bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological Analysis of Tuberculosis in Goats by Use of the Enferplex Caprine TB Multiplex Test
Authors: O'Brien Amanda , Whelan Clare , Clarke John B. , Hayton Alastair , Watt Neil J. , Harkiss Gordon D.
Published: January 2017

Tuberculosis in goats is usually diagnosed clinically, at postmortem, or by a positive skin test. However, none of these approaches detects all infected animals. Serology offers an additional tool to identify infected animals missed by current tests. We describe the use of the Enferplex Caprine TB serology test to aid the management of a large dairy goat herd undergoing a tuberculosis breakdown. Initial skin and serology testing showed that IgG antibodies were present in both serum and milk from 100% of skin test-positive animals and in serum and milk from 77.8 and 95.4% of skin test-negative animals, respectively. A good correlation was observed between serum and milk antibody levels. The herd had been vaccinated against
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
, but no direct serological cross-reactions were found. Subsequent skin testing revealed 13.7% positive animals, 64.9% of which were antibody positive, while 42.1% of skin test-negative animals were seropositive. Antibody responses remained high 1 month later (57.1% positive), and the herd was slaughtered. Postmortem analysis of 20 skin test-negative goats revealed visible lesions in 6 animals, all of which had antibodies to six
Mycobacterium bovis
antigens. The results provide indirect evidence that serology testing with serum or milk could be a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis in goats.
VP24-Karyopherin Alpha Binding Affinities Differ between Ebolavirus Species, Influencing Interferon Inhibition and VP24 Stability
Authors: Schwarz Toni M. , Edwards Megan R. , Diederichs Audrey , Alinger Joshua B. , Leung Daisy W. , Amarasinghe Gaya K. , Basler Christopher F.
Published: January 2017

Zaire ebolavirus
(EBOV),
Bundibugyo ebolavirus
(BDBV), and
Reston ebolavirus
(RESTV) belong to the same genus but exhibit different virulence properties. VP24 protein, a structural protein present in all family members, blocks interferon (IFN) signaling and likely contributes to virulence. Inhibition of IFN signaling by EBOV VP24 (eVP24) involves its interaction with the NPI-1 subfamily of karyopherin alpha (KPNA) nuclear transporters. Here, we evaluated eVP24, BDBV VP24 (bVP24), and RESTV VP24 (rVP24) interactions with three NPI-1 subfamily KPNAs (KPNA1, KPNA5, and KPNA6). Using purified proteins, we demonstrated that each VP24 binds to each of the three NPI-1 KPNAs. bVP24, however, exhibited approximately 10-fold-lower KPNA binding affinity than either eVP24 or rVP24. Cell-based assays also indicate that bVP24 exhibits decreased KPNA interaction, decreased suppression of IFN induced gene expression, and a decreased half-life in transfected cells compared to eVP24 or rVP24. Amino acid sequence alignments between bVP24 and eVP24 also identified residues within and surrounding the previously defined eVP24-KPNA5 binding interface that decrease eVP24-KPNA affinity or bVP24-KPNA affinity. VP24 mutations that lead to reduced KPNA binding affinity also decrease IFN inhibition and shorten VP24 half-lives. These data identify novel functional differences in VP24-KPNA interaction and reveal a novel impact of the VP24-KPNA interaction on VP24 stability.

IMPORTANCE
The interaction of Ebola virus (EBOV) VP24 protein with host karyopherin alpha (KPNA) proteins blocks type I interferon (IFN) signaling, which is a central component of the host innate immune response to viral infection. Here, we quantitatively compared the interactions of VP24 proteins from EBOV and two members of the
Ebolavirus
genus, Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) and Reston virus (RESTV). The data reveal lower binding affinity of the BDBV VP24 (bVP24) for KPNAs and demonstrate that the interaction with KPNA modulates inhibition of IFN signaling and VP24 stability. The effect of KPNA interaction on VP24 stability is a novel functional consequence of this virus-host interaction, and the differences identified between viral species may contribute to differences in pathogenesis.
Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Subverts Autophagic Vacuoles To Promote Viral Maturation and Release
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Duan Yulu , Han Chunyan , Yao Shuai , Qi Xiaole , Gao Yulong , Maier Helena J. , Britton Paul , Chen Lei , Zhang Lizhou , Gao Li , Gao Honglei , Shen Nan , Wang Jingfei , Wang Xiaomei
Published: January 2017

Autophagy functions as an intrinsic antiviral defense. However, some viruses can subvert or even enhance host autophagic machinery to increase viral replication and pathogenesis. The role of autophagy during avibirnavirus infection, especially late stage infection, remains unclear. In this study, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was used to investigate the role of autophagy in avibirnavirus replication. We demonstrated IBDV induction of autophagy as a significant increase in puncta of LC3
+
autophagosomes, endogenous levels of LC3-II, and ultrastructural characteristics typical of autophagosomes during the late stage of infection. Induction of autophagy enhances IBDV replication, whereas inhibition of autophagy impairs viral replication. We also demonstrated that IBDV infection induced autophagosome-lysosome fusion, but without active degradation of their contents. Moreover, inhibition of fusion or of lysosomal hydrolysis activity significantly reduced viral replication, indicating that virions utilized the low-pH environment of acidic organelles to facilitate viral maturation. Using immuno-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we observed that a large number of intact IBDV virions were arranged in a lattice surrounded by p62 proteins, some of which lay between virions. Additionally, many virions were encapsulated within the vesicular membranes, with an obvious release stage observed by TEM. The autophagic endosomal pathway facilitates low-pH-mediated maturation of viral proteins and membrane-mediated release of progeny virions.

