bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cambrian detrital zircon signatures of the northern Cordilleran passive margin, Liard area, Canada: evidence of sediment recycling, non-Laurentian ultimate sources, and basement denudation
Authors: McMechan Margot , Currie Lisel , Ferri Filippo , Matthews William , O’Sullivan Paul
Published: March 2017

Detrital zircon U–Pb age probability distributions for the Cambrian Vizer formation (informal) and Mount Roosevelt Formation (middle member) of the northern Canadian Cordilleran passive margin indicate extensive recycling from ∼1.7 to 1.6 Ga Paleoproterozoic sandstones and Proterozoic and Lower Cambrian strata, respectively. The units have minor or no first cycle input from Laurentian basement. The lower part of the Vizer formation contains North American magmatic gap (1610–1490 Ma) detrital zircons and lacks ultimate Grenvillian sourced grains, indicating that the grains were likely sourced from a nearby Mesoproterozoic basin and have an ultimate non-Laurentian source. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages of 670–640 Ma from the middle member of the Mount Roosevelt Formation indicate associated volcanic clasts were locally sourced, and are not of syn-sedimentary Middle Cambrian age. Provenance of these units was indirectly impacted by the Liard Line basement feature. Detrital zircon U–Pb age probability distributions from the northern Canadian Cordilleran passive margin indicate sediments were sourced from the east in the Early Cambrian (Terreneuvian; Vizer formation and correlatives) and the northeast during Early Cambrian (Series 2) deposition of Sekwi Formation and correlative strata. In the early Middle Cambrian, the middle member of the Mount Roosevelt Formation was primarily locally sourced, whereas the upper member was derived from Laurentian basement to the east and southeast. The change from reworked Paleoproterozoic cover in the Terrenuvian to primary basement sources in the Middle Cambrian suggests significant denudation of the basement occurred southeast of the Liard Line.
A Weighted Euclidean Distance based TOPSIS Method for Modeling Public Subjective Judgments
Authors: Arslan Turan
Published: March 2017

Public involvement in transportation planning and decision-making process is a key component for ensuring that decisions are made with consideration of public needs and preferences. In this paper, a weighted Euclidean distance based TOPSIS method (WEDTOPSIS) is developed for modeling such a public decision-making process. The Weber–Fechner psycho-physical law is adopted for behavioral modeling of human judgments. Distances to the positive-ideal and negative-ideal solutions of TOPSIS are converted to value measurement models using the Weber–Fechner law. The proposed method is applied on a case where public approval of two different types of public bus operation systems considering six criteria is sought. A numerical illustration is also provided to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. The method provides plausible results in terms of preferences, and shows a high agreement with the ordinary TOPSIS in terms of rankings. Another example showing disagreement on ranking is further analyzed to outline the discrepancies between the TOPSIS and WEDTOPSIS and to indicate the proposed model’s consistency with the behavioral theory. The results are also compared with the results of the additive multi-attribute value (MAVT) method for assessing the performance of the model. Based on the findings, using the proposed method as a decision support tool can be useful, particularly where public input is needed.
Nonlinear entangled quantum dynamics in many-body systems with strong electron correlation
Authors: Hong Jongbae
Published: March 2017

A quantum impurity system out of equilibrium comprises two metallic reservoirs with different chemical potentials and one mediating spin impurity between them. We study the highly nonlinear tunneling conductance of this system, and clarify that three coherent peaks, one zero-bias peak and two side peaks, naturally appear in the tunneling conductance. We use the Liouvillian approach, in which a complete set of basis operators is available, and construct a Liouville matrix to obtain Green’s function at the mediating site. We show that the two coherent side peaks are the outcome of steady-state nonequilibrium combined with strong electron correlation at the mediating site. Tunneling in the quantum impurity system out of equilibrium is performed by an entangled state which is a linear combination of two Kondo singlets formed by the spin at the mediating site and the coherent spins in each reservoir. The fluctuation by incoherent spins is also included. The spectral weights and positions of the three coherent peaks are analytically discussed via atomic limit analysis. Our theoretical results well fit experimental data obtained for quantum point contacts with symmetric and asymmetric Kondo couplings.
Estimation of key parameters in adaptive neuron model according to firing patterns based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Yuan Chunhua , Wang Jiang , Yi Guosheng
Published: March 2017

