bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and arsenic-tolerance potential of bacterial communities from soil and sediments along a gold tailing contamination gradient
Authors: Guan Xiangyu , Yan Xu , Li Youxun , Jiang Bo , Luo Ximing , Chi Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2017

Gold tailings often release arsenic (As) contaminants into the surrounding environment. Microorganisms play an important role in the As cycle, whereas the effects of As on bacterial communities remain unclear. To reveal the effects of As on the diversity of bacterial communities and their As-tolerance potential, farmland soil and river sediment samples were collected at various distances from tailings in the Dandong area of northeastern China. The bacterial communities were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The membrane transport proteins ArsB and (or) ACR3 pump As(III) out of the cell to resist As toxicity. We studied the abundance and phylogeny of ArsB and ACR3 using PCR-based clone libraries and quantitative PCR. The bacterial community was divided into 10 phyla and 59 genera. The transformation from As(V) to As(III) was predominant, which was coupled with denitrification. Both ArsB and ACR3 likely evolved from different orders of Proteobacteria. The arsB gene seems to be more stable in bestowing bacteria with the capability to respond to the As concentration. Moreover, As with iron, manganese, and total organic carbon also influenced the clustering relationships of samples and bacterial distribution.
Analysis and Design of a Broadband Frequency Divider Using Modified Active Loads in GaAs HBT
Authors: Wu Yue , Lv Hongliang , Zhang Yuming , Zhang Yimen , Li Shaojun
Published: July 2017

A modified divide-by-2 regenerative frequency divider (RFD) is presented in this paper. The effects of modified active loads on the bandwidth of RFD are demonstrated and analyzed in detail by introducing the equivalent circuit using [Formula: see text] model. Using the transimpedance amplifier structure with resistive shunt–shunt feedback and shunt-peaked inductor as the active loads of the generative frequency divider, the loop bandwidth and the loop gain can be increased at higher frequencies to extend the bandwidth. Based on the theoretical analysis and design methodology, an RFD with improved active loads is designed and fabricated in 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor technology with a total chip area of 0.83[Formula: see text]mm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.75[Formula: see text]mm. The measured phase noise at the divider output is less than [Formula: see text]110[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz with 100[Formula: see text]kHz offset and is [Formula: see text]127.6[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz with 1[Formula: see text]MHz offset. The operation frequency range is from 10 to 26[Formula: see text]GHz. The power consumption of the divider core is 166.44[Formula: see text]mW, and the frequency bandwidth is 16[Formula: see text]GHz at a supply voltage of [Formula: see text]6[Formula: see text]V.
A Novel High Linearity and Low Power Folded CMOS LNA for UWB Receivers
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Chunhua , Sun Yichuang , Peng Haijun
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a high linearity and low power Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) receivers based on CHRT 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this work, the folded topology is adopted in order to reduce the supply voltage and power consumption. Moreover, a band-pass LC filter is embedded in the folded-cascode circuit to extend bandwidth. The transconductance nonlinearity has a great impact on the whole LNA linearity performance under a low supply voltage. A post-distortion (PD) technique employing an auxiliary transistor is applied in the transconductance stage to improve the linearity. The post-layout simulation results indicate that the proposed LNA achieves a maximum power gain of 12.8[Formula: see text]dB. The input and output reflection coefficients both are lower than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB over 2.5–11.5[Formula: see text]GHz. The input third-order intercept point (IIP3) is 5.6[Formula: see text]dBm at 8[Formula: see text]GHz and the noise figure (NF) is lower than 4.0[Formula: see text]dB. The LNA consumes 5.4[Formula: see text]mW power under a 1[Formula: see text]V supply voltage.
A hydrodynamic model including phase transition and the thermal motion-induced transverse momentum distributions in high energy heavy ion collisions
Authors: Jiang Z. J. , Hui J. Q. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2017

By taking into account the effects of thermal motion, the transverse momentum distributions of identified charged particles produced in nucleus collisions are discussed in the context of a hydrodynamic model including phase transition. A comparison is made between the theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The theoretical model gives a good description to the data collected in Au–Au collisions at RHIC energy of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV. For Pb–Pb collisions at LHC energy of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV, the model works well up to the transverse momentum of about [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV/c.
ANALYTIC PRICING OF CoCo BONDS
Authors: TURFUS COLIN , SHUBERT ALEXANDER
Published: July 2017

