bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Among Personality, Cognitive Anxiety, Somatic Anxiety, Physiological Arousal, and Performance in Male Athletes
Authors: Balyan Kamuran Yerlikaya , Tok Serdar , Tatar Arkun , Binboga Erdal , Balyan Melih
Published: April 2016

The present study examined the association between personality, competitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and physiological arousal in athletes with high and low anxiety levels. Anxiety was manipulated by means of an incentive. Fifty male participants, first, completed the Five Factor Personality Inventory and their resting electro dermal activity (EDA) was recorded. In the second stage, participants were randomly assigned to high or low anxiety groups. Individual EDAs were recorded again to determine precompetition physiological arousal. Participants also completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and played a computer-simulated soccer match. Results showed that neuroticism was related to both CSAI-2 components and physiological arousal only in the group receiving the incentive. Winners had higher levels of cognitive anxiety and lower levels of physiological arousal than losers. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that an athlete’s neurotic personality may influence his cognitive and physiological responses in a competition.
Megaproject asks: What drove the Vikings?
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: April 2016

Researchers suggest that the nature of pre-Viking society spurred a drive for slaves.
Banking on balance
Finding Time The Economics of Work-Life Conflict
Heather Boushey
Harvard University Press, 2016. 357 pp.
Authors: Gornick Janet
Published: April 2016

Getting ahead at work shouldn't have to mean falling behind at home
The UK: Thinking big or small?
Authors: Glover Anne
Published: April 2016

No member state has ever left the European Union (EU), and so the idea that the United Kingdom (UK) might leave has stirred fierce debate ever since Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum on membership nearly a year ago. On 23 June 2016, British citizens have a choice to make. Public opinion in the UK is split on a British exit from the EU, or a “Brexit.” A recent survey indicates that the majority of researchers favor the UK remaining in the EU.
*
As a British scientist and former Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission, I believe that it benefits the UK, the EU, and global science for the UK to remain a strong committed member of the EU.
Antimicrobial Formulations of Absorbable Bone Substitute Materials as Drug Carriers Based on Calcium Sulfate
Authors: Pförringer D. , Obermeier A. , Kiokekli M. , Büchner H. , Vogt S. , Stemberger A. , Burgkart R. , Lucke M.
Published: April 2016

Substitution of bones is a well-established, necessary procedure to treat bone defects in trauma and orthopedic surgeries. For prevention or treatment of perioperative infection, the implantation of resorbable bone substitute materials carrying antibiotics is a necessary treatment. In this study, we investigated the newly formulated calcium-based resorbable bone substitute materials containing either gentamicin (CaSO
4
-G [Herafill-G]), vancomycin (CaSO
4
-V), or tobramycin (Osteoset). We characterized the released antibiotic concentration per unit. Bone substitute materials were implanted in bones of rabbits via a standardized surgical procedure. Clinical parameters and levels of the antibiotic-releasing materials in serum were determined. Local concentrations of antibiotics were measured using antimicrobial tests of bone tissue. Aminoglycoside release kinetics
in vitro
per square millimeter of bead surface showed the most prolonged release for gentamicin, followed by vancomycin and, with the fastest release, tobramycin.
In vivo
level in serum detected over 28 days was highest for gentamicin at 0.42 μg/ml, followed by vancomycin at 0.11 μg/ml and tobramycin at 0.04 μg/ml. The clinical parameters indicated high biocompatibility for materials used. None of the rabbits subjected to the procedure showed any adverse reaction. The highest availability of antibiotics at 14.8 μg/g on day 1 in the cortical tibia
ex vivo
was demonstrated for gentamicin, decreasing within 14 days. In the medulla, vancomycin showed a high level at 444 μg/g on day 1, decreasing continuously over 14 days, whereas gentamicin decreased faster within the initial 3 days. The compared antibiotic formulations varied significantly in release kinetics in serum as well as locally in medulla and cortex.
Complete Reconstitution of the Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Phenotype of Strain Mu50 in Vancomycin-Susceptible S. aureus
Authors: Katayama Yuki , Sekine Miwa , Hishinuma Tomomi , Aiba Yoshifumi , Hiramatsu Keiichi
Published: April 2016

