bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of polymer intercalation in calcium silicate hydrates on drug loading capacities and drug release kinetics: an X-ray absorption near edge structure study
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , Wu Jin , Yiu Yun-Mui , Hu Yongfeng , Zhu Ying-Jie , Sham Tsun-Kong
Published: March 2017

Different calcium silicate hydrate (CSH)/polymer composites are synthesized by using a controlled precipitation reaction between calcium salt and silicate salt, followed by the addition of various polymer solutions at room temperature. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been used to extensively investigate the structural changes after hybrid biomaterials formation and the drug–carrier interactions on the molecular level. We find that the polymers alter the structure of CSH to various degrees and that this behaviour further influences the drug loading capacities and drug release kinetics.
The study of a spinless relativistic particle in the spinning cosmic string space–time
Authors: Wang Zhi , Long Zheng-wen , Long Chao-yun , Wang Bing-qian
Published: March 2017

In this paper we analyze a spinless relativistic particle depicted by the Klein–Gordon equation in the spinning cosmic string space–time. The solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation in the presence of a uniform magnetic field and the Klein–Gordon equation with two common cylindrically symmetric scalar potentials under the background space–time are presented; the energy spectrum and the corresponding wave functions of these systems are obtained by using the functional analysis method. It is shown that the energy levels of the considered physical systems depend explicitly on the angular deficit α and the rotational parameter a, which characterize the global structure of the metric in the space–time of the spinning cosmic string.
THE REGIONAL ASYMMETRIC RESPONSES TO CENTRAL BANK’S MONETARY POLICY IN PAKISTAN
Authors: FARAZ NASEEM , IFTIKHAR ZAINAB
Published: March 2017

Literature on differential impacts of monetary policy across regions discusses several factors which may be responsible for asymmetrical effects of monetary policy. As far as Pakistan is concerned, limited evidence is available for both mechanism and impact of monetary policy. In this study, we examine asymmetries in responses of real output of provinces to central bank’s monetary policy in Pakistan. We also attempt to explore the potential sources of these asymmetries. The Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) model is employed to examine each province’s response to unanticipated monetary policy shocks. The generalized impulse response functions from SVAR reveal that monetary policy has varied effects across the provinces. In two regions — Punjab and Sindh — monetary policy shocks cause variations in provincial outputs in similar ways. These responses are also comparable to the response of national output to changes in monetary policy but with considerable differences in magnitudes. While other provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK) and Balochistan show less sensitivity to unanticipated change in monetary policy. The less sensitive regions exhibit dissimilar responses both in timings and magnitudes. These dissimilarities in regional responses draw attention to devise an effective national monetary policy that might consider the cross-provincial differences in responses to central monetary policy in Pakistan.
Bottom-up discrete symmetries for Cabibbo mixing
Authors: de Medeiros Varzielas Ivo , Rasmussen Rasmus W. , Talbert Jim
Published: March 2017

We perform a bottom-up search for discrete non-Abelian symmetries capable of quantizing the Cabibbo angle that parameterizes CKM mixing. Given a particular Abelian symmetry structure in the up and down sectors, we construct representations of the associated residual generators which explicitly depend on the degrees of freedom present in our effective mixing matrix. We then discretize those degrees of freedom and utilize the Groups, Algorithms, Programming (GAP) package to close the associated finite groups. This short study is performed in the context of recent results indicating that, without resorting to special model-dependent corrections, no small-order finite group can simultaneously predict all four parameters of the three-generation CKM matrix and that only groups of [Formula: see text] can predict the analogous parameters of the leptonic PMNS matrix, regardless of whether neutrinos are Dirac or Majorana particles. Therefore, a natural model of flavour might instead incorporate small(er) finite groups whose predictions for fermionic mixing are corrected via other mechanisms.
DEMOGRAPHICS INDUCE EXTINCTION OF DISEASE IN AN SIS MODEL BASED ON CONDITIONAL MARKOV CHAIN
Authors: LUO XIAOFENG , CHANG LILI , JIN ZHEN
Published: March 2017

Demographics have significant effects on disease spread in populations and the topological evolution of the underlying networks that represent the populations. In the context of network-based epidemic modeling, Markov chain-based approach and pairwise approximation are two powerful tools — the former can capture stochastic effects of disease transmission dynamics and the latter can characterize the dynamical correlations in each pair of connected individuals. However, to our best knowledge, the study on epidemic spreading in networks relying on these two techniques is still lacking. To fill this gap, in this paper, a deterministic pairwise susceptible–infected–susceptible (SIS) epidemic model with demographics on complex networks with arbitrary degree distributions is studied based on a continuous time conditional Markov chain. This deterministic model is rigorously derived — using the moment generating function — from the Kolmogorov differential equations for the evolution of individuals and pairs. It is found that demographics will induce the extinction of the disease by reducing the basic reproduction number or lowering the epidemic prevalence after the disease prevails. Moreover, due to the demographical effects, the resulting network tends to a homogeneous network with a degree distribution similar to Poisson distribution, irrespective of the initial network structure. Additionally, we find excellent agreement between numerical solutions and individual-based stochastic simulations using both Erdös–Renyi (ER) random and Barabási–Albert (BA) scale-free initial networks. Our results may provide new insights on the understanding of the influence of demographics on epidemic dynamics and network evolution.
ADAPTATION OF THE ATTITUDE TOWARD ENTERPRISE TEST IN THE ITALIAN HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY CONTEXTS
Authors: SPAGNOLI PAOLA , SANTOS SUSANA C. , CAETANO ANTONIO
Published: March 2017

