bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lysine Residues within the Human Ribosomal Protein S17 Sequence Naturally Inserted into the Viral Nonstructural Protein of a Unique Strain of Hepatitis E Virus Are Important for Enhanced Virus Replication
Authors: Kenney Scott P. , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: January 2015

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important but extremely understudied human pathogen. Due largely to the lack of an efficient cell culture system for HEV, the molecular mechanisms of HEV replication and pathogenesis are poorly understood. Recently, a unique genotype 3 strain of HEV recovered from a chronically infected patient was adapted for growth in HepG2C3A human hepatoma cells. The adaptation of the Kernow C-1 P6 HEV to propagate in HepG2C3A cells selected for a rare virus recombinant that contains an insertion of a 171-nucleotide sequence encoding amino acids 21 to 76 of the human ribosomal protein S17 (RPS17) within the hypervariable region (HVR) of the HEV ORF1 protein. When the RPS17 insertion was placed into a strain of genotype 1 HEV which infects only humans, it expanded the host range of the virus, allowing it to infect cell lines from multiple animal species, including cow, dog, cat, chicken, and hamster. In this study, we utilized forward and reverse genetics to attempt to define which aspects of the RPS17 insertion allow for the ability of the Kernow C-1 P6 HEV to adapt in cell culture and allow for expanded host tropism. We demonstrate that the RPS17 sequence insertion in HEV bestows novel nuclear/nucleolar trafficking capabilities to the ORF1 protein of Kernow P6 HEV and that lysine residues within the RPS17 insertion, but not nuclear localization of the ORF1 protein, correlate with the enhanced replication of the HEV Kernow C-1 P6 strain. The results from this study have important implications for understanding the mechanism of cross-species infection and replication of HEV.

IMPORTANCE
HEV is an important pathogen worldwide. The virus causes high mortality (up to 30%) in pregnant women and has been recognized to cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised populations. The life cycle of HEV has been understudied due to a lack of sufficient cell culture systems in which to propagate the virus. Recently, insertions and rearrangements of the hypervariable region (HVR) within the HEV genome, allowing for cell culture adaptation and expansion of the host range, have been reported. We utilized these cell culture-adapted HEV strains to assess how the HVR may be involved in virus replication and host range. We provide evidence that insertion of the RPS17 sequence in HEV likely confers nuclear trafficking capabilities to the nonstructural protein of the virus and that lysine residues within the RPS17 insertion are important for enhanced replication of the virus. These data will help to elucidate the mechanism of cross-species infection of HEV in the future.
Ending preventable child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025. Development of the integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea
Authors: Qazi Shamim , Aboubaker Samira , MacLean Rachel , Fontaine Olivier , Mantel Carsten , Goodman Tracey , Young Mark , Henderson Peggy , Cherian Thomas
Published: January 2015

Despite the existence of low-cost and effective interventions for childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea, these conditions remain two of the leading killers of young children. Based on feedback from health professionals in countries with high child mortality, in 2009, WHO and Unicef began conceptualising an integrated approach for pneumonia and diarrhoea control. As part of this initiative, WHO and Unicef, with support from other partners, conducted a series of five workshops to facilitate the inclusion of coordinated actions for pneumonia and diarrhoea into the national health plans of 36 countries with high child mortality. This paper presents the findings from workshop and postworkshop follow-up activities and discusses the contribution of these findings to the development of the integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea, which outlines the necessary actions for elimination of preventable child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025. Though this goal is ambitious, it is attainable through concerted efforts. By applying the lessons learned thus far and continuing to build upon them, and by leveraging existing political will and momentum for child survival, national governments and their supporting partners can ensure that preventable child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea are eventually eliminated.
Millennium Development Goals progress: a perspective from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: English Mike , English Rex , English Atti
Published: January 2015

Sub-Saharan Africa is a highly diverse geo-political region. Any brief discussion of the progress made over the last 15 years towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will therefore not do justice to the true complexity of context and events. Our focus will be MDG4—to reduce child mortality by 66% from 1990 levels. We will touch briefly on MDG1, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, MDG2, to achieve universal primary education, and MDG5, to improve maternal health, which are inextricably linked with child well-being. We will also draw on an eclectic mix of additional global indicators. Acknowledging the limitations of this approach, we first offer a summary of expected progress and then point to debates on future goals.
Pregnancy and ABCB4 gene mutation: risk of recurrent cholelithiasis
Authors: Elderman Jan H , ter Borg Pieter C J , Dees Jan , Dees Adriaan
Published: January 2015

Cholelithiasis is a common problem in the Western world. Recurrent gallstones after cholecystectomy, however, are rare. We describe a case of a young woman with recurrent gallstones after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy leading to cholangitis during pregnancy. Additional testing revealed an ATP-binding cassette B4 (ABCB4) gene mutation. ABCB4 gene mutations leading to a multidrug resistance (MDR)3-P-glycoprotein deficiency are related to, among other diseases, recurrent cholelithiasis. Medical treatment consists of administering oral ursodeoxycholic acid. If untreated, MDR3 deficiency can lead to progressive liver failure requiring liver transplantation.
Successful surgical optic nerve decompression in a patient with hypertrophic pachymeningitis due to granulomatous polyangiitis
Authors: de Hoog Joeri , Volovici Victor , Dammers Ruben
Published: January 2015

