bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural wave cloaking via embedded cylinders with systematically varying thicknesses
Authors: Cho Sungjin , Yang Wonseok , Lee Sinyeob , Park Junhong
Published: July 2016

Simulations of flexural wave cloaking from multiple scattering events that are achieved by embedded cylinders in a thin plate are performed. Minimization of refraction is performed using small surrounding cylinders with varying thickness in radial and angular directions, respectively. The thickness variations render the effective wave speed lower in the radial direction and higher in the angular direction compared to the speed in the surrounding media, which results in the cloaking effect. In order to verify the feasibility of this approach, 15 layers of cylinders are placed around the blocked area. The multiple-scattering method is used to predict wave propagations and to take the interactions between cylinders into account. The effects of the thickness variation on the cloaking performance are analyzed. The results demonstrate that minimal scattering is achieved when the area of interest is surrounded by the thickness-varying cylinders.
Control of elastic wave propagation in one-dimensional piezomagnetic phononic crystals
Authors: Ponge Marie-Fraise , Croënne Charles , Vasseur Jérôme O. , Bou Matar Olivier , Hladky-Hennion Anne-Christine , Dubus Bertrand
Published: July 2016

Two ways of controlling the acoustic waves propagation by external inductance or capacitance in a one-dimensional (1-D) piezomagnetic phononic crystal are investigated. The structure is made of identical bars, constituted of a piezomagnetic material, surrounded by a coil and connected to an external impedance. A model of propagation of longitudinal elastic waves through the periodic structure is developed and the dispersion equation is obtained. Reflection and transmission coefficients are derived from a 2 × 2 transfer matrix formalism that also allows for the calculation of elastic effective parameters (density, Young modulus, speed of sound, impedance). The effect of shunting impedances is numerically investigated. The results reveal that a connected external inductance tunes the Bragg band gaps of the 1-D phononic crystal. When the elements are connected via a capacitance, a hybridization gap, due to the resonance of the LC circuit made of the piezomagnetic element and the capacitance, coexists with the Bragg band gap. The value of the external capacitance modifies the boundaries of both gaps. Calculation of the effective characteristics of the phononic crystal leads to an analysis of the physical mechanisms involved in the wave propagation. When periodically connected to external capacitances, a homogeneous piezomagnetic stack behaves as a dispersive tunable metamaterial.
Researchers rise to challenge of replacing helium-3
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: July 2016

New nuclear detector technologies forgo scarce isotope.
Emergence of healing in the Antarctic ozone layer
Authors: Solomon Susan , Ivy Diane J. , Kinnison Doug , Mills Michael J. , Neely Ryan R. , Schmidt Anja
Published: July 2016

Turning the corner

The Antarctic ozone hole is finally showing signs of disappearing, nearly 30 years after the Montreal Protocol came into effect. The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that phased out the production of many of the human-made compounds responsible for stratospheric ozone destruction, is widely considered to be the most important and successful international environmental agreement. For years, it has slowed the rate of stratospheric ozone depletion, and now there are signs that the ozone abundance over Antarctica has begun to increase. Solomon
et al.
present observational data and model results to illustrate the trends and diagnose their causes.

Science
, this issue p.
269
A maleness gene in the malaria mosquito
Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Krzywinska Elzbieta , Dennison Nathan J. , Lycett Gareth J. , Krzywinski Jaroslaw
Published: July 2016

Female-fatal product of the Yob gene

Mechanisms of sex determination are highly variable and complex in invertebrates. For vector-borne disease control strategies, it is important to understand the reproductive biology of the organisms involved. Krzywinska
et al.
have studied sex determination in species of
Anopheles
mosquitoes, whose females suck blood and can transmit malaria parasites (see the Perspective by Sinkins). One gene called
Yob
is found only on the Y chromosome of males.
Yob
is expressed in male embryos within 2 hours of eggs being laid, and transcription continues lifelong. If
Yob
is injected into embryos younger than 2 hours, only male mosquitoes emerge, because
Yob
's presence is lethal to female embryos.

Science
, this issue p.
67
; see also p.
33
Envisioning a different future
A World to Live In An Ecologist's Vision for a Plundered Planet
George M. Woodwell MIT Press, 2016. 243 pp.
Authors: Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink Julia
Published: July 2016

An ecologist asks how we can protect the global commons
The communities of
Science
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: July 2016

My father was a mathematician. When I was a teenager, I talked to him about careers. I love math, even fairly esoteric stuff. He surprised me by saying, “Math is something to pursue only if you cannot imagine doing anything else. You can follow other careers and still do math, but pure math can be very isolating; only a few people in the world are likely to really understand what you are working on.” I was surprised that he was discouraging me from his career path. But wait, what? He was also implying that science was a social activity in an essential way.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain BMS12, a Plant Growth-Promoting and Protease-Producing Bacterium, Isolated from the Rhizosphere Sediment of
Phragmites karka
of Chilika Lake, India
Authors: Mishra Samir R. , Panda Ananta Narayan , Ray Lopamudra , Sahu Neha , Mishra Gayatri , Jadhao Sudhir , Suar Mrutyunjay , Adhya Tapan Kumar , Rastogi Gurdeep , Pattnaik Ajit Kumar , Raina Vishakha
Published: July 2016

