bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 13‐bit universal column driver for various displays of OLED and LCD
Authors: Ryu Seong‐Young , Baek Dong‐Hoon , Lim Hyun‐Wook , Han Sang‐Kyo , Ryu Kyung‐Ho , Park Kwang‐Hyun , Park Jin‐Yong , Lee Jung‐Min , Kim Tae‐Jin , Lee Jae‐Youl , Kim Gyeong‐Nam
Published: May 2016

A universal column driver is implemented in a 0.13‐µm high‐voltage CMOS process for not only TFT‐LCD but also OLED applications. The proposed column driver employs 13‐bit linear DAC to cover all gamma curves of display applications and address‐based configuration for intra‐ panel interface protocol to support both TV and IT applications. Measured results demonstrate the average voltage of output channels (AVO) is under 1mv, which satisfies 1‐LSB resolution at 18.5V of AVDD.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves radiation‐induced fibrosis through Tgf‐Β1/MyoD homeostasis in head and neck cancer
Authors: Peng Grace , Masood Kamil , Gantz Oliver , Sinha Uttam
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to analyze TGF‐β1 and MyoD expression in cervical muscles during radiation therapy (RT) and their role in inducing muscle fibrosis in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. We also studied the effect of combined traditional swallow therapy (TST) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy on TGF‐β1/MyoD homeostasis in patients undergoing post‐operative RT for HNC.

Study Design

Case–control study.

Methods

Thirty patients, 10 with benign thyroid lesions and non‐radiated muscle (control), and 20 with advanced‐stage HNC receiving primary resection and post‐operative radiation (study group) were enrolled. Patients in the study group were randomly assigned to receive post‐operative RT alone (Group I) or post‐operative RT with TST/NMES therapy (Group II). Intraoperative biopsies were obtained in all 30 patients. In the study groups, biopsies were repeated 4 weeks after completion of RT. TGF‐β1 and MyoD expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot.

Results

The control group demonstrated low expression of TGF‐β1 and high expression of MyoD. Following RT, patients in study Group I had high expression of TGF‐β1 and low levels of MyoD. Group II patients demonstrated TGF‐β1 levels more consistent with that of non‐irradiated tissue.

Conclusion

The molecular pathogenesis of RT‐induced muscle fibrosis involves the TGF‐β1 pathway and its repression of MyoD expression. Our results suggest a correlation between TST/NMES combined therapy and the restoration of TGF‐β1/MyoD homeostasis in cervical muscles. TST/NMES is a plausible prophylaxis and/or treatment for RT‐induced muscle fibrosis and dysphagia. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:27–31. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel stationary phases based on asphaltenes for gas chromatography
Authors: Boczkaj Grzegorz , Momotko Malwina , Chruszczyk Dorota , Przyjazny Andrzej , Kamiński Marian
Published: May 2016

We present the results of investigations on the possibility of the application of the asphaltene fraction isolated from the oxidized residue from vacuum distillation of crude oil as a stationary phase for gas chromatography. The results of the investigation revealed that the asphaltene stationary phases can find use for the separation of a wide range of volatile organic compounds. The experimental values of Rohrschneider/McReynolds constants characterize the asphaltenes as stationary phases of medium polarity and selectivity similar to commercially available phases based on alkyl phthalates. Isolation of asphaltenes from the material obtained under controlled process conditions allows the production of a stationary phase having reproducible sorption properties and chromatographic columns having the same selectivity. Unique selectivity and high thermal stability make asphaltenes attractive as a material for stationary phases for gas chromatography. A low production cost from a readily available raw material (oxidized petroleum bitumens) is an important economic factor in case of application of the asphaltene stationary phases for preparative and process separations.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on a polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles absorbent for the determination of bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A, 2,4,6‐tribromophenol, and (S)‐1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol in environmental waters by HPLC
Authors: Li Jia‐yuan , Long Xing‐yu , Yin He‐xing , Qiao Jun‐qin , Lian Hong‐zhen
Published: May 2016

Polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles synthesized through a facile solvothermal reaction and the self‐polymerization of dopamine have been employed as a magnetic solid‐phase extraction sorbent to enrich four phenolic compounds, bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A, (S)‐1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol and 2,4,6‐tribromophenol, from environmental waters followed by high‐performance liquid chromatographic detection. Various parameters of the extraction were optimized, including the pH of the sample matrix, the amount of polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 sorbent, the adsorption time, the enrichment factor of analytes, the elution solvent, and the reusability of the nanoparticles sorbent. The recoveries of these phenols in spiked water samples were 62.0–112.0% with relative standard deviations of 0.8–7.7%, indicating the good reliability of the magnetic solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography method. In addition, the extraction characteristics of the magnetic polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were elucidated comprehensively. It is found that there are hydrophobic, π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions between phenols and more dispersible polydopamine‐coated Fe3O4 in water, among which hydrophobic interaction dominates the magnetic solid‐phase extraction performance.
Post‐release effects on reintroduced populations of hihi
Authors: Panfylova Julia , Bemelmans Ellis , Devine Chris , Frost Peter , Armstrong Doug
Published: May 2016