Complete reconstitution of the vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) phenotype of strain Mu50 was achieved by sequentially introducing mutations into six genes of vancomycin-susceptible
S. aureus
(VSSA) strain N315ΔIP. The six mutated genes were detected in VISA strain Mu50 but not in N315ΔIP. Introduction of the mutation Ser329Leu into
vraS
, encoding the sensor histidine kinase of the
vraSR
two-component regulatory (TCR) system, and another mutation, Glu146Lys, into
msrR
, belonging to the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) family, increased the level of vancomycin resistance to that detected in heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(hVISA) strain Mu3. Introduction of two more mutations, Asn197Ser into
graR
of the
graSR
TCR system and His481Tyr into
rpoB
, encoding the β subunit of RNA polymerase, converted the hVISA strain into a VISA strain with the same level of vancomycin resistance as Mu50. Surprisingly, however, the constructed quadruple mutant strain ΔIP4 did not have a thickened cell wall, a cardinal feature of the VISA phenotype. Subsequent study showed that cell wall thickening was an inducible phenotype in the mutant strain, whereas it was a constitutive one in Mu50. Finally, introduction of the Ala297Val mutation into
fdh2
, which encodes a putative formate dehydrogenase, or a 67-amino-acid sequence deletion into
sle1
[
sle1
(Δ67aa)], encoding the hydrolase of
N
-acetylmuramyl-
l
-alanine amidase in the peptidoglycan, converted inducible cell wall thickening into constitutive cell wall thickening.
sle1
(Δ67aa) was found to cause a drastic decrease in autolysis activity. Thus, all six mutated genes required for acquisition of the VISA phenotype were directly or indirectly involved in the regulation of cell physiology. The VISA phenotype seemed to be achieved through multiple genetic events accompanying drastic changes in cell physiology.
Nested Russian Doll-Like Genetic Mobility Drives Rapid Dissemination of the Carbapenem Resistance Gene
bla
KPC
Authors: Sheppard Anna E. , Stoesser Nicole , Wilson Daniel J. , Sebra Robert , Kasarskis Andrew , Anson Luke W. , Giess Adam , Pankhurst Louise J. , Vaughan Alison , Grim Christopher J. , Cox Heather L. , Yeh Anthony J. ,   the Modernising Medical Microbiology (MMM) Informatics Group, Sifri Costi D. , Walker A. Sarah , Peto Tim E. , Crook Derrick W. , Mathers Amy J.
Published: April 2016

The recent widespread emergence of carbapenem resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
is a major public health concern, as carbapenems are a therapy of last resort against this family of common bacterial pathogens. Resistance genes can mobilize via various mechanisms, including conjugation and transposition; however, the importance of this mobility in short-term evolution, such as within nosocomial outbreaks, is unknown. Using a combination of short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing of 281
bla
KPC
-positive
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates from a single hospital over 5 years, we demonstrate rapid dissemination of this carbapenem resistance gene to multiple species, strains, and plasmids. Mobility of
bla
KPC
occurs at multiple nested genetic levels, with transmission of
bla
KPC
strains between individuals, frequent transfer of
bla
KPC
plasmids between strains/species, and frequent transposition of
bla
KPC
transposon Tn
4401
between plasmids. We also identify a common insertion site for Tn
4401
within various Tn
2
-like elements, suggesting that homologous recombination between Tn
2
-like elements has enhanced the spread of Tn
4401
between different plasmid vectors. Furthermore, while short-read sequencing has known limitations for plasmid assembly, various studies have attempted to overcome this by the use of reference-based methods. We also demonstrate that, as a consequence of the genetic mobility observed in this study, plasmid structures can be extremely dynamic, and therefore these reference-based methods, as well as traditional partial typing methods, can produce very misleading conclusions. Overall, our findings demonstrate that nonclonal resistance gene dissemination can be extremely rapid, presenting significant challenges for public health surveillance and achieving effective control of antibiotic resistance.
Complete Sequence of the FII Plasmid p42-2, Carrying
bla
CTX-M-55
,
oqxAB
,
fosA3
, and
floR
from Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Qiu E. , Walsh Timothy Rutland , Liu Bao Tao , Zou Meng Ting , Deng Hui , Fang Liang Xing , Liao Xiao Ping , Sun Jian , Liu Ya Hong
Published: April 2016

We sequenced a novel conjugative multidrug resistance IncF plasmid, p42-2, isolated from
Escherichia coli
strain 42-2, previously identified in China. p42-2 is 106,886 bp long, composed of a typical IncFII-type backbone (∼54 kb) and one distinct acquired DNA region spanning ∼53 kb, harboring 12 antibiotic resistance genes [
bla
CTX-M-55
,
oqxA
,
oqxB
,
fosA3
,
floR
,
tetA
(A),
tetA
(R),
strA
,
strB
,
sul2
,
aph(3′)-II
, and Δ
bla
TEM-1
]. The spread of these multidrug resistance determinants on the same plasmid is of great concern and, because of coresistance to antibiotics from different classes, is therapeutically challenging.
Initial Assessment of the Molecular Epidemiology of
bla
NDM-1
in Colombia
Authors: Rojas Laura J. , Wright Meredith S. , De La Cadena Elsa , Motoa Gabriel , Hujer Kristine M. , Villegas Maria V. , Adams Mark D. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: April 2016

