bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft Impact in a Biomechanical System With Shape Memory Element
Authors: Rusinek R. , Szymanski M. , Warminski J.
Published: May 2017

The analysis of the shape memory prosthesis (SMP) of the middle ear is presented in this paper. The shape memory prosthesis permits the adjustment of its length to individual patient needs, but sometimes the prosthesis cannot be properly fixed to the stapes. In this case, the impact between the prosthesis and stapes is important. Therefore, the reconstructed middle ear is modeled as a two degree-of-freedom system with a nonlinear shape memory element and soft impact to represent its behavior when the prosthesis is not properly placed or fixed. The properties of the shape memory prosthesis, in the form of a helical spring, are represented by a polynomial function. The system exhibits advisable periodic and undesirable aperiodic and irregular behavior depending on the excitation amplitude, the frequency, and the prosthesis length. The prosthesis length can change, resulting in a modification of the distance between the prosthesis and the stapes. The results of this study provide an answer in terms of how the prosthesis length, which produces the ossicular chain tension, influences the system dynamics and its implication in medical practice.
Plasma source development for fusion-relevant material testing
Authors: Caughman John B. O. , Goulding Richard H. , Biewer Theodore M. , Bigelow Timothy S. , Campbell Ian H. , Caneses Juan , Diem Stephanie J. , Fadnek Andy , Fehling Dan T. , Isler Ralph C. , Martin Elijah H. , Parish Chad M. , Rapp Juergen , Wang Kun , Beers Clyde J. , Donovan David , Kafle Nischal , Ray Holly B. , Shaw Guinevere C. , Showers Melissa A.
Published: May 2017

Plasma-facing materials in the divertor of a magnetic fusion reactor have to tolerate steady state plasma heat fluxes in the range of 10 MW/m2 for ∼107 s, in addition to fusion neutron fluences, which can damage the plasma-facing materials to high displacements per atom (dpa) of ∼50 dpa. Materials solutions needed for the plasma-facing components are yet to be developed and tested. The material plasma exposure experiment (MPEX) is a newly proposed steady state linear plasma device designed to deliver the necessary plasma heat flux to a target for testing, including the capability to expose a priori neutron-damaged material samples to those plasmas. The requirements of the plasma source needed to deliver the required heat flux are being developed on the Proto-MPEX device which is a linear high-intensity radio-frequency (RF) plasma source that combines a high-density helicon plasma generator with electron- and ion-heating sections. The device is being used to study the physics of heating overdense plasmas in a linear configuration. The helicon plasma is operated at 13.56 MHz with RF power levels up to 120 kW. Microwaves at 28 GHz (∼30 kW) are coupled to the electrons in the overdense helicon plasma via electron Bernstein waves and ion cyclotron heating at 7–9 MHz (∼30 kW) is via a magnetic beach approach. High plasma densities >6 × 1019/m3 have been produced in deuterium, with electron temperatures that can range from 2 to >10 eV. Operation with on-axis magnetic field strengths between 0.6 and 1.4 T is typical. The plasma heat flux delivered to a target can be >10 MW/m2, depending on the operating conditions. An initial plasma material interaction experiment with a thin tungsten target exposed to this high heat flux in a predominantly helium plasma showed helium bubble formation near the surface, with no indication of source impurity contamination on the target.
Enhancing the electrical conductivity of vacuum-ultraviolet-reduced graphene oxide by multilayered stacking
Authors: Tu Yudi , Utsunomiya Toru , Ichii Takashi , Sugimura Hiroyuki
Published: May 2017

Vacuum-ultraviolet light irradiation under a high vacuum is a facile method to reduce graphene oxide (GO) sheets and therefore to enhance their electrical conductivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the local electrical properties of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) monolayer and bilayer by using conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM). Both the lateral and vertical CAFM measurements showed a higher current signal on the rGO bilayer than on the rGO monolayer. The enlargement of the tip contact area significantly affected the vertical CAFM measurements and enhanced the current signal in the bilayer regions. However, when performing the lateral CAFM measurements, the enlarged tip contact area had no obvious influence on the current signal. The increase in the current signal can be ascribed to the intrinsic enhancement of the electrical conductivity on the rGO bilayer. These results suggested that the stacked rGO sheets formed the new conductive paths for the carrier transportation in the lateral direction. This process can be further applied in producing microconductive patterns in multilayered GO.
Investigation of structural morphology and electrical properties of graphene-C60 hybrids
Authors: Chugh Srishti , Biswas Chandan , Echegoyen Luis , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: May 2017

In this work, the authors report on the electrophoretic deposition of C60 on graphene. The graphene films were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and electrical contacts were made with the graphene nanomembranes using a viscoelastic stamping method. Different concentration solutions of C60 were prepared and deposited on graphene substrates using the electrophoretic deposition technique. Electronic characterization of the structures was conducted before and after the attachment of C60. Optical absorption of different concentrations of C60 was measured. A comparative study was carried out to analyze the resistivity and conductivity as a result of the interaction with a Si/SiO2 substrate. Our results suggest that graphene based C60 structures are attractive as flexible transparent electrodes and are excellent electron accepting/charge transport materials for the construction of efficient photovoltaic devices.
A domain decomposition method for analyzing a coupling between multiple acoustical spaces (L)
Authors: Chen Yuehua , Jin Guoyong , Liu Zhigang
Published: May 2017

