bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts to Neural Stem Cells by Small Molecules
Authors: Han Yan-Chuang , Lim Yoon , Duffieldl Michael D. , Li Hua , Liu Jia , Abdul Manaph Nimshitha Pavathuparambil , Yang Miao , Keating Damien J. , Zhou Xin-Fu
Published: December 2015

Although it is possible to generate neural stem cells (NSC) from somatic cells by reprogramming technologies with transcription factors, clinical utilization of patient‐specific NSC for the treatment of human diseases remains elusive. The risk hurdles are associated with viral transduction vectors induced mutagenesis, tumor formation from undifferentiated stem cells, and transcription factors‐induced genomic instability. Here we describe a viral vector‐free and more efficient method to induce mouse fibroblasts into NSC using small molecules. The small molecule‐induced neural stem (SMINS) cells closely resemble NSC in morphology, gene expression patterns, self‐renewal, excitability, and multipotency. Furthermore, the SMINS cells are able to differentiate into astrocytes, functional neurons, and oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we have established a novel way to efficiently induce neural stem cells (iNSC) from fibroblasts using only small molecules without altering the genome. Such chemical induction removes the risks associated with current techniques such as the use of viral vectors or the induction of oncogenic factors. This technique may, therefore, enable NSC to be utilized in various applications within clinical medicine.
Periostin: A Downstream Mediator of EphB4‐Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Zehua , Sun Dong , Dong Shiwu , Xu Jianzhong , Dai Fei
Published: December 2015

Erythropoietin‐producing hepatocyte B4 (EphB4) has been reported to be a key molecular switch in the regulation of bone homeostasis, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of EphB4 in regulating the expression of periostin (POSTN) within bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and assessed its effect and molecular mechanism of osteogenic induction in vitro. Treatment with ephrinB2‐FC significantly increased the expression of POSTN in MSCs, and the inhibition of EphB4 could abrogate this effect. In addition, osteogenic markers were upregulated especially in MSCs overexpressing EphB4. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of cross talk between EphB4 and the Wnt pathway, we detected the change in protein expression of phosphorylated‐glycogen synthase kinase 3β‐serine 9 (p‐GSK‐3β‐Ser9) and β‐catenin, as well as the osteogenic markers Runx2 and COL1. The results showed that GSK‐3β activation and osteogenic marker expression levels were downregulated by ephrinB2‐FC treatment, but these effects were inhibited by blocking integrin αvβ3 in MSCs. Our findings demonstrate that EphB4 can promote osteogenic differentiation of MSCs via upregulation of POSTN expression. It not only helps to reveal the interaction mechanism between EphB4 and Wnt pathway but also brings a better understanding of EphB4/ephrinB2 signaling in bone homeostasis.
Modulation of EZH2 Expression by MEK-ERK or PI3K-AKT Signaling in Lung Cancer Is Dictated by Different KRAS Oncogene Mutations
Authors: Riquelme Erick , Behrens Carmen , Lin Heather Y. , Simon George , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki , Izzo Julie , Moran Cesar , Kalhor Neda , Lee J. Jack , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: December 2015

EZH2 overexpression promotes cancer by increasing histone methylation to silence tumor suppressor genes, but how EZH2 levels become elevated in cancer is not understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which EZH2 expression is regulated in non–small cell lung carcinoma cells by oncogenic KRAS. In cells harboring KRASG12C and KRASG12D mutations, EZH2 expression was modulated by MEK–ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling, respectively. Accordingly, MEK–ERK depletion decreased EZH2 expression in cells harboring the KRASG12C mutation, whereas PI3K/AKT depletion decreased EZH2 expression, EZH2 phosphorylation, and STAT3 activity in KRASG12D-mutant cell lines. Combined inhibition of EZH2 and MEK–ERK or PI3K/AKT increased the sensitivity of cells with specific KRAS mutations to MEK–ERK and PI3K/AKT–targeted therapies. Our work defines EZH2 as a downstream effector of KRAS signaling and offers a rationale for combining EZH2 inhibitory strategies with MEK–ERK- or PI3K/AKT–targeted therapies to treat lung cancer patients, as stratified into distinct treatment groups based on specific KRAS mutations. Cancer Res; 76(3); 675–85. ©2015 AACR.
Enhanced Eryptosis Following Exposure to Lopinavir
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Waibel Sabrina , Bouguerra Ghada , Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla , Abbès Salem , Lang Florian
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: The protease inhibitor lopinavir, used for the treatment of HIV infections, triggers suicidal death or apoptosis of nucleated cells. Side effects of lopinavir include anemia, which could in theory result from stimulation of suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and by phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane leading to phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include oxidative stress, increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), and ceramide. The present study explored, whether lopinavir induces eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to estimate phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundance from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence, reduced glutathione (GSH) from mercury orange fluorescence and ceramide abundance utilizing labelled specific antibodies. Hemolysis was estimated from haemoglobin concentration of the supernatant. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to lopinavir significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells (≥ 10 µg/ml), significantly decreased forward scatter (≥15 µg/ml), significantly increased hemolysis (≥ 15 µg/ml), significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence (20 µg/ml), and significantly increased DCFDA fluorescence (20 µg/ml) but did not significantly modify ceramide abundance. The effect of lopinavir on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusion: Lopinavir treatment of erythrocytes from healthy volunteers is followed by cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to stimulation of ROS formation and Ca2+ entry.
Acute Focal Bacterial Nephritis Can Lead to Unnecessary Invasive Procedures: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Sieger Nadine , Kyriazis Iason , Schaudinn Alexander , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Dietel Anja , Ganzer Roman , Liatsikos Evangelos N. , Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe
Published: December 2015

Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) is a rarely diagnosed interstitial bacterial infection of the kidney. Due to the non-specific clinical presentation of this entity, correct diagnosis can be challenging. In this work, we present three cases of AFBN aiming to stress the diversity of clinical presentation associated with the disease and the fact that patients with AFBN are at risk of undergoing unnecessary invasive procedures. The employment of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the management of AFBN should be limited, as the majority of patients respond well to conservative therapy.
Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Complication Rates of Peripheral versus Central Venous Administration
Authors: Worst Thomas , Sautter Lisa , John Axel , Weiss Christel , Häcker Axel , Heinzelbecker Julia
Published: December 2015

Objective: Despite the low local toxicity of the used agents, Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBP) for patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is mostly delivered via a central venous access (CVA). Since 2008, CBP is given peripherally in our hospital. Methods: Medical reports of TGCT patients who received CBP between September 1991 and August 2014 were evaluated. Complications regarding the way of administration (CVA vs. peripheral venous catheter [PVC]) were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events. The complication rates were compared using chi square test and propensity score matching. Results: During 288 cycles in 109 patients, 85 complications (29.5%) were observed with similar rates for overall (PVC 31.3%, CVA 29.9%; p = 0.820) and grade I complications (21.3%, 25.4%; p = 0.470). More grade II complications were observed in the PVC group (10.0 vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). Grade III complications requiring invasive treatment were found only in the CVA group (3.0%; p = 0.120). Using propensity score matching, no differences in overall (p = 0.950), grade I (p = 0.540) and grades II/III (p = 0.590) complications were seen. Conclusion: The peripheral and central administration of CBP has similar overall complication rates. Despite more grade II complications, the peripheral administration of CBP is a safe alternative for TGCT patients. Additionally, no severe grade III complications occurred.
Role of Glucocorticoids in Cystic Ovarian Disease: Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor in the Bovine Ovary
Authors: Amweg Ayelen N. , Rodríguez Fernanda M. , Huber Emilia , Marelli Belkis E. , Salvetti Natalia R. , Rey Florencia , Ortega Hugo H.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the components of normal bovine ovary and in animals with cystic ovarian disease (COD). Changes in the protein and mRNA expression levels were determined in control cows and cows with COD by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. GR protein expression in granulosa cells was higher in cysts from animals with spontaneous COD and adrenocorticotropic hormone-induced COD than in tertiary follicles from control animals. In theca interna cells, GR expression was higher in cysts from animals with spontaneous COD than in tertiary follicles from control animals. The increase in GR expression observed in cystic follicles suggests a mechanism of action for cortisol and its receptor through the activation/inactivation of specific transcription factors. These factors could be related to the pathogenesis of COD in cattle.
Low Noncytotoxic Concentrations of 5-Fluorouracil Have No Adverse Effects on Maturation and Function of Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells in vitro: A Potentially Safe Adjuvant for Dendritic Cell-Based Cancer Therapy
Authors: Namdar Afshin , Mirzaei Hamid Reza , Hafezi Morteza , Khosravianfar Najmeh , Kheshtchin Nasim , Mirzaei Reza , Hadjati Jamshid , Rezaei Abbas
Published: December 2015

