bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C‐type Lectin Receptor Expression on Human Basophils and Effects of Allergen‐Specific Immunotherapy
Authors: Lundberg K. , Rydnert F. , Broos S. , Andersson M. , Greiff L. , Lindstedt M.
Published: June 2016

Basophils are emerging as immunoregulatory cells capable of interacting with their environment not only via their characteristic IgE‐mediated activation, but also in an IgE‐independent manner. Basophils are known to express and respond to stimulation via TLR2, TLR4, DC‐SIGN and DCIR, but whether basophils also express other C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) is largely unknown. In this study, we investigate the CLR expression profile of human basophils using multicolour flow cytometry. As FcRs as well as some CLRs are associated with allergen recognition and shown to be involved in subsequent immune responses, the expression of CLRs and FcRs on peripheral blood basophils, as well as their frequency, was monitored for 1 year in subjects undergoing subcutaneous allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT). Here, we show that human basophils express CLECSF14, DEC205, Dectin‐1, Dectin‐2 and MRC2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the frequencies of basophils expressing the allergy‐associated CLRs Dectin‐1 and Dectin‐2 were significantly reduced after 1 year and 8 weeks of AIT, respectively. In contrast, the frequency of basophils positive for FcγRII, as well as the fraction of total basophils, significantly increased after 1 year of AIT. The herein demonstrated expression of various CLRs on basophils, and their altered CLR and FcR expression profile upon AIT, suggest yet unexplored ways by which basophils can interact with antigens and may point to novel immunoregulatory functions targeted through AIT.
Study of red blood cell alloimmunization risk factors in multiply transfused thalassemia patients: role in improving thalassemia transfusion practice in Fayoum, Egypt
Authors: Abdelrazik Abeer Mohamed , Elshafie Shahira Morsy , El Said Manal Niazi , Ezzat Ahmed Ghada M. , Al‐Gamil Al‐Kassem Ahmed , El Nahhas Mona Gamal Mostafa , Sady Ahmed Ali Badie
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

β‐Thalassemia is considered the most common chronic hemolytic anemia in Egypt. Alloimmunization can lead to serious clinical complications in transfusion‐dependent patients. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and types of alloantibodies, and, in addition, to study the risk factors that might influence alloimmunization in multiply transfused thalassemia patients in Fayoum, Egypt, with the goal that this study could help minimize some of the transfusion‐associated risks in those patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 188 multiply transfused thalassemia patients attending Fayoum University Hospital were analyzed. Alloantibody identification was performed by DiaMed‐ID microtyping system.

RESULTS

Alloimmunization prevalence was 7.98%. The most common alloantibody was D‐related; anti‐D was the most frequent alloantibody found in eight of the 188 patients (4.25 %), followed by anti‐C in two patients (1.1%), anti‐ E in two (1.1 %), anti‐c in two (1.1 %), anti‐Fya in two (1.1%), anti‐K in one (0.53 %), and an unknown antibody in one patient (0.53%). Higher rates of alloimmunization were found in female patients, in patients with β‐thalassemia intermedia, in splenectomized patients, in D– patients, and in patients who started blood transfusion after 3 years of age.

CONCLUSION

The study reemphasizes the need for cost‐effective strategy for thalassemia transfusion practice in developing countries. Red blood cell antigen typing before transfusion and issue of antigen‐matched or antigen‐negative blood can be made available to alloimmunized multiply transfused patients. Early institution of transfusion therapy after diagnosis is another means of decreasing alloimmunization.
First steps into lean at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Authors: Jones T. R. , Wilkie G.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The drivers for introducing lean principles to the Blood Service were as follows:

Pressure on the health dollar and a commitment to providing value for taxpayer funding;

Recognition of process inefficiencies including comparative international benchmarking

Method

In early 2013, the Manufacturing Division of the Blood Service launched a series of kaizen or rapid improvement events. Around thirty front‐line staff and supervisors were trained in the tools and techniques and encouraged to address some long‐standing improvement opportunities.

Results

Lean awareness programmes were developed and rolled out to all manufacturing employees, and this was built into the induction programme for new employees. Visual management, short interval production meetings and gemba walks were introduced and quickly drew attention from other parts of the Blood Service. Waste reduction, pull, flow, level production and lean production systems all feature in the new plan as key enablers to the achievement of strategic goals.

Conclusion

The Blood Service is already seeing great benefits from the pursuit of a lean continuous improvement culture. While most of the gains have been within the Manufacturing Division to date, momentum is building in other parts of the business, supported by a small central team of business process improvement specialists. The changes in manufacturing have resulted in improvements in meeting customer demand and strong improvements in productivity in both processing and testing.
Experimental Validation Benchmark Data for Computational Fluid Dynamics of Transient Convection From Forced to Natural With Flow Reversal on a Vertical Flat Plate
Authors: Lance Blake W. , Smith Barton L.
Published: June 2016

