bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a dielectric layer on plasma uniformity in high frequency electronegative capacitive discharges
Authors: Kawamura Emi , Wen De-Qi , Lieberman Michael A. , Lichtenberg Allan J.
Published: July 2017

The authors use a fast 2D axisymmetric fluid-analytical code to study the effect of adding a dielectric layer over the wafer electrode of a high frequency capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) reactor. At higher frequencies and larger areas, the wavelengths of the radially propagating surface waves in the plasma can become significantly shorter than the reactor dimensions, leading to center-high plasma nonuniformities. These wavelengths increase with increasing sheath widths, suggesting that a method to suppress wave effects in a high frequency CCP is to increase the effective sheath width by adding a dielectric layer over the wafer electrode. The authors conducted simulations with and without a dielectric layer and found that the dielectric layer improved plasma uniformity. The authors also studied the effect of adding a thin conducting or resistive silicon wafer above the dielectric layer and found that a conducting silicon wafer shorts out the fields and shields the discharge from the dielectric layer, while the resistive silicon wafer allows the fields to pass through to the dielectric layer.
Unsustainable development pathways caused by tropical deforestation
Authors: Carrasco Luis Roman , Nghiem Thi Phuong Le , Chen Zhirong , Barbier Edward B.
Published: July 2017

Deforestation causes unsustainable development in tropical countries, compromising the well-being of future generations.
Rubella Surveillance and Diagnostic Testing among a Low-Prevalence Population, New York City, 2012–2013
Authors: Isaac Beth M. , Zucker Jane R. , Giancotti Francesca R. , Abernathy Emily , Icenogle Joseph , Rakeman Jennifer L. , Rosen Jennifer B.
Published: July 2017

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) receives clinical and laboratory reports for rubella. Because rubella immunoglobulin M (IgM) assays may produce false-positive results and rubella infections may be asymptomatic, interpretation of positive IgM results can be challenging. Rubella reports received by DOHMH in 2012 to 2013 were reviewed. The rubella IgM testing purpose was determined through case investigation. Results of IgM testing by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were compared to determine positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity. DOHMH received 199 rubella reports; 2 were true cases. Of all reports, 77.9% were tested for rubella IgM erroneously, 19.6% were tested for diagnostic purposes, 2.0% had unknown test purpose, and 0.5% were not tested. PPV of indirect ELISA was 6% overall, 14% for diagnostic tests, and 0% for tests ordered erroneously. PPV of capture EIA was 29% overall, 50% for diagnostic tests, and 0% for tests ordered erroneously. Overall, specificity was 52% for indirect ELISA and 85% for capture EIA. Limiting rubella IgM testing to patients for whom rubella diagnosis is suspected and using a more specific IgM assay have the potential to reduce false-positive rubella IgM results.
New Highly Sensitive Real-Time PCR Assay for HIV-2 Group A and Group B DNA Quantification
Authors: Bertine Mélanie , Gueudin Marie , Mélard Adeline , Damond Florence , Descamps Diane , Matheron Sophie , Collin Fidéline , Rouzioux Christine , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Avettand-Fenoel Véronique
Published: July 2017

HIV-2 infection is characterized by a very low replication rate in most cases and low progression. This necessitates an approach to patient monitoring that differs from that for HIV-1 infection. Here, a new highly specific and sensitive method for HIV-2 DNA quantification was developed. The new test is based on quantitative real-time PCR targeting the long terminal repeat (LTR) andgagregions and using an internal control. Analytical performance was determined in three laboratories, and clinical performance was determined on blood samples from 63 patients infected with HIV-2 group A (n= 35) or group B (n= 28). The specificity was 100%. The 95% limit of detection was three copies/PCR and the limit of quantification was six copies/PCR. The within-run coefficients of variation were between 1.03% at 3.78 log10copies/PCR and 27.02% at 0.78 log10copies/PCR. The between-run coefficient of variation was 5.10%. Both manual and automated nucleic acid extraction methods were validated. HIV-2 DNA loads were detectable in blood cells from all 63 patients. When HIV-2 DNA was quantifiable, median loads were significantly higher in antiretroviral-treated than in naive patients and were similar for groups A and B. HIV-2 DNA load was correlated with HIV-2 RNA load (r= 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 0.8;P< 0.0001). Our data show that this new assay is highly sensitive and quantifies the two main HIV-2 groups, making it useful for the diagnosis of HIV-2 infection and for pathogenesis studies on HIV-2 reservoirs.
HIV-1 Env- and Vpu-Specific Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Responses Associated with Elite Control of HIV
Authors: Madhavi Vijaya , Wines Bruce D. , Amin Janaki , Emery Sean ,   ENCORE1 Study Group, Lopez Ester , Kelleher Anthony ,   Sydney LTNP Study Group, Center Rob J. , Hogarth P. Mark , Chung Amy W. , Kent Stephen J. , Stratov Ivan
Published: July 2017

