bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Uromodulin: A Biomarker of Long-Term Kidney Allograft Failure
Authors: Bostom Andrew , Steubl Dominik , Garimella Pranav S. , Franceschini Nora , Roberts Mary B. , Pasch Andreas , Ix Joachim H. , Tuttle Katherine R. , Ivanova Anastasia , Shireman Theresa , Kim S. Joseph , Gohh Reginald , Weiner Daniel E. , Levey Andrew S. , Hsu Chi-yuan , Kusek John W. , Eaton Charles B.
Published: April 2018

Background: Uromodulin is a kidney-derived glycoprotein and putative tubular function index. Lower serum uromodulin was recently associated with increased risk for kidney allograft failure in a preliminary, longitudinal single-center ­European study involving 91 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Methods: The Folic Acid for Vascular Outcome Reduction in Transplantation (FAVORIT) trial is a completed, large, multiethnic controlled clinical trial cohort, which studied chronic, stable KTRs. We conducted a case cohort analysis using a randomly selected subset of patients (random subcohort, n = 433), and all individuals who developed kidney allograft failure (cases, n = 226) during follow-up. Serum uromodulin was determined in this total of n = 613 FAVORIT trial participants at randomization. Death-censored kidney allograft failure was the study outcome. Results: The 226 kidney allograft failures occurred during a median surveillance of 3.2 years. Unadjusted, weighted Cox proportional hazards modeling revealed that lower serum uromodulin, tertile 1 vs. tertile 3, was associated with a threefold greater risk for kidney allograft failure (hazards ratio [HR], 95% CI 3.20 [2.05–5.01]). This association was attenuated but persisted at twofold greater risk for allograft failure, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, allograft type and vintage, prevalent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD), total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and natural log urinary albumin/creatinine: HR 2.00, 95% CI (1.06–3.77). Conclusions: Lower serum uromodulin, a possible indicator of less well-preserved renal tubular function, remained associated with greater risk for kidney allograft failure, after adjustment for major, established clinical kidney allograft failure and CVD risk factors, in a large, multiethnic cohort of long-term, stable KTRs.
Protective Effects of Fucoidan on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Progression of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhao Dongwan , Yang Shuai , Yao Haipei , Li Min , Zhao Chun , Zhang Jingfa , Xu Guo-Tong , Li Hui , Wang Fang
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe blinding complication of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PVR. Fucoidan, a marine extract, reportedly has many benefits effects in a variety of tissues and organs such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the potential role of fucoidan on EMT in RPE cells and its effect on the development of PVR. Methods: MTS, Transwell, and collagen gel contraction assays were employed to measure the viability, migration, and contraction of RPE cells, respectively. mRNA and protein expression were evaluated via real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. In vivo, a pigmented rabbit model of PVR was established to examine the anti-PVR effect of fucoidan. Results: Fucoidan reversed the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT of RPE cells, including the increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin and down-regulation of E-cadherin in human primary RPE cells. Moreover, the upregulation of phosphorylated Smad2/3 induced by TGF-β1 was suppressed by fucoidan. Fucoidan also inhibited the migration and contraction of RPE cells induced by TGF-β1. In vivo, fucoidan inhibited the progression of experimental PVR in rabbit eyes. Histological findings showed that fucoidan suppressed the formation of α-SMA-positive epiretinal membranes. Conclusion: Our findings regarding the protective effects of fucoidan on the EMT of RPE cells and experimental PVR suggest the potential clinical application of fucoidan as an anti-PVR agent.
Icariin Restores Bone Structure and Strength in a Rat Model of Chronic High-Dose Alcohol-Induced Osteopenia
Authors: Wu Jie-Zhou , Liu Peng-Cheng , Liu Run , Cai Ming
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Chronic alcohol abuse is an important risk factor for osteopenia. However, few studies have focused on the efficacy and mechanism of action of icariin on alcohol-induced osteopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of action of icariin in the treatment of chronic high-dose alcohol-induced osteopenia in a rat model. Methods: Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, alcohol, and low-dose and high-dose icariin groups. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanical properties, and bone morphology were assessed after 16 weeks. Reverse-transcription PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (Col I), osteocalcin (OC), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Results: Bone metabolic markers and biomechanical properties in the alcohol group were decreased significantly compared with the sham group. BV/TV, BMD, mineral apposition rate (MAR), percent trabecular area (%Tb.Ar), and bone biomechanical properties were elevated in the low-dose and high-dose icariin groups relative to the alcohol group. ALP, Col I, OC, Runx2, BMP-2, and OPG mRNA levels in the icariin group were significantly elevated in comparison with the alcohol group. Conclusion: Icariin can prevent overall progression of chronic high-dose alcohol-induced osteopenia in a rat model, in a dose-dependent manner. Icariin promotes bone formation and inhibits bone loss, and effectively restores bone structure and strength in chronic high-dose alcohol-induced osteopenic rats. Bone metabolism reversal is evidenced by increased BV/TV, BMD, MAR, %Tb.Ar, and biomechanical properties and elevated ALP, Col I, OC, Runx2, BMP-2, and OPG mRNA levels.
