bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the antibody response and side effects after intramuscular and intraperitoneal injection of Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) with different oil‐based vaccines
Authors: Erkinharju T , Lundberg M R , Isdal E , Hordvik I , Dalmo R A , Seternes T
Published: May 2017

Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) is used as a biological delousing agent for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis K.) infestations in Norwegian aquaculture. Here, we present a study on the antibody response and vaccine side effects after intramuscular and intraperitoneal injection of lumpfish with two vaccines. Both vaccines contained bacterial antigens from atypical Aeromonas salmonicida A‐layer types V and VI, Vibrio anguillarum serotype O1 and Moritella viscosa sp., but one vaccine contained a vegetable oil‐based adjuvant, while the other contained a mineral oil‐based adjuvant. Intramuscular injection of the mineral oil‐based vaccine caused a high acute mortality of fish within 48 hr after immunization. Intraperitoneal injection of the mineral oil‐based vaccine resulted in a lower severity of intra‐abdominal side effects than the vegetable oil‐based vaccine. Intramuscular injection of the mineral oil‐based vaccine resulted in a significantly higher antibody response against A. salmonicida when compared to controls and the vegetable oil‐based vaccine group. The antibody response was poor against V. anguillarum and M. viscosa for all groups. Our results indicate that intramuscular injection of oil‐based vaccines might be feasible for providing immunological protection for Atlantic lumpfish against bacterial diseases, especially atypical A. salmonicida, but more work is required to identity optimal adjuvants.
Re‐imagining Alzheimer's disease – the diminishing importance of amyloid and a glimpse of what lies ahead
Authors: Tse Kai‐Hei , Herrup Karl
Published: May 2017

Many have criticized the amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease for its inconsistencies and failures to either accurately predict disease symptoms or guide the development of productive therapies. In addition to criticisms, however, we believe that the field would benefit from having alternative narratives and disease models that can either replace or function alongside of an amyloid‐centric view of Alzheimer's. This review is an attempt to meet that need. We offer three experimentally verified amyloid‐independent mechanisms, each of which plausibly contributes substantially to the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease: loss of DNA integrity, faulty cell cycle regulation, regression of myelination. We outline the ways in which the failure of each can contribute to AD initiation and progression, and review how, acting alone or in combination with each other, they are sufficient for explaining the full range of AD pathologies. Yet, these three alternatives represent only a few of the many non‐amyloid mechanisms that can explain AD pathogenesis. Therefore instead of proposing a single ‘alternative hypothesis’ to the amyloid cascade theory, sporadic AD is pictured as the result of independent yet intersecting age‐related pathologies that afflict the ageing human brain.

This article is part of the series “Beyond Amyloid”.

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13823.

image
Ghrelin receptors mediate ghrelin‐induced excitation of agouti‐related protein/neuropeptide Y but not pro‐opiomelanocortin neurons
Authors: Chen Shao‐Rui , Chen Hong , Zhou Jing‐Jing , Pradhan Geetali , Sun Yuxiang , Pan Hui‐Lin , Li De‐Pei
Published: May 2017

Ghrelin increases food intake and body weight by stimulating orexigenic agouti‐related protein (AgRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and inhibiting anorexic pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (Ghsr) mediates the effect of ghrelin on feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. However, the role of Ghsr in the ghrelin effect on these two populations of neurons is unclear. We hypothesized that Ghsr mediates the effect of ghrelin on AgRP and POMC neurons. In this study, we determined whether Ghsr similarly mediates the effects of ghrelin on AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons using cell type‐specific Ghsr‐knockout mice. Perforated whole‐cell recordings were performed on green fluorescent protein‐tagged AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus in hypothalamic slices. In Ghsr+/+ mice, ghrelin (100 nM) significantly increased the firing activity of AgRP/NPY neurons but inhibited the firing activity of POMC neurons. In Ghsr−/− mice, the excitatory effect of ghrelin on AgRP/NPY neurons was abolished. Ablation of Ghsr also eliminated ghrelin‐induced increases in the frequency of GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents of POMC neurons. Strikingly, ablation of Ghsr converted the ghrelin effect on POMC neurons from inhibition to excitation. Des‐acylated ghrelin had no such effect on POMC neurons in Ghsr−/− mice. In both Ghsr+/+ and Ghsr−/− mice, blocking GABAA receptors with gabazine increased the basal firing activity of POMC neurons, and ghrelin further increased the firing activity of POMC neurons in the presence of gabazine. Our findings provide unequivocal evidence that Ghsr is essential for ghrelin‐induced excitation of AgRP/NPY neurons. However, ghrelin excites POMC neurons through an unidentified mechanism that is distinct from conventional Ghsr.

image
Heparan sulfate alterations in extracellular matrix structures and fibroblast growth factor‐2 signaling impairment in the aged neurogenic niche
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Kerever Aurelien , Yoshimura Yusuke , Suzuki Yuji , Nonaka Risa , Higashi Kyohei , Toida Toshihiko , Mercier Frederic , Arikawa‐Hirasawa Eri
Published: May 2017

Adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle decreases with age. In the subventricular zone, the specialized extracellular matrix structures, known as fractones, contact neural stem cells and regulate neurogenesis. Fractones are composed of extracellular matrix components, such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans. We previously found that fractones capture and store fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) via heparan sulfate binding, and may deliver FGF‐2 to neural stem cells in a timely manner. The heparan sulfate (HS) chains in the fractones of the aged subventricular zone are modified based on immunohistochemistry. However, how aging affects fractone composition and subsequent FGF‐2 signaling and neurogenesis remains unknown. The formation of the FGF‐fibroblast growth factor receptor‐HS complex is necessary to activate FGF‐2 signaling and induce the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk1/2). In this study, we observed a reduction in HS 6‐O‐sulfation, which is critical for FGF‐2 signal transduction, and failure of the FGF‐2‐induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in the aged subventricular zone. In addition, we observed increased HS 6‐O‐endo‐sulfatase, an enzyme that may be responsible for the HS modifications in aged fractones. In conclusion, the data revealed that heparan sulfate 6‐O‐sulfation is reduced and FGF‐2‐dependent Erk1/2 signaling is impaired in the aged subventricular zone. HS modifications in fractones might play a role in the reduced neurogenic activity in aging brains.

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Scalloped tongue is associated with nocturnal intermittent hypoxia among community‐dwelling Japanese: the Toon Health Study
Authors: Tomooka K. , Tanigawa T. , Sakurai S. , Maruyama K. , Eguchi E. , Nishioka S. , Miyoshi N. , Kakuto H. , Shimizu G. , Yamaoka D. , Saito I.
Published: May 2017

Scalloped tongue is considered as a possible clinical finding of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). There are few evidence of the association between scalloped tongue and OSA. To examine the association between scalloped tongue and nocturnal intermittent hypoxia (NIH), a surrogate marker of OSA, among a general Japanese population. Study participants were 398 men and 732 women aged 30–79 years who participated in the Toon Health Study from 2011 to 2014. Scalloped tongue was classified into three categories: none, mild and moderate‐to‐severe. Moderate‐to‐severe NIH was defined as the 3% oxygen desaturation index of ≥15 events/h during sleep for one night with pulse oximetry. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for moderate‐to‐severe NIH were calculated according to scalloped tongue categories using a logistic regression model. There were 69 (6·1%) moderate‐to‐severe NIH cases in this population. The multivariable‐adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of moderate‐to‐severe NIH were 1·59 (0·85–2·95) for mild and 2·39 (1·10–5·17) for the moderate‐to‐severe scalloped tongue group compared with the group without scalloped tongues. When stratified by overweight status (BMI <25 or ≥25 kg m−2), the respective ORs (95% CIs) were 2·83 (1·06–7·55) and 4·74 (1·28–17·49) among overweight individuals, and 0·94 (0·40–2·70) and 1·52 (0·57–4·05) among non‐overweight individuals. Scalloped tongue was associated with higher prevalence of moderate‐to‐severe NIH among the general Japanese population and this association was more evident in overweight individuals.
Delayed‐onset muscle soreness does not influence occlusal sensitivity and position sense of the mandible
Authors: Bucci R. , Lobbezoo F. , Michelotti A. , Orfanou C. , Koutris M.
Published: May 2017

Masticatory muscle‐pain patients often complain about sensorimotor changes, but the effects of pain on the psychophysical properties remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on the jaw's position sense (PS) and occlusal sensitivity (OS). In all, 12 participants underwent intense concentric–eccentric jaw exercises. Self‐reported muscle fatigue and pain, pain‐free maximum mouth opening (MMO), pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) at right and left masseter and right and left anterior temporalis, maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF), PS and OS were recorded before, immediately after, 24 h, 48 h and 1 week after the exercises. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova. Pain and fatigue increased significantly after the exercises, while fatigue also increased 24 h afterwards. Time and site had a significant effect for PPTs, not for MVBF. MMO decreased significantly 24 h after the exercises. OS and PS did not change significantly. Experimentally induced DOMS does not influence the psychophysical properties of the masticatory system.
Primary histiocytic sarcoma presenting as diffuse leptomeningeal disease: Case description and review of the literature
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Ragazzi Moira , Marchetti Giovanni , Bisagni Alessandra , Principi Massimo , Fanni Daniela , Froio Elisabetta , Serra Silvia , Zanetti Eleonora , De Marco Loredana , Giangaspero Felice , Ascani Stefano
Published: May 2017

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm arising most commonly in lymph nodes, intestinal tract, skin and soft tissue. The incidence of primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma is even rarer with a total of just 27 cases reported in the literature so far. Herein we describe the first autopsy case of histiocytic sarcoma presenting as a diffuse leptomeningeal disease in absence of a CNS tumor‐forming parenchymal lesion. The clinical, pathological and immunophenotypic features are described and an updated literature review on primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma is included.
The anatomy and physiology of normal and abnormal swallowing in oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Sasegbon A. , Hamdy S.
Published: May 2017

