bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Vegetative Insecticidal Proteins (Vip) from Entomopathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Chakroun Maissa , Banyuls Núria , Bel Yolanda , Escriche Baltasar , Ferré Juan
Published: March 2016

Entomopathogenic bacteria produce insecticidal proteins that accumulate in inclusion bodies or parasporal crystals (such as the Cry and Cyt proteins) as well as insecticidal proteins that are secreted into the culture medium. Among the latter are the Vip proteins, which are divided into four families according to their amino acid identity. The Vip1 and Vip2 proteins act as binary toxins and are toxic to some members of the Coleoptera and Hemiptera. The Vip1 component is thought to bind to receptors in the membrane of the insect midgut, and the Vip2 component enters the cell, where it displays its ADP-ribosyltransferase activity against actin, preventing microfilament formation. Vip3 has no sequence similarity to Vip1 or Vip2 and is toxic to a wide variety of members of the Lepidoptera. Its mode of action has been shown to resemble that of the Cry proteins in terms of proteolytic activation, binding to the midgut epithelial membrane, and pore formation, although Vip3A proteins do not share binding sites with Cry proteins. The latter property makes them good candidates to be combined with Cry proteins in transgenic plants (Bacillus thuringiensis-treated crops [Bt crops]) to prevent or delay insect resistance and to broaden the insecticidal spectrum. There are commercially grown varieties of Bt cotton and Bt maize that express the Vip3Aa protein in combination with Cry proteins. For the most recently reported Vip4 family, no target insects have been found yet.
Lessons Learned from
In Vivo
Studies of a Viral Noncoding RNA
Authors: Kincaid Rodney P. , Sullivan Christopher S.
Published: March 2016

Despite increasing interest in the biology of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), few functions have been uncovered for viral ncRNAs
in vivo
. In their recent article in
mSphere
, Feldman and colleagues [E. R. Feldman et al.,
mSphere
1(2):e00105-15, 2016, doi:
10.1128/mSphere.00105-15
] demonstrate a highly specific activity of a gammaherpesviral ncRNA in viral dissemination and establishment of latent infection. Their work highlights several interesting features that should be informative to future studies of viral ncRNA.
RbdB, a Rhomboid Protease Critical for SREBP Activation and Virulence in
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Dhingra Sourabh , Kowalski Caitlin H. , Thammahong Arsa , Beattie Sarah R. , Bultman Katherine M. , Cramer Robert A.
Published: March 2016

Aspergillus fumigatus
causes life-threatening infections, and treatment options remain limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic targets to treat this deadly disease. Previously, we have shown that SREBP transcription factors and their regulatory components are critical for the pathobiology of
A. fumigatus
. Here we identify a role for RbdB, a rhomboid protease, as an essential component of SREBP activity. Our results indicate that mutants lacking
rbdB
have growth defects under hypoxic conditions, are hypersusceptible to voriconazole, lack extracellular siderophore production, and fail to cause disease in a murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. This study increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in SREBP activation in pathogenic fungi and provides a novel therapeutic target for future development.
Drug Repurposing Screening Identifies Novel Compounds That Effectively Inhibit Toxoplasma gondii Growth
Authors: Dittmar Ashley J. , Drozda Allison A. , Blader Ira J.
Published: March 2016

There is an urgent need to develop new therapies to treat microbial infections, and the repurposing of well-characterized compounds is emerging as one approach to achieving this goal. Using the protozoan parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
, we screened a library of 1,120 compounds and identified several compounds with significant antiparasitic activities. Among these were pimozide and tamoxifen, which are well-characterized drugs prescribed to treat patients with psychiatric disorders and breast cancer, respectively. The mechanisms by which these compounds target these disorders are known, but we show here that these drugs kill
Toxoplasma
through novel pathways, highlighting the potential utility of off-target effects in the treatment of infectious diseases.
EndogenousCandidaendophthalmitis and osteomyelitis associated with CARD9 deficiency
Authors: Jones Nicholas , Garcez Tomaz , Newman William , Denning David
Published: March 2016

A 25-year-old woman presented with unilateral red eye and visual blur, and was found to have panuveitis with an inflammatory white mass at the macula, initially presumed to beToxoplasmaretinitis. After failure to respond, she underwent vitrectomy, which producedCandida albicans. Despite intraocular and systemic antifungal treatment, she lost all vision in that eye. Two years later, she developed unilateral hip osteomyelitis leading to total hip replacement and also revealingCandidainfection. By clinical exome sequencing, she was then found to have caspase recruitment domain 9 (CARD9) deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder that causes a specific susceptibility to candidal infections. She remains otherwise well but on lifelong fluconazole prophylaxis.
Type 1 diabetes prevalence increasing globally and regionally: the role of natural selection and life expectancy at birth
Authors: You Wen-Peng , Henneberg Maciej
Published: March 2016

Objective

Prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) disease is increasing worldwide. We aim to test correlation of T1D prevalence to the reduced natural selection measured by Biological State Index (Ibs).

Research design and methods

Country-speciﬁc estimates of T1D prevalence, life expectancy, obesity prevalence rate, urbanization rates, per capita sugars consumption and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) were obtained. Ibsand country-specific longevity (e50) increase for each country were self-calculated. These data were then matched to T1D prevalence by country for our ecological study among 118 countries. Countries were also grouped to study the associations in different regions. SPSS V.22 was used for correlation analysis.

Results

Worldwide, both Ibsand life expectancy at birth (Ibsproxy) were significantly correlated to T1D prevalence in Pearson r (r=0.713, p<0.001 and r=0.722, p<0.001, respectively) and Spearman's r (r=0.724, p<0.001 and r=0.689, p<0.001, respectively). T1D prevalence was not correlated to longevity increase measured as life expectancy at 50 years old. T1D prevalence was significantly associated with Ibs(r=0.307, p<0.001) and newborn life expectancy (r=0.349, p<0.001) independent of per capita total sugar consumption, per capita GDP, urbanization and obesity prevalence in partial correlation. Globally, both life expectancy at birth and Ibsexponentially correlated to T1D prevalence. Pearson correlations generally existed in different country categorizations by geographic region, culture background and economic status.

Conclusions

Reduced natural selection may have contributed to the increasing T1D prevalence worldwide. T1D epidemiology study in total population may be the practical solution to identify the causes of increasing T1D prevalence.
ω-3 Fatty acids for major depressive disorder in adults: an abridged Cochrane review
Authors: Appleton Katherine M , Sallis Hannah M , Perry Rachel , Ness Andrew R , Churchill Rachel
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs; also known as ω-3 fatty acids) compared with comparator for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources

The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group's Specialised Registers (CCDANCTR) and International Trial Registries searched to May 2015. CINAHL searched to September 2013.

Trial selection

Inclusion criteria: a randomised controlled trial (RCT); that provided n-3PUFAs as an intervention; used a comparator; measured depressive symptomology as an outcome; and was conducted in adults with MDD.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes were depressive symptomology and adverse events.

Results

20 trials encompassing 26 relevant studies were found. For n-3PUFAs versus placebo, n-3PUFA supplementation resulted in a small-to-modest benefit for depressive symptomology: SMD=−0.32 (95% CI −0.52 to −0.12; 25 studies, 1373 participants, very low-quality evidence), but this effect is unlikely to be clinically meaningful, is very imprecise and, based on funnel plot inspection, sensitivity analyses and comparison with large well-conducted trials, is likely to be biased. Considerable evidence of heterogeneity between studies was also found, and was not explained by subgroup or sensitivity analyses. Numbers of individuals experiencing adverse events were similar in intervention and placebo groups (OR=1.24, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.62; 19 studies, 1207 participants; very low-quality evidence). For n-3PUFAs versus antidepressants, no differences were found between treatments in depressive symptomology (MD=−0.70 (95% CI −5.88 to 4.48); 1 study, 40 participants, very low-quality evidence).

Conclusions

At present, we do not have sufficient evidence to determine the effects of n-3PUFAs as a treatment for MDD. Further research in the form of adequately powered RCTs is needed.
Is the HAS-BLED score useful in predicting post-extraction bleeding in patients taking warfarin? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kataoka Toshiyuki , Hoshi Keika , Ando Tomohiro
Published: March 2016

Objective

Unexpected post-extraction bleeding is often experienced in clinical practice. Therefore, determining the risk of post-extraction bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy prior to surgery is beneficial. This study aimed to verify whether the HAS-BLED score was useful in predicting post-extraction bleeding in patients taking warfarin.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University.

Participants

Participants included 258 sequential cases (462 teeth) who had undergone tooth extraction between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 while continuing warfarin therapy.

Main outcome measure

Post-extraction risk factors for bleeding. The following data were collected as the predicting variables for multivariate logistic analysis: the HAS-BLED score, extraction site, tooth type, stability of teeth, extraction procedure, prothrombin time-international normalised ratio value, platelet count and the use of concomitant antiplatelet agents.

Results

Post-extraction bleeding was noted in 21 (8.1%) of the 258 cases. Haemostasis was achieved with localised haemostatic procedures in all the cases of post-extraction bleeding. The HAS-BLED score was found to be insufficient in predicting post-extraction bleeding (area under the curve=0.548, p=0.867, multivariate analysis). The risk of post-extraction bleeding was approximately three times greater in patients taking concomitant oral antiplatelet agents (risk ratio=2.881, p=0.035, multivariate analysis).

Conclusions

The HAS-BLED score alone could not predict post-extraction bleeding. The concomitant use of oral antiplatelet agents was a risk factor for post-extraction bleeding. No episodes of post-extraction bleeding required more than local measures for haemostasis. However, because this was a retrospective study conducted at a single institution, large-scale prospective cohort studies, which include cases of outpatient tooth extraction, will be necessary in the future.
A mobile health technology workshop to evaluate available technologies and their potential use in pharmacy practice
Authors: Miranda Aimon C , Serag-Bolos Erini S , Aungst Timothy Dy , Chowdhury Rowshan
Published: March 2016

The objectives of this workshop were to characterise the use of mobile health (mHealth) devices among second year pharmacy students, discover perception of their potential use in practice and obtain workshop feedback. The workshop consisted of two sessions. The first session introduced the concept of mHealth and allowed for hands-on experience with wireless mHealth devices such as blood pressure cuffs, scales and smart body analysers, personal health devices and glucometers. The second session consisted of a facilitated discussion and lecture that addressed these concepts. Students completed a preworkshop and postworkshop survey. 106 students completed the preworkshop survey and 96 students completed the postworkshop survey. 22% of the class owned an mHealth device and a majority of students reported increased knowledge of mobile health devices due to this simulation. The workshop was successful in introducing mHealth technology. The change in students’ perception that such devices could be useful in practice or easily incorporated could be due to technical difficulties and cost of the devices.
Prospective evaluation of the ability of clinical scoring systems and physician-determined likelihood of appendicitis to obviate the need for CT
Authors: Golden Sean K , Harringa John B , Pickhardt Perry J , Ebinger Alexander , Svenson James E , Zhao Ying-Qi , Li Zhanhai , Westergaard Ryan P , Ehlenbach William J , Repplinger Michael D
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine whether clinical scoring systems or physician gestalt can obviate the need for computed tomography (CT) in patients with possible appendicitis.

Methods

Prospective, observational study of patients with abdominal pain at an academic emergency department (ED) from February 2012 to February 2014. Patients over 11 years old who had a CT ordered for possible appendicitis were eligible. All parameters needed to calculate the scores were recorded on standardised forms prior to CT. Physicians also estimated the likelihood of appendicitis. Test characteristics were calculated using clinical follow-up as the reference standard. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn.

Results

Of the 287 patients (mean age (range), 31 (12–88) years; 60% women), the prevalence of appendicitis was 33%. The Alvarado score had a positive likelihood ratio (LR(+)) (95% CI) of 2.2 (1.7 to 3) and a negative likelihood ratio (LR(−)) of 0.6 (0.4 to 0.7). The modified Alvarado score (MAS) had LR(+) 2.4 (1.6 to 3.4) and LR(−) 0.7 (0.6 to 0.8). The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) score had LR(+) 1.3 (1.1 to 1.5) and LR(−) 0.5 (0.4 to 0.8). Physician-determined likelihood of appendicitis had LR(+) 1.3 (1.2 to 1.5) and LR(−) 0.3 (0.2 to 0.6). When combined with physician likelihoods, LR(+) and LR(−) was 3.67 and 0.48 (Alvarado), 2.33 and 0.45 (RIPASA), and 3.87 and 0.47 (MAS). The area under the curve was highest for physician-determined likelihood (0.72), but was not statistically significantly different from the clinical scores (RIPASA 0.67, Alvarado 0.72, MAS 0.7).

Conclusions

Clinical scoring systems performed equally well as physician gestalt in predicting appendicitis. These scores do not obviate the need for imaging for possible appendicitis when a physician deems it necessary.
Infectious and non‐infectious inflammatory causes of seizures in dogs and cats
Authors: Lowrie Mark
Published: March 2016

Clinical signs of infectious central nervous system (CNS) disease are frequently very similar to those caused by non‐infectious inflammatory CNS disease and can even appear similar to neoplasia. An antemortem diagnosis therefore relies on cross‐sectional imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling and appropriate serological testing to rule out infectious disease. Neoplastic CNS lesions are generally focal and CSF analysis is often normal. However, none of these findings is 100 per cent specific so it is important to understand the features of each condition to know when it is and when it is not appropriate to perform various tests. This article describes how imaging can help diagnose the main infectious and non‐infectious inflammatory causes of seizures in dogs and cats, and provides suggestions for treatment, if appropriate.
Veterinary treatment of fox casualties
Authors: Couper David , Bexton Steve
Published: March 2016

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are found throughout most of the northern hemisphere, and as an introduced species in Australia. In the UK, they are almost ubiquitous, although they are absent from many of the Scottish islands, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands. Their opportunistic lifestyle has enabled them to establish a large urban population in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, with the result that they are relatively common wildlife casualties. Reasons for presentation to veterinary surgeries include (allegedly) orphaned and abandoned cubs, trauma and sarcoptic mange. While foxes can generally be treated like domestic dogs medically and surgically, various aspects of vulpine behaviour must be taken into account for successful rehabilitation. This article describes how to handle and treat foxes that are presented in practice.
Understanding bereavement in animal owners
Authors: Williams Bronwen , Green Rebecca
Published: March 2016

Managing the death of owners' animals is a significant part of veterinary work, but how the loss of an animal affects people has received minimal attention in the literature. What literature there is on the subject often relies on older psychological models of grief which can simplify a unique and complex process. Here, Bronwen Williams and Rebecca Green explore the psychological theories of grief and consider the literature that examines grief in animal owners.
Treatment of acute undifferentiated leukaemia in a dog
Authors: Elliott James William
Published: March 2016

A 12‐year‐old, male‐neutered cross‐breed presented with vague, non‐specific signs and was diagnosed with acute, undifferentiated leukaemia (AUL) following haematology, bone marrow cytology and flow cytometry. A complete haematological response to cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine and prednisolone chemotherapy was achieved; however, progressive disease was identified 13 weeks after diagnosis and euthanasia performed at week 15. AUL is a rare form of acute leukaemia in the dog, and while remissions can be achieved with chemotherapy, as with other acute leukaemias, the remission and survival times appear to be disappointing in most cases.
Generalised vertebral abnormalities in a Rhodesian ridgeback with a lysosomal storage disease
Authors: Harris Georgina , Beck Samuel , Calahan Stephen , Parzefall Birgit , De Decker Steven
Published: March 2016

A 3‐year, 11‐month male neutered Rhodesian ridgeback presented for evaluation of cervical hyperaesthesia, generalised ataxia and right thoracic limb lameness. Neurological examination was suggestive of a lesion affecting the C1–C5 spinal cord segments. MRI of the neck identified an irregularly shaped and shortened vertebral body of C6, a mild subluxation between C5 and C6, multiple hypertrophic and abnormally shaped articular processes, and multiple dorsal lamina abnormalities. CT confirmed these findings and revealed additionally multiple visible fracture lines and identified the axial and appendicular skeleton to be characterised by abnormally hypoattenuating cancellous bone and a thin cortex. The dog was euthanased and a postmortem examination confirmed generalised osteoporosis, vertebral malformations and identified distended and swollen neurons in the cerebrum, hippocampus, cerebellum and brainstem, containing intracytoplasmic, granular, PAS‐positive inclusions. These findings were considered consistent with a lysosomal storage disease, with a presumptive diagnosis of mucopolysacharidosis being most likely.
Vitamin D deficiency and exercise-induced laryngospasm in young competitive rowers
Authors: Heffler Enrico , Bonini Matteo , Brussino Luisa , Solidoro Paolo , Guida Giuseppe , Boita Monica , Nicolosi Giuliana , Bucca Caterina
Published: March 2016

Exercise-induced dyspnea is common among adolescents and young adults and often originates from exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Sometimes, dyspnea corresponds to exercise-induced laryngospasm (EILO), which is a paradoxical decrease in supraglottic/glottic area. Vitamin D deficiency, which occurs frequently at northern latitudes, might favor laryngospasm by impairing calcium transport and slowing striate muscle relaxation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether vitamin D status has an influence on bronchial and laryngeal responses to exercise in young, healthy athletes. EIB and EILO were investigated during winter in 37 healthy competitive rowers (24 males; age range 13–25 years), using the eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test (EVH). EIB was diagnosed when forced expiratory volume in the first second decreased by 10%, EILO when maximum mid-inspiratory flow (MIF50) decreased by 20%. Most athletes (86.5%) had vitamin D deficiency (below 30 ng/mL), 29 mild-moderate (78.4%) and 3 severe (8.1%). EVH showed EIB in 10 subjects (27%), EILO in 16 (43.2%), and combined EIB and EILO in 6 (16.2%). Athletes with EILO had lower vitamin D (19.1 ng/mL vs. 27.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and higher parathyroid hormone (30.5 pg/mL vs. 19.2 pg/mL, p = 0.006) levels. The degree of laryngoconstriction (post-EVH MIF50 as a percentage of pre-EVH MIF50) was related directly with vitamin D levels (r = 0.51; p = 0.001) and inversely with parathyroid hormone levels (r = –0.53; p = 0.001). We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is common during winter in young athletes living above the 40th parallel north and favors laryngospasm during exercise, probably by disturbing calcium homeostasis. This effect may negatively influence athletic performance.
Prediction of the variation of swelling pressure and one-dimensional heave of expansive soils with respect to suction using the soil-water retention curve as a tool
Authors: Tu Hongyu , Vanapalli Sai K.
Published: March 2016

The one-dimensional (1-D) potential heave (or swell strain) of expansive soil is conventionally estimated using the swelling pressure and swelling index values that are determined from different types of oedometer test results. The swelling pressure of expansive soils is typically measured at saturated condition from oedometer tests. The experimental procedures of oedometer tests are cumbersome as well as time-consuming for use in conventional geotechnical engineering practice and are not capable of estimating heave under different stages of unsaturated conditions. To alleviate these limitations, semi-empirical models are proposed to predict the variation of swelling pressure of both compacted and natural expansive soils with respect to soil suction using the soil-water retention curve (SWRC) as a tool. An empirical relationship is also suggested for estimating the swelling index from plasticity index values, alleviating the need for conducting oedometer tests. The predicted swelling pressure and estimated swelling index are then used to estimate the variation of 1-D heave with respect to suction for expansive soils by modifying Fredlund’s 1983 equation. The proposed approach is validated for eight field sites from six countries — namely, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, China, USA, and UK — and on six different compacted expansive soils from USA.
Seasonal hydrology shifts production sources supporting fishes in rivers of the Lower Mekong Basin
Authors: Ou Chouly , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: March 2016

Seasonal hydrology is assumed to be an important reason why the Lower Mekong Basin supports highly productive and biodiverse inland fisheries. We used C and N stable isotope ratios of tissue samples to estimate primary production sources supporting fish biomass in the Mekong and three large tributaries in Cambodia. We used a Bayesian mixing model to estimate relative contributions of four alternative production sources — seston, benthic algae, riparian grasses, and riparian macrophytes. There was little seasonal variation in isotopic signatures of riparian plants, but benthic algae and seston showed large seasonal shifts in carbon ratios. Seston and benthic algae were the most important production sources supporting fish biomass overall during the dry season, and riparian vegetation was the most important source during the wet season. Sources contributed differentially to biomass of trophic and habitat guilds, especially during the dry season. A dam on the upper Sesan River has changed hydrology, channel geomorphology, and other factors and, compared with the other three rivers, its fish biomass appears to derive from algae to a greater extent.
The phase-functions method and full cross-section of nucleon–nucleon scattering
Authors: Zhaba V. I.
Published: March 2016

A known phase-functions method (PFM) has been considered for calculation of a single-channel nucleon–nucleon scattering. The following phase shifts of a nucleon–nucleon scattering have been calculated numerically using the phase-functions method:[Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-states), [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-states) and [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-states). The calculations have been carried out using realistic nucleon–nucleon Nijmegen group potentials (NijmI, NijmII and Reid93) and Argonne v18 potential. Numerically calculated phase shifts are in good agreement with the results obtained with the other methods. The full cross-section has been calculated using the obtained phase shifts. Our results are not very different from those obtained by using the known phases published in the literature. The difference between calculations depending on a computational method of scattering phases makes: 0.2–6.3% for [Formula: see text]- and 0.1–5.3% for [Formula: see text]-scatterings (for NijmI, NijmII), 0.1–4.1% for [Formula: see text]- and 0.1–0.4% for [Formula: see text]-scatterings (Reid93), not more than 4.5% (Argonne v18).
Multi-large low-frequency band gaps in a periodic hybrid structure
Authors: Wang T. , Sheng M. P. , Guo H. B.
Published: March 2016

A hybrid structure composed of a local resonance mass and an external oscillator is proposed in this paper for restraining the elastic longitudinal wave propagation. Theoretical model has been established to investigate the dispersion relation and band gaps of the structure. The results show that the hybrid structure can produce multi-band gaps wider than the multi-resonator acoustic metamaterials. It is much easier for the hybrid structure to yield wide and low band gaps by adjusting the mass and stiffness of the external oscillator. Small series spring constant ratio results in low-frequency band gaps, in which the external oscillator acts as a resonator and replaces the original local resonator to hold the band gaps in low frequency range. Compared with the one-dimensional phononic crystal (PC) lattice, a new band gap emerges in lower frequency range in the hybrid structure because of the added local resonance, which will be a significant assistance in low-frequency vibration and noise reduction. Further, harmonic response analysis using finite element method (FEM) has been performed, and results show that elastic longitudinal waves are efficiently forbidden within the band gaps.
Microstructure and magnetic properties of NdFeB/Mo multilayered films prepared by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Fu Yudong , Yan Feng , Zhu Xiaoshuo , Feng Xiaoxue , Guo Zaizai
Published: March 2016

The paper was presented to study the microstructure and magnetic properties of Mo/[NdFeB/Mo] × 10/Mo multilayered films prepared by magnetron sputtering on Si(100) substrate. The SEM observation of microstructure showed that the specimen had fine multilayer structure and the NdFeB layers were successfully separated by Mo layers on the cross-section. The interface between the NdFeB and Mo layer disappeared after annealing. X-ray diffraction patterns of the annealed films revealed that there are a large amount of Nd2Fe[Formula: see text]B phases. The thickness of Mo layer had obvious effects on magnetic properties of the samples. When it reached 21 nm, the number and the intensity of NdFeB phase increase, and the remanent magnetization ratio Mr/Ms suddenly rise. The influences of annealing on surface morphology and microstructure of NdFeB thin films were also studied.
Equivalence principles, spacetime structure and the cosmic connection
Authors: Ni Wei-Tou
Published: March 2016

After reviewing the meaning of various equivalence principles and the structure of electrodynamics, we give a fairly detailed account of the construction of the light cone and a core metric from the equivalence principle for photons (no birefringence, no polarization rotation and no amplification/attenuation in propagation) in the framework of linear electrodynamics using cosmic connections/observations as empirical support. The cosmic nonbirefringent propagation of photons independent of energy and polarization verifies the Galileo Equivalence Principle (Universality of Propagation) for photons/electromagnetic wave packets in spacetime. This nonbirefringence constrains the spacetime constitutive tensor to high precision to a core metric form with an axion degree and a dilaton degree of freedom. Thus comes the metric with axion and dilation. Constraints on axion and dilaton from astrophysical/cosmic propagation are reviewed. Eötvös-type experiments, Hughes–Drever-type experiments, redshift experiments then constrain and tie this core metric to agree with the matter metric, and hence a unique physical metric and universality of metrology. We summarize these experiments and review how the Galileo equivalence principle constrains the Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP) theoretically. In local physics this physical metric gives the Lorentz/Poincaré covariance. Understanding that the metric and EEP come from the vacuum as a medium of electrodynamics in the linear regime, efforts to actively look for potential effects beyond this linear scheme are warranted. We emphasize the importance of doing Eötvös-type experiments or other type experiments using polarized bodies/polarized particles. We review the theoretical progress on the issue of gyrogravitational ratio for fundamental particles and update the experimental progress on the measurements of possible long range/intermediate range spin–spin, spin–monopole and spin–cosmos interactions.
The algebraic structure of quantum partial isometries
Authors: Banica Teodor
Published: March 2016

The partial isometries of [Formula: see text] form compact semigroups [Formula: see text]. We discuss here the liberation question for these semigroups, and for their discrete versions [Formula: see text]. Our main results concern the construction of half-liberations [Formula: see text] and of liberations [Formula: see text]. We include a detailed algebraic and probabilistic study of all these objects, justifying our “half-liberation” and “liberation” claims.
One-generated semirings and additive divisibility
Authors: Korbelář Miroslav , Landsmann Günter
Published: March 2016

We study the structure of one-generated semirings from the symbolical point of view and their connections to numerical semigroups. We prove that such a semiring is additively divisible if and only if it is additively idempotent. We also show that every at most countable commutative semigroup is contained in the additive part of some one-generated semiring.
On weakly ℋ-subgroups and p-nilpotency of finite groups
Authors: Li Changwen , Qiao Shouhong
Published: March 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group and [Formula: see text] a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. We say that [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-subgroup in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] is called weakly [Formula: see text]-subgroup in [Formula: see text] if it has a normal subgroup [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-subgroup in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we present some sufficient conditions for a group to be [Formula: see text]-nilpotent under the assumption that certain subgroups of fixed prime power orders are weakly [Formula: see text]-subgroups in [Formula: see text]. The main results improve and extend new and recent results in the literature.
Rational points on Fermat curves over finite fields
Authors: Cao Wei , Han Shanmeng , Wang Ruyun
Published: March 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-rational point on the Fermat curve [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. It has recently been proved that if [Formula: see text] then each [Formula: see text] is a cube in [Formula: see text]. It is natural to wonder whether there is a generalization to [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that the result cannot be extended to [Formula: see text] in general and conjecture that each [Formula: see text] is a cube in [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text].
Generic forms of low Chow rank
Authors: Torrance Douglas A.
Published: March 2016

The least number of products of linear forms that may be added together to obtain a given form is the Chow rank of this form. The Chow rank of a generic form corresponds to the smallest [Formula: see text] for which the [Formula: see text]th secant variety of the Chow variety fills the ambient space. We show that, except for certain known exceptions, this secant variety has the expected dimension for low values of [Formula: see text].
STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF STRAIGHT STENTS ON ARTERIES WITH DIFFERENT CURVATURES
Authors: WEI LINGLING , CHEN QIANG , LI ZHIYONG
Published: March 2016

Different stent structures lead to different deformations of blood vessels, such as different cross-sectional shapes, which further influence the blood flow patterns. In this paper, six non-commercial stents with different link structures called I-, C-, S-, U-, N- and W-types were considered. Their influences on arteries with five different curvatures (i.e., 0[Formula: see text], 15[Formula: see text], 30[Formula: see text], 45[Formula: see text] and 60[Formula: see text]) were studied using finite element method. Four indices including the maximum plastic strain of stents, the rate of expansion, the maximum von Mises stress and the ellipticity of arteries, were compared for all cases. The results showed that the S-type or U-type stents, with larger plastic strain and lower von Mises stress on the arteries, provided the optimal outcome. As the link structures became complex, the arterial expansion increased monotonically, while the ellipticity of arteries showed a decreasing tendency in the vessel models. The present study could be useful for the commercial design and clinic selection of a stent with different link structures for different curved arteries.
HUMAN CAPITAL, PERCEIVED DOMESTIC INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG HIGHLY SKILLED CHINESE RETURNEES
Authors: BAO YUE , MIAO QI , LIU YING , GARST DANIEL
Published: March 2016

Over the past two decades, returnee entrepreneurs have emerged as major promoters of business startups and entrepreneurship in China. Recognizing their positive impact in promoting new and innovative companies, Chinese national and local governments have instituted a raft of preferential policies aimed at assisting returnee entrepreneurs. Based on a survey of Chinese returnees and returnee entrepreneurship from 2011 to 2012, this paper examines how human capital and perceptions of domestic institutional quality affect entrepreneurial activity among highly skilled returnees. We find their educational levels, overseas work experience, the degree to which they bring back new business models and their perception of domestic economic opportunities affects the likelihood of such individuals becoming entrepreneurs. Our work suggests regulatory transparency discourages returnees from entering entrepreneurship, suggesting the relationship between regulatory transparency and entrepreneurial behavior is more complex than is portrayed in previous research done on this matter. The results of our analysis are robust against a number of rigorous statistical specification checks.
Algorithm 956
Authors: Aruliah D. A. , Veen Lennaert Van , Dubitski Alex
Published: March 2016

Pseudo-arclength continuation is a well-established method for generating a numerical curve approximating the solution of an underdetermined system of nonlinear equations. It is an inherently sequential predictor-corrector method in which new approximate solutions are extrapolated from previously converged results and then iteratively refined. Convergence of the iterative corrections is guaranteed only for sufficiently small prediction steps. In high-dimensional systems, corrector steps are extremely costly to compute and the prediction step length must be adapted carefully to avoid failed steps or unnecessarily slow progress. We describe a parallel method for adapting the step length employing several predictor-corrector sequences of different step lengths computed concurrently. In addition, the algorithm permits intermediate results of correction sequences that have not converged to seed new predictions. This strategy results in an aggressive optimization of the step length at the cost of redundancy in the concurrent computation. We present two examples of convoluted solution curves of high-dimensional systems showing that speed-up by a factor of two can be attained on a multicore CPU while a factor of three is attainable on a small cluster.
Parameterized Complexity of Discrete Morse Theory
Authors: Burton Benjamin A. , Lewiner Thomas , Paixão João , Spreer Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Optimal Morse matchings reveal essential structures of cell complexes that lead to powerful tools to study discrete geometrical objects, in particular, discrete 3-manifolds. However, such matchings are known to be NP-hard to compute on 3-manifolds through a reduction to the erasability problem. Here, we refine the study of the complexity of problems related to discrete Morse theory in terms of parameterized complexity. On the one hand, we prove that the erasability problem is
W
[
P
]-complete on the natural parameter. On the other hand, we propose an algorithm for computing optimal Morse matchings on triangulations of 3-manifolds, which is fixed-parameter tractable in the treewidth of the bipartite graph representing the adjacency of the 1- and 2-simplices. This algorithm also shows fixed-parameter tractability for problems such as erasability and maximum alternating cycle-free matching. We further show that these results are also true when the treewidth of the dual graph of the triangulated 3-manifold is bounded. Finally, we discuss the topological significance of the chosen parameters and investigate the respective treewidths of simplicial and generalized triangulations of 3-manifolds.
Distinct miRNA profiles in normal and gastric cancer myofibroblasts and significance in Wnt signaling
Authors: Wang Liyi , Steele Islay , Kumar Jothi Dinesh , Dimaline Rod , Jithesh Puthen V. , Tiszlavicz Laszlo , Reisz Zita , Dockray Graham J. , Varro Andrea
Published: March 2016

Stromal cells influence epithelial function in both health and disease. Myofibroblasts are abundant stromal cells that influence the cellular microenvironment by release of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, growth factors, proteases, cytokines, and chemokines. Cancer-associated myofibroblasts (CAMs) differ from adjacent tissue (ATMs) and normal tissue myofibroblasts (NTMs), but the basis of this is incompletely understood. We report now the differential expression of miRNAs in gastric cancer CAMs. MicroRNA arrays identified differences in the miRNA profile in gastric and esophageal NTMs and in CAMs from stomach compared with NTMs. miR-181d was upregulated in gastric CAMs. Analysis of differentially regulated miRNAs indicated an involvement in Wnt signaling. Examination of a microarray data set then identified Wnt5a as the only consistently upregulated Wnt ligand in gastric CAMs. Wnt5a stimulated miR-181d expression, and knockdown of miR-181d inhibited Wnt5a stimulation of CAM proliferation and migration. Analysis of miR-181d targets suggested a role in chemotaxis. Conditioned medium from CAMs stimulated gastric cancer cell (AGS) migration more than that from ATMs, and miR-181d knockdown reduced the effect of CAM-CM on AGS cell migration but had no effect on AGS cell responses to ATM conditioned media. The data suggest that dysregulation of miRNA expression in gastric CAMs, secondary to Wnt5a signaling, accounts at least in part for the effect of CAMs in promoting cancer cell migration.
Neuroanatomic and behavioral correlates of urinary dysfunction induced by vaginal distension in rats
Authors: Palacios J. L. , Juárez M. , Morán C. , Xelhuantzi N. , Damaser M. S. , Cruz Y.
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present study was to use a model of simulated human childbirth in rats to determine the damage to genitourinary structures and behavioral signs of urinary dysfunction induced by vaginal distension (VD) in female rats. In experiment 1, the length of the genitourinary tract and the nerves associated with it were measured immediately after simulated human delivery induced by VD or sham (SH) procedures. Electroneurograms of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) were also recorded. In experiment 2, histological characteristics of the bladder and major pelvic ganglion of VD and SH rats were evaluated. In experiment 3, urinary parameters were determined in conscious animals during 6 h of dark and 6 h of light before and 3 days after VD or SH procedures. VD significantly increased distal vagina width ( P < 0.001) and the length of the motor branch of the sacral plexus ( P < 0.05), DNC ( P < 0.05), and vesical nerves ( P < 0.01) and decreased DNC frequency and amplitude of firing. VD occluded the pelvic urethra, inducing urinary retention, hematomas in the bladder, and thinness of the epithelial ( P < 0.05) and detrusor ( P < 0.01) layers of the bladder. Major pelvic ganglion parameters were not modified after VD. Rats dripped urine in unusual places to void, without the stereotyped behavior of micturition after VD. The neuroanatomic injuries after VD occur alongside behavioral signs of urinary incontinence as determined by a new behavioral tool for assessing micturition in conscious animals.
The predictive roles of neural oscillations in speech motor adaptability
Authors: Sengupta Ranit , Nasir Sazzad M.
Published: March 2016