This letter presents a domain decomposition method to predict the acoustic characteristics of an arbitrary enclosure made up of any number of sub-spaces. While the Lagrange multiplier technique usually has good performance for conditional extremum problems, the present method avoids involving extra coupling parameters and theoretically ensures the continuity conditions of both sound pressure and particle velocity at the coupling interface. Comparisons with the finite element results illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the present predictions and the effect of coupling parameters between sub-spaces on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the overall enclosure is revealed.
Monitoring Athlete Training Loads: Consensus Statement
Authors: Bourdon Pitre C. , Cardinale Marco , Murray Andrew , Gastin Paul , Kellmann Michael , Varley Matthew C. , Gabbett Tim J. , Coutts Aaron J. , Burgess Darren J. , Gregson Warren , Cable N. Timothy
Published: May 2017

Monitoring the load placed on athletes in both training and competition has become a very hot topic in sport science. Both scientists and coaches routinely monitor training loads using multidisciplinary approaches, and the pursuit of the best methodologies to capture and interpret data has produced an exponential increase in empirical and applied research. Indeed, the field has developed with such speed in recent years that it has given rise to industries aimed at developing new and novel paradigms to allow us to precisely quantify the internal and external loads placed on athletes and to help protect them from injury and ill health. In February 2016, a conference on “Monitoring Athlete Training Loads—The Hows and the Whys” was convened in Doha, Qatar, which brought together experts from around the world to share their applied research and contemporary practices in this rapidly growing field and also to investigate where it may branch to in the future. This consensus statement brings together the key findings and recommendations from this conference in a shared conceptual framework for use by coaches, sport-science and -medicine staff, and other related professionals who have an interest in monitoring athlete training loads and serves to provide an outline on what athlete-load monitoring is and how it is being applied in research and practice, why load monitoring is important and what the underlying rationale and prospective goals of monitoring are, and where athlete-load monitoring is heading in the future.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of Notch transcription complex–binding sequence-paired sites in leukemia cells
Authors: Severson Eric , Arnett Kelly L. , Wang Hongfang , Zang Chongzhi , Taing Len , Liu Hudan , Pear Warren S. , Shirley Liu X. , Blacklow Stephen C. , Aster Jon C.
Published: May 2017

Paired regulation of protein-coding genes and enhancer noncoding RNAs tunes Notch signaling in leukemia.
Hyperactive locomotion in a
Drosophila
model is a functional readout for the synaptic abnormalities underlying fragile X syndrome
Authors: Kashima Risa , Redmond Patrick L. , Ghatpande Prajakta , Roy Sougata , Kornberg Thomas B. , Hanke Thomas , Knapp Stefan , Lagna Giorgio , Hata Akiko
Published: May 2017

A
Drosophila
model of fragile X syndrome enables high-throughput in vivo drug screening for the disease.
Papers of note in
Science
356
(6336)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2017

This week’s articles highlight the importance of protocadherins in the developing nervous system and the mechanism by which plants limit the number of germ cells derived from somatic cells.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine

9
(387)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: May 2017

This week’s articles reveal a new treatment for malaria and an adjunct therapy that may reduce the hematologic toxicity of chemotherapy.
Sorting out memory and learning
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: May 2017

Mutations in AMPA receptor recycling machinery underlie cognitive impairment in an intellectual disorder and in neurodegenerative diseases.
In Vitro
Evaluation of Antileishmanial Activity of Computationally Screened Compounds against Ascorbate Peroxidase To Combat Amphotericin B Drug Resistance
Authors: Mansuri Rani , Kumar Ashish , Rana Sindhuprava , Panthi Bhavana , Ansari M. Yousuf , Das Sushmita , Dikhit Manas Ranjan , Sahoo Ganesh Chandra , Das Pradeep
Published: May 2017

In visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the host macrophages generate oxidative stress to destroy the pathogen, while
Leishmania
combats the harmful effect of radicals by redox homeostasis through its unique trypanothione cascade.
Leishmania donovani
ascorbate peroxidase (LdAPx) is a redox enzyme that regulates the trypanothione cascade and detoxifies the effect of H
2
O
2
. The absence of an LdAPx homologue in humans makes it an excellent drug target. In this study, the homology model of LdAPx was built, including heme, and diverse compounds were prefiltered (PAINS, ADMET, and Lipinski's rule of five) and thereafter screened against the LdAPx model. Compounds having good affinity in terms of the Glide XP (extra precision) score were clustered to select diverse compounds for experimental validation. A total of 26 cluster representatives were procured and tested on promastigote culture, yielding 12 compounds with good antileishmanial activity. Out of them, six compounds were safer on the BALB/c peritoneal macrophages and were also effective against disease-causing intracellular amastigotes. Three out of six compounds inhibited recombinant LdAPx in a noncompetitive manner and also demonstrated partial reversion of the resistance property in an amphotericin B (AmB)-resistant strain, which may be due to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease of glutathione (GSH) content. However, inhibition of LdAPx in resistant parasites enhanced annexin V staining and activation of metacaspase-like protease activity, which may help in DNA fragmentation and apoptosis-like cell death. Thus, the present study will help in the search for specific hits and templates of potential therapeutic interest and therefore may facilitate the development of new drugs for combination therapy against VL.
Bacteriophage Lysin CF-301, a Potent Antistaphylococcal Biofilm Agent
Authors: Schuch Raymond , Khan Babar K. , Raz Assaf , Rotolo Jimmy A. , Wittekind Michael
Published: May 2017

