bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer RNA Modification: Presence, Synthesis, and Function
Authors: Björk Glenn R. , Hagervall Tord G.
Published: October 2014

Transfer RNA (tRNA) from all organisms on this planet contains modified nucleosides, which are derivatives of the four major nucleosides. tRNA from
Escherichia coli
/
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium contains 33 different modified nucleosides, which are all, except one (Queuosine [Q]), synthesized on an oligonucleotide precursor, which by specific enzymes later matures into tRNA. The structural genes for these enzymes are found in mono- and polycistronic operons, the latter of which have a complex transcription and translation pattern. The synthesis of the tRNA-modifying enzymes is not regulated similarly, and it is not coordinated to that of their substrate, the tRNA. The synthesis of some of them (e.g., several methylated derivatives) is catalyzed by one enzyme, which is position and base specific, whereas synthesis of some has a very complex biosynthetic pathway involving several enzymes (e.g., 2-thiouridines,
N
  6
-cyclicthreonyladenosine [ct
6
A], and Q). Several of the modified nucleosides are essential for viability (e.g., lysidin, ct
6
A, 1-methylguanosine), whereas the deficiency of others induces severe growth defects. However, some have no or only a small effect on growth at laboratory conditions. Modified nucleosides that are present in the anticodon loop or stem have a fundamental influence on the efficiency of charging the tRNA, reading cognate codons, and preventing missense and frameshift errors. Those that are present in the body of the tRNA primarily have a stabilizing effect on the tRNA. Thus, the ubiquitous presence of these modified nucleosides plays a pivotal role in the function of the tRNA by their influence on the stability and activity of the tRNA.
Association of fasting insulin and C peptide with diabetic retinopathy in Latinos with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kuo Jane Z , Guo Xiuqing , Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E , Weinreb Robert N , Genter Pauline , Hsiao Fone-Ching , Goodarzi Mark O , Rotter Jerome I , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Ipp Eli
Published: October 2014

Objective

Residual insulin secretion provides important protection against the development of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. The data to support this in type 2 diabetes are unclear. We therefore tested in type 2 diabetes whether markers of residual beta-cell function are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy, an important microvascular complication of diabetes.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional, family-based study.

Participants

585 Latino type 2 diabetic participants, ascertained in families via a proband either with known diabetes duration of greater than 10 years and/or with diabetic retinopathy.

Outcome measures

Circulating levels of fasting insulin and C peptide measured and correlated to degree of diabetic retinopathy, assessed by digital fundus photography and graded using the Modified Airlie House Classification and the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale (range: levels 10–85).

Results

Fasting plasma insulin (β=−0.29; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.20; p<0.0001) and C peptide (β=−0.21; 95% CI −0.30 to −0.13; p<0.0001) concentrations in these diabetic participants were significantly correlated with retinopathy and its degree of severity. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for potential covariates including age, gender, glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, and renal function.

Conclusions

These data suggest that residual endogenous insulin secretion is associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy and its severity in Latinos with familial type 2 diabetes. It remains to be proven whether beta-cell targeted therapies, to maintain beta-cell mass and/or function in addition to glycemic control, will further the goal of preventing diabetic microvascular disease.
Treatment crossovers in time-to-event non-inferiority randomised trials of radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Parpia Sameer , Julian Jim A , Thabane Lehana , Gu Chushu , Whelan Timothy J , Levine Mark N
Published: October 2014

Background

In non-inferiority trials of radiotherapy in patients with early stage breast cancer, it is inevitable that some patients will cross over from the experimental arm to the standard arm prior to initiation of any treatment due to complexities in treatment planning or subject preference. Although the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis is the preferred approach for superiority trials, its role in non-inferiority trials is still under debate. This has led to the use of alternative approaches such as the per-protocol (PP) analysis or the as-treated (AT) analysis, despite the inherent biases of such approaches.

Methods

Using simulations, we investigate the effect of 2%, 5% and 10% random and non-random crossovers prior to radiotherapy initiation on the ITT, PP, AT and the combination of ITT and PP analyses with respect to type I error in trials with time-to-event outcomes. We also evaluate bias and SE of the estimates from the ITT, PP and AT approaches.

Results

The AT approach had the best performance in terms of type I error, but was anticonservative as non-random crossover increased. The ITT and PP approaches were anticonservative under all percentages of random and non-random crossover. Similarly, lowest bias was seen with the AT approach; however, bias increased as the percentage of non-random crossover increased. The ITT and PP had poor performance in terms of bias as crossovers increased.

Conclusions

If minimal crossovers were to occur, we have shown that the AT approach has the lowest type I error rates and smallest opportunity for bias. Results of trials with a high number of crossovers should be interpreted with caution, especially when crossover is non-random. Attempts to prevent crossovers should be maximised.
How to communicate with patients about future illness progression and end of life: a systematic review
Authors: Parry Ruth , Land Victoria , Seymour Jane
Published: October 2014

Background

Conversation and discourse analytic research has yielded important evidence about skills needed for effective, sensitive communication with patients about illness progression and end of life.

