bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Term Corrosion Experiment of Steel Rebar in Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete in NaCl Solution
Authors: Asmara Y. P. , Siregar J. P. , Tezara C. , Nurlisa Wan , Jamiluddin J.
Published: August 2016

This research focuses on an experimental investigation to identify the effects of fly ash on the electrochemical process of concrete during the curing time. A rebar was analysed using potentiostat to measure the rest potential, polarization diagram, and corrosion rate. Water-to-cement ratio and amount of fly ash were varied. After being cured for 24 hours at a temperature of 65°C, the samples were immersed in 3.5% of NaCl solution for 365 days for electrochemical measurement. Measurements of the half-cell potential and corrosion current density indicated that the fly ash has significant effects on corrosion behaviour of concrete. Although fly ash tends to create passivity on anodic current, it increases corrosion rate. The corrosion potential of this concrete mixture decreases compared to concrete without fly ash. From the result, it can be summarized that concrete mixture with 70% of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) and 30% fly ash has shown the best corrosion resistance.
Recognition Accuracy Using 3D Endoscopic Images for Superficial Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Crossover Study
Authors: Nomura Kosuke , Kaise Mitsuru , Kikuchi Daisuke , Iizuka Toshiro , Fukuma Yumiko , Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Tanaka Masami , Toba Takahito , Furuhata Tsukasa , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Mitani Toshifumi , Hoteya Shu
Published: August 2016

Aim. To determine whether 3D endoscopic images improved recognition accuracy for superficial gastrointestinal cancer compared with 2D images.Methods. We created an image catalog using 2D and 3D images of 20 specimens resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The twelve participants were allocated into two groups. Group 1 evaluated only 2D images at first, group 2 evaluated 3D images, and, after an interval of 2 weeks, group 1 next evaluated 3D and group 2 evaluated 2D images. The evaluation items were as follows: (1) diagnostic accuracy of the tumor extent and (2) confidence levels in assessing (a) tumor extent, (b) morphology, (c) microsurface structure, and (d) comprehensive recognition.Results. The use of 3D images resulted in an improvement in diagnostic accuracy in both group 1 (2D: 76.9%, 3D: 78.6%) and group 2 (2D: 79.9%, 3D: 83.6%), with no statistically significant difference. The confidence levels were higher for all items ((a) to (d)) when 3D images were used. With respect to experience, the degree of the improvement showed the following trend: novices > trainees > experts.Conclusions. By conversion into 3D images, there was a significant improvement in the diagnostic confidence level for superficial tumors, and the improvement was greater in individuals with lower endoscopic expertise.
Identification of Dietetically Absorbed Rapeseed (Brassica campestrisL.) Bee Pollen MicroRNAs in Serum of Mice
Authors: Chen Xuan , Dai Guan-hai , Ren Ze-ming , Tong Ye-ling , Yang Feng , Zhu Yong-qiang
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA that, through mediating posttranscriptional gene regulation, play a critical role in nearly all biological processes. Over the last decade it has become apparent that plant miRNAs may serve as a novel functional component of food with therapeutic effects including anti-influenza and antitumor. Rapeseed bee pollen has good properties in enhancing immune function as well as preventing and treating disease. In this study, we identified the exogenous miRNAs from rapeseed bee pollen in mice blood using RNA-seq technology. We found that miR-166a was the most highly enriched exogenous plant miRNAs in the blood of mice fed with rapeseed bee pollen, followed by miR-159. Subsequently, RT-qPCR results confirmed that these two miRNAs also can be detected in rapeseed bee pollen. Our results suggested that food-derived exogenous miRNAs from rapeseed bee pollen could be absorbed in mice and the abundance of exogenous miRNAs in mouse blood is dependent on their original levels in the rapeseed bee pollen.
Numerical Forecasting Experiment of the Wave Energy Resource in the China Sea
Authors: Zheng Chong Wei , Li Chong Yin , Chen Xuan , Pan Jing
Published: August 2016

The short-term forecasting of wave energy is important to provide guidance for the electric power operation and power transmission system and to enhance the efficiency of energy capture and conversion. This study produced a numerical forecasting experiment of the China Sea wave energy using WAVEWATCH-III (WW3, the latest version 4.18) wave model driven by T213 (WW3-T213) and T639 (WW3-T639) wind data separately. Then the WW3-T213 and WW3-T639 were verified and compared to build a short-term wave energy forecasting structure suited for the China Sea. Considering the value of wave power density (WPD), “wave energy rose,” daily and weekly total storage and effective storage of wave energy, this study also designed a series of short-term wave energy forecasting productions. Results show that both the WW3-T213 and WW3-T639 exhibit a good skill on the numerical forecasting of the China Sea WPD, while the result of WW3-T639 is much better. Judging from WPD and daily and weekly total storage and effective storage of wave energy, great wave energy caused by cold airs was found. As there are relatively frequent cold airs in winter, early spring, and later autumn in the China Sea and the surrounding waters, abundant wave energy ensues.
Harmonic Impact of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle on Electric Distribution System
Authors: Aljanad A. , Mohamed Azah
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the harmonic effects of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) on the IEEE 37-bus distribution system at different PHEV penetration levels considering a practical daily residential load shape. The PHEV is modeled as a current harmonic source by using the Open-Source Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) and DSSimpc software. Time series harmonic simulation was conducted to investigate the harmonic impact of PHEV on the system by using harmonic data obtained from a real electric vehicle. Harmonic effects on the system voltage profile and circuit power losses are also investigated by using OpenDSS and MATLAB software. Current/voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) produced from the large scale of PHEV is investigated. Test results show that the voltage and current THDs are increased up to 9.5% and 50%, respectively, due to high PHEV penetrations and these THD values are significantly larger than the limits prescribed by the IEEE standards.
An Active Contour Model Based on Adaptive Threshold for Extraction of Cerebral Vascular Structures
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Zhao Shifeng , Liu Zifeng , Tian Yun , Duan Fuqing , Pan Yutong
Published: August 2016