IMPORTANCE
IBDV is the most extensively studied virus in terms of molecular characteristics and pathogenesis; however, mechanisms underlying the IBDV life cycle require further exploration. The present study demonstrated that autophagy enhances viral replication at the late stage of infection, and the autophagy pathway facilitates IBDV replication complex function and virus assembly, which is critical to completion of the virus life cycle. Moreover, the virus hijacks the autophagic vacuoles to mature in an acidic environment and release progeny virions in a membrane-mediated cell-to-cell manner. This autophagic endosomal pathway is proposed as a new mechanism that facilitates IBDV maturation, release, and reinternalization. This report presents a concordance in exit strategies among some RNA and DNA viruses, which exploit autophagy pathway for their release from cells.
On the Analysis of Intrahost and Interhost Viral Populations: Human Cytomegalovirus as a Case Study of Pitfalls and Expectations
Authors: Renzette Nicholas , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Matuszewski Sebastian , Kowalik Timothy F. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2017

Intrahost and interhost assessments of viral diversity are often treated as measures of separate and distinct evolutionary processes, with numerous investigations reporting seemingly incompatible results between the two. For example, in human cytomegalovirus, the nucleotide diversity estimates are 10-fold higher for interhost data, while the number of segregating (i.e., polymorphic) sites is 6-fold lower. These results have been interpreted as demonstrating that sampled intrahost variants are strongly deleterious. In reality, however, these observations are fully consistent with standard population genetic expectations. Here, we analyze published intra- and interhost data sets within this framework, utilizing statistical inference tools to quantify the fitness effects of segregating mutations. Further, we utilize population level simulations to clarify expectations under common evolutionary models. Contrary to common claims in the literature, these results suggest that most observed polymorphisms are likely nearly neutral with regard to fitness and that standard population genetic models in fact well predict observed levels of both intra- and interhost variability.

IMPORTANCE
With the increasing number of evolutionary virology studies examining both intrahost and interhost patterns of genomic variation, a number of seemingly incompatible results have emerged, revolving around the far greater level of observed intrahost than interhost variation. This has led many authors to suggest that the great majority of sampled within-host polymorphisms are strongly deleterious. Here, we demonstrate that there is in fact no incompatibility of these results and, indeed, that the vast majority of sampled within-host variation is likely neutral. These results thus represent a major shift in the current view of observed viral variation.
Channel-Inactivating Mutations and Their Revertant Mutants in the Envelope Protein of Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Authors: To Janet , Surya Wahyu , Fung To Sing , Li Yan , Verdià-Bàguena Carmina , Queralt-Martin Maria , Aguilella Vicente M. , Liu Ding Xiang , Torres Jaume
Published: January 2017

It has been shown previously in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that two point mutations, N15A and V25F, in the transmembrane domain (TMD) of the envelope (E) protein abolished channel activity and led to
in vivo
attenuation. Pathogenicity was recovered in mutants that also regained E protein channel activity. In particular, V25F was rapidly compensated by changes at multiple V25F-facing TMD residues located on a neighboring monomer, consistent with a recovery of oligomerization. Here, we show using infected cells that the same mutations, T16A and A26F, in the gamma-CoV infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) lead to, in principle, similar results. However, IBV E A26F did not abolish oligomer formation and was compensated by mutations at N- and C-terminal extramembrane domains (EMDs). The C-terminal EMD mutations clustered along an insertion sequence specific to gamma-CoVs. Nuclear magnetic resonance data are consistent with the presence of only one TMD in IBV E, suggesting that recovery of channel activity and fitness in these IBV E revertant mutants is through an allosteric interaction between EMDs and TMD. The present results are important for the development of IBV live attenuated vaccines when channel-inactivating mutations are introduced in the E protein.

