bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine feeding areas and vertical movements of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as inferred from recoveries of data storage tags
Authors: Guðjónsson Sigurður , Einarsson Sigurður Már , Jónsson Ingi Rúnar , Guðbrandsson Jóhannes
Published: March 2015

We released 598 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) hatchery smolts in a river in Iceland in 2005 and 2006 tagged with data storage tags recording temperature and (depth) continuously. Five salmon returned in 2006 and two in 2007, all spending 1 year at sea. The complete temperature and depth profiles of the whole ocean migration were measured. The salmon stayed close to the surface most of the time and showed diurnal behavior, staying at slightly deeper waters during day. The salmon were in temperatures from 6 to 15 °C, with warmer temperatures in the summer. We compared the fish-recorded temperature with sea surface temperature from an available National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration database to locate the fish at different times. Utilizing the diurnal behavior of the salmon, we estimated solar noon each day during winter. Sea surface temperatures and diurnal activity were used to estimate daily locations using established Hidden Markov Model for fish geolocation. The salmon in the study stayed southwest of Iceland in the Irminger Sea during the first summer months, but in the fall they moved towards the Faroes Islands and then back to the Irminger Sea where they stayed, until returning to the river. The salmon also took shorter and deeper dives (>100 m) during the latter part of their ocean migration.
Evolution of egoism on semi-directed and undirected Barabási-Albert networks
Authors: Lima F. W. S.
Published: March 2015

Through Monte Carlo simulations, we study the evolution of the four strategies: Ethnocentric, altruistic, egoistic and cosmopolitan in one community of individuals. Interactions and reproduction among computational agents are simulated on undirected and semi-directed Barabási–Albert (BA) networks. We study the Hammond–Axelrod (HA) model on undirected and semi-directed BA networks for the asexual reproduction case. With a small modification in the traditional HA model, our simulations showed that egoism wins, differently from other results found in the literature where ethnocentric strategy is common. Here, mechanisms such as reciprocity are absent.
Topology change due to particle heterogeneity in DLAs
Authors: Candia Lucas Ismael , Carbonetti Julio , Garcia Guillermo Daniel , Sanchez-Varretti Fabricio Orlando
Published: March 2015

In the present paper, a variation of the widespread model of diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) is presented. Unlike the traditional DLA model, where particles are attached to the aggregate whenever they touch it, we here restrict attachment by reducing the number of available bonds of the particles. This subtle change in the model changes the topological properties of the resulting aggregate.

By using a binary mixture of particles, with different coordination number, the fractal dimension (df), the spectral dimension (ds) and the random walk dimension (dw) are studied as a function of particle-type ratio. The behavior of the system shows non-negligible deviation from the traditional model.
Perturbative evolution in holographic soft-wall model
Authors: Dehghani Majid
Published: March 2015

Generalized parton distribution functions (GPDs) describe different features of hadronic physics in a single framework. There are sum rules that relate them to phenomenologically interesting quantities. By means of GPDs calculated in the holographic soft-wall model, perturbative effects are entered into the formalism in an effective way. Using the DGLAP-like equations, GPDs are evolved to the next-to-leading order of approximation and then implications on nucleon form factors and their charge distributions will be discussed at a qualitative level.
Release of physical modes from unphysical fields
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiharu
Published: March 2015

We present a basic idea and a toy model that physical modes originate from unobservable fields. The model is defined on a higher-dimensional space–time and has fermionic symmetries that make fields unphysical, and observable modes can appear through a dimensional reduction.
Effects of bismuth addition and electrodeposition processing onZn-based coatings
Authors: Tay See Leng , Wang Yuxin , Wei Xiaojin , Gao Wei
Published: March 2015

Zn and Zn – Bi coatings were electroplated on mild steel substrate by direct and pulse current (PC) techniques. The effects of Bi and deposition method on the phase, microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn -based coatings have been studied. Results showed that the crystal orientation and microstructure of Zn – Bi coatings were different compared to the pure Zn coating. By adding a small amount of Bi solution into Zn electrolyte, the microhardness of Zn – Bi coatings was increased by two times, and the wear volume loss was also decreased. Finer grain size and smoother surface can be achieved by utilizing PC deposition, resulting in better mechanical properties compared to the direct current (DC) deposition.
Evolution and controlling of defects during the preparation of continuous high-temperature resistant SiC(Al) fibers
Authors: Jian Ke , Wang Hao
Published: March 2015

Continuous high-temperature resistant SiC(Al) fibers were prepared by polymer-derived method using polyaluminocarbosilane (PACS) as the precursor. The formation and evolution of defects formed in the preparation of continuous high-temperature resistant SiC(Al) fibers were investigated by analyzing continuous PACS green fibers, cured products, pyrolysis process and continuous SiC(Al) fibers. The results showed that there were two major types of defects in the continuous PACS green fibers: pits and inclusion. These defects were difficult to be eliminated during the next processes. Other new defects may form during the preparation process under improper conditions, especially during the pyrolysis and sintering processes. The properties of the fibers are greatly affected by the defects. The formation of defects could be reduced to prepare high performance SiC(Al) fibers if effective measures are taken according to the formation mechanism of defects.
The effect of reaction conditions on formation of wet precipitated calcium phosphates
Authors: Huang Chen , Cao Peng
Published: March 2015