We report the 4.51 Mb draft genome of
Pseudomonas
sp. strain BMS12, a Gram-negative bacterium in the class of Gammaproteobacteria, isolated from the rhizospheric sediment of
Phragmites karka
, an invasive weed in Chilika Lake, Odisha, India. The
Pseudomonas
sp. strain BMS12 is capable of producing proteases and is also an efficient plant growth promoter that can be useful for various phytoremedial and industrial applications.
Genome Sequence of the Red Pigment-Forming Meiothermus taiwanensis Strain RP Isolated from Paniphala Hot Spring, India
Authors: Mukherjee Trinetra , Bose Sucharita , Sen Urmimala , Roy Chayan , Rameez Moidu Jameela , Ghosh Wriddhiman , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti
Published: July 2016

Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Meiothermus taiwanensis
strain RP (MCC 2966), isolated from the Paniphala hot spring of India, which contains genes encoding for enzymes of the methyl erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis and carotenoid backbone synthesis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica Strain BM-Y, Isolated from the Pancreas of a Zebra in China
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Mu , Zhu Lingwei , Hua Fuyou , Ji Xue , Sun Yang , Liu Jun , Guo Xuejun
Published: July 2016

Here, a complete genome sequence of
Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica
strain BM-Y is presented. The whole genome is 2.18-Mb and contains a
bla
VEB-1
gene cassette which endows it with resistance to ceftazidime, ampicillin, tetracycline, etc. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) type
W. chitiniclastica
strain has been found.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter iguaniorum Strain RM11343, Isolated from an Alpaca
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma , Huynh Stephen , Chapman Mary H. , Parker Craig T.
Published: July 2016

Campylobacter iguaniorum
is a member of the
C. fetus
group of campylobacters and is one of two
Campylobacter
taxa isolated from reptiles. This study describes the whole-genome sequence of the
C. iguaniorum
strain RM11343, which was isolated from a California alpaca fecal sample.
Altered gene expression in T-cell receptor signalling in peripheral blood leucocytes in acute coronary syndrome predicts secondary coronary events
Authors: Takashima Shin-ichiro , Usui Soichiro , Kurokawa Keisuke , Kitano Teppei , Kato Takeshi , Murai Hisayoshi , Furusho Hiroshi , Oda Hiroyuki , Maruyama Michiro , Nagata Yoshiki , Usuda Kazuo , Kubota Koji , Takeshita Yumie , Sakai Yoshio , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Takamura Masayuki
Published: July 2016

Objective

Comprehensive profiling of gene expression in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a prognosticator is needed. We explored the specific profile of gene expression in PBLs in ACS for long-term risk stratification.

Methods

30 patients with ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 15 age-matched adults who participated in medical check-ups were enrolled from three centres. Peripheral blood samples were collected to extract RNA for microarray analyses.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up, 36% of this cohort developed the expected non-fatal coronary events (NFEs) of target lesion revascularisation (TLR) and PCI for a de novo lesion. Class comparison analysis (p<0.005) demonstrated that 83 genes among 7785 prefiltered genes (41 upregulated vs 42 downregulated genes) were extracted to classify the patients according to the occurrence of NFE. Pathway analysis based on gene ontology revealed that the NFEs were associated with altered gene expression regarding the T-cell receptor signalling pathway in ACS. Univariate t test showed that the expression level of death-associated protein kinase1 (DAPK1), known to regulate inflammation, was the most significantly negatively regulated gene in the event group (0.61-fold, p<0.0005). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and multivariate analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics or clinical biomarkers demonstrated that lower DAPK1 expression in PBL emerged as an independent risk factor for the NFEs (HR: 8.73; CI 1.05 to 72.8, p=0.045).

Conclusions

Altered gene expression in T-cell receptor signalling in PBL in ACS could be a prognosticator for secondary coronary events.

Trial registration number

UMIN000001932; Results.
Acoustic VTI Modeling Using an Optimal Time-Space Domain Finite-Difference Scheme
Authors: Yan Hongyong , Yang Lei , Li Xiang-Yang , Liu Hong
Published: July 2016

Finite-difference (FD) schemes have been used widely for solving wave equations in seismic exploration. However, the conventional FD schemes hardly guarantee high accuracy at both small and large wavenumbers. In this paper, we propose an optimal time-space domain FD scheme for acoustic vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) wave modeling. The optimal FD coefficients for the second-order spatial derivatives are derived by approaching the time-space domain dispersion relation of acoustic VTI wave equations with the combination of the Taylor-series expansion and the sampling interpolation. We perform numerical dispersion analyses and acoustic VTI modeling using the optimal time-space domain FD scheme. The numerical dispersion analyses show that the optimal FD scheme has smaller dispersion than the conventional FD scheme at large wavenumbers, and also preserves high accuracy at small wavenumbers. The acoustic VTI modeling examples also demonstrate that the optimal time-space domain FD scheme has greater accuracy compared with the conventional time-space domain FD scheme for the same modeling parameters.
SYNERGISM OF RARE EARTH Ce(III) ION WITH CYSTEINE AGAINST CORROSION OF P110 CARBON STEEL IN 3% NaCl SOLUTIONS
Authors: LIU XIA , YANG JIANSHU , LIU YONGPING , JI XIANGYUN , LU YING , YUAN YIZHI
Published: July 2016

