bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza newspaper reports and the influenza epidemic: an observational study in Fukuoka City, Japan
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Onozuka Daisuke , Miyazaki Shougo , Abe Takeru
Published: December 2015

Objectives

We examined whether the weekly number of newspaper articles reporting on influenza was related to the incidence of influenza in a large city.

Design

Prospective, non-randomised, observational study.

Setting

Registry data of influenza cases in Fukuoka City, Japan.

Participants

A total of 83 613 cases of influenza cases that occurred between October 1999 and March 2007 in Fukuoka City, Japan.

Main outcome measure

A linear model with autoregressive time series errors was fitted to time series data on the incidence of influenza and the accumulated number of influenza-related newspaper articles with different time lags in Fukuoka City, Japan. In order to obtain further evidence that the number of newspaper articles a week with specific time lags is related to the incidence of influenza, Granger causality was also tested.

Results

Of the 16 models including ‘number of newspaper articles’ with different time lags between 2 and 17 weeks (xt-2 to t-17), the β coefficients of ‘number of newspaper articles’ at time lags between t-5 and t-13 were significant. However, the β coefficients of ‘number of newspaper articles’ that are significant with respect to the Granger causality tests (p<0.05) were the weekly number of newspaper articles at time lags between t-6 and t-10 (time shift of 10 weeks, β=−0.301, p<0.01; time shift of 9 weeks, β=−0.200, p<0.01; time shift of 8 weeks, β=−0.156, p<0.01; time shift of 7 weeks, β=−0.122, p<0.05; time shift of 6 weeks, β=−0.113, p<0.05).

Conclusions

We found that the number of newspaper articles reporting on influenza in a week was related to the incidence of influenza 6–10 weeks after media coverage in a large city in Japan.
Can transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure be a surrogate of blood gas samples for spontaneously breathing emergency patients? The ERNESTO experience
Authors: Peschanski Nicolas , Garcia Léa , Delasalle Emilie , Mzabi Lynda , Rouff Edwin , Dautheville Sandrine , Renai Fayrouz , Kieffer Yann , Lefevre Guillaume , Freund Yonathan , Ray Patrick
Published: December 2015

Background

It is known that the arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) is useful for emergency physicians to assess the severity of dyspnoeic spontaneously breathing patients. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (PtcCO2) measurements could be a non-invasive alternative to PaCO2measurements obtained by blood gas samples, as suggested in previous studies. This study evaluates the reliability of a new device in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

We prospectively included patients presenting to the ED with respiratory distress who were breathing spontaneously or under non-invasive ventilation. We simultaneously performed arterial blood gas measurements and measurement of PtcCO2using a sensor placed either on the forearm or the side of the chest and connected to the TCM4 CombiM device. The agreement between PaCO2and PtcCO2was assessed using the Bland–Altman method.

Results

Sixty-seven spontaneously breathing patients were prospectively included (mean age 70 years, 52% men) and 64 first measurements of PtcCO2(out of 67) were analysed out of the 97 performed. Nineteen patients (28%) had pneumonia, 19 (28%) had acute heart failure and 19 (28%) had an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean PaCO2was 49 mm Hg (range 22–103). The mean difference between PaCO2and PtcCO2was 9 mm Hg (range −47 to +54) with 95% limits of agreement of −21.8 mm Hg and 39.7 mm Hg. Only 36.3% of the measurement differences were within 5 mm Hg.

Conclusions

Our results show that PtcCO2measured by the TCM4 device could not replace PaCO2obtained by arterial blood gas analysis.
Effects of state-level policy changes on homicide and nonfatal shootings of law enforcement officers
Authors: Crifasi Cassandra K , Pollack Keshia M , Webster Daniel W
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the impact of state-level policy changes on assaults on law enforcement officers (LEOs) in the USA.

Methods

Pooled time series and cross-sections with negative binomial regression were used to estimate the impact of state-level changes of right-to-carry (RTC), three-strikes and permit-to-purchase (PTP) handgun laws on fatal and non-fatal assaults of LEOs. LEO assaults were stratified by weapon type (all methods, handgun and non-handgun) and whether or not the assault was fatal. Data were collected from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted database and analysed for the period 1984–2013 for fatal assaults and 1998–2013 for non-fatal assaults.

Results

RTC laws showed no association with fatal (p>0.4) or non-fatal (p>0.15) assaults on LEOs. Three-strikes laws were associated with a 33% increase in the risk of fatal assaults on LEOs. Connecticut's PTP law was not associated with fatal (p>0.16) or non-fatal (p>0.13) assaults. Missouri's repeal of its PTP legislation was marginally associated with a twofold increased risk of non-fatal handgun assaults (p=0.089).

Conclusions

This research indicates that three-strikes laws increase the risk of fatal assaults. RTC laws are not associated with increased risk of assault. Missouri's PTP repeal may increase the risk of non-fatal handgun assaults.
Comparative effectiveness of biologic monotherapy versus combination therapy for patients with psoriatic arthritis: results from the Corrona registry
Authors: Mease Philip J , Collier David H , Saunders Katherine C , Li Guo , Kremer Joel M , Greenberg Jeffrey D
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To characterise the comparative effectiveness of combination therapy (a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) such as methotrexate) and monotherapy (TNFi only) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from a large US registry.

