bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple PCR‐based marker to determine sex in aspen
Authors: Pakull B. , Kersten B. , Lüneburg J. , Fladung M.
Published: June 2014

The genus Populus features a genetically controlled sex determination system, located on chromosome 19. However, different Populus species vary in the position of the sex‐linked region on the respective chromosome and the apparent heterogametic sex, and the precise mechanism of sex determination in Populus is still unknown. Using next generation sequencing of pooled samples of male and female aspens, we identified the aspen homologue of the P. trichocarpa gene Potri.019G047300 (‘TOZ19’) to be male‐specific. While in P. tremuloides, the complete gene is missing in the genome of female plants, a short fragment of the 3′‐part of the gene is still present in P. tremula females. The male‐specific presence and transcription of TOZ19 was further verified using PCR in various different aspen individuals and RT‐PCR expression analysis. TOZ19 is potentially involved in early steps of flower development, and represents an interesting candidate gene for involvement in sex determination in aspen. Regardless of its role as candidate gene, TOZ19 represents an ideal marker for determination of the sex of non‐flowering aspen individuals or seedlings.
Attempting to Restore Herbaceous Understories in Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities with Mowing and Seeding
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Bates Jon D.
Published: June 2014

Shrub steppe communities with depleted perennial herbaceous understories often need to be restored to increase resilience and resistance. Mowing has been applied to Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) steppe plant communities to reduce sagebrush dominance and restore native herbaceous vegetation, but success has been limited and hampered by increases in exotic annuals. Seeding native bunchgrasses after mowing may accelerate recovery and limit exotics. We compared mowing followed by drill‐seeding native bunchgrasses to mowing and an untreated control at five sites in southeastern Oregon over a 4‐year period. Mowing and seeding bunchgrasses increased bunchgrass density; however, bunchgrass cover did not differ among treatments. Exotic annuals increased with mowing whether or not post‐mowing seeding occurred. Mowing, whether or not seeding occurred, also reduced biological soil crusts. Longer term evaluation is needed to determine if seeded bunchgrasses will increase enough to suppress exotic annuals. Seeded bunchgrasses may have been limited by increases in exotic annuals. Though restoration of sagebrush communities with degraded understories is needed, we do not recommend mowing and seeding native bunchgrasses because this treatment produced mixed results that may lower the resilience and resistance of these communities. Before this method is applied, research is needed to increase our understanding of how to improve establishment of seeded native bunchgrasses. Alternatively, restoration practitioners may need to apply treatments to control exotic annuals and repeatedly seed native bunchgrasses.
Species Traits as Practical Tools for Ecological Restoration of Marly Eroded Lands
Authors: Burylo Mélanie , Dutoit Thierry , Rey Freddy
Published: June 2014

Plant functional traits are increasingly used in restoration ecology because they have the potential to guide restoration practices at a broad scale. This article presents a trait‐based multi‐criteria framework to evaluate and predict the performance of 17 plant seedlings to improve ecological restoration of marly eroded areas in the French Southern Alps. The suitability of these species to limit soil erosion was assessed by studying both their response to erosive forces and their effect on erosion dynamics. We assumed that species efficiency could be explained and predicted from plant traits and we looked for trait‐performance relationships. Our results showed that root slenderness ratio, the percentage of fine roots and root system topology, were the three root morphology traits best describing anchorage strength. Root system characterized by a long and thin tap root and many fine lateral ramifications would be the best to resist concentrated runoff. Species response to burial mainly depended on growth form and morphological flexibility. The abilities of species in reinforcing the soil and reducing erosion rates were negatively correlated to root diameter and positively to the percentage of fine roots. Moreover, root system density and root tensile strength also influenced root reinforcement. Finally, the ability to trap sediment was positively correlated to leaf area and canopy density. Species were then scored and classified in four clusters according to their global performance. This method allows identifying species that possess both response and effect traits related to the goal of preventing erosion during ecological restoration.
Effect of Particle Size on Risk Assessment of Direct Soil Ingestion and Metals Adhered to Children's Hands at Playgrounds
Authors: Ikegami Maiko , Yoneda Minoru , Tsuji Takashi , Bannai Osamu , Morisawa Shinsuke
Published: June 2014

The quantity of heavy metals in soil is measured after 2‐mm sieving in Japan for risk assessment of direct soil ingestion. A study was conducted on the relationship between the size of soil particles and quantity of heavy metals in soil, and the particle‐size distribution of soil adhered to children's hands, and the risks of direct intake of soil considering the particle sizes ingested were evaluated. The results showed that smaller particles had a tendency to contain more heavy metals than bigger ones, that the particle size of approximately 90% of the soil particles from playgrounds adhered to children's hands was less than 100 μm, and that 2‐mm sieving in preparation for measuring heavy metal content caused underestimation of the risk of direct soil intake. The amount of heavy metals on children's hands after playing outside was investigated. Various metals and soil were adhered to their hands, and the amount of soil adhered could be estimated from the concentration of metals. To develop accurate risk assessment, the particle‐size distribution of ingested soil and more detailed scenarios of soil intake are necessary.
SPATIAL STRATEGIC INTERACTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE CHINESE PROVINCES
Authors: Jiang Yanqing
Published: June 2014

