bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SuccFind: a novel succinylation sites online prediction tool via enhanced characteristic strategy
Authors: Xu Hao-Dong , Shi Shao-Ping , Wen Ping-Ping , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: August 2015

Summary: Lysine succinylation orchestrates a variety of biological processes. Annotation of succinylation in proteomes is the first-crucial step to decipher physiological roles of succinylation implicated in the pathological processes. In this work, we developed a novel succinylation site online prediction tool, called SuccFind, which is constructed to predict the lysine succinylation sites based on two major categories of characteristics: sequence-derived features and evolutionary-derived information of sequence and via an enhanced feature strategy for further optimizations. The assessment results obtained from cross-validation suggest that SuccFind can provide more instructive guidance for further experimental investigation of protein succinylation.

Availability and implementation: A user-friendly server is freely available on the web at: http://bioinfo.ncu.edu.cn/SuccFind.aspx

Contact:  jdqiu@ncu.edu.cn

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The intimate genetics ofDrosophilafertilization
Authors: Loppin Benjamin , Dubruille Raphaëlle , Horard Béatrice
Published: August 2015

The union of haploid gametes at fertilization initiates the formation of the diploid zygote in sexually reproducing animals. This founding event of embryogenesis includes several fascinating cellular and nuclear processes, such as sperm–egg cellular interactions, sperm chromatin remodelling, centrosome formation or pronuclear migration. In comparison with other aspects of development, the exploration of animal fertilization at the functional level has remained so far relatively limited, even in classical model organisms. Here, we have reviewed our current knowledge of fertilization inDrosophila melanogaster, with a special emphasis on the genes involved in the complex transformation of the fertilizing sperm nucleus into a replicated set of paternal chromosomes.
Far-field perturbations of vortex patches
Authors: Constantin Peter
Published: August 2015

In this paper I investigate the dynamics of vortex patches in the Yudovitch phase space. I derive an approximation for the evolution of the vorticity in the case of nested vortex patches with distant boundaries, and study its long-time behaviour.
A Stefan problem on an evolving surface
Authors: Alphonse Amal , Elliott Charles M.
Published: August 2015

We formulate a Stefan problem on an evolving hypersurface and study the well posedness of weak solutions given
L
1
data. To do this, we first develop function spaces and results to handle equations on evolving surfaces in order to give a natural treatment of the problem. Then, we consider the existence of solutions for

data; this is done by regularization of the nonlinearity. The regularized problem is solved by a fixed point theorem and then uniform estimates are obtained in order to pass to the limit. By using a duality method, we show continuous dependence, which allows us to extend the results to
L
1
data.
Work-life balance can benefit business during financial crisis and austerity
Authors: Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Uracha , Prouska Rea , Lewis Suzan
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Advances the view that work-life balance (WLB) can benefit business during financial crisis and austerity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws evidence from studies in Britain and southeastern Europe.

Findings

– Introduces and explains the dual-agenda approach as a potential framework for human resources (HR) specialists, managers and employers.

Practical implications

– Argues that part of the main challenge for HR is to convince senior and line management of the need for flexible working arrangements. In order to do this, HR should take charge in monitoring the effectiveness of policies, including implementation and take-up rates and especially in evaluating flexible working practices that are often developed from the bottom up.

Social implications

– Describes how HR’s role in developing strategies for overcoming resistance to change among managers and others is important, and outlines such barriers to success as gendered assumptions about ideal workers who do not need time for family.

Originality/value

– Argues that while WLB initiatives can be good for business and a good way of managing recession and austerity, it is crucial not to lose sight of employee needs.
Developing diversity skills with university students
Authors: Hartog Mary , Haddock-Millar Julie , Rigby Chris , Wilson Doirean
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Points up the importance of developing people in organizations to enhance diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on two presentations to a conference on diversity at Middlesex University, London.

Findings

– Highlights the role mentoring can play, first to achieve access to graduate-employment opportunities in the public sector and secondly to enable people to work together effectively and harmoniously in teams with greater respect through awareness and appreciation of difference.

Practical implications

– Describes the public-sector diversity-mentoring scheme, the primary goal was to widen the pool of applicants to graduate-employment opportunities in the sector from ethnic minorities and working-class backgrounds.

Social implications

– Explains that, while respect is a common value shared by all, in one culture it may be experienced differently from in another and for teams to work harmoniously all members need to feel respected.

Originality/value

– Shows how diversity is the key to better relationships and the flourishing of human potential.
Perturbations in growth trajectory due to early diet affect age‐related deterioration in performance
Authors: Lee Who‐Seung , Monaghan Pat , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: August 2015

Fluctuations in early developmental conditions can cause changes in growth trajectories that subsequently affect the adult phenotype. Here, we investigated whether compensatory growth has long‐term consequences for patterns of senescence.

Using three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), we show that a brief period of dietary manipulation in early life affected skeletal growth rate not only during the manipulation itself, but also during a subsequent compensatory phase when fish caught up in size with controls.

However, this growth acceleration influenced swimming endurance and its decline over the course of the breeding season, with a faster decline in fish that had undergone faster growth compensation.