The precipitation process discussed in the present study involves the addition of alkaline solutions to an acidic calcium phosphate suspension. Several parameters (pH, pH buffer reagent, ageing and stirring) were investigated. The synthesized powders were calcined at 1000°C for 1 h in air, in order to study the thermal stability and crystalline phase compositions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ESEM analysis were used for sample characterization. It is found that all these processing parameters affect the crystalline phases evolved and resultant microstructures. Phase evolution occurred at an elevated pH level. The pH buffer reagent would affect both the phase composition and microstructure. Ageing was essential for the phase maturation. Stirring accelerated the reaction process by providing a homogeneous medium for precipitation.
SOFT-CLIFF RETREAT, SELF-ORGANIZED CRITICAL PHENOMENA IN THE LIMIT OF PREDICTABILITY?
Authors: PAREDES CARLOS , GODOY CLARA , CASTEDO RICARDO
Published: March 2015

The coastal erosion along the world's coastlines is a natural process that occurs through the actions of marine and subaerial physico-chemical phenomena, waves, tides, and currents. The development of cliff erosion predictive models is limited due to the complex interactions between environmental processes and material properties over a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. As a result of this erosive action, gravity driven mass movements occur and the coastline moves inland. Like other studied earth natural and synthetically modelled phenomena characterized as self-organized critical (SOC), the recession of the cliff has a seemingly random, sporadic behavior, with a wide range of yearly recession rate values probabilistically distributed by a power-law. Usually, SOC systems are defined by a number of scaling features in the size distribution of its parameters and on its spatial and/or temporal pattern. Particularly, some previous studies of derived parameters from slope movements catalogues, have allowed detecting certain SOC features in this phenomenon, which also shares the recession of cliffs. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon and, as for other natural processes, there is no definitive model of recession of coastal cliffs. In this work, various analysis techniques have been applied to identify SOC features in the distribution and pattern to a particular case: the Holderness shoreline. This coast is a great case study to use when examining coastal processes and the structures associated with them. It is one of World's fastest eroding coastlines (2 m/yr in average, max observed 22 m/yr). Cliffs, ranging from 2 m up to 35 m in height, and made up of glacial tills, mainly compose this coast. It is this soft boulder clay that is being rapidly eroded and where coastline recession measurements have been recorded by the Cliff Erosion Monitoring Program (East Riding of Yorkshire Council, UK). The original database has been filtered by grouping contiguous sections, with similar geomorphological and dynamic features, to configure a complete and suitable catalogue of yearly recession rates (in m/yr) to analyze. Results show SOC fingerprint characteristics in the limited range scaling of the probability distribution function, in the variographic analysis and in the zero-mean Gaussian distribution of the Fourier coefficients. Therefore it cannot be neglected the possibility that Holderness cliffs behave as a SOC system. According to the discussed results, predictability possibilities of sea-cliff recession phenomena have been concluded.
A NOVEL FRACTAL MODEL FOR TWO-PHASE RELATIVE PERMEABILITY IN POROUS MEDIA
Authors: LEI G. , DONG P. C. , MO S. Y. , GAI S. H. , WU Z. S.
Published: March 2015

Multiphase flow in porous media is very important in various scientific and engineering fields. It has been shown that relative permeability plays an important role in determination of flow characteristics for multiphase flow. The accurate prediction of multiphase flow in porous media is hence highly important. In this work, a novel predictive model for relative permeability in porous media is developed based on the fractal theory. The predictions of two-phase relative permeability by the current mathematical models have been validated by comparing with available experimental data. The predictions by the proposed model show the same variation trend with the available experimental data and are in good agreement with the existing experiments. Every parameter in the proposed model has clear physical meaning. The proposed relative permeability is expressed as a function of the immobile liquid film thickness, pore structural parameters (pore fractal dimension Dfand tortuosity fractal dimension DT) and fluid viscosity ratio. The effects of these parameters on relative permeability of porous media are discussed in detail.
MICROSTRUCTURES, MICROHARDNESS, AND CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIORS OF AMORPHOUS Al2O3-YSZ COATINGS PREPARED BY AIR PLASMA SPRAYING
Authors: SONG XUEMEI , SUHONEN TOMI , SUN CHENG , HUANG LIPING , ZHENG XUEBIN , ZENG YI
Published: March 2015

