bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional reconstruction of nonplanar ultrasound fields using Radon transform and the schlieren imaging method
Authors: Xu Zheng , Chen Hao , Yan Xu , Qian Meng-Lu , Cheng Qian
Published: July 2017

This paper introduces a numerical method of reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound fields from their two-dimensional back-projections to understand the intensity distribution of nonplanar waves. The horizontal planes for line-focused ultrasound fields were roughly elliptical, whereas those for point-focused ultrasound fields were nearly circular. Experimental and simulated results indicated that the ultrasound intensity at the central axis can be calibrated from the light intensity by 3D reconstruction of the ultrasound field. The difference between the measured ultrasound intensity for nonplanar waves in schlieren imaging and the simulation results were discussed. From this work, the 3D ultrasound field becomes possible to be reconstructed.
Designers squabble over giant Chinese scope
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: July 2017

Influential optics team clashes with astronomers over plans for 12-meter telescope.
NIH abandons grant cap, offers new help to youngerscientists
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: July 2017

After controversy, agency aims to build $1 billion “next-generation” fund.
Chimps in waiting
Authors: Grimm David
Published: July 2017

Two years after biomedical research on chimpanzees ended, why have so few beenretired to sanctuaries?
East Africa turmoil imperils giraffes
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: July 2017

Slow reproduction compounds impacts of poaching and habitat loss.
Webinar | Cell analysis: Time for a change?
Authors: Cossarizza Andrea , Von Kries Jens Peter , Hergersberg Christoph
Published: July 2017

The traditional techniques of standard microscopy and flow cytometry have been the stalwart of cell analysis for many years. But times have changed—scientific breakthroughs, grant applications, and publications wait for no one—and there are now a host of new technologies that complement these traditional modalities. With the advent of automation and high-throughput technologies, researchers no longer need to spend hours in a darkroom to capture a simple fluorescent image, painstakingly measuring cell parameters one cell at a time, or risk losing precious samples due to mechanical issues. Our panelists will explain how applying the latest cutting-edge technologies, such as high-content analysis and superresolution microscopy, as well as other advances in flow cytometry and microscopy, can lead to new discoveries while saving time and making your lab more efficient and productive.

View the Webinar
AI in Action: AI's early proving ground: the hunt for new particles
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: July 2017

High-energy physicists use machine learning to sift through the debris of particle collisions
AI in Action: Combing the genome for the roots of autism
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Artificial intelligence tools are helping to reveal the genetic components of autism.
AI in Action: Machines that make sense of the sky
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: July 2017

System sharpens images by learning how a galaxy should look
AI in Action: Neural networks learn the art of chemical synthesis
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: July 2017

When fed examples of successful chemical reactions, new software learns how to build molecules on its own.
Country-specific effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on honey bees and wild bees
Authors: Woodcock B. A. , Bullock J. M. , Shore R. F. , Heard M. S. , Pereira M. G. , Redhead J. , Ridding L. , Dean H. , Sleep D. , Henrys P. , Peyton J. , Hulmes S. , Hulmes L. , Sárospataki M. , Saure C. , Edwards M. , Genersch E. , Knäbe S. , Pywell R. F.
Published: July 2017

Damage confirmed

Early studies of the impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides on insect pollinators
indicated considerable harm. However, lingering criticism was that the studies did not
represent field-realistic levels of the chemicals or prevailing environmental
conditions. Two studies, conducted on different crops and on two continents, now
substantiate that neonicotinoids diminish bee health (see the Perspective by Kerr).
Tsvetkov
et al.
find that bees near corn crops are exposed to
neonicotinoids for 3 to 4 months via nontarget pollen, resulting in decreased survival
and immune responses, especially when coexposed to a commonly used agrochemical
fungicide. Woodcock
et al.
, in a multicounty experiment on rapeseed in
Europe, find that neonicotinoid exposure from several nontarget sources reduces
overwintering success and colony reproduction in both honeybees and wild bees. These
field results confirm that neonicotinoids negatively affect pollinator health under
realistic agricultural conditions.

Science
, this issue p.
1395
, p.
1393
; see also p.
1331
Origins of lymphatic and distant metastases in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Naxerova Kamila , Reiter Johannes G. , Brachtel Elena , Lennerz Jochen K. , van de Wetering Marc , Rowan Andrew , Cai Tianxi , Clevers Hans , Swanton Charles , Nowak Martin A. , Elledge Stephen J. , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: July 2017

Metastases undergo reconstruction

Cancer cells from primary tumors can migrate to regional lymph nodes and distant organs. The prevailing model in oncology is that lymph node metastases give rise to distant metastases. This “sequential progression model” is the rationale for surgical removal of tumor-draining lymph nodes. Naxerova
et al.
used phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the evolutionary relationship of primary tumors, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases in 17 patients with colorectal cancer (see the Perspective by Markowitz). The sequential progression model applied to only one-third of the patients. In the other two-thirds, distant metastases and lymph node metastases originated from independent subclones within the primary tumor.