Transient convection has been investigated experimentally for the purpose of providing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation benchmark data. A specialized facility for validation benchmark experiments called the rotatable buoyancy tunnel (RoBuT) was used to acquire thermal and velocity measurements of flow over a smooth, vertical heated plate in air. The initial condition was forced convection downward with subsequent transition to mixed convection, ending with natural convection upward after a flow reversal. Data acquisition through the transient was repeated for ensemble-averaged results. With simple flow geometry, validation data were acquired at the benchmark level. All boundary conditions (BCs) were measured and their uncertainties quantified. Temperature profiles on all the four walls and the inlet were measured, as well as as-built test section geometry. Inlet velocity profiles and turbulence levels were quantified using particle image velocimetry (PIV). System response quantities (SRQs) were measured for comparison with CFD outputs and include velocity profiles, wall heat flux, and wall shear stress. Extra effort was invested in documenting and preserving the validation data. Details about the experimental facility, instrumentation, experimental procedure, materials, BCs, and SRQs are made available through this paper. The latter two are available for download while other details are included in this work.
Uncovering the acoustic vowel space of a previously undescribed language: The vowels of Nambo
Authors: Kashima Eri , Williams Daniel , Mark Ellison T. , Schokkin Dineke , Escudero Paola
Published: June 2016

This study presents the first acoustic description of the vowel space of a Papuan language—Nambo, spoken in southern Papua New Guinea—based on duration and first and second formant measurements from 19 adult male and female speakers across three age groups (young, middle-aged, senior). Phonemically, Nambo has six full vowels /i, e, æ, ɑ, o, u/ and a reduced vowel tentatively labeled /ə/. Unlike the full vowels, the quality of /ə/ showed great variation: seniors' and young females' realizations tended to be more open and retracted than those by young males, while middle-aged speakers' productions fell between these two variants.
P-selectin is a nanotherapeutic delivery target in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Shamay Yosi , Elkabets Moshe , Li Hongyan , Shah Janki , Brook Samuel , Wang Feng , Adler Keren , Baut Emily , Scaltriti Maurizio , Jena Prakrit V. , Gardner Eric E. , Poirier John T. , Rudin Charles M. , Baselga José , Haimovitz-Friedman Adriana , Heller Daniel A.
Published: June 2016

P-selectin–targeted nanoparticles deliver chemotherapy to tumors, particularly when combined with radiation.
Genomic Changes Associated with the Loss of Nocardia brasiliensis Virulence in Mice after 200
In Vitro
Passages
Authors: Gonzalez-Carrillo Carolina , Millan-Sauceda Cassandra , Lozano-Garza Hector Gerardo , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Elizondo-Gonzalez Ramiro , Welsh Oliverio , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge , Vera-Cabrera Lucio
Published: June 2016

Nocardia
species, particularly
Nocardia brasiliensis
, are etiologic agents of mycetoma, a chronic subcutaneous infection. Until now, little has been known about the pathogenic mechanisms involved in nocardial infection. Traditionally, subculture in rich media has been a simple way to induce attenuation. In this work, we report the changes in virulence toward mice and in genomic constitution of
N. brasiliensis
produced after 200 continuous subcultures in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium (P-200 strain). The ability of the
N. brasiliensis
P-200 strain to produce experimental infection was tested using BALB/c mice. P-200 was also used to immunize mice to determine whether it could induce resistance against a challenge with a nonsubcultured isolate (P-0). Comparative proteomic analysis between
N. brasiliensis
P-0 and P-200 was performed by two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis, and the genome sequence was obtained through Roche 454 sequence analysis. Virulence in BALB/c mice was completely lost, and BALB/c mice immunized with P-200 bacterial cells were resistant to mycetoma production by the nonsubcultured strain. Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that P-200 lost a total of 262,913 bp distributed in 19 deleted regions, involving a total of 213 open reading frames (ORFs). The deleted genes included those encoding bacterial virulence factors, e.g., catalase, nitrate reductase enzymes, and a group of mammalian cell entry (MCE) family proteins, which may explain the loss of virulence of the isolate. Thus, completely attenuated
N. brasiliensis
was obtained after 200 passages in BHI medium, and putative
Nocardia
virulence genes were identified for the first time.
The Escherichia coli P and Type 1 Pilus Assembly Chaperones PapD and FimC Are Monomeric in Solution
Authors: Sarowar Samema , Hu Olivia J. , Werneburg Glenn T. , Thanassi David G. , Li Huilin
Published: June 2016

The chaperone/usher pathway is used by Gram-negative bacteria to assemble adhesive surface structures known as pili or fimbriae. Uropathogenic strains of
Escherichia coli
use this pathway to assemble P and type 1 pili, which facilitate colonization of the kidney and bladder, respectively. Pilus assembly requires a periplasmic chaperone and outer membrane protein termed the usher. The chaperone allows folding of pilus subunits and escorts the subunits to the usher for polymerization into pili and secretion to the cell surface. Based on previous structures of mutant versions of the P pilus chaperone PapD, it was suggested that the chaperone dimerizes in the periplasm as a self-capping mechanism. Such dimerization is counterintuitive because the chaperone G1 strand, important for chaperone-subunit interaction, is buried at the dimer interface. Here, we show that the wild-type PapD chaperone also forms a dimer in the crystal lattice; however, the dimer interface is different from the previously solved structures. In contrast to the crystal structures, we found that both PapD and the type 1 pilus chaperone, FimC, are monomeric in solution. Our findings indicate that pilus chaperones do not sequester their G1 β-strand by forming a dimer. Instead, the chaperones may expose their G1 strand for facile interaction with pilus subunits. We also found that the type 1 pilus adhesin, FimH, is flexible in solution while in complex with its chaperone, whereas the P pilus adhesin, PapGII, is rigid. Our study clarifies a crucial step in pilus biogenesis and reveals pilus-specific differences that may relate to biological function.