Objectives

To: ▸ Locate and synthesise observational evidence about how people communicate about sensitive future matters;

▸ Inform practice and policy on how to provide opportunities for talk about these matters;

▸ Identify evidence gaps.

Design

Systematic review of conversation/discourse analytic studies of recorded interactions in English, using a bespoke appraisal approach and aggregative synthesis.

Results

19 publications met the inclusion criteria. We summarised findings in terms of eight practices: ‘fishing questions’—open questions seeking patients’ perspectives (5/19); indirect references to difficult topics (6/19); linking to what a patient has already said—or noticeably not said (7/19); hypothetical questions (12/19); framing difficult matters as universal or general (4/19); conveying sensitivity via means other than words, for example, hesitancy, touch (4/19); encouraging further talk using means other than words, for example, long silences (2/19); and steering talk from difficult/negative to more optimistic aspects (3/19).

Conclusions

Practices vary in how strongly they encourage patients to engage in talk about matters such as illness progression and dying. Fishing questions and indirect talk make it particularly easy to avoid engaging—this may be appropriate in some circumstances. Hypothetical questions are more effective in encouraging on-topic talk, as is linking questions to patients’ cues. Shifting towards more ‘optimistic’ aspects helps maintain hope but closes off further talk about difficulties: practitioners may want to delay doing so. There are substantial gaps in evidence.
Glycol methacrylate: the art of embedding and serial sectioning
Authors: Yeung Edward C. , Chan Colin K.W.
Published: October 2014

Glycol methacrylate (GMA) is a popular embedding medium used for high resolution light microscopy. Since the introduction of the GMA embedding method by Feder and O’Brien (1968, Am. J. Bot. 55: 123–142), improvements have been made to this technique. The purpose of our work is to detail some important advancements in the GMA embedding method and discuss different approaches to ensure successful processing and serial sectioning of GMA blocks. The best sectioning method is to combine the use of Ralph glass knives with a rotary microtome with a retraction return stroke. Moreover, softening the polymerized blocks with the addition of polyethylene glycol 400 during polymerization allows the blocks to be sectioned using a conventional rotary microtome with a disposable knife system.
Photoisomerization-switchable second-order nonlinear optical responses of dithienylethene-containing boron derivatives: a theoretical study
Authors: Yu Hailing , Hong Bo , Luo Yunqing , Zhao Hongyan
Published: October 2014

The switchable second-order nonlinear optical properties of a series of dithienylethene-containing boron compounds possessing reversible photochromic behavior have been systemically investigated based on density functional theory. The significant differences on the static first hyperpolarizabilities caused by the photoisomerization reaction confirm the switchable nonlinear optical behavior. Results show that the closed-ring 1c–4c possess large static first hyperpolarizabilitieswith respect to their corresponding open-ring 1o–4o, which is due to the better π-conjugation and a more obvious degree of charge transfer. Specifically, the static first hyperpolarizability values increase in the range of 2.4–5.2 times with the strengthening electron-withdrawing ability of the substituent R (R = H, CF3, NO2) on the pyridine and elongating the conjugated chains. It indicates that introducing boron-based functional groups to the dithienylethene monomer and modifying the pyridine ring can effectively improve the switching nonlinear optical responses.
Stumping trials in British Columbia — organic matter removal and compaction effects on tree growth from seedlings to midrotation stands
Authors: Norris Charlotte E. , Hogg Karen E. , Maynard Doug G. , Curran Mike P.
Published: October 2014

There is considerable interest in understanding the repercussions of compaction and organic matter removal on soil quality and forest productivity. However, long-term field trials examining the effects of machinery and forest biomass removal on soil quality and stand regeneration are scarce. We present 20–31 years of tree growth results from four unique stump removal field trials. Each site had both treatments with varying amounts of organic matter removal (from tree stem harvesting to removal of tree stumps to loss of roots) and treatments with different levels of compaction due to site preparation machinery. Tree heights among the different treatments at midrotation were the same or taller than those with minimal organic matter removal and compaction. However, when stand development was evaluated using the quantity of tree volume for the given number of trees planted, treatment effects were clearly evident; tree volumes were significantly lower in compacted treatments, whereas organic matter removal did not appear to effect stand production. Although the sites were not directly comparable, when combined, the field trials provide insights to the possible implications of forest biomass harvesting on stand regeneration and overall forest soil quality.
Proactive Scheduling for Steelmaking-Continuous Casting Plant with Uncertain Machine Breakdown Using Distribution-Based Robustness and Decomposed Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Worapradya Kiatkajohn , Thanakijkasem Purit
Published: October 2014

An unpredictable breakdown often occurs and tends to complicate production scheduling in a steelmaking-continuous casting (SCC) plant. Because of particular characteristics and technology constraints of the SCC plant, traditional robust scheduling often provides an excessively conservative solution. This paper proposes an effective proactive scheduling that utilizes robustness adopting a distribution curve of a system performance created as a mix-integer model. The proposed robustness is designed to work effectively with the existing factory operation and is based on uncertainty assessment. In this paper, artificial neural network (ANN) is adopted with a challenge of designing an accurate model due to the model complexity from the discrete and nonlinear properties of the system performance. The ANN model is achieved by applying k-mean clustering, which decomposes machines to smaller groups having similar effect to the uncertainty. A case study based on data from a real SCC plant is conducted to demonstrate the methodology. The experimental result shows that the proposed methodology is successful in designing a robust schedule that provides a lower production cost under an acceptable breakdown probability while also consuming less computational time compared with the traditional approach.
Torsion constraints from cosmological magnetic field and QCD domain walls
Authors: Garcia de Andrade L. C.
Published: October 2014