IMPORTANCE
The ion channel activity of SARS-CoV E protein is a determinant of virulence, and abolishment of channel activity leads to viral attenuation. E deletion may be a strategy for generating live attenuated vaccines but can trigger undesirable compensatory mechanisms through modifications of other viral proteins to regain virulence. Therefore, a more suitable approach may be to introduce small but critical attenuating mutations. For this, the stability of attenuating mutations should be examined to understand the mechanisms of reversion. Here, we show that channel-inactivating mutations of the avian infectious bronchitis virus E protein introduced in a recombinant virus system are deficient in viral release and fitness and that revertant mutations also restored channel activity. Unexpectedly, most of the revertant mutations appeared at extramembrane domains, particularly along an insertion specific for gammacoronaviruses. Our structural data propose a single transmembrane domain in IBV E, suggesting an allosteric interaction between extramembrane and transmembrane domains.
PostoperativeMycoplasma hominisbrain abscess: keep it in mind!
Authors: Bergin Sarah Maria , Mendis Shehara M , Young Barnaby , Binti Izharuddin Ezlyn
Published: January 2017

A temporal lobe abscess was diagnosed in a 57-year-old man. A urethral catheter had been inserted 12 days earlier, just prior to clot evacuation of a subacute haematoma secondary to an arterio-venous malformation. Fever persisted despite debridement and treatment with meropenem and vancomycin. Gram stains of operative samples showed no bacteria. Extended cultures grew pinpoint colonies after 5 days. Meanwhile, sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA from operative specimens had identifiedMycoplasma hominis; the bacterial colonies were subsequently similarly identified. The patient responded promptly following addition of oral doxycycline 100 mg two times per day. There is a growing literature of similar cases. Transient bacteraemia, following urinary catheterisation, with seeding of existing sites of inflammation is the proposed explanation. Urethral carriage ofM. hominisis 15% and catheterisation is a common procedure.Mycoplasma hominismaybe more common than appreciated, especially as the need for extended cultures makes a correct diagnosis less likely.
Fish oil and treadmill exercise have age-dependent effects on episodic memory and oxidative state of the hippocampus
Authors: Macêdo Patrícia Fortes Cavalcanti de , de Melo Janatar Stella Vasconcelos , Costa Laís Alves Ribeiro , Braz Glauber Rudá F. , de Sousa Shirley M. , Lagranha Cláudia J. , Hornsby Manuella Batista-de-Oliveira
Published: January 2017

There is a growing interest to better understand how lifestyle choices can improve memory functions. Treadmill exercise and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil are able to stimulate hippocampal antioxidant defenses and improve memory. The aim was to test whether fish oil and exercise can improve rat’s performance on memory tasks and optimize hippocampal antioxidant state in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, young and adult rats were exercised and received fish oil during 4 weeks. The exercise was performed for 30 min/day, with the speed gradually increasing from the first to the last week. Afterwards, episodic memory was measured by the recognition of object identity and spatial location. Hippocampal oxidative state was investigated with the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyls content, antioxidant enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), and antioxidant nonenzymatic activity (reduced glutathione, sulfhydryl content). The adult rats treated with fish oil and exercise (FO&EX) were able to recognize object’s shape and placement; however, FO&EX young rats had impaired spatial recognition (p < 0.05). The FO&EX young rats did not have reduced MDA or carbonyl content, though either fish oil or exercise reduced MDA (p < 0.05) and carbonyl levels (p < 0.01). Exercise increased SOD (p < 0.001) and CAT activities (p < 0.05), and fish oil enhanced SOD activity (p < 0.05) in young rats. At adulthood, exercise increased MDA levels (p < 0.05), and FO&EX reduced MDA (p < 0.001). Finally, exercise and fish oil improved nonenzymatic antioxidant defense (p < 0.05) only in adult rats. Results support age-dependent effects of fish oil and exercise on memory and oxidative state of the hippocampus during either neurodevelopment or adulthood.
What factors contribute to the elevation of serum free fatty acid levels in newborns in the cardiac surgical setting?
Authors: Wittnich Carin , Belanger Michael
Published: January 2017

Elevations in serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels during heart surgery have been reported in humans and experimental animals, causing increased arrhythmias, decreased heart function, and contributing to mortality. Factors such as heparin administration, age, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and cyanosis or hypoxia have been implicated but not proven. This study was designed to clarify the contribution of these factors using an experimental pig model as follows: (i) adult (n = 10) versus 3-day-old piglets (n = 18) had FFA levels assessed before and after heparin administration; (ii) 3-day-old piglets, the additional effect of CPB (n = 8) or just severe hypoxia (PaO2= 20–25 mm Hg; n = 6) exposure on FFA levels. This work demonstrated that significant elevations in serum FFA were mainly due to heparin administration, with modest contributions by young age, CPB, and hypoxia. Our preliminary clinical investigations also suggest that children undergoing CPB are at risk of being exposed to high FFA levels and that these patients only suffered a decrease in heart function when these elevations were present in conjunction with cyanosis and (or) prolonged ischemic time. These initial findings require further confirmation. Given these findings, pharmacotherapeutics geared towards limiting FFA elevations should be considered, especially in young children undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery.
Study on sapphire microstructure processing technology based on wet etching
Authors: Shang Ying-Qi , Qi Hong , Ma Yun-Long , Wu Ya-Lin , Zhang Yan , Chen Jing
Published: January 2017