Studying HIV-infected individuals who control HIV replication (elite controllers [ECs]) enables exploration of effective anti-HIV immunity. HIV Env-specific and non-Env-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) may contribute to protection from progressive HIV infection, but the evidence is limited. We recruited 22 ECs and matched them with 44 viremic subjects. HIV Env- and Vpu-specific ADCC responses in sera were studied using a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based dimeric recombinant soluble FcγRIIIa (rsFcγRIIIa)-binding assay, surface plasmon resonance, antibody-dependent natural killer (NK) cell activation assays, and ADCC-mediated killing assays. ECs had higher levels of HIV Env-specific antibodies capable of binding FcγRIIIa, activating NK cells, and mediating granzyme B activity (all
P
< 0.01) than viremic subjects. ECs also had higher levels of antibodies against a C-terminal 13-mer Vpu peptide capable of mediating FcγRIIIa binding and NK cell activation than viremic subjects (both
P
< 0.05). Our data associate Env-specific and Vpu epitope-specific ADCC in effective immune responses against HIV among ECs. Our findings have implications for understanding the role of ADCC in HIV control.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding immune responses associated with elite control of HIV may aid the development of immunotherapeutic and vaccine strategies for controlling HIV infection. Env is a major HIV protein target of functional antibody responses that are heightened in ECs. Interestingly, EC antibodies also target Vpu, an accessory protein crucial to HIV, which degrades CD4 and antagonizes tetherin. Antibodies specific to Vpu are a common feature of the immune response of ECs that may prove to be of functional importance to the design of improved ADCC-based immunotherapy and preventative HIV vaccines.
B Cell-Specific Expression of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Protein Kinase Promotes Chronic Gammaherpesvirus Infection
Authors: Darrah Eric J. , Kulinski Joseph M. , Mboko Wadzanai P. , Xin Gang , Malherbe Laurent P. , Gauld Stephen B. , Cui Weiguo , Tarakanova Vera L.
Published: July 2017

Manipulation of host cellular pathways is a strategy employed by gammaherpesviruses, including mouse gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), in order to negotiate a chronic infection. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) plays a unique yet incompletely understood role in gammaherpesvirus infection, as it has both proviral and antiviral effects. Chronic gammaherpesvirus infection is poorly controlled in a host with global ATM insufficiency, whether the host is a mouse or a human. In contrast, ATM facilitates replication, reactivation, and latency establishment of several gammaherpesviruses
in vitro
, suggesting that ATM is proviral in the context of infected cell cultures. The proviral role of ATM is also evident
in vivo
, as myeloid-specific ATM expression facilitates MHV68 reactivation during the establishment of viral latency. In order to better understand the complex relationship between host ATM and gammaherpesvirus infection, we depleted ATM specifically in B cells, a cell type critical for chronic gammaherpesvirus infection. B cell-specific ATM deficiency attenuated the establishment of viral latency due to compromised differentiation of ATM-deficient B cells. Further, we found that during long-term infection, peritoneal B-1b, but not related B-1a, B cells display the highest frequency of gammaherpesvirus infection. While ATM expression did not affect gammaherpesvirus tropism for B-1 B cells, B cell-specific ATM expression was necessary to support viral reactivation from peritoneal cells during long-term infection. Thus, our study reveals a role of ATM as a host factor that promotes chronic gammaherpesvirus infection of B cells.

IMPORTANCE
Gammaherpesviruses infect a majority of the human population and are associated with cancer, including B cell lymphomas. ATM is a unique host kinase that has both proviral and antiviral roles in the context of gammaherpesvirus infection. Further, there is insufficient understanding of the interplay of these roles
in vivo
during chronic infection. In this study, we show that ATM expression by splenic B cells is required for efficient establishment of gammaherpesvirus latency. We also show that ATM expression by peritoneal B cells is required to facilitate viral reactivation during long-term infection. Thus, our study defines a proviral role of B cell-specific ATM expression during chronic gammaherpesvirus infection.
Cyclical Cushing's: how best to catch the ups and downs
Authors: Humayun Malik Asif , Hart Tanya , Richardson Tristan
Published: July 2017

A 68-year-old man with a background of hypertension and type 2 diabetes presented with fluctuating symptoms of muscle aches and pains and tiredness. His initial work-up for the possibility of hypercortisolaemia showed a completely variable pattern, with 24-hour cortisol excretion and serum cortisol post 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test ranging from normal to significantly elevated. A series of salivary cortisol with symptom diary confirmed the cyclical nature of hypercortisolaemia, and his concomitant adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were elevated. An inferior petrosal sinus sampling, performed during hypercortisolaemic phase of his cycle,suggested a central source of ACTH secretion. He had unsuccessful exploration of his pituitary and was eventually treated with bilateral adrenalectomy followed by lifelong steroid replacement. His symptoms improved immediately, and he came off his oral hypoglycaemic and antihypertensive agents within 6 months following his surgery.
Evidence in support of the call to ban the tackle and harmful contact in school rugby: a response to World Rugby
Authors: Pollock Allyson M , White Adam John , Kirkwood Graham
Published: July 2017