Three types of amorphous Al 2 O 3-yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings were prepared using air plasma spraying (APS). The effects of the APS parameters on the microstructure, porosity, amorphous-phase content, and microhardness of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that the microstructure of the coatings was dependent on the APS parameters used. The porosity of the coatings and the number of unmelted particles deposited increased with the flow rate of the primary plasma gas increasing. The amorphous-phase contents and microhardness values of the coatings exhibited a trend opposite to that of their porosity and the number of unmelted particles present in them. The crystallization behaviors and microhardness values of Al 2 O 3-YSZ coatings annealed at different temperatures were also investigated. The results indicated that the coatings with higher amorphous-phase contents possessed homogeneous nanocrystalline structure and exhibited higher microhardness values after the heat treatments.
Optimal derivative liquidation timing under path-dependent risk penalties
Authors: Leung Tim , Shirai Yoshihiro
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the risk-adjusted optimal timing to liquidate an option at the prevailing market price. In addition to maximizing the expected discounted return from option sale, we incorporate a path-dependent risk penalty based on shortfall or quadratic variation of the option price up to the liquidation time. We establish the conditions under which it is optimal to immediately liquidate or hold the option position through expiration. Furthermore, we study the variational inequality associated with the optimal stopping problem, and prove the existence and uniqueness of a strong solution. A series of analytical and numerical results are provided to illustrate the nontrivial optimal liquidation strategies under geometric Brownian motion (GBM) and exponential Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models. We examine the combined effects of price dynamics and risk penalty on the sell and delay regions for various options. In addition, we obtain an explicit closed-form solution for the liquidation of a stock with quadratic penalty under the GBM model.
Maximal fat oxidation during exercise is positively associated with 24-hour fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity in young, healthy men
Authors: Robinson Scott L. , Hattersley John , Frost Gary S. , Chambers Edward S. , Wallis Gareth A.
Published: March 2015

Disturbances in fat oxidation have been associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance. There is large intersubject variability in the capacity to oxidize fat when a person is physically active, although the significance of this for metabolic health is unclear. We investigated whether the maximal capacity to oxidize fat during exercise is related to 24-h fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity. Maximal fat oxidation (MFO; indirect calorimetry during incremental exercise) and insulin sensitivity (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) were measured in 53 young, healthy men (age 24 ± 7 yr, V̇o2max52 ± 6 ml·kg−1·min−1). Fat oxidation over 24 h (24-h FO; indirect calorimetry) was assessed in 16 young, healthy men (age 26 ± 8 yr, V̇o2max52 ± 6 ml·kg−1·min−1) during a 36-h stay in a whole-room respiration chamber. MFO (g/min) was positively correlated with 24-h FO (g/day) ( R = 0.65, P = 0.003; R = 0.46, P = 0.041 when controlled for V̇o2max[l/min]), 24-h percent energy from FO ( R = 0.58, P = 0.009), and insulin sensitivity ( R = 0.33, P = 0.007). MFO (g/min) was negatively correlated with 24-h fat balance (g/day) ( R = −0.51, P = 0.021) but not significantly correlated with 24-h respiratory quotient ( R = −0.29, P = 0.142). Although additional investigations are needed, our data showing positive associations between MFO and 24-h FO, and between MFO and insulin sensitivity in healthy young men suggests that a high capacity to oxidize fat while one is physically active could be advantageous for the maintenance of metabolic health.
Asynchrony of lingual muscle recruitment during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Dotan Yaniv , Pillar Giora , Schwartz Alan R. , Oliven Arie
Published: March 2015

Pharyngeal collapsibility during sleep increases primarily due to decline in dilator muscle activity. However, genioglossus EMG is known to increase during apneas and hypopneas, usually without reversing upper airway obstruction or inspiratory flow limitation. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that intense activation of the genioglossus fails to prevent pharyngeal obstruction during sleep, and to evaluate if sleep-induced changes in tongue muscle coordination may be responsible for this phenomenon. We compared genioglossus and tongue retractors EMG activity in 13 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients during wakefulness, while breathing through inspiratory resistors, to the activity observed at the end of apneas and hypopneas after 25 mg of brotizolam, before arousal, at equal esophageal pressure. During wakefulness, resistive breathing triggered increases in both genioglossus and retractor EMG. Activation of agonist tongue muscles differed considerably from that of the arm, as both genioglossus and retractors were activated similarly during all tongue movements. During sleep, flow limitation triggered increases in genioglossal EMG that could reach more than twofold the level observed while awake. In contrast, EMGs of the retractors reached less than half the wakefulness level. In sleeping OSA patients, genioglossal activity may increase during obstructed breathing to levels that exceed substantially those required to prevent pharyngeal collapse during wakefulness. In contrast, coactivation of retractors is deficient during sleep. These findings suggest that sleep-induced alteration in tongue muscle coordination may be responsible for the failure of high genioglossal EMG activity to alleviate flow limitation.
Can Exposure to Environmental Chemicals Increase the Risk of Diabetes Type 1 Development?
Authors: Bodin Johanna , Stene Lars Christian , Nygaard Unni Cecilie
Published: March 2015

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease, where destruction of beta-cells causes insulin deficiency. The incidence of T1DM has increased in the last decades and cannot entirely be explained by genetic predisposition. Several environmental factors are suggested to promote T1DM, like early childhood enteroviral infections and nutritional factors, but the evidence is inconclusive. Prenatal and early life exposure to environmental pollutants like phthalates, bisphenol A, perfluorinated compounds, PCBs, dioxins, toxicants, and air pollutants can have negative effects on the developing immune system, resulting in asthma-like symptoms and increased susceptibility to childhood infections. In this review the associations between environmental chemical exposure and T1DM development is summarized. Although information on environmental chemicals as possible triggers for T1DM is sparse, we conclude that it is plausible that environmental chemicals can contribute to T1DM development via impaired pancreatic beta-cell and immune-cell functions and immunomodulation. Several environmental factors and chemicals could act together to trigger T1DM development in genetically susceptible individuals, possibly via hormonal or epigenetic alterations. Further observational T1DM cohort studies and animal exposure experiments are encouraged.
Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Apoptosis Is Accelerated by Sulfatides or Sulfatides-TreatedSalmonellaTyphimurium Bacteria
Authors: Grishina Zoryana V. , Viryasova Galina M. , Romanova Yulia M. , Sud’ina Galina F.
Published: March 2015