A 57-year-old woman presented with subacute vision loss of first the left, and later the right eye. She was diagnosed with granulomatous polyangiitis with hypertrophic pachymeningitis and optic nerve compression. Her visual acuity could not be permanently restored with immune suppressants alone, so a surgical decompression of the right optic nerve, via a modified cranio-orbitozygomatic pretemporal approach, was performed. Her right eye regained 20/20 vision and has remained stable during 8 months of follow-up.
The migrant worker: visible, yet invisible
Authors: Win Aung
Published: January 2015

This paper has been retracted at the request of the author.
Effect of study design and setting on tuberculosis clustering estimates using Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units-Variable Number Tandem Repeats (MIRU-VNTR): a systematic review
Authors: Mears Jessica , Abubakar Ibrahim , Cohen Theodore , McHugh Timothy D , Sonnenberg Pam
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To systematically review the evidence for the impact of study design and setting on the interpretation of tuberculosis (TB) transmission using clustering derived from Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units-Variable Number Tandem Repeats (MIRU-VNTR) strain typing.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for articles published before 21st October 2014.

Review methods

Studies in humans that reported the proportion of clustering of TB isolates by MIRU-VNTR were included in the analysis. Univariable meta-regression analyses were conducted to assess the influence of study design and setting on the proportion of clustering.

Results

The search identified 27 eligible articles reporting clustering between 0% and 63%. The number of MIRU-VNTR loci typed, requiring consent to type patient isolates (as a proxy for sampling fraction), the TB incidence and the maximum cluster size explained 14%, 14%, 27% and 48% of between-study variation, respectively, and had a significant association with the proportion of clustering.

Conclusions

Although MIRU-VNTR typing is being adopted worldwide there is a paucity of data on how study design and setting may influence estimates of clustering. We have highlighted study design variables for consideration in the design and interpretation of future studies.
KRAS Mutant Allele-Specific Imbalance (MASI) assessment in routine samples of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Sgariglia Roberta , De Stefano Alfonso , Bellevicine Claudio , Vigliar Elena , de Biase Dario , Sepe Romina , Pallante Pierlorenzo , Carlomagno Chiara , Tallini Giovanni , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: January 2015

Aims

Patients with colorectal cancer harbouring KRAS mutations do not respond to antiepidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. Community screening forKRASmutation selects patients for treatment. When aKRASmutation is identified by direct sequencing, mutant and wild type alleles are seen on the sequencing electropherograms.KRASmutant allele-specific imbalance (MASI) occurs when the mutant allele peak is higher than the wild type one. The aims of this study were to verify the rate and tissue distribution ofKRASMASI as well as its clinical relevance.

Methods

A total of 437 sequencing electropherograms showingKRASexon 2 mutation was reviewed and in 30 cases next generation sequencing (NGS) was also carried out. Five primary tumours were extensively laser capture microdissected to investigatedKRASMASI tissue spatial distribution.KRASMASI influence on the overall survival was evaluated in 58 patients. In vitro response to anti-EGFR therapy in relation to different G13DKRASMASI status was also evaluated.

Results

On the overall,KRASMASI occurred in 58/436 cases (12.8%), being more frequently associated with G13D mutation (p=0.05) and having a heterogeneous tissue distribution.KRASMASI detection by Sanger Sequencing and NGS showed 94% (28/30) concordance. The longer overall survival ofKRASMASI negative patients did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08). In cell line model G13D KRAS MASI conferred resistance to cetuximab treatment.

Conclusions

KRASMASI is a significant event in colorectal cancer, specifically associated with G13D mutation, and featuring a heterogeneous spatial distribution, that may have a role to predict the response to EGFR inhibitors. The foreseen implementation of NGS in communityKRAStesting may help to defineKRASMASI prognostic and predictive significance.
The effect of a carbohydrate mouth-rinse on neuromuscular fatigue following cycling exercise
Authors: Jeffers Robert , Shave Robert , Ross Emma , Stevenson Emma J. , Goodall Stuart
Published: January 2015

Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth-rinsing, rather than ingestion, is known to improve performance of high-intensity (>75% maximal oxygen uptake) short-duration (≤1 h) cycling exercise. Mechanisms responsible for this improvement, however, are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a CHO mouth-rinse on cycling time-trial (TT) performance and mechanisms of fatigue. On 2 separate occasions, 9 male cyclists (mean ± SD; maximal oxygen uptake, 61 ± 5 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 45 min at 70% maximum power output (preload) followed by a 15-min TT. At 7.5-min intervals during the preload and TT, participants were given either a tasteless 6.4% maltodextrin mouth-rinse (CHO) or water (placebo (PLA)) in a double-blind, counterbalanced fashion. Isometric knee-extension force and electromyographic responses to percutaneous electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation were measured before, after the preload, and after the TT. There were greater decreases in maximal voluntary contraction after the TT in PLA (20% ± 10%) compared with the CHO (12% ± 8%; P = 0.019). Voluntary activation was reduced following exercise in both trials, but did not differ between conditions (PLA –10% ± 8% vs. CHO –5% ± 4%; P = 0.150). The attenuation in the manifestation of global fatigue did not translate into a TT improvement (248 ± 23 vs. 248 ± 39 W for CHO and PLA, respectively). Furthermore, no differences in heart rate or ratings of perceived exertion were found between the 2 conditions. These data suggest that CHO mouth-rinsing attenuates neuromuscular fatigue following endurance cycling. Although these changes did not translate into a performance improvement, further investigation is required into the role of CHO mouth-rinse in alleviating neuromuscular fatigue.
A surface ion imprinted magnetic silica sorbent for the separation and determination of leaching silver in antibacterial food contact products
Authors: Xiang Guo-Qiang , Ma Yu-Long , Yang Jun-Feng , Wang Fan , Wang Jin-Rong , Wang Bo
Published: January 2015

The objective of the present study was to develop a novel method for determining trace silver in leaching solution of antibacterial food contact products. For this purpose, a novel silver ion imprinted magnetic silica sorbent was synthesized by a surface imprinting technique. A new method, combining magnetic solid-phase extraction with flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, was developed, and the synthesized sorbent was used for detecting and extracting trace silver using the newly developed method. The main factors, such as pH, elution condition, ultrasonic time, and coexisting ions, affecting the magnetic solid-phase extraction procedure were investigated. The adsorption capacity of the new sorbent was 91.4 mg g−1 for silver. Under the optimized conditions, our method showed a detection limit of 0.26 ng mL−1 for silver with an enrichment factor of 91.8. The analytical results obtained from a certified reference water sample (GBW00809) were in good agreement with the certified value. Our method, when applied to determine trace silver present in the leaching solutions of different antibacterial food contact products, showed satisfactory results.
CO2 capture using the clathrate hydrate process employing cellulose foam as a porous media
Authors: Nambiar Abhishek , Babu Ponnivalavan , Linga Praveen
Published: January 2015

A new biodegradable porous medium has been employed in this work for the hydrate-based gas separation (HBGS) process to capture carbon dioxide in a fixed bed column from a precombustion stream. Propane (2.5 mol%) was added as a promoter to reduce the operating pressure of the HBGS process. Experiments were conducted at 6 MPa and 274.2 K at different water saturation levels (50% and 100%) in a cellulose foam bed. It was found that a normalized rate of hydrate formation was more than double for 50% as compared to 100% water-saturated level. In addition, kinetic modelling of hydrate formation in porous media has been carried out using Avrami model by utilizing the experimental gas uptake data from current and published works. The Avrami model was found to fit the hydrate growth kinetics very well, up to 40 min of hydrate growth for different porous media like silica sand, polyurethane foam, and cellulose foam, and for different guest gas and gas mixtures.
Effects of dietary fiber content on energetics in nonreproductive and reproductive Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)
Authors: Lou Mei-Fang , Zhang Xue-Ying , Fu Rong-Shu , Wang De-Hua
Published: January 2015

Food quality can affect many physiological characteristics in small mammals. Reproduction is a highly energy-demanding period especially for the females to produce and feed their offspring. We hypothesized that energy intake was constrained at different levels in nonreproductive and reproductive females and thus they adopted diverse energy strategies in response to diet changes. Here, we tested the effects of low fiber diet (3.5% vs. 12.4%) on energy intake and thermogenesis in nonreproductive and reproductive Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii (Radde, 1861)), a herbivorous species. We found that the voles decreased food intake while keeping a stable digestible energy intake (DEI) in response to the low fiber diet, but DEI was increased in reproductive voles at peak lactation. Uncoupling protein 1 content in brown adipose tissue decreased in nonreproductive voles, but was stable in reproductive voles on the low fiber diet. Litter mass on day 18 of age tended to increase in the low fiber group compared with that in the control group. Our findings demonstrate that the voles have a target intake to maintain energy balance when diet composition changes and energy intake may be constrained at a high level for the reproductive voles to improve their offspring’s fitness.
Hyperbolic submanifolds with finite type hyperbolic Gauss map
Authors: Dursun Uğur , Yeğin Rüya
Published: January 2015

We study submanifolds of hyperbolic spaces with finite type hyperbolic Gauss map. First, we classify the hyperbolic submanifolds with 1-type hyperbolic Gauss map. Then we prove that a non-totally umbilical hypersurface Mn with nonzero constant mean curvature in a hyperbolic space [Formula: see text] has 2-type hyperbolic Gauss map if and only if M has constant scalar curvature. We also classify surfaces with constant mean curvature in the hyperbolic space [Formula: see text] having 2-type hyperbolic Gauss map. Moreover we show that a horohypersphere in [Formula: see text] has biharmonic hyperbolic Gauss map.
Camera-Based Whiteboard Reading for Understanding Mind Maps
Authors: Vajda Szilárd , Plötz Thomas , Fink Gernot A.
Published: January 2015