HOXD3 Plays a Critical Role in Breast Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Qingyuan , Cao Zhongru , Huang Yuanxi , Cheng Shaoqiang , Pang Da
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Homeobox D3 (HOXD3) is a member of the homeobox family of genes that is known primarily for its transcriptional regulation of morphogenesis in all multicellular organisms. In this study, we sought to explore the role that HOXD3 plays in the stem-like capacity, or stemness, and drug resistance of breast cancer cells. Methods: Expression of HOXD3 in clinical breast samples were examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. HOXD3 expression in breast cancer cell lines were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot. Ability of drug resistance in breast cancer cells were elevated by MTT cell viability and colony formation assays. We examined stemness using cell fluorescent staining, RT-PCR and western blot for stem cell marker expression. Finally, activity of wnt signaling was analyzed by FOPflash luciferase assays. RT-PCR and western blot were performed for downstream genes of wnt signaling. Results: We demonstrated that HOXD3 is overexpressed in breast cancer tissue as compared to normal breast tissue. HOXD3 overexpression enhances breast cancer cell drug resistance. Furthermore, HOXD3 upregulation in the same cell lines increased sphere formation as well as the expression levels of stem cell biomarkers, suggesting that HOXD3 does indeed increase breast cancer cell stemness. Because we had previously shown that HOXD3 expression is closely associated with integrin β3 expression in breast cancer patients, we hypothesized that HOXD3 may regulate breast cancer cell stemness and drug resistance through integrin β 3. Cell viability assays showed that integrin β 3 knockdown increased cell viability and that HOXD3 could not restore cancer cell stemness or drug resistance. Given integrin β 3’s relationship with Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we determine whether HOXD3 regulates integrin β 3 activity through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We found that, even though HOXD3 increased the expression of Wnt/β-catenin downstream genes, it did not restore Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, which was inhibited in integrin β3 knockdown breast cancer cells. Conclusion: We demonstrate that HOXD3 plays a critical role in breast cancer stemness and drug resistance via integrin β3-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our findings open the possibility for improving the current standard of care for breast cancer patients by designing targeted molecular therapies that overcome the barriers of cancer cell stemness and drug resistance.
Intrarenal Arterial Lesions Are Associated with Higher Blood Pressure, Reduced Renal Function and Poorer Renal Outcomes in Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Lili , Zhou Suhan , Xu Qihe , Xu Qiannan , Liu Dongyu , Liu Lu , Hu Ruimin , Quan Songxia , Xing Guolan
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Arterial fibrotic intimal thickening and arteriolar hyaline are considered common pathological features in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), whereas little is known about the acute pathological manifestations of endothelial cell injury. The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of intrarenal arterial lesions and to estimate their prognostic values in patients with IgAN. The primary renal endpoint was a 50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: Various renal arterial lesions (arterial fibrotic intimal thickening, arteriolar hyaline, arteriolar endotheliocyte swelling, arteriolar inflammatory cell infiltration, and arteriolar thrombosis) in 1683 patients with IgAN were reviewed and reclassified using a semi-quantitative scoring system. Their correlations with clinical features, pathological characteristics, and renal outcomes were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of intrarenal arterial lesions was up to 72.2% in IgAN patients. There were 978 patients (58.1%) with arterial fibrotic intimal thickening, 350 patients (20.8%) with arteriolar hyaline, 432 patients (25.7%) with arteriolar endotheliocyte swelling, 356 patients (21.2%) with arteriolar inflammatory cell infiltration and 43 patients (2.6%) with arteriolar thrombosis. Arterial fibrotic intimal thickening and arteriolar hyaline were strongly associated with higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) and reduced eGFR (P < 0.001) but were not related to proteinuria at the time of renal biopsy. In contrast, arteriolar endotheliocyte swelling and arteriolar thrombosis were correlated with heavier proteinuria as well as higher MAP and reduced eGFR. During follow-up, patients with vascular lesions received more renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade and less glucocorticoid and showed poorer renal outcomes. Univariate Cox model showed that the presence of renal vascular lesions [hazard ratio (HR) = 25.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.19 to 101.03, P < 0.001] was a risk factor for renal outcomes. However, in multivariable Cox analysis, which included clinical factors and the Oxford-MEST-C, vascular lesions were not significantly associated with an increased risk of renal failure. Remarkably, the impact of vascular lesions on the survival from ESRD or 50% reduction in renal function was eliminated by the use of RAS blockade after adjustment for eGFR, proteinuria, and MAP. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the high prevalence of vascular lesions, including the chronic and acute arterial pathological changes, in patients with IgAN. The presence of vascular lesions is associated with higher MAP, reduced eGFR and poorer renal outcomes, which could be influenced by the RAS blockade treatment.
Computer Aided Diagnosis for Screening the Shape and Size of Leukocyte Cell Nucleus based on Morphological Image
Authors: Supriyanti Retno , Chrisanty Alfin , Ramadhani Yogi , Siswandari Wahyu
Published: April 2018

