bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycan-Foraging Systems Reveal the Adaptation of Capnocytophaga canimorsus to the Dog Mouth
Authors: Renzi Francesco , Manfredi Pablo , Dol Mélanie , Fu Jian , Vincent Stéphane , Cornelis Guy Richard
Published: March 2015

Capnocytophaga canimorsus
is known to form two kinds of cells on blood agar plates (coccoid and bacillary), evoking phase variation. When grown in coculture with animal cells these bacteria appeared only as bacilli, but in the presence of vancomycin they were round, indicating that coccoid shapes likely result from weakening of the peptidoglycan layer. Polysaccharide utilization locus 5 (
PUL5
) and sialidase mutant bacteria, unable to retrieve glycans from glycoproteins, grew less than wild-type bacteria and also appeared polymorphic unless GlcNAc was added, suggesting that C. canimorsus is unable to synthesize GlcNAc, an essential component of peptidoglycan. Accordingly, a genome analysis was conducted and revealed that C. canimorsus strain 5 lacks the GlmM and GlmU enzymes, which convert glucosamine into GlcNAc. Expression of the Escherichia coli GlmM together with the acetyltransferase domain of GlmU allowed
PUL5
mutant bacteria to grow normally, indicating that C. canimorsus is a natural auxotroph that relies on GlcNAc harvested from the host N-glycoproteins for peptidoglycan synthesis. Mucin, a heavily O-glycosylated protein abundant in saliva, also rescued growth and the shape of
PUL5
mutant bacteria. Utilization of mucin was found to depend on Muc, a Sus-like system encoded by
PUL9
. Contrary to all known
PUL-
encoded systems, Muc cleaves peptide bonds of mucin rather than glycosidic linkages. Thus, C. canimorsus has adapted to build its peptidoglycan from the glycan-rich dog's mouth glycoproteins.

IMPORTANCE
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
is a bacterium that lives as a commensal in the dog mouth and causes severe infections in humans.
In vitro
, it forms two kinds of cells (coccoid and bacillary), evoking phase variation. Here, we show that cell rounding likely results from weakening of the peptidoglycan layer due to a shortage of
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). C. canimorsus cannot synthesize GlcNAc because of the lack of key enzymes. In its niche, the dog mouth, C. canimorsus retrieves GlcNAc by foraging glycans from salivary mucin and N-linked glycoproteins through two different apparatuses, Muc and Gpd, both of which are related to the Bacteroides starch utilization system. The Muc system is peculiar in the sense that the enzyme of the complex is a protease and not a glycosylhydrolase, as it cleaves peptide bonds in order to capture glycan chains. This study provides a molecular genetic demonstration for the complex adaptation of C. canimorsus to its ecological niche, the oral cavity of dogs.
Pedunculated haemangioma of the palate
Authors: Mufeed Abdulla , Hafiz Abdul , George Antony , Francis PG
Published: March 2015

Haemangiomas are the most common tumours of vascular origin of the head and neck region and can appear anywhere in the oral cavity. They are benign, appear in early childhood and usually involute as the child grows older. The dental surgeon should manage them appropriately if they are symptomatic. This report presents a rare case of a pedunculated haemangioma in a 4-year-old child.
Haematological manifestations of lupus
Authors: Fayyaz Anum , Igoe Ann , Kurien Biji T , Danda Debashish , James Judith A , Stafford Haraldine A , Scofield R Hal
Published: March 2015

Our purpose was to compile information on the haematological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), namely leucopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and myelofibrosis. During our search of the English-language MEDLINE sources, we did not place a date-of-publication constraint. Hence, we have reviewed previous as well as most recent studies with the subject heading SLE in combination with each manifestation. Neutropenia can lead to morbidity and mortality from increased susceptibility to infection. Severe neutropenia can be successfully treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. While related to disease activity, there is no specific therapy for lymphopenia. Severe lymphopenia may require the use of prophylactic therapy to prevent select opportunistic infections. Isolated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura maybe the first manifestation of SLE by months or even years. Some manifestations of lupus occur more frequently in association with low platelet count in these patients, for example, neuropsychiatric manifestation, haemolytic anaemia, the antiphospholipid syndrome and renal disease. Thrombocytopenia can be regarded as an important prognostic indicator of survival in patients with SLE. Medical, surgical and biological treatment modalities are reviewed for this manifestation. First-line therapy remains glucocorticoids. Through our review, we conclude glucocorticoids do produce a response in majority of patients initially, but sustained response to therapy is unlikely. Glucocorticoids are used as first-line therapy in patients with SLE with AIHA, but there is no conclusive evidence to guide second-line therapy. Rituximab is promising in refractory and non-responding AIHA. TTP is not recognised as a criteria for classification of SLE, but there is a considerable overlap between the presenting features of TTP and SLE, and a few patients with SLE have concurrent TTP. Myelofibrosis is an uncommon yet well-documented manifestation of SLE. We have compiled the cases that were reported in MEDLINE sources.
Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vilas-Boas Andreia , Morais Sandra A , Isenberg David A
Published: March 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most challenging autoimmune disorders with a complex pathophysiology and diverse clinical presentation. Many drugs have been used to treat SLE with suboptimal results, especially in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Belimumab is the first biological drug to be approved for the treatment of SLE in more than 50 years. This monoclonal antibody blocks B-cell activating factor, a cytokine important for B-cell differentiation and survival. In this review we focus on the activity of belimumab in patients with SLE and discuss the controversies of its use.
Local-solution approach to quasistatic rate-independent mixed-mode delamination
Authors: Roubíček Tomáš , Panagiotopoulos Christos G. , Mantič Vladislav
Published: March 2015