The synergism of CeCl3 (Ce) with cysteine (Cys) on the corrosion of P110 carbon steel in 3% NaCl solutions was investigated by electrochemical methods and surface analysis. The results showed that CeCl3 and cysteine do little to inhibit the corrosion of carbon steel, but the combination of CeCl3 with cysteine has obvious synergistic effect on the corrosion of carbon steel and the corrosion inhibition efficiency was improved significantly. The potentiodynamic polarization curves indicated that the mixture of CeCl3 and cysteine acts as a cathodic inhibitor. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Infrared (IR) reflection spectra showed the synergistic inhibition effect was formed by the complexes between rare earth Ce(III) ion and amino acid.
On the decomposition of metabolic involutions
Authors: Nokhodkar A.-H.
Published: July 2016

The problem of whether a metabolic idempotent of a central simple algebra with involution is contained in an invariant quaternion subalgebra is investigated. As an application, the similar problem is studied for skew-symmetric elements whose squares lie in the square of the underlying field.
An infinite family of pairs of imaginary quadratic fields with ideal classes of a given order
Authors: Komatsu Toru
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be natural numbers greater than one. In this paper, we construct an infinite family of imaginary quadratic fields [Formula: see text] such that both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have ideal classes of order [Formula: see text].
Linear combinations of prime powers in binary recurrence sequences
Authors: Bertók Csanád , Hajdu Lajos , Pink István , Rábai Zsolt
Published: July 2016

We give finiteness results concerning terms of linear recurrence sequences having a representation as a linear combination, with fixed coefficients, of powers of fixed primes. On one hand, under certain conditions, we give effective bounds for the terms of binary recurrence sequences with such a representation. On the other hand, in the case of some special binary recurrence sequences, all terms having a representation as sums of powers of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are explicitly determined.
Rational points on the intersection of three quadrics
Authors: Heath-Brown D. R.
Published: July 2016

We prove the Hasse principle and weak approximation for varieties defined by the smooth complete intersection of three quadratics in at least 19 variables, over arbitrary number fields.
Hecke eigenvalues and relations for Siegel Eisenstein series of arbitrary degree, level, and character
Authors: Walling Lynne H.
Published: July 2016

We evaluate the action of Hecke operators on Siegel Eisenstein series of arbitrary degree, level and character. For square-free level, we simultaneously diagonalize the space with respect to all the Hecke operators, computing the eigenvalues explicitly, and obtain a multiplicity-one result. For arbitrary level, we simultaneously diagonalize the space with respect to the Hecke operators attached to primes not dividing the level, again computing the eigenvalues explicitly.
A new approach to the Tarry–Escott problem
Authors: Choudhry Ajai
Published: July 2016

In this paper we describe a new method of obtaining ideal solutions of the well-known Tarry–Escott problem, that is, the problem of finding two distinct sets of integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a given positive integer. When [Formula: see text], only a limited number of parametric/numerical ideal solutions of the Tarry–Escott problem are known. In this paper, by applying the new method mentioned above, we find several new parametric ideal solutions of the problem when [Formula: see text]. The ideal solutions obtained by this new approach are more general and, very frequently, simpler than the ideal solutions obtained by the earlier methods. We also obtain new parametric solutions of certain diophantine systems that are closely related to the Tarry–Escott problem. These solutions are also more general and simpler than the solutions of diophantine systems published earlier.
Synthetic Micro/Nanomotors and Pumps: Fabrication and Applications
Authors: Wong Flory , Dey Krishna Kanti , Sen Ayusman
Published: July 2016

Synthetic active systems capable of autonomous motion or driving fluid flow are of great current interest owing to their potential applications in nanomachinery, cargo capture and delivery, reversible assemblies, and chemical/biochemical sensing. Designing self-powered micro/nanomotors and understanding their propulsion mechanisms and ensemble behavior are now areas of great interest in low-Reynolds-number mechanics. In this article, we classify prototypes of existing small-scale motors on the basis of the materials used in synthesis and fabrication, with the aim of understanding the importance of material selection in designing functional motors for futuristic applications.
Sympathetic neural reactivity to mental stress in offspring of hypertensive parents: 20 years revisited
Authors: Fonkoue Ida T. , Wang Min , Carter Jason R.
Published: July 2016