In a paper published inBJSM(June 2016), World Rugby employees Ross Tucker and Martin Raftery and a third coauthor Evert Verhagen took issue with the recent call to ban tackling in school rugby in the UK and Ireland. That call (to ban tackling) was supported by a systematic review published inBJSM. Tuckeret alclaim that: (1) the mechanisms and risk factors for injury along with the incidence and severity of injury in youth rugby union have not been thoroughly identified or understood; (2) rugby players are at no greater risk of injury than other sports people, (3) this is particularly the case for children under 15 years and (4) removing the opportunity to learn the tackle from school pupils might increase rates of injuries. They conclude that a ban ‘may be unnecessary and may also lead to unintended consequences such as an increase in the risk of injury later in participation.’ Here we aim to rebut the case by Tuckeret al. We share new research that extends the findings of our original systematic review and meta-analysis. A cautionary approach requires the removal of the tackle from school rugby as the quickest and most effective method of reducing high injury rates in youth rugby, a public health priority.
Red mites in backyard chickens
Authors: Kenyon John
Published: July 2017

A common problem for backyard chicken keepers, as well as commercial enterprises for laying hens, is infestation of the birds’ environment with Dermanyssus gallinae, commonly known as red mites. This article explores the challenges to keeping birds free from parasites, as well as how to diagnose, treat and control infestations when they occur.
Carotid stenting for unilateral stenosis can increase contralateral hemispheric cerebral blood flow
Authors: Sadato Akiyo , Maeda Shingo , Hayakawa Motoharu , Adachi Kazuhide , Toyama Hiroshi , Nakahara Ichiro , Hirose Yuichi
Published: July 2017

Background

The revascularization of carotid stenosis can increase ipsilateral cerebral blood flow (CBF). Occasionally, elevated CBF is also evident on the contralateral side, but this phenomenon is poorly understood.

Objective

To analyze retrospectively the relationship between a contralateral CBF increase and several clinical and radiologic features.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with unilateral cervical carotid stenosis treated by carotid artery stenting (CAS). Using123I-iodamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); we compared pre- and postoperative hemispheric CBF on both sides. We investigated the influence of the following five factors on the increase of the contralateral hemispheric CBF: stenosis grade (≥50% or <50%, according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria); age; the presence of anterior and posterior communicating arteries; postoperative hyperperfusion on the stenotic side; and the presence of cerebral steal phenomenon during preoperative acetazolamide-challenge SPECT.

Results

Following unilateral CAS, mean hemispheric CBF increased significantly on both sides: from 33.4±5.6 (mean ± SD) to 38.7±7.8 mL/min on the operated side (paired t test, p<0.001) and f35.4±5.4 to 39.2±7.2 mL/min on the contralateral side (p<0.001). In a general linear model, stenosis grade (≥50%) alone was significantly correlated with the increase of the CBF on the contralateral side (p=0.03).

Conclusion

Revascularization by CAS for unilateral carotid stenosis can increase hemispheric CBF on both sides. Increase of the contralateral CBF is correlated with stenosis grade (≥50%).
Nurse-coordinated care improves the achievement of LDL cholesterol targets through more intensive medication titration
Authors: Snaterse Marjolein , Jorstad Harald T , Heiligenberg Marlies , ter Riet Gerben , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Scholte op Reimer Wilma , Peters Ron J
Published: July 2017

Background

Nurse-coordinated care (NCC) improves the achievement of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesised that NCC improves achievement of LDL-C targets through more intensive medication titration.

Methods

We used data from Randomised Evaluation of Secondary Prevention by Outpatient Nurse Specialists (RESPONSE), a multicentre randomised trial on the efficacy of NCC in 754 ACS patients. Follow-up data were collected at 6 and 12 months. To enable comparison between the various types and dosages of statins, we used the average lipid-lowering potency (ALLP, % LDL-C lowering) as an indicator of lipid-lowering medication intensity.

Results

Most patients in NCC intervention and usual care groups (96%) had started lipid-lowering therapy during the index hospitalisation. At 6 months, titration activities (up or down) were applied in 45% of NCC patients compared with 24% of patients receiving usual care (p<0.001), and a difference was also seen at 12 months follow-up (52% vs 34%, p<0.001). In patients not on LDL-C target at baseline, titration activities at 6 months were recorded in 63% and 30% of NCC and usual care patients respectively (p<0.001), with increased titration activities in both groups at 12 months (69% vs 43%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

NCC is associated with more frequent and intense lipid-lowering medication titration to reach LDL-C targets as compared with usual care alone. Further, merely starting the guideline-recommended dose is insufficient to reach the guideline-recommended LDL-C target level.

Trial Registration number

TC1290 (Netherlands).
A missing voice: the human rights of children to a tobacco-free environment
Authors: Toebes Brigit , Gispen Marie Elske , Been Jasper V , Sheikh Aziz
Published: July 2017

In this commentary, we flag the importance of taking a child-rights approach in the context of tobacco control, which is thus far unprecedented. This text was written in response to the Seventh Conference of States Parties of WHOs Framework Convention on Tobacco Control held in India from 7 to 12 November 2016.