Mind maps, i.e. the spatial organization of ideas and concepts around a central topic and the visualization of their relations, represent a very powerful and thus popular means to support creative thinking and problem solving processes. Typically created on traditional whiteboards, they represent an important technique for collaborative brainstorming sessions. We describe a camera-based system to analyze hand-drawn mind maps written on a whiteboard. The goal of the presented system is to produce digital representations of such mind maps, which would enable digital asset management, i.e. storage and retrieval of manually created documents. Our system is based on image acquisition by means of a camera, followed by the segmentation of the particular whiteboard image focusing on the extraction of written context, i.e. the ideas captured by the mind map. The spatial arrangement of these ideas is recovered using layout analysis based on unsupervised clustering, which results in graph representations of mind maps. Finally, handwriting recognition derives textual transcripts of the ideas captured by the mind map. We demonstrate the capabilities of our mind map reading system by means of an experimental evaluation, where we analyze images of mind maps that have been drawn on whiteboards, without any further constraints other than the underlying topic. In addition to the promising recognition results, we also discuss training strategies, which effectively allow for system bootstrapping using out-of-domain sample data. The latter is important when addressing creative thinking processes where domain-related training data are difficult to obtain as they focus on novelty by definition.
IMPACT OF AGE-DEPENDENT RELAPSE AND IMMUNITY ON MALARIA DYNAMICS
Authors: VOGT-GEISSE KATIA , LORENZO CHRISTINA , FENG ZHILAN
Published: January 2015

An age-structured mathematical model for malaria is presented. The model explicitly includes the human and mosquito populations, structured by chronological age of humans. The infected human population is divided into symptomatic infectious, asymptomatic infectious and asymptomatic chronic infected individuals. The original partial differential equation (PDE) model is reduced to an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model with multiple age groups coupled by aging. The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is derived for the PDE model and the age group model in the case of general n age groups. We assume that infectiousness of chronic infected individuals gets triggered by bites of even susceptible mosquitoes. Our analysis points out that this assumption contributes greatly to the [Formula: see text] expression and therefore needs to be further studied and understood. Numerical simulations for n = 2 age groups and a sensitivity/uncertainty analysis are presented. Results suggest that it is important not only to consider asymptomatic infectious individuals as a hidden cause for malaria transmission, but also asymptomatic chronic infections (>60%), which often get neglected due to undetectable parasite loads. These individuals represent an important reservoir for future human infectiousness. By considering age-dependent immunity types, the model helps generate insight into effective control measures, by targeting age groups in an optimal way.
THE GREEK VERSION OF THE HAND20 QUESTIONNAIRE: CROSSCULTURAL TRANSLATION, RELIABILITY AND CONSTRUCT VALIDITY
Authors: Goula Thomais , Ververidis Athanasios , Tripsianis Grigorios , Tilkeridis Konstantinos , Drosos Georgios I.
Published: January 2015

The English version of Hand20 questionnaire was translated into Greek and cultural adaptation was performed. The validity was assessed in 134 patients with a variety of upper limb disorders. A comparison of Hand20 and DASH was also performed. All patients completed EQ-5D, Hand20 and DASH questionnaire. Test–retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup of 37 patients. We assessed the convergent validity of Hand20 by correlating its scores to DASH and EQ-5D scores. We also compared the completeness of Hand20 and DASH. We found no statistically significant differences in Hand20 scores between the 1st and 2nd measurements as well as a strong correlation between Hand20 and the other two questionnaires. There were also better rates of response and fewer missing data even in elderly individuals.
BIPHASIC MOTION OF THE MEDIAN NERVE IN THE NORMAL ASIAN POPULATION
Authors: Goh C. H. , Lee B. H. , Lahiri Amitabha
Published: January 2015

Background: The biomechanical interaction between the median nerve and the flexor tendons is an important consideration in Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We aim to quantify the displacement and compressive deformation pattern of the median nerve in various stages of finger flexion in the normal population at the inlet of the carpal tunnel. Methods: Transverse ultrasounds images were taken at the carpal tunnel inlet during full-extension, mid-flexion and full flexion. The displacement, distance, Feret's diameter, and perimeter of the median nerve were calculated and compared between each position. Results: Biphasic median nerve motion was observed, with a displacement of 2.84 ± 3.49 mm in the ulnar direction from full-extension to mid-flexion (Phase I) and a further 0.93 ± 3.04 mm from mid-flexion to full flexion (Phase II). Of 49 hands, 37 (75.5%) exhibited ulnar displacement in Phase I while 12 (24.5%) exhibited radial displacement. Feret's diameter (5.95 ± 1.08 mm) and perimeter (13.28 ± 2.09) of the median nerve were greatest in the mid-flexed position. Conclusion: In a healthy Asian population, the median nerve has a biphasic motion during finger flexion, with maximal deformation in the mid-flexed position.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE FUNCTIONAL RESULTS OF OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION FOR FRACTURE-DISLOCATIONS OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT
Authors: Watanabe Kentaro , Kino Yoshitake , Yajima Hiroki
Published: January 2015