A number of recent studies have highlighted large interindividual variability of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responsiveness to mental stress in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine blood pressure (BP) and MSNA responsiveness to mental stress in a large and generalizable cohort of young adults with and without family history of hypertension (FHH). We hypothesized that subjects with FHH would demonstrate greater sympathoexcitation to mental stress than subjects without FHH. A total of 87 subjects (55 men and 32 women, 18–40 yr of age) from recently published ( n = 45) and ongoing ( n = 42) studies were examined; 57 subjects (19 with FHH and 38 without FHH) had complete MSNA recordings at baseline. Heart rate (HR), BP, and MSNA were recorded during 5 min of supine rest and 5 min of mental stress (mental arithmetic). Resting MSNA and HR were not statistically different between subjects with and without FHH ( P > 0.05), whereas resting mean arterial pressure was higher in subjects with FHH (86 ± 2 vs. 80 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05). Mental stress increased MSNA in subjects with FHH (Δ5 ± 1 bursts/min), but not in subjects without FHH [Δ1 ± 1 burst/min, P < 0.01 (time × group)]. Mental stress increased mean arterial pressure (Δ12 ± 1 and Δ10 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.001) and HR (Δ19 ± 2 and Δ16 ± 2 beats/min, P < 0.001) in subjects with and without FHH, but these increases were not different between groups [ P ≥ 0.05 (time × group)]. MSNA and BP reactivity to mental stress were not correlated in either group. In conclusion, FHH was associated with heightened MSNA reactivity to mental stress, despite a dissociation between MSNA and BP responsiveness.
Boysenberry ingestion supports fibrolytic macrophages with the capacity to ameliorate chronic lung remodeling
Authors: Shaw Odette M. , Hurst Roger D. , Harper Jacquie L.
Published: July 2016

Lung fibrosis negatively impacts on lung function in chronic asthma and is linked to the development of profibrotic macrophage phenotypes. Epidemiological studies have found that lung function benefits from increased consumption of fruit high in polyphenols. We investigated the effect of boysenberry consumption, in both therapeutic and prophylactic treatment strategies in a mouse model of chronic antigen-induced airway inflammation. Boysenberry consumption reduced collagen deposition and ameliorated tissue remodeling alongside an increase in the presence of CD68+CD206+arginase+ alternatively activated macrophages in the lung tissue. The decrease in tissue remodeling was associated with increased expression of profibrolytic matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein in total lung tissue. We identified alternatively activated macrophages in the mice that consumed boysenberry as a source of the matrix metalloproteinase-9. Oral boysenberry treatment may moderate chronic tissue remodeling by supporting the development of profibrolytic alternatively activated macrophages expressing matrix metalloproteinase-9. Regular boysenberry consumption therefore has the potential to moderate chronic lung remodeling and fibrosis in asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases.
Anticipating the “Silver Tsunami”: Prevalence Trajectories and Co-Morbidity Burden among Older Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: Bluethmann Shirley M. , Mariotto Angela B. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: July 2016

Background: Cancer survivors are a growing population, due in large part to the aging of the baby boomer generation and the related “silver tsunami” facing the U.S. health care system. Understanding the impact of a graying nation on cancer prevalence and comorbidity burden is critical in informing efforts to design and implement quality cancer care for this population.

Methods: Incidence and survival data from 1975 to 2011 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to estimate current cancer prevalence. SEER-Medicare claims data were used to estimate comorbidity burden. Prevalence projections were made using U.S. Census Bureau data and the Prevalence Incidence Approach Model, assuming constant future incidence and survival trends but dynamic projections of the U.S. population.

Results: In 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors living in the United States, 62% of whom were 65 years or older. The prevalent population is projected to grow to 26.1 million by 2040, and include 73% of survivors who are 65 years and older. Comorbidity burden was highest in the oldest survivors (those ≥85 years) and worst among lung cancer survivors.

Conclusions: Older adults, who often present with complex health needs, now constitute the majority of cancer survivors and will continue to dominate the survivor population over the next 24 years.

Impact: The oldest adults (i.e., those >75 years) should be priority populations in a pressing cancer control and prevention research agenda that includes expanding criteria for clinical trials to recruit more elderly participants and developing relevant supportive care interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1029–36. ©2016 AACR.

See interview with Shirley M. Bluethmann, PhD, recipient of the 2022 CEBP Frederick P. Li Impact Award: https://vimeo.com/720725164
MNK Inhibition Disrupts Mesenchymal Glioma Stem Cells and Prolongs Survival in a Mouse Model of Glioblastoma
Authors: Bell Jonathan B. , Eckerdt Frank D. , Alley Kristen , Magnusson Lisa P. , Hussain Hridi , Bi Yingtao , Arslan Ahmet Dirim , Clymer Jessica , Alvarez Angel A. , Goldman Stewart , Cheng Shi-Yuan , Nakano Ichiro , Horbinski Craig , Davuluri Ramana V. , James C. David , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: July 2016