The development of sound evidence-based entrepreneurial potential assessment tools is particularly recommended to foster entrepreneurship and to evaluate specific entrepreneurial training initiatives in schools and universities. The present study is aimed at examining construct, convergent and discriminant validity of the Attitude Toward Enterprise test (ATE test) in Italy. Configural and measurement invariance were conducted for testing construct validity using Structural Equation Modeling on three groups of students: high school; university undergraduate; and university postgraduate. Correlational and reliability analyses were conducted to test convergent, discriminant and consistency of the scale. Results show that the Italian version of the scale is a valuable tool for research and practical purposes in Italy. Limitations and suggestions for further research are also discussed.
Subsurface biodegradation of crude oil in a fractured basement reservoir, Shropshire, UK
Authors: Parnell John , Baba Mas'ud , Bowden Stephen , Muirhead David
Published: March 2017

Subsurface biodegradation of crude oil in current oil reservoirs is well established, but there are few examples of ancient subsurface degradation. Biomarker compositions of viscous and solid oil residues (‘bitumen’) in fractured Precambrian and other basement rocks below the Carboniferous cover in Shropshire, UK, show that they are variably biodegraded. High levels of 25-norhopanes imply that degradation occurred in the subsurface. Lower levels of 25-norhopanes occur in active seepages. Liquid oil trapped in fluid inclusions in mineral veins in the fractured basement confirms that the oil was emplaced fresh before subsurface degradation. A Triassic age for the veins implies a 200 myr history of hydrocarbon migration in the basement rocks. The data record microbial biodegradation of hydrocarbons in a fractured basement reservoir, and add to evidence in modern basement aquifers for microbial activity in deep fracture systems. Buried basement highs may be especially favourable to colonization, through channelling fluid flow to shallow depths and relatively low temperatures, and are therefore an important habitat within the deep biosphere.
Liver X receptor α induces 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-13 expression through SREBP-1c
Authors: Su Wen , Peng Jun , Li Sha , Dai Yu-bing , Wang Chun-jiong , Xu Hu , Gao Min , Ruan Xiong-zhong , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Guan You-fei , Zhang Xiao-yan
Published: March 2017

Liver X receptors, including LXRα and LXRβ, are known to be master regulators of liver lipid metabolism. Activation of LXRα increases hepatic lipid storage in lipid droplets (LDs). 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-13 (17β-HSD13), a recently identified liver-specific LD-associated protein, has been reported to be involved in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, little is known about its transcriptional regulation. In the present study, we aimed at determining whether 17β-HSD13 gene transcription is controlled by LXRs. We found that treatment with T0901317, a nonspecific LXR agonist, increased both 17β-HSD13 mRNA and protein levels in cultured hepatocytes. It also significantly upregulated hepatic 17β-HSD13 expression in wild-type (WT) and LXRβ−/−mice but not in LXRα−/−mice. Basal expression of 17β-HSD13 in the livers of LXRα−/−mice was lower than that in the livers of WT and LXRβ−/−mice. Moreover, induction of hepatic 17β-HSD13 expression by T0901317 was almost completely abolished in SREBP-1c−/−mice. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a consensus sterol regulatory element (SRE)-binding site in the promoter region of the 17β-HSD13 gene. A 17β-HSD13 gene promoter-driven luciferase reporter and ChIP assays further confirmed that the 17β-HSD13 gene was under direct control of SREBP-1c. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that LXRα activation induces 17β-HSD13 expression in a SREBP-1c-dependent manner. 17β-HSD13 may be involved in the development of LXRα-mediated fatty liver.
Long-term HIF-1α transcriptional activation is essential for heat-acclimation-mediated cross tolerance: mitochondrial target genes
Authors: Alexander-Shani Rivka , Mreisat Ahmad , Smeir Elia , Gerstenblith Gary , Stern Michael D. , Horowitz Michal
Published: March 2017

An important adaptive feature of heat acclimation (HA) is the induction of cross tolerance against novel stressors (HACT) Reprogramming of gene expression leading to enhanced innate cytoprotective features by attenuating damage and/or enhancing the response of “help” signals plays a pivotal role. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), constitutively upregulated by HA (1 mo, 34°C), is a crucial transcription factor in this program, although its specific role is as yet unknown. By using a rat HA model, we studied the impact of disrupting HIF-1α transcriptional activation [HIF-1α:HIF-1β dimerization blockade by intraperitoneal acriflavine (4 mg/kg)] on its mitochondrial gene targets [phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1), LON, and cyclooxygenase 4 (COX4) isoforms] in the HA rat heart. Physiological measures of cardiac HACT were infarct size after ischemia-reperfusion and time to rigor contracture during hypoxia in cardiomyocytes. We show that HACT requires transcriptional activation of HIF-1α throughout the course of HA and that this activation is accompanied by two metabolic switches: 1) profound upregulation of PDK1, which reduces pyruvate entry into the mitochondria, consequently increasing glycolytic lactate production; 2) remodeling of the COX4 isoform ratio, inducing hypoxic-tolerant COX4.2 dominance, and optimizing electron transfer and possibly ATP production during the ischemic and hypoxic insults. LON and COX4.2 transcript upregulation accompanied this shift. Loss of HACT despite elevated expression of the cytoprotective protein heat shock protein-72 concomitantly with disrupted HIF-1α dimerization suggests that HIF-1α is essential for HACT. The role of a PDK1 metabolic switch is well known in hypoxia acclimation but not in the HA model and its ischemic setting. Remodeling of COX4 isoforms by environmental acclimation is a novel finding.
Nitric oxide reduces paracellular resistance in rat thick ascending limbs by increasing Na+ and Cl− permeabilities
Authors: Monzon Casandra M. , Occhipinti Rossana , Pignataro Omar P. , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2017