Hematology tests are examinations that aim to know the state of blood and its components, one of which is leukocytes. Hematologic examinations such as the number and morphology of blood generally still done manually, especially by a specialist pathologist. Despite the fact that today there is equipment that can identify morphological automatically, but for developing countries like Indonesia, it can only be done in the capital city. Low accuracy due to the differences identified either by doctors or laboratory staff, makes a great reason to use computer assistance, especially with the rapid technological developments at this time. In this paper, we will emphasize our experiment to screen leucocyte cell nucleus by identifying the contours of the cell nucleus, diameter, circumference and area of these cells based on digital image processing techniques, especially using the morphological image. The results obtained are promising for further development in the development of computer-aided diagnosis for identification of leukocytes based on a simple and inexpensive equipment.
Microstrip-Fed Circular Disc Monopole Antenna with Defected Waveguide Structure
Authors: Chin S. J. , Aziz M. Z. A. Abd. , Ahmad M. R.
Published: April 2018

This paper presented the microstrip-fed circular disc monopole antenna with defected waveguide structure. First, the microstrip-fed circular disc monopole antenna was designed. Next, the monopole antenna was designed with waveguide and lastly followed by the defected waveguide structure where the uniplanar compact (UC) structure was used. CST Microwave studio software was used for simulation and parametric studies process. Initially, the microstrip-fed circular disc monopole antenna was designed to achieve return loss less than -10dB for wideband frequencies. Then, the gain and directivity was improved with the integration of waveguide. The highest directivity of 11.38dBi found at 13.5GHz. However, low efficiency and narrower bandwidth were obtained. Next, uniplanar compact defected waveguide structure (UC DWS) was designed at inner surface of waveguide. The bandwidth achieved 3.09GHz where it covered from 10.91GHz to 14GHz. Meanwhile, the directivity maintained higher than the monopole antenna with highest directivity of 8.84dBi at 10GHz. The gain was also improved from 11GHz to 14GHz with highest gain of 6.38dB occurred at 13.5GHz.
Data Transmission Analysis using MW-5000 at 5.8 GHz Frequency
Authors: Ibrahim Abu Bakar , Abas Ashardi
Published: April 2018

In the recent years, the data communication system become the main type of communication in the world. The FSK modulator or demodulator is one of the part that becomes the most important part and extremely advanced with the involvement of microwave active and passive circuits. This paper presents the data transmission analysis using MW-5000 at 5.8 GHz frequency. This experiment use the microwave communication module MW-5000 that is available in electronic laboratory. From this experiment the duration taken for the transmission of data is depend on the length of sentence and the value of baud rate.
Preferences based Customized Trust Model for Assessment of Cloud Services
Authors: Deshpande Shilpa , Ingle Rajesh
Published: April 2018

In cloud environment, many functionally similar cloud services are available. But, the services differ in Quality of Service (QoS) levels, offered by them. There is a diversity in user requirements about the expected qualities of cloud services. Trust is a measure to understand whether a cloud service can adequately meet the user requirements. Consequently, trust assessment plays a significant role in selecting the suitable cloud service. This paper proposes preferences based customized trust model (PBCTM) for trust assessment of cloud services. PBCTM takes into account user requirements about the expected quality of services in the form of preferences. Accordingly, it performs customized trust assessment based on the evidences of various attributes of cloud service. PBCTM enables elastic trust computation, which is responsive to dynamically changing user preferences with time. The model facilitates dynamic trust based periodic selection of cloud services according to varying user preferences. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed preferences based customized trust model outperforms the other model in respect of accuracy and degree of satisfaction.
Solar Photovoltaic Power Forecasting in Jordan using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Alomari Mohammad H. , Adeeb Jehad , Younis Ola
Published: April 2018

In this paper, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are used to study the correlations between solar irradiance and solar photovoltaic (PV) output power which can be used for the development of a real-time prediction model to predict the next day produced power. Solar irradiance records were measured by ASU weather station located on the campus of Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan and the solar PV power outputs were extracted from the installed 264KWp power plant at the university. Intensive training experiments were carried out on 19249 records of data to find the optimum NN configurations and the testing results show excellent overall performance in the prediction of next 24 hours output power in KW reaching a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 0.0721. This research shows that machine learning algorithms hold some promise for the prediction of power production based on various weather conditions and measures which help in the management of energy flows and the optimisation of integrating PV plants into power systems.
Comparative Analysis of Linear Controllers used for Grid Connected PV System
Authors: Dash Ritesh , Swain Sarat Chandra , Mishra Sanhita
Published: April 2018

