bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Schumpeterian Growth Paradigm
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Akcigit Ufuk , Howitt Peter
Published: May 2015

In this review, we argue that the Schumpeterian growth paradigm, which models growth as resulting from innovations involving creative destruction, sheds light on several aspects of the growth process that cannot be properly addressed by alternative theories. We focus on three important aspects for which Schumpeterian growth theory delivers predictions that distinguish it from other growth models, namely, (a) the role of competition and market structure, (b) firm dynamics, and (c) the relationship between growth and development.
Climate and Conflict
Authors: Burke Marshall , Hsiang Solomon M. , Miguel Edward
Published: May 2015

We review the emerging literature on climate and conflict. We consider multiple types of human conflict, including both interpersonal conflict, such as assault and murder, and intergroup conflict, including riots and civil war. We discuss key methodological issues in estimating causal relationships and largely focus on natural experiments that exploit variation in climate over time. Using a hierarchical meta-analysis that allows us to both estimate the mean effect and quantify the degree of variability across 55 studies, we find that deviations from moderate temperatures and precipitation patterns systematically increase conflict risk. Contemporaneous temperature has the largest average impact, with each 1σ increase in temperature increasing interpersonal conflict by 2.4% and intergroup conflict by 11.3%. We conclude by highlighting research priorities, including a better understanding of the mechanisms linking climate to conflict, societies’ ability to adapt to climatic changes, and the likely impacts of future global warming.
Beyond Graphene: Progress in Novel Two-Dimensional Materials and van der Waals Solids
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Robinson Joshua A. , Dubey Madan , Terrones Humberto , Terrones Mauricio
Published: May 2015

Interest in 2D materials and van der Waals solids is growing exponentially across various scientific and engineering disciplines owing to their fascinating electrical, optical, chemical, and thermal properties. Whereas the micromechanical exfoliation technique has been adopted for rapid material characterization and demonstration of innovative device ideas based on these 2D systems, significant advances have recently been made in large-scale homogeneous and heterogeneous growth of these materials. This review reflects recent progress and outlines future prospects of these novel 2D materials. We provide a holistic overview of the different synthesis and characterization techniques, electronic and photonic device characteristics, and catalytic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides and their heterostructures. We also comment on the challenges that need to be overcome for full-scale commercial implementation of this novel class of layered materials.
Defining the roles of arrestin2 and arrestin3 in vasoconstrictor receptor desensitization in hypertension
Authors: Willets Jonathon M. , Nash Craig A. , Rainbow Richard D. , Nelson Carl P. , Challiss R. A. John
Published: May 2015

Prolonged vasoconstrictor-stimulated phospholipase C activity can induce arterial constriction, hypertension, and smooth muscle hypertrophy/hyperplasia. Arrestin proteins are recruited by agonist-occupied G protein-coupled receptors to terminate signaling and counteract changes in vascular tone. Here we determine whether the development of hypertension affects arrestin expression in resistance arteries and how such changes alter arterial contractile signaling and function. Arrestin2/3 expression was increased in mesenteric arteries of 12-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls, while no differences in arrestin expression were observed between 6-wk-old SHR and WKY animals. In mesenteric artery myography experiments, high extracellular K+-stimulated contractions were increased in both 6- and 12-wk-old SHR animals. Concentration-response experiments for uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) acting through P2Y receptors displayed a leftward shift in 12-wk, but not 6-wk-old animals. Desensitization of UTP-stimulated vessel contractions was increased in 12-wk-old (but not 6-wk-old) SHR animals. Dual IP3/Ca2+ imaging in mesenteric arterial cells showed that desensitization of UTP and endothelin-1 (ET1) responses was enhanced in 12-wk-old (but not 6-wk-old) SHR compared with WKY rats. siRNA-mediated depletion of arrestin2 for UTP and arrestin3 for ET1, reversed the desensitization of PLC signaling. In conclusion, arrestin2 and 3 expression is elevated in resistance arteries during the emergence of the early hypertensive phenotype, which underlies an enhanced ability to desensitize vasoconstrictor signaling and vessel contraction. Such regulatory changes may act to compensate for increased vasoconstrictor-induced vessel contraction.
Regulation of blood flow in adipose tissue: involvement of the cholinergic system
Authors: Sotorník Richard , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , Gagnon-Auger Maude , Ménard Julie , Brassard Pascal , Ardilouze Jean-Luc
Published: May 2015

