bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suggested alternative starch utilization system from the human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Chaudet Marcia M. , Rose David R.
Published: February 2016

The human digestive system is host to a highly populated ecosystem of bacterial species that significantly contributes to our assimilation of dietary carbohydrates. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a member of this ecosystem, and participates largely in the role of the gut microbiome by breaking down dietary complex carbohydrates. This process of acquiring glycans from the colon lumen is predicted to rely on the mechanisms of proteins that are part of a classified system known as polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL). These loci are responsible for binding substrates at the cell outer membrane, internalizing them, and then hydrolyzing them within the periplasm into simple sugars. Here we report our investigation into specific components of a PUL, and suggest an alternative starch utilization system in B. thetaiotaomicron. Our analysis of an outer membrane binding protein, a SusD homolog, highlights its contribution to this PUL by acquiring starch-based sugars from the colon lumen. Through our structural characterization of two Family GH31 α-glucosidases, we reveal the flexibility of this bacterium with respect to utilizing a range of starch-derived glycans with an emphasis on branched substrates. With these results we demonstrate the predicted function of a gene locus that is capable of contributing to starch hydrolysis in the human colon.
The Omega and Sadhana polynomials of TUC4[p,q] nanotubes
Authors: Ahmad Sarfraz , Ahmad Uzma , Imran Muhammad , Farah Nighat
Published: February 2016

The counting polynomials are useful in topological description of benzenoid structures. The quasi-orthogonal cut strips could account for the helicity of nanotubes and nanotori. It also helps to describe its topological indices by virtue of quasi-orthogonal cuts of the edge strips in the polycyclic graphs. In this article, we give a complete description of the Omega and Sadhana polynomials of the nanotube TUC4[p,q] and provide its mathematical proof. We also give explicit formulae for the PI and the theta polynomial of TUC4[p,q] nanotubes.
The impact of hydrogeology on the instability of a road cutting through a drumlin in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hughes D. A. B. , Clarke G. R. T. , Harley R. M. G. , Barbour S. L.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the hydrogeological processes that caused unexpected instability and quick conditions during the excavation of a 25 m deep cutting through a drumlin in County Down, Northern Ireland. A conceptual hydrogeological model of the cutting, based on pore pressures monitored during and after the excavation, demonstrates how quick conditions at the toe of the cutting caused liquefaction of the till. Stability of the cutting was re-established by draining the highly permeable, weathered greywacke that underlies the drumlin, through the use of a deep toe drain. In spite of this drainage, the cutting was only marginally stable, owing to the presence of a low-permeability zone in the till above the bedrock, which limits the reduction of elevated pore pressures within the upper to mid-depths of the drumlin. The factor of safety has been further improved by the addition of vertical relief drains at the crest and berm of the cutting to relieve the pore pressures within the upper till by intercepting the weathered bedrock. The paper also highlights the importance of carrying out an adequate site investigation compliant with Eurocode 7 and additional monitoring in excavations in stiff, low-permeability till.
Privacy Policy Negotiation in Social Media
Authors: Such Jose M. , Rovatsos Michael
Published: February 2016

Social media involve many shared items, such as photos, which may concern more than one user. The challenge is that users’ individual privacy preferences for the same item may conflict, so an approach that simply merges in some way the users’ privacy preferences may provide unsatisfactory results. Previous proposals to deal with the problem were either time-consuming or did not consider compromises to solve these conflicts (e.g., by considering unilaterally imposed approaches only). We propose a negotiation mechanism for users to agree on a compromise for these conflicts. The second challenge we address in this article relates to the exponential complexity of such a negotiation mechanism. To address this, we propose heuristics that reduce the complexity of the negotiation mechanism and show how substantial benefits can be derived from the use of these heuristics through extensive experimental evaluation that compares the performance of the negotiation mechanism with and without these heuristics. Moreover, we show that one such heuristic makes the negotiation mechanism produce results fast enough to be used in actual social media infrastructures with near-optimal results.
An Auction Mechanism for Cloud Spot Markets
Authors: Toosi Adel Nadjaran , Vanmechelen Kurt , Khodadadi Farzad , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: February 2016

Dynamic forms of resource pricing have recently been introduced by cloud providers that offer Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) capabilities in order to maximize profits and balance resource supply and demand. The design of a mechanism that efficiently prices perishable cloud resources in line with a provider’s profit maximization goal remains an open research challenge, however. In this article, we propose the Online Extended Consensus Revenue Estimate mechanism in the setting of a recurrent, multiunit and single price auction for IaaS cloud resources. The mechanism is envy-free, has a high probability of being truthful, and generates a near optimal profit for the provider. We combine the proposed auction design with a scheme for dynamically calculating reserve prices based on data center Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and electricity costs. Our simulation-based evaluation of the mechanism demonstrates its effectiveness under a broad variety of market conditions. In particular, we show how it improves on the classical uniform price auction, and we investigate the value of prior knowledge on the execution time of virtual machines for maximizing profit. We also developed a system prototype and conducted a small-scale experimental study with a group of 10 users that confirms the truthfulness property of the mechanism in a real test environment.
Shared-Memory Optimizations for Inter-Virtual-Machine Communication
Authors: Ren Yi , Liu Ling , Zhang Qi , Wu Qingbo , Guan Jianbo , Kong Jinzhu , Dai Huadong , Shao Lisong
Published: February 2016