Glioblastoma multiforme remains the deadliest malignant brain tumor, with glioma stem cells (GSC) contributing to treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. We have identified MAPK-interacting kinases (MNK) as potential targets for the GSC population in glioblastoma multiforme. Isoform-level subtyping using The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that both MNK genes (MKNK1 and MKNK2) are upregulated in mesenchymal glioblastoma multiforme as compared with other subtypes. Expression of MKNK1 is associated with increased glioma grade and correlated with the mesenchymal GSC marker, CD44, and coexpression of MKNK1 and CD44 predicts poor survival in glioblastoma multiforme. In established and patient-derived cell lines, pharmacologic MNK inhibition using LY2801653 (merestinib) inhibited phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, a crucial effector for MNK-induced mRNA translation in cancer cells and a marker of transformation. Importantly, merestinib inhibited growth of GSCs grown as neurospheres as determined by extreme limiting dilution analysis. When the effects of merestinib were assessed in vivo using an intracranial xenograft mouse model, improved overall survival was observed in merestinib-treated mice. Taken together, these data provide strong preclinical evidence that pharmacologic MNK inhibition targets mesenchymal glioblastoma multiforme and its GSC population.

Implications: These findings raise the possibility of MNK inhibition as a viable therapeutic approach to target the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma multiforme. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 984–93. ©2016 AACR.
Overexpression of Phosphoserine Aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) Predicts Poor Prognosis and Associates with Tumor Progression in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Bingyan , Jia Yiping , Cao Yan , Wu Shaoqiu , Jiang Haosheng , Sun Xianjun , Ma Jun , Yin Xiang , Mao Aiwu , Shang Mingyi
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is over-expressed in many carcinoma tissues, however little is known regarding its expression and function in esophageal carcinogenesis. This study investigated the expression of PSAT1 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues to determine the relationship between PSAT1 expression and clinicopathological factors. Methods: The expression of PSAT1 in 64 surgical resections from esophageal carcinogenesis patients was examined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and the results were compared with clinicopathological factors. In vitro experiments were performed in ESCC cells overexpressing PSAT1 to measure cell viability and invasion. Tumor formation in vivowas examined by injection of tumor cells into immunocompromised mice subcutaneously. Results: PSAT1 expression was elevated in ESCC tissues compared to normal esophageal tissues. Increased PSAT1 expression was significantly associated with stage of disease, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and poor prognosis. In vitro, PSAT1 overexpression promoted ESCC cell proliferation and matrigel invasion. In vivo, injection of mice with ECSS cells overexpressing PSAT1 enhanced tumor formation. Western blot analysis revealed that PSAT1 upregulated the expression and/or activity of GSK3β/Snail. Conclusion: PSAT1 plays a crucial role in the development of ESCC and predicts poor survival. Therefore, PSAT1 may be a promising novel anticancer therapeutic target.
Geniposide Prevents Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Cells: Improvement of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Activation of GLP-1R and the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang You-Qin , Chang Guang-lei , Wang Ying , Zhang Dong-Ying , Cao Li , Liu Jian
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with coronary heart disease. Many studies have demonstrated that natural products are promising chemotherapeutic drugs counteracting the loss of cardiomyocytes. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of geniposide, a traditional Chinese herb extract from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, on cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in H9c2 cells, and their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cell viability and apoptosis ratio were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), intracellular total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by microplate reader. The production of reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), the level of mitochondrial calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization were measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Mitochondrial morphology was visualized using transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, AKT, p-AKTserine473, cytochrome-c were detected by western bloting. Results: Geniposide pretreatment increased cell viability, decreased LDH levels in the supernatant, and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis caused by H/R. Furthermore, geniposide reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress products (ROS/RNS and MDA), increasing anti-oxidative enzyme (T-SOD) level, improving mitochondrial morphology, attenuating mitochondrial calcium overload and blunting depolarization of mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, geniposide pretreatment increased Bcl-2 level and decreased Bax level, thus enhancing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Consistent with the above result, Bcl-2 mRNA expression was upregulated and caspase-3 mRNA expression was downregulated by geniposide. In addition, geniposide decreased the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome-c and increased the level p-AKTserine473. The protective effects of geniposide were partially reversed by glucagon-like pepitide-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39) and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. Conclusions: Our results suggest that geniposide pretreatment inhibits H/R-induced myocardial apoptosis by reversing mitochondrial dysfunction, an effect in part due to activation of GLP-1R and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Increment of HFABP Level in Coronary Artery In-Stent Restenosis Segments in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Minipigs: HFABP Overexpression Promotes Multiple Pathway-Related Inflammation, Growth and Migration in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Chen Kang , Chen Qiu Jing , Wang Ling Jie , Liu Zhu Hui , Zhang Qi , Yang Ke , Wang Hai Bo , Yan Xiao Xiang , Zhu Zhen Bin , Du Run , Zhang Rui Yan , Shen Wei Feng , Lu Lin
Published: July 2016

