bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cho Endonuclease Functions during DNA Interstrand Cross-Link Repair in Escherichia coli
Authors: Perera Anthonige Vidya , Mendenhall James Brian , Courcelle Charmain Tan , Courcelle Justin
Published: August 2016

DNA interstrand cross-links are complex lesions that covalently link both strands of the duplex DNA. Lesion removal is proposed to be initiated via the UvrABC nucleotide excision repair complex; however, less is known about the subsequent steps of this complex repair pathway. In this study, we characterized the contribution of nucleotide excision repair mutants to survival in the presence of psoralen-induced damage. Unexpectedly, we observed that the nucleotide excision repair mutants exhibit differential sensitivity to psoralen-induced damage, with
uvrC
mutants being less sensitive than either
uvrA
or
uvrB
. We show that Cho, an alternative endonuclease, acts with UvrAB and is responsible for the reduced hypersensitivity of
uvrC
mutants. We find that Cho's contribution to survival correlates with the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links, rather than monoadducts, and operates at a step after, or independently from, the initial incision during the global repair of psoralen DNA adducts from the genome.

IMPORTANCE
DNA interstrand cross-links are complex lesions that covalently bind to both strands of the duplex DNA and whose mechanism of repair remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that Cho, an alternative endonuclease, acts with UvrAB and participates in the repair of DNA interstrand cross-links formed in the presence of photoactivated psoralens. Cho's contribution to survival correlates with the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links and operates at a step after, or independently from, the initial incision during the repair process.
Deaths in triathletes: immersion pulmonary oedema as a possible cause
Authors: Moon Richard E , Martina Stefanie D , Peacher Dionne F , Kraus William E
Published: August 2016

Background/aim

To address the question as to whether immersion pulmonary oedema (IPO) may be a common cause of death in triathlons, markers of swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPO) susceptibility were sought in triathletes' postmortem examinations.

Methods

Deaths while training for or during triathlon events in the USA and Canada from October 2008 to November 2015 were identified, and postmortem reports requested. We assessed obvious causes of death; the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH); comparison with healthy triathletes.

Results

We identified 58 deaths during the time period of the review, 42 (72.4%) of which occurred during a swim. Of these, 23 postmortem reports were obtained. Five individuals had significant (≥70%) coronary artery narrowing; one each had coronary stents; retroperitoneal haemorrhage; or aortic dissection. 9 of 20 (45%) with reported heart mass exceeded 95th centile values. LV free wall and septal thickness were reported in 14 and 9 cases, respectively; of these, 6 (42.9%) and 4 (44.4%) cases exceeded normal values. 6 of 15 individuals (40%) without an obvious cause of death had excessive heart mass. The proportion of individuals with LVH exceeded the prevalence in the general triathlete population.

Conclusions

LVH—a marker of SIPO susceptibility—was present in a greater than the expected proportion of triathletes who died during the swim portion. We propose that IPO may be a significant aetiology of death during the swimming phase in triathletes. The importance of testing for LVH in triathletes as a predictor of adverse outcomes should be explored further.
Closed-Tube Barcoding
Authors: Sirianni Nicky M. , Yuan Huijun , Rice John E. , Kaufman Ronit S. , Deng John , Fulton Chandler , Wangh Lawrence J.
Published: August 2016

Here, we present a new approach for increasing the rate and lowering the cost of identifying, cataloging, and monitoring global biodiversity. These advances, which we call Closed-Tube Barcoding, are one application of a suite of proven PCR-based technologies invented in our laboratory. Closed-Tube Barcoding builds on and aims to enhance the profoundly important efforts of the International Barcode of Life initiative. Closed-Tube Barcoding promises to be particularly useful when large numbers of small or rare specimens need to be screened and characterized at an affordable price. This approach is also well suited for automation and for use in portable devices.
The Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis of a Sandwich Plate with In-Plane Loading in Supersonic Flow
Authors: Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Wei , Wang Hong-Bo , Yao Ming-Hui
Published: August 2016

Nonlinear dynamics of a sandwich plate with viscoelastic soft core in supersonic flow are investigated by considering the in-plane periodic loading. Using Reddy’s third-order shear deformation theory and von Karman’s nonlinearity, the governing partial differential equations are derived by Hamilton’s principle and then truncated into a set of ordinary differential equations by Galerkin method. The critical speed for flutter is discussed by employing the linear theory. Further, the method of multiple scales is used in the nonlinear dynamical analysis of the truncated system. The Poincaré map is numerically calculated to identify dynamical behaviors. The bifurcation diagrams are presented for varying the dimensionless in-plane loading fluctuation amplitude and the Mach number related dimensionless parameter while other parameters are unchanged.
Study and Simulation on Dynamics of a Risk-Averse Supply Chain Pricing Model with Dual-Channel and Incomplete Information
Authors: Sun Lijian , Ma Junhai
Published: August 2016

