bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Prediction for Observed Peptide Count in Protein Mass Spectrometry Data by Optimally Balancing the Training Dataset
Authors: Tiwari Anoop Kumar , Nath Abhigyan , Subbiah Karthikeyan , Shukla Kaushal Kumar
Published: May 2017

Imbalanced dataset affects the learning of classifiers. This imbalance problem is almost ubiquitous in biological datasets. Resampling is one of the common methods to deal with the imbalanced dataset problem. In this study, we explore the learning performance by varying the balancing ratios of training datasets, consisting of the observed peptides and absent peptides in the Mass Spectrometry experiment on the different machine learning algorithms. It has been observed that the ideal balancing ratio has yielded better performance than the imbalanced dataset, but it was not the best as compared to some intermediate ratio. By experimenting using Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) at different balancing ratios, we obtained the best results by achieving sensitivity of 92.1%, specificity value of 94.7%, overall accuracy of 93.4%, MCC of 0.869, and AUC of 0.982 with boosted random forest algorithm. This study also identifies the most discriminating features by applying the feature ranking algorithm. From the results of current experiments, it can be inferred that the performance of machine learning algorithms for the classification tasks can be enhanced by selecting optimally balanced training dataset, which can be obtained by suitably modifying the class distribution.
Enhancing the Performance of YYC Algorithm Useful to Generate Irreducible Testors
Authors: Piza-Davila Ivan , Sanchez-Diaz Guillermo , Lazo-Cortes Manuel S. , Noyola-Medrano Cristina
Published: May 2017

In pattern recognition, irreducible testors have been used for feature selection. A number of exhaustive algorithms that find irreducible testors have been reported in the literature. One of the latest and more efficient algorithms reported is YYC, an incremental algorithm that finds all the irreducible testors from a training matrix. Its efficiency relies on building a smaller number of feature combinations by finding compatible sets from the top of the matrix to the current row. Nevertheless, as the number of sets currently found grows, YYC execution becomes too slow. This work proposes two improvements of YYC algorithm, incorporated in a pre-processing phase; additionally, a parallel version is implemented. The paper presents some experimental results using synthetic and real data.
2016 Update of the discoveries of nuclides
Authors: Thoennessen M.
Published: May 2017

The 2016 update of the discovery of nuclide project is presented. Only 12 new nuclides were observed for the first time in 2016. A large number of isotopes are still only published in conference proceedings or internal reports. No changes to earlier assignments were made.
TRICOMPLEX DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS GENERATED BY POLYNOMIALS OF ODD DEGREE
Authors: PARISÉ PIERRE-OLIVIER , ROCHON DOMINIC
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we give the exact interval of the cross section of the Multibrot sets generated by the polynomial [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are complex numbers and [Formula: see text] is an odd integer. Furthermore, we show that the same Multibrots defined on the hyperbolic numbers are always squares. Moreover, we give a generalized 3D version of the hyperbolic Multibrot set and prove that our generalization is an octahedron for a specific 3D slice of the dynamical system generated by the tricomplex polynomial [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an odd integer.
EFFECT OF CONTACT PRESSURE ON FRETTING FATIGUE BEHAVIOR UNDER CYCLIC CONTACT LOADING
Authors: ABBASI F. , MAJZOOBI G. H.
Published: May 2017

In this study, the effect of contact pressure on fretting fatigue behavior of Al7075-T6 under cyclic normal contact loading is investigated. It is found that fretting fatigue life for the case of cyclic contact load was significantly less than that for constant contact load at the same axial and contact load levels, particularly for High Cycle Fatigue (HCF) conditions. The results showed that the fretting fatigue life decreased monotonically with the increase in normal contact load for all axial stresses. Examination of the fretting scars was performed using optical microscopy and numerical simulation was carried out using commercial finite element (FE) codes ABAQUS[Formula: see text] and FRANC2D/L[Formula: see text] to calculate the crack propagation life. The crack initiation life was calculated by a combination of numerical and experimental results. Finally, the FE simulation was validated by a comparison between the numerical crack growth rate and the experimental measurement using replica.
Rank Reversal and the VIKOR Method: An Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Ceballos Blanca , Pelta David A. , Lamata María T.
Published: May 2017

Rank reversal is a common phenomenon in multi-criteria decision-making methods. It appears when the addition/deletion of new options to the alternatives’ set produces a change in the original ranking. In this contribution, we want to assess this phenomenon in the context of the VIKOR method. Using randomly generated multi-criteria decision problems, we confirmed that rank reversal existed and strongly depended on VIKOR’s parameter. Also, we observed that the influence of the number of alternatives was stronger than that of the number of criteria. Finally, although rank reversal may exist, we saw that it may not affect the top alternative of the ranking, thus potentially having a low impact.
On some lacunary sums of even powers of binomial coefficients
Authors: Lengyel Tamás
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an even integer and [Formula: see text] be an odd prime. We study Franel-like sums and alternating sums, as well as lacunary sums of [Formula: see text]th powers of binomial coefficients from the point of view of arithmetic properties. This paper complements the author’s prior work on the cases with [Formula: see text] odd although, it uses a different approach. It develops new supercongruences and determines the [Formula: see text]-adic order of these sums as well as of generalized harmonic sums restricted to particular remainder classes modulo [Formula: see text].
Small values of coefficients of a half Lerch sum
Authors: Xiong Xinhua
Published: May 2017