We present a new model for pricing contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds which facilitates the calculation of equity, credit and interest rate risk sensitivities. We assume a lognormal equity process and a Hull–White (normal) short rate process for the conversion intensity with a downward jump in the equity price on conversion. We are able to derive an approximate solution in closed form based on the assumption that the conversion intensity volatility is asymptotically small. The simple first-order approximation is seen to be accurate for a wide range of market conditions, although particularly for longer maturities higher order terms in the asymptotic expansion may be needed.
VALIDATION OF LOCAL THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM ASSUMPTION IN A VASCULAR TISSUE DURING INTERSTITIAL HYPERTHERMIA TREATMENT
Authors: HASSANPOUR SAEID , SABOONCHI AHMAD
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the validity of local thermal equilibrium assumption in a tissue-like porous medium is investigated numerically, with an interstitial heat source. The study is based on comparison between two three-equation local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) model and one-equation local thermal equilibrium (LTE) model. The LTNE model is validated by an steady-state 1D analytical solution which is presented for first time. The presented results indicate the small temperature difference between fluid and solid phases in heat-affected region, which leads to considerable errors in prediction of tissue thermal behavior. According to records, increasing perfusion rate or intensity of heat source increases the differences between LTE and LTNE models. It is found that in a counter-current vascular tissue if the perfusion rate of blood into tissue becomes higher, the prediction error of LTE model will be more considerable. Moreover, the higher the intensity of heat source is, the greater the difference between LTE and LTNE models is. These findings could be extended to heat transfer modeling of actual tissue during various interstitial hyperthermia treatments.
Europium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanorods: Influence of Silver Doping
Authors: Asha S. , Ananth Nimrodh , Jose Sujin P. , Jothi Rajan M. A.
Published: July 2017

In this work, we report the influence of silver nanoparticles of different size on the optical behavior of the europium-doped hydroxyapatite nanorods. The presence of ionic, plasmonically visible and silent (ultra-small) silver nanoparticles on the surface of europium-doped apatite and its influence on its luminescent behavior were discussed. It was found that ionic silver exhibited a concentration-dependent enhancement in emission at the excitation of europium. For plasmonically visible and silent silver nanoparticles, the emission observed was due to the contribution of the ligand passivating the europium-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticle surface. These nanoparticles due to its luminescent and biocompatible nature can be used for bioimaging applications.
Theoretical Investigation of H2 Interactions on ZnO Cluster: DFT Approach
Authors: Devi A. Aruna , Vidya S. , Rai P. K. , Jeyaprakash B. G.
Published: July 2017

A computational study on adsorption and dissociation mechanisms of H2 molecule on ZnO cluster was analysed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach in Gaussian 09 software. The stable sites for hydrogen adsorption were inferred from the adsorption energy and bond length. Further investigations such as Mulliken charge, HOMO–LUMO energy gap and intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) were performed for the stable adsorption sites. It infers that the (ZnO)6 cluster has the highest binding energy of 1.851[Formula: see text]eV (O-site) and the least binding energy of [Formula: see text]3.865[Formula: see text]eV (O-site), showing most favorable size for both adsorption and dissociation of H2 molecule. The IRC plot clearly shows the dissociation mechanism of hydrogen on the ZnO cluster.
Effect of Modified Nanoclay Composite on Blended PVDF/PEG Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Bahavan Palani P. , Sainul Abidin K. , Kannan R. , Rajashabala S.
Published: July 2017

This research work describes the fabrication of polymer blend nanocomposite membranes using the solution casting method. These membranes were fabricated with Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) (PVdF) as host, Poly (Ethylene Glycol) (PEG) in steps of 2[Formula: see text]wt.% as blending polymer and Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay particles in steps of 3[Formula: see text]wt.% which were used as received. The protonated MMT was synthesized through an ion exchange process with column chromatographic technique. The prepared membrane’s performance was investigated using different characterization techniques of Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water uptake, IEC and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Thermal stability was decreased while adding PEG into PVDF but it is controlled with the addition of MMT on PVDF/PEG blend matrix. Moreover, It is noticed that, the increase of water uptake, IEC by the increasing additive concentration of PEG and MMT. XRD studies reveal the increased amorphous phase with uniform exfoliation of nanoclay particles. The highest proton conductivity value of 0.127[Formula: see text]S cm[Formula: see text] is obtained with 9[Formula: see text]wt.% of MMT in the PVdF/PEG/MMT composite membranes at room temperature with 100% Relative Humid (RH) condition and 10 V.% of sulfonation. The blended nanocomposite membranes fulfill the requirements of proton exchange membrane for fuel cell application.
Energy Stable Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method for the Allen–Cahn Equation
Authors: Karasözen Bülent , Uzunca Murat , Sariaydin-Fi̇li̇beli̇oğlu Ayşe , Yücel Hamdullah
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we investigate numerical solution of Allen–Cahn equation with constant and degenerate mobility, and with polynomial and logarithmic energy functionals. We discretize the model equation by symmetric interior penalty Galerkin (SIPG) method in space, and by average vector field (AVF) method in time. We show that the energy stable AVF method as the time integrator for gradient systems like the Allen–Cahn equation satisfies the energy decreasing property for fully discrete scheme. Numerical results reveal that the discrete energy decreases monotonically, the phase separation and metastability phenomena can be observed, and the ripening time is detected correctly.
Strategies for optimizing the delivery to tumors of macrocyclic photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Authors: Moret Francesca , Reddi Elena
Published: July 2017