Under the industrial background of dual-channel, volatility in demand of consumers, we use the theory of bifurcations and numerical simulation tools to investigate the dynamic pricing game in a dual-channel supply chain with risk-averse behavior and incomplete information. Due to volatility of demand of consumers, we consider all the players in the supply chain are risk-averse. We assume there exist Bertrand game and Manufacturers’ Stackelberg in the chain which are closer to reality. The main objective of the paper is to investigate the complex influence of the decision parameters such as wholesale price adjustment speed, risk preference and service value on stability of the risk-averse supply chain and average utilities of all the players. We lay emphasis on the influence of chaos on average utilities of all the players which did not appear in previous studies. The dynamic phenomena, such as the bifurcation, chaos and sensitivity to initial values are analyzed by 2D bifurcation phase portraits, Double Largest Lyapunov exponent, basins of attraction and so on. The study shows that the manufacturers should slow down their wholesale price adjustment speed to get more utilities, if the manufacturers are willing to take on more risk, they will get more profits, but they must keep their wholesale prices in a certain range in order to maintain the market stability.
Role of Alternative Food in Controlling Chaotic Dynamics in a Predator–Prey Model with Disease in the Predator
Authors: Das Krishna Pada , Bairagi Nandadulal , Sen Prabir
Published: August 2016

It is generally, but not always, accepted that alternative food plays a stabilizing role in predator–prey interaction. Parasites, on the other hand, have the ability to change both the qualitative and quantitative dynamics of its host population. In recent times, researchers are showing growing interest in formulating models that integrate both the ecological and epidemiological aspects. The present paper deals with the effect of alternative food on a predator–prey system with disease in the predator population. We show that the system, in the absence of alternative food, exhibits different dynamics viz. stable coexistence, limit cycle oscillations, period-doubling bifurcation and chaos when infection rate is gradually increased. However, when predator consumes alternative food coupled with its focal prey, the system returns to regular oscillatory state from chaotic state through period-halving bifurcations. Our study shows that alternative food may have larger impact on the community structure and may increase population persistence.
The Topological Entropy of a Family of Cubic Polynomials
Authors: Rabii Maryam , Akbari Monireh
Published: August 2016

The aim of this paper is to compute the topological entropy of the real cubic polynomials [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], in certain cases. To accomplish this, some algorithms for counting the number of laps of [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]th iteration of [Formula: see text], are presented.
A Class of Three-Dimensional Quadratic Systems with Ten Limit Cycles
Authors: Du Chaoxiong , Liu Yirong , Huang Wentao
Published: August 2016

Our work is concerned with a class of three-dimensional quadratic systems with two symmetric singular points which can yield ten small limit cycles. The method used is singular value method, we obtain the expressions of the first five focal values of the two singular points that the system has. Both singular symmetric points can be fine foci of fifth order at the same time. Moreover, we obtain that each one bifurcates five small limit cycles under a certain coefficient perturbed condition, consequently, at least ten limit cycles can appear by simultaneous Hopf bifurcation.
Interactions Between Two Coupled Nonlinear Forced Systems: Fast/Slow Dynamics
Authors: Charlemagne S. , Ture Savadkoohi A. , Lamarque C.-H.
Published: August 2016

Dynamics of a system formed by a linear structure coupled to a light nonlinear oscillator, both subjected to external excitations, is studied. Effects of the external forcing of the nonlinear oscillator are especially investigated. Complex geometry of the slow invariant manifold and equilibrium and singular points of the system are detected thanks to a multiple time scale strategy around 1:1:1 resonance. Equilibrium points lead to periodic regimes while singular points are hints of strongly modulated response of the system characterized by repeated bifurcations around its stable zones. A method for detection of changes in mechanical properties of main structural system is explained. Numerical simulations obtained by direct integration of the system are used to validate analytical predictions.
Prediction of Period-Doubling Bifurcation Based on Dynamic Recognition and Its Application to Power Systems
Authors: Chen Danfeng , Wang Cong
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a bifurcation prediction approach is proposed based on dynamic recognition and further applied to predict the period-doubling bifurcation (PDB) of power systems. Firstly, modeling of the internal dynamics of nonlinear systems is obtained through deterministic learning (DL), and the modeling results are applied for constructing the dynamic training pattern database. Specifically, training patterns are chosen according to the hierarchical structured knowledge representation based on the qualitative property of dynamical systems, which is capable of arranging the dynamical models into a specific order in the pattern database. Then, a dynamic recognition-based bifurcation prediction approach is suggested. As a result, perturbations implying PDB on the testing patterns can be predicted through the minimum dynamic error between the training patterns and testing patterns by recalling the knowledge restored in the pattern database. Finally, the second-order single-machine to infinite bus power system model is introduced to check the effectiveness of this prediction approach, which implies PDB under small periodic parameter perturbations. The key point that determines the prediction effect mainly lies in two methods: (1) accurate approximation of the unknown system dynamics through DL guarantees the feasibility of the prediction process; (2) the qualitative property of PDB and the generalization ability of DL algorithm ensure the validity of the selected training patterns. Simulations are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Design and Smartphone-Based Implementation of a Chaotic Video Communication Scheme via WAN Remote Transmission
Authors: Lin Zhuosheng , Yu Simin , Li Chengqing , Lü Jinhu , Wang Qianxue
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a chaotic secure video remote communication scheme that can perform on real WAN networks, and implements it on a smartphone hardware platform. First, a joint encryption and compression scheme is designed by embedding a chaotic encryption scheme into the MJPG-Streamer source codes. Then, multiuser smartphone communications between the sender and the receiver are implemented via WAN remote transmission. Finally, the transmitted video data are received with the given IP address and port in an Android smartphone. It should be noted that, this is the first time that chaotic video encryption schemes are implemented on such a hardware platform. The experimental results demonstrate that the technical challenges on hardware implementation of secure video communication are successfully solved, reaching a balance amongst sufficient security level, real-time processing of massive video data, and utilization of available resources in the hardware environment. The proposed scheme can serve as a good application example of chaotic secure communications for smartphone and other mobile facilities in the future.
(Dis)fluency
Authors: Jaspers Jürgen
Published: August 2016