Virtual machines (VMs) and virtualization are one of the core computing technologies today. Inter-VM communication is not only prevalent but also one of the leading costs for data-intensive systems and applications in most data centers and cloud computing environments. One way to improve inter-VM communication efficiency is to support coresident VM communication using shared-memory-based methods and resort to the traditional TCP/IP for communications between VMs that are located on different physical machines. In recent years, several independent kernel development efforts have been dedicated to improving communication efficiency between coresident VMs using shared-memory channels, and the development efforts differ from one another in terms of where and how the shared-memory channel is established. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design choices and techniques for performance optimization of coresident inter-VM communication. We examine the key issues for improving inter-VM communication using shared-memory-based mechanisms, such as implementation choices in the software stack, seamless agility for dynamic addition or removal of coresident VMs, and multilevel transparency, as well as advanced requirements in reliability, security, and stability. An in-depth comparison of state-of-the-art research efforts, implementation techniques, evaluation methods, and performance is conducted. We conjecture that this comprehensive survey will not only provide the foundation for developing the next generation of inter-VM communication optimization mechanisms but also offers opportunities to both cloud infrastructure providers and cloud service providers and consumers for improving communication efficiency between coresident VMs in virtualized computing platforms.
A Systematic Review of Shared Sensor Networks
Authors: Farias Claudio M. De , Li Wei , Delicato Flávia C. , Pirmez Luci , Zomaya Albert Y. , Pires Paulo F. , Souza José N. De
Published: February 2016

While Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been traditionally tasked with single applications, in recent years we have witnessed the emergence of Shared Sensor Networks (SSNs) as integrated cyber-physical system infrastructures for a multitude of applications. Instead of assuming an application-specific network design, SSNs allow the underlying infrastructure to be shared among multiple applications that can potentially belong to different users. On one hand, a potential benefit of such a design approach is to increase the utilization of sensing and communication resources, whenever the underlying network infrastructure covers the same geographic area and the sensor nodes monitor the same physical variables of common interest for different applications. On the other hand, compared with the existing application-specific design, the SSNs approach poses several research challenges with regard to different aspects of WSNs. In this article, we present a systematic literature survey on SSNs. The main goal of the article is to provide the reader with the opportunity to understand what has been done and what remains as open issues in this field, as well as which are the pivotal factors of this evolutionary design and how this kind of design can be exploited by a wide range of WSN applications.
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors under epigenetic control in placental metabolism and fetal development
Authors: Lendvai Ágnes , Deutsch Manuel J. , Plösch Torsten , Ensenauer Regina
Published: February 2016

The placental metabolism can adapt to the environment throughout pregnancy to both the demands of the fetus and the signals from the mother. Such adaption processes include epigenetic mechanisms, which alter gene expression and may influence the offspring's health. These mechanisms are linked to the diversity of prenatal environmental exposures, including maternal under- or overnutrition or gestational diabetes. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that contribute to the developmental plasticity of the placenta by regulating lipid and glucose metabolism pathways, including lipogenesis, steroidogenesis, glucose transporters, and placental signaling pathways, thus representing a link between energy metabolism and reproduction. Among the PPAR isoforms, PPARγ appears to be the main modulator of mammalian placentation. Certain fatty acids and lipid-derived moieties are the natural activating PPAR ligands. By controlling the amounts of maternal nutrients that go across to the fetus, the PPARs play an important regulatory role in placenta metabolism, thereby adapting to the maternal nutritional status. As demonstrated in animal studies, maternal nutrition during gestation can exert long-term influences on the PPAR methylation pattern in offspring organs. This review underlines the current state of knowledge on the relationship between environmental factors and the epigenetic regulation of the PPARs in placenta metabolism and offspring development.
Identification of Contour Lines from Average-Quality Scanned Topographic Maps
Authors: Xu Bin , Chen Jianping , Yao Meijuan
Published: February 2016

Contour line is the main linear feature on topographic maps. Extraction of contour lines is tedious and time-consuming process, but is still an interesting problem. This paper presents a novel method for extracting contour lines from average-quality scanned topographic maps. First, it uses spatial fuzzyc-means algorithm (sFCM) to solve color aliasing and false color problems by taking into consideration both color and spatial information of topographic maps during color segmentation. In order to improve the categorizing rate, upper and lower cut-sets are introduced into sFCM. Second, to deal with the problem of thick lines, node segments are removed before gaps are repaired. Third, different methods are used to repair contour lines gaps according to the causes, which improves the break points matching accuracy. The performance of the method is tested on several topographic maps comparing with other methods, and the results show that the method can avoid misleading results caused by distortion and wrong branches at intersecting regions when using thinning algorithms and have more accurate and higher quality extraction results.
A Mutation inIL4RAIs Associated with the Degree of Pathology in Human TB Patients
Authors: Hölscher Christoph , Heitmann Lisa , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Horstmann Rolf D. , Meyer Christian G. , Ehlers Stefan , Thye Thorsten
Published: February 2016

