bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrine Attenuates COX-2 and ICAM-1 Expressions in Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Prevents Acute Lung Injury in LPS-Induced Mice
Authors: Liou Chian-Jiun , Lai You-Rong , Chen Ya-Ling , Chang Yi-Hsien , Li Zih-Ying , Huang Wen-Chung
Published: January 2016

Matrine is isolated from Sophora flavescens and shows anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages. Here we evaluated matrine’s suppressive effects on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated human lung epithelial A549 cells. Additionally, BALB/c mice were given various matrine doses by intraperitoneal injection, and then lung injury was induced via intratracheal instillation of LPS. In LPS-stimulated A549 cells, matrine inhibited the productions of interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and IL-6 and decreased COX-2 expression. Matrine treatment also decreased ICAM-1 protein expression and suppressed the adhesion of neutrophil-like cells to inflammatory A549 cells. In vitro results demonstrated that matrine significantly inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and decreased nuclear transcription factor kappa-B subunit p65 protein translocation into the nucleus. In vivo data indicated that matrine significantly inhibited neutrophil infiltration and suppressed productions of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 in mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. Analysis of lung tissue showed that matrine decreased the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, COX-2, and ICAM-1. Our findings suggest that matrine improved lung injury in mice and decreased the inflammatory response in human lung epithelial cells.
Endovascular Management of Aorta‐Iliac Stenosis and Occlusive Disease by Kissing‐Stent Technique
Authors: Liu Meng , Zhang Fuxian
Published: January 2016

Kissing‐stenting treatment has been used to treat patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the long term efficacy of the stenting therapy is not well defined in Chinese PAD patients. To investigate the question, sixty‐three PAD patients (37 males and 26 females), aged 66 ± 7.3 years, were analysed in the study. They were featured as claudication (n = 45, 71.4%), rest pain (n = 18, 28.6%), or gangrene (n = 8, 12.7%). In total, 161 stents were applied in aorta‐iliac lesions with 2.6 stents for each patient, including 55 self‐expanding stents, 98 balloon expandable stents, and 8 covered stents. The success rate of implanting Kissing‐stents was 100%. Catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT) with urokinase was performed in 8 cases (12.7%). The severity of peripheral ischemia was significantly improved, as evidenced by 3.3‐fold increase of ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI) after the surgery (P = 0.008). One, three, five, and seven years after surgery, the primary patency rate was 87.3%, 77.4%, 71.1%, and 65.0%, whereas the secondary patency rate was 95.2%, 92.5%, 89.5%, and 85.0%, respectively. No in‐hospital mortality was recorded. In conclusion, Kissing‐stenting technique for aorta‐iliac lesions is safe and effective with lower complications. It is beneficial for aorta‐iliac occlusions that are longer than 60 mm.
Shield Optimization and Formulation of Regression Equations for Split-Ring Resonator
Authors: Ejaz Tahir , Ur Rahman Hamood , Tauqeer T. , Masood Adnan , Zaidi Tahir
Published: January 2016

Microwave resonators are widely used for numerous applications including communication, biomedical and chemical applications, material testing, and food grading. Split-ring resonators in both planar and nonplanar forms are a simple structure which has been in use for several decades. This type of resonator is characterized with low cost, ease of fabrication, moderate quality factor, low external noise interference, high stability, and so forth. Due to these attractive features and ease in handling, nonplanar form of structure has been utilized for material characterization in 1–5 GHz range. Resonant frequency and quality factor are two important parameters for determination of material properties utilizing perturbation theory. Shield made of conducting material is utilized to enclose split-ring resonator which enhances quality factor. This work presents a novel technique to develop shield around a predesigned nonplanar split-ring resonator to yield optimized quality factor. Based on this technique and statistical analysis regression equations have also been formulated for resonant frequency and quality factor which is a major outcome of this work. These equations quantify dependence of output parameters on various factors of shield made of different materials. Such analysis is instrumental in development of devices/designs where improved/optimum result is required.
The Dynamics of Epidemic Model with Two Types of Infectious Diseases and Vertical Transmission
Authors: Naji Raid Kamel , Hussien Reem Mudar
Published: January 2016

An epidemic model that describes the dynamics of the spread of infectious diseases is proposed. Two different types of infectious diseases that spread through both horizontal and vertical transmission in the host population are considered. The basic reproduction numberR0is determined. The local and the global stability of all possible equilibrium points are achieved. The local bifurcation analysis and Hopf bifurcation analysis for the four-dimensional epidemic model are studied. Numerical simulations are used to confirm our obtained analytical results.
Seeding Stress Resilience through Inoculation
Authors: Ashokan Archana , Sivasubramanian Meenalochani , Mitra Rupshi
Published: January 2016