Earlier Kostelecky [Phys. Rev. D 69, 105009 (2004)] has investigated the role of gravitational sector in Riemann–Cartan (RC) spacetime with torsion, in Lorentz and CPT violating (LV) Standard Model extension (SME). In his paper use of quantum electrodynamic (QED) extension in RC spacetime is made. More recently L. C. Garcia de Andrade [Phys. Lett. B 468, 28 (2011)] obtained magnetic field galactic dynamo seeds in the bosonic sector with massless photons, which proved to decay faster than necessary [Phys. Lett. B 711, 143 (2012)] to be able to seed galactic dynamos. In this paper it is shown that by using the fermionic sector of Kostelecky–Lagrangian and torsion written as a chiral current, one obtains torsion and magnetic fields explicitly from a Heisenberg–Ivanenko form of Dirac equation whose solution allows us to express torsion in terms of LV coefficients and magnetic field in terms of fermionic matter fields. When minimal coupling between electromagnetic and torsion fields is used it is shown that the fermionic sector of QED with torsion leads to resonantly amplify magnetic fields which mimics an α2-dynamo mechanism. Fine-tuning of torsion is shown to result in the dynamo reversal, a phenomenon so important in solar physics and geophysics. Of course this is only an analogy since torsion is very weak in solar and geophysics contexts. An analogous expression for the α-effect of mean-field dynamos is also obtained where the α-effect is mimic by torsion. Similar resonant amplification mechanisms connected to early universe have been considered by Finelli and Gruppuso.
Non-analytical power-law correction to the Einstein–Hilbert action: Gravitational wave propagation
Authors: Fiorucci D. , Lecian O. M. , Montani G.
Published: October 2014

We analyze the features of the Minkowskian limit of a particular non-analytical f(R) model, whose Taylor expansion in the weak-field limit does not hold, as far as gravitational waves (GWs) are concerned. We solve the corresponding Einstein equations and we find an explicit expression of the modified GWs as the sum of two terms, i.e. the standard one and a modified part. As a result, GWs in this model are not transverse, and their polarization is different from that of General Relativity. The velocity of the GW modified part depends crucially on the parameters characterizing the model, and it mostly results much smaller than the speed of light. Moreover, this investigation allows one to further test the viability of this particular f(R) gravity theory as far as interferometric observations of GWs are concerned.
Cosmological bimetric model with interacting positive and negative masses and two different speeds of light, in agreement with the observed acceleration of the Universe
Authors: Petit J. P. , D'Agostini G.
Published: October 2014

An extension of a previously published model of a bimetric Universe is presented, where the speeds of light associated to positive and negative mass species are different. As shown earlier, the asymmetry of the model explains the acceleration of the positive species, while the negative one slows down. Asymmetry affects scale factors linked to lengths, times and speeds of light; so that if a mass inversion of a craft can be achieved, then interstellar travels would become non-impossible at a velocity less than the speed of light of the negative sector, and possibly much higher than that of the positive sector.
BIOMECHANICAL RESPONSE AND INJURY OF OCCUPANT'S PELVIS IN SIDE IMPACTS: EFFECTS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD AND LOADING CONDITIONS
Authors: MA ZHENGWEI , CHEN JIQING , LAN FENGCHONG
Published: October 2014

The occupant's pelvis is most susceptible to injuries in side collision accidents. To further investigate the pelvis biomechanical responses and injury mechanisms in side impacts, a biofidelic pelvis finite element (FE) model was created. In contrast to previous studies, the model was based directly on the CT data of a volunteer representing the 50th percentile Chinese male. Both cortical and cancellous bone were modeled with hexahedral elements. Through model validations against Post Mortem Human Subjects (PMHS) tests, the pelvis responses and injuries under side impacts were analyzed. Meanwhile, additional simulations were carried out utilizing the validated model to study the effects of the femoral head, impactor pad and impactor velocity on pelvic injuries. The results indicated that the most frequent injury type of the pelvis is pubic rami fracture, followed by fractures of the femoral head, greater trochanter and acetabulum. In validation against the test of Guillemot et al., the critical load of pelvic fracture was 3.8 kN. In validation against the tests of Beason et al., the peak impact force under unpadded load and padded load was 4.3 kN and 3.1 kN, respectively, while the (VC)maxwas 0.25 m/s and 0.16 m/s, respectively. Peak impact force appears to be a reasonable criterion to assess pelvic injury. Moreover, the femoral head and impactor pad play an important role in absorbing impact energy, distributing impact load, and alleviating pelvic injury.
Scene understanding by labeling pixels
Authors: Gould Stephen , He Xuming
Published: October 2014