Neutrophils die by apoptosis following activation and uptake of microbes or enter apoptosis spontaneously at the end of their lifespan if they do not encounter a pathogen. Here we report that sulfatides or sulfatides-treatedSalmonellaTyphimurium bacteria accelerated human neutrophil apoptosis. Neutrophil apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Sulfatides caused prominent increase in percentage of apoptotic cells after 2.5 hrs of incubation.SalmonellaTyphimurium bacteria by themselves did not affect the basal level of apoptosis in neutrophil population. When neutrophils were added toS.Typhimurium “opsonized” by sulfatides, apoptotic index significantly increased, whereas the number of phagocyting cells was not influenced. Sulfatides’ proapoptotic effect was strongly dependent on the activity ofβ-galactosidase; inhibition of this enzyme impaired its potency to accelerate apoptosis. These data support the mechanism of neutrophil apoptosis triggering based on sulfatides’ ability to accumulate in intracellular compartments and mediate successive increase in ceramide content resulting fromβ-galactosidase activity.
Role of Nutritional Factors at the Early Life Stages in the Pathogenesis and Clinical Course of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kagohashi Yukiko , Otani Hiroki
Published: March 2015

Nutrition has been suggested as an important environmental factor other than viruses and chemicals in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Whereas various maternal dietary nutritional elements have been suggested and examined in T1D of both humans and experimental animals, the results largely remain controversial. In a series of studies using T1D model nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, maternal dietary n-6/n-3 essential fatty acid ratio during pregnancy and lactation period, that is, early life stages of the offspring, has been shown to affect pathogenesis of insulitis and strongly prevent overt T1D of the offspring, which is consistent with its preventive effects on other allergic diseases.
Application of Long-Acting VLHL PAI-1 during Sutureless Partial Nephrectomy in Mice Reduces Bleeding
Authors: Shahrour Khaled , Keck Rick , Jankun Jerzy
Published: March 2015

PAI-1 prevents lysis of blood clot by inhibiting the urokinase and tPA induced conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. VLHL PAI-1 protein mutant was created to extend half-life over 700 hours. The objective of this paper was to test VLHL PAI-1 effects on bleeding during partial nephrectomy in mice. All animals had a left partial nephrectomy after intravenous infusion of saline or tPA. The animals were divided into four groups. Group 1 was infused with saline and kidney was exposed to saline too; Group 2 was infused with saline and kidney was exposed to PAI-1. Group 3 was infused with tPA and kidney was exposed to saline, while Group 4 was infused with tPA and kidney was exposed to PAI-1. Preweighed gauze containing PAI-1 or saline was then applied to the kidney for 30 minutes. The gauze was afterward weighed and blood loss was measured by subtracting the preweight of gauze from the final weight. We have observed a statistically significant (P≤0.05) reduction of bleeding in PAI-1-treated group in comparison to saline and tPA-treated groups. Based on these results we propose that VLHL PAI-1 can be used therapeutically in limiting the flow of blood from renal wounds.
Evaluation of Bed Cover Properties Produced from Double Fabric Based on Honeycomb
Authors: Salama A. A. , El-Deeb A. S. , El-shahat I. M.
Published: March 2015

This research aims to innovate a new fabric structure, which could be used as a bed cover based on double honeycomb fabric with self-stitching. The honeycomb air pockets were aimed at facing each other to form closed small air chambers which work to sequester the air. The double fabric increases fabric thickness. Thus, the opportunity to improve thermal comfort could be achieved. A number of samples were produced with different densities and counts of weft yarn. Thermal insulation and water vapour permeability were measured and compared with bed covers produced from reversible weft backed structure. Geometrical properties, abrasion resistance, and air permeability were also measured. The results showed that the innovated structure had higher values of thermal insulation than reversible weft backed structure at certain weft counts and densities.
Fibre Tip Sensor with Embedded FBG-LPG for Temperature and Refractive Index Determination by means of the Simple Measurement of the FBG Characteristics
Authors: Berrettoni C. , Trono C. , Vignoli V. , Baldini F.
Published: March 2015

A novel optical fibre sensing system based on a hybrid long period grating (LPG) and Bragg grating (FBG) configuration is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The hybrid configuration, which uses the difference in temperature and refractive index (RI) different response of a Bragg grating and a long period grating, makes it possible to discriminate simultaneously the temperature and the refractive index of different aqueous solutions. RI (1.33 RIU–1.40 RIU) and temperature (21°C–28°C) working ranges have been experimentally determined. Experimental results show that the maximum accuracy in the refractive index measurement (0.004 RIU) with temperature compensation has been achieved within the working ranges.
Static Magnetic Field Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammation in Pulp Cells by Affecting Cell Membrane Stability
Authors: Hsieh Sung-Chih , Tsao Jeng-Ting , Lew Wei-Zhen , Chan Ya-Hui , Lee Lin-Wen , Lin Che-Tong , Huang Yung-Kai , Huang Haw-Ming
Published: March 2015

