bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient uptake during low-level fertilization of a large, seventh-order oligotrophic river
Authors: Ward Peter R.B. , Anders Paul J. , Minshall G. Wayne , Holderman Charlie , Hoyle Genevieve M. , Yassien Hassen
Published: May 2017

Uptake of nitrogen (total nitrogen (TN), NH4-N, and NO3-N) and phosphorus (total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) and total phosphorus (TP)) was quantified June through September 2009–2011 using whole-river fertilization in a seventh-order, P-limited river (Kootenai River, Idaho, USA), at discharges up to three orders of magnitude greater than previously studied. Mean uptake length (Sw) and uptake velocity (Vf) values were similar for dosed TDP and NH4; both had steep gradients indicating rapid uptake, while NO3-N did not. TP remained higher than reference levels. TN showed no clear pattern. Autotrophs accounted for 28% of daylight mean NO3-N uptake compared with 72% by heterotrophs. Nutrient uptake was strongly associated with chlorophyll accrual and epilithon growth rates. Mean midsummer epilithon growth and N rates roughly tripled late summer rates. TDP uptake length (Sw = 5.7 km) showed a slow increase with increasing stream order consistent with published findings. Mean TDP uptake velocity (Vf = 32 mm·min−1) was eight times greater than previously seen in smaller streams. Vf (10.9 ± 5 mm·min−1) and Sw (16.8. ± 7 km) for NO3-N increased with increasing river order and discharge.
Effect of co-doping on dielectric function spectra and static refractive indices of single-walled carbon nanotubes: A first principles study
Authors: Sharma Deepa , Jaggi Neena
Published: May 2017

This paper details a density functional theory (DFT) based ab initio study on the effect of co-doping on the dielectric function spectra and refractive indices of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Dielectric function spectra of a pristine (8,0) SWCNT; (8,0) SWCNT co-doped with aluminum (Al) and phosphorus (P); (8,0) SWCNT co-doped with Al, P, and nitrogen (N); (9,0) SWCNT doped with Al; and (9,0) SWCNT co-doped with Al and boron (B) have been calculated using DFT-based Cambridge sequential total energy package (CASTEP) code. Polarized and unpolarized light as well as light through polycrystalline media have been considered. Analysis involves calculation and comparison of static refractive indices of the pristine and co-doped SWCNTs. Co-doping with Al and P results in a substantial increase in the value of the static refractive index while co-doping of Al, N, and P results in a reduction in the value of static refractive index though it does not fall lower than that of the pristine SWCNT. Thus, it can be concluded that co-doping with atoms of different combinations of elements can be evolved as a novel and effective tool for tuning the dielectric function and static refractive index values of SWCNTs. It will prove to be highly significant for effective designing of various sensitive optical devices using SWCNTs.
FLRW cosmology of induced dark energy model and open universe
Authors: Bahrehbakhsh Amir F.
Published: May 2017

We investigate the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) type cosmology of the induced dark energy model and illustrate that the extra terms emerging from the fifth dimension can play the role of dark energy. The model predicts the expansion with deceleration at early time and acceleration in late time for an open universe.
Covariant brackets for particles and fields
Authors: Asorey M. , Ciaglia M. , Di Cosmo F. , Ibort A.
Published: May 2017

A geometrical approach to the covariant formulation of the dynamics of relativistic systems is introduced. A realization of Peierls brackets by means of a bivector field over the space of solutions of the Euler–Lagrange equations of a variational principle is presented. The method is illustrated with some relevant examples.
Hepatic FGF21 mediates sex differences in high-fat high-fructose diet-induced fatty liver
Authors: Chukijrungroat Natsasi , Khamphaya Tanaporn , Weerachayaphorn Jittima , Songserm Thaweesak , Saengsirisuwan Vitoon
Published: May 2017

The role of gender in the progression of fatty liver due to chronic high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) has not been studied. The present investigation assessed whether HFFD induced hepatic perturbations differently between the sexes and examined the potential mechanisms. Male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control diet or HFFD for 12 wk. Indexes of liver damage and hepatic steatosis were analyzed biochemically and histologically together with monitoring changes in hepatic gene and protein expression. HFFD induced a higher degree of hepatic steatosis in females, with significant increases in proteins involved in hepatic lipogenesis, whereas HFFD significantly induced liver injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress only in males. Interestingly, a significant increase in hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) protein expression was observed in HFFD-fed males but not in HFFD-fed females. Ovarian hormone deprivation by itself led to a significant reduction in FGF21 with hepatic steatosis, and HFFD further aggravated hepatic fat accumulation in OVX rats. Importantly, estrogen replacement restored hepatic FGF21 levels and reduced hepatic steatosis in HFFD-fed OVX rats. Collectively, our results indicate that male rats are more susceptible to HFFD-induced hepatic inflammation and that the mechanism underlying this sex dimorphism is mediated through hepatic FGF21 expression. Our findings reveal sex differences in the development of HFFD-induced fatty liver and indicate the protective role of estrogen against HFFD-induced hepatic steatosis.
A Combined One-Class SVM and Template-Matching Approach for User-Aided Human Fall Detection by Means of Floor Acoustic Features
Authors: Droghini Diego , Ferretti Daniele , Principi Emanuele , Squartini Stefano , Piazza Francesco
Published: May 2017