Similarly, accelerated growth led to a more pronounced reduction in the breeding period (as indicated by the duration of sexual ornamentation) over the following two breeding seasons, suggesting faster reproductive senescence. Parallel experiments showed a heightened effect of accelerated growth on these age‐related declines in performance if the fish were under greater time stress to complete their compensation prior to the breeding season.

Compensatory growth led to a reduction in median life span of 12% compared to steadily growing controls. While life span was independent of the eventual adult size attained, it was negatively correlated with the age‐related decline in swimming endurance and sexual ornamentation.

These results, complementary to those found when growth trajectories were altered by temperature rather than dietary manipulations, show that the costs of accelerated growth can last well beyond the time over which growth rates differ and are affected by the time available until an approaching life‐history event such as reproduction.
Anaerobic granular reactors for the treatment of dairy wastewater: A review
Authors: Karadag Dogan , Koroglu Oguz Emre , Ozkaya Bestami , Cakmakci Mehmet , Heaven Sonia , Banks Charles , Serna‐Maza Alba
Published: August 2015

Considerable research has been conducted on the treatment of dairy wastewater by anaerobic granular reactors. Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBR) and static granular bed reactors (SGBR) are the conventional granular reactor types most commonly applied in dairy wastewater treatment. Hybrid systems have also been developed to increase treatment efficiency and overcome the operational problems associated with the treatment of this substrate. Effects of parameters including temperature, organic loading and operating protocols on the performance of granular reactors are summarised. Individual and hybrid granular reactors are evaluated based on organic matter removal and methane production capacity.
Regional specific approach is a next step for setting evolutionary‐based conservation priorities in the scleractinian corals
Authors: Fukami H.
Published: August 2015

Read the Feature Paper: Setting evolutionary‐based conservation priorities for a phylogenetically data‐poor taxonomic group (Scleractinia); other Commentaries on this paper: Valuing species on the cheap; Conservation prioritization in the context of uncertainty and the Response from the authors: Setting evolutionary based conservation priorities for a phylogenetically data‐poor taxonomic group (Scleractinia): response to the commentaries
Antisense‐mediated reduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): a first‐in‐human randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: van Poelgeest Eveline P. , Hodges Michael R. , Moerland Matthijs , Tessier Yann , Levin Arthur A. , Persson Robert , Lindholm Marie W. , Dumong Erichsen Kamille , Ørum Henrik , Cohen Adam F. , Burggraaf Jacobus
Published: August 2015

Aims

LDL‐receptor expression is inhibited by the protease proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which is considered a pharmacological target to reduce LDL‐C concentrations in hypercholesterolaemic patients. We performed a first‐in‐human trial with SPC5001, a locked nucleic acid antisense inhibitor of PCSK9.

Methods

In this randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 24 healthy volunteers received three weekly subcutaneous administrations of SPC5001 (0.5, 1.5 or 5 mg kg–1) or placebo (SPC5001 : placebo ratio 6 : 2). End points were safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of SPC5001.

Results

SPC5001 plasma exposure (AUC(0,24 h)) increased more than dose‐proportionally. At 5 mg kg–1, SPC5001 decreased target protein PCSK9 (day 15 to day 35: −49% vs. placebo, P < 0.0001), resulting in a reduction in LDL‐C concentrations (maximal estimated difference at day 28 compared with placebo −0.72 mmol l–1, 95% confidence interval − 1.24, −0.16 mmol l–1; P < 0.01). SPC5001 treatment (5 mg kg–1) also decreased ApoB (P = 0.04) and increased ApoA1 (P = 0.05). SPC5001 administration dose‐dependently induced mild to moderate injection site reactions in 44% of the subjects, and transient increases in serum creatinine of ≥20 μmol l–1 (15%) over baseline with signs of renal tubular toxicity in four out of six subjects at the highest dose level. One subject developed biopsy‐proven acute tubular necrosis.

Conclusions

SPC5001 treatment dose‐dependently inhibited PCSK9 and decreased LDL‐C concentrations, demonstrating human proof‐of‐pharmacology. However, SPC5001 caused mild to moderate injection site reactions and renal tubular toxicity, and clinical development of SPC5001 was terminated. Our findings underline the need for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the side effects of compounds such as SPC5001, and for sensitive and relevant renal toxicity monitoring in future oligonucleotide studies.
Melanoma arising in a nevus of Ito: novel genetic mutations and a review of the literature on cutaneous malignant transformation of dermal melanocytosis
Authors: Tse Julie Y. , Walls Brooke E. , Pomerantz Hyemin , Yoon Charles H. , Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Werchniak Andrew E. , Dong Fei , Lian Christine G. , Granter Scott R.
Published: August 2015

