bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spironolactone for the Treatment of Acne: A 4-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Grandhi Radhika , Alikhan Ali
Published: May 2017

Prior studies have demonstrated that spironolactone is an effective second-line treatment option for postadolescent acne, but has notable side effects. Data are, however, limited. We therefore present a 4-year retrospective study evaluating 291.5 patient-years of spironolactone for the treatment of acne. Our results showed that 86% of patients improved on spironolactone therapy. Further, patients who improved showed minimal side effects, supporting recent evidence that spironolactone is a safe option for acne treatment with a low risk of short-term adverse effects such as hyperkalemia. It is suggested that our study encourages consideration of spironolactone for postadolescent acne.
Cost Analysis of the Addition of Hyperacute Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Selection of Patients for Endovascular Stroke Therapy
Authors: John Seby , Thompson Nicolas R. , Lesko Terry , Papesh Nancy , Obuchowski Nancy , Tomic Dan , Wisco Dolora , Khawaja Zeshaun , Uchino Ken , Man Shumei , Cheng-Ching Esteban , Toth Gabor , Masaryk Thomas , Ruggieri Paul , Modic Michael , Hussain Muhammad Shazam
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose: Patient selection is important to determine the best candidates for endovascular stroke therapy. In application of a hyperacute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for patient selection, we have shown decreased utilization with improved outcomes. A cost analysis comparing the pre- and post-MRI protocol time periods was performed to determine if the previous findings translated into cost opportunities. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified individuals considered for endovascular stroke therapy from January 2008 to August 2012 who were ≤8 h from stroke symptoms onset. Patients prior to April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of the computed tomography/computed tomography angiography alone (pre-hyperacute), whereas patients after April 30, 2010 were selected based on results of MRI (post-hyperacute MRI). Demographic, outcome, and financial information was collected. Log-transformed average daily direct costs were regressed on time period. The regression model included demographic and clinical covariates as potential confounders. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Results: We identified 267 patients in our database (88 patients in pre-hyperacute MRI period, 179 in hyperacute MRI protocol period). Patient length of stay was not significantly different in the hyperacute MRI protocol period as compared to the pre-hyperacute MRI period (10.6 vs. 9.9 days, p < 0.42). The median of average daily direct costs was reduced by 24.5% (95% confidence interval 14.1-33.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Use of the hyperacute MRI protocol translated into reduced costs, in addition to reduced utilization and better outcomes. MRI selection of patients is an effective strategy, both for patients and hospital systems.
Prostaglandin D2 Regulates SOX9 Nuclear Translocation during Gonadal Sex Determination in Tammar Wallaby, Macropus eugenii
Authors: Chen Yu , Yu Hongshi , Pask Andrew J. , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: May 2017

