bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory development of a vertically oriented penetrometer for shallow seabed characterization
Authors: Sahdi Fauzan , White David J. , Gaudin Christophe , Randolph Mark F. , Boylan Noel
Published: July 2015

Current site investigation practice for offshore pipeline design relies on soil parameters gathered from boreholes or in situ test soundings to depths of 1–2 m below the mudline. At these depths, the fine-grained seabed is very soft and possesses low undrained strength, which can be difficult to measure. This paper describes a centrifuge test programme undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and performance of a novel penetrometer designed to assess the shallow strength of soft seabed over continuous horizontal profiles. This device is termed the vertically oriented penetrometer (VOP). Tests were performed on a normally consolidated kaolin sample, with the VOP translated horizontally at velocities ranging from 1 to 30 mm/s, after embedding the VOP at 30 and 45 mm depths. All tests involved many cycles of VOP forward and backward movement to assess its potential to derive the ratio of intact to fully remoulded strength. Strength determination is achieved by dragging the VOP at a specified embedment depth along the soil surface, and deriving the soil strength from the measured resistance as if the VOP were a laterally loaded pile. The VOP is shown to yield comparable strength measurements to that of a T-bar penetrometer. The VOP is a potentially valuable addition to the range of tools used to characterize soil strength, both in small-scale centrifuge models and, following practical development, potentially also in the field.
Paths of canonical transformations and their quantization
Authors: de Gosson Maurice A.
Published: July 2015

In their simplest formulations, classical dynamics is the study of Hamiltonian flows and quantum mechanics of propagators. Both are linked, and emerge from the datum of a single classical concept, the Hamiltonian function. We study and emphasize the analogies between Hamiltonian flows and quantum propagators; this allows us to verify G. Mackey's observation that quantum mechanics (in its Weyl formulation) is a refinement of Hamiltonian mechanics. We discuss in detail the metaplectic representation, which very explicitly shows the close relationship between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics; the latter emerging from the first by lifting Hamiltonian flows to the double covering of the symplectic group. We also give explicit formulas for the factorization of Hamiltonian flows into simpler flows, and prove a quantum counterpart of these results.
Fermionic networks
Authors: Javarone Marco Alberto
Published: July 2015

We study the structure of fermionic networks, i.e. a model of networks based on the behavior of fermionic gases, and we analyze dynamical processes over them. In this model, particle dynamics have been mapped to the domain of networks, hence a parameter representing the temperature controls the evolution of the system. In doing so, it is possible to generate adaptive networks, i.e. networks whose structure varies over time. As shown in previous works, networks generated by quantum statistics can undergo critical phenomena as phase transitions and, moreover, they can be considered as thermodynamic systems. In this study, we analyze fermionic networks and opinion dynamics processes over them, framing this network model as a computational model useful to represent complex and adaptive systems. Results highlight that a strong relation holds between the gas temperature and the structure of the achieved networks. Notably, both the degree distribution and the assortativity vary as the temperature varies, hence we can state that fermionic networks behave as adaptive networks. On the other hand, it is worth to highlight that we did not finding relation between outcomes of opinion dynamics processes and the gas temperature. Therefore, although the latter plays a fundamental role in gas dynamics, on the network domain, its importance is related only to structural properties of fermionic networks.
Exploiting MIC architectures for the simulation of channeling of charged particles in crystals
Authors: Bagli Enrico , Karpusenko Vadim
Published: July 2015

Coherent effects of ultra-relativistic particles in crystals is an area of science under development. DYNECHARM + + is a toolkit for the simulation of coherent interactions between high-energy charged particles and complex crystal structures. The particle trajectory in a crystal is computed through numerical integration of the equation of motion. The code was revised and improved in order to exploit parallelization on multi-cores and vectorization of single instructions on multiple data. An Intel Xeon Phi card was adopted for the performance measurements. The computation time was proved to scale linearly as a function of the number of physical and virtual cores. By enabling the auto-vectorization flag of the compiler a three time speedup was obtained. The performances of the card were compared to the Dual Xeon ones.
LOCAL RISK-MINIMIZATION UNDER MARKOV-MODULATED EXPONENTIAL LÉVY MODEL
Authors: MENOUKEU-PAMEN OLIVIER , MOMEYA ROMUALD
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the option hedging problem for a Markov-modulated exponential Lévy model is examined. We use the local risk-minimization approach to study optimal hedging strategies for Europeans derivatives when the price of the underlying is given by a regime-switching Lévy model. We use a martingale representation theorem result to construct an explicit local risk minimizing strategy.
Asymptotic behavior of critical, irreducible multi-type continuous state and continuous time branching processes with immigration
Authors: Barczy Mátyás , Pap Gyula
Published: July 2015

Under natural assumptions, a Feller type diffusion approximation is derived for critical, irreducible multi-type continuous state and continuous time branching processes with immigration. Namely, it is proved that a sequence of appropriately scaled random step functions formed from a critical, irreducible multi-type continuous state and continuous time branching process with immigration converges weakly towards a squared Bessel process supported by a ray determined by the Perron vector of a matrix related to the branching mechanism of the branching process in question.
Urban Heat: Towards Adapted German Cities?
Authors: Donner Julie , Müller Juliana Mercedes , Köppel Johann
Published: July 2015