In this study, we empirically investigate the issue of strategic interaction among Chinese provincial governments in determining their levels of environmental protection efforts. Based on theoretical models of strategic interaction, which lead to the theoretical reaction function, we specify our empirical model and estimate the reaction slope of our empirical reaction function. By applying a panel data approach, our regression analysis shows that the estimated reaction slope is significantly positive, which suggests that Chinese provincial governments interact strategically in deciding the levels of their efforts in environmental protection.
Provocative mechanical tests of the peripheral nervous system affect the joint torque‐angle during passive knee motion
Authors: Andrade R. J. , Freitas S. R. , Vaz J. R. , Bruno P. M. , Pezarat‐Correia P.
Published: June 2014

This study aimed to determine the influence of the head, upper trunk, and foot position on the passive knee extension (PKE) torque‐angle response. PKE tests were performed in 10 healthy subjects using an isokinetic dynamometer at 2°/s. Subjects lay in the supine position with their hips flexed to 90°. The knee angle, passive torque, surface electromyography (EMG) of the semitendinosus and quadriceps vastus medialis, and stretch discomfort were recorded in six body positions during PKE. The different maximal active positions of the cervical spine (neutral; flexion; extension), thoracic spine (neutral; flexion), and ankle (neutral; dorsiflexion) were passively combined for the tests. Visual analog scale scores and EMG were unaffected by body segment positioning. An effect of the ankle joint was verified on the peak torque and knee maximum angle when the ankle was in the dorsiflexion position (P < 0.05). Upper trunk positioning had an effect on the knee submaximal torque (P < 0.05), observed as an increase in the knee passive submaximal torque when the cervical and thoracic spines were flexed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, other apparently mechanical unrelated body segments influence torque‐angle response since different positions of head, upper trunk, and foot induce dissimilar knee mechanical responses during passive extension.
Construct validity and test–retest reliability of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) in Spanish children aged 9–12 years
Authors: Sánchez‐López M. , Martínez‐Vizcaíno V. , García‐Hermoso A. , Jiménez‐Pavón D. , Ortega F. B.
Published: June 2014

We aimed to examine (a) the construct validity and reliability of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) in children; and (b) the association of both self‐reported and measured fitness with cardiometabolic risk. Cross‐sectional study in 1145 Spanish children (9–12 years). We measured body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, insulin, and fitness level (reported and measured). A validated cardiometabolic syndrome index was used. An age‐ and sex‐matched sample of 245 children originally not included in the study sample fulfilled IFIS twice for reliability purposes. IFIS was able to correctly classify children according to their measured fitness levels (analysis of covariance, adjusted for sex and age was used). Test–retest reliability of IFIS items was also good, i.e., average weighted Kappa = 0.70. Our data also suggest that both measured and reported cardiorespiratory, and speed and agility fitness were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as adiposity and a cardiometabolic syndrome risk score. The associations for muscular fitness (both reported and measured) differed depending on how it was expressed (i.e., absolute vs relative terms). Our findings suggest that self‐reported fitness, as assessed by IFIS, is a valid, reliable, and health‐related measure, and it can be a good alternative at population level when physical fitness cannot be measured.
Suppression among alleles encoding nucleotide‐binding–leucine‐rich repeat resistance proteins interferes with resistance in F1 hybrid and allele‐pyramided wheat plants
Authors: Stirnweis Daniel , Milani Samira D. , Brunner Susanne , Herren Gerhard , Buchmann Gabriele , Peditto David , Jordan Tina , Keller Beat
Published: June 2014

The development of high‐yielding varieties with broad‐spectrum durable disease resistance is the ultimate goal of crop breeding. In plants, immune receptors of the nucleotide‐binding–leucine‐rich repeat (NB‐LRR) class mediate race‐specific resistance against pathogen attack. When employed in agriculture this type of resistance is often rapidly overcome by newly adapted pathogen races. The stacking of different resistance genes or alleles in F1 hybrids or in pyramided lines is a promising strategy for achieving more durable resistance. Here, we identify a molecular mechanism which can negatively interfere with the allele‐pyramiding approach. We show that pairwise combinations of different alleles of the powdery mildew resistance gene Pm3 in F1 hybrids and stacked transgenic wheat lines can result in suppression of Pm3‐based resistance. This effect is independent of the genetic background and solely dependent on the Pm3 alleles. Suppression occurs at the post‐translational level, as levels of RNA and protein in the suppressed alleles are unaffected. Using a transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana, the LRR domain was identified as the domain conferring suppression. The results of this study suggest that the expression of closely related NB‐LRR resistance genes or alleles in the same genotype can lead to dominant‐negative interactions. These findings provide a molecular explanation for the frequently observed ineffectiveness of resistance genes introduced from the secondary gene pool into polyploid crop species and mark an important step in overcoming this limitation.
Clinical application of growth factors and cytokines in wound healing
Authors: Barrientos Stephan , Brem Harold , Stojadinovic Olivera , Tomic‐Canic Marjana
Published: June 2014