Estimation of ion channel parameters is crucial to spike initiation of neurons. The biophysical neuron models have numerous ion channel parameters, but only a few of them play key roles in the firing patterns of the models. So we choose three parameters featuring the adaptation in the Ermentrout neuron model to be estimated. However, the traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is still easy to fall into local optimum and has the premature convergence phenomenon in the study of some problems. In this paper, we propose an improved method that uses a concave function and dynamic logistic chaotic mapping mixed to adjust the inertia weights of the fitness value, effectively improve the global convergence ability of the algorithm. The perfect predicting firing trajectories of the rebuilt model using the estimated parameters prove that only estimating a few important ion channel parameters can establish the model well and the proposed algorithm is effective. Estimations using two classic PSO algorithms are also compared to the improved PSO to verify that the algorithm proposed in this paper can avoid local optimum and quickly converge to the optimal value. The results provide important theoretical foundations for building biologically realistic neuron models.
Hořava–Lifshitz quantum cosmology in the presence of Chaplygin gas: Exact solutions and the late-time acceleration
Authors: Shababi Homa , Pedram Pouria
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we obtain new exact solutions and first-order late-time solutions for the generalized Chaplygin gas Hořava–Lifshitz quantum cosmology with the equation-of-state [Formula: see text]. Based on the Schutz formalism, we use the matter degree of freedom to recover the notion of time in quantum domain. This enables us to study time evolution of wave functions (wave packets) as well as their corresponding classical solutions. In particular, for [Formula: see text], we obtain new exact classical and quantum mechanical solutions for various gravitational cases which are valid for both early and late times. For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (the standard Chaplygin gas), and up to the first-order approximation, we solve the corresponding Schrödinger–Wheeler–DeWitt equation and find the late-time solutions in the classical and quantum domains. Also, we study the accelerating behavior of solutions at the late times and we compare the results with solutions raised from general relativity.
A NEW METHOD TO STUDY ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION BY COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS SIMULATION
Authors: PENG CHANGNONG , XU PENGCHENG , XIAN ZHANCHAO , WANG XIAOQING , HUANG WENHUA , LIU XIN
Published: March 2017

High-pitch spiral computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is able to perform a whole-heart scan within one heartbeat, resulting in high-quality images with high spatial and temporal resolution. To investigate the performance of high-quality CTCA images, an anatomic stenosis evaluation by digital subtracted angiography (DSA) was compared to a functional stenosis evaluation by CTCA-derived fraction flow reserve (FFR). A total of 54 arterial segments with stenosis were collected from 23 patients, and three-dimensional (3D) geometrical models were reconstructed. The computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) analysis was used to calculate the pressure distributions and FFR values. The correlation between anatomic and functional evaluation factors was assessed with either the ratio of anatomic reduction or CTCA-derived FFR values at the corresponding anatomic locations. Pearson correlation analysis was performed, and a significant correlation was found relating to the diameter ([Formula: see text]) and the cross-sectional area ([Formula: see text]). A significant correlation was also found in the functional evaluation relating to the diameter ([Formula: see text]) and the cross-sectional area ([Formula: see text]). High-quality CT images greatly reduce the time needed for geometric reconstruction. Significant advances in the accuracy of the reconstruction have resulted in more accurate CFD analysis, which can help to improve clinical diagnoses. The results of this study show that the CFD method can be a feasible tool for the clinic diagnosis of stenosis and for determining whether a patient requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Tax and S&T Policies for Research Commercialization: Perspectives of Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee
Published: March 2017

High-tech businesses are important in enhancing the innovative capacity of nation. Many countries use tax schemes as one of the government policy instruments to provide an environment conducive to the growth of high-tech companies. This paper analyzes the tax policies and R&D tax incentives to promote technology commercialization in Singapore and Thailand. The analysis is focused on the government dimension of Porter’s diamond model. The results reveal the government intervention model whereby the governments of both countries have pursued a developmental state role in fostering innovative entrepreneurship. The study offers insightful lessons linking tax policy to the perspective of science and technology (S&T) policy. The policy implications would be useful to other developing economies in shaping the direction of the national innovation system.
WiscKey
Authors: Lu Lanyue , Pillai Thanumalayan Sankaranarayana , Gopalakrishnan Hariharan , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: March 2017

We present WiscKey, a persistent LSM-tree-based key-value store with a performance-oriented data layout that separates keys from values to minimize I/O amplification. The design of WiscKey is highly SSD optimized, leveraging both the sequential and random performance characteristics of the device. We demonstrate the advantages of WiscKey with both microbenchmarks and YCSB workloads. Microbenchmark results show that WiscKey is 2.5 × to 111 × faster than LevelDB for loading a database (with significantly better tail latencies) and 1.6 × to 14 × faster for random lookups. WiscKey is faster than both LevelDB and RocksDB in all six YCSB workloads.
Targeted Differentiation Therapy with Mutant IDH Inhibitors: Early Experiences and Parallels with Other Differentiation Agents
Authors: Stein Eytan , Yen Katharine
Published: March 2017

Somatic mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 genes have been described in multiple hematologic and solid tumors, and confer a gain of function, permitting the production of the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). 2-HG accumulation induces DNA and histone hypermethylation and altered gene expression, ultimately resulting in a block in cellular differentiation. Proof-of-concept preclinical work demonstrated that targeted inhibition of the mutant IDH (mIDH) enzyme is a feasible therapeutic strategy, based on the hypothesis that inhibition of the mIDH enzyme blocks 2-HG production, resulting in an appropriate methylation state and the onset of cellular differentiation. Clinical development programs for targeted inhibitors are underway, and preliminary data in patients with mIDH acute myeloid leukemia suggest that these inhibitors act as differentiation agents. Here we review the use of differentiation agents for the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors and discuss the preclinical and early clinical evidence that mIDH inhibitors mediate antitumor effects through the induction of differentiation.
Psoriasis as a human model of disease to study inflammatory atherogenesis
Authors: Harrington Charlotte L. , Dey Amit K. , Yunus Raza , Joshi Aditya A. , Mehta Nehal N.
Published: March 2017