IMPORTANCE
Pili are critical virulence factors for many bacterial pathogens. Uropathogenic
E. coli
relies on P and type 1 pili assembled by the chaperone/usher pathway to adhere to the urinary tract and establish infection. Studying pilus assembly is important for understanding mechanisms of protein secretion, as well as for identifying points for therapeutic intervention. Pilus biogenesis is a multistep process. This work investigates the oligomeric state of the pilus chaperone in the periplasm, which is important for understanding early assembly events. Our work unambiguously demonstrates that both PapD and FimC chaperones are monomeric in solution. We further demonstrate that the solution behavior of the FimH and PapGII adhesins differ, which may be related to functional differences between the two pilus systems.
Directed Binding of Gliding Bacterium, Mycoplasma mobile, Shown by Detachment Force and Bond Lifetime
Authors: Tanaka Akihiro , Nakane Daisuke , Mizutani Masaki , Nishizaka Takayuki , Miyata Makoto
Published: June 2016

Mycoplasma mobile
, a fish-pathogenic bacterium, features a protrusion that enables it to glide smoothly on solid surfaces at a velocity of up to 4.5 µm s
−1
in the direction of the protrusion.
M. mobile
glides by a repeated catch-pull-release of sialylated oligosaccharides fixed on a solid surface by hundreds of 50-nm flexible “legs” sticking out from the protrusion. This gliding mechanism may be explained by a possible directed binding of each leg with sialylated oligosaccharides, by which the leg can be detached more easily forward than backward. In the present study, we used a polystyrene bead held by optical tweezers to detach a starved cell at rest from a glass surface coated with sialylated oligosaccharides and concluded that the detachment force forward is 1.6- to 1.8-fold less than that backward, which may be linked to a catch bond-like behavior of the cell. These results suggest that this directed binding has a critical role in the gliding mechanism.

IMPORTANCE
Mycoplasma
species are the smallest bacteria and are parasitic and occasionally commensal, as represented by
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, which causes so-called “walking pneumonia” in humans. Dozens of species glide on host tissues, always in the direction of the characteristic cellular protrusion, by novel mechanisms. The fastest species,
Mycoplasma mobile
, catches, pulls, and releases sialylated oligosaccharides (SOs), which are common targets among influenza viruses, by means of a specific receptor based on the energy of ATP hydrolysis. Here, force measurements made with optical tweezers revealed that the force required to detach a cell from SOs is smaller forward than backward along the gliding direction. The directed binding should be a clue to elucidate this novel motility mechanism.
Moleculo Long-Read Sequencing Facilitates Assembly and Genomic Binning from Complex Soil Metagenomes
Authors: White Richard Allen , Bottos Eric M. , Roy Chowdhury Taniya , Zucker Jeremy D. , Brislawn Colin J. , Nicora Carrie D. , Fansler Sarah J. , Glaesemann Kurt R. , Glass Kevin , Jansson Janet K.
Published: June 2016

Soil microorganisms carry out key processes for life on our planet, including cycling of carbon and other nutrients and supporting growth of plants. However, there is poor molecular-level understanding of their functional roles in ecosystem stability and responses to environmental perturbations. This knowledge gap is largely due to the difficulty in culturing the majority of soil microbes. Thus, use of culture-independent approaches, such as metagenomics, promises the direct assessment of the functional potential of soil microbiomes. Soil is, however, a challenge for metagenomic assembly due to its high microbial diversity and variable evenness, resulting in low coverage and uneven sampling of microbial genomes. Despite increasingly large soil metagenome data volumes (>200 Gbp), the majority of the data do not assemble. Here, we used the cutting-edge approach of synthetic long-read sequencing technology (Moleculo) to assemble soil metagenome sequence data into long contigs and used the assemblies for binning of genomes.
A Simple Screening Approach To Prioritize Genes for Functional Analysis Identifies a Role for Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 in the Control of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Authors: McDonald Jacqueline U. , Kaforou Myrsini , Clare Simon , Hale Christine , Ivanova Maria , Huntley Derek , Dorner Marcus , Wright Victoria J. , Levin Michael , Martinon-Torres Federico , Herberg Jethro A. , Tregoning John S.
Published: June 2016

Making the most of “big data” is one of the core challenges of current biology. There is a large array of heterogeneous data sets of host gene responses to infection, but these data sets do not inform us about gene function and require specialized skill sets and training for their utilization. Here we describe an approach that combines and simplifies these data sets, distilling this information into a single list of genes commonly upregulated in response to infection with RSV as a model pathogen. Many of the genes on the list have unknown functions in RSV disease. We validated the gene list with new clinical,
in vitro
, and
in vivo
data. This approach allows the rapid selection of genes of interest for further, more-detailed studies, thus reducing time and costs. Furthermore, the approach is simple to use and widely applicable to a range of diseases.
Maxillofacial fibrous dysplasia: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Markov Peter , Syed Ali Zakir , Markova Christiana , Mendes Rui Amaral
Published: June 2016