Methods

The analysis included adult patients with PsA who were enrolled in the Corrona database (ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01402661), had initiated a TNFi, were biologic naïve, and had a follow-up visit ≥90 days after drug initiation. The endpoints of the analysis were TNFi persistence (drug survival) and time to Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission. All analyses were performed using propensity scoring, which were estimated using CDAI and patient sex, to control for channelling bias.

Results

Of 519 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (318 with combination therapy and 201 with monotherapy), the analysis population was 497 for TNFi persistence and 380 for time to remission. The difference between combination therapy (TNFi+methotrexate, 91% of patients; TNFi+other csDMARD, 9%) and monotherapy was not statistically significant for TNFi persistence (32 and 31 months, p=0.73) and time to remission (21 and 25 months, p=0.56). Predictors of TNFi persistence included Hispanic ethnicity (longer persistence), PsA duration (longer persistence), history of methotrexate use (shorter persistence), body mass index (shorter persistence) and disease activity (shorter persistence).

Conclusions

Patients with PsA from a large US registry experienced similar TNFi persistence on combination therapy and monotherapy. Prospective, randomised clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy versus monotherapy would provide much-needed clarity on treatment options for patients with PsA.

Trial registration number

NCT01402661.
A Linear Time Algorithm for Embedding Christmas Trees into Certain Trees
Authors: Rajasingh Indra , Rajan R. Sundara , Manuel Paul
Published: December 2015

Graph embedding is an important technique that maps a logical graph into a host graph, usually an interconnection network. In this paper, we compute the exact wirelength of embedding Christmas trees into trees. Moreover, we present an algorithm for embedding Christmas trees into caterpillars with dilation 3 proving that the lower bound obtained in [30] is sharp. Further, we solve the maximum subgraph problem for Christmas trees and provide a linear time algorithm to compute the exact wirelength of embedding Christmas trees into trees.
De-confinement in small systems: Clustering of color sources in high multiplicity p̄p collisions at s = 1.8TeV
Authors: Gutay L. J. , Hirsch A. S. , Scharenberg R. P. , Srivastava B. K. , Pajares C.
Published: December 2015

It is shown that de-confinement can be achieved in high multiplicity nonjet [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL- E735) experiment. Previously, the evidence for de-confinement was demonstrated by the constant freeze out energy density in high multiplicity events. In this paper, we use the same but analyze the transverse momentum spectrum in the framework of the clustering of color sources. This frame work naturally predicts the reduction in the charged particle multiplicity with respect to the value expected from the number of independent strings. The charged particle pseudorapidity densities in the range [Formula: see text] are considered. Results are presented for both thermodynamic and transport properties. The initial temperature and energy density are obtained from the data via the color reduction factor [Formula: see text] and the associated string density parameter [Formula: see text]. The Bjorken ideal fluid description of the [Formula: see text], when modified by the color reduction factor and the trace anomaly [Formula: see text] is in remarkable agreement with the lattice quantum chromo dynamics (LQCD) simulations. The energy density [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] is close to the value for 0–10% central events in Au+Au collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV. The shear viscosity to entropy density ratio ([Formula: see text]) is [Formula: see text]0.2 at the transition temperature of 167[Formula: see text]MeV. The result for the trace anomaly [Formula: see text] is in excellent agreement with LQCD simulations. These results confirm our earlier observation that the de-confined state of matter was created in high multiplicity events in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV.
Two-term formula for ground band energy symmetry in low-lying levels of light Mg-Zr nuclei
Authors: Devi Vidya
Published: December 2015

In this paper, two parameter single-term energy formula [Formula: see text] is used to study the energy spin relationship within the ground bands of even–even Mg-Zr nuclei. The formula works better for the [Formula: see text]-soft nuclei as well as vibrational nuclei. We also compared it with other two-parameter formulas: Ejiri, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and soft rotor formula (SRF). We also study the symmetry of the nuclei in the framework of interacting boson model (IBM-1). The IBM-1 was employed to determine the most appropriate Hamiltonian, the Hamiltonian of the IBM-1 and [Formula: see text](6) symmetry calculation, for the study of these isotopes. We have also calculated energy levels and B(E2) values for number of transitions in these [Formula: see text]Se and [Formula: see text]Kr isotopes and there is a good agreement between the presented results and the previous experimental data.
A PSO-Based Fuzzy c-Regression Model Applied to Nonlinear Data Modeling
Authors: Soltani Moez , Chaari Abdelkader
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a new method for fuzzy c-regression models clustering algorithm. The main motivation for this work is to develop an identification procedure for nonlinear systems using weighted recursive least squares and particle swarm optimization. The fuzzy c-regression models algorithm is sensitive to initialization which leads to the convergence to a local minimum of the objective function. In order to overcome this problem, particle swarm optimization is employed to achieve global optimization of FCRM and to finally tune parameters of obtained fuzzy model. The weighted recursive least squares is used to identify the unknown parameters of the local linear model. Finally, validation results involving simulation of two examples have demonstrated the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed algorithm.
Physiological and pathological left ventricular hypertrophy of comparable degree is associated with characteristic differences of in vivo hemodynamics
Authors: Oláh Attila , Németh Balázs Tamás , Mátyás Csaba , Hidi László , Lux Árpád , Ruppert Mihály , Kellermayer Dalma , Sayour Alex Ali , Szabó Lilla , Török Marianna , Meltzer Anna , Gellér László , Merkely Béla , Radovits Tamás
Published: December 2015