The model of quasistatic rate-independent evolution of a delamination at small strains in the so-called mixed mode, i.e. distinguishing opening (Mode I) from shearing (Mode II), devised in [Delamination and adhesive contact models and their mathematical analysis and numerical treatment, Chap. 9, in Mathematical Methods and Models in Composites, ed. V. Mantič (Imperial College Press, 2014), pp. 349–400; and in Quasistatic mixed-mode delamination model, Discrete Contin. Dynam. Syst. Ser. S 6 (2013) 591–610], is rigorously analyzed in the context of a concept of stress-driven local solutions. The model has separately convex stored energy and is associative, namely the one-homogeneous potential of dissipative forces driving the delamination depends only on rates of internal parameters. An efficient fractional-step-type semi-implicit discretization in time is shown to converge to (specific, stress-driven like) local solutions that may approximately obey the maximum-dissipation principle. Making still a spatial discretization, this convergence as well as relevancy of such solution concept are demonstrated on a nontrivial two-dimensional example.
Bounds on übercrossing and petal numbers for knots
Authors: Adams Colin , Capovilla-Searle Orsola , Freeman Jesse , Irvine Daniel , Petti Samantha , Vitek Daniel , Weber Ashley , Zhang Sicong
Published: March 2015

An n-crossing is a point in the projection of a knot where n strands cross so that each strand bisects the crossing. An übercrossing projection has a single n-crossing and a petal projection has a single n-crossing such that there are no loops nested within others. The übercrossing number, ü(K), is the smallest n for which we can represent a knot K with a single n-crossing. The petal number is the number of loops in the minimal petal projection. In this paper, we relate the übercrossing number and petal number to well known invariants such as crossing number, bridge number, and unknotting number. We find that the bounds we have constructed are sharp for (r, r + 1)-torus knots. We also explore the behavior of übercrossing number under composition.
The Neoproterozoic to Mid-Devonian evolution of Scotland: a review and unresolved issues
Authors: Dewey John F. , Dalziel Ian W. D. , Reavy R. John , Strachan Rob A.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this review paper is to identify and outline some critical questions about the geology and tectonic evolution of the Scottish Caledonides in their wider Caledonian/Appalachian context. We outline what we think we know and what we perceive to be some important problems from about 1.0 Ga (Grenville Orogeny) to the Middle Devonian (Acadian Orogeny). We do not attempt in-depth analyses of any terrain or tectonic topic in this review but, mainly, pose questions. Scotland is considered in the context of the Irish Caledonides and the Northern Appalachians, especially Newfoundland, so we make reference to these areas where appropriate. Each section is intended as ‘stand-alone’, not dependent upon prior or subsequent sections; the sequence of sections, roughly in time order, has a historical narrative thread. We have not included cross-sectional schematic diagrams because we do not have a clear picture of plate boundary zone and terrane arrangements in the Caledonides. There are too many enigmas, paradoxes and unknowns to draw tectonic cross-sections with conviction.
Characterization of environmental conditions during microbial Mg-carbonate precipitation and early diagenetic dolomite crust formation: Brejo do Espinho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Bahniuk Anelize , McKenzie Judith A. , Perri Edoardo , Bontognali Tomaso R. R. , Vögeli Natalie , Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Rangel Thiago Pessanha , Vasconcelos Crisogono
Published: March 2015

For many years, sedimentary dolomite rocks have been considered to be primarily a replacement product of the calcium carbonate components comprising the original limestone, a process known as secondary replacement dolomitization. Although numerous dolomite formations in the geological record are composed of fine-grained crystals of micritic dolomite, an alternative process, that is, direct precipitation, is often excluded because of the absence of visible or geochemical indicators supporting primary precipitation. In this research, we present a study of a modern coastal hypersaline lagoon, Brejo do Espinho, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, which is located in a special climatic regime where a well-defined seasonal cycle of wet and dry conditions occur. The direct precipitation of modern high-Mg calcite and Ca-dolomite mud from the lagoonal waters under low-temperature hypersaline conditions is associated with the activity of microbial organisms living in this restricted environment. The mud undergoes an early diagenetic transformation into a 100% dolomite crust on the margins of the lagoon. The biomineralization process, characterized by the variations of the physico-chemical conditions in this environment during the annual hydrological cycle, is integrated with isotopic analysis to define the early diagenetic processes responsible for the formation of both dolomitic mud and crust. The carbon isotope values indicate a contribution of respired organic carbon, which is greater for the crust (δ
13
C=−9.5‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB)) than mud (δ
13
C=−1.2‰ VPDB). The oxygen isotope values reflect a moderate degree of evaporation during mud formation (δ
18
O=1.1‰ VPDB), whereas it is greatly enhanced during early diagenetic crust formation (δ
18
O=4.2‰ VPDB). The clumped isotope formation temperature derived for the Brejo do Espinho mud is 34 °C, whereas it is 32 °C for the crust. These temperatures are consistent with the upper range of measured values during the dry season when the lagoon experiences the most hypersaline conditions.
Carbonate build-ups in lacustrine, hydrothermal and fluvial settings: comparing depositional geometry, fabric types and geochemical signature
Authors: Della Porta Giovanna
Published: March 2015