Acetylcholine (Ach) has vasodilatory actions. However, data are conflicting about the role of Ach in regulating blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue (ATBF). This may be related to inaccurate ATBF recording or to the responder/nonresponder (R/NR) phenomenon. We showed previously that healthy individuals are R (ATBF increases postprandially by >50% of baseline BF) or NR (ATBF increases ≤50% postprandially). Our objective was to assess the role of the cholinergic system on ATBF in R and NR subjects. ATBF was manipulated by in situ microinfusion of vasoactive agents (VA) in AT and monitored by the133Xenon washout technique (both recognized methods) at the VA site and at the control site. We tested incrementally increasing doses of Ach (10−5, 10−3, and 10−1mol/l; n = 15) and Ach receptor antagonists (Ra) before and after oral administration of 75-g glucose using atropine (muscarinic Ra; 10−4mol/l, n = 13; 10−5mol/l, n = 22) and mecamylamine (nicotinic Ra; 10−3mol/l, n = 15; 10−4mol/l, n = 10). Compared with baseline [2.41 (1.36–2.83) ml·100 g−1·min−1], Ach increased ATBF dose dependently [3.32 (2.80–5.09), 6.46 (4.36–9.51), and 10.31 (7.98–11.52), P < 0.0001], with no difference between R and NR. Compared with control side, atropine (both concentrations) had no effect on fasting ATBF; only atropine 10−4mol/l decreased post-glucose ATBF [iAUC: 1.25 (0.32–2.91) vs. 1.98 (0.64–2.94); P = 0.04]. This effect was further apparent in R. Mecamylamine had no impact on fasting and postglucose ATBF in R and NR. Our results suggest that the cholinergic system is implicated in ATBF regulation, although it has no role in the blunting of ATBF response in NR.
Ribosome biogenesis adaptation in resistance training-induced human skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Figueiredo Vandre C. , Caldow Marissa K. , Massie Vivien , Markworth James F. , Cameron-Smith David , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: May 2015

Resistance training (RT) has the capacity to increase skeletal muscle mass, which is due in part to transient increases in the rate of muscle protein synthesis during postexercise recovery. The role of ribosome biogenesis in supporting the increased muscle protein synthetic demands is not known. This study examined the effect of both a single acute bout of resistance exercise (RE) and a chronic RT program on the muscle ribosome biogenesis response. Fourteen healthy young men performed a single bout of RE both before and after 8 wk of chronic RT. Muscle cross-sectional area was increased by 6 ± 4.5% in response to 8 wk of RT. Acute RE-induced activation of the ERK and mTOR pathways were similar before and after RT, as assessed by phosphorylation of ERK, MNK1, p70S6K, and S6 ribosomal protein 1 h postexercise. Phosphorylation of TIF-IA was also similarly elevated following both RE sessions. Cyclin D1 protein levels, which appeared to be regulated at the translational rather than transcriptional level, were acutely increased after RE. UBF was the only protein found to be highly phosphorylated at rest after 8 wk of training. Also, muscle levels of the rRNAs, including the precursor 45S and the mature transcripts (28S, 18S, and 5.8S), were increased in response to RT. We propose that ribosome biogenesis is an important yet overlooked event in RE-induced muscle hypertrophy that warrants further investigation.
Leukemia inhibitory factor increases glucose uptake in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Brandt Nina , O'Neill Hayley M. , Kleinert Maximilian , Schjerling Peter , Vernet Erik , Steinberg Gregory R. , Richter Erik A. , Jørgensen Sebastian B.
Published: May 2015

Members of the IL-6 family, IL-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), have been shown to increase glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. However, the metabolic effects of another family member, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), are not well characterized. Effects of LIF on skeletal muscle glucose uptake and palmitate oxidation and signaling were investigated in ex vivo incubated mouse soleus and EDL muscles from muscle-specific AMPKα2 kinase-dead, muscle-specific SOCS3 knockout, and lean and high-fat-fed mice. Inhibitors were used to investigate involvement of specific signaling pathways. LIF increased muscle glucose uptake in dose (50-5,000 pM/l) and time-dependent manners with maximal effects at the 30-min time point. LIF increased Akt Ser473 phosphorylation (P) in soleus and EDL, whereas AMPK Thr172 P was unaffected. Incubation with parthenolide abolished LIF-induced glucose uptake and STAT3 Tyr705 P, whereas incubation with LY-294002 and wortmannin suppressed both basal and LIF-induced glucose uptake and Akt Ser473 P, indicating that JAK and PI 3-kinase signaling is required for LIF-stimulated glucose uptake. Incubation with rapamycin and AZD8055 indicated that mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)2, but not mTORC1, also is required for LIF-stimulated glucose uptake. In contrast to CNTF, LIF stimulation did not alter palmitate oxidation. LIF-stimulated glucose uptake was maintained in EDL from obese insulin-resistant mice, whereas soleus developed LIF resistance. Lack of SOCS3 and AMPKα2 did not affect LIF-stimulated glucose uptake. In conclusion, LIF acutely increased muscle glucose uptake by a mechanism potentially involving the PI 3-kinase/mTORC2/Akt pathway and is not impaired in EDL muscle from obese insulin-resistant mice.
A bioassay to measure energy metabolism in mouse colonic crypts, organoids, and sorted stem cells
Authors: Fan Yang-Yi , Davidson Laurie A. , Callaway Evelyn S. , Wright Gus A. , Safe Stephen , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: May 2015