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a physiological or pathological response of LV myocardium to increased cardiac load. We aimed at investigating and comparing hemodynamic alterations in well-established rat models of physiological hypertrophy (PhyH) and pathological hypertrophy (PaH) by using LV pressure-volume (P-V) analysis. PhyH and PaH were induced in rats by swim training and by abdominal aortic banding, respectively. Morphology of the heart was investigated by echocardiography. Characterization of cardiac function was completed by LV P-V analysis. In addition, histological and molecular biological measurements were performed. Echocardiography revealed myocardial hypertrophy of similar degree in both models, which was confirmed by post-mortem heart weight data. In aortic-banded rats we detected subendocardial fibrosis. Reactivation of fetal gene program could be observed only in the PaH model. PhyH was associated with increased stroke volume, whereas unaltered stroke volume was detected in PaH along with markedly elevated end-systolic pressure values. Sensitive indexes of LV contractility were increased in both models, in parallel with the degree of hypertrophy. Active relaxation was ameliorated in athlete's heart, whereas it showed marked impairment in PaH. Mechanical efficiency and ventriculo-arterial coupling were improved in PhyH, whereas they remained unchanged in PaH. Myocardial gene expression of mitochondrial regulators showed marked differences between PaH and PhyH. We provided the first comparative hemodynamic characterization of PhyH and PaH in relevant rodent models. Increased LV contractility could be observed in both types of LV hypertrophy; characteristic distinction was detected in diastolic function (active relaxation) and mechanoenergetics (mechanical efficiency), which might be explained by mitochondrial differences.
Regulation of alveolar septation by microRNA-489
Authors: Olave Nelida , Lal Charitharth V. , Halloran Brian , Pandit Kusum , Cuna Alain C. , Faye-Petersen Ona M. , Kelly David R. , Nicola Teodora , Benos Panayiotis V. , Kaminski Naftali , Ambalavanan Namasivayam
Published: December 2015

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small conserved RNA that regulate gene expression. Bioinformatic analysis of miRNA profiles during mouse lung development indicated a role for multiple miRNA, including miRNA-489. miR-489 increased on completion of alveolar septation [postnatal day 42 (P42)], associated with decreases in its conserved target genes insulin-like growth factor-1 ( Igf1) and tenascin C ( Tnc). We hypothesized that dysregulation of miR-489 and its target genes Igf1 and Tnc contribute to hyperoxia-induced abnormal lung development. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to normoxia (21%) or hyperoxia (85% O2) from P4 to P14, in combination with intranasal locked nucleic acid against miR-489 to inhibit miR-489, cytomegalovirus promoter (pCMV)-miR-489 to overexpress miR-489, or empty vector. Hyperoxia reduced miR-489 and increased Igf1 and Tnc. Locked nucleic acid against miR-489 improved lung development during hyperoxia and did not alter it during normoxia, whereas miR-489 overexpression inhibited lung development during normoxia. The 3′ untranslated region in vitro reporter studies confirmed Igf1 and Tnc as targets of miR-489. While miR-489 was of epithelial origin and present in exosomes, its targets Igf1 and Tnc were produced by fibroblasts. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) had reduced lung miR-489 and increased Igf1 and Tnc compared with normal preterm or term infants. These results suggest increased miR-489 is an inhibitor of alveolar septation. During hyperoxia or BPD, reduced miR-489 and increased Igf1 and Tnc may be inadequate attempts at compensation. Further inhibition of miR-489 may permit alveolar septation to proceed. The use of specific miRNA antagonists or agonists may be a therapeutic strategy for inhibited alveolarization, such as in BPD.
Cigarette smoke-induced necroptosis and DAMP release trigger neutrophilic airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Pouwels Simon D. , Zijlstra G. Jan , van der Toorn Marco , Hesse Laura , Gras Renee , ten Hacken Nick H. T. , Krysko Dmitri V. , Vandenabeele Peter , de Vries Maaike , van Oosterhout Antoon J. M. , Heijink Irene H. , Nawijn Martijn C.
Published: December 2015