Pixels labeled with a scene's semantics and geometry let computers describe what they see.
The dark side of the sharing economy … and how to lighten it
Authors: Malhotra Arvind , Van Alstyne Marshall
Published: October 2014

Improving the sharing economy will require addressing myriad problems.
A future for computing education research
Authors: Cooper Steve , Grover Shuchi , Guzdial Mark , Simon Beth
Published: October 2014

Seeking to address the most important issues facing the computer education research community.
Summing up
Authors: Landau Susan
Published: October 2014

Considering recent privacy- and security-related events through this column.
Evolution of the product manager
Authors: Chisa Ellen
Published: October 2014

Better education needed to develop the discipline.
Building volumetric appearance models of fabric using micro CT imaging
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Jakob Wenzel , Marschner Steve , Bala Kavita
Published: October 2014

Cloth is essential to our everyday lives; consequently, visualizing and rendering cloth has been an important area of research in graphics for decades. One important aspect contributing to the rich appearance of cloth is its complex 3D structure. Volumetric algorithms that model this 3D structure can correctly simulate the interaction of light with cloth to produce highly realistic images of cloth. But creating volumetric models of cloth is difficult: writing specialized procedures for each type of material is onerous, and requires significant programmer effort and intuition. Further, the resulting models look unrealistically "perfect" because they lack visually important features like naturally occurring irregularities.

This paper proposes a new approach to acquiring volume models, based on density data from X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans and appearance data from photographs under uncontrolled illumination. To model a material, a CT scan is made, yielding a scalar density volume. This 3D data has micron resolution details about the structure of cloth but lacks all optical information. So we combine this density data with a reference photograph of the cloth sample to infer its optical properties. We show that this approach can easily produce volume appearance models with extreme detail, and at larger scales the distinctive textures and highlights of a range of very different fabrics such as satin and velvet emerge automatically---all based simply on having accurate mesoscale geometry.
ISA 2013 workshop report: a report on the Fifth International Workshop on Indoor Spatial Awareness
Authors: Tomko Martin , Bell Scott , Li Ki-Joune
Published: October 2014

In our increasingly urbanized world, the World's population spends more and more time indoors. Indoor environments become our new natural habitat, and we conduct more and more activities enclosed by walls, moving vertically rather then horizontally, and without direct access to sunlight. Our daily activities are assisted by a range of sensors and human-machine interfaces that assist our senses and facilitate the transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

The combination of the unnatural indoor environments, novel technologies augmenting our interaction, and the ubiquitous connection to the Internet results in an entirely new ecosystem with particular challenges to our spatial abilities, spatial interactions (between humans, machines and the built environment) and spatial needs.

The series of ACM Workshops on Indoor Spatial Awareness addresses these challenges and explores the cognitive and semantic challenges, positioning and data processing requirements and technological innovations needed to facilitate the smooth transition to this ecosystem.
6th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Computational Transportation Science
Authors: Sester Monika , Mallet Clément , Krumm John , Lauer Johannes , Sester Monika
Published: October 2014

The 6th International Workshops on Computational Transportation Science was held in conjunction with the 21st ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL GIS 2013) on November 5, 2013 in Orlando, FL. It brought together communities interested in the computation, knowledge discovery and technology policy aspects of surface transportation systems and the workshop series has become a platform for interdisciplinary dialog, reflected again in this year's proceedings.
HealthGIS 2013 workshop report: the Second ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on the Use of GIS in Public Health
Authors: Goldberg Daniel W. , Horey James L. , Kanza Yaron , Shaham Oded
Published: October 2014

The Second ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on the Use of GIS in Public Health was held on November 5, 2014 in Orlando Florida, in conjuncture with the 21st ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems. It has brought together researchers whose research is in the intersection of geospatial data management and public health. This workshop provided a forum for researchers and practitioners to share new ideas and techniques for Health-related GIS applications. Original research related to all aspects of GIS usages and applications in medical and in healthcare systems was invited; especially papers based on real-world experience were encouraged. The program committee consisted of a diverse set of members from academia, industry, and government research laboratories, each with expertise in different areas of HealthGIS: development, applications, and public health research. The workshop has provided a platform for an interdisciplinary dialog that is reflected in the program of the workshop.
A Case of Pyriform Sinus Fistula Infection with Double Tracts
Authors: Shino Masato , Yasuoka Yoshihito , Nakajima Kyoko , Chikamatsu Kazuaki
Published: October 2014

Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare clinical entity and the precise origin remains controversial. The fistula is discovered among patients with acute suppurative thyroiditis or deep neck infection of the left side of the neck and is usually located in the left pyriform sinus. To the best of our knowledge, only a single tract has been reported to be responsible for pyriform sinus fistula infection. We present a case of a 13-year-old female patient with a pyriform sinus fistula that caused a deep infection of the left side of the neck and showed double-tract involvement discovered during surgical resection of the entire fistula. Both tracts arose around the pyriform sinus and terminated at the upper portion of the left lobe of the thyroid.
Efficient Ab‐Initio Electron Transport Calculations for Heterostructures by the Nonequilibrium Green’s Function Method
Authors: Takaki Hirokazu , Kobayashi Nobuhiko , Hirose Kenji
Published: October 2014