Stress is a generalized set of physiological and psychological responses observed when an organism is placed under challenging circumstances. The stress response allows organisms to reattain the equilibrium in face of perturbations. Unfortunately, chronic and/or traumatic exposure to stress frequently overwhelms coping ability of an individual. This is manifested as symptoms affecting emotions and cognition in stress-related mental disorders. Thus environmental interventions that promote resilience in face of stress have much clinical relevance. Focus of the bulk of relevant neurobiological research at present remains on negative aspects of health and psychological outcomes of stress exposure. Yet exposure to the stress itself can promote resilience to subsequent stressful episodes later in the life. This is especially true if the prior stress occurs early in life, is mild in its magnitude, and is controllable by the individual. This articulation has been referred to as “stress inoculation,” reminiscent of resilience to the pathology generated through vaccination by attenuated pathogen itself. Using experimental evidence from animal models, this review explores relationship between nature of the “inoculum” stress and subsequent psychological resilience.
Autonomous Gait Event Detection with Portable Single-Camera Gait Kinematics Analysis System
Authors: Yang Cheng , Ugbolue Ukadike C. , Kerr Andrew , Stankovic Vladimir , Stankovic Lina , Carse Bruce , Kaliarntas Konstantinos T. , Rowe Philip J.
Published: January 2016

Laboratory-based nonwearable motion analysis systems have significantly advanced with robust objective measurement of the limb motion, resulting in quantified, standardized, and reliable outcome measures compared with traditional, semisubjective, observational gait analysis. However, the requirement for large laboratory space and operational expertise makes these systems impractical for gait analysis at local clinics and homes. In this paper, we focus on autonomous gait event detection with our bespoke, relatively inexpensive, and portable, single-camera gait kinematics analysis system. Our proposed system includes video acquisition with camera calibration, Kalman filter + Structural-Similarity-based marker tracking, autonomous knee angle calculation, video-frame-identification-based autonomous gait event detection, and result visualization. The only operational effort required is the marker-template selection for tracking initialization, aided by an easy-to-use graphic user interface. The knee angle validation on 10 stroke patients and 5 healthy volunteers against a gold standard optical motion analysis system indicates very good agreement. The autonomous gait event detection shows high detection rates for all gait events. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can automatically measure the knee angle and detect gait events with good accuracy and thus offer an alternative, cost-effective, and convenient solution for clinical gait kinematics analysis.
Neuron-Glia Interactions in Neural Plasticity: Contributions of Neural Extracellular Matrix and Perineuronal Nets
Authors: Dzyubenko Egor , Gottschling Christine , Faissner Andreas
Published: January 2016

Synapses are specialized structures that mediate rapid and efficient signal transmission between neurons and are surrounded by glial cells. Astrocytes develop an intimate association with synapses in the central nervous system (CNS) and contribute to the regulation of ion and neurotransmitter concentrations. Together with neurons, they shape intercellular space to provide a stable milieu for neuronal activity. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components are synthesized by both neurons and astrocytes and play an important role in the formation, maintenance, and function of synapses in the CNS. The components of the ECM have been detected near glial processes, which abut onto the CNS synaptic unit, where they are part of the specialized macromolecular assemblies, termed perineuronal nets (PNNs). PNNs have originally been discovered by Golgi and represent a molecular scaffold deposited in the interface between the astrocyte and subsets of neurons in the vicinity of the synapse. Recent reports strongly suggest that PNNs are tightly involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Moreover, several studies have implicated PNNs and the neural ECM in neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we highlight current concepts relating to neural ECM and PNNs and describe anin vitroapproach that allows for the investigation of ECM functions for synaptogenesis.
The Stricter the Better? The Relationship between Targeted HbA1cValues and Metabolic Control of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Braun Marcin , Tomasik Bartlomiej , Wrona Ewa , Fendler Wojciech , Jarosz-Chobot Przemyslawa , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Zmysłowska Agnieszka , Wilson Jayne , Mlynarski Wojciech
Published: January 2016

Introduction. It remains unclear howHbA1crecommendations influence metabolic control of paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. To evaluate this we compared reportedHbA1cwith guideline thresholds.Materials and Methods. We searched systematically MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies reporting onHbA1cin children with T1DM and grouped them according to targetedHbA1cobtained from regional guidelines. We assessed the discrepancies in the metabolic control between these groups by comparing meanHbA1cextracted from each study and the differences between actual and targetedHbA1c.Results. We included 105 from 1365 searched studies. The median (IQR)HbA1cfor the study population was 8.30% (8.00%–8.70%) and was lower in “6.5%” than in “7.5%” as targetedHbA1clevel (8.20% (7.85%–8.57%) versus 8.40% (8.20%–8.80%);p=0.028). Median difference between actual and targetedHbA1cwas 1.20% (0.80%–1.70%) and was higher in “6.5%” than in “7.5%” (1.70% (1.30%–2.07%) versus 0.90% (0.70%–1.30%), resp.;p<0.001).Conclusions. Our study indicates that the 7.5% threshold results inHbA1clevels being closer to the therapeutic goal, but the actual values are still higher than those observed in the “6.5%” group. A meta-analysis of raw data from national registries or a prospective study comparing both approaches is warranted as the next step to examine this subject further.
Notch1 Pathway Protects against Burn‐Induced Myocardial Injury by Repressing Reactive Oxygen Species Production through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Cai Weixia , Yang Xuekang , Han Shichao , Guo Haitao , Zheng Zhao , Wang Hongtao , Guan Hao , Jia Yanhui , Gao Jianxin , Yang Tao , Zhu Xiongxiang , Hu Dahai
Published: January 2016