Sex determination and sexual differentiation pathways are highly conserved between marsupials and eutherians. There are 2 different pathways of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthesis: prostaglandin D synthase (PTGDS) and haematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS). PGD2 regulates the subcellular localization of SOX9 during gonadal sexual differentiation. To investigate the function of PGD2 in the tammar gonad, we cultured undifferentiated male gonads in the presence of the HPGDS inhibitor HQL-79 and female gonads with exogenous PGD2 to mimic activation of the PTGDS-PGD2 pathway. Tammar PTGDS and HPGDS have only 50% similarity with mouse and human orthologues, but functional domains are conserved. The expression of SOX9 was unchanged by the treatments in cultured gonads, but its subcellular localization was markedly affected. SOX9 remained cytoplasmic in the Sertoli cells of testes treated with HQL-79. Treated testes developed a thickened ovary-like surface epithelium. In contrast, SOX9 became nuclear in the granulosa cells of developing ovaries treated with PGD2 and the surface epithelium was thin, as in testes. These results demonstrate that PGD2 regulates the subcellular localization of SOX9 and subsequent gonadal development in the developing marsupial gonads, as it does in mice, and that it must have been an ancestral mechanism.
Evaluation with Decision Trees of Efficacy and Safety of Semirigid Ureteroscopy in the Treatment of Proximal Ureteral Calculi
Authors: Sancak Eyup Burak , Kılınç Muhammet Fatih , Yücebaş Sait Can
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The decision on the choice of proximal ureteral stone therapy depends on many factors, and sometimes urologists have difficulty in choosing the treatment option. This study is aimed at evaluating the factors affecting the success of semirigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) using the “decision tree” method. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to November 2015, the data of consecutive patients treated for proximal ureteral stone were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 920 patients with proximal ureteral stone treated with semirigid URS were included in the study. All statistically significant attributes were tested using the decision tree method. Results: The model created using decision tree had a sensitivity of 0.993 and an accuracy of 0.857. While URS treatment was successful in 752 patients (81.7%), it was unsuccessful in 168 patients (18.3%). According to the decision tree method, the most important factor affecting the success of URS is whether the stone is impacted to the ureteral wall. The second most important factor affecting treatment was intramural stricture requiring dilatation if the stone is impacted, and the size of the stone if not impacted. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the impacted stone, intramural stricture requiring dilatation and stone size may have a significant effect on the success rate of semirigid URS for proximal ureteral stone. Further studies with population-based and longitudinal design should be conducted to confirm this finding.
ZNF667 Serves as a Putative Oncogene in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Ke , Chen Zhizhao , Liu Lian , Zhao Yujun , Zhang Sheng , Wang Qiang , Deng Zhenghao , Tan Sipin , Ye Qifa
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Zinc finger protein 667 (ZNF667) is a member of C2H2 zinc finger protein family. For the first time, we aim to analyze the expression pattern of ZNF667 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues; to explore its role in HCC tumorigenesis. Methods: Immuno-histochemistry was carried out to characterize the ZNF667 expression in paraffin-embedded HCC samples. The relationship between ZNF667 expression and the clinical, pathological data of the patients were analyzed. Human normal hepatocyte cells LO2 over expressing ZNF667 (LO2-ZNF667 cells), ZNF667 depleted hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells (HepG2-shZNF667 cells) were set up, their proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were analyzed. Xenograft nude mice were used to analyze the malignancy of HepG2-shZNF667 cells in vivo. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of Bcl-2 and BAX in LO2-ZNF667 and HepG2-shZNF667 cells. Results: Increased ZNF667 was found via immuno-histochemistry in HCC. Enhanced ZNF667 expression was associated with tumor size, clinical stage and tumor differentiation. LO2-ZNF667 cells displayed increased and HepG2-shZNF667 cells decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Xenograft experiments proved reduced malignancy of HepG2-shZNF667 cells in vivo. LO2-ZNF667 cells displayed increased Bcl-2 and decreased BAX protein expression. HepG2-shZNF667 cells displayed enhanced BAX and inhibited BCL-2 expression. Conclusions: ZNF667 is shown to be a new oncogene in HCC and it may serve as a new therapeutic target for HCC via enhancing BCL-2 and decreasing BAX expression.
Triggering of Eryptosis, the Suicidal Erythrocyte Death, by Perifosine
Authors: Egler Jasmin , Lang Florian
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The alkylphospholipid perifosine is used for the treatment of malignancy. The substance is effective by triggering suicidal tumor cell death or apoptosis. Side effects of perifosine include anemia. At least in theory, perifosine-induced anemia could result from stimulation of suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis. Hallmarks of eryptosis are cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Cellular mechanisms participating in the orchestration of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress, increase of ceramide abundance, as well as activation of staurosporine sensitive protein kinase C and/or of SB203580 sensitive p38 kinase. The present study explored, whether perifosine induces eryptosis and, if so, whether its effect involves and/or requires Ca2+ entry, oxidative stress, ceramide and kinase activation. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to quantify phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundance from DCFDA dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Hemolysis was estimated from hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: A 24 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to perifosine (2.5 µg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, significantly decreased average forward scatter, significantly increased the percentage of shrunken erythrocytes, and significantly decreased the percentage of swollen erythrocytes. Perifosine significantly increased the percentage of hemolytic erythrocytes. Perifosine significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, but decreased DCFDA fluorescence and ceramide abundance. The effect of perifosine on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and by addition of staurosporine (1 µM), but not by addition of SB203580 (2 µM). Conclusions: Perifosine triggers eryptosis, an effect at least in part due to Ca2+ entry and activation of staurosporine sensitive kinases.
Efficient Phase Recovery System
Authors: Saber Mohamed
Published: May 2017

An efficient, stable and reliable system to detect the unknown phase of the input sinusoidal signal is presented. The proposed design is a feedback loop consists of subtractor, peak detector and direct digital synthesizer (DDS). DDS generates a sinusoidal signal with the same frequency of input signal and with initial zero phase. An error signal is the output of subtracor after subtracting DDS signal from input signal. The peak of amplitude of error signal has a mathematical relation to the phase difference between the two input signals. Peak detector is used to extract the phase difference from error signal and passes the result to DDS to control the generated phase. The loop continues until the generated phase of DDS is the same as the input unknown phase. The proposed phase estimator has been implemented using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), consumed less power about 330 mW, and worked at 200 MHz clock.
Attacks and Secure Geographic Routing In Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yassine Sabri , El Kamoun Najib
Published: May 2017

