bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unitary Approximations in Fault Detection Filter Design
Authors: Krokavec Dušan , Filasová Anna , Liščinský Pavol
Published: April 2016

The paper is concerned with the fault detection filter design requirements that relax the existing conditions reported in the previous literature by adapting the unitary system principle in approximation of fault detection filter transfer function matrix for continuous-time linear MIMO systems. Conditions for the existence of a unitary construction are presented under which the fault detection filter with a unitary transfer function can be designed to provide high residual signals sensitivity with respect to faults. Otherwise, reflecting the emplacement of singular values in unitary construction principle, an associated structure of linear matrix inequalities with built-in constraints is outlined to design the fault detection filter only with a Hurwitz transfer function. All proposed design conditions are verified by the numerical illustrative examples.
Spike Code Flow in Cultured Neuronal Networks
Authors: Tamura Shinichi , Nishitani Yoshi , Hosokawa Chie , Miyoshi Tomomitsu , Sawai Hajime , Kamimura Takuya , Yagi Yasushi , Mizuno-Matsumoto Yuko , Chen Yen-Wei
Published: April 2016

We observed spike trains produced by one-shot electrical stimulation with 8 × 8 multielectrodes in cultured neuronal networks. Each electrode accepted spikes from several neurons. We extracted the short codes from spike trains and obtained a code spectrum with a nominal time accuracy of 1%. We then constructed code flow maps as movies of the electrode array to observe the code flow of “1101” and “1011,” which are typical pseudorandom sequence such as that we often encountered in a literature and our experiments. They seemed to flow from one electrode to the neighboring one and maintained their shape to some extent. To quantify the flow, we calculated the “maximum cross-correlations” among neighboring electrodes, to find the direction of maximum flow of the codes with lengths less than 8. Normalized maximum cross-correlations were almost constant irrespective of code. Furthermore, if the spike trains were shuffled in interval orders or in electrodes, they became significantly small. Thus, the analysis suggested that local codes of approximately constant shape propagated and conveyed information across the network. Hence, the codes can serve as visible and trackable marks of propagating spike waves as well as evaluating information flow in the neuronal network.
Bonding Characteristics of Macrosynthetic Fiber in Latex-Modified Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composites as a Function of Carbon Nanotube Content
Authors: Jean Ji-Hong , Yu Chan , Park Chan-Gi
Published: April 2016

The effect of carbon nanotube content (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% of the cement weight) on the bonding properties of macrosynthetic fiber in latex-modified hybrid fiber cement-based composites (LMHFRCCs) was evaluated. The slump value, compressive strength, and bonding strength were measured for each LMHFRCC. As the carbon nanotube content increased to 1.5%, the bonding properties of the macrosynthetic fiber improved. However, the bonding performance deteriorated at a carbon nanotube content of 2.0%. A decrease in the fluidity of the mix negatively affected the dispersion of the nanotubes in the LMHFRCCs. The addition of carbon nanotubes also affected the relative bonding strength independently of the improvement in compressive strength. Microscopic analysis of the macrosynthetic fiber surfaces was used to understand changes in the bonding behavior.
A Self-Consistent Model for Thermal Oxidation of Silicon at Low Oxide Thickness
Authors: Gerlach Gerald , Maser Karl
Published: April 2016

Thermal oxidation of silicon belongs to the most decisive steps in microelectronic fabrication because it allows creating electrically insulating areas which enclose electrically conductive devices and device areas, respectively. Deal and Grove developed the first model (DG-model) for the thermal oxidation of silicon describing the oxide thickness versus oxidation time relationship with very good agreement for oxide thicknesses of more than 23 nm. Their approach named as general relationship is the basis of many similar investigations. However, measurement results show that the DG-model does not apply to very thin oxides in the range of a few nm. Additionally, it is inherently not self-consistent. The aim of this paper is to develop a self-consistent model that is based on the continuity equation instead of Fick’s law as the DG-model is. As literature data show, the relationship between silicon oxide thickness and oxidation time is governed—down to oxide thicknesses of just a few nm—by a power-of-time law. Given by the time-independent surface concentration of oxidants at the oxide surface, Fickian diffusion seems to be neglectable for oxidant migration. The oxidant flux has been revealed to be carried by non-Fickian flux processes depending on sites being able to lodge dopants (oxidants), the so-called DOCC-sites, as well as on the dopant jump rate.
A Novel Real Time Framework for Cluster Based Multicast Communication in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Farooq Waqar , Ali Khan Muazzam , Rehman Saad
Published: April 2016