One of the causes of dental pulpitis is lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced inflammatory response. Following pulp tissue inflammation, odontoblasts, dental pulp cells (DPCs), and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) will activate and repair damaged tissue to maintain homeostasis. However, when LPS infection is too serious, dental repair is impossible and disease may progress to irreversible pulpitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether static magnetic field (SMF) can attenuate inflammatory response of dental pulp cells challenged with LPS. In methodology, dental pulp cells were isolated from extracted teeth. The population of DPSCs in the cultured DPCs was identified by phenotypes and multilineage differentiation. The effects of 0.4 T SMF on DPCs were observed through MTT assay and fluorescent anisotropy assay. Our results showed that the SMF exposure had no effect on surface markers or multilineage differentiation capability. However, SMF exposure increases cell viability by 15%. In addition, SMF increased cell membrane rigidity which is directly related to higher fluorescent anisotropy. In the LPS‐challenged condition, DPCs treated with SMF demonstrated a higher tolerance to LPS‐induced inflammatory response when compared to untreated controls. According to these results, we suggest that 0.4 T SMF attenuates LPS‐induced inflammatory response to DPCs by changing cell membrane stability.
A Qualitative Study of Thermochemical Degradation Related with Concrete and Mortar Strength
Authors: Mora-Ruacho José , Monreal-Romero Humberto A.
Published: March 2015

The nondestructive methods applied to the evaluation of concrete use different parameters to be related in the estimated resistance of concrete or other properties. The conducted study has evaluated a qualitative method of thermochemical degradation in concrete and mortar using a solvent acid whose chemical energy is capable of degrading the material. The reported study consisted in performing laboratory tests on mechanical compressive strength of concrete and mortar and thermochemical tests performed on little cores of concrete or mortar immersed in hydrochloric acid contained in a calorimeter system, obtaining several parameters as the time of thermal equilibrium, increase of temperature, degradation energy, and mass loss due to the thermochemical reaction. From the obtained results, these variables were analyzed and served as a parameter to be related with the concrete or mortar strength. The best parameter proved to be a good estimator was the increase of temperature and its degradation energy, whose value was inversely proportional to the strength of the material. Also, it is found that the most significant mechanisms that influenced the thermochemical reaction are the calcium content and the water chemically bound in the cement paste to perform the thermochemical test.
The Diagnostic Value of Brush Cytology Alone and in Combination with Tumor Markers in Pancreaticobiliary Strictures
Authors: Kuzu Ufuk Barış , Ödemiş Bülent , Turhan Nesrin , Parlak Erkan , Dişibeyaz Selçuk , Suna Nuretdin , Öztaş Erkin , Akpınar Muhammet Yener , Aksoy Adem , Torun Serkan , Yıldız Hakan , Kayaçetin Ertuğrul
Published: March 2015

Aim. Differentiation of malignant and benign strictures constitutes a problem despite the increasing experience of the endoscopists, radiologists, and pathologists. The aim of our study is to determine the factors that affect the efficacy of the ERCP guided brush cytology in PBS and to evaluate its diagnostic success when used alone and together with tumor markers.Method. The data from brush cytologies of 301 PBS patients were collected retrospectively and analyzed. The final diagnosis was approved based on the histological examination of the tissue taken surgically or by other methods. In the absence of a histological diagnosis, the final diagnosis was based on radiological studies or the results of a 12-month clinical follow up.Results. A total of 28 patients were excluded from the study. From the remaining 273 patients 299 samples were analyzed. The sensitivity and the specificity of brush cytology in diagnosing malignancy are 62.4% and 97.7, respectively. The sensitivity of brush cytology increased to 94.1% when combined with CA-19.9 and CA-125.Conclusion. Brush cytology is a useful method in diagnosing pancreaticobiliary strictures. Advanced age, stricture dilatation before sampling, the presence of a mass identified by radiological studies, high levels of CA-19.9, ALT, and total bilirubin increase the sensitivity of brush cytology.
Geometric Construction of Eighth‐Order Optimal Families of Ostrowski’s Method
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Motsa S. S.
Published: March 2015

Based on well‐known fourth‐order Ostrowski’s method, we proposed many new interesting optimal families of eighth‐order multipoint methods without memory for obtaining simple roots. Its geometric construction consists in approximating at zn in such a way that its average with the known tangent slopes at xn and yn is the same as the known weighted average of secant slopes and then we apply weight function approach. The adaptation of this strategy increases the convergence order of Ostrowski′s method from four to eight and its efficiency index from 1.587 to 1.682. Finally, a number of numerical examples are also proposed to illustrate their accuracy by comparing them with the new existing optimal eighth‐order methods available in the literature. It is found that they are very useful in high precision computations. Further, it is also noted that larger basins of attraction belong to our methods although the other methods are slow and have darker basins while some of the methods are too sensitive upon the choice of the initial value.
Wiretap Channel with Rate-Limited Channel State Information
Authors: Yin Xinxing , Pang Liang , Xue Zhi
Published: March 2015