Inflammation is known to play a significant role in the process of atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, patients with chronic inflammatory diseases are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms linking chronic inflammation and CVD remain poorly understood. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a greater risk of early cardiovascular events, provides a suitable human model to study the pathophysiology of inflammatory atherogenesis in humans. Additionally, cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17A, and other immune pathways are the common links between the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis, and hence the approved treatments for psoriasis, which include selective cytokine inhibition (e.g., anti-TNF, anti-IL-17A, and anti-IL-12/23) and immune modulation (e.g., methotrexate or cyclosporine), provide an opportunity to examine the effect of modulating these pathways on atherogenesis. We have been using this human model in a large, prospective cohort study, and this review summarizes our approach and results of using this human model to study inflammatory atherogenesis. Specifically, we review simultaneous multimodal imaging of several vascular beds using 18fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, 18fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/MRI, and coronary computed tomography angiography as well as cardiovascular biomarkers to better understand how modulation of inflammation may impact vascular diseases.
Short-term low-magnesium diet reduces autoimmune arthritis severity and synovial tissue gene expression
Authors: Brenner Max , Laragione Teresina , Gulko Pércio S.
Published: March 2017

Magnesium has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties in short-term, mostly in vitro studies. To examine the effect of dietary magnesium modifications in arthritis severity and joint damage DA rats were placed on one of three diet regimens before the induction of autoimmune pristane-induced arthritis (PIA): a 4 wk low-magnesium diet, normal diet, and a magnesium-supplemented diet. The diets were switched to a normal diet 14 days after the induction of PIA (typical time of disease onset). Arthritis severity was scored for 38 days, and joints were examined by histology and quantitative PCR for proinflammatory genes. Rats on the low-magnesium diet were significantly and reproducibly protected and had 70% lower median arthritis severity score, with preservation of normal joint histology without erosive changes. Rats on the normal or magnesium-supplemented diets were not protected and developed equally severe and erosive disease. While the dietary modifications were at disease onset ( day 14 postinduction), the protective effect of the short-term low-magnesium diet persisted, suggesting a lasting effect on a critical pathogenic pathway. Rats on the low-magnesium diet had significant reduction in synovial tissue expression of IL-6, RORA, and RORC, which are genes required for the development of Th17 T cells. This study revealed a novel role for dietary magnesium in the regulation of autoimmune arthritis and opens new possibilities for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with short courses of dietary or drug-induced modulations of magnesium levels.
A New Reversible Database Watermarking Approach with Firefly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Imamoglu Mustafa Bilgehan , Ulutas Mustafa , Ulutas Guzin
Published: March 2017

Up‐to‐date information is crucial in many fields such as medicine, science, and stock market, where data should be distributed to clients from a centralized database. Shared databases are usually stored in data centers where they are distributed over insecure public access network, the Internet. Sharing may result in a number of problems such as unauthorized copies, alteration of data, and distribution to unauthorized people for reuse. Researchers proposed using watermarking to prevent problems and claim digital rights. Many methods are proposed recently to watermark databases to protect digital rights of owners. Particularly, optimization based watermarking techniques draw attention, which results in lower distortion and improved watermark capacity. Difference expansion watermarking (DEW) with Firefly Algorithm (FFA), a bioinspired optimization technique, is proposed to embed watermark into relational databases in this work. Best attribute values to yield lower distortion and increased watermark capacity are selected efficiently by the FFA. Experimental results indicate that FFA has reduced complexity and results in less distortion and improved watermark capacity compared to similar works reported in the literature.
De Novo Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies Developing Early or Late after Transplant Are Associated with the Same Risk of Graft Damage and Loss in Nonsensitized Kidney Recipients
Authors: Cioni Michela , Nocera Arcangelo , Innocente Annalisa , Tagliamacco Augusto , Trivelli Antonella , Basso Sabrina , Quartuccio Giuseppe , Fontana Iris , Magnasco Alberto , Drago Francesca , Gurrado Antonella , Guido Ilaria , Compagno Francesca , Garibotto Giacomo , Klersy Catherine , Verrina Enrico , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Cardillo Massimo , Comoli Patrizia , Ginevri Fabrizio
Published: March 2017