Requirement for electrical energy is increasing in a ramp function manner. To meet the steady increasing in energy demand it is required to find some alternate source of energy. Except the conventional source of energy one type of renewable energy i.e PV may be regarded as a clean source of energy to meet the energy demand. PV modules generating DC power cannot be directly connected to the electrical infrastructure as most of the grid infrastructure uses either 230volt or 120 volt. Therefore power electronic device most be connected (inverter) between PV and grid. In order to make a competitive market between the renewable generated power and conventional way of generating the power it is required to design a cost effective inverter, qualitative output which is pure sinusoidal and harmonics free. In this paper a comparative analysis among the various linear controllers are presented. Proposed Optimised PID Controller is Presented through MATLAB Simulink based environment.
Design and Implementation Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System of Automobile using Digital Technology on Arduino Board
Authors: Dahou H. , El Gouri R. , Alareqi Mohammed , Mateur K. , Mezouari A. , Zemmouri A. , Hlou L.
Published: April 2018

The automatic light AFS (Adaptive Front - Lighting System) is added to the capabilities of modern vehicles that will improve the safety of vehicle drivers and passengers traveling at night. A new architecture of the AFS has proposed in this paper. This architecture is powerful and intelligent using the PWM technique on ARDUINO Board replaces the old mechanical system based on stepper motors.
Passive Damper Network in a Simple DC Distribution Power System
Authors: Jusoh Awang Bin , Razak Muhammad Firdaus Abd , Saiful Mohamad Hamka Bin , Sutikno Tole
Published: April 2018

Distributed power system (DPS) distributes power amongst processing units such as power electronics converters with DC system. Due to the increasing usage of power converters in DPS system, the system becomes unstable and the converter tends to draw constant power needed by the load of the system. Constant power load (CPL) characteristic has negative input impedance that could produce instability problems in the DC bus system. Passive damping network which consists of series RC damping circuit was connected in parallel to the DC bus system with the purpose to reduce the instability. The passive damper was designed, simulated with MATLAB/Simulink and verified experimentally with different values of CPL power levels and input voltage changes. The obtained simulation results show that simple DC system with constant power load was successfully stabilized by the installation of the passive damping network. The experimental set up was also conducted to validate of the proposed technique, and the obtained results were in excellent agreement with the theoretical parts of the project.
A Carrierless Amplitude Phase (CAP) Modulation Format: Perspective and Prospect in Optical Transmission System
Authors: Ridzuan N. M. , Abdullah M. F. L. , Othman M. B. , Jaafar M. B.
Published: April 2018

The explosive demand of broadband services nowadays requires data communication systems to have intensive capacity which subsequently increases the need for higher data rate as well. Although implementation of multiple wavelengths channels can be used (e.g. 4 × 25.8 Gb/s for 100 Gb/s connection) for such desired system, it usually leads to cost increment issue which is caused by employment of multiple optical components. Therefore, implementation of advanced modulation format using a single wavelength channel has become a preference to increase spectral efficiency by increasing the data rate for a given transmission system bandwidth. Conventional advanced modulation format however, involves a degree of complexity and costly transmission system. Hence, carrierless amplitude phase (CAP) modulation format has emerged as a promising advanced modulation format candidate due to spectral efficiency improvement ability with reduction of optical transceiver complexity and cost. The intriguing properties of CAP modulation format are reviewed as an attractive prospect in optical transmission system applications.
Cryptanalysis on Privacy-Aware Two-factor Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Choi Younsung
Published: April 2018

Das first proposed two-factor authentication combining the smart card and password to resolve the security problems of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). After that, various researchers studied two-factor authentication suitable for WSNs. In user authentication protocols based on the symmetric key approach, a number of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC)-based authentication protocols have been proposed. To resolve the security and efficiency problems of ECC-based two-factor authentication protocols, Jiang et al. proposed a privacy-aware two-factor authentication protocol based on ECC for WSNs. However, this paper performs a vulnerability analysis on Jiang et al.’s authentication protocol and shows that it has security problems, such as a lack of mutual authentication, a risk of SID modification and DoS attacks, a lack of sensor anonymity, and weak ID anonymity.
Optimizing Apple Lossless Audio Codec Algorithm using NVIDIA CUDA Architecture
Authors: Ahmed Rafid , Islam Md. Sazzadul , Uddin Jia
Published: April 2018

As majority of the compression algorithms are implementations for CPU architecture, the primary focus of our work was to exploit the opportunities of GPU parallelism in audio compression. This paper presents an implementation of Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) algorithm by using NVIDIA GPUs Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) Framework. The core idea was to identify the areas where data parallelism could be applied and parallel programming model CUDA could be used to execute the identified parallel components on Single Instruction Multiple Thread (SIMT) model of CUDA. The dataset was retrieved from European Broadcasting Union, Sound Quality Assessment Material (SQAM). Faster execution of the algorithm led to execution time reduction when applied to audio coding for large audios. This paper also presents the reduction of power usage due to running the parallel components on GPU. Experimental results reveal that we achieve about 80-90% speedup through CUDA on the identified components over its CPU implementation while saving CPU power consumption.
A New Scheme of Group-based AKA for Machine Type Communication over LTE Networks
Authors: Ouaissa Mariya , Rhattoy A.
Published: April 2018