In a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), the vehicles communicate with each other to develop an intelligent transport system (ITS) which provides safety and convenience while driving. The major challenge of VANET is that the topology changes dynamically due to the high speed and unpredictable mobility of vehicles resulting in an inefficient real time message dissemination, especially in emergency scenarios such as in the accident event where it can cause high level of destruction. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such mechanism in existing literature which can handle real time multicast communication in VANET for both urban and highway scenarios. In this paper, we propose a novel real time vehicular communication (RTVC) framework which consists of a VANET cluster scheme (VCS) and VANET multicast routing (VMR) to achieve efficient vehicle communication within both urban and highway scenarios. The RTVC framework develops stable communication links and achieves high throughput with low overhead despite high mobility by combining the multicast routing with a unique cluster based scheme. In VCS, the cluster head (CH) is elected upon cluster threshold value (CTV) to disseminate the messages within the cluster members (CMs) and to other cluster heads by intercluster communication, which reduces the network overhead. In addition, the vehicles cluster head election (VCHE) procedure is proposed to reduce the number of CHs and CMs switches which results in lower overhead of maintaining the clusters. Moreover, another novelty of the framework is that the CTV of VCHE can be adjusted by speed adjustment factor (SAF) to achieve the desired cluster stability depending upon the required VANET application. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed framework has achieved the goal of stable, efficient, and real time communication despite highly dynamic environment of VANET.
Immediate Esthetic Rehabilitation of Periodontally Compromised Anterior Tooth Using Natural Tooth as Pontic
Authors: Kumar K. Pavan , Nujella Surya Kumari , Gopal S. Sujatha , Roy K. Karthik
Published: April 2016

For patients who require removal of anterior teeth and their replacement various treatment modalities are available. With advancement in technology and availability of glass/polyethylene fibres, use of natural tooth as pontic with fibre reinforced composite restorations offers the promising results. The present case report describes management of periodontally compromised mandibular anterior tooth using natural tooth pontic with fibre reinforcement. A 1-year follow-up showed that the bridge was intact with good esthetics and no problem was reported.
Experimental Research of Journal Orbit for Water-Lubricated Bearing
Authors: Ye Xiaoyan , Wang Jing , Zhang Desheng , Hu Lanqian , She Xunan
Published: April 2016

To study the transient dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearing-rotor system in seawater desalination high pressure pump, the water-lubricated bearing test device was designed and built based on the prototype of high pressure pump with 4-stage rotors. The test was conducted to study the journal orbit and circumferential pressure distribution of journal bearing. The result shows that, in startup stage, the journal whirled with little amplitude in low revolution speed, and as the revolution speed increased, the journal began to move irregularly. The hydrodynamic lubrication formed basically when close to the rated revolution speed, and there is stable whirling center and amplitude of the journal orbit. The circumferential pressure distribution of journal bearing changed severely and kept consistent with the change of journal orbit; when the revolution speed reached the rated speed, the pressure distribution is stable. We changed the radius clearance, the aspect ratio, and the rotating speed to analyze the influence on the bearing-rotor system at steady speed. In conclusion, the journal orbit and circumferential pressure of journal bearing are very stable when the clearance radius is 0.05 mm, the aspect ratio is 1, and the revolution speed is 3000 r/min.
Influence of Soda Pulping Variables on Properties of Pineapple (Ananas comosusMerr.) Leaf Pulp and Paper Studied by Face-Centered Composite Experimental Design
Authors: Wutisatwongkul Jantharat , Thavarungkul Nandh , Tiansuwan Jirawan , Termsuksawad Preecha
Published: April 2016

Face-centered composite design (FCC) was used to study the effect of pulping variables: soda concentration (4-5 wt%), temperature (90–130°C), and pulping time (20–60 min) on the properties of pineapple leaf pulp and paper employing soda pulping. Studied pulp responses were screened yield and lignin content (kappa number). Paper properties, which include tensile index, burst index, and tear index, were also investigated. Effects of the pulping variables on the properties were statistically analyzed using Minitab 16. The optimum conditions to obtain the maximum tensile index were soda concentration of 4 wt%, pulping temperature of 105°C, and pulping time of 20 min. The predicted optimum conditions provided tensile index, burst index, tear index, screened yield, and kappa number of 44.13 kN·m/kg, 1.76 kPa·m2, 1.68 N·m2/kg, 21.29 wt%, and 28.12, respectively, and were experimentally confirmed.
Medicated Nanofibers Fabricated Using NaCl Solutions as Shell Fluids in Modified Coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Wu Yong-Hui , Yang Chen , Li Xiao-Yan , Zhu Jia-Ying , Yu Deng-Guang
Published: April 2016

The present study reports the fabrication of medicated nanofibers for potential colon-targeted drug delivery using modified coaxial electrospinning, in which salt (NaCl) solutions were exploited as shell fluids to facilitate the preparation processes. A homemade concentric spinneret with an indented core capillary was developed to conduct the coaxial processes. Optical observations and scanning electron microscopic results demonstrated that the shell-to-core fluid flow rate ratio was a key parameter, which exerted a significant influence on the electrospinning processes and could be exploited to control the fibers’ morphology and diameters. A scaling law ofD=0.173F-0.531(R2=0.9976) was built, by which the nanofibers’ sizes can be predicted and manipulated easily. X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflected FTIR tests verified that the medicated nanofibers were essentially a polymeric nanocomposite and the guest drug diclofenac sodium (DS) had fine compatibility with the host polymer. All the drug was encapsulated in the filament-forming carrier.In vitrodissolution experiments demonstrated that the medicated nanofibers could free the drug in a neutral condition, suggesting potential colon-targeted drug delivery applications.Ex vivotests demonstrated that the medicated fiber mats could enhance the transmembrane of DS. Based on coaxial electrospinning, a new strategy is successfully developed for creating medicated nanomaterials.
Bigelovii A Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Blocking NF-κB and CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding ProteinδPathways
Authors: Yan Chunguang , Guan Fuqin , Shen Yanfei , Tang Huifang , Yuan Dong , Gao Hongwei , Feng Xu
Published: April 2016