De novo posttransplant donor-specific HLA-antibody (dnDSA) detection is now recognized as a tool to identify patients at risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and graft loss. It is still unclear whether the time interval from transplant to DSA occurrence influences graft damage. Utilizing sera collected longitudinally, we evaluated 114 consecutive primary pediatric kidney recipients grafted between 2002 and 2013 for dnDSA occurrence by Luminex platform. dnDSAs occurred in 39 patients at a median time of 24.6 months. In 15 patients, dnDSAs developed within 1 year (early-onset group), while the other 24 seroconverted after the first posttransplant year (late-onset group). The two groups were comparable when considering patient- and transplant-related factors, as well as DSA biological properties, including C1q and C3d complement-binding ability. Only recipient age at transplant significantly differed in the two cohorts, with younger patients showing earlier dnDSA development. Late AMR was diagnosed in 47% of the early group and in 58% of the late group. Graft loss occurred in 3/15 (20%) and 4/24 (17%) patients in early- and late-onset groups, respectively (p = ns). In our pediatric kidney recipients, dnDSAs predict AMR and graft loss irrespective of the time elapsed between transplantation and antibody occurrence.
Investigations of Printed Flexible pH Sensing Materials Based on Graphene Platelets and Submicron RuO2Powders
Authors: Janczak Daniel , Peplowski Andrzej , Wroblewski Grzegorz , Gorski Lukasz , Zwierkowska Elzbieta , Jakubowska Malgorzata
Published: March 2017

The paper describes the investigations of pH-sensitive materials for screen printed flexible pH sensors. The sensors were fully printed and consisted of three layers, conductive made of low temperature-curable silver paste, insulating made of UV-curable dielectric paste, and pH-sensitive made of developed graphene/ruthenium oxide pastes. Graphene and ruthenium oxide composites were prepared with different proportions of graphene nanoplatelets paste and submicron ruthenium dioxide. To perform functional measurements, particular testing sensors were fabricated on flexible polyester foil. Afterwards electrochemical potential measurements of fabricated devices were carried out. Sensors were also exposed to cyclic bending and the change of pH sensitivity before and after bending was described. Eventually, percolation threshold concerning the amount of ruthenium oxide in the pH-sensitive layer was designated and UV influence on the sensitivity was observed that together allow for optimization of sensors’ fabrication costs.
Hereditary Xerocytosis due to Mutations inPIEZO1Gene Associated with Heterozygous Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency and Beta-Thalassemia Trait in Two Unrelated Families
Authors: Fermo Elisa , Vercellati Cristina , Marcello Anna Paola , Zaninoni Anna , van Wijk Richard , Mirra Nadia , Curcio Cristina , Cortelezzi Agostino , Zanella Alberto , Barcellini Wilma , Bianchi Paola
Published: March 2017

Hereditary xerocytosis (HX) is a rare disorder caused by defects of RBC permeability, associated with haemolytic anaemia of variable degree and iron overload. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as hereditary spherocytosis or other congenital haemolytic anaemia. Splenectomy is contraindicated due to increased risk of thromboembolic complications. We report the clinical, haematological, and molecular characteristics of four patients from two unrelated Italian families affected by HX, associated with beta-thalassemia trait and heterozygous pyruvate kinase deficiency, respectively. Two patients had been splenectomised and displayed thrombotic episodes. All patients had iron overload in the absence of transfusion, two of them requiring iron chelation. The diagnosis of HX was confirmed by LoRRca Osmoscan analysis showing a left-shifted curve.PIEZO1gene sequencing revealed the presence of mutation p.E2496ELE, showing that this is one of the most frequent mutations in this disease. The concomitant defects did not aggravate the clinical phenotype; however, in one patient, the initial diagnosis of pyruvate kinase deficiency delayed the correct diagnosis of HX for many years and resulted in splenectomy followed by thrombotic complications. The study underlines the importance of a precise diagnosis in HX, particularly in view of splenectomy, and the need of a molecular confirmation of suspected RBC enzymopathy.
The Association between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Risk of Undetected Prediabetes
Authors: Wang Jia , Wu Yili , Ning Feng , Zhang Chaoying , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: March 2017

Aims. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of leisure-time physical activity on undetected prediabetes.Methods. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012 were used in our analyses. Logistic regression was conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prediabetes associated with leisure-time physical activity.Results. A total of 8204 subjects were eligible for our analyses. For all subjects, high level of total leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.94) and low level of vigorous leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.90) were inversely associated with the risk of prediabetes in multivariate-adjusted model. For subjects under 45 years of age, high level of total leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.99) and low (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.83) and high (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.00) level of vigorous leisure-time physical activity were associated with a decreased risk of prediabetes. In the 45 to 65 age group, only high level of total leisure-time physical activity (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.95) had protective effect on prediabetes.Conclusions. Leisure-time physical activity may be associated with a decreased risk of prediabetes.
Input-Output Finite-Time Control of Positive Switched Systems with Time-Varying and Distributed Delays
Authors: Liu Leipo , Cao Xiangyang , Fu Zhumu , Song Shuzhong
Published: March 2017