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic biological process that involves the coordinated efforts of multiple cell types and is executed and regulated by numerous growth factors and cytokines. There has been a drive in the past two decades to study the therapeutic effects of various growth factors in the clinical management of nonhealing wounds (e.g., pressure ulcers, chronic venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers). For this review, we conducted an online search of Medline/PubMed and critically analyzed the literature regarding the role of growth factors and cytokines in the management of these wounds. We focused on currently approved therapies, emerging therapies, and future research possibilities. In this review, we discuss four growth factors and cytokines currently being used on and off label for the healing of wounds. These include granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor. While the clinical results of using growth factors and cytokines are encouraging, many studies involved a small sample size and are disparate in measured endpoints. Therefore, further research is required to provide definitive evidence of efficacy.
Theraphosidae phylogeny: relationships of the ‘Ischnocolinae’ genera (Araneae, Mygalomorphae)
Authors: Guadanucci José Paulo L.
Published: June 2014

The mygalomorph spider subfamily ‘Ischnocolinae’ was originally established as a group based on the presence of divided tarsal scopula. Later, the divided condition of the scopula was considered the plesiomorphic state, which could not support the monophyly of ‘Ischnocolinae’. In Raven 1985, the subfamily was considered paraphyletic, pending a phylogenetic analysis to reinvestigate monophyletic groups. This study comprises such a phylogenetic analysis, based on morphological data, that includes representatives of all genera currently included in ‘Ischnocolinae’ as well as representatives of all other nine Theraphosidae subfamilies (Thrigmopoeinae, Ornithoctoninae, Eumenophorinae, Stromatopelminae, Harpactirinae, Selenogyrinae, Theraphosinae, Aviculariinae and Selenocosmiinae). The family Theraphosidae is considered monophyletic and expanded to include three additional genera previously considered as possible Barychelidae, namely Brachionopus (as Harpactirinae), Trichopelma and Reichlingia (as Ischnocolinae sensu stricto) while ‘Ischnocolinae’ as previously defined does not appear as monophyletic. However, two monophyletic groups were defined as subfamilies to include some former ‘Ischnocolinae’ representatives. The first group includes Acanthopelma rufescens, Trichopelma nitidum, Reichlingia annae, Ischnocolus spp., Holothele rondoni, Holothele culebrae and Holothele aff culebrae and is hereby named as Ischnocolinae (sensu stricto). The other subgroup comprises Sickius longibulbi, Holothele incei, Holothele aff incei, Guyruita spp., Schismatothele lineata, Hemiercus modestus, Holothele colonica and Holothele sp., together established as Schismatothelinae subfam. nov. Several genera included in former ‘Ischnocolinae’ appear as monophyletic (Catumiri, Oligoxystre, Heterothele, Nesiergus, Chaetopelma, Ischnocolus, Guyruita and Plesiophrictus). However, the genera Holothele, Schismatothele and Hemiercus deserve more attention in order to evaluate their intrarelationships and inclusion of species.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of High Speed Oil-Free Turbomachinery With Focus on Stability and Self-Excited Vibration
Authors: Bonello P. , Pham H. M.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a generic technique for the transient nonlinear dynamic analysis (TNDA) and the static equilibrium stability analysis (SESA) of a turbomachine running on foil air bearings (FABs). This technique is novel in two aspects: (i) the turbomachine structural model is generic, based on uncoupled modes (rotor is flexible, nonsymmetric and includes gyroscopic effects; dynamics of support structure can be accommodated) and (ii) the finite-difference (FD) state equations of the air films are preserved and solved simultaneously with the state equations of the foil structures and the state equations of the turbomachine modal model, using a readily available implicit integrator (for TNDA) and a predictor-corrector approach (for SESA). An efficient analysis is possible through the extraction of the state Jacobian matrix using symbolic computing. The analysis is first applied to the finite-element model of a small commercial automotive turbocharger that currently runs on floating ring bearings (FRBs) and is slightly adapted here for FABs. The results of SESA are shown to be consistent with TNDA. The case study shows that, for certain bearing parameters, it is possible to obtain a wide speed range of stable static equilibrium operation with FABs, in contrast to the present installation with FRBs. Application of the method to a test rig reported in the literature reveals a reasonable degree of correlation between theory and experiment.
The Importance of the Heat Capacity of Lubricants With Nanoparticles in the Static Behavior of Journal Bearings
Authors: Nicoletti Rodrigo
Published: June 2014

Nanoparticle additives increase the viscosity of lubricants, thus being an interesting solution for improving the load carrying capacity of hydrodynamic bearings. But, nanoparticles also change the thermal properties of the lubricant. Would these thermal properties be important to the static characteristics of lubricated bearings? The answer is yes, being the volumetric heat capacity an important parameter. In this work, the static behavior of journal bearings is studied when nanoparticles are added to the lubricant. A thermohydrodynamic analysis is performed with oil ISO VG68 (base fluid) and six different nanoparticles are considered as additives: Si, SiO2, Al, Al2O3, Cu, and CuO. The numerical results show that the bearing load capacity can be increased up to 10%, not only because of the higher viscosity, but also because of the higher volumetric heat capacity of the lubricant with nanoparticles. Higher volumetric heat capacity of the lubricant decreases temperature development in the bearing gap, thus resulting in higher viscosity distribution for the same operating conditions. In fact, the best results were obtained with ISO VG68 + copper oxide (CuO), whose volumetric heat capacity is the highest among the tested nanofluids. Such results were not equaled when only the viscosity of the lubricant had been changed.
Modeling of Fluid–Structure Interaction Using Lattice Boltzmann and Finite Element Methods
Authors: Blair S. R. , Kwon Y. W.
Published: June 2014

