bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Drug-Drug Interactions between Direct-Acting Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Combination Regimens and the HIV-1 Antiretroviral Agents Raltegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Efavirenz, and Rilpivirine
Authors: Khatri Amit , Dutta Sandeep , Dunbar Martin , Podsadecki Thomas , Trinh Roger , Awni Walid , Menon Rajeev
Published: March 2016

The three direct-acting antiviral agent (3D) regimen is a novel combination of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) that has proven effective for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Given the potential for coadministration in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, possible drug interactions with antiretroviral drugs must be carefully considered. Four phase 1, multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in healthy volunteers (
n
= 66). The 3D regimen of 150/100 mg daily paritaprevir/ritonavir, 25 mg daily ombitasvir, and 400 mg twice-daily dasabuvir was administered alone or in combination with 200 mg daily of emtricitabine and 300 mg daily of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF), 25 mg daily of rilpivirine, or 400 mg of raltegravir twice daily. A 2-DAA regimen of 150/100 mg daily paritaprevir/ritonavir and 400 mg of dasabuvir twice daily was also studied in combination with efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF at 600/200/300 mg daily, respectively (Atripla; Bristol-Myers Squibb). Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from plasma drug concentrations. No clinically significant drug interactions were observed (≤32% change in exposure) between the 3D regimen and that of emtricitabine plus tenofovir DF. Raltegravir exposure was increased up to 134% when the drug was coadministered with the 3D regimen. Although coadministration with rilpivirine was well tolerated in healthy volunteers, observed elevations in rilpivirine exposures may increase the potential for adverse drug reactions. Concomitant use of the 2-DAA regimen and efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF was discontinued owing to poor tolerability and adverse events. No dose adjustment is required during coadministration of raltegravir, tenofovir DF, or emtricitabine with the 3D regimen. Rilpivirine is not recommended and efavirenz is contraindicated for coadministration with the 3D regimen.
A PhoPQ-Regulated ABC Transporter System Exports Tetracycline in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Chen Lin , Duan Kangmin
Published: March 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important human pathogen whose infections are difficult to treat due to its high intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics. Here, we show that the disruption of PA4456, encoding the ATP binding component of a putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, increased the bacterium's susceptible to tetracycline and other antibiotics or toxic chemicals. Fluorescence spectroscopy and antibiotic accumulation tests showed that the interruption of the ABC transporter caused increased intracellular accumulation of tetracycline, demonstrating a role of the ABC transporter in tetracycline expulsion. Site-directed mutagenesis proved that the conserved residues of E170 in the Walker B motif and H203 in the H-loop, which are important for ATP hydrolysis, were essential for the function of PA4456. Through a genome-wide search, the PhoPQ two-component system was identified as a regulator of the computationally predicted PA4456-4452 operon that encodes the ABC transporter system. A >5-fold increase of the expression of this operon was observed in the
phoQ
mutant. The results obtained also show that the expression of the
phzA1B1C1D1E1
operon and the production of pyocyanin were significantly higher in the ABC transporter mutant, signifying a connection between the ABC transporter and pyocyanin production. These results indicated that the PhoPQ-regulated ABC transporter is associated with intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and other adverse compounds in
P. aeruginosa
, probably by extruding them out of the cell.
Structural Basis of the Enhanced Pollutant-Degrading Capabilities of an Engineered Biphenyl Dioxygenase
Authors: Dhindwal Sonali , Gomez-Gil Leticia , Neau David B. , Pham Thi Thanh My , Sylvestre Michel , Eltis Lindsay D. , Bolin Jeffrey T. , Kumar Pravindra
Published: March 2016

Biphenyl dioxygenase, the first enzyme of the biphenyl catabolic pathway, is a major determinant of which polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners are metabolized by a given bacterial strain. Ongoing efforts aim to engineer BphAE, the oxygenase component of the enzyme, to efficiently transform a wider range of congeners. BphAE
II9
, a variant of BphAE
LB400
in which a seven-residue segment,
335
TFNNIRI
341
, has been replaced by the corresponding segment of BphAE
B356
,
333
GINTIRT
339
, transforms a broader range of PCB congeners than does either BphAE
LB400
or BphAE
B356
, including 2,6-dichlorobiphenyl, 3,3′-dichlorobiphenyl, 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl, and 2,3,4′-trichlorobiphenyl. To understand the structural basis of the enhanced activity of BphAE
II9
, we have determined the three-dimensional structure of this variant in substrate-free and biphenyl-bound forms. Structural comparison with BphAE
LB400
reveals a flexible active-site mouth and a relaxed substrate binding pocket in BphAE
II9
that allow it to bind different congeners and which could be responsible for the enzyme's altered specificity. Biochemical experiments revealed that BphAE
II9
transformed 2,3,4′-trichlorobiphenyl and 2,2′,5,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl more efficiently than did BphAE
LB400
and BphAE
B356
. BphAE
II9
also transformed the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) more efficiently than did either parental enzyme (apparent
k
cat
/

K
m

of 2.2 ± 0.5 mM
−1
s
−1
, versus 0.9 ± 0.5 mM
−1
s
−1
for BphAE
B356
). Studies of docking of the enzymes with these three substrates provide insight into the structural basis of the different substrate selectivities and regiospecificities of the enzymes.

IMPORTANCE
Biphenyl dioxygenase is the first enzyme of the biphenyl degradation pathway that is involved in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls. Attempts have been made to identify the residues that influence the enzyme activity for the range of substrates among various species. In this study, we have done a structural study of one variant of this enzyme that was produced by family shuffling of genes from two different species. Comparison of the structure of this variant with those of the parent enzymes provided an important insight into the molecular basis for the broader substrate preference of this enzyme. The structural and functional details gained in this study can be utilized to further engineer desired enzymatic activity, producing more potent enzymes.
Single coronary artery originating from the right sinus Valsalva presenting as typical angina pectoris
Authors: Lamberti Monica , Ratti Gennaro , Tedeschi Carlo , Capogrosso Cristina
Published: March 2016

A single coronary artery (SCA) ostium is a rare finding. In the general population, the incidence of SCA is approximately 0.024%. We introduce a case of a warehouseman presenting with chest pain after a morning work. The exercise ECG showed ST segment depression in the V 1–4 leads. The coronary angiography procedure and the CT demonstrated an SCA dividing into the right coronary artery and left main coronary artery. We identified a borderline lesion in the distal left anterior descending artery with fractional flow reserve of 0.85. In our case, the coronary anomaly was considered at low risk of arrhythmia and sudden death, and the patient was, therefore, treated conservatively.
Long-term financing needs for HIV control in sub-Saharan Africa in 2015–2050: a modelling study
Authors: Atun Rifat , Chang Angela Y , Ogbuoji Osondu , Silva Sachin , Resch Stephen , Hontelez Jan , Bärnighausen Till
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To estimate the present value of current and future funding needed for HIV treatment and prevention in 9 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries that account for 70% of HIV burden in Africa under different scenarios of intervention scale-up. To analyse the gaps between current expenditures and funding obligation, and discuss the policy implications of future financing needs.

Design

We used the Goals module from Spectrum, and applied the most up-to-date cost and coverage data to provide a range of estimates for future financing obligations. The four different scale-up scenarios vary by treatment initiation threshold and service coverage level. We compared the model projections to current domestic and international financial sources available in selected SSA countries.

Results

In the 9 SSA countries, the estimated resources required for HIV prevention and treatment in 2015–2050 range from US$98 billion to maintain current coverage levels for treatment and prevention with eligibility for treatment initiation at CD4 count of <500/mm3to US$261 billion if treatment were to be extended to all HIV-positive individuals and prevention scaled up. With the addition of new funding obligations for HIV—which arise implicitly through commitment to achieve higher than current treatment coverage levels—overall financial obligations (sum of debt levels and the present value of the stock of future HIV funding obligations) would rise substantially.

Conclusions

Investing upfront in scale-up of HIV services to achieve high coverage levels will reduce HIV incidence, prevention and future treatment expenditures by realising long-term preventive effects of ART to reduce HIV transmission. Future obligations are too substantial for most SSA countries to be met from domestic sources alone. New sources of funding, in addition to domestic sources, include innovative financing. Debt sustainability for sustained HIV response is an urgent imperative for affected countries and donors.
Why patients’ disruptive behaviours impair diagnostic reasoning: a randomised experiment
Authors: Mamede Sílvia , Van Gog Tamara , Schuit Stephanie C E , Van den Berge Kees , Van Daele Paul L A , Bueving Herman , Van der Zee Tim , Van den Broek Walter W , Van Saase Jan L C M , Schmidt H G
Published: March 2016

Background

Patients who display disruptive behaviours in the clinical encounter (the so-called ‘difficult patients’) may negatively affect doctors’ diagnostic reasoning, thereby causing diagnostic errors. The present study aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the negative influence of difficult patients’ behaviours on doctors’ diagnostic performance.

Methods

A randomised experiment with 74 internal medicine residents. Doctors diagnosed eight written clinical vignettes that were exactly the same except for the patients’ behaviours (either difficult or neutral). Each participant diagnosed half of the vignettes in a difficult patient version and the other half in a neutral version in a counterbalanced design. After diagnosing each vignette, participants were asked to recall the patient's clinical findings and behaviours. Main measurements were: diagnostic accuracy scores; time spent on diagnosis, and amount of information recalled from patients’ clinical findings and behaviours.

Results

Mean diagnostic accuracy scores (range 0–1) were significantly lower for difficult than neutral patients’ vignettes (0.41 vs 0.51; p<0.01). Time spent on diagnosing was similar. Participants recalled fewer clinical findings (mean=29.82% vs mean=32.52%; p<0.001) and more behaviours (mean=25.51% vs mean=17.89%; p<0.001) from difficult than from neutral patients.

Conclusions

Difficult patients’ behaviours induce doctors to make diagnostic errors, apparently because doctors spend part of their mental resources on dealing with the difficult patients’ behaviours, impeding adequate processing of clinical findings. Efforts should be made to increase doctors’ awareness of the potential negative influence of difficult patients’ behaviours on diagnostic decisions and their ability to counteract such influence.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of immunohistochemical biomarkers that differentiate chromophobe renal cell carcinoma from renal oncocytoma
Authors: Ng Keng Lim , Morais Christudas , Bernard Anne , Saunders Nicholas , Samaratunga Hemamali , Gobe Glenda , Wood Simon
Published: March 2016

Background

Numerous immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers have been employed to aid in the difficult differentiation between chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) and renal oncocytoma (RO). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature was carried out to summarise and analyse the evidence for discriminatory IHC biomarkers to differentiate the two entities.

Methods

PubMed database was used to identify relevant literature. Primary end point was comparison of positive immunostaining of the biomarkers in chRCC and RO, with extracted data used to calculate OR and 95% CI and statistical I2test of heterogeneity for multiple studies.

Results

One hundred and nine manuscripts were available for review. Data extracted were subjected to quantitative meta-analysis. Ten most effective biomarkers (OR of chRCC/RO and CI) are: amylase α1A (n=129, OR=0.001, 95% CI 0.0001 to 0.019); Wnt-5a (n=38, OR=0.0076, 95% CI 0.0004 to 0.015); FXYD2 (n=57, OR=130, 95% CI 14.2 to 1192.3); ankyrin-repeated protein with a proline-rich region (ARPP) (n=25, OR=0.0054, 95% CI 0.0002 to 0.12); cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63) (n=62, diffuse (chRCC) vs apical/polar (RO) stain pattern); transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) (n=34, membranous (chRCC) vs cytoplasmic (RO)); cytokeratin 7 (CK7) (11 studies, n=448, pooled OR=44.22, 95% CI 22.52 to 86.64, I2=15%); S100A1 (4 studies, n=124, pooled OR=0.01, 95% CI 0 to 0.03, I2=0%); caveolin-1 (2 studies, n=102, pooled OR=32.95, 95% CI 3.67 to 296.1, I2=70%) and claudin-7 (3 studies, n=89, pooled OR=24.7, 95% CI 6.28 to 97.1, I2=0%).

Conclusions

We recommend a panel of IHC biomarkers of amylase α1A, Wnt-5a, FXYD2, ARPP, CD63, TGFβ1, CK7, S100A1, caveolin-1 and claudin-7 to aid in the differentiation of chRCC and RO.
The effect of switchable additives on colloidal interactions found in oil sands as measured by chemical force spectrometry
Authors: Lau Ying Yin , Andrea Tamer , Jessop Philip G. , Horton J. Hugh
Published: March 2016

After oil sands separations, settling of clays from aqueous tailings can be promoted by additives such as Ca2+ salts. However, if the liberated water is then recycled, these same additives in the water interfere with bitumen recovery in the separator. Therefore, we have tested CO2-triggered switchable additives to see whether they can switch back and forth between a form that is suitable for the separation stage and a form that promotes tailings ponds settling. CO2-triggered switchable additives can reversibly change water chemistry merely by introduction and removal of CO2, a benign trigger. Here, the effects of CO2-mediated switchable additives on colloidal interactions found in model oil sands were studied by chemical force spectrometry. Self-assembled monolayers of 12-phenyldodecanethiol and 12-mercaptododecanoic acid were used to chemically modify gold-coated atomic force microscope tips. These were subsequently used to study the adhesion force between the modified tips and the minerals silica and mica. The adhesion between the tips and the mineral substrates was studied in aqueous solutions of varying pH and divalent cation concentration and in the presence of cationic switchable additives of varying surfactant potency, both in the presence and in the absence of CO2. In the presence of CO2, the best additive promotes attractive forces, while in the absence of CO2, the forces are repulsive. These results are discussed in the context of the mechanism of colloidal interactions in an oil sands system.
Structure of uniformly continuous quantum Markov semigroups
Authors: Deschamps Julien , Fagnola Franco , Sasso Emanuela , Umanità Veronica
Published: March 2016

The structure of uniformly continuous quantum Markov semigroups with atomic decoherence-free subalgebra is established providing a natural decomposition of a Markovian open quantum system into its noiseless (decoherence-free) and irreducible (ergodic) components. This leads to a new characterization of the structure of invariant states and a new method for finding decoherence-free subsystems and subspaces. Examples are presented to illustrate these results.
Equations of complex Monge–Ampère type for arbitrary measures and applications
Authors: Hai Le Mau , Long Tang Van , Dung Trieu Van
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we prove the existence of weak solutions of equations of complex Monge–Ampère type for arbitrary measures, in particular, measures carried by pluripolar sets. As an application of the obtained result, we show the existence of weak solutions of equations of complex Monge–Ampère type in the class [Formula: see text] if there exist locally subsolutions.
Mixing of fermions and spectral representation of propagator
Authors: Kaloshin A. E. , Lomov V. P.
Published: March 2016

We develop the spectral representation of propagator for [Formula: see text] mixing fermion fields in the case of [Formula: see text]-parity violation. The approach based on the eigenvalue problem for inverse matrix propagator makes possible to build the system of orthogonal projectors and to represent the matrix propagator as a sum of poles with positive and negative energies. The procedure of multiplicative renormalization in terms of spectral representation is investigated and the renormalization matrices are obtained in a closed form without the use of perturbation theory. Since in theory with [Formula: see text]-parity violation the standard spin projectors do not commute with the dressed propagator, they should be modified. The developed approach allows us to build the modified (dressed) spin projectors for a single fermion and for a system of fermions.
Theoretical calculation of cathodoluminescence: Influence of surface and bulk parameters on the depletion region of p-type CdTe
Authors: Kenieche D. , Guergouri K.
Published: March 2016

The study of the influence of the surface and bulk parameters on the depletion region, created by electronic excitation, has been performed on [Formula: see text]-type CdTe. The surface effect is given by two parameters: the energy of surface defects [Formula: see text] and their surface state density [Formula: see text]. However the volume effect is characterized by the diffusion length [Formula: see text] and the concentration of acceptors [Formula: see text]. This investigation demonstrated that, for high values of the excitation beam intensity, the depth of the depletion region [Formula: see text] decreases as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decrease and when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increase.
Symmetric weak ternary quantum homomorphic encryption schemes
Authors: Wang Yuqi , She Kun , Luo Qingbin , Yang Fan , Zhao Chao
Published: March 2016

Based on a ternary quantum logic circuit, four symmetric weak ternary quantum homomorphic encryption (QHE) schemes were proposed. First, for a one-qutrit rotation gate, a QHE scheme was constructed. Second, in view of the synthesis of a general [Formula: see text] unitary transformation, another one-qutrit QHE scheme was proposed. Third, according to the one-qutrit scheme, the two-qutrit QHE scheme about generalized controlled [Formula: see text] (GCX([Formula: see text])) gate was constructed and further generalized to the [Formula: see text]-qutrit unitary matrix case. Finally, the security of these schemes was analyzed in two respects. It can be concluded that the attacker can correctly guess the encryption key with a maximum probability [Formula: see text], thus it can better protect the privacy of users’ data. Moreover, these schemes can be well integrated into the future quantum remote server architecture, and thus the computational security of the users’ private quantum information can be well protected in a distributed computing environment.
The effect of induced strains on photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanostructures grown by thermal evaporation method
Authors: Arjmand Yaser , Eshghi Hosein
Published: March 2016

In this paper, ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized by thermal evaporation process using metallic zinc powder in the presence of oxygen on [Formula: see text]-Si (100) at different distances from the boat. The structural and optical characterizations have been carried out. The morphological study shows various shape nanostructures. XRD data indicate that all samples have a polycrystalline wurtzite hexagonal structure in such a way that the closer sample has a preferred orientation along (101) while the ones farther are grown along (002) direction. From the structural and optical data analysis, we found that the induced strains are the main parameter controlling the UV/green peaks ratios in the PL spectra of the studied samples.
Position Sensorless Control for PMBLDC Motor Drive Using Digital Signal Processor
Authors: Singh Sachin , Singh Sanjeev
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a complete position sensorless control scheme for permanent magnet brushless DC motors (PMBLDCMs) using back-EMF sensing method. The controller is designed in such a way that it provides smooth shifting from open-loop speed-up mode to back-EMF sensing mode at any speed, especially at very low speeds, i.e., less than 2% of the rated speed. The proposed scheme is a simple and cost effective implementation of back-EMF sensing method, which does not require any filtering or phase shift to generate commutation pulses. The proposed controller is designed and modeled for a PMBLDCM rated at 4600[Formula: see text]rpm, 310[Formula: see text]V and 2.2[Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text]m torque and its performance is simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The obtained simulation results are validated on a prototype developed in the lab using a digital signal processor (DSP) namely TI 2812 DSP in a wide range of speeds in position sensorless mode.
Belief AHP Method — AHP Method with the Belief Function Framework
Authors: Ennaceur Amel , Elouedi Zied , Lefevre Eric
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is extended to an uncertain environment where the uncertainty is represented by belief functions as interpreted in the transferable belief model (TBM). Our proposed approach, called belief AHP, is developed to help the decision maker to determine what the best alternatives are, considering multiple conflicting criteria where both alternatives and criteria may be soiled with imperfection. The Belief AHP method aims at comparing subsets of criteria and groups of alternatives in order to reduce the pair-wise comparisons number. Furthermore, to handle uncertainty that may appear in the comparison procedure, we use basic belief assignments (BBA) instead of exact ratios to elicitate expert preferences. Finally, to illustrate the feasibility of our approach and to judge its performances, we have applied our proposed method on a real application problem: we have considered the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) life cycle assessment especially the end of life phase.
Facile synthesis of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3-loaded polyurethane sponge with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Fengjun , Wang Zhi , Wang Tianye , Jia Liwei , Wang Chao , Zhang Shengyu
Published: March 2016

In this study, Bi2WO6/Bi2O3-loaded polyurethane sponge composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a facile two-step approach. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance, and scanning electron microscopy. The Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 photocatalyst was successfully loaded on polyurethane sponge and the composite displayed enhanced absorption in the ultraviolet-to-visible light region. Furthermore, the composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and reusability towards the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light. This work demonstrates a facile method for synthesizing Bi2WO6/Bi2O3-loaded polyurethane sponge with enhanced photocatalytic activity and easy immobilization of the photocatalyst for application in environmental purification.
The SLICE, CHESS, and SISTINE Ultraviolet Spectrographs: Rocket-Borne Instrumentation Supporting Future Astrophysics Missions
Authors: France Kevin , Hoadley Keri , Fleming Brian T. , Kane Robert , Nell Nicholas , Beasley Matthew , Green James C.
Published: March 2016

NASA’s suborbital program provides an opportunity to conduct unique science experiments above Earth’s atmosphere and is a pipeline for the technology and personnel essential to future space astrophysics, heliophysics, and atmospheric science missions. In this paper, we describe three astronomy payloads developed (or in development) by the Ultraviolet Rocket Group at the University of Colorado. These far-ultraviolet (UV) (100–160[Formula: see text]nm) spectrographic instruments are used to study a range of scientific topics, from gas in the interstellar medium (accessing diagnostics of material spanning five orders of magnitude in temperature in a single observation) to the energetic radiation environment of nearby exoplanetary systems. The three instruments, Suborbital Local Interstellar Cloud Experiment (SLICE), Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS), and Suborbital Imaging Spectrograph for Transition region Irradiance from Nearby Exoplanet host stars (SISTINE) form a progression of instrument designs and component-level technology maturation. SLICE is a pathfinder instrument for the development of new data handling, storage, and telemetry techniques. CHESS and SISTINE are testbeds for technology and instrument design enabling high-resolution ([Formula: see text]) point source spectroscopy and high throughput imaging spectroscopy, respectively, in support of future Explorer, Probe, and Flagship-class missions. The CHESS and SISTINE payloads support the development and flight testing of large-format photon-counting detectors and advanced optical coatings: NASA’s top two technology priorities for enabling a future flagship observatory (e.g. the LUVOIR Surveyor concept) that offers factors of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]50–100 gain in UV spectroscopy capability over the Hubble Space Telescope. We present the design, component level laboratory characterization, and flight results for these instruments.
Real-Time Crowd Simulation Integrating Potential Fields and Agent Method
Authors: Lu Guanghui , Chen Leiting , Luo Weiping
Published: March 2016

Crowd simulation is studied extensively in computer graphics, animation, and safety. A real-time crowd simulator has been developed based on potential fields and agent approach in this article. This simulator produces realistic complex heterogeneous motion and improves the simulation rates by at least 32% in comparison with the potential field results. The model of this simulator can efficiently tackle the problems in global optimal navigation, collision avoidance, and dynamic interaction; furthermore, it allows an agent to make independent decisions.
Spark Plasma Sintered Si3N4/TiN Nanocomposites Obtained by a Colloidal Processing Route
Authors: Díaz L. A. , Solís W. , Peretyagin P. , Fernández A. , Morales M. , Pecharromán C. , Moya J. S. , Torrecillas R.
Published: March 2016

Ceramic Si3N4/TiN (22 vol%) nanocomposites have been obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Our colloidal processing route allows obtaining dispersed nanoparticles of TiN smaller than 50 nm avoiding the presence of agglomerates. The nanostructured starting powders were obtained by using a colloidal method where commercial Si3N4submicrometer particles were coated with anatase TiO2nanocrystals. A later nitridation process led to the formation of TiN nanoparticles on the surface of Si3N4. A second set of powders was prepared by doping the above defined powders with yttrium and aluminium precursors using also a colloidal method as sources of alumina and yttria. After thermal nitridation and SPS treatment, it has been found that the addition of oxides dopants improves the mechanical performance (KIC,σf) but increases the electrical resistivity and significantly reduces the hardness. This is due to the formation of a continuous insulating glassy phase that totally envelops the conductive TiN nanoparticles, avoiding the percolative contact between them. The combination of colloidal processing route and SPS allows the designing of tailor-made free glassy phase Si3N4/TiN nanocomposites with controlled microstructure. The microstructural features and the thermoelectrical and mechanical properties of both kinds of dense SPSed compacts are discussed in this work.
Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Rubber by FT-NIR
Authors: Pornprasit Rattapol , Pornprasit Philaiwan , Boonma Pruet , Natwichai Juggapong
Published: March 2016

Mechanical tests, for example, tensile and hardness tests, are usually used to evaluate the properties of rubber materials. In this work, mechanical properties of selected rubber materials, that is, natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), were evaluated using a near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique. Here, NR/NBR and NR/EPDM blends were first prepared. All of the samples were then scanned using a FT-NIR spectrometer and fitted with an integration sphere working in a diffused reflectance mode. The spectra were correlated with hardness and tensile properties. Partial least square (PLS) calibration models were built from the spectra datasets with preprocessing techniques, that is, smoothing and second derivative. This indicated that reasonably accurate models, that is, with a coefficient of determination [R2] of the validation greater than 0.9, could be achieved for the hardness and tensile properties of rubber materials. This study demonstrated that FT-NIR analysis can be applied to determine hardness and tensile values in rubbers and rubber blends effectively.
Left Main Coronary Artery Hypoplasia in Elderly
Authors: Kenar Tiryakioglu Selma , Ozkan Hakan , Bahadir Hakan , Tiryakioglu Osman
Published: March 2016

Congenital anomalies of the coronary artery causing coronary occlusive disease may be of many different types. A 67-year-old woman with no coronary risk factors was referred for coronary angiography with few months’ history of angina. The patient underwent coronary angiography due to ischemic cardiac symptoms with nondiagnostic exercising test. In coronary angiography, the left main coronary artery was arising from normal anatomical position; however, left anterior descending artery and circumflex artery were hypoplastic. The treatment of patient was discussed in cardiology-cardiovascular surgery council and coronary surgery was found inappropriate due to the hypoplasia of the left coronary system entirely.
The Impact of Leprosy on Marital Relationships and Sexual Health among Married Women in Eastern Nepal
Authors: van ’t Noordende Anna T. , van Brakel Wim H. , Banstola Nandlal , Dhakal Krishna P.
Published: March 2016

Background. Leprosy is one of the most stigmatized diseases known today. The stigma surrounding leprosy can be a major burden and affects many dimensions of a person’s life, including intimate relationships. We aimed to investigate the experiences of women affected by leprosy regarding marital life and sexuality, comparing these to the experiences of women with other physical disabilities and to those of able-bodied women in South-East Nepal.Methods. This study used a qualitative approach and a cross-sectional, nonrandom survey design. Thirty women underwent in-depth interviews about their marital and sexual relationship by means of a semi-structured interview guide. These thirty women included ten women affected by leprosy, ten women with other physical disabilities, and ten able-bodied women living in South-East Nepal.Results. We found that many women faced violence and abuse in their marriages. However, women affected by leprosy appeared to face more problems with regard to their marital and sexual relationships than women with physical disabilities and able-bodied women. Some of these related to the fear of leprosy.Conclusions. Further research is recommended to investigate the extent of this problem and ways to ameliorate the situation of the affected women. Education and counselling at diagnosis may help prevent many of the problems reported.
The Role of Chromosomal Instability and Epigenetics in Colorectal Cancers Lackingβ-Catenin/TCF Regulated Transcription
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Wael M. , Lotsari-Salomaa Johanna E. , Kaur Sippy , Niskakoski Anni , Knuutila Sakari , Järvinen Heikki , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Peltomäki Päivi
Published: March 2016

All colorectal cancer cell lines except RKO displayed activeβ-catenin/TCF regulated transcription. This feature of RKO was noted in familial colon cancers; hence our aim was to dissect its carcinogenic mechanism. MFISH and CGH revealed distinct instability of chromosome structure in RKO. Gene expression microarray of RKO versus 7 colon cancer lines (with active Wnt signaling) and 3 normal specimens revealed 611 differentially expressed genes. The majority of the tested gene loci were susceptible to LOH in primary tumors with variousβ-catenin localizations as a surrogate marker forβ-catenin activation. The immunohistochemistry of selected genes (IFI16,RGS4,MCTP1,DGKI,OBCAM/OPCML, andGLIPR1) confirmed that they were differentially expressed in clinical specimens. Since epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to expression changes, selected target genes were evaluated for promoter methylation in patient specimens from sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancers.CMTM3,DGKI, andOPCMLwere frequently hypermethylated in both groups, whereasKLK10,EPCAM, andDLC1displayed subgroup specificity. The overall fraction of hypermethylated genes was higher in tumors with membranousβ-catenin. We identified novel genes in colorectal carcinogenesis that might be useful in personalized tumor profiling. Tumors with inactive Wnt signaling are a heterogeneous group displaying interaction of chromosomal instability, Wnt signaling, and epigenetics.
Sorption of Uranium Ions from Their Aqueous Solution by Resins Containing Nanomagnetite Particles
Authors: Abd El-Magied Mahmoud O.
Published: March 2016

Magnetic amine resins composed of nanomagnetite (Fe3O4) core and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) shell were prepared by suspension polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide in the presence of nanomagnetite particles and immobilized with different amine ligands. These resins showed good magnetic properties and could be easily retrieved from their suspensions using an external magnetic field. Adsorption behaviors of uranium ions on the prepared resins were studied. Maximum sorption capacities of uranium ions on R-1 and R-2 were found to be 92 and 158 mg/g. Uranium was extracted successfully from three granite samples collected from Gabal Gattar pluton, North Eastern Desert, Egypt. The studied resins showed good durability and regeneration using HNO3.
Multiuser Beamforming with Limited Feedback for FDD Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Zheng Senyao , Zhao Hui , Zhao Long , Mei Jie , Tang Weimin
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses the multiuser beamforming in FDD massive MIMO systems. It first introduces the feature of FDD massive MIMO systems to implement multiuser beamforming schemes. After that, considering the realistic implementation of multiuser beamforming scheme in FDD massive MIMO systems, it introduces the knowledge of channel quantization. In the main part of the paper, we introduce two traditional multiuser beamforming schemes and analyse their merits and demerits. Based on these, we propose a novel multiuser beamforming scheme to flexibly combine the merits of the traditional beamforming schemes. In the final part of the paper, we give some simulation results to compare the beamforming schemes mentioned in the paper. These simulation results show the superiority of the proposed beamforming scheme.
Progress on Covalent Inhibition of KRASG12C
Authors: Westover Kenneth D. , Jänne Pasi A. , Gray Nathanael S.
Published: March 2016

Summary: Recent reports of small-molecule approaches to directly inhibit oncogenic KRASG12C have invigorated the RAS research community by raising the possibility of drugging a protein that was long considered “undruggable.” A new iteration of covalent compounds targeting the allosteric switch II pocket of KRASG12C showed improved potency and selectivity and enabled studies demonstrating that KRASG12C rapidly cycles its nucleotide substrate. This report illustrates the value of chemical probes in dissecting RAS biology and raises additional hope for development of viable pharmacologic strategies for directly targeting KRASG12C. Cancer Discov; 6(3); 233–4. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Patricelli et al., p. 316.
Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacies of Norethisterone, Tranexamic Acid and Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System for the Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kiseli Mine , Kayikcioglu Fulya , Evliyaoglu Ozlem , Haberal Ali
Published: March 2016

Background: Our aim was to compare the therapeutic efficacies of norethisterone acid (NETA), tranexamic acid and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in treating idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Methods: Women with heavy uterine bleeding were randomized to receive NETA, tranexamic acid or LNG-IUS for 6 months. The primary outcome was a decrease in menstrual bleeding as assessed by pictorial blood loss assessment charts and hematological parameters analyzed at the 1st, 3rd and 6th months. Health-related quality of life (QOL) variables were also recorded and analyzed. Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in each treatment group, but the results of only 62 were evaluated. NETA, tranexamic acid, and LNG-IUS reduced menstrual blood loss (MBL) by 53.1, 60.8, and 85.8%, respectively, at the 6th month. LNG-IUS was more effective than NETA and tranexamic acid in decreasing MBL. LNG-IUS was also more efficient than tranexamic acid in correcting anemia related to menorrhagia. Satisfaction rates were comparable among the NETA (70%), tranexamic acid (63%) and LNG-IUS (77%) groups. QOL in physical aspects increased significantly in the tranexamic acid and LNG-IUS groups. Conclusion: The positive effect of LNG-IUS on QOL parameters, as well as its high efficacy, makes it a first-line option for HMB.
Myosin Heavy Chain Expression Can Vary over the Length of Jaw and Leg Muscles
Authors: Korfage J.A.M. , Kwee K.E. , Everts V. , Langenbach G.E.J.
Published: March 2016

Muscle fiber type classification can be determined by its myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition based on a few consecutive sections. It is generally assumed that the MyHC expression of a muscle fiber is the same over its length since neural stimulation and systemic influences are supposed to be the same over its length. We analyzed this in detail in three muscle types: the temporalis (closer) and digastricus (opener; both first brachial arch), and the medial gastrocnemius (somite). Sections of the muscles were incubated with monoclonal antibodies against various MyHC isoforms, and the distribution of these isoforms within individual fibers was followed over a distance of approximately 1 mm. The staining intensity of a fiber was measured and compared with the other fibers in the section. In the temporalis, digastricus, and gastrocnemius, 46, 11, and 15%, respectively, of their MyHC-I fibers showed a variation in the staining intensity over the length of their fibers, as well as 47, 87, and 22%, respectively, of their MyHC-IIA fibers. Most variable fibers were found amongst those with an overall relative intermediate staining intensity, which are presumably hybrid fibers. We conclude that different parts of a muscle fiber can have different fiber type compositions and, thus, contractile properties. Some muscle parts might reach their maximum contraction peak sooner or later than a muscle part a few microns further away. Next to stimulation by the nerve and systemic influences, local influences might also have an impact on the MyHC expression of the fiber.
Immunological Characterization of Dutch Sesame Seed-Allergic Patients
Authors: Teodorowicz Malgorzata , Terlouw Rozine J. , Jansen Ad , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , Ruinemans-Koerts Janneke
Published: March 2016

Background: Sesame seed is an allergen of growing importance worldwide. However, knowledge of the clinically relevant sesame allergen and its cross-reactivity with homologous allergens is limited. The aim of this study was the immunological characterization of Dutch sesame seed-allergic patients and evaluation of cross-reactivity between sesame seed, tree nut and pollen allergens using different sources of allergen extracts. Methods: Six patients with a medical history of sesame seed allergy were included, i.e. 5 with an anaphylactic reaction and 1 with an oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The immunological background of the sesame seed and tree nut IgE sensitization was characterized with Western blotting and a basophil activation test (BAT). The major sesame allergen was identified by nanoLC-MS/MS. Cross-reactivity was measured using an immuno-inhibition assay with the Phadia ImmunoCAP system. Results: Oleosin was identified as the major allergen for the 5 patients with an anaphylactic reaction to sesame seed, but no cross-reactivity between sesame and tree nut proteins was observed. For the patient with OAS, IgE specific to oleosin was not detected but cross-reactivity between sesame seed and tree nut proteins was observed. The BAT and ImmunoCAP inhibition test added value to the clinical and immunological characterization of sesame seed-sensitized patients, distinguishing relevant and non-relevant sensitizations. Conclusions: Our immunological approach enabled us to fully characterize the sensitization pattern of 6 sesame seed-allergic patients. The different protein composition of commercially available allergen extracts influences the outcomes of the immunological assays and thus also the diagnosis to a large extent.
Neurovascular Interface in Porcine Small Intestine: Specific for Nitrergic rather than Nonnitrergic Neurons
Authors: Jabari Samir , Neuhuber Winfried , Brehmer Axel
Published: March 2016

In the 1970s, by using classic histological methods, close topographical relationships between special areas of enteric ganglia and capillaries were shown in the pig. In this study, by application of double and triple immunohistochemistry, we confirmed this neurovascular interface and demonstrated that these zones are mainly confined to nitrergic neurons in the myenteric and the external submucosal plexus. In the upper small intestine of the pig, the respective neurons display type III morphology, i.e. they have long, slender and branched dendrites and a single axon. In another set of experiments, we prepared specimens for electron-microscopical analysis of these zones. Both ganglia and capillaries display continuous basement membranes, the smallest distances between them being 1,000 nm at the myenteric and 300 nm at the external submucosal level. The capillary endothelium was mostly continuous but, at the external submucosal level, scattered fenestrations were observed. This particular neurovascular relationship suggests that nitrergic neurons may require a greater amount of oxygen and/or nutrients. In guinea pig and mouse, previous ischemia/reperfusion experiments showed that nitrergic neurons are selectively damaged. Thus, a preferential blood supply of enteric nitrergic neurons may indicate that these neurons are more vulnerable in ischemia.
Bilateral Neuroretinitis and a Unilateral Superior Hemivein Occlusion with Frosted Branch Angiitis Pattern Presenting Simultaneously in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Schwartz Roy , Borok Sara , Goldstein Michaella , Kesler Anat , Regev Keren , Elkayam Ori , Habot-Wilner Zohar
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To report a unique case of Behçet's disease that presented with atypical ocular manifestations. Methods: Case report. Results: A 23-year-old homosexual male presented with bilateral anterior uveitis, vitritis, neuroretinitis and a unilateral superior hemivein occlusion with frosted branch angiitis pattern. These were accompanied by systemic findings of recurrent oral aphthous ulcers, erythema nodosum, and neurological and gastrointestinal involvement. A positive HLA-B51 examination supported the diagnosis of Behçet's disease. Conclusion: Neuroretinitis and frosted branch angiitis may be the clinical manifestations of Behçet's disease and may present simultaneously.
Influence of the Surfactant Tyloxapol on Mucociliary Clearance in Human Respiratory Cystic Fibrosis Cells
Authors: Beubler Eckhard , Fischer Rainald , Untersteiner Gerald , Strohmaier Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Dehydration of the apical surface of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia leads to a greatly impaired mucociliary clearance function in CF patients. In an in vitro cell model of human airway epithelia taken from CF patients and cultivated for 60 days, mucociliary clearance was zero. Tyloxapol, a synthetic surfactant, is able to restore the mucociliary clearance of the CF epithelia. The velocity of mucociliary clearance, using polystyrene microbeads as markers, increased within the first minute of tyloxapol treatment from zero to 12 µm/s and reached a maximum of 22 µm/s after 120 min. In conclusion, tyloxapol restores mucociliary clearance in a MucilAir™-CF model and may accordingly be efficient in CF patients to restore mucociliary clearance.
As Raízes dos Conflitos entre o Norte e o Sul do Sudão: O Processo de Formação do Estado-Nação (1930-1956)
Authors: Assis Frederico Souza de Queiroz
Published: March 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo central identificar as raízes dos conflitos entre o norte e o sul do Sudão, a partir do estudo do processo de formação de seu Estado-nação. A partir do estabelecimento da Southern Policy (1930) – marco fundamental dentro do projeto mais amplo da administração colonial em distinguir as regiões norte e sul do Sudão –, privilegia-se compreender os aspectos mais relevantes, entre 1930 e 1956, no Sudão, levando-se em conta a formação das identidades coletivas, nem sempre conciliáveis, no bojo do processo de construção do Estado-nação.
Iá Mi Oxorongá: As Mães Ancestrais e o Poder Feminino na Religião Africana
Authors: Santos Irinéia M. Franco dos
Published: March 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é a partir da análise de um mito sobre as Iá Mi Oxorongá, registrar a importância do culto às “Mães Ancestrais” em certa sociedade africana, suas características arquetípicas e a distribuição de parte desses aspectos nos orixás femininos. O mito escolhido para o estudo é o de nº. [204] referenciado pelo sociólogo Reginaldo Prandi em sua obra Mitologia dos Orixás2. A escolha deste mito se deu por se tratar de um pequeno resumo das características das Iá Mi Oxorongá, sua origem mítica e comportamento. Metodologicamente, dividiu-se o mito em blocos de significado, sendo numeradas as sentenças de 1 a 52 (transcrito em anexo). Buscou-se, trazer à tona o mais significativo em cada bloco, aprofundando o sentido dos períodos em que as características das Iá Mi Oxorongá favorecessem a reflexão. Por fim, quer-se possibilitar uma aproximação pontual na relação de significados entre as religiões africanas e as afro-brasileiras. Tal abordagem se faz importante ao se buscar compreender melhor: (a) os significados do poder feminino na religião africana; e (b) a releitura destes no Candomblé. Com esses elementos fazer um breve apontamento sobre o papel desempenhado pelas mulheres como agentes mantenedoras das tradições culturais afro-brasileiras e dos segredos da religião.
De Indígena a Imigrante: O Lugar da África e dos Africanos no Universo Imaginário Português dos Séculos XIX ao XXI
Authors: Oliva Anderson Ribeiro
Published: March 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo maior percorrer as trajetórias seguidas pelas representações fabricadas sobre os africanos no imaginário contemporâneo português, destacando os cenários mentais construídos do período que antecede a montagem do processo colonial lusitano na África até os dias atuais, com as ondas imigratórias de africanos em direção ao continente europeu.