Carbonate build-ups in lakes, hydrothermal and fluvial settings are characterized by distinctive geometry, spatial distribution, fabrics and geochemical signature but also by some comparable features. Lake margin bioherms form continuous belts for hundreds of metres to kilometres, subparallel to shorelines. Sublacustrine spring mounds are spaced at hundreds of metres to kilometres and aligned along faults. Hydrothermal travertine mounds and aprons with planar clinoforms or terraced slopes are controlled by faults, thermal water discharge and substrate topography. Fluvial tufa barrages, cascades and terraced slopes are controlled by climate, vegetation and substrate gradient. The wide spectrum of carbonate microfabrics ranges from clotted peloidal micrite and laminated boundstone to crystalline dendrite cementstone. Non-marine carbonate microfabrics cannot be linked to specific depositional environments, and are not deterministic proxies for the interpretation of build-up architecture. Microfabric associations can be indicative, but not exclusive, of specific depositional environments and geometry. Stable isotope geochemistry is a useful tool to distinguish between hydrothermal, karstic freshwater and evaporative lake carbonates. Carbonate precipitation results from a continuum of abiotic and biologically influenced/induced processes in settings where carbonate supersaturation is largely driven by physico-chemical mechanisms and microbial biofilms, even if acting as passive low-energy surface sites for nucleation, are widely present.
Laminin Binding Conveys Mechanosensing in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Gloe Torsten , Pohl Ulrich
Published: March 2015

In endothelial cells, forces like shear stress are transferred to focal adhesion sites and activate in concert with matrix receptor kinases, leading to an initiation of signaling cascades. The laminin binding protein is one of these matrix receptors and is critically involved in sensing and quantification of shear stress.
New Disguises for an Old Channel: MaxiK Channel β-Subunits
Authors: Orio Patricio , Rojas Patricio , Ferreira Gonzalo , Latorre Ramón
Published: March 2015

Ca2+-activated K+channels of large conductance (MaxiK or BK channels) control a large variety of physiological processes, including smooth muscle tone, neurosecretion, and hearing. Despite being coded by a single gene (Slowpoke), the diversity of MaxiK channels is great. Regulatory b-subunits, splicing, and metabolic regulation create this diversity fundamental to the adequate function of many tissues.
Advances in the Pathogenesis of Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 3
Authors: Clementi Anna , Virzì Grazia Maria , Brocca Alessandra , de Cal Massimo , Pastori Silvia , Clementi Maurizio , Granata Antonio , Vescovo Giorgio , Ronco Claudio
Published: March 2015

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 3 is a subclassification of the CRS whereby an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI) leads to the development of acute cardiac injury or dysfunction. In general, there is limited understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in CRS type 3. An episode of AKI may have effects that depend on the severity and duration of AKI and that both directly and indirectly predispose to an acute cardiac event. Experimental data suggest that cardiac dysfunction may be related to immune system activation, inflammatory mediators release, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis which are well documented in the setting of AKI. Moreover, significant derangements, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, and uremia, which are typical features of acute kidney injury, may impair cardiac function. In this review, we will focus on multiple factors possibly involved in the pathogenesis issues regarding CRS type 3.
A Two‐Stage Method to Determine Optimal Product Sampling considering Dynamic Potential Market
Authors: Hu Zhineng , Lu Wei , Han Bing
Published: March 2015

This paper develops an optimization model for the diffusion effects of free samples under dynamic changes in potential market based on the characteristics of independent product and presents a two‐stage method to figure out the sampling level. The impact analysis of the key factors on the sampling level shows that the increase of the external coefficient or internal coefficient has a negative influence on the sampling level. And the changing rate of the potential market has no significant influence on the sampling level whereas the repeat purchase has a positive one. Using logistic analysis and regression analysis, the global sensitivity analysis gives a whole analysis of the interaction of all parameters, which provides a two‐stage method to estimate the impact of the relevant parameters in the case of inaccuracy of the parameters and to be able to construct a 95% confidence interval for the predicted sampling level. Finally, the paper provides the operational steps to improve the accuracy of the parameter estimation and an innovational way to estimate the sampling level.
A Study of the Relationship between Food Group Recommendations and Perceived Stress: Findings from Black Women in the Deep South
Authors: Carson Tiffany L. , Desmond Renee , Hardy Sharonda , Townsend Sh’Nese , Ard Jamy D. , Meneses Karen , Partridge Edward E. , Baskin Monica L.
Published: March 2015

