bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Contamination in Coastal Municipalities of Montenegro
Authors: Mugoša Boban , Đurović Dijana , Nedović-Vuković Mirjana , Barjaktarović-Labović Snežana , Vrvić Miroslav
Published: March 2016

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in the soil samples of urban parks and playgrounds is very important for the evaluation of potential risks for residents, especially children. Until recently, there has been very little data about urban parks pollution in Montenegro. To evaluate the sources of potential contamination and concentration of heavy metals, soil samples from coastal urban parks and kindergartens of Montenegro were collected. Based on the heavy metal concentrations, multivariate analysis combined with geochemical approaches showed that soil samples in coastal areas of Montenegro had mean Pb and Cd concentrations that were over two times higher than the background values, respectively. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), soil pollution with Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn is contributed by anthropogenic sources. Results for Cr in the surface soils were primarily derived from natural sources. Calculation of different ecological contamination factors showed that Cd is the primary contribution to ecological risk index (RI) origins from anthropogenic, industry, and urbanization sources. This data provides evidence about soil pollution in coastal municipalities of Montenegro. Special attention should be paid to this problem in order to continue further research and to consider possible ways of remediation of the sites where contamination has been observed.
Improvements in Empathy and Cognitive Flexibility after Court-Mandated Intervention Program in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: The Role of Alcohol Abuse
Authors: Romero-Martínez Ángel , Lila Marisol , Martínez Manuela , Pedrón-Rico Vicente , Moya-Albiol Luis
Published: March 2016

Research assessing the effectiveness of intervention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators has increased considerably in recent years. However, most of it has been focused on the analysis of psychological domains, neglecting neuropsychological variables and the effects of alcohol consumption on these variables. This study evaluated potential neuropsychological changes (emotional decoding, perspective taking, emotional empathy and cognitive flexibility) and their relationship with alcohol consumption in a mandatory intervention program for IPV perpetrators, as well as how these variables affect the risk of IPV recidivism. The sample was composed of 116 individuals with high alcohol (n = 55; HA) and low alcohol (n = 61; LA) consumption according to self-report screening measures who received treatment in a IPV perpetrator intervention program developed in Valencia (Spain). IPV perpetrators with HA consumption were less accurate in decoding emotional facial signals and adopting others’ perspective, and less cognitively flexible than those with LA consumption before the IPV intervention. Further, the effectiveness of the intervention program was demonstrated, with increases being observed in cognitive empathy (emotional decoding and perspective taking) and in cognitive flexibility. Nevertheless, the HA group showed a smaller improvement in these skills and higher risk of IPV recidivism than the LA group. Moreover, improvement in these skills was related to a lower risk of IPV recidivism. The study provides guidance on the targeting of cognitive domains, which are key factors for reducing IPV recidivism.
The Honolulu Liver Disease Cluster at the Medical Center: Its Mysteries and Challenges
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Eickhoff Axel
Published: March 2016

In 2013, physicians at the Honolulu Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) noticed that seven liver disease patients reported the use of OxyELITE Pro (OEP), a widely consumed dietary supplement (DS). Assuming a temporal association between OEP use and disease, they argued that OEP was the cause of this mysterious cluster. Subsequent reexamination, however, has revealed that this QMC cohort is heterogeneous and not a cluster with a single agent causing a single disease. It is heterogeneous because patients used multiple DS’s and drugs and because patients appeared to have suffered from multiple liver diseases: liver cirrhosis, liver failure by acetaminophen, hepatotoxicity by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), resolving acute viral hepatitis by hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV), and suspected hepatitis E virus (HEV). Failing to exclude these confounders and to consider more viable diagnoses, the QMC physicians may have missed specific treatment options in some of their patients. The QMC physicians unjustifiably upgraded their Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) causality scores so that all patients would appear to be “probable” for OEP. However, subsequent RUCAM reassessments by our group demonstrated a lack of causality for OEP in the evaluated QMC cases. The QMC’s questionable approaches explain the extraordinary accumulation of suspected OEP cases at the QMC in Hawaii as single place, whereas similar cohorts were not published by any larger US liver center, substantiating that the problem is with the QMC. In this review article, we present and discuss new case data and critically evaluate upcoming developments of problematic regulatory assessments by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as based on invalid QMC conclusions, clarifying now also basic facts and facilitating constructive discussions.
Exogenous C2 Ceramide Suppresses Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Expression by Inhibiting ROS Production and MAPK Signaling Pathways in PMA-Stimulated Human Astroglioma Cells
Authors: Jung Ji-Sun , Ahn Young-Ho , Moon Byung-In , Kim Hee-Sun
Published: March 2016