Science
, this issue p.
55
; see also p.
35
Multipotent peripheral glial cells generate neuroendocrine cells of the adrenal medulla
Authors: Furlan Alessandro , Dyachuk Vyacheslav , Kastriti Maria Eleni , Calvo-Enrique Laura , Abdo Hind , Hadjab Saida , Chontorotzea Tatiana , Akkuratova Natalia , Usoskin Dmitry , Kamenev Dmitry , Petersen Julian , Sunadome Kazunori , Memic Fatima , Marklund Ulrika , Fried Kaj , Topilko Piotr , Lallemend Francois , Kharchenko Peter V. , Ernfors Patrik , Adameyko Igor
Published: July 2017

Following the yellow brick road

The adrenal glands affect a variety of processes such as stress responses and metabolism. The mature adrenal gland is formed from multiple tissue sources, including cells of neural origin. Furlan
et al.
traced the origins of these cells. The cells first become Schwann cell precursors and follow along nerves to travel from the dorsal root ganglia of the spine to the adrenal gland. Once there, the cells differentiate into chromaffin cells. The authors used singlecell transcriptomics to reveal the shifts in functional programs during migration, development, and differentiation.

Science
, this issue p.
eaal3753
Human-in-the-loop optimization of exoskeleton assistance during walking
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Fiers Pieter , Witte Kirby A. , Jackson Rachel W. , Poggensee Katherine L. , Atkeson Christopher G. , Collins Steven H.
Published: July 2017

Optimum human input

Exoskeletons can be used to augment human abilities—for example, to lift very heavy loads or to provide greater endurance. For each user, though, a device will need to be adjusted for optimum effect, which can be time-consuming. Zhang
et al.
show that the human can be included in the optimization process, with real-time adaptation of an ankle exoskeleton (see the Perspective by Malcolm
et al.
). By using indirect calorimetry to measure metabolic rates, the authors were able to adjust the torque provided by the device while users were walking, running, and carrying a load.

Science
, this issue p.
1280
; see also p.
1230
Plant diversity increases with the strength of negative density dependence at the global scale
Authors: LaManna Joseph A. , Mangan Scott A. , Alonso Alfonso , Bourg Norman A. , Brockelman Warren Y. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Chang Li-Wan , Chiang Jyh-Min , Chuyong George B. , Clay Keith , Condit Richard , Cordell Susan , Davies Stuart J. , Furniss Tucker J. , Giardina Christian P. , Gunatilleke I. A. U. Nimal , Gunatilleke C. V. Savitri , He Fangliang , Howe Robert W. , Hubbell Stephen P. , Hsieh Chang-Fu , Inman-Narahari Faith M. , Janík David , Johnson Daniel J. , Kenfack David , Korte Lisa , Král Kamil , Larson Andrew J. , Lutz James A. , McMahon Sean M. , McShea William J. , Memiaghe Hervé R. , Nathalang Anuttara , Novotny Vojtech , Ong Perry S. , Orwig David A. , Ostertag Rebecca , Parker Geoffrey G. , Phillips Richard P. , Sack Lawren , Sun I-Fang , Tello J. Sebastián , Thomas Duncan W. , Turner Benjamin L. , Vela Díaz Dilys M. , Vrška Tomáš , Weiblen George D. , Wolf Amy , Yap Sandra , Myers Jonathan A.
Published: July 2017

Maintaining tree diversity

Negative interaction among plant species is known as conspecific negative density
dependence (CNDD). This ecological pattern is thought to maintain higher species
diversity in the tropics. LaManna
et al.
tested this hypothesis by
comparing how tree species diversity changes with the intensity of local biotic
interactions in tropical and temperate latitudes (see the Perspective by Comita).
Stronger local specialized biotic interactions seem to prevent erosion of biodiversity
in tropical forests, not only by limiting populations of common species, but also by
strongly stabilizing populations of rare species, which tend to show higher CNDD in the
tropics.

Science
, this issue p.
1389
; see also p.
1328
Emission of volatile organic compounds from petunia flowers is facilitated by an ABC transporter
Authors: Adebesin Funmilayo , Widhalm Joshua R. , Boachon Benoît , Lefèvre François , Pierman Baptiste , Lynch Joseph H. , Alam Iftekhar , Junqueira Bruna , Benke Ryan , Ray Shaunak , Porter Justin A. , Yanagisawa Makoto , Wetzstein Hazel Y. , Morgan John A. , Boutry Marc , Schuurink Robert C. , Dudareva Natalia
Published: July 2017

Active transport of aromas

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) serve as invisible lines of communication among host
plants, pathogens, commensals, community groups, and, with flowers, their pollinators.
Studying petunia flowers, Adebesin
et al.
show that VOCs do not
passively diffuse out of the cells but are actively shuttled across the plasma membrane
by an ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter (see the Perspective by Eberl and
Gershenzon). Disabling the transporter results in damage to the cell's membranes by
intracellular accumulation of VOCs.