Machine Type Communication (MTC) is considered as one of the most important approaches to the future of mobile communication has attracted more and more attention. To reach the safety of MTC, applications in networks must meet the low power consumption requirements of devices and mass transmission device. When a large number of MTC devices get connected to the network, each MTC device must implement an independent access authentication process according to the 3GPP standard, which will cause serious traffic congestion in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. In this article, we propose a new group access authentication scheme, by which a huge number of MTC devices can be simultaneously authenticated by the network and establish an independent session key with the network respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can achieve robust security and avoid signaling overload on LTE networks
An Efficient Fingerprint Identification using Neural Network and BAT Algorithm
Authors: Borra Subba Reddy , Reddy G. Jagadeeswar , Reddy E. Sreenivasa
Published: April 2018

The uniqueness, firmness, public recognition, and its minimum risk of intrusion made fingerprint is an expansively used personal authentication metrics. Fingerprint technology is a biometric technique used to distinguish persons based on their physical traits. Fingerprint based authentication schemes are becoming increasingly common and usage of these in fingerprint security schemes, made an objective to the attackers. The repute of the fingerprint image controls the sturdiness of a fingerprint authentication system. We intend for an effective method for fingerprint classification with the help of soft computing methods. The proposed classification scheme is classified into three phases. The first phase is preprocessing in which the fingerprint images are enhanced by employing median filters. After noise removal histogram equalization is achieved for augmenting the images. The second stage is the feature Extraction phase in which numerous image features such as Area, SURF, holo entropy, and SIFT features are extracted. The final phase is classification using hybrid Neural for classification of fingerprint as fake or original. The neural network is unified with BAT algorithm for optimizing the weight factor.
Intelligent Automatic Extraction of Canine Cataract Object with Dynamic Controlled Fuzzy C-Means based Quantization
Authors: Kim Kwang Baek , Song Doo Heon
Published: April 2018

Canine cataract is developed with aging and can cause the blindness or surgical treatment if not treated timely. Since the pet owner do not have professional knowledge nor professional equipment, there is a growing need of providing pre-diagnosis software that can extract cataract-suspicious regions from simple photographs taken by cellular phones for the sake of preventive public health. In this paper, we propose a software that is highly successful for that purpose. The proposed software uses dynamic control of FCM clusters in quantification and trapezoid membership function in fuzzy stretching in order to enhance the intensity contrast from such rough photograph input. Through experiment, the proposed system demonstrates sufficiently enough accuracy in extraction (successful in 42 out of 45 cases) with better quality comparing with previous attempt.
Low-Power D-Band CMOS Amplifier for Ultrahigh-Speed Wireless Communications
Authors: Vu Tuan Anh , Takano Kyoya , Fujishima Minoru
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a low-power D-Band amplifier suitable for ultrahigh-speed wireless communications. The three-stage fully differential amplifier with capacitive neutralization is fabricated in 40 nm CMOS provided by TSMC. Measurement results show that the D-band amplifier obtains a peak gain of 9.6 dB over a -3 dB bandwidth from 138 GHz to 164.5 GHz. It exhibits an output 1 dB compression point (OP1dB) of 1.5 dbm at the center frequency of 150 GHz. The amplifier consumes a low power of 27.3 mW from a 0.7 V supply voltage while its core occupies a chip area of 0.06 mm2.
Internet of Things: Low Cost and Wearable SpO2 Device for Health Monitoring
Authors: Adiputra R. R. , Hadiyoso S. , Hariyani Y. Sun
Published: April 2018

This paper discusses a device for measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate as parameters of the representations of heart conditions. SpO2 device that have been made has a small dimension, wearable and high mobility with battery as the main power source. The device connects to a node MCU as a data processor and an internet network gateway to support internet of things applications. Data sent to the Internet cloud can be accessed online and real time via website for further analysis. The error rate at heart rate measurement is ± 2.8 BPM and for oxygen saturation (SpO2) is ± 1.5%. Testing data transmission delay until it can be displayed on website is 3 second that depends on internet traffic conditions.
De Francisca a Chiquinha: o pioneirismo insuspeito de Chiquinha Gonzaga
Authors: Cesar Rafael do Nascimento
Published: April 2018

Este artigo toma a trajetória da compositora brasileira Chiquinha Gonzaga (1847-1935) com o objetivo de analisar o processo de construção social de seu renome a partir das inflexões de gênero presentes no campo da produção cultural carioca nas primeiras décadas do século XX. A tentativa de circunscrever a rede de relações sociais na qual ela se inseria – dando especial atenção à constituição de seu arquivo pessoal e à confecção de sua primeira biografia pela folclorista Mariza Lira (1899-1971) – é amparada por uma perspectiva socioantropológica que vê na história de vida da compositora o resultado de um projeto coletivo no qual interesses diversos são negociados e materializados em uma narrativa específica. Nesse sentido, tanto o nome Chiquinha Gonzaga quanto seu adjetivo “pioneira” podem ser repensados à luz dessa complexa dinâmica.
The price of knowledge
Authors: Stehr Nico , Adolf Marian
Published: April 2018

