bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chest compression fraction in ambulance while transporting patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to the hospital in rural Taiwan
Authors: Hung Shih-Chang , Mou Ching-Yi , Hung Hung-Chang , Lin I-Hsiang , Lai Shih-Wei , Huang Jack YinChun
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Maintaining the standard two-handed chest compression is difficult in high-speed ambulances in rural areas.

Methods

A retrospective, video-based, observational study was conducted from June to September 2013 in Nantou, a rural county of central Taiwan, to evaluate the chest compression fraction in an ambulance carriage during the travel from the scene to the hospital. The chest compression fraction was calculated as the chest compression time period divided by the ambulance travelling time period; the one-handed and two-handed chest compression fractions were also calculated.

Results

During the 4-month study period, a total of 102 videos that were recorded in an ambulance carriage were reviewed, including 97 cases of manual chest compressions. When there was only one emergency medical technician (EMT) in the carriage, the combined chest compression fraction was 50.6±20.7%; when there were two EMTs, the fraction was 58.3±16.0% and the fraction was 58.3±21.0% in a three-EMT scenario (p=0.221). Moreover, in the carriage, EMTs usually performed one-handed chest compressions.

Conclusions

The chest compression fraction was low for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a moving ambulance, irrespective of the number of providers. Reasons for this observation, as well as the effectiveness of the one-handed chest compression require further evaluation.
Generalized orbifold construction for conformal nets
Authors: Bischoff Marcel
Published: November 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a conformal net. We give the notion of a proper action of a finite hypergroup [Formula: see text] acting by vacuum preserving unital completely positive (so-called stochastic) maps on [Formula: see text] which generalizes the proper action of a finite group [Formula: see text]. Taking the fixed point under such an action gives a finite index subnet [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], which generalizes the [Formula: see text]-orbifold net. Conversely, we show that if [Formula: see text] is a finite inclusion of conformal nets, then [Formula: see text] is a generalized orbifold [Formula: see text] of the conformal net [Formula: see text] by a unique finite hypergroup [Formula: see text]. There is a Galois correspondence between intermediate nets [Formula: see text] and subhypergroups [Formula: see text] given by [Formula: see text]. In this case, the fixed point of [Formula: see text] is the generalized orbifold by the hypergroup of double cosets [Formula: see text].

If [Formula: see text] is a finite index inclusion of completely rational nets, we show that the inclusion [Formula: see text] is conjugate to an intermediate subfactor of a Longo–Rehren inclusion. This implies that if [Formula: see text] is a holomorphic net, and [Formula: see text] acts properly on [Formula: see text], then there is a unitary fusion category [Formula: see text] which is a categorification of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is braided equivalent to the Drinfel’d center [Formula: see text]. More generally, if [Formula: see text] is a completely rational conformal net and [Formula: see text] acts properly on [Formula: see text], then there is a unitary fusion category [Formula: see text] extending [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] is given by the double cosets of the fusion ring of [Formula: see text] by the Verlinde fusion ring of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is braided equivalent to the Müger centralizer of [Formula: see text] in the Drinfel’d center [Formula: see text].
Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles Obtained by a Novel Soft Mechanochemical Method Combined with Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Zhou Chuan , Zhu Dachuan , Wang Daji
Published: November 2016

After mechanochemical reaction of hydrous cerium (III) chloride and citric acid with a little of ethanol followed by a subsequent calcination process at different temperature, cerium dioxide nanoparticles with fluorite structure were successfully prepared. Then the obtained ceria powders were characterized by means of X-ray diffractometer, specific surface area analyzer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and laser particle analyzer. It was found that the degree of particle aggregation passed through a minimum with the calcination temperature rising from 400[Formula: see text]C to 800[Formula: see text]C, accompanied with growth of particle size. The ceria powders calcined at 500[Formula: see text]C had an average aggregated particle size of 59.8[Formula: see text]nm with uniform spheroidal morphology, while their crystallite sizes ranged from 10[Formula: see text]nm to 20[Formula: see text]nm. Yet the product calcined at 400[Formula: see text]C had the maximum specific surface area of 109.6[Formula: see text]m2/g. In polishing experiment, the ceria powders calcined at 500[Formula: see text]C showed great polishing performances.
Numerical simulation of high speed reacting shear layers using AUSM+- up scheme-based unstructured finite volume method solver
Authors: Deepu M. , Dhrishit M. P. , Shyji S.
Published: November 2016

Development of an Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM[Formula: see text]-up) scheme-based Unstructured Finite Volume (UFVM) solver for the simulation of two-dimensional axisymmetric/planar high speed compressible turbulent reacting shear layers is presented. The inviscid numerical flux is evaluated using AUSM[Formula: see text]-up upwind scheme. An eight-step hydrogen–oxygen finite rate chemistry model is used to model the development of chemical species in a supersonic reacting flow field. The chemical species terms are alone solved implicitly in this explicit flow solver by rescaling the equation in time. The turbulence modeling has been done using RNG-based [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model. Three-stage Runge–Kutta method has been used for explicit time integration. The nonreacting two-dimensional Cartesian version of the same solver has been successfully validated against experimental and numerical results reported for the wall static pressure data in sonic slot injection to supersonic stream. Detailed validation studies for reacting flow solver has been done using experimental results reported for a coaxial supersonic combustor, in which species profile at various axial locations has been compared. Present numerical solver is useful in simulating combustors of high speed air-breathing propulsion devices.
LDAC
Authors: Shi Qingchuan , Kurian George , Hijaz Farrukh , Devadas Srinivas , Khan Omer
Published: November 2016