Science
, this issue p.
1386
; see also p.
1334
Imagine this
The Evolution of Imagination
StephenT. Asma
University of Chicago Press, 2017. 337 pp.
Authors: Merritt Marilyn
Published: July 2017

A philosopher places creativity in evolutionary context
Locked and loaded for apoptosis
Authors: Bren Kara L. , Raven Emma L.
Published: July 2017

Switching between respiration and apoptosis in cytochrome c is finely
balanced
Building chromosomes without bricks
Authors: Kakui Yasutaka , Uhlmann Frank
Published: July 2017

Has the textbook model of DNA compaction into chromosomes been upended?
Caught in the jump
Authors: Maekawa Takaki , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: July 2017

The genetic mechanism by which the blast fungus jumped host to wheat is
identified
Cancer bypasses the lymph nodes
Authors: Markowitz Sanford D.
Published: July 2017

Why are lymph nodes a strong predictor of metastases?
Rejuvenating brain plasticity
Authors: Kehayas Vassilis , Holtmaat Anthony
Published: July 2017

Can the potential to change be restored in the adult brain?
Intrapartum spontaneous pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema (Hamman’s syndrome) in a 30-year-old woman with asthma
Authors: Nagarajan Divya Bharathi , Ratwatte Malinga Dilhan , Mathews John , Siddiqui Mateen
Published: July 2017

The authors report a case of a 30-year-old nulliparous woman with a prior medical history of asthma who developed intrapartum pneumomediastinum with surgical emphysema during the second stage of labour. She was managed conservatively with supportive care and there was complete resolution of symptoms within 4 days. Clinical and radiological findings were consistent with Hamman’s syndrome (spontaneous pneumomediastinum). This case reiterates the possibility of childhood asthma or a family history of asthma as being an associated risk factor for Hamman’s syndrome and reminds us of the need to distinguish such clinical findings from more important and potentially life-threatening conditions such as oesophageal rupture, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection that can present with similar findings.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and transient global amnesia: a shared aetiology
Authors: Sajeev Jithin , Koshy Anoop , Rajakariar Kevin , Gordon Gary
Published: July 2017

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is associated with acute, reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, while transient global amnesia (TGA) is a reversible disorder of the brain characterised by anterograde amnesia. We report an unusual case of TTC occurring concurrently in a patient with TGA, and propose that catecholamine surge induced cerebral venous congestion and cardiotoxicity is the shared aetiology that leads to the concurrent manifestation of these conditions. TTC and TGA are reversible disorders that can occur concurrently in a subset of patients due to a unifying aetiology, catecholamine excess, leading to pathophysiological changes within the brain and the myocardium.
Autism spectrum disorder in Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome
Authors: Merritt Jessica , Hart Joseph C , LeGrow Tracy L
Published: July 2017

Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS), also known as Ohdo syndrome SBBYS type, is a rare genetic disorder characterised by dysmorphic facial features and severe intellectual disability, as well as cardiac, dental and hearing abnormalities. There has been little psychiatric or psychological description of children with SBBYSS, although previous reports noted repetitive self-injurious behaviours, sensitivity to light and noise and severe deficits in communication. In this report, a 4-year-old male with SBBYSS is described with a focus on psychiatric and psychological assessment, including formal testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results of multiple behavioural assessment scales are reported. Testing revealed characteristic ASD features, and the patient met criteria for ASD diagnosis in the context of SBBYSS. His behaviours improved with Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy and communication skills training. This is the first documented case of ASD reported alongside SBBYSS. These results suggest ASD may be a clinical feature of SBBYSS.
Abnormal fixational eye movements in strabismus
Authors: Ghasia Fatema F , Otero-Millan Jorge , Shaikh Aasef G
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Fixational saccades are miniature eye movements that constantly change the gaze during attempted visual fixation. Visually guided saccades and fixational saccades represent an oculomotor continuum and are produced by common neural machinery. Patients with strabismus have disconjugate binocular horizontal saccades. We examined the stability and variability of eye position during fixation in patients with strabismus and correlated the severity of fixational instability with strabismus angle and binocular vision.

Methods

Eye movements were measured in 13 patients with strabismus and 16 controls during fixation and visually guided saccades under monocular viewing conditions. Fixational saccades and intersaccadic drifts were analysed in the viewing and non-viewing eye of patients with strabismus and controls.

Results

We found an increase in fixational instability in patients with strabismus compared with controls. We also found an increase in the disconjugacy of fixational saccades and intrasaccadic ocular drift in patients with strabismus compared with controls. The disconjugacy was worse in patients with large-angle strabismus and absent stereopsis. There was an increase in eye position variance during drifts in patients with strabismus. Our findings suggest that both fixational saccades and intersaccadic drifts are abnormal and likely contribute to the fixational instability in patients with strabismus.