Background: Our previous study suggested that heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) levels were greatly elevated in the conditioned medium of explant culture of in-stent restenosis (ISR) tissue from diabetic minipigs compared with those of non-ISR tissue. We here verified this result in animal tissues and investigated the impact of HFABP overexpression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (hASMCs). Methods and Results: In Western blot and real-time RT-PCR, HFABP protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in ISR than in non-ISR tissues from minipigs, and higher in the ISR tissue from diabetic minipigs than that from nondiabetic minipigs. The mRNA microarray and cellular effects of hASMC retroviral overexpression of HFABP and vector was analyzed. Compared with vector, HFABP transduction activates multiple signaling pathways (e.g. adipokine, TGF-β, Toll-like receptor, Wnt, Hedgehog, ErbB and Notch) and promotes inflammation, growth and migration in hASMCs whereas the knockdown of HFABP by small hairpin RNA attenuates these effects. Conclusion: HFABP expression is significantly higher in ISR tissue than in non-ISR tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic minipigs. Overexpression of HFABP induces multiple pathway-related promotion of inflammation, growth and migration in vascular SMCs, suggesting a potential role in coronary artery ISR.
Anterior Chamber Pathology in Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Ho Derek K. , Levin Alex V. , Anninger William V. , Piccoli David A. , Eagle Jr. Ralph C.
Published: July 2016

Background: Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by neonatal cholestasis, characteristic facies, and cardiac abnormalities. Ocular abnormalities include posterior embryotoxon, mosaic pattern of iris stromal hypoplasia, microcornea, optic disc drusen, and pigmentary retinopathy. We present the second report of ocular pathology in two cases of Alagille syndrome. Methods: Gross and histologic preparations of four eyes of two patients. Results: Posterior embryotoxon is seen in both cases, with iris processes extending to the embryotoxon in case 1. Case 1 exhibited distinctly abnormal iris stroma with a prominent cleft separating the anterior and posterior stroma. Lacy vacuolization of the iris pigment epithelium was seen in case 2. Conclusions: Alagille syndrome is primarily a hepatic disorder but presents with several distinct ocular pathologic features, most specifically posterior embryotoxon. This and the unusual iris stroma may be caused by improper migration of neural crest cells due to mutation in the Jagged 1 gene that causes Alagille syndrome. Patients with Alagille syndrome rarely present to ocular autopsy. Pathology findings may help us better understand the pathophysiology of the ocular abnormalities in this disorder.
Sex-Specific Effects of Prenatal Stress on Memory and Markers of Neuronal Activity in Juvenile Rats
Authors: Barbie-Shoshani Yael , Shoham Shai , Bejar Corina , Weinstock Marta
Published: July 2016

Stress during pregnancy can increase the incidence of emotional problems, learning and language difficulties in human infants and pre-adolescents. Most preclinical studies in rats that attempted to find experimental support for these observations were performed in adult male offspring, but the results are inconsistent. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of prenatal stress on novel object recognition (NOR) and spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze (MWM) of juvenile rats of both sexes. By the use of fluorescence immunohistochemistry and protein measurements by Western blot, we measured the expression of markers of neurogenesis (doublecortin, DCX) and neuronal activity that are important for synaptic plasticity and learning (c-fos, GluR1, nNOS). Since neuronal activity in the developing and adult brain can be regulated by astrocytes, we also measured the number of astrocytes and the expression of two astroglial proteins (GFAP and S100B) in the stress-responsive hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Experiments were performed on littermates of rats in which its effects on behavior were measured. We found for the first time that juvenile females performed better than males in the NOR and MWM tests. They also had higher densities of DCX and c-fos in the DG, together with the expression of nNOS and GluR1 in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the DG. There were no sex differences in the expression of GFAP and S100B in astrocytes. Prenatal stress did not affect NOR in females, but improved it in males, together with an increase in DCX+ and c-fos, the number of GFAP-expressing astrocytes and the intensity of GFAP and S100B immunofluorescence in the DG. Staining intensity of GluR1 and nNOS in the hilus and SGZ of the DG, and protein expression in the whole DG, was unchanged in prenatally stressed males. Thus, prenatal stress changed the behavior and expression of key proteins in the DG to resemble that in females. A reduction in plasma testosterone, which although not attaining statistical significance was associated with that in anogenital distance, may contribute to the effect of prenatal stress in males. In females, prenatal stress had no effect on c-fos, DCX or the number of astrocytes but reduced the staining intensity of GluR1 and nNOS. Protein expression of nNOS was also significantly lower than that in prenatally stressed males. The differential effects of prenatal stress on hippocampal neuronal and glial markers may help to explain the sex-dependent effect on spatial learning in prepubertal rats.
Practical Application of Elastography in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Borysewicz-Sanczyk Hanna , Dzieciol Janusz , Sawicka Beata , Bossowski Artur
Published: July 2016