About 50% of the Na+ reabsorbed in thick ascending limbs traverses the paracellular pathway. Nitric oxide (NO) reduces the permselectivity of this pathway via cGMP, but its effects on absolute Na+ ([Formula: see text]) and Cl− ([Formula: see text]) permeabilities are unknown. To address this, we measured the effect of l-arginine (0.5 mmol/l; NO synthase substrate) and cGMP (0.5 mmol/l) on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] calculated from the transepithelial resistance ( Rt) and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] in medullary thick ascending limbs. Rt was 7,722 ± 1,554 ohm·cm in the control period and 6,318 ± 1,757 ohm·cm after l-arginine treatment ( P < 0.05). [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] was 2.0 ± 0.2 in the control period and 1.7 ± 0.1 after l-arginine ( P < 0.04). Calculated [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were 3.52 ± 0.2 and 1.81 ± 0.10 × 10−5 cm/s, respectively, in the control period. After l-arginine they were 6.65 ± 0.69 ( P < 0.0001 vs. control) and 3.97 ± 0.44 ( P < 0.0001) × 10−5 cm/s, respectively. NOS inhibition with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (5 mmol/l) prevented l-arginine’s effect on Rt. Next we tested the effect of cGMP. Rt in the control period was 7,592 ± 1,470 and 4,796 ± 847 ohm·cm after dibutyryl-cGMP (0.5 mmol/l; db-cGMP) treatment ( P < 0.04). [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] was 1.8 ± 0.1 in the control period and 1.6 ± 0.1 after db-cGMP ( P < 0.03). [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were 4.58 ± 0.80 and 2.66 ± 0.57 × 10−5 cm/s, respectively, for the control period and 9.48 ± 1.63 ( P < 0.007) and 6.01 ± 1.05 ( P < 0.005) × 10−5 cm/s, respectively, after db-cGMP. We modeled NO’s effect on luminal Na+ concentration along the thick ascending limb. We found that NO’s effect on the paracellular pathway reduces net Na+ reabsorption and that the magnitude of this effect is similar to that due to NO’s inhibition of transcellular transport.
A Survey on Visual Programming Languages in Internet of Things
Authors: Ray Partha Pratim
Published: March 2017

Visual programming has transformed the art of programming in recent years. Several organizations are in race to develop novel ideas to run visual programming in multiple domains with Internet of Things. IoT, being the most emerging area of computing, needs substantial contribution from the visual programming paradigm for its technological propagation. This paper surveys visual programming languages being served for application development, especially in Internet of Things field. 13 such languages are visited from several popular research-electronic databases (e.g., IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Springer Link, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Postscapes) and compared under four key attributes such as programming environment, license, project repository, and platform supports. Grouped into two segments, open source and proprietary platform, these visual languages pertain few crucial challenges that have been elaborated in this literature. The main goal of this paper is to present existing VPLs per their parametric proforma to enable naïve developers and researchers in the field of IoT to choose appropriate variant of VPL for particular type of application. It is also worth validating the usability and adaptability of VPLs that is essential for selection of beneficiary in terms of IoT.
A Fast and Robust Key Frame Extraction Method for Video Copyright Protection
Authors: Shi Yunyu , Yang Haisheng , Gong Ming , Liu Xiang , Xia Yongxiang
Published: March 2017

The paper proposes a key frame extraction method for video copyright protection. The fast and robust method is based on frame difference with low level features, including color feature and structure feature. A two-stage method is used to extract accurate key frames to cover the content for the whole video sequence. Firstly, an alternative sequence is got based on color characteristic difference between adjacent frames from original sequence. Secondly, by analyzing structural characteristic difference between adjacent frames from the alternative sequence, the final key frame sequence is obtained. And then, an optimization step is added based on the number of final key frames in order to ensure the effectiveness of key frame extraction. Compared with the previous methods, the proposed method has advantage in computation complexity and robustness on several video formats, video resolution, and so on.
Successful Extubation Using Heliox BiPAP in Two Patients with Postextubation Stridor
Authors: Punj Pragya , Nattanmai Premkumar , George Pravin , Newey Christopher R.
Published: March 2017