We report complete genome sequences of four
bla
NDM-1
-harboring Gram-negative multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates from Colombia. The
bla
NDM-1
genes were located on 193-kb Inc FIA, 178-kb Inc A/C2, and 47-kb (unknown Inc type) plasmids. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that these isolates belong to sequence type 10 (ST10) (
Escherichia coli
), ST392 (
Klebsiella pneumoniae
), and ST322 and ST464 (
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
, respectively). Our analysis identified that the Inc A/C2 plasmid in
E. coli
contained a novel complex transposon (Tn
125
and Tn
5393
with three copies of
bla
NDM-1
) and a recombination “hot spot” for the acquisition of new resistance determinants.
The Clostridium difficile Dlt Pathway Is Controlled by the Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor σ
V
in Response to Lysozyme
Authors: Woods Emily C. , Nawrocki Kathryn L. , Suárez Jose M. , McBride Shonna M.
Published: April 2016

Clostridium difficile
(also known as
Peptoclostridium difficile
) is a major nosocomial pathogen and a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea throughout the world. Colonization of the intestinal tract is necessary for
C. difficile
to cause disease. Host-produced antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), such as lysozyme, are present in the intestinal tract and can deter colonization by many bacterial pathogens, and yet
C. difficile
is able to survive in the colon in the presence of these AMPs. Our prior studies established that the Dlt pathway, which increases the surface charge of the bacterium by addition of
d
-alanine to teichoic acids, is important for
C. difficile
resistance to a variety of AMPs. We sought to determine what genetic mechanisms regulate expression of the Dlt pathway. In this study, we show that a
dlt
null mutant is severely attenuated for growth in lysozyme and that expression of the
dltDABC
operon is induced in response to lysozyme. Moreover, we found that a mutant lacking the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor σ
V
does not induce
dlt
expression in response to lysozyme, indicating that σ
V
is required for regulation of lysozyme-dependent
d
-alanylation of the cell wall. Using reporter gene fusions and 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) analysis, we identified promoter elements necessary for lysozyme-dependent and lysozyme-independent
dlt
expression. In addition, we observed that both a
sigV
mutant and a
dlt
mutant are more virulent in a hamster model of infection. These findings demonstrate that cell wall
d
-alanylation in
C. difficile
is induced by lysozyme in a σ
V
-dependent manner and that this pathway impacts virulence
in vivo
.
DAP12 Inhibits Pulmonary Immune Responses to Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Heung Lena J. , Hohl Tobias M.
Published: April 2016

Cryptococcus neoformansis an opportunistic fungal pathogen that is inhaled into the lungs and can lead to life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Currently, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the mammalian immune response to respiratory cryptococcal challenge remain poorly defined. DAP12, a signaling adapter for multiple pattern recognition receptors in myeloid and natural killer (NK) cells, has been shown to play both activating and inhibitory roles during lung infections by different bacteria and fungi. In this study, we demonstrate that DAP12 plays an important inhibitory role in the immune response toC. neoformans. Infectious outcomes in DAP12−/−mice, including survival and lung fungal burden, are significantly improved compared to those in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice. We find that eosinophils and macrophages are decreased while NK cells are increased in the lungs of infected DAP12−/−mice. In contrast to WT NK cells, DAP12−/−NK cells are able to repressC. neoformansgrowthin vitro. Additionally, DAP12−/−macrophages are more highly activated than WT macrophages, with increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and CCL5/RANTES and more efficient uptake and killing ofC. neoformans. These findings suggest that DAP12 acts as a brake on the pulmonary immune response toC. neoformansby promoting pulmonary eosinophilia and by inhibiting the activation and antifungal activities of effector cells, including NK cells and macrophages.
Azospirillum brasilense Chemotaxis Depends on Two Signaling Pathways Regulating Distinct Motility Parameters
Authors: Mukherjee Tanmoy , Kumar Dhivya , Burriss Nathan , Xie Zhihong , Alexandre Gladys
Published: April 2016

The genomes of most motile bacteria encode two or more chemotaxis (Che) systems, but their functions have been characterized in only a few model systems.
Azospirillum brasilense
is a motile soil alphaproteobacterium able to colonize the rhizosphere of cereals. In response to an attractant, motile
A. brasilense
cells transiently increase swimming speed and suppress reversals. The Che1 chemotaxis pathway was previously shown to regulate changes in the swimming speed, but it has a minor role in chemotaxis and root surface colonization. Here, we show that a second chemotaxis system, named Che4, regulates the probability of swimming reversals and is the major signaling pathway for chemotaxis and wheat root surface colonization. Experimental evidence indicates that Che1 and Che4 are functionally linked to coordinate changes in the swimming motility pattern in response to attractants. The effect of Che1 on swimming speed is shown to enhance the aerotactic response of
A. brasilense
in gradients, likely providing the cells with a competitive advantage in the rhizosphere. Together, the results illustrate a novel mechanism by which motile bacteria utilize two chemotaxis pathways regulating distinct motility parameters to alter movement in gradients and enhance the chemotactic advantage.