To clarify the factors affecting functional results of fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), 60 patients, including 38 patients with a dorsal fracture-dislocation and 22 with a pilon fracture, were analysed. The mean ratio of articular surface involvement was 48.5% and a depressed central fragment existed in 75.3% of the cases. ORIF was performed in 47 patients through a lateral approach using Kirschner wires and in 13 through a palmar approach using a plate or screws. The mean flexion, extension and range of motion (ROM) of the PIP joint was 89.5°, 11.5° and 78.0°, respectively. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that a delayed start of active motion exercise after surgery, elderly age and ulnar ray digit were factors affecting functional outcomes. Although ORIF allows accurate restoration of the articular surfaces, an early start of motion exercise is essential for good results.
A CASE REPORT OF ACUTE CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME CAUSED BY VENOUS THROMBOSIS
Authors: Abe Yoshihiro , Saito Masahiko
Published: January 2015

Compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is well-recognised as cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). Many causes of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow have been identified. A previously unreported finding of ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel caused by a thrombosed proximal ulnar recurrent artery vena comitans is described.
MYCOBACTERIUM CHELONAE INFECTION OF THE HAND PRESENTING AS A COLLAR-BUTTON ABSCESS
Authors: Nguyen Amy , Ipaktchi Kyros , Livermore Meryl , Banegas Rodrigo
Published: January 2015

Mycobacterial infections of the hand are extremely rare, with Mycobacterium chelonae being an especially uncommon source of infection. The following is a report of such an infection presenting as a collar-button abscess. The difficulty of isolating the organism, in addition to a low index of suspicion for it, resulted in a significant delay in appropriate treatment. The patient demonstrated an indolent course of infection and unresponsiveness to traditional treatments, both red flags that should raise concern for a mycobacterial cause. Eventually, repeated irrigation and debridement and a prolonged course of antibiotics resulted in the resolution of the patient's symptoms.
A RARE CASE OF MULTIPLE SUBUNGUAL GLOMUS TUMOURS IN A NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1 PATIENT
Authors: Yuen J. , Bavan L. , Graham A.
Published: January 2015

Glomus tumours are uncommon lesions of the digit. They tend to be solitary. Only a small number of multifocal cases have been published, most of which are linked to an underlying genetic disorder. Here we report an unusual case of multifocal glomus tumours in the same hand in a patient suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1.
Decay property of the Timoshenko–Cattaneo system
Authors: Mori Naofumi , Kawashima Shuichi
Published: January 2015

We study the Timoshenko system with Cattaneo’s type heat conduction in the one-dimensional whole space. We investigate the dissipative structure of the system and derive the optimal [Formula: see text] decay estimate of the solution in a general situation. Our decay estimate is based on the detailed pointwise estimate of the solution in the Fourier space. We observe that the decay property of our Timoshenko–Cattaneo system is of the regularity-loss type. This decay property is a little different from that of the dissipative Timoshenko system (see [K. Ide, K. Haramoto and S. Kawashima, Decay property of regularity-loss type for dissipative Timoshenko system, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18 (2008) 647–667]) in the low frequency region. However, in the high frequency region, it is just the same as that of the Timoshenko–Fourier system (see [N. Mori and S. Kawashima, Decay property for the Timoshenko system with Fourier’s type heat conduction, J. Hyperbolic Differential Equations 11 (2014) 135–157]) or the dissipative Timoshenko system (see [K. Ide, K. Haramoto and S. Kawashima, Decay property of regularity-loss type for dissipative Timoshenko system, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18 (2008) 647–667]), although the stability number is different. Finally, we study the decay property of the Timoshenko system with the thermal effect of memory-type by reducing it to the Timoshenko–Cattaneo system.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ENTREPRENEURIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE FRANCHISE CONTEXT
Authors: MEEK WILLIAM R. , SULLIVAN DIANE M. , MUELLER JOHN
Published: January 2015

This study examines how entrepreneurial relationship variables such as trust, conflict, interpersonal justice (IJ) and satisfaction differ among a group of male and female franchisees. Results suggest differences exist between these two groups in relation to conflict, IJ and trust with their franchisor. These results are consistent with research on feminine gender roles and research that suggests female entrepreneurs are more relationship oriented throughout the entrepreneurial process. The results further make a case for the importance of empirically examining different entrepreneurial relationship variables in future research on gender and entrepreneurship, and illustrate the power of the franchising business model in breaking down potential barriers of gender discrimination for female entrepreneurs.
Effect of Local Anesthetics on Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretion
Authors: Gray Andrea , Marrero-Berrios Ileana , Ghodbane Mehdi , Maguire Timothy , Weinberg Jonathan , Manchikalapati Devasena , SchianodiCola Joseph , Schloss Rene S. , Yarmush Joel
Published: January 2015