Black women in the Deep South experience excess morbidity/mortality from obesity-related diseases, which may be partially attributable to poor diet. One reason for poor dietary intake may be high stress, which has been associated with unhealthy diets in other groups. Limited data are available regarding dietary patterns of black women in the Deep South and to our knowledge no studies have been published exploring relationships between stress and dietary patterns among this group. This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between stress and adherence to food group recommendations among black women in the Deep South. Participants (n=355) provided demographic, anthropometric, stress (PSS-10), and dietary (NCI ASA-24 hour recall) data. Participants were obese (BMI = 36.5 kg/m2) and reported moderate stress (PSS-10 score = 16) and minimal adherence to Dietary Guidelines for Americans food group recommendations (1/3 did not meet recommendations for any food group). Participants reporting higher stress had higher BMIs than those reporting lower stress. There was no observed relationship between stress and dietary intake in this sample. Based on these study findings, which are limited by potential misreporting of dietary intake and limited variability in stress measure outcomes, there is insufficient evidence to support a relationship between stress and dietary intake.
Hydroxyapatite Whisker Reinforced 63s Glass Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Shuai Cijun , Cao Yiyuan , Gao Chengde , Feng Pei , Xiao Tao , Peng Shuping
Published: March 2015

Bioactive glass (BG) is widely used for bone tissue engineering. However, poor mechanical properties are the major shortcomings. In the study, hydroxyapatite nanowhisker (HANw) was used as a reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties. 63s glass/HANw scaffolds were successfully fabricated by selective laser sintering (SLS). It was found that the optimal compressive strength and fracture toughness were achieved when 10 wt.% HANw was added. This led to 36% increase in compressive strength and 83% increase in fracture toughness, respectively, compared with pure 63s glass scaffolds. Different reinforcement mechanisms were analyzed based on the microstructure investigation. Whisker bridging and whisker pulling-out were efficient in absorbing crack propagating energy, resulting in the improvement of the mechanical properties. Moreover, bioactivity and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that composite scaffolds with 10 wt.% HANw exhibited good apatite-forming ability and cellular affinity.
Elevated Serum Levels of Cysteine and Tyrosine: Early Biomarkers in Asymptomatic Adults at Increased Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Mohorko Nina , Petelin Ana , Jurdana Mihaela , Biolo Gianni , Jenko-Pražnikar Zala
Published: March 2015

As there is effective intervention for delaying or preventing metabolic diseases, which are often present for years before becoming clinically apparent, novel biomarkers that would mark metabolic complications before the onset of metabolic disease should be identified. We investigated the role of fasting serum amino acids and their associations with inflammatory markers, adipokines, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in subjects prior to the onset of insulin resistance (IR). Anthropometric measurements, food records, adipokines, biochemical markers, and serum levels of amino acids were determined in 96 asymptomatic subjects aged 25–49 years divided into three groups according to the number of MetS components present. Cysteine and tyrosine were significantly higher already in group with one component of MetS present compared to subjects without MetS components. Serum amino acid levels correlated with markers of inflammation and adipokines. Alanine and glycine explained 10% of insulin resistance variability. The role of tyrosine and cysteine, that were higher already with 1 component of MetS present, should be further investigated as they might point to future insulin disturbances.
Short‐Term Reproducibility of the Inflammatory Phenotype in Different Subgroups of Adult Asthma Cohort
Authors: Majewski Sebastian , Ciebiada Maciej , Domagala Mateusz , Kurmanowska Zofia , Gorski Pawel
Published: March 2015

Inflammatory phenotype classification using induced sputum appears attractive as it can be applied to inflammation‐based management of the patients with asthma. The aim of the study was to determine the reproducibility of inflammatory phenotype over time in patients with asthma. In 66 adults asthma was categorized as steroid‐naïve (SN, n = 17), mild to moderate (MMA, n = 33), and refractory treated with oral corticosteroids (RA, n = 16). Clinical assessment, skin prick testing, spirometry, and two sputum inductions in 4–6‐week interval were done. Inflammatory phenotypes were classified as eosinophilic (EA), consisting of eosinophilic and mixed granulocytic phenotypes, and noneosinophilic (NEA) consisting of paucigranulocytic and neutrophilic phenotypes. During study asthma treatment remained constant. In SN group 25% of patients changed phenotype from EA to NEA and 44% changed phenotype from NEA to EA. In MMA group 26% of patients changed phenotype from EA to NEA and 50% changed phenotype from NEA to EA. In 29% of RA patients inflammatory phenotype changed from EA to NEA and in 22% it changed from NEA to EA. Inflammatory classification, using induced sputum, is not fully reproducible in adults with asthma in short‐term evaluation. EA seems to be more stable phenotype across all subgroups whereas NEA remained stable only in RA group.
Finite FrequencyH∞Filtering for Time-Delayed Singularly Perturbed Systems
Authors: Mei Ping , Fu Jingzhi , Liu Yunping
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the problem of finite frequency (FF)H∞filtering for time-delayed singularly perturbed systems. Our attention is focused on designing filters guaranteeing asymptotic stability and FFH∞disturbance attenuation level of the filtering error system. By the generalized Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) lemma, the existence conditions of FFH∞filters are obtained in terms of solving an optimization problem, which is delay-independent. The main contribution of this paper is that systematic methods are proposed for designingH∞filters for delayed singularly perturbed systems.
Age-Related Alterations in the Expression of Genes and Synaptic Plasticity Associated with Nitric Oxide Signaling in the Mouse Dorsal Striatum
Authors: Chepkova Aisa N. , Schönfeld Susanne , Sergeeva Olga A.
Published: March 2015