Oxidative stress plays an important role in burn‐induced myocardial injury, but the cellular mechanisms that control reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging are not fully understood. This study demonstrated that blockade of Notch signaling via knockout of the transcription factor RBP‐J or a pharmacological inhibitor aggravated postburn myocardial injury, which manifested as deteriorated serum CK, CK‐MB, and LDH levels and increased apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Interruption of Notch signaling increased intracellular ROS production, and a ROS scavenger reversed the exacerbated myocardial injury after Notch signaling blockade. These results suggest that Notch signaling deficiency aggravated postburn myocardial injury through increased ROS levels. Notch signaling blockade also decreased MnSOD expression in vitro and in vivo. Notably, Notch signaling blockade downregulated p‐JAK2 and p‐STAT3 expression. Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling with AG490 markedly decreased MnSOD expression, increased ROS production, and aggravated myocardial injury. AG490 plus GSI exerted no additional effects. These results demonstrate that Notch signaling protects against burn‐induced myocardial injury through JAK2/STAT3 signaling, which activates the expression of MnSOD and leads to decreased ROS levels.
Magnetic Alignment Detection Using Existing Charging Facility in Wireless EV Chargers
Authors: Gao Yabiao , Oliveira Aleff Antonio , Farley Kathleen Blair , Tse Zion Tsz Ho
Published: January 2016

Wireless charging is a promising outlet to promote the electric vehicle (EV) industry due to its safe and noncontact manner. Wireless EV chargers require the secondary receiver coil to be well aligned with the primary station for efficient charging, which could require more of the driver’s time and attention when parking a vehicle. Therefore, this paper presents a magnetic alignment system to assist the EV driver during parking. The magnetic alignment approach uses the existing coil and frequency tracking control electronics of wireless chargers to detect the distance between the two coils while using 4 small auxiliary coils for direction and fine adjustment, leading to a cost effective detection method for coil alignment in electric vehicle wireless charging (EVWC). The testing results of a prototype show acceptable measurement correctness and the mean error for ten trials in range detection is within 0.25 cm at three different misalignment conditions (10.5, 15, and 20 cm). The positioning accuracy of coil alignment is within 1.2 cm for three different start positions with the auxiliary coils.
[Retracted] The Favorable Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment on the Antioxidant Protective Mechanism in the Corneal Epithelium and Renewal of Corneal Optical Properties Changed after Alkali Burns
Authors: Cejka Cestmir , Holan Vladimir , Trosan Peter , Zajicova Alena , Javorkova Eliska , Cejkova Jitka
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to examine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or corneal limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs) influence restoration of an antioxidant protective mechanism in the corneal epithelium and renewal of corneal optical properties changed after alkali burns. The injured rabbit corneas (with 0.25 N NaOH) were untreated or treated with nanofiber scaffolds free of stem cells, with nanofiber scaffolds seeded with bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs), with adipose tissue MSCs (Ad‐MSCs), or with LSCs. On day 15 following the injury, after BM‐MSCs or LSCs nanofiber treatment (less after Ad‐MSCs treatment) the expression of antioxidant enzymes was restored in the regenerated corneal epithelium and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) were low. The central corneal thickness (taken as an index of corneal hydration) increased after the injury and returned to levels before the injury. In injured untreated corneas the epithelium was absent and numerous cells revealed the expressions of iNOS, MMP9, α‐SMA, TGF‐β1, and VEGF. In conclusion, stem cell treatment accelerated regeneration of the corneal epithelium, restored the antioxidant protective mechanism, and renewed corneal optical properties.
Hydrogen Sulfide and Cellular Redox Homeostasis
Authors: Xie Zhi-Zhong , Liu Yang , Bian Jin-Song
Published: January 2016

Intracellular redox imbalance is mainly caused by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or weakness of the natural antioxidant defense system. It is involved in the pathophysiology of a wide array of human diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as the third “gasotransmitters” and proved to exert a wide range of physiological and cytoprotective functions in the biological systems. Among these functions, the role of H2S in oxidative stress has been one of the main focuses over years. However, the underlying mechanisms for the antioxidant effect of H2S are still poorly comprehended. This review presents an overview of the current understanding of H2S specially focusing on the new understanding and mechanisms of the antioxidant effects of H2S based on recent reports. Both inhibition of ROS generation and stimulation of antioxidants are discussed. H2S‐induced S‐sulfhydration of key proteins (e.g., p66Shc and Keap1) is also one of the focuses of this review.
Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode NDO-Based Control of Underactuated AUV in Vertical Plane
Authors: Chen Wei , Wei Yanhui , Zeng Jianhui , Han Han , Jia Xianqiang
Published: January 2016

The depth tracking issue of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in vertical plane is addressed in this paper. Considering the complicated dynamics and kinematics model for underactuated AUV, a more simplified model is obtained based on assumptions. Then a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is presented to estimate the external disturbance acting on AUV, and an adaptive terminal sliding mode control (ATSMC) based on NDO is applied to enhance the depth tracking performance of underactuated AUV considering both internal and external disturbance. Compared with the traditional sliding mode controller, the static error and chattering problem of the depth tracking process have been clearly improved by adopting NDO-based ATSMC. The stability of control system is proven to be guaranteed according to Lyapunov theory. In the end, simulation results imply that the proposed controller owns strong robustness and satisfied control effectiveness in comparison with the traditional controller.
Neurolinguistics: Structure, Function, and Connectivity in the Bilingual Brain
Authors: Wong Becky , Yin Bin , O’Brien Beth
Published: January 2016