Andrews, Dyson and Hickerson proved many interesting properties of coefficients for a Ramanujan’s [Formula: see text]-hypergeometric series by relating it to real quadratic field [Formula: see text] and using the arithmetic of [Formula: see text] to solve a conjecture of Andrews on the distributions of its Fourier coefficients. Motivated by Andrews’s conjecture, we discuss an interesting [Formula: see text]-hypergeometric series which comes from a Lerch sum and rank and crank moments for partitions and overpartitions. We give Andrews-like conjectures for its coefficients. We obtain partial results on the distributions of small values of its coefficients toward these conjectures.
Dynamical properties of a kind of SIR model with constant vaccination rate and impulsive state feedback control
Authors: Guo Hongjian , Chen Lansun , Song Xinyu
Published: May 2017

Considering the fact that the production and provision of some vaccines are ordered and governed by the government according to the history data of disease, a kind of SIR model with constant vaccination rate and impulsive state feedback control is presented. The dynamical properties of semi-continuous three-dimensional SIR system can be obtained by discussing the properties of the corresponding two-dimensional system in the limit set. The existence and uniqueness of order-1 periodic solution are discussed by using the successive function and the compression mapping theorem. A new theorem for the orbital stability of order-1 periodic solution is proved by geometric method. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify the mathematical results and some conclusions are given. The results show that the disease can be controlled to a lower level by means of impulsive state feedback control strategy, but cannot be eradicated.
Analysis of a system of autonomous fractional differential equations
Authors: Zhou Xiaojun , Xu Chuanju
Published: May 2017

In this work, we study a system of autonomous fractional differential equations. The differential operator is taken in the Caputo sense. Using the monotone iterative technique combined with the method of upper and lower solutions, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for coupled system which are nonlinear fractional differential equations, moreover, we obtain the dependence of the solution on the initial values. In addition, we give an important example that is a two-patch subdiffusive predator–prey metapopulation model, investigate the solvability and give the numerical results with this model. The numerical simulation indicates that the results of the subdiffusive model approximate to the two-patch predator–prey metapopulation model with the order [Formula: see text] approach to 1.
Exhaustion 2-subsets in dihedral groups of order 2p
Authors: Wong Denis Chee Keong , Wong Kuan Wai , Yap Wun-She
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime. A nonempty subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be exhaustive if there exists a positive integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] covers all elements in [Formula: see text]. The smallest such [Formula: see text] is called the exhaustion number of [Formula: see text]. In general, finding [Formula: see text] for an arbitrary subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is an interesting but difficult task. In this paper, we classify all possible exhaustion 2-subsets in [Formula: see text] by considering a 2-subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Some explicit formulas for [Formula: see text] are identified and hence some bounds are derived to prove the existence for certain families of exhaustive sets.
A study on the modular sumset labeling of graphs
Authors: Naduvath Sudev
Published: May 2017

For a positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the set of all non-negative integers modulo [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be its power set. A modular sumset valuation or a modular sumset labeling of a given graph [Formula: see text] is an injective function [Formula: see text] such that the induced function [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text]. A modular sumset indexer of a graph [Formula: see text] is an injective modular sumset valued function [Formula: see text] such that the induced function [Formula: see text] is also injective. In this paper, some properties and characteristics of this type of modular sumset labeling of graphs are being studied.
Spin-Transfer-Torque Driven Vortex Dynamics in Electrodeposited Nanowire Spin-Valves
Authors: Abreu Araujo Flavio , Piraux Luc
Published: May 2017

A bottom-up approach for the fabrication of an assembly of electrodeposited nanowires has been combined to single nanowire electrical connection techniques to investigate the spin-transfer-torque and microwave emission of specially designed nanowires containing Co/Cu/Co pseudo spin-valves (SVs). Porous alumina templates are used for the growth by electrodeposition of metallic in-series connected SVs. Under specific magnetic field and injected current conditions, emission of microwave current is detected with frequency in the GHz range and linewidth as low as 1.8[Formula: see text]MHz. Microwave signals have been obtained even at zero magnetic field and high frequency versus magnetic field tunability was demonstrated. Our findings are in good agreement with micromagnetic simulations. In addition, it appears that in our particular geometry, the microwave emission is generated by the vortex gyrotropic motion which occurs in, at least, one of the two magnetic layers of our SV structures.
The Importance of Being Inconsistent
Authors: Wasserman Adam , Nafziger Jonathan , Jiang Kaili , Kim Min-Cheol , Sim Eunji , Burke Kieron
Published: May 2017

