bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papers of note in
Nature
545
(7653)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2017

This week’s articles highlight colon cancer stem cells; cooperative signaling that maintains intestinal stem cell self-renewal; a newly developed Wnt agonist; and metabolic changes in endothelial cells that promote angiogenesis.
In Vitro
Cross-Resistance Profiles of Rilpivirine, Dapivirine, and MIV-150, Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Microbicides in Clinical Development for the Prevention of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Giacobbi Nicholas S. , Sluis-Cremer Nicolas
Published: May 2017

Rilpivirine (RPV), dapivirine (DPV), and MIV-150 are in development as microbicides. It is not known whether they will block infection of circulating nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants. Here, we demonstrate that the activity of DPV and MIV-150 is compromised by many resistant viruses containing single or double substitutions. High DPV genital tract concentrations from DPV ring use may block replication of resistant viruses. However, MIV-150 genital tract concentrations may be insufficient to inhibit many resistant viruses, including those harboring K103N or Y181C.
Pharmacokinetics of Levofloxacin in Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: van't Boveneind-Vrubleuskaya Natasha , Seuruk Tatiana , van Hateren Kai , van der Laan Tridia , Kosterink Jos G. W. , van der Werf Tjip S. , van Soolingen Dick , van den Hof Susan , Skrahina Alena , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C.
Published: May 2017

Pharmacodynamics are especially important in the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB). The free area under the concentration time curve in relation to MIC (
f
AUC/MIC) is the most relevant pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) parameter for predicting the efficacy of levofloxacin (LFX). The objective of our study was to assess LFX PK variability in M/XDR-TB patients and its potential consequence for
f
AUC/MIC ratios. Patients with pulmonary M/XDR-TB received LFX as part of the treatment regimen at a dose of 15 mg/kg administered once daily. Blood samples obtained at steady state before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 12 h after drug administration were measured by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The MIC values of LFX were determined by the agar dilution method on Middlebrook 7H10 and the MGIT960 system. Twenty patients with a mean age of 31 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 27 to 35 years) were enrolled in this study. The median AUC
0–24
was 98.8 mg/h/liter (IQR = 84.8 to 159.6 mg/h/liter). The MIC median value for LFX was 0.5 mg/liter with a range of 0.25 to 2.0 mg/liter, and the median
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC ratio was 109.5 (IQR = 48.5 to 399.4). In 4 of the 20 patients, the value was below the target value of ≥100. When MICs of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/liter were applicable, 19, 18, 3, and no patients, respectively, had an
f
AUC/MIC ratio that exceeded 100. We observed a large variability in AUC. An
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC of ≥100 was only observed when the MIC values for LFX were 0.25 to 0.5 mg/liter. Dosages exceeding 15 mg/kg should be considered for target attainment if exposures are assumed to be safe. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02169141.)
Antiviral Activity of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and Its Derivative Tetra-
O
-Methyl Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid against West Nile Virus and Zika Virus
Authors: Merino-Ramos Teresa , Jiménez de Oya Nereida , Saiz Juan-Carlos , Martín-Acebes Miguel A.
Published: May 2017

Flaviviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses distributed all over the world that infect millions of people every year and for which no specific antiviral agents have been approved. These viruses include the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV), which is responsible for outbreaks of meningitis and encephalitis. Considering that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) has been previously shown to inhibit the multiplication of the related dengue virus and hepatitis C virus, we have evaluated the effect of NDGA, and its methylated derivative tetra-
O
-methyl nordihydroguaiaretic acid (M
4
N), on the infection of WNV. Both compounds inhibited the infection of WNV, likely by impairing viral replication. Since flavivirus multiplication is highly dependent on host cell lipid metabolism, the antiviral effect of NDGA has been previously related to its ability to disturb the lipid metabolism, probably by interfering with the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) pathway. Remarkably, we observed that other structurally unrelated inhibitors of the SREBP pathway, such as PF-429242 and fatostatin, also reduced WNV multiplication, supporting that the SREBP pathway may constitute a druggable target suitable for antiviral intervention against flavivirus infection. Moreover, treatment with NDGA, M
4
N, PF-429242, and fatostatin also inhibited the multiplication of the mosquito-borne flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV), which has been recently associated with birth defects (microcephaly) and neurological disorders. Our results point to SREBP inhibitors, such as NDGA and M
4
N, as potential candidates for further antiviral development against medically relevant flaviviruses.
Colistin Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Mediated by Chromosomal Integration of Plasmid DNA
Authors: Cienfuegos-Gallet Astrid V. , Chen Liang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Jiménez J. Natalia
Published: May 2017

Here we describe the spread of colistin resistance in clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaein Medellín, Colombia. Among 32 isolates collected between 2012 and 2014, 24 showed genetic alterations inmgrB. Nineteen isolates belonged to sequence type 512 (ST512) (or its single locus variant [SLV]) and harbored an 8.1-kbhsdMSRinsertion corresponding to ISKpn25, indicating a clonal expansion of the resistant strain. The insertion region showed 100% identity to several plasmids, suggesting that the colistin resistance is mediated by chromosomal integration of plasmid DNA.
Characterization of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase LmPRL-1 Secreted by Leishmania major via the Exosome Pathway
Authors: Leitherer Sabine , Clos Joachim , Liebler-Tenorio Elisabeth M. , Schleicher Ulrike , Bogdan Christian , Soulat Didier
Published: May 2017