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which play a pivotal role in invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of glioma. Therefore, controlling MMPs is potentially an important therapeutic strategy for glioma. In the present study, we found that exogenous cell-permeable short-chain C2 ceramide inhibits phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced MMP-1, -3, and -9 gene expressions in U87MG and U373MG human astroglioma cells. In addition, C2 ceramide inhibited the protein secretion and enzymatic activities of MMP-1, -3, and -9. The Matrigel invasion assay and wound healing assay showed that C2 ceramide suppresses the in vitro invasion and migration of glioma cells, which appears to be involved in strong inhibition of MMPs by C2 ceramide. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that C2 ceramide inhibits PMA-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and nuclear factor (NF)-κB/activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding activities. Furthermore, C2 ceramide significantly inhibited PMA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression, and inhibition of ROS by diphenylene iodonium (DPI, NADPH oxidase inhibitor) mimicked the effects of C2 ceramide on MMP expression and NF-κB/AP-1 via inhibition of p38 MAPK. The results suggest C2 ceramide inhibits MMP expression and glioma invasion, at least partly, by modulating ROS-p38 MAPK signaling axis and other MAPK signaling pathways.
ZnO Nanostructure Templates as a Cost-Efficient Mass-Producible Route for the Development of Cellular Networks
Authors: Makarona Eleni , Peter Beatrix , Szekacs Inna , Tsamis Christos , Horvath Robert
Published: March 2016

The development of artificial surfaces which can regulate or trigger specific functions of living cells, and which are capable of inducing in vivo-like cell behaviors under in vitro conditions has been a long-sought goal over the past twenty years. In this work, an alternative, facile and cost-efficient method for mass-producible cellular templates is presented. The proposed methodology consists of a cost-efficient, two-step, all-wet technique capable of producing ZnO-based nanostructures on predefined patterns on a variety of substrates. ZnO—apart from the fact that it is a biocompatible material—was chosen because of its multifunctional nature which has rendered it a versatile material employed in a wide range of applications. Si, Si3N4, emulated microelectrode arrays and conventional glass cover slips were patterned at the micrometer scale and the patterns were filled with ZnO nanostructures. Using HeLa cells, we demonstrated that the fabricated nanotopographical features could promote guided cellular adhesion on the pre-defined micron-scale patterns only through nanomechanical cues without the need for further surface activation or modification. The basic steps of the micro/nanofabrication are presented and the results from the cell adhesion experiments are discussed, showing the potential of the suggested methodology for creating low-cost templates for engineered cellular networks.
Mineralogical Characteristics of Late Permian Coals from the Yueliangtian Coal Mine, Guizhou, Southwestern China
Authors: Xie Panpan , Song Hongjian , Wei Jianpeng , Li Qingqian
Published: March 2016

This paper reports the mineralogical compositions of super-low-sulfur (Yueliangtian 6-upper (YLT6U)) and high-sulfur (Yueliangtian 6-lower (YLT6L)) coals of the Late Permian No. 6 coal seam from the Yueliangtian coal mine, Guizhou, southwestern China. The mineral assemblages and morphology were detected and observed by X-ray diffractogram (XRD), optical microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) in conjunction with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Major minerals in the coal samples, partings and host rocks (roof and floor strata) include calcite, quartz, kaolinite, mixed-layer illite/smectite, chlorite and pyrite and, to a lesser extent, chamosite, anatase and apatite. The Emeishan basalt and silicic rocks in the Kangdian Upland are the sediment source for the Yueliangtian coals. It was found that there are several modes of chamosite occurrence, and precursor minerals, such as anatase, had been corroded by Ti-rich hydrothermal solutions. The modes of occurrence of minerals present in the coal were controlled by the injection of different types of hydrothermal fluids during different deposition stages. The presence of abundant pyrite and extremely high total sulfur contents in the YLT6L coal are in sharp contrast to those in the YLT6U coal, suggesting that seawater invaded the peat swamp of the YLT6L coal and terminated at the YLT6U-9p sampling interval. High-temperature quartz, vermicular kaolinite and chloritized biotite were observed in the partings and roof strata. The three partings and floor strata of the No. 6 coal seam from the Yueliangtian coal mine appear to have been derived from felsic volcanic ash. Four factors, including sediment-source region, multi-stage injections of hydrothermal fluids, seawater influence and volcanic ash input, were responsible for the mineralogical characteristics of the Yueliangtian coals.
Identification of Oxygenated Fatty Acid as a Side Chain of Lipo-Alkaloids in Aconitum carmichaelii by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and a Database
Authors: Liang Ying , Wu Jian-Lin , Leung Elaine , Zhou Hua , Liu Zhongqiu , Yan Guanyu , Liu Ying , Liu Liang , Li Na
Published: March 2016

Lipo-alkaloid is a kind of C19-norditerpenoid alkaloid usually found in Aconitum species. Structurally, they contain an aconitane skeleton and one or two fatty acid moieties of 3–25 carbon chains with 1–6 unsaturated degrees. Analysis of the lipo-alkaloids in roots of Aconitum carmichaelii resulted in the isolation of six known pure lipo-alkaloids (A1–A6) and a lipo-alkaloid mixture (A7). The mixture shared the same aconitane skeleton of 14-benzoylmesaconine, but their side chains were determined to be 9-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid, 13-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid and 10-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid, respectively, by MS/MS analysis after alkaline hydrolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first time of the reporting of the oxygenated fatty acids as the side chains in naturally-occurring lipo-alkaloids. In order to identify more lipo-alkaloids, a compound database was established based on various combinations between the aconitane skeleton and the fatty acid chain, and then, the identification of lipo-alkaloids was conducted using the database, UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and MS/MS. Finally, 148 lipo-alkaloids were identified from A. carmichaelii after intensive MS/MS analysis, including 93 potential new compounds and 38 compounds with oxygenated fatty acid moieties.
Synchronously Tailoring Strain Sensitivity and Electrical Stability of Silicone Elastomer Composites by the Synergistic Effect of a Dual Conductive Network
Authors: Ning Nanying , Wang Sishu , Zhang Liqun , Lu Yonglai , Tian Ming , Chan Tung
Published: March 2016