Background

Eating and drinking are enjoyable activities that positively impact on an individual's quality of life. The ability to swallow food and fluid is integral to the process of eating. Swallowing occupies a dual role being both part of the enjoyment of eating and being a critically important utilitarian activity to enable adequate nutrition and hydration. Any impairment to the process of swallowing can negatively affect a person's perception of their quality of life. The process of swallowing is highly complex and involves muscles in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. The oropharynx is the anatomical region encompassing the oral cavity and the pharynx. Food must be masticated, formed into a bolus and transported to the pharynx by the tongue whereas fluids are usually held within the mouth before being transported ab‐orally. The bolus must then be transported through the pharynx to the esophagus without any matter entering the larynx. The muscles needed for all these steps are coordinated by swallowing centers within the brainstem which are supplied with sensory information by afferent nerve fibers from several cranial nerves. The swallowing centers also receive modulatory input from higher centers within the brain. Hence, a swallow has both voluntary and involuntary physiologic components and the term dysphagia is given to difficult swallowing while oropharyngeal dysphagia is difficult swallowing due to pathology within the oropharynx.

Purpose

Problems affecting any point along the complex swallowing pathway can result in dysphagia. This review focuses on the anatomy and physiology behind normal and abnormal oropharyngeal swallowing. It also details the common diseases and pathology causing oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Economic evaluation of the randomized European Achalasia trial comparing pneumodilation with Laparoscopic Heller myotomy
Authors: Moonen A. , Busch O. , Costantini M. , Finotti E. , Tack J. , Salvador R. , Boeckxstaens G. , Zaninotto G.
Published: May 2017

Background

A recent multicenter randomized trial in achalasia patients has shown that pneumatic dilation resulted in equivalent relief of symptoms compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Additionally, the cost of each treatment should be also taken in consideration. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform an economic analysis of the European achalasia trial.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed achalasia were enrolled from to 2003 to 2008 in 14 centers in five European countries and were randomly assigned to either pneumatic dilation (PD) or laparoscopic Heller (LHM). The economic analysis was performed in the three centers in three different countries where most patients were enrolled (Amsterdam [NL], Leuven, [B] and Padova [I]) and then applied to all patients included in the study. The total raw costs of the two treatments per patient include the initial costs, the costs of complications, and the costs of retreatments.

Results

Two hundred and one patients, 107 (57 males and 50 females, mean age 46 CI: 43‐49 years) were randomized to LHM and 94 (59 males and 34 females, mean age 46 CI 43‐50 years) to PD. The total cost of PD per patient was quite comparable in the three different centers; €3397 in Padova, €3259 in Amsterdam and €3792 in Leuven. For LHM, the total costs per patient were highest in Amsterdam: €4488 in Padova, €6720 in Amsterdam, and €5856 in Leuven.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the strategy of treating achalasia starting with PD appears the most economic approach, independent of the health system.
Pull out Strength of Dual Outer Diameter Pedicle Screws Compared to Uncemented and Cemented Standard Pedicle Screws: A Biomechanical in vitro Study
Authors: Lorenz Andrea , Leichtle Carmen I , Frantz Sandra , Bumann Marte , Tsiflikas Ilias , Shiozawa Thomas , Leichtle Ulf G
Published: May 2017

Objective

To analyze the potential of the dual outer diameter screw and systematically evaluate the pull‐out force of the dual outer diameter screw compared to the uncemented and cemented standard pedicle screws with special regard to the pedicle diameter and the vertebra level.

Methods

Sixty vertebrae of five human spines (T
6–L
5) were sorted into three study groups for pairwise comparison of the uncemented dual outer diameter screw, the uncemented standard screw, and the cemented standard screw, and randomized with respect to bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebra level. The vertebrae were instrumented, insertion torque was determined, and pull‐out testing was performed using a material testing machine. Failure load was evaluated in pairwise comparison within each study group. The screw‐to‐pedicle diameter ratio was determined and the uncemented dual outer diameter and standard screws were compared for different ratios as well as vertebra levels.

Results

Significantly increased pull‐out forces were measured for the cemented standard screw compared to the uncemented standard screw (+689 N, P < 0.001) and the dual outer diameter screw (+403 N, P < 0.001). Comparing the dual outer diameter screw to the uncemented standard screw in the total study group, a distinct but not significant increase was measured (+149 N, P = 0.114). Further analysis of these two screws, however, revealed a significant increase of pull‐out force for the dual outer diameter screw in the lumbar region (+247 N, P = 0.040), as well as for a screw‐to‐pedicle diameter ratio between 0.6 and 1 (+ 488 N, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

For clinical application, cement augmentation remains the gold standard for increasing screw stability. According to our results, the use of a dual outer diameter screw is an interesting option to increase screw stability in the lumbar region without cement augmentation. For the thoracic region, however, the screw‐to‐pedicle diameter should be checked and attention should be paid to screw cut out, if the dual outer diameter screw is considered.
Mating biology, nuclear DNA content and genetic diversity in spider plant (Cleome gynandra) germplasm from various African countries
Authors: Omondi Emmanuel O. , Debener Thomas , Linde Marcus , Abukutsa‐Onyango Mary , Dinssa Fekadu F. , Winkelmann Traud
Published: May 2017