We review the role of self-consistency in density functional theory (DFT). We apply a recent analysis to both Kohn–Sham and orbital-free DFT, as well as to partition DFT, which generalizes all aspects of standard DFT. In each case, the analysis distinguishes between errors in approximate functionals versus errors in the self-consistent density. This yields insights into the origins of many errors in DFT calculations, especially those often attributed to self-interaction or delocalization error. In many classes of problems, errors can be substantially reduced by using better densities. We review the history of these approaches, discuss many of their applications, and give simple pedagogical examples.
Expression of microRNAs and target proteins in skeletal muscle of rats selectively bred for high and low running capacity
Authors: Pinto Samuel K. , Lamon Séverine , Stephenson Erin J. , Kalanon Ming , Mikovic Jasmine , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Hawley John A. , Camera Donny M.
Published: May 2017

Impairments in mitochondrial function and substrate metabolism are implicated in the etiology of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can degrade mRNA or repress protein translation and have been implicated in the development of such disorders. We used a contrasting rat model system of selectively bred high- (HCR) or low- (LCR) intrinsic running capacity with established differences in metabolic health to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which miRNAs regulate target proteins mediating mitochondrial function and substrate oxidation processes. Quantification of select miRNAs using the rat miFinder miRNA PCR array revealed differential expression of 15 skeletal muscles (musculus tibialis anterior) miRNAs between HCR and LCR rats (14 with higher expression in LCR; P < 0.05). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted these altered miRNAs to collectively target multiple proteins implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and energy substrate metabolism. Total protein abundance of citrate synthase (CS; miR-19 target) and voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (miR-7a target) were higher in HCR compared with LCR cohorts (~57 and ~26%, respectively; P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed for miR-19a-3p and CS ( r = 0.32, P = 0.015) protein expression. To determine whether miR-19a-3p can regulate CS in vitro, we performed luciferase reporter and transfection assays in C2C12 myotubes. MiR-19a-3p binding to the CS untranslated region did not change luciferase reporter activity; however, miR-19a-3p transfection decreased CS protein expression (∼70%; P < 0.05). The differential miRNA expression targeting proteins implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction and energy substrate metabolism may contribute to the molecular basis, mediating the divergent metabolic health profiles of LCR and HCR rats.
The Effect of Hydrofluoric Acid Surface Treatment on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of K3 NiTi Instruments
Authors: Kum Kee-Yeon , Chang Seok Woo
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 50% hydrofluoric acid (HF) surface treatment on the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of K3 NiTi instruments. Twenty as-received and twenty HF-treated K3 NiTi instruments were compared in CFR. The surface texture and fracture surface of two instrument groups were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, any change of Ni and Ti composition from both instrument groups was investigated using energy dispersive spectrometry. The results were analyzed witht-test. The HF-treated K3 group showed statistically higher cyclic fatigue resistance than as-received K3 group (P<0.05). HF-treated K3 instruments showed smoother and rounded surface compared to as-received K3 under SEM observation. The fracture surfaces of both groups showed typical patterns of cyclic fatigue fracture. There was no difference in surface Ni and Ti composition between two groups. HF treatment of K3 instruments smoothed the file surface and increased the cyclic fatigue resistance, while it had no effect on surface ion composition and the file fracture pattern.
Changes in Anterior, Posterior, and Total Corneal Astigmatism after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Alnawaiseh Maged , Zumhagen Lars , Rosentreter André , Eter Nicole
Published: May 2017

Purpose. To evaluate changes in anterior, posterior, and total corneal astigmatism in patients after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods. We retrospectively included 29 eyes of 23 patients (age 67.6 ± 9.8 years, 13 female, 10 male) after DMEK surgery. The magnitude and axis orientation of anterior, posterior, and total corneal astigmatism before and after DMEK were determined using a rotating Scheimpflug system (Pentacam HR, Oculus). Results. The magnitude of anterior, posterior, and total corneal astigmatism in the central cornea did not change significantly after surgery. Before surgery, we found a significant correlation between the magnitudes of anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism (Spearman’s correlation coefficient rS=0.526, P=0.003), while after surgery this correlation was no longer significant (rS=0.038, P=0.843). There was a significant correlation between the vector difference between preoperative and postoperative posterior astigmatism and the change in corneal pachymetry (rP=0.47, P=0.010). Conclusions. Posterior corneal astigmatism (especially the orientation) and therefore the relationship between anterior and total corneal astigmatism may change after DMEK. This should be considered to improve the accuracy of toric IOL power calculations following phakic DMEK or in combined procedures.
Effects of Medicinal Plant Extracts and Photosensitization on Aflatoxin Producing Aspergillus flavus (Raper and Fennell)
Authors: Njoki Loise M. , Okoth Sheila A. , Wachira Peter M.
Published: May 2017