Biofilms pose a unique therapeutic challenge because of the antibiotic tolerance of constituent bacteria. Treatments for biofilm-based infections represent a major unmet medical need, requiring novel agents to eradicate mature biofilms. Our objective was to evaluate bacteriophage lysin CF-301 as a new agent to targetStaphylococcus aureusbiofilms. We used minimum biofilm-eradicating concentration (MBEC) assays on 95S. aureusstrains to obtain a 90% MBEC (MBEC90) value of ≤0.25 μg/ml for CF-301. Mature biofilms of coagulase-negative staphylococci,Streptococcus pyogenes, andStreptococcus agalactiaewere also sensitive to disruption, with MBEC90values ranging from 0.25 to 8 μg/ml. The potency of CF-301 was demonstrated againstS. aureusbiofilms formed on polystyrene, glass, surgical mesh, and catheters. In catheters, CF-301 removed all biofilm within 1 h and killed all released bacteria by 6 h. Mixed-species biofilms, formed byS. aureusandStaphylococcus epidermidison several surfaces, were removed by CF-301, as wereS. aureusbiofilms either enriched for small-colony variants (SCVs) or grown in human synovial fluid. The antibacterial activity of CF-301 was further demonstrated againstS. aureuspersister cells in exponential-phase and stationary-phase populations. Finally, the antibiofilm activity of CF-301 was greatly improved in combinations with the cell wall hydrolase lysostaphin when tested against a range ofS. aureusstrains. In all, the data show that CF-301 is highly effective at disrupting biofilms and killing biofilm bacteria, and, as such, it may be an efficient new agent for treating staphylococcal infections with a biofilm component.
A Novel Two-Component System, GluR-GluK, Involved in Glutamate Sensing and Uptake in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Li Lei , Jiang Weihong , Lu Yinhua
Published: May 2017

Two-component systems (TCSs), the predominant signal transduction pathways employed by bacteria, play important roles in physiological metabolism in
Streptomyces
. Here, a novel TCS, GluR-GluK (encoded by
SCO5778-SCO5779
), which is located divergently from the
gluABCD
operon encoding a glutamate uptake system, was identified as being involved in glutamate sensing and uptake as well as antibiotic biosynthesis in
Streptomyces coelicolor
. Under the condition of minimal medium (MM) supplemented with different concentrations of glutamate, deletion of the
gluR-gluK
operon (
gluR-K
) resulted in enhanced actinorhodin (ACT) but reduced undecylprodigiosin (RED) and yellow type I polyketide (yCPK) production, suggesting that GluR-GluK plays a differential role in antibiotic biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found that the response regulator GluR directly promotes the expression of
gluABCD
under the culture condition of MM with a high concentration of glutamate (75 mM). Using the biolayer interferometry assay, we demonstrated that glutamate acts as the direct signal of the histidine kinase GluK. It was therefore suggested that upon sensing high concentrations of glutamate, GluR-GluK would be activated and thereby facilitate glutamate uptake by increasing
gluABCD
expression. Finally, we demonstrated that the role of GluR-GluK in antibiotic biosynthesis is independent of its function in glutamate uptake. Considering the wide distribution of the glutamate-sensing (GluR-GluK) and uptake (GluABCD) module in actinobacteria, it could be concluded that the GluR-GluK signal transduction pathway involved in secondary metabolism and glutamate uptake should be highly conserved in this bacterial phylum.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, a novel two-component system (TCS), GluR-GluK, was identified to be involved in glutamate sensing and uptake as well as antibiotic biosynthesis in
Streptomyces coelicolor
. A possible GluR-GluK working model was proposed. Upon sensing high glutamate concentrations (such as 75 mM), activated GluR-GluK could regulate both glutamate uptake and antibiotic biosynthesis. However, under a culture condition of MM supplemented with low concentrations of glutamate (such as 10 mM), although GluR-GluK is activated, its activity is sufficient only for the regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a TCS signal transduction pathway for glutamate sensing and uptake in actinobacteria.
Linearmycins Activate a Two-Component Signaling System Involved in Bacterial Competition and Biofilm Morphology
Authors: Stubbendieck Reed M. , Straight Paul D.
Published: May 2017