Is heat becoming a major threat to cities? Following the heat wave in Europe in 2003, which is estimated to have caused the deaths of 70,000 people, municipal authorities began to develop adaptation and mitigation plans and programs. Legal obligations to consider climate change within various development projects have been defined, e.g. by the latest amendment of the EU EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Directive (2014/52/EU) and the Federal Building Code (BauGB §1a (5)). However, urban heat hazards have not yet received as much attention as, for example, carbon dioxide emissions as drivers of global warming. Dense urban structures, high buildings, dark surfaces, and high population densities trigger urban heat effects. With about 3/4 of Europeans living in cities, measures to reduce heat-related impacts are needed. This paper evaluates how German cities have implemented measures towards climate change adaptation. The results show that 24 out of 30 cities have developed mitigation and/or adaptation plans, with a majority focusing on mitigating CO 2, indicating less awareness of urban heat hazards. Moreover, we found elaborate and comprehensive examples which might serve as blue-prints for adaptation strategies. Based on the inhomogeneous scope of the different plans and programs, there remains a need for guidance and more knowledge exchange among the cities on mitigation/adaptation options and preferably information on their effectiveness, to further assist cities in tackling heat stress.
A note on square totients
Authors: Freiberg Tristan , Pomerance Carl
Published: July 2015

A well-known conjecture asserts that there are infinitely many primes p for which p - 1 is a perfect square. We obtain upper and lower bounds of matching order on the number of pairs of distinct primes p, q ≤ x for which (p - 1)(q - 1) is a perfect square.
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Buckling Behavior of Hydrogenated Graphyne
Authors: Montazeri A. , Ebrahimi S. , Rajabpour A. , Rafii-Tabar H.
Published: July 2015

Molecular dynamics simulation is employed to explore the influence of hydrogen adsorption on the stability behavior of graphyne (GY) as a new allotrope of carbon. The strain for the onset of buckling is determined for pristine GY and the results are compared with those for perfect graphene nanoribbons under identical conditions. The results reveal that due to the presence of triple C–C bonds in the GY structure, which are harder to rotate and bend in compression compared to single bonds, the new allotrope is stiffer than graphene during buckling phenomenon. In addition, the effect of hydrogen adsorption on the stability behavior of GY is examined with different H coverage in the range 0–50%. It is concluded that this adsorption promotes a rapid buckling which is attributed to the conversion of the stiff in-plane carbon bonding in the GY structure to the out-of-plane bonding which is weaker and easier to bend in compression. Finally, a critical value of adsorption is found above in which such a trend is not observed.
One-Pot Synthesis of Platinum Nanodendrites with Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Ouyang Shenshen , Wang Linfei , Cui Jing , Shi Haibo , Wang Tao , Wang Sheng
Published: July 2015

Controlling the synthesis of noble metal nanostructures with highly branched morphology to obtain specific physical and chemical properties has attracted much attention. This paper reports the synthesis of 3D Pt nanodendrites with controlled architectures (multibranched) by a simple one-pot hydrothermal reaction in the presence of fructose. At high reaction temperature, fructose not only acts as a reducing agent, but also forms a hydrothermal carbon, which, as a capping agent, is absorbed on the surface of metal nanocrystals and induces the anisotropic growth of Pt nanodendrites. The prepared Pt nanodendrites are highly porous, and have self-supported nanoarchitectures with a high surface area and a number of absorption sites for reactant molecules. The Pt nanodendrites exhibit a higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than commercial Pt / C for methanol oxidation reaction.
Dynamic analysis of an SEIRS model with nonlinear infectivity on complex networks
Authors: Huang Shouying
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we study the spreading of infections on complex heterogeneous networks based on an SEIRS epidemic model with nonlinear infectivity. By mathematical analysis, the basic reproduction number R0 is obtained. When R0 is less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and the disease dies out, while R0 is greater than one, the disease-free equilibrium becomes unstable and the disease is permanent, and in the meantime there exists a unique endemic equilibrium which is globally attractive under certain conditions. Finally, the effects of various immunization schemes are studied. To verify our theoretical results, the corresponding numerical simulations are also included.
MHD peristaltic flow in an inclined channel with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Javed Maryiam , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: July 2015