Postextubation stridor is associated with significant morbidity. It commonly results in extubation failure after established medical treatment fails, such as nebulized epinephrine and/or intravenous steroids. The role of heliox (i.e., combination of helium and oxygen) in managing patients with postextubation stridor has not been fully established. We report two cases of postextubation stridor successfully treated with heliox delivered with bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) after failure of standard medical therapy.
Model-Based Dependability Analysis of Physical Systems with Modelica
Authors: Tundis Andrea , Buffoni Lena , Fritzson Peter , Garro Alfredo
Published: March 2017

Modelica is an innovative, equation-based, and acausal language that allows modeling complex physical systems, which are made of mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical components, and evaluates their design through simulation techniques. Unfortunately, the increasing complexity and accuracy of such physical systems require new, more powerful, and flexible tools and techniques for evaluating important system properties and, in particular, the dependability ones such as reliability, safety, and maintainability. In this context, the paper describes some extensions of the Modelica language to support the modeling of system requirements and their relationships. Such extensions enable the requirement verification analysis through native constructs in the Modelica language. Furthermore, they allow exporting a Modelica-based system design as a Bayesian Network in order to analyze its dependability by employing a probabilistic approach. The proposal is exemplified through a case study concerning the dependability analysis of a Tank System.
Monitoring the Changes of Material Properties at Bone-Implant Interface during the Healing Process In Vivo: A Viscoelastic Investigation
Authors: Chen Hsiang-Ho , Lai Wei-Yi , Chee Tze-Jian , Chan Ya-Hui , Feng Sheng-Wei
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to monitor the changes of viscoelastic properties at bone-implant interface via resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and the Periotest device during the healing process in an experimental rabbit model. Twenty-four dental implants were inserted into the femoral condyles of rabbits. The animals were sacrificed immediately after implant installation or on day 14, 28, or 56 after surgery. Viscoelastic properties at bone-implant interface were evaluated by measuring the implant stability quotient (ISQ) using RFA and by measuring the Periotest values (PTVs) using the Periotest device. The bone/implant specimens were evaluated histopathologically and histomorphometrically to determine the degree of osseointegration (BIC%). The BIC% values at different time points were then compared with the corresponding ISQ values and PTVs. The mean ISQ value increased gradually and reached 81±1.7 on day 56, whereas the mean PTV decreased over time, finally reaching −0.7±0.5 on day 56. Significant correlations were found between ISQ and BIC% (r=0.701, p<0.001), PTV and BIC% (r=-0.637, p<0.05), and ISQ and PTV (r=-0.68, p<0.05). These results show that there is a positive correlation between implant stability parameters and peri-implant-bone healing, indicating that the RFA and Periotest are useful for measuring changes of viscoelastic properties at bone-implant interface and are reliable for indirectly predicting the degree of osseointegration.
Effect of Tip Clearance on the Internal Flow and Hydraulic Performance of a Three-Bladed Inducer
Authors: Fu Yanxia , Yuan Jianping , Yuan Shouqi , Pace Giovanni , d’Agostino Luca
Published: March 2017

The influence of the tip clearance on the internal flow and hydraulic performances of a 3-bladed inducer, designed at ALTA, Pisa, Italy, are investigated both experimentally and numerically. Two inducer configurations with different blade tip clearances, one about equal to the nominal value and the other 2.5 times larger, are considered to analyze tip leakage effects. The 3D numerical model developed in ANSYS CFX to simulate the flow through the inducer with 2 different clearances under different operating conditions is illustrated. The internal flow fields and hydraulic performance predicted by the CFD model under different operating conditions are compared with the corresponding experimental data obtained from the inducer tests. As expected, both experimental and numerical results indicate that higher pressure rise and hydraulic efficiency are obtained from the inducer configuration with the nominal tip clearance.
Analytical Approach for Orbital Evasion with Space Geometry Considered
Authors: Yu Dateng , Wang Hua , Guo Shuai , Wang Hongyu
Published: March 2017

This paper researches an optimal problem of orbital evasion with considering space geometry by using an analytical approach. Firstly, an angles-only relative navigation model is built and the definition of completely nonobservable maneuver is proposed. After algebraic analysis of relative space geometry, it is proved that the completely nonobservable maneuver is nonexistent. Based on this, the angle measurements of orbit without evasion are set as reference measurements and an analytical solution is derived to find the minimum difference between measurements and the reference measurements in a constant measuring time. Then, an object function using vector multiplication is designed and an optimization model is established so as to prove the optimality of analytical solution. At last, several numerical simulations are performed with different maneuver directions, which verify the effectiveness of the analytical method of this paper for orbital evasion problem. This method offers a new viewpoint for orbital evasion problem.
Effect of Soil-Structure Interaction on Seismic Performance of Long-Span Bridge Tested by Dynamic Substructuring Method
Authors: Tang Zhenyun , Ma Hua , Guo Jun , Li Zhenbao
Published: March 2017