Discussion

Fixational instability could be a useful tool for mass screenings of children to diagnose strabismus in the absence of amblyopia and latent nystagmus. The increased disconjugacy of fixational eye movements and visually guided saccades in patients with strabismus reflects the disruption of the fine-tuning of the motor and visual systems responsible for achieving binocular fusion in these patients.
Patellar and Achilles tendinopathies are predominantly peripheral pain states: a blinded case control study of somatosensory and psychological profiles
Authors: Plinsinga Melanie L , van Wilgen Cornelis P , Brink Michel S , Vuvan Viana , Stephenson Aoife , Heales Luke J , Mellor Rebecca , Coombes Brooke K , Vicenzino Bill T
Published: July 2017

Study design

Case–control design.

Background

Tendinopathy is characterised by pain on tendon loading. In persistent cases of upper limb tendinopathy, it is frequently associated with central nervous system sensitisation, whereas less commonly linked in the case of persistent lower limb tendinopathies.

Objectives

Compare somatosensory and psychological profiles of participants with persistent patellar (PT) and Achilles tendinopathies (AT) with pain-free controls.

Methods

A comprehensive battery of Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) was assessed at standardised sites of the affected tendon and remotely (lateral elbow) by a blinded assessor. Participants completed the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment, a health-related quality of life questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Active Australia Questionnaire. Independent t-test and analysis of covariance (sex-adjusted and age-adjusted) were performed to compare groups.

Results

Participants with PT and AT did not exhibit differences from controls for the QST at the remote site, but there were differences at the affected tendon site. Compared with controls, participants with PT displayed significantly lower pressure pain threshold locally at the tendon (p=0.012) and fewer single limb decline squats before pain onset, whereas participants with AT only displayed fewer single heel raises before pain onset, but this pain was of a higher intensity.

Conclusion

PT and AT appear to be predominantly local not widespread pain states related to loading of tendons without significant features of central sensitisation.

Level of evidence

Level 4.
Retinal vasculature in glaucoma: a review
Authors: Chan Karen K W , Tang Fangyao , Tham Clement C Y , Young Alvin L , Cheung Carol Y
Published: July 2017

Despite the critical impact of glaucoma on global blindness, its aetiology is not fully characterised. Elevated intraocular pressure is highly associated with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. However, visual field loss still progresses in some patients with normal or even low intraocular pressure. Vascular factors have been suggested to play a role in glaucoma development, based on numerous studies showing associations of glaucoma with blood pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, vasospasm, cardiovascular disease and ocular blood flow. As the retinal vasculature is the only part of the human circulation that readily allows non-invasive visualisation of the microcirculation, a number of quantitative retinal vascular parameters measured from retinal photographs using computer software (eg, calibre, fractal dimension, tortuosity and branching angle) are currently being explored for any association with glaucoma and its progression. Several population-based and clinical studies have reported that changes in retinal vasculature (eg, retinal arteriolar narrowing and decreased fractal dimension) are associated with optic nerve damage and glaucoma, supporting the vascular theory of glaucoma pathogenesis. This review summarises recent findings on the relationships between quantitatively measured structural retinal vascular changes with glaucoma and other markers of optic nerve head damage, including retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Clinical implications, recent new advances in retinal vascular imaging (eg, optical coherence tomography angiography) and future research directions are also discussed.
Kv10.1 potassium channel: from the brain to the tumors
Authors: Cázares-Ordoñez V. , Pardo L.A.
Published: July 2017

The KCNH1 gene encodes the Kv10.1 (Eag1) ion channel, a member of the EAG (ether-à-go-go) family of voltage-gated potassium channels. Recent studies have demonstrated that KCHN1 mutations are implicated in Temple–Baraitser and Zimmermann–Laband syndromes and other forms of developmental deficits that all present with mental retardation and epilepsy, suggesting that Kv10.1 might be important for cognitive development in humans. Although the Kv10.1 channel is mainly expressed in the mammalian brain, its ectopic expression occurs in 70% of human cancers. Cancer cells and tumors expressing Kv10.1 acquire selective advantages that favor cancer progression through molecular mechanisms that involve several cellular pathways, indicating that protein–protein interactions may be important for Kv10.1 influence in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Several studies on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of Kv10.1 expression have shown interesting mechanistic insights about Kv10.1 role in oncogenesis, increasing the importance of identifying the cellular factors that regulate Kv10.1 expression in tumors.
On the origin of generalized uncertainty principle from compactified M5-brane
Authors: Sepehri Alireza , Pradhan Anirudh , Beesham A.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we demonstrate that compactification in M-theory can lead to a deformation of field theory consistent with the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). We observe that the matter fields in the M3-brane action contain higher derivative terms. We demonstrate that such terms can also be constructed from a reformulation of the field theory by the GUP. In fact, we will construct the Heisenberg algebra consistent with this deformation, and explicitly demonstrate it to be the Heisenberg algebra obtained from the GUP. Thus, we use compactification in M-theory to motivate for the existence of the GUP.
New constraint of an attractor GL model in braneworld context
Authors: Mounzi Z. , Safsafi A. , Ferricha-Alami M. , Bennai M.
Published: July 2017