We revisit a channel coding problem where the channel state information (CSI) is rate-limited (or coded) and available to the channel encoder. A wiretapper is added into this model, and the confidential message is intended only for the legal receiver and should be kept from being eavesdropped by the wiretapper. Equivocation analysis is provided to evaluate the level of information leakage to the wiretapper. We characterize an achievable rate-equivocation region as well as an outer bound for this security model. To achieve the rate-equivocation triples, we propose an efficient coding scheme, in which the coded CSI serves as the CSI for the channel encoder, based onGel’fand and Pinsker’s codingandWyner’s random coding. Furthermore, an example of Gaussian wiretap channel with rate-limited CSI is presented, of which a lower bound on the secrecy capacity is obtained. By simulation, we find there exists an optimal rate of the coded CSI at which the biggest secrecy transmission rate of the Gaussian case is achieved.
The Impact of Ethnicity on Wilms Tumor: Characteristics and Outcome of a South African Cohort
Authors: Stones D. K. , Hadley G. P. , Wainwright R. D. , Stefan D. C.
Published: March 2015

Background. Nephroblastoma is the commonest renal tumour seen in children. It has a good prognosis in developed countries with survival rates estimated to be between 80% and 90%, while in Africa it remains low.Method. Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with nephroblastoma who are seen at 4 paediatric oncology units, representing 58.5% of all South African children with nephroblastoma and treated following SIOP protocol between January 2000 and December 2010.Results. A total of 416 patients were seen at the 4 units. Over 80% of our patients were African and almost 10% of mixed ethnicity. The most common stage was stage 4. The median survival was 28 months after diagnosis with the mixed ethnicity patients recording the longest duration (39 months) and the white patients had the shortest median survival. The overall 5-year survival rate was estimated to be 66%. Stage 2 patients did significantly better (85%).Conclusions. Our patients are similar with regard to gender ratio, median age, and age distribution as described in the literature, but in South Africa the more advanced stage disease seen than in other developed countries is translated into low overall survival rate.
Resistance Determinants and Their Association with Different Transposons in the Antibiotic-ResistantStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Siwiec Radoslaw , Malm Anna
Published: March 2015

Multiple resistance ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeis generally associated with their unique recombination-mediated genetic plasticity and possessing the mobile genetic elements. The aim of our study was to detect antibiotic resistance determinants and conjugative transposons in 138 antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal strains isolated from nasopharynx of healthy young children from Lublin, Poland. These strains resistant to tetracycline and/or to chloramphenicol/erythromycin/clindamycin were tested by PCR using the specific genes as markers. The presence of Tn916family transposons, carryingtet(M) andint/xisTn916, was observed in all of the tested strains. Tn916was detected in 16 strains resistant only to tetracycline. Tn6002and Tn3872-related element were found among 99erm(B)-carrying strains (83.8% and 3.0%, resp.). Eight strains harbouringmef(E) anderm(B) genes were detected, suggesting the presence of Tn2010and Tn2017transposons. Among 101 chloramphenicol-resistant strains, two variants of Tn5252-related transposon were distinguished depending on the presence ofint/xis5252genes specific forcatgene-containing Tn5252(75.2% of strains) orintSp23FST81gene, specific forcat-containing ICESp23FST81 element (24.8% of strains). In 6 strains Tn916-like and Tn5252-like elements formed a Tn5253-like structure. Besides clonal dissemination of resistant strains of pneumococci in the population, horizontal transfer of conjugative transposons is an important factor of the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance.
Cucurbitacin B Alters the Expression of Tumor-Related Genes by Epigenetic Modifications in NSCLC and Inhibits NNK-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Shukla Samriddhi , Khan Sajid , Kumar Sudhir , Sinha Sonam , Farhan Mohd. , Bora Himangsu K. , Maurya Rakesh , Meeran Syed Musthapa
Published: March 2015

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents almost 85% of total diagnosed lung cancer. Studies have shown that combination of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors is effective against various cancers, including lung cancer. However, optimizing the synergistic dose regime is very difficult and involves adverse side effects. Therefore, in this study, we have shown that cucurbitacin B (CuB), a single bioactive triterpenoid compound, inhibits both DNMTs and HDACs starting at a very low dose of 60 nmol/L in NSCLC H1299 cells. The CuB-mediated inhibition of DNMTs and HDACs in H1299 cells leads to the reactivation of key tumor suppressor genes (TSG) such as CDKN1A and CDKN2A, as well as downregulation of oncogenes c-MYC and K-RAS and key tumor promoter gene (TPG), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The upregulation of TSGs and downregulation of TPG were consistently correlated with the alterations in their promoter methylation and histone modifications. This altered expression of TPG and TSGs is, at least in part, responsible for the inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of cellular apoptosis in NSCLC. Furthermore, CuB treatment significantly inhibited the tumor incidence and multiplicity in 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of hyperproliferation in the lung tissues. Together, our study provides new insight into the CuB-mediated epigenetic alterations and its chemotherapeutic effects on lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 8(6); 552–62. ©2015 AACR.
Ink4a/Arf-Dependent Loss of Parietal Cells Induced by Oxidative Stress Promotes CD44-Dependent Gastric Tumorigenesis
Authors: Seishima Ryo , Wada Takeyuki , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Okazaki Shogo , Yoshikawa Momoko , Oshima Hiroko , Oshima Masanobu , Sato Toshiro , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Kitagawa Yuko , Goldenring James R. , Saya Hideyuki , Nagano Osamu
Published: March 2015