Cleome gynandra (L.) Briq. is an African leafy vegetable with a potential to improve food security and micronutrient deficiencies. Cytological traits, breeding biology and genetic diversity of 30 selected entries of C. gynandra from six African countries were investigated. The entries consisted of advanced lines, gene bank accessions and farmers’ cultivars. Our study revealed chromosome numbers of 2n = 34 in root tip metaphase cells from one entry. The 30 entries were found to be diploid with genome sizes ranging from 2.31 to 2.45 pg/2C. Hand pollination experiments were carried out to assess self‐incompatibility within the entries and revealed that they are self‐ and cross‐compatible. For genetic diversity studies within and among the entries, the pooled data of 499 polymorphic bands from 11 amplified fragment length polymorphism primer combinations and nine simple sequence repeat markers were used. The genetic distance among the entries ranged from 0.13 to 0.77. In a principal coordinate analysis, the farmers’ cultivars formed a cluster separate from the advanced lines and the gene bank entries, and the latter were not well resolved.
Quantification of excitation energy distribution between photosystems based on a mechanistic model of photosynthetic electron transport
Authors: Murakami Keach , Matsuda Ryo , Fujiwara Kazuhiro
Published: May 2017

Absorbed light energy is converted into excitation energy. The excitation energy is distributed to photosystems depending on the wavelength and drives photochemical reactions. A non‐destructive, mechanistic and quantitative method for estimating the fraction of the excitation energy distributed to photosystem II (f) was developed. For the f values for two simultaneously provided actinic lights (ALs) with different spectral distributions to be estimated, photochemical yields of the photosystems were measured under the ALs and were then fitted to an electron transport model assuming the balance between the electron transport rates through the photosystems. For the method to be tested using leaves with different properties in terms of the long‐term and short‐term acclimation (adjustment of photosystem stoichiometry and state transition, respectively), the f values for red and far‐red light (R and FR) were estimated in leaves grown (~1 week) under white light without and with supplemental FR and adapted (~10 min) to R without and with supplemental FR. The f values for R were clearly greater than those for FR and those of leaves grown with and adapted to supplemental FR tended to be higher than the controls. These results are consistent with previous studies and therefore support the validity of the proposed method.
SUV2, which encodes an ATR‐related cell cycle checkpoint and putative plant ATRIP, is required for aluminium‐dependent root growth inhibition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sjogren Caroline A. , Larsen Paul B.
Published: May 2017

A suppressor mutagenesis screen was conducted in order to identify second site mutations that could reverse the extreme hypersensitivity to aluminium (Al) seen for the Arabidopsis mutant, als3‐1. From this screen, it was found that a loss‐of‐function mutation in the previously described SUV2 (SENSITIVE TO UV 2), which encodes a putative plant ATRIP homologue that is a component of the ATR‐dependent cell checkpoint response, reversed the als3‐1 phenotype. This included prevention of hallmarks associated with als3‐1 including Al‐dependent terminal differentiation of the root tip and transition to endoreduplication. From this analysis, SUV2 was determined to be required for halting cell cycle progression and triggering loss of the quiescent centre (QC) following exposure to Al. In conjunction with this, SUV2 was found to have a similar role as ATR, ALT2 and SOG1 in Al‐dependent stoppage of root growth, all of which are required for promotion of expression of a suite of genes that likely are part of an Al‐dependent DNA damage transcriptional response. This work argues that these Al response factors work together to detect Al‐dependent damage and subsequently activate a DNA damage response pathway that halts the cell cycle and subsequently promotes QC differentiation and entrance into endocycling.
Re‐adjusting the cut‐off score of the Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale for high‐functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kwon Hyuk‐Jin , Yoo Hee‐Jeong , Kim Joo‐Hyun , Noh Dong‐Hyun , Sunwoo Hyun‐Jung , Jeon Ye Seul , Lee Sang‐youn , Jo Ye‐ul , Bong Gui‐Young
Published: May 2017

Aim

The current cut‐off score of the Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K‐CARS) does not seem to be sensitive enough to precisely diagnose high‐functioning autism. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal cut‐off score of K‐CARS for diagnosing high‐functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Methods

A total of 329 participants were assessed by the Korean versions of the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (K‐ADI‐R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (K‐ADOS), and K‐CARS. IQ and Social Maturity Scale scores were also obtained.

Results

The true positive and false negative rates of K‐CARS were 77.2% and 22.8%, respectively. Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Social Quotient (SQ) were significant predictors of misclassification. The false negative rate increased to 36.0% from 19.8% when VIQ was >69.5, and the rate increased to 44.1% for participants with VIQ > 69.5 and SQ > 75.5. In addition, if SQ was >83.5, the false negative rate increased to 46.7%, even if the participant’s VIQ was ≤69.5. Optimal cut‐off scores were 28.5 (for VIQ ≤ 69.5 and SQ ≤ 75.5), 24.25 (for VIQ > 69.5 and SQ > 75.5), and 24.5 (for SQ > 83.5), respectively.