The use of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) as strain sensors has been widely investigated. A wide range of strain sensitivities and high repeatability are vital for different applications of CPCs. In this study, the relations of the conductive filler network and the strain-sensing behavior and electrical stability under fatigue cycles were studied systematically for the first time based on the conductive polymethylvinylsiloxane (PMVS) composites filled with both carbon nanotubes arrays (CNTAs) and carbon black (CB). It was proved that the composites could be fabricated with large strain-sensing capability and a wide range of strain sensitivities by controlling the volume ratio of CNTA/CB and their amounts. Additionally, the CNTA/CB/PMVS composite with 3 vol % content of fillers showed high sensitivity (GF is 10 at 60% strain), high repeatability (the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the max R/R0 value is 3.58%), and electrical stability under fatigue cycles (value range of R/R0 is 1.62 to 1.82) at the same time due to the synergistic effects of the dual conductive network of CNTAs and CB. This could not be achieved by relying on a single CNTA or CB conductive network. This study may provide guidance for the preparation of high performance CPCs for applications in strain sensors.
Recent Advances in Nanostructured Conducting Polymers: from Synthesis to Practical Applications
Authors: Nguyen Duong , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: March 2016

Conducting polymers (CPs) have been widely studied to realize advanced technologies in various areas such as chemical and biosensors, catalysts, photovoltaic cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and others. In particular, hybridization of CPs with inorganic species has allowed the production of promising functional materials with improved performance in various applications. Consequently, many important studies on CPs have been carried out over the last decade, and numerous researchers remain attracted to CPs from a technological perspective. In this review, we provide a theoretical classification of fabrication techniques and a brief summary of the most recent developments in synthesis methods. We evaluate the efficacy and benefits of these methods for the preparation of pure CP nanomaterials and nanohybrids, presenting the newest trends from around the world with 205 references, most of which are from the last three years. Furthermore, we also evaluate the effects of various factors on the structures and properties of CP nanomaterials, citing a large variety of publications.
A Spectral-Spatial Classification of Hyperspectral Images Based on the Algebraic Multigrid Method and Hierarchical Segmentation Algorithm
Authors: Song Haiwei , Wang Yi
Published: March 2016

The algebraic multigrid (AMG) method is used to solve linear systems of equations on a series of progressively coarser grids and has recently attracted significant attention for image segmentation due to its high efficiency and robustness. In this paper, a novel spectral-spatial classification method for hyperspectral images based on the AMG method and hierarchical segmentation (HSEG) algorithm is proposed. Our method consists of the following steps. First, the AMG method is applied to hyperspectral imagery to construct a multigrid structure of fine-to-coarse grids based on the anisotropic diffusion partial differential equation (PDE). The vertices in the multigrid structure are then considered as the initial seeds (markers) for growing regions and are clustered to obtain a sequence of segmentation results. In the next step, a maximum vote decision rule is employed to combine the pixel-wise classification map and the segmentation maps. Finally, a final classification map is produced by choosing the optimal grid level to extract representative spectra. Experiments based on three different types of real hyperspectral datasets with different resolutions and contexts demonstrate that our method can obtain 3.84%–13.81% higher overall accuracies than the SVM classifier. The performance of our method was further compared to several marker-based spectral-spatial classification methods using objective quantitative measures and a visual qualitative evaluation.
SACRB-MAC: A High-Capacity MAC Protocol for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks in Smart Grid
Authors: Yang Zhutian , Shi Zhenguo , Jin Chunlin
Published: March 2016

The Cognitive Radio Sensor Network (CRSN) is considered as a viable solution to enhance various aspects of the electric power grid and to realize a smart grid. However, several challenges for CRSNs are generated due to the harsh wireless environment in a smart grid. As a result, throughput and reliability become critical issues. On the other hand, the spectrum aggregation technique is expected to play an important role in CRSNs in a smart grid. By using spectrum aggregation, the throughput of CRSNs can be improved efficiently, so as to address the unique challenges of CRSNs in a smart grid. In this regard, we proposed Spectrum Aggregation Cognitive Receiver-Based MAC (SACRB-MAC), which employs the spectrum aggregation technique to improve the throughput performance of CRSNs in a smart grid. Moreover, SACRB-MAC is a receiver-based MAC protocol, which can provide a good reliability performance. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate that SACRB-MAC is a promising solution for CRSNs in a smart grid.
Next-Generation Sequencing in the Understanding of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Biology
Authors: Strahan Roxanne , Uppal Timsy , Verma Subhash
Published: March 2016