While the links between tobacco control and human rights were emphasised at this conference, a child-rights approach was missing. We argue that this novel angle provides important legal tools to protect the health and well-being of children. Because children are seen as ‘replacement smokers’ by the tobacco industry, protecting children in this context is key to haltering the devastating effects of tobacco use and exposure worldwide.
A physically meaningful homogenization approach to determine equivalent elastic properties of layered soil
Authors: Guo Peijun , Stolle Dieter F.E.
Published: July 2017

A simple, yet physically meaningful, homogenization approach to determine the “equivalent” elastic properties for a layered medium is proposed. The proposed approach makes use of the Reuss and Voigt approximations without employing auxiliary stresses and strains related to the different elastic properties of the material layers. When assuming that the constituent materials are isotropic, some special features of the equivalent homogeneous medium are discussed for special cases in which all layers have either the same Poisson’s ratio, elastic modulus or shear modulus. A methodology to determine the equivalent anisotropic elastic properties of multi-layered soils is proposed, in which all required quantities are physically meaningful and can be determined directly. The applicability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through tests on two types of soils, one of which has a varved structure while the other is isotropic.
Carbon dioxide water-bath treatment augments peripheral blood flow through the development of angiogenesis
Authors: Xu Yan-Jun , Elimban Vijayan , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we investigated the effects of CO2 water-bath therapy on blood flow and angiogenesis in the ischemic hind limb, as well as some plasma angiogenic factors in peripheral ischemic model. The hind limb ischemia was induced by occluding the femoral artery for 2 weeks in rats and treated with or without CO2 water-bath therapy at 37 °C for 4 weeks (20 min treatment every day for 5 days per week). The peak blood flow and minimal and mean blood flow in the ischemic skeletal muscle were markedly increased by the CO2 water-bath therapy. This increase in blood flow was associated with development of angiogenesis in the muscle, as well as reduction in the ischemia-induced increase in plasma malondialdehyde levels. Although plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide levels were increased in animals with peripheral ischemia, the changes in these biomarkers were not affected by CO2 water-bath therapy. These results suggest that augmentation of blood flow in the ischemic hind limb by CO2 water-bath therapy may be due to the development of angiogenesis and reduction in oxidative stress.
Resveratrol prevents angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells through the transactivation of growth factor receptors
Authors: Hossain Ekhtear , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B.
Published: July 2017

We previously showed that augmented levels of endogenous angiotensin II (AngII) contribute to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hypertrophy through the transactivation of growth factor receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Resveratrol (RV), a polyphenolic component of red wine, has also been shown to attenuate AngII-evoked VSMC hypertrophy; however, the molecular mechanism mediating this response is obscure. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine whether RV could prevent AngII-induced VSMC hypertrophy through the transactivation of growth factor receptor and associated signaling pathways. AngII treatment of VSMC enhanced the protein synthesis that was attenuated towards control levels by RV pretreatment as well as by the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, c-Src, and growth factor receptors. Furthermore, RV pretreatment also inhibited enhanced levels of superoxide anion, NADPH oxidase activity, increased expression of NADPH oxidase subunits, and phosphorylation of c-Src, EGF-R, PDGE-R, ERK1/2, and AKT1/2. In conclusion, these results indicate that RV attenuates AngII-induced VSMC hypertrophy through the inhibition of enhanced oxidative stress and activation of c-Src, growth factor receptors, and MAPK/AKT signaling. We suggest that RV could be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of vascular complications associated with hypertension and hypertrophy.
Investigation of third-order nonlinear optical properties of DMIT derivatives by Z-scan technique
Authors: Chen Jing-Wei , Wang Xin-Qiang , Ren Quan , Li Ting-Bin , Yang Hong-Liang
Published: July 2017

Three 1,3-dithiole-2-thioxo-4,5-dithiolato compounds, ethyltriphenylphosphonium bis(2-thioxo-1.3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)aurate(III) (TPEPADT), benzyltriethylamine bis(2-thioxo-1.3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)aurate(III) (BTEAADT) and benzyltriethylamine bis(2-thioxo-1.3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)nickel(III) (BTEANDT), were synthesized and the BTEAADT-doped PMMA thin film (BD film) and TPEPADT-doped PMMA thin film (TD film) with mass fraction of 1% were prepared by spin-coating method. The third-order nonlinear optical properties of thin films and three compounds in acetonitrile solutions were investigated by using the laser [Formula: see text]-scan technique with 20 ps pulses at 1064 nm. The [Formula: see text]-scan spectra revealed that TPEPADT and BTEAADT exhibited self-defocusing effect and negligible nonlinear absorption, but BTEANDT exhibited self-focusing effect and stronger saturable absorption. The reason for this difference was analyzed. The magnitudes of third-order nonlinear refractive indices and third-order nonlinear susceptibility were [Formula: see text], 10[Formula: see text] esu for the solution samples and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] esu for thin films. All these results suggest that these materials are promising candidates for application in the nonlinear optical area at infrared band.
Grain and pore microtexture in sandstone sill and depositional sandstone reservoirs: preliminary insights
Authors: Wu Feng , Hurst Andrew , Grippa Antonio
Published: July 2017