We are interested in studying the generalization of the first chaotic inflation model in supergravity, which was proposed by Goncharov and Linde (GL model) and was recently revisited, in the framework of the Randall–Sundrum type 2 braneworld model. This model predicts a tiny ratio [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Our scenario predicts a great tensor-to-scalar ratio [Formula: see text] of the order [Formula: see text] and the central value of the scalar spectral index [Formula: see text] for a particular choice of values of brane tension [Formula: see text] and the parameter [Formula: see text]. We have shown that this scenario reproduces successfully an attractor behavior. We have also derived all known spectrum inflationary parameters, in particular the running [Formula: see text] and the power spectrum of the curvature perturbations [Formula: see text] which are widely consistent with Planck observations.
Ab initio calculation of magnetic properties in B, Al, C, Si, N, P and As-doped rutile TiO2
Authors: Luitel Homnath , Sanyal Dirtha
Published: July 2017

The ferromagnetic (FM) ordering in rutile TiO2 has been theoretically studied by substituting different [Formula: see text]-block elements (B, Al, C, Si, N, P and As) doped at oxygen site (B[Formula: see text], Al[Formula: see text], C[Formula: see text], Si[Formula: see text], N[Formula: see text], P[Formula: see text] and As[Formula: see text]) as well as at titanium site. Ab initio calculations in the frame work of density functional theory indicates that the [Formula: see text]-block elements (B, C, Al, Si, N, P and As) when substituting the oxygen site give significant amount of magnetic moment, but induce zero magnetic moment in case of substitution at Ti site. Spin–spin interaction for (Ti[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]X)2 with X = B, Al, C, Si, N, P and As system has also been studied with two different doping distances. Among all the possibilities, carbon substitution at oxygen site (C[Formula: see text]) results the most stable FM ordering in rutile TiO2.
A spin current rectifier
Authors: Eyni Zahra , Mohammadpour Hakimeh
Published: July 2017

Current modulation and rectification is an important subject of electronics as well as spintronics. In this paper, an efficient rectifying mesoscopic device is introduced. The device is a two terminal device on the 2D plane of electron gas. The lateral contacts are half-metal ferromagnetic with antiparallel magnetizations and the central channel region is taken as ferromagnetic or normal in the presence of an applied magnetic field. The device functionality is based on the modification of spin-current by tuning the strength of the magnetic field or equivalently by the exchange coupling of the channel to the substrate. The result is that the (spin-) current depends on the polarity of the bias voltage. Converting an alternating bias voltage to direct current is the main achievement of this model device with an additional profit of rectified spin-current. We analyze the results in terms of the spin-dependent barrier in the channel. Detecting the strength of the magnetic field by spin polarization is also suggested.
FPGA-based hardware simulation of nonlinear autoregressive Volterra model to reconstruct the single neuron spike pattern
Authors: Su Fei , Deng Bin , Li Hongji , Yang Shuangming , Qin Yingmei , Wang Jiang , Liu Chen
Published: July 2017

This study explores the implementation of the nonlinear autoregressive Volterra (NARV) model using a field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)-based hardware simulation platform and accomplishes the identification process of the Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) model. First, a physiological detailed single-compartment HH model is applied to generate experiment data sets and the electrical behavior of neurons are described by the membrane potential. Then, based on the injected input current and the output membrane potential, a second-order NARV model is constructed and implemented on FPGA-based simulation platforms. The NARV modeling method is data-driven, requiring no accurate physiological information and the FPGA-based hardware simulation can provide a real time and high-performance platform to deal with the drawbacks of software simulation. Therefore, the proposed method in this paper is capable of handling the nonlinearities and uncertainties in nonlinear neural systems and may help promote the development of clinical treatment devices.
Telecommunication Traffic Prediction Based on Improved LSSVM
Authors: Liu Jun-Xia , Jia Zhen-Hong
Published: July 2017

Telecommunication traffic prediction is an important aspect of data analysis and processing in communication networks. In this study, we utilize the least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM) prediction method to improve the prediction performance of telecommunication traffic. As the parameters of LSSVM are difficult to determine, we propose to optimize the LSSVM parameters using the improved artificial bee colony (IABC) algorithm based on the fitness-prediction strategy (i.e. FP-IABC). We employ real traffic data collected on site to establish a telecommunication traffic forecasting model based on FP-IABC optimizing LSSVM (FP-IABC-LSSVM). The experiment results indicate that in the case involving no increase in the computational complexity, the proposed telecommunication traffic forecasting model-based FP-IABC-LSSVM has a higher prediction accuracy than the prediction model based on the ABC optimizing LSSVM (ABC-LSSVM), particle swarm optimizing LSSVM (PSO-LSSVM), and genetic algorithm optimizing LSSVM (GA-LSSVM). Further, with respect to the standard root mean square error and the average computation time, the proposed FP-IABC-LSSVM is the optimal prediction method of all of the comparison methods. The proposed prediction method not only improves the prediction accuracy, but also reduces the average computation time.
Reheating and preheating in the simplest extension of Starobinsky inflation
Authors: van de Bruck Carsten , Dunsby Peter , Paduraru Laura E.
Published: July 2017