This study was undertaken with an aim of exploring the effectiveness of medicinal plant extracts in the control of aflatoxin production. Antifungal properties, photosensitization, and phytochemical composition of aqueous and organic extracts of fruits from Solanum aculeastrum, bark from Syzygium cordatum, and leaves from Prunus africana, Ocimum lamiifolium, Lippia kituiensis, and Spinacia oleracea were tested. Spores from four-day-old cultures of previously identified toxigenic fungi, UONV017 and UONV003, were used. Disc diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to test the antifungal activity. The spores were suspended in 2 ml of each extract separately and treated with visible light (420 nm) for varying periods. Organic extracts displayed species and concentration dependent antifungal activity. Solanum aculeastrum had the highest zones of inhibition diameters in both strains: UONV017 (mean = 18.50±0.71 mm) and UONV003 (mean = 11.92±0.94 mm) at 600 mg/ml. Aqueous extracts had no antifungal activity because all diameters were below 8 mm. Solanum aculeastrum had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration at 25 mg/ml against A. flavus UONV017. All the plant extracts in combination with light reduced the viability of fungal conidia compared with the controls without light, without extracts, and without both extracts and light. Six bioactive compounds were analyzed in the plant extracts. Medicinal plant extracts in this study can control conidia viability and hence with further development can control toxigenic fungal spread.
Experimental Investigation of Brazilian 14-X B Hypersonic Scramjet Aerospace Vehicle
Authors: de Araujo Martos João Felipe , da Silveira Rêgo Israel , Pachon Laiton Sergio Nicholas , Lima Bruno Coelho , Costa Felipe Jean , de Paula Toro Paulo Gilberto
Published: May 2017

The Brazilian hypersonic scramjet aerospace vehicle 14-X B is a technological demonstrator of a hypersonic airbreathing propulsion system based on the supersonic combustion (scramjet) to be tested in flight into the Earth’s atmosphere at an altitude of 30 km and Mach number 7. The 14-X B has been designed at the Prof. Henry T. Nagamatsu Laboratory of Aerothermodynamics and Hypersonics, Institute for Advanced Studies (IEAv), Brazil. The IEAv T3 Hypersonic Shock Tunnel is a ground-test facility able to produce high Mach number and high enthalpy flows in the test section close to those encountered during the flight of the 14-X B into the Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic flight speeds. A 1 m long stainless steel 14-X B model was experimentally investigated at T3 Hypersonic Shock Tunnel, for freestream Mach numbers ranging from 7 to 8. Static pressure measurements along the lower surface of the 14-X B, as well as high-speed Schlieren photographs taken from the 5.5° leading edge and the 14.5° deflection compression ramp, provided experimental data. Experimental data was compared to the analytical theoretical solutions and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, showing good qualitative agreement and in consequence demonstrating the importance of these methods in the project of the 14-X B hypersonic scramjet aerospace vehicle.
Intra-Articular Osteoid Osteoma as a Cause of Anteromedial Knee Pain
Authors: Sagtas Ergin , Gokkus Kemal , Aydin Ahmet Turan
Published: May 2017

A 32-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with chronic left knee pain that was ongoing for about 1.5 years. The patient visited several times our clinic and the other clinics; conservative treatment (including rest, knee brace, and ice application with NSAIDs) was recommended by various different doctors. The anamnesis, physical examination, and plain radiography were nonspecific. Early MRI findings mislead us to believe it is bone marrow edema. One and half years with noneffective treatment, the knee pain persisted. At the latest visit intra-articular osteoid osteoma was suspected and the knee MRI with CT was employed. Even though the diagnosis of intra-articular osteoid osteoma often presents a challenge for the surgeons, with a present awareness of intra-articular osteoid osteomas which lack the characteristic sclerotic lesions and nidus on plain X-rays and the aid of multislice CT, a correct diagnosis which warrants proper treatment can be achieved. The possibility of osteoid osteomas, especially in young adults with persistent knee pain with unknown reasons that show normal plain radiographs results, must not be overlooked. The treatment method of these lesions should be customized depending on the location of the lesion, experience of the surgeon, and cost of method.
Intraoperative Macula Protection by Perfluorocarbon Liquid for the Metallic Intraocular Foreign Body Removal during 23-Gauge Vitrectomy
Authors: Rejdak Robert , Choragiewicz Tomasz , Moneta-Wielgos Joanna , Wrzesinska Dominika , Borowicz Dorota , Forlini Matteo , Jünemann Anselm G. , Nowomiejska Katarzyna
Published: May 2017

Purpose.To evaluate visual and safety outcomes of 23-gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with application of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) for intraoperative protection of the macula during intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal.Methods.Retrospective study of 42 patients who underwent 23 G PPV for IOFB removal from posterior segment with intraoperative PFCL application for the macula shielding. Collected data included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), size of IOFB, and complication rate. The mean follow-up period was 12 months.Results. The mean preoperative CDVA was 0.54 logMAR (SD 0.46), and the final mean CDVA was 0.68 logMAR (SD 0.66). All IOFBs were metallic with mean dimensions of 4.6 mm × 2.1 mm. Twenty-two IOFBs were removed through the corneal tunnel and 20 IOFBs through the sclerotomy. No intraoperative iatrogenic lesion of the macula was observed. As a tamponade, silicon oil was applied in 31 eyes, SF6gas in 5 eyes, air in 4 eyes, and 2 eyes required no tamponade. Secondary retinal detachment was observed in 17% of cases, but at the end of the follow-up, all the retinas were attached.Conclusion. PFCL application during PPV is a safe method of protecting the macula from unexpected falling of the metallic IOFB during its removal.
Improving the Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal System Performance Using Water-Cooling Technique and Zn-H2O Nanofluid
Authors: Hussein Hashim A. , Numan Ali H. , Abdulrahman Ruaa A.
Published: May 2017