Recent data indicate a role for airway epithelial necroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis, and the associated release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DAMPs can activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), triggering innate immune responses. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke (CS)-induced epithelial necroptosis and DAMP release initiate airway inflammation in COPD. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and necrotic cell death (membrane integrity by propidium iodide staining) and DAMP release (i.e., double-stranded DNA, high-mobility group box 1, heat shock protein 70, mitochondrial DNA, ATP) were analyzed. Subsequently, BEAS-2B cells were exposed to DAMP-containing supernatant of CS-induced necrotic cells, and the release of proinflammatory mediators [C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL-8), IL-6] was evaluated. Furthermore, mice were exposed to CS in the presence and absence of the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1, and levels of DAMPs and inflammatory cell numbers were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CSE induced a significant increase in the percentage of necrotic cells and DAMP release in BEAS-2B cells. Stimulation of BEAS-2B cells with supernatant of CS-induced necrotic cells induced a significant increase in the release of CXCL8 and IL-6, in a myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88-dependent fashion. In mice, exposure of CS increased the levels of DAMPs and numbers of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which was statistically reduced upon treatment with necrostatin-1. Together, we showed that CS exposure induces necrosis of bronchial epithelial cells and subsequent DAMP release in vitro, inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo, CS exposure induces neutrophilic airway inflammation that is sensitive to necroptosis inhibition.
MAP1LC3B overexpression protects against Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type-1-induced defective autophagy in vitro
Authors: Ahuja Saket , Knudsen Lars , Chillappagari Shashi , Henneke Ingrid , Ruppert Clemens , Korfei Martina , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Bellusci Saverio , Seeger Werner , Ochs Matthias , Guenther Andreas , Mahavadi Poornima
Published: December 2015

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, and some patients with HPS develop pulmonary fibrosis, known as HPS-associated interstitial pneumonia (HPSIP). We have previously reported that HPSIP is associated with severe surfactant accumulation, lysosomal stress, and alveolar epithelial cell type II (AECII) apoptosis. Here, we hypothesized that defective autophagy might result in excessive lysosomal stress in HPSIP. Key autophagy proteins, including LC3B lipidation and p62, were increased in HPS1/2 mice lungs. Electron microscopy demonstrated a preferable binding of LC3B to the interior of lamellar bodies in the AECII of HPS1/2 mice, whereas in wild-type mice it was present on the limiting membrane in addition to the interior of the lamellar bodies. Similar observations were noted in human HPS1 lung sections. In vitro knockdown of HPS1 revealed increased LC3B lipidation and p62 accumulation, associated with an increase in proapoptotic caspases. Overexpression of LC3B decreased the HPS1 knockdown-induced p62 accumulation, whereas rapamycin treatment did not show the same effect. We conclude that loss of HPS1 protein results in impaired autophagy that is restored by exogenous LC3B and that defective autophagy might therefore play a critical role in the development and progression of HPSIP.
Mucosal inflammation at the respiratory interface: a zebrafish model
Authors: Progatzky Fränze , Cook H. Terence , Lamb Jonathan R. , Bugeon Laurence , Dallman Margaret J.
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are increasing globally and remain poorly understood conditions. Although attention has long focused on the activation of type 1 and type 2 helper T cells of the adaptive immune system in these diseases, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is also a need to understand the contributions and interactions between innate immune cells and the epithelial lining of the respiratory system. Cigarette smoke predisposes the respiratory tissue to a higher incidence of inflammatory disease, and here we have used zebrafish gills as a model to study the effect of cigarette smoke on the respiratory epithelium. Zebrafish gills fulfill the same gas-exchange function as the mammalian airways and have a similar structure. Exposure to cigarette smoke extracts resulted in an increase in transcripts of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP9 in the gill tissue, which was at least in part mediated via NF-κB activation. Longer term exposure of fish for 6 wk to cigarette smoke extract resulted in marked structural changes to the gills with lamellar fusion and mucus cell formation, while signs of inflammation or fibrosis were absent. This shows, for the first time, that zebrafish gills are a relevant model for studying the effect of inflammatory stimuli on a respiratory epithelium, since they mimic the immunopathology involved in respiratory inflammatory diseases of humans.
Novel unbiased assay for circulating podocyte-toxic factors associated with recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Kachurina Nadezda , Chung Chen-Fang , Benderoff Erin , Babayeva Sima , Bitzan Martin , Goodyer Paul , Kitzler Thomas , Matar Dany , Cybulsky Andrey V. , Alachkar Nada , Torban Elena
Published: December 2015

Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is an irreversible renal pathology characterized by podocyte detachment from the glomerular basement membrane, hyalinosis, and sclerosis. Clinically, it manifests with proteinuria and progressive loss of glomerular filtration. Primary idiopathic FSGS can occur in isolation and frequently progresses to end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. In 30–50% of these patients, proteinuria and FSGS recur in the renal allograft, suggesting the presence of a podocyte-toxic factor(s) in the recipient's serum. Currently, there is no reliable way to quantify the serum activity or predict the subset of FSGS patients at risk for recurrence after transplantation. We describe a novel in vitro method that measures the podocyte-toxic activity of sera from FSGS patients using cultured human podocytes; we compare this with the effect of compounds such as adriamycin. Using immunofluorescence microscopy followed by computerized image-processing analysis, we show that incubation of human podocytes with adriamycin leads to a dose-dependent disassembly of focal adhesion complexes (FACs). We then demonstrate that sera from patients with posttransplant recurrent or idiopathic FSGS cause a similar FAC disturbance. In contrast, sera from nonrecurrent FSGS patients do not affect FACs. In some FSGS patients, toxic effects of serum can be prevented by blockade of the tumor necrosis factor-α pathway. We propose that this method may be useful as a diagnostic tool to identify FSGS patients with serum podocyte-toxic activity that presumably places them at increased risk for recurrence in the renal allograft.
Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 attenuates renal injury via an antioxidant effect in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Hou Yanjuan , Li Shuangcheng , Wu Ming , Wei Jinying , Ren Yunzhuo , Du Chunyang , Wu Haijiang , Han Caili , Duan Huijun , Shi Yonghong
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney injury. SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we investigated the effect and molecular mechanism of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide SS-31 on injuries in diabetic kidneys and mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) exposed to high-glucose (HG) ambience. CD-1 mice underwent uninephrectomy and streptozotocin treatment prior to receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of SS-31 for 8 wk. The diabetic mice treated with SS-31 had alleviated proteinuria, urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine level, glomerular hypertrophy, and accumulation of renal fibronectin and collagen IV. SS-31 attenuated renal cell apoptosis and expression of Bax and reversed the expression of Bcl-2 in diabetic mice kidneys. Furthermore, SS-31 inhibited expression of transforming-growth factor (TGF)-β1, Nox4, and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), as well as activation of p38 MAPK and CREB and NADPH oxidase activity in diabetic kidneys. In vitro experiments using MMCs revealed that SS-31 inhibited HG-mediated ROS generation, apoptosis, expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cytochrome c (cyt c) release from mitochondria. SS-31 normalized mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and ATP alterations, and inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, Nox4, and TXNIP, as well as activation of p38 MAPK and CREB and NADPH oxidase activity in MMCs under HG conditions. SS-31 treatment also could reverse the reduction of thioredoxin (TRX) biologic activity and upregulate expression of thioredoxin 2 (TRX2) in MMCs under HG conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a protective effect of SS-31 against HG-induced renal injury via an antioxidant mechanism in diabetic nephropathy.
Efficient neuroplasticity induction in chronic stroke patients by an associative brain-computer interface
Authors: Mrachacz-Kersting Natalie , Jiang Ning , Stevenson Andrew James Thomas , Niazi Imran Khan , Kostic Vladimir , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Radovanovic Sasa , Djuric-Jovicic Milica , Agosta Federica , Dremstrup Kim , Farina Dario
Published: December 2015

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to improve functionality in chronic stoke patients when applied over a large number of sessions. Here we evaluated the effect and the underlying mechanisms of three BCI training sessions in a double-blind sham-controlled design. The applied BCI is based on Hebbian principles of associativity that hypothesize that neural assemblies activated in a correlated manner will strengthen synaptic connections. Twenty-two chronic stroke patients were divided into two training groups. Movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) were detected by electroencephalography during repetitions of foot dorsiflexion. Detection triggered a single electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve timed so that the resulting afferent volley arrived at the peak negative phase of the MRCP (BCIassociativegroup) or randomly (BCInonassociativegroup). Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FM), 10-m walking speed, foot and hand tapping frequency, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, and the excitability of the corticospinal tract to the target muscle [tibialis anterior (TA)] were quantified. The TA motor evoked potential (MEP) increased significantly after the BCIassociativeintervention, but not for the BCInonassociativegroup. FM scores (0.8 ± 0.46 point difference, P = 0.01), foot (but not finger) tapping frequency, and 10-m walking speed improved significantly for the BCIassociativegroup, indicating clinically relevant improvements. Corticospinal tract integrity on DTI did not correlate with clinical or physiological changes. For the BCI as applied here, the precise coupling between the brain command and the afferent signal was imperative for the behavioral, clinical, and neurophysiological changes reported. This association may become the driving principle for the design of BCI rehabilitation in the future. Indeed, no available BCIs can match this degree of functional improvement with such a short intervention.
Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Separable Convex Optimization of Real Functions in Complex Variables
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Xingyu , Wang Guoqiang
Published: December 2015

The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) has been widely explored due to its broad applications, and its convergence has been gotten in the real field. In this paper, an ADMM is presented for separable convex optimization of real functions in complex variables. First, the convergence of the proposed method in the complex domain is established by using the Wirtinger Calculus technique. Second, the basis pursuit (BP) algorithm is given in the form of ADMM in which the projection algorithm and the soft thresholding formula are generalized from the real case. The numerical simulations on the reconstruction of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal are provided to show that our new ADMM has better behavior than the classic ADMM for solving separable convex optimization of real functions in complex variables.
An Overview on the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Ceramics Nanocomposites
Authors: Silvestre J. , Silvestre N. , de Brito J.
Published: December 2015

Due to their prominent properties (mechanical, stiffness, strength, thermal stability), ceramic composite materials (CMC) have been widely applied in automotive, industrial and aerospace engineering, as well as in biomedical and electronic devices. Because monolithic ceramics exhibit brittle behaviour and low electrical conductivity, CMCs have been greatly improved in the last decade. CMCs are produced from ceramic fibres embedded in a ceramic matrix, for which several ceramic materials (oxide or non‐oxide) are used for the fibres and the matrix. Due to the large diversity of available fibres, the properties of CMCs can be adapted to achieve structural targets. They are especially valuable for structural components with demanding mechanical and thermal requirements. However, with the advent of nanoparticles in this century, the research interests in CMCs are now changing from classical reinforcement (e.g., microscale fibres) to new types of reinforcement at nanoscale. This review paper presents the current state of knowledge on processing and mechanical properties of a new generation of CMCs: Ceramics Nanocomposites (CNCs).
Synthesis, Characterization, and Structural Assessment of Ni(II) Complexes Derived from Bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)succinoyldihydrazone
Authors: Chakrabarty Mithun , Ahmed Aziz , Lal R. A.
Published: December 2015