Non-Sanger-based novel nucleic acid sequencing techniques, referred to as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), provide a rapid, reliable, high-throughput, and massively parallel sequencing methodology that has improved our understanding of human cancers and cancer-related viruses. NGS has become a quintessential research tool for more effective characterization of complex viral and host genomes through its ever-expanding repertoire, which consists of whole-genome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and whole-epigenome sequencing. These new NGS platforms provide a comprehensive and systematic genome-wide analysis of genomic sequences and a full transcriptional profile at a single nucleotide resolution. When combined, these techniques help unlock the function of novel genes and the related pathways that contribute to the overall viral pathogenesis. Ongoing research in the field of virology endeavors to identify the role of various underlying mechanisms that control the regulation of the herpesvirus biphasic lifecycle in order to discover potential therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. In this review, we have complied the most recent findings about the application of NGS in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) biology, including identification of novel genomic features and whole-genome KSHV diversities, global gene regulatory network profiling for intricate transcriptome analyses, and surveying of epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, modified histones, and chromatin remodelers) during de novo, latent, and productive KSHV infections.
Role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized Jordanian adults
Authors: Al-Aydie Suzan N , Obeidat Nathir M , Al-Younes Hesham M
Published: March 2016

Introduction: This study investigated the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Jordanian adults. Methodology: Eighty hospitalized CAP patients and 110 healthy adults were enrolled. Overall prevalences of C. pneumoniae IgG antibodies in sera and the rate of acute infection were estimated, using the microimmunofluorescence method (MIF), at titers of 1:16 and 1:512, respectively. Moreover, a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect C. pneumoniae DNA in nasopharyngeal and blood Buffy coat samples. Results: Overall chlamydial IgG prevalence was higher in CAP cases than controls (70% versus 61.8%). Similarly, higher rate of acute infection was found in patients than in controls (16.3% versus 5.5%). By focusing on subjects testing positive at 1:16, acute infection was detectable in 23.2% of CAP cases, compared with 8.8% of seropositive controls. Chlamydial DNA was confirmed in 8.2% and 8.8% of nasopharyngeal specimens from controls and patients, respectively. Moreover, 10.9% and 7.5% of Buffy coats from controls and cases, respectively, were PCR-positive. When performances of both assays for detection of the pathogen were assessed, the sensitivities of MIF and PCR were low and comparable. However, MIF demonstrated higher specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value than PCR. Conclusions: MIF-based data indicate that C. pneumoniae could be a potential causal agent of CAP in Jordan. This study may serve as a basis to elucidate the exact role C. pneumoniae and other co-infecting pathogens in the etiology of respiratory tract disease.
Serologic evidence of the exposure of small mammals to spotted-fever Rickettsia and Rickettsia bellii in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Coelho Marcella Gonçalves , Ramos Vanessa do Nascimento , Limongi Jean Ezequiel , De Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio , Guterres Alexandro , Da Costa Neto Sócrates Fraga , Rozental Tatiana , Bonvicino Cibele Rodrigues , D'Andrea Paulo Sérgio , Moraes-Filho Jonas , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Szabó Matias Pablo Juan
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Sources of pathogenic Rickettsia in wildlife are largely unknown in Brazil. In this work, potential tick vectors and seroreactivity of small mammals against four spotted-fever group Rickettsia (R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommii and R. rhipicephali) and Rickettsia bellii from peri-urban areas of Uberlândia, a major town in Brazil, are described for the first time. Methodology: Small mammals were captured and blood samples collected. Ticks were collected from the surface of the host and the environment and posteriorly identified. Reactivity of small mammal sera to Rickettsia was tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using crude antigens from five Brazilian Rickettsia isolates. Results: Information was obtained from 416 small mammals (48 Marsupialia and 368 Rodentia). Forty-eight animals were parasitized and two tick species, Ixodes loricatus and Amblyomma dubitatum, were found on several host species, with a few tick-host relationships described for the first time. From the 416 tested sera, 70 reacted to at least one Rickettsia antigen (prevalence of 16.8%) and from these, 19 (27.1%) reacted to two or more antigens. Seroprevalence was higher for marsupials (39.6%) than for rodents (13.8%). Marsupial and Rhipidomys spp. sera reacted mainly (highest seroprevalence and titers) to R. bellii, and that of Necromys lasiurus mainly to R. rickettsii. Conclusions: Although the serologic assays poorly discriminate between closely related spotted-fever group Rickettsia, the observed small mammal seroreactivity suggests the circulation of Rickettsia in the peri-urban area of Uberlândia, albeit at low levels.
Application of Two-Level Joint Information Fusion Model in Intelligent Vehicle
Authors: Lan Yan Ting , Huang Jiinying , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a two-level joint information fusion model combining BP neural network and D-S evidence theory. The model of great practical value reduces target identification error probability by multiple features of the target information, shows good scalability with its two steps of information fusion model, and conveniently increases/reduces feature fusion information source according to different situations and different objects. The method used for intelligent vehicles has good flexibility and robustness in tracking and avoiding obstacle. The simulation and real vehicle tests have verified effectiveness of the method.
Online Near real-time Mine Disaster Monitoring System Based on Geosensor Networks
Authors: Hu Haifeng
Published: March 2016