A 30-year-old woman presented for orthodontic treatment, with a chief symptom of a ‘shifting bite’ and concurrent facial asymmetry with aesthetic concerns. The patient had previously received treatment from several general dentists and several specialists, without accurate diagnosis. Radiological investigation coupled with biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia. Proper diagnosis led to changes in the treatment plan and gave the patient realistic expectations about the options she had for the outcome of treatment. Prompt diagnosis by dental practitioners is critical to patient satisfaction and successful outcome; therefore, it is important to familiarise ourselves with the signs, symptoms and proper course of management of fibrous dysplasia.
Preferences for ARV-based HIV prevention methods among men and women, adolescent girls and female sex workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a protocol for a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Quaife Matthew , Eakle Robyn , Cabrera Maria , Vickerman Peter , Tsepe Motlalepule , Cianci Fiona , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: June 2016

Introduction

For the past few decades, condoms have been the main method of HIV prevention. Recent advances in antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention products have substantially changed the prevention landscape, yet little is known about how popular these products will be among potential users, or whether new methods might be used in conjunction with, or instead of, condoms. This study will use a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to (1) explore potential users' preferences regarding HIV prevention products, (2) quantify the importance of product attributes and (3) predict the uptake of products to inform estimates of their potential impact on the HIV epidemic in South Africa. We consider preferences for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis; a vaginal microbicide gel; a long-acting vaginal ring; a SILCS diaphragm used in concert with gel; and a long-acting ARV-based injectable.

Methods and analysis

This study will gather data from 4 populations: 200 women, 200 men, 200 adolescent girls (aged 16–17 years) and 200 female sex workers. The DCE attributes and design will be developed through a literature review, supplemented by a thematic analysis of qualitative focus group discussions. Extensive piloting will be carried out in each population through semistructured interviews. The final survey will be conducted using computer tablets via a household sample (for women, men and adolescents) and respondent-driven sampling (for female sex workers), and DCE data analysed using a range of multinomial logit models.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee and the Research Ethics Committee at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Findings will be presented to international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Meetings will be held with opinion leaders in South Africa, while results will be disseminated to participants in Ekurhuleni through a public meeting or newsletter.
Assessment of unnecessary suffering in animals by veterinary experts
Authors: Baumgaertner H. , Mullan S. , Main D. C. J.
Published: June 2016

Veterinary surgeons are often asked to provide reports to courts describing factual observations and their expert opinion on the presence or absence of unnecessary suffering in animals. This study reviewed 42 expert witness reports in order to describe the approach taken to the assessment of unnecessary suffering. While most reports suitably described factual observations, there was significant variation in the opinions on suffering and the actions of the owner. Severity and duration of potential suffering was commented upon in 26 and 29 reports, respectively. Experts used terms associated with negative mental states and physical states in 28 and 27 reports, respectively. The necessity of suffering was commented upon in 27 reports, with minimal commentary on the actions of the owner. External references supporting the opinion of the expert were only provided in 13 reports. There was evidence of disputes between experts concerning the definition of suffering, the significance of clinical findings and the relevance of different assessment methods. It is suggested that expert witness reports should include a systematic consideration of the animal's mental and physical states, severity of harm, duration of harm and a commentary on the necessity of suffering as defined by legislation.
Short-term nitrogen dynamics in soil amended with poultry litter containing woodchip bedding
Authors: Thomas Ben W. , Whalen Joann K. , Sharifi Mehdi
Published: June 2016

Concurrent N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding may reduce synchrony between the short-term N supply and crop N demand. Therefore, we used soil chemical tests, ion exchange membranes, and wheat N uptake to assess N dynamics in a poultry-litter-amended soil. Air-dried soil was thoroughly mixed with five poultry litter rates (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg total N kg−1) and preincubated for 7 d in a controlled environment chamber. After preincubating, soil was placed in 10-cm-diameter pots and planted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Wilkin’), or left unplanted and monitored with anion and cation exchange membranes for 45 d. Soil nitrate (NO3-N) concentration increased with poultry litter application rate at the end of the preincubation period, but subsequent wheat N uptake did not, suggesting that little net N mineralization occurred during the 45 d of wheat growth. The membrane data indicated a shift from net N immobilization during the early part of the wheat growth period to net mineralization during the latter portion of the wheat growth period. We conclude that alternating N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding limited the short-term N supply to wheat.
On the breaking of statistical isotropy through inflationary relics
Authors: Sánchez Juan C. Bueno
Published: June 2016

We explore a mechanism to generate local contributions to the curvature perturbation in isolated patches of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The mechanism, based on the generation of an out-of-equilibrium configuration of a fluctuating scalar field of mass m [Formula: see text]H during a sustained stage of fast-roll inflation, has been recently shown to be capable of accounting for some of the most robust large-angle anomalies detected in the CMB. In this paper, we show in detail how the embedding of the mechanism into models including vector fields can result in the breaking of statistical isotropy in isolated patches of the CMB.
Chiral Lagrangian and chiral quark model from confinement in QCD
Authors: Simonov Yu. A.
Published: June 2016