The problem of input-output finite-time control of positive switched systems with time-varying and distributed delays is considered in this paper. Firstly, the definition of input-output finite-time stability is extended to positive switched systems with time-varying and distributed delays, and the proof of the positivity of such systems is also given. Then, by constructing multiple linear copositive Lyapunov functions and using the mode-dependent average dwell time (MDADT) approach, a state feedback controller is designed, and sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that the corresponding closed-loop system is input-output finite-time stable (IO-FTS). Such conditions can be easily solved by linear programming. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Total Coumarins from Hydrangea paniculata Protect against Cisplatin‐Induced Acute Kidney Damage in Mice by Suppressing Renal Inflammation and Apoptosis
Authors: Sen Zhang , Jie Ma , Jingzhi Yang , Dongjie Wang , Dongming Zhang , Xiaoguang Chen
Published: March 2017

Aim. Hydrangea paniculata (HP) Sieb. is a medical herb which is widely distributed in southern China, and current study is to evaluate renal protective effect of aqueous extract of HP by cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in animal model and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods. HP extract was prepared and the major ingredients were coumarin glycosides. AKI mouse models were established by single i.p. injection of 20 mg/kg cisplatin, and HP was orally administrated for total five times. The renal biochemical functions, pathological staining, kidney oxidative stress, and inflammatory status were measured. Apoptosis of tubular cells and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils were also tested. Results. HP administration could improve the renal function by decreasing concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine and attenuates renal oxidative stress and tubular pathological injury and apoptosis; further research demonstrated that HP could inhibit the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and regulate caspase and BCL‐2 family proteins. HP also reduced renal infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and its effect might be by downregulating phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and stat3 signaling pathway. Conclusions. This present study suggests that HP could ameliorate cisplatin induced kidney damage by antioxidation and suppressing renal inflammation and tubular cell apoptosis.
Cylindrically Symmetric, Asymptotically Flat, Petrov Type D Spacetime with a Naked Curvature Singularity and Matter Collapse
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: March 2017

We present a cylindrically symmetric, Petrov type D, nonexpanding, shear-free, and vorticity-free solution of Einstein’s field equations. The spacetime is asymptotically flat radially and regular everywhere except on the symmetry axis where it possesses a naked curvature singularity. The energy-momentum tensor of the spacetime is that for an anisotropic fluid which satisfies the different energy conditions. This spacetime is used to generate a rotating spacetime which admits closed timelike curves and may represent a Cosmic Time Machine.
Inferring Advisor‐Student Relationships from Publication Networks Based on Approximate MaxConfidence Measure
Authors: Li Yongjun , Fang Nan , Liu Zun , Yu Hui
Published: March 2017

A publication network contains abundant knowledge about advisor‐student relationships. However, these relationship labels are not explicitly shown and need to be identified based on the hidden knowledge. The exploration of such relationships can benefit many interesting applications such as expert finding and research community analysis and has already drawn many scholars’ attention. In this paper, based on the common knowledge that a student usually coauthors his papers with his advisor, we propose an approximate MaxConfidence measure and present an advisor‐student relationship identification algorithm based on the proposed measure. Based on the comparison of two authors’ publication list, we first employ the proposed measure to determine the time interval that a potential advising relationship lasts and then infer the likelihood of this potential advising relationship. Our algorithm suggests an advisor for each student based on the inference results. The experiment results show that our algorithm can infer advisor‐student relationships efficiently and achieve a better accuracy than the time‐constrained probabilistic factor graph (TPFG) model without any supervised information. Also, we apply some reasonable restrictions on the dataset to reduce the search space significantly.
Reactive Oxygen Species Evoked by Potassium Deprivation and Staurosporine Inactivate Akt and Induce the Expression of TXNIP in Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Authors: Zaragoza-Campillo Marco Antonio , Morán Julio
Published: March 2017

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in neuronal apoptosis; however, the mechanisms are not well understood. It has been shown that thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) overexpression renders cells more susceptible to oxidative stress and promotes apoptosis and that the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway leads to a downregulation of TXNIP. Here, we evaluated the role of ROS in the regulation of Akt activity and the subsequent regulation of the TXNIP expression in a model of apoptotic death of cerebellar granule neurons (CGN). We observed that two apoptotic conditions that generate ROS at short times led to an increase in the expression of TXNIP in a time‐dependent manner; antioxidants significantly reduced this expression. Also, H2O2 caused an increase in TXNIP expression. Moreover, apoptotic conditions induced inactivation of Akt in a time‐dependent manner similar to TXNIP expression and H2O2 treatment led to Akt inactivation. Besides, the pharmacological inhibition of Akt increases TXNIP expression and induces CGN cell death. Together, these results suggest that ROS promote neuronal apoptosis through the Akt‐TXNIP signaling pathway, supporting the idea that the PI3K/Akt pathway regulates the TXNIP expression. This study highlights the potential importance of this mechanism in neuronal death.
Findings of Vascular Brain Injury and Structural Loss from Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Elderly American Indians: The Strong Heart Study
Authors: Suchy-Dicey Astrid M. , Shibata Dean K. , Madhyastha Tara M. , Grabowski Thomas J. , Longstreth Jr. W.T. , Buchwald Dedra S.
Published: March 2017