Cerebral vessel segmentation is essential and helpful for the clinical diagnosis and the related research. However, automatic segmentation of brain vessels remains challenging because of the variable vessel shape and high complex of vessel geometry. This study proposes a new active contour model (ACM) implemented by the level-set method for segmenting vessels from TOF-MRA data. The energy function of the new model, combining both region intensity and boundary information, is composed of two region terms, one boundary term and one penalty term. The global threshold representing the lower gray boundary of the target object by maximum intensity projection (MIP) is defined in the first-region term, and it is used to guide the segmentation of the thick vessels. In the second term, a dynamic intensity threshold is employed to extract the tiny vessels. The boundary term is used to drive the contours to evolve towards the boundaries with high gradients. The penalty term is used to avoid reinitialization of the level-set function. Experimental results on 10 clinical brain data sets demonstrate that our method is not only able to achieve better Dice Similarity Coefficient than the global threshold based method and localized hybrid level-set method but also able to extract whole cerebral vessel trees, including the thin vessels.
Novel Role of Endogenous Catalase in Macrophage Polarization in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Park Ye Seul , Uddin Md Jamal , Piao Lingjuan , Hwang Inah , Lee Jung Hwa , Ha Hunjoo
Published: August 2016

Macrophages are important components of adipose tissue inflammation, which results in metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance. Notably, obesity induces a proinflammatory phenotypic switch in adipose tissue macrophages, and oxidative stress facilitates this switch. Thus, we examined the role of endogenous catalase, a key regulator of oxidative stress, in the activity of adipose tissue macrophages in obese mice. Catalase knockout (CKO) exacerbated insulin resistance, amplified oxidative stress, and accelerated macrophage infiltration into epididymal white adipose tissue in mice on normal or high-fat diet. Interestingly, catalase deficiency also enhanced classical macrophage activation (M1) and inflammation but suppressed alternative activation (M2) regardless of diet. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of catalase activity using 3-aminotriazole induced the same phenotypic switch and inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages. Finally, the same phenotypic switch and inflammatory responses were observed in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from CKO mice. Taken together, the data indicate that endogenous catalase regulates the polarization of adipose tissue macrophages and thereby inhibits inflammation and insulin resistance.
Expression of Codon-Optimized Plant GlycosyltransferaseUGT72B14inEscherichia coliEnhances Salidroside Production
Authors: Xue Feiyan , Guo Huili , Hu Yingying , Liu Ran , Huang Lina , Lv Heshu , Liu Chunmei , Yang Mingfeng , Ma Lanqing
Published: August 2016

Salidroside, a plant secondary metabolite inRhodiola, has been demonstrated to have several adaptogenic properties as a medicinal herb. Due to the limitation of plant source, microbial production of salidroside by expression of plant uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) is promising. However, glycoside production usually remains hampered by poor expression of plant UGTs in microorganisms. Herein, we achieved salidroside production by expression ofRhodiolaUGT72B14 inEscherichia coli(E. coli) and codon optimization was accordingly applied.UGT72B14expression was optimized by changing 278 nucleotides and decreasing the G+C content to 51.05% without altering the amino acid sequence. The effect of codon optimization on UGT72B14 catalysis for salidroside production was assessed bothin vitroandin vivo.In vitro, salidroside production by codon-optimized UGT72B14 is enhanced because of a significantly improved protein yield (increased by 4.8-fold) and an equivalently high activity as demonstrated by similar kinetic parameters (KMandVmax), compared to that by wild-type protein.In vivo, both batch and fed-batch cultivation using the codon-optimized gene resulted in a significant increase in salidroside production, which was up to 6.7 mg/L increasing 3.2-fold over the wild-typeUGT72B14.
Prevention of Colitis and Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by a Novel Polypharmacological Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor
Authors: Wei Tzu-Tang , Lin Yi-Ting , Tseng Ruo-Yu , Shun Chia-Tung , Lin Yu-Chin , Wu Ming-Shiang , Fang Jim-Min , Chen Ching-Chow
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is a worldwide cancer with rising annual incidence. Inflammation is a well-known cause of colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. Metabolic inflammation (metaflammation) and altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) have contributed to colorectal cancer. Chemoprevention is an important strategy to reduce cancer-related mortality. Recently, various polypharmacologic molecules that dually inhibit histone deacetylases (HDAC) and other therapeutic targets have been developed.