The use of lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) for fluid flow and its coupling with finite element method (FEM) structural models for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) are investigated. FSI modeling methodology and example applications are presented for single-component flows. Furthermore, multicomponent LBM fluid models are also studied with structural dynamics solvers for 2D FSI simulations. To enhance modeling capability for domains with complex surfaces, a novel coupling method is introduced that allows use of both classical LBM (CLBM) and a finite element LBM (FELBM) to be combined into a hybrid LBM (HLBM) that exploits the flexibility of FELBM while retaining the efficiency of CLBM.
In Vivo–Generated Antigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells Treat Autoimmunity Without Compromising Antibacterial Immune Response
Authors: Kasagi Shimpei , Zhang Pin , Che Li , Abbatiello Brittany , Maruyama Takashi , Nakatsukasa Hiroko , Zanvit Peter , Jin Wenwen , Konkel Joanne E. , Chen WanJun
Published: June 2014

Antigen-specific regulatory T cells induced in vivo have therapeutic effects in mice with established autoimmune diseases.
Recovery of the Gut Microbiome following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Authors: Seekatz Anna M. , Aas Johannes , Gessert Charles E. , Rubin Timothy A. , Saman Daniel M. , Bakken Johan S. , Young Vincent B.
Published: June 2014

Clostridium difficile
infection is one of the most common health care-associated infections, and up to 40% of patients suffer from recurrence of disease following standard antibiotic therapy. Recently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been successfully used to treat recurrent
C. difficile
infection. It is hypothesized that FMT aids in recovery of a microbiota capable of colonization resistance to
C. difficile
. However, it is not fully understood how this occurs. Here we investigated changes in the fecal microbiota structure following FMT in patients with recurrent
C. difficile
infection, and imputed a hypothetical functional profile based on the 16S rRNA profile using a predictive metagenomic tool. Increased relative abundance of
Bacteroidetes
and decreased abundance of
Proteobacteria
were observed following FMT. The fecal microbiota of recipients following transplantation was more diverse and more similar to the donor profile than the microbiota prior to transplantation. Additionally, we observed differences in the imputed metagenomic profile. In particular, amino acid transport systems were overrepresented in samples collected prior to transplantation. These results suggest that functional changes accompany microbial structural changes following this therapy. Further identification of the specific community members and functions that promote colonization resistance may aid in the development of improved treatment methods for
C. difficile
infection.

IMPORTANCE
Within the last decade,
Clostridium difficile
infection has surpassed other bacterial infections to become the leading cause of nosocomial infections. Antibiotic use, which disrupts the gut microbiota and its capability in providing colonization resistance against
C. difficile
, is a known risk factor in
C. difficile
infection. In particular, recurrent
C. difficile
remains difficult to treat with standard antibiotic therapy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has provided a successful treatment method for some patients with recurrent
C. difficile
infection, but its mechanism and long-term effects remain unknown. Our results provide insight into the structural and potential metabolic changes that occur following FMT, which may aid in the development of new treatment methods for
C. difficile
infection.
Managing a patient with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Cheung Danny , Trudgill Nigel
Published: June 2014

A 64-year-old woman presented with an increasing frequency of symptoms of heartburn and retrosternal pain over the last few months, and a constant and intense burning pain affecting her tongue tip, mouth and lips for the past 5 years. She found consuming hot drinks exacerbated the burning oral pain and chewing gum seemed to alleviate some of her symptoms. She thought these oral sensations were caused by frequently licking her finger tips to separate prints in her work in publishing. She had been previously diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and her heartburn symptoms had been controlled until recently with lansoprazole 15 mg daily. Her past medical history included irritable bowel syndrome and depression, for which she had been treated with mebeverine and paroxetine for a number of years. She was a non-smoker and did not consume alcohol. Clinical examination was unremarkable with no oral lesions on examination. Her routine laboratory tests, including autoimmune serology, haematinics and thyroid function tests were all within normal limits. She underwent a gastroscopy, which revealed moderate reflux oesophagitis, and following commencing omeprazole 20 mg twice daily, her heartburn resolved. However, her oral burning symptoms were not affected and a diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) was made. Following explanation and reassurance concerning the cause of her BMS symptoms, she chose not to receive treatment for this but to access cognitive behavioural therapy in the future if her symptoms worsened.
The role of proximal circumstances and child behaviour in toddlers’ risk for minor unintentional injuries
Authors: Kuhn Jennifer , Damashek Amy
Published: June 2014

Background

Much of the research on child injury risk has focused on trait-like factors (eg, hyperactivity, child gender) that influence injury risk rather than state-like factors (eg, environmental circumstances, child behaviour). Additional research is needed to better identify the proximal risk factors for children's risk for unintentional injury.