Sociolinguists are deeply politically committed to (dis)fluency. They have generally seen it as their task to revise popular wisdom on the presumed disfluency of nonstandard, accented, or multilingual speakers and to demonstrate regularity and competence where deficit is presumed. I argue that this revision has its merits but is not immune to reconsideration for its naturalization of cultural ideas that value fluency and its promise of modernization through sociolinguistic knowledge. After addressing the limitations of this literature, I review works that explore alternative conceptualizations of (dis)fluency. I build on these to argue that rather than being an inherent characteristic of particular linguistic forms, (dis)fluency depends on relationships between these forms and their evaluation by speakers with competing perspectives and different positions in the social arrangements they so help to reproduce.
Tissue and Organ Initiation in the Plant Embryo: A First Time for Everything
Authors: Palovaara Joakim , de Zeeuw Thijs , Weijers Dolf
Published: August 2016

Land plants can grow to tremendous body sizes, yet even the most complex architectures are the result of iterations of the same developmental processes: organ initiation, growth, and pattern formation. A central question in plant biology is how these processes are regulated and coordinated to allow for the formation of ordered, 3D structures. All these elementary processes first occur in early embryogenesis, during which, from a fertilized egg cell, precursors for all major tissues and stem cells are initiated, followed by tissue growth and patterning. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of this phase of plant life. We consider the cellular basis for multicellular development in 3D and focus on the genetic regulatory mechanisms that direct specific steps during early embryogenesis.
Plasticity of Cell Migration In Vivo and In Silico
Authors: te Boekhorst Veronika , Preziosi Luigi , Friedl Peter
Published: August 2016

Cell migration results from stepwise mechanical and chemical interactions between cells and their extracellular environment. Mechanistic principles that determine single-cell and collective migration modes and their interconversions depend upon the polarization, adhesion, deformability, contractility, and proteolytic ability of cells. Cellular determinants of cell migration respond to extracellular cues, including tissue composition, topography, alignment, and tissue-associated growth factors and cytokines. Both cellular determinants and tissue determinants are interdependent; undergo reciprocal adjustment; and jointly impact cell decision making, navigation, and migration outcome in complex environments. We here review the variability, decision making, and adaptation of cell migration approached by live-cell, in vivo, and in silico strategies, with a focus on cell movements in morphogenesis, repair, immune surveillance, and cancer metastasis.
Coexistence in Close Relatives: Beyond Competition and Reproductive Isolation in Sister Taxa
Authors: Weber Marjorie G. , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: August 2016

Understanding coexistence of closely related species lies at the nexus of disentangling how historical and ecological factors govern patterns of biodiversity. The criteria determining local coexistence in close relatives have typically been, for ecologists, whether these species meet conditions of stable coexistence when competing for resources; in contrast, evolutionists often consider coexistence of close relatives from the perspective of complete reproductive isolation. Clearly, both of these conditions must be met, but for coexistence in ecologically and phenotypically similar close relatives to occur, species must overcome a diverse suite of challenges beyond just these. The goal of this review is to present a more holistic, eco-evolutionary view of the factors governing successful coexistence of close relatives, expanding our consideration to recent clade mates, not just sister taxa, and drawing on new technologies and approaches to explore more deeply this classic conundrum. We review the major concepts explaining patterns of coexistence in close relatives, distinguishing between forces related to (a) history, speciation, and extinction; (b) divergence, dispersal, and drivers of range overlap; and (c) successful ecological coexistence of species once in contact. We end by highlighting major gaps and ways forward, including moving beyond the strict dichotomy of local and regional scales and scrutinizing non-native introductions as analogs of secondary contact to tease apart factors contributing to coexistence in real time. By reviewing literature from both ecological and evolutionary perspectives, we hope to illustrate the multifaceted factors that drive coexistence of close relatives and to highlight new questions and approaches that might expand this age-old topic to nonsister close relatives, which often face similar challenges to coexistence as those faced by sister taxa.
Integrating Paleontological and Phylogenetic Approaches to Macroevolution
Authors: Hunt Gene , Slater Graham
Published: August 2016