Modeling survival of reintroduced populations is critical for understanding population dynamics and therefore making appropriate management decisions. We analyzed survival data collected over the first 2 years after a reintroduction of hihi (Notiomystis cincta), an endangered New Zealand forest bird, to Bushy Park, a conservation reserve in New Zealand enclosed by a predator‐exclusion fence. We constructed a set of candidate models representing different hypotheses about the effects of age, sex, and post‐release acclimation on survival, and used model averaging to obtain parameter estimates reflecting the relative support for the models. In combination with fecundity data, we constructed a stochastic population model incorporating uncertainty in parameter estimation, and used this to project population dynamics over the next 10 years. The survival analysis indicated that female survival was unusually low over a 6‐month acclimation period; hence, this initial low survival was not reflected in the estimates of long‐term survival obtained through model averaging. The resulting projections showed that although population growth was highly uncertain, there was a negligible probability of extinction over the next 10 years, therefore indicating that the existing management regime (i.e., supplementary feeding and nest box maintenance) should be continued. In contrast, if post‐release effects had not been accounted for, the projections would have shown a high probability of decline under this management regime. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Biological hot spots and the accumulation of marine dissolved organic matter in a highly productive ocean margin
Authors: Shen Yuan , Fichot Cédric G. , Liang Sheng‐Kang , Benner Ronald
Published: May 2016

Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and major biochemicals (amino acids and carbohydrates) were measured during five cruises (2009–2010) to the Louisiana margin in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Concentrations of amino acids and carbohydrates were elevated at mid‐salinities and were indicative of plankton production of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters. Hot spots of two compositionally distinct types of labile DOM were identified based on the relative abundances of amino acids and carbohydrates. Amino acid‐rich hot spots occurred sporadically in regions of high phytoplankton biomass and were mostly observed between dusk and dawn, reflecting a grazing source. In contrast, carbohydrate‐rich hot spots were more widespread and were often found in nutrient‐poor waters, indicating the production of carbon‐rich DOM associated with nutrient limitation. Major biochemical indicators and bioassay experiments indicated labile DOM comprised a relatively small fraction of the DOC. Most DOM was degraded and had a semi‐labile nature. Substantial accumulations of marine (plankton‐derived) DOC were observed in surface waters, particularly at mid‐salinities during the summer. Microbial alteration of marine DOC and nutrient limitation of microbial utilization of carbon‐rich DOM appeared largely responsible for the accumulation of DOC. The reservoir of accumulated marine DOC in the shelf surface mixed layer ranged from 0.11 Tg C to 0.23 Tg C, with the lowest and highest values occurring during winter and summer. Substantial cross‐shelf export of semi‐labile marine DOM occurred during the summer and provided a major carbon and energy subsidy to microbial food webs in offshore waters.
Novel Polymer Clay‐Based Nanocomposites: Films with Remarkable Optical and Water Vapor Barrier Properties
Authors: Murima Douglas , Pfukwa Helen , Tiggelman Ineke , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald
Published: May 2016

The impact of varying the copolymer composition of styrene–co‐butyl acrylate copolymers on the dispersion of montmorillonite (MMT) clay and the effect thereof on the transparency and water vapor barrier properties of the resultant films is assessed. The hybrid latexes containing MMT clay concentrations of 10–30 wt% are prepared using miniemulsion polymerization. The morphology of the resultant latexes shows that the MMT particles are predominantly adhered onto the surface of the latex particles. However, the transparency of the films suggests a fair dispersion of the MMT platelets in the matrix. The thickness‐normalized light transmittance for copolymers with 40 and 50 mol% styrene only decreases from 70% in the neat films to 50% in the nanocomposite films containing 30 wt% clay. The best optical properties are observed for the copolymers with 30 mol% styrene, in which the light transmittance only decreases from 85% (unfilled film) to 60% in the nanocomposite films containing 30 wt% clay. Overall, the water vapor barrier properties are much higher in the copolymer films with 30 mol% styrene due to the unique morphological organization of MMT platelets in the matrix.

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The Effect of Asymmetric Heterocyclic Units on the Microstructure and the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Three Rigid‐Rod co‐PI Fibers
Authors: Luo Longbo , Wang Yazhe , Zhang Jing , Huang Jieyang , Feng Yan , Peng Chaorong , Wang Xu , Liu Xiangyang
Published: May 2016