Optimal methods are applied to acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the mortality rate is still high. Accordingly, further studies dedicated to identify novel therapeutic approaches to ALI are urgently needed. Bigelovii A is a new natural product and may exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, we sought to investigate its effect on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced ALI and the underlying mechanisms. We found that LPS-induced ALI was significantly alleviated by Bigelovii A treatment, characterized by reduction of proinflammatory mediator production, neutrophil infiltration, and lung permeability. Furthermore, Bigelovii A also downregulated LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediator expressionsin vitro. Moreover, both NF-κB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteinδ(C/EBPδ) activation were obviously attenuated by Bigelovii A treatment. Additionally, phosphorylation of both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 (upstream signals of C/EBPδactivation) in response to LPS challenge was also inhibited by Bigelovii A. Therefore, Bigelovii A could attenuate LPS-induced inflammation by suppression of NF-κB, inflammatory mediators, and p38 MAPK/ERK1/2—C/EBPδ, inflammatory mediators signaling pathways, which provide a novel theoretical basis for the possible application of Bigelovii A in clinic.
Whole Exome Sequencing Leading to the Diagnosis of Dysferlinopathy with a Novel Missense Mutation (c.959G>C)
Authors: Swaika Abhisek , Boczek Nicole J. , Sood Neha , Guthrie Kimberly , Klee Eric W. , Agrawal Ankit , Dimberg Elliot L. , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: April 2016

Dysferlinopathy is an uncommon, progressive muscular dystrophy that has a wide phenotypic variability and primarily supportive management (Nguyen et al., 2007; Narayanaswami et al., 2014). Amyloid myopathy is a distinct, rare disorder that can present similarly to inflammatory myopathies and requires a high clinical suspicion for early intervention to prolong survival. Amyloid myopathy is typically associated with other systemic manifestations of amyloidosis, but rare cases of isolated amyloid myopathy have been described (Mandl et al., 2000; Hull et al., 2001). Positive Congo red stains on tissue biopsy remain the gold standard for diagnosis (Spuler et al., 1998; Karacostas et al., 2005). A high clinical suspicion and meticulous diagnostic workup that includes novel techniques are necessary for identifying these rare disorders. We report a middle-aged man with progressive leg muscle weakness who was initially treated as having amyloid myopathy but was later diagnosed as having dysferlinopathy by Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) analysis. We also report a novel missense mutation (c.959G>C) to help correlate in any patient with presumed dysferlinopathy and to add to the already known genotype of this disorder.
Parallel In Vivo Assessment of Drug Phenotypes at Various Time Points during Systemic BRAF Inhibition Reveals Tumor Adaptation and Altered Treatment Vulnerabilities
Authors: Jonas Oliver , Oudin Madeleine J. , Kosciuk Tatsiana , Whitman Matthew , Gertler Frank B. , Cima Michael J. , Flaherty Keith T. , Langer Robert
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Treatment of BRAF-mutated melanoma tumors with BRAF inhibitor–based therapy produces high response rates, but of limited duration in the vast majority of patients. Published investigations of resistance mechanisms suggest numerous examples of tumor adaptation and signal transduction bypass mechanisms, but without insight into biomarkers that would predict which mechanism will predominate. Monitoring phenotypic response of multiple adaptive mechanisms simultaneously within the same tumor as it adapts during treatment has been elusive.

Experimental Design: This study reports on a method to provide a more complete understanding of adaptive tumor responses. We simultaneously measured in vivo antitumor activity of 12 classes of inhibitors, which are suspected of enabling adaptive escape mechanisms, at various time points during systemic BRAF inhibition. We used implantable microdevices to release multiple compounds into distinct regions of a tumor to measure the efficacy of each compound independently and repeated these measurements as tumors progressed on systemic BRAF treatment.

Results: We observed varying phenotypic responses to specific inhibitors before, during, and after prolonged systemic treatment with BRAF inhibitors. Our results specifically identify PI3K, PDGFR, EGFR, and HDAC inhibitors as becoming significantly more efficacious during systemic BRAF inhibition. The sensitivity to other targeted inhibitors remained mostly unchanged, whereas local incremental sensitivity to PLX4720 declined sharply.