Anti-fibrotic and tissue regenerative mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) properties are largely mediated by secreted cytokines and growth factors. MSCs are implanted to augment joint cartilage replacement and to treat diabetic ulcers and burn injuries simultaneously with local anesthetics, which reduce pain. However, the effect of anesthetics on therapeutic human MSC secretory function has not been evaluated. In order to assess the effect of local anesthetics on the MSC secretome, a panel of four anesthetics with different potencies — lidocaine, procaine, ropivacaine and bupivacaine — was evaluated. Since injured tissues secrete inflammatory cytokines, the effects of anesthetics on MSCs stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were also measured. Dose dependent and anesthesia specific effects on cell viability, post exposure proliferation and secretory function were quantified using alamar blue reduction and immunoassays, respectively. Computational pathway analysis was performed to identify upstream regulators and molecular pathways likely associated with the effects of these chemicals on the MSC secretome. Our results indicated while neither lidocaine nor procaine greatly reduced unstimulated cell viability, ropivacaine and bupivacaine induced dose dependent viability decreases. This pattern was exaggerated in the simulated inflammatory environment. The reversibility of these effects after withdrawal of the anesthetics was attenuated for TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated MSCs exposed to ropivacaine and bupivacaine. In addition, secretome analysis indicated that constitutive secretion changes were clearly affected by both anesthetic alone and anesthetic plus TNFα/IFNγ cell stimulation, but the secretory pattern was drug specific and did not necessarily coincide with viability changes. Pathway analysis identified different intracellular regulators for stimulated and unstimulated MSCs. Within these groups, ropivacaine and bupivacaine appeared to act on MSCs similarly via the same regulatory mechanisms. Given the variable effect of local anesthetics on MSC viability and function, these studies underscore the need to evaluate MSC in the presence of medications, such as anesthetics, that are likely to accompany cell implantation.
Estrogen directly and specifically downregulates NaPi-IIa through the activation of both estrogen receptor isoforms (ERα and ERβ) in rat kidney proximal tubule
Authors: Burris Dara , Webster Rose , Sheriff Sulaiman , Faroqui Rashma , Levi Moshe , Hawse John R. , Amlal Hassane
Published: January 2015

We have previously demonstrated that estrogen (E2) downregulates phosphate transporter NaPi-IIa and causes phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia in ovariectomized rats. In the present study, we examined whether E2directly targets NaPi-IIa in the proximal tubule (PT) and studied the respective roles of estrogen receptor isoforms (ERα and ERβ) in the downregulation of NaPi-IIa using both in vivo and an in vitro expression systems. We found that estrogen specifically downregulates NaPi-IIa but not NaPi-IIc or Pit2 in the kidney cortex. Proximal tubules incubated in a “shake” suspension with E2for 24 h exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in NaPi-IIa protein abundance. Results from OVX rats treated with specific agonists for either ERα [4,4′,4″;-(4-propyl-[1 H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol, PPT] or ERβ [4,4′,4″-(4-propyl-[1 H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol, DPN] or both (PPT + DPN), indicated that only the latter caused a sharp downregulation of NaPi-IIa, along with significant phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia. Lastly, heterologous expression studies demonstrated that estrogen downregulated NaPi-IIa only in U20S cells expressing both ERα and ERβ, but not in cells expressing either receptor alone. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that rat PT cells express both ERα and ERβ and that E2induces phosphaturia by directly and specifically targeting NaPi-IIa in the PT cells. This effect is mediated via a mechanism involving coactivation of both ERα and ERβ, which likely form a functional heterodimer complex in the rat kidney proximal tubule.
Timing of continuous motor imagery: the two-thirds power law originates in trajectory planning
Authors: Karklinsky Matan , Flash Tamar
Published: January 2015

The two-thirds power law, v = γκ−1/3, expresses a robust local relationship between the geometrical and temporal aspects of human movement, represented by curvature κ and speed v, with a piecewise constant γ. This law is equivalent to moving at a constant equi-affine speed and thus constitutes an important example of motor invariance. Whether this kinematic regularity reflects central planning or peripheral biomechanical effects has been strongly debated. Motor imagery, i.e., forming mental images of a motor action, allows unique access to the temporal structure of motor planning. Earlier studies have shown that imagined discrete movements obey Fitts's law and their durations are well correlated with those of actual movements. Hence, it is natural to examine whether the temporal properties of continuous imagined movements comply with the two-thirds power law. A novel experimental paradigm for recording sparse imagery data from a continuous cyclic tracing task was developed. Using the likelihood ratio test, we concluded that for most subjects the distributions of the marked positions describing the imagined trajectory were significantly better explained by the two-thirds power law than by a constant Euclidean speed or by two other power law models. With nonlinear regression, the β parameter values in a generalized power law, v = γκ−β, were inferred from the marked position records. This resulted in highly variable yet mostly positive β values. Our results imply that imagined trajectories do follow the two-thirds power law. Our findings therefore support the conclusion that the coupling between velocity and curvature originates in centrally represented motion planning.
The effect of convection on infrared detection by antennal warm cells in the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Tichy Harald , Zopf Lydia M.
Published: January 2015