Conclusion

The likelihood of a false negative error increases when K‐CARS is used to diagnose high‐functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. For subjects with ASD and substantial verbal ability, the cut‐off score for K‐CARS should be re‐adjusted and/or supplementary diagnostic tools might be needed to enhance diagnostic accuracy for ASD.
Assessment of Infantile Hemangiomas Using a Handheld Wireless Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Device
Authors: Fong Christopher J. , Garzon Maria C. , Hoi Jennifer W. , Kim Hyun K. , Lauren Christine T. , Morel Kimberly , Geller Lauren , Antonov Nina , Weitz Nicole , Wu June , Hielscher Andreas H.
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are vascular tumors with the potential for significant morbidity. There is a lack of validated objective tools to assess IH severity and response to treatment. Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS), a noninvasive, nonionizing imaging modality, can measure total hemoglobin concentration and hemoglobin oxygen saturation in tissue to assess IH vascularity and response to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of a wireless, handheld DOS system to assess IH characteristics at selected points during their clinical course.

Methods

Thirteen subjects (initial age 5.8 ± 2.0 mos) with 15 IHs were enrolled. IHs were classified as proliferative, plateau phase, or involuting. Nine patients with 11 IHs were untreated; four patients with 4 IHs were treated with timolol or propranolol. Each IH was evaluated by placing the DOS system directly on the lesion as well a normal contralateral skin site. IH vascularity and oxygenation were scored using a newly defined normalized hypoxia fraction (NHF) coefficient. Measurements were recorded at various intervals from the initial visit to 1 to 2 years of age.

Results

For the nine untreated IHs, the NHF was highest at 6 months of age, during proliferation. Differences in NHFs between the proliferation and the plateau (p = 0.02) and involuting (p < 0.001) stages were statistically significant. In treated patients, the NHF normalized to 60% after 2 months. One treated IH came within 5% of the NHF for normal skin after 12 months.

Conclusions

DOS can be used to assess the vascularity and tissue oxygenation of IHs and monitor their progression and response to treatment.
MoRPh: a citizen science tool for monitoring and appraising physical habitat changes in rivers
Authors: Shuker Lucy J. , Gurnell Angela M. , Wharton Geraldene , Gurnell David J. , England Judy , Finn Leeming Brishan F. , Beach Ellie
Published: May 2017

The MoRPh survey is designed to enable citizen scientists to monitor physical habitat mosaics and human pressures within short (up to 40 m) river reaches called modules. MoRPh underpins a multiscale Modular River Survey, providing local information, which when collected across 10 contiguous modules, delivers a MultiMoRPh river sub‐reach survey up to 400 m in length. This, in turn, contributes to a HydroMoRPh assessment of reaches extending to tens of kilometres of river length, based on secondary data sources. A 6‐month trial on chalk streams, demonstrates that indices calculated from MoRPh surveys can detect notable differences in hydraulic, sediment, physical and vegetation habitat characteristics across this single river type. Further tests will evaluate applicability to other river types and ability to detect temporal changes. Development of aggregate indices for MultiMoRPh sub‐reaches will aid interpretation of contemporary morphological dynamics, complementing longer term changes extracted at the reach scale by a HydroMoRPh analysis.
Vehicle Positioning Based on Velocity and Heading Angle Observer Using Low-Cost Sensor Fusion
Authors: Park Giseo , Hwang Yoonjin , Choi Seibum B.
Published: May 2017

The vehicle positioning system can be utilized for various automotive applications. Primarily focusing on practicality, this paper presents a new method for vehicle positioning systems using low-cost sensor fusion, which combines global positioning system (GPS) data and data from easily available in-vehicle sensors. As part of the vehicle positioning, a novel nonlinear observer for vehicle velocity and heading angle estimation is designed, and the convergence of estimation error is also investigated using Lyapunov stability analysis. Based on this estimation information, a new adaptive Kalman filter with rule-based logic provides robust and highly accurate estimations of the vehicle position. It adjusts the noise covariance matrices Q and R in order to adapt to various environments, such as different driving maneuvers and ever-changing GPS conditions. The performance of the entire system is verified through experimental results using a commercial vehicle. Finally, through a comparative study, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is confirmed.
A Passivity-Based Power-Shaping Control of Building HVAC Systems
Authors: Chinde V. , Kosaraju K. C. , Kelkar A. , Pasumarthy R. , Sarkar S. , Singh N. M.
Published: May 2017

Regulating indoor air environment is one of the core functions of building energy management system. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control systems play an important role in adjusting the room temperature to provide occupants a desired level of comfort. Occupant comfort has a direct effect on the energy consumption and providing an optimal balance between comfort and energy consumption is a challenging problem. This paper presents a framework for control of building HVAC systems using a methodology based on power-shaping paradigm that exploits the passivity property of a system. The system dynamics are expressed in the Brayton–Moser (BM) form which exhibits a gradient structure with the mixed-potential function, which has the units of power. The power-shaping technique is used to synthesize the controller by assigning a desired power function to the closed-loop dynamics so as to make the equilibrium point asymptotically stable. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on HVAC subsystems: RC network building zone model and a heat exchanger system.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a French
Bovine coronavirus
Strain
Authors: Kin Nathalie , Guerard Pauline , Diancourt Laure , Caro Valérie , Vabret Astrid , Ar Gouilh Meriadeg
Published: May 2017