Objectives

The present study examined the antecedents to minor unintentional injury events and whether unusual circumstances and child behaviour predicted injury risk.

Methods

The study used archival data that were collected via biweekly in-person interviews with 170 mothers of toddlers (15–36 months) for 6 months. A case crossover design was used to predict children's risk for injury from proximal risk factors.

Results

Children were at a higher risk for injury when circumstances were unusual and when they were engaging in an unusual behaviour. When a child was engaging in an unusual behaviour, higher levels of maternal supervision predicted lower injury risk. Children were more likely to be injured in a new environment, in an environment with animals or other people, in an environment with hazards or when engaging in a new activity or in a familiar activity performed in an unfamiliar way.

Conclusions

The results indicate that toddlers may be at a greater risk for minor unintentional injury when environmental circumstances are outside of the norm or when a child is engaging in unusual behaviours. The findings also indicate that higher levels of caregiver supervision may be especially beneficial when children are engaging in new or unfamiliar activities.
TLR9: an important molecule in the fight against hepatitis B virus
Authors: Shahrakyvahed Aziz , Sanchooli Javad , Sanadgol Nima , Arababadi Mohammad Kazemi , Kennedy Derek
Published: June 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most prevalent infectious agent that can induce severe liver disease. Patients infected with long-term HBV, including chronic, asymptomatic and occult forms, cannot clear HBV from infected hepatocytes completely. It is not clear why some people can clear the infection while others cannot. Furthermore, the main mechanisms responsible for progression of the infections are not fully understood. It has been hypothesised that differences in genetic and immunological parameters between patients and subjects who successfully clear HBV infections are responsible for inducing the long-term forms of the infection. Previous investigations showed that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in immune responses, especially innate immunity, against viral infections, including hepatitis B. TLR9 detects intracellular viral dsDNA, which results in the activation of an immune response against HBV. However, defects in this system may result in an attenuated response ultimately leading to long-term HBV infections. Targeting the defects in TLR9 or reactivating the downstream pathways that are normally switched on by TLR9 in response to HBV infection is a new approach to the treatment of long-term HBV infection. However, the pathways and defects seen in patients with long-term HBV need to be thoroughly explored before therapeutics can be applied in the clinical setting. Furthermore, the apparently multigenic nature of long-term HBV infection suggests that treatment of patients may need to be personalised.
Event-based simulation of quantum physics experiments
Authors: Michielsen K. , De Raedt H.
Published: June 2014

We review an event-based simulation approach which reproduces the statistical distributions of wave theory not by requiring the knowledge of the solution of the wave equation of the whole system but by generating detection events one-by-one according to an unknown distribution. We illustrate its applicability to various single photon and single neutron interferometry experiments and to two Bell-test experiments, a single-photon Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen experiment employing post-selection for photon pair identification and a single-neutron Bell test interferometry experiment with nearly 100% detection efficiency.
Modeling groundwater flow by lattice Boltzmann method in curvilinear coordinates
Authors: Budinski Ljubomir , Fabian Julius , Stipic Matija
Published: June 2014

In order to promote the use of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for the simulation of isotropic groundwater flow in a confined aquifer with arbitrary geometry, Poisson's equation was transformed into a curvilinear coordinate system. With the metric function between the physical and the computational domain established, Poisson's equation written in Cartesian coordinates was transformed in curvilinear coordinates. Following, the appropriate equilibrium function for the D2Q9 square lattice has been defined. The resulting curvilinear formulation of the LBM for groundwater flow is capable of modeling flow in domains of complex geometry with the opportunity of local refining/coarsening of the computational mesh corresponding to the complexity of the flow pattern and the required accuracy. Since the proposed form of the LBM uses the transformed equation of flow implemented in the equilibrium function, finding a solution does not require supplementary procedures along the curvilinear boundaries, nor in the zones requiring mesh density adjustments. Thus, the basic concept of the LBM is completely maintained. The improvement of the proposed LBM over the previously published classical methods is completely verified by three examples with analytical solutions. The results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed curvilinear LBM in modeling groundwater flow in complex flow domains.
18 parameter deformations of the Peregrine breather of order 10 solutions of the NLS equation
Authors: Gaillard Pierre , Gastineau Mickaël
Published: June 2014

We present here new solutions of the focusing one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation which appear as deformations of the Peregrine breather of order 10 with 18 real parameters. With this method, we obtain new families of quasi-rational solutions of the NLS equation, and we obtain explicit quotients of polynomial of degree 110 in x and t by a product of an exponential depending on t. We construct new patterns of different types of rogue waves and recover the triangular configurations as well as rings and concentric rings as found for the lower-orders.
Cellular automaton modeling of traffic flow at a crosswalk with push button
Authors: Xie Dong-Fan , Zhao Xiao-Mei , Li Xin-Gang
Published: June 2014

