongly depend upon the temperature. It is in particular shown that as the temperature is raised, the time-averaged valley polarization approaches zero, as expected. Our calculations also show that the amplitude of valley oscillations is solely determined by the temperature and phonon frequency: an increase in the temperature enlarges the amplitudes in contrast to the phonon frequency which does the reverse. Along these lines, moreover, we demonstrate that the frequency of valley oscillations is determined by the electronic momentum deviation from the valley states, along with the phonon frequency.
Significant performance enhancement in continuous wave terahertz photomixers based on fractal structures
Authors: Jafari H. , Heidarzadeh H. , Rostami A. , Rostami G. , Dolatyari M.
Published: October 2016

A photoconductive fractal antenna significantly improves the performance of photomixing-based continuous wave (CW) terahertz (THz) systems. An analysis has been carried out for the generation of CW-THz radiation by photomixer photoconductive antenna technique. To increase the active area for generation and hence the THz radiation power we used interdigitated electrodes that are coupled with a fractal tree antenna. In this paper, both semiconductor and electromagnetic problems are considered. Here, photomixer devices with Thue-Morse fractal tree antennas in two configurations (narrow and wide) are discussed. This new approach gives better performance, especially in the increasing of THz output power of photomixer devices, when compared with the conventional structures. In addition, applying the interdigitated electrodes improved THz photocurrent, considerably. It produces THz radiation power several times higher than the photomixers with simple gap.
Analyzing Funding Patterns and Their Evolution in Two Medical Research Topics
Authors: De-Miguel-Molina Blanca , Cunningham Scott W. , Palop Fernando
Published: October 2016

This paper analyzes funding patterns and their evolution in two medical research topics: breast cancer and ovarian cancer, taking into account cross-agency and cross-national co-funding. A bibliometric analysis of 355[Formula: see text]463 papers from PubMed (273[Formula: see text]526 on breast cancer and 81[Formula: see text]937 on ovarian cancer) brought back 91 funding agencies involved in breast cancer and 65 in ovarian cancer. Additionally, the paper examined the evolution of medical subject headings (MESH) funded by agencies. An analysis of patterns in funding, co-funding, MESH, and their evolution, was carried out using social network analysis (SNA) methodology. The results show the importance of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in both breast and ovarian cancer. The NCI achieves its policy goals by co-funding its programs with both national and cross-national agencies. Moreover, the MESH agencies co-funded in the two years studied coincided; however, it must be said that the number of agencies which participated in research funding also increased.
Phosphorus complexes of porphyrinoid macrocycles
Authors: Sharma Ritambhara , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: October 2016

Phosphorus complexes of porphyrinoids such as porphyrins, corroles, [Formula: see text]-fused porphyrins, [Formula: see text]-fused expanded porphyrins and expanded porphyrins can be prepared readily by treating the porphyrinoid with phosphorylating agents such as PX3, PX5and POX3(X [Formula: see text] Cl or Br) under standard reaction conditions. In phosphorus porphyrinoids, the phosphorus is generally high valent [Formula: see text]5 oxidation state and the coordination number is varied from four to six. The insertion of P(V) into porphyrinoids alters the structure and electronic properties of the macrocycle significantly. Specially, the phosphorus binding mode is different from one porphyrinoid to another. The oxophilicity nature of P(V) in P(V) porphyrinoids is very useful to change variety of axial ligands and also helps to synthesize multi-porphyrin arrays by axial bonding approach. This review summarizes the phosphorus complexes of five different porphyrinoids and discusses their structure and electronic properties as well as their applications in the synthesis of more elaborate P(V) porphyrinoid based architectures.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OPEN INNOVATION: DO SIZE AND PERFORMANCE OF OPEN INNOVATION GROUPS MATTER?
Authors: HITCHEN EMMA L. , NYLUND PETRA A. , VIARDOT ERIC
Published: October 2016