Three kinds of rigid‐rod copolyimide (co‐PI) fibers are prepared by wet‐spinning of their precursor poly(amic acid)s, which are copolymerized from 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), p‐phenylenediamine (PDA), and the third asymmetric heterocyclic diamines, including 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzoxazole (BOA), 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (PABZ), and 2,5‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐pyrimidine (PRM), respectively. The asymmetry is increasing in the order PRM < BOA ≈ PABZ. The introduction of asymmetric heterocyclic units results in mesomorphic order structure and decreases the size of microvoid of PI fiber, which apparently improves the toughness of PI fiber and shows positive effects on mechanical properties. The tensile strength and initial modulus of co‐PI fibers are in the ranges of 2.6–3.2 GPa and 91.8–133.5 GPa, respectively. The lowest asymmetry leads to the highest lateral order, crystal orientation, and initial modulus of BPDA/PDA/PRM co‐PI. Moreover, the introduction of asymmetric heterocyclic units can effectively improve compressive properties. BPDA/PDA/PABZ co‐PI fiber shows the highest loop strength and recoil compressive strength due to hydrogen bonding interactions. The highest orientation leads to the lowest transverse strength of BPDA/PDA/PRM co‐PI fibers, reducing the recoil compressive strength.

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Biochanin A improves hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating the hepatic lipid and glucose metabolic pathways in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Park Hee‐Sook , Hur Haeng Jeon , Kim Soon‐Hee , Park Su‐Jin , Hong Moon Ju , Sung Mi Jeong , Kwon Dae Young , Kim Myung‐Sunny
Published: May 2016

Scope

Natural compounds that regulate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) have been reported to have beneficial effects in obesity‐mediated metabolic disorders. In this study, we demonstrated that biochanin A (BA), an agonist of PPAR‐α, improved hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high‐fat diet (HFD), and an HFD supplemented with 0.05% BA for 12 weeks. Histological and biochemical examinations indicated that BA prevented obesity‐induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in HFD‐fed mice. BA stimulated the transcriptional activation of PPAR‐α in vitro and increased the expression of PPAR‐α and its regulatory proteins in the liver. CE‐TOF/MS analyses indicated that BA administration promoted the recovery of metabolites involved in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, lipogenesis, and beta‐oxidation in the livers of obese mice. BA also suppressed the levels of gluconeogenesis‐related metabolites and the expression of the associated enzymes, glucose 6‐phosphatase and pyruvate kinase.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results showed that BA ameliorated metabolic disorders such as hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism in diet‐induced obesity. Thus, BA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity‐mediated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.
Epigenetics of breast cancer: Modifying role of environmental and bioactive food compounds
Authors: Romagnolo Donato F. , Daniels Kevin D. , Grunwald Jonathan T. , Ramos Stephan A. , Propper Catherine R. , Selmin Ornella I.
Published: May 2016

Scope

Reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. However, only a small percentage of breast tumors is related to family history and mutational inactivation of TSG. Epigenetics refers to non‐mutational events that alter gene expression. Endocrine disruptors found in foods and drinking water may disrupt epigenetically hormonal regulation and increase breast cancer risk. This review centers on the working hypothesis that agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), bisphenol A (BPA), and arsenic compounds, induce in TSG epigenetic signatures that mirror those often seen in sporadic breast tumors. Conversely, it is hypothesized that bioactive food components that target epigenetic mechanisms protect against sporadic breast cancer induced by these disruptors.

Methods and results

This review highlights (i) overlaps between epigenetic signatures placed in TSG by AHR‐ligands, BPA, and arsenic with epigenetic alterations associated with sporadic breast tumorigenesis; and (ii) potential opportunities for the prevention of sporadic breast cancer with food components that target the epigenetic machinery.

Conclusions

Characterizing the overlap between epigenetic signatures elicited in TSG by endocrine disruptors with those observed in sporadic breast tumors may afford new strategies for breast cancer prevention with specific bioactive food components or diet.
The Legendre Galerkin Chebyshev collocation least squares for the elliptic problem
Authors: Qin Yonghui , Li Jingliang , Ma Heping
Published: May 2016

The Legendre Galerkin Chebyshev collocation least squares method is presented for a second‐order elliptic problem with variable coefficients. By introducing a flux variable, the original problem is rewritten as an equivalent first‐order system. The present method is based on the Legendre Galerkin method, but Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobatto collocation is used to deal with the variable coefficient and the right hand side terms. The coercivity and continuity of the method are proved and an error estimate in the
‐norm is derived. Some numerical examples are given to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the scheme. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 1689–1703, 2016
Obesity and Age‐Related Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Across Four Generations
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , Herber‐Gast Gerrie‐Cor M. , Spijkerman Annemieke M.W. , Susan H. , Picavet J. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Dollé Martijn E.T. , Smit Henriette A. , Monique Verschuren W.M.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The prevalence of obesity increases with age and is higher in each younger generation (unfavorable generation shift). This may influence patterns of oxidative stress and inflammation. Age‐related changes and generation shifts in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated, specifically addressing the role of body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Four generations (aged 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, and 56–65 at baseline) (N = 5,155) were examined every 5 years for 15 years between 1993 and 2012. Random coefficient analyses were used to study age‐related changes and generation shifts in BMI, γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), uric acid (UA), and C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Results

Levels of BMI, UA, and CRP increased in all generations up to age 75, whereas GGT increased up to age 55. No consistent generation shifts were observed for GGT, UA, and CRP (P ≥ 0.05). Participants with a stable BMI (change ≤1 kg/m2/15 years) had either no or small increases with age in GGT, UA, and CRP, whereas participants with increasing BMI (increase >1 kg/m2/15 years) had much larger increases (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The unfavorable age‐related changes in obesity‐related biochemical markers, particularly among individuals with increasing BMI, show the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to improve population levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Investigation of the Effects of an Exercise Program on Physical Functions and Activities of Daily Life in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yildiz Kabak Vesile , Duger Tulin , Uckan Cetinkaya Duygu
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an implemented exercise program for children throughout the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process.