Evidence suggests that targeting cancer cell energy metabolism might be an effective therapeutic approach for selective ablation of malignancies. Using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer, we have demonstrated that select environmental agents can alter colonic mitochondrial function by increasing respiration-induced proton leak, thereby inducing apoptosis, a marker of colon cancer risk. To further probe bioenergetics in primary intestinal cells, we developed methodology that can be modified and adapted to measure the bioenergetic profiles of colonic crypts, the basic functional unit of the colon, and colonic organoids, an ex vivo 3D culture of colonic crypts. Furthermore, in combination with the MoFlo Astrios High-Speed Cell Sorter, we were able to measure the bioenergetic profiles of colonic adult stem and daughter cells from Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-creERT2 transgenic mice. We examined the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD), a full arylhydrocarbon receptor agonist, known to affect gastrointestinal function and cancer risk, on the bioenergetic profiles of intestinal epithelial cells. Mouse colonic crypts, organoids, or sorted single cells were seeded onto Matrigel-precoated Seahorse XF24 microplates for extracellular flux analysis. Temporal analyses revealed distinct energy metabolic profiles in crypts and organoids challenged with TCDD. Furthermore, sorted Lgr5+ stem cells exhibited a Warburg-like metabolic profile. This is noteworthy because perturbations in stem cell dynamics are generally believed to represent the earliest step toward colon tumorigenesis. We propose that our innovative methodology may facilitate future in vivo/ex vivo metabolic studies using environmental agents affecting colonocyte energy metabolism.
Prior infection exacerbates postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged rats
Authors: Hovens Iris B. , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Nyakas Csaba , Heineman Erik , van der Zee Eddy A. , Schoemaker Regien G.
Published: May 2015

Older patients may experience persisting postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which is considered to largely depend on surgery-induced (neuro)inflammation. We hypothesize that inflammatory events before surgery could predispose patients to POCD. When part of our aged rats developed Mycoplasma pulmonis, this presented the unique opportunity to investigate whether a pulmonary infection before surgery influences surgery-induced neuroinflammation and POCD. Male 18-mo-old Wistar rats that had recovered from an active mycoplasma infection (infection) and control rats (healthy) were subjected to abdominal surgery and jugular vein catheterization under general anesthesia (surgery) or remained naïve (control). In postoperative week 2, behavioral tests were performed to assess cognitive performance and exploratory behavior. The acute systemic inflammatory response was investigated by measuring plasma IL-6 and IL-12. In the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum, microglial activity, neurogenesis, and concentrations of IL-6, IL-12, IL1B, and brain-derived neurotropic factor on postoperative day 14 were determined. Rats still showed signs of increased neuroinflammatory activity, as well as cognitive and behavioral changes, 3 wk after the symptoms of infection had subsided. Rats that had experienced infection before surgery exhibited a more generalized and exacerbated postoperative cognitive impairment compared with healthy surgery rats, as well as a prolonged increase in systemic cytokine levels and increased microglial activation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These findings support the hypothesis that an infection before surgery under general anesthesia exacerbates POCD. Future studies are necessary to determine whether the found effects are aging specific and to investigate the magnitude and time course of this effect in a controlled manner.
Electroacupuncture with high frequency at acupoint ST-36 induces regeneration of lost enteric neurons in diabetic rats via GDNF and PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Du Fan , Liu Shi
Published: May 2015

Background electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoint ST-36 (Zusanli) has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve gastrointestinal motility, but the effects and mechanisms of EA on enteric nervous system (ENS) have scarcely been investigated. SD rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal control group, diabetes mellitus group (DM), chronic high-frequency EA (C-HEA), chronic low-frequency EA (C-LEA), chronic sham stimulation group (C-SEA), acute high-frequency EA group (A-HEA), acute low-frequency EA group (A-LEA), and diabetic with acute sham stimulation group (A-SEA). The parameters of HEA included a frequency of 100 Hz and an amplitude of 1 mA, while the parameters for LEA were 10 Hz and 1 mA. The expressions of PGP9.5, neuronal nitric oxide synthase neurons, CHAT neurons, glia cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and p-Akt were measured by immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blotting methods in colon tissues of each rat. The total neurons and the two types of enteric neurons (neuronal nitric oxide synthase and choline acetyl transferase neurons), together with GDNF and p-Akt in the mRNA and protein level were significantly decreased in DM group compared with the normal control group in colon ( P < 0.01). Compared with DM or all other DM with EA groups, the chronic HEA could induce a more significant quantitative increase in the mRNA and protein level of the enteric neurons and GDNF and p-Akt in colon ( P < 0.01). EA with high-frequency and long-term stimuli at acupoint ST-36 can induce regeneration of lost enteric neurons in diabetic rats, and GDNF and PI3K/Akt signal pathway may play an important role in EA-induced regeneration of impaired enteric neurons.
D1 and D2 antagonists reverse the effects of appetite suppressants on weight loss, food intake, locomotion, and rebalance spiking inhibition in the rat NAc shell
Authors: Kalyanasundar B. , Perez Claudia I. , Luna Alvaro , Solorio Jessica , Moreno Mario G. , Elias David , Simon Sidney A. , Gutierrez Ranier
Published: May 2015