Because of the limitations of testing facilities and techniques, the seismic performance of soil-structure interaction (SSI) system can only be tested in a quite small scale model in laboratory. Especially for long-span bridge, a smaller tested model is required when SSI phenomenon is considered in the physical test. The scale effect resulting from the small scale model is always coupled with the dynamic performance, so that the seismic performance of bridge considering SSI effect cannot be uncovered accurately by the traditional testing method. This paper presented the implementation of real-time dynamic substructuring (RTDS), involving the combined use of shake table array and computational engines for the seismic simulation of SSI. In RTDS system, the bridge with soil-foundation system is divided into physical and numerical substructures, in which the bridge is seen as physical substructures and the remaining part is seen as numerical substructures. The interface response between the physical and numerical substructures is imposed by shake table and resulting reaction force is fed back to the computational engine. The unique aspect of the method is to simulate the SSI systems subjected to multisupport excitation in terms of a larger physical model. The substructuring strategy and the control performance associated with the real-time substructuring testing for SSI were performed. And the influence of SSI on a long-span bridge was tested by this novel testing method.
Research on Secure Localization Model Based on Trust Valuation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Peng , Yu Xiaotian , Xu He , Qian Jiewei , Dong Lu , Nie Huqing
Published: March 2017

Secure localization has become very important in wireless sensor networks. However, the conventional secure localization algorithms used in wireless sensor networks cannot deal with internal attacks and cannot identify malicious nodes. In this paper, a localization based on trust valuation, which can overcome a various attack types, such as spoofing attacks and Sybil attacks, is presented. The trust valuation is obtained via selection of the property set, which includes estimated distance, localization performance, position information of beacon nodes, and transmission time, and discussion of the threshold in the property set. In addition, the robustness of the proposed model is verified by analysis of attack intensity, localization error, and trust relationship for three typical scenes. The experimental results have shown that the proposed model is superior to the traditional secure localization models in terms of malicious nodes identification and performance improvement.
Centralized and Decentralized Data-Sampling Principles for Outer-Synchronization of Fractional-Order Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Jin-E
Published: March 2017

This paper aims to investigate the outer-synchronization of fractional-order neural networks. Using centralized and decentralized data-sampling principles and the theory of fractional differential equations, sufficient criteria about outer-synchronization of the controlled fractional-order neural networks are derived for structure-dependent centralized data-sampling, state-dependent centralized data-sampling, and state-dependent decentralized data-sampling, respectively. A numerical example is also given to illustrate the superiority of theoretical results.
Association of CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc Scores with Left Atrial Thrombus with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Single Center Based Retrospective Study in a Cohort of 2695 Chinese Subjects
Authors: Huang J. , Wu SL. , Xue YM. , Fei HW. , Lin QW. , Ren SQ. , Liao HT. , Zhan XZ. , Fang XH. , Xu L.
Published: March 2017

The main mechanism of the CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores to predict stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is still controversial. We evaluated the association of the CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores with left atrial thrombus (LAT) as detected by transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) and compared the predictive ability of these risk stratification schemes with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Data from 2,695 consecutive NVAF patients in whom TEE was performed for screening LAT from July 2007 to February 2014 were analyzed. Only 3% of the subjects had LAT. Presence of LAT was not significantly associated with either CHADS2  (P=0.07)or CHA2DS2-VASc score(P=0.12). The area under the curve (AUC) concerning LAT prediction using CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc was 0.574 and 0.569, respectively. A composition model includes previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, nonparoxysmal AF, moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, and cardiomyopathy which improved the discrimination significantly (AUC = 0.743). In our cohort, both CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were of limited value for predicting LAT in patients with NVAF. This questions the CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc score predicting stroke mainly through the mechanism of cardiogenic embolism. A scoring scheme combining clinical and echocardiographic parameters may better predict LAT as a surrogate for cardioembolic risk in NVAF patients.
The Convergence Ball and Error Analysis of the Relaxed Secant Method
Authors: Lin Rongfei , Wu Qingbiao , Chen Minhong , Liu Lu
Published: March 2017

A relaxed secant method is proposed. Radius estimate of the convergence ball of the relaxed secant method is attained for the nonlinear equation systems with Lipschitz continuous divided differences of first order. The error estimate is also established with matched convergence order. From the radius and error estimate, the relation between the radius and the speed of convergence is discussed with parameter. At last, some numerical examples are given.
Characterization and Expression Profiling Analysis of Calmodulin Genes in Response to Salt and Osmotic Stresses in Pear (Pyrus bretschneideriRehd.) and in Comparison withArabidopsis
Authors: Tang Jun , Lin Jing , Li Xiaogang , Yang Qingsong , Cheng Qunkang , Cheng Zong-Ming (Max) , Chang Youhong
Published: March 2017

A genome-wide identification and cloning of CaM genes in pear was conducted and in compared withArabidopsisthat indicated a conserved expansion of CaM genes in pear, and PbCaMs and AtCaMs had a similar distribution of cis-elements and expressions in response to salt and osmotic stress. In particular, PbCaM1 and PbCaM3 were both significantly upregulated in response to salt and osmotic stress in pear.
Low Frequency Electrical Stimulation Either Prior to Or after Rapid Kindling Stimulation Inhibits the Kindling-Induced Epileptogenesis
Authors: Jalilifar Mostafa , Yadollahpour Ali , Moazedi Ahmad Ali , Ghotbeddin Zohreh
Published: March 2017