Age-related alterations in the expression of genes and corticostriatal synaptic plasticity were studied in the dorsal striatum of mice of four age groups from young (2-3 months old) to old (18–24 months of age) animals. A significant decrease in transcripts encoding neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase and receptors involved in its activation (NR1 subunit of the glutamate NMDA receptor and D1 dopamine receptor) was found in the striatum of old mice using gene array and real-time RT-PCR analysis. The old striatum showed also a significantly higher number of GFAP-expressing astrocytes and an increased expression of astroglial, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers. Field potential recordings from striatal slices revealed age-related alterations in the magnitude and dynamics of electrically induced long-term depression (LTD) and significant enhancement of electrically induced long-term potentiation in the middle-aged striatum (6-7 and 12-13 months of age). Corticostriatal NO-dependent LTD induced by pharmacological activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors underwent significant reduction with aging and could be restored by inhibition of cGMP hydrolysis indicating that its age-related deficit is caused by an altered NO-cGMP signaling cascade. It is suggested that age-related alterations in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity may result from functional alterations in receptor-activated signaling cascades associated with increasing neuroinflammation and a prooxidant state.
Delayed Bilateral Teleoperation of Wheeled Robots including a Command Metric
Authors: Penizzotto Franco , García Sebastian , Slawiñski Emanuel , Mut Vicente
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes a control scheme applied to the delayed bilateral teleoperation of wheeled robots with force feedback, considering the performance of the operator’s command execution. In addition, the stability of the system is analyzed taking into account the dynamic model of the master as well as the remote mobile robot under asymmetric and time-varying delays of the communication channel. Besides, the performance of the teleoperation system, where a human operator drives a 3D simulator of a wheeled dynamic robot, is evaluated. In addition, we present an experiment where a robot Pioneer is teleoperated, based on the system architecture proposed.
FPGA Techniques Based New Hybrid Modulation Strategies for Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Sudha L. U. , Baskaran J. , Elankurisil S. A.
Published: March 2015

This paper corroborates three different hybrid modulation strategies suitable for single‐phase voltage source inverter. The proposed method is formulated using fundamental switching and carrier based pulse width modulation methods. The main tale of this proposed method is to optimize a specific performance criterion, such as minimization of the total harmonic distortion (THD), lower order harmonics, switching losses, and heat losses. The proposed method is articulated using fundamental switching and carrier based pulse width modulation methods. Thus, the harmonic pollution in the power system will be reduced and the power quality will be augmented with better harmonic profile for a target fundamental output voltage. The proposed modulation strategies are simulated in MATLAB r2010a and implemented in a Xilinx spartan 3E‐500 FG 320 FPGA processor. The feasibility of these modulation strategies is authenticated through simulation and experimental results.
Triggers, Inhibitors, Mechanisms, and Significance of Eryptosis: The Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Lang Elisabeth , Lang Florian
Published: March 2015

Suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis is characterized by erythrocyte shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing, and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include Ca2+entry, ceramide formation, stimulation of caspases, calpain activation, energy depletion, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of several kinases. Eryptosis is triggered by a wide variety of xenobiotics. It is inhibited by several xenobiotics and endogenous molecules including NO and erythropoietin. The susceptibility of erythrocytes to eryptosis increases with erythrocyte age. Phosphatidylserine exposing erythrocytes adhere to the vascular wall by binding to endothelial CXC-Motiv-Chemokin-16/Scavenger-receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized low density lipoprotein (CXCL16). Phosphatidylserine exposing erythrocytes are further engulfed by phagocytosing cells and are thus rapidly cleared from circulating blood. Eryptosis eliminates infected or defective erythrocytes thus counteracting parasitemia in malaria and preventing detrimental hemolysis of defective cells. Excessive eryptosis, however, may lead to anemia and may interfere with microcirculation. Enhanced eryptosis contributes to the pathophysiology of several clinical disorders including metabolic syndrome and diabetes, malignancy, cardiac and renal insufficiency, hemolytic uremic syndrome, sepsis, mycoplasma infection, malaria, iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and Wilson’s disease. Facilitating or inhibiting eryptosis may be a therapeutic option in those disorders.
A Genetic Multimutation Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder Fits Disparate Twin Concordance Data from the USA and Canada
Authors: Kramer Ivan , Lipkin Paul H. , Marvin Alison R. , Law Paul A.
Published: March 2015