Dermal melanocytosis refers to a spectrum of benign melanocytic proliferations that includes Mongolian spot, nevus of Ota and nevus of Ito. These lesions most commonly occur in persons of Asian or African descent and are often present at birth or develop during childhood. Very rarely, dermal melanocytoses undergo malignant transformation. There have been only 13 reports in the literature of primary cutaneous melanoma arising in dermal melanocytoses. We report a case of a Chinese woman with melanoma arising in a congenital nevus of Ito. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of the tumor which revealed mutations of GNAQ and BAP1, suggesting that alterations in these two genes led to malignant transformation of the nevus of Ito. We also provide a summary of reports in the literature regarding primary cutaneous melanoma arising in the context of dermal melanocytosis.
Fibroelastolytic papulosis: histopathologic confirmation of disease spectrum variants in a single case
Authors: Patterson Andrew T. , Beasley Knox J. , Kobayashi Todd T.
Published: August 2015

Fibroelastolytic papulosis is a rare, acquired fibroelastolytic disorder that presents clinically as white‐to‐yellow papules and plaques most commonly occurring on the neck of elderly patients. The term fibroelastolytic papulosis encompasses two closely related conditions previously described as pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like papillary dermal elastolysis (PDE) and white fibrous papulosis of the neck (WFPN). Here we present a case of a 78‐year‐old white female with a several‐year history of numerous, asymptomatic 2–3 mm yellowish, non‐follicular papules distributed symmetrically over the posterior neck, axillae, arm and antecubital fossae. Histopathologic examination revealed thickened and clumped elastotic fibers admixed with thick, sclerotic appearing collagen bundles in the mid and deep reticular dermis. Rare melanophages, loss of vertically oriented elastic fibers and scattered elastotic globes were noted in the papillary dermis. Based on the shared clinicopathologic features showed in this case, strong consideration should be made for the additional inclusion of papillary dermal elastosis as existing along the disease continuum of fibroelastolytic papulosis. This occurrence of fibroelastolytic papulosis shows unique histopathologic findings of pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like PDE, papillary dermal elastosis and WFPN, further supporting the theory that these entities exist as variants along the fibroelastolytic papulosis spectrum.
Insulin administered by needle‐free jet injection corrects marked hyperglycaemia faster in overweight or obese patients with diabetes
Authors: de Wit H. M. , Engwerda E. E. C. , Tack C. J. , de Galan B. E.
Published: August 2015

Aims

To test whether jet injection of insulin resulted in faster correction of marked hyperglycaemia than when insulin is injected by a conventional pen in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Adult, overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 and ≤40 kg/m2) patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 10) or insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes (n = 10) were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. On two separate occasions, patients were instructed to reduce insulin dose(s) to achieve marked hyperglycaemia (18–23 mmol/l). Subsequently, insulin aspart was administered either by jet injection or by conventional pen, in a dose based on estimated individual insulin sensitivity. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles were derived from plasma glucose and insulin levels, measured for 6 h after injection.

Results

After conventional injection, plasma glucose concentration dropped by ≥10 mmol/l after 192.5 ± 13.6 min. The jet injector advanced this time to 147.9 ± 14.4 min [difference 44.6 (95% confidence interval 4.3, 84.8); P = 0.03], except in 3 patients who failed to reach this endpoint. The time advantage exceeded 1.5 h in patients with a BMI above the median. Jet injection also reduced the hyperglycaemic burden during the first 2 h (2042 ± 37.2 vs 2168 ± 26.1 mmol/min; P = 0.01) and the time to peak insulin levels (40.5 ± 3.2 vs 76.8 ± 7.7 min; P < 0.001), but did not increase the risk for hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Administration of rapid‐acting insulin by jet injection results in faster correction of marked hyperglycaemia in overweight or obese patients with insulin‐requiring diabetes.
Genetic control of cuticular wax compounds inEucalyptus globulus
Authors: Gosney Benjamin J. , Potts Brad M. , O'Reilly‐Wapstra Julianne M. , Vaillancourt René E. , Fitzgerald Hugh , Davies Noel W. , Freeman Jules S.
Published: August 2015

Plant cuticular wax compounds perform functions that are essential for the survival of terrestrial plants. Despite their importance, the genetic control of these compounds is poorly understood outside of model taxa. Here we investigate the genetic basis of variation in cuticular compounds inEucalyptus globulususing quantitative genetic and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses.

Quantitative genetic analysis was conducted using 246 open‐pollinated progeny from 13 native sub‐races throughout the geographic range.QTLanalysis was conducted using 112 clonally replicated progeny from an outcross F2population.

Nine compounds exhibited significant genetic variation among sub‐races with three exhibiting signals of diversifying selection. Fifty‐twoQTLwere found with co‐location ofQTLfor related compounds commonly observed. Notable among these was theQTLfor five wax esters, which co‐located with a gene from theKCSfamily, previously implicated in the biosynthesis of cuticular waxes in Arabidopsis.