Obesity is a worldwide health problem that has reached epidemic proportions. To ameliorate this problem, one approach is the use of appetite suppressants. These compounds are frequently amphetamine congeners such as diethylpropion (DEP), phentermine (PHEN), and bupropion (BUP), whose effects are mediated through serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopaminergic pathways. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell receives dopaminergic inputs and is involved in feeding and motor activity. However, little is known about how appetite suppressants modulate its activity. Therefore, we characterized behavioral and neuronal NAc shell responses to short-term treatments of DEP, PHEN, and BUP. These compounds caused a transient decrease in weight and food intake while increasing locomotion, stereotypy, and insomnia. They evoked a large inhibitory imbalance in NAc shell spiking activity that correlated with the onset of locomotion and stereotypy. Analysis of the local field potentials (LFPs) showed that all three drugs modulated beta, theta, and delta oscillations. These oscillations do not reflect an aversive-malaise brain state, as ascertained from taste aversion experiments, but tracked both the initial decrease in weight and food intake and the subsequent tolerance to these drugs. Importantly, the appetite suppressant-induced weight loss and locomotion were markedly reduced by intragastric (and intra-NAc shell) infusions of dopamine antagonists SCH-23390 (D1 receptor) or raclopride (D2 receptor). Furthermore, both antagonists attenuated appetite suppressant-induced LFP oscillations and partially restored the imbalance in NAc shell activity. These data reveal that appetite suppressant-induced behavioral and neuronal activity recorded in the NAc shell depend, to various extents, on dopaminergic activation and thus point to an important role for D1/D2-like receptors (in the NAc shell) in the mechanism of action for these anorexic compounds.
Complex inhibitory microcircuitry regulates retinal signaling near visual threshold
Authors: Grimes William N. , Zhang Jun , Tian Hua , Graydon Cole W. , Hoon Mrinalini , Rieke Fred , Diamond Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2015

Neuronal microcircuits, small, localized signaling motifs involving two or more neurons, underlie signal processing and computation in the brain. Compartmentalized signaling within a neuron may enable it to participate in multiple, independent microcircuits. Each A17 amacrine cell in the mammalian retina contains within its dendrites hundreds of synaptic feedback microcircuits that operate independently to modulate feedforward signaling in the inner retina. Each of these microcircuits comprises a small (<1 μm) synaptic varicosity that typically receives one excitatory synapse from a presynaptic rod bipolar cell (RBC) and returns two reciprocal inhibitory synapses back onto the same RBC terminal. Feedback inhibition from the A17 sculpts the feedforward signal from the RBC to the AII, a critical component of the circuitry mediating night vision. Here, we show that the two inhibitory synapses from the A17 to the RBC express kinetically distinct populations of GABA receptors: rapidly activating GABAARs are enriched at one synapse while more slowly activating GABACRs are enriched at the other. Anatomical and electrophysiological data suggest that macromolecular complexes of voltage-gated (Cav) channels and Ca2+-activated K+channels help to regulate GABA release from A17 varicosities and limit GABACR activation under certain conditions. Finally, we find that selective elimination of A17-mediated feedback inhibition reduces the signal to noise ratio of responses to dim flashes recorded in the feedforward pathway (i.e., the AII amacrine cell). We conclude that A17-mediated feedback inhibition improves the signal to noise ratio of RBC-AII transmission near visual threshold, thereby improving visual sensitivity at night.
Indoor Mobile Localization in Mixed Environment with RSS Measurements
Authors: Cai Zhengguo , Shang Lin , Gao Dan , Zhao Kang , Wang Yingguan
Published: May 2015

Mobile localization is a significant issue for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, it is a problem for the indoor localization using received signal strength (RSS) measurements that the signal is contaminated by the anisotropy fading and interference due to walls and furniture. Standard schemes such as Kalman filter are inadequate as the random transition of line-of-sight (LOS)/non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions occurs frequently. This paper proposes an indoor mobile localization scheme with RSS measurements in a mixed LOS and NLOS environment. First, a new efficient composite measurement model is induced and validated, which approximates the complex effects of LOS and NLOS channels. Second, a greedy anchor sensor selection strategy is adopted to break through the constraints of hardware consistency and the multipath interference. Third, for the Markov transition between LOS and NLOS conditions, an effective unscented Kalman filter (UKF) based interactive multiple model (IMM) is proposed to estimate not only the posterior model probabilities but also a weighted-sum position estimation with the aid of likelihood function. To evaluate the proposed algorithm, a complete hardware and software platform for mobile localization has been constructed. The numerical study, relying on the actual experiments, illustrates that the proposed UKF based IMM achieves a substantial gain in precision and robustness, compared with other works.
HepSim: A Repository with Predictions for High-Energy Physics Experiments
Authors: Chekanov S. V.
Published: May 2015

A file repository for calculations of cross sections and kinematic distributions using Monte Carlo generators for high-energy collisions is discussed. The repository is used to facilitate effective preservation and archiving of data from theoretical calculations and for comparisons with experimental data. The HepSim data library is publicly accessible and includes a number of Monte Carlo event samples with Standard Model predictions for current and future experiments. The HepSim project includes a software package to automate the process of downloading and viewing online Monte Carlo event samples. Data streaming over a network for end-user analysis is discussed.
Single-Round Patterned DNA Library Microarray Aptamer Lead Identification
Authors: Martin Jennifer A. , Mirau Peter A. , Chushak Yaroslav , Chávez Jorge L. , Naik Rajesh R. , Hagen Joshua A. , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy
Published: May 2015