The monometallic nickel(II) complexes [Ni(H2nsh)(A)2]·nH2O (where A = water (H2O), n=0 (1); pyridine (py), n=2 (2); 2-picoline(2-pic), n=0 (3); 3-picoline(3-pic), n=2 (4); and 4-picoline(4-pic), n=0 (5)) and homobimetallic nickel(II) complexes [Ni2(nsh)(A)4]·nH2O (where A = water (H2O), n=1 (6); pyridine (py), n=4 (7); 2-picoline(2-pic), n=4 (8); 3-picoline(3-pic), n=4 (9); and 4-picoline(4-pic), n=4 (10), resp.) have been synthesized in methanol from bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)succinoyldihydrazone (H4nsh). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment, and electronic and IR and TGA/DTA spectroscopic studies. The monometallic complexes (1) to (5) are found to have octahedral stereochemistry while complexes (6) to (10) are found to have distorted octahedral stereochemistry in which one of the Ni(II) centres is present in N2O2 coordination sphere and another Ni(II) centre is bonded to it through phenolate oxygen atoms via oxo-bridging.
Fitting Green’s Function FFT Acceleration Applied to Anisotropic Dielectric Scattering Problems
Authors: Chen Shu-Wen , Lu Feng , Ma Yao
Published: December 2015

A volume integral equation based fast algorithm using the Fast Fourier Transform of fitting Green’s function (FG-FFT) is proposed in this paper for analysis of electromagnetic scattering from 3D anisotropic dielectric objects. For the anisotropic VIE model, geometric discretization is still implemented by tetrahedron cells and the Schaubert-Wilton-Glisson (SWG) basis functions are also used to represent the electric flux density vectors. Compared with other Fast Fourier Transform based fast methods, using fitting Green’s function technique has higher accuracy and can be applied to a relatively coarse grid, so the Fast Fourier Transform of fitting Green’s function is selected to accelerate anisotropic dielectric model of volume integral equation for solving electromagnetic scattering problems. Besides, the near-field matrix elements in this method are used to construct preconditioner, which has been proved to be effective. At last, several representative numerical experiments proved the validity and efficiency of the proposed method.
Two-Dimensional Direction-of-Arrivals Estimation Based on One-Dimensional Search Using Rank Deficiency Principle
Authors: Yan Feng-Gang , Chen Zhi-Kun , Sun Ming-Jian , Shen Yi , Jin Ming
Published: December 2015

A novel efficient method for two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrivals (DOAs) estimation is proposed to reduce the computational complexity of conventional 2D multiple signal classification (2D-MUSIC) algorithm with uniform rectangular arrays (URAs). By introducing two electrical DOAs, the formula of 2D-MUSIC is transformed into a new one-dimensional (1D) quadratic optimal problem. This 1D quadratic optimal problem is further proved equivalent to finding the conditions of noise subspace rank deficiency (NSRD), which can be solved by an efficient 1D spectral search, leading to a novel NSRD-MUSIC estimator accordingly. Unlike 2D-MUSIC with exhaustive 2D search, the proposed technique requires only an efficient 1D one. Compared with the estimation of signal parameter via rotation invariance techniques (ESPRIT), NSRD-MUSIC has a significantly improved accuracy. Moreover, the new algorithm requires no pair matching. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the efficiency of the new estimator.
Role of Heat-Shock Proteins in Cellular Function and in the Biology of Fungi
Authors: Tiwari Shraddha , Thakur Raman , Shankar Jata
Published: December 2015

Stress (biotic or abiotic) is an unfavourable condition for an organism including fungus. To overcome stress, organism expresses heat-shock proteins (Hsps) or chaperons to perform biological function. Hsps are involved in various routine biological processes such as transcription, translation and posttranslational modifications, protein folding, and aggregation and disaggregation of proteins. Thus, it is important to understand holistic role of Hsps in response to stress and other biological conditions in fungi. Hsp104, Hsp70, and Hsp40 are found predominant in replication and Hsp90 is found in transcriptional and posttranscriptional process. Hsp90 and Hsp70 in combination or alone play a major role in morphogenesis and dimorphism. Heat stress in fungi expresses Hsp60, Hsp90, Hsp104, Hsp30, and Hsp10 proteins, whereas expression of Hsp12 protein was observed in response to cold stress. Hsp30, Hsp70, and Hsp90 proteins showed expression in response to pH stress. Osmotic stress is controlled by small heat-shock proteins and Hsp60. Expression of Hsp104 is observed under high pressure conditions. Out of these heat-shock proteins, Hsp90 has been predicted as a potential antifungal target due to its role in morphogenesis. Thus, current review focuses on role of Hsps in fungi during morphogenesis and various stress conditions (temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure) and in antifungal drug tolerance.
In-Domain Control of a Heat Equation: An Approach Combining Zero-Dynamics Inverse and Differential Flatness
Authors: Zheng Jun , Zhu Guchuan
Published: December 2015