The trend of increasing the number of cores to achieve higher performance has challenged efficient management of on-chip data. Moreover, many emerging applications process massive amounts of data with varying degrees of locality. Therefore, exploiting locality to improve on-chip traffic and resource utilization is of fundamental importance. Conventional multicore cache management schemes either manage the private cache (L1) or the Last-Level Cache (LLC), while ignoring the other. We propose a holistic
locality-aware
cache hierarchy management protocol for large-scale multicores. The proposed scheme improves on-chip data access latency and energy consumption by intelligently bypassing cache line replication in the L1 caches, and/or intelligently replicating cache lines in the LLC. The approach relies on low overhead yet highly accurate in-hardware runtime classification of data locality at both L1 cache and the LLC. The decision to bypass L1 and/or replicate in LLC is then based on the
measured reuse
at the fine granularity of cache lines. The locality tracking mechanism is decoupled from the sharer tracking structures that cause scalability concerns in traditional cache coherence protocols. Moreover, the complexity of the protocol is low since no additional coherence states are created. However, the proposed classifier incurs a 5.6
KB
per-core storage overhead. On a set of parallel benchmarks, the locality-aware protocol reduces average energy consumption by 26% and completion time by 16%, when compared to the state-of-the-art Reactive-NUCA multicore cache management scheme.
Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection Presenting as an Acute Febrile Illness Associated with Thrombocytopenia and Leukopenia
Authors: Arnež Maja , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Uršič Tina , Petrovec Miroslav
Published: November 2016

We present an infant with acute fever, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia, coming from an endemic region for tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and hantavirus infection. The primary human herpesvirus 6 infection was diagnosed by seroconversion of specific IgM and IgG and by identification of viral DNA in the acute patient’s serum. The patient did not show skin rash suggestive of exanthema subitum during the course of illness.
Role of Short Term Video Encephalography with Induction by Verbal Suggestion in Diagnosis of Suspected Paroxysmal Nonepileptic Seizure-Like Symptoms
Authors: Desai Soaham Dilip , Desai Devangi , Jani Trilok
Published: November 2016

Purpose. To determine the diagnostic yield and utility of STVEEG with verbal suggestion in diagnosis of patients presenting with transient unresponsiveness and suspected psychogenic nonepileptiform seizures. Methods. A retrospective analysis of STVEEG records of patients with transient unresponsiveness and suspected PNES between 1 Jan 2009 and 28 Feb 2014 was done. Results. Amongst 155 patients [38 males, 117 females], with mean age 32 [8–67], PNES were identified in 109 [70.3%], focal epilepsy was identified in 24 [15.4%], and actual seizure was recorded in 7 [4.5%]. Nine [5.8%] patients were found to have both epilepsy and PNES. Primary generalized epilepsy was diagnosed in 2 [1.2%]. A diagnosis of other paroxysmal nonepileptiform events [tachyarrhythmia and heart block] was done in 3 [1.9%]. A normal EEG and no inducible episode and hence an uncertain diagnosis at the end of STVEEG were seen in only 17 [10.9%] patients. A STVEEG of approximately one hour duration was able to establish the diagnosis in 138 [89.1%] patients with transient unresponsiveness. Conclusion. STVEEG with verbal suggestion is a useful and cost effective diagnostic test for diagnosis of PNES. It can be a good modality for diagnosis in patients with transient abnormalities in sensorium in the outpatient settings in developing countries.
The Effect of Refractivity on Propagation at UHF and VHF Frequencies
Authors: Alam I. , Mufti N. , Shah S. A. A. , Yaqoob M.
Published: November 2016

This paper is using weather parameters to investigate the effect of refractivity on propagation in the first kilometer of the atmosphere over the English Channel for a long transhorizon path of 140 km. Different refractivity profiles are constructed based on meteorological data taken from the UK Meteorological Office in order to investigate the effects of refractivity on propagation. The analysis is made for the hourly experimental path loss between the transmitter and receiver obtained from the experimental setup comprised of two communication links. The frequency of operation of the first link is 2015 MHz and that of the second link is 240 MHz. Parabolic equation method is modelled to get an hourly modelled path loss corresponding to each hourly experimental path loss to be analyzed for the said communication links. The correlation between the modelled path loss and experimental path loss is computed for refractivity distribution recommended by the ITU and predicted profiles. It is inferred from the simulated and experimental results that little or no influence exists by the evaporation duct upon path loss at 2015 MHz specifically for a long path of 140 km over the sea.
Effect of Salinity and Alkalinity on Luciobarbus capito Gill Na+/K+-ATPase Enzyme Activity, Plasma Ion Concentration, and Osmotic Pressure
Authors: Geng Longwu , Tong Guangxiang , Jiang Haifeng , Xu Wei
Published: November 2016