Objective. Studies are ongoing to find appropriate low frequency stimulation (LFS) protocol for treatment of epilepsy. The present study aimed at assessing the antiepileptogenesis effects of LFS with the same protocol applied either just before or immediately after kindling stimulations.Method. This experimental animal study was conducted on adult Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) randomly divided into kindle (n=7), LFS + Kindle (n=6), and Kindle + LFS groups (n=6). All animals underwent rapid kindling procedure and four packages of LFS (1 Hz) with 5 min interval were applied either immediately before (LFS-K) or after kindling stimulation (K-LFS). The after discharge duration (ADD), daily stages of kindling, and kindling seizure stage and number of stimulations required to reach each stage were compared between the three groups using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc and one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively.Results. LFS in both protocols significantly decreased the ADD (p<0.05) and daily seizure stages (p<0.05) and increased the number of stimulations required to achieve stage 3 and stages 4 and 5 of kindling compared with the kindle group (stage 2:p>0.05, stages 3 to 5:p<0.05).Conclusion. Although LFS-K showed more inhibiting effect than K-LFS, the difference was not statistically significant.
A Planning and Optimization Framework for Ultra Dense Cellular Deployments
Authors: González González David , Mutafungwa Edward , Haile Beneyam , Hämäläinen Jyri , Poveda Héctor
Published: March 2017

To accommodate the ever-expanding wireless data traffic volumes, mobile network operators are complementing their macrocellular networks by deploying low-power base stations (or small cells) to offload traffic from congested macrocells and to reuse spectrum. To that end, Ultra Dense Network (UDN) deployments provide means to aggressively reuse spectrum, thus providing significant enhancements in terms of system capacity. However, these deployments entail several challenges, including the increased complexity in network planning and optimization. In this paper, we propose a versatile optimization framework for planning UDN deployments. The planning and optimization framework is underpinned by metrics that consider scalability in terms of number of users, cost of densification, and fairness. The proposed methodology is evaluated using a real-world UDN planning case. The numerical results expose a number of interesting insights, including the impact of different bandwidth allocation strategies and spatial service demand distribution on the performance of various network topologies. Specifically, we provide a performance comparison of the optimized UDN topologies versus random (unplanned), regular grid, and heuristically derived UDN topologies. This comparison further underlines the need for flexible network planning and optimization frameworks as different operator performance metrics of interest may require different radio access networks configurations.
Comparison of Baseline Wander Removal Techniques considering the Preservation of ST Changes in the Ischemic ECG: A Simulation Study
Authors: Lenis Gustavo , Pilia Nicolas , Loewe Axel , Schulze Walther H. W. , Dössel Olaf
Published: March 2017

The most important ECG marker for the diagnosis of ischemia or infarction is a change in the ST segment. Baseline wander is a typical artifact that corrupts the recorded ECG and can hinder the correct diagnosis of such diseases. For the purpose of finding the best suited filter for the removal of baseline wander, the ground truth about the ST change prior to the corrupting artifact and the subsequent filtering process is needed. In order to create the desired reference, we used a large simulation study that allowed us to represent the ischemic heart at a multiscale level from the cardiac myocyte to the surface ECG. We also created a realistic model of baseline wander to evaluate five filtering techniques commonly used in literature. In the simulation study, we included a total of 5.5 million signals coming from 765 electrophysiological setups. We found that the best performing method was the wavelet-based baseline cancellation. However, for medical applications, the Butterworth high-pass filter is the better choice because it is computationally cheap and almost as accurate. Even though all methods modify the ST segment up to some extent, they were all proved to be better than leaving baseline wander unfiltered.
Propagation in Diagonal Anisotropic Chirowaveguides
Authors: Aib S. , Benabdelaziz F. , Zebiri C. , Sayad D.
Published: March 2017

A theoretical study of electromagnetic wave propagation in parallel plate chirowaveguide is presented. The waveguide is filled with a chiral material having diagonal anisotropic constitutive parameters. The propagation characterization in this medium is based on algebraic formulation of Maxwell’s equations combined with the constitutive relations. Three propagation regions are identified: the fast-fast-wave region, the fast-slow-wave region, and the slow-slow-wave region. This paper focuses completely on the propagation in the first region, where the dispersion modal equations are obtained and solved. The cut-off frequencies calculation leads to three cases of the plane wave propagation in anisotropic chiral medium. The particularity of these results is the possibility of controlling the appropriate cut-off frequencies by choosing the adequate physical parameters values. The specificity of this study lies in the bifurcation modes confirmation and the possible contribution to the design of optical devices such as high-pass filters, as well as positive and negative propagation constants. This negative constant is an important feature of metamaterials which shows the phenomena of backward waves. Original results of the biaxial anisotropic chiral metamaterial are obtained and discussed.
Study of the Photo- and Thermoactivation Mechanisms in Nanoscale SOI Modulator
Authors: Mandelbaum Yaakov , Zev Ariel , Chelly Avraham , Zalevsky Zeev , Karsenty Avi
Published: March 2017