This review briefly summaries the principles and mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as concerns its application in the oncological field, highlighting its drawbacks and some of the strategies that have been or are being explored to overcome them. The major aim is to increase the efficiency and selectivity of the photosensitizer (PS) uptake in the cancer cells for optimizing the PDT effects on tumors while sparing normal cells. Some attempts to achieve this are based on the conjugation of the PS to biomolecules (small ligands, peptides) functioning as carriers with the ability to efficiently penetrate cells and/or specifically recognize and bind proteins/receptors overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells. Alternatively, the PS can be entrapped in nanocarriers derived from various types of materials that can target the tumor by exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. The use of nanocarriers is particularly attractive because it allows the simultaneous delivery of more than one drug with the possibility of combining PDT with other therapeutic modalities.
Towards an Environmental Governance Agenda in Regional Environmental Assessment: A Case Study of the Crown Managers Partnership
Authors: Olagunju Ayodele Omoniyi , Blakley Jill A. E.
Published: July 2017

In the last decade, the emphasis of regional environmental assessment (EA) has shifted away from simply project approval towards facilitating environmental governance by accommodating heterogeneous stakeholders and emphasising relationship building across diverse institutions. However, there are very few advanced regional EA cases that may be studied to understand how practice has evolved and the implications for regional environmental governance. This paper characterises and assesses the interactions among the members of the Crown of the Continent Managers Partnership (CMP), whereby individuals with planning, policy-making, and EA roles attempted to implement an adaptive approach to regional cumulative effects assessment. Twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders provide data used in the investigation. The analysis demonstrates opportunities for an approach to regional EA that facilitates environmental governance through collective visioning, innovative leadership, learning from failure, and collaborative science and management. Lessons from the CMP are relevant internationally to jurisdictions seeking to implement regional EA via multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional partnerships.
Provenance of exhalites associated with the Lemarchant volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, central Newfoundland, Canada: insights from Nd isotopes and lithogeochemistry
Authors: Lode Stefanie , Piercey Stephen J. , Cloutier Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Neodymium isotope data on exhalites and tuffs from the Cambrian Lemarchant volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit provide insights into the tectonic environment of the Tally Pond group, Canada. New data from exhalites from the Lemarchant area show evolved values of εNd
513
 = −6.0 to −1.8, whereas the associated volcanic rocks have εNd
513
of +0.4 to +1.4. The Lemarchant exhalite εNd compositions overlap the underlying Ganderian Neoproterozoic Sandy Brook Group (εNd
t
 = −6.5 to −1.9) and Crippleback Intrusive Suite (εNd
t
 = −5.9 to −5.2). The evolved Nd isotopic signatures suggest that the volcanic rocks of the Tally Pond group were formed upon Ganderian arc basement, which itself was possibly built upon, or proximal to, the Gondwanan Amazonian margin. Erosion of older crustal material and Tally Pond group volcanic rocks, together with coeval eruption of the volcanic rocks, released Nd-rich detritus into the water column. Uptake of eroded detrital and scavenged Nd resulted in mixed Nd sources (juvenile and evolved), which are archived in the exhalites. The results of this study are not only of significance for occurrences of exhalites within the Tally Pond group, but also have exploration implications for VMS districts globally.
Variant Gene Expression and Antigenic Variation by Malaria Parasites
Authors: Deitsch Kirk W. , Dzikowski Ron
Published: July 2017

Malaria is a significant threat throughout the developing world. Among the most fascinating aspects of the protozoan parasites responsible for this disease are the methods they employ to avoid the immune system and perpetuate chronic infections. Key among these is antigenic variation: By systematically altering antigens that are displayed to the host's immune system, the parasite renders the adaptive immune response ineffective. For Plasmodium falciparum, the species responsible for the most severe form of human malaria, this process involves a complicated molecular mechanism that results in continuously changing patterns of variant-antigen-encoding gene expression. Although many features of this process remain obscure, significant progress has been made in recent years to decipher various molecular aspects of the regulatory cascade that causes chronic infection.
Bacterial Membranes: Structure, Domains, and Function
Authors: Strahl Henrik , Errington Jeff
Published: July 2017

The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane is composed of roughly equal proportions of lipids and proteins. The main lipid components are phospholipids, which vary in acyl chain length, saturation, and branching and carry head groups that vary in size and charge. Phospholipid variants determine membrane properties such as fluidity and charge that in turn modulate interactions with membrane-associated proteins. We summarize recent advances in understanding bacterial membrane structure and function, focusing particularly on the possible existence and significance of specialized membrane domains. We review the role of membrane curvature as a spatial cue for recruitment and regulation of proteins involved in morphogenic functions, especially elongation and division. Finally, we examine the role of the membrane, especially regulation of synthesis and fluid properties, in the life cycle of cell wall–deficient L-form bacteria.
Functional and neurochemical characterization of angiotensin type 1A receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the mouse
Authors: Carter D. A. , Choong Y.-T. , Connelly A. A. , Bassi J. K. , Hunter N. O. , Thongsepee N. , Llewellyn-Smith I. J. , Fong A. Y. , McDougall S. J. , Allen A. M.
Published: July 2017