Background: Ultrasound elastography is a noninvasive method of imaging based on the estimation of the mechanical properties of tissue. Data in adults indicate that decreased flexibility in comparison to the surrounding healthy tissue is characteristic of malignancy (in most thyroid carcinomas, except for follicular thyroid carcinoma). The purpose of our study was to assess the deformation of thyroid nodules and to evaluate the usefulness of elastography in predicting malignant thyroid nodules in adolescent patients. Methods: We examined 47 children with 62 thyroid nodules. All patients underwent elastography and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Results: Thirty-seven girls (79%) and 10 boys (21%) were included in the study. A strain ratio <2 was observed in 17 nodules (27% of the study group), a strain ratio between 2 and 4.9 in 34 nodules (55%) and a strain ratio >5 in 11 nodules (18%). According to cytological examination, 3 nodules (4.8% of the study group) were malignant. Two of them were hard (strain ratio ≥5), and 1 nodule had a strain ratio of 2. Conclusions: Our results suggest that elastography can be complementary to conventional ultrasonography and useful while making a decision about FNAC. At the same time, it should not replace the cytological assessment of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.
Optimal Coordination of DOCR for Radial Distribution Systems in Presence of TCSC
Authors: Bougouffa Lazhar , Chaghi Abdelaziz
Published: July 2016

Protective relays coordination is the process of determining the exact relay settings such that the relay closes to the fault would operates faster than other relays. The operating time of each relay depends on two independent variables called Pickup current (Ip) and Time Dial Setting (TDS). In this paper, a PSO algorithm has been presented to determine the coordination of Directional Over-Current Relays (DOCRs) in presence of multi-system FACTS devises. From the simulation result and analysis, the impact of TCSC location in the in 33-bus distribution system on Directional Over-Current Relays has been observed on the optimal relays settings as well as the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in finding optimal coordination of directional over-current relays.
Simulation and Implementation of Quasi-Z-Source Based Single-stage Buck/boost Inverter Fed Induction Motor
Authors: Shunmugakani P. , Kirubakaran D.
Published: July 2016

Renewable power systems as distributed generation units often experience big changes in the inverter input voltage due to fluctuations of energy resources. Z-source inverter (ZSI) is known as a single-stage buck/boost inverter. The ZSI achieves voltage buck/boost in single stage, without additional switches. Triggering on state enables energy to be stored in inductors, which is released when at non-shoot-through state, followed by the voltage boost feature. The voltage-fed Z-source inverter/quasi-Z-source inverter (QZSI) have been presented suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications mainly because of its single-stage buck and boost capability and the improved reliability.
Multi-objective Optimization Based Design of High Efficiency DC-DC Switching Converters
Authors: Ambrisi Angelo , De Magistris Massimiliano , Fresa Raffaele
Published: July 2016

In this paper we explore the feasibility of applying multi objective stochastic optimization algorithms to the optimal design of switching DC-DC converters, in this way allowing the direct determination of the Pareto optimal front of the problem. This approach provides the designer, at affordable computational cost, a complete optimal set of choices, and a more general insight in the objectives and parameters space, as compared to other design procedures. As simple but significant study case we consider a low power DC-DC hybrid control buck converter. Its optimal design is fully analyzed basing on a Matlab public domain implementations for the considered algorithms, the GODLIKE package implementing Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Simulated Annealing (SA). In this way, in a unique optimization environment, three different optimization approaches are easily implemented and compared. Basic assumptions for the Matlab model of the converter are briefly discussed, and the optimal design choice is validated “a-posteriori” with SPICE simulations.
Design of Hollow-Rotor Brushless DC Motor
Authors: Raja Othman Raja Nor Firdaus , Sulaiman Farina , Rizuan Suhairi , Abdul Karim Kasrul , Jidin Auzani , Sutikno Tole , Misron Norhisam
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses about design of hollow-rotor Brushless DC (BLDC) motor. A conventional BLDC motor has more leakage flux circling at the end of the permanent magnet that will limit torque. To overcome this problem, a new BLDC model known as hollow-rotor is proposed. The objective of this research is to design a hollow-rotor motor that will have higher torque density compared to conventional BLDC motor using Finite Element Method (FEM). In addition, performance analysis of the proposed hollow-rotor has also been carried out. For validation, the result of FEM is compared with the measurement result. It shows that, the simulation result has good agreement with the measurement result. For comparison, hollow-rotor shows higher torque density compared to conventional BLDC motor. As a conclusion, this paper provides guidelines and analysis in designing high torque hollow-rotor motor.
A Novel Optimal PI Parameter Tuning Strategy to Improve Constant Switching Performance of Direct Torque Control
Authors: Ramahlingam Sundram , Jidin Auzani , Sutikno Tole
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a novel method of optimal Propotional-Intergral (PI) controller’s parameter tuning strategy in-order to improve the Constant Switching Performance of 3-phase DTC shceme. The Direct Torque Control (DTC) sheme is acknowledged to provide fast decoupled control over the torque output and stator flux via a simple control structure. However, DTC sheme has two major downsides, which are the inconsistent inverter switching frequency and high torque output ripple. The main reason that contributes to these tribulations is the usage of hysteresis comparators in order to control the output torque. The realization of PI based controller method as replacement of hyterisis controller in DTC system able to provide significant solutions to over come the fall back while retaining the simple control structure of conventional DTC. The combination usage of higher sampling controller DS1004 and also 3-level CHMI in this system can further minimize the output torque ripple by providing higher resolution with lower digital error and greater number of vectors. This paper presents detail explanation and calculation of optimal PI parameter tuning strategy consecutively to enhance the performance of 3-level DTC system. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method experimentation, the proposed method is compared with convention DTC system via simulation and experiment results.
Comparative Study of Three Phase Grid Connected Photovoltaic Inverter Using PI and Fuzzy Logic Controller with Switching Losses Calculation
Authors: Venkatesan M. , Rajeshwari R. , Deverajan N. , Kaliyamoorthy M.
Published: July 2016