The contribution of interleukin- (IL-) 4 receptor-alpha- (Rα-) dependent events in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB) is controversial. We have recently shown IL-13 overexpression in mice to cause recrudescentMtbreplication and centrally necrotizing granulomas strongly resembling pathology of human TB. A deletion of IL-4Rαcompletely abrogates TB tissue pathology in these mice. To validate our results in human TB patients, we here determined the association of distinct variants of theIL4,IL13,IL4RA,IL13RA1, andIL13RA2genes with cavity formation in a large Ghanaian cohort of HIV-negative individuals with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB. In fact, the structural variant of theIL4RAI50V, previously shown to result in enhanced signal transduction, was significantly associated with greater cavity size, and a variant ofIL13RA2was associated with disease in females. To evaluate whether the human-like TB pathology in IL-13-overexpressing mice is specifically mediated through the IL-4Rαsubunit, we analyzed IL-13 transgenic mice with a genetic ablation of the IL-4Rα. In these mice, the IL-13-mediated increased susceptibility, human-like pathology of collagen deposition around centrally necrotizing granulomas, and alternative macrophage activation were abolished. Together, our genetic association study in human TB patients further supports the assumption that IL-13/IL-4Rα-dependent mechanisms are involved in mediating tissue pathology of human TB.
The Impacts ofSLC22A1rs594709 andSLC47A1rs2289669 Polymorphisms on Metformin Therapeutic Efficacy in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Xiao Di , Guo Yu , Li Xi , Yin Ji-Ye , Zheng Wei , Qiu Xin-Wen , Xiao Ling , Liu Rang-Ru , Wang Sai-Ying , Gong Wei-Jing , Zhou Hong-Hao , Liu Zhao-Qian
Published: February 2016

Background. We aimed to investigate the distributive characteristics ofSLC22A1rs594709 andSLC47A1rs2289669 polymorphisms and their influence on metformin efficacy in Chinese T2DM patients.Methods. The distributions ofSLC22A1rs594709 andSLC47A1rs2289669 polymorphisms were determined in 267 T2DM patients and 182 healthy subjects. Subsequently, 53 newly diagnosed patients who received metformin monotherapy were recruited to evaluate metformin efficacy.Results. No significant difference was found between T2DM patients and healthy subjects inSLC22A1rs594709 andSLC47A1rs2289669 allele frequencies and genotype frequencies. After metformin treatment,SLC22A1rs594709 GG genotype patients showed a higher increase in FINS (p=0.015) and decrease in HOMA-IS (p=0.001) and QUICKI (p=0.002) than A allele carriers.SLC47A1rs2289669 GG genotype patients had a higher decrease in TChol (p=0.030) and LDL-C (p=0.049) than A allele carriers. AmongSLC22A1rs594709 AA genotype, patients withSLC47A1rs2289669 AA genotype showed a higher decrease in FBG (p=0.015), PINS (p=0.041), and HOMA-IR (p=0.014) than G allele carriers. However, amongSLC22A1rs594709 G allele carriers,SLC47A1rs2289669 AA genotype patients showed a higher decrease in TChol (p=0.013) than G allele carriers.Conclusion. Our data suggest thatSLC22A1rs594709 andSLC47A1rs2289669 polymorphisms may influence metformin efficacy together in Chinese T2DM patients.
Exergy Analysis of the Revolving Vane Compressed Air Engine
Authors: Subiantoro Alison , Wong Kin Keong , Ooi Kim Tiow
Published: February 2016

Exergy analysis was applied to a revolving vane compressed air engine. The engine had a swept volume of 30 cm3. At the benchmark conditions, the suction pressure was 8 bar, the discharge pressure was 1 bar, and the operating speed was 3,000 rev·min−1. It was found that the engine had a second-law efficiency of 29.6% at the benchmark conditions. The contributors of exergy loss were friction (49%), throttling (38%), heat transfer (12%), and fluid mixing (1%). A parametric study was also conducted. The parameters to be examined were suction reservoir pressure (4 to 12 bar), operating speed (2,400 to 3,600 rev·min−1), and rotational cylinder inertia (0.94 to 2.81 g·mm2). The study found that a higher suction reservoir pressure initially increased the second-law efficiency but then plateaued at about 30%. With a higher operating speed and a higher cylinder inertia, second-law efficiency decreased. As compared to suction pressure and operating speed, cylinder inertia is the most practical and significant to be modified.
Systematic and Cell Type-Specific Telomere Length Changes in Subsets of Lymphocytes
Authors: Lin Jue , Cheon Joshua , Brown Rashida , Coccia Michael , Puterman Eli , Aschbacher Kirstin , Sinclair Elizabeth , Epel Elissa , Blackburn Elizabeth H.
Published: February 2016