Background: Low, noncytotoxic concentrations of various chemotherapeutic drugs like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induce antitumor immune responses by selectively depleting tumor-induced immunosuppressive cells, and could therefore be used in combination with dendritic cell (DC) vaccines in order to enhance their immunotherapeutic efficacy. However, the likely negative influences of low, noncytotoxic doses of 5-FU on bone marrow-derived (BM)-DCs in vitro have not yet been investigated. Methods: The effects of low, noncytotoxic concentrations of 5-FU on mouse BM-DC differentiation and maturation markers (CD11c, MHC class II and CD80) as well as antigen-presenting capacity and cytokine production (IL-12p70 and IL-10) have been assessed. Results: Different low doses of 5-FU had no significant effect on the expression of DC differentiation and maturation or on costimulatory markers (p = 0.5). Furthermore, suboptimal doses of 5-FU did not affect the immunostimulatory functions of DCs such as antigen presentation (p = 0.6) and cytokine production (p = 0.9). Conclusions: These data suggest that low doses of 5-FU have no adverse effects on DC maturation and function, and the efficacy of DC-based cancer immunotherapy may be greatly enhanced by combining it with suboptimal doses of 5-FU.
Darbepoetin-α Promotes Cell Proliferation in Established Extrahepatic Colorectal Tumors after Major Hepatectomy
Authors: Senger Sebastian , Kollmar Otto , Menger Michael D. , Rupertus Kathrin
Published: December 2015

Background: The glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin and its analogue darbepoetin-α (DPO) have been shown to reduce the risk of acute liver failure after major hepatectomy. However, previous experimental studies have also shown that DPO significantly enhances neovascularization and tumor cell proliferation in established colorectal liver metastasis in hepatectomized and nonhepatectomized mice. The present study now analyzes whether DPO influences cell proliferation and migration as well as vascularization and growth of established colorectal metastasis at extrahepatic sites after major hepatectomy. Methods: GFP-transfected CT26.WT colorectal cancer cells were implanted into dorsal skinfold chambers of syngeneic BALB/c mice. Five days after tumor cell implantation, the animals received a single dose of DPO (10 µg/kg body weight) or phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) intravenously. Additional animals received a 70% hepatectomy and DPO or PBS treatment. Tumor vascularization and growth as well as tumor cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis were studied repetitively over 14 days using intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. Results: DPO did not influence tumor cell migration and apoptosis. In addition, DPO did not stimulate tumor cell infiltration or vascularization; however, significantly increased tumor cell proliferation was detected in hepatectomized animals. Conclusion: DPO increases cell proliferation in established extrahepatic colorectal metastases after major hepatectomy. Thus, DPO may not be recommended to stimulate regeneration of the remnant liver after major hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis.
Molecular Cytogenetics in Digenean Parasites: Linked and Unlinked Major and 5S rDNAs, B Chromosomes and Karyotype Diversification
Authors: García-Souto Daniel , Pasantes Juan J.
Published: December 2015

Digenetic trematodes are the largest group of internal metazoan parasites, but their chromosomes are poorly studied. Although chromosome numbers and/or karyotypes are known for about 300 of the 18,000 described species, molecular cytogenetic knowledge is mostly limited to the mapping of telomeric sequences and/or of major rDNA clusters in 9 species. In this work we mapped major and 5S rDNA clusters and telomeric sequences in chromosomes of Bucephalus minimus, B. australis, Prosorhynchoides carvajali (Bucephaloidea), Monascus filiformis (Gymnophalloidea), Parorchis acanthus (Echinostomatoidea), Cryptocotyle lingua (Opisthorchioidea), Cercaria longicaudata, Monorchis parvus (Monorchioidea), Diphterostomum brusinae, and Bacciger bacciger (Microphalloidea). Whilst single major and minor rDNA clusters were mapped to different chromosome pairs in B. minimus and P. acanthus, overlapping signals were detected on a single chromosome pair in the remaining taxa. FISH experiments using major rDNA and telomeric probes clearly demonstrated the presence of highly stretched NORs in most of the digenean taxa analyzed. B chromosomes were detected in the B. bacciger samples hosted by Ruditapes decussatus. Although the cercariae specimens obtained from Donax trunculus, Tellina tenuis, and R. decussatus were in agreement with B. bacciger, their karyotypes showed striking morphological differences in agreement with the proposed assignation of these cercariae to different species of the genus Bacciger. Results are discussed in comparison with previous data on digenean chromosomes.
Shear stress, arterial identity and atherosclerosis
Authors: Jones Elizabeth A. , Lehoux Stephanie
Published: December 2015

In the developing embryo, the vasculature first takes the form of a web-like network called the vascular plexus. Arterial and venous differentiation is subsequently guided by the specific expression of genes in the endothelial cells that provide spatial and temporal cues for development. Notch1/4, Notch ligand delta-like 4 (Dll4), and Notch downstream effectors are typically expressed in arterial cells along with EphrinB2, whereas chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) and EphB4 characterise vein endothelial cells. Haemodynamic forces (blood pressure and blood flow) also contribute importantly to vascular remodelling. Early arteriovenous differentiation and local blood flow may hold the key to future inflammatory diseases. Indeed, despite the fact that atherosclerosis risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes all induce endothelial cell dysfunction throughout the vasculature, plaques develop only in arteries, and they localise essentially in vessel branch points, curvatures and bifurcations, where blood flow (and consequently shear stress) is low or oscillatory. Arterial segments exposed to high blood flow (and high laminar shear stress) tend to remain plaque-free. These observations have led many to investigate what particular properties of arterial or venous endothelial cells confer susceptibility or protection from plaque formation, and how that might interact with a particular shear stress environment.
Researching Global Environmental Politics in the 21st Century
Authors: Dauvergne Peter , Clapp Jennifer
Published: December 2015