Bacteria use two-component signaling systems to adapt and respond to their competitors and changing environments. For instance, competitor bacteria may produce antibiotics and other bioactive metabolites and sequester nutrients. To survive, some species of bacteria escape competition through antibiotic production, biofilm formation, or motility. Specialized metabolite production and biofilm formation are relatively well understood for bacterial species in isolation. How bacteria control these functions when competitors are present is not well studied. To address fundamental questions relating to the competitive mechanisms of different species, we have developed a model system using two species of soil bacteria,
Bacillus subtilis
and
Streptomyces
sp. strain Mg1. Using this model, we previously found that linearmycins produced by
Streptomyces
sp. strain Mg1 cause lysis of
B. subtilis
cells and degradation of colony matrix. We identified strains of
B. subtilis
with mutations in the two-component signaling system
yfiJK
operon that confer dual phenotypes of specific linearmycin resistance and biofilm morphology. We determined that expression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter
yfiLMN
operon, particularly
yfiM
and
yfiN
, is necessary for biofilm morphology. Using transposon mutagenesis, we identified genes that are required for YfiLMN-mediated biofilm morphology, including several chaperones. Using transcriptional fusions, we found that YfiJ signaling is activated by linearmycins and other polyene metabolites. Finally, using a truncated YfiJ, we show that YfiJ requires its transmembrane domain to activate downstream signaling. Taken together, these results suggest coordinated dual antibiotic resistance and biofilm morphology by a single multifunctional ABC transporter promotes competitive fitness of
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE
DNA sequencing approaches have revealed hitherto unexplored diversity of bacterial species in a wide variety of environments that includes the gastrointestinal tract of animals and the rhizosphere of plants. Interactions between different species in bacterial communities have impacts on our health and industry. However, many approaches currently used to study whole bacterial communities do not resolve mechanistic details of interspecies interactions, including how bacteria sense and respond to their competitors. Using a competition model, we have uncovered dual functions for a previously uncharacterized two-component signaling system involved in specific antibiotic resistance and biofilm morphology. Insights gleaned from signaling within interspecies interaction models build a more complete understanding of gene functions important for bacterial communities and will enhance community-level analytical approaches.
The influences of different substituents on spectral properties of rhodamine B based chemosensors for mercury ion and application in EC109 cells
Authors: Du Wenqi , Cheng Yu , Shu Weixin , Wu Baoying , Kong Zhineng , Qi Zhengjian
Published: May 2017

Six rhodamine-based “turn-on” fluorescence chemosensors (L1–L6) with different substituents for mercury (Hg2+) were readily synthesized and investigated; they displayed high selectivity and chelation enhanced ratiometric fluorescence change and colorimetric change with Hg2+ among the metal ions examined. Based on UV and fluorescence spectral data, the effects of different substituents on spectral properties of the probes were presented and discussed. The detection limit of Hg2+ to probe L1 was as low as 50 nmol/L because of its electron-donating group. Theoretical calculation also supported the process of reaction. Confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments showed that probe could be used to detect Hg2+ in living cells.
Cultivating conceptual understanding in public secondary school students in rural areas of Pakistan
Authors: Islam Aquila
Published: May 2017

The article deals with the proceedings of a Science Excel Camp conducted in Quetta, Pakistan, organized by Ed-Links and funded by USAID under the AIR programme 2007–2012, for students of public schools in rural areas, belonging predominantly to marginalized communities. The camp was conducted by CPE (Centre of Physics Education) Karachi in October 2009. A Power Point presentation was made to the physics community for the first time in RICWP, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, from 25–27 April, 2016, entitled “Cultivating conceptual understanding”.
A stable scheme and its convergence analysis for a 2D dynamic Q-tensor model of nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Cai Yongyong , Shen Jie , Xu Xiang
Published: May 2017

We propose an unconditionally stable numerical scheme for a 2D dynamic [Formula: see text]-tensor model of nematic liquid crystals. This dynamic [Formula: see text]-tensor model is an [Formula: see text]-gradient flow generated by the liquid crystal free energy that contains a cubic term, which is physically relevant but makes the free energy unbounded from below, and for this reason, has been avoided in other numerical studies. The unboundedness of the energy brings significant difficulty in analyzing the model and designing numerical schemes. By using a stabilizing technique, we construct an unconditionally stable scheme, and establish its unique solvability and convergence. Our convergence analysis also leads to, as a byproduct, the well-posedness of the original PDE system for the 2D [Formula: see text]-tensor model. Several numerical examples are presented to validate and demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme.
On the orientations of monotone knot diagrams
Authors: Kawauchi Akio , Shimizu Ayaka
Published: May 2017

An oriented monotone knot diagram is a knot diagram such that one meets each crossing as an over-crossing first as one travels the diagram with the orientation by starting at a point on the diagram. In this paper, unoriented knot projections which are monotone with an orientation and any over/under information are characterized. Also, monotone diagrams which are monotone with exactly one orientation and unique basepoint are characterized. As an application, a necessary condition for a knot projection with reductivity four is given.
Black hole with a scalar field as a particle accelerator
Authors: Zaslavskii O. B.
Published: May 2017

We consider stationary axially symmetric black holes with the background scalar field and test particles that can interact with this field directly. Then, particle collision near a black hole can lead to the unbounded energy [Formula: see text] in the center of mass frame (contrary to some recent claims in literature). This happens always if one of the particles is neutral whereas another one has nonzero scalar charge. Kinematically, two cases occur here. (i) A neutral particle approaches the horizon with the speed of light while the velocity of the charged one remains separated from it (this is direct analogue of the situation with collision of geodesic particles.). (ii) Both particles approach the horizon with the speed almost equal to that of light but with different rates. As a result, in both cases the relative velocity also approaches the speed of light, so that [Formula: see text] becomes unbounded. We consider also a case when the metric coefficient [Formula: see text] near a black hole. Then, overlap between the geometric factor and the presence of the scalar field opens additional scenarios in which unbounded energy [Formula: see text] is possible as well. We give a full list of possible scenarios of high-energy collisions for the situations considered.
OPTIMUM CORROSION PROTECTION POTENTIAL FOR WATER CAVITATION PEENING-PROCESSED Al–Mg ALLOY IN SEAWATER
Authors: HYUN KOANGYONG , KIM SEONG-JONG
Published: May 2017