We present an efficient computation technique for ab‐initio electron transport calculations based on density functional theory and the nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism for application to heterostructures with two‐dimensional (2D) interfaces. The computational load for constructing the Green’s functions, which depends not only on the energy but also on the 2D Bloch wave vector along the interfaces and is thus catastrophically heavy, is circumvented by parallel computational techniques with the message passing interface, which divides the calculations of the Green’s functions with respect to energy and wave vectors. To demonstrate the computational efficiency of the present code, we perform ab‐initio electron transport calculations of Al(100)‐Si(100)‐Al(100) heterostructures, one of the most typical metal‐semiconductor‐metal systems, and show their transmission spectra, density of states (DOSs), and dependence on the thickness of the Si layers.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Mn3O4 Nanoparticle/Graphene Sheet Composites and Their Supercapacitive Properties
Authors: Liu Y. F. , Yuan G. H. , Jiang Z. H. , Yao Z. P.
Published: October 2014

Mn3O4 nanoparticle/graphene sheet (GM) composites were synthesized via a one‐pot and low‐cost solvothermal process in an ethanol solution. The as‐prepared materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that the nanosized Mn3O4 particles had tetragonal hausmannite structure and were successfully loaded on the graphene sheets. Moreover, the electrochemical performances of GM composites produced by different mass percents of Mn2+/graphite oxide (GO) were evaluated by means of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge‐discharge studies. The composite prepared with Mn2+/GO mass percent of 10 : 90 showed a high specific capacitance of 245 F/g at 5 mV/s in the 6 M KOH solution and better long‐term stability along with 81% of its initial capacitance after 1200 cycles at 0.5 A/g.
Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis Masquerading as Gallbladder Cancer: Can It Be Diagnosed Preoperatively?
Authors: Rammohan Ashwin , Cherukuri Sathya D. , Sathyanesan Jeswanth , Palaniappan Ravichandran , Govindan Manoharan
Published: October 2014

Background. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is often misdiagnosed as gallbladder cancer (GBC). We aimed to determine the preoperative characteristics that could potentially aid in an accurate diagnosis of XGC masquerading as GBC.Methods. An analysis of patients operated upon with a preoperative diagnosis of GBC between January 2008 and December 2012 was conducted to determine the clinical and radiological features which could assist in a preoperative diagnosis of XGC.Results. Out of 77 patients who underwent radical cholecystectomy, 16 were reported as XGC on final histopathology (Group A), while 60 were GBC (Group B). The incidences of abdominal pain, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and acute cholecystitis were significantly higher in Group A, while anorexia and weight loss were higher in Group B. On CT, diffuse gallbladder wall thickening, continuous mucosal line enhancement, and submucosal hypoattenuated nodules were significant findings in Group A. CT findings on retrospect revealed at least one of these findings in 68.7% of the cases.Conclusion. Differentiating XGC from GBC is difficult, and a definitive diagnosis still necessitates a histopathological examination. An accurate preoperative diagnosis requires an integrated review of clinical and characteristic radiological features, the presence of which may help avoid radical resection and avoidable morbidity in selected cases.
Effect of High-Fat Diet on Peripheral Neuropathy in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Xu Lingling , Tang Dou , Guan Meiping , Xie Cuihua , Xue Yaoming
Published: October 2014

Objective. Dyslipidemia may contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy, even in prediabetics; however, few studies have evaluated vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress in patients with peripheral neuropathy.Methods. Using high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced prediabetic C57BL/6 mice, we assessed motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) using a BIOPAC System and thermal algesia with a Plantar Test (Hargreaves’ method) Analgesia Meter. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density and mean dendrite length were tested following standard protocols. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.Results. HFD-fed mice showed deficits in motor and sensory NCV, thermal hyperalgesia, reduced mean dendrite length, and VEGF-A expression in the plantar skin and increased 12/15-LOX in the sciatic nerve (P<0.05compared with controls).Conclusion. HFD may cause large myelinated nerve and small sensory nerve fiber damage, thus leading to neuropathy. The mean dendrite length may be a more sensitive marker for early detection of peripheral neuropathy. Reduced blood supply to the nerves and increased oxidative stress may contribute to the development and severity of peripheral neuropathy.
Outage Probability of Dual-Hop Multiple Antenna Relay Systems with Interference at the Relay and Destination
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2014

This paper analyzes the outage performance of a dual-hop relaying system in which the relay is equipped with multiple antennas, while the source and destination have a single antenna. New exact closed-form expressions for the outage probability of both the amplify-and-forward (AF) and the decode-and-forward (DF) relaying systems are derived, assuming that the relay and destination are impaired by cochannel interferers and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Numerical results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Weed Control in White Bean with Various Halosulfuron Tankmixes
Authors: Soltani Nader , Nurse Robert E. , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: October 2014