The effective chiral Lagrangian in both nonlocal form [Formula: see text] and standard local form [Formula: see text], derived in the vacuum correlator formalism in QCD, is studied in the chiral perturbation theory. It is shown, that all coefficients of [Formula: see text] can be computed via [Formula: see text] Green’s functions. In the [Formula: see text] order of [Formula: see text] one obtains GOR relations and quark decay constants [Formula: see text] are calculated [Formula: see text], while in the [Formula: see text] order the coefficients [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are obtained in good agreement with the values given by data. The chiral quark model is shown to be a simple consequence of [Formula: see text] with defined coefficients. It is demonstrated that [Formula: see text] gives an extension of the limiting low-energy Lagrangian [Formula: see text] to arbitrary momenta.
The magnetic properties, DNA/HSA binding and nuclease activity of manganese N-confused porphyrin
Authors: Peng Su-Hong , Lv Biao-Biao , Ali Atif , Wang Jia-Min , Ying Xiao , Wang Hui , Liu Jin-Bin , Ji Liang-Nian , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: June 2016

The first oxidative cleavage of DNA by manganese [Formula: see text]-confused porphyrin [chloro(2-aza-2-methyl-5,10,15,20-tetrakis([Formula: see text]-chlorophenyl)-21-carbaporphyrin)manganese(III), 1] using H2O2 as oxidant agent and its magnetic, calf thymus DNA(ct-DNA)- and human serum albumin (HSA) binding properties were investigated. The magnitude of the axial (D) zero-field splitting for the mononuclear Mn(III) center in 1 was determined to be approximately 2.71 cm[Formula: see text] by paramagnetic susceptibility measurements. The DNA- and HSA binding experimental results showed that 1 bound to ct-DNA via an outside groove binding mode and the hydrophobic cavity located in subdomain IIA of HSA with the binding constant of 4.144 × 105 M[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] 106 M[Formula: see text], respectively. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that both DNA- and HSA binding were spontaneous process. The main driven forces were the hydrogen bond and van der Waals for the former, but hydrophobic interaction for the latter, which were further confirmed by molecular docking modeling. Manganese [Formula: see text]-confused porphyrin 1 could cleave the supercoiled plasmid DNA efficiently in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Hydroxyl radical ([Formula: see text]OH) was found the active species for oxidative damage of DNA.
Self-folding microcube antennas for wireless power transfer in dispersive media
Authors: Anacleto Pedro , Gultepe Evin , Gomes Sofia , Mendes Paulo M. , Gracias David H.
Published: June 2016

One of the critical challenges in engineering is the wireless transfer of energy to power miniaturized electronic devices that have sizes smaller than the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. Here, we describe a strategy to self-fold three-dimensional (3D) low gigahertz responsive antennas with small form factors using capillary forces. The antennas are sub-millimeter (500 × 500 × 500 (m3) cubic devices with small form factors and hollow free space in their interior which could be used to embed other devices. We characterize and demonstrate the efficacy of these antennas in dispersive media. Remarkeably, we observe significantly higher power transfer with over an order of magnitude higher transfer efficiency as compared to similarly shaped planar antennas. Moreover, we show that the antennas can transfer on the order of 30 mW to power an LED, highlighting proof of concept for practical applications. Our findings suggest that self-folding polyhedral microantennas could provide a viable solution for powering tiny microdevices.
Worst Practices for Designing Production Information Access Systems
Authors: Diaz Fernando
Published: June 2016

Information access systems have become a core part of everyday life for a large variety of users. Behind these large systems are decades of academic information access research. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap between studying and implementing information access systems. In this presentation, I will concentrate on open problems in production systems that academia is better suited for addressing than industry.
Report on the WebQuality 2015 Workshop
Authors: Nielek Radoslaw , Wierzbicki Adam , Jatowt Adam , Tanaka Katsumi
Published: June 2016

The 5th International Workshop on Web Quality (WebQuality 2015) was held in conjunction with the 24rd International World Wide Web Conference in Florence, Italy on the 18th May 2015. This report briefly summarizes the workshop.
DASAF: An R Package for Deep Sequencing-Based Detection of Fetal Autosomal Abnormalities from Maternal Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Liu Baohong , Tang Xiaoyan , Qiu Feng , Tao Chunmei , Gao Junhui , Ma Mengmeng , Zhong Tingyan , Cai JianPing , Li Yixue , Ding Guohui
Published: June 2016

Background. With the development of massively parallel sequencing (MPS), noninvasive prenatal diagnosis using maternal cell-free DNA is fast becoming the preferred method of fetal chromosomal abnormality detection, due to its inherent high accuracy and low risk. Typically, MPS data is parsed to calculate a risk score, which is used to predict whether a fetal chromosome is normal or not. Although there are several highly sensitive and specific MPS data-parsing algorithms, there are currently no tools that implement these methods.Results. We developed an R package, detection of autosomal abnormalities for fetus (DASAF), that implements the three most popular trisomy detection methods—the standardZ-score (STDZ) method, the GC correctionZ-score (GCCZ) method, and the internal referenceZ-score (IRZ) method—together with one subchromosome abnormality identification method (SCAZ).Conclusions. With the cost of DNA sequencing declining and with advances in personalized medicine, the demand for noninvasive prenatal testing will undoubtedly increase, which will in turn trigger an increase in the tools available for subsequent analysis. DASAF is a user-friendly tool, implemented in R, that supports identification of whole-chromosome as well as subchromosome abnormalities, based on maternal cell-free DNA sequencing data after genome mapping.
Determination of Total Apigenin in Herbs by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography with UV Detection
Authors: Głowacki Rafał , Furmaniak Paulina , Kubalczyk Paweł , Borowczyk Kamila
Published: June 2016