Angiotensin II acts via two main receptors within the central nervous system, with the type 1A receptor (AT1AR) most widely expressed in adult neurons. Activation of the AT1R in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the principal nucleus receiving central synapses of viscerosensory afferents, modulates cardiovascular reflexes. Expression of the AT1R occurs in high density within the NTS of most mammals, including humans, but the fundamental electrophysiological and neurochemical characteristics of the AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons are not known. To address this, we have used a transgenic mouse, in which the AT1AR promoter drives expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Approximately one-third of AT1AR-expressing neurons express the catecholamine-synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a subpopulation of these stained for the transcription factor paired-like homeobox 2b (Phox2b). A third group, comprising approximately two-thirds of the AT1AR-expressing NTS neurons, showed Phox2b immunoreactivity alone. A fourth group in the ventral subnucleus expressed neither TH nor Phox2b. In whole cell recordings from slices in vitro, AT1AR-GFP neurons exhibited voltage-activated potassium currents, including the transient outward current and the M-type potassium current. In two different mouse strains, both AT1AR-GFP neurons and TH-GFP neurons showed similar AT1AR-mediated depolarizing responses to superfusion with angiotensin II. These data provide a comprehensive description of AT1AR-expressing neurons in the NTS and increase our understanding of the complex actions of this neuropeptide in the modulation of viscerosensory processing.
Renal denervation attenuates hypertension but not salt sensitivity in ETB receptor-deficient rats
Authors: Becker Bryan K. , Feagans Amanda C. , Chen Daian , Kasztan Malgorzata , Jin Chunhua , Speed Joshua S. , Pollock Jennifer S. , Pollock David M.
Published: July 2017

Hypertension is a prevalent pathology that increases risk for numerous cardiovascular diseases. Because the etiology of hypertension varies across patients, specific and effective therapeutic approaches are needed. The role of renal sympathetic nerves is established in numerous forms of hypertension, but their contribution to salt sensitivity and interaction with factors such as endothelin-1 are poorly understood. Rats deficient of functional ETB receptors (ETB-def) on all tissues except sympathetic nerves are hypertensive and exhibit salt-sensitive increases in blood pressure. We hypothesized that renal sympathetic nerves contribute to hypertension and salt sensitivity in ETB-def rats. The hypothesis was tested through bilateral renal sympathetic nerve denervation and measuring blood pressure during normal salt (0.49% NaCl) and high-salt (4.0% NaCl) diets. Denervation reduced mean arterial pressure in ETB-def rats compared with sham-operated controls by 12 ± 3 (SE) mmHg; however, denervation did not affect the increase in blood pressure after 2 wk of high-salt diet (+19 ± 3 vs. +16 ± 3 mmHg relative to normal salt diet; denervated vs. sham, respectively). Denervation reduced cardiac sympathetic-to-parasympathetic tone [low frequency-high frequency (LF/HF)] during normal salt diet and vasomotor LF/HF tone during high-salt diet in ETB-def rats. We conclude that the renal sympathetic nerves contribute to the hypertension but not to salt sensitivity of ETB-def rats.
Basal tree complexity shapes functional pathways in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Papoutsi Athanasia , Kastellakis George , Poirazi Panayiota
Published: July 2017

While the morphology of basal dendritic trees in cortical pyramidal neurons varies, the functional implications of this diversity are just starting to emerge. In layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex, for example, increased basal tree complexity determines the recruitment of these neurons into functional circuits. Here, we use a modeling approach to investigate whether and how the morphology of the basal tree mediates the functional output of neurons. We implemented 57 basal tree morphologies of layer 5 prefrontal pyramidal neurons of the rat and identified morphological types that were characterized by different response features, forming distinct functional types. These types were robust to a wide range of manipulations (distribution of active ionic mechanisms, NMDA conductance, somatic and apical tree morphology, or the number of activated synapses) and supported different temporal coding schemes at both the single neuron and the microcircuit level. We predict that the basal tree morphological diversity among neurons of the same class mediates their segregation into distinct functional pathways. Extension of our approach/findings to other cortical areas and/or layers or under pathological conditions may provide a generalized role of the basal trees for neuronal function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results suggest that the segregation of neurons to different functional types based on their basal tree morphology is in large part independent of the distribution of active ionic mechanisms, NMDA conductance, somatic and apical tree morphology, and the number of activated synapses; different functional types support distinct temporal coding schemes. This can be exploited to create networks with diverse coding characteristics, thus contributing to the functional heterogeneity within the same layer and area.
Compensating for intersegmental dynamics across the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints during feedforward and feedback control
Authors: Maeda Rodrigo S. , Cluff Tyler , Gribble Paul L. , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: July 2017