Conclusions: These findings suggest redundancy of several resistance mechanisms and may help identify optimal constituents of more effective combination therapy in BRAF-mutant melanoma. They also represent a new paradigm for dynamic measurement of adaptive signaling mechanisms within the same tumor during therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6031–8. ©2016 AACR.
Rostral Intralaminar Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Triggered Cortical and Hippocampal Structural Plasticity and Enhanced Spatial Memory
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Tzung , Chen Li-Jin , Wang Yueh-Jan , Chen Shin-Yuan , Tseng Guo-Fang
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Rostral intralaminar thalamic nucleus (ILN) has been shown to modulate cognition through indirect connection with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. We explored the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the rostral ILN on spatial memory acquisition, brain neuronal activation and cortical and hippocampal synaptic changes in rats. Methods: The Morris water maze (MWM) task was used to evaluate the spatial memory of the rats. The expression of c-fos, an immediate early gene, was used to identify neural activation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Synaptic changes in the somatosensory cortical and hippocampal neurons were explored with dendritic spine analysis following Golgi-Cox staining. Results: Our results showed that a barrage of DBS to the rostral ILN of normal rats significantly shortened their escape latency in MWM compared with sham-stimulated and untreated control rats. Rats with enhanced spatial memory had more c-fos immunoreactive cells in layer IV of the somatosensory cortex. Layer III cortical and CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons showed over 50% increase of dendritic spines, while only the proximal apical dendrites of layer V cortical pyramidal neurons had more dendritic spines. Conclusions: Rostral ILN-DBS activated neurons in the cerebral cortex and triggered cortical and hippocampal structural plasticity in association with spatial memory enhancement.
Stimulation-Induced Transient Nonmotor Psychiatric Symptoms following Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Association with Clinical Outcomes and Neuroanatomical Correlates
Authors: Abulseoud Osama A. , Kasasbeh Aimen , Min Hoon-Ki , Fields Julie A. , Tye Susannah J. , Goerss Stephan , Knight Emily J. , Sampson Shirlene M. , Klassen Bryan T. , Matsumoto Joseph Y. , Stoppel Cynthia , Lee Kendall H. , Frye Mark A.
Published: April 2016

Background: The clinical and neurobiological underpinnings of transient nonmotor (TNM) psychiatric symptoms during the optimization of stimulation parameters in the course of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) remain under intense investigation. Methods: Forty-nine patients with refractory Parkinson's disease underwent bilateral STN-DBS implants and were enrolled in a 24-week prospective, naturalistic follow-up study. Patients who exhibited TNM psychiatric manifestations during DBS parameter optimization were evaluated for potential associations with clinical outcome measures. Results: Twenty-nine TNM+ episodes were reported by 15 patients. No differences between TNM+ and TNM- groups were found in motor outcome. However, unlike the TNM- group, TNM+ patients did not report improvement in subsyndromal depression or quality of life. TNM+ episodes were more likely to emerge during bilateral monopolar stimulation of the medial STN. Conclusions: The occurrence of TNM psychiatric symptoms during optimization of stimulation parameters was associated with the persistence of subsyndromal depression and with lower quality of life ratings at 6 months. The neurobiological underpinnings of TNM symptoms are investigated yet remain difficult to explain.
High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Can Improve Depression in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Makkos Attila , Pál Endre , Aschermann Zsuzsanna , Janszky József , Balázs Éva , Takács Katalin , Karádi Kázmér , Komoly Sámuel , Kovács Norbert
Published: April 2016

Background: A recent evidence-based guideline demonstrated that bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the motor cortex (M1) can improve motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the impact of bilateral M1 rTMS on depression in PD. Methods: Forty-six patients with PD and mild-to-moderate depression were randomly assigned to active (n = 23) and sham (n = 23) rTMS. Two patients in the sham group did not complete the protocol because of reasons unrelated to the study. High-frequency rTMS was applied over the primary motor cortex bilaterally for 10 days. An investigator blinded to the treatment performed three video-taped examinations on each patient: before stimulation (baseline), and 1 day (short-term effect) and 30 days after the treatment session ended (long-term effect). The primary end point was the changes in depression, while secondary end points included health-related quality of life scales and Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Results: In the actively treated group, not only did the severity of depression improve (from 17 to 7 points, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, median values, p < 0.001), but also the health-related quality of life (from 25.4 to 16.9 points, PDQ-39 summary index, median values, p < 0.001). Besides, we could also demonstrate an improvement in MDS-UPDRS Motor Examination (from 26 to 20 points, median values, p < 0.05). In the sham-treated group, none of the examined tests and scales improved significantly after treatment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the beneficial effects of high-frequency bilateral M1 rTMS on depression and health-related quality of life in PD. However, this effect of rTMS should also be confirmed in patients with severe depression by further clinical trials.
Phase Ib Trial of mFOLFOX6 and Everolimus (NSC-733504) in Patients with Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chung Vincent , Frankel Paul , Lim Dean , Yeon Christina , Leong Lucille , Chao Joseph , Ruel Nora , Luevanos Eloise , Koehler Stephen , Chung Samuel , Lau S. Cecilia , Fakih Marwan G.
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Based upon preclinical data showing synergy with mTOR inhibition and platinum chemotherapy, this study explores the safety and tolerability of combining everolimus with mFOLFOX6 for patients with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods: Eligible patients with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma received standard-dose mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy in combination with escalating doses of everolimus. Results: Six patients were accrued to the first dose level of 2.5 mg everolimus daily with mFOLFOX6. Overall, the toxicity profile was manageable with expected grade 3 toxicities of mucositis and neutropenia. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) included a week delay in therapy greater than 7 days as a result of the first 2 courses of mFOLFOX6. Two patients experienced DLTs at the first dose level due to delays in their treatment caused by prolonged grade 2 neutropenia and fever with fatigue. They were allowed to continue with a dose reduction of their chemotherapy. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 20.3 and 14.5 months, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of mFOLFOX6 and everolimus is an active regimen with 83% of the patients experiencing a partial response. p53 mutations were found in the 5 samples analyzed.
High Ferritin Level and Malnutrition Predict High Risk of Infection-Related Hospitalization in Incident Dialysis Patients: A Japanese Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kato Sawako , Lindholm Bengt , Yuzawa Yukio , Tsuruta Yoshinari , Nakauchi Kana , Yasuda Kaoru , Sugiura Sachiyo , Morozumi Kunio , Tsuboi Naotake , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: April 2016