The epochs of reheating and preheating are studied in a simple extension of the Starobinsky inflationary model, which consists of an [Formula: see text]-correction to the Einstein–Hilbert action and an additional scalar field. We find that if the [Formula: see text]-correction at the end of inflation is dynamically important, it affects the expansion rate and as a consequence, the reheating and preheating processes. While we find that the reheating temperature and duration of reheating are only slightly affected, the effect has to be taken into account when comparing the theory to data. In the case of preheating, the gravitational corrections can significantly affect the decay of the second field. We find that particle production is strongly affected for certain values of the parameters in the theory.
Studies on Magnetron-Sputtered NiO/Si3N4 Thin Films
Authors: Dhanisha K. M. , Manoj Christopher M. , Abinaya M. , Deepak Raj P. , Sridharan M.
Published: July 2017

The present work deals with NiO/Si3N4 layers formed by depositing nickel oxide (NiO) thin films over silicon nitrate (Si3N[Formula: see text] thin films. NiO films were coated on Si3N4-coated Si substrate using magnetron sputtering method by changing duration of coating time and were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and four-point probe method to study the influence of thickness on physical properties. Crystallinity of the deposited films increases with increase in thickness. All films exhibited spherical-like structure, and with increase in deposition time, grains are coalesced to form smooth surface morphology. The optical bandgap of NiO films was found to decrease from 3.31[Formula: see text]eV to 3.22[Formula: see text]eV with upsurge in the thickness. The film deposited for 30[Formula: see text]min exhibits temperature coefficient resistance of [Formula: see text]1.77%/[Formula: see text]C as measured at 80[Formula: see text]C.
EK (DLEK, DSEK, DMEK): New Frontier in Cornea Surgery
Authors: Price Marianne O. , Gupta Pankaj , Lass Jonathan , Price Francis W.
Published: July 2017

Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has revolutionized treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. Compared with penetrating keratoplasty (PK), EK provides faster and more reliable visual rehabilitation while maintaining the eye's structural integrity. The number of EK procedures is growing annually and surpassed PK in the United States in 2012. The most widely used iteration, Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), implants healthy donor endothelium, Descemet membrane, and posterior stroma. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) eliminates the donor stromal layer. Although more surgically challenging than DSEK, DMEK provides even faster visual rehabilitation and reduced risk of immunologic rejection, so its use is growing. Potential future alternatives to EK that could help address the unmet demand for donor corneas include removing central guttae and regenerating a central endothelial cell layer from healthy peripheral cells in patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy or injecting cultured human corneal endothelial cells to rehabilitate eyes without residual healthy endothelium.
Relationships between gastrointestinal microbiota and blood group antigens
Authors: Gampa Anuhya , Engen Phillip A. , Shobar Rima , Mutlu Ece A.
Published: July 2017

FUT2 is a gene for a fucosyltransferase that encodes expression of ABO blood group antigens found on gastrointestinal mucosa and secretions. We hypothesized that the fecal microbiomes of healthy subjects, with blood group antigens A, B, and O, have differing compositions. We analyzed 33 fecal and blood specimens from healthy subjects for FUT2 genotype, and the fecal microbiome was determined by 454 pyrosequencing. Our data show that being a blood group secretor is associated with less diversity at higher orders of taxonomy; and the presence of blood group A antigens in the secretor subjects are associated with an expansion families of bacteria within the gut. Furthermore, our study confirms the previous findings that secretors and nonsecretors have differing bacterial taxa. This extends the previous findings by demonstrating that the impact of being a nonsecretor is higher than that of individual blood group antigens. Additionally, we demonstrate that both secretor status and blood group antigen expression especially affect the Lachnospiraceae family of bacteria within the gut microbiome, with lower abundances noted in nonsecretors and higher abundances in secretors of various blood groups. We further note specific differences in blood group A-secretors demonstrating that the genus Blautia is lower in the group A-secretors compared with the non-A-secretors and that this reduction is accompanied by higher abundances of members of the Rikenellaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Clostridiales, and Turicibacter. This study offers a first insight into the relationship between the fecal microbiome and blood group antigens in secretors.
Holographic van der Waals Phase Transition for a Hairy Black Hole
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Xiong , Han Yi-Wen
Published: July 2017