Moving the arm is complicated by mechanical interactions that arise between limb segments. Such intersegmental dynamics cause torques applied at one joint to produce movement at multiple joints, and in turn, the only way to create single joint movement is by applying torques at multiple joints. We investigated whether the nervous system accounts for intersegmental limb dynamics across the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints during self-initiated planar reaching and when countering external mechanical perturbations. Our first experiment tested whether the timing and amplitude of shoulder muscle activity account for interaction torques produced during single-joint elbow movements from different elbow initial orientations and over a range of movement speeds. We found that shoulder muscle activity reliably preceded movement onset and elbow agonist activity, and was scaled to compensate for the magnitude of interaction torques arising because of forearm rotation. Our second experiment tested whether elbow muscles compensate for interaction torques introduced by single-joint wrist movements. We found that elbow muscle activity preceded movement onset and wrist agonist muscle activity, and thus the nervous system predicted interaction torques arising because of hand rotation. Our third and fourth experiments tested whether shoulder muscles compensate for interaction torques introduced by different hand orientations during self-initiated elbow movements and to counter mechanical perturbations that caused pure elbow motion. We found that the nervous system predicted the amplitude and direction of interaction torques, appropriately scaling the amplitude of shoulder muscle activity during self-initiated elbow movements and rapid feedback control. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the nervous system robustly accounts for intersegmental dynamics and that the process is similar across the proximal to distal musculature of the arm as well as between feedforward (i.e., self-initiated) and feedback (i.e., reflexive) control.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intersegmental dynamics complicate the mapping between applied joint torques and the resulting joint motions. We provide evidence that the nervous system robustly predicts these intersegmental limb dynamics across the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints during reaching and when countering external perturbations.
Afferent input and sensory function after human spinal cord injury
Authors: Ozdemir Recep A. , Perez Monica A.
Published: July 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often disrupts the integrity of afferent (sensory) axons projecting through the spinal cord dorsal columns to the brain. Examinations of ascending sensory tracts, therefore, are critical for monitoring the extent of SCI and recovery processes. In this review, we discuss the most common electrophysiological techniques used to assess transmission of afferent inputs to the primary motor cortex (i.e., afferent input-induced facilitation and inhibition) and the somatosensory cortex [i.e., somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), dermatomal SSEPs, and electrical perceptual thresholds] following human SCI. We discuss how afferent input modulates corticospinal excitability by involving cortical and spinal mechanisms depending on the timing of the effects, which need to be considered separately for upper and lower limb muscles. We argue that the time of arrival of afferent input onto the sensory and motor cortex is critical to consider in plasticity-induced protocols in humans with SCI. We also discuss how current sensory exams have been used to detect differences between control and SCI participants but might be less optimal to characterize the level and severity of injury. There is a need to conduct some of these electrophysiological examinations during functionally relevant behaviors to understand the contribution of impaired afferent inputs to the control, or lack of control, of movement. Thus the effects of transmission of afferent inputs to the brain need to be considered on multiple functions following human SCI.
Decoding sound level in the marmoset primary auditory cortex
Authors: Sun Wensheng , Marongelli Ellisha N. , Watkins Paul V. , Barbour Dennis L.
Published: July 2017

Neurons that respond favorably to a particular sound level have been observed throughout the central auditory system, becoming steadily more common at higher processing areas. One theory about the role of these level-tuned or nonmonotonic neurons is the level-invariant encoding of sounds. To investigate this theory, we simulated various subpopulations of neurons by drawing from real primary auditory cortex (A1) neuron responses and surveyed their performance in forming different sound level representations. Pure nonmonotonic subpopulations did not provide the best level-invariant decoding; instead, mixtures of monotonic and nonmonotonic neurons provided the most accurate decoding. For level-fidelity decoding, the inclusion of nonmonotonic neurons slightly improved or did not change decoding accuracy until they constituted a high proportion. These results indicate that nonmonotonic neurons fill an encoding role complementary to, rather than alternate to, monotonic neurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neurons with nonmonotonic rate-level functions are unique to the central auditory system. These level-tuned neurons have been proposed to account for invariant sound perception across sound levels. Through systematic simulations based on real neuron responses, this study shows that neuron populations perform sound encoding optimally when containing both monotonic and nonmonotonic neurons. The results indicate that instead of working independently, nonmonotonic neurons complement the function of monotonic neurons in different sound-encoding contexts.
Influence of Men’s Personality and Social Support on Treatment Decision-Making for Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Reamer Elyse , Yang Felix , Holmes-Rovner Margaret , Liu Joe , Xu Jinping
Published: July 2017