This forum article highlights three major research trends we have observed in the journal Global Environmental Politics since 2000. First, research has increasingly focused on specific and formal mechanisms of global environmental governance, contributing to more elaborate and refined methodologies that span more scales and levels of analysis. Second, research increasingly has concentrated on the rise of market-based governance mechanisms and the influence of private actors, reflecting a broader shift among policymakers toward liberal approaches to governance. Third, over this time empirical research has shifted significantly toward analyzing issues through a lens of climate change, providing valuable insights into environmental change, but narrowing the journal’s empirical focus. These trends, which overlap in complex ways, arise partly from shifts in real-world politics, partly from broader shifts in the overall field of global environmental politics (GEP), and partly from the advancing capacity of GEP theories and methodologies to investigate the full complexity of local to global governance. This maturing of GEP scholarship does present challenges for the field, however, including the ability of field-defining journals such as Global Environmental Politics to engage a diversity of critical scholarly voices and to influence policy and activism.
Unconscious Familiarity-based Color–Form Binding: Evidence from Visual Extinction
Authors: Rappaport Sarah J. , Riddoch M. Jane , Chechlacz Magda , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: December 2015

There is good evidence that early visual processing involves the coding of different features in independent brain regions. A major question, then, is how we see the world in an integrated manner, in which the different features are “bound” together. A standard account of this has been that feature binding depends on attention to the stimulus, which enables only the relevant features to be linked together [Treisman, A., & Gelade, G. A feature-integration theory of attention. Cognitive Psychology, 12, 97–136, 1980]. Here we test this influential idea by examining whether, in patients showing visual extinction, the processing of otherwise unconscious (extinguished) stimuli is modulated by presenting objects in their correct (familiar) color. Correctly colored objects showed reduced extinction when they had a learned color, and this color matched across the ipsi- and contralesional items (red strawberry + red tomato). In contrast, there was no reduction in extinction under the same conditions when the stimuli were colored incorrectly (blue strawberry + blue tomato; Experiment 1). The result was not due to the speeded identification of a correctly colored ipsilesional item, as there was no benefit from having correctly colored objects in different colors (red strawberry + yellow lemon; Experiment 2). There was also no benefit to extinction from presenting the correct colors in the background of each item (Experiment 3). The data suggest that learned color–form binding can reduce extinction even when color is irrelevant for the task. The result is consistent with preattentive binding of color and shape for familiar stimuli.
Role of Oculoproprioception in Coding the Locus of Attention
Authors: Odoj Bartholomaeus , Balslev Daniela
Published: December 2015

The most common neural representations for spatial attention encode locations retinotopically, relative to center of gaze. To keep track of visual objects across saccades or to orient toward sounds, retinotopic representations must be combined with information about the rotation of one's own eyes in the orbits. Although gaze input is critical for a correct allocation of attention, the source of this input has so far remained unidentified. Two main signals are available: corollary discharge (copy of oculomotor command) and oculoproprioception (feedback from extraocular muscles). Here we asked whether the oculoproprioceptive signal relayed from the somatosensory cortex contributes to coding the locus of attention. We used continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over a human oculoproprioceptive area in the postcentral gyrus (S1EYE). S1EYE-cTBS reduces proprioceptive processing, causing ∼1° underestimation of gaze angle. Participants discriminated visual targets whose location was cued in a nonvisual modality. Throughout the visual space, S1EYE-cTBS shifted the locus of attention away from the cue by ∼1°, in the same direction and by the same magnitude as the oculoproprioceptive bias. This systematic shift cannot be attributed to visual mislocalization. Accuracy of open-loop pointing to the same visual targets, a function thought to rely mainly on the corollary discharge, was unchanged. We argue that oculoproprioception is selective for attention maps. By identifying a potential substrate for the coupling between eye and attention, this study contributes to the theoretical models for spatial attention.
Herbalised Ayurveda?
Authors: Gaudillière Jean-Paul
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses one dimension of the contemporary industrialisation of ayurvedic medicine, namely the new centrality given to the collection, combination, and mass-manipulation of herbal therapeutic material. The aim is to highlight the process of ‘pharmaceuticalisation’, too often and wrongly taken as synonymous of a form of alignment of Ayurveda with biomedicine, its categories, and practices. Within this context, pharmaceuticalisation refers to the creation of a new world of professionals beside ayurvedic doctors, often personnel of the industry, whose role is to handle the material (rather than the clinical) dimensions of polyherbal preparations. This management of plants includes multiple dimensions: documentation of their uses, experimental research on their composition and properties, design of new simplified combinations, mass-production of ready-made specialties, and marketing. In other words, it encompasses all the attributes of pharmacy as it developed in Europe, but with the major caveat that this pharmacy has little to do with chemistry, pure substances, and molecules, since it focuses on plants, their combination, and their value as materia medica. The paper focuses on the series of institutions, policies, and practices regarding plant management that have emerged since 2000 with a special interests in a) the ways ‘old’ settings like the botanical garden have taken the turn toward industrial Ayurveda; b) how the operations of ‘new’ institutions, such as the National Medicinal Plant Board, have been mandated to foster supply of as well as research on ‘prioritised’ species.
Of Shastric ‘Yogams’ and Polyherbals
Authors: Naraindas Harish
Published: December 2015