This paper presented the improvement of the performance of the photovoltaic panels under Iraqi weather conditions. The biggest problem is the heat stored inside the PV cells during operation in summer season. A new design of an active cooling technique which consists of a small heat exchanger and water circulating pipes placed at the PV rear surface is implemented. Nanofluids (Zn-H2O) with five concentration ratios (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5%) are prepared and optimized. The experimental results showed that the increase in output power is achieved. It was found that, without any cooling, the measuring of the PV temperature was 76°C in 12 June 2016; therefore, the conversion efficiency does not exceed more than 5.5%. The photovoltaic/thermal system was operated under active water cooling technique. The temperature dropped from 76 to 70°C. This led to increase in the electrical efficiency of 6.5% at an optimum flow rate of 2 L/min, and the thermal efficiency was 60%. While using a nanofluid (Zn-H2O) optimum concentration ratio of 0.3% and a flow rate of 2 L/min, the temperature dropped more significantly to 58°C. This led to the increase in the electrical efficiency of 7.8%. The current innovative technique approved that the heat extracted from the PV cells contributed to the increase of the overall energy output.
Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Changes and Thyroid Dysfunction in an Urban South Korean Population
Authors: Won Yu Sam , Kim Da Yeong , Kim Joon Mo
Published: May 2017

Purpose.This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucomatous optic nerve change and thyroid factors in Korean population.Materials and Methods.The study included subjects who underwent health screening in Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. Detailed history taking and systemic and ocular examination including fundus photography were performed for all participants. All fundus photographs were divided into two groups based on disc and RNFL appearance: nonglaucoma and glaucoma group. Subjects were also divided into quartiles of each thyroid function parameter, and the relationship with IOP and glaucoma were analysed.Results.In univariate analysis, free T4, T3, and TSH in normal subjects and T3 in thyroid disease group were associated with the IOP. After adjusting for age and sex, the IOP tended to slightly decrease according to the level of the quartile of free T4 and T3 in normal subjects. In terms of glaucoma, on multivariate analysis, it did not show a significant correlation with any thyroid function tests.Conclusions.In normal subjects, the IOP tended to be decreased according to the level of free T4 and T3 but the amounts were clinically insignificant. Thyroid factors are not an independent risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
Failure Effects Evaluation for ATC Automation System
Authors: Li Rui , Zhou Zili , Cheng Yansong , Wang Jianqiang
Published: May 2017

ATC (air traffic control) automation system is a complex system, which helps maintain the air traffic order, guarantee the flight interval, and prevent aircraft collision. It is essential to ensure the safety of air traffic. Failure effects evaluation is an important part of ATC automation system reliability engineering. The failure effects evaluation of ATC automation system is aimed at the effects of modules or components which affect the performance and functionality of the system. By analyzing and evaluating the failure modes and their causes and effects, some reasonable improvement measures and preventive maintenance plans can be established. In this paper, the failure effects evaluation framework considering performance and functionality of the system is established on the basis of reliability theory. Some algorithms for the quantitative evaluation of failure effects on performance of ATC automation system are proposed. According to the algorithms, the quantitative evaluation of reliability, availability, maintainability, and other assessment indicators can be calculated.
eIF2α Phosphorylation Mediates IL24-Induced Apoptosis through Inhibition of Translation
Authors: Persaud Leah , Zhong Xuelin , Alvarado Giselle , Do Winchie , Dejoie Jordan , Zybtseva Anna , Aktas Bertal Huseyin , Sauane Moira
Published: May 2017

IL24 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that also displays broad cancer-specific suppressor effects. The tumor-suppressor activities of IL24 include inhibition of angiogenesis, sensitization to chemotherapy, and cancer-specific apoptosis. Supra-physiologic activation and/or overexpression of translation initiation factors are implicated in the initiation and progression of cancer animal models as well as a subset of human cancers. Activation and/or overexpression of translation initiation factors correlate with aggressiveness of cancer and poor prognosis. Two rate-limiting translation initiation complexes, the ternary complex and the eIF4F complex, are regulated by eIF2α and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, respectively. The work reported here provides direct evidence that IL24 induces inhibition of translation initiation leading to apoptosis in squamous cell carcinoma. A dominant constitutively active mutant of eIF2α, which is resistant to phosphorylation, was used to determine the involvement of eIF2α in IL24-induced apoptosis. Treatment with IL24 resulted in inhibition of protein synthesis, expression of downstream biomarkers of ternary complex depletion such as CHOP, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. The constitutively active nonphosphorylatable mutant of eIF2α, eIF2α-S51A, reversed both the IL24-mediated translational block and IL24-induced apoptosis. Intriguingly, IL24 treatment also caused hypophosphorylation of 4E-BP1, which binds to eIF4E with high affinity, thus preventing its association with eIF4G and therefore preventing elF4F complex assembly.