This article addresses the apparently rather old question as the citation from the 1851 issue of the Scientific American indicates – of how to assess and measure the value or price of knowledge. We will probe the issue from a variety of social scientific and practical perspectives. Against the background of a sociological concept of knowledge economic, political, social and juridical perspectives are discussed that may lead us to a price of knowledge.
Mobilidades diferenciadas e ilegalidades institucionalizadas: tendências e contradições do trabalho na contemporaneidade
Authors: Lima Jacob Carlos , Martins Junior Angelo
Published: April 2018

Neste artigo discutimos os novos reordenamentos e tendências do capital e do trabalho no que diz respeito às novas formas de organizar o capital, o trabalho, as mobilidades e o controle de ambos, as quais surgiram a partir de mudanças politicas, econômicas, sociais e culturais das ultimas décadas. Argumentamos que, ao destacar as tendências e contradições da mobilidade do capital e do trabalho contemporâneo, focando nas disposições desregulatórias por um lado e regulatórias de outro, podemos evidenciar as mobilidades (e inclusões) diferenciadas e a precarização crescente da vida social contemporânea. Este artigo se baseia, empiricamente, em pesquisas realizadas com trabalhadores no Brasil e com imigrantes brasileiros na Inglaterra no âmbito do Laboratório de Estudos sobre Trabalho, Profissões e Mobilidades da Universidade Federal de São Carlos.
Relações laborais na Argentina logo após o kirchnerismo (2003-2015): entre a participação e o retrocesso sindical
Authors: González Cecilia Senén , D'Urso Lucila
Published: April 2018

Após uma década de estratégias sindicais ofensivas, enquadradas no crescimento econômico iniciado em 2003, a chegada de um governo de direita modifica o cenário, aumentando o desemprego e a pobreza. Nossa pergunta de investigação é sobre como se posicionam os sindicatos para resistir ou adaptar-se ao novo contexto.
A CUT e o sindicalismo brasileiro nos anos recentes: limites e possibilidades
Authors: Ladosky Mario Henrique Guedes , Rodrigues Iram Jácome
Published: April 2018

Este artigo analisa a ação do sindicalismo brasileiro e, em especial, da Central Única dos Trabalhadores, nos governos Lula e Dilma. O nosso argumento é que uma parcela significativa do sindicalismo e, em particular, a CUT, diante das novas condições vividas pelo Brasil, naquele momento, não conseguiu coadunar a atuação institucional com uma maior organização dos trabalhadores nos locais de trabalho.
Entrevista com Caroline Knowles
Authors: Martins Junior Angelo
Published: April 2018

Nesta entrevista, Angelo Martins Jr. conversa com a professora Caroline Knowles, do Goldsmiths College/University of London, sobre seu recente livro Flip-Flop: a journey through globalisations ‘backroads’ (2014), que foi traduzido para o português e publicado pela Annablume com o título Nas trilhas de um chinelo: uma jornada pelas vias secundárias da globalização (2017).
Caroline Knowles. Flip-flop: a journey through globalisation’s backroads
Authors: Rangel Felipe
Published: April 2018

Resenha de Flip-flop: a journey through globalisation’s backroads
Ulrich Jürgens e Martin Krzywdzinski. New worlds of work: varieties of work in car factories in the BRIC countries
Authors: Araujo Ariella Silva
Published: April 2018

Resenha de New worlds of work: varieties of work in car factories in BRIC countries
Esquecer Peirce?
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes, Marcondes Filho Ciro
Published: April 2018

Essa obra mostra que grande parte das teorias da comunicação está fora de moda. Segundo o autor, a semiótica, especialmente a peirceana, aparece como uma das opções mais atuais na área. Entretanto, ela não dá conta das exigências do momento porque está presa a um referencial lógico-matemático que a leva ao logocentrismo a à metafísica, apresenta trilogias vacilantes, sugere um diagrama dificilmente aplicável a conceitos filosóficos abstratos e apoia-se epistemologicamente na religião. O autor expõe suas razões que o levam a afirmar que Charles Sanders Peirce, o filósofo norte-americano que ocupa prestígio quase inabalável por seus estudos linguísticos e sua proposta semiótica, é um lógico, não efetivamente um teórico da comunicação.
Butterfly diversity in human-modified ecosystems of southern Sikkim, the eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Chettri Prem Kumar , Sharma Kishor , Dewan Sailendra , Acharya Bhoj Kumar
Published: April 2018