Abstract—An online automatic disaster monitoring system can reduce or prevent geological mine disasters to protect life and property. Global Navigation Satellite System receivers and the GeoRobot are two kinds of in-situ geosensors widely used for monitoring ground movements near mines. A combined monitoring solution is presented that integrates the advantages of both. In addition, a geosensor network system to be used for geological mine disaster monitoring is described. A complete online automatic mine disaster monitoring system including data transmission, data management, and complex data analysis is outlined. This paper proposes a novel overall architecture for mine disaster monitoring. This architecture can seamlessly integrate sensors for long-term, remote, and near real-time monitoring. In the architecture, three layers are used to collect, manage and process observation data. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, a system encompassing this architecture has been deployed to monitor the safety and stability of a slope at an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia.
Chelba-Tutitti : site à stèles phalliques du sud de l’Éthiopie
Authors: Joussaume Roger , Cros Jean-Paul , Bernard Régis
Published: March 2016

De nombreuses stèles ont été dressées dans la région de la vallée du Rift au sud de l’Éthiopie dont quelques-unes ont fait l’objet de fouilles dès le début du xxe siècle, essentiellement par des équipes françaises. Si le caractère funéraire des ces pierres dressées, souvent décorées, a été mis en évidence pour différents types d’entre elles, stèles aux épées du Soddo et stèles anthropomorphes du pays Gédéo en particulier, rien n’était encore vraiment connu des milliers de stèles phalliques du Sidamo. En 2009 a démarré un programme d’étude de ce type de stèle sur le site de Chelba-Tutitti qui compte plus d’un millier de pierres dressées. Les premiers résultats présentés ici montrent qu’elles ne sont pas directement associées à des tombes mais pourraient être en rapport avec un long tertre situé au nord du site et qui sera étudié lors de la prochaine campagne de décembre 2010. Déjà en 1925, F. Azaïs (1931) avait fouillé un tumulus associé à des stèles phalliques où il avait découvert quelques ossements humains, une hache polie et de nombreuses obsidiennes sans en comprendre les relations avec les stèles.
Optical and Structural Properties of Spin Coated Cadmium Sulfide Thin Films
Authors: Dissanayake D.M.C.U. , Samarasekara P.
Published: March 2016

Thin films of cadmium sulfide have been synthesized using the spin coating technique. Films were fabricated on inexpensive amorphous glass substrates at spin speeds of 1500, 2200 and 2400 rpm for 30 seconds. Films were subsequently annealed at 200, 300 and 400 0C for one hour in air in order to crystallize the phase of CdS. Films were characterized using X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy. According to XRD patterns, the phase of CdS was crystallized without any secondary phases. The particle size, dislocation density and strain were also estimated using XRD patterns. All the films indicate a strong orientation in (002) direction. The optical band gap was determined using UV absorption spectroscopy. Tauc model was employed to determine the optical band gap. According to our data, the optical band gap decreases with the particle size.
The Microtubule-Associated Protein Lis1 Regulates T Lymphocyte Homeostasis and Differentiation
Authors: Ngoi Soo M. , Lopez Justine M. , Chang John T.
Published: March 2016

The microtubule-associated protein lissencephaly 1 (Lis1) is a key regulator of cell division during stem cell renewal and differentiation. In this study, we examined the role of Lis1 in T lymphocyte homeostasis and fate diversification in response to microbial infection. T cell–specific deletion of Lis1 resulted in depletion of the peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte pool owing to a loss of homeostatic, cytokine-induced proliferation. In contrast, cognate Ag-triggered proliferation was much less affected, enabling Lis1-deficient CD8+ T cells to differentiate into terminal effector cells in response to microbial infection. Strikingly, however, the specification of Lis1-deficient long-lived memory CD8+ T lymphocytes was impaired due, in part, to an apparent failure to differentiate appropriately to IL-15. Taken together, these findings suggest that Lis1 plays an important role in T cell homeostasis and the generation of memory T lymphocytes.
Presentation and Management of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Sinan Dal Mehmet , Karakuş Abdullah , Ekmen Mehmet Önder , Ayyildiz Orhan
Published: March 2016

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired disorder characterized by intravascular hemolysis. Real-world experience of PNH management is largely unreported. A retrospective analysis was undertaken based on medical records from six patients with PNH [two with aplastic anemia (AA)] treated at our center, Dicle University, Turkey. Diagnosis was based on granulocyte PNH clones, ranging from 93% to 66%. All patients had symptoms consistent with PNH. One patient was managed adequately with supportive measures only. Five were treated with the complement inhibitor eculizumab. Follow-up data (<1 year) were available in four cases (the fifth had received only three infusions by final follow-up). Hemoglobin level in these four patients increased from 4.1–7.2 g/dL to 8.3–13.0 g/dL. Lactate dehydrogenase, a marker for hemolysis, decreased profoundly in the two non-AA patients, with more minor improvements in the two AA patients. Weakness and fatigue improved in all eculizumab-treated patients. Four of the five treated patients became transfusion independent, including the patient given only three infusions. In the remaining case, a patient with AA, transfusion requirement decreased, and abdominal pain and dysphagia resolved. No adverse events occurred. PNH can be successfully managed in routine practice.
Use of pulse crops in complementary feeding of 6-23-month-old infants and young children in Taba Kebele, Damot Gale District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mesfin Addisalem , Henry Carol , Girma Meron , Whiting Susan J.
Published: March 2016