Aiming at the problem that sapphire surface roughness is quite large after wet etching in sapphire microstructure processing technology, we optimize the wet etching process parameters, study on the influences of concentration and temperature of etching solution and etching time on the sapphire surface roughness and etching rate, choose different process parameters for the experiment and test and analyze the sapphire results after wet etching. Aiming at test results, we also optimize the process parameters and do experiment. Experimental results show that, after optimizing the parameters of etching solution, surface roughness of etched sapphire is 0.39 nm, effectively with reduced surface roughness, improved light extraction efficiency and meeting the production requirements of high-precision optical pressure sensor.
Mixed β-bromo/cyano tetrasubstituted-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin Cu(II) complexes: Synthesis and electrochemical studies
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Saxena Amit , Sankar Muniappan
Published: January 2017

Mixed substituted [Formula: see text]-bromo and cyano Cu(II) porphyrins (CuTPPBr[Formula: see text](CN)[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] = 0–4)) were synthesized from CuTPPBr4 by nucleophilic substitution with excess CuCN in quinoline under argon atmosphere for the first time. These porphyrins exhibited a gradual red-shift both in Soret and Q-bands with increase in number of cyano groups. CuTPPBr[Formula: see text](CN)[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 0–4) exhibited anodic shift in their first ring oxidation potential ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] = 120–460 mV) and in first reduction potential ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] = 450–940 mV) as compared to CuTPP due to electron withdrawing nature of cyano and bromo substituents.
Quantum Hall Effect: Discovery and Application
Authors: von Klitzing Klaus
Published: January 2017

The unexpected discovery of the quantum Hall effect was the result of basic research on silicon field-effect transistors combined with my experience in metrology, the science of measurements. This personal review demonstrates that condensed matter physics is full of surprises and that access to excellent crystals and materials is a crucial ingredient of the success of experimentalists in condensed matter science.
Field Experiments in Organizations
Authors: Eden Dov
Published: January 2017

Field experimentation, although rare, is the sterling-gold standard of organizational research methods. It yields the best internally valid and generalizable findings compared to more fallible methods. Reviewers in many psychology specialties, including organizational psychology, synthesize largely nonexperimental research, warn of causal ambiguity, and call for experimental replication. These calls go mostly unheeded. Practical application is a raison d'être for much organizational research. With the emergence of evidence-based management, field experiments enable us to deliver the most actionable tools to practitioners. This review explicates the role of experimental control and randomization and enumerates some of the factors that mitigate field experimentation. It describes, instantiates, and evaluates true field experiments, quasi-experiments, quasi-fields, combo designs, and triangulation. It also provides practical tips for overcoming deterrents to field experimentation. The review ends describing the merging of new technologies with classical experimental design and prophesying the bright future of organizational field experimentation.
Hazard Rate Modeling of Step-Stress Experiments
Authors: Kateri Maria , Kamps Udo
Published: January 2017

Step-stress models form an essential part of accelerated life testing procedures. Under a step-stress model, the test units are exposed to stress levels that increase at intermediate time points of the experiment. The goal is to develop statistical inference for, e.g., the mean lifetime under each stress level, targeting to the extrapolation under normal operating conditions. This is achieved through an appropriate link function that connects the stress level to the associated mean lifetime. The assumptions made about the time points of stress level change, the termination point of the experiment, the underlying lifetime distributions, the type of censoring (if present), and the way of monitoring lead to alternative models. Step-stress models can be designed for single or multiple samples. We discuss recent developments in designing and analyzing step-stress models based on hazard rates. The inference approach adopted is mainly the maximum likelihood, but Bayesian approaches are briefly discussed.
An Overview of Biomaterials in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry
Authors: Cho Young-Dan , Seol Yang-Jo , Lee Yong-Moo , Rhyu In-Chul , Ryoo Hyun-Mo , Ku Young
Published: January 2017

Material is a crucial factor for the restoration of the tooth or periodontal structure in dentistry. Various biomaterials have been developed and clinically applied for improved periodontal tissue regeneration and osseointegration, especially in periodontology and dental implantology. Furthermore, the biomimetic approach has been the subject of active research in recent years. In this review, the most widely studied biomaterials (bone graft material, barrier membrane, and growth or differentiation factors) and biomimetic approaches to obtain optimal tissue regeneration by making the environment almost similar to that of the extracellular matrix are discussed and specifically highlighted.
Experimental Investigation and Quantitative Calculation of the Degree of Hydration and Products in Fly Ash-Cement Mixtures
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Xu Dong , Zhang Yunsheng
Published: January 2017

To explore the hydration process of fly ash-cement blended mixtures, the degrees of the fly ash and cement reactions as well as the content of nonevaporated water were determined at various water to binder ratios, curing ages, and fly ash incorporation amounts. An equation describing the relationship between the degree of hydration and the effective water to binder ratio was established based on the experimental results. In addition, a simplified scheme describing a model of the degree of reaction in fly ash-cement mixtures is proposed. Finally, using reaction stoichiometry, quantitative equations for the hydration products of fly ash-cement blended pastes are proposed by considering the hydration reactions of fly ash and cement as well as their interactions. The predicted results of the enhanced degree of cement hydration, content of calcium hydroxide (CH), and porosity are consistent with the experimental data.
25-Gauge Vitrectomy in Open Eye Injury with Retained Foreign Body
Authors: Sborgia G. , Recchimurzo N. , Niro A. , Sborgia L. , Sborgia A. , Alessio G.
Published: January 2017

Purpose. Ocular trauma with retained foreign body is an important cause of visual impairment in working-age population. Clinical status impacts on the timing and planning of surgery. In the last year small gauge vitrectomy has become safer and more efficient, extending the range of pathologies successfully treated.Aims. To evaluate the safety and outcomes in patients with open eye injury with retained foreign body that underwent early 25-gauge vitrectomy.Methods. In this retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series, we performed 25-gauge vitrectomy on 10 patients affected by open globe injuries with retained foreign body, over 3 years. We analyzed age, wound site, foreign body characteristics, ocular lesions correlated, relative afferent pupillary defect, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months. According to the clinical status we performed other procedures to manage ocular correlated lesions.Results. The median age of patients was 37 years. The foreign body median size was 3.5 mm (size range, 1 to 10 mm). 25-gauge vitrectomy was performed within 12 hours of trauma. Foreign body removal occurred via a clear corneal or scleral tunnel incision or linear pars plana scleral access. Visual acuity improved in all patients. Endophthalmitis was never reported. Only two cases reported postoperative ocular hypertension resolved within the follow-up. Retinal detachment recurred in one case only.Conclusions. 25-gauge vitrectomy could be considered as early approach to manage open globe injuries with a retained posterior segment foreign body in selected cases with good outcomes and low complication rate.
Impact of Hot Pressing Temperature on Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Performance
Authors: Gul W. , Khan A. , Shakoor A.
Published: January 2017

Hot pressing temperature is determined according to the performance of boards, type of glue, and production efficiency of hot press. During hot pressing, the thermal energy has enhanced the plasticity of the fiber and created conditions for the integration of different bonds. The thermal energy will cause the moisture in raw board to vaporize. Temporary heating will expedite the solidification of hot set resin for decreased friction and increased fluidity. The hot pressing temperature usually refers to the temperature of hot pressing plate, but what plays function in actual use is the temperature inside the raw board. This research investigates the performance of MDF with respect to hot pressing temperature. The strength and water resistance of the product are improved with the increase of hot pressing temperature from 140°C to 160°C, the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) is increased by 9.8%, the Internal Bonding (IB) is increased by 33.6%, the water absorption (Wt) is decreased by 38.2%, and the thickness expansion rate (Ts) is decreased by 15.2%.
Patient and Therapist Experiences of the SaeboFlex: A Pilot Study
Authors: Andriske Larissa , Verikios Debbie , Hitch Danielle
Published: January 2017

Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the experiences of both patients and therapists of using the SaeboFlex.Method. A mixed methods approach was adopted. Patients completed a questionnaire which included the Psychosocial Impacts of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) (Version 3.0) and 6 qualitative questions. Therapists completed 2 qualitative questionnaires, which collected data on the regimen adopted for the SaeboFlex and reflections on their practice with this device.Results. The SaeboFlex had a mostly positive impact on both the psychosocial experience of patients and their ability to do, be, and become. Intervention regimens were broadly similar between therapists, and both patients and therapists stated that the SaeboFlex increased motivation for therapy.Conclusion. This study has added to our tentative understanding of the SaeboFlex, but more rigorous research is required to build a robust evidence base.
Deposition Methods for Microstructured and Nanostructured Coatings on Metallic Bone Implants: A Review
Authors: Moore Bailey , Asadi Ebrahim , Lewis Gladius
Published: January 2017

A review of current deposition processes is presented as they relate to osseointegration of metallic bone implants. The objective is to present a comprehensive review of different deposition processes used to apply microstructured and nanostructured osteoconductive coatings on metallic bone implants. Implant surface topography required for optimal osseointegration is presented. Five of the most widely used osteoconductive coating deposition processes are reviewed in terms of their microstructure and nanostructure, usable thickness, and cost, all of which are summarized in tables and charts. Plasma spray techniques offer cost-effective coatings but exhibit deficiencies with regard to osseointegration such as high-density, amorphous coatings. Electrodeposition and aerosol deposition techniques facilitate the development of a controlled-microstructure coating at a similar cost. Nanoscale physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition offer an alternative approach by allowing the coating of a highly structured surface without significantly affecting the microstructure. Various biomedical studies on each deposition process are reviewed along with applicable results. Suggested directions for future research include further optimization of the process-microstructure relation, crystalline plasma spray coatings, and the deposition of discrete coatings by additive manufacturing.
Energy Efficiency and Capacity Tradeoff in Cloud Radio Access Network of High-Speed Railways
Authors: Li Shichao , Zhu Gang , Lin Siyu , Gao Qian , Xiong Lei , Xie Weiliang , Qiao Xiaoyu
Published: January 2017