We evaluated the individual and combined effects of salinity and alkalinity on gill Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme activity, plasma ion concentration, and osmotic pressure in Luciobarbus capito. Increasing salinity concentrations (5, 8, 11, and 14 g/L) were associated with an initial increase and then decrease in L. capito gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Activity was affected by the difference between internal and external Na+ ion concentrations and osmotic pressure (P<0.05). Both plasma ion (Na+, K+, and Cl−) concentration and osmotic pressure increased significantly (P<0.05). An increase in alkalinity (15, 30, 45, and 60 mM) caused a significant increase in plasma K+ and urea nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05) but had no effect on either plasma osmotic pressure or gill filament ATPase activity. In the two-factor experiment, the saline-alkaline interaction caused a significant increase in plasma ion (Na+, Cl−, and urea nitrogen) and osmotic pressure (P<0.05). Variance analysis revealed that salinity, alkalinity, and their interaction significantly affected osmotic pressure, with salinity being most affected, followed by alkalinity, and their interaction. Gill filament ATPase activity increased at first and then decreased; peak values were observed in the orthogonal experiment group at a salinity of 8 g/L and alkalinity of 30 mM.
Effects of Na+Current and Mechanogated Channels in Myofibroblasts on Myocyte Excitability and Repolarization
Authors: Zhan Heqing , Zhang Jingtao , Lin Jialun , Han Guilai
Published: November 2016

Fibrotic remodeling, characterized by fibroblast phenotype switching, is often associated with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the effects on electrotonic myofibroblast-myocyte (Mfb-M) coupling on cardiac myocytes excitability and repolarization of the voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and single mechanogated channels (MGCs) in human atrial Mfbs. Mathematical modeling was developed from a combination of (1) models of the human atrial myocyte (including the stretch activated ion channel current,ISAC) and Mfb and (2) our formulation of currents through VGSCs (INa_Mfb) and MGCs (IMGC_Mfb) based upon experimental findings. The effects of changes in the intercellular coupling conductance, the number of coupled Mfbs, and the basic cycle length on the myocyte action potential were simulated. The results demonstrated that the integration ofISAC,INa_Mfb, andIMGC_Mfbreduced the amplitude of the myocyte membrane potential(Vmax)and the action potential duration (APD), increased the depolarization of the resting myocyte membrane potential(Vrest), and made it easy to trigger spontaneous excitement in myocytes. For Mfbs, significant electrotonic depolarizations were exhibited with the addition ofINa_MfbandIMGC_Mfb. Our results indicated thatISAC,INa_Mfb, andIMGC_Mfbsignificantly influenced myocytes and Mfbs properties and should be considered in future cardiac pathological mathematical modeling.
Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Diagnosed in an HIV-Positive Patient by an Unusual Clinical Presentation
Authors: de Camargo Moraes Paulo , Thomaz Luiz Alexandre , Montalli Victor Angelo Martins , Junqueira José Luiz Cintra , Ribeiro Camila Maria Beder , Oliveira Luciana Butini
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is to describe a case report of EMP in an HIV-positive patient. A 44-year-old, dark-skinned HIV-infected woman was referred to the Oral Diseases Treatment Center with a swelling at palate and left gingival fornix in the maxilla. Biopsy was taken and the oral lesion was diagnosed as EMP with well-differentiated plasma cells and restriction of the lambda light-chain. Skeletal survey was performed and no radiograph alterations were observed, thus supporting the diagnosis of EMP. Patient was referred to treatment and after two months of chemo and radiotherapy, an expanding lesion was observed in L5/S1 patient’s vertebrae. Biopsy of the spinal lesion was consistent with lymphoma with plasmocitary differentiation, supporting the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Regarding the medical history, the final diagnostic was an oral extramedullary plasmacytoma with rapid progression into multiple myeloma. It is crucial to emphasize the relevance of HIV infection as a risk factor for both aggressive clinical behavior and unusual clinical presentation of extramedullary plasmacytoma cases.
Dynamical Behaviors of Stochastic Delayed One-Predator and Two-Competing-Prey Systems with Holling Type IV and Crowley-Martin Type Functional Responses
Authors: Wang Changjian , Xiong Zuoliang , He Rensheng , Yin Hongwei
Published: November 2016

This paper is devoted to stochastic delayed one-predator and two-competing-prey systems with two kinds of different functional responses. By establishing appropriate Lyapunov functions, the globally positive solution and stochastic boundedness are investigated. In some case, the stochastic permanence and extinction are also obtained. Moreover, sufficient conditions of the global asymptotic stability of the system are established. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to explain our conclusions.
Connectivity Analysis of Millimeter-Wave Device-to-Device Networks with Blockage
Authors: Jung Haejoon , Lee In-Ho
Published: November 2016