Background. Optimal treatment for localized prostate cancer (LPC) is controversial. We assessed the effects of personality, specialists seen, and involvement of spouse, family, or friends on treatment decision/decision-making qualities. Methods. We surveyed a population-based sample of men ≤ 75 years with newly diagnosed LPC about treatment choice, reasons for the choice, decision-making difficulty, satisfaction, and regret. Results. Of 160 men (71 black, 89 white), with a mean age of 61 (±7.3) years, 59% chose surgery, 31% chose radiation, and 10% chose active surveillance (AS)/watchful waiting (WW). Adjusting for age, race, comorbidity, tumor risk level, and treatment status, men who consulted friends during decision-making were more likely to choose curative treatment (radiation or surgery) than WW/AS (OR = 11.1, p<0.01; 8.7, p<0.01). Men who saw a radiation oncologist in addition to a urologist were more likely to choose radiation than surgery (OR = 6.0, p=0.04). Men who consulted family or friends (OR = 2.6, p<0.01; 3.7, p<0.01) experienced greater decision-making difficulty. No personality traits (pessimism, optimism, or faith) were associated with treatment choice/decision-making quality measures. Conclusions. In addition to specialist seen, consulting friends increased men’s likelihood of choosing curative treatment. Consulting family or friends increased decision-making difficulty.
Status Epilepticus due to Intraperitoneal Injection of Vehicle Containing Propylene Glycol in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Ereifej Evon S. , Meade Seth M. , Smith Cara S. , Chen Keying , Kleinman Nanette , Capadona Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2017

Published reports of status epilepticus due to intraperitoneal injection containing propylene glycol in rats are sparse. In fact, there are no reports specifying a maximum safe dose of propylene glycol through intraperitoneal administration. We report here a case of unexpected seizures in Sprague Dawley rats after receiving an intraperitoneal injection containing propylene glycol. Nine-week-old, 225–250 gram male rats were reported to experience tremor progressing to seizures within minutes after given injections of resveratrol (30 mg/kg) dissolved in a 40 : 60 propylene glycol/corn oil vehicle solution by direct intraperitoneal (IP) slow bolus injection or via a preplaced intraperitoneal catheter. The World Health Organization suggests a maximum dose of 25 mg/kg/day of propylene glycol taken orally and no more than 25 mg/dL in blood serum, whereas the animals used in our study got a calculated maximum 0.52 g/kg (25 times lower dose). Blood tests from the seizing rat support a diagnosis of hemolysis and lactic acidosis which may have led to the seizures, all of which appeared to be a consequence of the propylene glycol administration. These findings are consistent with oral and intravenous administration of propylene glycol toxicity as previously reported in other species, including humans. To our knowledge, this report represents the first published case of status epilepticus due to an IP injection containing propylene glycol.
Titanium Pyrophosphate for Removal of Trivalent Heavy Metals and Actinides Simulated by Retention of Europium
Authors: Ortiz-Oliveros Huemantzin Balan , Flores-Espinosa Rosa María , Ordoñez-Regil Eduardo , Fernández-Valverde Suilma Marisela
Published: July 2017

This work addresses the synthesis of titanium pyrophosphate, as well as the characterization and evaluation of the sorption process of europium, for removal of trivalent heavy metals and actinides simulate. The evaluation of the surface properties of titanium pyrophosphate was carried out determining the surface roughness and surface acidity constants. The values obtained from the determination of the surface roughness of the synthesized solid indicate that the surface of the material presents itself as slightly smooth. The FITEQL program was used to fit the experimental titration curves to obtain the surface acidity constants: log⁡K+=3.59±0.06 and log⁡K-=-3.90±0.05. The results of sorption kinetics evidenced that the pseudo-order model explains the retention process of europium, in which the initial sorption velocity was 8.3 × 10−4 mg g−1 min−1 and kinetic constant was 1.8 × 10−3 g mg min−1. The maximum sorption capacity was 0.6 mg g−1. The results obtained from sorption edge showed the existence of two bidentate complexes on the surface.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Relative Study on the Catalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Doped MnCO3, –MnO2, and –Mn2O3 Nanocomposites for Aerial Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Assal Mohamed E. , Kuniyil Mufsir , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Khan Mujeeb , Al-Warthan Abdulrahman , Siddiqui Mohammed Rafiq H. , Adil Syed Farooq
Published: July 2017