Understanding wild biodiversity of agroecosystems and other human dominated landscapes are crucial for the management and conservation of biological resources.  Here, we studied the diversity, abundance, similarity and functionality of butterflies in different human modified ecosystems in southern Sikkim, the Eastern Himalaya.  The study was conducted from January 2015 to May 2015 by covering three habitat types namely, farm-based agroforestry, large cardamom-based agroforestry and adjacent natural forest ecosystem.  We followed point count method along the transect to collect data on butterflies in the study area.  A total of 911 individual butterflies representing six families and 44 species were recorded during the present study in southern Sikkim.  Species richness and abundances of butterflies were significantly different among the systems.  While diversity and abundance were higher in forest patches, each system harbored unique species assemblages with low similarity between habitats.  The information on larval host plants were available for 41 butterfly species which depended on 128 plant species belonging to 27 families.  The butterfly community was dominated by oligophagous II (19 species) followed by polyphagous (11 species), monophagous (8 species) and oligophagous I (3 species). Similarly, generalist feeders had higher species and abundance compared to specialist feeders. Specialist species were confined to forest habitat, whereas generalist species were mostly restricted to cultivated systems.  The findings of the study highlighted the need for conservation of traditionally managed agroecosystems in order to conserve butterflies and other associated biodiversity.
An annotated checklist of the birds of the upper Siang region, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Datta-Roy Anirban , Ramachandran Vivek , Teegalapalli Karthik
Published: April 2018

We present the most comprehensive list of birds for the upper Siang region based on surveys and opportunistic observations from 2010 to 2016.  Of the 252 species recorded for this region, we report 66 for the first time, including six globally threatened species.  The presence of migratory waterfowl indicates the importance of the Siang Valley as a migratory route.  We also emphasise the importance of mixed-use shifting cultivation landscapes outside protected areas in sustaining bird diversity.  Further focused surveys in remote parts of this landscape are required to fully understand the biodiversity significance of this region in the face of emerging large-scale threats.
On the birds of Marivan County, western Iran: an update
Authors: Zarei Fatah , Hosseini Seyed Naseh , Pezeshk Jalal , Maleki Loghman , Esmaeili Hamid Reza
Published: April 2018

To update the avian checklist and note their conservation status in Marivan County, western Iran, we report the addition of 28 species belonging to six orders and 13 families recorded during our field observations in 2015–2017 outside the range of Zarivar Wildlife Refuge.  With 255 species reported in previous surveys from the Zarivar Wildlife Refuge and Marivan County, as well as 28 additions here, the avian checklist of Marivan County reaches 283 species from 19 orders and 57 families, which is equivalent to about 51.2% of total bird species recorded from Iran.  Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species applies to five species and the Appendix II applies to 34 species.  The Red List considers six species as Vulnerable, three species as Endangered and 11 species as Near Threatened.  In addition, 15 species are endangered and another 43 species are protected species based on the rules and regularities/laws of the Iranian Department of the Environment.
Notes on fairy orchids (Magnoliopsida: Asparagales: Orchidaceae: Oberonia) of Sri Lanka: revision in regional distribution and documentation on vegetative propagation
Authors: Ariyarathne Menaka , Yakandawala Deepthi
Published: April 2018

Genus Oberonia Lindley is one of the species rich genera in the family Orchidaceae.  According to the latest literature found in Sri Lanka, there are 50 endemic species, including nine endemics belonging to the genus Oberonia among 184 species in the family Orchidaceae. On comparing it with global level information, a revision of statistics on regional level seems vital.  This short communication discusses the required revision in regional distribution of the genus Oberonia while documenting the first observation of vegetative propagation of the genus Oberonia from Sri Lanka.
Defining the Human Envirome
Authors: Riggs Daniel W. , Yeager Ray A. , Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: April 2018

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, but in comparison with genetics, environmental factors have received less attention. Evaluation of environmental determinants of cardiovascular disease is limited by the lack of comprehensive omics approaches for integrating multiple environmental exposures. Hence, to understand the effects of the environment as a whole (envirome), it is important to delineate specific domains of the environment and to assess how, individually and collectively; these domains affect cardiovascular health. In this review, we present a hierarchical model of the envirome; defined by 3 consecutively nested domains, consisting of natural, social, and personal environments. Extensive evidence suggests that features of the natural environment such as sunlight, altitude, diurnal rhythms, vegetation, and biodiversity affect cardiovascular health. However, the effects of the natural environment are moderated by the social environment comprised of built environments, agricultural and industrial activities, pollutants and contaminants, as well as culture, economic activities, and social networks that affect health by influencing access to healthcare, social cohesion, and socioeconomic status. From resources available within society, individuals create personal environments, characterized by private income, wealth and education, and populated by behavioral and lifestyle choices relating to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, the use of recreational drugs, and smoking. An understanding of the interactions between different domains of the envirome and their integrated effects on cardiovascular health could lead to the development of new prevention strategies and deeper insights into etiologic processes that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk and susceptibility.
Genetic Lineage Tracing of Nonmyocyte Population by Dual Recombinases
Authors: Li Yan , He Lingjuan , Huang Xiuzhen , Bhaloo Shirin Issa , Zhao Huan , Zhang Shaohua , Pu Wenjuan , Tian Xueying , Li Yi , Liu Qiaozhen , Yu Wei , Zhang Libo , Liu Xiuxiu , Liu Kuo , Tang Juan , Zhang Hui , Cai Dongqing , Ralf Adams H. , Xu Qingbo , Lui Kathy O. , Zhou Bin
Published: April 2018