We consider device-to-device (D2D) communications in millimeter-wave (mm Wave) for the future fifth generation (5G) cellular networks. While the mm Wave systems can support multiple D2D pairs simultaneously through beamforming with highly directional antenna arrays, the mm Wave channel is significantly more susceptible to blockage compared to microwave; mm Wave channel studies indicate that if line-of-sight (LoS) paths are blocked, reliable mm Wave communications may not be achieved for high data-rate applications. Therefore, assuming that an outage occurs in the absence of the LoS path between two wireless devices by obstructions, we focus on connectivity of the mm Wave D2D networks. We consider two types of D2D communications: direct and indirect schemes. The connectivity performances of the two schemes are investigated in terms of (i) the probability to achieve a fully connected network PFC and (ii) the average number of reliably connected devices γ. Through analysis and simulation, we show that, as the network size increases, PFC and γ decrease. Also, PFC and γ decrease, when the blockage parameter increases. Moreover, simulation results indicate that the hybrid direct and indirect scheme can improve both PFC and γ up to about 35% compared to the nonhybrid scheme.
Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Stabilization of Nonholonomic Drift-Free Systems
Authors: Abbasi Waseem , Rehman Fazal ur
Published: November 2016

This article presents adaptive integral sliding mode control algorithm for the stabilization of nonholonomic drift-free systems. First the system is transformed, by using input transform, into a special structure containing a nominal part and some unknown terms which are computed adaptively. The transformed system is then stabilized using adaptive integral sliding mode control. The stabilizing controller for the transformed system is constructed that consists of the nominal control plus a compensator control. The compensator control and the adaptive laws are derived on the basis of Lyapunov stability theory. The proposed control algorithm is applied to three different nonholonomic drift-free systems: the unicycle model, the front wheel car model, and the mobile robot with trailer model. The controllability Lie algebra of the unicycle model contains Lie brackets of depth one, the model of a front wheel car contains Lie brackets of depths one and two, and the model of a mobile robot with trailer contains Lie brackets of depths one, two, and three. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is verified through numerical simulations.
Sensor-Based Model Driven Control Strategy for Precision Irrigation
Authors: Lozoya Camilo , Mendoza Carlos , Aguilar Alberto , Román Armando , Castelló Rodolfo
Published: November 2016

Improving the efficiency of the agricultural irrigation systems substantially contributes to sustainable water management. This improvement can be achieved through an automated irrigation system that includes a real-time control strategy based on the water, soil, and crop relationship. This paper presents a model driven control strategy applied to an irrigation system, in order to make an efficient use of water for large crop fields, that is, applying the correct amount of water in the correct place at the right moment. The proposed model uses a predictive algorithm that senses soil moisture and weather variables, to determine optimal amount of water required by the crop. This proposed approach is evaluated against a traditional irrigation system based on the empirical definition of time periods and against a basic soil moisture control system. Results indicate that the use of a model predictive control in an irrigation system achieves a higher efficiency and significantly reduce the water consumption.
Gas6/AXL Signaling Regulates Self-Renewal of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Stem Cells by Stabilizing β-Catenin
Authors: Jin Yanli , Nie Danian , Li Juan , Du Xin , Lu Yuhong , Li Yangqiu , Liu Chang , Zhou Jingfeng , Pan Jingxuan
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Quiescent leukemia stem cells (LSC) are important resources of resistance and relapse in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Thus, strategies eradicating CML LSCs are required for cure. In this study, we discovered that AXL tyrosine kinase was selectively overexpressed in primary CML CD34+ cells. However, the role of AXL and its ligand Gas6 secreted by stromal cells in the regulation of self-renewal capacity of LSCs has not been well investigated.

Experimental Design: The function of CML CD34+ cells was evaluated by flow cytometer, CFC/replating, long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC), CML mouse model driven by human BCR-ABL gene and NOD-scid-IL2Rg−/− (NSI) mice.

Results: AXL was selectively overexpressed in primary CML CD34+ cells. AXL knockdown reduced the survival and self-renewal capacity of human CML CD34+ cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of AXL reduced the survival and self-renewal capacity of human CML LSCs in vitro and in long-term grafts in NSI mice. Human CML CD34+ cells conscripted bone marrow–derived stromal cells (BMDSC) and primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to secrete Gas6 to form a paracrine loop that promoted self-renewal of LSCs. Suppression of AXL by shRNA and inhibitor prolonged survival of CML mice and reduced the growth of LSCs in mice. Gas6/AXL ligation stabilizes β-catenin in an AKT-dependent fashion in human CML CD34+ cells.

Conclusions: Our findings improve the understanding of LSC regulation and validate Gas6/AXL as a pair of therapeutic targets to eliminate CML LSCs. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2842–55. ©2016 AACR.
Genomic Evolution after Chemoradiotherapy in Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mouw Kent W. , Cleary James M. , Reardon Brendan , Pike Jonathan , Braunstein Lior Z. , Kim Jaegil , Amin-Mansour Ali , Miao Diana , Damish Alexis , Chin Joanna , Ott Patrick A. , Fuchs Charles S. , Martin Neil E. , Getz Gad , Carter Scott , Mamon Harvey J. , Hornick Jason L. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , D'Andrea Alan D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (ASCC) accounts for 2% to 4% of gastrointestinal malignancies in the United States and is increasing in incidence; however, genomic features of ASCC are incompletely characterized. Primary treatment of ASCC involves concurrent chemotherapy and radiation (CRT), but the mutational landscape of resistance to CRT is unknown. Here, we aim to compare mutational features of ASCC in the pre- and post-CRT setting.