Loss of parietal cells initiates the development of spasmolytic polypeptide–expressing metaplasia (SPEM), a precancerous lesion in stomach. CD44 variant (CD44v) that enhances the ability to defend against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in epithelial cells is expressed de novo in SPEM of K19-Wnt1/C2mE mice, a transgenic model of gastric tumorigenesis, and is required for the efficient development of SPEM and gastric tumor in these animals. The role of ROS and its downstream signaling in CD44-dependent gastric tumorigenesis has remained unknown, however. With the use of the K19-Wnt1/C2mE mouse, we now show that parietal cells in the inflamed stomach are highly sensitive to oxidative stress and manifest activation of p38MAPK signaling by ROS. Oral treatment with the antioxidant ascorbic acid or genetic ablation of the Ink4a/Arf locus, a major downstream target of ROS-p38MAPK signaling, inhibited parietal cell loss and the subsequent gastric tumorigenesis. Our results indicate that signaling activated by oxidative stress in parietal cells plays a key role in CD44-dependent gastric tumorigenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 8(6); 492–501. ©2015 AACR.
Histone Methyltransferase SET1 Mediates Angiotensin II–Induced Endothelin-1 Transcription and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice
Authors: Yu Liming , Yang Guang , Weng Xinyu , Liang Peng , Li Luyang , Li Jianfei , Fan Zhiwen , Tian Wenfang , Wu Xiaoyan , Xu Huihui , Fang Minming , Ji Yong , Li Yuehua , Chen Qi , Xu Yong
Published: March 2015

Objective—

Endothelin-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor derived from vascular endothelium. Elevated endothelin-1 levels are observed in a host of cardiovascular pathologies including cardiomyopathy. The epigenetic mechanism responsible for endothelin-1 induction in these pathological processes remains elusive.

Approach and Results—

We report here that induction of endothelin-1 expression in endothelial cells by angiotensin II (Ang II) was accompanied by the accumulation of histone H3K4 trimethylation, a preeminent histone modification for transcriptional activation, on the endothelin-1 promoter. In the meantime, Ang II stimulated the expression and the occupancy of Suv, Ez, and Trithorax domain 1 (SET1), a mammalian histone H3K4 trimethyltransferase, on the endothelin-1 promoter, both in vitro and in vivo. SET1 was recruited to the endothelin-1 promoter by activating protein 1 (c-Jun/c-Fos) and synergized with activating protein 1 to activate endothelin-1 transcription in response to Ang II treatment. Knockdown of SET1 in endothelial cells blocked Ang II–induced endothelin-1 synthesis and abrogated hypertrophy of cultured cardiomyocyte. Finally, endothelial-specific depletion of SET1 in mice attenuated Ang II–induced pathological hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that SET1 epigenetically activates endothelin-1 transcription in endothelial cells, thereby contributing to Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy. As such, screening of small-molecule compound that inhibits SET1 activity will likely offer a new therapeutic solution to the treatment of cardiomyopathy.
Changes in Wall Shear Stress of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Feeder Arteries After Embolization and Surgery
Authors: Alaraj Ali , Shakur Sophia F. , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Mostafa Hassan , Khan Sajeel , Aletich Victor A. , Charbel Fady T.
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

Wall shear stress (WSS) has been implicated as an important stimulus for vascular remodeling. The purpose of this study is to measure WSS in AVM arterial feeders using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography pre- and post-embolization/surgery.

Methods—

Records of patients who underwent AVM embolization and surgical resection at our institution between 2007 and 2013 and had WSS, flow rate, and vessel diameter obtained pre- and post-treatment using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography were retrospectively reviewed. WSS was compared between the feeder and contralateral artery pre- and post-embolization/surgery.

Results—

Twenty-one patients were included (mean age 34 years, 19% hemorrhagic presentation), with Spetzler–Martin grades 1 to 4. WSS, blood flow, and vessel diameter were assessed in a total of 51 feeder arteries. At baseline, mean WSS was significantly higher compared with the contralateral vessel (29.7±12.0 dynes/cm
2
versus 23.3±11.0 dynes/cm
2
;
P
=0.007). After embolization (23.0 dynes/cm
2
versus 22.5 dynes/cm
2
;
P
=0.78) and surgery (17.9 dynes/cm
2
versus 23.2 dynes/cm
2
;
P
=0.09), WSS was not significantly different than in the contralateral vessel. Reduced WSS post-embolization corresponded to significantly decreased flow (338.1 mL/min versus 170.3 mL/min;
P
<0.001) and smaller vessel diameter (3.7 mm versus 3.5 mm;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Enlargement of cerebral AVM arterial feeders is insufficient to compensate for increased blood flow, creating high WSS. After treatment, flow diminishes and so WSS and vessel diameter concomitantly decrease. Thus, WSS plays a pivotal role in vascular remodeling that may be exploited to monitor AVM response to treatment or understand other high-flow vascular pathologies.
Do Easterners and Westerners Treat Contradiction Differently?
Authors: Mercier Hugo , Zhang Jiehai , Qu Yuping , Lu Peng , Van der Henst Jean-Baptiste
Published: March 2015