Background:

Whether the adult mammalian heart harbors cardiac stem cells for regeneration of cardiomyocytes is an important yet contentious topic in the field of cardiovascular regeneration. The putative myocyte stem cell populations recognized without specific cell markers, such as the cardiosphere-derived cells, or with markers such as Sca1
+
, Bmi1
+
, Isl1
+
, or Abcg2
+
cardiac stem cells have been reported. Moreover, it remains unclear whether putative cardiac stem cells with unknown or unidentified markers exist and give rise to de novo cardiomyocytes in the adult heart.

Methods:

To address this question without relying on a particular stem cell marker, we developed a new genetic lineage tracing system to label all nonmyocyte populations that contain putative cardiac stem cells. Using dual lineage tracing system, we assessed whether nonmyocytes generated any new myocytes during embryonic development, during adult homeostasis, and after myocardial infarction. Skeletal muscle was also examined after injury for internal control of new myocyte generation from nonmyocytes.

Results:

By this stem cell marker–free and dual recombinases–mediated cell tracking approach, our fate mapping data show that new myocytes arise from nonmyocytes in the embryonic heart, but not in the adult heart during homeostasis or after myocardial infarction. As positive control, our lineage tracing system detected new myocytes derived from nonmyocytes in the skeletal muscle after injury.

Conclusions:

This study provides in vivo genetic evidence for nonmyocyte to myocyte conversion in embryonic but not adult heart, arguing again the myogenic potential of putative stem cell populations for cardiac regeneration in the adult stage. This study also provides a new genetic strategy to identify endogenous stem cells, if any, in other organ systems for tissue repair and regeneration.
Long‐Term Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter (With an Aerodynamic Diameter ≤2.5 μm) on Hypertension and Blood Pressure and Attributable Risk Among Reproductive‐Age Adults in China
Authors: Xie Xiaoxu , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Ying , Xu Jihong , Zhang Ya , Tang Wenbin , Guo Tongjun , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Peng Zuoqi , Chen Yixin , He Yuan , Ma Xu
Published: April 2018

Background

Epidemiological evidence on the association between long‐term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm;
PM
2.5
) and hypertension is mixed. We investigated the long‐term association between ambient fine particles and hypertension in reproductive‐age adults.

Methods and Results

This analysis included 39 348 119 reproductive‐age (20–49 years) participants from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project from April 22, 2010 to December 31, 2015 across China. The estimation of annual average ambient
PM
2.5
concentrations for each community was realized through using satellite‐based spatial statistical models. Linear mixed models and 2‐level logistic regressions adjusted for potential confounders with natural cubic splines were used to investigate the shape of
PM
2.5
–blood pressure and
PM
2.5
‐hypertension, respectively. The effect modification by sex, obesity, smoking status, age, diabetes mellitus, urbanity, race, and region was also taken into account. The concentration‐response relationship between
PM
2.5
and hypertension was nonlinear, with a threshold concentration of 47.9 μg/m
3
. The odds ratio of hypertension related to a 10‐μg/m
3
increase in
PM
2.5
above threshold was 1.010 (95% confidence interval, 1.007–1.012). A 10‐μg/m
3
increase in
PM
2.5
above threshold corresponded to a 0.569 (95% confidence interval, 0.564–0.573) mm Hg elevation in systolic blood pressure and a 0.384 (95% confidence interval, 0.381–0.388) mm Hg elevation in diastolic blood pressure. There were 2.3% (95% confidence interval, 2.2%–2.4%) of the hypertension cases that could be attributed to
PM
2.5
exposures in reproductive‐age adult populations.

Conclusions

Long‐term exposures to
PM
2.5
above certain levels might increase population risk for hypertension and might be responsible for China's avoidable hypertension burden in reproductive‐age adults.
Compressed Timeline of Recent Experience in Monkey Lateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Tiganj Zoran , Cromer Jason A. , Roy Jefferson E. , Miller Earl K. , Howard Marc W.
Published: April 2018

Cognitive theories suggest that working memory maintains not only the identity of recently presented stimuli but also a sense of the elapsed time since the stimuli were presented. Previous studies of the neural underpinnings of working memory have focused on sustained firing, which can account for maintenance of the stimulus identity, but not for representation of the elapsed time. We analyzed single-unit recordings from the lateral prefrontal cortex of macaque monkeys during performance of a delayed match-to-category task. Each sample stimulus triggered a consistent sequence of neurons, with each neuron in the sequence firing during a circumscribed period. These sequences of neurons encoded both stimulus identity and elapsed time. The encoding of elapsed time became less precise as the sample stimulus receded into the past. These findings suggest that working memory includes a compressed timeline of what happened when, consistent with long-standing cognitive theories of human memory.