A comparative study of three phase grid connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter using Proprotional Controller (PI) and Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is presented in this paper. Proposed three phase inverter with single DC source employing three phase transformer for grid connected PV system controlled by using Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique.  PI and FLC are used as current controller for regulating the current. Perturb and observe Maximum Power Point Technique (MPPT) is used for tracking of maximum power from the PV panel. Finally Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) comparison made between two controllers for validation of results. Furthermore swithing losses of inverter are also presented. The simulation results are obtained using MATLAB simulink.
Juventude nos musseques da literatura angolana: mesmos caminhos, outras trajetórias
Authors: Cenci Denise
Published: July 2016

Este texto propõe um olhar para o percurso e os horizontes de dois jovens personagens moradores de musseques em obras literárias, dos períodos pré e pós independência em Angola: Zeca Santos, do livro Luuanda, publicado em 1963 por Luandino Vieira, e Nacib, do romance Predadores, publicado por Pepetela em 2004
Opinião de mães e professoras sobre o uso de um protocolo de observação do desempenho de crianças com deficiência física
Authors: Zafani Mariana Dutra , Omote Sadao , Baleotti Luciana Ramos
Published: July 2016

Objetivou-se descrever e analisar a opinião de mães e de professoras sobre o uso do Protocolo de Observação do Desempenho de Crianças com Deficiência Física na Realização de Atividades de Pintura e Colagem. Participaram 13 mães e 13 professoras de crianças com deficiência física. As participantes tinham duas tarefas. Primeiro, preencher o Protocolo com base na observação de uma filmagem da criança desempenhando uma atividade de pintura e colagem. Na sequência, responder a um roteiro de entrevista que tinha como objetivo identificar as suas opiniões acerca do uso deste Protocolo. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente. Os resultados sugerem que o Protocolo é de fácil preenchimento e de linguagem acessível para ambos os grupos. O seu uso representou uma possibilidade para identificar informações referentes ao desempenho da criança que, em alguma medida, podem contribuir para a atuação do professor e dos pais frente à realização de atividades escolares.
O CONTROLE JUDICIAL DAS POLÍTICAS E AÇÕES DE SAÚDE NO BRASIL
Authors: Marques Silvia Badim
Published: July 2016

Apresentação do Tema em Debate sobre controle judicial das políticas de saúde no Brasil.
SAÚDE DO IDOSO E EXECUÇÃO DA POLÍTICA NACIONAL DA PESSOA IDOSA NAS AÇÕES REALIZADAS NA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA À SAÚDE
Authors: Vieira Roseli Schminski , Vieira Reginaldo de Souza
Published: July 2016

A Política Nacional de Saúde da Pessoa Idosa (PNSPI) foi formulada pelo Ministério da Saúde por meio da Portaria n. 2.528/2006, em consonância com a Constituição de 1988. O estudo investigou se os municípios de uma região do Sul do Estado de Santa Catarina conhecem e aplicam a PNSPI durante as ações realizadas na atenção básica à saúde, em especial nas Unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família, à luz do que dispõem a Constituição e o Estatuto do Idoso. Na pesquisa, utilizou-se o método dedutivo, com abordagem qualitativa e pesquisa descritiva. Como resultados, destacam-se as dificuldades apresentadas pelos sujeitos da pesquisa acerca de dois pontos importantes das diretrizes e estratégias da PNSPI: a falta de uma política planejada e contínua de educação em saúde para os idosos; e a inexistência de estímulo ao exercício do controle social, no âmbito seja da saúde, seja do Conselho Municipal da Pessoa Idosa.
A RESPONSABILIDADE SOLIDÁRIA DAS COOPERATIVAS QUE COMPÕEM O GRUPO UNIMED
Authors: Scheffer Mario , Robba Rafael
Published: July 2016

As cooperativas médicas do grupo Unimed são hoje modalidade de grande expressão no mercado de assistência médica suplementar, pois reúnem o maior número de beneficiários e concentram o maior faturamento do setor. À luz de decisão do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ), que reconheceu a responsabilidade solidária em relação a obrigações contratadas por qualquer empresa pertencente ao grupo Unimed, o presente artigo analisa argumentos e repercussões do julgado. O dever de transparência decorre do direito básico do consumidor de receber informações claras e adequadas sobre serviços e produtos comercializados. Já a boa-fé objetiva está ligada à lealdade que as partes devem manter em todas as fases da contratação, em respeito às legítimas expectativas criadas. Conclui-se que o posicionamento do STJ, pela responsabilidade solidária de todas as empresas do grupo Unimed, é um desfecho lógico e necessário.