Chloride ions in seawater can destroy the passive state films on the exposed surface of aluminum (Al) alloy ships. This shortens hull lifespan and increases the maintenance costs of ships. Recently, the water cavitation peening (WCP) technology has been adopted to form compressive residual stress on surfaces to improve resistance to cavitation. This study was conducted to investigate corrosion damage prevention by applying the WCP technology to 5083-O Al alloy for ships; the optimum WCP duration and corrosion protection potential range for maintaining corrosion resistance were determined. We found that the optimum WCP duration was 2.5[Formula: see text]min by performing a potentiostatic experiment, and the optimum corrosion protection potential range was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V for ICCP system.
DFT and TD-DFT study of the enol and thiol tautomers of 3-thioxopropanal in the ground and first singlet excited states
Authors: Shayan Kolsoom , Nowroozi Alireza
Published: May 2017

In the first part of this paper, a comprehensive theoretical study of molecular structure, stability, intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) and [Formula: see text]-electron delocalization ([Formula: see text]-ED) of the enol and thiol tautomers of 3-thioxopropanal (TPA) in the ground state is performed. In this regard, all of the plausible conformations of TPA at M06-2X/6-311[Formula: see text]G(d,p) are optimized and a variety of theoretical levels are employed to identify the global minimum. Our calculations show that E1 is the most stable form that is in contrast to the results of Gonzalez et al. [J Phys Chem 101: 9710, 1997]. In order to elucidate this duality, the IMHB and [Formula: see text]-ED of chelated forms (E1 and T1) have been extensively investigated. So, it is found that both of the IMHB analysis and [Formula: see text]-ED concepts emphasize on the E1, as the global minimum. In the second part of this study, a set of simple electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents such as CN, F, Cl, CH3 and NH2 have been considered to evaluate their effects on the IMHB of the first singlet excited state of E1 and T1 at TD-DFT/6–311[Formula: see text]G(d,p) level of theory. According to our analysis, it was found that the IMHB strength of the excited states are much weaker than the ground states. Surprisingly, the IMHB of thiol derivatives is stronger than the enol ones in contrast to the ground state. Furthermore, the substitution effects in the ground and excited states are significantly different. Finally, various linear correlations between the IMHB energies with geometrical, topological and molecular orbital parameters are obtained.
MicroTarget: MicroRNA target gene prediction approach with application to breast cancer
Authors: Torkey Hanaa , Heath Lenwood S. , ElHefnawi Mahmoud
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs are known to play an essential role in gene regulation in plants and animals. The standard method for understanding microRNA–gene interactions is randomized controlled perturbation experiments. These experiments are costly and time consuming. Therefore, use of computational methods is essential. Currently, several computational methods have been developed to discover microRNA target genes. However, these methods have limitations based on the features that are used for prediction. The commonly used features are complementarity to the seed region of the microRNA, site accessibility, and evolutionary conservation. Unfortunately, not all microRNA target sites are conserved or adhere to exact seed complementary, and relying on site accessibility does not guarantee that the interaction exists. Moreover, the study of regulatory interactions composed of the same tissue expression data for microRNAs and mRNAs is necessary to understand the specificity of regulation and function. We developed MicroTarget to predict a microRNA–gene regulatory network using heterogeneous data sources, especially gene and microRNA expression data. First, MicroTarget employs expression data to learn a candidate target set for each microRNA. Then, it uses sequence data to provide evidence of direct interactions. MicroTarget scores and ranks the predicted targets based on a set of features. The predicted targets overlap with many of the experimentally validated ones. Our results indicate that using expression data in target prediction is more accurate in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Available at: https://bioinformatics.cs.vt.edu/~htorkey/microTarget .
Another generalization of Menon’s identity
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Peng , Cao Zhen-Fu
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the Euler’s totient function and [Formula: see text] be the number of divisors of [Formula: see text]. Menon’s beautiful identity states that [Formula: see text] Here we extend this identity to Dirichlet characters mod [Formula: see text].
A generalized superposition of linear tree languages and products of linear tree languages
Authors: Kitpratyakul Pongsakorn , Pibaljommee Bundit
Published: May 2017

A linear tree language of type [Formula: see text] is a set of linear terms, terms containing no multiple occurrences of the same variable, of that type. Instead of the usual generalized superposition of tree languages, we define the generalized linear superposition to deal with linear tree languages and study its properties. Using this superposition, we define the product of linear tree languages. This product is not associative on the collection of all linear tree languages, but it is associative on some subsets of this collection whose products of any element in the subsets are nonempty. We classify such subsets and study properties of the obtained semigroup especially idempotent elements, regular elements, and Green’s relations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
On generalization of weighted Ostrowski type inequalities for functions of bounded variation
Authors: Budak Huseyin , Sarikaya Mehmet Zeki
Published: May 2017