Procedure

Twenty‐two children aged between 3 and 17, who were earlier selected for HSCT, were divided into two groups—intervention and control. Children's physical function, functional performance, and activities of daily life (ADL) were assessed before HSCT, at discharge, and 1 month later. The exercise program, which consisted of strengthening, endurance, stretching, and relaxation exercises, was implemented to the intervention group for 5 days a week throughout hospitalization; and these exercises were given as home program at discharge.

Results

The results of the supervised exercise program during hospitalization showed that the children's physical function and functional performance increased statistically significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.05) and decreased statistically significantly in the control group (P < 0.05). For the ADL, no difference was found between the two groups (P ˃ 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study determined that the exercise program had positive effects throughout the HSCT process, but these effects did not continue during the follow‐up period. Exercise programs implemented by physiotherapists are important for children undergoing HSCT, and after transplantation it is necessary to continue supervised exercise program during follow‐up.
Proton Therapy for Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Wray Justin , Flampouri Stella , Slayton William , Joyce Michael , Sandler Eric , Morris Christopher G. , Li Zuofeng , Indelicato Daniel J. , Mendenhall Nancy P. , Hoppe Bradford S.
Published: May 2016

Background

Compared to X‐ray radiation therapy, proton therapy (PT) reduces the radiation dose to organs at risk, which is expected to translate into fewer second cancers and less cardiac morbidity decades after treatment. The Children's Oncology Group high‐risk pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (PHL) protocol, AHOD1331, allows the use of PT, yet limited data exist on the use of PT in PHL.

Procedure

Between 2010 and 2014, 22 pediatric patients were treated with PT for PHL at our institution: 7 intermediate‐risk patients, 11 high‐risk patients, and 4 relapsed patients. The patients’ age ranged from 6 to 18 years old. Median follow‐up was 36 months. All patients received chemotherapy before PT.

Results

The 2‐year and 3‐year overall survival rates were both 94%, and the progression‐free survival rate was 86%. Recurrences occurred in three high‐risk patients: one isolated in‐field cervical lymph node and two in‐field and out‐of‐field. All recurrences occurred within 5 months of completing PT. No PT‐related grade 3 or higher acute or late complications were observed.

Conclusion

PT for PHL showed no short‐term severe toxicity and yields similar short‐term control to recently published large multi‐institutional clinical trials.
Early T‐Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in an Infant With an NRAS Q61R Mutation and Clinical Features of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Authors: Raikar Sunil S. , Scarborough John D. , Sabnis Himalee , Bergsagel John , Wu David , Cooper Todd M. , Keller Frank G. , Wood Brent L. , Bunting Silvia T.
Published: May 2016

Early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP‐ALL) is a subtype of T‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) arising from a primitive precursor. We present a unique case of an infant with ETP‐ALL with a missense NRAS mutation in codon 61 (c.182A>G, p.Q61R). The patient also had a minor population of non‐ETP T‐ALL blasts and clinical features typically associated with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), namely, absolute monocytosis, splenomegaly, and elevated hemoglobin F. The treatment was initiated with chemotherapy, followed by cord blood transplantation. The patient achieved remission, but unfortunately died from transplant‐related complications. This case highlights an NRAS mutation in ETP‐ALL with JMML‐like phenotype.
Parallel reaction monitoring using quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer: Principle and applications
Authors: Bourmaud Adele , Gallien Sebastien , Domon Bruno
Published: May 2016

Targeted mass spectrometry‐based approaches are nowadays widely used for quantitative proteomics studies and more recently have been implemented on high resolution/accurate mass (HRAM) instruments resulting in a considerable performance improvement. More specifically, the parallel reaction monitoring technique (PRM) performed on quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometers, leveraging the high resolution and trapping capabilities of the instrument, offers a clear advantage over the conventional selected reaction monitoring (SRM) measurements executed on triple quadrupole instruments. Analyses performed in HRAM mode allow for an improved discrimination between signals derived from analytes and those resulting from matrix interferences translating in the reliable quantification of low abundance components. The purpose of the study defines various implementation schemes of PRM, namely: (i) exploratory experiments assessing the detectability of very large sets of peptides (100–1000), (ii) wide‐screen analyses using (crude) internal standards to obtain statistically meaningful (relative) quantitative analyses, and (iii) precise/accurate quantification of a limited number of analytes using calibrated internal standards. Each of the three implementation schemes requires specific acquisition methods with defined parameters to appropriately control the acquisition during the actual peptide elution. This tutorial describes the different PRM approaches and discusses their benefits and limitations in terms of quantification performance and confidence in analyte identification.
(‐)‐Hydroxycitric Acid Nourishes Protein Synthesis via Altering Metabolic Directions of Amino Acids in Male Rats
Authors: Han Ningning , Li Longlong , Peng Mengling , Ma Haitian
Published: May 2016