Similar to other intracellular pathogens,Leishmaniaparasites are known to evade the antimicrobial effector functions of host immune cells. To date, however, only a few virulence factors have been described forLeishmania major, one of the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, we have characterized the expression and function of anL. majorphosphatase, which we termed LmPRL-1. This enzyme shows a strong structural similarity to the human phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRL-1, -2, and -3) that regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and motility of cells. The biochemical characterization of theL. majorphosphatase revealed that the enzyme is redox sensitive. When analyzing the subcellular localization of LmPRL-1 in promastigotes, amastigotes, and infected macrophages, we found that the phosphatase was predominantly expressed and secreted by promastigotes via the exosome route. Finally, we observed that ectopic expression of LmPRL-1 inL. majorled to an increased number of parasites in macrophages. From these data, we conclude that theL. majorphosphatase LmPRL-1 contributes to the intracellular survival of the parasites in macrophages.
Antibodies against
In Vivo
-Expressed Antigens Are Sufficient To Protect against Lethal Aerosol Infection with Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Zimmerman Shawn M. , Dyke Jeremy S. , Jelesijevic Tomislav P. , Michel Frank , Lafontaine Eric R. , Hogan Robert J.
Published: May 2017

Burkholderia mallei
, a facultative intracellular bacterium and tier 1 biothreat, causes the fatal zoonotic disease glanders. The organism possesses multiple genes encoding autotransporter proteins, which represent important virulence factors and targets for developing countermeasures in pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, we investigated one of these autotransporters, BatA, and demonstrate that it displays lipolytic activity, aids in intracellular survival, is expressed
in vivo
, elicits production of antibodies during infection, and contributes to pathogenicity in a mouse aerosol challenge model. A mutation in the
batA
gene of wild-type strain ATCC 23344 was found to be particularly attenuating, as BALB/c mice infected with the equivalent of 80 median lethal doses cleared the organism. This finding prompted us to test the hypothesis that vaccination with the
batA
mutant strain elicits protective immunity against subsequent infection with wild-type bacteria. We discovered that not only does vaccination provide high levels of protection against lethal aerosol challenge with
B. mallei
ATCC 23344, it also protects against infection with multiple isolates of the closely related organism and causative agent of melioidosis,
Burkholderia pseudomallei
. Passive-transfer experiments also revealed that the protective immunity afforded by vaccination with the
batA
mutant strain is predominantly mediated by IgG antibodies binding to antigens expressed exclusively
in vivo
. Collectively, our data demonstrate that BatA is a target for developing medical countermeasures and that vaccination with a mutant lacking expression of the protein provides a platform to gain insights regarding mechanisms of protective immunity against
B. mallei
and
B. pseudomallei
, including antigen discovery.
Conformational Changes of an Interdomain Linker Mediate Mechanical Signal Transmission in Sensor Kinase BvgS
Authors: Lesne Elodie , Dupré Elian , Locht Camille , Antoine Rudy , Jacob-Dubuisson Françoise
Published: May 2017

The whooping cough agent,
Bordetella pertussis
, controls the expression of its large virulence regulon in a coordinated manner through the two-component system BvgAS. BvgS is a dimeric, multidomain sensor kinase. Each monomer comprises, in succession, tandem periplasmic Venus flytrap (VFT) domains, a transmembrane segment, a cytoplasmic Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain, a kinase module, and additional phosphorelay domains. BvgS shifts between kinase and phosphatase modes of activity in response to chemical modulators that modify the clamshell motions of the VFT domains. We have shown previously that this regulation involves a shift between distinct states of conformation and dynamics of the two-helix coiled-coil linker preceding the enzymatic module. In this work, we determined the mechanism of signal transduction across the membrane via a first linker, which connects the VFT and PAS domains of BvgS, using extensive cysteine cross-linking analyses and other approaches. Modulator perception by the periplasmic domains appears to trigger a small, symmetrical motion of the transmembrane segments toward the periplasm, causing rearrangements of the noncanonical cytoplasmic coiled coil that follows. As a consequence, the interface of the PAS domains is modified, which affects the second linker and eventually causes the shift of enzymatic activity. The major features of this first linker are well conserved among BvgS homologs, indicating that the mechanism of signal transduction unveiled here is likely to be generally relevant for this family of sensor kinases.