This is an essay on the formulary logic of contemporary ayurvedic drugs. It suggests that there are three different ways of conceiving this logic: the biomedical formulary, the polyherbal formulary of the West, and the ayurvedic formulary. The ayurvedic formulary has a long history of endogenous innovation. Its epistemic logic is best understood through the language of a shastricyogam. This paper will attempt to look at what this logic entails and how it is being transformed by contemporary drug making practices. The transformation produces a range of therapeutic possibilities that bears comparison with and resembles, however, not the biomedical but the polyherbal formulary of the contemporary West. This results neither in a straightforward ‘biomedicalisation’ nor in a ‘herbalisation’ of Ayurveda but leads instead, through a mangling of epistemic registers, to its creolisation and the production of a new ‘formulary language’ which is carefully and critically addressed.
Nomenclatural notes in Guarianthe (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae): clarification of Guarianthe ×deckeri, G. ×guatemalensis and G. patinii
Authors: Van den Berg Cássio
Published: December 2015

In the present paper, I propose three new combinations in Guarianthe as a result of finding previously ignored binomials and correct misinterpretation of the articles on hybrid names of the International Code of Nomenclature. The correct names for the species and nothospecies up to now known as Guarianthe patinii and Guarianthe ×guatemalensis are, respectively, Guarianthe hennisiana and Guarianthe ×laelioides. The infraspecific combination Guarianthe ×laelioides f. pachecoi is proposed for Cattleya pachecoi. Finally I propose lectotypes for several names.
A new species of Mollinedia (Monimiaceae, Mollinedioideae, Mollinedieae) from Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil
Authors: De Lirio Elton John , Peixoto Ariane Luna
Published: December 2015

In this contribution we describe and illustrate Mollinedia dolichotricha, a new species of the section Appendiculatae Perkins. The new species is morphologically close to M. argyrogyna. We also comment on the taxonomy, ecology, affinities with related species, and conservation status of the new species.
Improvements in Typhoon Intensity Change Classification by Incorporating an Ocean Coupling Potential Intensity Index into Decision Trees*,+
Authors: Gao Si , Zhang Wei , Liu Jia , Lin I.-I. , Chiu Long S. , Cao Kai
Published: December 2015

Tropical cyclone (TC) intensity prediction, especially in the warning time frame of 24–48 h and for the prediction of rapid intensification (RI), remains a major operational challenge. Sea surface temperature (SST) based empirical or theoretical maximum potential intensity (MPI) is the most important predictor in statistical intensity prediction schemes and rules derived by data mining techniques. Since the underlying SSTs during TCs usually cannot be observed well by satellites because of rain contamination and cannot be produced on a timely basis for operational statistical prediction, an ocean coupling potential intensity index (OC_PI), which is calculated based on pre-TC averaged ocean temperatures from the surface down to 100 m, is demonstrated to be important in building the decision tree for the classification of 24-h TC intensity change ΔV24, that is, RI (ΔV24 ≥ 25 kt, where 1 kt = 0.51 m s−1) and non-RI (ΔV24 < 25 kt). Cross validations using 2000–10 data and independent verification using 2011 data are performed. The decision tree with the OC_PI shows a cross-validation accuracy of 83.5% and an independent verification accuracy of 89.6%, which outperforms the decision tree excluding the OC_PI with corresponding accuracies of 83.2% and 83.9%. Specifically for RI classification in independent verification, the former decision tree shows a much higher probability of detection and a lower false alarm ratio than the latter example. This study is of great significance for operational TC RI prediction as pre-TC OC_PI can skillfully reduce the overestimation of storm potential intensity by traditional SST-based MPI, especially for the non-RI TCs.
Meso-scale progressive damage of 3D five-directional braided composites under transverse compression
Authors: Zhang Diantang , Chen Li , Sun Ying , Wang Xinmiao , Zhang Yalu , Fu Chenglong
Published: December 2015

A study is conducted with the aim of evaluating the transverse compressive behaviors of three-dimensional five-directional braided composites based on the meso-scale representative volume cells. Finite element models with three kinds of interior braiding angles, 20°, 30°, and 45°, are established on the basis of the realistic cross-section shape of each yarn. A damage mechanics model, which is implemented by user-defined material subroutines in ABAQUS/Standard, is used to investigate the mechanical responses and the damage initiation/evolution throughout the transverse compression. For the verification of numerical results, a series of transverse compression tests are conducted. Numerical results indicate that the transverse compression strength of three-dimensional five-directional braiding composite is strongly dependent on the matrix properties, and is not very sensitive to the braiding angle. The predicted results show good agreement with the relevant experimental data, demonstrating the applicability of meso-scale finite element model.
Reforming Offences Against the Person
Authors: Jackson Adam , Storey Tony
Published: December 2015

Whilst the criminal law typically favours the principle of correspondence between actus reus and mens rea, the current law governing offences against the person takes an approach which may be more accurately defined as ‘moderate’ constructivism. This approach is based on consideration of both the defendant’s mens rea and the degree of harm caused by the defendant’s actions. The recent Law Commission Scoping Consultation Paper Reform of Offences against the Person appears to prefer reform based on a move towards the principle of correspondence. This article discusses the theoretical rationale for both the adoption of the correspondence principle and the retention of a moderate constructivist approach in the context of offences against the person. Consideration is given to the fairness of attributing liability to a defendant for the unforeseen consequences of her actions and whether such an approach can be justified by the change in D’s normative position based on her decision to use violence. Consideration is also given to the concept of fair labelling and to potential lacunae that may be created as a result of a move towards a set of offences based on the correspondence principle.
Study on the formation of three-dimensionally ordered SiO2 photonic crystals on polyester fabrics by vertical deposition self-assembly
Authors: Zhou Lan , Wu Yujiang , Chai Liqin , Liu Guojin , Fan Qinguo , Shao Jianzhong
Published: December 2015

In order to form a well-ordered structure of SiO2 photonic crystals on polyester fabrics with fewer defects, a series of influential factors such as particle size and monodispersity of colloidal microspheres, evaporation temperature, relative humidity, mass fraction of colloidal microspheres and solvent in vertical deposition assembly were deeply studied, and the complexities of the self-assembly process of colloidal microspheres on polyester fabric substrates were revealed. In different self-assembly conditions, the quality of SiO2 photonic crystals on polyester fabric substrate was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy for the morphology of the crystal structures and by spectrometer measurements for their stop band intensities. Under the conditions of suitable sizes and monodispersity (PDI ≤ 0.08) of colloidal microspheres, the high-quality SiO2 photonic crystals with face centered cubic (fcc) array on polyester fabrics were produced at a low evaporation rate by adopting relative humidity of about 60% with a medium mass fraction of 1.0–1.5% SiO2 microspheres at 25℃ with ethanol as the solvent.
Design and fabrication of auxetic warp-knitted structures with a rotational hexagonal loop
Authors: Ma Pibo , Chang Yuping , Jiang Gaoming
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the design, manufacturing and characterization of two-dimensional warp-knitted textiles with auxetic performance is reported. Four warp-knitted structures based on a rotational hexagonal structure are produced, and these structures can lead to a negative Poisson’s ratio mathematically. The testing results have confirmed that the knitting structure of the front bar, as well as let-off values of the front bar’s chain parts, has a great effect, and auxetic properties of the warp-knitted textiles have a complicated relationship with the rotation angle. These novel structures can expand the applied area of auxetic structures.
Coloration of different textile fibers using glycerol oxides
Authors: Ohe Takeru , Nakai Takeo , Yoshimura Yurika
Published: December 2015

We have investigated new applications of the Maillard reaction in textile industries as an alternative to conventional dyeing methods. Our previous paper indicated that only textile fibers having amino groups, such as wool, silk, and nylon fibers, were colored by chemical reactions with reducing sugars, such as d-glucose and d-xylose, but these coloration reactions were very slow compared with conventional dyeing methods. Recently, we obtained important results from our preliminary studies that trioses, such as glyceraldehyde, imparted deeper coloration to the textile fibers than other reducing sugars. However, these trioses are too expensive to be used as raw colorant materials for the textile industry. In this paper, the coloration reactions of the textile fibers having amino groups with glycerol oxides, which were obtained from low-cost glycerol by the Fenton reaction, were investigated. Interestingly, the obtained fibers were observed to be more deeply colored by the glycerol oxides than the reducing sugars mentioned above, including glyceraldehyde. Furthermore, when the wool fibers were heated in neutral or basic solutions containing glycerol oxides, the color of the fibers quickly became dark brown or almost black.
The adsorption of alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride onto cotton nonwoven hydroentangled substrates at the solid–liquid interface is minimized by additive chemistries
Authors: Hinchliffe Doug J , Condon Brian D , Slopek Ryan P , Reynolds Michael
Published: December 2015

Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly referred to as quats, are cationic surfactants widely used as the active biocidal ingredient for disposable disinfecting wipes. The cationic nature of quats results in a strong ionic interaction and adsorption onto wipes materials that have an anionic surface charge, such as cellulosic materials, including cotton. The degree of adsorption of quats onto cotton nonwovens is affected by pretreatment of the substrate, more specifically whether it is a greige or a scoured and bleached fabric. This study examined the effect of varying the chemical and physical properties of solutions on the adsorption of the quat alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride (ADBAC) onto greige and scoured and bleached cotton nonwoven fabrics produced by hydroentanglement. At a constant surfactant concentration, the liquor ratio, pH, temperature, and concentrations of various electrolytes in the solution were varied and the amount of ADBAC depleted from solution was determined over time. The results suggested that a more alkaline solution increased the amount of ADBAC adsorbed onto both cotton nonwoven fabrics, while a more acidic solution reduced ADBAC adsorption. Likewise, increasing the temperature and concentration of salts in the solution reduced the adsorption of ADBAC onto the cotton fabrics. The presence of nonionic surfactants or low molecular weight quats also reduced ADBAC adsorption onto cotton fabrics in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of this study will provide guidance for optimized chemical formulations compatible with disposable disinfecting cotton-based wipes, cloths, and other cotton-containing implements intended for use in cleaning and disinfecting applications.
Conceptualizing a subtype of patients with chronic pain
Authors: Spiegel David R , Shaukat Ayesha M , Mccroskey Aidan L , Chatterjee Aparna , Ahmadi Tamana , Simmelink Drew , Oldfield Edward C , Pryor Christopher R , Faschan Michael , Raulli Olivia
Published: December 2015

Lifetime history of sexual abuse is estimated to range between 15% and 25% in the general female population. Cross-sectional studies have shown that sexual assault survivors frequently report chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional somatic syndromes. Treating chronic pain with opioids went from being largely discouraged to being included in standards of care and titrating doses until patients self-report adequate control has become common practice, with 8% to 30% of patients with chronic noncancer pain receiving opioids. In this clinical review, we will discuss the association between survivors of sexual assault and chronic pain/functional somatic syndromes. We will further review evidence-based treatment strategies for this “pain-prone phenotype.”
Effect of various material parameters on barrier properties of high-density polyethylene/polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Moghri Mehdi , Dragoi Elena-Niculina
Published: December 2015

In this work, the effect of four factors including the nanoclay (NC) content, polyamide 6 (PA-6) content, compatibilizer type, and amount, as material variables on barrier properties of different high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/PA-6/clay nanocomposites, was described. Response surface method was used as a tool for experimental design. Different PA-6/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing of PA-6 at different clay loadings using a corotating twin-screw extruder. Subsequently, different PA-6/NC compounds containing different amounts of clay were melt mixed with HDPE to produce blow-molded containers under fixed processing conditions. In order to model the permeability, a neural network modelling approach in combination with a modified version of differential evolution was employed. The differential evolution modifications included, among others, a local search procedure based on backpropagation. The best models determined had a mean squared error in the testing phase of less than 0.1 and an average relative error lower than 12.2%, the difference between experimental results and predictions being within an acceptable range. This indicates that the methodology used was able to efficiently model the considered process.
Public Policy Made by Private Enterprise: Bond Rating Agencies and Urban America
Authors: Biles Roger
Published: December 2015

Since World War II, and especially since the1970s, cities have increasingly relied on municipal bonds as a crucial source of income. At the same time, the bond rating agencies have exerted more influence on potential investors—a development with significant consequences for the nation’s cities. The need for elected officials to measure their actions against possible rewards and punishments imposed by the bond rating agencies allowed private businesses to shape public policies in distant places impervious to the mandates given democratically elected local governments. This paper examines the challenges faced by public officials in three cities (Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit) because of the power wielded by bond rating agencies.
Composite anti-disturbance control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems via a disturbance observer
Authors: Zhang Huifeng , Jing Yuanwei , Wei Xinjiang
Published: December 2015

A new anti-disturbance control scheme is proposed for a class of nonlinear systems subjected to multi-source disturbances. The uncertain multi-source disturbances are classified into two parts; one is the harmonic and constant disturbance with partial known information, which can be formulated by an exogenous system, and the other consists of unknown time-varying disturbances. The nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is constructed to estimate the first kind of disturbance. By integrating the NDO with an adaptive backstepping technique, a novel composite anti-disturbance control scheme is proposed for the nonlinear systems. Then the stability analysis of the closed-loop system is presented. The simulation of a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Input–output finite time stability of fractional order linear systems with 0 < α < 1
Authors: Ma Ya-jing , Wu Bao-wei , Wang Yue-E , Cao Ye
Published: December 2015