(‐)‐Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a major active ingredient of Garcinia Cambogia extracts, had shown to suppress body weight gain and fat accumulation in animals and humans. While, the underlying mechanism of (‐)‐HCA has not fully understood. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of long‐term supplement with (‐)‐HCA on body weight gain and variances of amino acid content in rats. Results showed that (‐)‐HCA treatment reduced body weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio in rats. The content of hepatic glycogen, muscle glycogen, and serum T4, T3, insulin, and Leptin were increased in (‐)‐HCA treatment groups. Protein content in liver and muscle were significantly increased in (‐)‐HCA treatment groups. Amino acid profile analysis indicated that most of amino acid contents in serum and liver, especially aromatic amino acid and branched amino acid, were higher in (‐)‐HCA treatment groups. However, most of the amino acid contents in muscle, especially aromatic amino acid and branched amino acid, were reduced in (‐)‐HCA treatment groups. These results indicated that (‐)‐HCA treatment could reduce body weight gain through promoting energy expenditure via regulation of thyroid hormone levels. In addition, (‐)‐HCA treatment could promote protein synthesis by altering the metabolic directions of amino acids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplicial complexes: Spectrum, homology and random walks
Authors: Parzanchevski Ori , Rosenthal Ron
Published: May 2016

This paper studies the dynamical and asymptotic aspects of high‐dimensional expanders. We define a stochastic process on simplicial complexes of arbitrary dimension, which detects the existence of homology in the same way that a random walk on a finite graph reflects its connectedness. Through this, we obtain high‐dimensional analogues of graph properties such as bipartiteness, return probability, amenability and transience/recurrence. In the second part of the paper we generalize Kesten's result on the spectrum of regular trees, and of the connection between return probabilities and spectral radius. We study the analogue of the Alon‐Boppana theorem on spectral gaps, and exhibit a counterexample for its high‐dimensional counterpart. We show, however, that under some assumptions the theorem does hold ‐ for example, if the codimension‐one skeletons of the complexes in question form a family of expanders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 225–261, 2017
Publishing histograms with outliers under data differential privacy
Authors: Han Qilong , Shao Bo , Li Lijie , Ma Zhiqiang , Zhang Haitao , Du Xiaojiang
Published: May 2016

Histograms are important tools for data mining and analysis. Several differentially private publishing schemes for histograms have been proposed recently. Existing differentially private histogram publication schemes have shown that histogram reconstruction is a promising idea for the improvement of publication histograms' accuracy. However, none of these have properly considered the problem outliers in the original histogram, which can cause significant reconstruction errors. Based on the problem, the publication of histogram outliers under differential privacy, this paper puts forward a publication method for histograms with outliers under differential privacy: Outlier‐HistoPub. Our method deals with the count sequence of the original histogram first, using a “global sort” to reduce the degree of alternative distribution (a concept proposed in this paper), which may eliminate the influence of outliers during reconstruction. To avoid individual privacy leakage in the reconstruction process, an exponential mechanism is used to select the most similar adjacent bins of the uniformity distribution histogram to merge each time, and the Laplace mechanism is utilized to generate noisy data to perturb the count sequence of the reconstruction histogram. Experiments prove that the method proposed in this paper can improve the efficiency and accuracy of histogram publication. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Working‐Temperature Acetone Vapor Sensor Based on Zinc Nitride and Oxide Hybrid Composites
Authors: Qu Fengdong , Yuan Yao , Guarecuco Rohiverth , Yang Minghui
Published: May 2016

Transition‐metal nitride and oxide composites are a significant class of emerging materials that have attracted great interest for their potential in combining the advantages of nitrides and oxides. Here, a novel class of gas sensing materials based on hybrid Zn3N2 and ZnO composites is presented. The Zn3N2/ZnO (ZnNO) composites‐based sensor exhibits selectivity and high sensitivity toward acetone vapor, and the sensitivity is dependent on the nitrogen content of the composites. The ZnNO‐11.7 described herein possesses a low working temperature of 200 °C. The detection limit (0.07 ppm) is below the diabetes diagnosis threshold (1.8 ppm). In addition, the sensor shows high reproducibility and long‐term stability.
Fungal spores from the Palaeogene El Foyel Group of Ñirihuau Basin, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Marcelo A. , Bianchinotti M. Virginia , Saxena Ramesh K. , Cornou M. Elina , Quattrocchio Mirta E.
Published: May 2016