In this paper, some generalization of weighted Ostrowski type integral inequalities for mappings of bounded variation are obtained and some interesting inequalities as special cases are given.
A STATISTICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF BITCOIN AND ITS EXTREME TAIL BEHAVIOR
Authors: OSTERRIEDER JOERG , LORENZ JULIAN
Published: May 2017

We provide an extreme value analysis of the returns of Bitcoin. A particular focus is on the tail risk characteristics and we will provide an in-depth univariate extreme value analysis. Those properties will be compared to the traditional exchange rates of the G10 currencies versus the US dollar. For investors, especially institutional ones, an understanding of the risk characteristics is of utmost importance. So for Bitcoin to become a mainstream investable asset class, studying these properties is necessary. Our findings show that the bitcoin return distribution not only exhibits higher volatility than traditional G10 currencies, but also stronger non-normal characteristics and heavier tails. This has implications for risk management, financial engineering (such as bitcoin derivatives) — both from an investor's as well as from a regulator's point of view. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed study looking at the extreme value behavior of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
Molecules at Solid Surfaces: A Personal Reminiscence
Authors: Ertl Gerhard
Published: May 2017

I was fortunate to start my career in physical chemistry at a time when the development of the ultrahigh vacuum technique and of novel physical methods enabled the study of processes on well-defined surfaces at an atomic scale. These investigations included the mechanisms of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, such as CO oxidation and ammonia synthesis, and phenomena of spatio-temporal self-organization, as described by the concepts of nonlinear dynamics.
Calculating Natural Optical Activity of Molecules from First Principles
Authors: Srebro-Hooper Monika , Autschbach Jochen
Published: May 2017

Computations of natural optical activity (OA) from first principles (ab initio) have become indispensable in chiroptical studies of molecular systems. Calculations are used to assign absolute configurations and to analyze chiroptical data, providing a basis for understanding their origin as well as for assigning and predicting experimental results. In this article, methodology for OA computations is outlined and accompanied by a review of selected, mainly recent (ca. 2010–2016) achievements in optical rotation, electronic and vibrational circular dichroism, and Raman OA calculations. We discuss some important aspects of the computational models and methodological developments, along with recently proposed approaches to analyze and interpret OA parameters. We highlight applications of chiroptical computational methods in studies of helicenes and chiral nanoparticles.
Criegee Intermediates: What Direct Production and Detection Can Teach Us About Reactions of Carbonyl Oxides
Authors: Taatjes Craig A.
Published: May 2017

The carbonyl oxide intermediates in the ozonolysis of alkenes, often known as Criegee intermediates, are potentially important reactants in Earth's atmosphere. For decades, careful analysis of ozonolysis systems was employed to derive an understanding of the formation and reactions of these species. Recently it has proved possible to synthesize at least some of these intermediates separately from ozonolysis, and hence to measure their reaction kinetics directly. Direct measurements have allowed new or more detailed understanding of each type of gas-phase reaction that carbonyl oxides undergo, often acting as a complement to highly detailed ozonolysis experiments. Moreover, the use of direct characterization methods to validate increasingly accurate theoretical investigations can enhance their impact well beyond the set of specific reactions that have been measured. Reactions that initiate particles or fuel their growth could be a new frontier for direct measurements of Criegee intermediate chemistry.
An Automata Based Intrusion Detection Method for Internet of Things
Authors: Fu Yulong , Yan Zheng , Cao Jin , Koné Ousmane , Cao Xuefei
Published: May 2017

Internet of Things (IoT) transforms network communication to Machine-to-Machine (M2M) basis and provides open access and new services to citizens and companies. It extends the border of Internet and will be developed as one part of the future 5G networks. However, as the resources of IoT’s front devices are constrained, many security mechanisms are hard to be implemented to protect the IoT networks. Intrusion detection system (IDS) is an efficient technique that can be used to detect the attackers when cryptography is broken, and it can be used to enforce the security of IoT networks. In this article, we analyzed the intrusion detection requirements of IoT networks and then proposed a uniform intrusion detection method for the vast heterogeneous IoT networks based on an automata model. The proposed method can detect and report the possible IoT attacks with three types: jam-attack, false-attack, and reply-attack automatically. We also design an experiment to verify the proposed IDS method and examine the attack of RADIUS application.
Altered Erythropoiesis in Mouse Models of Type 3 Hemochromatosis
Authors: Pellegrino R. M. , Riondato F. , Ferbo L. , Boero M. , Palmieri A. , Osella L. , Pollicino P. , Miniscalco B. , Saglio G. , Roetto A.
Published: May 2017