A method for identifying an aptamer in a single round was developed using custom DNA microarrays containing computationally derived patterned libraries incorporating no information on the sequences of previously reported thrombin binding aptamers. The DNA library was specifically designed to increase the probability of binding by enhancing structural complexity in a sequence-space confined environment, much like generating lead compounds in a combinatorial drug screening library. The sequence demonstrating the highest fluorescence intensity upon target addition was confirmed to bind the target molecule thrombin with specificity by surface plasmon resonance, and a novel imino proton NMR/2D NOESY combination was used to screen the structure for G-quartet formation. We propose that the lack of G-quartet structure in microarray-derived aptamers may highlight differences in binding mechanisms between surface-immobilized and solution based strategies. This proof-of-principle study highlights the use of a computational driven methodology to create a DNA library rather than a SELEX based approach. This work is beneficial to the biosensor field where aptamers selected by solution based evolution have proven challenging to retain binding function when immobilized on a surface.
Conditional and Unconditional Tests (and Sample Size) Based on Multiple Comparisons for Stratified 2 × 2 Tables
Authors: Martín Andrés A. , Herranz Tejedor I. , Álvarez Hernández M.
Published: May 2015

The Mantel-Haenszel test is the most frequent asymptotic test used for analyzing stratified 2×2 tables. Its exact alternative is the test of Birch, which has recently been reconsidered by Jung. Both tests have a conditional origin: Pearson’s chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test, respectively. But both tests have the same drawback that the result of global test (the stratified test) may not be compatible with the result of individual tests (the test for each stratum). In this paper, we propose to carry out the global test using a multiple comparisons method (MC method) which does not have this disadvantage. By refining the method (MCB method) an alternative to the Mantel-Haenszel and Birch tests may be obtained. The new MC and MCB methods have the advantage that they may be applied from an unconditional view, a methodology which until now has not been applied to this problem. We also propose some sample size calculation methods.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Reduces Blood Lead Level in Rats
Authors: Skoczyńska Anna , Wojakowska Anna , Nowacki Dorian , Bobak Łukasz , Turczyn Barbara , Smyk Beata , Szuba Andrzej , Trziszka Tadeusz
Published: May 2015

Some dietary factors could inhibit lead toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary compounds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA) on blood lead level, lipid metabolism, and vascular reactivity in rats. Serum metallothionein and organs’ lead level were evaluated with the aim of assessing the possible mechanism of unsaturated FA impact on blood lead level. For three months, male Wistar rats that were receiving drinking water with (100 ppm Pb) or without lead acetate were supplementedper osdaily with virgin olive oil or linseed oil (0.2 mL/kg b.w.) or egg derived lecithin fraction: “super lecithin” (50 g/kg b.w.). Mesenteric artery was stimulatedex vivoby norepinephrine (NE) administered at six different doses. Lecithin supplementation slightly reduced pressor responses of artery to NE. Lead administered to rats attenuated the beneficial effect of unsaturated FA on lipid metabolism and vascular reactivity to adrenergic stimulation. On the other hand, the super lecithin and linseed oil that were characterized by low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (about 1) reduced the blood lead concentration. This effect was observed in lead poisoned rats(p<0.0001)and also in rats nonpoisoned with lead(p<0.05).
Enhancing the Classical Closed-Loop Algorithm in terms of Power Consumption
Authors: Mirzaei Rahman , Kourehli Seyed Sina
Published: May 2015

An approach is suggested to reduce the peak and average control forces of actively controlled structures. In this method, responses of an actively controlled building should be much smaller than the responses of the same building controlled by the similar passive control mechanism. This approach leads to a time varying gain matrix, which is not restricted by external excitation but it is related to the selection of a scalar function. Extensive numerical analyses by using various scalar functions show that the proposed strategy effectively can reduce the need of the required control force consumptions.
Potential Environmental Benefits of Ultralight Particleboards with Biobased Foam Cores
Authors: Ganne-Chédeville Christelle , Diederichs Stefan
Published: May 2015

A new generation of ultralight particleboards (ULPB) with an expanded foam core layer produced in an in-line foaming step is under development. The environmental impacts of three types of ULPB containing foam based on 100% polylactic acid (PLA), 100% expanded polystyrene, and 50% PLA/50% polymethyl methacrylate, as well as a conventional particleboard (PB), have been compared in an LCA. Two approaches were chosen for the assessment: first, the “EPD-approach” in accordance with EN 15804 for EPD of building materials and second, a holistic-approach which allows an expansion of the system boundaries in order to forecast the consequences of a broader replacement of PB with ULPB. The results show that most of the environmental impacts are related to raw materials and end-of-life stages. Both approaches show that the exchange of PB with ULPB with a foam core based on PLA leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the PLA is responsible for higher ecotoxicity results in comparison to non-bio-based polymers mainly due to agricultural processes. Both approaches allowed the drafting of complementary advisories for environmental impact reduction addressed to the developers.
A Novel Route for the Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles in Polycaprolactone Nanofibers
Authors: Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Cornejo-Monroy Delfino , González-García Gerardo
Published: May 2015