This paper addresses the set-point control problem of a one-dimensional heat equation with in-domain actuation. The proposed scheme is based on the framework of zero-dynamics inverse combined with flat system control. Moreover, the set-point control is cast into a motion planning problem of a multiple-input, multiple-output system, which is solved by a Green’s function-based reference trajectory decomposition. The validity of the proposed method is assessed through the analysis of the invertibility of the map generated by Green’s function and the convergence of the regulation error. The performance of the developed control scheme and the viability of the proposed approach are confirmed by numerical simulation of a representative system.
Microstructures of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Sulfur Nanocomposites and Their Impacts on Lithium Storage Performances
Authors: Blake Aaron J. , Dorney Kevin , Sizemore Ioana E. , Huang Hong
Published: December 2015

The lithium‐sulfur (Li/S) concept has a theoretical specific capacity of 1672 mAh g−1 based on the complete reduction of S into lithium sulfide (Li2S). Practically, however, a pure S electrode encounters low deliverable capacity and poor charge/discharge cycle life owing to S’s electrical insulation and problems associated with polysulfide dissolution. Here, we report our studies to couple S with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared via either mechanical milling or chemical precipitation. The differences of the resulting rGO/S composites with respect to morphology, structure, composition, and phase transformations are extensively studied. Thermal analyses, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopic results on the chemical rGO/S consistently confirmed the existence of amorphous/nanocrystalline S and their homogeneous distribution as well as interaction with the rGO microstructure. The electrochemical performances of chemical rGO/S revealed a marked improvement in both capacity retention and S utilization compared to those of the mechanical rGO/S.
Towards the Integration between IoT and Cloud Computing: An Approach for the Secure Self-Configuration of Embedded Devices
Authors: Puliafito Antonio , Celesti Antonio , Villari Massimo , Fazio Maria
Published: December 2015

The secure boot-up and setup of Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected over the Cloud represent a challenging open issue. This paper deals with the automatic configuration of IoT devices in a secure way through the Cloud, in order to provide new added-value services. After a discussion on the limits of current IoT and Cloud solutions in terms of secure self-configuration, we present a Cloud-based architecture that allows IoT devices to interact with several federated Cloud providers. In particular, we present two possible scenarios, that is, single Cloud and a federated Cloud environments, interacting with IoT devices and we address specific issues of both. Moreover, we present several design highlights on how to operate considering real open hardware and software products already available in the market.
Subjective Memory Complaint and Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in Portugal
Authors: Sousa Mónica , Pereira Anabela , Costa Rui
Published: December 2015

Background. Older adults report subjective memory complaints (SMCs) but whether these are related to depression remains controversial. In this study we investigated the relationship between the SMCs and depression and their predictors in a sample of old adults.Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 620 participants aged 55 to 96 years (74.04 ± 10.41). Outcome measures included a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, a SMC scale (QSM), a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), a Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Results. The QSM mean total score for the main results suggests that SMCs are higher in old adults with depressed symptoms, comparatively to nondepressed old adults. The GDS scores were positively associated with QSM but negatively associated with education, MMSE, and MoCA. GDS scores predicted almost 63.4% of variance. Scores on QSM and MoCA are significantly predicted by depression symptomatology.Conclusion. Depression symptoms, lower education level, and older age may be crucial to the comprehension of SMCs. The present study suggested that depression might play a role in the SMCs of the older adults and its treatment should be considered.
EOLA1 Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression by Association with MT2A in ECV304 Cells
Authors: Leng Weiling , Lei Xiaotian , Meng Hao , Ouyang Xinshou , Liang Ziwen
Published: December 2015

Our research group firstly discovered endothelial-overexpressed lipopolysaccharide-associated factor 1 (EOLA1, GenBank number AY074889) as a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responsive gene in ECV304 cells. The previous studies have further demonstrated the association of EOLA1 with metallothionein 2A (MT2A), while the role of EOLA1 during LPS-induced inflammatory response in ECV304 cells is unknown. In this report, we determined the subcellular localization of EOLA1 and the regulatory capacity of EOLA1 on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in response to LPS in ECV304 cells. Our results show that EOLA1 is broadly diffuse in the cells, and EOLA1 expression is dramatically induced by LPS. EOLA1 knockdown results in significant enhancement of LPS-induced VCAM-1 production. Consistent with this, overexpression of EOLA1 leads to the reduction of LPS-induced VCAM-1 production. Furthermore, MT2A knockdown reduces LPS-induced VCAM-1 production. Collectively, our results demonstrate a negative regulatory role of EOLA1 on LPS-induced VCAM-1 expression involving its association with MT2A in ECV304 cells.
FN-Identify: Novel Restriction Enzymes-Based Method for Bacterial Identification in Absence of Genome Sequencing
Authors: Awad Mohamed , Ouda Osama , El-Refy Ali , El-Feky Fawzy A. , Mosa Kareem A. , Helmy Mohamed
Published: December 2015

Sequencing and restriction analysis of genes like 16S rRNA and HSP60 are intensively used for molecular identification in the microbial communities. With aid of the rapid progress in bioinformatics, genome sequencing became the method of choice for bacterial identification. However, the genome sequencing technology is still out of reach in the developing countries. In this paper, we propose FN-Identify, a sequencing-free method for bacterial identification. FN-Identify exploits the gene sequences data available in GenBank and other databases and the two algorithms that we developed, CreateScheme and GeneIdentify, to create a restriction enzyme-based identification scheme. FN-Identify was tested using three different and diverse bacterial populations (members of Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacterium groups) in an in silico analysis using restriction enzymes and sequences of 16S rRNA gene. The analysis of the restriction maps of the members of three groups using the fragment numbers information only or along with fragments sizes successfully identified all of the members of the three groups using a minimum of four and maximum of eight restriction enzymes. Our results demonstrate the utility and accuracy of FN-Identify method and its two algorithms as an alternative method that uses the standard microbiology laboratories techniques when the genome sequencing is not available.
A Review of Techniques for Detection of Movement Intention Using Movement-Related Cortical Potentials
Authors: Shakeel Aqsa , Navid Muhammad Samran , Anwar Muhammad Nabeel , Mazhar Suleman , Jochumsen Mads , Niazi Imran Khan
Published: December 2015

The movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) is a low-frequency negative shift in the electroencephalography (EEG) recording that takes place about 2 seconds prior to voluntary movement production. MRCP replicates the cortical processes employed in planning and preparation of movement. In this study, we recapitulate the features such as signal’s acquisition, processing, and enhancement and different electrode montages used for EEG data recoding from different studies that used MRCPs to predict the upcoming real or imaginary movement. An authentic identification of human movement intention, accompanying the knowledge of the limb engaged in the performance and its direction of movement, has a potential implication in the control of external devices. This information could be helpful in development of a proficient patient-driven rehabilitation tool based on brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Such a BCI paradigm with shorter response time appears more natural to the amputees and can also induce plasticity in brain. Along with different training schedules, this can lead to restoration of motor control in stroke patients.
The Antineutrino Energy Structure in Reactor Experiments
Authors: Novella Pau
Published: December 2015

The recent observation of an energy structure in the reactor antineutrino spectrum is reviewed. The reactor experiments Daya Bay, Double Chooz, and RENO have reported a consistent excess of antineutrinos deviating from the flux predictions, with a local significance of about 4σbetween 4 and 6 MeV of the positron energy spectrum. The possible causes of the structure are analyzed in this work, along with the different experimental approaches developed to identify its origin. Considering the available data and results from the three experiments, the most likely explanation concerns the reactor flux predictions and the associated uncertainties. Therefore, the different current models are described and compared. The possible sources of incompleteness or inaccuracy of such models are discussed, as well as the experimental data required to improve their precision.
A Comparative Study of Er3+, Er3+‐Eu3+, Er3+‐Tb3+, and Er3+‐Eu3+‐Tb3+ Codoped Y2O3 Nanoparticles as Optical Heaters
Authors: Sobral G. A. , Gomes M. A. , Avila J. F. M. , Rodrigues J. J. , Macedo Z. S. , Alencar M. A. R. C.
Published: December 2015

Fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique, based on the thermal coupling of and energy levels of erbium ions, was used to study the optical heating behavior of rare earth doped yttrium oxide nanophosphors (Y2O3:Er3+, Y2O3:Er3+‐Eu3+, Y2O3:Er3+‐Tb3+, and Y2O3:Er3+‐Eu3+‐Tb3+) synthesized via PVA‐assisted sol‐gel route. The samples were optically heated by an 800 nm CW diode laser, while the upconverted green emissions were used to measure their temperatures in real time. The experimental results indicate that the studied nanoparticles are promising candidates to applications such as photothermal treatments and hyperthermia.
Preparation of Flower-Like Cu-WO3Nanostructures and Their Acetone Gas Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhou Hao , Xu Dong-Yao , Zuo Hai-Qing , Liu Wei , Lin Shuang
Published: December 2015

Urchin-like Cu-W18O49and flower-like Cu-WO3structures were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal process followed by calcination. The synthesized products were characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results revealed that the as-prepared urchin-like and flower-like samples with monoclinic structures, which were approximately 1 μm and 1-2 μm, respectively, possessed microflower architecture assembled by the nanosheet. In addition, the gas sensing properties of monoclinic-structured Cu-WO3to acetone were measured using a static state gas sensing test system. The sensor based on the flower-like Cu-WO3nanostructures, which were calcined at 600°C, exhibited high sensitivity toward 10 ppm acetone at an optimum temperature of 110°C, and the maximum sensitivity reached 40, which was approximately four times higher than that of urchin-like WO3that was annealed at 300°C. The sensitivity was improved by increasing the acetone concentration. The detection limit was as low as 1 ppm. Using linear fit, the sensor was determined to be sufficiently sensitive to detect acetone in a detection range of 1 to 10 ppm even in the presence of interfering gases, which suggests that this type of sensor has excellent selectivity and has the potential for use in acetone gas sensors in the future.