Innovation is accelerated by heterogeneous knowledge, which is obtained in open innovation. We investigate whether there are limits to the beneficial degree of openness. Conceiving innovator group size as a trade-off between knowledge heterogeneity and coordination costs for innovating groups, we theorise about the impact of group size on innovative performance. We hypothesise that openness and internationalisation positively moderate this relationship, but that the positive effects are limited by the trade-off between knowledge heterogeneity and coordination costs. Through an empirical investigation using a large set of international patent data, we find support for our conceptual development and are able to conclude how many individuals those groups contain that generate the most innovative performance. Groups of three inventors have the most positive impact, and groups of two to eight inventors also generate positive effects. Science-based industries however allow for bigger groups than other industries, and supplier-dominated industries have smaller beneficial group sizes.
OPEN INNOVATION: SYSTEMATISATION OF KNOWLEDGE EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION FOR COMMERCIALISATION
Authors: AMPONSAH CHRISTIAN TABI , ADAMS SAMUEL
Published: October 2016

This paper explores the intricacies of various determinants that can be used to systematise open innovation processes as the functional streaming of knowledge, both inbound and outbound, to expedite internal innovation and extricate the market for external use of innovation. Drawing on extant open innovation literature and data collected from organisations on the list of Thomas Reuters Derwent World Patents Index covering North America, Europe, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North African for their open innovation practices, a model was developed that conceptualises the systematisation of open innovation processes toward commercial activities. The results show that the systematisation of open innovation requires a balancing act of knowledge exploration (KET) and exploitation (KEL) ambidexterity for commercialisation of the firm, and that a relationship exists between these variables. Using the contingency-based approach to organisational development, the paper adds to the understanding of the role of open innovation processes, systematisation, content and context as well as the research and development aspect of open innovation.
Violent groups, social psychology, and computing
Authors: Hourcade Juan Pablo
Published: October 2016

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading voices in the field.
Monitoring of ovarian cancer cell invasion in real time with frequency-dependent impedance measurement
Authors: Lo Chun-Min , Lo Jun-Chih , Sato Priscila Y. , Yeung Tsz-Lun , Mok Samuel C. , Yip Kay-Pong
Published: October 2016

The conventional approach to assessing cancer invasion is primarily for end-point analysis, which does not provide temporal information on the invasion process or any information on the interactions between invading cells and the underlying adherent cells. To alleviate these limitations, the present study exploited electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) to monitor the invasion of ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3) through an adherent monolayer of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Impedance was measured at 4 kHz of AC voltage or was measured as a function of AC frequency (25 Hz to 60 kHz). By measuring impedance at 4-kHz AC, we found that the invasion of SKOV-3 cells through the HUVEC monolayer was manifested as a rapid decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance in real time. The invasion was augmented in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The enhancing effect of HGF was attenuated by c-Met inhibitor (SU11274). By measuring the frequency-dependent impedance of SKOV-3 cells over time, we found that HGF-enhanced SKOV-3 cell invasion was accomplished with reduced junctional resistance ( Rb), increased average cell-substrate separation ( h), and increased micromotion. SU11274 attenuated the effects of HGF on Rb, h, and micromotion in the SKOV-3 monolayer. SU11274 also increased the barrier function of the HUVEC monolayer by increasing Rb and decreasing h. In conclusion, this study demonstrated an improved method for monitoring and studying the interactions between cancer cells and the underlying adherent cells during invasion in real time. Alterations in cellular biophysical properties ( Rb, h) associated with cancer transendothelial invasion were detected.
Blunted increases in skin sympathetic nerve activity are related to attenuated reflex vasodilation in aged human skin
Authors: Stanhewicz Anna E. , Greaney Jody L. , Alexander Lacy M. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: October 2016