The human speech system exhibits a remarkable flexibility by adapting to alterations in speaking environments. While it is believed that speech motor adaptation under altered sensory feedback involves rapid reorganization of speech motor networks, the mechanisms by which different brain regions communicate and coordinate their activity to mediate adaptation remain unknown, and explanations of outcome differences in adaption remain largely elusive. In this study, under the paradigm of altered auditory feedback with continuous EEG recordings, the differential roles of oscillatory neural processes in motor speech adaptability were investigated. The predictive capacities of different EEG frequency bands were assessed, and it was found that theta-, beta-, and gamma-band activities during speech planning and production contained significant and reliable information about motor speech adaptability. It was further observed that these bands do not work independently but interact with each other suggesting an underlying brain network operating across hierarchically organized frequency bands to support motor speech adaptation. These results provide novel insights into both learning and disorders of speech using time frequency analysis of neural oscillations.
Intrinsic excitability differs between murine hypoglossal and spinal motoneurons
Authors: Tadros M. A. , Fuglevand A. J. , Brichta A. M. , Callister R. J.
Published: March 2016

Motoneurons differ in the behaviors they control and their vulnerability to disease and aging. For example, brain stem motoneurons such as hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) are involved in licking, suckling, swallowing, respiration, and vocalization. In contrast, spinal motoneurons (SMs) innervating the limbs are involved in postural and locomotor tasks requiring higher loads and lower movement velocities. Surprisingly, the properties of these two motoneuron pools have not been directly compared, even though studies on HMs predominate in the literature compared with SMs, especially for adult animals. Here we used whole cell patch-clamp recording to compare the electrophysiological properties of HMs and SMs in age-matched neonatal mice (P7–P10). Passive membrane properties were remarkably similar in HMs and SMs, and afterhyperpolarization properties did not differ markedly between the two populations. HMs had narrower action potentials (APs) and a faster upstroke on their APs compared with SMs. Furthermore, HMs discharged APs at higher frequencies in response to both step and ramp current injection than SMs. Therefore, while HMs and SMs have similar passive properties, they differ in their response to similar levels of depolarizing current. This suggests that each population possesses differing suites of ion channels that allow them to discharge at rates matched to the different mechanical properties of the muscle fibers that drive their distinct motor functions.
On the PropertyN-1
Authors: Kowalczyk Stanisław , Turowska Małgorzata
Published: March 2016

We construct a continuous functionf:[0,1]→Rsuch thatfpossessesN-1-property, butfdoes not have approximate derivative on a set of full Lebesgue measure. This shows that Banach’s Theorem concerning differentiability of continuous functions with Lusin’s property(N)does not hold forN-1-property. Some relevant properties are presented.
Simultaneous Quantification of Dexpanthenol and Resorcinol from Hair Care Formulation Using Liquid Chromatography: Method Development and Validation
Authors: De Amit Kumar , Chowdhury Partha Pratim , Chattapadhyay Shyamaprasad
Published: March 2016

The current study presents the simultaneous quantification of dexpanthenol and resorcinol from marketed hair care formulation. Dexpanthenol is often present as an active ingredient in personal care products for its beautifying and invigorating properties and restorative and smoothing properties. On the other hand resorcinol is mainly prescribed for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of scalp. The toxic side effects of resorcinol limit its use in dermatological preparations. Therefore an accurate quantification technique for the simultaneous estimation of these two components can be helpful for the formulation industries for the accurate analysis of their product quality. In the current study a high performance liquid chromatographic technique has been developed using a C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer of pH = 2.8 following a gradient elution. The mobile phase flow rate was 0.6 mL per minute and the detection wavelength was 210 nm for dexpanthenol and 280 nm for resorcinol. The linearity study was carried out using five solutions having concentrations ranging between 10.34 μg·mL−1and 82.69 μg·mL−1(r2=0.999) for resorcinol and 10.44 μg·mL−1and 83.50 μg·mL−1(r2=0.998) for dexpanthenol. The method has been validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. The ease of single step sample preparation, accuracy, and precision (intraday and interday) study presents the method suitable for the simultaneous quantification of dexpanthenol and resorcinol from any personal care product and dermatological preparations containing these two ingredients.