We sequenced the first
Bovine coronavirus
(BCoV) complete genome sequence from France. This BCoV was directly sequenced from a fecal sample collected from a calf in Normandy in 2014.
Draft Genome Sequence of Magnesium-Dissolving Lactococcus garvieae A1, Isolated from Soil
Authors: Altın Gonca , Nikerel Emrah , Şahin Fikrettin
Published: May 2017

The probiotic bacterium
Lactococcus garvieae
A1, isolated from soil, is interesting for biomining applications. Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of this strain, with a focus on metal transporter enzymes.
Structural and optical properties of KNN nanoparticles synthesized by a sol–gel combustion method
Authors: Khorrami Gh. H. , Mousavi M. , Dowran M.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, potassium sodium niobate (KNN) nanopowders were successfully obtained by sol–gel combustion method. According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, the produced xerogel was calcined at 500[Formula: see text]C, 600[Formula: see text]C, and 700[Formula: see text]C to obtain KNN powders. The structural and optical properties of the prepared powders were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD patterns indicated formation of orthorhombic KNN samples. The Scherrer formula and size–strain plot (SSP) method were employed to calculate crystallite size and lattice strain of the KNN powders. The TEM image revealed that the average particle size of the prepared samples is about 30 nm and they have cubic shape. The optical band gap energy of the samples was calculated using UV–vis absorbance spectra of the samples along with Tauc relation.
Bed Shear Stresses Parameterization in Wave–Current Interaction by k − ω Turbulence Model
Authors: Smaoui Hassan , Kaidi Sami
Published: May 2017

For a flow generated by the wave–current interaction (WCI), an accurate estimate of the maximum ([Formula: see text]) and the mean ([Formula: see text]) bed shear stresses is important for the sediment transport calculation. These two parameters are usually estimated by numerical modeling which can prove to be difficult to implement and very costly in CPU time. This paper then proposes analytic parameterization of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by simple relationship depending on the current and wave shear stresses ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]).

The proposed parameterization was performed in two steps: the first step is to build a numerical database of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for different combinations of flow variables. This step was carried out by an one-dimensional vertical (1DV) model of turbulent bottom boundary layer using the [Formula: see text] turbulence model. The second step is to represent this database by predefined analytical relations. This step was performed by an optimization procedure adopting the GlobalSearch (GS) (function of Matlab software).

The proposed parameterization based on the “[Formula: see text]/GS” combination provides very good estimations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. These estimations are similar to those proposed by other authors who have studied the WCI by analytical models widely used by the marine science community.
Activation of Adiponectin Receptor Regulates Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Expression and Inhibits Lesions in ApoE-Deficient Mice
Authors: Sun Lei , Yang Xiaoxiao , Li Qi , Zeng Peng , Liu Ying , Liu Lipei , Chen Yuanli , Yu Miao , Ma Chuanrui , Li Xiaoju , Li Yan , Zhang Rongxin , Zhu Yan , Miao Qing Robert , Han Jihong , Duan Yajun
Published: May 2017

Objective—

The reduced adiponectin levels are associated with atherosclerosis. Adiponectin exerts its functions by activating adiponectin receptor (AdipoR). Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) degrades LDLR protein (low-density lipoprotein receptor) to increase serum LDL-cholesterol levels. PCSK9 expression can be regulated by PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ) or SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2). The effects of AdipoR agonists on PCSK9 and LDLR expression, serum lipid profiles, and atherosclerosis remain unknown.

Approach and Results—

At cellular levels, AdipoR agonists (ADP355 and AdipoRon) induced PCSK9 transcription/expression that solely depended on activation of PPAR-responsive element in the PCSK9 promoter. AdipoR agonists induced PPARγ expression; thus, the AdipoR agonist-activated PCSK9 expression/production was impaired in PPARγ deficient hepatocytes. Meanwhile, AdipoR agonists transcriptionally activated LDLR expression by activating SRE in the LDLR promoter. Moreover, AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) was involved in AdipoR agonist-activated PCSK9 expression. In wild-type mice, ADP355 increased PCSK9 and LDLR expression and serum PCSK9 levels, which was associated with activation of PPARγ, AMPKα and SREBP2 and reduction of LDL-cholesterol levels. In contrast, ADP355 reduced PCSK9 expression/secretion in apoE-deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice, but it still activated hepatic LDLR, PPARγ, AMPKα, and SREBP2. More importantly, ADP355 inhibited lesions in en face aortas and sinus lesions in aortic root in apoE
−/−
mice with amelioration of lipid profiles.