Due to open network nature of wireless sensor networks make them highly vulnerable to a variety of security attacks and easy target for adversaries, which may capture these nodes, analyze and easily insert fake route information. Wireless sensor network is an emerging, cost effective and unsupervised solution for collecting this information from the physical world and sending this information back to centralized authority for further processing. GRPW (Geographic Routing in connected wireless sensor networks based on Multiple Sinks) is one of the basic routing protocols used for Supporting Mobile Sinks in Wireless Sensor Networks. GRPW, a geographical routing protocol for wireless sensor networks, is based on an architecture partitioned by logical levels, on the other hand based on a multipoint relaying flooding technique to reduce the number of topology broadcast. GRPW-MuS uses periodic HELLO packets to neighbor detection. The wormhole attack can form a serious threat in wireless sensor networks, especially against many wireless sensor networks routing protocols and location-based wireless security systems. Here, a trust model to handle this attack in GRPW is provided called GRPW-MuS-s. Using OMNET++ simulation and the MiXiM framework, results show that GRPW-MuS-s protocol only has very small false positives for wormhole detection during the neighbor discovery process (less than GRPW). The average energy usage at each node for GRPW-MuS-s protocol during the neighbor discovery and route discovery is very low than GRPW-MuS, which is much lower than the available energy at each node. The cost analysis shows that GRPW-MuS-s protocol only needs small memory usage at each node, which is suitable for the sensor network.
New Binary Code Combined with New Chaotic Map and Gold Code to Ameliorate the Quality of the Transmission
Authors: Krim Mohamed , Ali-Pacha Adda , Hadj-Said Naima
Published: May 2017

While the private radio communications field has grown in recent years, the communication method known as spread spectrum name has gained much prominence. A spread spectrum method can be combined with multiple access method CDMA for dividing sequences to create multi-user communication systems with very good performance of interference between symbols.The production of the chaotic sequence in scanning system and the information system according to DS-CDMA remains a hot research problem in this study to supervise in the knowledge wireless communication. This fact is still a question in establishing the secret code random spread sequence between the transmitter and the receiver.In DS-SS’s spreading is important to embed security information.It can avoid many problems in the complex calculation of the true circle. Furthermore the pseudo chaotic is reconstructed in the conventional gold to change shape with the logical operator “XOR” the results in simulation result shows in progress.It improves also the computing speed as this can solve the new equation of the problem in the original logistic map.There certainly has a kind in design: spreading chaotic sequence, chaos with gold code; including the number of users.So these are less in number and also limit the security and to can improve the ameliorate the quality of the transmissionand performance in terms of allowable number of users.The Bit error rate (BER) performance of the system is evaluated in multi-user environment under AWGN and reveals that the DS-SS system using new binary code combined with new logistic mapand gold code to ameliorate the quality of the transmission.
Ontology Matching using BabelNet Dictionary and Word Sense Disambiguation Algorithms
Authors: Biniz Mohamed , El Ayachi Rachid , Fakir Mohamed
Published: May 2017

Ontology matching is a discipline that means two things: first, the process of discovering correspondences between two different ontologies, and second is the result of this process, that is to say the expression of correspondences. This discipline is a crucial task to solve problems merging and evolving of heterogeneous ontologies in applications of the Semantic Web. This domain imposes several challenges, among them, the selection of appropriate similarity measures to discover the correspondences. In this article, we are interested to study algorithms that calculate the semantic similarity by using Adapted Lesk algorithm, Wu & Palmer Algorithm, Resnik Algorithm, Leacock and Chodorow Algorithm, and similarity flooding between two ontologies and BabelNet as reference ontology, we implement them, and compared experimentally. Overall, the most effective methods are Wu & Palmer and Adapted Lesk, which is widely used for Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) in the field of Automatic Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Parallelizing Multi-featured Content Based Search and Retrieval of Videos through High Performance Computing
Authors: Nasreen Azra , G Shobha
Published: May 2017

Video Retrieval is an important technology that helps to design video search engines and allow users to browse and retrieve videos of interest from huge databases. Though, there are many existing techniques to search and retrieve videos based on spatial and temporal features but are unable to perform well resulting in high ranking of irrelevant videos leading to poor user satisfaction. In this paper an efficient multi-featured method for matching and extraction is proposed in parallel paradigm to retrieve videos accurately and quickly from the collection. Proposed system is tested on datasets that contains various categories of videos of varying length such as traffic, sports, nature etc. Experimental results show that around 80% of accuracy is achieved in searching and retrieving video. Through the use of high performance computing, the parallel execution performs 5 times faster in locating and retrieving videos of intrest than the sequential execution.
Monthly Precipitation Trend Analysis by Applying Nonparametric Mann- Kendall (MK) and Spearman’s rho (SR) Tests In Dongting Lake, China: 1961-2012
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Zhou Jianzhong , Adnan Rana , Zahra Aqeela
Published: May 2017

This research highlights the precipitation trends and presents the results of the study in temporal and spatial scales. Precise predictions of precipitation trends can play imperative part in economic growth of a state. This study examined precipitation inconsistency for 23 stations at the Dongting Lake, China, over a 52-years study phase (1961–2012). Statistical, nonparametric Mann- Kendall (MK) and Spearman’s rho (SR) tests were applied to identify trends within monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation. The trend-free prewhitening method used to exclude sequential correlation in the precipitation time series. The performance of the Mann- Kendall (MK) and Spearman’s rho (SR) tests was steady at the tested significance level. The results showed fusion of increasing (positive) and decreasing (negative) trends at different stations within monthly and seasonal time scale. In case of whole Dongting basin on monthly time scale, significant positive trend is found, while at Yuanjiang River and Xianjiag River both positive and negative significant trends are identified.
A Control Strategy for DFIM to Minimize DC Bus Voltage Fluctuations and Torque Oscillations
Authors: Madhav G. Venu , Obulesu Y. P.
Published: May 2017