Experimental Design: Prevention for colitis was examined by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse models. Prevention for colorectal cancer was examined by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) mouse models. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to analyze the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and COX-II expression in mouse tissue specimens. The endotoxin activity was evaluated by Endotoxin Activity Assay Kit.

Results: We synthesized a statin hydroxamate that simultaneously inhibited HDAC and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). Its preventive effect on colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mouse models was examined. Oral administration of this statin hydroxamate could prevent acute inflammation in the DSS-induced colitis and AOM/DSS–induced colorectal cancer with superior activity than the combination of lovastatin and SAHA. It also reduced proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, expression of COX-II, and cyclin D1 in inflammation and tumor tissues, as well as decreasing the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in tumor-surrounding regions. Stemness of colorectal cancer and the release of endotoxin in AOM/DSS mouse models were also attenuated by this small molecule.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the polypharmacological HDAC inhibitor has promising effect on the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer, and serum endotoxin level might serve as a potential biomarker for its chemoprevention. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 4158–69. ©2016 AACR.
Samuel Beckett's television plays: means of production, literary genres, critical theory
Authors: Gatti Luciano
Published: August 2016

The article raises some questions to a further investigation of Samuel Beckett’s late works, particularly his television plays produced by the Süddeutscher Rundfunk - SDR (today: Südwestrundfunk - SWR) between 1966 and 1985: Eh Joe, Geistertrio, ... Nur noch Gewölk …, Quadrat I & II, Nacht und Träume, Was Wo. It is suggested that the television plays might be approached by the technological development of the means of production as well as by the historicity of artistic genres. Both questions have their theoretical background in the aesthetic reflection of Adorno and Benjamin. From this perspective, the television plays resume the rupture of genres that Beckett was already dealing with in his prose and theatre works by configuring a new means of artistic production during his work with the German public television station
O máximo que Israel está disposto a oferecer não chega ao mínimo que os palestinos estão dispostos a aceitar - e vice-versa: entrevista do Prof. Dr. Samuel Feldberg (Universidade de São Paulo) ao boletim Malala
Authors: Feldberg Samuel , Lima Cila , Finguerut Ariel
Published: August 2016

Entrevista realizada no dia 3 de junho de 2014 por Cila Lima e Ariel Finguerut.
Alienation and violence: Frantz Fanon and the israeli-palestinian conflict
Authors: Saccol Mauro
Published: August 2016

The paper aims at analysing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the words of Frantz Fanon. In particular, the concept of alienation developed by this author is taken into consideration, in order to try to understand the psychological effects of the colonization on native people. Moreover, the focus is put on violence as a consequence of alienation, with the purpose of highlighting some of the features of the Palestinian resistance. The paper starts with a biography of Fanon, in order to prepare the ground for the examination of his works. After that, the accent is put on that branch of Israeli historiography that began to talk about colonization, so to build the appropriate framework where to carry on the analysis. The third part explains the concept of alienation as developed by Fanon, as well as how the concept is applied it to the case study taken into account. The final section deals with violence, with the aim of enhancing its relation with alienation and, thus, contribute to a major understanding of the Palestinian resistance and the whole conflict.
How to criticize Islam? "Innocence of Muslims" and the war of representations in the mirror of the clash between radical Islam and Islamophobia
Authors: Demant Peter Robert
Published: August 2016

Prof. Dr. Peter Robert Demant é historiador e observador de Relações Internacionais, especializado em questões do Oriente Médio, mundo muçulmano e relações Islã-Ocidente. Ph.D. em História Moderna e Contemporânea na Universidade de Amsterdã (1988), e Livre Docência em História Contemporânea na Universidade de São Paulo USP (2007). Atualmente é professor associado da USP no Departamento de História e também leciona no Instituto de Relações Internacionais (IRI-USP). Demant também é coordenador do Laboratório de Estudos Asiáticos (LEA-USP) e responsável pelo Grupo de Trabalho Oriente Médio e Mundo Muçulmano (GTOMMM). É editor-responsável da Revista Malala, publicação deste mesmo grupo.
State-of-the-Art Evaluation of Emergency Department Patients Presenting With Potential Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Hollander Judd E. , Than Martin , Mueller Christian
Published: August 2016

It is well established that clinicians cannot use clinical judgment alone to determine whether an individual patient who presents to the emergency department has an acute coronary syndrome. The history and physical examination do not distinguish sufficiently between the many conditions that can cause acute chest pain syndromes. Cardiac risk factors do not have sufficient discriminatory ability in symptomatic patients presenting to the emergency department. Most patients with non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction do not present with electrocardiographic evidence of active ischemia. The improvement in cardiac troponin assays, especially in conjunction with well-validated clinical decision algorithms, now enables the clinician to rapidly exclude myocardial infarction. In patients in whom unstable angina remains a concern or there is a desire to evaluate for underlying coronary artery disease, coronary computed tomography angiography can be used in the emergency department. Once a process that took ≥24 hours, computed tomography angiography now can rapidly exclude myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease in patients in the emergency department.
Phylogenetic analysis for detection of multiple fouling events: a pilot study of barnacles at Moorea Island (French Polynesia)
Authors: Ardura Alba , Planes Serge , Garcia-Vazquez Eva
Published: August 2016