A facile strategy for the fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is proposed. The method is based on electrospinning nanosuspensions loaded with passivated Au nanoparticles. The optical property of gold nanoparticles synthesized was observed by UV‐visible absorption spectra. Morphology and structure of the Au‐PCL hybrid nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The results of investigations by UV‐visible and dynamic light scattering confirmed the presence of gold nanoparticles with diameters less than 10 nm. The STEM images show the presence of gold nanoparticles and gold agglomerates with diameter around 30 to 180 nm distributed over the surface of nanofibers, which is likely due to the increased incidence of agglomerations of AuNPs, due to drying process used.
Optimisation of an Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Assay: Its Application to Studies of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Taylor Emma L. , Armstrong Kenneth R. , Perrett David , Hattersley Andrew T. , Winyard Paul G.
Published: May 2015

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are reportedly elevated in the plasma of patients with a number of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, that involve oxidative stress. However, the accurate measurement of AOPP in human plasma is hampered by the formation of a precipitate following the addition of potassium iodide and glacial acetic acid according to the published assay procedure. Here we describe a modification of the AOPP assay which eliminates interference by precipitation and provides a robust, reliable, and reproducible protocol for the measurement of iodide oxidising capacity in plasma samples (intra-assay CV 1.7–5.3%, interassay CV 5.3–10.5%). The improved method revealed a significant association of AOPP levels with age (p<0.05) and hypertension (p=0.01) in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma samples from 52 patients with diabetes and 38 nondiabetic control subjects, suggesting a possible link between plasma oxidising capacity and endothelial and/or vascular dysfunction. There was no significant difference between AOPP concentrations in diabetic (74.8 ± 7.2 μM chloramine T equivalents) and nondiabetic (75.5 ± 7.0 μM chloramine T equivalents) individuals.
Prevention of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Smith Vinayak , Osianlis Tiki , Vollenhoven Beverley
Published: May 2015

The following review aims to examine the available evidence to guide best practice in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). As it stands, there is no single method to completely prevent OHSS. There seems to be a benefit, however, in categorizing women based on their risk of OHSS and individualizing treatments to curtail their chances of developing the syndrome. At present, both Anti-Müllerian Hormone and the antral follicle count seem to be promising in this regard. Both available and upcoming therapies are also reviewed to give a broad perspective to clinicians with regard to management options. At present, we recommend the use of a “step-up” regimen for ovulation induction, adjunct metformin utilization, utilizing a GnRH agonist as an ovulation trigger, and cabergoline usage. A summary of recommendations is also made available for ease of clinical application. In addition, areas for potential research are also identified where relevant.
Flow Characteristics of Distinctly Viscous Multilayered Intestinal Fluid Motion
Authors: Pandey S. K. , Chaube M. K. , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: May 2015

The goal of this investigation is to study the three layered (core layer, intermediate layer, and peripheral layer) tubular flow of power law fluids with variable viscosity by peristalsis in order to investigate the strength of the role played by an artificially generated intermediate layer to ease constipation. The solution is carried out under the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations in the wave frame of reference as the flow is creeping one. The stream functions for each layer such as core layer, intermediate layer, and peripheral layer are determined. The expressions for axial pressure gradient, interfaces, trapping, and reflux limits are obtained. The effects of power law index and viscosities on pressure across one wavelength, mechanical efficiency, and trapping are discussed numerically. It is found that the pressure required to restrain flow rates and the mechanical efficiency increase with the viscosities of the intermediate and peripheral layers as well as with the flow behaviour index. It is observed that the axisymmetric flow in intestines is less prone to constipation than two-dimensional flow and may be more easily overcome with introducing a viscous intermediate layer.
Stability of an HIV/AIDS Treatment Model with Different Stages
Authors: Huo Hai-Feng , Chen Rui
Published: May 2015

An HIV/AIDS treatment model with different stages is proposed in this paper. The stage of the HIV infection is divided into two stages, that is, HIV-positive in the asymptomatic stage of HIV infection and HIV-positive individuals in the pre-AIDS stage. The fact that some individuals with HIV-positive individuals after the treatment can be transformed into the compartment of HIV-positive individuals in the asymptomatic stage of HIV infection, the compartment of HIV-positive individuals in the pre-AIDS stage, or the compartment of individuals with full-blown AIDS is also considered. Mathematical analyses establish the idea that the global dynamics of the HIV/AIDS model are determined by the basic reproduction numberR0. The disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable ifR0<1. The endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable ifR0>1for a special case. Numerical simulations are also conducted to support the analytic results.
Iliopsoas Abscess (together with Bullet) Resulting from a Firearms Injury
Authors: Güzel Yunus , Çiftçi Sadettin , Özdemir Ali , Acar Mehmet Ali
Published: May 2015