The input–output finite time stability (IO-FTS) for a class of fractional order linear time-invariant systems with a fractional commensurate order 0 < α < 1 is addressed in this paper. In order to give the stability property, we first provide a new property for Caputo fractional derivatives of the Lyapunov function, which plays an important role in the main results. Then, the concepts of the IO-FTS for fractional order normal systems and fractional order singular systems are introduced, and some sufficient conditions are established to guarantee the IO-FTS for fractional order normal systems and fractional order singular systems, respectively. Finally, the state feedback controllers are designed to maintain the IO-FTS of the resultant fractional order closed-loop systems. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Explicit model predictive control of split-type air conditioning system
Authors: Sahu Chinmay , Kirubakaran V , Radhakrishnan TK , Sivakumaran N
Published: December 2015

Domestic air conditioners are a major source of energy consumption. In this study, utilizing real-time data from a public domain, a cascaded hardware in loop approach to the control of room temperature is considered. An inner loop to control the supply air temperature by adjusting the electronic expansion valve using a second-order plus delay time model is proposed. The room temperature control is considered the outer loop. A simplified lumped parameter representation of the thermal dynamics of the building is modelled in MATLAB using ordinary differential equations. A constrained multi parametric model predictive controller (mpMPC) is designed for both the control loops. The constraints include safety limits on the superheat and manipulation rates for the inner loop and a rate constraint on the reference signal in the outer loop. Model uncertainties like ambient temperature and thermal load variations (representing an office space) are considered for hardware in the loop testing of the proposed strategy. From performance analysis, using power spent and thermal comfort quantization, it is observed that the mpMPC scheme outperforms traditional control strategies.
The revival of live TV: liveness in a multiplatform context
Authors: Sørensen Inge Ejbye
Published: December 2015

The proliferation of two screen or connected viewing on multiple devices (smartphones/iPhones, laptops, tablets/iPads) simultaneously is reshaping the ways that TV broadcasters produce, schedule and deliver programmes and content. This article examines how the notions of liveness and live TV are being reshaped within this context. Focusing on the BBC and Channel 4, the article explores how and why these two British Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) are reinventing and promoting liveness and in particular live media events across platforms and devices. With the BBC’s ‘BBC Live’ content delivery system as case-study, the article argues that rather than seeing liveness as a thing of the past, BBC regards live TV as core to its multiplatform strategy. Today, the BBC uses two of television’s traditional traits – liveness and reach – to crowd out and gain a competitive edge on streamed content and VOD providers like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime across platforms and devices.
News translation: global or cosmopolitan connections?
Authors: Bielsa Esperanza
Published: December 2015

This article examines the changing context for the study of news translation with reference to three disciplines: social theory, translation studies and media studies. It argues that the attention given to translation in the context of what has been called the new cosmopolitanism favours a new perception of the significance of multilingualism and translation and also forces us to ask new questions about the cultural and social role of translation. In particular, it is necessary to empirically examine to what extent can the news become a space of cosmopolitan openness to others or whether this is precluded by structural constraints. This implies challenging sociological approaches that simply assume the possibility of overcoming ethnocentrism through translation in order to show how certain translation strategies might be conducive to cosmopolitan openness whereas others are not. In this light, the cultural and ethical implications of processes of domestication of foreign news are discussed. A focus on translation also illuminates aspects that have systematically been neglected by studies deploying a national or a traditional comparative approach: the multiplicity of connections and influences across borders.
The impact of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on patients with advanced cancer and their family members: A qualitative study
Authors: Gleeson Aoife , Larkin Philip , O’Sullivan Niamh
Published: December 2015

Background:

Little is known about the impact of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on patients with advanced cancer, such as its impact on the quality of life of this vulnerable group. To date, research on meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the palliative care setting has had a quantitative focus.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus diagnosis on patients and their carers.

Design:

This article reports upon a qualitative interview study of nine patients with advanced cancer and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and nine family members ( n = 18). Framework analysis was used to analyse the data.

Setting/participants:

Patients and family members of patients with advanced cancer either admitted to the specialist palliative care unit or receiving palliative care in the hospital setting, who had a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation, were considered for inclusion in the study.

Results:

Four themes were identified using framework analysis: reactions to receiving a meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus diagnosis, the need for effective communication of the meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus diagnosis, the enigmatic nature of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and lessons to guide the future care of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus patients.

Conclusion:

This article indicates that meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can have a significant impact on advanced cancer patients and their families. This impact may be underestimated, but early and careful face-to-face explanation about meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its implications can help patients and their families to cope better with it. These findings should be considered when developing policy relating to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus management and infection control in specialist palliative care settings.