In this work, a cellular automaton model is presented to depict the traffic flow at such a crosswalk with push button. The characteristics of vehicle flow with various arriving rate of pedestrians are investigated. Flux curves and spatiotemporal diagrams are plotted to show different traffic states and the phase transition features. A parameter, named as button reaction time, is introduced to represent the green time for vehicle flow after the button is pushed by a pedestrian. The effect of button reaction time on saturated flux is investigated. The results show that there is a critical value of button reaction time. The saturated flux increases rapidly when button reaction time is smaller than the critical value, while it increases slowly otherwise. Furthermore, theoretical analysis is performed and the results coincide with the simulation ones.
N-ACETYLGALACTOSAMINE BIOSENSOR BASED ON POLYDIACETYLENE NANOVESICLES: AN INDIRECTLY COLORIMETRIC RECOGNITION OF GALACTOSE-DEFICIENT IgA1
Authors: HAO NA , SUN PENG , LI CHUANCHAO , LI LILI , LI XIA , CHEN LU , JIANG BO
Published: June 2014

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy ( IgAN ) has been recognized as the most prevalent form of glomerulonephritis with various histologic and clinical phenotypes in the world. The Gal-deficient IgA1 with terminally exposed GalNAc residue(s) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, a novel colorimetric biosensor based on Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA) absorbed on polydiacetylene (PCDA) nanovesicles for N -acetylgalactosamine (GalNAC) molecular as core framework of Gal-deficient IgA1 recognition was investigated using the high affinity between lectin HAA and GalNAC. The PCDA nanovesicles were prepared via UV crosslinking. The size, morphology and elastic property of the nanovesicles were tested. The optimal concentration of HAA for the recognition of GalNAC via naked eyes observation was 3 mM and the critical concentration of GalNAC for the sensitive color transition was 2 μg/mL. This novel method has many advantages such as low prices, intuitive, real-time and easy to carry out and great potential in Gal-deficient IgA1 detection.
SYNTHESIS OF PLATINUM CLUSTERS ON CYTOCHROME c TEMPLATES: CONDITIONS FOR A TEMPLATE-CONTROLLED CLUSTER GROWTH
Authors: LI NA , GAO FAMING , HOU LI
Published: June 2014

We present, for the first time, a rational and general method to construct pearl-like chains of platinum ( Pt ) clusters with cytochrome c (cyt c) as building blocks, demonstrating the great potential of cyt c for the construction of nanoscale devices. We investigate the conditions which should be fulfilled to grow pearl-like chains of Pt clusters on cyt c according to a selectively heterogeneous, template-controlled mechanism. Various mechanistic aspects of the single steps composing the metallization protocol has been addressed and discussed. The results indicate that pH and the degree of reduction reaction can be considered as the key parameters for a "fine-tuning" of the metallization procedure. The formation mechanism has been extensively studied which is extremely important for future elaboration for the preparation of better-controlled structures.
A novel bubbling-assisted exfoliating method preparation of magnetically separable γ-Fe2O3/graphene recyclable photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Lili , Hu Hongrui , Wu Mingzai , Yu Xinxin , Sun Zhaoqi , Li Guang , Liu Xiansong , Zheng Xiuwen
Published: June 2014

A facile and novel bubbling-assisted exfoliating method was developed for the preparation of γ- Fe 2 O 3/graphene composite, which showed desirable photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange with excellent cycling abilities and the possible growth mechanism was discussed. Photocatalytic and magnetic properties measurements show that the composite has excellent recyclable degradation efficiency and soft magnetic parameters, which makes the composite magnetically separable in a suspension system and can be recycled without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogen prevent diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and type 2 diabetes in mice without impacting the reproductive tract
Authors: Barrera Jose , Chambliss Ken L. , Ahmed Mohamed , Tanigaki Keiji , Thompson Bonne , McDonald Jeffrey G. , Mineo Chieko , Shaul Philip W.
Published: June 2014

Despite the capacity of estrogens to favorably regulate body composition and glucose homeostasis, their use to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes is not feasible, because they promote sex steroid-responsive cancers. The novel selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) bazedoxifene acetate (BZA) uniquely antagonizes both breast cancer development and estrogen-related changes in the female reproductive tract. How BZA administered with conjugated estrogen (CE) or alone impacts metabolism is unknown. The effects of BZA or CE + BZA on body composition and glucose homeostasis were determined in ovariectomized female mice fed a Western diet for 10–12 wk. In contrast to vehicle, estradiol (E2), CE, BZA, and CE + BZA equally prevented body weight gain by 50%. In parallel, all treatments caused equal attenuation of the increase in body fat mass invoked by the diet as well as the increases in subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue. Diet-induced hepatic steatosis was attenuated by E2or CE, and BZA alone or with CE provided even greater steatosis prevention; all interventions improved pyruvate tolerance tests. Glucose tolerance tests and HOMA-IR were improved by E2, CE, and CE + BZA. Whereas E2or CE alone invoked a uterotrophic response, BZA alone or CE + BZA had negligible impact on the uterus. Thus, CE + BZA affords protection from diet-induced adiposity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance with minimal impact on the female reproductive tract in mice. These combined agents may provide a valuable new means to favorably regulate body composition and glucose homeostasis and combat fatty liver.
Protective Effects of Testosterone on Presynaptic Terminals against Oligomericβ-Amyloid Peptide in Primary Culture of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Lau Chi-Fai , Ho Yuen-Shan , Hung Clara Hiu-Ling , Wuwongse Suthicha , Poon Chun-Hei , Chiu Kin , Yang Xifei , Chu Leung-Wing , Chang Raymond Chuen-Chung
Published: June 2014