Conclusions—

Our study demonstrates that AdipoR activation by agonists regulated PCSK9 expression differently in wild-type and apoE
−/−
mice. However, ADP355 activated hepatic LDLR expression and ameliorated lipid metabolism in both types of mice and inhibited atherosclerosis in apoE
−/−
mice.
An Enhanced Collision Tracking Tree Algorithm in Radio Frequency Identification System
Authors: Liu Jinyan , Feng Quanyuan , Jia Xiaolin
Published: May 2017

In order to solve multi-tag collision problem in radio frequency identification system, many anti-collision algorithms have been proposed, such as query tree algorithm, bi-slotted collision tracking tree algorithm (BSCTTA). In this paper, an enhanced collision tracking tree algorithm
is proposed to improve the performance of BSCTTA. The proposed algorithm generates prefix depending on the first collided bit, and then eliminates the idle timeslots and reduces the collided timeslots. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can identify two tags in a timeslot if there is only one
collided bit in the response data, and can truncate unvalued data when two collided bits are detected. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm reduces the communication bits and query cycles than other algorithms, therefore enhances the identification efficiency and identification
speed of radio frequency identification system.
The Frequency Equations for Shear Horizontal Waves in Semiconductor/Piezoelectric Structures Under the Influence of Initial Stress
Authors: Abd-alla Abo-el-nour N , Hasbullah N. F , Hossen Hala M
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigated analytically the frequency equations for shear horizontal wave propagation in a piezoelectric half space covered by a semiconductor film with initial stress effect. The semiconducting layer is influenced by initial stress and the interface between the
piezoelectric substrate and the semiconductor layer. The governing equations of the mechanical displacement and electrical potential function under the effect of initial stress are obtained by solving the coupled electromechanical field equations of the piezoelectric half-space and the semiconductor
film. Next, the numerical examples are presented to illustrate the influence of initial stress and electromagnetic boundary conditions for the different values of the film thickness and wave number. Furthermore, we studied in more details the effect of initial stress on the frequency equation
for piezoelectric Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and semiconductor silicon. The obtained results provide a predictable and theoretical basis for applications of piezoelectric and semiconductor composites to acoustic wave devices.
On Double Domination Numbers of Generalized Petersen Graphs
Authors: Sun Minhong , Shao Zehui
Published: May 2017

A (total) double dominating set in a graph G is a subset S ⊆ V(G) such that each vertex in V(G) is (total) dominated by at least 2 vertices in S. The (total) double domination number of G
is the minimum size of a (total) double dominating set of G. We determine the total double domination numbers and give upper bounds for double domination numbers of generalized Petersen graphs. By applying an integer programming model for double domination numbers of a graph, we have
determined some exact values of double domination numbers of these generalized Petersen graphs with small parameters. The result shows that the given upper bounds match these exact values.
Design and Construction of Plan for Exponential Distribution Using Repetitive Sampling
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Algarni Ali Hamed S , Saeed Ramsha
Published: May 2017

In this paper, sampling plan using exact and approximated approaches is presented when the quality of interest follows the exponential distribution. The designing both presented using the repetitive group sampling plan. The design parameters of the proposed sampling plans are determined
through non-linear optimization. The efficiency of proposed sampling plans is compared with the existing sampling plans in terms of average sample number. The application of the proposed plans is discussed by industrial data.
An Efficient Video Compression Technique Using Watershed Algorithm and JPEG-LS Encoding
Authors: Rajasekhar H , Rao B. Prabhakara
Published: May 2017

In the previous video compression method, the videos were segmented by using the novel motion estimation algorithm with aid of watershed method. But, the compression ratio (CR) of compression with novel motion estimation algorithm was not giving an adequate result. Moreover this methods
performance is needed to be improved in the encoding and decoding processes. Because most of the video compression methods have utilized encoding techniques like JPEG, Run Length, Huffman coding and LSK encoding. The improvement of the encoding techniques in the compression process will improve
the compression result. Hence, to overcome these drawbacks, we intended to propose a new video compression method with renowned encoding technique. In this proposed video compression method, the input video frames motion vectors are estimated by applying watershed and ARS-ST (Adaptive Rood
Search with Spatio-Temporal) algorithms. After that, the vector blocks which have high difference value are encoded by using the JPEG-LS encoder. JPEG-LS have excellent coding and computational efficiency, and it outperforms JPEG2000 and many other image compression methods. This algorithm
is of relatively low complexity, low storage requirement and its compression capability is efficient enough. To get the compressed video, the encoded blocks are subsequently decoded by JPEG-LS. The implementation result shows the effectiveness of proposed method, in compressing more number
of videos. The performance of our proposed video compression method is evaluated by comparing the result of proposed method with the existing video compression techniques. The comparison result shows that our proposed method acquires high-quality compression ratio and PSNR for the number of
testing videos than the existing techniques.
Eccentric Connectivity Index of Molecular Grapgs of Chemical Trees with Application to Alkynes
Authors: Haoer R. S , Atan K. A , Khalaf A. M , Said M. R. Md , Hasni R
Published: May 2017