Experimental Design: We perform whole-exome sequencing of primary (n = 31) and recurrent (n = 30) ASCCs and correlate findings with clinical data. We compare genomic features of matched pre- and post-CRT tumors to identify genomic features of CRT response. Finally, we investigate the mutational underpinnings of an extraordinary ASCC response to immunotherapy.

Results: We find that both primary and recurrent ASCC tumors harbor mutations in genes, such as PIK3CA and FBXW7, that are also mutated in other HPV-associated cancers. Overall mutational burden was not significantly different in pre- versus post-CRT tumors, and several examples of shared clonal driver mutations were identified. In two cases, clonally related pre- and post-CRT tumors harbored distinct oncogenic driver mutations in the same cancer gene (KRAS or FBXW7). A patient with recurrent disease achieved an exceptional response to anti-programmed death (PD-1) therapy, and genomic dissection revealed high mutational burden and predicted neoantigen load.

Conclusions: We perform comprehensive mutational analysis of ASCC and characterize mutational features associated with CRT. Although many primary and recurrent tumors share driver events, we identify several unique examples of clonal evolution in response to treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 3214–22. ©2016 AACR.
The Role of the ydiB Gene, Which Encodes Quinate/Shikimate Dehydrogenase, in the Production of Quinic, Dehydroshikimic and Shikimic Acids in a PTS- Strain of Escherichia coli
Authors: García Sofía , Flores Noemí , De Anda Ramón , Hernández Georgina , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco , Escalante Adelfo
Published: November 2016

The culture of engineered Escherichia coli for shikimic acid (SA) production results in the synthesis of quinic acid (QA) and dehydroshikimic acid (DHS), reducing SA yield and impairing downstream processes. The synthesis of QA by quinate/shikimate dehydrogenase (YdiB, ydiB) has been previously proposed; however, the precise role for this enzyme in the production of QA in engineered strains of E. coli for SA production remains unclear. We report the effect of the inactivation or the overexpression of ydiB in E. coli strain PB12.SA22 on SA, QA, and DHS production in batch fermentor cultures. The results showed that the inactivation of ydiB resulted in a 75% decrease in the molar yield of QA and a 6.17% reduction in the yield of QA (mol/mol) relative to SA with respect to the parental strain. The overexpression of ydiB caused a 500% increase in the molar yield of QA and resulted in a 152% increase in QA (mol/mol) relative to SA, with a sharp decrease in SA production. Production of SA, QA, and DHS in parental and derivative ydiB strains suggests that the synthesis of QA results from the reduction of 3-dehydroquinate by YdiB before its conversion to DHS.
Inhibition of STAT Pathway Impairs Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Effect of Interferon Alpha
Authors: Zhao Lan-Juan , He Sheng-Fei , Liu Yuan , Zhao Ping , Bian Zhong-Qi , Qi Zhong-Tian
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway plays an important role in antiviral efficacy of interferon alpha (IFN-α). IFN-α is the main therapeutic against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We explored effects of IFN-α on HCV replication and antiviral gene expression by targeting STAT. Methods: In response to IFN-α, STAT status, HCV replication, and antiviral gene expression were analyzed in human hepatoma Huh7.5.1 cells before and after cell culture-derived HCV infection. Results: IFN-α treatment induced expression and phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 in Huh7.5.1 cells. Pretreatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with a mAb to IFN alpha receptor (IFNAR) 2 decreased IFN-α-dependent phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, whereas pretreatment with an IFNAR1 mAb increased such phosphorylation, suggesting that IFNAR mediates IFN-α-triggered STAT signaling. During HCV infection, STAT1 and STAT2 phosphorylation could be rescued by IFN-α and IFN-α-induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 was impaired. Inhibition of STAT pathway by Jak inhibitor I significantly enhanced HCV RNA replication and viral protein expression. Antiviral genes coding for IFN regulatory factor 9 and IFN-stimulated gene 15 were up-regulated by IFN-α during HCV infection but such up-regulation was abrogated by Jak inhibitor I. Conclusion: These results establish that activation of STAT pathway is essential for anti-HCV efficacy of IFN-α. Impairment of IFN-α-triggered STAT signaling by HCV may account for evading IFN-α response.
Tanshinone II A Attenuates TNF-α-Induced Expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in Endothelial Progenitor Cells by Blocking Activation of NF-κB
Authors: Yang Jin-Xiu , Pan Yan-Yun , Ge Jun-Hua , Chen Bin , Mao Wei , Qiu Yuan-Gang , Wang Xing-Xiang
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is effective in the treatment of inflammation and atherosclerosis. The adhesion of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium plays important role in atherogenic processes. This study examined the effects of Tan IIA on expression of adhesion molecules in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methods: EPCs were pretreated with Tan IIA and stimulated with TNF-α. Mononuclear cell (MNC) adhesion assay was performed to assess the effects of Tan IIA on TNF-α-induced MNC adhesion. Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)/intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and activation of Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway were measured. Results: The results showed that the adhesion of MNCs to TNF-α-induced EPCs and expression of VCAM-1/ICAM-1 in EPCs were promoted by TNF-α, which were reduced by Tan IIA. TNF-α increased the amount of phosphorylation of NF-κB, IκB-α and IKKα/β in cytosolic fractions and NF-κB p65 in nucleus, while Tan IIA reduced its amount. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory/anti-atherosclerotic activity of Tan IIA, which may involve down-regulation of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 through partial blockage of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and IκB-α phosphorylation by the inhibition of IKKα/β pathway in EPCs.
Hedgehog Signaling is Associated with Liver Response to Fractionated Irradiation in Mice
Authors: Kim Jieun , Wang Sihyung , Hyun Jeongeun , Guy Cynthia D. , Jung Youngmi
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) is a major obstacle in treating liver cancer; however, the mechanisms underlying RILD development remain unclear. Hedgehog (Hh) orchestrates liver response to injury. Herein, we investigated the liver response with Hh to fractionated irradiation (FI) using a small murine model for RILD. Methods: Male mice exposed to liver-targeted FI with 6Gy in 5 consecutive weekly fractions were sacrificed at one day after weekly irradiation and 6 or 10 weeks post 5th FI for the acute and late response model, respectively. Results: The levels of ALT/AST and apoptosis were elevated in all radiation groups. The expression of Hh ligand, Sonic and Indian Hh, and Hh activator, smoothened and gli2, was higher in the acute groups than the control group. Pro-fibrogenic markers were also up-regulated in this model compared with the control group. Histomorphological changes and ballooned hepatocytes were observed in the late response model. Both the expression of Hh and profibrotic genes and the fibrosis level increased in this model compared with the control groups. Conclusion: Enhanced Hedgehog signaling and liver injury with fibrosis in RILD murine model suggests hedgehog as the potential regulator in RILD progression and the suitability of this model for studying RILD.
HOX Antisense lincRNA HOXA-AS2 Promotes Tumorigenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Fuqiang , Yang Huili , Deng Zhigang , Su Yongjie , Fang QinLiang , Yin Zhenyu
Published: November 2016