IMPORTANCE
Chemotaxis provides motile bacteria with a competitive advantage in the colonization of diverse niches and is a function enriched in rhizosphere bacterial communities, with most species possessing at least two chemotaxis systems. Here, we identify the mechanism by which cells may derive a significant chemotactic advantage using two chemotaxis pathways that ultimately regulate distinct motility parameters.
Functional Characterization of a Novel Member of the Amidohydrolase 2 Protein Family, 2-Hydroxy-1-Naphthoic Acid Nonoxidative Decarboxylase from Burkholderia sp. Strain BC1
Authors: Pal Chowdhury Piyali , Basu Soumik , Dutta Arindam , Dutta Tapan K.
Published: April 2016

The gene encoding a nonoxidative decarboxylase capable of catalyzing the transformation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid (2H1NA) to 2-naphthol was identified, recombinantly expressed, and purified to homogeneity. The putative gene sequence of the decarboxylase (
hndA
) encodes a 316-amino-acid protein (HndA) with a predicted molecular mass of 34 kDa. HndA exhibited high identity with uncharacterized amidohydrolase 2 proteins of various
Burkholderia
species, whereas it showed a modest 27% identity with γ-resorcylate decarboxylase, a well-characterized nonoxidative decarboxylase belonging to the amidohydrolase superfamily. Biochemically characterized HndA demonstrated strict substrate specificity toward 2H1NA, whereas inhibition studies with HndA indicated the presence of zinc as the transition metal center, as confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. A three-dimensional structural model of HndA, followed by docking analysis, identified the conserved metal-coordinating and substrate-binding residues, while their importance in catalysis was validated by site-directed mutagenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Microbial nonoxidative decarboxylases play a crucial role in the metabolism of a large array of carboxy aromatic chemicals released into the environment from a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources. Among these, hydroxynaphthoic acids are usually encountered as pathway intermediates in the bacterial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The present study reveals biochemical and molecular characterization of a 2-hydroxy-1-naphthoic acid nonoxidative decarboxylase involved in an alternative metabolic pathway which can be classified as a member of the small repertoire of nonoxidative decarboxylases belonging to the amidohydrolase 2 family of proteins. The strict substrate specificity and sequence uniqueness make it a novel member of the metallo-dependent hydrolase superfamily.
Dysphagia and anorexia as presentations of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
Authors: Aiyer Rohit , Engelman Ester , Xue Wei , Yu Edward
Published: April 2016

A 61-year-old woman presented to the emergency department, with a 4-day history of isolated oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with anorexia and weight loss over the previous 4 weeks. She had no other focal neurological symptoms and no deficits on examination. She had been in a 4-year remission of breast cancer postmastectomy and chemoradiation. Neuroimaging showed enhancement of cranial nerves VII, VIII, cisternal segment of cranial V, dorsal and ventral surfaces of the cervical and thoracic cord as well as enhancement of the cauda equina. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed carcinomatous cells. The patient was diagnosed as having leptomeningeal carcinomatosis secondary to lobular breast cancer and was started on radiation therapy, antihormonal treatments and intrathecal methotrexate.
Vesicovaginal fistula following insertion of a foreign body in the vagina for sexual gratification: could it be catastrophic?
Authors: Bansal Ankur , Kumar Manoj , Goel Sunny , Aeron Ruchir
Published: April 2016

In developing countries such as India, the vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a commonly found entity in urogynaecology. VVFs secondary to obstructive labour still remain the most common cause in these countries. We report a very unusual case of a VVF in a young woman that developed due to self-insertion of a plastic box for sexual gratification.
Impact of a social network-based intervention promoting diabetes self-management in socioeconomically deprived patients: a qualitative evaluation of the intervention strategies
Authors: Vissenberg C , Stronks K , Nijpels G , Uitewaal P J M , Middelkoop B J C , Kohinor M J E , Hartman M A , Nierkens V
Published: April 2016

Objective

There is a need for effective interventions that improve diabetes self-management (DSM) among socioeconomically deprived patients with type 2 diabetes. The group-based intervention Powerful Together with Diabetes (PTWD) aimed to increase social support for DSM and decrease social influences hindering DSM (eg, peer pressure, social norms) in patients living in deprived neighbourhoods. Through a qualitative process evaluation, this paper aims to study whether this intervention changed social support and social influences, and which elements of the intervention contributed to this.

Methods

The intervention group (IG) was compared with a standard group-based educational intervention (control group, CG). 27 qualitative in-depth interviews with participants (multiethnic sample) and 24 interviews with group leaders were conducted. Interviews were coded and analysed using MAXQDA according to framework analysis.

Results

Patients in the IG experienced more emotional support from group members and more instrumental and appraisal support from relatives than those in the CG. Also, they were better able to recognise and cope with influences that hinder their DSM, exhibited more positive norms towards DSM and increased their priority regarding DSM and their adherence. Finally, the engagement in DSM by relatives of participants increased. Creating trust between group members, skills training, practising together and actively involving relatives through action plans contributed to these changes.