Apigenin is a naturally occurring plant flavone that exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. A MEKC-UV based method was developed for the determination of total apigenin in selected herbs. Application of pseudostationary phase in the form of SDS micelles resulted in great repeatability of retention times and peak areas. A buffer solution consisting of 30 mmol/L sodium borate (pH 10.2), 10% acetonitrile, and 10 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfate was found to be the most suitable BGE for the separation. The method was validated and calibrated for total apigenin in the range of 1.0–100 μmol/L (R2=0.9994). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.48 μmol/L and 0.92 μmol/L, respectively. This precise and robust method was successfully applied to the analysis of plant samples for total apigenin content.
Estimating the Surface Air Temperature by Remote Sensing in Northwest China Using an Improved Advection-Energy Balance for Air Temperature Model
Authors: Liu Suhua , Su Hongbo , Zhang Renhua , Tian Jing , Wang Weizhen
Published: June 2016

To estimate the surface air temperature by remote sensing, the advection-energy balance for the surface air temperature (ADEBAT) model is developed which assumes the surface air temperature is driven by the local driving force and the advective driving force. The local driving force produces a local surface air temperature whereas the advective driving force changes it by adding an exotic air temperature. An advection factorfis defined to measure the quantity of the exotic air brought by the advection. Since thefis determined by the advection, this paper improves it to a regional scale by using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method whereas the original ADEBAT model uses a constant offfor a block of area. Results retrieved by the improved ADEBAT (IADEBAT) model are evaluated and comparison was made with the in situ measurements, with anR2(correlation coefficient) of 0.77, an RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of 0.31 K, and a MAE (Mean Absolute Error) of 0.24 K. The evaluation shows that the IADEBAT model has higher accuracy than the original ADEBAT model. Evaluations together with at-test of the MAD (Mean Absolute Deviation) reveal that the IADEBAT model has a significant improvement.
Electrical and Photoconductivity Properties of Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al Photodiode
Authors: Çavaş Mehmet , Yakuphanoglu Fahrettin , Kaya Savaş
Published: June 2016

In the present study, we have investigated the effects of illumination intensity on the optical and electrical characteristics of the Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al photodiode. A thin film of CdFe2O4 was fabricated using the sol-gel spin coating method that allows good thickness control and low-cost manufacturing as compared to alternative techniques. The current-voltage (I-V) of the Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al photodiode was measured in the dark and under different illumination intensities. The photocurrent increased with higher luminous intensity and its sensitivity has a strong dependence on the reverse bias rising from 1.08⁎10-7 A under dark conditions to 6.11⁎10-4 A at 100 mW/cm2 of illumination. The parameters of the photodiode such as ideality factor and barrier height were calculated using the thermionic emission model. The ideality factor of the Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al photodiode was found to be 4.4. The barrier height was found to be 0.88 eV. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics measured at different frequencies have strongly varied with frequency, decreasing with frequency. Consequently, the resulting interface density (Dit) value of the Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al photodiode also decreased with higher frequency. Similarly, the fitted series resistance of the Al/CdFe2O4/p-Si/Al photodiode has declined with higher frequency.
Progressive Depletion of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum in Epithelial Cells of the Small Intestine in Monosodium Glutamate Mice Model of Obesity
Authors: Nakadate Kazuhiko , Motojima Kento , Hirakawa Tomoya , Tanaka-Nakadate Sawako
Published: June 2016

Chronic obesity is a known risk factor for metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about pathological changes in the small intestine associated with chronic obesity. This study investigated cellular and subcellular level changes in the small intestine of obese mice. In this study, a mouse model of obesity was established by early postnatal administration of monosodium glutamate. Changes in body weight were monitored, and pathological changes in the small intestine were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining and light and electron microscopy. Consequently, obese mice were significantly heavier compared with controls from 9 weeks of age. Villi in the small intestine of obese mice were elongated and thinned. There was reduced hematoxylin staining in the epithelium of the small intestine of obese mice. Electron microscopy revealed a significant decrease in and shortening of rough endoplasmic reticulum in epithelial cells of the small intestine of obese mice compared with normal mice. The decrease in rough endoplasmic reticulum in the small intestine epithelial cells of obese mice indicates that obesity starting in childhood influences various functions of the small intestine, such as protein synthesis, and could impair both the defense mechanism against invasion of pathogenic microbes and nutritional absorption.
Tumor-Derived CXCL1 Promotes Lung Cancer Growth via Recruitment of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils
Authors: Yuan Ming , Zhu Ha , Xu Junfang , Zheng Yuanyuan , Cao Xuetao , Liu Qiuyan
Published: June 2016