Let G = (V,E) be a simple connected molecular graph. The eccentric connectivity index ξ(G) is a distance–based molecular structure descriptor that was recently used for mathematical modelling of biological activities of diverse nature. In such a simple
molecular graph, vertices represent atoms and edges represent chemical bonds, we denoted the sets of vertices and edges by V = V(G) and E = E(G), respectively. If d(u,v) be the notation of distance between vertices u,v ∈ V
and is defined as the length of a shortest path connecting them. Then, the eccentricity connectivity index of a molecular graph Gis defined as ξ(G) = Σv∈V(G) deg(V)ec(V), where deg(V) (or simply dv)
is degree of a vertex V ∈ V(G), and is defined as the number of adjacent vertices with V. ec(V) is defined as the length of a maximal path connecting to another vertex of v. In this paper, we establish the general formulas for the eccentricity
connectivity index of molecular graphs classes of chemical trees with application to alkynes.
Naïve Bayes Classifier with Parallel Abduction Reasoning Ensemble Principal Component Analysis for Prediction Modeling
Authors: Suganthi J , Malathi V
Published: May 2017

The classification could be a latent variable that is probabilistically relating to the discovered variables. In Bayesian algorithmic ways, logical thinking works in probabilistic mode. However PCM based parallel abductive reasoning with Naïve Bayes (NB) on cancer information could
be a powerful technique to perform effective prediction in classification. Whereas whilst classifying the cancer information the strategy reads the parallel changes and predicts the severity level for supplementary treatments. Since the Bayesian classifier gives many premises for several supervised
learning algorithms thereby the proposed Parallel abductive Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm based on factor analysis of PCA enhances the granularity of prediction. The Principal components are chosen on multi-perspective domain of curator analysis dataset. Experimental result shows that
it is potential to get parallel abductive classifiers that have comparatively high impact on prediction.
Simplified Entropy and Multidimensional Search for Test Points Selection
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Tian Shulin , Liu Zhen , Zhou Quan
Published: May 2017

In order to meet the demand of test points selection on higher speed, a new test points selection algorithm based on simplified entropy and multidimensional search is proposed. With the proposed algorithm, statistic results, instead of the complex entropy calculation, are utilized to
estimate the order of entropy. In addition, multidimensional search method is adopted to find potential test points sets that can isolate the potential faults. The proposed method is also adaptive to the complexity of fault dictionary. In each iteration of the proposed algorithm, the dimension
of multidimensional search could be changed according to the complexity of fault dictionary. Statistical experiments have shown that the proposed algorithm is more efficient in finding local optimum sets of test points compared with other test points selection algorithms.
Physical Mechanism of Eddy Current Demagnetizing Effect for Eddy Current Brake
Authors: He Ren , Hu Donghai
Published: May 2017

This article researches both the mathematical relation between the braking force of eddy current brake and the speed of the moving conductor and the relationship between the average air-gap flux density and the velocity of the moving conductor respectively which result in the ambiguity
of the physical mechanism of eddy current demagnetizing effect. The theoretical methods for obtaining the distribution of the excitation magnetic field, the eddy current magnetic field and the air gap magnetic field of eddy current brake were presented. Then the impacts of the excitation magnetic
field and eddy current magnetic field on the distribution of air gap magnetic field were got through contrastive analysis and then the physical mechanism of eddy current demagnetizing effect is obtained. Finally, the influence of the eddy current demagnetizing effect on the design and control
of eddy current brake was discussed in depth. The correctness of these theoretical calculations was validated by experiments on the retarder synthetic performance test bench or the finite element numerical calculation.
A Comparative Study of Ultimate Strength and Behaviour of Steel Concrete Composite Beam with Shear Connectors Subjected to Pure Torsion
Authors: Thivya J , Malathy R , Tensing D
Published: May 2017

This study concerns the employment of pure torsion analysis to determine ultimate strength of composite beam with shear connectors. The effect of shear connector is used for increasing the strength and stiffness of composite beam. This behavior is influenced by physical response of
the beam under pure torsion. Totally 12 beams are tested and comparative analysis has been made within this 12 beams. The curvature, rotation and angle of twist are calculated throughout entire load by torsion test. This investigation proves that the composite beam with 75 mm spaced shear
connector provides good ultimate strength.
Correlative Density-Based Clustering
Authors: Hua Jia-Lin , Yu Jian , Yang Miin-Shen
Published: May 2017

Mountains, which heap up by densities of a data set, intuitively reflect the structure of data points. These mountain clustering methods are useful for grouping data points. However, the previous mountain-based clustering suffers from the choice of parameters which are used to compute
the density. In this paper, we adopt correlation analysis to determine the density, and propose a new clustering algorithm, called Correlative Density-based Clustering (CDC). The new algorithm computes the density with a modified way and determines the parameters based on the inherent structure
of data points. Experiments on artificial datasets and real datasets demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Theoretical Study of Atoms Filled in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Cui Shuwen , Liu Weiwei , Wang Xiaosong
Published: May 2017

The nano-sized quasi-one dimensional hollow cores of carbon nanotubes make it possible for them to be filled with and wetted by foreign materials. With C, S and Se atoms as example, we have studied the filling and wetting of these atoms into carbon nanotubes from local density functional
theory in first principles calculations. The results suggest that the effect of nanotube length is negligible when it exceeds 3.6 Å, there is a relation between nanotube diameter and filling and wetting. Our studies would be important implications for the further use of carbon nanotubes.