A new nanoscale silicon-based modulator has been investigated at different temperatures. In addition to these two advantages, nanoscale dimensions (versus MEMS temperature sensors) and integrated silicon-based material (versus polymers), the third novelty of such optoelectronic device is that it can be activated as a Silicon-On-Insulator Photoactivated Modulator (SOIPAM) or as a Silicon-On-Insulator Thermoactivated Modulator (SOITAM). In this work, static and time dependent temperature effects on the current have been investigated. The aim of the time dependent temperature simulation was to set a temporal pulse and to check, for given dimensions, how much time would it take for the temperature profile and for the change in the electrons’ concentration to come back to the steady state. Assuring that the thermal response is fast enough, the device can be operated as a modulator via thermal stimulation or, on the other hand, can be used as thermal sensor/imager. We present here the design, simulation, and model of the second generation which seems capable of speeding up the processing capabilities. This novel device can serve as a building block towards the development of optical/thermal data processing while breaking through the way to all optic processors based on silicon chips that are fabricated via typical microelectronics fabrication process.
Removal of Reactive Anionic Dyes from Binary Solutions by Adsorption onto Quaternized Kenaf Core Fiber
Authors: Idan Intidhar Jabir , Jamil Siti Nurul Ain Binti Md. , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw
Published: March 2017

The most challenging mission in wastewater treatment plants is the removal of anionic dyes, because they are water-soluble and produce very shining colours in the water. In this regard, kenaf core fiber (KCF) was chemically modified by the quaternized agent (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride to increase surface area and change the surface properties in order to improve the removing reactive anionic dyes from binary aqueous solution. The influencing operating factors like dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time were examined in a batch mode. The results indicate that the percentage of removal of Reactive Red-RB (RR-RB) and Reactive Black-5 (RB-5) dyes from binary solution was increased with increasing dyes concentrations and the maximum percentage of removal reached up to 98.4% and 99.9% for RR-RB and RB-5, respectively. Studies on effect of pH showed that the adsorption was not significantly influenced by pH. The equilibrium analyses explain that, in spite of the extended Langmuir model failure to describe the data in the binary system, it is better than the Jain and Snoeyink model in describing the adsorption behavior of binary dyes onto QKCF. Also, the pseudo-second-order model was better to represent the adsorption kinetics for RR-RB and RB-5 dyes on QKCF.
Blockade of Deubiquitylating Enzyme USP1 Inhibits DNA Repair and Triggers Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Das Deepika Sharma , Das Abhishek , Ray Arghya , Song Yan , Samur Mehmet Kemal , Munshi Nikhil C. , Chauhan Dharminder , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: The ubiquitin proteasome pathway is a validated therapeutic target in multiple myeloma. Deubiquitylating enzyme USP1 participates in DNA damage response and cellular differentiation pathways. To date, the role of USP1 in multiple myeloma biology is not defined. In the present study, we investigated the functional significance of USP1 in multiple myeloma using genetic and biochemical approaches.

Experimental Design: To investigate the role of USP1 in myeloma, we utilized USP1 inhibitor SJB3-019A (SJB) for studies in myeloma cell lines and patient multiple myeloma cells.

Results: USP1-siRNA knockdown decreases multiple myeloma cell viability. USP1 inhibitor SJB selectively blocks USP1 enzymatic activity without blocking other DUBs. SJB also decreases the viability of multiple myeloma cell lines and patient tumor cells, inhibits bone marrow plasmacytoid dendritic cell–induced multiple myeloma cell growth, and overcomes bortezomib resistance. SJB triggers apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells via activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. Moreover, SJB degrades USP1 and downstream inhibitor of DNA-binding proteins as well as inhibits DNA repair via blockade of Fanconi anemia pathway and homologous recombination. SJB also downregulates multiple myeloma stem cell renewal/survival-associated proteins Notch-1, Notch-2, SOX-4, and SOX-2. Moreover, SJB induced generation of more mature and differentiated plasma cells. Combination of SJB and HDACi ACY-1215, bortezomib, lenalidomide, or pomalidomide triggers synergistic cytotoxicity.

Conclusions: Our preclinical studies provide the framework for clinical evaluation of USP1 inhibitors, alone or in combination, as a potential novel multiple myeloma therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4280–9. ©2017 AACR.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/ Small-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma of the Lacrimal Sac: A Case Series
Authors: Krishna Yamini , Irion Luciane D. , Karim Sozan , Dharmsena Aruna , McCormick Austin , Coupland Sarah E.
Published: March 2017

Background: Lymphomas of the lacrimal sac are rare, accounting for less than 10% of lacrimal sac malignant tumours. They may present with symptoms typical of secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and are thus often misdiagnosed. Methods: Case series and literature review. Results: Herein we describe 3 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) of the lacrimal sac with immunohistochemical and in 1 case molecular confirmation. Conclusion: Lymphomas of the lacrimal sac should be suspected in patients with known CLL presenting with epiphora and dacryocystitis. During dacryocystorhinostomy, an incisional biopsy of the lacrimal sac is essential for confirming CLL/SLL involvement and may guide treatment.
Self-Reported Allergic Rhinitis and/or Allergic Conjunctivitis Associate with IL13 rs20541 Polymorphism in Finnish Adult Asthma Patients
Authors: Ådjers Kati , Luukkainen Annika , Pekkanen Juha , Hurme Mikko , Huhtala Heini , Renkonen Risto , Wang De Yun , Mäkelä Mika J. , Karjalainen Jussi , Toppila-Salmi Sanna
Published: March 2017