With proliferation of molecular phylogenies and advances in statistical modeling, phylogeneticists can now address macroevolutionary questions that had traditionally been the purview of paleontology. Interest has focused on three areas at the intersection of phylogenetic and paleontological research: time-scaling phylogenies, understanding trait evolution, and modeling species diversification. Fossil calibrations have long been crucial for scaling phylogenies to absolute time, but recent advances allow more equal integration of extinct taxa. Simulation and empirical studies have shown that fossil data can markedly improve inferences about trait evolution, especially for models with heterogeneous temporal dynamics and in clades for which the living forms are unrepresentative remnants of their larger clade. Recent years have also seen a productive cross-disciplinary conversation about the nature and uncertainties of inferring diversification dynamics. Challenges remain, but the present time represents a flowering of interest in integrating these two views on the history of life.
The Evolutionary Ecology of Animals Inhabiting Hydrogen Sulfide–Rich Environments
Authors: Tobler Michael , Passow Courtney N. , Greenway Ryan , Kelley Joanna L. , Shaw Jennifer H.
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a respiratory toxicant that creates extreme environments tolerated by few organisms. H2S is also produced endogenously by metazoans and plays a role in cell signaling. The mechanisms of H2S toxicity and its physiological functions serve as a basis to discuss the multifarious strategies that allow animals to survive in H2S-rich environments. Despite their toxicity, H2S-rich environments also provide ecological opportunities, and complex selective regimes of covarying abiotic and biotic factors drive trait evolution in organisms inhabiting H2S-rich environments. Furthermore, adaptation to H2S-rich environments can drive speciation, giving rise to biodiversity hot spots with high levels of endemism in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and freshwater sulfide springs. The diversity of H2S-rich environments and their inhabitants provides ideal systems for comparative studies of the effects of a clear-cut source of selection across vast geographic and phylogenetic scales, ultimately informing our understanding of how environmental stressors affect ecological and evolutionary processes.
Can We Tweet, Post, and Share Our Way to a More Sustainable Society? A Review of the Current Contributions and Future Potential of #Socialmediaforsustainability
Authors: Pearson Elissa , Tindle Hayley , Ferguson Monika , Ryan Jillian , Litchfield Carla
Published: August 2016

Social media is changing how people connect, create, and share content and is an integral force shaping modern society. Given the significant environmental challenges society faces, this review considers (a) how social media is currently contributing to the development of a more sustainable society and (b) directions for future work such that researchers and practitioners may more effectively utilize this technology. At present, case studies, anecdotal evidence, and research demonstrate that social media is contributing to sustainability in diverse ways including behavioral interventions utilizing social media elements; social and political activism; supporting/generating sustainable business practices and addressing corporate “greenwashing”; increasing access to, and the potential quality of, environmental education; and through citizen science projects. Although this work is promising, there is an urgent need for further and more methodologically rigorous research, which evaluates the specific impacts of social media technology on sustainability outcomes, i.e., proenvironmental knowledge, attitudes, and—in particular—behavior.
Small Business Bankruptcy
Authors: White Michelle J.
Published: August 2016

Bankruptcy is the legal process by which financially distressed firms and individuals resolve their debts. It is an important part of the legal environment for small business owners and their lenders because small businesses are very risky and often fail and because bankruptcy law affects how business owners and their lenders are treated in the event of failure. Both personal and corporate bankruptcy law are relevant for most small businesses, as even when businesses are incorporated, lenders often require that business owners personally guarantee loans to the business. This article discusses theoretical models and empirical tests of how bankruptcy law affects small business, including the effects of bankruptcy law on incentives to start and remain in business, how bankruptcy law affects small business credit, and whether bankruptcy law leads to efficient decisions concerning whether failing businesses reorganize or liquidate. Research using small business data from both the United States and other countries is covered in this survey.
Uncertainty Quantification in Aeroelasticity
Authors: Beran Philip , Stanford Bret , Schrock Christopher
Published: August 2016

Physical interactions between a fluid and structure, potentially manifested as self-sustained or divergent oscillations, can be sensitive to many parameters whose values are uncertain. Of interest here are aircraft aeroelastic interactions, which must be accounted for in aircraft certification and design. Deterministic prediction of these aeroelastic behaviors can be difficult owing to physical and computational complexity. New challenges are introduced when physical parameters and elements of the modeling process are uncertain. By viewing aeroelasticity through a nondeterministic prism, where key quantities are assumed stochastic, one may gain insights into how to reduce system uncertainty, increase system robustness, and maintain aeroelastic safety. This article reviews uncertainty quantification in aeroelasticity using traditional analytical techniques not reliant on computational fluid dynamics; compares and contrasts this work with emerging methods based on computational fluid dynamics, which target richer physics; and reviews the state of the art in aeroelastic optimization under uncertainty. Barriers to continued progress, for example, the so-called curse of dimensionality, are discussed.
A Comparison of Sociopolitical Legal Studies
Authors: García-Villegas Mauricio
Published: August 2016