Conclusions

A group-based intervention aimed at creating trust, practising together and involving relatives has the potential to increase social support and diminish social influences hindering DSM in socioeconomically deprived patients with diabetes. Promising elements of the intervention were skills training and providing feedback using role-playing exercises in group sessions with patients, as well as the involvement of patients' significant others in self-management tasks, and actively involving them in making an action plan for self-management. These positive results justify the value of further evaluating the effectiveness of this intervention in a larger sample.

Trial registration number

NTR1886, Results.
Research priorities for shoulder surgery: results of the 2015 James Lind Alliance patient and clinician priority setting partnership
Authors: Rangan Amar , Upadhaya Sheela , Regan Sandra , Toye Francine , Rees Jonathan L
Published: April 2016

Objective

To run a UK based James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for ‘Surgery for Common Shoulder Problems’.

Setting

This was a nationally funded and conducted process. It was organised from a musculoskeletal research centre and Biomedical Research Unit in Oxford.

Participants

UK shoulder patients, carers and clinicians, involved in treating patients with shoulder pain and shoulder problems that might require surgery.

Interventions

These were national electronic and paper surveys capturing treatment uncertainties that are important to shoulder patients, carers and clinicians.

Outcome measures

The outcomes relevant to this study were the survey results and rankings.

Results

The process took 18 months to complete, with 371 participants contributing 404 in scope questions. The James Lind process then produced a final 10 research priorities and uncertainties that relate to the scope of ‘Surgery for Common Shoulder Problems’.

Conclusions

The final top 10 UK research priorities have been produced and are now being disseminated to partner organisations and funders to guide funding of shoulder research for the next 5–10 years on topics that are important to patients, their carers and clinicians.
Examining budget policies for new and existing facilities: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Rashedi Roozbeh , Hegazy Tarek
Published: April 2016

Sustaining acceptable service in large facility networks is a complex task, particularly under limited budgets, rapid deterioration, and increasing service demands. Policy-makers are, therefore, challenged to make efficient balance between the construction of new facilities and the renewal of existing ones to suit both the short and the long-term needs. To support policy-makers, this paper proposes an efficient decision support system using the system dynamics simulation technique to analyze the impact of various budget allocation policies and to optimize policy decisions. The proposed system dynamics model was tested using a case study from the Toronto District School Board involving more than 400 schools. It can find the optimum budgeting strategy that minimizes the overall facility condition index and total life cycle cost over a long-term strategic plan. The system dynamics model proved its ability to find a budget allocation policy with much better results than the typical enrolment-based approach.
Electrophysiological basis of metabolic-syndrome-induced cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Okatan Esma N. , Durak Aysegul Toy , Turan Belma
Published: April 2016

Myocardial contractility is controlled by intracellular Ca2+ cycling with the contribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of altered SR function in defective regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS) induced by a 16-week high-sucrose drinking-water diet. Electric-field stimulated transient intracellular Ca2+ changes in MetS cardiomyocytes exhibited significantly reduced amplitude (∼30%) and prolonged time courses (2-fold), as well as depressed SR Ca2+ loading (∼55%) with increased basal Ca2+ level. Consistent with these data, altered ryanodine receptor (RyR2) function and SERCA2a activity were found in MetS cardiomyocytes through Ca2+ spark measurements and caffeine application assay in a state in which sodium calcium exchanger was inhibited. Furthermore, tetracaine application assay results and hyperphosphorylated level of RyR2 also support the “leaky RyR2” hypothesis. Moreover, altered phosphorylation levels of phospholamban (PLN) support the depressed SERCA2a-activity thesis and these alterations in the phosphorylation of Ca2+-handling proteins are correlated with altered protein kinase and phosphatase activity in MetS cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, MetS-rat heart exhibits altered Ca2+ signaling largely due to altered SR function via changes in RyR2 and SERCA2a activity. These results point to RyR2 and SERCA2a as potential pharmacological targets for restoring intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and, thereby, combatting dysfunction in MetS-rat heart.
Wavelet transform as a postprocessing diagnostic tool for fault identifications of high-voltage direct current transmission system
Authors: Sanjeevikumar P. , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: April 2016

This short communication focuses on exploiting the inherent advantages of discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) as a diagnostic tool for post-processing and for identifying the faults that occur in the standard high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission network. In particular, a set of investigations are developed and examined for single-line-to-ground fault on the generation and on the load side converter, and DC-link fault. For this purpose, a standard 12-pulse line-commutated converter (LCC)-HVDC transmission network along with the DWT algorithm is numerically modeled in the MATLAB/PLECS simulation software. Furthermore, in this paper, a set of designed faulty conditions are predicted using the output of DWT and the results of numerical simulation are presented. Results are in good agreement with expectations to prove that DWT is an effective tool for fault diagnostics.
Digital Watermarking Processing Technique Based on Overcomplete Dictionary
Authors: Liu Chanzi , Chen Qingchun , Liang Hongbin , Li Hengchao
Published: April 2016