Sequencing the cytochrome oxidase I gene and 16rRNA gene as DNA Barcodes as a phylogenetic methodology, we identified the origin of two invasive barnacles sampled from Vai’are Bay (Moorea Island) in 2011:Chthamalus proteusandAmphibalanus amphitrite. Reconstructed phylogenies strongly support multiple introductions ofChthamalus proteus: from a Brazilian lineage first identified at the island in 2004 and from a lineage located in Hawaii that same year. The uniqueAmphibalanus amphitritehaplotype clustered with lineages distributed from Japan to Malaysia. The results demonstrate multiple introduction events from different origins, that may enhance invasion processes in South Pacific islands.
Etude éco-biologique d’Artemia salina (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) de la saline de Sahline (Tunisie)
Authors: Trigui Khalil , Said Rafik Ben , Akrout Fourat , Aloui Néji
Published: August 2016

Dans la présente étude, d’éventuelles corrélations entre les facteurs du milieu et quelques éléments biologiques de l’Artemiade la saline de Sahline ont été étudiées durant une année. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les paramètres du milieu ont affecté la biologie de l’Artemia. L’abondance maximale a été enregistrée en mai (550 ± 2,16 ind/l). Tous les stades de développement étaient présents mais avec des pourcentages saisonniers variables. Les populations d’Artemiaétudiées sont bisexuées avec une reproduction ovovivipare au début et ovipare à la fin du cycle. La sex-ratio a montré une dominance des mâles au début et des femelles à la fin du cycle. La taille des femelles mâtures est supérieure à celle des mâles. La fécondité obtenue s’est traduite par une production importante des cystes par rapport aux nauplii. Les analyses statistiques ont montré une corrélation négative avec un effet très significatif entre les facteurs du milieu (température et salinité) et la production des nauplii (ovoviviparité) contrairement avec l’oxygène dissous.
Morphological and genetic analysis in morphologically divergent river and lake specimens of the freshwater crayfish Samastacus spinifrons (Philippi, 1882) (Decapoda, Parastacidae)
Authors: Rudolph Erich , Colihueque Nelson , Yañez Miguel
Published: August 2016

Samastacus spinifrons(Philippi, 1882), is the only South American parastacid that inhabits both rivers and lakes. The literature on this species reports certain morphological differences between representatives of lake and river populations. The aim of this study was to analyse the degree of differentiation of these morphological variations through multivariate analysis, and to explore the possible causes at a genetic level, by undertaking genetic divergence analysis using 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA molecular markers, and the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The material analysed was collected from five populations of central-southern Chile, two of which were lake and three were river populations. Our results show that marked morphological differences exist between lake morph and river morph individuals. These differences are related with the size of the rostrum, cephalothorax, chelae of the first pair of pereopods (P1) and phallic papillae. The lake specimens present a larger body size, a longer rostrum and more elongated, less thick P1 chelae and longer phallic papillae. Similarly, their body spinulation is significantly more prominent. Nevertheless, this level of morphological differentiation did not correlate positively with the genetic divergence analysis, since only scarce genetic differentiation was observed between representatives of the lake and river morphs ofS. spinifrons. These results suggest that the morphs analysed would emerge as a consequence of the phenotypic plasticity phenomenon. Thus, this morphological variability could be explained by the adaptation ofS. spinifronsspecimens of a similar genetic constitution, to limnic environments with very different dynamics.
Molecular characterization of cyclin B and its expression profile during oogenesis in the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda, Astacidea)
Authors: Shui Y. , Xu Z. H. , Shi Y. H. , Zhou X.
Published: August 2016

The maturation promoting factor (MPF), a complex of CDC2 (CDK1) and cyclin B, is a key regulator of controlling the G2/M phase transition in the meiotic maturation of the oocyte in multi-cellular organisms. In this study, full-length cDNA of cyclin B (Pc-cyclin B) from the red swamp crayfish,Procambarus clarkii, was cloned using the degenerate RT-PCR and RACE methods. The cDNA of Pc-cyclin B is 2595 bp in length and encoding a protein of 402 amino acids, with a calculated molecular mass of 45.75 kDa. Six potential cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPE) as well as one signal sequences (AATAAA) were found in the 3′-UTR location. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the amount of cyclin B mRNA was highest in the ovary, followed by the heart (); and also significantly higher in the pre-vitellogenesis (pre-Vt) and primary-vitellogenesis (pVt) stages, while low in the tertiary-vitellogenesis and GVBD stages (), suggesting that differential expression of Pc-cyclin B is closely related to oogonial proliferation (mitosis) and oocyte meiotic maturation in this species of crayfish.
The Legal Consequences of Protecting Unregistered Well-known Foreign Trademarks under Jordanian Legislation
Authors: Mahafzah Qais Ali , Numan Bernadette Hanna
Published: August 2016