Psoas abscess, which is a rarely encountered infection, is defined as the accumulation of suppurative fluid within the fascia surrounding the psoas and iliac muscles. It is categorised as being primary or secondary. Although there are reports in the literature of secondary psoas abscess from foreign bodies, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of psoas abscess developing due to a bullet, following a firearms injury. The patient was first seen in the Emergency Department following a firearms injury in the posterolateral lumbar region and as the neurovascular examination was normal, the patient was discharged after 24 hours of observation. One month later, the patient presented again to the polyclinic with a high temperature and back pain. As a result of physical examination and tests, a diagnosis was made of psoas abscess and percutaneous drainage was applied under ultrasonography guidance. The complaints improved but, 10 days later with an increase in pain and indications of infection, open abscess drainage was applied and the bullet was removed. At the 6-month follow-up examination, the patient had no complaints.
Thiazolidinediones and Edema: Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis of Thiazolidinediones-Induced Renal Sodium Retention
Authors: Horita Shoko , Nakamura Motonobu , Satoh Nobuhiko , Suzuki Masashi , Seki George
Published: May 2015

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are one of the major classes of antidiabetic drugs that are used widely. TZDs improve insulin resistance by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and ameliorate diabetic and other nephropathies, at least, in experimental animals. However, TZDs have side effects, such as edema, congestive heart failure, and bone fracture, and may increase bladder cancer risk. Edema and heart failure, which both probably originate from renal sodium retention, are of great importance because these side effects make it difficult to continue the use of TZDs. However, the pathogenesis of edema remains a matter of controversy. Initially, upregulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the collecting ducts by TZDs was thought to be the primary cause of edema. However, the results of other studies do not support this view. Recent data suggest the involvement of transporters in the proximal tubule, such as sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter and sodium-proton exchanger. Other studies have suggested that sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 in the thick ascending limb of Henle and aquaporins are also possible targets for TZDs. This paper will discuss the recent advances in the pathogenesis of TZD-induced sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules and edema.
Neural Stimulation Has a Long-Term Effect on Foreign Vocabulary Acquisition
Authors: Pasqualotto Achille , Kobanbay Begüm , Proulx Michael J.
Published: May 2015

Acquisition of a foreign language is a challenging task that is becoming increasingly more important in the world nowadays. There is evidence suggesting that the frontal and temporal cortices are involved in language processing and comprehension, but it is still unknown whether foreign language acquisition recruits additional cortical areas in a causal manner. For the first time, we used transcranial random noise stimulation on the frontal and parietal brain areas, in order to compare its effect on the acquisition of unknown foreign words and a sham, or placebo, condition was also included. This type of noninvasive neural stimulation enhances cortical activity by boosting the spontaneous activity of neurons. Foreign vocabulary acquisition was tested both immediately and seven days after the stimulation. We found that stimulation on the posterior parietal, but not the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or sham stimulation, significantly improved the memory performance in the long term. These results suggest that the posterior parietal cortex isdirectlyinvolved in acquisition offoreignvocabulary, thus extending the “linguistic network” to this area.
Preclinical Evidences for an Antimanic Effect of Carvedilol
Authors: de Souza Greicy Coelho , Gomes Julia Ariana de S. , de Góis Queiroz Ana Isabelle , de Araújo Maíra Morais , Cavalcante Lígia Menezes , Machado Michel de Jesus Souza , Monte Aline Santos , de Lucena David Freitas , Quevedo João , Carvalho André Ferrer , Macêdo Danielle
Published: May 2015

Oxidative imbalance, alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated in bipolar disorder (BD) pathophysiology and comorbidities, for example, cardiovascular conditions. Carvedilol (CVD), a nonselective beta-blocker widely used for the treatment of hypertension, presents antioxidant and mitochondrial stabilizing properties. Thus, we hypothesized that CVD would prevent and/or reverse mania-like behavioral and neurochemical alterations induced by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX). To do this, male Wistar rats were submitted to two different protocols, namely, prevention and reversal. In the prevention treatment the rats received daily oral administration (mg/kg) of CVD (2.5, 5 or 7.5), saline, valproate (VAL200), or the combination of CVD5 + VAL100 for 7 days. From the 8th to 14th day LDX was added. In the reversal protocol LDX was administered for 7 days with the drugs being added from the 8th to 14th day of treatment. Two hours after the last administration the behavioral (open field and social interaction) and neurochemical (reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and BDNF) determinations were performed. The results showed that CVD prevented and reversed the behavioral and neurochemical alterations induced by LDX. The administration of CVD5 + VAL100 potentiated the effect of VAL200 alone. Taken together these results demonstrate a possible antimanic effect of CVD in this preclinical model.
Early Hyperglycemia in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Predicts for Mortality, Prolonged Duration of Mechanical Ventilation, and Intensive Care Stay
Authors: Chong Shu-Ling , Harjanto Sumitro , Testoni Daniela , Ng Zhi Min , Low Chyi Yeu David , Lee Khai Pin , Lee Jan Hau
Published: May 2015