To meet the increasing demand of high-data-rate services of high-speed railway (HSR) passengers, cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is proposed. This paper investigates the tradeoff between energy efficiency (EE) performance and capacity in C-RAN of HSR. Considering that the train location can be predicted, we propose a predictable path loss based time domain power allocation method (PPTPA) to improve EE performance of HSR communication system. First, we consider that the communication system of HSR only bears the passenger information services (PISs). The energy-efficient power allocation problem with delay constraint is studied. The formulated problem is nonconvex. To deal with it, an equivalent convex problem is reformulated. Based on PPTPA, we propose an iterative algorithm to improve the EE performance. Second, we consider that the PISs and the train control services (TCSs) are all bore. A capacity optimization problem with joint EE and services transmission delay constraints is formulated. Based on PPTPA, we propose a hybrid power allocation scheme to improve the capacity of the system. Finally, we analyze the effect of small-scale fading on EE performance. The effectiveness of the proposed power allocation algorithm is validated by HSR channel measurement trace based emulation results and extensive simulation results.
Metal-Carbon Interactions on Reduced Graphene Oxide under Facile Thermal Treatment: Microbiological and Cell Assay
Authors: Carreño N. L. V. , Barbosa A. M. , Duarte V. C. , Correa C. F. , Ferrúa C. , Nedel F. , Peralta S. , Mills C. A. , Rhodes R. , Sam F. L. M. , Silva S. R. P.
Published: January 2017

Silver-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (Ag-rGO) nanosheets were prepared by single chemical and thermal processes, with very low concentration of silver. The resulting carbon framework consists of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets or 3D networks, decorated with anchored silver nanoparticles. The Ag-rGO nanosheets were dispersed into a polymer matrix and the composites evaluated for use as biological scaffolds. The rGO material in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has been tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positiveStaphylococcus aureus(S. Aureus) bacteria, after exposure times of 24 and 120 hours, as well as in the determination of cell viability on cultures of fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3). Using 1 mL of Ag-rGO in PDMS the antibacterial effectiveness againstStaphylococcus aureuswas limited, showing an increased amount of Colony Forming Units (CFU), after 24 hours of contact. In the cell viability assay, after 48 hours of contact, the group of 1 mL of Ag-rGO with PDMS was the only group that increased cell viability when compared to the control group. In this context, it is believed these behaviors are due to the increase in cell adhesion capacity promoted by the rGO. Thus, the Ag-rGO/PDMS hybrid nanocomposite films can be used as scaffolds for tissue engineering, as they limit antimicrobial activity.
Improved Instance Selection Methods for Support Vector Machine Speed Optimization
Authors: Akinyelu Andronicus A. , Adewumi Aderemi O.
Published: January 2017

Support vector machine (SVM) is one of the top picks in pattern recognition and classification related tasks. It has been used successfully to classify linearly separable and nonlinearly separable data with high accuracy. However, in terms of classification speed, SVMs are outperformed by many machine learning algorithms, especially, when massive datasets are involved. SVM classification speed scales linearly with number of support vectors, and support vectors increase with increase in dataset size. Hence, SVM classification speed can be enormously reduced if it is trained on a reduced dataset. Instance selection techniques are one of the most effective techniques suitable for minimizing SVM training time. In this study, two instance selection techniques suitable for identifying relevant training instances are proposed. The techniques are evaluated on a dataset containing 4000 emails and results obtained compared to other existing techniques. Result reveals excellent improvement in SVM classification speed.
Recent Decadal Trend in the North Atlantic Wind Energy Resources
Authors: Zheng Chong Wei , Li Chong Yin , Li Xin
Published: January 2017

This study presents the climatic trend of the North Atlantic wind energy using cross-calibrated, multiplatform (CCMP) wind data for the period 1988–2011. Results show the following. (1) The North Atlantic WPD exhibited a significant increasing trend of 4.45  (W/m2)/yr over the past 24 years. (2) The variation in the North Atlantic Ocean WPD shows a noticeable regional difference. More than half of the North Atlantic Ocean has a significantly increasing trend in WPD. The increasing trend in the mid-high latitudes is stronger than that in the low latitudes, and the trend is stronger in the west than in the east. The area with the strongest increasing trend is located along the southern coast of Greenland of 35 (W/m2)/yr. (3) There is a noticeable seasonal difference in the variation of WPD. The strongest increasing trend occurs in December-January-February (DJF), followed by September-October-November (SON) and March-April-May (MAM), and the weakest occurs in June-July-August (JJA). The increasing trend in different areas is dominated by different seasons. (4) There is no leading or lagging correlation between WPD and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). However, there is a noticeable negative correlation between the Niño3 index and WPD in most of the North Atlantic.
The Absolute Deviation Rank Diagnostic Approach to Gear Tooth Composite Fault
Authors: Wang Guangbin , Deng Wenhui , Du Xiaoyang , Li Xuejun
Published: January 2017