Telomeres, the protective DNA-protein complexes at the ends of linear chromosomes, are important for genome stability. Leukocyte or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) telomere length is a potential biomarker for human aging that integrates genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors and is associated with mortality and risks for major diseases. However, only a limited number of studies have examined longitudinal changes of telomere length and few have reported data on sorted circulating immune cells. We examined the average telomere length (TL) in CD4+, CD8+CD28+, and CD8+CD28− T cells, B cells, and PBMCs, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, in a cohort of premenopausal women. We report that TL changes over 18 months were correlated among these three T cell types within the same participant. Additionally, PBMC TL change was also correlated with those of all three T cell types, and B cells. The rate of shortening for B cells was significantly greater than for the three T cell types. CD8+CD28− cells, despite having the shortest TL, showed significantly more rapid attrition when compared to CD8+CD28+ T cells. These results suggest systematically coordinated, yet cell type-specific responses to factors and pathways contribute to telomere length regulation.
Inventory Model with Partial Backordering When Backordered Customers Delay Purchase after Stockout-Restoration
Authors: Zhang Ren-Qian , Wu Yan-Liang , Fang Wei-Guo , Zhou Wen-Hui
Published: February 2016

Many inventory models with partial backordering assume that the backordered demand must be filled instantly after stockout restoration. In practice, however, the backordered customers may successively revisit the store because of the purchase delay behavior, producing a limited backorder demand rate and resulting in an extra inventory holding cost. Hence, in this paper we formulate the inventory model with partial backordering considering the purchase delay of the backordered customers and assuming that the backorder demand rate is proportional to the remaining backordered demand. Particularly, we model the problem by introducing a new inventory cost component of holding the backordered items, which has not been considered in the existing models. We propose an algorithm with a two-layer structure based on Lipschitz Optimization (LO) to minimize the total inventory cost. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm outperforms two benchmarks in both optimality and efficiency. We also observe that the earlier the backordered customer revisits the store, the smaller the inventory cost and the fill rate are, but the longer the order cycle is. In addition, if the backordered customers revisit the store without too much delay, the basic EOQ with partial backordering approximates our model very well.
An Analysis of Canadian Institute for Health Research Funding for Research on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Deonandan R. , Liu E. Y. , Kolisnyk B. , Konkle A. T. M.
Published: February 2016

We examined patterns of Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) funding on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. From 1999 to 2013, CIHR funded 190 ASD grants worth $48 million. Biomedical research received 43% of grants (46% of dollars), clinical research 27% (41%), health services 10% (7%), and population health research 8% (3%). The greatest number of grants was given in 2009, but 2003 saw the greatest amount. Funding is clustered in a handful of provinces and institutions, favouring biomedical research and disfavouring behavioural interventions, adaptation, and institutional response. Preference for biomedical research may be due to the detriment of clinical research.
Optimal Trajectory Planning for Glass-Handing Robot Based on Execution Time Acceleration and Jerk
Authors: Duan Honggang , Zhang Rongmin , Yu Fei , Gao Jun , Chen Yuan
Published: February 2016

This study describes a trajectory planning method based on execution time, acceleration, and jerk to ensure that a glass-handing robot runs smoothly at execution time. The minimised objective function consists of the weighted sum of the square of the integral of the execution time, the integral of the acceleration, and the integral of the jerk, all of which are obtained through the weighted coefficient method. A three-dimensional kinematics model of the glass-handing robot is then established and nonuniform fifth-orderB-splines are used to interpolate its path points. The acceleration and jerk are expressed as functions of time through mathematical simulation. Simulation results show that the designed method for robot trajectory planning not only improves the working efficiency of the glass-handing robot but also ensures that it runs smoothly.
Neuromodulation Therapy with Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Intractable Epilepsy: A 2-Year Efficacy Analysis Study in Patients under 12 Years of Age
Authors: Gurbani Suresh , Chayasirisobhon Sirichai , Cahan Leslie , Choi SooHo , Enos Bruce , Hwang Jane , Lin Meei , Schweitzer Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

To study the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy as an adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy in patients under 12 years of age, we analyzed 2-year postimplant data of 35 consecutive patients. Of the 35 patients, 18 (51.4%) at 6 months, 18 (51.4%) at 12 months, and 21 (60.1%) at 24 months showed ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency (responders). Although incremental seizure freedom was noted, no patient remained seizure-free throughout the 3 study periods. Partial response (≥50% seizure reduction in 2 or less study periods) was seen in 8 (22.9%) patients. Twelve patients (34.3%) were nonresponders. Out of 29 patients with primary generalized epilepsy, 20 (68.9%) and, out of 6 patients with focal epilepsy, 3 (50%) had ≥50% seizure control in at least one study period. No major complications or side effects requiring discontinuation of VNS therapy were encountered. We conclude that (1) patients with intractable primary generalized epilepsy respond better to VNS therapy, (2) cumulative effect of neuromodulation with improving responder rate to seizure freedom with continuation of VNS therapy is noted, and (3) VNS therapy is safe and is well tolerated in children receiving implant under 12 years of age.
Detection of an Immunogenic HERV-E Envelope with Selective Expression in Clear Cell Kidney Cancer
Authors: Cherkasova Elena , Scrivani Claire , Doh Susan , Weisman Quinn , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Harashima Nanae , Yokoyama Hisayuki , Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Linehan W. Marston , Lerman Michael I. , Childs Richard W.
Published: February 2016

VHL-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, express transcripts derived from the novel human endogenous retrovirus HERV-E (named CT-RCC HERV-E). In this study, we define a transcript encoding the entire envelope gene of HERV-E as expressed selectively in ccRCC tumors, as distinct from normal kidney tissues or other tumor types. Sequence analysis of this envelope transcript revealed long open reading frames encoding putative surface and transmembrane envelope proteins. Retroviral envelopes are known to be capable of eliciting immunity in humans. Accordingly, we found that HLA-A*0201–restricted peptides predicted to be products of the CT-RCC HERV-E envelope transcript–stimulated CD8+ T cells, which could recognize HLA-A*0201–positive HERV-E–expressing kidney tumor cells. Overall, our results offer evidence of unique HERV-E envelope peptides presented on the surface of ccRCC cells, offering potentially useful tumor-restricted targets for T-cell–based immunotherapy of kidney cancer. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2177–85. ©2016 AACR.
Clinical Trial of Oral Nelfinavir before and during Radiation Therapy for Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Hill Esme J. , Roberts Corran , Franklin Jamie M. , Enescu Monica , West Nicholas , MacGregor Thomas P. , Chu Kwun-Ye , Boyle Lucy , Blesing Claire , Wang Lai-Mun , Mukherjee Somnath , Anderson Ewan M. , Brown Gina , Dutton Susan , Love Sharon B. , Schnabel Julia A. , Quirke Phil , Muschel Ruth , McKenna William G. , Partridge Michael , Sharma Ricky A.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Nelfinavir, a PI3K pathway inhibitor, is a radiosensitizer that increases tumor blood flow in preclinical models. We conducted an early-phase study to demonstrate the safety of nelfinavir combined with hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) and to develop biomarkers of tumor perfusion and radiosensitization for this combinatorial approach.

Experimental Design: Ten patients with T3-4 N0-2 M1 rectal cancer received 7 days of oral nelfinavir (1,250 mg b.i.d.) and a further 7 days of nelfinavir during pelvic RT (25 Gy/5 fractions/7 days). Perfusion CT (p-CT) and DCE-MRI scans were performed pretreatment, after 7 days of nelfinavir and prior to the last fraction of RT. Biopsies taken pretreatment and 7 days after the last fraction of RT were analyzed for tumor cell density (TCD).

Results: There were 3 drug-related grade 3 adverse events: diarrhea, rash, and lymphopenia. On DCE-MRI, there was a mean 42% increase in median Ktrans, and a corresponding median 30% increase in mean blood flow on p-CT during RT in combination with nelfinavir. Median TCD decreased from 24.3% at baseline to 9.2% in biopsies taken 7 days after RT (P = 0.01). Overall, 5 of 9 evaluable patients exhibited good tumor regression on MRI assessed by tumor regression grade (mrTRG).

Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate nelfinavir in combination with RT without concurrent chemotherapy. It has shown that nelfinavir-RT is well tolerated and is associated with increased blood flow to rectal tumors. The efficacy of nelfinavir-RT versus RT alone merits clinical evaluation, including measurement of tumor blood flow. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 1922–31. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Meyn et al., p. 1834
Oncolytic Adenovirus Loaded with L-carnosine as Novel Strategy to Enhance the Antitumor Activity
Authors: Garofalo Mariangela , Iovine Barbara , Kuryk Lukasz , Capasso Cristian , Hirvinen Mari , Vitale Andrea , Yliperttula Marjo , Bevilacqua Maria Assunta , Cerullo Vincenzo
Published: February 2016

Oncolytic viruses are able to specifically replicate, infect, and kill only cancer cells. Their combination with chemotherapeutic drugs has shown promising results due to the synergistic action of virus and drugs; the combinatorial therapy is considered a potential clinically relevant approach for cancer. In this study, we optimized a strategy to absorb peptides on the viral capsid, based on electrostatic interaction, and used this strategy to deliver an active antitumor drug. We used L-carnosine, a naturally occurring histidine dipeptide with a significant antiproliferative activity. An ad hoc modified, positively charged L-carnosine was combined with the capsid of an oncolytic adenovirus to generate an electrostatic virus–carnosine complex. This complex showed enhanced antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo in different tumor models. In HCT-116 colorectal and A549 lung cancer cell lines, the complex showed higher transduction ratio and infectious titer compared with an uncoated oncolytic adenovirus. The in vivo efficacy of the complex was tested in lung and colon cancer xenograft models, showing a significant reduction in tumor growth. Importantly, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of complex on tumor growth reduction. We found that complex induces apoptosis in both cell lines, by using two different mechanisms, enhancing viral replication and affecting the expression of Hsp27. Our system could be used in future studies also for delivery of other bioactive drugs. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 651–60. ©2016 AACR.
Photopreventive Effect and Mechanism of AZD4547 and Curcumin C3 Complex on UVB-Induced Epidermal Hyperplasia
Authors: Khandelwal Alok R. , Rong Xiaohua , Moore-Medlin Tara , Ekshyyan Oleksandr , Abreo Fleurette , Gu Xin , Nathan Cherie-Ann O.
Published: February 2016

Aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the skin is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States due to high exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. In our previous studies, Curcumin C3 complex (C3), a standardized preparation of three curcumonoids, delayed UVB-induced tumor incidence and inhibited multiplicity. Exposure to UVB activates mTOR and FGFR signaling that play a key role in skin tumorigenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of C3 complex to afford protection against acute UVB-induced hyperproliferation by targeting the mTOR and FGFR signaling pathways. Pretreatment with C3 complex significantly inhibited UVB-induced FGF-2 induction, FGF-2–induced cell proliferation, progression and colony formation, mTORC1 and mTORC2 activation, and FGFR2 phosphorylation in the promotion-sensitive JB6 cells epithelial cells. Further, FGFR was critical for UVB-induced mTOR activation, suggesting an important role of FGFR2 in UVB-induced mTOR signaling. SKH-1 mice pretreated with C3 (15 mg/kg/b.w.) for 2 weeks followed by a single exposure to UVB (180 mj/cm2) significantly attenuated UVB-induced mTORC1, mTORC2, and FGFR2 activation. To further assess the role of FGFR in UVB-induced hyperproliferation, SKH-1 mice were pretreated with AZD4547 (5 mg/kg/b.w.); a selective pan-FGFR kinase inhibitor followed by single exposure to UVB (180 mj/cm2). AZD4547 significantly inhibited UVB-induced mTORC1 and mTORC2 activation, epidermal hyperplasia and hyperproliferation. Our studies underscore the importance of FGFR signaling in UVB-induced acute skin changes and the role of FGFR/mTOR signaling in mediating the effects of C3 complex in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(4); 296–304. ©2016 AACR.
Sex- and Method-Specific Reference Values for Right Ventricular Strain by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Muraru Denisa , Onciul Sebastian , Peluso Diletta , Soriani Nicola , Cucchini Umberto , Aruta Patrizia , Romeo Gabriella , Cavalli Giacomo , Iliceto Sabino , Badano Luigi P.
Published: February 2016

Background—

Despite the fact that assessment of right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) carries important implications for patient diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, its implementation in clinical settings has been hampered by the limited reference values and the lack of uniformity in software, method, and definition used for measuring RVLS. Accordingly, this study was designed to establish (1) the reference values for RVLS by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography; and (2) their relationship with demographic, hemodynamic, and cardiac factors.

Methods and Results—

In 276 healthy volunteers (55% women; age, 18–76 years), free wall and septum RVLS (6 segments) and free wall RVLS (3 segments) using both 6- and 3-segment regions of interest were obtained. Feasibility of 6-segment RVLS was 92%. Free wall RVLS from 3- versus 6-segment regions of interest had similar values, yet 6-segment region of interest was more feasible (86% versus 73%;
P
<0.001) and reproducible. Reference values (lower limits of normality) were as follows: 6-segment RVLS, −24.7±2.6% (−20.0%) for men and −26.7±3.1% (−20.3%) for women; 3-segment RVLS, −29.3±3.4% (−22.5%) for men and −31.6±4.0% (−23.3%) for women (
P
<0.001). Free wall RVLS was 5±2 strain units (%) larger in magnitude than 6-segment RVLS, 10±4% larger than septal RVLS, and 2±4% larger in women than in men (
P
<0.001). At multivariable analysis, age, sex, pulmonary systolic pressure, right atrial minimal volume, as well as right atrial and left ventricular longitudinal strain resulted as correlates of RVLS values.

Conclusions—

This is the largest study providing sex- and method-specific reference values for RVLS. Our data may foster the implementation of 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography–derived RV analysis in clinical practice.
The Role of the Dry Static Stability for the Recent Change in the Pacific Walker Circulation
Authors: Sohn Byung-Ju , Lee Sukyoung , Chung Eui-Seok , Song Hwan-Jin
Published: February 2016

There is an uncertainty in how the Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) will change in response to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) warming. On average, climate models predict that the PWC will weaken. Observational evidence is mixed, with some evidence supporting the models while others do not. In this study, insight into the PWC trend is provided by examining the tropical dry static stability, a quantity that is inversely proportional to the strength of the PWC. For the 1979–2012 period, the static stability increased markedly in all phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models, far more so than in the satellite and global reanalysis data, which show a strengthening of the PWC. The stabilization is greater for a subset of models that simulate a significant weakening of the PWC.

With the observed sea surface temperature as the lower boundary condition, over the western tropical Pacific, atmospheric models that belong to the weakening-PWC-CMIP5 group produce greater stabilization than those that belong to the strengthening-PWC-CMIP5 group. Compared with the latter group, the former group of atmospheric models simulates weaker trade winds over the western and central tropical Pacific and, consistent with the Bjerknes mechanism, the corresponding CMIP5 models produce a weaker west–east gradient in tropical SST. Given that the models’ convective parameterizations overstabilize the atmosphere compared with an explicit convection, the findings here suggest that the models’ representations of tropical convection and stability contribute to the models’ tendency to simulate a weakening of the PWC and an El Niño–like SST.
On the Detection of Robust Multidecadal Changes in Earth’s Outgoing Longwave Radiation Spectrum
Authors: Bantges R. J. , Brindley H. E. , Chen X. H. , Huang X. L. , Harries J. E. , Murray J. E.
Published: February 2016