Whether autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of both is still being debated today. To help resolve this issue, a genetic multimutation model of ASD development was applied to a wide variety of age-of-onset data from the USA and Canada, and the model is shown to fit all the data. Included in this analysis is new, updated data from the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. We find that the age-of-onset distribution for males and females is identical, suggesting that ASD may be an autosomal disorder. The ASD monozygote concordance rate in twin data predicted by the genetic multimutation model is shown to be compatible with the observed rates. If ASD is caused entirely by genetics, then the ASD concordance rate of a cohort of monozygote twins should approach 100% as the youngest pair of twins in the cohort passes 10 years of age, a prediction that constitutes a critical test of the genetic hypothesis. Thus, by measuring the ASD concordance rate as a cohort of monozygote twins age, the hypothesis that this disorder is caused entirely by genetic mutations can be tested.
Calibration of Conceptual Rainfall-Runoff Models Using Global Optimization
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Ru-bin , Meng Qing-xiang
Published: March 2015

Parameter optimization for the conceptual rainfall-runoff (CRR) model has always been the difficult problem in hydrology since watershed hydrological model is high-dimensional and nonlinear with multimodal and nonconvex response surface and its parameters are obviously related and complementary. In the research presented here, the shuffled complex evolution (SCE-UA) global optimization method was used to calibrate the Xinanjiang (XAJ) model. We defined the ideal data and applied the method to observed data. Our results show that, in the case of ideal data, the data length did not affect the parameter optimization for the hydrological model. If the objective function was selected appropriately, the proposed method found the true parameter values. In the case of observed data, we applied the technique to different lengths of data (1, 2, and 3 years) and compared the results with ideal data. We found that errors in the data and model structure lead to significant uncertainties in the parameter optimization.
Behaviour of Silica and Florisil as Solid Supports in the Removal Process of As(V) from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Gabor Andreea , Davidescu Corneliu Mircea , Negrea Adina , Ciopec Mihaela , Lupa Lavinia
Published: March 2015

In this study two solid supports, silica and florisil, were impregnated with crown ether (dibenzo-18-crown-6) and Fe(III) ions and their efficiency was compared in the adsorption process of As(V) from aqueous solutions. The solid supports were impregnated with crown ether due to their ability to build complexes with positives ions. Fe(III) was used because of As(V) affinity for it. The impregnated solid supports were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the specific surface area. The influence of the solid : liquid ratio on the adsorption process, kinetic studies for the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order, and activation energy were studied. Thermodynamic studies as well as equilibrium studies were carried out. The obtained results showed that, from the two considered materials, impregnated silica presents a higher efficiency with a good selectivity, able to remove As(V) from aqueous solutions containing trace concentrations.
Upconversion Luminescence Properties of Y2O3:Yb, Er and Y2O2S:Yb, Er Nanoparticles Prepared by Complex Precipitation
Authors: Tian Ying , Fu Yao , Xing Mingming , Luo Xixian
Published: March 2015

The Yb3+, Er3+ doped Y2O3 and Y2O2S upconversion nanophosphors were prepared by the direct complex precipitation method with the mixed solution of NH4HCO3 and NH3·H2O as the complex precipitant. The precipitate of calcined at 900°C in air presents the pure Y2O3 with cubic structure, and the calculated crystalline size is about 26 nm, while the Y2O2S:Yb, Er nanocrystals were obtained by annealing the same precipitate at 900°C but in the atmosphere of N2 gas containing sulfur vapor. The obtained sample presents the pure hexagonal structure of Y2O2S with calculated crystalline size of 29 nm. According to the transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), the nanophosphors exhibit uniform quasispherical shape and size about 30 nm. By using the 980 nm excitation laser, the properties of upconversion luminescence and energy transfer processes were studied in detail for the different concentration of Yb3+ in Er3+ doped Y2O3 as well as the Yb3+, Er3+ codoped Y2O2S nanocrystals. The high‐efficient red and yellow upconversion emissions were both observed by naked eyes in day time corresponding to the Y2O3:Yb, Er and Y2O2S:Yb, Er phosphors, respectively. Thus the upconversion nanoparticles combining its high efficient emission would pave the way for ideal fluorescence probes in biological applications.
Outage Analysis of Cooperative Transmission with Energy Harvesting Relay: Time Switching versus Power Splitting
Authors: Du Guanyao , Xiong Ke , Qiu Zhengding
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the multiuser transmission network with an energy harvesting (EH) cooperative relay, where a source transmits independent information to multiple destinations with the help of an energy constrained relay. The relay can harvest energy from the radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted from the source, and it helps the multiuser transmission only by consuming the harvested energy. By adopting the time switching and the power splitting relay receiver architectures, we firstly propose two protocols, the time switching cooperative multiuser transmission (TSCMT) protocol and the power splitting cooperative multiuser transmission (PSCMT) protocol, to enable the simultaneous information processing and EH at the relay for the system. To evaluate the system performance, we theoretically analyze the system outage probability for the two proposed protocols and then derive explicit expressions for each of them, respectively. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the accuracy of our analytical results and reveal that compared with traditional noncooperative scheme our proposed protocols are green solutions to offer reliable communication and lower system outage probability without consuming additional energy. In particular, for the same transmit power at the source, the PSCMT protocol is superior to the TSCMT protocol to obtain lower system outage probability.
An Extended EPQ‐Based Problem with a Discontinuous Delivery Policy, Scrap Rate, and Random Breakdown
Authors: Chiu Singa Wang , Lin Hong-Dar , Song Ming-Syuan , Chen Hsin-Mei , Chiu Yuan-Shyi P.
Published: March 2015