Aiming at nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics of the different degree with single fault gear tooth broken, pitting, and composite fault gear tooth broken-pitting, a method for the diagnosis of absolute deviation of gear faults is presented. The method uses ADAMS, respectively, set-up dynamics model of single fault gear tooth broken, pitting, and composite fault gear tooth broken-pitting, to obtain the result of different degree of broken teeth, pitting the single fault and compound faults in the meshing frequency, and the amplitude frequency doubling through simulating analysis. Through the comparison with the normal state to obtain the sensitive characteristic of the fault, the absolute value deviation diagnostic approach is used to identify the fault and validate it through experiments. The results show that absolute deviation rank diagnostic approach can realize the recognition of gear single faults and compound faults with different degrees and provide quick reference to determine the degree of gear fault.
Grazoprevir and Elbasvir in Patients with Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Efficacy and Safety Analysis
Authors: Yao Yinan , Yue Ming , Wang Jie , Chen Hongbo , Liu Mei , Zang Feng , Li Jun , Zhang Yun , Huang Peng , Yu Rongbin
Published: January 2017

Background. It is urgent for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to find a safe, effective, and interferon-free regimen to optimize therapy. A comprehensive analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the grazoprevir combined with elbasvir, with or without ribavirin (RBV), in 777 treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 1 infection from 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Method. We collected data from the following trials: C-WORTHY (NCT01717326), C-SALVAGE (NCT02105454), and C-EDGE (NCT02105467). All patients received grazoprevir plus elbasvir with or without RBV for 12 or 18 weeks. The sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after end of treatment was calculated for overall and subgroups. Results. 568 (73%) patients were treatment-naive. Overall, 95% (95% CI: 93–96) patients achieved SVR12, 95% (95% CI: 92–96) for treatment-naive and 96% (95% CI: 92–98) for previously treated patients, respectively. Treatment duration and treatment regimen did not have great difference in SVR12 rates. The most common AEs were fatigue (18%–29%), headache (20%), nausea (8%–14%), and asthenia (4%–12%). One patient (<1%) receiving grazoprevir plus elbasvir alone and one (<1%) receiving grazoprevir plus elbasvir plus RBV had treatment-related serious AEs. Conclusions. The result shows that 12-week grazoprevir plus elbasvir therapy is safe and effective for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 1.
A Location-Aware Service Deployment Algorithm Based on K-Means for Cloudlets
Authors: Liang Tyng-Yeu , Li You-Jie
Published: January 2017

Cloudlet recently was proposed to push data centers towards network edges for reducing the network latency of delivering cloud services to mobile devices. For the sake of user mobility, it is necessary to deploy and hand off services anytime anywhere for achieving the minimal network latency for users’ service requests. However, the cost of this solution usually is too high for service providers and is not effective for resource exploitation. To resolve this problem, we propose a location-aware service deployment algorithm based on K-means for cloudlets in this paper. Simply speaking, the proposed algorithm divides mobile devices into a number of device clusters according to the geographical location of mobile devices and then deploys service instances onto the edge cloud servers nearest to the centers of device clusters. Our performance evaluation has shown that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce not only the network latency of edge cloud services but also the number of service instances used for satisfying the condition of tolerable network latency.
Dietary Supplementation of Astragalus Polysaccharides Enhanced Immune Components and Growth Factors EGF and IGF-1 in Sow Colostrum
Authors: Tan Lunbo , Wei Ting , Yuan Anwen , He Jun , Liu Jinhui , Xu Daojun , Yang Qing
Published: January 2017

Colostrum is the main external resource providing piglets with nutrients and maternal immune molecules. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been used as immunopotentiators in vitro and several animal models. This study aimed to determine the effects of APS on immune factors in sow colostrum and milk. The sow diet was supplemented with APS one week before the expected delivery date. Colostrum and milk were collected and designated as 0 h- (onset of parturition), 12 h-, and 24 h-colostrum and 36 h-milk postpartum. Samples were measured using porcine immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, classical swine fever virus antibody (CSFV Ab), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin-like growth factor- (IGF-) 1 ELISA Quantitation Kits. Dietary supplementation of APS significantly enhanced the presence of IgG, IgM, EGF, and IGF-1 in 0 h-colostrum (P<0.001). The blocking rates of CSFV Ab were increased in samples from APS-supplemented sow when compared to those from the matched samples without APS treatment. The results indicate that supplement of APS could improve the immune components in sow colostrum and/or milk; and status of some specific vaccination could be determined through using colostrum or early milk in sow.
Factors Contributing to Depression and Chronic Pain in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Results from a Single-Center Retrospective Review
Authors: Vangipuram Ramya , Vaidya Toral , Jandarov Roman , Alikhan Ali
Published: January 2017

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic disease that leads to inflammation and abscess formation in the involved skin, along with a malodorous discharge. Pain is a considerable aspect of HS and significantly impacts quality of life. In addition, HS is significantly associated with depression. A better understanding of contributing factors to depression and pain in patients with HS can identify opportunities to improve care for patients. Objective: To identify factors that contribute to depression and chronic pain in patients with HS. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 283 patients seen at dermatology clinics of an academic health center for HS from July 2012 to December 2015. The association between HS and depression and chronic pain was assessed in multivariate models using logistic regression analyses. Results: Patients with a greater number of areas of involvement were more likely to have both chronic pain and depression. Limitations: This is a single-center retrospective chart review with a limited sample size. Conclusion: This study suggests that the extent of disease rather than severity plays a role in reducing the quality of life in HS patients.
Left Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Nam Hwa Seong , Noh Myung Hwan , Han Ji Eun , Kim Jae Hoon , Oh Ki Jong , Lee Hyuk , Jo Jeong Hyun
Published: January 2017