Poor complementary feeding practices contribute to infants and young children (IYC) malnutrition, with lack of protein-containing food and micronutrients as major concerns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the dietary diversity, nutrient contents and use of pulse crops in complementary feeding at Taba kebele, Southern Ethiopia. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and dietary diversity data from a random sample of 128 mother-child pairs. A one day weighed food record assessed IYC median nutrient intake. Focus group discussion explored mothers’ perceptions and use of pulse crops in complementary food preparation. Dietary diversity assessment found that 43.7% consumed pulses, and only 18.7% consumed meat and 26.6% eggs. Focus group discussion showed that mothers had little interest in incorporating pulses into complementary foods. Raising awareness of mothers/caregivers on food diversification and promoting the inclusion of pulses in food preparation for infants and young children are vital to nutritional status of IYC.
Is There Any Relationship Between Extra-Pulmonary Manifestations of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection and Atopy/Respiratory Allergy in Children?
Authors: Poddighe Dimitri , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: March 2016

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections in children, but sometimes extra-pulmonary diseases can be observed. The immunological mechanisms involved in these extra-respiratory complications are unknown. Here, we report a small case series of Mycoplasma-related diseases including 5 children who developed: i) aseptic meningitis; ii) urticarial rash and pericardial effusion; iii) pleural effusion with severe eosinophilia; iv) Stevens-Johnson syndrome; v) multiform erythema. Interestingly, all children were moderately to highly atopic, as a common immunologic feature.
Rarely Seen Nasal Congenital Problems Causing Neonatal Upper Respiratory Obstruction: A Case Series
Authors: Başal Yeşim , Akcan Abdullah Bariş , Polat Yasemin Durum , Günel Ceren , Eryilmaz Aylin , Başak Sema
Published: March 2016

Since newborns are obligatory nasal breathers, upper respiratory tract problems may sometimes be life threatening. The most common pathology causing dyspnea and stridor in newborns is laryngomalacia. Nasal cavity pathologies that risk the neonatal airway are more rarely met. These anomalies may be seen either as solitary anomalies or as a part of a syndrome. While choanal atresia is one of the best-known nasal cavity anomalies, choanal stenosis, congenital nasal mid-line masses, congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis, and nasal tip anomalies are more rarely seen structural pathologies. Choanal atresia may be present either as an isolated congenital anomaly or as a part of CHARGE syndrome. Some rare chromosome anomalies may also cause significant problems during nasal respiration in newborns. With this study, we presented a case series of newborns with pathologies that affected nasal respiration. Although the diagnosis and treatment of choanal atresia and congenital dacryocystocele are well known, the information on the diagnosis and treatment of the other two uncommon cases are limited. With this study, we aimed to contribute to the literature by presenting our approach in six cases having congenital pathologies that cause nasal respiratory obstruction.
Longest Event-Free Survival without Anticoagulation in a Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Salmane Chadi , Pandya Bhavi , Lafferty Kristen , Patel Nileshkumar J , McCord Donald
Published: March 2016

Sixty percent of the patients going for valve replacement opt for mechanical valves and the remaining 40% choose bioprosthetics. Mechanical valves are known to have a higher risk of thrombosis; this risk further varies depending on the type of valve, its position, and certain individual factors. According to current guidelines, long-term anticoagulation is indicated in patients with metallic prosthetic valve disease. We report two unique cases of patients who survived 27 and 37 years event free, respectively, after mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) without being on any form of anticoagulation. The latter case described the longest survival in a human with a prosthetic aortic valve without anticoagulation. A review of literature demonstrated few cases of prosthetic valves with no anticoagulation in the long term without significant embolic events reported as case reports. These cases have been summarized in this article. Some cases of long-term survival (in the absence of anticoagulation) were attributed to good luck, and others as the result of genetic variations. New mechanical prosthetic valves can be promising, such as microporus-surfaced valves that may be used without full anticoagulation. The use of dual antiplatelet agents alone can be currently recommended only when a patient cannot take oral anticoagulation after AVR, and it should be followed with measuring and monitoring of platelet reactivity.
The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Lete Iñaki , Alluέ Josέ
Published: March 2016

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been used since ancient times as a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. The most active ingredients in ginger are the pungent principles, particularly gingerols and shogaols. Various preclinical and clinical studies have evaluated ginger as an effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting in the context of pregnancy and as an adjuvant treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Here, we provide an update and analysis of ginger use for the prevention of nausea and vomiting, with a focus on the types and presentations of ginger available. We also examine the pharmacokinetic properties of ginger and highlight the type and posology of ginger and its metabolites.
Локальная и глобальная непрерывная $\varepsilon$-выборка
Authors: Tsar'kov Igor' Germanovich
Published: March 2016