The van der Waals (VdW) phase transition in a hairy black hole is investigated by analogizing its charge, temperature, and entropy as the temperature, pressure, and volume in the fluid, respectively. The two-point correlation function (TCF), which is dual to the geodesic length, is employed to probe this phase transition. We find the phase structure in the temperature-thermal entropy plane besides the scale of the horizontal coordinate (geodesic length plane resembles that in the temperature). In addition, we find the equal area law (EAL) for the first-order phase transition and critical exponent of the heat capacity for the second-order phase transition in the temperature-thermal entropy plane (geodesic length plane is consistent with that in temperature), which implies that the TCF is a good probe to probe the phase structure of the back hole.
New Results on the (Super) Edge-Magic Deficiency of Chain Graphs
Authors: Anak Agung Gede Ngurah , Adiwijaya
Published: July 2017

Let G be a graph of order v and size e. An edge-magic labeling of G is a bijection f:V(G)∪E(G)→{1,2,3,…,v+e} such that f(x)+f(xy)+f(y) is a constant for every edge xy∈E(G). An edge-magic labeling f of G with f(V(G))={1,2,3,…,v} is called a super edge-magic labeling. Furthermore, the edge-magic deficiency of a graph G, μ(G), is defined as the smallest nonnegative integer n such that G∪nK1 has an edge-magic labeling. Similarly, the super edge-magic deficiency of a graph G, μs(G), is either the smallest nonnegative integer n such that G∪nK1 has a super edge-magic labeling or +∞ if there exists no such integer n. In this paper, we investigate the (super) edge-magic deficiency of chain graphs. Referring to these, we propose some open problems.
Long-Term Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification Is Independent of Classical Risk Factors, C-Reactive Protein, and Parathyroid Hormone in Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Gulcicek Sibel , Zoccali Carmine , Olgun Deniz Çebi , Tripepi Giovanni , Alagoz Selma , Yalın Serkan Feyyaz , Trabulus Sinan , Altiparmak Mehmet R. , Seyahi Nurhan
Published: July 2017

Aims: Compared to the general population, mortality is significantly increased in renal transplant recipients. In the general population, coronary artery calcification (CAC) and its evolution over time are associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and the study of this biomarker could provide useful information for describing the long-term progression of coronary heart disease in renal transplant recipients. Methods: We followed up a cohort of 113 renal transplant patients by performing three multi-detector computed tomography studies over 83.6 ± 6.8 months. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis and by mixed linear modelling. Results: Progression was observed in 34.5% of patients. Baseline CAC and time-to-transplantation were the sole variables that predicted CAC evolution over time. Neither classical nor nontraditional risk factors, biomarkers of renal function (GFR) and kidney damage (albuminuria) or biomarkers of bone mineral disorder (BMD), such as serum phosphorus, calcium, and PTH, were associated with the long-term progression of coronary calcification. Serum triglycerides predicted CAC progression only in logistic regression analysis, while in addition to baseline CAC, time to transplantation was the sole variable predicting CAC progression when the data were analyzed by mixed linear modelling. These data suggested that, in addition to the background calcification burden, other unmeasured factors play major roles in promoting the evolution of coronary calcification in the transplant population. Conclusion: CAC progression continued over the long-term follow-up of renal transplant patients. This phenomenon was unaccounted for by classical and nontraditional risk factors, as well as by biomarkers of renal dysfunction and renal damage.
Genes Involved in Long-Term Memory Are Expressed in Testis of Cryptorchid Boys and Respond to GnRHa Treatment
Authors: Hadziselimovic Faruk , Gegenschatz-Schmid Katharina , Verkauskas Gilvydas , Demougin Philippe , Bilius Vytautas , Dasevicius Darius , Stadler Michael B.
Published: July 2017

It has been known for many years that boys with unilateral or bilateral undescended testis (cryptorchidism) tend to have a low IQ, and those who belong to the high infertility risk (HIR) group perform less well at school than low infertility risk (LIR) patients. However, the molecular biological processes underlying this phenomenon are not understood. In this study, we report the outcome of testicular RNA profiling for genes involved in long-term memory formation. We analyzed the histology and the transcriptome of testicular biopsies from bilateral HIR cryptorchid boys, comparing those who received GnRHa treatment for 6 months after the first surgery with those who did not receive GnRHa before the second surgery. We found that GnRHa treatment alters the testicular mRNA levels of neuronal genes that are involved in long-term memory and testosterone synthesis. These data highlight a possible molecular link between cryptorchidism, impaired mini-puberty, and diminished cognitive functions. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in cryptorchid boys with altered mini-puberty may affect neuronal genes important for memory and learning, which could help explaining the negative correlation between cryptorchidism and intellectual abilities.
MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE LONGITUDINAL STRIPS AND THE HUMAN CORPUS CALLOSUM
Authors: Boiagina O. D.
Published: July 2017