Advances in neuroimaging techniques and analytic methods have led to a proliferation of studies investigating the impact of bilingualism on the cognitive and brain systems in humans. Lately, these findings have attracted much interest and debate in the field, leading to a number of recent commentaries and reviews. Here, we contribute to the ongoing discussion by compiling and interpreting the plethora of findings that relate to the structural, functional, and connective changes in the brain that ensue from bilingualism. In doing so, we integrate theoretical models and empirical findings from linguistics, cognitive/developmental psychology, and neuroscience to examine the following issues: (1) whether the language neural network is different for first (dominant) versus second (nondominant) language processing; (2) the effects of bilinguals’ executive functioning on the structure and function of the “universal” language neural network; (3) the differential effects of bilingualism on phonological, lexical-semantic, and syntactic aspects of language processing on the brain; and (4) the effects of age of acquisition and proficiency of the user’s second language in the bilingual brain, and how these have implications for future research in neurolinguistics.
Scan Statistics for Detecting High-Variance Clusters
Authors: Cucala Lionel
Published: January 2016

Scan statistics are mostly used to detect spatial areas or time intervals in which the mean level of a given variable is more important. Sometimes, when this variable is continuous, there is an interest in looking for clusters in which its variability is more important. In this paper, two scan statistics are introduced for identifying clusters of values exhibiting higher variance. Like many classical scan statistics, the first one relies on a generalized likelihood ratio test whereas the second one is based on ratios of empirical variances. These methods are useful to identify spatial areas or time intervals in which the variability of a given variable is more important. In an application of the new methods, I look for geographical clusters of high-variability income in France and then for residuals exhibiting higher variance in a linear regression context.
Operational Modal Analysis Based on Subspace Algorithm with an Improved Stabilization Diagram Method
Authors: Qin Shiqiang , Kang Juntao , Wang Qiuping
Published: January 2016

Subspace-based algorithms for operational modal analysis have been extensively studied in the past decades. In the postprocessing of subspace-based algorithms, the stabilization diagram is often used to determine modal parameters. In this paper, an improved stabilization diagram is proposed for stochastic subspace identification. Specifically, first, a model order selection method based on singular entropy theory is proposed. The singular entropy increment is calculated from nonzero singular values of the output covariance matrix. The corresponding model order can be selected when the variation of singular entropy increment approaches to zero. Then, the stabilization diagram with confidence intervals which is established using the uncertainty of modal parameter is presented. Finally, a simulation example of a four-story structure and a full-scale cable-stayed footbridge application is employed to illustrate the improved stabilization diagram method. The study demonstrates that the model order can be reasonably determined by the proposed method. The stabilization diagram with confidence intervals can effectively remove the spurious modes.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Generation Strategy and Epigenetic Mystery behind Reprogramming
Authors: Ji Pengfei , Manupipatpong Sasicha , Xie Nina , Li Yujing
Published: January 2016

Possessing the ability of self‐renewal with immortalization and potential for differentiation into different cell types, stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells (ESC), have attracted significant attention since their discovery. As ESC research has played an essential role in developing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying reproduction, development, and cell (de)differentiation, significant efforts have been made in the biomedical study of ESC in recent decades. However, such studies of ESC have been hampered by the ethical issues and technological challenges surrounding them, therefore dramatically inhibiting the potential applications of ESC in basic biomedical studies and clinical medicine. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated from the reprogrammed somatic cells, share similar characteristics including but not limited to the morphology and growth of ESC, self‐renewal, and potential differentiation into various cell types. The discovery of the iPSC, unhindered by the aforementioned limitations of ESC, introduces a viable alternative to ESC. More importantly, the applications of iPSC in the development of disease models such as neurodegenerative disorders greatly enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of such diseases and also facilitate the development of clinical therapeutic strategies using iPSC generated from patient somatic cells to avoid an immune rejection. In this review, we highlight the advances in iPSCs generation methods as well as the mechanisms behind their reprogramming. We also discuss future perspectives for the development of iPSC generation methods with higher efficiency and safety.
Circulating Interferon-Gamma Levels Are Associated with Low Body Weight in Newly Diagnosed Kenyan Non-Substance Using Tuberculosis Individuals
Authors: Shaviya Nathan , Budambula Valentine , Webale Mark K. , Were Tom
Published: January 2016

Although interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and adiponectin are key immunopathogenesis mediators of tuberculosis, their association with clinical manifestations of early stage disease is inconclusive. We determined interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and adiponectin levels in clinically and phenotypically well-characterised non-substance using new pulmonary tuberculosis patients (n=13) and controls (n=14) from Kenya. Interferon-gamma levels (P<0.0001) and interferon-gamma to interleukin-10 (P<0.001) and interferon-gamma to adiponectin (P=0.027) ratios were elevated in tuberculosis cases. Correlation analyses in tuberculosis cases showed associations of interferon-gamma levels with body weight (ρ=-0.849;P<0.0001), body mass index (ρ=0.664;P=0.013), hip girth (ρ=-0.579;P=0.038), and plateletcrit (ρ=0.605;P=0.028); interferon-gamma to interleukin-10 ratio with diastolic pressure (ρ=-0.729;P=0.005); and interferon-gamma to adiponectin ratio with body weight (ρ=-0.560;P=0.047), body mass index (ρ=-0.604;P=0.029), and plateletcrit (ρ=0.793;P=0.001). Taken together, our results suggest mild-inflammation in early stage infection characterised by upregulation of circulating interferon-gamma production in newly infected TB patients.
Periodic Properties of 1D FE Discrete Models in High Frequency Dynamics
Authors: Żak A. , Krawczuk M. , Palacz M.
Published: January 2016