A novel sparse domain-based information hiding framework is proposed in this paper to attach the watermarking signal to the most significant sparse components of the host signal over the pre-defined overcomplete dictionary. The adaptive sparse domain can be utilized to embed watermarking logo with better security and robustness. This can be realized owing to the fact that, not only the sparse domain can be customized from the given samples, but also the sparse transform coefficients of the original watermarking signal can be embedded, which provides inherent privacy. This paper provides two kinds of methods that embed watermark directly and embed the sparse representation coefficients of watermarking logo, and analyzes the condition of uniqueness of the sparse solution. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed sparse domain digital watermarking technique over the traditional frequency domain or spatial domain schemes.
A Semi-Automated Approach to the Recovery of SOA System Structure from Low-Level Artifacts
Authors: Coffey John W. , Reichherzer Thomas , Wilde Norman , Baskin Arthur
Published: April 2016

Design recovery is often necessary for Software Engineers trying to manage and maintain complex software systems. The emergence of Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) creates new difficulties for design recovery. This article describes an approach to the use of a particular type of conceptual modeling that has been called knowledge modeling to support design recovery from SOA composite applications. The approach uses a prototype tool called CARET to automate the recovery of basic architectural structure from low level SOA descriptions such as BPELs, WSDLs and XML Schemas. CARET is used with the freely available CmapTools to produce graphical representations called concept maps which may either be used directly or further enhanced through a knowledge elicitation effort with system experts. Two case studies are presented. The first illustrates basic system structure recovery of a composite application. The second illustrates automated recovery augmented with knowledge elicitation for a large-scale SOA system.
Multi-Objective Oriented Categorization Based on the Coalitional Game Theory
Authors: Liu Weiyi , Yue Kun , Fu Xiaodong , Yin Zidu , Li Jin
Published: April 2016

Discovering different groups, or called classes, is useful for pattern recognition, data preprocessing, association analysis, query optimization, etc. To make every object satisfied as much as possible, the groups are generated by the associations or behaviors among participating objects other than the attributes owned by themselves. By mainly considering the mutual associations among the given objects and based on the game theory, in this paper we study the multi-objective oriented categorization. Based on the idea of Shapley value in the coalitional game, we first propose the concept of priority groups and give the efficient algorithm for computing the satisfaction degree of players in a group. Based on the idea of strategic games and Nash equilibrium, we then give the algorithm for computing an approximate equilibrium to solve the conflicts between the strategies of players, and consequently achieve the ultimate multi-objective oriented groups. Preliminary experiments and performance studies verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our methods.
Towards the Analysis and Optimization of Underactuated Hands for Effective Grasp
Authors: Hua Lei , Sheng Xinjun , Zhang Dingguo , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: April 2016

Underactuated robotic hands get a lot of attention in recent years. In order to analyze the grasp ability and optimize structure parameters of underactuated hands for effective grasp, new grasp performance metrics have been defined. The new metrics quantify the effective grasp region and grasp stability of underactuated hands. A general method to calculate the new performance metrics is introduced by developing a static grasp model. Then an optimization method of underactuated hands is proposed based on the new metrics and structure parameters of a general underactuated hand are optimized. Finally, the performance of the optimized hand is experimentally validated.
Thermodynamic properties of modified gravity theories
Authors: Bamba Kazuharu
Published: April 2016

We review thermodynamic properties of modified gravity theories, such as [Formula: see text] gravity and [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the scalar curvature and [Formula: see text] is the torsion scalar in teleparallelism. In particular, we explore the equivalence between the equations of motion for modified gravity theories and the Clausius relation in thermodynamics. In addition, thermodynamics of the cosmological apparent horizon is investigated in [Formula: see text] gravity. We show both equilibrium and nonequilibrium descriptions of thermodynamics. It is demonstrated that the second law of thermodynamics in the universe can be met, when the temperature of the outside of the apparent horizon is equivalent to that of the inside of it.
An Analytical Review of DSPIN-13
Authors: Efremov A. V. , Soffer J.
Published: April 2016

A short review of the XV Workshop on High Energy Spin Physics (Dubna, Russia, October 8–12, 2013) is presented.
Classification of Printed Gujarati Characters Using Low-Level Stroke Features
Authors: Goswami Mukesh M. , Mitra Suman K.
Published: April 2016

This article presents an elegant technique for extracting the low-level stroke features, such as endpoints, junction points, line elements, and curve elements, from offline printed text using a template matching approach. The proposed features are used to classify a subset of characters from Gujarati script. The database consists of approximately 16,782 samples of 42 middle-zone symbols from the Gujarati character set collected from three different sources: machine printed books, newspapers, and laser printed documents. The purpose of this division is to add variety in terms of size, font type, style, ink variation, and boundary deformation. The experiments are performed on the database using a k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier and results are compared with other widely used structural features, namely Chain Codes (CC), Directional Element Features (DEF), and Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HoG). The results show that the features are quite robust against the variations and give comparable performance with other existing works.
Learning Generalized Features for Semantic Role Labeling
Authors: Yang Haitong , Zong Chengqing
Published: April 2016