Zinc oxide nanoparticles doped manganese carbonate catalysts [X% ZnOx–MnCO3] (where X = 0–7) were prepared via a facile and straightforward coprecipitation procedure, which upon different calcination treatments yields different manganese oxides, that is, [X% ZnOx–MnO2] and [X% ZnOx–Mn2O3]. A comparative catalytic study was conducted to evaluate the catalytic efficiency between carbonates and oxides for the selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to corresponding ketones using molecular oxygen as a green oxidizing agent without using any additives or bases. The prepared catalysts were characterized by different techniques such as SEM, EDX, XRD, TEM, TGA, BET, and FTIR spectroscopy. The 1% ZnOx–MnCO3 calcined at 300°C exhibited the best catalytic performance and possessed highest surface area, suggesting that the calcination temperature and surface area play a significant role in the alcohol oxidation. The 1% ZnOx–MnCO3 catalyst exhibited superior catalytic performance and selectivity in the aerial oxidation of 1-phenylethanol, where 100% alcohol conversion and more than 99% product selectivity were obtained in only 5 min with superior specific activity (48 mmol·g−1·h−1) and 390.6 turnover frequency (TOF). The specific activity obtained is the highest so far (to the best of our knowledge) compared to the catalysts already reported in the literatures used for the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol. It was found that ZnOx nanoparticles play an essential role in enhancing the catalytic efficiency for the selective oxidation of alcohols. The scope of the oxidation process is extended to different types of alcohols. A variety of primary, benzylic, aliphatic, allylic, and heteroaromatic alcohols were selectively oxidized into their corresponding carbonyls with 100% convertibility without overoxidation to the carboxylic acids under base-free conditions.
Comparison of the Clinical Characteristics of Pneumocystis Pneumonia between Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Being Treated with Biologics and Those Being Treated without Biologics
Authors: Akiyama Mitsuhiro , Kaneko Yuko , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: July 2017

Objective.The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being treated with biologics and those being treated without biologics.Methods.From 8,630 patients with RA in our institution, we enrolled 24 patients who had developed PCP during the course of their treatment. They were divided into two groups according to the treatment they were receiving for RA: the biologics group (n=12) and the nonbiologics group (n=12). Clinical characteristics of PCP were compared between the two groups.Results.At PCP diagnosis, the biologics group showed significantly lower serum levels ofβ-D-glucan and C-reactive protein than the nonbiologics group, while the biologics group had significantly higher lymphocyte counts than the nonbiologics group. In the nonbiologics group, lower lymphocyte counts were associated with higherβ-D-glucan levels; however, this was not observed in the biologics group.Conclusion.The finding that RA patients being treated with biologics developed PCP with relatively normal lymphocyte counts and lowerβ-D-glucan levels suggests that the pathophysiology of PCP in those patients is different from that in patients being treated with other antirheumatic drugs.
Preservative Monitoring of a Greek Woman with Hydrops Fetalis due to Parvovirus B19 Infection
Authors: Fasoulakis Zacharias , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Kontomanolis Emmanuel N.
Published: July 2017

Primate erythroparvovirus 1 (parvovirus B19) is a member of theErythrovirusgenus of the Parvoviridae family and it is one of the few members of the family known to be pathogenic in human. B19 infection is common and widespread with the virus being associated with numerous rheumatologic and haematologic manifestations. More specifically, maternal infection with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy can cause severe anemia which may lead to nonimmune hydrops or fetal demise, as a result of fetal erythroid progenitor cells infection with shortened half-life of erythrocytes. We present a rare case reported in the Greek population, of subclinical transient reticulocytopenia due to B19 parvovirus infection, in an asymptomatic pregnant woman, without medical history of hemoglobinopathy, and with the presence of hydrops fetalis during the third trimester of her pregnancy.
Isolated Major Aortopulmonary Collateral as the Sole Pulmonary Blood Supply to an Entire Lung Segment
Authors: Kim Hannah S. , Grady R. Mark , Shahanavaz Shabana
Published: July 2017

Congenital systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries or major aortopulmonary collaterals are associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Though it is usually associated with congenital heart diseases, there is an increased incidence of isolated acquired aortopulmonary collaterals in premature infants with chronic lung disease. Interestingly, isolated congenital aortopulmonary collaterals can occur without any lung disease, which may cause congestive heart failure and require closure. We present a neonate with an echocardiogram that showed only left-sided heart dilation. Further workup with a CT angiogram demonstrated an anomalous systemic artery from the descending thoracic aorta supplying the left lower lobe. He eventually developed heart failure symptoms and was taken to the catheterization laboratory for closure of the collateral. However, with the collateral being the only source of blood flow to the entire left lower lobe, he required surgical unifocalization. Isolated aortopulmonary collaterals without any other congenital heart disease or lung disease are rare. Our patient is the first reported case to have an isolated aortopulmonary collateral being the sole pulmonary blood supply to an entire lung segment. Due to its rarity, there is still much to learn about the origin and development of these collaterals that possibly developed prenatally.
Effects of Two Fatigue Protocols on Impact Forces and Lower Extremity Kinematics during Drop Landings: Implications for Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Xia Rui , Zhang Xini , Wang Xi , Sun Xiaole , Fu Weijie
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of fatigue on the impact forces and sagittal plane kinematics of the lower extremities in a drop landing task. 15 male collegiate athletes were recruited. Five successful trials of a drop landing task were obtained during prefatigue and postfatigue in two fatigue protocols (constant speed running fatigue protocol [R-FP] and shuttle running + vertical jumping fatigue protocol [SV-FP]). Duration time, maximal heart rate, and RPE of each protocol were measured separately. Kinematic measures of the hip, knee, and ankle joints at different times coupled with peak impact force and loading rate were acquired. Our results showed a more flexed landing posture due to an increase in hip and knee flexion angles in the postfatigue condition. However, no differences in peak impact force and loading rate were found between pre- and postfatigue conditions. The changes were similar between protocols, but the SV-FP showed a significantly shorter exercise duration time than the R-FP. Fatigued athletes in this study demonstrated altered motor control strategies during a drop landing task, which may be an intentional or unintentional protective strategy for preventing themselves from potential ACL injury.
Parallel Pseudo Arc-Length Moving Mesh Schemes for Multidimensional Detonation
Authors: Ning Jianguo , Yuan Xinpeng , Ma Tianbao , Li Jian
Published: July 2017