В работе изучаются свойства множеств, для которых существует непрерывная выборка из множества почти наилучших приближений. Устанавливаются соотношения между локальными и глобальными выборками.
Приводятся различные примеры множеств, обладающих непрерывной $\varepsilon$-выборкой.
Вводятся понятия модулей аппроксимативной непрерывности, аппроксимативной $\delta$-солнечности
и равномерно аппроксимативной непрерывности. Опираясь на эти понятия при определенных
условиях устанавливается $\delta$-солнечность множеств.
Библиография: 17 наименований.
Инвариантные меры гладких динамических систем, обобщенные функции и методы суммирования
Authors: Kozlov Valery Vasil'evich
Published: March 2016

Обсуждаются условия существования инвариантных мер гладких динамических
систем на компактных многообразиях. Если существует инвариантная мера с непрерывно дифференцируемой плотностью, то на каждом решении дивергенция векторного поля сходится к нулю по Чезаро при неограниченном возрастании времени. Сходимость по Чезаро здесь можно заменить, например, любым
методом суммирования Рисса, который сколь угодно мало отличается от обычной сходимости (но не совпадает с ней). Приведен пример системы, у которой дивергенция стремится к нулю в обычном смысле, но которая не
допускает инвариантной меры, абсолютно непрерывной относительно "стандартной" меры Лебега на фазовом пространстве, порождаемой некоторой римановой метрикой. Приведен пример аналитической системы дифференциальных уравнений на аналитическом фазовом пространстве, которая допускает
инвариантные меры любой наперед заданной степени гладкости (в том числе и меру с суммируемой плотностью, но при этом не допускает никакой инвариантной меры с положительной непрерывной плотностью). Дано новое доказательство классической теоремы Боголюбова-Крылова, основанное на применении
обобщенных функций и теоремы Хана-Банаха. Обсуждаются также свойства знакопеременных инвариантных мер.
Библиография: 24 наименования.
О сложности семейства выпуклых множеств в $\mathbb R^{d}$
Authors: Pernay Vladimir Vital'evich
Published: March 2016