In combination, theQTLand quantitative genetic analyses suggest the variation and differentiation in cuticular wax compounds withinE. globulushas a complex genetic origin. Sub‐races exhibited independent latitudinal and longitudinal differentiation in cuticular wax compounds, likely reflecting processes such as historic gene flow and diversifying selection acting upon genes that have diverse functions in distinct biochemical pathways.
Sexually transmitted infection screening and reproductive health counseling in adolescent renal transplant recipients: Perceptions and practice patterns. A study from the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium
Authors: Ashoor Isa F. , Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: August 2015

We wanted to identify practice patterns and perceived barriers among pediatric nephrologists regarding STI screening and reproductive health counseling in adolescent renal transplant recipients. We created an online Likert‐scaled survey. Response rate was 54%. The majority (83%) believed STI risk in their patients was similar to or higher than healthy teens. Interestingly, while 67% felt moderately or very confident in asking about sexual activity and counseling about safer sex, only 43% routinely or always inquired about sexual activity, and only 42% routinely or always counseled about safer sex. Fifty‐four percent routinely or always discussed contraceptive options and implications of unintentional pregnancy. Fifty‐one percent routinely or always referred patients to a gynecologist or adolescent provider for contraception prescription. The most common counseling mechanism was informal discussions in clinic (87%). Ten percent had no mechanism in place. Major barriers included time limitations, adolescents' fear regarding confidentiality, and lack of professional training. This is the first report of perceptions and practice patterns of pediatric nephrologists regarding STI screening and reproductive health counseling. Providers seem to recognize the importance of counseling; however, translation into practice remains low. Professional training in this area and increased encounter time could improve counseling delivery and thereby reduce risk in this population.
Management of patient with acrometageria for routine dental treatment: A case report
Authors: Young Andrew S. , Cooke Matthew R. , Taiclet Lynne M.
Published: August 2015

The population of special needs patients in dental offices is growing. Therefore, the demand for well‐trained, educated practitioners must increase to fit the need. Conditions such as intellectual developmental disorder, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder are more readily encountered in dental settings. However, it is equally appropriate to identify management techniques for patients with less common conditions. A case is reported in which a 38‐year‐old Caucasian male with a history significant for acrometageria and associated signs of Mallampati Class IV, micrognathia, decreased mouth opening, decreased thyromental distance, and decreased cervical range of motion presented for routine dental treatment under intravenous sedation. Providers should recognize appropriate management techniques to safely and effectively care for a wide patient demographic.
Implementation of spot scanning dose optimization and dose calculation for helium ions in Hyperion
Authors: Fuchs Hermann , Alber Markus , Schreiner Thomas , Georg Dietmar
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Helium ions (4He) may supplement current particle beam therapy strategies as they possess advantages in physical dose distribution over protons. To assess potential clinical advantages, a dose calculation module accounting for relative biological effectiveness (RBE) was developed and integrated into the treatment planning system Hyperion.

Methods:

Current knowledge on RBE of 4He together with linear energy transfer considerations motivated an empirical depth‐dependent “zonal” RBE model. In the plateau region, a RBE of 1.0 was assumed, followed by an increasing RBE up to 2.8 at the Bragg‐peak region, which was then kept constant over the fragmentation tail. To account for a variable proton RBE, the same model concept was also applied to protons with a maximum RBE of 1.6. Both RBE models were added to a previously developed pencil beam algorithm for physical dose calculation and included into the treatment planning system Hyperion. The implementation was validated against Monte Carlo simulations within a water phantom using γ‐index evaluation. The potential benefits of 4He based treatment plans were explored in a preliminary treatment planning comparison (against protons) for four treatment sites, i.e., a prostate, a base‐of‐skull, a pediatric, and a head‐and‐neck tumor case. Separate treatment plans taking into account physical dose calculation only or using biological modeling were created for protons and 4He.

Results:

Comparison of Monte Carlo and Hyperion calculated doses resulted in a γmean of 0.3, with 3.4% of the values above 1 and γ1% of 1.5 and better. Treatment plan evaluation showed comparable planning target volume coverage for both particles, with slightly increased coverage for 4He. Organ at risk (OAR) doses were generally reduced using 4He, some by more than to 30%. Improvements of 4He over protons were more pronounced for treatment plans taking biological effects into account. All OAR doses were within tolerances specified in the QUANTEC report.

Conclusions:

The biological 4He model proposed above is a first approach matching biological data published so far. The advantage of 4He seems to lie in the reduction of dose to surrounding tissue and to OARs. Nevertheless, additional biological experiments and treatment planning studies with larger patient numbers and more tumor indications are necessary to study the possible benefits of helium ion beam therapy in detail.
Atrial septal defect and training-induced changes in loading conditions: clinical management and implications for competitive athletes
Authors: D'Ascenzi Flavio , Malandrino Angela , Bonifazi Marco , Mondillo Sergio
Published: August 2015

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease in adults. When right heart dilation occurs, prompt closure should be considered. In the athletic population, however, the management of ASD can be challenging. Indeed, while the training-induced haemodynamic effects on the right heart of an athlete with open ASD are not well known, possible device-related consequences may occur after percutaneous closure. We report the case of a competitive athlete with secundum ASD in which changes in the training regime significantly affected the right heart. Prompt normalisation of right ventricular size and of pulmonary artery pressures was demonstrated 2 months after percutaneous ASD closure.
On a class of complete Finsler manifolds
Authors: Sedaghat M. K. , Bidabad B.
Published: August 2015