Petrographical microtextural analysis and conventional core-plug analysis of samples from a depositional sandstone and a sandstone sill are used to compare with similar data derived from micro-CT (MCT) analysis of the same samples. A remarkable richness of information derived from the MCT data identifies isotropic granular and pore fabrics at the micrometre-scale in the sandstone sill that contrast markedly with the laminated fabric in the depositional sandstone. In the sandstone sill, porosity and permeability are more homogenous than in the depositional sandstone, in which lamination creates approaching two-orders of magnitude difference in permeability and enhances horizontal permeability relative to vertical permeability. In the sill, lower pore- and throat-shape factors and larger pore coordinate numbers are present than in the depositional sandstone. Preservation of the isotropic pore and grain structure in the sandstone sill is indicative of significant fluidized flow normal to the fracture margin during emplacement.
The Design and Implementation of the Synchronous Language CÉU
Authors: Sant'anna Francisco , Ierusalimschy Roberto , Rodriguez Noemi , Rossetto Silvana , Branco Adriano
Published: July 2017

C
éU
is a synchronous language targeting soft real-time systems. It is inspired by Esterel and has a simple semantics with fine-grain control over program execution. C
éU
uses an event-triggered notion of time that enables compile-time checks to detect conflicting concurrent statements, resulting in deterministic and concurrency-safe programs. We present the particularities of our design in comparison to Esterel, such as stack-based internal events, concurrency checks, safe integration with C, and first-class timers. We also present two implementation back ends: one aiming for resource efficiency and interoperability with C, and another as a virtual machine that allows remote reprogramming.
Modeling and Evaluating a Robust Feedback-Based Reputation System for E-Commerce Platforms
Authors: Panagopoulos A. , Koutrouli E. , Tsalgatidou A.
Published: July 2017

Despite the steady growth of e-commerce communities in the past two decades, little has changed in the way these communities manage reputation for building trust and for protecting their member's financial interests against fraud. As these communities mature and the defects of their reputation systems are revealed, further potential for deception against their members is created, that pushes the need for novel reputation mechanisms. Although a high volume of research works has explored the concepts of reputation and trust in e-communities, most of the proposed reputation systems target decentralized e-communities, focusing on issues related with the decentralized reputation management; they have not thus been integrated in e-commerce platforms. This work's objective is to provide an attackresilient feedback-based reputation system for modern e-commerce platforms, while minimizing the incurred financial burden of potent security schemes. Initially, we discuss a series of attacks and issues in reputation systems and study the different approaches of these problems from related works, while also considering the structural properties, defense mechanisms and policies of existing platforms. Then we present our proposition for a robust reputation system which consists of a novel reputation metric and attack prevention mechanisms. Finally, we describe the simulation framework and tool that we have implemented for thoroughly testing and evaluating the metric's resilience against attacks and present the evaluation experiments and their results. We consider the presented simulation framework as the second contribution of our article, aiming at facilitating the simulation and elaborate evaluation of reputation systems which specifically target e-commerce platforms by thoroughly presenting it, exhibiting its usage and making it available to the research community.
AROMA
Authors: Al-Sallab Ahmad , Baly Ramy , Hajj Hazem , Shaban Khaled Bashir , El-Hajj Wassim , Badaro Gilbert
Published: July 2017

While research on English opinion mining has already achieved significant progress and success, work on Arabic opinion mining is still lagging. This is mainly due to the relative recency of research efforts in developing natural language processing (NLP) methods for Arabic, handling its morphological complexity, and the lack of large-scale opinion resources for Arabic. To close this gap, we examine the class of models used for English and that do not require extensive use of NLP or opinion resources. In particular, we consider the Recursive Auto Encoder (RAE). However, RAE models are not as successful in Arabic as they are in English, due to their limitations in handling the morphological complexity of Arabic, providing a more complete and comprehensive input features for the auto encoder, and performing semantic composition following the natural way constituents are combined to express the overall meaning. In this article, we propose
A
R
ecursive Deep Learning Model for
O
pinion
M
ining in
A
rabic (AROMA) that addresses these limitations. AROMA was evaluated on three Arabic corpora representing different genres and writing styles. Results show that AROMA achieved significant performance improvements compared to the baseline RAE. It also outperformed several well-known approaches in the literature.
On the Interactions Between Value Prediction and Compiler Optimizations in the Context of EOLE
Authors: Endo Fernando A. , Perais Arthur , Seznec André
Published: July 2017

Increasing instruction-level parallelism is regaining attractiveness within the microprocessor industry.

The {Early | Out-of-order | Late} Execution (EOLE) microarchitecture and Differential Value TAgged GEometric (D-VTAGE) value predictor were recently introduced to solve practical issues of Value Prediction (VP). In particular, they remove the most significant difficulties that forbade an effective VP hardware.

In this study, we present a detailed evaluation of the potential of VP in the context of EOLE/D-VTAGE and different compiler options. Our study shows that if no single general rule always applies—more optimization might sometimes lead to more performance—unoptimized codes often get a large benefit from the prediction of redundant loads.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide drives cardiorespiratory responses to heat stress in neonatal mice
Authors: Barrett Karlene T. , Daubenspeck John A. , Wilson Richard J. A.
Published: July 2017