Background: Our aim was to observe factors associated with IL13 rs20541 polymorphism and other factors with or without allergic comorbidities such as subject-reported allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or allergic conjunctivitis (AC) symptoms in adult asthmatics. Methods: A population-based sample of Finnish adult asthma patients (n = 1,156) and matched controls (n = 1,792) filled in a questionnaire. Asthma was diagnosed based on a typical history of asthma symptoms and lung function tests. Skin prick tests with 17 aeroallergens and blood tests including analysis of interleukin 13 (IL13) rs20541 (G/A) genotypes were performed for a subsample (n = 193). Results: The proportion of asthmatics reporting AR was 61.9% and reporting AC was 40.7%. After adjustments, the presence of the IL13 rs20541A- allele (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.42-6.58, p = 0.004) or multisensitization (adjusted OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.48-14.26, p = 0.008) was associated with AR/AC asthma. Nasal polyps and acetylsalicylic acid-exacerbated respiratory disease was also associated with AR/AC asthma. Conclusions: Adult AR/AC asthma could putatively be a phenotype, characterized by the presence of atopic and/or eosinophilic factors and a high prevalence of the IL13 rs20541A- allele. Studies on the mechanisms behind this and in other populations are needed.
Ensino de projeto do produto. Análise de abordagem multidisciplinar com foco em criatividade para inovação em contextos reais
Authors: Fernandez Cassia De Oliveira , Lopes Roseli De Deus , Grimoni José Aquiles Baesso , Zancul Eduardo De Senzi
Published: March 2017

No campo da engenharia, a crescente busca por profissionais que tenham a capacidade de trabalhar em equipe e de inovar, identificando e resolvendo problemas de forma criativa, demanda modelos educacionais nos quais o desenvolvimento dessas competências assuma papel relevante. Este artigo visa descrever a experiência de oferecimento da disciplina Desenvolvimento Integrado de Produtos, da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo (POLI-USP), que se propõe a estimular processos criativos por meio do trabalho em equipes multidisciplinares no desenvolvimento de produtos, avaliando a pertinência dessa experiência. A coleta de dados envolveu a aplicação do Inventário de Práticas Docentes que Favorecem aCriatividade no Ensino Superior e o levantamento da percepção dos estudantes a respeito dainfluência da disciplina no desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências. Os resultados indicam que a prática docente é favorável ao desenvolvimento da criatividade e que a disciplina contribui para o desenvolvimento de competências transversais e para a compreensão a respeito do ciclo de concepção de produto/processo inovador. Os estudantes reconhecem o desenvolvimento das capacidades de trabalho em equipe, liderança, iniciativa e criatividade como os aspectos mais evidentes, e apontam que a disciplina despertou motivação para realização futura de atividades relacionadas à inovação e ao projeto de produtos
Análise semiótica do comportamento vocal em duas gravações de “Sonhos”
Authors: Machado Regina , Abreu Clenio de Moura
Published: March 2017

Este artigo apresenta uma análise do comportamento vocal em duas interpretações distintas da canção “Sonhos” do compositor Peninha. A primeira foi extraída do compacto gravado por Peninha em 1977, primeiro registro da canção. A segunda trata-se da versão de Caetano Veloso para o disco Cores, Nomes de 1982. Num primeiro momento foi desenvolvida uma análise cancional, na qual discorremos sobre os elos de melodia e letra no interior da canção, tendo como referencial teórico a Semiótica da Canção, prática descritiva desenvolvida por Luiz Tatit. Em seguida, a partir da escuta atenta dos dois fonogramas, foi realizada uma análise de cada uma das interpretações, com o intuito de compreender como se dá, através de cada intérprete, a explicitação dos sentidos inscritos na canção. Para tanto, nos utilizamos da Análise Semiótica do Canto Popular, prática analítica desenvolvida por Regina Machado a partir de estudos sobre a Semiótica da Canção em junção com estudos sobre os elementos da voz.
Semiótica e intertextualidade: um estudo da presença do Minimanual do guerrilheiro urbano na rede entre 2010 e 2016
Authors: Fulaneti Oriana de Nadai
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho consiste na investigação dos modos de (re)inserção de uma obra na rede quase meio século após o surgimento de sua versão original, o qual ocorreu em um momento “pré-internet”. A obra escolhida é o Minimanual do Guerrilheiro Urbano, escrito em 1969 por Carlos Marighella, e o material investigado são retomadas ao Minimanual presentes contemporaneamente na rede. Entre o final dos anos 1960 e a metade dos anos 2010 houve mudanças socioculturais, o aparecimento de novas mídias, de novos gêneros discursivos. Diante disso, surgem algumas indagações: que motivos levam ao resgate da obra? Como se dá a apropriação da mesma? Que mecanismos discursivos contribuem para a explicação desse ressurgimento? Partindo dessas e de outras questões, nosso objetivo é verificar as categorias semióticas que predominantemente se mantém e aquelas que mais se transformam na comparação entre o texto original e aqueles que remetem a ele meio século depois, em processos de construção de intertextualidade e da transmidiação, depreendendo, assim, as diferenças e semelhanças relativas à imagem do guerrilheiro e à organização e funcionamento dos textos estudados. Como resultados, observa-se que as retomadas são motivadas pelo gênero, por elementos visuais e sobretudo por traços passionais presentes na obra original e reconfiguradas no contexto estudado.