Finite element discrete models of various engineering 1D structures may be considered as structures of certain periodic characteristics. The source of this periodicity comes from the discontinuity of stress/strain field between the elements. This behaviour remains unnoticeable, when low frequency dynamics of these structures is investigated. At high frequency regimes, however, its influence may be strong enough to dominate calculated structural responses distorting or even falsifying them completely. In this paper, certain computational aspects of structural periodicity of 1D FE discrete models are discussed by the authors. In this discussion, the authors focus their attention on an exemplary problem of 1D rod modelled according to the elementary theory.
Differential Impacts of Soybean and Fish Oils on Hepatocyte Lipid Droplet Accumulation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Primary Rabbit Hepatocytes
Authors: Zhu Xueping , Xiao Zhihui , Xu Yumin , Zhao Xingli , Cheng Ping , Cui Ningxun , Cui Mingling , Li Jie , Zhu Xiaoli
Published: January 2016

Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) is a severe ailment associated with long-term parenteral nutrition. Soybean oil-based lipid emulsions (SOLE) are thought to promote PNALD development, whereas fish oil-based lipid emulsions (FOLE) are thought to protect against PNALD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SOLE and FOLE on primary rabbit hepatocytes. The results reveal that SOLE caused significant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial damage, ultimately resulting in lipid droplets accumulation and ER stress. While these deleterious events induce hepatocyte injury, FOLE at high doses cause only minor ER and mitochondrial damage, which has no effect on hepatic function. SOLE also significantly upregulated glucose-regulated protein 94 mRNA and protein expression. These data indicate that SOLE, but not FOLE, damage the ER and mitochondria, resulting in lipid droplets accumulation and ER stress and, finally, hepatocyte injury. This likely contributes to the differential impacts of SOLE and FOLE on PNALD development and progression.
Histological Features and Tissue Microarray Taxonomy of Nigerian Breast Cancer Reveal Predominance of the High-Grade Triple-Negative Phenotype
Authors: Titloye N.A. , Foster A. , Omoniyi-Esan G.O. , Komolafe A.O. , Daramola A.O. , Adeoye O.A. , Adisa A.O. , Manoharan A. , Pathak D. , D''Cruz M.N. , Alizadeh Y. , Lewis P.D. , Shaaban A.M.
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Little is known about the biology, molecular profile and hence optimal treatment of African Nigerian breast cancer. The aim of this work, therefore, was to characterize the histology and molecular profile of Nigerian breast cancer. Methods: Breast carcinomas from women at 6 centres of similar tribal origin in Nigeria were reviewed and assembled into tissue microarrays (TMAs), and sections were stained for hormone receptors, i.e. estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ1, ERβ progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor, cyclin D, HER2, Ki67 and cytokeratins (CKs), i.e. CK5/6 and CK14 (basal) and CK18 and 19 (luminal). Results: A total of 835 tumours were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.62 ± 12.41 years. The most common histological subtype was ductal NST (no-special-type) carcinoma (87.3%). Over 90% of the tumours were grade 2 or 3. The predominant molecular phenotype was the non-basal, triple-negative type (47.65%) followed by the HER2-positive group (19.6%). The percentage of ER-, PR- and HER2-positive tumours was 22.4, 18.9 and 18.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Nigerian breast cancer predominantly has a high-grade, triple-negative profile. It occurs at a younger age and bears similarities at the molecular level to pre-menopausal breast cancer in white women, with remarkably lower levels of ERβ expression. The early presentation and histological and molecular phenotype may explain the poor prognosis, and tailoring treatment strategies to target this unique profile are required.
Influence of White-Coat Hypertension on Left Ventricular Deformation 2- and 3-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Ivanovic Branislava , Ilic Irena , Celic Vera , Kocijancic Vesna
Published: January 2016

We sought to compare left ventricular deformation in subjects with white-coat hypertension to normotensive and sustained hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study included 139 untreated subjects who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and completed 2- and 3-dimensional examination. Two-dimensional left ventricular multilayer strain analysis was also performed. White-coat hypertension was diagnosed if clinical blood pressure was elevated and 24-hour blood pressure was normal. Our results showed that left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains gradually decreased from normotensive controls across subjects with white-coat hypertension to sustained hypertensive group. Two- and 3-dimensional left ventricular radial strain, as well as 3-dimensional area strain, was not different between groups. Two-dimensional left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains of subendocardial and mid-myocardial layers gradually decreased from normotensive control to sustained hypertensive group. Longitudinal and circumferential strains of subepicardial layer did not differ between the observed groups. We concluded that white-coat hypertension significantly affects left ventricular deformation assessed by 2-dimensional traditional strain, multilayer strain, and 3-dimensional strain.
Age‐Related Changes of Normal Cerebral and Cardiac Blood Flow in Children and Adults Aged 7 Months to 61 Years
Authors: Wu Can , Honarmand Amir R. , Schnell Susanne , Kuhn Ryan , Schoeneman Samantha E. , Ansari Sameer A. , Carr James , Markl Michael , Shaibani Ali
Published: January 2016

Background

Cerebral and cardiac blood flow are important to the pathophysiology and development of cerebro‐ and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the age dependence of normal cerebral and cardiac hemodynamics in children and adults over a broad range of ages.