Aims: The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between serum ferritin and infectious risks. Methods: We evaluated all hospital admissions due to infections, clinical biomarkers and nutrition status in 129 incident Japanese dialysis patients during a median follow-up of 38 months. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the period without infections requiring hospitalization was significantly shorter in ferritin > median (82.0 ng/ml) group than in the ferritin < median group (log-rank test 4.44, p = 0.035). High ferritin was associated with significantly increased relative risk of hospitalization for infection (Cox hazard model 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.17). The number of hospitalization days was gradually longer in patients with high ferritin levels and malnutrition. Conclusion: Although serum ferritin levels were low, and doses of iron administered to dialysis patients in Japan are generally lower than in Western countries, an elevated ferritin level was associated with increased risk of infection, particularly in patients with poor nutritional status.
Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy and Urodynamic Findings of Solifenacin Succinate versus Mirabegron in Women with Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Vecchioli Scaldazza Carlo , Morosetti Carolina
Published: April 2016

Introduction: We assessed clinical and urodynamic effects of solifenacin versus mirabegron in women with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. Material and Methods: Eighty women with OAB were randomized into 2 groups. In group A, the patients received solifenacin 5 mg once a day for 12 weeks; in group B, the patients received mirabegron 50 mg once a day for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed with OAB Symptom Score (OABSS). Patients underwent urodynamic investigation with pressure flow study. OABSS and urodynamic study were performed before and after treatment. Results: Both solifenacin and mirabegron were effective in improving OAB symptoms. Mirabegron showed greater tolerability with fewer patients discontinuing therapy because of side effects. Both solifenacin and mirabegron were effective in improving the storage function in the pressure flow study, but solifenacin showed a significant reduction of the detrusor pressure in the voiding phase with an increase in the postvoid residual urine volume. Conclusions: Mirabegron has shown to be a drug with the better balance between efficacy and tolerability in women with OAB.
Estrogen Receptor-α in the Medial Amygdala Prevents Stress-Induced Elevations in Blood Pressure in Females
Authors: Hinton Antentor Othrell , He Yanlin , Xia Yan , Xu Pingwen , Yang Yongjie , Saito Kenji , Wang Chunmei , Yan Xiaofeng , Shu Gang , Henderson Alexander , Clegg Deborah J. , Khan Sohaib A. , Reynolds Corey , Wu Qi , Tong Qingchun , Xu Yong
Published: April 2016

Psychological stress contributes to the development of hypertension in humans. The ovarian hormone, estrogen, has been shown to prevent stress-induced pressor responses in females by unknown mechanisms. Here, we showed that the antihypertensive effects of estrogen during stress were blunted in female mice lacking estrogen receptor-α in the brain medial amygdala. Deletion of estrogen receptor-α in medial amygdala neurons also resulted in increased excitability of these neurons, associated with elevated ionotropic glutamate receptor expression. We further demonstrated that selective activation of medial amygdala neurons mimicked effects of stress to increase blood pressure in mice. Together, our results support a model where estrogen acts on estrogen receptor-α expressed by medial amygdala neurons to prevent stress-induced activation of these neurons, and therefore prevents pressor responses to stress.
Placental Growth Factor Reduces Blood Pressure in a Uteroplacental Ischemia Model of Preeclampsia in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Makris Angela , Yeung Kristen R. , Lim Shirlene M. , Sunderland Neroli , Heffernan Scott , Thompson John F. , Iliopoulos Jim , Killingsworth Murray C. , Yong Jim , Xu Bei , Ogle Robert F. , Thadhani Ravi , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: April 2016

An imbalance in the angiogenesis axis during pregnancy manifests as clinical preeclampsia because of endothelial dysfunction. Circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1) increases and placental growth factor (PlGF) reduces before and during disease. We investigated the clinical and biochemical effects of replenishing the reduced circulating PlGF with recombinant human PlGF (rhPlGF) and thus restoring the angiogenic balance. Hypertensive proteinuria was induced in a nonhuman primate (
Papio hamadryas
) by uterine artery ligation at 136 days gestation (of a 182-day pregnancy). Two weeks after uteroplacental ischemia, rhPlGF (rhPlGF, n=3) or normal saline (control, n=4) was administered by subcutaneous injection (100 μg/kg per day) for 5 days. Blood pressure was monitored by intra-arterial radiotelemetry and sFLT-1 and PlGF by ELISA. Uteroplacental ischemia resulted in experimental preeclampsia evidenced by increased blood pressure, proteinuria, and endotheliosis on renal biopsy and elevated sFLT-1. PlGF significantly reduced after uteroplacental ischemia. rhPlGF reduced systolic blood pressure in the treated group (−5.2±0.8 mm Hg; from 132.6±6.6 mm Hg to 124.1±7.6 mm Hg) compared with an increase in systolic blood pressure in controls (6.5±3 mm Hg; from 131.3±1.5 mm Hg to 138.6±1.5 mm Hg). Proteinuria reduced in the treated group (−72.7±55.7 mg/mmol) but increased in the control group. Circulating levels of total sFLT-1 were not affected by the administration of PlGF; however, a reduction in placental sFLT-1 mRNA expression was demonstrated. There was no significant difference between the weights or lengths of the neonates in the rhPlGF or control group; however, this study was not designed to assess fetal safety or outcomes. Increasing circulating PlGF by the administration of rhPlGF improves clinical parameters in a primate animal model of experimental preeclampsia.
Transcriptional Profiling of Foam Cells Reveals Induction of Guanylate‐Binding Proteins Following Western Diet Acceleration of Atherosclerosis in the Absence of Global Changes in Inflammation
Authors: Goo Young‐Hwa , Son Se‐Hee , Yechoor Vijay K. , Paul Antoni
Published: April 2016

Background

Foam cells are central to two major pathogenic processes in atherogenesis: cholesterol buildup in arteries and inflammation. The main underlying cause of cholesterol deposition in arteries is hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed to assess, in vivo, whether elevated plasma cholesterol also alters the inflammatory balance of foam cells.

Methods and Results

Apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were fed regular mouse chow through the study or were switched to a Western‐type diet (
WD
) 2 or 14 weeks before death. Consecutive sections of the aortic sinus were used for lesion quantification or to isolate
RNA
from foam cells by laser‐capture microdissection (
LCM
) for microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses.
WD
feeding for 2 or 14 weeks significantly increased plasma cholesterol, but the size of atherosclerotic lesions increased only in the 14‐week
WD
group. Expression of more genes was affected in foam cells of mice under prolonged hypercholesterolemia than in mice fed
WD
for 2 weeks. However, most transcripts coding for inflammatory mediators remained unchanged in both
WD
groups. Among the main players in inflammatory or immune responses, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 13 was induced in foam cells of mice under
WD
for 2 weeks. The interferon‐inducible
GTP
ases, guanylate‐binding proteins (
GBP
)3 and
GBP
6, were induced in the 14‐week
WD
group, and other
GBP
family members were moderately increased.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that acceleration of atherosclerosis by hypercholesterolemia is not linked to global changes in the inflammatory balance of foam cells. However, induction of
GBP
s uncovers a novel family of immune modulators with a potential role in atherogenesis.
Between Hostility and Hospitality: Neighbourhoods and Dynamics of Urban Migration in Istanbul (1730–54)
Authors: Morita Madoka
Published: April 2016

This article explores the dynamics of urban migration and the politics of integration in mid-eighteenth-century Istanbul, both on the government policy-level and through the unofficial grass-roots processes. With a special focus on an inspection register (dated 1158/1745) detecting immigrants physically dwelling in the neighbourhoods (mahalles), I reveal that whereas the government policy for migration management hinged on the neighbourhood units which spatially organized the city’s inhabitants, each neighbourhood was an arena of social ties and relations, through the intermediary of which illegal immigrants would be transformed into legal residents who would live up to the norms of local society.
Sacred Topography: A Spatial Approach to the stelae of Gao-Saney
Authors: Leube Georg
Published: April 2016

The following are some comments by a scholar of early Islamic Historiography on the intriguing stelae of the Royal Cemetary of Gao-Saney dating from 11th / 12th century (ce) West Africa. They depart from interpretations focusing on the integration of the stelae into the literary corpus of later Arabic ta’rīkh – works dealing with West Africa by proposing a spatial reconstruction of the ensemble of the tombstones. The resulting spatial arrangement can be intrepreted as reminiscent of the topography of the burial of the Prophet Muḥammad in Medina. It is proposed that the peculiar naming pattern on the tombstones of the recently Islamicized rulers of Gao-Saney replicating the naming pattern of the first three rulers of the ideal Islamic polity of early Islamic Salvation History did not necessarily form a replica of Islamic Salvation History in life, but certainly a replica in death establishing a marker of Islamic Salvational Geography in 11th / 12th century (ce) West Africa.
A Conflict Between Divine texts and Human Legal Needs?
Authors: Meiloud Ahmed
Published: April 2016

This paper presents excerpted translations from a longer text by the Moroccan jurist, Ahmad al-Raysuni, which highlight a key facet of contemporaneous Muslim legal debates about law and religion. They especially focus on the thorny question of whether textual sources are liable to conflict with pure rational legal considerations and hence must be sidestepped to protect personal or public interests. In these excerpts Raysuni defends his position, and that of many of the so-called ‘moderate’ Islamists, who–while decry the rigid literalism of other traditionalists—maintain that explicit textual injunctions could never conflict with rationality. They believe, as Raysuni asserts here, that any conceived contradiction between texts and rationality is either a misconception of rationality or a misunderstanding of texts.
A revision of Trimuricea Gordon, 1926 (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Plexauridae) with the description of six new species
Authors: SAMIMI-NAMIN KAVEH , OFWEGEN LEEN P. VAN
Published: April 2016

The genus Trimuricea Gordon, 1926 is revised. An overview and identification key of all presently known Trimuricea species is given. The type material of Trimuricea africana Gordon, 1926, T. reticulata (Thomson & Simpson, 1909), T. merguiensis Gordon, 1926, T. inermis (Nutting, 1910), T. magna (Nutting, 1910) and T. caledonica Grasshoff, 1999, is re-examined. Trimuricea andamanensis (Thomson & Simpson, 1909) is assigned to Echinogorgia Kölliker, 1865, Trimuricea aff. reticulata (Samimi-Namin & van Ofwegen 2009a) is synonymised with T. persica n. sp.; and T. magna (Nutting, 1910) with T. inermis (Nutting, 1910). Furthermore, six new species are described and depicted, T. bicolor, T. flava, T. omanensis, T. persica, T. tuberculosa, and T. spinosa, increasing the number of known Trimuricea species to eleven.
Morphological variation in the Brazilian Radiated Swamp Turtle Acanthochelys radiolata (Mikan, 1820) (Testudines: Chelidae)
Authors: GARBIN RAFAELLA C. , KARLGUTH DEBORAH T. , FERNANDES DANIEL S. , PINTO ROBERTA R.
Published: April 2016

The freshwater turtle Acanthochelys radiolata (Mikan, 1820) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest domain in Brazil and few studies have been done on the morphology, geographic variation and taxonomy of this species. In this paper we record the morphological variation, as well as sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic changes in A. radiolata throughout its distribution range. We analyzed 118 morphological characters from 41 specimens, both quantitative and qualitative, and performed statistical analyses to evaluate size and shape variation within our sample. Morphological analysis revealed that A. radiolata is a polymorphic species, especially regarding color and shape. Two color patterns were recognized for the carapace and three for the plastron. Diagnostic characteristics of the species, such as the rounded tubercles on the neck and the shallow dorsal sulcus between the 2nd and 4th vertebral scutes, varied considerably. Acanthochelys radiolata also showed a high level of ontogenetic variation characterized by a change on the color pattern of plastron and limbs starting from the 4th month of life. Sexual size dimorphism was observed for the first time on nine morphometric variables and females showed larger sizes than males. Based on these results we conclude that A. radiolata represents one single polymorphic species distributed in the lowlands of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest from the state of Alagoas to the state of Rio de Janeiro and the south of Minas Gerais state.
A new mealybug in the genus Pseudococcus Westwood (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) from North America, with a key to species of Pseudococcus from the New World
Authors: ELLENRIEDER NATALIA VON , WATSON GILLIAN
Published: April 2016

A mealybug species that feeds on Agave spp., Pseudococcus variabilis sp. n. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), is described from North America. Its entry into the United States was likely via the horticultural trade on its host plants in the genus Agave (Liliales: Agavaceae). Descriptions and illustrations of the adult female and male, diagnosis from congeners in the New World, and a molecular characterization based on COI are provided, as well as a key to adult females of all Pseudococcus species recorded from the New World.
A revision of the Australian genus Trachylestes with the description of two new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae)
Authors: MALIPATIL M. B. , KWAK M. L. , GUNAWARDENE N.
Published: April 2016

Two new species, Trachylestes barrowensis sp. nov. from Barrow Island, Western Australia and T. queenslandensis sp. nov. from southeastern Queensland are described, and a key for their separation from other known species of the Australian endemic genus Trachylestes Stål, 1868 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) is given.
Idealized Tropical Cyclone Responses to the Height and Depth of Environmental Vertical Wind Shear
Authors: Finocchio Peter M. , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Nolan David S. , Iskandarani Mohamed
Published: April 2016

Three sets of idealized, cloud-resolving simulations are performed to investigate the sensitivity of tropical cyclone (TC) structure and intensity to the height and depth of environmental vertical wind shear. In the first two sets of simulations, shear height and depth are varied independently; in the third set, orthogonal polynomial expansions are used to facilitate a joint sensitivity analysis. Despite all simulations having the same westerly deep-layer (200–850 hPa) shear of 10 m s−1, different intensity and structural evolutions are observed, suggesting the deep-layer shear alone may not be sufficient for understanding or predicting the impact of vertical wind shear on TCs. In general, vertical wind shear that is shallower and lower in the troposphere is more destructive to model TCs because it tilts the TC vortex farther into the downshear-left quadrant. The vortices that tilt the most are unable to precess upshear and realign, resulting in their failure to intensify. Shear height appears to modulate this tilt response by modifying the thermodynamic environment above the developing vortex early in the simulations, while shear depth modulates the tilt response by controlling the vertical extent of the convective vortex. It is also found that TC intensity predictability is reduced in a narrow range of shear heights and depths. This result underscores the importance of accurately observing the large-scale environmental flow for improving TC intensity forecasts, and for anticipating when such forecasts are likely to have large errors.
Quantum Cascade Laser Measurements of Line Intensities, N2-, O2- and Ar- Collisional Broadening Coefficients of N2O in the ν3 Band Near 4.5 µm
Authors: Es-sebbar Et-touhami , Deli Meriem , Farooq Aamir
Published: April 2016