Reflex cutaneous vasodilation in response to passive heating is attenuated in human aging. This diminished response is mediated, in part, by age-associated reductions in endothelial function; however, the contribution of altered skin sympathetic nervous system activity (SSNA) is unknown. We hypothesized that 1) healthy older adults would demonstrate blunted SSNA responses to increased core temperature compared with young adults and 2) the decreased SSNA response would be associated with attenuated cutaneous vasodilation. Reflex vasodilation was elicited in 13 young [23 ± 1 (SE) yr] and 13 older (67 ± 2 yr) adults using a water-perfused suit to elevate esophageal temperature by 1.0°C. SSNA (peroneal microneurography) and red cell flux (laser Doppler flowmetry) in the innervated dermatome (the dorsum of foot) were continuously measured. SSNA was normalized to, and expressed as, a percentage of baseline. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as flux/mean arterial pressure and expressed as a percentage of maximal CVC (local heating, 43°C). Reflex vasodilation was attenuated in older adults ( P < 0.001). During heating, SSNA increased in both groups ( P < 0.05); however, the response was significantly blunted in older adults ( P = 0.01). The increase in SSNA during heating was linearly related to cutaneous vasodilation in both young ( R2 = 0.87 ± 0.02, P < 0.01) and older ( R2 = 0.76 ± 0.05, P < 0.01) adults; however, slope of the linear regression between ΔSSNA and ΔCVC was reduced in older compared with young (older: 0.05 ± 0.01 vs. young: 0.08 ± 0.01; P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that age-related impairments in reflex cutaneous vasodilation are mediated, in part, by blunted efferent SSNA during hyperthermia.
Elevated K+ channel activity opposes vasoconstrictor response to serotonin in cerebral arteries of the Fawn Hooded Hypertensive rat
Authors: Pabbidi Mallikarjuna R. , Roman Richard J.
Published: October 2016

Previous studies suggest that middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) of Fawn Hooded Hypertensive (FHH) rats exhibit impaired myogenic response and introgression of a small region of Brown Norway chromosome 1 containing 15 genes restored the response in FHH.1BN congenic rat. The impaired myogenic response in FHH rats is associated with an increase in the activity of the large conductance potassium (BK) channel in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study examined whether the increased BK channel function in FHH rat alters vasoconstrictor response to serotonin (5-HT). Basal myogenic tone and spontaneous myogenic response of the MCA was attenuated by about twofold and about fivefold, respectively in FHH compared with FHH.1BN rats. 5-HT (0.1 μM)-mediated vasoconstriction was about twofold lower, and inhibition of the BK channel increased the vasoconstrictor response by about threefold in FHH compared with FHH.1BN rats. 5-HT (3 μM) decreased BK channel and spontaneous transient outward currents in VSMCs isolated from FHH.1BN but had no effect in FHH rats. 5-HT significantly depolarized the membrane potential in MCAs of FHH.1BN than FHH rats. Blockade of the BK channel normalized 5-HT-induced depolarization in MCAs of FHH rats. The 5-HT-mediated increase in cytosolic calcium concentration was significantly reduced in plateau phase in the VSMCs of FHH relative to FHH.1BN rats. These findings suggest that sequence variants in the genes located in the small region of FHH rat chromosome 1 impairs 5-HT-mediated vasoconstriction by decreasing its ability to inhibit BK channel activity, depolarize the membrane and blunt the rise in cytosolic calcium concentration.
Slug Self-Propulsion in a Capillary Tube Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Khodabocus M. I. , Sellier M. , Nock V.
Published: October 2016

A composite droplet made of two miscible fluids in a narrow tube generally moves under the action of capillarity until complete mixture is attained. This physical situation is analysed here on a combined theoretical and numerical analysis. The mathematical framework consists of the two-phase flow phase-field equation set, an advection-diffusion chemical concentration equation, and closure relationships relating the surface tensions to the chemical concentration. The numerical framework is composed of the COMSOL Laminar two-phase flow phase-field method coupled with an advection-diffusion chemical concentration equation. Through transient studies, we show that the penetrating length of the bidroplet system into the capillary tube is linear at early-time regime and exponential at late-time regime. Through parametric studies, we show that the rate of penetration of the bidroplet system into the capillary tube is proportional to a time-dependent exponential function. We also show that this speed obeys the Poiseuille law at the early-time regime. A series of position, speed-versus-property graphs are included to support the analysis. Finally, the overall results are contrasted with available experimental data, grouped together to settle a general mathematical description of the phenomenon, and explained and concluded on this basis.
Photoelectric Properties of DSSCs Sensitized by Phloxine B and Bromophenol Blue
Authors: Ren Penghui , Li Yuanzuo , Zhang Yuehua , Wang Hongshuai , Wang Qungui
Published: October 2016

Phloxine B and bromophenol blue as the sensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells were investigated via UV-Vis spectra, FT-IR spectra, fluorescence spectra, and current-voltage characteristics. The frontier molecular orbital, vibration analysis, and the first hyperpolarizability were calculated with DFT/6-31G(d). The dipole moment, light harvesting efficiency (LHE), and larger absolute value of driving force of electron injection (ΔGinject) were also discussed. The calculated results were compared with the experimental results of phloxine B and bromophenol blue. It was found that, compared with bromophenol blue, bigger dipole moment of phloxine B results in larger open circuit voltage (Voc) according to the correlation between dipole moment andVoc. At the same time, for configuration of phloxine B, it has higher LHE andΔGinject, which are helpful to enhance the abilities of absorbing sunlight and electron injection. Therefore, higher LHE andΔGinjectfor phloxine B produced a larger value ofJsc.
Construction of a Nanodiamond–Tamoxifen Complex as a Breast Cancer Drug Delivery Vehicle
Authors: Landeros-Martínez Linda-Lucila , Chavez-Flores David , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo , Flores-Holguin Norma
Published: October 2016

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer represents 16% of all cancer cases in women and is the second most common cancer. In the past decades, the mortality among patients with metastasis breast cancer has been reduced significantly via drug delivery by means of nanodiamond therapies, which are both biocompatible and scalable. In this study, we determined a theoretical pathway for the construction of a nanodiamond–tamoxifen complex that will act as a drug delivery vehicle for targeting tumor tissues of breast cancer. The tamoxifen pharmacophore was defined and the binding zone was identified for the electrostatic interaction between tamoxifen and a functionalized site of a nanodiamond particle allowing for attachment of the payload (this drug) to the surface of the nanodiamond particle. In addition, an analysis of the intermolecular interaction between the nanodiamond and tamoxifen was conducted, showing three hydrogen bonds complying fully with Lipinski’s rule of five, which states that a compound should have five or fewer hydrogen bonds to be permeating and easily absorbed by the body (qualitative prediction). All calculations were performed using the conceptual Density Functional Theory with the M06 functional and the basis set 6-31G(d). The solvent effect has been taken into account by an implicit model, the conductor like polarizable continuum model.
Objectness Supervised Merging Algorithm for Color Image Segmentation
Authors: Sima Haifeng , Mi Aizhong , Wang Zhiheng , Zou Youfeng
Published: October 2016

Ideal color image segmentation needs both low-level cues and high-level semantic features. This paper proposes a two-hierarchy segmentation model based on merging homogeneous superpixels. First, a region growing strategy is designed for producing homogenous and compact superpixels in different partitions. Total variation smoothing features are adopted in the growing procedure for locating real boundaries. Before merging, we define a combined color-texture histogram feature for superpixels description and, meanwhile, a novel objectness feature is proposed to supervise the region merging procedure for reliable segmentation. Both color-texture histograms and objectness are computed to measure regional similarities between region pairs, and the mixed standard deviation of the union features is exploited to make stop criteria for merging process. Experimental results on the popular benchmark dataset demonstrate the better segmentation performance of the proposed model compared to other well-known segmentation algorithms.
Design and Experimental Results of Battery Charging System for Microgrid System
Authors: Yu Byunggyu
Published: October 2016

Nowadays, many countries have paid attention to renewable energy due to fossil fuel crisis and its related environmental pollution. In particular, following the government supply business for renewable energy industry, the private sectors drive the stable power supply by using renewable sources for both microgrid system and standalone application. Battery charging and discharging control system of microgrid system are critical to extend lifetime of standalone photovoltaic system. Corresponding to this demand, this paper presents the development of battery charging and discharging system based on battery modeling, SOC (state of charge) estimation, and its implementation for 5 kW. As a result, the conversion efficiency shows 96.35% with over 95% charging performance.
Advanced Nanocomposite Coatings of Fusion Bonded Epoxy Reinforced with Amino-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Applications in Underwater Oil Pipelines
Authors: Saliba Patricia A. , Mansur Alexandra A. P. , Mansur Herman S.
Published: October 2016

The performance of fusion-bonded epoxy coatings can be improved through advanced composite coatings reinforced with nanomaterials. Hence, in this study a novel organic-inorganic nanocomposite finish was designed, synthesized, and characterized, achieved by adding γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane modified silica nanoparticles produced via sol-gel process in epoxy-based powder. After the curing process of the coating reinforced with nanoparticles, the formation of a homogenous novel nanocomposite with the development of interfacial reactions between organic-inorganic and inorganic-inorganic components was observed. These hybrid nanostructures produced better integration between nanoparticles and epoxy matrix and improved mechanical properties that are expected to enhance the overall performance of the system against underwater corrosion.
A Bubble-Based Drag Model at the Local-Grid Level for Eulerian Simulation of Bubbling Fluidized Beds
Authors: Hong Kun , Cao Manqian , Ullah Atta
Published: October 2016

A bubble-based drag model at the local-grid level is proposed to simulate gas-solid flows in bubbling fluidized beds of Geldart A particles. In this model, five balance equations are derived from the mass and the momentum conservation. This set of equations along with necessary correlations for bubble diameter and voidage of emulsion phase is solved to obtain seven local structural parameters (uge,upe,εe,δb,ub,db, andab) which describe heterogeneous flows of bubbling fluidized beds. The modified drag coefficient obtained from the above-mentioned structural parameters is then incorporated into the two-fluid model to simulate the hydrodynamics of Geldart A particles in a lab-scale bubbling fluidized bed. The comparison between experimental and simulation results for the axial and radial solids concentration profiles is promising.
Asymptomatic Ventricular Arrhythmia and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Oliveira Bastos Bonato Fabiana , Watanabe Renato , Montebello Lemos Marcelo , Cassiolato José Luiz , Wolf Myles , Fernandes Canziani Maria Eugênia
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: Ventricular arrhythmia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in the general population. Sudden death is a leading cause of death in end-stage renal disease. We aimed at evaluating the effects of ventricular arrhythmia on clinical outcomes in patients with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: In a prospective study of 109 nondialyzed CKD patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate 34.8 ± 16.1 ml/min/1.73 m2, 57 ± 11.4 years, 61% male, 24% diabetics), we tested the hypothesis that the presence of subclinical complex ventricular arrhythmia, assessed by 24-hour electrocardiogram, is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and death and with their composite outcome during 24 months of follow-up. Complex ventricular arrhythmia was defined as the presence of multifocal ventricular extrasystoles, paired ventricular extrasystoles, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, or R wave over T wave. Results: We identified complex ventricular arrhythmia in 14% of participants at baseline. During follow-up, 11 cardiovascular events, 15 hospitalizations, and 4 deaths occurred. The presence of complex ventricular arrhythmia was associated with cardiovascular events (p < 0.001), hospitalization (p = 0.018), mortality (p < 0.001), and the composite outcome (p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusting for demographic characteristics, complex ventricular arrhythmia was associated with increased risk of the composite outcome (HR 4.40; 95% CI 1.60-12.12; p = 0.004). Conclusion: In this pilot study, the presence of asymptomatic complex ventricular arrhythmia was associated with poor clinical outcomes in nondialyzed CKD patients.
Alcohol and tobacco consumption among seamstresses from the city of Formiga - Minas Gerais
Authors: Silva Neliane Aparecida , Oliveira Jaqueline Lemos de , Souza Jacqueline De
Published: October 2016

Objetivou-se analisar a prevalência do consumo de álcool e tabaco entre mulheres costureiras de Formiga – Minas Gerais, identificando possíveis relações com as características sociodemográficas. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, desenvolvido com 56 das 66 trabalhadoras de quatro fábricas de costura. Verificou-se que 32,1% já consumiram tabaco alguma vez na vida, sendo que, destas, 55% utilizaram tal substância nos últimos três meses; 43% já consumiram álcool, sendo que 79% destas o fizeram nos últimos três meses. Nove mulheres se enquadram no padrão de consumo abusivo do tabaco e cinco no de álcool, apontando que o consumo está acima da média nacional. Ressalta-se a necessidade de aprofundar-se nas especificidades do consumo para delinear estratégias de prevenção eficazes entre tais trabalhadoras
Community experience and personal accomplishment in Alcoholics Anonimous: a phenomenological research
Authors: Guimarães Ana Cláudia Bernardes , Mahfoud Miguel
Published: October 2016