We have discussed the multidimensional parallel computation for pseudo arc-length moving mesh schemes, and the schemes can be used to capture the strong discontinuity for multidimensional detonations. Different from the traditional Euler numerical schemes, the problems of parallel schemes for pseudo arc-length moving mesh schemes include diagonal processor communications and mesh point communications, which are illustrated by the schematic diagram and key pseudocodes. Finally, the numerical examples are given to show that the pseudo arc-length moving mesh schemes are second-order convergent and can successfully capture the strong numerical strong discontinuity of the detonation wave. In addition, our parallel methods are proved effectively and the computational time is obviously decreased.
Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts Display Anti-Inflammatory Effects by Modulating Inflammatory Mediator Expression in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Faheina-Martins Glaucia V. , Leite Jacqueline Alves , Dantas Bruna Braga , Lima-Júnior Cláudio G. , Vasconcellos Mário L. A. A. , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra , Araújo Demetrius A. M.
Published: July 2017

Inflammatory response plays an important role not only in the normal physiology but also in pathologies such as cancers. The Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts (MBHA) are a novel group of synthetic molecules that have demonstrated many biological activities against some parasitic cells such as Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania chagasi, and antimitotic activity against sea urchin embryonic cells was also related. However, little is known about the mechanisms induced by MBHA in inflammatory process and its relation with anticancer activity. The present work investigated the cytotoxicity of three MBHA derivatives (A2CN, A3CN, and A4CN), on human colorectal adenocarcinoma, HT-29 cells, and their anti-inflammatory activities were examined in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells, being these derivatives potentially cytotoxic to HT-29 cells. Coincubation with A2CN, A3CN, or A4CN and LPS in RAW264.7 cells inhibited NO production, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also repressed. The mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly downregulated by such MBHA compounds in RAW264.7 cells, but only A2CN was able to inhibit the COX-2 gene expression. We also showed that MBHA compounds decreased almost to zero the production of IL-1β and IL-6. These findings display that such MBHA compounds exhibit anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities.
Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activities of Cirsium scabrum from Tunisia
Authors: Sahli Ramla , Rivière Céline , Dufloer Cédric , Beaufay Claire , Neut Christel , Bero Joanne , Hennebelle Thierry , Roumy Vincent , Ksouri Riadh , Quetin-Leclercq Joelle , Sahpaz Sevser
Published: July 2017

Several Cirsium species are known for their uses in traditional medicine and consequently are studied for their phytochemical content and their biological activities. In the framework of a previous study conducted on eight extremophile plants from Tunisia, we highlighted that the crude methanolic extract of C. scabrum, a not investigated thistle, showed moderate but quite selective cytotoxic activity against the cancerous cell line J774 compared to the noncancerous cell line WI38 (IC50 = 11.53 μg/ml on J774, IC50 = 29.89 µg/ml on WI38, and selectivity index = 2.6). In the current study, the partitions of the leaves of C. scabrum were analyzed for their antiproliferative activity on the same cell lines. From the most active petroleum ether partition, we isolated four triterpenoids including lupeol, taraxasterol acetate, and a (1 : 1) mixture of 25‐hydroperoxycycloart‐23‐en‐3β‐ol and 24‐hydroperoxycycloart‐25‐en‐3β‐ol. These two cycloartane‐type triterpenoids are mostly responsible for this cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, the antimicrobial potential of this plant was also evaluated against 36 microorganisms. The moderate antibacterial activity against 6 Staphylococcus aureus and 2 Dermabacter hominis strains is mainly attributed to the butanol partition whose major compounds are glycosides of flavones.
Best N-Simultaneous Approximation in Lp(μ,X)
Authors: Pakhrou Tijani
Published: July 2017

Let X be a Banach space. Let 1≤p<∞ and denote by Lp(μ,X) the Banach space of all X-valued Bochner p-integrable functions on a certain positive complete σ-finite measure space (Ω,Σ,μ), endowed with the usual p-norm. In this paper, the theory of lifting is used to prove that, for any weakly compact subset W of X, the set Lp(μ,W) is N-simultaneously proximinal in Lp(μ,X) for any arbitrary monotonous norm N in Rn.