Previous work revealed that bloodsucking bugs can discriminate between oscillating changes in infrared (IR) radiation and air temperature (T) using two types of warm cells located in peg-in-pit sensilla and tapered hairs (Zopf LM, Lazzari CR, Tichy H. J Neurophysiol 111: 1341–1349, 2014). These two stimuli are encoded and discriminated by the response quotient of the two warm cell types. IR radiation stimulates the warm cell in the peg-in-pit sensillum more strongly than that in the tapered hair. T stimuli evoke the reverse responses; they stimulate the latter more strongly than the former. In nature, IR and T cues are always present with certain radiation intensities and air temperatures, here referred to as background IR radiation and background T. In this article, we found that the response quotient permits the discrimination of IR and T oscillations even in the presence of different backgrounds. We show that the two warm cells respond well to IR oscillations if the background T operates by natural convection but poorly at forced convection, even if the background T is higher than at natural convection. Background IR radiation strongly affects the responses to T oscillations: the discharge rates of both warm cells are higher the higher the power of the IR background. We compared the warm cell responses with the T measured inside small model objects shaped like a cylinder, a cone, or a disc. The experiments indicate that passive thermal effects of the sense organs rather than intrinsic properties of the sensory cells are responsible for the observed results.
Model of Reversible Breakdown in HfO2Based on Fractal Patterns
Authors: Lorenzi P. , Rao R. , Romano G. , Irrera F.
Published: January 2015

We propose a model of the kinetics of reversible breakdown in metal-insulator-metal structures with afnia based on the growth of fractal patterns of defects when the insulator is subject to an external voltage. The probability that a defect is (or is not) generated and the position where it is generated depend on the electric field distribution. The new defect moves accordingly to fractal rules and attach to another defect in a tree branch. When the two electrodes sandwiching the insulating film are connected a conductive filament is formed and the breakdown takes place. The model is calibrated with experiments inducing metastable soft breakdown events in Pt/HfO2/Pt capacitors.
Dynamic Analysis and Control of an Automatic Transmission for Start-Stop Function and Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Shuhan , Dong Peng , Xu Xiangyang
Published: January 2015

An electric oil pump (EOP) was integrated into the hydraulic system and an automatic transmission (AT) mechanical oil pump (MOP) was downsized. These processes were performed to combine a start-stop function with the AT and further improve the transmission efficiency. Furthermore, this study established a dynamics model of power loss and leakage of an 8-speed AT; a flow-based control algorithm of the EOP was then developed to realize the start-stop function and support the MOP to meet the flow requirement of the system. Based on a driving simulation method, sizes of the MOP and EOP that ensured optimal fuel economy were selected. A control strategy for the starting clutch was also developed to minimize the starting delay of the test vehicle. A test environment on a rig and prototype vehicle was established to verify the feasibility of the proposed control strategies. The test results indicated that the transmission functioned favorably with the novel two-pump system presented, and a quick and smooth starting performance was achieved when the engine was restarted. The findings in this study are extremely valuable for forward designs of an AT for realizing start-stop function and improving efficiency.
Hemangiopericytoma of the Breast: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Koukourakis Georgios , Filopoulos Evagelos , Kapatou Kasiani , Zacharias Georgios
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Sarcomas of the breast are rare and hemangiopericytoma (HPC) of the breast is even rarer.Case Report. We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with a 4 cm mass in her right breast. Her family history was positive for breast cancer. A fine needle aspiration indicated a malignant vascular tumor. An excision biopsy and frozen section analysis confirmed the presence of an encapsulated mesenchymal tumor. Its morphology and immunohistochemical marker profile were characteristic for a malignant hemangiopericytoma. Thus, she underwent a tumor excision without an axilla sampling. Approximately one year after the surgery the patient is well without local recurrence or metastasis disease to be observed. We also reviewed the literature and discuss the treatment options, characteristics, and immunophenotype of HPC.Conclusions. The accurate diagnosis of HPC depends on the appropriate histological and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and due to scarcity of cases and unpredictable biological behavior of these tumors long term follow-up may be warranted.
Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region: MR Signal Intensity Correlated to Histopathology
Authors: Rosa Junior Marcos , da Rocha Antonio Jose , Zanon da Silva Adriano , Rosemberg Sergio
Published: January 2015

Tumors of the pineal region are rare and can be challenging to differentiate by imaging. Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) was recently recognized as a neoplasm in the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 classification, arising from specialized ependymocytes in the subcommissural organ, which is located in the pineal region. It is a rare histological type of pineal tumor with only a few cases reported. Here, we describe a case of histologically confirmed PTPR in a 17-year-old man who presented with a headache. A literature review was performed to clarify the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of PTPR. Pineal neoplasms do not have pathognomonic imaging findings; however, we discuss T1 hyperintensity, which is a key for imaging diagnosis according to recent reports. In particular, if the hyperintensity in T1 is not due to fat, calcification, melanin, or hemorrhage in a mass of the posterior commissure or pineal region, the diagnosis of a PTPR may be suggested, as observed in this case.
Two-Echelon Inventory Optimization for Imperfect Production System under Quality Competition Environment
Authors: Lai Xinfeng , Chen Zhixiang , Giri Bibhas C. , Chiu Chun-Hung
Published: January 2015