IMPORTANCE
Bordetella pertussis
produces virulence factors coordinately regulated by the two-component system BvgAS. BvgS is a sensor kinase, and BvgA is a response regulator that activates gene transcription when phosphorylated by BvgS. Sensor kinases homologous to BvgS are also found in other pathogens. Our goal is to decipher the mechanisms of BvgS signaling, since these sensor kinases may represent new targets for antibacterial agents. Signal perception by the sensor domains of BvgS triggers small motions of the helical linker region underneath. The protein domain that follows this linker undergoes a large conformational change that amplifies the initial signal, causing a shift of activity from kinase to phosphatase. Because BvgS homologs harbor similar regions, these signaling mechanisms are likely to apply generally to that family of sensor kinases.
Modular Organization of the NusA- and NusG-Stimulated RNA Polymerase Pause Signal That Participates in the Bacillus subtilis trp Operon Attenuation Mechanism
Authors: Mondal Smarajit , Yakhnin Alexander V. , Babitzke Paul
Published: May 2017

The
Bacillus subtilis trpEDCFBA
operon is regulated by a transcription attenuation mechanism in which tryptophan-activated TRAP binds to the nascent transcript and blocks the formation of an antiterminator structure such that the formation of an overlapping intrinsic terminator causes termination in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). In the absence of bound TRAP, the antiterminator forms and transcription continues into the
trp
genes. RNA polymerase pauses at positions U107 and U144 in the 5′ UTR. The general transcription elongation factors NusA and NusG stimulate pausing at both positions. NusG-stimulated pausing at U144 requires sequence-specific contacts with a T tract in the nontemplate DNA (ntDNA) strand within the paused transcription bubble. Pausing at U144 participates in a
trpE
translation repression mechanism. Since U107 just precedes the critical overlap between the antiterminator and terminator structures, pausing at this position is thought to participate in attenuation. Here we carried out
in vitro
pausing and termination experiments to identify components of the U107 pause signal and to determine whether pausing affects the termination efficiency in the 5′ UTR. We determined that the U107 and U144 pause signals are organized in a modular fashion containing distinct RNA hairpin, U-tract, and T-tract components. NusA-stimulated pausing was affected by hairpin strength and the U-tract sequence, whereas NusG-stimulated pausing was affected by hairpin strength and the T-tract sequence. We also determined that pausing at U107 results in increased TRAP-dependent termination in the 5′ UTR, implying that NusA- and NusG-stimulated pausing participates in the
trp
operon attenuation mechanism by providing additional time for TRAP binding.

IMPORTANCE
The expression of several bacterial operons is controlled by regulated termination in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). Transcription attenuation is defined as situations in which the binding of a regulatory molecule promotes transcription termination in the 5′ UTR, with the default being transcription readthrough into the downstream genes. RNA polymerase pausing is thought to participate in several attenuation mechanisms by synchronizing the position of RNA polymerase with RNA folding and/or regulatory factor binding, although this has only been shown in a few instances. We found that NusA- and NusG-stimulated pausing participates in the attenuation mechanism controlling the expression of the
Bacillus subtilis trp
operon by increasing the TRAP-dependent termination efficiency. The pause signal is organized in a modular fashion containing RNA hairpin, U-tract, and T-tract components.
A rare case of thrombotic microangiopathy triggered by acute pancreatitis
Authors: Singh Kevin , Nadeem Ahmed Jamal , Doratotaj Behzad
Published: May 2017

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurring after acute pancreatitis is rarely described. Without prompt intervention, TMA can be, and often is, lethal, so prompt recognition is important. Here, we present a case of a 61-year-old woman with a history of alcohol misuse who presented with epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting after binge drinking. Elevated serum lipase and imaging were suggestive of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. Although the patient’s symptoms of acute pancreatitis subsided, her anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury worsened. A peripheral blood smear revealed schistocytes, prompting suspicion for TMA. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was promptly initiated and she completed 10 TPE sessions that improved her anaemia and serum creatinine and resolved the thrombocytopenia. Since TPE was effective and the ADAMTS13 assay revealed 55% activity in the absence of anti-ADAMTS13 IgG prior to initiation of therapy, a confident diagnosis of TMA caused by acute pancreatitis was made. There was no evidence of relapse 2 years later.
Exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions for cancer-related fatigue in patients during or after cancer treatment: a systematic review incorporating an indirect-comparisons meta-analysis
Authors: Hilfiker Roger , Meichtry Andre , Eicher Manuela , Nilsson Balfe Lina , Knols Ruud H , Verra Martin L , Taeymans Jan
Published: May 2017

Aim

To assess the relative effects of different types of exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients during and after cancer treatment.

Design

Systematic review and indirect-comparisons meta-analysis.

Data sources

Articles were searched in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and published meta-analyses.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised studies published up to January 2017 evaluating different types of exercise or other non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce CRF in any cancer type during or after treatment.

Study appraisal and synthesis

Risk of bias assessment with PEDro criteria and random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results

We included 245 studies. Comparing the treatments with usual care during cancer treatment, relaxation exercise was the highest ranked intervention with a standardisedmean difference (SMD) of −0.77 (95% Credible Interval (CrI) −1.22 to −0.31), while massage (−0.78; −1.55 to −0.01), cognitive–behavioural therapy combined with physical activity (combined CBT, −0.72; −1.34 to −0.09), combined aerobic and resistance training (−0.67; −1.01 to −0.34), resistance training (−0.53; −1.02 to −0.03), aerobic (−0.53; −0.80 to −0.26) and yoga (−0.51; −1.01 to 0.00) all had moderate-to-large SMDs. After cancer treatment, yoga showed the highest effect (−0.68; −0.93 to −0.43). Combined aerobic and resistance training (−0.50; −0.66 to −0.34), combined CBT (−0.45; −0.70 to −0.21), Tai-Chi (−0.45; −0.84 to −0.06), CBT (−0.42; −0.58 to −0.25), resistance training (−0.35; −0.62 to −0.08) and aerobic (−0.33; −0.51 to −0.16) showed all small-to-moderate SMDs.

Conclusions

Patients can choose among different effective types of exercise and non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce CRF.
Daytime increase in caloric intake without change in total 24-h caloric intake can increase adiposity but not total bodyweight in rats with inverted feeding pattern
Authors: Rocha Lanni Sarmento da , de Matos Rhowena Jane Barbosa , de Souza Julliet Araújo , Costa Ana Carolina Oliveira , Lopes de Souza Sandra , Muniz Gisélia de Santana , Nascimento Elizabeth do
Published: May 2017

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the food availability period on body weight, self-selection of macronutrients, adiposity, lipoprotein, and serum glucose profiles without changing energy intake. Young male rats were divided into 2 groups according to the availability of food during the light and dark phases of the cycle, forming 2 groups: control group (CG) and group with inverted feeding pattern (IFPG). Before inversion of food availability on the 80th day, circadian food intake was measured every 4 h over 24 h during 3 days. The glycemic curve, an oral test for glucose tolerance, and self-selection of macronutrients were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for analysis of fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol fractions. The IFPG showed an increase in fasting glucose in the dark phase of the cycle, changes in the glycemic curve, and oral glucose tolerance test. It also showed increased abdominal and liver fat and distinct choice of macronutrients compared with the CG. A change in the availability of food according to the phase of the circadian cycle produces changes in glucose and feeding circadian rhythm culminating in increased abdominal and hepatic fat. These effects can increase the risk of metabolic disorders and installation of chronic diseases.
Potential energy curve and spectroscopic parameters of multi-charged LiF molecule
Authors: Abdullah Hewa Y.
Published: May 2017

In the study of the special properties of molecules, diatomic molecules are vital. Three quantum mechanics methods were used to calculate the optimised structure and total electronic energy of the LiF molecule; namely, the Hartree–Fock (HF), density functional theory (DFT), and coupled cluster singles and doubles (and triples) (CCSD(T)) methods. The optimised structure properties, such as diploe moment, spectroscopic constants, and vibrational frequency, were calculated, as well as the potential energy curves. This study found that the negative LiF molecule is more stable than the neutral LiF molecule, and that the positive LiF molecule is unstable. These results were supported by the values of vibrational frequency and spectroscopic constants of LiF.
Mechanical properties of a dissimilar aluminum alloy joint welded by hybrid laser–MIG welding
Authors: Wang Qiuying , Chen Hui , Zhu Zongtao , Cui Yunlong
Published: May 2017

Two dissimilar Al alloys, 5083-H111 and 6005A-T6, were joined by hybrid laser–MIG welding method. Mechanical properties of the welded joint were investigated and compared. The results show that the tensile strength of the dissimilar joint is 219.8 MPa, 11.7% higher than that of 6005A-T5 joint. After statistical analysis of the fatigue data, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves of the dissimilar joint were obtained. The mean fatigue strength at [Formula: see text] of the dissimilar joint is 112.5 MPa. The fatigue strength at [Formula: see text] of the dissimilar joint for a given 10% probability of failure, at a confidence level of 95%, is 101.4 MPa. The fatigue strength at [Formula: see text] of the dissimilar joint is almost same as that of the 6005A-T6 joint. In welded structure designing, different [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves should be chosen according to the different service conditions and reliability requirements.
Patterned titania nanostructures produced by electrochemical anodization of titanium sheet
Authors: Dong Junzhe , Ariyanti Dessy , Gao Wei , Niu Zhenjiang , Weil Emeline
Published: May 2017

A two-step anodization method has been used to produce patterned arrays of TiO2 on the surface of Ti sheet. Hexagonal ripples were created on Ti substrate after removing the TiO2 layer produced by first-step anodization. The shallow concaves were served as an ideal position for the subsequent step anodization due to their low electrical resistance, resulting in novel hierarchical nanostructures with small pits inside the original ripples. The mechanism of morphology evolution during patterned anodization was studied through changing the anodizing voltages and duration time. This work provides a new idea for controlling nanostructures and thus tailoring the photocatalytic property and wettability of anodic TiO2.
Preferential orientation growth of ITO thin film on quartz substrate with ZnO buffer layer by magnetron sputtering technique
Authors: Du Wenhan , Yang Jingjing , Xiong Chao , Zhao Yu , Zhu Xifang
Published: May 2017

In order to improve the photoelectric transformation efficiency of thin-film solar cells, one plausible method was to improve the transparent conductive oxides (TCO) material property. In-doped tin oxide (ITO) was an important TCO material which was used as a front contact layer in thin-film solar cell. Using magnetron sputtering deposition technique, we prepared preferential orientation ITO thin films on quartz substrate. XRD and SEM measurements were used to characterize the crystalline structure and morphology of ITO thin films. The key step was adding a ZnO thin film buffer layer before ITO deposition. ZnO thin film buffer layer increases the nucleation center numbers and results in the (222) preferential orientation growth of ITO thin films.
The solution curing performance of high-ortho epoxy phenolic fibers
Authors: Jiao Mingli , Yang Kai , Ren Dongxue , Diao Quan , Cao Jian , Liu Hongyan , Yu Muhuo
Published: May 2017

The high-ortho epoxy phenolic fibers (HEPFs) were prepared by the crosslinking of as-spun filaments derived from melt-spinning of the epoxy novolac resins copolymerized among epichlorohydrin (ECH), phenol and formaldehyde, and cured in a combined solution of formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid with a different heating rate. The changes in functional groups, thermal performance and mechanical properties during the different heating rates in solution curing were characterized. The results show that a peak of thermal stability and mechanical properties can be obtained with increasing heating rate, and crosslinking structure and characteristic group have changed after the solution curing. The epoxy phenolic fibers show great potential in the application of elastic flame-resistant textiles, aero-composites and precursors for activated carbon fibers used in electronic devices.
Synthesis of organic soluble poly(substituted-aniline) from 2-methyl-6-ethylaniline tar
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Shu-Bai , Yao Pei , Zhang Qi-Meng
Published: May 2017

Organic soluble poly(substituted-aniline) was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization from 2-methyl-6-ethylaniline tar. The structural information of samples was characterized using FT-IR and SEM techniques. The influences of acid concentration, mole ratio of oxidants to tar, reaction time and temperature were investigated. The solubility of polymers was also studied. The results indicate that the conductivity of poly(substituted-aniline) could reach 2.51 [Formula: see text] S ⋅ cm[Formula: see text] under the reaction conditions with 1 mol./L hydrochloric acid, mole ratio of oxidants to tar = 1, and at 10[Formula: see text]C for 3 h. The polymers show better solubility than polyaniline in most organic solvents.
Design of a charge pump for high voltage driver applications based on 0.35 μm BCD technology
Authors: Zhu Tiezhu , Zhang Yuning , Ji Rendong
Published: May 2017

Based on the switched capacitor system theory, a new charge pump is designed as the driver of the H-bridge power circuits. The proposed circuit is added with the output feedback control module to realize the steady output, lower the ripple and power noise, and improve the transforming efficiency. Simulation based on 0.35 [Formula: see text] BCD350GE process demonstrates that the circuit has a ripple voltage as low as 200 mV and reaches a high efficiency up to 70% with a load as much as 20 mA when the supply voltage changes from 8 V to 36 V.
Single image haze removal based on two steps
Authors: Xiang Ruxi , Zhu Xifang , Wu Feng
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel method named Haze Removal based on Two Steps (HRTS) for removing the haze has been proposed based on two steps, which obviously improves the image qualities such as color and visibility caused by haze. The proposed method mainly consists of two steps: the preprocessing step by decomposing the input image to reduce the influence of ambient light and the removed haze step for restoring the radiance. We first reduce the effect of the ambient light by decomposing the haze image, estimate the transmission map based on the result of the decomposition, and then use the modified guided filter method to refine it. Finally, the monochrome atmospheric scattering model is combined to restore the radiance image. Experimental results show that the proposed method could effectively remove the haze and obviously improve the color and visibility of the image in the realistic scenes by comparing other existing haze removal methods.
Through casing weak electromagnetic wave signal detection and application
Authors: Li Hui , Zhu Xi-Fang , Cui Cui-Mei
Published: May 2017

Electromagnetic measurement technology is an important method for instrument parameters calibration, detection performance evaluation and complex system theory verification. In this paper, self-adaptive finite element method has been used to compute and analyze the weak electromagnetic wave signal, which is produced by changing electrode structure, transmitting frequency and antenna spacing of the through casing electromagnetic measurement tool. Numerical simulation results show that the detection depth of the tool can be influenced by the electrode structure can have the influence on, the resolution of high-resistivity and low-resistivity formation can be improved by transmitting frequency, the detection accuracy and detection depth of the through casing electromagnetic measurement tool can be influenced by the change of antenna spacing.
Fault Detection Based on AP Clustering and PCA
Authors: Chen Lei , Xiao Chuangbai , Yu Jing , Wang Zhenli
Published: May 2017

To improve the accuracy, reduce the time consumption and obtain the number of faults, a fault detection method based on AP (affinity propagation) clustering and PCA (principal component analysis) was proposed. Firstly, discontinuous points in seismic horizons were searched out by the connected component labeling method. Secondly, the AP clustering algorithm was used to cluster the discontinuous points and the points of the same cluster were used to determine a fault, meanwhile, the faults existing in a seismic section were quantified. Finally, the PCA was adopted to calculate the principal direction of the discontinuous points contained in the same cluster. As a result, the corresponding cluster center and the principal direction determined a straight line, and the part that intercepted by the clustered edge was the fault we wanted. In the proposed method, the time consumption of correlation calculation of the traditional method was reduced; the computing work was simplified and the number of the faults in the seismic section was obtained. To confirm the feasibility and advancement of the proposed method, comparative experiments were done on the seismic model data and the real seismic section. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed method was better and the time cost was greatly reduced.
An Improved Three-Stage Classifier for Activity Recognition
Authors: Garcia-Ceja Enrique , Brena Ramon F.
Published: May 2017

Recently, Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has become an important research area because of its wide range of applications in several domains such as health care, elder care, sports monitoring systems, etc. The use of wearable sensors — specifically the use of inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes — has become the most common approach to recognize physical activities because of their unobtrusiveness and ubiquity. Overall, the process of building a HAR system starts with a feature extraction phase and then a classification model is trained. In the work of Siirtola et al. is proposed an intermediate clustering step to find the homogeneous groups of activities. For the recognition step, an instance is assigned to one of the groups and the final classification is performed inside that group. In this work we evaluate the clustering-based approach for activity classification proposed by Siirtola with two additional improvements: automatic selection of the number of groups and an instance reassignment procedure. In the original work, they evaluated their method using decision trees on a sports activities dataset. For our experiments, we evaluated seven different classification models on four public activity recognition datasets. Our results with 10-fold Cross Validation showed that the method proposed by Siirtola with our additional two improvements performed better in the majority of cases as compared to using the single classification model under consideration. When using Leave One User Out Cross Validation (user independent model) we found no differences between the proposed method and the single classification model.
Slew Rate and Transient Response Enhancement in MOLDO with Modifying Error Amplifier Structure
Authors: Abdi Fatemeh , Deylamani Mahnaz Janipoor , Amiri Parviz
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we use bias current boosting and slew rate enhancement in multiple-output Low-dropout structure to achieve a faster transient response. This method reduces ripples of output voltage during sudden changes in load current and input voltage. The proposed MOLDO circuit was simulated with a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process in buck mode with four-output legs. Integrating of proposed circuit is easier because there is the symmetry in the circuit designing. The results of our work show that when input voltage changes between 2.5–3.3[Formula: see text]V, the output voltage after 25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s with load current of 100[Formula: see text]mA, is determined with ripple less than 1.8[Formula: see text]mV. In sudden changes, the load current at the range 0–100[Formula: see text]mA, and output voltages after a maximum 15.5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s with an input voltage of 3.3[Formula: see text]V have the highest ripple in output voltage of 4[Formula: see text]mV.
Band-passes and long virtual knot concordance
Authors: Chrisman Micah
Published: May 2017

Every classical knot is band-pass equivalent to the unknot or the trefoil. The band-pass class of a knot is a concordance invariant. Every ribbon knot, for example, is band-pass equivalent to the unknot. Here we introduce the long virtual knot concordance group [Formula: see text]. It is shown that for every concordance class [Formula: see text], there is a [Formula: see text] that is not band-pass equivalent to [Formula: see text] and an [Formula: see text] that is not band-pass equivalent to either the long unknot or any long trefoil. This is accomplished by proving that [Formula: see text] is a band-pass invariant but not a concordance invariant of long virtual knots, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] generate the degree two Polyak group for long virtual knots.
Progression from Injection to Surgery for Trigger Finger: A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Ota Hideyuki , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Kurimoto Shigeru , Iida Koji , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: May 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors of poor response to intra-flexoral sheath corticosteroid injection, as well as to identify factors associated with patients’ decisions to undergo surgical treatment.

Methods: Data from 112 patients who received steroid injection treatment for trigger finger were reviewed retrospectively. Logistic regression was used to assess the prognostic value of factors assumed to affect prognosis (age, sex, underlying disease, history of illness, presence of carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple digit involvement, and pre- and post-operative disability scores).

Results: Multiple digits were affected in 42 patients. Associated and underlying conditions were carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 36), hypertension (n = 23), hyperlipidemia (n = 14), and history of malignant tumor (n = 10). Logistic regression analysis showed that multiple digit involvement and Froimson clinical severity score were factors significantly associated with surgical treatment after intra-flexoral sheath corticosteroid injection treatment. These two factors were also found to be associated with the patients’ decisions to undergo surgical treatment.

Conclusions: Although local corticosteroid injection is useful in most cases, providers need to counsel patients with multiple digit involvement and/or severe cases about the possibility of requiring additional surgical treatment.
Pacinian Corpuscles Neuroma. An Exceptional Cause of Pain in the Hand
Authors: Jiménez Isidro , Marcos-García Alberto , Muratore Gustavo , Medina José
Published: May 2017

Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors mainly distributed in the dermis of the fingers and palm of the hand. A neuroma of the Pacinian corpuscle is a rare and extremely painful condition with a few cases reported in the literature, most of them, associated with local or repetitive trauma. We present a 71-year-old man with history of pain and swelling on his left index without history of previous trauma initially diagnosed as tenosynovitis resistant to conservative treatment in which we observed, directly in the subcutaneous plane, spherical, gray and in clusters lesions closer to the collateral nerve which were described by the pathological study as neuroma of the Pacinian corpuscles.
SET-VALUED SHORTFALL AND DIVERGENCE RISK MEASURES
Authors: ARARAT ÇAĞIN , HAMEL ANDREAS H. , RUDLOFF BIRGIT
Published: May 2017

Risk measures for multivariate financial positions are studied in a utility-based framework. Under a certain incomplete preference relation, shortfall and divergence risk measures are defined as the optimal values of specific set minimization problems. The dual relationship between these two classes of multivariate risk measures is constructed via a recent Lagrange duality for set optimization. In particular, it is shown that a shortfall risk measure can be written as an intersection over a family of divergence risk measures indexed by a scalarization parameter. Examples include set-valued versions of the entropic risk measure and the average value at risk. As a second step, the minimization of these risk measures subject to trading opportunities is studied in a general convex market in discrete time. The optimal value of the minimization problem, called the market risk measure, is also a set-valued risk measure. A dual representation for the market risk measure that decomposes the effects of the original risk measure and the frictions of the market is proved.
Haar wavelet operational matrix method for system of fractional nonlinear differential equations
Authors: Saeed Umer
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present a reliable method for solving system of fractional nonlinear differential equations. The proposed technique utilizes the Haar wavelets in conjunction with a quasilinearization technique. The operational matrices are derived and used to reduce each equation in a system of fractional differential equations to a system of algebraic equations. Convergence analysis and implementation process for the proposed technique are presented. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the applicability and accuracy of the technique.
Thermoacoustic tomography of in vivo rat brain
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Chi Zihui , Huang Lin , Zheng Zhu , Yang Jinge , Jiang Huabei
Published: May 2017

We present for the first time in vivo imaging of rat brain using microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography (TAT). The in vivo imaging of rat brain was realized through an unconventional delivery of microwave energy from the front of rat brain (while the transducer was scanned along coronal plane of the animal brain), which maximized the microwave penetration into the brain. In addition, we found that the imaging contrast was highly dependent on the direction of the electric field polarization (EFP) and that more tissue structures/compositions could be revealed when both [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-EFPs were used for TAT. The in vivo TAT images of rat brain obtained were compared with the 3.0 T MRI images and histological photographs, and numerous important brain anatomical structures were identified. An example of our TAT approach for imaging a foreign object embedded in a rat brain was also demonstrated. This study suggests that TAT has a great potential to be used in neuroscience studies and in noninvasive imaging of brain disorders.
A fast and mild in-situ oxidization method to fabricate the nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxides on Ni foam as the high-performance electrode materials
Authors: Zheng Lijuan , Yu Dongdong , Zhou Jianguang , Wei Zhen , Li Haoyu , Chen Xinyu , Chen Dian
Published: May 2017

In this work, a fast and mild in-situ oxidization hydrothermal method was developed to fabricate the nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxides (Ni–Co LDHs) on Ni foam. The Ni–Co LDHs with the nanoarrays and nanopetals structures were synthesized by in situ oxidizing Ni foam in a mixed solvent of cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl[Formula: see text]H2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 90[Formula: see text]C for 3[Formula: see text]h. The electrochemical performance tests indicate the Ni–Co LDHs electrodes have a high areal capacitance value about 17.3[Formula: see text]F/cm2 at 5.0[Formula: see text]mA/cm2. After 1000 cycles at 50[Formula: see text]mA/cm2, the as-prepared electrodes have the high capacitance retention of 83%. Thus, the binder-free Ni–Co LDHs with high electrochemical performance are the promising electrode materials for advanced electrochemical storage energy devices including flexible power sources and supercapacitors in modern electronic systems.
Visualization of oil spill at sea surface based on texture projection
Authors: Zou Changjun , Yin Yong , Liu Xiuwen , Li Haijiang
Published: May 2017

In view of the merits and demerits of current oil spill visualization methods, the paper involves a study on a new type of visualization approach targeting oil spill at sea. To be specific, the visualization of sea oil spill is implemented with the adoption of texture projection method. The texture projection-induced jaggedly edge is displayed in the performance test results. Under the circumstance, Gauss smoothing filter is introduced to secure the smooth convergence of texture edge and thus bring forth satisfactory dynamic visualization effect. Already, this means has already been successfully applied to the Oil Spill Emergency 3D Drilling System, which evidenced the validity and reliability of the new method.
Are High-Frequency Traders Anticipating the Order Flow? Cross-Venue Evidence from the UK Market
Authors: Aquilina Matteo , Ysusi Carla
Published: May 2017

There have been allegations that high-frequency traders prey on other participants making profits taking no or minimal risk in the process by predicting with near certainty where orders will be routed. We investigate whether there is evidence of this happening systematically in the UK equity market. We examine whether high-frequency traders exploit their milliseconds latency advantages to anticipate orders arriving in quick succession at different trading venues. We also analyze whether they can anticipate the order flow over longer timeframes. We do not find evidence that the first behavior is occurring systematically in UK markets. We find patterns consistent with the later but we cannot say whether this is due to them reacting faster to information.
Microbial sulphate reduction during Neoproterozoic glaciation, Port Askaig Formation, UK
Authors: Parnell John , Boyce Adrian J.
Published: May 2017

The Neoproterozoic Port Askaig Formation contains widespread pyrite within many diamictite beds, across Scotland and Ireland. The quantity of pyrite is anomalous for coarse-grained rocks, especially in rocks deposited at a time when seawater contained low sulphate levels owing to a continental ice cover, which inhibited weathering. Sulphur isotope compositions evolve from lightest values (down to −3.1‰) at the base of the formation to highly positive compositions in the overlying Bonahaven Dolomite (mean +44.8‰). This trend is consistent with progressive utilization of available sulphate by closed-system microbial sulphate reduction. Together with records from other contemporary diamictite successions, there emerges a picture of global microbial activity during Neoproterozoic ‘Snowball Earth’ glaciation.

Supplementary material:
Details of the sulphur isotopic composition are given at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3768959
.
Two-phase Cretaceous–Paleocene rifting in the Taranaki Basin region, New Zealand; implications for Gondwana break-up
Authors: Strogen Dominic P. , Seebeck Hannu , Nicol Andrew , King Peter R.
Published: May 2017

The break-up of Gondwana resulted in extension of New Zealand continental crust during the Cretaceous–Paleocene. Offshore the geometry and rift history are well imaged by new regional mapping of a large seismic reflection dataset, tied to wells, used here to document the Cretaceous–Paleocene (
c
. 105 – 55 Ma) evolution of the greater Taranaki Basin region. Two temporally distinct phases of rifting have been recognized in the region, and record Gondwana break-up. The first (Zealandia rift phase) produced half-grabens trending NW to WNW during the mid-Cretaceous (
c
. 105 – 83 Ma). These rift basins predate, and are parallel to, Tasman Sea spreading centres. They record distributed stretching of northern Zealandia prior to the onset of seafloor spreading in the Tasman Sea. A short period (
c
. 83 – 80 Ma) of uplift and erosion followed, possibly representing a break-up unconformity, with erosion in southern Taranaki Basin and deposition of the ‘Taranaki Delta’ sequence in Deepwater Taranaki. The second, West Coast–Taranaki rift phase produced north- to NE-trending extensional half-grabens in the shelfal Taranaki Basin during the latest Cretaceous–Paleocene (
c
. 80 – 55 Ma). This rift was narrow (<150 km wide), orthogonal to Zealandia phase rifting, affected mainly western Zealandia and did not progress to full break-up.

Supplementary material:
A full set of eight palaeogeographical maps as well as expanded versions of the seismic figures, with both uninterpreted and interpreted versions, are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3772175
Late Cenozoic exhumation history of the Luoji Shan in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau: insights from apatite fission-track thermochronology
Authors: Wang Hu , Tian Yuntao , Liang Mingjian
Published: May 2017

Denudational history inferred from bedrock low-temperature thermochronological data provides significant constraint to tectonic models for explaining the growth of the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we present new apatite fission-track ages from the Luoji Shan, bounded by the Anninghe and Zemuhe faults in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Cooling ages vary from
c.
5 to
c.
13 Ma from the bottom to the top of a vertical profile. The age–elevation relationship can be interpreted as either (1) a phase of river incision at a rate of
c.
0.16 km Ma
−1
from
c.
13 to
c.
5 Ma or (2) a phase of denudation of
c.
0.40 km Ma
−1
between
c.
13 and
c.
10 Ma, followed by a phase of extremely slow denudation (
c.
0.03 km Ma
−1
). The results suggest that initiation of river incision started before
c.
13 Ma in the study area. Combined with previously published data from adjacent sites, our results indicate that denudation in this region displayed substantial spatial variation. This finding does not support the existing lower crustal flow model for Tibetan Plateau growth, which predicts uniform denudation. We further speculate that the vertical component of slip along the southern extension of the Anninghe fault might have significantly declined since late Miocene time, explaining the decreased rate of erosion
c.
10 Ma.
Effects of metformin on compensatory pancreatic β-cell hyperplasia in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Tajima Kazuki , Shirakawa Jun , Okuyama Tomoko , Kyohara Mayu , Yamazaki Shunsuke , Togashi Yu , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: May 2017

Metformin has been widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of metformin on pancreatic β-cells remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the impacts of treatment with metformin on pancreatic β-cells in a mouse model fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which triggers adaptive β-cell replication. An 8-wk treatment with metformin improved insulin resistance and suppressed the compensatory β-cell hyperplasia induced by HFD-feeding. In contrast, the increment in β-cell mass arising from 60 wk of HFD feeding was similar in mice treated with and those treated without metformin. Interestingly, metformin suppressed β-cell proliferation induced by 1 wk of HFD feeding without any changes in insulin resistance. Metformin directly suppressed glucose-induced β-cell proliferation in islets and INS-1 cells in accordance with a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation. Taken together, metformin suppressed HFD-induced β-cell proliferation independent of the improvement of insulin resistance, partly via direct actions.