Implications: These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role of IL24 in inhibition of translation, mediated through both phosphorylation of eIF2α and dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1, and provide the first direct evidence for translation control of gene-specific expression by IL24. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1117–24. ©2017 AACR.
Minimum Volume Standards in Surgery - Are We There Yet
Authors: Bauer Hartwig , Honselmann Kim C.
Published: May 2017

The quality of surgery is directly dependent on the quantity, more specifically, on the number of operations performed at a given hospital as well as on the designated surgeon. This fact is supported by numerous studies and meta-analyses that will be presented in the following text. Most of the convincing data for complex procedures can be obtained from visceral (upper and lower gastrointestinal) surgery studies. Mortality of large oncological procedures, such as esophageal or pancreatic surgery, can be reduced by 50% if a certain number of interventions are guaranteed per year. Centralizing these operations performed by specialized surgeons is the key to success. This also ensures that the minimum volume amounts within a given hospital are well above the required levels, thus enabling to teach the necessary expertise step by step. The obligatory ‘learning curve' for complex interventions cannot be completed within the framework of reference figures during residency training. Together, surgeons and their respective societies have introduced a proposal for efficient case-oriented centralized surgery. Whether ‘we are there yet' in surgery will depend in the end on how these efforts will be incorporated into administrative requirements and the guidelines that will then be implemented across the board.
Chromosom-3-Monosomie in Tumor-Samples: Kein Prognosefaktor für Regressionsrate des Aderhautmelanoms
Authors: Joussen Antonia
Published: May 2017

Ziel: Das Ziel dieser Studie war die Beurteilung des Zusammenhangs zwischen der Regressionsrate von Ziliarkörper- und Choroideamelanomen nach einer Brachytherapie und dem Status der Chromosom-3-Monosomie. Methoden: Wir führten eine prospektive und konsekutive Fallserie zu Patienten durch, die sich zur Behandlung eines Ziliarkörper-/Choroideamelanoms einer Biopsie und Brachytherapie unterzogen. Die Tumorbiopsie wurde zum Zeitpunkt der Platzierung des Strahlungsplaques genommen, und mittels Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung wurde der Anteil der Tumorzellen mit Chromosom-3-Monosomie bestimmt. Die Regressionsrate wurde als prozentuale Veränderung der Tumorhöhe nach 3, 6 und 12 Monaten berechnet. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Regressionsrate und Tumorlokalisation, initialer Tumorhöhe und Chromosom-3-Monosomie (in Prozent) wurde mittels univariater linearer Regression (R-Version 3.1.0) untersucht. Ergebnisse: Von den 75 Teilnehmern der Studie hatten 8 ein Ziliarkörpermelanom und 67 ein Choroideamelanom. Die mittlere Tumorhöhe zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnosestellung betrug 5,2 mm (Spannweite: 1,90-13,00 mm). Der Anteil mit Chromo- som-3-Monosomie reichte von 0-20% (n = 35) bis 81-100% (n = 40). Die Abnahme der Tumorhöhe nach 3, 6 und 12 Monaten korrelierte statistisch nicht mit der Tumorlokalisation (Ziliarkörper oder Choroidea), der initialen Tumorhöhe oder der Chromo- som-3-Monosomie (in Prozent). Schlussfolgerung: Die Regressionsrate von Aderhautmelanomen nach einer Brachytherapie korrelierte nicht mit dem Chromosom-3-Monosomie-Status.
Die Häufigkeit von Anti-VEGF-A-Injektionen und Ödemrezidiven hängt vom Grad der begleitenden lokalen zellulären Entzündung ab
Authors: Strauss Olaf
Published: May 2017

Wir maßen die Konzentrationen von Zytokinen und Wachstums-/Entzündungsfaktoren im Kammerwasser von 46 Patienten mit retinalem Venenastverschluss (VAV) und Makulaödem (MÖ), die mit einer intravitrealen Ranibizumab-Injektion (IRI) behandelt wurden. Patienten mit rezidivierendem MÖ erhielten bei Bedarf eine weitere IRI. Die Anzahl der IRI-Behandlungen korrelierte signifikant mit dem Alter, dem Visus c.c. bei Studienbeginn, der zentralen Netzhautdicke bei Studienbeginn sowie den Konzentrationen von 5 Zytokinen/Faktoren im Kammerwasser bei Studienbeginn (löslicher VEGFR-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1), PDGF-AA (platelet-derived growth factor-AA), lösliches ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), IL-6 (Interleukin 6) und IL-8). Die multivariate lineare Regressionsanalyse mit schrittweiser Auswahl bestätigte, dass Alter, zentrale Netzhautdicke bei Studienbeginn und PDGF-AA-Wert bei Studienbeginn unabhängige Determinanten der Anzahl der IRI-Behandlungen waren. Diese Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Entzündungsfaktoren möglicherweise das erneute Auftreten von MÖ bei VAV-Patienten beeinflussen können und dass der PDGF-AA-Wert ein hilfreicher Indikator dafür sein könnte, wie viele IRI-Behandlungen für die Beherrschung des MÖ erforderlich sein werden.
Extracranial Aneurysms in 2 Patients with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Elchediak Daniel S. , Cahill Anne Marie , Furth Emma E. , Kaplan Bernard S. , Hartung Erum A.
Published: May 2017