Methods and Results

Overall, 52 children (aged 0.6–17.2 years) and 30 adults (aged 19.2–60.7 years) without cerebro‐ and cardiovascular diseases were included in this study. Intracranial 4‐dimensional flow and cardiac 2‐dimensional phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging were performed for all participants to measure flow parameters in the major intracranial vessels and aorta. Total cerebral blood flow (
TCBF
), cardiac and cerebral indexes, brain volume, and global cerebral perfusion (
TCBF
/brain volume) were evaluated. Flow analysis revealed that
TCBF
increased significantly from age 7 months to 6 years (
P
<0.001) and declined thereafter (
P
<0.001). Both cardiac and cerebral indices declined with age (
P
<0.001). The ratio of
TCBF
to ascending aortic flow declined rapidly until age 18 years (
P
<0.001) and remained relatively stable thereafter. Age‐related changes of cerebral vascular peak velocities exhibited a trend similar to
TCBF
. By comparison, aortic peak velocities maintained relatively high levels in children and declined with age in adults (
P
<0.001).
TCBF
significantly correlated with brain volume in adults (
P
=0.005) and in 2 pediatric subgroups, aged <7 years (
P
<0.001) and 7 to 18 years (
P
=0.039).

Conclusions

Cerebral and cardiac flow parameters are highly associated with age. The findings collectively highlight the importance of age‐matched control data for the characterization of intracranial and cardiac hemodynamics.
Kronos: A Declarative Metaprogramming Language for Digital Signal Processing
Authors: Norilo Vesa
Published: January 2016

Kronos is a signal-processing programming language based on the principles of semifunctional reactive systems. It is aimed at efficient signal processing at the elementary level, and built to scale towards higher-level tasks by utilizing the powerful programming paradigms of “metaprogramming” and reactive multirate systems. The Kronos language features expressive source code as well as a streamlined, efficient runtime. The programming model presented is adaptable for both sample-stream and event processing, offering a cleanly functional programming paradigm for a wide range of musical signal-processing problems, exemplified herein by a selection and discussion of code examples.
As the Pirates Become CEOs: The Closing of the Open Internet
Authors: Tufekci Zeynep
Published: January 2016

The early Internet witnessed the flourishing of a digitally networked public sphere in which many people, including dissidents who had little to no access to mass media, found a voice as well as a place to connect with one another. As the Internet matures, its initial decentralized form has been increasingly replaced by a small number of ad-financed platforms, such as Facebook and Google, which structure the online experience of billions of people. These platforms often design, control, influence, and “optimize” the user experience according to their own internal values and priorities, sometimes using emergent methods such as algorithmic filtering and computational inference of private traits from computational social science. The shift to a small number of controlling platforms stems from a variety of dynamics, including network effects and the attractions of easier-to-use, closed platforms. This article considers these developments and their consequences for the vitality of the public sphere.
Aristotle on Becoming Virtuous by Doing Virtuous Actions
Authors: Jimenez Marta
Published: January 2016

Aristotle’s claim that we become virtuous by doing virtuous actions raises a familiar problem: How can we perform virtuous actions unless we are already virtuous? I reject deflationary accounts of the answer given inNicomachean Ethics2.4 and argue instead that proper habituation involves doing virtuous actions with the right motive, i.e. for the sake of the noble, even though learners do not yet have virtuous dispositions. My interpretation confers continuity to habituation and explains in a non-mysterious way how we become virtuous by doing virtuous actions in the right way.
Argumentative Strategies for Interpreting Plato’s Cosmogony: Taurus and the Issue of Literalism in Antiquity
Authors: Petrucci Federico M.
Published: January 2016

Contemporary debate on Plato’s cosmogony often assumes that the ‘literal’ reading of theTimaeusyields an account of creation, while the view that the cosmos always existed is non-literal. In antiquity, Taurus has been seen as a forerunner of the ‘non-literal’ interpretation. This paper shows, on the contrary, that Taurus’ argument for the sempiternity of the cosmos is a literalist one, relying on a strict linguistic analysis ofTimaeus28b6-8.
A new species of freshwater turtle of the genus Elseya (Testudinata: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: THOMSON SCOTT , GEORGES ARTHUR
Published: January 2016