This paper addresses the peristaltic flow of magnetohydrodynamic viscous fluid in an inclined compliant wall channel. Different wave amplitudes and phases ensure asymmetry in the channel flow configuration. Simultaneous effects of heat and mass transfer are also considered. Viscous dissipation effect is present. The flow and heat transfer are investigated under long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumption. The expressions for stream function, axial velocity, temperature and concentration are obtained. The solution expressions for physical quantities are sketched and discussed. It is found that Brinkman and Hartman numbers have reverse effect on the temperature.
Change of photosensitizer fluorescence at its diffusion in viscous liquid flow
Authors: Maryakhina Valeriya S. , Gun’kov Vyacheslav V.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the mathematical model of distribution of the injected compound in biological liquid flow has been described. It is considered that biological liquid contains a few phases such as water, peptides and cells. The injected compound (for example, photosensitizer) can interact with peptides and cells. At the time, viscosity of the biological liquid depends on pathology present in organism. The obtained distribution of the compound connects on changes of its fluorescence spectra which are registered during fluorescent diagnostics of tumors. It is obtained that the curves do not have monotonic nature. There is a sharp curves decline in the first few seconds after injection. Intensivity of curves rises after decreasing. It is especially pronounced for wavelength 590[Formula: see text]nm and 580[Formula: see text]nm (near the “transparency window” of biological tissues). Time of inflection point shifts from 8.4[Formula: see text]s to 6.9[Formula: see text]s for longer wavelength. However, difference between curves is little for different viscosity means of the biological liquid. Thus, additional pathology present in organism does not impact to the results of in vivo biomedical investigations.
Monopole Holes in a Partially Ordered Spin Liquid
Authors: Jaubert L. D. C.
Published: July 2015

If spin liquids have been famously defined by what they are not, i.e., ordered, the past years have seen the frontier between order and spin liquid starting to fade, with a growing number of materials whose low-temperature physics cannot be explained without co-existence of (partial) magnetic order and spin fluctuations. Here, we study an example of such co-existence in the presence of magnetic dipolar interactions, related to spin ice, where the order is long range and the fluctuations support a Coulomb gauge field. Topological defects are effectively coupled via energetic and entropic Coulomb interactions, the latter one being stronger than for the spin-ice ground state. Depending on whether these defects break the divergence-free condition of the Coulomb gauge field or the long-range order, they are respectively categorized as monopoles — as in spin ice — or monopole holes, in analogy with electron holes in semiconductors. The long-range order plays the role of a fully-occupied valence band, while the Coulomb spin liquid can be seen as an empty conducting band. These results are discussed in the context of other lattices and models which support a similar co-existence of Coulomb gauge field and long-range order. We conclude this work by explaining how dipolar interactions lift the spin-liquid degeneracy at very low energy scale by maximizing the number of flippable plaquettes, in light of the equivalent quantum dimer model.
Esophageal development and epithelial homeostasis
Authors: Rosekrans Sanne L. , Baan Bart , Muncan Vanesa , van den Brink Gijs R.
Published: July 2015

The esophagus is a relatively simple organ that evolved to transport food and liquids through the thoracic cavity. It is the only part of the gastrointestinal tract that lacks any metabolic, digestive, or absorptive function. The mucosa of the adult esophagus is covered by a multilayered squamous epithelium with a remarkable similarity to the epithelium of the skin despite the fact that these tissues originate from two different germ layers. Here we review the developmental pathways involved in the establishment of the esophagus and the way these pathways regulate gut-airway separation. We summarize current knowledge of the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis in esophageal epithelial renewal in the adult and the molecular mechanism of the development of Barrett's metaplasia, the precursor lesion to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Finally, we examine the ongoing debate on the hierarchy of esophageal epithelial precursor cells and on the presence or absence of a specific esophageal stem cell population. Together the recent insights into esophageal development and homeostasis suggest that the pathways that establish the esophagus during development also play a role in the maintenance of the adult epithelium. We are beginning to understand how reflux of gastric content and the resulting chronic inflammation can transform the squamous esophageal epithelium to columnar intestinal type metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus.
Short-term high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training reduce leukocyte TLR4 in inactive adults at elevated risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Robinson Emily , Durrer Cody , Simtchouk Svetlana , Jung Mary E. , Bourne Jessica E. , Voth Elizabeth , Little Jonathan P.
Published: July 2015

Exercise can have anti-inflammatory effects in obesity, but the optimal type and intensity of exercise are not clear. This study compared short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in terms of improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, markers of inflammation, and glucose control in previously inactive adults at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Thirty-nine inactive, overweight/obese adults (32 women) were randomly assigned to 10 sessions over 2 wk of progressive HIIT ( n = 20, four to ten 1-min sessions at ∼90% peak heart rate, 1-min rest periods) or MICT ( n = 19, 20-50 min at ∼65% peak heart rate). Before and 3 days after training, participants performed a peak O2uptake test, and fasting blood samples were obtained. Both HIIT (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.4 l/min, pre vs. post) and MICT (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 l/min, pre vs. post) improved peak O2uptake ( P < 0.001) and lowered plasma fructosamine ( P < 0.05). Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 (TLR4) expression was reduced on lymphocytes and monocytes after both HIIT and MICT ( P < 0.05) and on neutrophils after MICT ( P < 0.01). TLR2 on lymphocytes was reduced after HIIT and MICT ( P < 0.05). Plasma inflammatory cytokines were unchanged after training in both groups, but MICT led to a reduction in fasting plasma glucose ( P < 0.05, 5.9 ± 1.0 vs. 5.6 ± 1.0 mmol/l, pre vs. post). Ten days of either HIIT or MICT can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and glucose control and lead to reductions in TLR2 and TLR4 expression. MICT, which involved a longer duration of exercise, may be superior for reducing fasting glucose.
Positional differences in reactive hyperemia provide insight into initial phase of exercise hyperemia
Authors: Jasperse Jeffrey L. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Gray Eric J. , Clifford Philip S.
Published: July 2015