Differences between Earth’s global mean all-sky outgoing longwave radiation spectrum as observed in 1970 [Interferometric Infrared Spectrometer (IRIS)], 1997 [Interferometric Monitor for Greenhouse Gases (IMG)], and 2012 [Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Instrument (IASI)] are presented. These differences are evaluated to determine whether these are robust signals of multidecadal radiative forcing and hence whether there is the potential for evaluating feedback-type responses. IASI–IRIS differences range from +2 K in the atmospheric window (800–1000 cm−1) to −5.5 K in the 1304 cm−1 CH4 band center. Corresponding IASI–IMG differences are much smaller, at 0.2 and −0.8 K, respectively. More noticeably, IASI–IRIS differences show a distinct step change across the 1042 cm−1 O3 band that is not seen in IASI–IMG comparisons. This step change is a consequence of a difference in behavior when moving from colder to warmer scenes in the IRIS data compared to IASI and IMG. Matched simulations for the relevant periods using ERA reanalyses mimic the spectral behavior shown by IASI and IMG rather than by IRIS. These findings suggest that uncertainties in the spectral response of IRIS preclude the use of these data for quantitative assessments of forcing and feedback processes.
Precipitation Deficit Flash Droughts over the United States
Authors: Mo Kingtse C. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: February 2016

Flash drought refers to relatively short periods of warm surface temperature and anomalously low and rapid decreasing soil moisture (SM). Based on the physical mechanisms associated with flash droughts, these events are classified into two categories: heat wave and precipitation P deficit flash droughts. In previous work, the authors have defined heat wave flash droughts as resulting from the confluence of severe warm air temperature Tair, which increases evapotranspiration (ET), and anomalously low and decreasing SM. Here, a second type of flash drought caused by precipitation deficits is explored. The authors term these events P-deficit flash droughts, which they associate with lack of P. Precipitation deficits cause ET to decrease and temperature to increase. The P-deficit flash droughts are analyzed based on observations of P, Tair, and SM and ET reconstructed using land surface models for the period 1916–2013. The authors find that P-deficit flash droughts are more common than heat wave flash droughts. They are about twice as likely to occur as heat wave flash droughts over the conterminous United States. They are most prevalent over the southern United States with maxima over the southern Great Plains and the Southwest, in contrast to heat wave flash droughts that are mostly likely to occur over the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, where the vegetation cover is dense.
Review of Underwater Cable Shape Detection
Authors: Xu Chunying , Chen Jiawang , Yan Dongxu , Ji Jian
Published: February 2016

Underwater cables play vital roles in marine engineering because they provide power and communication connections from the shore to an increasing number of sea installations. To ensure the system is operating reliably and continuously, it is necessary to detect the shapes of underwater cables in real time. However, this task is difficult to accomplish because the underwater cables are located in a dynamic and complicated subsea environment, which can cause changes in position, depth, and visibility.

In this report, the current development of underwater cable shape detection methods, including visual, acoustic, magnetic detection, and multisensor fusion detection, and the advantages and disadvantages are described and analyzed. Furthermore, the disadvantages of these methods are addressed, which, based on survey platforms with high cost, include a long detection period and the failure to reveal emergencies. Then, the need to construct a simple and reliable system to detect the shapes of underwater cables is highlighted, and one possible solution based on bend sensors embedded in underwater cables is discussed.
The Antiplatelet Effect of Clopidogrel Decreases With Patient Age
Authors: Xhelili Endri , Eichelberger Beate , Kopp Christoph W. , Koppensteiner Renate , Panzer Simon , Gremmel Thomas
Published: February 2016

Recent data suggest that clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition is age dependent. However, so far the effect of age on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-inducible platelet reactivity has only been investigated by test systems measuring surrogate markers of platelet aggregation. We therefore sought to study the impact of age on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel by whole-blood flow cytometry. Platelet surface P-selectin expression, activated glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, and monocyte–platelet aggregate (MPA) formation were determined by flow cytometry in 302 patients with dual antiplatelet therapy after successful angioplasty and stenting. Patient age was independently associated with ADP-inducible P-selectin expression, GPIIb/IIIa, and MPA formation (all P < .05). Moreover, platelet surface expressions of P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa were significantly higher in patients ≥75 years compared with younger patients (both P ≤ .004). Likewise, MPA formation was significantly more pronounced in patients ≥75 years ( P = .02). Finally, high P-selectin and high GPIIb/IIIa were significantly more frequent in patients ≥75 years compared with younger patients (both P < .001). Further, high MPA ADP occurred more frequently in patients ≥75 years compared to younger patients ( P < .05). In conclusion, the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel decreases with patient age.
“The Music I Was Meant to Sing”
Authors: Shaw Julia T.
Published: February 2016