Here, it is shown that if a forward geodesically complete Finsler manifold admits a circle preserving change of metric then its indicatrix is conformally diffeomorphic to the Euclidean sphere Sn-1. Moreover, if the Finsler manifold is absolutely homogeneous and of scalar flag curvature then it is a Riemannian manifold of constant sectional curvature. These results provide a geometric interpretation for existence of solutions to the certain ODE on the Riemannian tangent space.
Inflationary cosmology: First 30+ years
Authors: Sato Katsuhiko , Yokoyama Jun'ichi
Published: August 2015

Starting with an account of historical developments in Japan and Russia, we review inflationary cosmology and its basic predictions in a pedagogical manner. We also introduce the generalized G-inflation model, in terms of which all the known single-field inflation models may be described. This formalism allows us to analyze and compare the many inflationary models that have been proposed simultaneously and within a common framework. Finally, current observational constraints on inflation are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the sensitivity of the inferred constraints to the choice of datasets used.
Gravitational energy for GR and Poincaré gauge theories: A covariant Hamiltonian approach
Authors: Chen Chiang-Mei , Nester James M. , Tung Roh-Suan
Published: August 2015

Our topic concerns a long standing puzzle: The energy of gravitating systems. More precisely we want to consider, for gravitating systems, how to best describe energy–momentum and angular momentum/center-of-mass momentum (CoMM). It is known that these quantities cannot be given by a local density. The modern understanding is that (i) they are quasi-local (associated with a closed 2-surface), (ii) they have no unique formula, (iii) they have no reference frame independent description. In the first part of this work, we review some early history, much of it not so well known, on the subject of gravitational energy in Einstein's general relativity (GR), noting especially Noether's contribution. In the second part, we review (including some new results) much of our covariant Hamiltonian formalism and apply it to Poincaré gauge theories of gravity (PG), with GR as a special case. The key point is that the Hamiltonian boundary term has two roles, it determines the quasi-local quantities, and furthermore, it determines the boundary conditions for the dynamical variables. Energy–momentum and angular momentum/CoMM are associated with the geometric symmetries under Poincaré transformations. They are best described in a local Poincaré gauge theory. The type of spacetime that naturally has this symmetry is Riemann–Cartan spacetime, with a metric compatible connection having, in general, both curvature and torsion. Thus our expression for the energy–momentum of physical systems is obtained via our covariant Hamiltonian formulation applied to the PG.
INFLUENCE OF KILO-ELECTRON-VOLT OXYGEN ION IRRADIATION ON STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CdTe THIN FILMS
Authors: HONEY SHEHLA , THEMA F. T. , BHATTI M. T. , ISHAQ A. , NASEEM SHAHZAD , MAAZA M.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, effect of oxygen (O[Formula: see text]) ion irradiation on the properties of polycrystalline cubic structure CdTe thin films has been investigated. CdTe thin films were irradiated with O[Formula: see text] ions of energy 80[Formula: see text]keV at different fluence ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]ion/cm2 at room temperature. At [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]ion/cm2 O[Formula: see text] ions fluence, the CdTe structure was maintained while XRD peaks of cubic phase were shifted toward lower angles. At [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]ion/cm2 O[Formula: see text] ions fluence, cubic structure of CdTe thin films was transformed into hexagonal structure. In addition, electrical resistivity and optical bandgap were decreased with increasing O[Formula: see text] ion beam irradiation.
Brain MRI segmentation for tumor detection via entropy maximization using Grammatical Swarm
Authors: Si Tapas , De Arunava , Bhattacharjee Anup Kumar
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a new method for the segmentation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain tumor. First, discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based soft-thresholding technique is used for removing noise in the MRI. Second, intensity inhomogeneity (IIH) independent of noise is removed from the MRI image. Third, again DWT is used to sharpen the de-noised and IIH corrected image. In this method, the image is decomposed into first level using wavelet decomposition and approximate values are assigned to zero and reconstruct the image results in detailed image. The detailed image is added with the pre-processed image to produce sharpened image. Entropy maximization using Grammatical Swarm (GS) algorithm is used to obtain a set of threshold values and a threshold value is selected with the expert knowledge to separate the lesion part from the other non-diseased cells in the image.
A Multiobjective Mesh Optimization Algorithm for Improving the Solution Accuracy of PDE Computations
Authors: Kim Jibum
Published: August 2015

Mesh qualities affect both the efficiency and accuracy for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, we present a multiobjective mesh optimization algorithm, which improves the accuracy for solving PDEs. Our algorithm is designed to simultaneously improve more than two aspects of the mesh, while being able to successfully decrease errors for solving various PDEs. Numerical experiments show that our algorithm is able to significantly decrease errors compared with existing single objective mesh optimization algorithms.
Large random simplicial complexes, I
Authors: Costa A. , Farber M.
Published: August 2015