This study deals with precise measurements of absolute line intensities, N2-, O2- and Ar- collisional broadening coefficients of N2O in the P-branch of the ν3 vibrational band near 4.5 µm. Collisional broadening coefficients of N2O-air are derived from the N2- and O2- broadening contributions by considering an ideal atmospheric composition. Studies are performed at room temperature for 10 rotational transitions over 2190–2202 cm–1 spectral range using a distributed-feedback quantum cascade laser. To retrieve spectroscopic parameters for each individual transition, measured absorption line shape is simulated within Voigt and Galatry profiles. The obtained results compare well with previous experimental data available in the literature: the discrepancies being less than 4% for most of the probed transitions. The spectroscopic data reported here are very useful for the design of sensors used to monitor the abundance of N2O in earth's atmosphere.
Simultaneous Analysis of the Dispersed Liquid and the Bulk Gas Phase of Water Sprays Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Schuster Julian Jonathan , Siegler Philipp , Guenther Astrid , Wirth Karl-Ernst , Braeuer Andreas Siegfried
Published: April 2016

Currently, a comprehensive physical description of sprays is not possible, as the involved heat- and mass-transport mechanisms have not yet been understood completely. Therefore, we here show and apply a straightforward Raman evaluation technique which simultaneously probes spatially resolved (i) droplet temperature, (ii) evaporation progress and (iii) entrainment of air into the spray. First, the working principle of the Raman technique and the calibration of the sensor are described. Then, the applicability of the Raman technique is demonstrated showing example measurement results obtained from a superheated water spray. The plausibility of the obtained measurement results is demonstrated comparing them with computations for thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. Information about the droplet temperature, the evaporation progress and the entrainment of air might complement the insights into heat- and mass-transport mechanisms which can already be provided applying other existing optical spray diagnostic techniques.
Minute Concentration Measurements of Simple Hydrocarbon Species Using Supercontinuum Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoo Jihyung , Traina Nicholas , Halloran Michael , Lee Tonghun
Published: April 2016

Minute concentration measurements of simple hydrocarbon gases are demonstrated using near-infrared supercontinuum laser absorption spectroscopy. Absorption-based gas sensors, particularly when combined with optical fiber components, can significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities to unprecedented levels. However, these diagnostic techniques are subject to limitations under certain gas sensing applications where interference and harsh conditions dominate. Supercontinuum laser absorption spectroscopy is a novel laser-based diagnostic technique that can exceed the above-mentioned limitations and provide accurate and quantitative concentration measurement of simple hydrocarbon species while maintaining compatibility with telecommunications-grade optical fiber components. Supercontinuum radiation generated using a highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber is used to probe rovibrational absorption bands of four hydrocarbon species using full-spectral absorption diagnostics. Absorption spectra of methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), and ethylene (C2H4) were measured in the near-infrared spectrum at various pressures and concentrations to determine the accuracy and feasibility of the diagnostic strategy. Absorption spectra of propane (C3H8) were subsequently probed between 1650 nm and 1700 nm, to demonstrate the applicability of the strategy. Measurements agreed very well with simulated spectra generated using the HITRAN database as well as with previous experimental results. Absorption spectra of CH4, C2H2, and C2H4 were then analyzed to determine their respective measurement accuracy and detection limit. Concentration measurements integrated from experimental results were in very good agreement with independent concentration measurements. Calculated detection limits of CH4, C2H2, and C2H4 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure are 0.1%, 0.09%, and 0.17%, respectively.
Body Mass Index and Menstrual Patterns in Dancers
Authors: Stracciolini Andrea , Quinn Bridget J. , Geminiani Ellen , Kinney Susan , McCrystal Tara , Owen Michael , Pepin Michael J. , Stein Cynthia J.
Published: April 2016

Questionnaires were distributed to investigate body mass index (BMI) and menstrual patterns in female dancers aged 12 to 17 years. The study cohort consisted of 105 dancers, mean age 14.8 ± 1.1 years, and mean BMI 19.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2. In all, 92% were healthy weight for height. First menses age ranged from 10 to 15 years (mean 12.9 ± 1.1 years). A total of 44% reported irregular menses; of those, 14% described irregularity as “every other month,” 37% as “every 3 months,” and 49% as “skips a month occasionally.” A total of 36% of the dancers stop getting their menses during times of increased activity/dance, and 30% have gone >3 months at any time without getting their menses. A significant negative correlation between BMI and age of first menses was found with lower BMI associated with increased age of first menses (linear regression, β = -0.49, P = .021). This study supports an association between BMI and age of menarche among young female dancers. Given bone health reliance on hormonal milieu in female dancers, future research is warranted.