This paper develops two integrated optimization models of two-echelon inventory for imperfect production system under quality competition environment, in which the vendor’s production process is assumed to be imperfect, and JIT delivery policy is implemented to ship product from the vendor to the buyer. In the first model, product defect rate is fixed, and, in the second model, quality improvement investment is function of defect rate. The optimal policies of ordering quantity of buyer and shipment from vendor to buyer are obtained to minimize the expected annual total cost of vendor and buyer. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the models. Sensitivity analysis is taken to analyze the impact of demand, production rate, and defect rate on the solution. Implications are highlighted in that both the vendor and the buyer can benefit from the vendor’s investing in quality improvement.
Research on Fuzzy Immune Self-Adaptive PID Algorithm Based on New Smith Predictor for Networked Control System
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Hu Jinbo , Bu Wenshao
Published: January 2015

We first analyze the effect of network-induced delay on the stability of networked control systems (NCSs). Then, aiming at stochastic characteristics of the time delay, we introduce a new Smith predictor to remove the exponential function with the time delay in the closed-loop characteristic equation of the NCS. Furthermore, we combine the fuzzy PID algorithm with the fuzzy immune control algorithm and present a fuzzy immune self-adaptive PID algorithm to compensate the influence of the model deviation of the controlled object. At last, a kind of fuzzy immune self-adaptive PID algorithm based on new Smith predictor is presented to apply to the NCS. The simulation research on a DC motor is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Prognostic Value of Serum Uric Acid in Patients on the Waiting List before and after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Muela Henrique Cotchi Simbo , De Lima Jose Jayme Galvão , Gowdak Luis Henrique W. , de Paula Flávio J. , Bortolotto Luiz Aparecido
Published: January 2015

Background.High serum uric acid (UA) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in the general population. The impact of UA on CV events and mortality in CKD is unclear.Objective.To assess the relationship between UA and prognosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients before and after renal transplantation (TX).Methods.1020 HD patients assessed for CV risk and followed from the time of inception until CV event, death, or TX (HD) or date of TX, CV event, death, or return to dialysis (TX).Results.821 patients remained on HD while 199 underwent TX. High UA (≥428 mmol/L) was not associated with either composite CV events or mortality in HD patients. In TX patients high UA predicted an increased risk of events (P=0.03, HR 1.6, and 95% CI 1.03–2.54) but not with death. In the Cox proportional model UA was no longer significantly associated with CV events. Instead, a reduced GFR (<50 mL/min) emerged as the independent risk factor for events (P=0.02, HR 1.79, and % CI 1.07–3.21).Conclusion.In recipients of TX an increased posttransplant UA is related to higher probability of major CV events but this association probably caused concurrent reduction in GFR.
Stochastic Linear Quadratic Optimal Control with Indefinite Control Weights and Constraint for Discrete-Time Systems
Authors: Liu Xikui , Li Guiling , Li Yan
Published: January 2015

The Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) theorem is used to study stochastic linear quadratic optimal control with terminal constraint for discrete-time systems, allowing the control weighting matrices in the cost to be indefinite. A generalized difference Riccati equation is derived, which is different from those without constraint case. It is proved that the well-posedness and the attainability of stochastic linear quadratic optimal control problem are equivalent. Moreover, an optimal control can be denoted by the solution of the generalized difference Riccati equation.
Energy-Efficient Relay Selection Scheme for Physical Layer Security in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Jiang Li , Tian Hui
Published: January 2015

Security is a critical issue in cognitive radio (CR) relay networks. Most previous work concentrates on maximizing secrecy capacity (SC) as a criterion to guarantee the security requirements in CR relay networks. However, under the requirement of “green” radio communication, the energy consumption is largely ignored. This paper proposes a relay selection scheme which jointly considers the best relay selection and dynamic power allocation in order to maximize SC and to minimize energy consumption. Moreover, we consider finite-state Markov channels and residual relay energy in the relay selection and power allocation process. Specifically, the formulation of the proposed relay selection and power allocation scheme is based on the restless bandit problem, which is solved by the primal-dual index heuristic algorithm. Additionally, the obtained optimal relay selection policy has an indexability property that dramatically reduces the computational complexity. Numerical results are presented to show that our proposed scheme has the maximum SC and minimum energy consumption compared to the existing ones.
Effect of CdS/Mg‐Doped CdSe Cosensitized Photoanode on Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Guan Yingxiang , Zou Xiaoping , He Sheng
Published: January 2015

Quantum dots have emerged as a material platform for low‐cost high‐performance sensitized solar cells. And doping is an effective method to improve the performance of quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Since Kwak et al. from South Korea proved the incorporation of Mg in the CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in 2007, the Mg‐doped CdSe QDs have been thoroughly studied. Here we report a new attempt on CdS/Mg‐doped CdSe quantum dot cosensitized solar cells (QDCSSC). We analyzed the performance of CdS/Mg‐doped CdSe quantum dot cosensitized solar cells via discussing the different doping concentration of Mg and the different SILAR cycles of CdS. And we studied the mechanism of CdS/Mg‐doped CdSe QDs in detail for the reason why the energy conversion efficiency had been promoted. It is a significant instruction on the development of Mg‐doped CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).