In this paper we introduce and develop the multi-parameter model of random simplicial complexes with randomness present in all dimensions. Various geometric and topological properties of such random simplicial complexes are characterised by convex domains in the high-dimensional parameter space (rather than by intervals, as in the usual one-parameter models). We find conditions under which a multi-parameter random simplicial complex is connected and simply connected. Besides, we give an intrinsic characterisation of the multi-parameter probability measure. We analyse links of simplexes and intersections of multi-parameter random simplicial complexes and show that they are also multi-parameter random simplicial complexes.
A Family History of Diabetes Modifies the Association between Elevated Urine Albumin Concentration and Hyperglycemia in Nondiabetic Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Jiménez-Corona Aida , Ávila-Hermosillo Antonio , Nelson Robert G. , Ramírez-López Guadalupe
Published: August 2015

We examined the frequency of elevated urine albumin concentration (UAC) and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic markers in 515 nondiabetic Mexican adolescents stratified by family history of diabetes (FHD). UAC was measured in a first morning urine sample and considered elevated when excretion was ≥20 mg/mL. MetS was defined using International Diabetes Federation criteria. Fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and lipids were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Elevated UAC was present in 12.4% and MetS was present in 8.9% of the adolescents. No association was found between elevated UAC and MetS. Among adolescents with FHD, 18.4% were overweight and 20.7% were obese, whereas, among those without a FHD, 15.9% were overweight and 7.5% were obese. Hyperglycemia was higher in those with elevated UAC than in those without (44.4% versus 5.1%,p=0.003). Hyperglycemia (OR = 9.8, 95% CI 1.6–59.4) and number of MetS components (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 1.5–13.3) were independently associated with elevated UAC. Among female participants, abdominal obesity was associated with elevated UAC (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 1.2–16.9).Conclusion. Elevated UAC was associated neither with MetS nor with any metabolic markers in nondiabetic adolescents. However, FHD modified the association of elevated UAC with hyperglycemia and the number of MetS components.
Conformal Array Pattern Synthesis and Activated Elements Selection Strategy Based on PSOGSA Algorithm
Authors: Sun Bin , Liu Chunheng , Liu Yang , Wu Xiaofang , Li Yongzhen , Wang Xuesong
Published: August 2015

The pattern synthesis and activated element selection for conformal array is investigated based on hybrid particle swarm optimization-gravitational search algorithm (PSOGSA) in this paper. With the introduction of PSOGSA algorithm which is a novel hybrid optimization technique, the element excitations are optimized to obtain the desired pattern for conformal array in the case of considering uncoupled and coupled element pattern. Numerical simulation and full-wave electromagnetic calculation verify the advantage and efficiency of our method. Then, a novel strategy of activated element selection based on PSOGSA algorithm is proposed for saving the energy consumption in conformal array.
Propofol Prevents Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting the Oxidative Stress Pathways
Authors: Li Yingjie , Zhong Dandan , Lei Lei , Jia Yingli , Zhou Hong , Yang Baoxue
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a risk for acute renal failure and delayed graft function in renal transplantation and cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine whether propofol could attenuate renal IRI and explore related mechanism. Methods: Male rat right kidney was removed, left kidney was subjected to IRI. Propofol was intravenously injected into rats before ischemia. The kidney morphology and renal function were analyzed. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cl-caspase-3, GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: IR rats with propofol pretreatment had better renal function and less tubular apoptosis than untreated IR rats. Propofol pretreated IR rats had lower Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and less cleaved caspase-3. The protein expression levels of GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 decreased significantly in propofol pretreated IR rats. In vitro cell model showed that propofol significantly increased the viability of NRK-52E cells that were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of propofol on the expression regulation of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, GRP78, CHOP was consistent in both in vitro and in vivo models. Conclusion: Experimental results suggest that propofol prevents renal IRI via inhibiting oxidative stress.
GAS5 Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation Partly by Modulating CDK6
Authors: Guo Xiaoqiang , Deng Kaiyuan , Wang Hao , Xia Jiazeng , Shan Ting , Liang Zheng , Yao Lubing , Jin Shimao
Published: August 2015

Introduction: As it is not clear whether growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) inhibits gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle, we analyzed the effect of GAS5 on cell cycle regulation of GC cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods: We measured GAS5 levels in GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues, and analyzed the role of GAS5 in regulation of cell proliferation and cell cycle in GC cells using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. We also measured the expression of P21 and CDK6 proteins after transfection of AGS and MGC-803 cells with pLJM-GAS5 and GAS5 siRNA, respectively, by western blotting. Results: GAS5 expression was significantly lower in GC tissues relative to normal tissues, and its lower expression was correlated with larger tumor size and a more advanced clinical stage of GC. GAS5 induced growth arrest of GC cells through inhibition of G1-S phase translation. The action of GAS5 may be mediated by upregulation of P21 and suppression of CDK6. Conclusion: These data enhance our understanding of the important role that GAS5 plays in the molecular etiology of GC and suggest a potential of GAS5 as a new therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Skin Cancer Prevention, Tanning and Vitamin D: A Content Analysis of Print Media in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Reinau Daphne , Meier Christoph R. , Blumenthal Ralf , Surber Christian
Published: August 2015