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has emerged as a principal and rate-limiting regulator of physiological stress responses in adult rodents and has been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Recent studies show that PACAP plays a role in neonatal cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia, hypercapnia, and hypothermia, but not hyperthermia, which is often associated with SIDS. Here we tested the hypothesis that, consistent with a role in SIDS, PACAP is involved in regulating the neonatal cardiorespiratory responses to severe heat. To address this, we used head-out plethysmography and surface ECG electrodes to study the cardiorespiratory physiology of conscious neonatal PACAP-null and wild-type mice at ambient temperatures of 32°C (baseline) and 40°C (heat stress). We also assessed body surface temperature as an indicator of cutaneous heat loss. Our results show that wild-type neonatal mice respond to heat stress by increasing ventilation ( P = 0.007) and associated expired CO2( P = 0.041), heart rate ( P < 0.001), and cutaneous heat loss ( P < 0.001). In PACAP-null neonates, this heat response is impaired, as indicated by a decrease in ventilation ( P = 0.04) and associated expired CO2( P = 0.006) and a blunted increase in heart rate ( P = 0.001) and cutaneous heat loss ( P = 0.0002). In addition, heart rate variability at baseline was lower in PACAP-null neonates than wild-type controls ( P < 0.01). These results suggest that, during heat stress, PACAP is important for neonatal cardiorespiratory responses that help regulate body temperature. Abnormal PACAP regulation could, therefore, contribute to neonatal disorders in which the autonomic response to stress is impaired, such as SIDS.
PGE2upregulates renin through E-prostanoid receptor 1 via PKC/cAMP/CREB pathway in M-1 cells
Authors: Gonzalez Alexis A. , Salinas-Parra Nicolas , Leach Dan , Navar L. Gabriel , Prieto Minolfa C.
Published: July 2017

During the early phase of ANG II-dependent hypertension, tubular PGE2is increased. Renin synthesis and secretion in the collecting duct (CD) are upregulated by ANG II, contributing to further intratubular ANG II formation. However, what happens first and whether the triggering mechanism is independent of tubular ANG II remain unknown. PGE2stimulates renin synthesis in juxtaglomerular cells via E-prostanoid (EP) receptors through the cAMP/cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) pathway. EP receptors are also expressed in the CD. Here, we tested the hypothesis that renin is upregulated by PGE2in CD cells. The M-1 CD cell line expressed EP1, EP3, and EP4 but not EP2. Dose-response experiments, in the presence of ANG II type 1 receptor blockade with candesartan, demonstrated that 10−6M PGE2maximally increases renin mRNA (approximately 4-fold) and prorenin/renin protein levels (approximately 2-fold). This response was prevented by micromolar doses of SC-19220 (EP1 antagonist), attenuated by the EP4 antagonist, L-161982, and exacerbated by the highly selective EP3 antagonist, L-798106 (~10-fold increase). To evaluate further the signaling pathway involved, we used the PKC inhibitor calphostin C and transfections with PKCα dominant negative. Both strategies blunted the PGE2-induced increases in cAMP levels, CREB phosphorylation, and augmentation of renin. Knockdown of the EP1 receptor and CREB also prevented renin upregulation. These results indicate that PGE2increases CD renin expression through the EP1 receptor via the PKC/cAMP/CREB pathway. Therefore, we conclude that during the early stages of ANG II-dependent hypertension, there is augmentation of PGE2that stimulates renin in the CD, resulting in increased tubular ANG II formation and further stimulation of renin.
Inflammation and premature aging in advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P. , Dekker Marijke J. , Usvyat Len A. , Kotanko Peter , van der Sande Frank M. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Shiels Paul G. , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: July 2017

Systemic inflammation in end-stage renal disease is an established risk factor for mortality and a catalyst for other complications, which are related to a premature aging phenotype, including muscle wasting, vascular calcification, and other forms of premature vascular disease, depression, osteoporosis, and frailty. Uremic inflammation is also mechanistically related to mechanisms involved in the aging process, such as telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered nutrient sensing, which can have a direct effect on cellular and tissue function. In addition to uremia-specific causes, such as abnormalities in the phosphate-Klotho axis, there are remarkable similarities between the pathophysiology of uremic inflammation and so-called “inflammaging” in the general population. Potentially relevant, but still somewhat unexplored in this respect, are abnormal or misplaced protein structures, as well as abnormalities in tissue homeostasis, which evoke danger signals through damage-associated molecular patterns, as well as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Systemic inflammation, in combination with the loss of kidney function, can impair the resilience of the body to external and internal stressors by reduced functional and structural tissue reserves, and by impairing normal organ crosstalk, thus providing an explanation for the greatly increased risk of homeostatic breakdown in this population. In this review, the relationship between uremic inflammation and a premature aging phenotype, as well as potential causes and consequences, are discussed.
Genesis of the Bairendaba Ag-Zn-Pb Deposit, Southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: A Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Study
Authors: Li Shunda , Wang Keyong , Wang Yicun , Zhang Xuebing , Quan Hongyan
Published: July 2017