Four field trials were conducted over a three-year period (2011–2013) in southwestern Ontario to evaluate the level of weed control provided by various halosulfuron tankmixes applied preplant incorporated (PPI) in white bean. Trifluralin, s-metolachlor, halosulfuron, and imazethapyr applied alone or in combination caused 4% or less visible injury 1 and 4 weeks after emergence (WAE) in white bean. Trifluralin, s-metolachlor, halosulfuron, and imazethapyr applied PPI provided 80–96%, 84–95%, 83–100%, and 75–92% control of redroot pigweed; 19–28%, 30–40%, 97–99%, and 73–84% control of common ragweed; 94–96%, 63–82%, 96–100%, and 96–100% control of common lambsquarters; 14-15%, 12–35%, 100%, and 96–97% control of wild mustard; and 96–97%, 95–97%, 53–56%, and 80–82% control of green foxtail, respectively. The two- and three-way tankmixes of halosulfuron with trifluralin, s-metolachlor, or imazethapyr provided 85–100% control of redroot pigweed, 90–98% control of common ragweed, 97–100% control of common lambsquarters, 100% control of wild mustard, and 93–98% control of green foxtail. Weed density, weed biomass and white bean seed yields reflected the level of visible weed control.
Fundamental Studies of Novel Zwitterionic Hybrid Membranes: Kinetic Model and Mechanism Insights into Strontium Removal
Authors: Zhu Wen , Liu Junsheng , Li Meng
Published: October 2014

A series of zwitterionic hybrid membranes were prepared via the ring opening of 1,3-propanesultone with the amine groups in the chains of TMSPEDA and a subsequent sol-gel process. Their kinetic models for strontium removal were investigated using three two-parameter kinetic equations (i.e., Lagergren pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Elovich models). Adsorption mechanism was evaluated using intraparticle diffusion model, diffusion-chemisorption model, and Boyd equation. It was found that the adsorption of strontium ions on these zwitterionic hybrid membranes fitted well with the Lagergren pseudo-second order model. Mechanism insights suggested that diffusion-chemisorption was one of the main adsorption mechanisms. Boyd equation exhibited that film-diffusion mechanism might be the control process during the starting period. These findings are very useful in strontium removal from the stimulated radioactive wastewater.
Active Control Optimization for Minimizing the Dynamic Response of Functionally Graded Plate
Authors: Fares M. E. , Elmarghany M. Kh. , Atta Doaa
Published: October 2014

A control optimization problem for functionally graded (FG) plates is presented using a first-order shear deformation plate theory including through-the-thickness normal strain effect. The aim of the optimization is to minimize the vibrational response of FG plate with constraints on the control energy used in the damping process. An active control optimization is presented to determine the optimal level of a closed loop control function. Plate thickness and a homogeneity parameter of FG plates are used as design variables. Numerical results for the optimal control force and the total energy for a simply supported FG plate are given. The influence of through-the-thickness normal strain effect on the accuracy of the obtained results is illustrated. The effectiveness of the present control and design procedure is examined.
A Case of Hemophagocytic Syndrome due to Tuberculosis: Uncommon Manifestation of a Common Disease
Authors: Singha Arijit , Mukherjee Adreesh , Dasgupta Riddhi , Das Tapas
Published: October 2014

Hemophagocytic syndrome, also known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is the manifestation of immune dysregulation. It is associated with ineffective but exaggerated immune response and infiltration of active lymphocytes and histiocytes in various organs. This devastating clinical condition has myriad of clinical and biochemical manifestations such as fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, hypertrygliceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. It can be either primary or secondary. Primary HLH usually presents in childhood. Secondary HLH occurs due to infection mostly viruses but other aetiologies are also important as early detection and treatment may improve survival. Hemophagocytosis due to tuberculosis is uncommon. Only handful of cases have been reported mostly in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with disseminated tuberculosis in an immunocompetent women highlighting early diagnosis and treatment is a demanding need in this devastating disease.
Using the Efficient Frontier to Obtain the Best Solution for the Storage Location Assignment Problem
Authors: Fontana Marcele Elisa , Cavalcante Cristiano Alexandre Virgínio
Published: October 2014