Studies have reported a greater blood flow response to muscle contractions when the limb is below the heart compared with above the heart, and these results have been interpreted as evidence for a skeletal muscle pump contribution to exercise hyperemia. If limb position affects the blood flow response to other vascular challenges such as reactive hyperemia, this interpretation may not be correct. We hypothesized that the magnitude of reactive hyperemia would be greater with the limb below the heart. Brachial artery blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) and blood pressure (finger-cuff plethysmography) were measured in 10 healthy volunteers. Subjects lay supine with one arm supported in two different positions: above or below the heart. Reactive hyperemia was produced by occlusion of arterial inflow for varying durations: 0.5 min, 1 min, 2 min, or 5 min in randomized order. Peak increases in blood flow were 77 ± 11, 178 ± 24, 291 ± 25, and 398 ± 33 ml/min above the heart and 96 ± 19, 279 ± 62, 550 ± 60, and 711 ± 69 ml/min below the heart ( P < 0.05). Thus a standard stimulus (vascular occlusion) elicited different responses depending on limb position. To determine whether these differences were due to mechanisms intrinsic to the arterial wall, a second set of experiments was performed in which acute intraluminal pressure reduction for 0.5 min, 1 min, 2 min, or 5 min was performed in isolated rat soleus feed arteries ( n = 12). The magnitude of dilation upon pressure restoration was greater when acute pressure reduction occurred from 85 mmHg (mimicking pressure in the arm below the heart; 28.3 ± 7.9, 37.5 ± 5.9, 55.1 ± 9.9, and 68.9 ± 8.6% dilation) than from 48 mmHg (mimicking pressure in the arm above the heart; 20.8 ± 4.8, 22.6 ± 4.4, 31.2 ± 5.8, and 49.2 ± 7.1% dilation). These data support the hypothesis that arm position differences in reactive hyperemia are at least partially mediated by mechanisms intrinsic to the arterial wall. Overall, these results suggest the need to reevaluate studies employing positional changes to examine muscle pump influences on exercise hyperemia.
AIP1 Expression in Tumor Niche Suppresses Tumor Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Ji Weidong , Li Yonghao , He Yun , Yin Mingzhu , Zhou Huanjiao Jenny , Boggon Titus J. , Zhang Haifeng , Min Wang
Published: July 2015

Studies from tumor cells suggest that tumor-suppressor AIP1 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of AIP1 in the tumor microenvironment has not been examined. We show that a global or vascular endothelial cell (EC)–specific deletion of the AIP1 gene in mice augments tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models. AIP1-deficient vascular environment not only enhances tumor neovascularization and increases premetastatic niche formation, but also secretes tumor EMT-promoting factors. These effects from AIP1 loss are associated with increased VEGFR2 signaling in the vascular EC and could be abrogated by systemic administration of VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors. Mechanistically, AIP1 blocks VEGFR2-dependent signaling by directly binding to the phosphotyrosine residues within the activation loop of VEGFR2. Our data reveal that AIP1, by inhibiting VEGFR2-dependent signaling in tumor niche, suppresses tumor EMT switch, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor premetastatic niche formation to limit tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(17); 3492–504. ©2015 AACR.
Genome-Wide Association Studies for Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in ECOG-5103 and ECOG-1199
Authors: Schneider Bryan P. , Li Lang , Radovich Milan , Shen Fei , Miller Kathy D. , Flockhart David A. , Jiang Guanglong , Vance Gail , Gardner Laura , Vatta Matteo , Bai Shaochun , Lai Dongbing , Koller Daniel , Zhao Fengmin , O'Neill Anne , Smith Mary Lou , Railey Elda , White Carol , Partridge Ann , Sparano Joseph , Davidson Nancy E. , Foroud Tatiana , Sledge George W.
Published: July 2015

Purpose: Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is an important survivorship issue for many cancer patients. Currently, there are no clinically implemented biomarkers to predict which patients might be at increased risk for TIPN. We present a comprehensive approach to identification of genetic variants to predict TIPN.

Experimental Design: We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 3,431 patients from the phase III adjuvant breast cancer trial, ECOG-5103 to compare genotypes with TIPN. We performed candidate validation of top SNPs for TIPN in another phase III adjuvant breast cancer trial, ECOG-1199.

Results: When evaluating for grade 3–4 TIPN, 120 SNPs had a P value of <10−4 from patients of European descent (EA) in ECOG-5103. Thirty candidate SNPs were subsequently tested in ECOG-1199 and SNP rs3125923 was found to be significantly associated with grade 3–4 TIPN (P = 1.7 × 10−3; OR, 1.8). Race was also a major predictor of TIPN, with patients of African descent (AA) experiencing increased risk of grade 2–4 TIPN (HR, 2.1; P = 5.6 × 10−16) and grade 3–4 TIPN (HR, 2.6; P = 1.1 × 10−11) compared with others. An SNP in FCAMR, rs1856746, had a trend toward an association with grade 2–4 TIPN in AA patients from the GWAS in ECOG-5103 (OR, 5.5; P = 1.6 × 10−7).