The El Foyel Group is defined in the western section (Andean) of the Ñirihuau Basin, Argentina (41°44′S–71°30′W). It consists of three units: the Troncoso, Salto del Macho and Río Foyel formations. The age of the group and of the formations is still controversial. We studied the fungal remains recovered from 14 palynological samples from outcrops in the group with the intention of providing data to solve this problem. The fungal assemblage found is highly diverse and it is mostly composed of spores of different affinities (mainly ascomycetes). We identified 38 species from 18 genera (Anatolinites,Dictyosporites,Didymoporisporonites,Diporicellaesporites,Diporisporites,Dyadosporites,Exesisporites,Foveodiporites,Hypoxylonites,Inapertisporites,Lacrimasporonites,Monoporisporites,Multicellites,Papulosporonites,Pluricellaesporites,Polycellaesporonites,Staphlosporonitesand one indet.). Moreover, we propose two new species (Hypoxylonites foyelensissp. nov. andPluricellaesporites patagonicussp. nov.) and a new combination (Dyadosporites annulatuscomb. nov.). Most of the species were recovered from samples from the Troncoso Formation (21), while the Salto del Macho and Río Foyel formations showed lesser diversity.Anatolinites subcapsilaris,Dyadosporites subovalis,Inapertisporites subovoideus,Monoporisporites singularovalisandMulticellites ellipticus, biomarkers from the Middle Eocene appeared in the Troncoso and Salto del Salto del Macho formations; whereas indicators of the Eocene–Oligocene, such asDyadosporites elsikii,Didymoporisporonites panshanensis,Foveodiporites elegans,Lacrimasporonites fusoidesandMulticellites leptaleus, were mainly recorded in the Río Foyel Formation. The appearance of the biomarkers mentioned above reinforces the Palaeogene age proposed for the El Foyel Group in previous palynological studies. The record ofHypoxylonites ater(Miocene) in the Salto del Macho formation would expand its range as far back as the Palaeogene.
Flatness Control Strategy Based on Delay Compensation for Cold Rolling Mill
Authors: Pengfei Wang , Yan Peng , Dongcheng Wang , Jie Sun , Dianhua Zhang , Hongmin Liu
Published: May 2016

In order to improve the feedback stability of flatness control system during the acceleration and deceleration rolling process, the structure and corresponding optimization model of flatness control system have been established based on flatness efficiency factors. Analysis on the work roll bending control loop of the flatness control system has been carried out. Based on the analysis, both the cause of time delay and the corresponding influences on the system stability have been investigated. Moreover, simulations have been implemented for both the conventional PID controller and the Smith predictor‐PID controller of work roll bending control with different time delays. Based on the investigation and simulations, a new flatness control strategy including the time delay compensation has been developed. When the time delay varies, the flatness control system will automatically switch the control mode to ensure the system stability is not affected. Applications show that the proposed control strategy can guarantee a good stability and high steady‐state precision for the flatness control system during the acceleration and deceleration rolling process.
MiR-211/STAT5A Signaling Modulates Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve its Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Hu Xinyang , Chen Panpan , Wu Yan , Wang Kan , Xu Yinchuan , Chen Han , Zhang Ling , Wu Rongrong , Webster Keith A. , Yu Hong , Zhu Wei , Wang Jian'an
Published: May 2016

Our previous study showed that the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation were improved by enhancing migration. MicroRNA-211 (miR-211) can modulate the migratory properties of some cell types by mechanisms that are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate a possible role for miR-211 in MSC migration, and whether genetic manipulation of miR-211 in MSCs could be used to enhance its beneficial effects of cell transplantation. Transwell assays confirmed that MSCs migration of was significantly impaired by miR-211 knockdown but enhanced by miR-211 overexpression. MiR-211 overexpressing MSCs also exhibited significantly increased cell engraftment in the peri-infarct areas of female rat hearts 2 days after intravenous transplantation of male MSCs as shown by GFP tracking and SYR gene quantification. This conferred a significant decrease in infarct size and improved cardiac performance. By using a loss or gain of gene function approach, we demonstrated that miR-211 targeted STAT5A to modulate MSCs migration, possibly by interacting with MAPK signaling. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of miR-211 overexpression in MSCs were abolished by simultaneous overexpression of STAT5A whereas the negative effects of miR-211 silencing on MSC migration were rescued by simultaneous downregulation of STAT5A. Finally, using ChIP-PCR and luciferase assays, we provide novel evidence that STAT3 can directly bind to promoter elements that activate miR-211 expression. STAT3/miR-211/STAT5A signaling plays a key role in MSCs migration. Intravenous infusion of genetically modified miR-211 overexpressing MSCs conveys enhanced protection from adverse post-MI remodeling compared with unmodified MSCs.
Use of dental restorative temporization material for attaching radiotransmitters to hedgehogs
Authors: Reading Richard P. , Kenny David , Murdoch James , Batdorj Sodnompil
Published: May 2016