Increasing lines of evidence support that testosterone may have neuroprotective effects. While observational studies reported an association between higher bioavailable testosterone or brain testosterone levels and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), there is limited understanding of the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Previous studies demonstrated that testosterone could alleviate neurotoxicity induced byβ-amyloid (Aβ), but these findings mainly focused on neuronal apoptosis. Since synaptic dysfunction and degeneration are early events during the pathogenesis of AD, we aim to investigate the effects of testosterone on oligomeric Aβ-induced synaptic changes. Our data suggested that exposure of primary cultured hippocampal neurons to oligomeric Aβcould reduce the length of neurites and decrease the expression of presynaptic proteins including synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, and synapsin-1. Aβalso disrupted synaptic vesicle recycling and protein folding machinery. Testosterone preserved the integrity of neurites and the expression of presynaptic proteins. It also attenuated Aβ-induced impairment of synaptic exocytosis. By using letrozole as an aromatase antagonist, we further demonstrated that the effects of testosterone on exocytosis were unlikely to be mediated through the estrogen receptor pathway. Furthermore, we showed that testosterone could attenuate Aβ-induced reduction of HSP70, which suggests a novel mechanism that links testosterone and its protective function on Aβ-induced synaptic damage. Taken together, our data provide further evidence on the beneficial effects of testosterone, which may be useful for future drug development for AD.
Study of the Complex Stiffness of a Vibratory Mechanical System with Shape Memory Alloy Coil Spring Actuator
Authors: Holanda Samuell A. , Silva Antonio A. , de Araújo Carlos J. , de Aquino Alberdan S.
Published: June 2014

The vibration control is an important area in the dynamic of structures that seeks to reduce the amplitude of structural responses in certain critical frequency ranges. Currently, the scientific development leads to the application of some actuators and sensors technologically superior comparing to the same features available on the market. For developing these advanced sensors and actuators, smart materials that can change their mechanical properties when subjected to certain thermomechanical loads can be employed. In this context, Shape memory alloys (SMAs) may be used for developing dynamic vibration dampers which are capable of acting on the system providing proper tuning of the excitation frequency and the natural frequency. This paper aims to analyze the behavior of the stiffness and damping of a SMA helical coil spring actuator coupled to a mechanical system of one degree of freedom (1 DOF) subjected to an unbalanced excitement force and a temperature control system. By analyzing the effect of these parameters on the structural response and considering the concept of complex stiffness, it can be possible to predict the system's behavior within certain acceptable ranges of vibration, already in the design phase.
Delta Shock Wave for the Suliciu Relaxation System
Authors: De la cruz Richard , Galvis Juan , Juajibioy Juan Carlos , Rendón Leonardo
Published: June 2014

We study the one-dimensional Riemann problem for a hyperbolic system of three conservation laws of Temple class. This system is a simplification of a recently proposed system of five conservations laws by Bouchut and Boyaval that model viscoelastic fluids. An important issue is that the considered3×3system is such that every characteristic field is linearly degenerate. We show an explicit solution for the Cauchy problem with initial data inL∞. We also study the Riemann problem for this system. Under suitable generalized Rankine-Hugoniot relation and entropy condition, both existence and uniqueness of particular delta-shock type solutions are established.
On Skew Circulant Type Matrices Involving Any Continuous Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Jiang Zhaolin , Yao Jinjiang , Lu Fuliang
Published: June 2014

Circulant and skew circulant matrices have become an important tool in networks engineering. In this paper, we consider skew circulant type matrices with any continuous Fibonacci numbers. We discuss the invertibility of the skew circulant type matrices and present explicit determinants and inverse matrices of them by constructing the transformation matrices. Furthermore, the maximum column sum matrix norm, the spectral norm, the Euclidean (or Frobenius) norm, and the maximum row sum matrix norm and bounds for the spread of these matrices are given, respectively.
Intradural Extramedullary Capillary Hemangioma in the Upper Thoracic Spine: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Takata Yoichiro , Sakai Toshinori , Higashino Kosaku , Goda Yuichiro , Tezuka Fumitake , Sairyo Koichi
Published: June 2014

Capillary hemangiomas are benign tumors found in the skin and soft tissues in younger people. They occur in the central nervous system only rarely, and intradural occurrence is extremely rare. We report here a 60-year-old man presenting with thoracic girdle pain and progressive gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance images of the thoracic spine showed a12×8×20 mm, well-defined intradural mass at the T2 level, compressing the spinal cord laterally. Relative to the spinal cord, the mass was hypo- to isointense on T1-weighted images and relatively hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. The patient underwent T1-2 hemilaminectomy with resection of the intradural extramedullary tumor, which showed characteristics of a capillary hemangioma on histologic examination. The patient’s symptoms improved following the surgery and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence was noted at the 2-year follow-up. We present this case with a review of the literature, highlighting features for differential diagnosis.
Inversion Free Algorithms for Computing the Principal Square Root of a Matrix
Authors: Assimakis Nicholas , Adam Maria
Published: June 2014