This article makes an effort to improve Semantic Role Labeling (SRL) through learning generalized features. The SRL task is usually treated as a supervised problem. Therefore, a huge set of features are crucial to the performance of SRL systems. But these features often lack generalization powers when predicting an unseen argument. This article proposes a simple approach to relieve the issue. A strong intuition is that arguments occurring in similar syntactic positions are likely to bear the same semantic role, and, analogously, arguments that are lexically similar are likely to represent the same semantic role. Therefore, it will be informative to SRL if syntactic or lexical similar arguments can activate the same feature. Inspired by this, we embed the information of lexicalization and syntax into a feature vector for each argument and then use
K
-means to make clustering for all feature vectors of training set. For an unseen argument to be predicted, it will belong to the same cluster as its similar arguments of training set. Therefore, the clusters can be thought of as a kind of generalized feature. We evaluate our method on several benchmarks. The experimental results show that our approach can significantly improve the SRL performance.
Fabrication and Operation of Paper-Based Analytical Devices
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Fan Z. Hugh
Published: April 2016

This review focuses on the fabrication techniques and operational components of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Being low-cost, user-friendly, fast, and simple, μPADs have seen explosive growth in the literature in the last decade. Many different materials and technologies have been employed to fabricate μPADs for various applications, including those that employ patterning, the creation of physical boundaries, and three-dimensional structures. In addition to fabrication techniques, flow control and other operational components in μPADs are of great interest. These components enable μPADs to control flow rates, direct flow paths via valves, sequentially deliver reagents automatically, and display test results, all of which will make μPADs more suitable for point-of-care applications.
The Carbon-Water Interface: Modeling Challenges and Opportunities for the Water-Energy Nexus
Authors: Striolo Alberto , Michaelides Angelos , Joly Laurent
Published: April 2016

Providing clean water and sufficient affordable energy to all without compromising the environment is a key priority in the scientific community. Many recent studies have focused on carbon-based devices in the hope of addressing this grand challenge, justifying and motivating detailed studies of water in contact with carbonaceous materials. Such studies are becoming increasingly important because of the miniaturization of newly proposed devices, with ubiquitous nanopores, large surface-to-volume ratio, and many, perhaps most of the water molecules in contact with a carbon-based surface. In this brief review, we discuss some recent advances obtained via simulations and experiments in the development of carbon-based materials for applications in water desalination. We suggest possible ways forward, with particular emphasis on the synergistic combination of experiments and simulations, with simulations now sometimes offering sufficient accuracy to provide fundamental insights. We also point the interested reader to recent works that complement our short summary on the state of the art of this important and fascinating field.
Advances in Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Traub Matthew C. , Longsine Whitney , Truskett Van N.
Published: April 2016

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL), a molding process, can replicate features <10 nm over large areas with long-range order. We describe the early development and fundamental principles underlying the two most commonly used types of NIL, thermal and UV, and contrast them with conventional photolithography methods used in the semiconductor industry. We then describe current advances toward full commercial industrialization of UV-curable NIL (UV-NIL) technology for integrated circuit production. We conclude with brief overviews of some emerging areas of research, from photonics to biotechnology, in which the ability of NIL to fabricate structures of arbitrary geometry is providing new paths for development. As with previous innovations, the increasing availability of tools and techniques from the semiconductor industry is poised to provide a path to bring these innovations from the lab to everyday life.
Single-Molecule Studies in Live Cells
Authors: Yu Ji
Published: April 2016

Live-cell single-molecule experiments are now widely used to study complex biological processes such as signal transduction, self-assembly, active trafficking, and gene regulation. These experiments’ increased popularity results in part from rapid methodological developments that have significantly lowered the technical barriers to performing them. Another important advance is the development of novel statistical algorithms, which, by modeling the stochastic behaviors of single molecules, can be used to extract systemic parameters describing the in vivo biochemistry or super-resolution localization of biological molecules within their physiological environment. This review discusses recent advances in experimental and computational strategies for live-cell single-molecule studies, as well as a selected subset of biological studies that have utilized these new technologies.
Blood: tests used to assess the physiological and immunological properties of blood
Authors: Quinn J. G. , Tansey E. A. , Johnson C. D. , Roe S. M. , Montgomery L. E. A.
Published: April 2016

The properties of blood and the relative ease of access to which it can be retrieved make it an ideal source to gauge different aspects of homeostasis within an individual, form an accurate diagnosis, and formulate an appropriate treatment regime. Tests used to determine blood parameters such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, bleeding and clotting times, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, and determination of blood groups are routinely used clinically, and deviations outside the normal range can indicate a range of conditions such as anemia, pregnancy, dehydration, overhydration, infectious disease, cancer, thyroid disease, and autoimmune conditions, to mention a few. As these tests can be performed relatively inexpensively and do not require high levels of technical expertise, they are ideally suited for use in the teaching laboratory, enabling undergraduate students to link theory to practice. The practicals described here permit students to examine their own blood and that of their peers and compare these with clinically accepted normal ranges. At the end of the practicals, students are required to answer a number of questions about their findings and to link abnormal values to possible pathological conditions by answering a series of questions based on their findings.
Effectiveness and student perceptions of an active learning activity using a headline news story to enhance in-class learning of cell cycle regulation
Authors: Dirks-Naylor Amie J.
Published: April 2016