Neutrophils have a traditional role in inflammatory process and act as the first line of defense against infections. Although their contribution to tumorigenesis and progression is still controversial, accumulating evidence recently has demonstrated that tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) play a key role in multiple aspects of cancer biology. Here, we detected that chemokine CXCL1 was dramatically elevated in serum from 3LL tumor-bearing mice. In vitro, 3LL cells constitutively expressed and secreted higher level of CXCL1. Furthermore, knocking down CXCL1 expression in 3LL cells significantly hindered tumor growth by inhibiting recruitment of neutrophils from peripheral blood into tumor tissues. Additionally, tumor-infiltrated neutrophils expressed higher levels of MPO and Fas/FasL, which may be involved in TAN-mediated inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that tumor-derived CXCL1 contributes to TANs infiltration in lung cancer which promotes tumor growth.
Perinatal Management for a Pregnant Woman with anMYH9Disorder
Authors: Yamashita Yuka , Matsuura Rei , Kunishima Shinji , Oikawa Yoshie , Ariizumi Hirotsugu , Hamada Shoko , Shirato Nahoko , Matsuoka Ryu , Ogawa Kohichi , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: June 2016

We diagnosed a primipara woman with anMYH9disorder during her pregnancy. A peripheral blood smear with an immunofluorescence analysis is the established method of diagnosingMYH9disorders. We provided genetic counseling, as required, which included apprising the woman of the inheritance pattern, the importance of a genetic analysis, and the potential delivery risks for the patient and her offspring. Given that the potential delivery risks are reportedly low, special perinatal management is not necessary for patients with anMYH9disorder whose platelet count is above 5.0 × 104/μL, except for rapid blood access.
Diarrheal Diseases Hospitalization in Yemen before and after Rotavirus Vaccination
Authors: Amood AL-Kamarany Mohammed , Al-Areqi Lina , Mujally Abulatif , Alkarshy Fawzya , Nasser Arwa , Jumaan Aisha O.
Published: June 2016

The study aims to assess the impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on diarrheal diseases hospitalization and to identify the rotavirus genotypes most prevalent before and after vaccine introduction among children ≤ 5 years of age. Rotarix™® rotavirus vaccine is currently licensed for infants in Yemen and was introduced in 2012. The vaccination course consists of two doses. The first dose is administrated at 6 weeks of age and the second dose is completed by 10 weeks. Based on a longitudinal observational study, we assessed the impact of vaccination on rotavirus hospitalization before and after vaccination among children ≤ 5 years of age at the Yemeni-Swedish Hospital (YSH) in Taiz, Yemen. Prevaccination covered January 2009–July 2012 during which 2335 fecal samples were collected from children ≤ 5 years old. Postvaccination covered January 2013–December 2014 during which 1114 fecal samples were collected. Rotavirus was detected by Enzyme Linkage Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The incidence ofrotavirushospitalization decreased from 43.79% in 2009 to 10.54% in 2014. Hospitalization due to rotavirus diarrhea was reduced by 75.93%. Vaccine coverage increased from 23% in 2012 to 72% in 2014. Also, the results showed that the most predominant genotypes in prevaccination period were G2P[4] (55.0%), followed by G1P[8] (15.0%), while in postvaccination period G1P[8] (31%) was the predominant genotype, followed by G9P[8] (27.5%). In conclusion, rotavirus vaccination in Yemen resulted in sharp reduction in diarrheal hospitalization. A successful rotavirus vaccination program in Yemen will rely upon efficient vaccine delivery systems and sustained vaccine efficacy against diverse and evolving rotavirus strains.
Heavy Cigarette Smokers in a Chinese Population Display a Compromised Permeability Barrier
Authors: Xin Shujun , Ye Li , Man George , Lv Chengzhi , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao-Qiang
Published: June 2016

Cigarette smoking is associated with various cutaneous disorders with defective permeability. Yet, whether cigarette smoking influences epidermal permeability barrier function is largely unknown. Here, we measured skin biophysical properties, including permeability barrier homeostasis, stratum corneum (SC) integrity, SC hydration, skin surface pH, and skin melanin/erythema index, in cigarette smokers. A total of 99 male volunteers were enrolled in this study. Smokers were categorized as light-to-moderate (<20 cigarettes/day) or heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes/day). An MPA5 was used to measure SC hydration and skin melanin/erythema index on the dorsal hand, forehead, and cheek. Basal transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and barrier recovery rates were assessed on the forearm. A Skin-pH-Meter pH900 was used to measure skin surface pH. Our results showed that heavy cigarette smokers exhibited delayed barrier recovery after acute abrogation (1.02%±13.06versus16.48%±6.07), and barrier recovery rates correlated negatively with the number of daily cigarettes consumption (p=0.0087). Changes in biophysical parameters in cigarette smokers varied with body sites. In conclusion, heavy cigarette smokers display compromised permeability barrier homeostasis, which could contribute, in part, to the increased prevalence of certain cutaneous disorders characterized by defective permeability. Thus, improving epidermal permeability barrier should be considered for heavy cigarette smokers.
The Role of Multifocal Electroretinography in the Assessment of Drug-Induced Retinopathy: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Dettoraki Maria , Moschos Marilita M.
Published: June 2016

Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) is an objective, noninvasive examination for the assessment of visual function. It enables the stimulation of multiple retinal areas simultaneously and recording of each response independently, providing a topographic measure of retinal electrophysiological activity in the central 40-50° of the retina. A clinical application of mfERG represents the assessment of retinal toxicity associated with systemic medications. Drug-induced retinopathy represents a disease that, although not common, requires early recognition: if not detected early, it may progress and cause irreversible retinal dysfunction with subsequent visual impairment. This review aims to evaluate the use of mfERG in the assessment of retinal dysfunction associated with various systemic pharmacological agents based on the currently available literature. The most commonly recognized systemic medications affecting retinal function are included, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, vigabatrin, deferoxamine, ethambutol, interferon-α, tamoxifen, digoxin, sildenafil, canthaxanthin, amiodarone and nefazodone. The role of mfERG in the early diagnosis of retinal toxicity and the evaluation of disease severity is reviewed, as well as its clinical value in monitoring disease progression or recovery after drug cessation.
Calcium Prerinse before Fluoride Rinse Reduces Enamel Demineralization: An in situ Caries Study
Authors: Souza João Gabriel S. , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha , Nóbrega Diego Figueiredo , Budin Renan R. , de Queiroz Mateus X. , Vogel Gerald L. , Cury Jaime A.
Published: June 2016

A calcium (Ca) prerinse before a fluoride (F) rinse has been shown to increase oral F levels. We tested the anticaries effect of this combination in a dose-response in situ caries model. In a double-blind, crossover experiment, 10 volunteers carried enamel slabs in palatal appliances for 14 days, during which they rinsed twice/day with one of four rinse combinations: (1) a placebo prerinse (150 mM sodium lactate) followed by a distilled water rinse (negative control); (2) a placebo prerinse followed by a 250 ppm F rinse; (3) a placebo prerinse followed by a 1,000 ppm F rinse, or (4) a Ca prerinse (150 mM Ca, as calcium lactate) followed by a 250 ppm F rinse. Sucrose solution was dripped onto the slabs 8×/day to simulate a high cariogenic challenge. The percent surface hardness loss (%SHL) was significantly lower in the Ca prerinse used with the 250 ppm F rinse group (%SHL = 38.0 ± 21.0) when compared with the F rinse alone (%SHL = 59.5 ± 24.1) and similar to the 1,000 ppm F rinse group (%SHL = 42.0 ± 18.3). Compared with the 250 ppm F rinse, the Ca prerinse increased biofilm fluid F only twice (nonsignificant). However, it greatly increased F in biofilm solids (∼22×). The Ca prerinse had little effect on loosely or firmly bound enamel F. The results showed an increased level of protection against demineralization by the use of a Ca prerinse, which seems to be caused by the enhancement of F concentration in the biofilm.
FABP1 and FABP3 Have High Predictive Values for Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Dihazi Hassan , Koziolek Michael J. , Datta Rabi R. , Wallbach Manuel , Jung Klaus , Heise Daniel , Dihazi Gry H. , Markovic Ivana , Asif Abdul R. , Müller Gerhard A.
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) is recommended in order to improve the clinical outcome of patients who develop an acute kidney injury (AKI). However, markers that guide an early RRT initiation do not really exist currently. Methods: Urine and serum samples were prospectively collected from 120 AKI patients. Depending on the necessity of initiating RRT, patients were divided into 2 different groups: dialysis (n = 52) and non-dialysis (n = 68). Results: Comparative urinary proteomic analyses identified 4 different proteins (fatty acid binding proteins 1 and 3 (FABP1 and FABP3), β-2-microglobulin (B2M), cystatin-M (CST6)) that discriminate AKI patients with high risk for RRT. Western blot analysis confirmed the proteomics data for FABP1 and FABP3 but not for B2M and CST6. Validation analysis confirmed that the FABP1 and FABP3 fulfilled the requirement of functioning as markers for AKI patients with risk to dialysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The release of high amounts of FABP1 and FABP3 in urine of AKI patients could serve as a diagnostic/prognosis marker for RRT initiation in these patients.
Voltage Instability of Initiation Fault Duration as Influenced by Nodes Short Circuit Levels NSCL with Different Types of Loads
Authors: Mobarak Youssef Ahmed , Hussein Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2016

The occurrence of voltage instabilities or voltage collapses depend on the duration of the persistence of the fault and on the type of fault, some faults lead to voltage instabilities, others lead to voltage collapse. Evaluation of fault durations causing occurrence of voltage instabilities is the main goal of this paper. This paper searches for the effect of nodes short circuit levels NSCL and its duration periods initiation of voltage instability, with lagging and leading load power factors at certain loads buses. In this paper, the power system dynamic simulation program is developed for dynamic analysis of voltage stability. This paper is concerned with the fault duration which lead to the occurrence of voltage instability phenomena due to NSCL. The fault which lead to voltage instability is found to be short circuits at certain nodes cleared without any variation in the transmission system elements, i.e. the post-fault conditions will be the same as the pre-fault conditions. Models for loads considered in this study are induction motors with three different shaft mechanical loads, constant impedance CZ loads, constant current CI loads and constant power CP loads are used, as they depict the behavior of most power system loads. The influence of the transmission network impedances, which are nearly the inverse of the NSCL, on the fault duration which lead to the occurrence of voltage instabilities are studied and evaluated using various load representations.