Conclusions: rs3125923 represents a validated SNP to predict grade 3-4 TIPN. Genetically determined AA race represents the most significant predictor of TIPN. Clin Cancer Res; 21(22); 5082–91. ©2015 AACR.
Optical Estimation of Beta 2 Microglobulin during Hemodiafiltration - Does It Work?
Authors: Uhlin Fredrik , Holmar Jana , Yngman-Uhlin Pia , Fernström Anders , Fridolin Ivo
Published: July 2015

Background: Currently, urea reduction seems to be the most widely used dialysis dose parameter. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to monitor beta 2-microglobulin (β2-M) elimination by utilizing the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance of spent dialysate. Methods: Blood and spent dialysate were collected during two week's sessions in 8 patients, one week in hemodialysis (HD) and one in hemodiafiltration (HDF). Correlation analysis between UV-wavelengths and concentrations of solutes in spent dialysate was performed. The reduction ratio (RR) of concentrations in blood, dialysate and UV-absorbance were compared. Results: Differences between HD and HDF were discovered in wavelength correlation maxima for the solutes. Relative error in RR (%) was larger (p < 0.05) for β2-M than for the other solutes. The most reasonable explanation is that β2-M does not absorb UV-radiation; instead, the absorbance of surrogate substances is measured. Conclusion: A high correlation between UV-absorbance and β2-M can be achieved for HDF but not for HD. Still, UV-absorbance could perhaps be used in solely HDF mode for estimation of β2-M removal.
MiR-1271 Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Invasion and EMT in Gastric Cancer by Targeting FOXQ1
Authors: Xiang Xiao-Jun , Deng Jun , Liu Ya-Wen , Wan Lu-Ying , Feng Miao , Chen Jun , Xiong Jian-Ping
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: FOXQ1 overexpression has been reported to enhance tumor growth and invasion. However, the biological function of FOXQ1 and the mechanism underlying its upregulation in gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. Methods: QPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-1271 and FOXQ1 in specimens from GC patients. FOXQ1-siRNA, and miR-1271 mimics and inhibitor were transfected into human MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells. The transwell assay was used to examine the cell invasive ability. The regulation mechanism was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by western blot analysis. Results: MiR-1271 was downregulated in both GC tissues and GC cell lines. The expression of miR-1271 was inversely correlated with tumor size (P = 0.017), tumor stage (P = 0.035), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.018), and TNM stage (P = 0.025). Ectopic expression of miR-1271 dramatically suppressed GC cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT. Furthermore, FOXQ1 was identified as a direct target of miR-1271. Knockdown of FOXQ1 inhibited GC cell malignant behavior, whereas FOXQ1 overexpression partially restored the suppression effects of miR-1271. Additionally, miR-1271 expression was negatively correlated with FOXQ1 in GC tissues. Conclusions: MiR-1271 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT in GC by directly suppressing FOXQ1 expression.
Tsc1 is a Critical Regulator of Macrophage Survival and Function
Authors: Fang Chunmin , Yu Juan , Luo Yuechen , Chen Song , Wang Weiqiang , Zhao Chunxiao , Sun Zhina , Wu Wantong , Guo Wei , Han Zhongchao , Hu Xiao , Liao Fang , Feng Xiaoming
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) has been shown to regulate M1/M2 polarization of macrophages, but the precise roles of Tsc1 in the function and stability of macrophages are not fully understood. Here we show that Tsc1 is required for regulating the survival, migration and phagocytosis of macrophages. Methods: Mice with Tsc1 homozygous deletion in myeloid cells (LysMCreTsc1flox/flox; Tsc1 KO) were obtained by crossing Tsc1flox/flox mice with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of Lysozyme promoter (LysMCre). The apoptosis and growth of macrophages were determined by flow cytometry and Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The phagocytosis was determined using a Vybrant™ phagocytosis assay kit. The migration of macrophages was determined using transwell migration assay. Results: Peritoneal macrophages of Tsc1 KO mice exhibited increased apoptosis and enlarged cell size. Both M1 and M2 phenotypes in Tsc1-deficient macrophages were elevated in steady-state as well as in inflammatory conditions. Tsc1-deficient macrophages demonstrated impaired migration and reduced expression of chemokine receptors including CCR2 and CCR5. Phagocytosis activity and ROS production were enhanced in Tsc1-deficient macrophages. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) partially reversed the aberrance of Tsc1-deficient macrophages. Conclusion: Tsc1 plays a critical role in regulating macrophage survival, function and polarization via inhibition of mTORC1 activity.
The Forgotten Variable of Shear Stress in Mitral Annular Calcification: Whole Blood Viscosity
Authors: Ozcan Cetin Elif Hande , Cetin Mehmet Serkan , Canpolat Ugur , Kalender Erol , Topaloglu Serkan , Aras Dursun , Aydogdu Sinan
Published: July 2015