This article compares sociopolitical perspectives about the law in three regions of the world: the United States, France, and Latin America. Despite their heterogeneity, these sociolegal perspectives share many practical and theoretical similarities. For this reason, this article proposes grouping them under the more general title of sociopolitical legal studies (SLS). This general label includes a collection of transdisciplinary research, theories, and studies that view law as a sociopolitical phenomenon central to the understanding of power and society. The concept of SLS reveals the existence of a transversal ground between three academic disciplines: sociology of law, legal theory, and sociolegal studies, which, in spite of multiple connections, rarely communicate with one another. Additionally, the term studies is used in a broad sense, including not just legal theories but also empirical analyses of the law.
Comparative Legal Research and Legal Culture: Facts, Approaches, and Values
Authors: Nelken David
Published: August 2016

This article seeks to provide an overview of how the controversial concept of legal culture has been used so as to clarify its potential role in further developing comparative studies of law in society. It shows that the term is currently given a variety of meanings, ranging from treating it as a variable that explains the turn to law, to exploring law as culture in different settings. As a way of moving forward, attention should be given to what is assumed or asserted by given authors with respect to three key issues: the kind of facts that are thought to make up legal culture, the chosen approach within which the concept is deployed, and the normative aspects of the enquiry. It ends by revisiting Chanock's The Making of South African Legal Culture so as to show how this framework can help reveal the theoretical underpinnings and contribution of a leading case study.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: Emergence of a Pathogenic Human Coronavirus
Authors: Fehr Anthony R. , Channappanavar Rudragouda , Perlman Stanley
Published: August 2016

In 2012, a zoonotic coronavirus was identified as the causative agent of Middle East respiratory syndrome and was named MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). As of August 11, 2016, the virus has infected 1,791 patients, with a mortality rate of 35.6%. Although MERS-CoV generally causes subclinical or mild disease, infection can result in serious outcomes, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure in patients with comorbidities. The virus is endemic in camels in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa and thus poses a consistent threat of frequent reintroduction into human populations. Disease prevalence will increase substantially if the virus mutates to increase human-to-human transmissibility. No therapeutics or vaccines are approved for MERS; thus, development of novel therapies is needed. Further, since many MERS cases are acquired in healthcare settings, public health measures and scrupulous attention to infection control are required to prevent additional MERS outbreaks.
Short-term high-fat feeding induces islet macrophage infiltration and β-cell replication independently of insulin resistance in mice
Authors: Woodland David C. , Liu Wei , Leong Jacky , Sears Mallory L. , Luo Ping , Chen Xiaojuan
Published: August 2016

Short-term high-fat consumption stimulates mouse islet β-cell replication through unknown mechanisms. Resident macrophages (MΦs) are capable of secreting various factors involved in islet development and tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that a short-term high-fat diet (HFD) promotes MΦ infiltration in pancreatic islets and that MΦs serve as a regulator of β-cell replication. To test these hypotheses and dissect mechanisms involved in HFD-induced β-cell replication, adult C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD for 7 days with or without administration of clodronate-containing liposomes, an MΦ-depleting agent. Mouse body and epididymal fat pad weights, and nonfasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels were measured, and pancreatic islet β-cell replication, oxidative stress, and MΦ infiltration were examined. Short-term HFD promoted an increase in body and epididymal fat pad weight and blood glucose levels, along with an increased fasting serum insulin concentration. β-Cell replication, islet MΦ infiltration, and the percentage of inducible NO synthase positive MΦs in the islets increased significantly in mice fed the HFD. Immunofluorescence staining for 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine or activated caspase-3 revealed no significant induction of DNA damage or apoptosis, respectively. In addition, no change in stromal-derived factor 1-expressing cells was found induced by HFD. Despite continuous elevation of nonfasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels, depletion of MΦs through treatments of clodronate abrogated HFD-induced β-cell replication. These findings demonstrated that HFD-induced MΦ infiltration is responsible for β-cell replication. This study suggests the existence of MΦ-mediated mechanisms in β-cell replication that are independent of insulin resistance.
Improved Density Based Spatial Clustering of Applications of Noise Clustering Algorithm for Knowledge Discovery in Spatial Data
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Gupta R. K. , Tiwari Akhilesh
Published: August 2016