Use of glues and acrylics to attach radiotransmitters to small mammals may pose a threat to the animals and researchers by generating heat and adhering to skin. We tested the feasibility of attaching radiotransmitters on 2 hedgehog species (Daurian [Mesechinus dauuricus] and long‐eared [Hemiechinus auritus]) in Mongolia using a restorative dental composite material (Protemp™ 3 Garant™ Temporization Material). The composite is less toxic than glues and acrylics typically used to attach transmitters to hedgehogs, generates almost no heat during catalyzation, and does not bind to skin. Human dentistry uses this material for temporary restoration of crowns and bridges. We applied 73 transmitters to 34 Daurian and 26 long‐eared hedgehogs using this material from 2005 to 2014 without signs of adverse effects. This safe, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive composite did not degrade despite being deployed for several months to >4 years in highly variable environmental conditions. Hedgehogs periodically shed their quills and we discovered some transmitters in sheds from study animals. We believe this dental acrylic provides a safer and effective alternative to common epoxies for attaching transmitters to hedgehogs. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Surviving Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit: The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Trauma Patient
Authors: Ramsamy Yogandree , Hardcastle Timothy C. , Muckart David J. J.
Published: May 2016

Sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) presents a great challenge to any critical care clinician. Patients admitted to the ICU are especially vulnerable to sepsis due to the nature of the underlying pathology that warranted admission to the ICU and deranged physiological function coupled with invasive procedures. Nosocomial infections are common in patients admitted to the ICU, and with these infections come the burden of multidrug‐resistant organisms. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a global emergency that warrants the attention of every health‐care professional. AMR has escalated to epic proportions and solutions to this problem are now a matter of “life and death.” The ICU also represents the “breeding ground” of antibiotic‐resistant organisms due to the high broad‐spectrum antibiotic consumption. Many would argue that broad‐spectrum antimicrobials are overprescribed in this patient population, but do all patients admitted to the ICU warrant such therapy? Is there evidence that narrower‐spectrum antimicrobial agents can be employed in specific ICU populations coupled with surveillance strategies? The aims of this review are to focus on strategies with the aim of optimizing antimicrobial use within ICUs, and to highlight the importance of differentiating ICU populations with regard to the use of antimicrobial agents.
In vitro assessment of anticytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of CANOVA®
Authors: do Nascimento Henrique Fonseca Sousa , Cardoso Plínio Cerqueira dos Santos , Ribeiro Helem Ferreira , Mota Tatiane Cristina , Gomes Lorena Monteiro , Khayat André Salim , Guimarães Adriana Costa , Amorim Marucia Irena Medeiros , Burbano Rommel Rodriguéz , Bahia Marcelo de Oliveira
Published: May 2016

Background:
CANOVA® (CA) is a homeopathic immunomodulator. It contains several homeopathic medicines prepares according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. CA is indicated in clinical conditions in which the immune system is impaired and against tumors. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) is an N-nitroso compound, with genotoxic/mutagenic properties. Although several studies have shown promising results in the use of CA, there are no studies reporting possible antigenotoxic effects.

Method:
This study evaluated the in vitro antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic effects of CA in human lymphocytes exposed to NMU. Samples of human lymphocytes that were subjected to different concentrations of a mixture containing CA and NMU were used. The genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity of CA was evaluated by the comet assay, anticytotoxicity was assessed by quantification of apoptosis and necrosis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide.

Results:
CA significantly reduced DNA damage induced by NMU and reduced significantly the frequency of NMU-induced apoptosis after 24 h of treatment.

Conclusion:
CA has an important cytoprotective effect significantly reducing the DNA damage and apoptosis induced by the carcinogen NMU.
Multidisciplinary training in perineal care during labor and delivery for the reduction of anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Frost Jonathan , Gundry Rowan , Young Helen , Naguib Adel
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine whether the introduction of a multidisciplinary intrapartum perineal‐care training program reduced the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in patients undergoing vaginal deliveries.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study enrolled women undergoing vaginal deliveries at a district general hospital maternity unit in the United Kingdom between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2014. All women experiencing obstetric anal sphincter injuries during the study period were identified and the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries before (2012–2013) a multidisciplinary training program was implemented was compared with the rate after (2013–2014) implementation using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study enrolled 4920 patients. Following the implementation of the training program, the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries decreased from 4.8% to 3.1% of vaginal deliveries (odds ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.493–0.899; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The integration of intrapartum perineal‐care training into mandatory annual staff training was associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries.
Correlations of suspended sediment size with bedrock lithology and glacier dynamics
Authors: Crompton Jeff W. , Flowers Gwenn E.
Published: May 2016

The hypothesized link between glacier surging and bedrock geology motivates this study of the suspended sediment size distributions (SSSD) from surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers. We analyze SSSDs from proglacial streams in 20 individual basins comprising various fractions of metasedimentary (MS) and felsic plutonic rocks. We compare the size distributions by performing tests of significance on the distribution statistics, and a principal component analysis on discrete grain sizes. We find that surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers underlain solely by MS rocks have significantly different SSSDs, while surge-type glaciers as a whole have remarkably similar SSSDs, regardless of the underlying bedrock geology. These observations hint at a relationship between sediment characteristics and glacier surging, though causation in either direction cannot be established without additional data.
Experience with Canada’s First Policy on Concussion Education and Management in Schools
Authors: Hachem Laureen D. , Kourtis George , Mylabathula Swapna , Tator Charles H.
Published: May 2016