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the relationship between mitral annular calcification (MAC) and whole blood viscosity (WBV). Subjects and Methods: A total of 184 patients with MAC and 133 patients without MAC were enrolled in the study. The WBV was calculated with a confirmed formulation using the hematocrit and total plasma protein at a low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR). Early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Ea) and late diastolic mitral annular velocity (Aa) were measured using pulse Doppler tissue echocardiography. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between WBV and mitral annular motion velocities. The effects of different variables on the occurrence of MAC were assessed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In patients with MAC, WBV values were significantly higher at HSR (18.04 ± 0.84 vs. 17.25 ± 0.96 208 s-1, p < 0.001) and at LSR (78.0 ± 14.2 vs. 61.9 ± 17.1 0.5 s-1, p < 0.001). The WBV at HSR and LSR were significantly correlated with Ea (r = -0.477, p < 0.001; r = -0.385, p < 0.001, respectively) and Aa (r = -0.544, p < 0.001; r = -0.323, p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that WBV of both shear rates was an independent predictor of MAC. Using the ROC curve, a cut-off value of 70.1 for WBV at LSR had a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 73.7% (AUC 0.785, p < 0.001) and a WBV cut-off value of 17.5 at HSR had a sensitivity of 79.6% and a specificity of 71.4% (AUC 0.761, p < 0.001) for the prediction of MAC. Conclusion: Patients with MAC had significantly higher WBV, which independently predicted the presence of MAC. WBV had an inverse correlation with mitral annular motion velocities, indicating that a higher WBV may lead to greater limitation in annular motion and, thus, more calcification.
Reprodução em uma taxocenose de lagartixas (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) na região de Marañon (Peru) e comentários sobre a maior lagartixa do Novo Mundo
Authors: Aurich Janina , Koch Claudia , Böhme Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Reproduction is described for four phyllodactylid geckos, Phyllopezus maranjonensis, Phyllodactylus delsolari, P. thompsoni and P. reissii from the upper Marañon Valley, Peru. Observations were made between March and May 2010 and voucher specimens, already housed in the Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), were X-rayed to check for gravid females. Gravid female P. maranjonensis, P. delsolari and P. reissii contain two eggs, whereas P. thompsoni produces a single egg that is deposited in leaf litter or crevices of stone walls. It is likely that females of all of these species produce multiple clutches in one year; the reproductive period seems to be extended in at least two species. Furthermore, measurements of numerous specimens of all four species are presented herein, revealing that Phyllopezus maranjonensis is the largest species of New World geckos.
Hrd1 and ER-Associated Protein Degradation, ERAD, Are Critical Elements of the Adaptive ER Stress Response in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Doroudgar Shirin , Völkers Mirko , Thuerauf Donna J. , Khan Mohsin , Mohsin Sadia , Respress Jonathan L. , Wang Wei , Gude Natalie , Müller Oliver J. , Wehrens Xander H.T. , Sussman Mark A. , Glembotski Christopher C.
Published: July 2015

Rationale:

Hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase that has been studied in yeast, where it contributes to ER protein quality control by ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded proteins that accumulate during ER stress. Neither Hrd1 nor ERAD has been studied in the heart, or in cardiac myocytes, where protein quality control is critical for proper heart function.

Objective:

The objective of this study were to elucidate roles for Hrd1 in ER stress, ERAD, and viability in cultured cardiac myocytes and in the mouse heart, in vivo.

Methods and Results:

The effects of small interfering RNA–mediated Hrd1 knockdown were examined in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The effects of adeno-associated virus–mediated Hrd1 knockdown and overexpression were examined in the hearts of mice subjected to pressure overload–induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy, which challenges protein-folding capacity. In cardiac myocytes, the ER stressors, thapsigargin and tunicamycin increased ERAD, as well as adaptive ER stress proteins, and minimally affected cell death. However, when Hrd1 was knocked down, thapsigargin and tunicamycin dramatically decreased ERAD, while increasing maladaptive ER stress proteins and cell death. In vivo, Hrd1 knockdown exacerbated cardiac dysfunction and increased apoptosis and cardiac hypertrophy, whereas Hrd1 overexpression preserved cardiac function and decreased apoptosis and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in the hearts of mice subjected to pressure overload.

Conclusions:

Hrd1 and ERAD are essential components of the adaptive ER stress response in cardiac myocytes. Hrd1 contributes to preserving heart structure and function in a mouse model of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Lnc
ing Epigenetic Control of Transcription to Cardiovascular Development and Disease
Authors: Rizki Gizem , Boyer Laurie A.
Published: July 2015

Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation is critical for proper heart development, cardiac homeostasis, and pathogenesis. Long noncoding RNAs have emerged as key components of the transcriptional regulatory pathways that govern cardiac development as well as stress response, signaling, and remodeling in cardiac pathologies. Within the past few years, studies have identified many long noncoding RNAs in the context of cardiovascular biology and have begun to reveal the key functions of these transcripts. In this review, we discuss the growing roles of long noncoding RNAs in different aspects of cardiovascular development as well as pathological responses during injury or disease. In addition, we discuss diverse mechanisms by which long noncoding RNAs orchestrate cardiac transcriptional programs. Finally, we explore the exciting potential of this novel class of transcripts as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
Macrophage-Inducible C-Type Lectin/Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Signaling Pathway Contributes to Neuroinflammation After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: He Yue , Xu Liang , Li Bo , Guo Zhen-Ni , Hu Qin , Guo Zongduo , Tang Junjia , Chen Yujie , Zhang Yang , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle, CLEC4E) receptor is reported involved in neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury. This study was designed to investigate the role of Mincle and its downstream spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) signal pathway in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a rat model.