The Bairendaba deposit is the largest Ag-Zn-Pb deposit in Inner Mongolia. Vein and disseminated ores occur in biotite-plagioclase gneiss and quartz diorite along regional EW trending faults. Microthermometric data for H2O-NaCl ± CH4  ± CO2fluid inclusions record a decrease in homogenization temperature and salinity of ore-forming fluids with time. Early and main-stage mineralization have homogenization temperatures of 242°–395°C and 173°–334°C, respectively, compared with 138°–213°C for late-stage mineralization. Fluid salinities for early mineralization have a bimodal distribution, dominantly 4.2–11.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent, with 35.2–37.8 wt.% NaCl equivalent for a small population of halite-bearing inclusions. Main- and late-stage fluids have salinities of 2.1–10.2 wt.% NaCl equivalent and 0.7–8.4 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data indicate the interaction of a magmatic fluid with wall rocks in early mineralization, followed by the introduction of meteoric water during late-stage mineralization. Values of –15.9‰to –12‰(δ13CPDB) for hydrothermal quartz indicate that organic-rich strata were the source of carbon. Sulfur had a magmatic source, based on values of –0.1‰to 1.5‰(δ34SV-CDT) for sulfide minerals. The Bairendaba deposit is a typical mesothermal system with mineralization controlled by structure.
Exclusive Use of Air as Gas Tamponade in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Pak Kang Yeun , Lee Seok Jae , Kwon Han Jo , Park Sung Who , Byon Ik Soo , Lee Ji Eun
Published: July 2017

Purpose. To investigate outcomes of vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using air exclusively as the gas tamponade. Methods. This retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series involved reviewing medical records of patients that underwent vitrectomy and gas tamponade for RRD between January 2013 and December 2015. Patients whose eyes were treated exclusively with air tamponade since July 2014 were assigned to the air group, while those treated with heterogeneous gas agents before June 2014 were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome was the primary reattachment rate. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and duration to detect redetachments were assigned as the secondary outcomes. Results. The air group and the control group included 71 and 72 eyes, respectively. The primary reattachment rate was 94.4% in the air group and there was no significant difference with 94.4% in the control group (p=0.951). BCVA was significantly better in the air group at 1 month (p=0.021) but not at 3 months postoperatively (p=0.561). Redetachments were recognized earlier in the air group (9.3 ± 0.5 days) compared with those in the control group (21.3 ± 7.4 days) (p=0.041). Conclusions. In cases of simple RRD with sufficient removal of subretinal fluid, air could be considered for use as gas tamponade. This trial is registered with KCT0002358.
A Comparative Study of the Photodegradation of Two Series of Cyclic Olefin Copolymers
Authors: Gutiérrez-Villarreal Mario H. , Zavala-Betancourt Sara A.
Published: July 2017

A series of commercial cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), namely, ethylene-norbornene (E-NB) and ethylene-tetracyclododecene (E-TD), were processed as thin films with thicknesses of 25 μm by an extrusion process. The photodegradation of neat and formulated films with different metal stearates (Fe, Co, and Mn) was investigated using an ultraviolet (UV) light lamp (340 nm) for a period of 30 days in an accelerated weathering tester model QUV from Q-LAB according to the ASTM D 5208-01 standard practice. Changes in carbonyl index (CI) and tensile properties were used to evaluate the photodegradation of the films and other properties, such as Tg variation by DSC, were also analyzed. The present study reveals that (E-NB) copolymers show higher sensitivity to photodegradation than (E-TD) resins, in the absence and presence of metal stearates. We also find that the Fe salt shows the highest oxidative activity.
Characterization of Interleukin-15-Transpresenting Dendritic Cells for Clinical Use
Authors: Van den Bergh J. M. J. , Smits E. L. J. M. , Versteven M. , De Reu H. , Berneman Z. N. , Van Tendeloo V. F. I. , Lion E.
Published: July 2017

Personalized dendritic cell- (DC-) based vaccination has proven to be safe and effective as second-line therapy against various cancer types. In terms of overall survival, there is still room for improvement of DC-based therapies, including the development of more immunostimulatory DC vaccines. In this context, we redesigned our currently clinically used DC vaccine generation protocol to enable transpresentation of interleukin- (IL-) 15 to IL-15Rβγ-expressing cells aiming at boosting the antitumor immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that upon electroporation with both IL-15 and IL-15Rα-encoding messenger RNA, mature DC become highly positive for surface IL-15, without influencing the expression of prototypic mature DC markers and with preservation of their cytokine-producing capacity and their migratory profile. Functionally, we show that IL-15-transpresenting DC are equal if not better inducers of T-cell proliferation and are superior in tumor antigen-specific T-cell activation compared with DC without IL-15 conditioning. In view of the clinical use of DC vaccines, we evidence with a time- and cost-effective manner that clinical grade DC can be safely engineered to transpresent IL-15, hereby gaining the ability to transfer the immune-stimulating IL-15 signal towards antitumor immune effector cells.
Antiobesity Effects of Anthocyanins in Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Azzini Elena , Giacometti Jasminka , Russo Gian Luigi
Published: July 2017

The natural phytochemicals present in foods, including anthocyanins, might play a role in attenuating obesity by producing a decrease in weight and adipose tissue. This review focused on current knowledge about anthocyanins’ role in obesity and its related comorbidities reported in animal models and humans. We summarized their target identification and mechanism of action through several pathways and their final effects on health and well‐being. Into consideration of ongoing researches, we highlighted the following key points: a healthy relationship between anthocyanin supplementation and antiobesity effects suffers of the same pros and cons evidenced when the beneficial responses to other phytochemical treatments towards different degenerative diseases have been considered; the different dosage applied in animal versus clinical studies; the complex metabolism and biotransformation to which anthocyanins and phytochemicals are subjected in the intestine and tissues; the possibility that different components present in the supplemented mixtures can interact generating antagonistic, synergistic, or additive effects difficult to predict, and the difference between prevention and therapy. The evolution of the field must seriously consider the need to establish new and adequate cellular and animal models which may, in turn, allow the design of more efficient and prevention‐targeted clinical studies.
Disrupted Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Dynamics, Mitophagy, and Biogenesis during Cancer Cachexia: A Role for Inflammation
Authors: VanderVeen Brandon N. , Fix Dennis K. , Carson James A.
Published: July 2017