Background: Recent studies reveal that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play critical roles in the proliferation and migration of human cancer. Previous report has shown that LncRNA HOXA-AS2 was involved in carcinoma processes. However, the expression and biological function of HOXA-AS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of HOXA-AS2 in HCC tissues and cell lines. The relation between lncRNA HOXA-AS2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed by chi-square test. The prognosis was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, and compared differences between the two groups by log-rank test. The biological function of HOXA-AS2 on HCC cells were determined both in vitro and in vivo. Results: In the present study, we found that HOXA-AS2 expression was increased in HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues and high HOXA-AS2 expression was associated with bigger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and shorter survival time. Knockdown of HOXA-AS2 significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation and invasion and resulted in an increase of apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of HOXA-AS2 in HCC cells significantly repressed tumorigenicity in nude mice. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the inhibition of HOXA-AS2 in HCC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, which might provide a potential possibility for targeted therapy of HCC.
Ventricular‐Vascular Coupling in Marfan and Non‐Marfan Aortopathies
Authors: Loeper Farina , Oosterhof Jantine , van den Dorpel Mark , van der Linde Denise , Lu Yaxin , Robertson Elizabeth , Hambly Brett , Jeremy Richmond
Published: November 2016

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) and familial non–syndromal thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (ns‐TAAD) are genetic aortopathies causing aortic dilatation with increased aortic stiffness. Left ventricular (LV) contractility and ventricular‐vascular coupling index (VVI) were compared between MFS and ns‐TAAD and determinants of VVI were investigated.

Methods and Results

Patients with MFS (M 57, F 47) and ns‐TAAD (M 72, F 39) were studied by echocardiography and compared with controls (M 77, F 71). Aortic geometry, hemodynamics, LV work, LV contractility (end‐systolic elastance [E
es
]), and VVI were documented. Aortic sinuses were equally dilated in MFS (19.7±2.4) and ns‐TAAD (19.8±1.8) compared to controls (16.2±1.4 mm·m
−2
,
P
<0.001). Aortic stiffness index was increased in MFS (9.7±5.1) and ns‐TAAD (10.8±4.7) versus controls (5.4±2.0,
P
<0.01); LV stroke work was unchanged in MFS (436±74) compared to controls (435±60) but increased in ns‐TAAD (492±109 mJ·m
−2
P
<0.01). The LV E
es
was reduced in MFS (1.32±0.19) compared to controls (1.65±0.29 mm Hg·mL
−1
,
P
<0.01) but increased in ns‐TAAD (1.83±0.30,
P
<0.01) and VVI was abnormal in MFS (0.71±0.11) compared to controls (0.62±0.07,
P
<0.01) and ns‐TAAD (0.62±0.09). Treatment with β‐blockers was associated with partial normalization of VVI in MFS. A VVI ≥0.8 was associated with increased risk of death and heart failure in MFS.