Methods—

Two hundred fifteen male Sprague-Dawley rats (280–320 g) were subjected to endovascular perforation model of SAH. SAH grade, neurological score, and brain water content were measured at 24 hours after SAH. Mincle/Syk, as well as CARD9 (a member of the caspase-associated recruitment domain [CARD], involved in innate immune response), interleukin-1β,and myeloperoxidase expressions were analyzed by Western blot at 24 hours after SAH. Specific cell types that expressed Mincle were detected with double immunofluorescence staining. Mincle small interfering RNA, recombinant SAP130, and a selective Syk phosphorylation inhibitor piceatannol were used for intervention.

Results—

Brain water content increased and neurological functions decreased in rats after SAH. The expression of SAP130, Mincle, Syk, and p-Syk increased at 12 hours and peaked at 24 hours after SAH. Mincle small interfering RNA reduced interleukin-1β and infiltration of myeloperoxidase positive cells, decreased brain water content, and improved neurological functions at 24 hours after SAH. Recombinant SAP130 upregulated the expression of p-Syk and CARD9 and increased the levels of interleukin-1β and myeloperoxidase, even though it did not increase brain water content nor it deteriorated neurological function at 24 hours after SAH. Syk inhibitor piceatannol reduced brain edema at 24 hours after SAH.

Conclusion—

Mincle/Syk is involved in early brain injury after SAH, and they may serve as new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Chinese Imperialism, Ethnic Cleansing, and Military History, 1850-1877
Authors: Setzekorn Eric
Published: July 2015

In the past two decades historical research and theoretical refinements have provided military historians with new insights into “Chinese imperialism,” late Qing warfare, and ethnic cleansing during the 1850-1877 campaigns in Northwest China, Central Asia, Yunnan, and Guizhou. In particular, Robert Jenks’Insurgency and Social Disorder in Guizhou: The Miao Rebellion, 1854-1873, David Atwill’sThe Chinese Sultanate: Islam, Ethnicity and the Panthay Rebellion in Southwest China, 1856-1873, and Hodong Kim’sHoly War in China: The Muslim Rebellion and State in Chinese Central Asia, 1864-1877have stressed the commonality of Chinese practices with other colonial and imperial states. These authors share a common conclusion that the Qing re-conquest resulted in widespread massacres, ethnic relocations, and subsequent immigration of Han settlers into each region. This historiography examines recent works on the military aspects of the 1850-1877 conflicts in these ethnic and territorial “frontiers” and highlights opportunities for historians to take advantage of new theoretical and archival resources.
Checklist, distribution, and a new record of Nepomorphan water bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in northern Tunisia
Authors: Slimani Noura , Moulet PIERRE , Chen Ping-Ping , Nieser NICO , PLUOT-SIGWALT DOMINIQUE , Boumaïza MONCEF , Guilbert ERIC
Published: July 2015

We report on the results of a survey of the Nepomorpha of northern Tunisia, and list twenty-three species belonging to twelve genera and seven families: Nepidae, Ochteridae, Corixidae, Micronectidae, Naucoridae, Notonectidae, and Pleidae. These records are based on intensive field surveys during the year 2013 and examination of the entomological collections of the National Museum Natural History of Paris. Ranatra linearis (Linnaeus, 1758) is recorded for the first time from Tunisia. The occurrence of Sigara (Halicorixa) stagnalis stagnalis (Leach, 1817) in Tunisia is confirmed. A preliminary checklist of the Nepomorpha of Northern Tunisia and updated distribution maps for all species treated are provided for further studies.
Biodiversity of freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillina) from northeast Brazil: new species and notes on systematics
Authors: NICACIO GILBERTO , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: July 2015

Systematics and distribution of freshwater sponges is still poorly understood worldwide. This may be due to the scarcity of records, and the limited information about morphological traits used for taxonomy. Brazil has reportedly high species richness in the Neotropical Region; however, this diversity is likely to be significantly underestimated given that there are still many unexplored and poorly sampled areas, mainly in the north and northeast regions. We present here new locality records and taxonomic notes on three families and ten species of freshwater Porifera from northeast Brazil: Metaniidae (1), Potamolepidae (2) and Spongillidae (7). A new species of freshwater sponge is described here (Ephydatia caatingae sp.nov.). Additional notes on the systematics and biogeography of most of these species are also presented.
The nymph of Gilliesia Peters & Edmunds, 1970 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae), with description of a new species from Thailand
Authors: BOONSOONG BOONSATIEN , SARTORI MICHEL
Published: July 2015