Objetivamos compreender como os sujeitos que se autorrealizam em Alcoólicos Anônimos (A.A.) vivenciam a experiência comunitária nesse contexto e como essa experiência se associa à realização e formação pessoal. Realizamos entrevistas com quatro participantes de A.A., cujos dados foram analisados fenomenologicamente. Apreendemos que o encontro com o outro possibilita a ressignificação da vida e da condição de alcoolista, crescimento pessoal e autorrealização; a convivência comunitária é marcada por relações de amizade, solidariedade, construção do contexto de A.A. que é sustento para o processo de recuperação. Concluímos que a realização pessoal, a conquista e a manutenção da sobriedade são favorecidas pela formação pessoal de vínculos comunitários em A.A. e pela sintonia entre princípios formais e valores pessoais
USO DE PLACEBOS EM PESQUISAS COM FINS COMERCIAIS: LIMITAÇÕES JURÍDICAS À LUZ DO ORDENAMENTO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Rivabem Fernanda Schaefer
Published: October 2016

Muito se discutem as pesquisas em seres humanos com uso de placebos sob o ponto de vista bioético, em especial à luz dos princípios bioéticos da autonomia, justiça e equidade. No entanto, não desconsiderando a importância dessas discussões, o assunto deve ser pensado também sob seu aspecto jurídico, particularmente no que se refere às pesquisas com fins comerciais. O presente artigo, a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica interdisciplinar, tem por objetivo discutir, à luz do ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, como devem ser tratadas as relações jurídicas decorrentes das pesquisas com uso de placebos financiadas por laboratórios e farmacêuticas e como devem ser aferidas as responsabilidades em caso de danos provocados ao pesquisado.
Resenha: DIREITO À SAÚDE - ANÁLISE À LUZ DA JUDICIALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Dresch Renato Luís
Published: October 2016

Resenha sobre a publicação "Direito à saúde - Análise à luz da judicialização", de Clênio Jair Shulze e João Pedro Gebran Neto (Verbo, Porto Alegre, 2015).
Comprehensive Analysis of Established Dyslipidemia-Associated Loci in the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Varga Tibor V. , Winters Alexandra H. , Jablonski Kathleen A. , Horton Edward S. , Khare-Ranade Prajakta , Knowler William C. , Marcovina Santica M. , Renström Frida , Watson Karol E. , Goldberg Ronald , Florez José C. , Pollin Toni I. , Franks Paul W.
Published: October 2016

Background—

We assessed whether 234 established dyslipidemia-associated loci modify the effects of metformin treatment and lifestyle intervention (versus placebo control) on lipid and lipid subfraction levels in the Diabetes Prevention Program randomized controlled trial.

Methods and Results—

We tested gene treatment interactions in relation to baseline-adjusted follow-up blood lipid concentrations (high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) and lipoprotein subfraction particle concentrations and size in 2993 participants with pre–diabetes. Of the previously reported single-nucleotide polymorphism associations, 32.5% replicated at
P
<0.05 with baseline lipid traits. Trait-specific genetic risk scores were robustly associated (3×10
–4
>
P
>1.1×10
–16
) with their respective baseline traits for all but 2 traits. Lifestyle modified the effect of the genetic risk score for large HDL particle numbers, such that each risk allele of the genetic risk scores was associated with lower concentrations of large HDL particles at follow-up in the lifestyle arm (β=−0.11 µmol/L per genetic risk scores risk allele; 95% confidence interval, −0.188 to −0.033;
P
=5×10
–3
;
P
interaction
=1×10
–3
for lifestyle versus placebo), but not in the metformin or placebo arms (
P
>0.05). In the lifestyle arm, participants with high genetic risk had more favorable or similar trait levels at 1-year compared with participants at lower genetic risk at baseline for 17 of the 20 traits.