This article distinguishes between the protection of well-known foreign trademarks and well-known national trademarks under Jordanian legislation, in particular the Jordanian Trademarks Law and the Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Law. This article does not dispute that well-known foreign trademarks will enjoy certain privileges, whether registered or not. Rather it contends that reforming Jordanian Trademarks Law to remove vagueness in protecting well-known national trademarks may hold merit. Any legislative change, however, would need to be carefully considered in light of how well-known foreign and national trademarks generally coexist under the Jordanian Trademarks Law.
The genus Pholetesor Mason, 1981 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from China, with descriptions of eleven new species
Authors: LIU ZHEN , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: August 2016

The genus Pholetesor Mason from China is revised. Eleven new species are described and illustrated, namely P. acricauda Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. argyresthiae Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. artusisulcus Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. confusus Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. flavigleba Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. flaviparvus Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. lithocolletis Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. lyonetiae Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. spinadensus Liu & Chen, sp. n., P. taiwanensis Liu & Chen, sp. n., and P. teresitergum Liu & Chen, sp. n. Six species are newly recorded in China, namely P. arisba (Nixon, 1973), P. circumscriptus (Nees, 1834), P. laetus (Marshall, 1885), P. maritimus (Wilkinson, 1941), P. salalicus Mason, 1959 and P. viminetorum (Wesmael, 1837). A key to the Chinese species of this genus is provided.
Checklist and analysis of completeness of the reef fish fauna of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico
Authors: FOURRIÉRE MANON , REYES-BONILLA HÉCTOR , AYALA-BOCOS ARTURO , KETCHUM JAMES , CHÁVEZ-COMPARAN JUAN CARLOS
Published: August 2016

This paper presents an updated checklist of cartilaginous and bony fishes from the Revillagigedo Archipelago reefs and nearby areas (Tropical Eastern Pacific). To compile this list, we gathered data from field surveys between 1994 and 2015, from an exhaustive literature review, and by consulting museum collections and databases. With these records we estimated the completeness of the local fish inventory using four non-parametric rarefaction methods. We report a total of 389 species in 102 families; 235 of these are reef fish that occur in the Eastern but also in the Central Pacific, and 13 species were identified as endemic to the archipelago. A non-parametric statistical model predicts that the expected number of reef fish present at Revillagigedo should be 244.3 ± 3.2 species, which is 9 species more than the observed richness, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). That predictive model estimates that about 96% of the total richness of reef fish from the archipelago is known. Comparisons of the completeness of the inventory at Revillagigedo to that reported for the fish fauna of the Eastern Pacific and worldwide, showed that the quality of the sampling effort is remarkably high, in spite of the geographic isolation of the archipelago.
Germ line mutations in shelterin complex genes are associated with familial chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Speedy Helen E. , Kinnersley Ben , Chubb Daniel , Broderick Peter , Law Philip J. , Litchfield Kevin , Jayne Sandrine , Dyer Martin J. S. , Dearden Claire , Follows George A. , Catovsky Daniel , Houlston Richard S.
Published: August 2016

Key Points

Germ line loss-of-function mutations in shelterin genes occur in a subset of families with CLL. Telomere dysregulation is further implicated in CLL predisposition.
Expression of neural cell adhesion molecule and polysialic acid in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Skog Maria S. , Nystedt Johanna , Korhonen Matti , Anderson Heidi , Lehti Timo A. , Pajunen Maria I. , Finne Jukka
Published: August 2016

Background

In order to develop novel clinical applications and to gain insights into possible therapeutic mechanisms, detailed molecular characterization of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSCs) is needed. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM, CD56) is a transmembrane glycoprotein modulating cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. An additional post-translational modification of NCAM is the α2,8-linked polysialic acid (polySia). Because of its background, NCAM is often considered a marker of neural lineage commitment. Generally, hBM-MSCs are considered to be devoid of NCAM expression, but more rigorous characterization is needed.

Methods

We have studied NCAM and polySia expression in five hBM-MSC lines at mRNA and protein levels. Cell surface localization was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and expression frequency in the donor-specific lines by flow cytometry. For the detection of poorly immunogenic polySia, a fluorochrome-tagged catalytically defective enzyme was employed.

Results

All five known NCAM isoforms are expressed in these cells at mRNA level and the three main isoforms are present at protein level. Both polysialyltransferases, generally responsible for NCAM polysialylation, are expressed at mRNA level, but only very few cells express polySia at the cell surface.