Unlike autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is not generally known to be associated with vascular abnormalities. Only 4 cases of ARPKD patients with intracranial aneurysms have been reported previously. We present 2 ARPKD patients with extracranial vascular abnormalities: a young man with infrarenal aortic and iliac artery aneurysms complicated by dissection and a teenage girl with multiple splenic and gastric artery aneurysms and arterial vascular malformations. These cases raise the question of whether vascular integrity and development may be impaired in ARPKD, perhaps through molecular mechanisms overlapping with ADPKD. This possibility is supported by studies in mice that show ARPKD gene expression in the walls of large blood vessels.
Up-Regulated Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Endothelial Cells Mediates Platelet Microvesicle-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Sun Cheng , Feng Shi-Bin , Cao Zheng-Wang , Bei Jun-Jie , Chen Qiang , Xu Xian-Jie , Zhou Zhou , Yu Zheng-Ping , Hu Hou-Yuan
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Platelet microvesicles (PMVs) contribute to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, but the mechanisms underlying these contributions have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether PMVs regulate the angiogenic properties of endothelial cells (ECs) via mechanisms extending beyond the transport of angiogenic regulators from platelets. Methods: In vitro Matrigel tube formation assay and in vivo Matrigel plug assay were used to evaluate the pro-angiogenic activity of PMVs. The effects of PMVs on the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by transwell assay and wound-healing assay. Real-time PCR and western blot were conducted to examine mRNA and protein expression of pro-angiogenic factors in HUVECs. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was assayed by gelatin zymography. Moreover, the effects of specific MMP inhibitors were tested. Results: PMVs promoted HUVEC capillary-like network formation in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, PMVs dose-dependently facilitated HUVEC migration. Levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activity were up-regulated in HUVECs stimulated with PMVs. Inhibition of MMPs decreased their pro-angiogenic and pro-migratory effects on HUVECs. Moreover, we confirmed the pro-angiogenic activity of PMVs in vivo in mice with subcutaneous implantation of Matrigel, and demonstrated that blockade of MMPs attenuated PMV-induced angiogenesis. Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate that PMVs promote angiogenesis by up-regulating MMP expression in ECs via mechanism extending beyond the direct delivery of angiogenic factors.
Inhibition of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Reversine
Authors: Jemaà Mohamed , Fezai Myriam , Lang Florian
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The A3 adenosine receptor antagonist reversine (2-(4-morpholinoanilino)-6-cyclohexylaminopurine) influences cellular differentiation, inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell-cycle arrest, triggers apoptosis, causes cell swelling with polyploidy and stimulates autophagy. The effect on apoptosis involves mitochondria and caspases. Erythrocytes are lacking mitochondria but express caspases and are, similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, able to enter suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), energy depletion and oxidative stress. The present study explored, whether reversine influences eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to quantify phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding and cell volume from forward scatter. Measurements were made without or with energy depletion (glucose deprivation for 48 hours), Ca2+ loading (30 minutes treatment with 1 µM Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin), or oxidative stress (15 min exposure to 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide). Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to reversine (1-10 µM) did not significantly modify the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells and forward scatter. Energy depletion, Ca2+ loading, and oxidative stress were each followed by profound and significant increase of the percentage annexin-V-binding erythrocytes and a significant decrease of forward scatter. The effects of each, Ca2+ loading, energy depletion and oxidative stress on annexin-V-binding were significantly blunted in the presence of reversine (1-10 µM). The effect of ionomycin, but not the effects of energy depletion and oxidative stress on forward scatter were again significantly blunted in the presence of reversine (≥1 µM]. Conclusions: Reversine is a powerful inhibitor of cell membrane scrambling following energy depletion, Ca2+ loading and oxidative stress.
Risk Factors for Nonadherence to Antihypertensive Treatment
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Patel Prashanth , Štrauch Branislav , Lai Florence Y. , Akbarov Artur , Marešová Věra , White Christobelle M.J. , Petrák Ondřej , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Patel Veena , Rosa Ján , Cole Richard , Zelinka Tomáš , Holaj Robert , Kinnell Angela , Smith Paul R. , Thompson John R. , Squire Iain , Widimský Jiří , Samani Nilesh J. , Williams Bryan , Tomaszewski Maciej
Published: May 2017

Nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment is a critical contributor to suboptimal blood pressure control. There are limited and heterogeneous data on the risk factors for nonadherence because few studies used objective-direct diagnostic methods. We used high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of urine and serum to detect nonadherence and explored its association with the main demographic- and therapy-related factors in 1348 patients with hypertension from 2 European countries. The rates of nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment were 41.6% and 31.5% in the UK and Czech populations, respectively. Nonadherence was inversely related to age and male sex. Each increase in the number of antihypertensive medications led to 85% and 77% increase in nonadherence (
P
<0.001) in the UK and Czech populations, respectively. The odds of nonadherence to diuretics were the highest among 5 classes of antihypertensive medications (
P
≤0.005 in both populations). The predictive model for nonadherence, including age, sex, diuretics, and the number of prescribed antihypertensives, showed area under the curves of 0.758 and 0.710 in the UK and Czech populations, respectively. The area under the curves for the UK model tested on the Czech data and for the Czech model tested on UK data were calculated at 0.708 and 0.756, respectively. We demonstrate that the number and class of prescribed antihypertensives are modifiable risk factors for biochemically confirmed nonadherence to blood pressure–lowering therapy. Further development of discriminatory models incorporating these parameters might prove clinically useful in assessment of nonadherence in countries where biochemical analysis is unavailable.
Evidence for Heterodimerization and Functional Interaction of the Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor and the Receptor MAS
Authors: Leonhardt Julia , Villela Daniel C. , Teichmann Anke , Münter Lisa-Marie , Mayer Magnus C. , Mardahl Maibritt , Kirsch Sebastian , Namsolleck Pawel , Lucht Kristin , Benz Verena , Alenina Natalia , Daniell Nicholas , Horiuchi Masatsugu , Iwai Masaru , Multhaup Gerhard , Schülein Ralf , Bader Michael , Santos Robson A. , Unger Thomas , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha
Published: May 2017

The angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) and the receptor MAS are receptors of the protective arm of the renin–angiotensin system. They mediate strikingly similar actions. Moreover, in various studies, AT2R antagonists blocked the effects of MAS agonists and vice versa. Such cross-inhibition may indicate heterodimerization of these receptors. Therefore, this study investigated the molecular and functional interplay between MAS and the AT2R. Molecular interactions were assessed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and by cross correlation spectroscopy in human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with vectors encoding fluorophore-tagged MAS or AT2R. Functional interaction of AT2R and MAS was studied in astrocytes with CX3C chemokine receptor-1 messenger RNA expression as readout. Coexpression of fluorophore-tagged AT2R and MAS resulted in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiency of 10.8 ± 0.8%, indicating that AT2R and MAS are capable to form heterodimers. Heterodimerization was verified by competition experiments using untagged AT2R and MAS. Specificity of dimerization of AT2R and MAS was supported by lack of dimerization with the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C-member 6. Dimerization of the AT2R was abolished when it was mutated at cysteine residue 35. AT2R and MAS stimulation with the respective agonists, Compound 21 or angiotensin-(1–7), significantly induced CX3C chemokine receptor-1 messenger RNA expression. Effects of each agonist were blocked by an AT2R antagonist (PD123319) and also by a MAS antagonist (A-779). Knockout of a single of these receptors made astrocytes unresponsive for both agonists. Our results suggest that MAS and the AT2R form heterodimers and that—at least in astrocytes—both receptors functionally depend on each other.
Angiogenic Markers and Cardiovascular Indices in the Prediction of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Verlohren Stefan , Perschel Frank H. , Thilaganathan Baskaran , Dröge Lisa Antonia , Henrich Wolfgang , Busjahn Andreas , Khalil Asma
Published: May 2017

Angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors have proven to be an accurate predictive means of preeclampsia. Echocardiographic studies have shown that women with preeclampsia exhibit significant cardiovascular strain, especially early-onset preeclampsia. The aim of this study is to determine preeclampsia risk with soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase 1/placental growth factor ratio, serum NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide), and biophysical markers of cardiovascular function in a prospective case–control study. We examined a cohort of 110 pregnant women with uneventful pregnancy outcome (controls) and 129 with hypertensive pregnancy disorders, including 77 with preeclampsia and 52 with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Cardiac indices were obtained with a USCOM-1A monitor, and soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase 1, placental growth factor, and NT-proBNP were measured in serum samples on automated platforms. Logistic regression, as well as Cox proportional hazard analysis, was performed. There were significant contributions from all variables tested, except for heart rate, stroke volume index, and cardiac index to the prediction model. When testing accuracy of respective markers in combination (full model) versus individual markers (soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase 1/placental growth factor ratio and total peripheral resistance) was compared. The soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase 1/placental growth factor ratio and total peripheral resistance performed as good as the full model, except for hypertensive pregnancy disorders and pregnancy-induced hypertension, where the full model performed better. The additional assessment of biophysical and biochemical markers of cardiovascular strain in pregnancy increases the detection of the composite group of hypertensive pregnancy disorders, while not significantly improving detection of preeclampsia alone. This offers a more precise insight into the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as offering a window for intervention, possibly decreasing cardiovascular mortality in these women.
当代中国宗教研究∶对话中国社会科学领域的基督教研究者
Authors: Thurston Naomi
Published: May 2017

This article, based on qualitative fieldwork among Chinese scholars of Christianity whom I interviewed between 2011 and 2015, explores the nexus between scholarly inquiry, cross-disciplinary negotiation, and religious belonging, specifically among the first generation of scholars researching Christianity after the launch of Deng Xiaoping’s policy of reform and opening-up. The article presents a typology of the researchers that is informed by interviewees’ disciplinary, religious, and discursive alignments. It also addresses the question of how the academic discipline of theology might find new anchorage in the landscape of “Sino-Christian studies,” with its many voices and varied interests.

本论文的资料来自笔者从2011至2015年在中国学术界进行的田野研究，探讨的重点是学术研究、跨文化协调与宗教身份的勾连，尤其针对学者中的“前辈”，即改革开放以来第一代学人。此外，此项研究将呈现一个按照学者专业、宗教归属与话语路径来划分的的类型图。本文探索的问题是：在充满不同观点与多种目标的知识话语领域中，学术性神学在当代语境中能否找到一个新的位置？ (This article is in English.)