Type 3 haemochromatosis (HFE3) is a rare genetic iron overload disease which ultimately lead to compromised organs functioning. HFE3 is caused by mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) gene that codes for two main isoforms (Tfr2αand Tfr2β). Tfr2αis one of the hepatic regulators of iron inhibitor hepcidin. Tfr2βis an intracellular isoform of the protein involved in the regulation of iron levels in reticuloendothelial cells. It has been recently demonstrated that Tfr2 is also involved in erythropoiesis. This study aims to further investigate Tfr2 erythropoietic role by evaluating the erythropoiesis of two Tfr2 murine models wherein either one or both of Tfr2 isoforms have been selectively silenced (Tfr2 KI and Tfr2 KO). The evaluations were performed in bone marrow and spleen, in 14 days’ and 10 weeks’ old mice, to assess erythropoiesis in young versus adult animals. The lack of Tfr2αleads to macrocytosis with low reticulocyte number and increased hemoglobin values, together with an anticipation of adult BM erythropoiesis and an increased splenic erythropoiesis. On the other hand, lack of Tfr2β(Tfr2 KI mice) causes an increased and immature splenic erythropoiesis. Taken together, these data confirm the role of Tfr2αin modulation of erythropoiesis and of Tfr2βin favoring iron availability for erythropoiesis.
Management of Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients with Negative Initial Digital Subtraction Angiogram Findings: Conservative or Aggressive?
Authors: Xu Liang , Fang Yuanjian , Shi Xudan , Chen Xianyi , Yu Jun , Sun Zeyu , Zhang Jianmin , Xu Jing
Published: May 2017

Background. The ideal management of SAH patients with negative initial DSA findings remains unresolved. Objective. (i) To present risk factors, clinical courses, and outcomes in different types of SAH patients with negative DSA findings; (ii) to explore the differences of basal vein between aSAH patients and NASAH patients; and (iii) to evaluate the value of repeated DSA for these patients. Methods. All SAH patients with negative initial DSA findings between 2013 and 2015 in our hospital were enrolled and were further categorized as perimesencephalic SAH (PMN-SAH) or nonperimesencephalic SAH (nPMN-SAH). Risk factors, clinical courses, outcomes, and the basal vein drainage patterns were compared. Results. A total of 137 patients were enrolled in the present study. The PMN-SAH group had better GOS and mRS values at 1-year follow-up. Moreover, the nPMN-SAH group had a higher rate of complications. The basal vein drainage pattern showed significant difference when comparing each of the NASAH subtypes with aSAH groups. There was a significant higher rate of a responsible aneurysm in nPMN-SAH group upon repeated DSA. Conclusions. SAH patients with negative initial DSA findings had benign clinical courses and outcomes. Repeated DSA studies are strongly advised for patients with the nPMN-SAH pattern.
Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Heavy Metals in Farm Produce and Livestock around Lead-Contaminated Goldmine in Dareta and Abare, Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Orisakwe O. E. , Oladipo O. O. , Ajaezi G. C. , Udowelle N. A.
Published: May 2017

Background. Hitherto studies in response to the June 2010 lead poisoning, Zamfara State, Nigeria, have focused on clinical interventions without information on livestock and other metals.Objective. This study has investigated the distribution of heavy metals in farm produce and livestock around lead-contaminated goldmine in Dareta and Abare, Zamfara State, Nigeria.Methods. Vegetables, soil, water, blood, and different meat samples were harvested from goat, sheep, cattle, and chicken from Dareta, Abare, and Gusau communities. The samples were digested with 10 mL of a mix of nitric and perchloric acids; the mixture was then heated to dryness. Lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium, copper, magnesium, and nickel were analysed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The daily intake, bioaccumulation factor, and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated.Results. Chicken bone-muscles from Dareta had the highest concentrations of lead, zinc, and nickel (28.2750, 16.1650, and 4.2700 mg/kg, resp.), while chicken brain had the highest levels of cadmium, magnesium (0.3800 and 67.5400 mg/kg), and chromium (6.1650 mg/kg, kidney tissue inclusive).Conclusion. In addition to lead, cadmium may also be of concern in the contaminated mining communities of Zamfara State, Nigeria, given the high levels of cadmium in meat and vegetables samples from these areas.
Elevated Cardiovascular Risks among Postmenopausal Women: A Community Based Case Control Study from Nepal
Authors: Pardhe Bashu Dev , Ghimire Sumitra , Shakya Jyotsna , Pathak Sabala , Shakya Shreena , Bhetwal Anjeela , Khanal Puspa Raj , Parajuli Narayan Prasad
Published: May 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide which is more prevalent in women after menopause. Hormonal changes associated with menopause are accountable for dyslipidemic pattern that causes CVD and associated complications. Therefore, the present study was commenced to compare the lipid profile in pre- and postmenopausal women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences (MMIHS) from February 2016 to July 2016. A total of 260 fasting samples were collected from healthy women, 130 from premenopausal and 130 from postmenopausal women, and analyzed for Total Cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerol (TAG), High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) as per the guideline provided by the reagent manufacturer (Human, Germany). All the parameters were analyzed by Stat Fax 3300 semi auto analyzer. TC, TAG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were highly significantly increased in postmenopausal women when compared to premenopausal women. LDL/HDL ratio was significantly elevated in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. BMI was significantly positively correlated with TC and TAG in both pre- and postmenopausal population and it was positively correlated with HDL-C in premenopausal population while negatively correlated in postmenopausal population. Since more of the atherogenic lipid parameters are increased in postmenopausal women, they appear to be more prone to have CVD and associated complications in near future. Hence, it is mandatory to monitor and manage dyslipidemic pattern in every woman experiencing menopause.
Application of Numerical Analysis of the Shape of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectra for Determination of the Number of Different Groups of Radicals in the Burn Wounds
Authors: Olczyk Paweł , Komosinska-Vassev Katarzyna , Ramos Paweł , Mencner Łukasz , Olczyk Krystyna , Pilawa Barbara
Published: May 2017

Background. The evidence exists that radicals are crucial agents necessary for the wound regeneration helping to enhance the repair process. Materials and methods. The lineshape of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the burn wounds measured with the low microwave power (2.2 mW) was numerically analyzed. The experimental spectra were fitted by the sum of two and three lines. Results. The number of the lines in the EPR spectrum corresponded to the number of different groups of radicals in the natural samples after thermal treatment. The component lines were described by Gaussian and Lorentzian functions. The spectra of the burn wounds were superposition of three lines different in shape and in linewidths. The best fitting was obtained for the sum of broad Gaussian, broad Lorentzian, and narrow Lorentzian lines. Dipolar interactions between the unpaired electrons widened the broad Gaussian and broad Lorentzian lines. Radicals with the narrow Lorentzian lines existed mainly in the tested samples. Conclusions. The spectral shape analysis may be proposed as a useful method for determining the number of different groups of radicals in the burn wounds.
Body Weight and Scrotal-Testicular Biometry in Three Indigenous Breeds of Bucks in Arid and Semiarid Agroecologies, Ethiopia
Authors: Gemeda Amare Eshetu , Workalemahu Kefelegn
Published: May 2017

The body weight and testicular and epididymal parameters of Afar, Long-eared Somali (LES), and Woyto-Guji (WG) breeds of goat were investigated. A total of 405 randomly selected bucks of Afar (n=135), Long-eared Somali (n=135), and Woyto-Guji (n=135) were included in this study. The overall mean scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV), testicular length (TL), testicular weight (TW), body weight (BW), epididymal weight (EW), body condition score, and testicular diameter (TD) measurements in all bucks were 20.8±1.94 cm, 68.1±6.18, 4.96±0.79 cm, 70.0±5.66 g, 22.1±2.98 Kg, 9.09±1.88 g, 2.55±0.68, and 4.28±0.45 cm, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) breed differences in SC, TD, TL, TW, BW, EW, and TV were recorded. Long-eared Somali (LES) breed was heaviest and Afar breed was the lightest and Woyto-Guji (WG) had the average BW. In all breeds, the parameters were positively correlated. In Afar breed, the TW had a significant correlation with BW (r=0.90) and SC (r=0.65). In LES BW was highly correlated with TD (r=0.96) and TL (r=0.96). In WG, TW was significantly correlated with TD (r=0.94), EW (r=0.90), TL (r=0.89), and BW (r=0.82). In multiple regression analysis the linear combinations of BCS, SC, and BW significantly predicted TW, TL, TV, TD, and EW in all breeds. In conclusion, Long-eared Somali breed displayed greater BW and scrotal and testicular traits.
Forecasting Drought Using Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Ali Zulifqar , Hussain Ijaz , Faisal Muhammad , Nazir Hafiza Mamona , Hussain Tajammal , Shad Muhammad Yousaf , Mohamd Shoukry Alaa , Hussain Gani Showkat
Published: May 2017

These days human beings are facing many environmental challenges due to frequently occurring drought hazards. It may have an effect on the country’s environment, the community, and industries. Several adverse impacts of drought hazard are continued in Pakistan, including other hazards. However, early measurement and detection of drought can provide guidance to water resources management for employing drought mitigation policies. In this paper, we used a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) algorithm for drought forecasting. We applied and tested MLPNN algorithm on monthly time series data of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for seventeen climatological stations located in Northern Area and KPK (Pakistan). We found that MLPNN has potential capability for SPEI drought forecasting based on performance measures (i.e., Mean Average Error (MAE), the coefficient of correlation (R), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)). Water resources and management planner can take necessary action in advance (e.g., in water scarcity areas) by using MLPNN model as part of their decision-making.
Bone Regeneration Induced by Bone Porcine Block with Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in a Minipig Model of Mandibular “Critical Size” Defect
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Crincoli Vito , Di Benedetto Adriana , Cozzolino Valerio , Lorusso Felice , Podaliri Vulpiani Michele , Grano Maria , Kalemaj Zamira , Mori Giorgio , Grassi Felice Roberto
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Adding stem cells to biodegradable scaffolds to enhance bone regeneration is a valuable option. Different kinds of stem cells with osteoblastic activity were tested, such as bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSSCs).Aim. To assess a correct protocol for osteogenic stem cell differentiation, so BMSSCs were seeded on a bone porcine block (BPB).Materials and Methods. Bone marrow from six minipigs was extracted from tibiae and humeri and treated to isolate BMSSCs. After seeding on BPB, critical-size defects were created on each mandible of the minipigs and implanted with BPB and BPB/BMSSCs. After three months, histomorphometric analysis was performed.Results. Histomorphometric analysis provided percentages of the three groups. Tissues present in control defects were 23 ± 2% lamellar bone, 28 ± 1% woven bone, and 56 ± 4% marrow spaces; in BPB defects were 20 ± 5% BPB, 32 ± 2% lamellar bone, 24 ± 1% woven bone, and 28 ± 2% marrow spaces; in BPB/BMSSCs defects were 17 ± 4% BPB/BMSSCs, 42 ± 2% lamellar bone, 12 ± 1% woven bone, and 22 ± 3% marrow spaces.Conclusion. BPB used as a scaffold to induce bone regeneration may benefit from the addition of BDPSCs in the tissue-engineered constructs.