Objective: The aim of this work was to report a case of left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm due to acute pancreatitis following endoscopic papillectomy. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 74-year-old female with an ampullary adenoma underwent papillectomy, which was complicated by acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography showed aneurysmal dilatation of the proximal left hepatic artery. An angiography with coli embolization was performed and was successful. The patient was doing well at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: This patient with left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following severe acute pancreatitis was successfully treated with coil embolization.
Inflação e incerteza inflacionária no Brasil
Authors: Costa Filho Adonias Evaristo da
Published: January 2017

Este artigo estuda a relação entre o nível da inflação e a incerteza inflacionária no Brasil. Essa variável é obtida a partir de dois métodos. No primeiro, a incerteza inflacionária é estimada por meio de modelos GARCH. No segundo, a incerteza inflacionária é identificada como o desvio-padrão das expectativas de inflação. Testes de causalidade de Granger apontam para causalidade em ambos os sentidos entre a incerteza inflacionária e a inflação. A incerteza inflacionária é positivamente correlacionada com a inflação corrente, e Granger-causa o componente permanente da inflação (núcleo da inflação), quando mensurada pelo desvio-padrão das expectativas de inflação
Systematic review of the neotropical shovelnose catfish genus Sorubim Cuvier (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)
Authors: LITTMANN MICHAEL W.
Published: January 2017

The genus Sorubim Cuvier, 1829, and two species, S. lima (Bloch & Schneider 1801) and S. trigonocephalus Miranda- Ribeiro, 1920, are redescribed based on the examination of type material and about 400 non-type specimens from ichthyological collections in Europe and North and South America. The five species of the genus are, in addition to S. lima and S. trigonocephalus, S. elongatus Littmann, Burr, Schmidt and Isern 2001, found in the Essequibo, Orinoco, and Amazon basins; S. cuspicaudus Littmann, Burr and Nass 2000, occurring in the Sinu, Cauca, and Magdalena rivers of Colombia and the Lago Maracaibo basin of Colombia and Venezuela; and S. maniradii Littmann, Burr and Buitrago-Suarez 2001, known from the upper and middle Amazon basin. Sorubim lima is the widest-ranging species, occurring in most of the major drainage basins of South America. Sorubim trigonocephalus is extremely rare in natural history collections and is currently known from only two major tributaries of the Amazon basin. Three species (S. maniradii, S. elongatus, and S. lima) occur syntopically. Species of Sorubim are diagnosed on the basis of body and head shape, differences in fin ray and gill-raker numbers, mental barbel position, and degree of pigmentation of the lateral stripe. At least two of the species (S. lima and S elongatus) make up part of the ornamental fish trade and are sold for food in local fish markets in South America. A key to adults of the five species is included.
New species and records of pollen and sap beetles for Iran (Coleoptera: Kateretidae, Nitidulidae)
Authors: AUDISIO PAOLO , CLINE ANDREW R. , LASOŃ ANDRZEJ , JELÍNEK JOSEF , SABATELLI SIMONE , SERRI SAYEH
Published: January 2017

During recent expeditions in North and Southwest Iran, 10 species of Kateretidae and Nitidulidae (Coleoptera) were found. One species of Kateretidae, Brachyleptus bicoloratus Reitter, 1896, and three nitidulid species, Afrogethes schilskyi (Reitter, 1897), Stachygethes khnzoriani (Kirejtshuk, 1979), and S. nigerrimus (Rosenhauer, 1856) are recorded for the first time for the Iranian fauna (the latter is also a new record for Asia). Thymogethes ahriman (Jelínek, 1981) is herein resurrected to species rank, and two species, Thymogethes kassites sp. nov. and T. khorasanicus sp. nov., are described as new. An updated key to the known Near East and Afghan species of the genus Thymogethes Audisio & Cline, 2009 is also provided. Available and recently collected biological and distributional data, as well as short taxonomic comments, are given for the discussed species.
On the identity of the Palearctic species of the wolf spider genus Trebacosa (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: SZŰTS TAMÁS , ZALAI BÉLA , VILLEPOUX OLIVIER , BUCHHOLZ SASCHA , EICHARDT JÁNOS , ZHUKOVETS EVGENI , OGER PIERRE , SZINETÁR CSABA
Published: January 2017

In this paper we propose Trebacosa brunhesi Villepoux, 2007 as a junior synonym of Trebacosa europaea Szinetár & Kan-csal, 2007 based on the examination of specimens from all the localities from where those species are known. Illustration of the type species of the genus, Trebacosa marxi (Stone, 1890) and specimens from all known localities of T. europaea are given to show both the inter- and the intraspecific differences of the genus. Scanning electron micrographs were used to illustrate the detailed structure of the female’s genitalia.