There are many techniques available in the field of data mining and its subfield spatial data mining is to understand relationships between data objects. Data objects related with spatial features are called spatial databases. These relationships can be used for prediction and trend detection between spatial and nonspatial objects for social and scientific reasons. A huge data set may be collected from different sources as satellite images, X-rays, medical images, traffic cameras, and GIS system. To handle this large amount of data and set relationship between them in a certain manner with certain results is our primary purpose of this paper. This paper gives a complete process to understand how spatial data is different from other kinds of data sets and how it is refined to apply to get useful results and set trends to predict geographic information system and spatial data mining process. In this paper a new improved algorithm for clustering is designed because role of clustering is very indispensable in spatial data mining process. Clustering methods are useful in various fields of human life such as GIS (Geographic Information System), GPS (Global Positioning System), weather forecasting, air traffic controller, water treatment, area selection, cost estimation, planning of rural and urban areas, remote sensing, and VLSI designing. This paper presents study of various clustering methods and algorithms and an improved algorithm of DBSCAN as IDBSCAN (Improved Density Based Spatial Clustering of Application of Noise). The algorithm is designed by addition of some important attributes which are responsible for generation of better clusters from existing data sets in comparison of other methods.
Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Single and Multiple Respiratory Virus Infections Diagnosed in Croatian Children in Two Respiratory Seasons
Authors: Ljubin-Sternak Sunčanica , Marijan Tatjana , Ivković-Jureković Irena , Čepin-Bogović Jasna , Gagro Alenka , Vraneš Jasmina
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the causative agent of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in hospitalized children, as well as investigate the characteristics of ARIs with single and multiple virus detection in two respiratory seasons. In 2010 and 2015, nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal swabs from a total of 134 children, admitted to the hospital due to ARI, were tested using multiplex PCR. Viral etiology was established in 81.3% of the patients. Coinfection with two viruses was diagnosed in 27.6% of the patients, and concurrent detection of three or more viruses was diagnosed in 12.8% of the patients. The most commonly diagnosed virus in both seasons combined was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (28.6%), followed by parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) types 1–3 (18.4%), rhinovirus (HRV) (14.3%), human metapneumovirus (10.1%), adenovirus (AdV) (7.1%), influenza viruses types A and B (4.8%), and coronaviruses (4.2%). In 2015, additional pathogens were investigated with the following detection rate: enterovirus (13.2%), bocavirus (HBoV) (10.5%), PIV-4 (2.6%), and parechovirus (1.3%). There were no statistical differences between single and multiple virus infection regarding patients age, localization of infection, and severity of disease(P>0.05). AdV, HRV, HBoV, and PIVs were significantly more often detected in multiple virus infections compared to the other respiratory viruses(P<0.001).
The Expression of NOX4 in Smooth Muscles of Small Airway Correlates with the Disease Severity of COPD
Authors: Liu Xianyan , Hao Binwei , Ma Ailing , He Jinxi , Liu Xiaoming , Chen Juan
Published: August 2016

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling is a hallmark in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs) produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in COPD pathogenesis. In the present study, the expression of NOX4 and its correlation with the ASM hypertrophy/hyperplasia, clinical pulmonary functions, and the expression of transforming growth factorβ(TGF-β) in the ASM of COPD small airways were investigated by semiquantitative morphological and/or immunohistochemistry staining methods. The results showed that an elevated expression of NOX4 and TGF-β, along with an increased volume of ASM mass, was found in the ASM of small airways in COPD patients. The abundance of NOX4 protein in the ASM was increased with disease severity and inversely correlated with the pulmonary functions in COPD patients. In addition, the expression of NOX4 and ASM markerα-SMA was colocalized, and the increased NOX4 expression was found to accompany an upregulated expression of TGF-βin the ASM of small airways of COPD lung. These results indicate that NOX4 may be a key regulator in ASM remodeling of small airway, in part through a mechanism interacting with TGF-βsignaling in the pathogenesis of COPD, which warrants further investigation.
Prosexual Effect ofChrysactinia mexicanaA. Gray (Asteraceae), False Damiana, in a Model of Male Sexual Behavior
Authors: Estrada-Reyes R. , Ferreyra-Cruz O. A. , Jiménez-Rubio G. , Hernández-Hernández O. T. , Martínez-Mota L.
Published: August 2016

Chrysactinia mexicanaA. Gray (Asteraceae) andTurnera diffusaWilld (Turneraceae) are employed in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs; however, there is no scientific evidence supporting the prosexual properties ofC. mexicana. The aim of this study was to determine whether an aqueous extract ofC. mexicana(Cm) stimulates rat male sexual behavior in the sexual exhaustion paradigm. Sexually exhausted (SExh) male rats were treated with Cm (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg), an aqueous extract ofT. diffusa(Td), or yohimbine. The sexual exhaustion state in the control group was characterized by a low percentage of males exhibiting mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations and no males demonstrating mating behavior after ejaculation. Cm (320 mg/kg), Td, or yohimbine significantly increased the proportion of SExh rats that ejaculated and resumed copulation after ejaculation. In males that exhibited reversal of sexual exhaustion, Cm (320 mg/kg) improved sexual performance by reducing the number of intromissions and shrinking ejaculation latency. The effects of treatments on sexual behavior were not related with alterations in general locomotion. In conclusion, the prosexual effects of Cm, as well as those of Td, are established at a central level, which supports the traditional use ofC. mexicanafor stimulating sexual activity.
Charcot Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Foot: A Literature Review and Single-Center Experience
Authors: Kucera Tomas , Shaikh Haroun Hassan , Sponer Pavel
Published: August 2016

Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the foot is a relatively common complication of diabetic neuropathy. Incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment often result in the extremity having to be amputated. This paper summarises the current view on the etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of diabetic Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy, with particular focus on preserving the extremity through surgical intervention from our own experiences.
Synthesis and Study of CdS Thin Films Prepared with Different KMnO4 Activation Time
Authors: Thangarajan Sarveswaran , Chellachamy Gopinathan , Kulendran Saravanakumar , Pitchai Pandi , Kandasamy Mahalakshmi
Published: August 2016

The growth and properties of cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films were prepared in a controlled manner using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method for different KMnO4 activation time such as 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, and 30 min on glass substrates. CdS thin films are deposited on KMnO4 activated glass substrates at 85°C with pH value of 10 for 30 min deposition time. In the chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique, KMnO4 activation time plays an important role in the growth of the CdS film. The structure of the CdS film changes with respect to the rate of deposition. The size of the particles is affected by the nucleation rate if the solution does not contain the constant number of Cd2+ and S2− ions throughout the deposition process. This change in structure of CdS is confirmed by the XRD, SEM, and AFM analysis, and the ion-by-ion nucleation growth is also examined. The optical property of the prepared CdS thin film is scrutinized using UV-Vis-NIR absorption analysis.
A Simple Technique for Sustaining Solar Energy Production in Active Convective Coastal Regions
Authors: Emetere Moses E. , Akinyemi Marvel L. , Edeghe Etimbuk B.
Published: August 2016

The climatic factors in the coastal areas are cogent in planning a stable and functional solar farm. 3D simulations relating the surface temperature, sunshine hour, and solar irradiance were adopted to see the effect of minute changes of other meteorological parameters on solar irradiance. This enabled the day-to-day solar radiation monitoring with the primary objective to examine the best technique for maximum power generation via solar option in coastal locations. The month of January had the highest turbulent features, showing the influence of weather and the poorest solar radiance due to low sunshine hour. Twenty-year weather parameters in the research area were simulated to express the systematic influence of weather of PV performance. A theoretical solar farm was illustrated to generate stable power supply with emphasis on the longevity of the PV module proposed by introducing an electronic concentrator pillar (CP). The pictorial and operational model of the solar farm was adequately explained.
Pneumothorax Causing Pneumoperitoneum: Role of Surgical Intervention
Authors: Duarte Fernanda , Wentling Jessica , Anjum Humayun , Varon Joseph , Surani Salim
Published: August 2016

The most common cause of a pneumoperitoneum is a perforation of a hollow viscus and the treatment is an exploratory laparotomy; nevertheless, not all pneumoperitoneums are due to a perforation and not all of them need surgical intervention. We hereby present a case of pneumoperitoneum due to a diaphragmatic defect, which allowed air from a pneumothorax to escape through the diaphragmatic hernia into the abdominal cavity.
Extracellular Ribonuclease fromBacillus licheniformis(Balifase), a New Member of the N1/T1 RNase Superfamily
Authors: Sokurenko Yulia , Nadyrova Alsu , Ulyanova Vera , Ilinskaya Olga
Published: August 2016

The N1/T1 RNase superfamily comprises enzymes with well-established antitumor effects, such as ribotoxins secreted by fungi, primarily byAspergillusandPenicilliumspecies, and bacterial RNase secreted byB. pumilus(binase) andB. amyloliquefaciens(barnase). RNase is regarded as an alternative to classical chemotherapeutic agents due to its selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. New RNase with a high degree of structural similarity with binase (73%) and barnase (74%) was isolated and purified fromBacillus licheniformis(balifase, calculated molecular weight 12421.9 Da, pI 8.91). The protein sample with enzymatic activity of 1.5 × 106units/A280was obtained. The physicochemical properties of balifase are similar to those of barnase. However, in terms of its gene organization and promoter activity, balifase is closer to binase. The unique feature of balifase gene organization consists in the fact that genes of RNase and its inhibitor are located in one operon. Similarly to biosynthesis of binase, balifase synthesis is induced under phosphate starvation; however, in contrast to binase, balifase does not form dimers under natural conditions. We propose that the highest stability of balifase among analyzed RNase types allows the protein to retain its structure without oligomerization.
Study of the Performance of the Organic Extracts ofChenopodium ambrosioidesfor Ag Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: Carrillo-López Luis M. , Soto-Hernández Ramón M. , Zavaleta-Mancera Hilda A. , Vilchis-Néstor Alfredo R.
Published: August 2016