Peng and Nisbett (1999) put forward an influential theory of the influence of culture on the resolution of contradiction. They suggested that Easterners deal with contradiction in a dialectical manner, trying to reconcile opposite points of view and seeking a middle-way. Westerners, by contrast, would follow the law of excluded middle, judging one side of the contradiction to be right and the other to be wrong. However, their work has already been questioned, both in terms of replicability and external validity. Here we test alternative interpretations of two of Peng and Nisbett’s experiments and conduct a new test of their theory in a third experiment. Overall, the Eastern (Chinese) and Western (French) participants behaved similarly, failing to exhibit the cross-cultural differences observed by Peng and Nisbett. Several interpretations of these failed replications and this failed new test are suggested. Together with previous failed replications, the present results raise questions about the breadth of Peng and Nisbett’s interpretation of cross-cultural differences in dealing with contradiction.
Who Helps the Samaritan? The Influence of Religious vs. Secular Primes on Spontaneous Helping of Members of Religious Outgroups
Authors: Johnson Kathryn A. , Memon Rabia , Alladin Armeen , Cohen Adam B. , Okun Morris A.
Published: March 2015

There is a debate as to whether religion increases prosociality. Darley and Batson’s (1973) classic Good Samaritan study provided evidence against religious prosociality because priming religion among Christian seminary students did not increase the likelihood of helping an ailing confederate. Conceptually replicating this study, we primed undergraduate Christians with benevolent verses attributed to the Bible, benevolent verses attributed tou.s.statesmen, or benevolent-irrelevant quotations. Participants were given the opportunity to pick up envelopes dropped by a confederate, who was or was not wearing a hijab. In the non-hijab condition, the rate of helping did not vary across conditions. However, in the hijab wearing condition, the odds of helping were significantly lower in the control group. These results suggest that reminders of benevolence may play a role in mitigating some instances of discrimination, but that religion may be just one source of influence that can foster prosociality toward outgroups.
Between Ontological Transformation and the Imagination of Tradition: Girls’ Puberty Rituals in Twenty-first Century Botswana
Authors: Werbner Pnina
Published: March 2015

The paper contrasts Tswapong puberty ritual, themothei, conceived of as effecting an ontological change in being and personhood, with the newly invented Kgatla puberty ritual. The latter, it is argued, while reflecting authority and embracing a collective tribal identity, lacks the ordeals of death and rebirth inherent in themotheiritual. I propose that rituals may lose aspects of their ontological inscription of gendered personhood and subjectivity while assuming new political or policy-related functions. The paradox highlighted is that despite endowing girls with ‘dignity’ and moral agency within a ‘society of women’, Tswapong girls are increasingly refusing to be initiated in the face of ‘modern times’, backed by teachers who regard the ritual as archaic, while concurrently southern Tswana Kgatla are enthusiastically mobilising mass girls’ initiations under the supervision of Kgatla royals with political agendas. My paper reflects on these apparent paradoxes of cultural authenticity as rituals change, hybridise, and are reinvented.
Fair and Equitable Treatment in International Investment Law: The Art of Watching Out for Both the ‘Elephants’ and the ‘Fleas’ in the (Normative) ‘Room’ of Investment Protection
Authors: Gourgourinis Anastasios
Published: March 2015

This essay reviews five recent books on the fair and equitable treatment (FET) standard; the reading of all five books under review demonstrates that FET-related discourse is but a delicate exercise of the art of balanced attention and deep understanding (‘watching out’) of the more, as well as the less, obvious methodological issues concerned. Accordingly, on the one hand, the systemic issue of the relationship of FET with the international minimum standard and general international law (the ‘elephant’) is unquestionably central for the interpretation and application of the FET standard. On the other, the concept of ‘creeping’ violations of FET and prior recourse to available remedies as a ‘factor’ in FET analysis, constitute two more normatively delicate issues (the ‘fleas’) which need to be sufficiently dealt with beforehand, so as to have a full picture of the contours of FET in the (normative) ‘room’ of modern investment protection law.
Two new species of the genus Gomphonema (Bacillariophyceae) from Guayabo Waterfall, Cuba
Authors: Reichardt Erwin
Published: March 2015

In this paper two species of the genus Gomphonema from Salto del Guayabo, eastern Cuba, are described as new: Gomphonema guayabense sp. nov. and G. curatorum sp. nov. Both are characterized by a broad combined axial/central area bordered by short transapical striae and the lack of an isolated pore or stigmoids respectively. Detailed morphological descriptions based on light- and scanning-electron microscopy are presented. LM and SEM micrographs show the size ranges and ultramicroscopical details of the new species. In addition, similar taxa and distinctive features are discussed. The new taxa support a statement by Foged (1984) that the freshwater diatom flora of Cuba is poorly known thus far.