Background: The Cerebrovascular Disease and its Consequences in American Indians study conducted cranial MRI examination of surviving participants of the Strong Heart Study, a longitudinal cohort of elderly American Indians. Methods: Of the 1,033 recruited participants, some were unable to complete the MRI (n = 22), some scans were unusable due to participant motion or technical errors (n = 13), and one community withdrew consent after data collection (n = 209), leaving 789 interpretable MRI scan images. Six image sequences were obtained in contiguous slices on 1.5T scanners. Neuroradiologists graded white matter hyperintensities (WMH), sulci, and ventricles on a 0- to 9-point scale, and recorded the presence of infarcts and hemorrhages. Intracranial, brain, hippocampal, and WMH volumes were estimated by automated image processing. Results: The median scores for graded measures were 2 (WMH) and 3 (sulci, ventricles). About one-third of participants had lacunar (20%) or other infarcts (13%); few had hemorrhages (5.7%). Findings of cortical atrophy were also prevalent. Statistical analyses indicated significant associations between older age and findings of vascular injury and atrophy; male gender was associated with findings of cortical atrophy. Conclusions: Vascular brain injury is the likely explanation in this elderly American Indian population for brain infarcts, hemorrhages, WMH grade, and WMH volume. Although vascular brain injury may play a role in other findings, independent degenerative other disease processes may underlie abnormal sulcal widening, ventricular enlargement, hippocampal volume, and total brain volume. Further examination of risk factors and outcomes with these findings may expand the understanding of neurological conditions in this understudied population.
Nota sobre o disco Encarnado, de Juçara Marçal (2014)
Authors: Garcia Walter
Published: March 2017

This article aims to analyze and interpret some musical and poetic techniques of Encarnado, a CD released by Juçara Marçal in 2014. In the first part, the paper studies how the musical elements (timbres, polyrhy thm, tones and dynamics) were combined into a creative texture. Moreover, from an interdisciplinary view, some information about the musical creation process is systematized. In the second part, the sound and poetic materials that make up some songs and the ways these materials are articulated are interpreted in the light of several impasses of current Brazilian society
Irene litanga, a new genus and new species in the Polia generic-complex from China (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Hadeninae, Hadenini)
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , BENEDEK BALÁZS
Published: March 2017

A new Hadenini genus and species, Irene gen. n. litanga sp. n. (Figs 1–4, 13, 15), are described from China. This is the third paper since 2013 dealing with members of the Polia-complex in the Himalayan region and particularly the mountainous areas of Central China (Saldaitis et al., 2013, 2016). The discovery of a new genus within the Polia genera group again demonstrates the fascinating and surprising diversity of the region. The clarification of the relationship between the genera-subgenera and species belonging to Polia genera group, (e. g. Polia Ochsenheimer, 1816, Kollariana Hacker & Kautt, 1996 [1997], Haderonia Staudinger, 1895, Tricheurois Hampson, 1905, Pachetra Guenée, 1841 and Ctenoceratoda Varga, 1992) remains unclear and disputable, especially in the diverse Himalayan-Sino-Tibetan region. Hopefully our studies will stimulate further exploration and promote the realization of a comprehensive review of this interesting complex.
A new shrimp species of the genus Lebbeus White, 1847 (Crustacea: Deacpoda: Caridea: Thoridae) from a deep-sea cold seep site off southwestern Taiwan
Authors: CHAN TIN-YAM , KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: March 2017

A new species of the thorid shrimp genus Lebbeus White, 1847 is reported upon from a deep-sea cold seep site off southwestern Taiwan. The new species belongs to the group characterized by the possession of epipod only on maxilliped III and pereiopod I, and appears closest to L. curvirostris Zarenkov, 1976, known only from off Peru, Eastern Pacific and L. manus Komai & Collins, 2009 from the Manus Basin, Bismarck Sea, Southwest Pacific. It differs from the latter two species in having a larger supraorbital tooth and more numerous spines on the meri of the pereiopods III to V. The present new species is the fifth of the genus known from waters around Taiwan.
Loxosomella decorata n. sp., a new solitary entoproct from San Juan Island, WA, USA
Authors: NIELSEN CLAUS
Published: March 2017

Several species of solitary entoprocts of the genera Loxosoma and Loxosomella occur on maldanid polychaetes or in their tubes (Nielsen 1964). New species turn up almost every time maldanids from new localities are studied, and the species described below has been the subject of a study of spiral cleavage (Merkel et al. 2012). This paper describes a new species of Loxosomella from tubes of the maldanid polychaete Axiothella rubrocincta (Johnson, 1901) from False Bay, San Juan Island, WA, USA.
First records in Italy of the red-listed shore bug Salda henschii (Reuter, 1891) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Saldidae)
Authors: CIANFERONI FABIO , NORBIATO MARGHERITA , DOGLIOTTI MARCO
Published: March 2017