Conclusions

Left ventricular contractility and ventricular‐vascular coupling are abnormal in MFS but preserved in ns‐TAAD, and are independent of aortic stiffness, consistent with intrinsic impairment of myocardial contractility in MFS.
Genetic structure of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra in the Polish Sudetes
Authors: Konowalik Agnieszka , Najbar Anna , Babik Wiesław , Steinfartz Sebastian , Ogielska Maria
Published: November 2016

We analysed genetic variation within and differentiation between nineteen populations of the fire salamanderSalamandra salamandrainhabiting the north-eastern margin of the species range in the Sudetes Mountains (south-western Poland). The results were compared with those obtained recently for the Polish part of the Carpathians. Variation of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci was analysed in 744 individuals to estimate genetic structure, gene flow, isolation and to test for a geographic gradient of genetic variation. Mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) of 252 specimens from all localities was used to identify the origin of populations currently inhabiting its north-eastern range. We found little genetic differentiation among populations in the Sudetes indicating substantial recent or ongoing gene flow. The exceptions were one isolated peripheral population located outside the continuous distribution range which displayed extremely reduced genetic variation probably due to a combination of long term isolation and low population size, and one population located at the eastern margin of the Polish Sudetes. Populations inhabiting the Sudetes and the Carpathians formed two separate clusters based on microsatellite loci. In accordance with available phylogeographic information, single mitochondrial haplotype (type IIb) fixed in all populations indicates their origin from a single refugium and may suggest colonization from the Balkan Peninsula. The analysis of geographic gradient in variation showed its decline in the westerly direction suggesting colonization of Poland from the east, however, alternative scenarios of postglacial colonization could not be rejected with the available data.
Stellaria popovii, a new name in Caryophyllaceae
Authors: PUSALKAR PRASHANT K.
Published: November 2016

As part of the ongoing study on the Western Himalayan Caryophyllaceae Juss. (see e.g., Pusalkar & Singh 2015, Pusalkar & Srivastava 2015, Pusalkar & Srivastava 2016), I came across to Stellaria fontana Popov (1936: 407) from lower Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir, India; see Klimés and Deckore 2005). A careful check of the online nomenclatural databases (e.g., The Plant List 2013, IPNI 2015+) revealed that the Popov’s name is a later homonym of S. fontana Wulfen (1786: 327). As a consequence, it is illegitimate under the Art. 53.2 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012). A new name—Stellaria popovii—is here proposed for S. fontana Popov.
Development of a habitat preference curve for the mayfly Baetis alpinus (Pictet 1843)
Authors: M. HUBMANN , M. SCHLETTERER
Published: November 2016

Habitat modelling provides a quantitative tool to predict scenarios in order to implement conservation measures and is therefore recognised as an effective method for managing running waters. Combining abiotic characteristics (e.g. substrate) and the results of hydraulic models (most commonly water depth and depth-averaged velocity), habitat models can be applied. Different models are available (e.g. CASiMiR, PHABSIM), all of which require preference (or suitability) curves for the species of interest. Choosing a species for habitat modelling requires sound knowledge of its ecology and distribution. The mayfly Baetis alpinus is a widespread and abundant alpine species and therefore a useful indicator species in the context of habitat modelling. Based on abiotic factors and abundance of the species, preference curves were established using polynomial regression. We present the sampling design and data processing for the establishment of a preference curve for the mayfly Baetis alpinus, including a review of its ecology. The application in habitat modelling is exemplified and discussed. Especially for high alpine environments, where fish are absent, the use of macroinvertebrates in habitat modelling enables to make comparable analyses of different flow rates.
Microtomographic study on the anatomy of adult male eyes of two mayfly species
Authors: ALBA-TERCEDOR JAVIER
Published: November 2016

Here I present the results obtained by scanning male adults of two mayfly (Ephemeroptera) species with a high resolution micro-tomographic scanner, allowing observation of external structures, with similar results to those obtained under scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, this non-destructive technique permits investigation of the internal structures, and to “navigate” inside them, in a way never before imagined. Moreover by using different transfer functions and in accordance with the X-ray transparency, it is possible to assign different colours to highlight different anatomical parts, and to obtain “aesthetic” images. Results are compared and discussed with previous findings. It is postulated that differences in the diameter sizes of the ommatidia, when comparing dorso-frontal and ventro-lateral parts of the compounds eyes, represent an evolutionary advantage enabling increased accuracy in movement displacement detection of competing males within the swarm.
Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of the XIV International Conference on Ephemeroptera and XVIII International Symposium on Plecoptera

Authors: MACADAM CRAIG R. , STOCKAN JENNI A.
Published: November 2016

Vol, Table of content
Systematics of the Ephemeroptera of India: Present status and future prospects
Authors: SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K. G.
Published: November 2016

Up to the end of 2015, the Ephemeroptera of India comprised 142 species in 56 genera and 15 families. Systematic studies placing the Indian species in a global context have progressed rapidly in the last few decades. However, much remains to be done in terms of the morphological and molecular characterization of the fauna at species level. The taxonomic updates presented herein are confined to the period 2010–2015. The Western Ghats region and the Western Himalayas region are reasonably well explored with regard to species diversity and distribution of the Ephemeroptera. To date however, the Gangetic plain and North-East India are under-explored. The remaining biogeographical regions are practically unexplored and intensive survey is urgently needed to generate data on spatio-temporal distribution dynamics. To advance our knowledge of Indian Ephemeroptera, the foremost need is a synthesis of the taxonomy of adults and larvae within a global systematic context for each family, precise delimitation of species, an understanding of intraspecific genetic diversity as well as detection of cryptic species complexes.
Local Atmospheric Response to an Open-Ocean Polynya in a High-Resolution Climate Model
Authors: Weijer Wilbert , Veneziani Milena , Stössel Achim , Hecht Matthew W. , Jeffery Nicole , Jonko Alexandra , Hodos Travis , Wang Hailong
Published: November 2016