We aim to study the association between hyperglycemia and in-hospital outcomes among children with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary pediatric hospital between 2003 and 2013. All patients < 16 years old who presented to the Emergency Department within 24 hours of head injury with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤ 13 were included. Our outcomes of interest were death, 14 ventilation-free, 14 pediatric intensive care unit- (PICU-) free, and 28 hospital-free days. Hyperglycemia was defined as glucose > 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L). Among the 44 patients analyzed, the median age was 8.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5.0–11.0). Median GCS and pediatric trauma scores were 7 (IQR 4–10) and 4 (IQR 3–6), respectively. Initial hyperglycemia was associated with death (37% in the hyperglycemia group versus 8% in the normoglycemia group,p=0.019), reduced median PICU-free days (6 days versus 11 days,p=0.006), and reduced median ventilation-free days (8 days versus 12 days,p=0.008). This association was however not significant in the stratified analysis of patients with GCS ≤ 8.Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that early hyperglycemia is associated with increased mortality, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, and PICU stay in children with TBI.
Lycopene Pretreatment Ameliorates Acute Ethanol Induced NAD+Depletion in Human Astroglial Cells
Authors: Guest Jade , Guillemin Gilles J. , Heng Benjamin , Grant Ross
Published: May 2015

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with reduced brain volume and cognition. While the mechanisms by which ethanol induces these deleterious effectsin vivoare varied most are associated with increased inflammatory and oxidative processes. In order to further characterise the effect of acute ethanol exposure on oxidative damage and NAD+levels in the brain, human U251 astroglioma cells were exposed to physiologically relevant doses of ethanol (11 mM, 22 mM, 65 mM, and 100 mM) for ≤ 30 minutes. Ethanol exposure resulted in a dose dependent increase in both ROS and poly(ADP-ribose) polymer production. Significant decreases in total NAD(H) and sirtuin 1 activity were also observed at concentrations ≥ 22 mM. Similar to U251 cells, exposure to ethanol (≥22 mM) decreased levels of NAD(H) in primary human astrocytes. NAD(H) depletion in primary astrocytes was prevented by pretreatment with 1 μM of lycopene for 3.5 hours. Unexpectedly, in U251 cells lycopene treatment at concentrations ≥ 5 μM resulted in significant reductions in [NAD(H)]. This study suggests that exposure of the brain to alcohol at commonly observed blood concentrations may cause transitory oxidative damage which may be at least partly ameliorated by lycopene.
Design and Optimization of Hierarchical Routing Protocol for 6LoWPAN
Authors: Liu Ming , Xu Yang , Wu Shuai , Lan Tian
Published: May 2015

To build scalable and lightweight wireless sensor networks with energy saving devices, 6LoWPAN-based protocols become emergent technologies that successfully constructed ubiquitous networks and seamlessly connected the traditional Internet with WSNs. However, the existing researches cannot effectively maintain the routing and the network topology for the problems of low cost sensors' malfunctions. In this paper, we improved the HiLow protocol in aspects of interconnection between the Internet and 6LoWPAN and designed a network routing path recovery approach. In addition, we designed and modified the address mapping table in gateway to store and map nodes' EUI-64 address and 16-bit short address. Nodes from the Internet can access the 6LoWPAN nodes by an IPv6 address, which is generated by the EUI-64 address and IPv6 prefix. Due to the benefits of additional data structure and our designs, the simulation results manifested that our protocol improves the routing efficiency and can effectively reduce the cost for network reorganization caused by node failures and mobiles.
Backtracking-Based Simultaneous Orthogonal Matching Pursuit for Sparse Unmixing of Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Kong Fanqiang , Guo Wenjun , Li Yunsong , Shen Qiu , Liu Xin
Published: May 2015

Sparse unmixing is a promising approach in a semisupervised fashion by assuming that the observed signatures of a hyperspectral image can be expressed in the form of linear combination of only a few spectral signatures (endmembers) in an available spectral library. Simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit (SOMP) algorithm is a typical simultaneous greedy algorithm for sparse unmixing, which involves finding the optimal subset of signatures for the observed data from a spectral library. But the numbers of endmembers selected by SOMP are still larger than the actual number, and the nonexisting endmembers will have a negative effect on the estimation of the abundances corresponding to the actual endmembers. This paper presents a variant of SOMP, termed backtracking-based SOMP (BSOMP), for sparse unmixing of hyperspectral data. As an extension of SOMP, BSOMP incorporates a backtracking technique to detect the previous chosen endmembers’ reliability and then deletes the unreliable endmembers. Through this modification, BSOMP can select the true endmembers more accurately than SOMP. Experimental results on both simulated and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Mathematical Modelling, Simulation, and Optimal Control of the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Rachah Amira , Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: May 2015

The Ebola virus is currently one of the most virulent pathogens for humans. The latest major outbreak occurred in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia in 2014. With the aim of understanding the spread of infection in the affected countries, it is crucial to modelize the virus and simulate it. In this paper, we begin by studying a simple mathematical model that describes the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Liberia. Then, we use numerical simulations and available data provided by the World Health Organization to validate the obtained mathematical model. Moreover, we develop a new mathematical model including vaccination of individuals. We discuss different cases of vaccination in order to predict the effect of vaccination on the infected individuals over time. Finally, we apply optimal control to study the impact of vaccination on the spread of the Ebola virus. The optimal control problem is solved numerically by using a direct multiple shooting method.