Salda henschii (Reuter, 1891) is a boreo-montane species of Saldidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) restricted to mountain bogs and streams in central Europe (e.g., Western Carpathians, Alps) and to freshwater wetlands in lowland coastal areas in northern Europe (Fennoscandia); it is a vicariant of the arctic (Holarctic) element S. sahlbergi Reuter, 1875 (Hoberlandt 1977; Schuh et al. 1987; Péricart 1990; Lindskog 1991; Vinokurov 2010).
Impacts of Stratospheric Sulfate Geoengineering on Global Solar Photovoltaic and Concentrating Solar Power Resource
Authors: Smith Christopher J. , Crook Julia A. , Crook Rolf , Jackson Lawrence S. , Osprey Scott M. , Forster Piers M.
Published: March 2017

In recent years, the idea of geoengineering, artificially modifying the climate to reduce global temperatures, has received increasing attention because of the lack of progress in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Stratospheric sulfate injection (SSI) is a geoengineering method proposed to reduce planetary warming by reflecting a proportion of solar radiation back into space that would otherwise warm the surface and lower atmosphere. The authors analyze results from the Met Office Hadley Centre Global Environment Model, version 2, Carbon Cycle Stratosphere (HadGEM2-CCS) climate model with stratospheric emissions of 10 Tg yr−1 of SO2, designed to offset global temperature rise by around 1°C. A reduction in concentrating solar power output of 5.9% on average over land is shown under SSI relative to a baseline future climate change scenario (RCP4.5) caused by a decrease in direct radiation. Solar photovoltaic energy is generally less affected as it can use diffuse radiation, which increases under SSI, at the expense of direct radiation. The results from HadGEM2-CCS are compared with the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry–Climate Model (GEOSCCM) from the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP), with 5 Tg yr−1 emission of SO2. In many regions, the differences predicted in solar energy output between the SSI and RCP4.5 simulations are robust, as the sign of the changes for both HadGEM2-CCS and GEOSCCM agree. Furthermore, the sign of the total and direct annual mean radiation changes evaluated by HadGEM2-CCS agrees with the sign of the multimodel mean changes of an ensemble of GeoMIP models over the majority of the world.
The Diurnal Cycle of Tropical Cloudiness and Rainfall Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Sakaeda Naoko , Kiladis George , Dias Juliana
Published: March 2017

This study examines the diurnal cycle of rainfall and cloudiness associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) using TRMM rainfall rate and ISCCP multilevel cloud fraction data. There are statistically significant differences in diurnal cycle amplitude and phase between suppressed and enhanced envelopes of MJO convection. The amplitude of the diurnal rainfall rate and middle–deep cloudiness increases within enhanced MJO convection, especially over the ocean. However, the differences in diurnal cycle amplitude between enhanced and suppressed MJO are generally smaller than the differences in daily mean values, so that its relative contribution to total rainfall or cloudiness variance within enhanced MJO convection becomes smaller. Near the coastlines of islands within the Maritime Continent, the diurnal cycle amplitude tends to increase 5–10 days prior to the arrival of the peak enhanced MJO convection, but this relationship is weaker over the interior areas of larger islands where the climatological diurnal amplitude is already large. Within enhanced MJO convection, the diurnal rainfall peak is frequently delayed by about 3 h and cloud height decays at slower rate compared to suppressed conditions. More stratiform rainfall occurs following the peak convective rainfall within enhanced MJO convection, delaying the total rainfall peak by a few hours as a result of its greater horizontal extent. The results of this study suggest that the MJO modulates both the amplitude and phase of the diurnal cycle of tropical rainfall and cloudiness by influencing cloud type population distribution and associated rainfall rates.
What It Means to Become “More Resilient”: An Analysis of Local Resilience-Building Approaches in Three Florida Communities
Authors: Torres Hannah , Alsharif Kamal
Published: March 2017

From international to local scales of governance, resilience building is being presented as the way to prepare for impacts of both slow- and quick-onset disasters. Having transitioned from ecological to social applications, the concept of resilience has multiple interpretations, and definitions tend to emphasize both resistance to and acceptance of transformational change. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the concept of resilience is being conceptualized in three south Florida communities in order to understand and compare what ideal types and dimensions of resilience are prioritized at those local scales. To do this, content analyses of city and county documents were conducted to extract explicit definitions of resilience as well as implicit definitions based on context clues using carefully selected keywords. The term resilience appeared 684 times in documents from Broward County, Lee County, and the city of Punta Gorda, yet only one document provided any explicit definition. Based on a keyword analysis, the engineering resilience concept was most prevalent across all three study areas. Furthermore, keywords related to the dimension of the built environment were most common by far in Broward and Lee Counties. While this could indicate a need for communities to shift toward more progressive, social–ecological conceptualizations of resilience, a more central conclusion of this research is that local applications of resilience frameworks need to be more explicit about how they define resilience and what resilience building looks like in that particular context.
Finding and sustaining employment: A qualitative meta-synthesis of mental health consumer views
Authors: Fossey Ellie M. , Harvey Carol A.
Published: March 2017

Background

The viewpoints of employed people experiencing mental ill-health receive limited attention in reviews of employment-related research.