В работе даются оценки величин, характеризующих сложность
семейства выпуклых подмножеств $d$-мерного куба $[1,n]^d$ при $n\to \infty$.
Изучаются геометрические свойства пространств с нормой, порожденной обобщенной
мажорантой частных сумм.
Библиография: 5 названий.
Analysis of multiple new-particle growth pathways observed at the US DOE Southern Great Plains field site
Authors: Hodshire Anna L. , Lawler Michael J. , Zhao Jun , Ortega John , Jen Coty , Yli-Juuti Taina , Brewer Jared F. , Kodros Jack K. , Barsanti Kelley C. , Hanson Dave R. , McMurry Peter H. , Smith James N. , Pierce Jeff R.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. New-particle formation (NPF) is a significant source of aerosol particles to the atmosphere. However, these particles are initially too small to have climatic importance and must grow, primarily through net uptake of low-volatility species, from diameters ~ 1 nm to 30–100 nm in order to potentially impact climate. There are currently uncertainties in the physical and chemical processes associated with the growth of these freshly formed particles that lead to uncertainties in aerosol-climate modeling. Four main pathways for new-particle growth have been identified: condensation of sulfuric acid vapor, condensation of organic vapors, uptake of organic acids through acid-base chemistry in the particle phase, and accretion of organic molecules in the particle phase to create a lower-volatility compound that then contributes to the aerosol mass. The relative importance of each pathway is uncertain and is the focus of this work. The 2013 New Particle Formation Study (NPFS) measurement campaign took place at the DOE Southern Great Plains (SGP) facility in Lamont, Oklahoma, during spring 2013. Measured gas-and particle-phase compositions during these new-particle growth events suggest three distinct growth pathways: (1) growth by organics alone; (2) growth by sulfuric-acid/ammonia; and (3) growth by sulfuric-acid/amines/organics. To supplement the measurements, we used the particle-growth model MABNAG (Model for Acid-Base chemistry in NAnoparticle Growth) to gain further insight into the growth processes on these three days at SGP. MABNAG simulates growth from (1) sulfuric-acid condensation (and subsequent salt formation with ammonia or amines); (2) near-irreversible condensation from non-reactive extremely-low-volatility organic compounds (ELVOCs); and (3) organic-acid condensation and subsequent salt formation with ammonia or amines. MABNAG is able to corroborate the observed differing growth pathways, while also predicting that ELVOCs contribute more to growth than organic salt formation. However, most MABNAG model simulations tend to underpredict the observed growth rates; this underprediction may come from neglecting the contributions to growth from semi-to-low-volatility species or accretion reactions. Our results suggest that in addition to sulfuric acid, ELVOCs are also very important for growth in this rural setting. We discuss the limitations of our study that arise from not accounting for semi- and low-volatility organics, as well as nitrogen-containing species beyond ammonia and amines in the model. Quantitatively understanding the overall budget, evolution, and thermodynamic properties of lower-volatility organics in the atmosphere will be essential for improving global aerosol models.
Aerosol arriving on the Caribbean island of Barbados: Physical properties and origin
Authors: Wex Heike , Dieckmann Katrin , Roberts Greg C. , Conrath Thomas , Izaguirre Miguel A. , Hartmann Susan , Herenz Paul , Schäfer Michael , Ditas Florian , Schmeissner Tina , Henning Silvia , Wehner Birgit , Siebert Holger , Stratmann Frank
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The marine aerosol arriving at Barbados (Ragged Point) was characterized during two three-week long measurement periods in November 2010 and April 2011, in the context of the measurement campaign CARRIBA (Cloud, Aerosol, Radiation and tuRbulence in the trade wInd regime over BArbados). By comparison between ground based and airborne measurements it was shown that the former are representative for the marine boundary layer at least up to cloud base. In general, total particle number concentrations (Ntotal) ranged from as low as 100 cm−3 up to 800 cm−3, while number concentrations for cloud condensation nuclei (NCCN) at a supersaturation of 0.26 % ranged from some ten to 600 cm−3. Ntotal and NCCN depended on the air mass origin. Three distinct types of air masses were found. One type showed elevated values for both, Ntotal and NCCN and could be attributed to long range transport from Africa, by which biomass burning particles from the Sahel region and / or mineral dust particles from the Sahara were advected. The second and third type both had values for NCCN below 200 cm−3, and a clear minimum in the particle number size distribution (NSD) around 70 to 80 nm (Hoppel minimum). While for one of these two types the accumulation mode was dominating (albeit less so than for air masses advected from Africa), the Aitken mode dominated the other and contributed more than 50 % of all particles. These Aitken mode particles likely were formed by new particle formation no more than three days prior to the measurements. Hygroscopicity of particles in the CCN size range was determined from CCN measurements to be κ = 0.66 on average, which suggests that these particles contain mainly sulfate and do not show a strong influence from organic material, at least not during the months when measurements were made. The average κ could be used to derive NCCN from measured number size distributions, showing that this is a valid approach to obtain NCCN. Although the total particulate mass sampled on filters was found to be dominated by Na+ and Cl−, this was found to be contributed by a small number of large particles (> 500 nm, mostly even in the super-micron size range), in number concentrations below 1 cm−3. Hence it can be concluded that sea-spray does not contribute noticeably to NCCN. This is further supported by finding no correlation between Ntotal and wind speed.
Optimization of an enclosed gas analyzer sampling system for measuring eddy covariance fluxes of H2O and CO2
Authors: Metzger Stefan , Burba George , Burns Sean P. , Blanken Peter D. , Li Jiahong , Luo Hongyan , Zulueta Rommel C.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Several initiatives are currently emerging to observe the exchange of energy and matter between the earth's surface and atmosphere standardized over larger space and time domains. For example, the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and the Integrated Carbon Observing System (ICOS) are set to provide the ability of unbiased ecological inference across ecoclimatic zones and decades by deploying highly scalable and robust instruments and data processing. In the construction of these observatories, enclosed infrared gas analyzers are widely employed for eddy covariance applications. While these sensors represent a substantial improvement compared to their open- and closed-path predecessors, remaining high-frequency attenuation varies with site properties and gas sampling systems, and requires correction. Here, we show that components of the gas sampling system can substantially contribute to such high-frequency attenuation, but their effects can be significantly reduced by careful system design. From laboratory tests we determine the frequency at which signal attenuation reaches 50 % for individual parts of the gas sampling system. For different models of rain caps and particulate filters, this frequency falls into ranges of 2.5–16.5 Hz for CO2, 2.4–14.3 Hz for H2O, and 8.3–21.8 Hz for CO2, 1.4–19.9 Hz for H2O, respectively. A short and thin stainless steel intake tube was found to not limit frequency response, with 50 % attenuation occurring at frequencies well above 10 Hz for both H2O and CO2. From field tests we found that heating the intake tube and particulate filter continuously with 4 W was effective, and reduced the occurrence of problematic relative humidity levels (RH  > 60 %) by 50 % in the infrared gas analyzer cell. No further improvement of H2O frequency response was found for heating in excess of 4 W. These laboratory and field tests were reconciled using resistor–capacitor theory, and NEON's final gas sampling system was developed on this basis. The design consists of the stainless steel intake tube, a pleated mesh particulate filter and a low-volume rain cap in combination with 4 W of heating and insulation. In comparison to the original design, this reduced the high-frequency attenuation for H2O by  ≈ 3∕4, and the remaining cospectral correction did not exceed 3 %, even at high relative humidity (95 %). The standardized design can be used across a wide range of ecoclimates and site layouts, and maximizes practicability due to minimal flow resistance and maintenance needs. Furthermore, due to minimal high-frequency spectral loss, it supports the routine application of adaptive correction procedures, and enables largely automated data processing across sites.