Background: Print media are a major source of health information. Objectives: To analyse press coverage related to skin cancer prevention. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of print media articles pertaining to skin cancer prevention, solaria and vitamin D published in Germany and Switzerland over a 1-year period between 2012 and 2013. Results: Overall, 2,103 articles were analysed. Applying sunscreen was by far the most common sun protection recommendation. A considerable number of articles on solaria and vitamin D advocated exposure to ultraviolet radiation to enhance physical appearance and vitamin D photosynthesis, often without mentioning any precaution measures. In total, 26.8% of the articles contained misleading or erroneous statements mostly related to sunscreen use and vitamin D issues. Conclusions: Print media can serve as powerful education tools to foster skin cancer prevention. However, misleading or erroneous reports may negatively impact sun-safe behaviour.
Assessment of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients with Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Belen Erdal , Şahin İrfan , Güngör Barış , Ayça Burak , Avcı İlhan İlker , Avşar Murat , Yıldız Suleyman Sezai , Akın Fatih , Bozbeyoglu Emrah , Okuyan Ertugrul
Published: August 2015

Objective: To investigate the possible correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and resistant hypertension (RH). Subjects and Methods: Patients who had undergone ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) during outpatient controls were enrolled. Fifty subjects with RH, 50 with controlled hypertension (CHT) and 50 normotensive subjects (NT) were included in the study. RH was defined as ‘suboptimal blood pressure control despite using 3 antihypertensive agents including a diuretic or need for 4 or more drugs to control blood pressure'. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathormone levels were compared between the groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was applied to assess the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and office blood pressure (BP) and ABPM. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlates of RH. Results: The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was significantly lower in the RH group (17.02 ± 5.4 ng/ml) compared to the CHT (24.9 ± 4.8 ng/ml) and NT groups (28.0 ± 5.7 ng/ml, p < 0.001). In univariate correlation analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels had a significant negative correlation with office systolic BP (r = -0.329, p < 0.001), office diastolic BP (r = -0.395, p < 0.001), systolic ambulatory BP (r = -0.844, p = 0.004), and diastolic ambulatory BP (r = -0.567, p = 0.005). ROC analysis revealed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <21.50 ng/ml predicted the presence of RH with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 79% (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.94). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was independently correlated with the presence of RH (β 0.660, 95% CI 0.572-0.760, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was an independent correlation between lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and presence of RH.
New or interesting records of bryophytes from the Azores
Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: August 2015

Lepidozia stuhlmannii, L. pearsonii, Atrichum tenellum, Bryum lanatum, Campylopus subulatus, Ceratodon stenocarpus, Polytrichum commune var. humile and Thuidium delicatulum are reported as new to the Azores. The record of Sphagnum pylaisii from Terceira is referred to a monoclade expression of S. denticulatum. The presence of the North American Leucobryum albidum on the Azores is confirmed and the distinguishing characters between this species and Leucobryum juniperoideum are discussed. The recently described Thamnobryum rudolphianum is reported another time from Terceira. Campylopus brevipilus and Racomitrium aquaticum are reported as new to Pico.
Tosta Evans, 1953 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): a new species from northeast Brazil, first description of the female of Tosta tosta Evans, 1953, and placement of the genus within Achlyodini
Authors: SIEWERT RICARDO RUSSO , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS
Published: August 2015

A new species of Tosta Evans, 1953 from northeast Brazil is described: T. pseudospeculum Siewert, Mielke & Casagrande, sp. nov. Additionally, the female of Tosta tosta Evans, 1953, the type species of the genus, is described for the first time. Illustrations of adults and male and female genitalia for all studied species are provided, as well as a discussion of the placement of the genus within the tribe Achlyodini.
Taxonomy 2.0: Sequencing of old type specimens supports the description of two new species of the Lasiocampa decolorata group from Morocco (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae)
Authors: SPEIDEL WOLFGANG , HAUSMANN AXEL , MÜLLER GÜNTER C. , KRAVCHENKO VASILIY , MOOSER JOSEF , WITT THOMAS J. , KHALLAAYOUNE KHALID , PROSSER SEAN , HEBERT PAUL D.N.
Published: August 2015

The type of Lasiocampa decolorata (KLUG, 1830), collected in 1820, was successfully barcoded to generate a 658bp COI-fragment after 194 years. The resulting molecular data allowed the description of two closely related species from Morocco: Lasiocampa hannae SPEIDEL, MOOSER & WITT sp. n. from the Anti Atlas and Lasiocampa editae SPEIDEL, MOOSER & WITT sp. n. from the High Atlas.
Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity in Response to the MJO in NOAA’s CFS Model
Authors: Barnston Anthony G. , Vigaud Nicolas , Long Lindsey N. , Tippett Michael K. , Schemm Jae-Kyung E.
Published: August 2015

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is known to exert some control on the variations of North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity within a hurricane season. To explore the possibility of better TC predictions based on improved MJO forecasts, retrospective hindcast data on MJO and on TC activity are examined both in the current operational version of the CFSv2 model (T126 horizontal resolution) and a high-resolution (T382) experimental version of CFS. Goals are to determine how well each CFS version reproduces reality in 1) predicting MJO and 2) reproducing observed relationships between MJO phase and TC activity. For the operational CFSv2, skill of forecasts of TC activity is evaluated directly.