In this paper the atmospheric response to an open-ocean polynya in the Southern Ocean is studied by analyzing the results from an atmospheric and oceanic synoptic-scale resolving Community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation. While coarser-resolution versions of CESM generally do not produce open-ocean polynyas in the Southern Ocean, they do emerge and disappear on interannual time scales in the synoptic-scale simulation. This provides an ideal opportunity to study the polynya’s impact on the overlying and surrounding atmosphere. This has been pursued here by investigating the seasonal cycle of differences of surface and air-column variables between polynya and nonpolynya years. The results indicate significant local impacts on turbulent heat fluxes, precipitation, cloud characteristics, and radiative fluxes. In particular, it is found that clouds over polynyas are optically thicker and higher than clouds over sea ice during nonpolynya years. Although the lower albedo of polynyas significantly increases the net shortwave absorption, the enhanced cloud brightness tempers this increase by almost 50%. Also, in this model, enhanced longwave radiation emitted from the warmer surface of polynyas is balanced by stronger downwelling fluxes from the thicker cloud deck. Impacts are found to be sensitive to the synoptic wind direction. The strongest regional impacts are found when northeasterly winds cross the polynya and interact with katabatic winds. Surface air pressure anomalies over the polynya are only found to be significant when cold, dry air masses strike over the polynya (i.e., in the case of southerly winds).
Multilevel Cloud Structures over Svalbard
Authors: Dörnbrack Andreas , Gisinger Sonja , Pitts Michael C. , Poole Lamont R. , Maturilli Marion
Published: November 2016

The presented picture of the month is a superposition of spaceborne lidar observations and high-resolution temperature fields of the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System (IFS). It displays complex tropospheric and stratospheric clouds in the Arctic winter of 2015/16. Near the end of December 2015, the unusual northeastward propagation of warm and humid subtropical air masses as far north as 80°N lifted the tropopause by more than 3 km in 24 h and cooled the stratosphere on a large scale. A widespread formation of thick cirrus clouds near the tropopause and of synoptic-scale polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) occurred as the temperature dropped below the thresholds for the existence of cloud particles. Additionally, mountain waves were excited by the strong flow at the western edge of the ridge across Svalbard, leading to the formation of mesoscale ice PSCs. The most recent IFS cycle using a horizontal resolution of 8 km globally reproduces the large-scale and mesoscale flow features and leads to a remarkable agreement with the wave structure revealed by the spaceborne observations.
Seeing More than Orange: Organizational Respect and Positive Identity Transformation in a Prison Context
Authors: Rogers Kristie M. , Corley Kevin G. , Ashforth Blake E.
Published: November 2016

This paper develops grounded theory on how receiving respect at work enables individuals to engage in positive identity transformation and the resulting personal and work-related outcomes. A company that employs inmates at a state prison to perform professional business-to-business marketing services provided a unique context for data collection. Our data indicate that inmates experienced respect in two distinct ways, generalized and particularized, which initiated an identity decoupling process that allowed them to distinguish between their inmate identity and their desired future selves and to construct transitional identities that facilitated positive change. The social context of the organization provided opportunities for personal and social identities to be claimed, respected, and granted, producing social validation and enabling individuals to feel secure in their transitional identities. We find that security in personal identities produces primarily performance-related outcomes, whereas security in the company identity produces primarily well-being-related outcomes. Further, these two types of security together foster an integration of seemingly incompatible identities—”identity holism”—as employees progress toward becoming their desired selves. Our work suggests that organizations can play a generative role in improving the lives of their members through respect-based processes.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Antitrust
Authors: Litan Robert E.
Published: November 2016

Entrepreneurship is key to productivity growth, yet in recent decades new-firm formation has flagged. There is some evidence that business concentration may be a contributing cause. Well-designed antitrust enforcement policy, especially aimed at policing abuse of market power by dominant platforms, will be crucial to preserving opportunities for new entrants, especially in technology sectors. But antitrust procedures should also be updated to speed up decisions so that legal outcomes are not completely outpaced by technology.
The Complexity of Conversing About Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Antitrust
Authors: Carstensen Peter C.
Published: November 2016

The relationship between law including competition policy and the goal of advancing innovation and entrepreneurship is complex. Bert Foer’s chapter identifies the many ways that competition law and policy directly and indirectly can affect positively or negatively the advancement of that goal. The comment seeks to highlight that range and complexity by using the categories from the traditional I-O Paradigm to show where and how antitrust law and policies it seeks to advance can be used to shape the conditions, structure, and conduct in markets to facilitate outcomes that will advance the public interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.