The Direct Power Contro; has many advantages like it avoids the usage of integration of PWM voltages which leads to stable operation even at zero rotor frequency, it is position sensor less and hence will not depend on machine parameters like stator or rotor resistance. In case of network unbalance, if the system is operated with constant active and reactive powers, it leads to oscillations in the electromagnetic torque and currents exchange with the grid will become non- sinusoidal, which is not good for the system as it increases the mechanical stress. In this paper, both the rotor connected converter and grid connected converter are fed with DPC strategy along with that a Torque Oscillations Cancellation scheme is applied to RSC and Proportional Integral control based power references generation strategy without calculating the sequence components and with elimination of DC bus voltage oscillations is applied to stator-side converter in order to achieve non-oscillating torque accompanied by quality improved current exchange with the grid. The simulation results of Doubly Fed Induction Generator with and without fault clearly shows that the performance of the proposed scheme is validated.
Study of the Different Transmission Line Faults for a Grid Connected Wind Farm with Different Types of Control Method for RSC
Authors: Najafi Reza
Published: May 2017

Wind power stations, many  located in remote areas; so they are characterized by weak grids and are often submitted to power system disturbance like faults. In this paper, the behaviour of a wind energy conversion system that uses the control of the rotor side converter (RSC) by three different methods  under faulty conditions is presented. The behaviour of these systems during a grid failure is an important issue.  DFIG is analysed and simulated under differing faulty conditions in the environment of MATLAB/SIMULINK. Simulation results show that the proposed method has proper operation during fault conditions.

 
Effective Feature Set Selection and Centroid Classifier Algorithm for Web Services Discovery
Authors: K Venkatachalam , NK Karthikeyan
Published: May 2017

Text preprocessing and document classification plays a vital role in web services discovery. Nearest centroid classifiers were mostly employed in high-dimensional application including genomics. Feature selection is a major problem in all classifiers and in this paper we propose to use an effective feature selection procedure followed by web services discovery through Centroid classifier algorithm. The task here in this problem statement is to effectively assign a document to one or more classes. Besides being simple and robust, the centroid classifier s not effectively used for document classification due to the computational complexity and larger memory requirements. We address these problems through dimensionality reduction and effective feature set selection before training and testing the classifier. Our preliminary experimentation and results shows that the proposed method outperforms other algorithms mentioned in the literature including K-Nearest neighbors, Naive Bayes classifier and Support Vector Machines.
Classification Algorithm for Gene Expression Graph and Manhattan Distance
Authors: Sevugapandi N , Chandran C.P.
Published: May 2017

This proposed method focus on these issues by developing a novel classification algorithm by combining Gene Expression Graph (GEG) with Manhattan distance. This method will be used to express the gene expression data. Gene Expression Graph provides the optimal view about the relationship between normal and unhealthy genes. The method of using a graph-based gene expression to express gene information was first offered by the authors in [1] and [2], It will permits to construct a classifier based on an association between graphs represented for well-known classes and graphs represented for samples to evaluate. Additionally Euclidean distance is used to measure the strength of relationship which exists between the genes.
New Method of Optimal Design of Electrical Rotating Machines
Authors: Ismagilov Flur , Vavilov Vyacheslav , Ayguzina Valentina , Bekuzin Vladimir
Published: May 2017

The article presents a new method of the optimal design of the electrical rotating machine based on genetic algorithm. The mathematical description of the proposed algorithm is developed, and the optimal design of the high-speed electrical rotating machine by proposed method is performed. A new method for optimal design allows obtaining a new electrical rotating machine which mass is lower than mass of the initial electrical rotating machine by two times; the value of the rotor active length is lower by 2.37 times and the current density is higher by 1.7 times in comparison with the initial electrical rotating machine. The losses are increased by only 25 percent (power, rotation frequency and materials of both electrical rotating machine are the same).
Image Reconstruction Based on Combination of Inverse Scattering Technique and Total Variation Regularization Method
Authors: Haizan Jamali Nor , Anak Hong Ping Kismet , Sahrani Shafrida , Azra Awang Mat Dayang , Hamiruce Marhaban Mohamad , Iqbal Saripan Mohd , Moriyama Toshifumi , Takenaka Takashi
Published: May 2017

The Forward-Backward Time-Stepping (FBTS) had proven its potential to reconstruct images of buried objects in inhomogeneous medium with useful quantitative information about its size, shape, and locality. The Total Variation regularization method was incorporated with the FBTS algorithm to deal with the ill-posedness or ill-conditionedness of the inverse problem. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is confirmed by numerical simulations. The numerical method was carried out on a simple object detection through FBTS with and without TV regularization method. The detection and reconstruction of relative permittivity and conductivity of the simple object have shown an improvement as TV regularization method applied whereas it smoothed the vibrations of the images and gave a better estimation of the image’s boundaries.
Optimum Transmitter Receiver Ratio for Maximum Wireless Energy Transfer
Authors: Harris Misran Mohamad , Kamal Abdul Rahim Sharul
Published: May 2017

Due to high demand of using cordless mobile device, the interest in wireless energy transfer (WET) has been growth intensively. This paper presented a method to obtained optimum transmitter receiver ratio for maximum performance of WET system using different initial antenna size at various distance. An optimized algorithm has been developed to determine the optimum ratios that yield the highest wireless transfer efficiency (WTE) at near field communication (NFC) frequency, 13.56MHz. 30mm x 30mm single square loop antenna is used as initial size of both transmitter and receiver using FR4 with operating distance = 50mm. Operating distance and initial size of the antenna will be varied and the effect to the WTE will be studied using Matlab, verified using Microsoft Studio CST. At distance = 50mm and initial size of the antenna = 30mm x 30mm, optimum transmitter to receiver ratio equal to 1:3 is obtained. The pattern of optimum transmitter receiver ratio between Matlab and CST has met an agreement. This research limited to integer transmitter receiver ratio used only and no decimal number being involved in magnify the transmitter size.
A Study on V-Shaped Microstrip Patch MIMO Antenna
Authors: MacWright Thomas Charles , A. Majid Huda , Zainal Abidin Zuhairiah , Haimi Dahlan Samsul , Kamal A. Rahim Mohamad , Dewan Raimi
Published: May 2017

A study on the V-shaped microstrip patch antenna for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system based on the antenna orientation is performed. First the microstrip patch antenna operating at 2.45 GHz is calculated and simulated. Next, multiple element of antennas for MIMO system is simulated and discussed. V-shaped with 45 degree slanted inward and outward is studied. The antenna properties is analyzed and compact antenna design is determined based on the simulation results. The results shows the gap between antennas can be optimized to 1 mm while maintaining low mutual coupling. The gain of the MIMO antenna is 8.42 dBi. The simulated return losses, together with the radiation patterns, are presented and discussed.
Design of Planar Dielectric Resonator Antenna Array at 28 GHz
Authors: Mohd Nor Nuramirah , Haizal Jamaluddin Mohd , Ramlee Kamarudin Muhammad , Zareen Naqiyah Zool Ambia Siti
Published: May 2017

This article presents a planar array of rectangular Dielectric Resonator Antenna operating for 28 GHz applications. The proposed antenna is formed through two stages of designs which are a single element and planar array. It is made up from a ceramic material with a dielectric constant of 10 and mounted on RT/Duroid 5880 with a relative permittivity of 2.2 and a thickness of 0.254 mm. A prospective study using three different configurations of three by three planar array is done in order to obtain the best performance in terms of bandwidth, gain, and cost reduction. Besides that, this study is also conducted for a beam steering capability of each configuration. Finally, the best configuration is proposed for 5G application.
Consistency of Regions of Interest as nodes of fMRI functional brain networks
Authors: Korhonen Onerva , Saarimäki Heini , Glerean Enrico , Sams Mikko , Saramäki Jari
Published: May 2017

The functional network approach, where fMRI BOLD time series are mapped to networks depicting functional relationships between brain areas, has opened new insights into the function of the human brain. In this approach, the choice of network nodes is of crucial importance. One option is to consider fMRI voxels as nodes. This results in a large number of nodes, making network analysis and interpretation of results challenging. A common alternative is to use predefined clusters of anatomically close voxels, Regions of Interest (ROIs). This approach assumes that voxels within ROIs are functionally similar. Because these two approaches result in different network structures, it is crucial to understand what happens to network connectivity when moving from the voxel level to the ROI level. We show that the consistency of ROIs, defined as the mean Pearson correlation coefficient between the time series of their voxels, varies widely in resting-state experimental data. Therefore the assumption of similar voxel dynamics within each ROI does not generally hold. Further, the time series of low-consistency ROIs may be highly correlated, resulting in spurious links in ROI-level networks. Based on these results, we recommend that averaging BOLD signals over anatomically defined ROIs should be carefully considered.
Early Notices Regarding Creole Portuguese in Former Portuguese Timor
Authors: Baxter Alan N. , Cardoso Hugo C.
Published: May 2017

The area of Bidau, in the East Timorese capital of Dili, was home to the only documented form of Creole Portuguese in Timor. Although Bidau Creole Portuguese is now extinct, by most accounts, a few scattered records allow a glimpse into what it must have been like, and reveal its clear relationship with other Southeast Asian Portuguese-based creoles; Baxter’s (1990a) study of Bidau Creole Portuguese was based mostly on a set of recordings made in the context of the Missão Antropológica de Timor [“Anthropological Mission to Timor”, 1953–1954]. In this article, Baxter (1990a: 3) mentions that “[s]o far, the earliest located reference to Bidau Creole Portuguese, and one which contains some impressionistic examples of conversations and the verse of a song, is Castro (1943: 56, 177)”. However, since the publication of this study, a few earlier references to what can be interpreted as Portuguese-based creole in Timor have been located in unpublished archival sources. These sources are letters sent to two important philologists of the late 19th and early 20th century, Hugo Schuchardt and José Leite de Vasconcelos, who were greatly interested in ascertaining whether a creole was spoken in Timor and what the local Portuguese was like. The present study introduces and contextualises these epistolary sources, discussing the linguistic and sociolinguistic material contained therein, and its relevance for the confirmation of different threads of language contact involving Portuguese.
Multi-locus phylogeny supports the placement of Endocarpon pulvinatum within Staurothele s. str. (lichenised ascomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Verrucariaceae)
Authors: HEIðMARSSON STARRI , GUEIDAN CÉCILE , MIADLIKOWSKA JOLANTA , LUTZONI FRANÇOIS
Published: May 2017

Within the lichen family Verrucariaceae, the genera Endocarpon, Willeya and Staurothele are characterised by muriform ascospores and the presence of algal cells in the hymenium. Endocarpon thalli are squamulose to subfruticose, whereas Willeya and Staurothele include only crustose species. Endocarpon pulvinatum, an arctic-alpine species newly reported for Iceland, is one of the few Endocarpon with a subfruticose thallus formed by long and narrow erected squamules. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of four loci (ITS, nrLSU, mtSSU, and mcm7) newly obtained from E. pulvinatum specimens from Iceland, Finland and North America does not confirm its current classification within the mostly squamulose genus Endocarpon, but instead supports its placement within the crustose genus Staurothele. The new combination Staurothele pulvinata is therefore proposed here. It includes also E. tortuosum, which was confirmed as a synonym of E. pulvinatum based on a single sequence.
Monica Lewinsky and Shame
Authors: Everbach Tracy
Published: May 2017

This study examines mainstream newspaper coverage of Monica Lewinsky in 1998, the year her relationship with President Bill Clinton came to public light. It highlights how a private citizen became a media phenomenon and object of public shame at beginning of online news distribution. The qualitative content analysis of 175 articles in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times showed that Lewinsky was scrutinized and exploited by news media. The news frames used by the newspapers reflected stereotypical shaming narratives about sexualized women who do not conform to the traditional, passive role prescribed by the dominant patriarchal ideology. Lewinsky was portrayed solely in the context of her association with men and became a caricature based on assumptions made by journalists. The newspapers also portrayed feminists as a homogeneous group that was hypocritical in its responses.
Young learners’ response processes when taking computerized tasks for speaking assessment
Authors: Lee Shinhye , Winke Paula
Published: May 2017

We investigated how young language learners process their responses on and perceive a computer-mediated, timed speaking test. Twenty 8-, 9-, and 10-year-old non-native English-speaking children (NNSs) and eight same-aged, native English-speaking children (NSs) completed seven computerized sample TOEFL® Primary™ speaking test tasks. We investigated the children’s attentional foci on different test components (e.g., prompts, pictures, and a countdown timer) by means of their eye movements. We associated the children’s eye-movement indices (visit counts and fixation durations) with spoken performance. The children provided qualitative data (interviews; picture-drawings) on their test experiences as well. Results indicated a clear contrast between NNSs and NSs in terms of speech production (large score differences) as expected. More interestingly, the groups’ eye-movement patterns differed. NNSs tended to fixate longer on and looked more frequently at the countdown timer than their NS peers, who were more likely to look at content features, that is, onscreen pictures meant to help with building up speech. Specifically, the NNSs’ fixations on timers were likely to co-occur with hesitation phenomena (e.g., hemming; pausing; silence). We discuss (a) the potential effects of test-specific features on children’s performance and (b) child-appropriate test accommodations and practices.
Evaluation of Student Handwashing Practices During a School-Based Hygiene Program in Rural Western Kenya, 2007
Authors: La Con Genevieve , Schilling Katharine , Harris Julie , Person Bobbie , Owuor Mercy , Ogange Lorraine , Faith Sitnah , Quick Robert
Published: May 2017

Unsafe drinking water and inadequate handwashing facilities in primary schools increase the risk of absenteeism due to diarrhea and respiratory infections. To mitigate these risks, we provided 28 schools in rural Western Kenya with handwashing and drinking water stations (containers with lids and taps on metal stands), bleach for water treatment, soap for handwashing, and educational materials. We observed the use of the water stations and assessed teachers’ attitudes toward the intervention. Of 151 total handwashing stations, 69 (59%) were observed to have soap and water and treated drinking water 4 months after implementation; observations of pupils showed an increase in handwashing behavior in water stations located < 10 m, as compared with those >10 m, from latrines ( p < .02). In focus groups, teachers reported improved cleanliness and decreased illness in pupils. Teacher training and installation of water stations resulted in observed improvements in pupils’ hygiene, particularly when water stations were located <10 m from latrines.
Effect of temperature and punch speed on forming limit strains of AA5182 alloy in warm forming and improvement in failure prediction in finite element analysis
Authors: Satish D Raja , Kumar D Ravi , Merklein Marion
Published: May 2017

Formability of AA5182-O aluminum alloy sheets in the warm working temperature range has been studied. Forming limit strains of sheets of two different thicknesses have been determined experimentally in different modes of deformation (biaxial tension, plane strain and tension–compression) by varying temperature and punch speed. A correlation has been established for plane strain intercept of the forming limit diagram (FLD0) with temperature, punch speed and thickness from the experimental results. This correlation has been used to plot the forming limit diagrams for failure prediction in the finite element analysis of warm deep drawing of cylindrical cups. The effect of strain and strain rate on material flow behavior has been incorporated using a strain rate–sensitive power hardening law in which the strain hardening exponent and strain rate sensitivity index have been experimentally determined. The predictions from simulations have been validated by warm deep drawing experiments. Large improvement in accuracy of failure prediction has been observed using the FLDs plotted based on the developed correlation when compared to the existing method of calculating FLD0 using only strain hardening coefficient and thickness. The results clearly indicate the importance of incorporating temperature and punch speed in failure prediction of Al alloys using FLDs in the warm working temperature range.
The Association Between Body Mass Index and Sleep in a Predominantly Hispanic College Population
Authors: Benham Grant
Published: May 2017

An association between inadequate sleep and body mass index (BMI) has been demonstrated in previous studies, but there is a relative paucity of data from Latino/Hispanic populations. In the present study, 750 college students, 93% of whom were Hispanic, completed an online survey that included standardized measures of sleep quantity, sleep quality, and insomnia. BMI was significantly higher in those who had inadequate sleep quantity, in those with poor sleep quality, and in those who experienced insomnia. Our results extend previous research, demonstrating an association between BMI and three measures of sleep in a predominantly Hispanic college student sample.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of a Gardening Activity at a Juvenile Justice Center
Authors: Hardin-Fanning Frances , Adegboyega Adebola O. , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elicit participants’ ( N = 16) perceptions of a gardening activity at a juvenile justice center and to determine whether past exposure to gardening and farmers markets was associated with their perceptions of the gardening experience. Design: This cross-sectional, exploratory program evaluation was conducted in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. Adolescents completing the Cadet Leadership and Education Program participated in gardening in order to provide produce to a local farmers’ market. Method: After the growing season, participants were asked to complete a nine-item questionnaire about the gardening activity during one of their usual classes at the facility. The questionnaire assessed perception of the experience and past exposure to gardening and farmers’ markets. Findings: Participants reported favorably about their participation in the activity, knowledge gained from the activity, and their intent to garden in the future. Those who had previously gardened had more favorable perception of gardening than those who had never gardened. Gardening is an inexpensive means of teaching teamwork and delayed gratification and providing a sense of empowerment and may benefit at-risk adolescents during incarceration.
Is It the Job or the Support? Examining Structural and Relational Predictors of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention for Nonprofit Employees
Authors: Knapp Joshua R. , Smith Brett R. , Sprinkle Therese A.
Published: May 2017

We examine the relative efficacy of two theoretically distinct variables for predicting job satisfaction and turnover intentions for workers in nonprofit organizations. The first, perceived job characteristics, reflects the structure of jobs in terms of autonomy, skill variety, task identity, task significance, and feedback. The second, perceived organizational support, reflects the quality of the employee–organization relationship. We collected data from 196 full-time, nonprofit employees across two time periods, and we tested hypotheses using hierarchical regression and relative importance analysis. Results emphasize the significance of managing employees in a supportive manner and structuring jobs so that employees can work autonomously.
Prostate-derived Ets factor, an oncogenic driver in breast cancer
Authors: Sood Ashwani K , Geradts Joseph , Young Jessica
Published: May 2017

Prostate-derived Ets factor (PDEF), a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, differs from other family members in its restricted expression in normal tissues and its unique DNA-binding motif. These interesting attributes coupled with its aberrant expression in cancer have rendered PDEF a focus of increasing interest by tumor biologists. This review provides a current understanding of the characteristics of PDEF expression and its role in breast cancer. The bulk of the evidence is consistent with PDEF overexpression in most breast tumors and an oncogenic role for this transcription factor in breast cancer. In addition, high PDEF expression in estrogen receptor–positive breast tumors showed significant correlation with poor overall survival in several independent cohorts of breast cancer patients. Together, these findings demonstrate PDEF to be an oncogenic driver of breast cancer and a biomarker of poor prognosis in this cancer. Based on this understanding and the limited expression of PDEF in normal human tissues, the development of PDEF–based therapeutics for prevention and treatment of breast cancer is also discussed.
A new insight on reciprocal relationship between microRNA expression and epigenetic modifications in human lung cancer
Authors: Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Shirvaliloo Sakine , Fekri Aval Sedigheh , Khamaneh Amir Mahdi , Sharifi Akbar , Ansarin Khalil , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: May 2017