The new species Gilliesia ratchaburiensis sp. nov. is described based on male and female imagos (some of them reared from nymphal stages), nymphs and eggs collected in western Thailand. The nymph of Gilliesia, which is described for the first time, has bifid gills, a dense patch of setae on the ventral side of the glossae, no posterolateral spines on abdominal segment VIII, maxillary palpi 3-segmented and very reduced maxillary canines. Compared to congeners, the male imagos of the new species have penis lobes more straight and with the apical portion bent laterally but not ventrally, and female abdominal sternum 9 with a U-shaped, deep, median cleft. Phylogenetically, Gilliesia seems to be more similar to Dipterophlebiodes than to Habrophlebiodes and other Leptophlebiinae. The present finding in Thailand expands the distribution of Gilliesia in tropical Southeast Asia.
The Otalgia Point
Authors: Lieberman Elliot , Redleaf Miriam I.
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

In cases of otalgia without any accompanying findings, some patients locate their otalgia below the attachment of the lobule, at the apex of the jugulodigastric region.

Purpose:

To present a series of these patients for whom nasal steroids or myringotomy usually ameliorated their pain.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two patients with normal physical examinations, tympanograms, and age-appropriate audiograms spontaneously indicated otalgia at “the otalgia point.” Inspection of the oropharynx and nasal airway, palpation of the neck and temporal mandibular joints, and nasopharyngoscopy/laryngoscopy ruled out referred causes of otalgia. Patients were offered either nasal steroid spray or trial myringotomy followed by tympanostomy tube.

Results:

Otalgia improved in all 10 (100%) patients who selected nasal steroids. Otalgia resolved in 17 of 20 (85%) myringotomy participants. Three patients declined intervention. In all, symptoms improved in 27/29 treated patients (93%).

Conclusion:

This description of “the otalgia point” introduces a new otolaryngologic gesture in physical examination that can aid in the therapeutic management of some patients with otalgia and normal examinations. This is an uncontrolled case series that serves as a pilot study for further exploration of this gesture.
Policy properties and political influence in post-delegation: the case of EU agencies
Authors: Font Nuria
Published: July 2015

The literature on EU agencies has examined the issue of political control and independence in EU agency design and in post-delegation. However, studies measuring and providing accounts for the political influence that the Commission, the member states and the European Parliament exert in decision-making across a wide sample of EU agencies are missing in the specialized literature. This article addresses this topic and poses the following questions: How influential is each of the main parent institutional actors on agency boards' decision-making? Do agency powers and policy properties affect political influence? Based on an online survey, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews, this article combines a quantitative and a qualitative study identifying differentiated patterns of political influence by supranational and intergovernmental actors. Regulatory functions and saliency decrease the leverage of the Commission and the European Parliament, whereas complexity decreases the influence of the member states. Moreover, highly centralized and far-reaching regulatory activity affects institutional balances in post-delegation.

Points for practitioners

The article is of interest to practitioners concerned with the issue of political control and the independence of EU specialized agencies. The article identifies certain conditions under which political influence by the main parent institutional actors on the boards of EU agencies is diminished. More specifically, the Commission and the European Parliament are less influential on the boards of salient and regulatory agencies, whereas the member states have reduced leverage on the boards of agencies undertaking highly complex activities. Agency policy properties affect the political influence of institutional actors unevenly depending on whether it is exercised by supranational or intergovernmental actors.
Grand challenges for modeling and simulation: simulation everywhere—from cyberinfrastructure to clouds to citizens
Authors: Taylor Simon J E , Khan Azam , Morse Katherine L , Tolk Andreas , Yilmaz Levent , Zander Justyna , Mosterman Pieter J
Published: July 2015

Modeling & Simulation (M&S) is making successful contributions to different areas in industry and academia. However, there are certain key issues that are preventing the field from addressing larger domains and from achieving wide-scale impact. Formulating these as grand challenges arguably focuses attention on these key issues and may bring a critical mass of effort to bear that could result in a major leap forward. This article is one of several concurrent activities aimed at reinvigorating the debate on grand challenges in M&S. These grand challenges include Big Simulation, human behavior, composability, cloud-based M&S, reproducibility in M&S research and the democratization of M&S. Two themes emerge: the need for large-scale cloud-based cyberinfrastructures for M&S and the democratized access to M&S and its outputs.
Online diagnosis of accidental faults for real-time embedded systems using a hidden Markov model
Authors: Ge Ning , Nakajima Shin , Pantel Marc
Published: July 2015

This article proposes an approach for the online analysis of accidental faults for real-time embedded systems using hidden Markov models (HMMs). By introducing reasonable and appropriate abstraction of complex systems, HMMs are used to describe the healthy or faulty states of system’s hardware components. They are parametrized to statistically simulate the real system’s behavior. As it is not easy to obtain rich accidental fault data from a system, the Baum–Welch algorithm cannot be employed here to train the parameters in HMMs. Inspired by the principles of fault tree analysis and the maximum entropy in Bayesian probability theory, we propose to compute the failure propagation distribution to estimate the parameters in HMMs and to adapt the parameters using a backward algorithm. The parameterized HMMs are then used to online diagnose accidental faults using a vote algorithm integrated with a low-pass filter. We design a specific test bed to analyze the sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy and F1-score measures by generating a large amount of test cases. The test results show that the proposed approach is robust, efficient and accurate.