Both CFS versions reproduce MJO behavior realistically and also roughly approximate observed relationships between MJO phase and TC activity. Specific biases in the high-resolution CFS are identified and their causes explored. The high-resolution CFS partially reproduces an observed weak tendency for TC activity to propagate eastward during and following the high-activity MJO phases. The operational (T126) CFSv2 shows useful skill (correlation >0.5) in predicting the MJO phase and amplitude out to ~3 weeks. A systematic error of slightly too slow MJO propagation is detected in the operational CFSv2, which still shows usable skill (correlation >0.3) in predicting weekly variations in TC activity out to 10–14 days. A conclusion is that prediction of intraseasonal variations of TC activity by CFSv2 is already possible and implemented in real-time predictions. An advantage of the higher resolution in the T382 version is unable to be confirmed.
The circadianClockgene regulates acrosin activity of sperm through serine protease inhibitor A3K
Authors: Cheng Shuting , Liang Xin , Wang Yuhui , Jiang Zhou , Liu Yanyou , Hou Wang , Li Shiping , Zhang Jing , Wang Zhengrong
Published: August 2015

Our previous study found that CLOCK knockdown in the testes of male mice led to a reduced fertility, which might be associated with the lower acrosin activity. In this present study, we examined the differential expression in proteins of CLOCK knockdown sperm. Clock gene expression was knocked down in cells to confirm those differentially expressions and serine protease inhibitor SERPINA3K was identified as a potential target. The up-regulated SERPINA3K revealed an inverse relationship with Clock knockdown. Direct treatment of normal sperm with recombinant SERPINA3K protein inhibited the acrosin activity and reduced in vitro fertilization rate. The luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the down-regulated of Clock gene could activate the Serpina3k promoter, but this activation was not affected by the mutation of E-box core sequence. Co-IP demonstrated a natural interaction between SERPIAN3K and RORs (α and β). Taken together, these results demonstrated that SERPINA3K is involved in the Clock gene-mediated male fertility by regulating acrosin activity and provide the first evidence that SERPINA3K could be regulated by Clock gene via retinoic acid-related orphan receptor response elements.
The Shielding Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Chemical Shift of Adsorbates
Authors: Shen Wanling , Li Xin
Published: August 2015

Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to study the shielding effect of carbon nanotubes on NMR chemical shifts of various adsorbates. NMR chemical shifts of adsorbates inside/outside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were calculated using the gauge-including-atomic-orbital (GIAO) method. Our calculations show parabolic correlation between NMR chemical shift and the distance (R) between CNT and adsorbate. In addition, we have found that there exists a negative region compared to free gases. The shielding effect is more pronounced for adsorbates inside CNT than outside; hence, this finding would certainly be useful for spectroscopic identification of species adsorbed inside or outside of CNT.
Preparation of a Thermo- and Photoresponsive Water-soluble Polymer
Authors: Enomoto Ryusuke , Kousaka Shouta , Yusa Shin-ichi
Published: August 2015

Malachite green (MG) is a type of leuco dye that changes to a cationic form upon UV irradiation, and returns to a nonionic form in the dark. A random copolymer (p(NIPAM/SMG)) composed of N-isopropylacylamide (NIPAM) and a small amount of MG-bearing monomer (SMG) was prepared. Monitoring the absorbance of an aqueous solution of p(NIPAM/SMG) at 620 nm revealed that absorbance increased upon UV irradiation due to formation of cationic MG. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of p(NIPAM/SMG) was shifted to a higher temperature upon UV irradiation compared to that in the dark.
Los retos actuales de la alfabetización académica: estado de la cuestión y últimas investigaciones
Authors: Castelló Montserrat
Published: August 2015

En este capítulo nos proponemos definir los retos actuales del estudio de la alfabetización  académica analizando su carácter situado, social e interdisciplinar y su impacto en las situaciones educativas que se promueven en la universidad.  Esta caracterización no ha empezado a ser ampliamente aceptada por la comunidad científica hasta los últimos veinte años y es, por tanto, heredera de tradiciones teóricas y epistemológicas anteriores. En primer lugar haremos un repaso al estado actual de la investigación en escritura académica situando geográfica, conceptual y epistemológicamente los enfoques predominantes. En un segundo momento analizaremos las implicaciones educativas de estos enfoques haciendo especial énfasis en el rol de los centros de escritura como agentes dinamizadores de la renovación en las prácticas de escritura y de alfabetización académica en contextos anglosajones. Finalmente, analizaremos el estado de la cuestión en el contexto español y daremos cuenta de algunas iniciativas de investigación recientes que tienen por objetivo avanzar en nuestro conocimiento acerca de las prácticas de alfabetización académica en nuestro contexto y sensibilizar a la comunidad universitaria de los retos a los que se enfrentan profesores y estudiantes.