Background: In response to the rising incidence of concussions among children and adolescents, the province of Ontario recently introduced the Ontario Policy/Program Memorandum on Concussions (PPM No. 158) requiring school boards to develop a concussion protocol. As this is the first policy of its kind in Canada, the impact of the PPM is not yet known. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to all high school principals in the Toronto District School Board 1 year after announcement of the PPM. Questions covered extent of student, parent, and staff concussion education along with concussion management protocols. Results: Of 109 high school principals contacted, 39 responded (36%). Almost all schools provided concussion education to students (92%), with most education delivered through physical education classes. Nearly all schools had return to play (92%) and return to learn (77%) protocols. Although 85% of schools educated staff on concussions, training was aimed at individuals involved in sports/physical education. Only 43.6% of schools delivered concussion education to parents, and many principals requested additional resources in this area. Conclusions: One year after announcement of the PPM, high schools in the Toronto District School Board implemented significant student concussion education programs and management protocols. Staff training and parent education required further development. A series of recommendations are provided to aid in future concussion policy development.
Reactive Infection Control Strategy for Control of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase (NDM)-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Analyzed Using Whole-Genome Sequencing: Hits and Misses
Authors: Marimuthu Kalisvar , Ng Oon Tek , Khong Wei Xin , Xia Eryu , Teo Yik-Ying , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Lye David Chien , Chow Angela Liping , Krishnan Prabha , Ang Brenda Sze
Published: May 2016

Genetically distinct isolates of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)–producing Enterobacteriaceae were identified from the clinical cultures of 6 patients. Screening of shared-ward contacts identified 2 additional NDM-positive patients. Phylogenetic analysis proved that 1 contact was a direct transmission while the other was unrelated to the index, suggesting hidden routes of transmission.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:987–990
Temporally stable surface mass balance asymmetry across an ice rise derived from radar internal reflection horizons through inverse modeling
Authors: CALLENS DENIS , DREWS REINHARD , WITRANT EMMANUEL , PHILIPPE MORGANE , PATTYN FRANK
Published: May 2016

Ice rises are locally grounded parts of Antarctic ice shelves that play an important role in regulating ice flow from the continent towards the ocean. Because they protrude out of the otherwise horizontal ice shelves, ice rises induce an orographic uplift of the atmospheric flow, resulting in an asymmetric distribution of the surface mass balance (SMB). Here, we combine younger and older internal reflection horizons (IRHs) from radar to quantify this distribution in time and space across Derwael Ice Rise (DIR), Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. We employ two methods depending on the age of the IRHs, i.e. the shallow layer approximation for the younger IRHs near the surface and an optimization technique based on an ice flow model for the older IRHs. We identify an SMB ratio of 2.5 between the flanks and the ice divide with the SMB ranging between 300 and 750 kg m−2 a−1. The SMB maximum is located on the upwind side, ~4 km offset to today's topographic divide. The large-scale asymmetry is consistently observed in time until 1966. The SMB from older IRHs is less-well constrained, but the asymmetry has likely persisted for >ka, indicating that DIR has been a stable features over long time spans.
LINEAR ORDERS REALIZED BY C.E. EQUIVALENCE RELATIONS
Authors: FOKINA EKATERINA , KHOUSSAINOV BAKHADYR , SEMUKHIN PAVEL , TURETSKY DANIEL
Published: May 2016

LetEbe a computably enumerable (c.e.) equivalence relation on the setωof natural numbers. We say that the quotient set$\omega /E$(or equivalently, the relationE)realizesa linearly ordered set${\cal L}$if there exists a c.e. relation ⊴ respectingEsuch that the induced structure ($\omega /E$; ⊴) is isomorphic to${\cal L}$. Thus, one can consider the class of all linearly ordered sets that are realized by$\omega /E$; formally,${\cal K}\left( E \right) = \left\{ {{\cal L}\,|\,{\rm{the}}\,{\rm{order}}\, - \,{\rm{type}}\,{\cal L}\,{\rm{is}}\,{\rm{realized}}\,{\rm{by}}\,E} \right\}$. In this paper we study the relationship between computability-theoretic properties ofEand algebraic properties of linearly ordered sets realized byE. One can also define the following pre-order$ \le _{lo} $on the class of all c.e. equivalence relations:$E_1 \le _{lo} E_2 $if every linear order realized byE1is also realized byE2. Following the tradition of computability theory, thelo-degrees are the classes of equivalence relations induced by the pre-order$ \le _{lo} $. We study the partially ordered set oflo-degrees. For instance, we construct various chains and anti-chains and show the existence of a maximal element among thelo-degrees.