The genus Elseya has had a checkered taxonomic history, but is now restricted to species characterized by an alveolar ridge on the triturating surfaces of the jaw. The Australian forms were once regarded as a single widespread species extending from the Mary River of south-eastern Queensland to the Fitzroy River of north Western Australia, but a number of Australian species have now been identified based on a combination of molecular and morphological data—Elseya dentata, E. irwini, E. lavarackorum and E. albagula. The genus is represented in New Guinea by E. branderhorsti, E. novaeguineae, E. schultzii, and E. rhodini. One additional Australian taxon first identified in 1981 and subsequently established as a distinct taxon by molecular studies, is described here. It is a large chelid turtle that can be distinguished from all other Australian members of the genus Elseya by the distinctive cream or yellow plastron, free of the dark streaking, blotches or suffusing present in other species; an extensive bridge with little or no abrupt angle between the bridge and the ventral surface of the plastron; a head shield broken into a series of small plates rather than a single unit; flat uncornified temporal scales; and a narrower, less robust skull. Osteologically, it can be distinguished from Elseya dentata by the contact of the vomer and the pterygoids. The carapace is typically a light to medium brown in color whereas the carapace of Elseya dentata is typically dark brown to almost black in color. Distribution is the Mary, South Alligator, East Alligator, Goyder and Mann River drainages of the north east of the Northern Territory, Australia. It does not appear to be in sympatry with any other member of Elseya. It is, however, in sympatry with three species of Chelodina, at least two species of Emydura, Myuchelys latisternum and Carettochelys insculpta.
Review of the genus Aulidiotis Meyrick, 1925 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: LIU LINJIE , LI HOUHUN
Published: January 2016

The genus Aulidiotis Meyrick, 1925 is reviewed. Aulidiotis trimaculata Li, sp. nov., A. recta Li, sp. nov. and A. biloba Li, sp. nov. are described as new. One possibly new species from Hainan is discussed but not formally named for lack of material. Aulidiotis bicolor Moriuti, 1977 is recorded for the first time in China, and A. phoxopterella (Snellen, 1903) is redescribed. Photographs of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to all the species of the genus and a map to exhibit the distribution of these species.
The Shannoniella sisters (Diptera: Rhinophoridae)
Authors: NIHEI SILVIO S. , ANDRADE MARCOS R. , PAPE THOMAS , CERRETTI PIERFILIPPO
Published: January 2016

Shannoniella cuspidata Townsend, 1939 is redescribed and S. setinervis sp. nov. (Brazil, State of Rio de Janeiro) is newly described as its putative sister taxon, thereby allowing for a strict definition of the genus Shannoniella Townsend, 1939 through explicit synapomorphies. An identification key is provided.
Hesperus rougemonti sp. n. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from Borneo
Authors: SCHILLHAMMER HARALD
Published: January 2016

The genus Hesperus Fauvel is, in its current concept, an obviously polyphyletic assemblage. One of the species groups that stand out, due to a combination of characters unusual for Hesperus, is the borneensis group. These characters are the subserrate antennae and the paramere bearing numerous peg setae. Otherwise, the members of this group look as typical for a Hesperus as it can be. At present, the group comprises the following species: H. birmanus Cameron, 1932, H. borneensis Bernhauer, 1915, H. javanus Cameron, 1937, H. malayanus Cameron, 1932a, H. susannekontrusae Schillhammer, 2005, H. temburong Schillhammer, 2002, H. watanabei Shibata, 2002, and H. wemmeri Schillhammer, 2002.
Недостатки и достоинства разных систем транскрипции при записи говора старообрядцев в Польше
Authors: Яскульски [Jaskólski] Адам [Adam]
Published: January 2016

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of phonetic transcription for notation of the dialect of Old Believers in Poland The author presents the problems associated with the phonetic representation of the dialect of the Old Believers in Poland in the conditions of bilingualism. The Old Believers’ Russian dialect is has been under influence of the Polish language for over a century. On the phonetic level the main expressions of interference are: pronunciation of palatal consonants [ś], [ź], [ć], [ʒ́], [ń] instead of Russian soft coronal conso­nants [s’], [z’], [t’], [d’], [n’] as well as pronunciation of the labial glide [w] instead of Russian velarized lateral consonant [ł]. In the conditions of bilingualism using only a Russian phonetic transcription seems to be insufficient, since it does not include signs for notation sounds which turned up in the Russian dialect under the influence of Polish phonetics. With reference to the mentioned above one should use a more universal transcription system. Since in the studied dialect numerous elements of two languages are coexisting and both of them are Slavonic languages, the author proposes the use of Slavonic transcription system for notation of Polish Old Believers’ speech. Wady i zalety różnych systemów transkrypcji przy zapisie fonetycznym gwary polskich staroobrzędowców W artykule autor przedstawia problemy związane z zapisem fonetycznym gwary polskich staroobrzędowców w warunkach dwujęzyczności, a także proponuje sposoby ich rozwiązania. Rosyjska gwara polskich staroobrzędowców podlega stałemu wpływowi języka polskiego. Głównymi przejawami interferencji na poziomie fonetycznym jest wymowa spółgłosek palatalnych [ś], [ź], [ć], [ʒ́], [ń] na miejscu rosyjskich miękkich przedniojęzykowych spółgłosek [s’], [z’], [t’], [d’], [n’], a także wymowa glajdu wargowego [w] zamiast rosyjskiej welaryzowanej spółgłoski lateralnej [ł]. W warunkach dwujęzyczności niewystarczającym wydaje się użycie tylko rosyjskiego systemu transkrypcji, ponieważ brakuje w nim znaków do oznaczenia dźwięków, które pojawiły się w gwarze polskich staroobrzędowców pod wpływem polskiej fonetyki. W związku z powyższym powinien być użyty bardziej uniwersalny system transkrypcji lub system mieszany, wykorzystujący znaki różnych alfabetów fonetycznych. Ponieważ w badanej gwarze współistnieją liczne elementy dwóch języków i obydwa te języki są słowiańskie, do jej zapisu fonetycznego optymalny wydaje się slawistyczny system transkrypcji.
Irena Maryniakowa, Dorota K. Rembiszewska, Janusz Siatkowski, Różnojęzyczne słownictwo gwarowe Podlasia, Suwalszczyzny i północno-wschodniego Mazowsza, Warszawa: Instytut Slawistyki PAN, 2014, 476 ss.
Authors: Głuszkowski Michał
Published: January 2016