An active learning activity was used to engage students and enhance in-class learning of cell cycle regulation in a PharmD level integrated biological sciences course. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness and perception of the in-class activity. After completion of a lecture on the topic of cell cycle regulation, students completed a 10-question multiple-choice quiz before and after engaging in the activity. The activity involved reading of a headline news article published by ScienceDaily.com entitled “One Gene Lost Equals One limb Regained.” The name of the gene was deleted from the article and, thus, the end goal of the activity was to determine the gene of interest by the description in the story. The activity included compiling a list of all potential gene candidates before sufficient information was given to identify the gene of interest ( p21). A survey was completed to determine student perceptions of the activity. Quiz scores improved by an average of 20% after the activity (40.1 ± 1.95 vs. 59.9 ± 2.14, P < 0.0001, n = 96). Students enjoyed the activity, found the news article interesting, and believed that the activity improved their understanding of cell cycle regulation. The majority of students agreed that the in-class activity piqued their interest for learning the subject matter and also agreed that if they understand a concept during class, they are more likely to want to study that concept outside of class. In conclusion, the activity improved in-class understanding and enhanced interest in cell cycle regulation.
Exenatide exerts direct protective effects on endothelial cells through the AMPK/Akt/eNOS pathway in a GLP-1 receptor-dependent manner
Authors: Wei Rui , Ma Shifeng , Wang Chen , Ke Jing , Yang Jin , Li Weihong , Liu Ye , Hou Wenfang , Feng Xinheng , Wang Guang , Hong Tianpei
Published: April 2016

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) may have direct favorable effects on cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the GLP-1 analog exenatide on improving coronary endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects were enrolled and given either lifestyle intervention or lifestyle intervention plus exenatide treatment. After 12-wk treatment, coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), an important indicator of coronary endothelial function, was improved significantly, and serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were remarkably decreased in the exenatide treatment group compared with the baseline and the control group. Notably, CFVR was correlated inversely with hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) and positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, exendin-4 (a form of exenatide) significantly increased NO production, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, and GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH1) level in a dose-dependent manner. The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) antagonist exendin (9–39) or GLP-1R siRNA, adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536, AMPK inhibitor compound C, and PI3K inhibitor LY-294002 abolished the effects of exendin-4. Furthermore, exendin-4 reversed homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction by decreasing sICAM-1 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and upregulating NO production and eNOS phosphorylation. Likewise, exendin (9–39) diminished the protective effects of exendin-4 on the homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, exenatide significantly improves coronary endothelial function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The effect may be mediated through activation of AMPK/PI3K-Akt/eNOS pathway via a GLP-1R/cAMP-dependent mechanism.
Portal Vein Thrombosis and Systemic Amyloidosis in Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Friedman Gad , Wild Gary E
Published: April 2016

Systemic amyloidosis and portal vein thrombosis are relatively rare complications of inflammatory bowel disease. The first case of a patient with Crohn’s disease presenting with both complications is presented. An acquired free protein S deficiency was disclosed in the patient, which may be responsible for the hypercoagulable state observed in Crohn’s disease and the nephrotic syndrome from amyloidosis.
Role of Smooth Muscle in Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Collins Stephen M , Khan Islam , Vallance Bruce , Hogaboam Cory , Barbara Giovanni
Published: April 2016

The notion that smooth muscle function is altered in inflammation is prompted by clinical observations of altered motility in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While altered motility may reflect inflammation-induced changes in intrinsic or extrinsic nerves to the gut, changes in gut hormone release and changes in muscle function, recent studies have provided in vitro evidence of altered muscle contractility in muscle resected from patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. In addition, the observation that smooth muscle cells are more numerous and prominent in the strictured bowel of IBD patients compared with controls suggests that inflammation may alter the growth of intestinal smooth muscle. Thus, inflammation is associated with changes in smooth muscle growth and contractility that, in turn, contribute to important symptoms of IBD including diarrhea (from altered motility) and pain (via either altered motility or stricture formation). The involvement of smooth muscle in this context may be as an innocent bystander, where cells and products of the inflammatory process induce alterations in muscle contractility and growth. However, it is likely that intestinal muscle cells play a more active role in the inflammatory process via the elaboration of mediators and trophic factors, including cytokines, and via the production of collagen. The concept of muscle cells as active participants in the intestinal inflammatory process is a new concept that is under intense study. This report summarizes current knowledge as it relates to these two aspects of altered muscle function (growth and contractility) in the inflamed intestine, and will focus on mechanisms underlying these changes, based on data obtained from animal models of intestinal inflammation.