Purpose

To identify implications from studies investigating the employment-related views of people with persistent mental ill-health to guide the further development of employment supports available to this group.

Methods

Published qualitative studies between 1998 and 2008 were searched, resulting in 20 studies for qualitative metasynthesis.

Findings

Four themes were synthesized from the findings:(a) employment has varied meanings, benefits, and drawbacks to weigh up; (b) strategies for maintaining employment and mental health are important and both require ongoing, active self-management; (c) diverse supports within and beyond the workplace are helpful; and (d) systemic issues add to the employment barriers.

Implications

Strategies based on these themes highlight how occupational therapists could initiate improvements in employment support and mental health services to increase their success in enabling satisfying and sustainable employment.
L’altra faccia della medaglia: Il ciclo dei vinti di Giampaolo Pansa
Authors: Serkowska Hanna
Published: March 2017

Questo saggio muove dall’enfasi sul desiderio di fare giustizia nel ciclo dei vinti (2003–) di Giampaolo Pansa, inserito nel contesto del revisionismo storico di sinistra, contestato dall’autore che con esso giustifica il proprio. Si dimostra che Pansa rivendica la giustizia nei modi che sfiorano la vendetta, con un ritardo che lascia sospettare l’opportunismo politico e che degrada la storia della Resistenza italiana a crimine diffuso in attesa di giustizia. L’autore, che si definisce uno storico dilettante e trascura le fondamentali regole della storiografia (pronuncia giudizi di valore, adotta una prospettiva e studia le fonti e testimonianze solo di una parte, non elabora il passato ma vi cerca le ragioni del presente), fa della storia politica. Parte integrale della sua operazione è anche la preferenza per la forma romanzo di cui qui si propone un’analisi delle componenti strutturali, linguistiche e ideologiche come uno spunto per riflettere sulla scelta dei destinatari e per capire l’uso che l’autore fa del concetto di giustizia. Si rinvengono infine alcune avvisaglie di un ripensamento: l’autore – già passato dalla sinistra a posizioni di destra – sembra rivedere un’altra volta le sue ragioni e accettare che la guerra sia uno stato di eccezione, per cui non sono idonei né i criteri di giustizia sviluppati al tempo di pace né tanto meno le chiavi di lettura semplificate.
Developing Musical Creativity through Reflective and Collaborative Practices
Authors: Gruenhagen Lisa M.
Published: March 2017

This article focuses on developing musical creativity through reflective and collaborative practices in elementary music. Studies on reflective practices reveal that students of any age are able to reflect knowingly. Researchers who have examined thinking, creativity, and musical understanding have discussed the importance of teaching practices that encourage collaboration and developing shared understandings through performance and reflective practices. This article examines student work in elementary music and describes strategies that support the development of independent, creative, musical thinkers. Suggestions for engaging students in reflective and collaborative practices that support the development of musical creativity in the elementary music classroom are included.
Learning to Be Creatively Expressive Performers
Authors: Strand Katherine , Brenner Brenda
Published: March 2017

Research conducted on the development of expressive performance capabilities suggests that children can learn to demonstrate expressiveness in their music-making. Expressivity includes musical interpretation, performance technique, and musical and personal creativity. This article examines creativity as an important component of musical expressivity in relation to (1) musical structures, (2) the emotions and sensations evoked by music, and (3) communication with ensemble members and the audience. Included are practical examples and ideas for teachers to help their students learn about performance expressivity on instruments and with voice, along with exercises to help them become creatively expressive performers.
GPU-accelerated Kernel Regression Reconstruction for Freehand 3D Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Wen Tiexiang , Li Ling , Zhu Qingsong , Qin Wenjian , Gu Jia , Yang Feng , Xie Yaoqin
Published: March 2017

Volume reconstruction method plays an important role in improving reconstructed volumetric image quality for freehand three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. By utilizing the capability of programmable graphics processing unit (GPU), we can achieve a real-time incremental volume reconstruction at a speed of 25-50 frames per second (fps). After incremental reconstruction and visualization, hole-filling is performed on GPU to fill remaining empty voxels. However, traditional pixel nearest neighbor–based hole-filling fails to reconstruct volume with high image quality. On the contrary, the kernel regression provides an accurate volume reconstruction method for 3D ultrasound imaging but with the cost of heavy computational complexity. In this paper, a GPU-based fast kernel regression method is proposed for high-quality volume after the incremental reconstruction of freehand ultrasound. The experimental results show that improved image quality for speckle reduction and details preservation can be obtained with the parameter setting of kernel window size of [Formula: see text] and kernel bandwidth of 1.0. The computational performance of the proposed GPU-based method can be over 200 times faster than that on central processing unit (CPU), and the volume with size of 50 million voxels in our experiment can be reconstructed within 10 seconds.