In real supply chain environments, the discontinuous multidelivery policy is often used when finished products need to be transported to retailers or customers outside the production units. To address this real‐life production‐shipment situation, this study extends recent work using an economic production quantity‐ (EPQ‐) based inventory model with a continuous inventory issuing policy, defective items, and machine breakdown by incorporating a multiple delivery policy into the model to replace the continuous policy and investigates the effect on the optimal run time decision for this specific EPQ model. Next, we further expand the scope of the problem to combine the retailer’s stock holding cost into our study. This enhanced EPQ‐based model can be used to reflect the situation found in contemporary manufacturing firms in which finished products are delivered to the producer’s own retail stores and stocked there for sale. A second model is developed and studied. With the help of mathematical modeling and optimization techniques, the optimal run times that minimize the expected total system costs comprising costs incurred in production units, transportation, and retail stores are derived, for both models. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the applicability of our research results.
A Lightweight ID Based Authentication and Key Agreement Protocol for Multiserver Architecture
Authors: Lu Yanrong , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Yang Xing , Yang Yixian
Published: March 2015

There is an increasing demand of an anonymous authentication to secure communications between numerous different network members while preserving privacy for the members. In this study, we address this issue by using an ID based authenticated and key agreement protocol to improve the recent protocol proposed by Xue et al. They claimed that their protocol could resist masquerade and insider attacks. Unfortunately, we find that Xue et al.'s protocol is not only really insecure against masquerade and insider attacks but also vulnerable to off-line password guessing attack. Therefore, a slight modification to their protocol is proposed to improve their shortcomings. Moreover, our protocol does not use timestamps, so it is not required to synchronize the time. As a result, according to our performance and security analyses, we can prove that our proposed protocol can enhance efficiency and improve security in comparison to previous protocols.
On the Uniform Exponential Stability of Time-Varying Systems Subject to Discrete Time-Varying Delays and Nonlinear Delayed Perturbations
Authors: Hammami Maher , Hammami Mohamed Ali , De la Sen Manuel
Published: March 2015

This paper addresses the problem of stability analysis of systems with delayed time-varying perturbations. Some sufficient conditions for a class of linear time-varying systems with nonlinear delayed perturbations are derived by using an improved Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. The uniform global asymptotic stability of the solutions is obtained in terms of convergence toward a neighborhood of the origin.
Determination of Glucocorticoids in UPLC-MS in Environmental Samples from an Occupational Setting
Authors: Oddone Enrico , Negri Sara , Bellinzona Massimo , Martino Silvia , Di Tuccio Marcello , Grignani Elena , Cottica Danilo , Imbriani Marcello
Published: March 2015

Occupational exposures to glucocorticoids are still a neglected issue in some work environments, including pharmaceutical plants. We developed an analytical method to quantify simultaneously 21 glucocorticoids using UPLC coupled with mass spectrometry to provide a basis to carry out environmental monitoring. Samples were taken from air, hand-washing tests, pad-tests and wipe-tests. This paper reports the contents of the analytical methodology, along with the results of this extensive environmental and personal monitoring of glucocorticoids. The method in UPLC-MS turned out to be suitable and effective for the aim of the study. Wipe-test and pad-test desorption was carried out using 50 mL syringes, a simple technique that saves time without adversely affecting analyte recovery. Results showed a widespread environmental pollution due to glucocorticoids. This is of particular concern. Evaluation of the dose absorbed by each worker and identification of a biomarker for occupational exposure will contribute to assessment and prevention of occupational exposure.
HT‐Paxos: High Throughput State‐Machine Replication Protocol for Large Clustered Data Centers
Authors: Kumar Vinit , Agarwal Ajay
Published: March 2015

Paxos is a prominent theory of state‐machine replication. Recent data intensive systems that implement state‐machine replication generally require high throughput. Earlier versions of Paxos as few of them are classical Paxos, fast Paxos, and generalized Paxos have a major focus on fault tolerance and latency but lacking in terms of throughput and scalability. A major reason for this is the heavyweight leader. Through offloading the leader, we can further increase throughput of the system. Ring Paxos, Multiring Paxos, and S‐Paxos are few prominent attempts in this direction for clustered data centers. In this paper, we are proposing HT‐Paxos, a variant of Paxos that is the best suitable for any large clustered data center. HT‐Paxos further offloads the leader very significantly and hence increases the throughput and scalability of the system, while at the same time, among high throughput state‐machine replication protocols, it provides reasonably low latency and response time.
Intensity Sensitive Modulation Effect of Theta Burst Form of Median Nerve Stimulation on the Monosynaptic Spinal Reflex
Authors: Yeh Kuei-Lin , Fong Po-Yu , Huang Ying-Zu
Published: March 2015