Conclusions

Our results underline the need for a careful control of methods and conditions in the characterization of MSCs. This study shows that, against the generally held view, clinical-grade hBM-MSCs do express NCAM. In contrast, although both polysialyltransferase genes are transcribed in these cells, very few express polySia at the cell surface. NCAM and polySia represent new candidate molecules for influencing MSC interactions.
The Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Tissue Resident Macrophage Response to Injury
Authors: Song Lige , Papaioannou Garyfallia , Zhao Hengguang , Luderer Hilary F. , Miller Christine , Dall’Osso Claudia , Nazarian Rosalynn M. , Wagers Amy J. , Demay Marie B.
Published: August 2016

Ligand-dependent actions of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) play a pleiotropic role in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. The liganded VDR is required for recruitment of macrophages during the inflammatory phase of cutaneous wound healing. Although the number of macrophages in the granulation tissue 2 days after wounding is markedly reduced in VDR knockout (KO) compared with wild-type mice, VDR ablation does not alter macrophage polarization. Parabiosis studies demonstrate that circulatory chimerism with wild-type mice is unable to rescue the macrophage defect in the wounds of VDR KO mice and reveal that wound macrophages are of local origin, regardless of VDR status. Wound cytokine analyses demonstrated a decrease in macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) protein levels in VDR KO mice. Consistent with this, induction of M-CSF gene expression by TGFβ and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was impaired in dermal fibroblasts isolated from VDR KO mice. Because M-CSF is important for macrophage self-renewal, studies were performed to evaluate the response of tissue resident macrophages to this cytokine. A decrease in M-CSF induced proliferation and cyclin D1 expression was observed in peritoneal resident macrophages isolated from VDR KO mice, suggesting an intrinsic macrophage abnormality. Consistent with this, wound-healing assays in mice with macrophage-specific VDR ablation demonstrate that a normal wound microenvironment cannot compensate for the absence of the VDR in macrophages and thus confirm a critical role for the macrophage VDR in the inflammatory response to injury.
Optimal and Naive Diversification in Currency Markets
Authors: Ackermann Fabian , Pohl Walt , Schmedders Karl
Published: August 2016

DeMiguel et al. [DeMiguel V, Garlappi L, Uppal R (2009) Optimal versus naïve diversification: How inefficient is the 1/N portfolio strategy? Rev. Financial Stud. 22(5):1915–1953] showed that in the stock market, it is difficult for an optimized portfolio constructed using mean-variance analysis to outperform a simple, equally weighted portfolio because of estimation error. In this paper, we demonstrate that portfolio optimization can be made to work in currency markets. The key difference between the two settings is that in currency markets interest rates provide a predictor of future returns that is free of estimation error, which permits the application of mean-variance analysis. We show that over the last 26 years, a mean-variance efficient portfolio constructed in this fashion has a Sharpe ratio of 0.91, versus only 0.15 for the equally weighted portfolio. We also consider the practical implementation of this strategy.

This paper was accepted by Neng Wang, finance.
Does the Unemployment Benefit Institution Affect the Productivity of Workers? Evidence from the Field
Authors: Blanco Mariana , Dalton Patricio S. , Vargas Juan F.
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the effects of unemployment benefit schemes on individual productivity. We created employment and unemployment in the field and compared workers’ productivity under no unemployment benefits to productivity under two different unemployment schemes. In one scheme, the unemployed received an unconditional monetary transfer. In the other, the monetary transfer was obtained conditional on the unemployed spending some time on an ancillary activity. Our results challenge the standard economic theory prediction that unemployment benefits, especially unconditional compensations, hinder workers’ effort. We find that workers employed under the unconditional scheme are more productive than workers under the conditional one, and both schemes make workers more productive than having no unemployment benefit. We discuss two possible explanations for our results based on reciprocity and differential psychological costs of unemployment across unemployment benefit schemes.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2511 .

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status and Denver Developmental Screening Test II in high risk infant and toddler
Authors: Koesnandar Effie , Soedjatmiko Soedjatmiko , Amalia Pustika
Published: August 2016

Background. Developmental screening is important particularly for high risk infants and toddlers. Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) and Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver II test) are recommended instruments with good sensitivity and specificity. Compared to Denver II test, PEDS is simpler, thus it is important to assess the agreement of PEDS and Denver II test.Objectives. To determine the prevalence of developmental disorder in high risk infants and toddlers and agreement of PEDS and Denver II test.Methods. Infants and toddlers registered at pediatric high risk clinic were recruited. PEDS questionnaire was answered by parents while the Denver II test performed by the investgator. Agreement of PEDS and Denver II instrument was assessed by Kappa score.Results. Out of 71 subjects, 41 (58%) were male, 43 (61%) were >12 months old, 35 (49%) were undernourished, 42 (59%) were preterm (<37 week gestational age), and 43 (60.6%) were low birth weight (LBW). The prevalence of developmental disorder was higher in subjects >12 months old (42%), undernourished (49%), preterm (48%), and LBW (47%). The prevalence of developmental disorder was 49% by PEDS and 39% by Denver II test. Agreement of PEDS and Denver II test was good with Kappa score 0.52, particularly for gross motor and language domain.Conclusions. The prevalence of developmental disorder is higher in high risk infant and toddler, who >12 months old, undernourished, premature, and LBW. PEDS instrument are equivalent to Denver II test, shows good agreement, particularly for gross motor and language domain. [Paediatr Indones. 2010;50:26-30].
Relationship of obesity and secondary sexual development in girls
Authors: Dewi Ida Ayu Sri Kusuma , Soetjiningsih Soetjiningsih , Patria Yudha
Published: August 2016

Background Obesity is a pathological condition due to consumption of excessive amount of food and is associated with early sexual maturation and irregular cycle of menstruation. Early sexual maturation is estimated from the age of menarche.Objective To determine relationship of obesity and age of secondary sexual development in girls.Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on all elementary school students in 4 sub-districts at Denpasar. Nutritional status was determined by BMI. Radiologic examination was performed to determine the bone age. Data were analyzed with appropriate statstical methods.Results Mean chronological age of breasts development for B2 and B3 stage on obese group was younger than non-obese groups (9.0 vs 9.9, P = 0.001; 9.7 vs 10.9, P = 0.006). Early menarche more frequent in obese group than non-obese groups {PR 5 (CI 95% 1.33 to 19.71)}. Mean age of children who experienced menarche on obese group was younger than non-obese group {10.9(SD 0.61) vs 11.1 (SD 0.28). Univariate analysis showed that maturation age of secondary sexual development on obese groups was differed with non-obese group {8.9 (SD 0.21) vs 9.4 (SD 0.13). Linear regression analysis showed relationship between age of breasts and pubic hair growth on both groups.Conclusions This study established that mean age of secondary sexual development was younger in obese girl than non-obese group. Bone age range on obese girls was wider than non-obese girls. [Paediatr Indones. 2010;50:49-5].
Effect of Intramuscular Injection on Oxidative Homeostasis in Laboratory Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Kračmarová Alžběta , Banďouchová Hana , Pikula Jiří , Pohanka Miroslav
Published: August 2016

In animal models, there was observed alteration of various physiological processes caused by microtraumas. Here reported experiment was aimed on the research of link between injection and development of an oxidative imbalance. Laboratory guinea pig was chosen as a suitable model for examining of the oxidative stress. Markers indicating oxidative homeostasis were assayed in the frontal, temporal and occipital brain lobe, cerebellum, liver, kidney, spleen and heart one hour after an intramuscular injection. Common biochemical parameters were measured in plasma samples as well. The most extensive effect was observed in the heart where the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value was more than twice increased after the injection. The level of carbonylated proteins was significantly elevated in the kidney and ferric reducing antioxidant power value was increased in the brain compartments. The enzyme activities in the organs were not influenced except the activity of superoxide dismutase, which was moderately decreased in the brain. In the plasma samples, there was observed increase of the blood urea nitrogen. The results showed significant the influence of the intramuscular injection on a development of an oxidative insult. The injection can be considered as an adverse effect with quite extensive stress consequences.
Transient Splenial Lesion of the Corpus Callosum Related to Migraine with Aura in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Ünver Olcay , Kutlubay Büşra , Besci Tolga , Ekinci Gazanfer , Baltacıoğlu Feyyaz , Türkdoğan Dilşad
Published: August 2016

Background: Transient splenial lesions of the corpus callosum are rare radiological findings first described in association with epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs and viral encephalitis. However, subsequently more cases were described associated with diverse clinical conditions. Case report: We describe a 13-year-old girl suffering from migraine with aura presenting with headache, right-sided hemiparesis and encephalopathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ovoid lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. The patient’s neurological symptoms resolved within 3 days without therapy and the lesion disappeared in follow up magnetic resonance images obtained 3 weeks after the onset of the symptoms. Results: Migraine with aura was considered to be the cause of the lesion. To our knowledge the present case is the first report of a pediatric patient with a diagnosis of migraine with aura presenting with hemiparesis and encephalopathy. Conclusions: A diagnosis of transient lesion of the corpus callosum should be suspected in patients with migraine with aura presenting with hemiparesis and encephalopathy. A mild course and a good prognosis might be expected in the presence of a splenial lesion of the corpus callosum.
Lactic acidosis: an update
Authors: Seheult Jansen , Fitzpatrick Gerard , Boran Gerard
Published: August 2016

Lactate is one of the most crucial intermediates in carbohydrate and nonessential amino acid metabolism. The complexity of cellular interactions and metabolism means that lactate can be considered a waste product for one cell but a useful substrate for another. The presence of elevated lactate levels in critically ill patients has important implications for morbidity and mortality. In this review, we provide a brief outline of the metabolism of lactate, the pathophysiology of lactic acidosis, the clinical significance of D-lactate, the role of lactate measurement in acutely ill patients, the methods used to measure lactate in blood or plasma and some of the methodological issues related to interferences in these assays, especially in the case of ethylene glycol poisoning.
Looking beyond linear regression and Bland-Altman plots: a comparison of the clinical performance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D tests
Authors: Karvaly Gellert , Mészáros Katalin , Kovács Krisztián , Patócs Attila , Sipák Zoltán , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: August 2016

Background:

The systematic evaluation of the clinical concordance of various 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) testing methods is presented. The need for this approach is raised by the discrepancies in the analytical performance of the available assays.

Methods:

The analytical and clinical performance of six automated 25OHD assays and an in-house liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was investigated. Leftover serum samples (n=162, SA: n=114) were analyzed and all 21 assay combinations were evaluated. The utility of Cohen’s κ values was assessed by transforming them into minimum percentage agreement (MPA). McNemar’s hypothesis test was employed for testing the symmetry of the disagreeing classification outcomes within each method pair.

Results:

Depending on the assay method, the ratio of results classified as positive (<20 ng/mL) was 13.5%–40.0%. The percentage agreement (PA) was 74.1%–92.6%. Compared to other methods, significantly more hypovitaminosis cases were delivered by DiaSorin Liaison® 25 OH vitamin D Total (DL) and significantly fewer by IDS-iSYS 25-Hydroxy Vitamin DS (II). The strongest clinical concordance was exerted by II vs. LC-MS/MS. The κ-derived MPA showed close similarity to the PA scores. McNemar’s tests confirmed the asymmetry of the disagreement in the classification in 14 method combinations.

Conclusions:

The presented approach allows the prediction of the clinical consequences of a 25OHD method transfer. Differences in the clinical classification of assay results are likely encountered when transferring to a new method, even between assays standardized according to the Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) Reference Method Procedure (RMP).
Olefins and Ethanol from Polyolefins: Analysis of Potential Chemical Recycling of Poly(ethylene) Mexican Case
Authors: Vargas Santillán A. , Farias Sanchez J. C. , Pineda Pimentel M. G. , Castro Montoya A. J.
Published: August 2016

Plastic solid waste (PSW) presents challenges and opportunities to society regardless of their sustainability awareness and technological advances. A special emphasis is paid on waste generated from polyolefin sources, which makes up a great percentage of our daily commodities’ plastic products. In Mexico 7.6 millions of tons of plastic in 2012 were wasted, which low density polyethylene LDPE, and high density polyethylene HDPE were the most abundant. Increasing cost, and decreasing space of landfills are forcing considerations of alternative options for PSW disposal. Years of research, study and testing have resulted in a number of treatment, recycling and recovery methods for plastics that can be economically, and environmentally viable. The following work studies the possibilities of polyethylene recycling. Nowadays, non-catalytic thermal cracking (Pyrolysis) is receiving renewed attention, due to the fact of added value on a crude oil barrel and its very valuable yielded products, but a fact remains that advanced thermo-chemical recycling of polyolefin still lacks the proper design, and kinetic background to target certain desired products and/or chemicals. On the other hand some research have shown a good performance that can be used in a real plant. ASPEN Plus is used to simulate a non-catalytic thermal cracking process. The process behavior of simulation is similar to the experimental data from other authors. Using gibbs free energy to identify the chemical equilibrium in system, its global minimization allows identifying the amount of substances present in the process. The simulation results demonstrate that it could be produced 49 % and 34 % wt of ethylene and propylene respectively from gas yield at 850 °C. Then scale the plant to produce ethylene and propylene from the pyrolysis and ethanol from a direct hydration of ethylene. Aspen Process Economics Analyzer is used in order to find the feasibility of the pyrolysis and ethanol production. The total sales/total production cost ratio obtained for the integrated process approaches was 2.55.
Crystal structure of 2-amino-5-oxo-4-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4H,5H-pyrano [3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile, C21H10F6N2O3
Authors: Zhai Yunhui , Li Jing
Published: August 2016

C21H10F6N2O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.8113(7) Å, b = 7.8929(3) Å, c = 21.4129(18) Å, β = 105.012(7)°, V = 1928.1(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0632, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1347, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of 5-(2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide, C18H16Cl2N4O2S
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alamri Mesfer , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: August 2016

C18H16Cl2N4O2S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.1950(5) Å, b = 23.9750(13) Å, c = 9.5514(5) Å, β = 111.136(2)°, V = 1963.96(18) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0516, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.139, T = 296 K.
Determinants of dietary behaviour during pregnancy
Authors: Doyle Ina-Merle , Spallek Jacob
Published: August 2016

Diet is crucial for maternal and child health, and pregnancy may be a good time for initiating behaviour change. Research from developed countries indicates inadequate diets despite food abundance. Dietary behaviour in pregnancy appears to be determined by socio-demographic, lifestyle, pregnancy-related and environmental factors. Practitioners should pay particular attention to younger and less educated women as well as those showing low levels of health consciousness.
Imaging and machine learning techniques for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mirzaei Golrokh , Adeli Anahita , Adeli Hojjat
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common health problem in elderly people. There has been considerable research toward the diagnosis and early detection of this disease in the past decade. The sensitivity of biomarkers and the accuracy of the detection techniques have been defined to be the key to an accurate diagnosis. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the research performed on the diagnosis of AD based on imaging and machine learning techniques. Different segmentation and machine learning techniques used for the diagnosis of AD are reviewed including thresholding, supervised and unsupervised learning, probabilistic techniques, Atlas-based approaches, and fusion of different image modalities. More recent and powerful classification techniques such as the enhanced probabilistic neural network of Ahmadlou and Adeli should be investigated with the goal of improving the diagnosis accuracy. A combination of different image modalities can help improve the diagnosis accuracy rate. Research is needed on the combination of modalities to discover multi-modal biomarkers.
Vote for Your Family! Particularism, Support for Democracy and Support for Shari’a in the Arab World
Authors: Bakker Femke E. , Rotondi Valentina
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the micro-foundations of the relationship between political particularism, support for democracy and support for