The main variables that influence the efficiency of a warehouse are the use of space and the order picking distance. In the literature, there are proposals to add the costs with space and order picking in order to evaluate each alternative for storage location assignment. However, there were problems with the adoption of this methodology, including difficulties in determining the costs and tradeoffs between them. These difficulties can result in solutions that are suboptimal. Based on these facts, this paper proposes a class‐based storage process and storage location assignment by a cube‐per‐order index (COI) that analyzes the space required and the total order picking distance by Pareto‐optimal calculations. The efficient frontier possibilities allow the reduction of the set of alternatives, and the DM can analyze only the alternatives on efficient frontier.
Biopsy of Different Oral Soft Tissues Lesions by KTP and Diode Laser: Histological Evaluation
Authors: Romeo Umberto , Russo Claudia , Palaia Gaspare , Lo Giudice Rossella , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Visca Paolo , Migliau Guido , De Biase Alberto
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Oral biopsy aims to obtain clear and safe diagnosis; it can be performed by scalpel or laser. The controversy in this latter application is the thermal alteration due to tissue heating. The aim of this study is the histological evaluation of margins of “in vivo” biopsies collected by diode and KTP lasers.Material and Methods. 17 oral benign lesions biopsies were made by diode 808 nm (SOL, DenMatItalia, Italy) and KTP 532 nm (SmartLite, DEKA, Italy). Samples were observed at OM LEICA DM 2000; margin alterations were evaluated through Leica Application Suite 3.4.Results. Epithelial and connective damages were assessed for each pathology with an average of 0.245 mm and a standard deviation of ±0.162 mm in mucoceles, 0.382 mm ± 0.149 mm in fibromas, 0.336 mm ± 0.106 mm in hyperkeratosis, 0.473 mm ± 0.105 mm in squamous hyperplasia, 0.182 mm in giant cell granuloma, and 0.149 mm in melanotic macula.Discussion. The histologic aspect of lesions influenced the response to laser, whereas the greater inflammation and cellularity were linked with the higher thermal signs. Many artifacts were also associated to histologic procedures.Conclusion. Both tested lasers permitted sure histologic diagnosis. However, it is suggested to enlarge biopsies of about 0.5 mm, to avoid thermal alterations, especially in inflammatory lesions like oral lichen planus.
Mechanisms of Laser-Induced Reactions of Stacked Benzene Molecules: A Semiclassical Dynamics Simulation and CASSCF Calculation
Authors: Shu Kunxian , Zhao Jie , Yuan Shuai , Dou Yusheng , Lo Glenn V.
Published: October 2014

The response to ultrashort laser pulses of two stacked benzene molecules has been studied by semiclassical dynamics simulation; two typical pathways were found following excitation of one of the benzene molecules by a 25 fs (FWHM), 4.7 eV photon. With a fluence of 40.49 J/m2, the stacked molecules form a cyclobutane benzene dimer; the formation of the two covalent bonds linking two benzenes occurs asynchronously after the excimer decays to electronic ground state. With a fluence of 43.26 J/m2, only one bond is formed, which breaks about 50 fs after formation, followed by separation into the two molecules. The deformation of benzene ring is found to play an important role in the bond cleavage.
Tetris Tight Frames Construction via Hadamard Matrices
Authors: Abdollahi A. , Monfaredpour M.
Published: October 2014

We present a new method to construct unit norm tight frames by applying altered Hadamard matrices. Also we determine an elementary construction which can be used to produce a unit norm frame with prescribed spectrum of frame operator.
Mechanisms of Hypoxia-Mediated Immune Escape in Cancer
Authors: Barsoum Ivraym B. , Koti Madhuri , Siemens D. Robert , Graham Charles H.
Published: October 2014

An important aspect of malignant progression is the acquired ability of tumor cells to avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system (immune escape). Clinical cancer progression is also associated with the development of tumor hypoxia, which is mechanistically linked to the acquisition of malignant phenotypes in cancer cells. Despite the well-established role of hypoxia in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and resistance to therapy, relatively few studies have examined the contribution of hypoxia to cancer immune escape. Accumulating evidence reveals that hypoxia can impair anticancer immunity by altering the function of innate and adaptive immune cells and/or by increasing the intrinsic resistance of tumor cells to the cytolytic activity of immune effectors. Here, we discuss certain aspects of the contribution of hypoxia to tumor immune escape and provide evidence for a novel role of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling in the regulation of hypoxia-induced immune escape. Thus, we propose that activation of cGMP signaling in cancer cells may have important immunotherapeutic applications. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7185–90. ©2014 AACR.
Elevated LIM Kinase 1 in Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer Reflects Its Role in Facilitating Androgen Receptor Nuclear Translocation
Authors: Mardilovich Katerina , Gabrielsen Mads , McGarry Lynn , Orange Clare , Patel Rachana , Shanks Emma , Edwards Joanne , Olson Michael F.
Published: October 2014

Prostate cancer affects a large proportion of the male population, and is primarily driven by androgen receptor (AR) activity. First-line treatment typically consists of reducing AR signaling by hormone depletion, but resistance inevitably develops over time. One way to overcome this issue is to block AR function via alternative means, preferably by inhibiting protein targets that are more active in tumors than in normal tissue. By staining prostate cancer tumor sections, elevated LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) expression and increased phosphorylation of its substrate Cofilin were found to be associated with poor outcome and reduced survival in patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer. A LIMK-selective small molecule inhibitor (LIMKi) was used to determine whether targeted LIMK inhibition was a potential prostate cancer therapy. LIMKi reduced prostate cancer cell motility, as well as inhibiting proliferation and increasing apoptosis in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells more effectively than in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. LIMK inhibition blocked ligand-induced AR nuclear translocation, reduced AR protein stability and transcriptional activity, consistent with its effects on proliferation and survival acting via inhibition of AR activity. Furthermore, inhibition of LIMK activity increased αTubulin acetylation and decreased AR interactions with αTubulin, indicating that the role of LIMK in regulating microtubule dynamics contributes to AR function. These results indicate that LIMK inhibitors could be beneficial for the treatment of prostate cancer both by reducing nuclear AR translocation, leading to reduced proliferation and survival, and by inhibiting prostate cancer cell dissemination. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(1); 246–58. ©2014 AACR.
Assessment of Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index during Treatment: A Prospective Study of 30 Patients
Authors: Lévy-Sitbon Célia , Barbe Coralie , Plee Julie , Goeldel Anne-Laure , Antonicelli Frank , Reguiaï Ziad , Jolly Damien , Grange Florent , Bernard Philippe
Published: October 2014