The effects of electrical stimulation of median nerve with a continuous theta burst pattern (EcTBS) on the spinal H-reflex were studied. Different intensities and durations of EcTBS were given to the median nerve to 11 healthy individuals. The amplitude ratio of the H-reflex to maximum M wave (H/M ratio), corticospinal excitability and inhibition measured using motor evoked potentials (MEPs), short-interval intracortical inhibition and facilitation (SICI/ICF), spinal reciprocal inhibition (RI), and postactivation depression (PAD) were measured before and after EcTBS. In result, the H/M ratio was reduced followed by EcTBS at 90% H-reflex threshold, and the effect lasted longer after 1200 pulses than after 600 pulses of EcTBS. In contrast, EcTBS at 110% threshold facilitated the H/M ratio, while at 80% threshold it had no effect. Maximum M wave, MEPs, SICI/ICF, RI, and PAD all remained unchanged after EcTBS. In conclusion, EcTBS produced lasting effects purely on the H-reflex, probably, through effects on postsynaptic plasticity. The effect of EcTBS depends on the intensity and duration of stimulation. EcTBS is beneficial to research on mechanisms of human plasticity. Moreover, its ability to modulate spinal excitability is expected to have therapeutic benefits on neurological disorders involving spinal cord dysfunction.
The Role of Citrullinated Protein Antibodies in Predicting Erosive Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jilani A. A. , Mackworth-Young C. G.
Published: March 2015

Background. Autoantibodies to citrullinated peptides have been shown to be valuable in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expanding repertoire of antibodies to citrullinated peptide antigens (ACPA) has been a topic of great interest in recent reviews and research studies, as has the ability of these autoantibodies to predict disease outcome.Objectives. The aim of this review was to provide an update on the relevance of ACPA as prognostic markers in RA. The ability to identify patients predisposed to an aggressive outcome at the time of initial diagnosis greatly facilitates the selection of appropriate and cost-effective treatment.Methods. A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Studies from 1967 up to June 2014 with data on prognostic value of ACPA were included. Quality assessment was done by using the modified Hayden list for prognostic studies. Meta-analysis was performed using BioStat software.Results. The results of 25 studies were selected for the final review. A total of 6421 patients with RA were included, mainly in inception cohorts, with follow-up duration ranging from one year to ten years. All studies carried prognostic data on all available isotypes of anticyclic citrullinated protein (CCP), while four had data on antimutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV). There was a single relevant study each on anticitrullinated enolase peptide 1 (CEP1) and antichimaeric fibrin/filaggrin citrullinated peptide 1 (CFFCP1). All studies showed ACPA to be strong predictors of joint erosions in RA. Other factors, particularly baseline erosions, showed an additive effect. Anti-MCV appeared to be a marker of a more aggressive form of disease. Ten studies had data on which a meta-analysis could be performed. This gave an overall odds ratio of 4.85 for ACPA (anti-CCP/MCV) positivity being predictive for the development of joint erosions. Two studies with data on anti-CEP1 and anti-CFFCP1 also showed this positive predictive role of ACPA for joint erosions.Conclusions. ACPA are strong predictors of severity in RA. Their use should be part of routine rheumatology practice.
Effects of Electroacupuncture with Dominant Frequency at SP 6 and ST 36 Based on Meridian Theory on Pain-Depression Dyad in Rats
Authors: Wu Yuan-yuan , Jiang Yong-liang , He Xiao-fen , Zhao Xiao-yun , Shao Xiao-mei , Du Jun-ying , Fang Jian-qiao
Published: March 2015

Epidemic investigations reveal an intimate interrelationship between pain and depression. The effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on pain or depression has been demonstrated individually, but its effect on pain-depression dyad is unknown. Our study aimed to screen a dominant EA frequency on pain-depression dyad and determine the validity of acupoint selection based on meridian theory. The pain-depression dyad rat model was induced by reserpine and treated using EA with different frequencies at identical acupoints to extract a dominant frequency and then administrated dominant-frequency EA at different acupoints in the above models. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL), emotional behavior of elevated zero maze (EZM) test, and open field (OF) test were conducted. We found that 100 Hz EA at Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) (classical acupoints for spleen-deficiency syndrome) were the most effective in improving PWL, travelling distance in the EZM, and maximum velocity in OF compared to EA with other frequencies; ST 36 and SP 6 were proved more effective than other acupoints beyond the meridian theory and nonacupoints under the same administration of EA. Therefore, we concluded that 100 Hz is the dominant frequency for treating the pain-depression dyad with EA, and acupoints on spleen and stomach meridians are preferable choices.
Modeling of a Plasma Antenna with Inhomogeneous Distribution of Electron Density
Authors: Chen Zong-sheng , Ma Li-fang , Wang Jia-chun
Published: March 2015

The distribution of the electron density along a plasma antenna can influence the antenna’s performance. But little has been done in this regard in former studies. In this paper, a model of a practical plasma antenna with an inhomogeneous distribution of electron density is founded according to the transmission-line equivalent theory of a metal monopole, from which the current distribution and the radiation pattern of a plasma antenna with appropriate parameters are calculated. The results show that the electrical current distribution, the maximum radiation direction, and the beamwidth of a plasma antenna vary with electron density distributions. To validate the model, the plasma antenna with the same parameters is also simulated based on electromagnetic software HFSS. It is found that the results from the two ways are almost consistent.