New algorithms are presented about the principal square root of ann×nmatrixA. In particular, all the classical iterative algorithms require matrix inversion at every iteration. The proposed inversion free iterative algorithms are based on the Schulz iteration or the Bernoulli substitution as a special case of the continuous time Riccati equation. It is certified that the proposed algorithms are equivalent to the classical Newton method. An inversion free algebraic method, which is based on applying the Bernoulli substitution to a special case of the continuous time Riccati equation, is also proposed.
Using an Effective Numerical Method for Solving a Class of Lane-Emden Equations
Authors: Wang Yulan , Yu Hao , Tan Fugui , Li Shuguang
Published: June 2014

We use the reproducing kernel method to solve the well-known classes of Lane-Emden-type equations. These classes of equations have the form of Lane-Emden problem. Comparing the results of the reproducing kernel method with the analytical solutions by means of some typical examples, we can affirm that the reproducing kernel method is an efficient and accurate method.
Analogues of Conditional Wiener Integrals with Drift and Initial Distribution on a Function Space
Authors: Cho Dong Hyun
Published: June 2014

LetC[0,T]denote a generalized Wiener space, the space of real-valued continuous functions on the interval[0,T],and define a stochastic processZ:C[0,T]×[0,T]→RbyZ(x,t)=∫0t‍h(u)dx(u)+x(0)+a(t), forx∈C[0,T]andt∈[0,T], whereh∈L2[0,T]withh≠0a.e. andais a continuous function on[0,T]. LetZn:C[0,T]→Rn+1andZn+1:C[0,T]→Rn+2be given byZn(x)=(Z(x,t0),Z(x,t1),…,Z(x,tn))andZn+1(x)=(Z(x,t0),Z(x,t1),…,Z(x,tn),Z(x,tn+1)), where0=t0<t1<⋯<tn<tn+1=Tis a partition of[0,T]. In this paper we derive two simple formulas for generalized conditional Wiener integrals of functions onC[0,T]with the conditioning functionsZnandZn+1which contain drift and initial distribution. As applications of these simple formulas we evaluate generalized conditional Wiener integrals of the functionexp{∫0T‍Z(x,t)dmL(t)}including the time integral onC[0,T].
Formal Analysis of Fairness for Optimistic Multiparty Contract Signing Protocol
Authors: Li Xiaoru , Li Xiaohong , Xu Guangquan , Hu Jing , Feng Zhiyong
Published: June 2014

Optimistic multiparty contract signing (OMPCS) protocols are proposed for exchanging multiparty digital signatures in a contract. Compared with general two-party exchanging protocols, such protocols are more complicated, because the number of protocol messages and states increases considerably when signatories increase. Moreover, fairness property in such protocols requires protection from each signatory rather than from an external hostile agent. It thus presents a challenge for formal verification. In our analysis, we employ and combine the strength of extended modeling language CSP# and linear temporal logic (LTL) to verify the fairness of OMPCS protocols. Furthermore, for solving or mitigating the state space explosion problem, we set a state reduction algorithm which can decrease the redundant states properly and reduce the time and space complexity greatly. Finally, this paper illustrates the feasibility of our approach by analyzing the GM and CKS protocols, and several fairness flaws have been found in certain computation times.
B-cell Expansion and Lymphomagenesis Induced by Chronic CD40 Signaling Is Strictly Dependent on CD19
Authors: Hojer Caroline , Frankenberger Samantha , Strobl Lothar J. , Feicht Samantha , Djermanovic Kristina , Jagdhuber Franziska , Hömig-Hölzel Cornelia , Ferch Uta , Ruland Jürgen , Rajewsky Klaus , Zimber-Strobl Ursula
Published: June 2014

CD40, a member of the TNF receptor family, is expressed on all mature B cells and on most B-cell lymphomas. Recently, we have shown that constitutive activation of CD40 signaling in B cells induced by a fusion protein consisting of the transmembrane part of the Epstein–Barr viral latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and the cytoplasmic part of CD40 (LMP1/CD40) drives B-cell lymphoma development in transgenic mice. Because LMP1/CD40-expressing B cells showed an upregulation of CD19, we investigated CD19's function in CD40-driven B-cell expansion and lymphomagenesis. Here, we demonstrate that ablation of CD19 in LMP1/CD40 transgenic mice resulted in a severe loss and reduced lifespan of mature B cells and completely abrogated development of B-cell lymphoma. CD19 is localized to lipid rafts and constitutively activated by the LMP1/CD40 fusion protein in B cells. We provide evidence that the improved survival and malignant transformation of LMP1/CD40-expressing B cells are dependent on activation of the MAPK Erk that is mediated through CD19 in a PI3K-dependent manner. Our data suggest that constitutively active CD40 is dependent on CD19 to transmit survival and proliferation signals. Moreover, we detected a similarly functioning prosurvival pathway involving phosphorylated CD19 and PI3K-dependent Erk phosphorylation in human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines. Our data provide evidence that CD19 plays an important role in transmitting survival and proliferation signals downstream of CD40 and therefore might be an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of lymphoma undergoing chronic CD40 signaling. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4318–28. ©2014 AACR.