Review The monograph Różnojęzyczne słownictwo gwarowe Podlasia, Suwalszczyzny i północno-wschodniego Mazowsza is a result of an innovative, holistic approach in lexicography. The authors are not interested in separate languages, but in a specified linguistic area as a whole. The contact of Polish, Lithuanian and Eastern-Slavonic dialects in North East Poland lasts several centuries and it is impossible to set the borders between these codes. Thus, the holistic approach is the best theoretical solution in question. Recenzja Opracowanie Różnojęzyczne słownictwo gwarowe Podlasia, Suwalszczyzny i północno-wschodniego Mazowsza jest efektem nowatorskiego, kompleksowego podejścia badawczego w leksykografii. Przedmiotem badań nie są poszczególne systemy językowe, lecz pewien obszar językowy jako całość. Wielowiekowy kontakt gwar polskich, wschodniosłowiańskich i litewskich na terenach północno-wschodniej Polski uniemożliwia jednoznaczne określenie ich granic, w związku z czym ujęcie holistyczne jest ze wszech miar uzasadnione.
Teksty ze wsi Darwinieki oraz z Iłukszty na Łotwie z komentarzem językowym
Authors: Ostrówka Małgorzata Maria
Published: January 2016

Texts from the villages Darvinieki and Iłukszta in Latvia with linguistic commentsThe study contains dialect texts recorded in the village Darvinieki in the 1960s by Józefa Parszuta (a researcher of the Polish language who was born in Latvia) and texts recorded by the author in Iłukszta in 2001. The texts are preceded with a linguistic comment including a description of the most important phonetic, morphological and syntactic features which are characteristic of the Polish north borderland dialect. Teksty ze wsi Darwinieki oraz z Iłukszty na Łotwie z komentarzem językowymOpracowanie zawiera teksty gwarowe zapisane we wsi Darwinieki w latach 60. XX w. przez Józefę Parszutę, urodzoną na Łotwie badaczkę języka polskiego, oraz teksty nagrane przez autorkę w Iłukszcie w roku 2001. Teksty poprzedza komentarz językowy, zawierający opis najważniejszych cech fonetycznych, fleksyjnych i składniowych, charakterystycznych dla polszczyzny północnokresowej.
Relative Roles of Dynamic and Thermodynamic Processes in Causing Evolution Asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña*
Authors: Chen Mingcheng , Li Tim , Shen Xinyong , Wu Bo
Published: January 2016

Observed SST anomaly (SSTA) in the equatorial eastern Pacific exhibits an asymmetric evolution characteristic between El Niño and La Niña. While El Niño is characterized by a rapid decay after its peak and a fast phase transition to a cold episode in the following winter, La Niña is characterized by a weaker decay after its peak and a reintensification of cold SSTA in the second year. The relative roles of dynamic (wind field) and thermodynamic (heat flux) processes in causing the asymmetric evolutions are investigated through a mixed layer heat budget analysis. The result shows both dynamic and thermodynamic processes contribute to the evolution asymmetry. The former is related to asymmetric wind responses in the western Pacific, whereas the latter is associated with asymmetric cloud–radiation–SST and evaporation–SST feedbacks. A strong negative SSTA tendency occurs during El Niño decaying phase, compared to a much weaker positive SSTA tendency during La Niña decaying phase. Such a difference leads to an SSTA sign change for El Niño but no sign change for La Niña by the end of summer of the second year. A season-dependent coupled instability kicks in during northern fall, leading to the development of a La Niña by end of the second year for El Niño, but the reoccurrence of a La Niña episode by end of the second year for La Niña. The overall heat budget analysis during the entire ENSO evolutions indicates the thermodynamic process is as important as the dynamic process in causing the El Niño–La Niña evolution asymmetry. The fundamental difference of the current result with previous theories is further discussed.
Design and kinematics analysis of a novel serial–parallel kinematic machine
Authors: Hu Bo , Li Bo , Cui He
Published: January 2016

A novel serial–parallel kinematic machine based on a serial–parallel manipulator is proposed and its kinematics and statics are studied systematically. First, the concept of serial–parallel kinematic machine formed by the 3-PRS parallel manipulator and the 2-UPR + SPR PM is proposed. Second, the displacement is derived in close form based on the geometrical and dimensional constraints existed in the serial–parallel kinematic machine. Third, the Jacobian, velocity and statics of the serial–parallel kinematic machine are derived in the explicit and compact form. Finally, the formulas for solving the acceleration of this serial–parallel kinematic machine are derived. This research will lay a good foundation for the development of the serial–parallel kinematic machine.