There are many ways to obtain metal nanoparticles: biological, physical, and chemical ways and combinations of these approaches. Synthesis assisted with plant extracts has been widely documented. However, one issue that is under discussion refers to the metabolites responsible for reduction and stabilization that confine nanoparticle growth and prevent coalescence between nanoparticles in order to avoid agglomeration/precipitation. In this study, Ag nanoparticles were synthesized using organic extracts ofChenopodium ambrosioideswith different polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol). Each extract was phytochemically characterized to identify the nature of the metabolites responsible for nanoparticle formation. With methanol extract, the compounds responsible for reducing and stabilizing silver nanoparticle were associated with the presence of phenolic compounds (flavonoids and tannins), while, with dichloromethane and hexane extracts, the responsible compounds were mainly terpenoids. Large part of the reducing activity of secondary metabolites inC. ambrosioidesis closely related to compounds with antioxidant capacity, such as phenolic compounds (flavone glycoside and isorhamnetin), which are the main constituents of the methanol extracts. Otherwise, terpenoids (trans-diol,α-terpineol, monoterpene hydroperoxides, and apiole) are the central metabolites present in dichloromethane and hexane extracts.
Occult Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, a Thickened Pituitary Stalk and Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Gordon Murray B.
Published: August 2016

Etiologies of a thickened stalk include inflammatory, neoplastic, and idiopathic origins, and the underlying diagnosis may remain occult. We report a patient with a thickened pituitary stalk (TPS) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) whose diagnosis remained obscure until a skin lesion appeared. The patient presented with PTC, status postthyroidectomy, and I131therapy. PTC molecular testing revealed BRAF mutant (V600E, GTC>GAG). She had a 5-year history of polyuria/polydipsia. Overnight dehydration study confirmed diabetes insipidus (DI). MRI revealed TPS with loss of the posterior pituitary bright spot. Evaluation showed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and low IGF-1. Chest X-ray and ACE levels were normal. Radiographs to evaluate for extrapituitary sites of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) were unremarkable. Germinoma studies were negative: normal serum and CSF beta-hCG, alpha-fetoprotein, and CEA. Three years later, the patient developed vulvar labial lesions followed by inguinal region skin lesions, biopsy of which revealed LCH. Reanalysis of thyroid pathology was consistent with concurrent LCH, PTC, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis within the thyroid. This case illustrates that one must be vigilant for extrapituitary manifestations of systemic diseases to diagnose the etiology of TPS. An activating mutation of the protooncogene BRAF is a potential unifying etiology of both PTC and LCH.
The Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Decoction in Type 2 Diabetes: A 5‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Jiaxing , Lian Fengmei , Yu Xiaotong , Cui Yashan , Zhao Tianyu , Cao Yang , Tong Xiaolin
Published: August 2016

Background. The study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal decoction in treating outpatients with T2DM. Methods. All patients enrolled received decoction for at least 6 months. The primary outcome was the control rate of HbA1c and the change in HbA1c. FPG, 2hPG, HOMA‐IR, and HOMA‐β were also collected and evaluated. Results. The control rates after treatment at months 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 were 45.07%, 52.78%, 47.22%, 45.83%, 50.00%, 57.14%, and 40.00%. Multiple linear regression showed the change of HbA1c has a significant relationship with the baseline HbA1c and duration of DM and BMI (p < 0.05). Both FPG and 2hPG levels significantly decreased compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Chinese herbal decoction also improved islet cell function with decreased HOMA‐IR and increased HOMA‐β (p < 0.05). 19 and 4 subjects deactivated the antidiabetes drugs or insulin, respectively, after taking decoction. One subject developed DKD and one developed DPN, and another subject showed abnormal liver function which was irrelevant to decoction treatment. Conclusions. Chinese herbal decoction significantly enhanced the hypoglycemic action and had certain effect on protecting islet cell function. As a candidate diabetes therapy, it may reduce the use of antidiabetes drugs and slow the progression to diabetes complications.
Task Classification Based Energy-Aware Consolidation in Clouds
Authors: Choi HeeSeok , Lim JongBeom , Yu Heonchang , Lee EunYoung
Published: August 2016

We consider a cloud data center, in which the service provider supplies virtual machines (VMs) on hosts or physical machines (PMs) to its subscribers for computation in an on-demand fashion. For the cloud data center, we propose a task consolidation algorithm based on task classification (i.e., computation-intensive and data-intensive) and resource utilization (e.g., CPU and RAM). Furthermore, we design a VM consolidation algorithm to balance task execution time and energy consumption without violating a predefined service level agreement (SLA). Unlike the existing research on VM consolidation or scheduling that applies none or single threshold schemes, we focus on a double threshold (upper and lower) scheme, which is used for VM consolidation. More specifically, when a host operates with resource utilization below the lower threshold, all the VMs on the host will be scheduled to be migrated to other hosts and then the host will be powered down, while when a host operates with resource utilization above the upper threshold, a VM will be migrated to avoid using 100% of resource utilization. Based on experimental performance evaluations with real-world traces, we prove that our task classification based energy-aware consolidation algorithm (TCEA) achieves a significant energy reduction without incurring predefined SLA violations.