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of cancer cachexia in both patients and preclinical models. Cachexia is prevalent in roughly 80% of cancer patients and accounts for up to 20% of all cancer‐related deaths. Proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β have been widely examined for their regulation of cancer cachexia. An established characteristic of cachectic skeletal muscle is a disrupted capacity for oxidative metabolism, which is thought to contribute to cancer patient fatigue, diminished metabolic function, and muscle mass loss. This review’s primary objective is to highlight emerging evidence linking cancer‐induced inflammation to the dysfunctional regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and biogenesis in cachectic muscle. The potential for either muscle inactivity or exercise to alter mitochondrial dysfunction during cancer cachexia will also be discussed.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Drought Characteristics in Song-Liao River Basin in China
Authors: Shen Xiaojing , Wu Xu , Xie Xinmin , Ma Zhenzhen , Yang Meijian
Published: July 2017

The monthly accumulated precipitation and monthly average temperature of 117 meteorological stations in Song-Liao River Basin (SLRB) were used to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI) to analyze the drought characteristics, including long-term trends, drought affected area, climate abrupt change, intensive drought occurrence regions, and drought durations during 1964–2013 with the support of GIS. The Area Drought Severity (ADS), a comprehensive index, is proposed to assess both the variations of drought degree and the extent of the drought affected area. The results revealed that (1) the drought happening probability and degree are rising and the affected areas of all degrees of drought have an increasing trend during the last 50 years; (2) there is a climate abrupt change which occurred in around 1994, and the area with declining SPEI is larger than that with declining SPI, which could be due to the rising temperature after the climate abrupt change; (3) all degrees of drought occurrence probability increased, and the intensive drought occurrence regions altered from the northern SLRB to the southwestern SLRB after the climate abrupt change; (4) the drought duration increased from 1994, and the increased drought durations occurred in most parts of SLRB.
Fixed-Time Complex Modified Function Projective Lag Synchronization of Chaotic (Hyperchaotic) Complex Systems
Authors: Tran Xuan-Toa , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: July 2017

A novel fixed-time controller is proposed to perform fixed-time complex modified function projective lag synchronization of chaotic (hyperchaotic) complex systems. The synchronization is obtained after a finite time that could be preestablished without the knowledge of the initial states of both synchronized chaotic (hyperchaotic) complex systems. The global fixed-time stability of the closed-loop systems is rigorously proven based on Lyapunov analysis. Some simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method and verify the theoretical results.
Wind Induced Vibration Control and Energy Harvesting of Electromagnetic Resonant Shunt Tuned Mass-Damper-Inerter for Building Structures
Authors: Luo Yifan , Sun Hongxin , Wang Xiuyong , Zuo Lei , Chen Ning
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a novel inerter-based dynamic vibration absorber, namely, electromagnetic resonant shunt tuned mass-damper-inerter (ERS-TMDI). To obtain the performances of the ERS-TMDI, the combined ERS-TMDI and a single degree of freedom system are introduced. H2 criteria performances of the ERS-TMDI are introduced in comparison with the classical tuned mass-damper (TMD), the electromagnetic resonant shunt series TMDs (ERS-TMDs), and series-type double-mass TMDs with the aim to minimize structure damage and simultaneously harvest energy under random wind excitation. The closed form solutions, including the mechanical tuning ratio, the electrical damping ratio, the electrical tuning ratio, and the electromagnetic mechanical coupling coefficient, are obtained. It is shown that the ERS-TMDI is superior to the classical TMD, ERS-TMDs, and series-type double-mass TMDs systems for protection from structure damage. Meanwhile, in the time domain, a case study of Taipei 101 tower is presented to demonstrate the dual functions of vibration suppression and energy harvesting based on the simulation fluctuating wind series, which is generated by the inverse fast Fourier transform method. The effectiveness and robustness of ERS-TMDI in the frequency and time domain are illustrated.
MIMO Fading Emulator Development with FPGA and Its Application to Performance Evaluation of Mobile Radio Systems
Authors: Karasawa Yoshio , Nakada Katsuhiro , Sun Guijiang , Kotani Rikako
Published: July 2017

We present four new developments for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) over-the-air measurement system based on our previous studies. The first two developments relate to the channel model for multipath environment generation. One is a further simplification of the circuit configuration without performance degradation by reducing the number of delay generation units, which dominate the performance limit when implementing the circuit on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The other is to realize spatial correlation characteristics among the input ports on the transmission side, whereas the previously proposed channel model did not consider this correlation. The third development involves the details of implementing the MIMO fading emulator on an FPGA as a two-stage scheme. The fourth is the demonstration of application examples of the developed system.