This article is based on a multiple embedded case study, the purpose of which was to explore adolescent choral students’ perceptions of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) in three demographically contrasting choirs of an urban nonprofit children’s choir organization. The case presented here focused on an after-school choir situated in a Puerto Rican enclave, where a multiethnic teacher designed instruction that was responsive to a community with a significant migrant and immigrant Hispanic population. Adolescents perceived their teacher’s culturally responsive practice as honoring their own cultural backgrounds while also expanding their cultural and intellectual horizons. Although the students generally perceived their choral experiences to be culturally responsive, they also identified potential barriers to practicing CRP. Perceived barriers related to the complexity of students’ cultural identities and challenges inherent in practicing CRP equitably given constraints on instructional time. By encouraging style shifting between performance practices associated with diverse musical genres and meaningfully bridging students’ musical experiences at home and school, the culturally responsive learning environment explored in this study fostered connections between students’ musical and cultural identities.
A word about … the digital presence of Christ
Authors: Guinn Stephen J.
Published: February 2016

Digital social media is common in our society for ingesting information, being entertained, and cultivating social connectivity. It was only a matter of time before such media began to influence ministry practice. For many decades, media has been included in the practices of worship and communication. Now the debate is on the mediation of sacramental acts. What role, if any, can digital communication technologies play in our sacraments/ordinances? There are important questions to be addressed by persons on both sides of the debate.
African Christianity: Its scope in global context
Authors: Oladipo Caleb O.
Published: February 2016

Caleb O. Oladipo describes the depth of the Christian faith in Africa and argues that, although the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be domesticated, the Church is in contemporary Africa to stay. He highlights the characteristics of Christianity in Africa and what non-African believers can learn from the resurgence of the Christian faith in contemporary Africa.
Social Class and Sociology: The State of the Debate Between 1967 and 1979
Authors: Ryan Louise , Maxwell Claire
Published: February 2016

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the journal Sociology, four e-special issues have been produced to explore specific themes across the journal’s history. In this e-special, we examine how social class has been discussed during the early years of the journal, 1967–1979. Based on our selection of 10 past articles, and two more recent articles, we examine two broad themes. First, we consider how social class has been conceptualised, paying particular attention to the notion of embourgeoisement. Second, we turn to methodological considerations and discuss how approaches to researching class have evolved over time. This e-special provides not only an opportunity to celebrate the Sociology back catalogue but also to re-appraise some of the classic contributions from the first decade of the journal’s history.
Critical Race Media Projects
Authors: Alemán Sonya M. , Alemán Enrique
Published: February 2016

This article maps out two critical race media projects – a documentary and a Chicana/o-centric student newspaper – developed by Chicana/o scholars seeking to fulfilll the promise of praxis hailed by critical race theorists. Fortified and guided by the quintessential tenets of critical race theory and Latino critical race theory, these critical race media projects not only apply, but also extend these principles to seek educational and community transformation. As such, the production process for both documentary and student newspaper merge research and activism in order to cultivate figurative and literal spaces that encourage and allow for the recuperation of memory, archiving forgotten history, and the self-determination of contemporary identities and belonging. By harnessing critical race theory’s counter story-telling focus, these projects cultivate the voices of resistance and reclamation in Latina/o communities, transcending the Black/White paradigm that bounds a majority of critical race scholarship. In addition, both the film and quarterly newspaper uniquely sharpen the theoretical framework’s analytic critique of language, discourse and representation, exemplifying the inimitable power of words to both heal and wound.
Knowledge base differentiation in urban systems of innovation and entrepreneurship
Authors: Qian Haifeng
Published: February 2016

This research aims to understand knowledge bases in urban systems of innovation and entrepreneurship. Using principal component analysis, it develops a new typology that differentiates urban knowledge bases into management knowledge, biomedical knowledge, engineering knowledge, arts and humanities knowledge, transportation knowledge and agricultural knowledge. The following multivariate analysis shows that management knowledge and engineering knowledge are of major importance in facilitating innovation and high technology entrepreneurship in US cities. Additionally, arts and humanities knowledge is positively associated with innovation but not with entrepreneurship. This research sheds light on public policy to build a vibrant urban system of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Universal Elementary Education in India: A Reality Check
Authors: Khastagir Saheli
Published: February 2016

This article begins with an overview of the current elementary education scenario in India. It notes that while the Right to Education (RTE) Act has made progress in access to education, the delivery of education has worsened. The article analyses the reasons for this by using two main levers of the system: financial support and accountability. As far as support is concerned, three areas need attention, specifically, the low funding of education when compared with the global average; a mismatch between funds approved, actual funds available and funds spent; and inefficient, delayed and rushed expenditure. In terms of accountability, two main systemic gaps have been explored: accountability at the input level instead of the output level and accountability to funders instead of the community, with an emphasis on teachers’ accountability. Based on findings from analyses, the article concludes with recommendations for the better performance of the education system and argues for an overhaul of the processes that are currently in place.
Book Review: Manoranjan Mohanty, Vinod C. Khanna and Biswajit Dhar (Eds), Building a Just World: Essays in Honour of Muchkund Dubey
Authors: Sharma Sheel Kant
Published: February 2016

Manoranjan Mohanty, Vinod C. Khanna and Biswajit Dhar (Eds), Building a Just World: Essays in Honour of Muchkund Dubey, New Delhi, Orient BlackSwan, 2015, 432 pp., ₹ 900, ISBN: 9788125059066 (hardback).