Conclusions—

Improvements in large HDL particle concentrations conferred by lifestyle may be diminished by genetic factors. Lifestyle intervention, however, was successful in offsetting unfavorable genetic loading for most lipid traits.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT00004992.
Variations in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Care: A Report From the International Consortium of Vascular Registries
Authors: Beck Adam W. , Sedrakyan Art , Mao Jialin , Venermo Maarit , Faizer Rumi , Debus Sebastian , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Scali Salvatore , Altreuther Martin , Schermerhorn Marc , Beiles Barry , Szeberin Zoltan , Eldrup Nikolaj , Danielsson Gudmundur , Thomson Ian , Wigger Pius , Björck Martin , Cronenwett Jack L. , Mani Kevin
Published: October 2016

Background:

This project by the ICVR (International Consortium of Vascular Registries), a collaboration of 11 vascular surgical quality registries, was designed to evaluate international variation in the contemporary management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with relation to recommended treatment guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery and the European Society for Vascular Surgery.

Methods:

Registry data for open and endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) during 2010 to 2013 were collected from 11 countries. Variations in patient selection and treatment were compared across countries and across centers within countries.

Results:

Among 51 153 patients, 86% were treated for intact AAA (iAAA) and 14% for ruptured AAA. Women constituted 18% of the entire cohort (range, 12% in Switzerland–21% in the United States;
P
<0.01). Intact AAAs were repaired at diameters smaller than recommended by guidelines in 31% of men (<5.5 cm; range, 6% in Iceland–41% in Germany;
P
<0.01) and 12% of women with iAAA (<5 cm; range, 0% in Iceland–16% in the United States;
P
<0.01). Overall, use of EVAR for iAAA varied from 28% in Hungary to 79% in the United States (
P
<0.01) and for ruptured AAA from 5% in Denmark to 52% in the United States (
P
<0.01). In addition to the between-country variations, significant variations were present between centers in each country in terms of EVAR use and rate of small AAA repair. Countries that more frequently treated small AAAs tended to use EVAR more frequently (trend: correlation coefficient, 0.51;
P
=0.14). Octogenarians made up 23% of all patients, ranging from 12% in Hungary to 29% in Australia (
P
<0.01). In countries with a fee-for-service reimbursement system (Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States), the proportions of small AAA (33%) and octogenarians undergoing iAAA repair (25%) were higher compared with countries with a population-based reimbursement model (small AAA repair, 16%; octogenarians, 18%;
P
<0.01). In general, center-level variation within countries in the management of AAA was as important as variation between countries.

Conclusions:

Despite homogeneous guidelines from professional societies, significant variation exists in the management of AAA, most notably for iAAA diameter at repair, use of EVAR, and the treatment of elderly patients. ICVR provides an opportunity to study treatment variation across countries and to encourage optimal practice by sharing these results.
Smad Nuclear Interacting Protein 1 Acts as a Protective Regulator of Pressure Overload‐Induced Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Lu Yu‐yan , Xu Da‐chun , Zhao Yi‐fan , Zhu Guo‐fu , Zhu Meng‐yun , Liu Wei‐jing , Yu Xue‐jing , Chen Wei , Liu Zheng , Xu Ya‐wei
Published: October 2016

Background

Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (
SNIP
1) plays a critical role in cell proliferation, transformation of embryonic fibroblasts, and immune regulation. However, the role of
SNIP
1 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Here we examined the role of
SNIP
1 in pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy and its mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that
SNIP
1 expression was downregulated in human dilated cardiomyopathic hearts, aortic banding‐induced mice hearts, and angiotensin
II
–treated cardiomyocytes. Accordingly,
SNIP
1 deficiency significantly exacerbated aortic banding–induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and contractile dysfunction, whereas cardiac‐specific overexpression of
SNIP
1 markedly recovered pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Besides that,
SNIP
1 protected neonatal rat cardiomyocytes against angiotensin
II
–induced hypertrophy in vitro. Moreover, we identified that
SNIP
1 suppressed nuclear factor‐κB signaling during pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB signaling by a cardiac‐specific conditional inhibitor of κ

B
S

32A/S36A
transgene blocked these adverse effects of
SNIP
1 deficiency on hearts.

Conclusions

Together, our findings demonstrated that
SNIP
1 had protective effects in pressure overload–induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy via inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB signaling. Thus,
SNIP
1 may be a novel approach for the treatment of heart failure.