Background: Recently, a consensus Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) was proposed to measure therapeutic outcomes in bullous pemphigoid (BP). Objective: To compare BPDAI with other clinical parameters of disease activity at baseline and to describe the variations of BPDAI during the initial phase of treatment. Methods: Thirty BP patients were included and followed for 1 year. BPDAI was assessed at baseline and on days 30, 90 and 360 by the same investigator. Concomitantly, the number of daily new blisters, the skin surface area of erythematous/eczematous/urticarial plaques and blisters/erosions, total lesion area (TLA), pruritus score and mucosal involvement were recorded. Results: At baseline, BPDAI was 46.7 ± 25 (mean ± SD); it was well correlated with erythematous/eczematous/urticarial skin surface (r = 0.63), TLA (r = 0.83), number of daily new blisters (r = 0.7; p ≤ 0.0002) and anti-BP180 autoantibodies (r = 0.49; p = 0.006), but not with anti-BP230 autoantibodies. For the 8 patients with severe BP at baseline, the mean BPDAI was 76.5, versus 35.9 for moderate BP (p = 0.0007). A value of 56 was proposed as a cut-off value for severe BP. BPDAI decreased to 11.9 ± 8.7, 10.7 ± 12.7 and 2.5 ± 4.1 on days 30, 90 and 360, respectively. Conclusion: BPDAI rapidly decreased during the early treatment stage of BP with variations almost totally conditioned by the skin activity component.
Role of Lutein Supplementation in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Xin , Jiang Caihui , Zhang Ying , Gong Yan , Chen Xiaofei , Zhang Maonian
Published: October 2014

Objective: The conduct of this meta-analysis aimed at examining the individual role of lutein as a dietary supplement in improving conditions of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from the data generated from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Method: The literature search was made in multiple electronic databases. Eligibility criteria were RCTs that recruited AMD patients or individuals at risk and evaluated lutein supplementation efficacy against placebo. The quality of the trials was assessed by using the Jadad scale. The meta-analysis was conducted under the fixed effect model with RevMan software by calculating the mean differences of the changes from baseline of both lutein and placebo groups. Parameters of interest were macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual acuity (VA) in logMAR (minimum angle of resolution). Heterogeneity was determined by χ2 and I2 and publication bias was assessed by visual examination of funnel plots. Results: After following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, five RCTs that recruited 445 participants were selected for the meta-analysis. It has been found that lutein treatment was associated with a significant improvement in MPOD, with mean differences between lutein and placebo groups in the changes from baseline of 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.12; p < 0.00001). VA also improved with a mean difference between lutein and placebo groups in the changes from baseline of −0.04 (95% CI−0.07, 0.00; p = 0.05). Statistical heterogeneity was not apparent. Conclusion: A statistically highly significant effect of lutein supplementation has been observed for improving the MPOD, whereas the improvement in VA was milder. A daily dose of 10 mg was found as effective as higher doses in this meta-analysis. However, the number of input studies is not adequate for conclusive evidence.
Antiherpetic Mechanism of a Sulfated Derivative of Agaricus brasiliensis Fruiting Bodies Polysaccharide
Authors: Cardozo Francielle Tramontini Gomes de Sousa , Camelini Carla Maísa , Leal Paulo César , Kratz Jadel Müller , Nunes Ricardo José , Mendonça Margarida Matos de , Simões Cláudia Maria Oliveira
Published: October 2014

Objective: To study the anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity of a (1→6)-(1→3)-β-D-glucan isolated from Agaricus brasiliensis fruiting bodies (FR) as well as its chemically sulfated derivative (FR-S). Methods: The antiherpetic activity and mechanism of action was studied by viral plaque assay applying different methodological strategies. Results: Although FR presented no in vitro antiherpetic action at 1 mg/ml, FR-S displayed promising anti-HSV-1 and anti-HSV-2 activities in both simultaneous and postinfection treatments, resulting in selectivity indices (CC50/EC50) higher than 393. FR-S had no virucidal effect, but significantly suppressed HSV-1 (EC50 = 0.32 µg/ml) and HSV-2 (EC50 = 0.10 µg/ml) adsorption. FR-S was less effective on adsorption inhibition of mutant virus strains devoid of gC (HSV-1 gC-39 and HSV-2 gCneg1), indicating a possible interaction with this glycoprotein. The reduction of viral adsorption upon cell pretreatment with FR-S also suggests its interaction with cellular components. FR-S inhibited HSV-1 (EC50 = 8.39 µg/ml) and HSV-2 (EC50 = 2.86 µg/ml) penetration more efficiently than heparin. FR-S reduced HSV-1 and HSV-2 cell-to-cell spread. A synergic effect between FR-S and acyclovir was also detected. Conclusions: FR-S displays an interesting mechanism of antiviral action and represents a promising candidate for the treatment and/or prevention of herpetic infections, to be used as a single therapeutic agent or in combination with acyclovir.