Background. It is established that there is an anatomical relationship between the corpus callosum and longitudinal strips. These formations must correlate to the common commissural system of the corpus callosum conductors. At present this issue in such a formulation is not considered in literature on Neuromorphology.Objective. The study was aimed to determine the commutations between the longitudinal strips and commissural conductors of the corpus callosum.Methods. The corpus callosum of people aged from 36 to 60 was studied. Some slices of the corpus callosum stem were used for impregnation and then inserted in paraffin blocks. Another part of these slices was subjected to plastination in epoxy resin.Results. Lateral longitudinal strips contain significantly greater mass of nerve conductors. Most of them compactly pass along limbic ring, while the other part is combined to nerve fibres of the corpus callosum commissural cords. The longitudinal strips are coated with an outer limiting glial membrane (grey coating).Conclusions. By means of the corpus callosum the connections between conscious and subconscious brain areas are structurally fixed. It can be assumed that longitudinal strips have relation to hippocampal area, related to the ancient formation of the pallium. This does not exclude the fact that the nerve fibres, found within longitudinal strips may have projections on the cortical cells of vaulted gyrus, which is considered to be paleopallium sphere. So, this interaction between the ancient and the old cortex should presumably be carried out by means of lateral longitudinal strips.
PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS OF GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS FROM THE POSITION OF POLYMORPHISM OF NUCLEAR TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR NF- κВ1
Authors: Hasiuk N. V.
Published: July 2017

Background. Periodontal diseases are a topical issue of contemporary dentistry because they are accompanied by severe morphological and functional disorders of maxillodental system; and are characterized by polyetiology and a number of metabolic disorders.The purpose of this study was to substantiate the pathogenic mechanisms of generalized periodontitis in relation to polymorphism of nuclear transcription factor NF- κB1.Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the genetic factors in the development of generalized periodontitis and the relationship of this parameter with immunohistochemical affiliation for cellular infiltrate of the lamina propria of gum at this nosology in young people. Hence, 2 groups were formed: І – control and II – observational.Methods. Polymorphic gene section NF-κB1 was determined using the cells of buccal epithelium of the examined people by means of polymerase chain reaction. Collection of material was performed with sterile disposable dental brush, followed by the introduction of a reagent in ependorph with DNA Express reagent (LyTeh NPF, Russia). Genome deoxyribonucleic acid was isolated by DNA Express set (LyTeh, Moscow).Results. The lack of correlation in this case indicates that no matter how parameters change, relatively major genotype (Del/Del) in this case is unchanged and the determining factor causes the development of generalized periodontitis, clinical picture of which is rapidly progressing.Conclusions. Results of correlation analysis proved that genotype (Del/Del), as polymorphic variant of gene transcription factor NF-κB1, was significantly associated with the emergence of rapidly progressive periodontitis in young people.
Dachsous1–Fat4 Signaling Controls Endothelial Cell Polarization During Lymphatic Valve Morphogenesis—Brief Report
Authors: Pujol Francoise , Hodgson Tina , Martinez-Corral Ines , Prats Anne-Catherine , Devenport Danelle , Takeichi Masatoshi , Genot Elisabeth , Mäkinen Taija , Francis-West Philippa , Garmy-Susini Barbara , Tatin Florence
Published: July 2017

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Fat4 and Dachsous1 signaling in the lymphatic vasculature.

Approach and Results—

Phenotypic analysis of the lymphatic vasculature was performed in mice lacking functional
Fat4
or
Dachsous1
. The overall architecture of lymphatic vasculature is unaltered, yet both genes are specifically required for lymphatic valve morphogenesis. Valve endothelial cells (Prox1
high
[prospero homeobox protein 1] cells) are disoriented and failed to form proper valve leaflets. Using Lifeact-GFP (green fluorescent protein) mice, we revealed that valve endothelial cells display prominent actin polymerization. Finally, we showed the polarized recruitment of Dachsous1 to membrane protrusions and cellular junctions of valve endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions—

Our data demonstrate that Fat4 and Dachsous1 are critical regulators of valve morphogenesis. This study highlights that valve defects may contribute to lymphedema in Hennekam syndrome caused by Fat4 mutations.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes Following Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Mohananey Divyanshu , Jobanputra Yash , Kumar Arnav , Krishnaswamy Amar , Mick Stephanie , White Jonathon M. , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: July 2017

Background—

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has become the procedure of choice for inoperable, high-risk, and many intermediate-risk patients with aortic stenosis. Conduction abnormalities are a common finding after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and often result in permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Data pertaining to the clinical impact of PPM implantation are controversial. We used meta-analysis techniques to summarize the effect of PPM implantation on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results—

Data were summarized as Mantel–Haenszel relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous variables and as standardized mean difference and 95% CI for continuous variables We used the Higgins
I
2
statistic to evaluate heterogeneity. We found that patients with and without PPM have similar all-cause mortality (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.70–1.03), cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59–1.18), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20–1.11), and stroke (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.70–2.26) at 30 days. The groups were also comparable in all-cause mortality (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92–1.16), cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.39–1.24), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.30–1.13), and stroke (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47–1.04) at 1 year. We observed that the improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly greater in the patients without PPM (standardized mean difference, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12–0.32).

Conclusions—

PPM implantation is not associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, stroke, or myocardial infarction both at short- and long-term follow-up. However, PPM is associated with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction recovery post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement.