bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Factors Associated With the Completion of a Community-Based Group Exercise Program Among Older Women
Authors: Batra Anamica , Coxe Stefany , Page Timothy F. , Melchior Michael , Palmer Richard C.
Published: April 2016

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, only 50% of U.S. women met recommended physical activity levels in 2014. To combat this issue, the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative of South Florida has been offering the EnhanceFitness (EF) program in community-based settings since 2008. In the current study, we examined the factors associated with the program completion among older women (≥ 60 years). During the first 4 years, 3,829 older women attended EF sessions. Of these, 924 (24.2%) attended the recommended 32 sessions within first 4 months. Results revealed that women who lived in Miami-Dade County, were ≥ 80 years, and did not report depression and/or risk factors for chronic conditions were more likely to complete EF. Black women were less likely to complete the program. Recognition of these factors might help identify at-risk individuals. More efforts are needed to improve completion rates. Theory-based interventions would allow comprehensive understanding of all factors and, therefore, should be explored in the future.
How Europe exported the Black Death
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: April 2016

DNA suggests that the Asia-born pathogen lingered in Europe, then spread eastward.
Marijuana policy patchwork not based on science
Authors: Jarvis Michaela
Published: April 2016

Meanwhile, federal laws hobble research into the dangers, and the potential benefits, of the drug
The growing problem of patent trolling
Authors: Cohen Lauren , Gurun Umit G. , Kominers Scott Duke
Published: April 2016

Cash-hungry patent trolls are squelching innovation—and should be screened out
Population-based metagenomics analysis reveals markers for gut microbiome composition and diversity
Authors: Zhernakova Alexandra , Kurilshikov Alexander , Bonder Marc Jan , Tigchelaar Ettje F. , Schirmer Melanie , Vatanen Tommi , Mujagic Zlatan , Vila Arnau Vich , Falony Gwen , Vieira-Silva Sara , Wang Jun , Imhann Floris , Brandsma Eelke , Jankipersadsing Soesma A. , Joossens Marie , Cenit Maria Carmen , Deelen Patrick , Swertz Morris A. ,   LifeLines cohort study, Weersma Rinse K. , Feskens Edith J. M. , Netea Mihai G. , Gevers Dirk , Jonkers Daisy , Franke Lude , Aulchenko Yurii S. , Huttenhower Curtis , Raes Jeroen , Hofker Marten H. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Wijmenga Cisca , Fu Jingyuan
Published: April 2016

“Normal” for the gut microbiota

For the benefit of future clinical studies, it is critical to establish what constitutes a “normal” gut microbiome, if it exists at all. Through fecal samples and questionnaires, Falony
et al.
and Zhernakova
et al.
targeted general populations in Belgium and the Netherlands, respectively. Gut microbiota composition correlated with a range of factors including diet, use of medication, red blood cell counts, fecal chromogranin A, and stool consistency. The data give some hints for possible biomarkers of normal gut communities.

Science
, this issue pp.
560
and
565
Comment on “Extended-resolution structured illumination imaging of endocytic and cytoskeletal dynamics”
Authors: Sahl Steffen J. , Balzarotti Francisco , Keller-Findeisen Jan , Leutenegger Marcel , Westphal Volker , Egner Alexander , Lavoie-Cardinal Flavie , Chmyrov Andriy , Grotjohann Tim , Jakobs Stefan
Published: April 2016

Li
et al
. (Research Articles, 28 August 2015, aab3500) purport to present solutions to long-standing challenges in live-cell microscopy, reporting relatively fast acquisition times in conjunction with improved image resolution. We question the methods’ reliability to visualize specimen features at sub–100-nanometer scales, because the mandatory mathematical processing of the recorded data leads to artifacts that are either difficult or impossible to disentangle from real features. We are also concerned about the chosen approach of subjectively comparing images from different super-resolution methods, as opposed to using quantitative measures.
Response to Comment on “Extended-resolution structured illumination imaging of endocytic and cytoskeletal dynamics”
Authors: Li Dong , Betzig Eric
Published: April 2016

Sahl
et al
. in their Comment raise criticisms of our work that fall into three classes: image artifacts, resolution criteria, and comparative performance on live cells. We explore each of these in turn.
Cross-species comparisons of host genetic associations with the microbiome
Authors: Goodrich Julia K. , Davenport Emily R. , Waters Jillian L. , Clark Andrew G. , Ley Ruth E.
Published: April 2016

Recent studies in human populations and mouse models reveal notable congruences in gut microbial taxa whose abundances are partly regulated by host genotype. Host genes associating with these taxa are related to diet sensing, metabolism, and immunity. These broad patterns are further validated in similar studies of nonmammalian microbiomes. The next generation of genome-wide association studies will expand the size of the data sets and refine the microbial phenotypes to fully capture these intriguing signatures of host-microbiome coevolution.
RNA splicing is a primary link between genetic variation and disease
Authors: Li Yang I. , van de Geijn Bryce , Raj Anil , Knowles David A. , Petti Allegra A. , Golan David , Gilad Yoav , Pritchard Jonathan K.
Published: April 2016

RNA splicing links genetics to disease

Many genetic variants associated with disease have no apparent effect on any specific protein coding sequence. Li
et al.
systematically analyzed the effects of DNA variants on the main steps of gene regulation, from the chromatin state through protein function. One-third of expression quantitative train loci (QTLs) are mediated through transcriptional processes, not chromatin. Splice QTLs and expression QTLs are about comparable in their complex disease risk. Posttranscriptional mechanisms therefore play a large role in translating genotype to phenotype.

Science
, this issue p.
600
Light flips a membrane-embedded helix
Authors: Thiele Christina M. , Ulrich Anne S.
Published: April 2016

A folded helical chain can switch its handedness even in a viscous membrane environment
After Ebola

Pandemic Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to Ebola and Beyond

Sonia Shah
Sarah Crichton Books, 2016. 287 pp.
Authors: Kemp Christopher
Published: April 2016

Lessons learned from past pandemics offer insight into how to stop the next one
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates colonic stem cells and induces mucosal healing in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis: a prospective case series
Authors: Bekheit Mohamed , Baddour Nahed , Katri Khaled , Taher Yousry , El Tobgy Khaled , Mousa Essam
Published: April 2016

Background

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is used as part of treatment in a variety of clinical conditions. Its use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis has been reported in few clinical reports.

Objective

We report the effect of HBO on refractory ulcerative colitis exploring one potential mechanism of action.

Design

A review of records of patients with refractory ulcerative colitis who received HBO was conducted. Clinical and histopathological scoring was utilised to evaluate the response to HBO therapy (HBOT).

Results

All patients manifested clinical improvement by the 40th cycle of HBOT. The median number of stool frequency dropped from seven motions/day (range=3–20) to 1/day (range=0.5–3), which was significant (z=−4.6, p<0.001). None of the patients manifested persistent blood passage after HBOT (z=−3.2, p=0.002). The severity index significantly improved after HBOT (z=−4.97, p<0.001). Histologically, a significant reduction of the scores of activity was recorded accompanied by a significant increase in the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling index of the CD44 cells of the colonic mucosa (p=0.001).

Conclusions

HBOT is effective in the setting of refractory ulcerative colitis. The described protocol is necessary for successful treatment. HBOT stimulates colonic stem cells to promote healing.
Are higher blood mercury levels associated with dry eye symptoms in adult Koreans? A population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Chung So-Hyang , Myong Jun-Pyo
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether blood mercury concentrations associated with the presence of dry eye symptoms in a nationally representative Korean population.

Methods

Population-based prospective cross-sectional study using the heavy metal data set of the 2010–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 4761 adult Koreans were the eligible population in this study. Of the 7162 survey participants, 2401 were excluded because they were <19 years of age, there were missing data in the heavy metal data set, or they had diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, asthma, depression and/or under-the-eye surgery. Blood mercury levels were measured on the day the participants completed a questionnaire regarding the presence of dry eye symptoms (persistent dryness or eye irritation). The population was divided into low and high groups by median level (4.26 and 2.89 µg/L for males and females, respectively).

Results

Self-reported dry eye symptoms were present in 13.0% of the cohort. Participants with dry eye symptoms were significantly more likely to have blood mercury levels exceeding the median than those without dry eye symptoms (45.7% vs 51.7%, p=0.021). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age, gender, education, total household income, smoking status, heavy alcohol use, sleep time, perceived stress status, total cholesterol levels and atopy history, dry eye symptoms were significantly associated with blood mercury levels that exceeded the median (reference: lower mercury group; OR, 1.324; 95% CI 1.059 to 1.655; p<0.05).

Conclusions

High blood mercury levels were associated with dry eye symptoms in a nationally representative Korean population.
Introducing paediatric grommet “rapid turnover” lists. A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Easto Rachel , Shukla Rishi , Rowland Charlie , Williams Richard
Published: April 2016

Paediatric grommet insertions are a common ENT procedure which is typically carried out as a daycase procedure. National guidelines exist (NICE CG60) outlining the criteria for grommet insertions. At our institution it was noted that children were experiencing long waits for their grommet surgery with 78% breaching the national 18 week RTT target by time of surgery in the preceding 6 months. 38% of children were attending for surgery with out of date audiograms and as a consequence, due to children no longer meeting the NICE criteria for grommet insertions, 8% of children were being cancelled on the day of surgery.

To improve our waiting times and reduce on the day cancellations we introduced a pilot scheme of “rapid turnover” paediatric day case theatre lists. These lists were accompanied by a pre-operative consent clinic, enabling children not requiring surgery to be cancelled. The theatre lists were run by a senior ENT registrar and had two anaesthetic “pods” i.e. two anaesthetists and two ODPs. This enabled faster turnover of patients and consequently more patients could be operated on per theatre list.

Following our pilot there are no longer any children on the grommet waiting list in breach of the 18 week RTT time. Furthermore, there were no on the day cancellations due to surgery not being indicated. All staff and patients involved were satisfied with the “rapid turnover” lists and subsequently the idea is to be introduced on a regular, 2 monthly basis, to keep waiting times down.
Management of a postoperative vaginal stricture by perendoscopic balloon dilation in a dog
Authors: Noël Stéphanie , Billen Frederic , Bolen Geraldine , Hamaide Annick
Published: April 2016

A female dog was presented for severe dysuria. Vaginal palpation, vaginoscopy and retrograde vaginourethrography revealed the presence of a urethral mass extending 40 mm cranial to the external urethral meatus. Biopsies confirmed a poorly differentiated transitional cell carcinoma.

The urethral meatus along with 45 per cent of the total urethral length were excised and an end‐to‐side urethrovaginal anastomosis was performed through an episiotomy approach. Two weeks postoperatively, the dog was presented due to a weak urinary stream and urinary incontinence after micturition. A retrograde vaginourethrography showed a postoperative stricture caudal to the urethral orifice and the formation of an urovagina. The stricture was successfully managed with three sessions of perendoscopic balloon dilation associated with intralesional injection of triamcinolone.

Urethrovaginal anastomosis via an episiotomy approach could be valuable to remove selected small distal urethral masses and balloon dilation, compared with surgery, appears to be a less invasive option to manage postoperative vaginal stricture.
Histological findings in equine testes one year after standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty
Authors: Gracia‐Calvo L. A. , Ezquerra L. J. , Ortega‐Ferrusola C. , Martín‐Cuervo M. , Tapio H. , Argüelles D. , Durán M. E.
Published: April 2016

In order to know reproduction‐related complications due to standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty, histological characteristics of the testicles from five stallions one year after surgery were compared with seven testicles from four healthy stallions. Moreover, the daily sperm output (DSO) was determined before (T0) and one year after surgery (T12). DSO did not show significant differences between T0 and T12. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was significantly decreased in the samples from the hernioplasty group. The percentage of tubules with full spermatogenesis was smaller in the hernioplasty group, but the difference was not significant. It can be concluded that standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty produced mild histological changes in the testicular parenchyma, epididymis and pampiniform plexus after one year follow‐up.
Interlaboratory ring trial to evaluate CFT proficiency of European laboratories for diagnosis of glanders in equids
Authors: Laroucau K. , Colaneri C. , Jaÿ M. , Corde Y. , Drapeau A. , Durand B. , Zientara S. , Beck C.
Published: April 2016

To evaluate the routine complement fixation test (CFT) used to detect Burkholderia mallei antibodies in equine sera, an interlaboratory proficiency test was held with 24 European laboratories, including 22 National Reference Laboratories for glanders. The panels sent to participants were composed of sera with or without B mallei antibodies. This study confirmed the reliability of CFT and highlighted its intralaboratory reproducibility. However, the sensitivity of glanders serodiagnosis and laboratory proficiency may be improved by standardising critical reagents, including antigens, and by developing a standard B mallei serum.
Bovine besnoitiosis (Besnoitia besnoiti) in an Irish dairy herd
Authors: Ryan E. G. , Lee A. , Carty C. , O'Shaughnessy J. , Kelly P. , Cassidy J. P. , Sheehan M. , Johnson A. , de Waal T.
Published: April 2016

Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, was diagnosed in an Irish dairy herd. This is the first diagnosis of besnoitiosis in Ireland or the UK and the most northerly European outbreak yet described. The diagnosis occurred following a farm investigation in June 2015 into an unusual dermatological problem that had been ongoing since 2010. On an annual basis, 1–2 per cent of cows in the herd exhibited clinical signs, including skin thickening, alopecia, weight loss and poor performance. Others displayed pyrexia, limb oedema, respiratory distress and reduced milk yield. Histopathological examination of skin revealed granulomatous and eosinophilic dermatitis, with characteristic intradermal protozoal cysts, consistent with cutaneous besnoitiosis. Follow‐up serological testing and clinical examination of cattle (n=228) on the farm found that 68 per cent (144/212) were seropositive for B. besnoiti. In addition, 51 per cent (117/228) had characteristic scleral conjunctival cysts and 68 per cent (134/198) had vulval cysts. Postmortem examination of a severely affected animal revealed typical gross and histopathological lesions of B. besnoiti infection. These results confirmed endemic infection with B. besnoiti. The identification of this exotic disease highlights the importance of veterinary surveillance at both local and national level, particularly in relation to emerging diseases.
Urease active bioslurry: a novel soil improvement approach based on microbially induced carbonate precipitation
Authors: Cheng Liang , Shahin Mohamed A.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a novel approach for soil stabilization by microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) using a new urease active catalyzer, named herein as “bioslurry”. The bioslurry, which was produced from the reaction between bacterial culture and 400 mmol/L of CaCl2 and urea, is pre-formed urease active crystals consisting of CaCO3 plus imbedded urease active bacterial cells. By mixing the bioslurry with sand, more than 95% of the bioslurry was retained in the soil matrix as a result of the mechanical trapping mechanism, leading to high resistance to flushing with a low-salinity solution. The retained urease activity of bioslurry was uniformly distributed along the sand matrix, resulting in a rather uniform CaCO3 precipitation. Through repeated treatments with a cementation solution, the unconfined compressive strength of bioslurry treated sand was significantly improved due to the effective CaCO3 precipitation at the contact points of soil grains. Scanning electron microscopy analysis carried out on the bioslurry treated sand revealed that the induced large rhombohedral CaCO3 crystals were localized around the bioslurry spherical fine crystals. The overall outcome of this work is that soil biocementation using the new bioslurry approach is controllable, reproducible, and homogeneous.
Physiological effects of short- and long-term exposure to elevated carbon dioxide on a freshwater mussel,Fusconaia flava
Authors: Hannan Kelly D. , Jeffrey Jennifer D. , Hasler Caleb T. , Suski Cory D.
Published: April 2016

Zones of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) have the potential to deter the movement of fishes. Should CO2be used as a barrier, non-target organisms, such as freshwater mussels, have the potential to be impacted. In this study, the physiological responses of adult Fusconaia flava exposed to elevated partial pressures of CO2(pCO2) over both short-term (6 h exposure with 6 h recovery) and long-term (4-, 8-, and 32-day exposure) periods were measured. A 6 h exposure to either ∼15 000 μatm (1 atm = 101.325 kPa) or ∼200 000 μatm caused an elevation in hemolymph Ca2+. Exposure to ∼200 000 μatm resulted in a decrease in hemolymph Cl−, and exposure to ∼15 000 μatm caused an increase in hemolymph Na+, whereas ∼200 000 μatm caused a decrease. Exposure to elevated pCO2for long-term periods caused a decrease in hemolymph Mg2+and an initial increase in hemolymph Ca2+. Body condition and hemolymph glucose were not significantly influenced by elevated pCO2for both experiments. This study shows that elevated pCO2had limited impacts on the physiological responses of adult freshwater mussels.
Carbon and nitrogen stocks in Norwegian forest soils — the importance of soil formation, climate, and vegetation type for organic matter accumulation
Authors: Strand Line Tau , Callesen Ingeborg , Dalsgaard Lise , de Wit Heleen A.
Published: April 2016

Relationships between soil C and N stocks and soil formation, climate, and vegetation were investigated in a gridded database connected to the National Forest Inventory in Norway. For mineral soil orders, C and N stocks were estimated to be 11.1–19.3 kg C·m−2 and 0.41–0.78 kg N·m−2, respectively, declining in the following order: Gleysols > Podzols > Brunisols > Regosols. Organic peat-type soils stored, on average, 31.3 kg C·m−2 and 1.10 kg N·m−2, whereas shallow Organic folisols stored, on average, 10.2 kg C·m−2 and 0.34 kg N·m−2. For Norway’s 120 000 km2 of forest, the total of soil C stocks was estimated to be 1.83 Gt C, with a 95% CI of 1.71–1.95 Gt C. Podzolic soils comprise the largest soil group and store approximately 50% of the forest soil C. Sixty percent of the soil C stock in Podzolic soils was stored in the mineral soil, increasing with temperature and precipitation. Poorly drained soil types store approximately 47% of the total forest soil C in Norway. Soils with water saturation have large C stocks mainly in the forest floor, suggesting that they are more susceptible to forest management and environmental change. Soil C stocks under pine and spruce forests were similar, although pine forests had larger C stocks in the forest floor, while spruce forests had the highest C stocks in the mineral soil compartment. C stocks in the forest floor increase from dry to moist ground vegetation, while ground vegetation nutrient classes reflect better the C and N stocks in the mineral soil.
Distribution and expression of the Ade multidrug efflux systems inAcinetobacter baumanniiclinical isolates
Authors: Pagdepanichkit Sirawit , Tribuddharat Chanwit , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: April 2016

One hundred Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates were examined for inhibitory effect of reserpine and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) on the antimicrobial susceptibility and expression of 4 resistant–nodulation–cell division (RND)-type multidrug efflux systems, including AdeABC, AdeDE, AdeIJK, and AdeFGH, using RT-PCR. Ten A. baumannii isolates expressing AdeABC, AdeIJK, or AdeFGH were randomly selected for determination of transcription level and regulatory mutations. While all the isolates were resistant to multiple drugs, the reserpine and CCCP experiment showed that the multidrug resistance phenotype in most A. baumannii isolates was associated with efflux pumps. Most isolates expressed at least one of the RND-type efflux pumps tested (97%). AdeIJK expression was most common (97%), but none of the isolates produced AdeDE. Fifty-two percent of the A. baumannii isolates simultaneously produced up to 3 RND-type efflux systems (i.e., AdeABC, AdeFGH, and AdeIJK). No good correlation between the expression of RND-type efflux pumps and the type of antimicrobial resistance was observed. Overexpression of AdeABC, AdeIJK, and AdeFGH was not always related to the presence of mutations in their corresponding regulatory genes. This study highlights (i) the universal presence of the RND-type efflux pumps with variable levels of expression level among the A. baumannii in this collection and (ii) the complexity of their regulation of expression.
DNA barcoding the Lepidoptera inventory of a large complex tropical conserved wildland, Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica
Authors: Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie
Published: April 2016

The 37-year ongoing inventory of the estimated 15 000 species of Lepidoptera living in the 125 000 terrestrial hectares of Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, has DNA barcode documented 11 000+ species, and the simultaneous inventory of at least 6000+ species of wild-caught caterpillars, plus 2700+ species of parasitoids. The inventory began with Victorian methodologies and species-level perceptions, but it was transformed in 2004 by the full application of DNA barcoding for specimen identification and species discovery. This tropical inventory of an extraordinarily species-rich and complex multidimensional trophic web has relied upon the sequencing services provided by the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, and the informatics support from BOLD, the Barcode of Life Data Systems, major tools developed by the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, and available to all through couriers and the internet. As biodiversity information flows from these many thousands of undescribed and often look-alike species through their transformations to usable product, we see that DNA barcoding, firmly married to our centuries-old morphology-, ecology-, microgeography-, and behavior-based ways of taxonomizing the wild world, has made possible what was impossible before 2004. We can now work with all the species that we find, as recognizable species-level units of biology. In this essay, we touch on some of the details of the mechanics of actually using DNA barcoding in an inventory.
On the holonomic equivalence of two curves
Authors: Tlas Tamer
Published: April 2016

Given a principal [Formula: see text]-bundle [Formula: see text] and two [Formula: see text] curves in [Formula: see text] with coinciding endpoints, we say that the two curves are holonomically equivalent if the parallel transport along them is identical for any smooth connection on [Formula: see text]. The main result in this paper is that if [Formula: see text] is semi-simple, then the two curves are holonomically equivalent if and only if there is a thin, i.e. of rank at most one, [Formula: see text] homotopy linking them. Additionally, it is also demonstrated that this is equivalent to the factorizability through a tree of the loop formed from the two curves and to the reducibility of a certain transfinite word associated to this loop. The curves are not assumed to be regular.
Entanglement thermodynamics of the generalized charged BTZ black hole
Authors: Mansoori Seyed Ali Hosseini , Mirza Behrouz , Darareh Mahdi Davoudi , Janbaz Shahrooz
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we investigate the entanglement entropy for the generalized charged BTZ black hole through the AdS3/CFT2 correspondence. Using the holographic description of the entanglement entropy for the strip-subsystem in boundary CFT2, we will find the first law-like relation between the variation of holographic entanglement entropy and the variation of energy of the subsystem in terms of the mass and the electric charge up to the second-order. We also obtain appropriate counterterms to renormalize the energy tensor associated with the bulk on-shell actions.
An efficient (t,n) threshold quantum secret sharing without entanglement
Authors: Qin Huawang , Dai Yuewei
Published: April 2016

An efficient [Formula: see text] threshold quantum secret sharing (QSS) scheme is proposed. In our scheme, the Hash function is used to check the eavesdropping, and no particles need to be published. So the utilization efficiency of the particles is real 100%. No entanglement is used in our scheme. The dealer uses the single particles to encode the secret information, and the participants get the secret through measuring the single particles. Compared to the existing schemes, our scheme is simpler and more efficient.
Towards Measuring the Change Impact in ATL Model Transformations
Authors: Vieira Andreza , Ramalho Franklin
Published: April 2016

The Model-Driven Development (MDD) approach shifts the focus on code to models in the software development process. In MDD, model transformations are elements that play an important role. MDD-based projects evolve along their lifecycle in a way that changes in their transformations are frequent. Before applying changes it is important to measure their impacts within the transformation. However, currently no technique helps practitioners in this direction. We propose an approach to measure the change impact in ATL model transformations. Based on static analysis, it detects the elements impacted by a change and calculates the change impact value through three metrics we defined. By using our approach, practitioners can (i) save effort and development time since the elements impacted with the change are automatically detected and (ii) better schedule and prioritize changes according to the impact value. To empirically evaluate our approach we conducted a case study.
Input Contract Testing of Graphical User Interfaces
Authors: Tuglular Tugkan , Belli Fevzi , Linschulte Michael
Published: April 2016

User inputs are critical for the security, safety, and reliability of software systems. This paper proposes a new concept called user input contracts, which is an integral part of a design-by-contract supplemented development process, and a model-based testing approach to detect violations of user input contracts. The approach generates test cases from an input contract integrated with graph-based model of user interface specification and applies them to the system under consideration. The paper presents a proof-of-concept tool that has been developed and used to validate the approach by experiments. The experiments are conducted on a web-based system for marketing tourist services to analyze input robustness of system under consideration with respect to user input contracts.
An affine index polynomial invariant and the forbidden move of virtual knots
Authors: Sakurai Migiwa
Published: April 2016

Kauffman defines an affine index polynomial invariant for virtual knots. The invariant is induced from a numerical invariant called an [Formula: see text]-writhe. In this paper, we provide the difference of the values obtained from invariants between two virtual knots which can be transformed into each other by a single forbidden move. As a result, we make it possible for many virtual knots to determine the unknotting numbers by forbidden moves.
Dynamic Behavior of Damaged Bridge with Multi-Cracks Under Moving Vehicular Loads
Authors: Yin Xinfeng , Liu Yang , Deng Lu , Kong Xuan
Published: April 2016

When studying the vibration of a bridge–vehicle coupled system, most researchers mainly focus on the intact or original bridge structures. Nonetheless, a large number of bridges were built long ago, and most of them have suffered serious deterioration or damage due to the increasing traffic loads, environmental effect, material aging, and inadequate maintenance. Therefore, the effect of damage of bridges, such as cracks, on the vibration of vehicle–bridge coupled system should be studied. The objective of this study is to develop a new method for considering the effect of cracks and road surface roughness on the bridge response. Two vehicle models were introduced: a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) vehicle model and a full-scale vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom (DOFs). Three typical bridges were investigated herein, namely, a single-span uniform beam, a three-span stepped beam, and a non-uniform three-span continuous bridge. The massless rotational spring was adopted to describe the local flexibility induced by a crack on the bridge. The coupled equations for the bridge and vehicle were established by combining the equations of motion for both the bridge and vehicles using the displacement relationship and interaction force relationship at the contact points. The numerical results show that the proposed method can rationally simulate the vibrations of the bridge with cracks under moving vehicular loads.
EXCITABILITY AND COMPLEX MIXED-MODE OSCILLATIONS IN STOCHASTIC BUSINESS CYCLE MODEL
Authors: BASHKIRTSEVA IRINA , PISARCHIK ALEXANDER , RYASHKO LEV , RYAZANOVA TATYANA
Published: April 2016

Stochastically forced business cycle model is considered. We study a phenomenon of the noise-induced generation of complex mixed-mode oscillations in zones where the deterministic model exhibits a single attractor (equilibrium or limit cycle). A probabilistic mechanism of the transition from unimodal oscillations to the intermittency of small- and large-amplitude stochastic oscillations is investigated on the base of the stochastic sensitivity functions technique. We show that such intermittency, connected with the nonuniformity of phase portrait, can be parametrically analyzed by the confidence domains method.
Stefan–Sussmann singular foliations, singular subalgebroids and their associated sheaves
Authors: Androulidakis Iakovos , Zambon Marco
Published: April 2016

We explain and motivate Stefan–Sussmann singular foliations, and by replacing the tangent bundle of a manifold with an arbitrary Lie algebroid, we introduce singular subalgebroids. Both notions are defined using compactly supported sections. The main results of this note are an equivalent characterization, in which the compact support condition is removed, and an explicit description of the sheaf associated to any Stefan–Sussmann singular foliation or singular subalgebroid.
Dynamical analysis of the avian–human influenza epidemic model using multistage analytical method
Authors: Jabbari A. , Kheiri H. , Jodayree Akbarfam A. , Bekir A.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, analytical result of avian–human influenza epidemic model has been investigated by applying homotopy analysis method (HAM) and by expanding it to hybrid numeric-analytic method which is known as multistage HAM (MSHAM). HAM is an algorithm which gives us the approximate solution of the problem in an arrangement of time interims and by modifying it to multistage one. Some advantages such as flexibility of picking the auxiliary linear operator and the auxiliary parameter are emerged, that leads us to achieve some excellent results in this work. Furthermore, in this analytical work, obtained results are compared and reported with numerical ones which were obtained previously from methods such as the Runge–Kutta (RK4) method.
A new scheduling algorithm for non-preemptive independent tasks on a multi-processor platform
Authors: Andrei Stefan , Cheng Albert M. K. , Radulescu Vlad , Alam Sharfuddin , Vadlakonda Suresh
Published: April 2016

The abort-and-restart scheme from the Priority-based Functional Reactive Programming (PFRP) paradigm eliminates the priority inversion problem. This paper is similar by solving the priority inversion problem using the task order restrictions sets of relations. One of the core problems in real-time systems is finding a feasible schedule for a task set on a multiprocessor platform. While preemptive scheduling has benefited from a large number of significant results, the non-preemptive case has still room for improvement.

Despite the fact that the well-known EDF and LLF scheduling techniques are optimal for preemptive uniprocessor platform there is no known optimal scheduling algorithm for non-preemptive task sets on a multi-processor platform. Our paper continues our previous works [1] and [2] by describing the experimental results together with their findings about our alternate scheduling method to the EDF and LLF techniques. Our algorithm, called A, is able to schedule all considered non-preemptive independent tasks on a multi-processor platform, while EDF and LLF fail to sometimes provide a feasible schedule. The experiments indicate no execution time overhead for the cases where all the scheduling algorithms were able to provide the schedule. However, when EDF and LLF fail to provide a schedule, A gives the schedule with a 60% execution time overhead.
A methodology for modeling and verification of cyber-physical systems based on logic programming
Authors: Saeedloei Neda , Gupta Gopal
Published: April 2016

Model-based design and development has been applied successfully to design and development of complex systems, including safety critical systems. It is also a promising approach for designing cyber-physical systems (CPSs). In this paper we propose a methodology for model-based design of CPSs where,
logic programming
extended with
coinduction, constraints over reals
, and
coroutining
is used for modeling CPSs. This logic programming realization can be used for verifying interesting properties as well as generating implementations of CPSs. We use the reactor temperature control system as a running example to illustrate the various steps of our methodology. We present a model of the system using our framework and verify the safety property of the system. We also show how parametric analysis can be performed in our framework.
Lattice Boltzmann Model of 3D Multiphase Flow in Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm Problem
Authors: Abas Aizat , Mokhtar N. Hafizah , Ishak M. H. H. , Abdullah M. Z. , Ho Tian Ang
Published: April 2016

This paper simulates and predicts the laminar flow inside the 3D aneurysm geometry, since the hemodynamic situation in the blood vessels is difficult to determine and visualize using standard imaging techniques, for example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three different types of Lattice Boltzmann (LB) models are computed, namely, single relaxation time (SRT), multiple relaxation time (MRT), and regularized BGK models. The results obtained using these different versions of the LB-based code will then be validated with ANSYS FLUENT, a commercially available finite volume- (FV-) based CFD solver. The simulated flow profiles that include velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress (WSS) are then compared between the two solvers. The predicted outcomes show that all the LB models are comparable and in good agreement with the FVM solver for complex blood flow simulation. The findings also show minor differences in their WSS profiles. The performance of the parallel implementation for each solver is also included and discussed in this paper. In terms of parallelization, it was shown that LBM-based code performed better in terms of the computation time required.
Factor Analysis Influencing Postoperative Hospital Stay and Medical Costs for Patients with Definite, Suspected, or Unmatched Diagnosis of Acute Cholecystitis according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2013
Authors: Hayasaki Aoi , Takahashi Koji , Fujii Takehiro , Kumamoto Koji , Fujii Koji , Matsumoto Eiichi , Miyahara Shigeki , Kusuta Tsukasa , Azumi Yoshinori , Isaji Shuji
Published: April 2016

Purpose. To identify significant independent preoperative factors influencing postoperative hospital stay (PHS) and medical costs (MC) in 171 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases and had definite, suspected, or unmatched acute cholecystitis (AC) diagnosis according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (TG13).Methods.The 171 patients were classified according to the combination of diagnostic criteria including local signs of inflammation (A), systemic signs of inflammation (B), and imaging findings (C): A+ B+ C (definite diagnosis,n=84), A+ B (suspected diagnosis,n=25), (A or B) + C (n=10), A (n=41), and B (n=11).Results. The A+ B + C and (A or B) + C groups had equivalent PHS and MC, suggesting that imaging findings were essential for AC diagnosis. PHS and MC were significantly increased in the order of severity grades based on TG13. Performance status (PS), white blood cell count, and severity grade were identified as preoperative factors influencing PHS by multivariate analysis, and significant independent preoperative factors influencing MC were age, PS, preoperative biliary drainage, hospital stay before surgery, albumin, and severity grade.Conclusion. PS and severity grade significantly influenced prolonged PHS and increased MC.
The Coupling Effect Research of Ash Deposition and Condensation in Low Temperature Flue Gas
Authors: Ma Lei , Sun Feng-zhong , Li Zhi-min , Chen Pei , Li Fei
Published: April 2016

Ash deposition is a key factor that deteriorates the heat transfer performance and leads to higher energy consumption of low pressure economizer working in low temperature flue gas. In order to study the ash deposition of heat exchange tubes in low temperature flue gas, two experiments are carried out with different types of heat exchange tubes in different flue gas environments. In this paper, Nusselt Number Nu and fouling factorεare calculated to describe the heat transfer characteristics so as to study the ash deposition condition. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for the analysis of ash samples obtained from the outer wall of heat exchange tubes. The dynamic process of ash deposition is studied under different temperatures of outer wall. The results showed that ash deposition of heat exchanger will achieve a stable state in constant flue gas environment. According to the condition of condensation of acid vapor and water vapor, the process of ash deposition can be distinguished as mere ash deposition, acid-ash coupling deposition, and acid-water-ash coupling deposition.
Human Decidual Stromal Cells as a Component of the Implantation Niche and a Modulator of Maternal Immunity
Authors: Vinketova Kameliya , Mourdjeva Milena , Oreshkova Tsvetelina
Published: April 2016

The human decidua is a specialized tissue characterized by embryo-receptive properties. It is formed during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle from uterine mucosa termed endometrium. The decidua is composed of glands, immune cells, blood and lymph vessels, and decidual stromal cells (DSCs). In the process of decidualization, which is controlled by oestrogen and progesterone, DSCs acquire specific functions related to recognition, selection, and acceptance of the allogeneic embryo, as well as to development of maternal immune tolerance. In this review we discuss the relationship between the decidualization of DSCs and pathological obstetrical and gynaecological conditions. Moreover, the critical influence of DSCs on local immune cells populations as well as their relationship to the onset and maintenance of immune tolerance is described.
fq-Derivations ofG-Algebra
Authors: Al-Kadi Deena
Published: April 2016

We introduce the notion offq-derivation as a new derivation ofG-algebra. For an endomorphism mapfof anyG-algebraX,we show that at least onefq-derivation ofXexists. Moreover, for such a map, we show that a self-mapdqfofXisfq-derivation ofXifXis an associative medialG-algebra. For a medialG-algebraX,dqfisfq-derivation ofXifdqfis an outsidefq-derivation ofX. Finally, we show that iffis the identity endomorphism ofXthen the composition of twofq-derivations ofXis afq-derivation. Moreover, we give a condition to get a commutative composition.
Synaptic Plasticity, a Prominent Contributor to the Anxiety in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhao Huan , Lu Changbo , Li Xiaoyu , Xie Yingli , Fu Hao , Xu Hui
Published: April 2016

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inheritable neuropsychological disease caused by expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat affecting thefmr1gene on X chromosome, resulting in silence of thefmr1gene and failed expression of FMRP. Patients with FXS suffer from cognitive impairment, sensory integration deficits, learning disability, anxiety, autistic traits, and so forth. Specifically, the morbidity of anxiety in FXS individuals remains high from childhood to adulthood. By and large, it is common that the change of brain plasticity plays a key role in the progression of disease. But for now, most studies excessively emphasized the one-sided factor on the change of synaptic plasticity participating in the generation of anxiety during the development of FXS. Here we proposed an integrated concept to acquire better recognition about the details of this process.
SIRT2-Mediated Deacetylation and Tetramerization of Pyruvate Kinase Directs Glycolysis and Tumor Growth
Authors: Park Seong-Hoon , Ozden Ozkan , Liu Guoxiang , Song Ha Yong , Zhu Yueming , Yan Yufan , Zou Xianghui , Kang Hong-Jun , Jiang Haiyan , Principe Daniel R. , Cha Yong-Il , Roh Meejeon , Vassilopoulos Athanassios , Gius David
Published: April 2016

Sirtuins participate in sensing nutrient availability and directing metabolic activity to match energy needs with energy production and consumption. However, the pivotal targets for sirtuins in cancer are mainly unknown. In this study, we identify the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) as a critical target of the sirtuin SIRT2 implicated in cancer. PKM2 directs the synthesis of pyruvate and acetyl-CoA, the latter of which is transported to mitochondria for use in the Krebs cycle to generate ATP. Enabled by a shotgun mass spectrometry analysis founded on tissue culture models, we identified a candidate SIRT2 deacetylation target at PKM2 lysine 305 (K305). Biochemical experiments including site-directed mutants that mimicked constitutive acetylation suggested that acetylation reduced PKM2 activity by preventing tetramerization to the active enzymatic form. Notably, ectopic overexpression of a deacetylated PKM2 mutant in Sirt2-deficient mammary tumor cells altered glucose metabolism and inhibited malignant growth. Taken together, our results argued that loss of SIRT2 function in cancer cells reprograms their glycolytic metabolism via PKM2 regulation, partially explaining the tumor-permissive phenotype of mice lacking Sirt2. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3802–12. ©2016 AACR.
Craniospinal Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia, Aneurysmal Bone Cysts, and Chiari Type 1 Malformation Coexistence in a Patient with McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Urgun Kamran , Yılmaz Baran , Toktaş Zafer Orkun , Akakın Akın , Konya Deniz , Demir Mustafa Kemal , Kılıç Türker
Published: April 2016

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are defined as benign cystic lesions of bone composed of blood-filled spaces. ABCs may be a secondary pathology superimposed on fibrous dysplasia (FD). Concomitant FD and ABC in relation with McCune-Albright syndrome is an extremely rare condition. Here, we report concomitant, double ABCs in bilateral occipital regions and FD from the skull base to the C2 vertebra with Chiari type 1 malformation. A 14-year-old female with a diagnosis of McCune-Albright syndrome presented with swellings at the back of her head. The lesions were consistent with ABCs and were totally resected with reconstruction of the calvarial defects. The coexistence of FD, bilateral occipital ABCs, and Chiari malformation type 1 in a McCune-Albright patient is an extremely rare condition and, to our knowledge, has not been reported to date. Exact diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment usually lead to a good outcome.
Initial Research on Postoperative Management of Tetralogy of Fallot with Major Aortopulmonary Collaterals
Authors: Cheng Jun , Fan Chengming , Tang Mi , Shu Yusheng , Yang Jinfu
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCA) is a well-known but always severe congenital heart disease. This study was designed to explore proper management after radical correction of TOF with MAPCA based on a hierarchical approach. Methods: The following data were collected from 39 patients planned to undergo radical correction of TOF: age, weight, number of aortopulmonary collaterals, total lumen diameter and collateral diameter-to-body weight ratio, transcatheter occlusion and cardiac catheterization findings, mechanical ventilation time, and ICU monitoring time. The patients were divided into 4 groups by collateral diameter-to-body weight ratio as follows: <0.200 mm/kg (group 1), 0.200-0.500 mm/kg (group 2), >0.500 mm/kg (group 3), and no MAPCA (group 4). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software for Mac version 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA) with logistic regression and Fisher's exact test. Results: Most of the patients recovered well after radical correction; postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients and included bloody sputum, low cardiac output syndrome, and severe pulmonary infection that led to tracheotomy. By prolonging the mechanical ventilation time of the patients with postoperative complications, the conditions in 3 patients were improved. However, in the remaining patients, the condition worsened until transcatheter occlusions were performed. Transcatheter occlusion was performed in all 7 patients in group 3 (100%). Only 2 of the 8 patients in group 2 required transcatheter occlusion (25%), and none of the 9 patients in group 1 required transcatheter occlusion (0%). Only 1 patient (group 3) died after radical correction. The transcatheter occlusion results showed a strong association with the total lumen diameter and the collateral diameter-to-body weight ratio (p < 0.05) but no obvious association with age, weight, or the number of aortopulmonary collaterals (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative management of patients with TOF and MAPCA has great significance. To reduce the morbidity and mortality, transcatheter coil embolization or surgical ligation should be performed in patients with a collateral diameter-to-body weight ratio of at least 0.500 mm/kg. In patients with values between approximately 0.200 and 0.500 mm/kg, prolongation of mechanical ventilation should have priority over transcatheter occlusion, and for patients with values below 0.200 mm/kg no additional treatment is needed.