Lung cancer stands among the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. Although the molecular network implicated in lung cancer development is extensively revealed, the mortality rate is only slightly improved. MicroRNAs are small, endogenous single-stranded evolutionary conserved non-coding RNAs which involve in a wide variety of biological processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and differentiation. MicroRNAs, as novel biomarkers, have multiple functions in normal lung tissue development, and aberrant expression profiles of certain microRNAs could induce lung tumorigenesis. Similar to that of protein-coding genes, microRNA expression and function are regulated by multiple factors as well as the epigenetic network including DNA methylation and histone modification mechanisms. Furthermore, microRNAs can themselves regulate key enzymes which drive epigenetic modifications and have a pivotal effect on the cell biology. In this review, we will look into the regulatory loop linkage between microRNA expression and epigenetic modifications, and then, we will discuss the effects of epigenetics on the miRNome, as well as the role of epi-microRNAs in controlling the epigenome in human lung cancer. Better knowledge of reciprocal connection between microRNAs and epigenome will help to develop novel microRNA-orientated diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies related to human lung cancer in future.
Mitochondrial dynamics and cancer
Authors: Maycotte Paola , Marín-Hernández Alvaro , Goyri-Aguirre Miriam , Anaya-Ruiz Maricruz , Reyes-Leyva Julio , Cortés-Hernández Paulina
Published: May 2017

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and the number of new cases continues to rise. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, millions of cancer-related deaths occur, indicating the need for better therapies and diagnostic strategies. Mitochondria and metabolic alterations have been recognized as important for cancer progression. However, a more precise understanding of how to manipulate mitochondria-related processes for cancer therapy remains to be established. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which continually fuse and divide in response to diverse stimuli. Participation in the aforementioned processes requires a precise regulation at many levels that allows the cell to couple mitochondrial activity to nutrient availability, biosynthetic demands, proliferation rates, and external stimuli. The many functions of these organelles are intimately linked to their morphology. Recent evidence suggests an important link between mitochondrial morphology and disease, including neurodegenerative, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of mitochondrial dynamics with a special focus on its relationship to tumor progression.
Alteration in the expression of MGMT and RUNX3 due to non-CpG promoter methylation and their correlation with different risk factors in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Saikia Snigdha , Rehman Asad Ur , Barooah Prajjalendra , Sarmah Preeti , Bhattacharyya Mallika , Deka Muktanjalee , Deka Manab , Goswami Bhabadev , Husain Syed Akhtar , Medhi Subhash
Published: May 2017

Promoter methylation reflects in the inactivation of different genes like O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase DNA repair gene and runt-related transcription factor 3, a known tumor suppressor gene in various cancers such as esophageal cancer. The promoter methylation was evaluated for O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase and runt-related transcription factor 3 in CpG, CHH, and CHG context (where H is A, T, or C) by next-generation sequencing. The methylation status was correlated with quantitative messenger RNA expression. In addition, messenger RNA expression was correlated with different risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, betel nut consumption, and smoking habit. CpG methylation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter had a positive association in the development of esophageal cancer (p < 0.05), whereas runt-related transcription factor 3 promoter methylation showed no significant association (p = 1.0) to develop esophageal cancer. However, the non-CpG methylation, CHH, and CHG were significantly correlated with O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (p < 0.05) and runt-related transcription factor 3 (p < 0.05) promoters in the development of esophageal cancer. The number of cytosine converted to thymine (C→T) in O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter showed a significant correlation between cases and controls (p < 0.05), but in runt-related transcription factor 3 no such significant correlation was observed. Besides, messenger RNA expression was found to be significantly correlated with promoter hypermethylation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase and runt-related transcription factor 3 in the context of CHG and CHH (p < 0.05). The CpG hypermethylation in O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase showed positive (p < 0.05) association, whereas in runt-related transcription factor 3, it showed contrasting negative association (p = 0.23) with their messenger RNA expression. Tobacco, betel nut consumption, and smoking habits were associated with altered messenger RNA expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (p < 0.05) and betel nut consumption and smoking habits were associated with runt-related transcription factor 3 (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between messenger RNA expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase and runt-related transcription factor 3 with alcohol consumption (p = 0.32 and p = 0.15). In conclusion, our results suggest that an aberrant messenger RNA expression may be the outcome of CpG, CHG, and CHH methylation in O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, whereas outcome of CHG and CHH methylation in runt-related transcription factor 3 promoters along with risk factors such as consumption of tobacco, betel nut, and smoking habits in esophageal cancer from Northeast India.