The primary cause of injury-related death for the elders is represented by falls. The scientific community devoted them particular attention, since injuries can be limited by an early detection of the event. The solution proposed in this paper is based on a combined One-Class SVM (OCSVM) and template-matching classifier that discriminate human falls from nonfalls in a semisupervised framework. Acoustic signals are captured by means of a Floor Acoustic Sensor; then Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients and Gaussian Mean Supervectors (GMSs) are extracted for the fall/nonfall discrimination. Here we propose a single-sensor two-stage user-aided approach: in the first stage, the OCSVM detects abnormal acoustic events. In the second, the template-matching classifier produces the final decision exploiting a set of template GMSs related to the events marked as false positives by the user. The performance of the algorithm has been evaluated on a corpus containing human falls and nonfall sounds. Compared to the OCSVM only approach, the proposed algorithm improves the performance by 10.14% in clean conditions and 4.84% in noisy conditions. Compared to Popescu and Mahnot (2009) the performance improvement is 19.96% in clean conditions and 8.08% in noisy conditions.
Experimental Design Validation of Tilting Calibration Mechanism by Using Shape Memory Alloy Spring Actuator
Authors: Oh Hyun-Ung , Lee Myeong-Jae , Kim Taegyu
Published: May 2017

A tilting calibration mechanism is periodically deployed to view the reference temperature target during on-board calibration of a spaceborne imaging sensor and stowed after calibration. In the present work, we have proposed a new design strategy using a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring as an actuator that provides a fail-safe function to prevent the blocking of the main optical path when the mechanical driving part of the mechanism is stopped at a certain position during on-board calibration. Although a launch locking device was not considered in the design, this approach makes it possible to impose mechanical constraints on the driving part of the mechanism in severe launch vibration environments. The effectiveness of the proposed design was experimentally validated by a deploying and stowing function test and launch vibration environment tests such as a sine burst test, a random vibration test, and a pyroshock simulating impulse shock test. The test results demonstrated that the mechanism fulfills all the required functions for on-board calibration. The use of an SMA spring actuator was proved effective for implementing the dual function of a fail-safe in an emergency phase and a mechanical constraint on the driving part of the mechanism in severe launch vibration environment.
Puerarin Protects against Cardiac Fibrosis Associated with the Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2-Mediated Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Jin Ya-Ge , Yuan Yuan , Wu Qing-Qing , Zhang Ning , Fan Di , Che Yan , Wang Zhao-Peng , Xiao Yang , Wang Sha-Sha , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: May 2017

Background. Puerarin is a kind of flavonoids and is extracted from Chinese herb Kudzu root. Puerarin is widely used as an adjuvant therapy in Chinese clinics. But little is known about its effects on regulating cardiac fibrosis. Methods. Mice were subjected to transverse aorta constriction (TAC) for 8 weeks; meanwhile puerarin was given 1 week after TAC. Cardiac fibrosis was assessed by pathological staining. The mRNA and protein changes of CD31 and vimentin in both animal and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) models were detected. Immunofluorescence colocalization of CD31 and vimentin and scratch test were carried out to examine TGF-β1-induced changes in HUVECs. The agonist and antagonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Results. Puerarin mitigated TAC-induced cardiac fibrosis, accompanied with suppressed endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The consistent results were achieved in HUVECs model. TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway was blunted and PPAR-γ expression was upregulated in puerarin-treated mice and HUVECs. Pioglitazone could reproduce the protective effect in HUVECs, while GW9662 reversed this effect imposed by puerarin. Conclusion. Puerarin protected against TAC-induced cardiac fibrosis, and this protective effect may be attributed to the upregulation of PPAR-γ and the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2-mediated EndMT.
DNA Nanobiosensors: An Outlook on Signal Readout Strategies
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arun Richard
Published: May 2017

A suite of functionalities and structural versatility makes DNA an apt material for biosensing applications. DNA-based biosensors are cost-effective and sensitive and have the potential to be used as point-of-care diagnostic tools. Along with robustness and biocompatibility, these sensors also provide multiple readout strategies. Depending on the functionality of DNA-based biosensors, a variety of output strategies have been reported: fluorescence- and FRET-based readout, nanoparticle-based colorimetry, spectroscopy-based techniques, electrochemical signaling, gel electrophoresis, and atomic force microscopy.
Structure Optimization of Safety Investment of Petrochemical Port Enterprises
Authors: Hou Zhiqiang , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2017

Safety investment is an essential guarantee to identify and manage potential security problems in petrochemical port enterprises. The reasonability of safety investment structure determines overall security risks in an enterprise. Based on the definition of risks, combining Cobb‐Douglas production function with FTA probability model, and taking Gompertz curve model as the constraint condition, structure optimization model of safety investment is built in order to minimize risks and work out the safety investment structure of petrochemical port enterprises. According to the case study, the calculations indicate that safety investment in corporate management presents a larger growth rate than past years and that unsafe act of human being is the main factor accounting for the greatest probability of occurrence, which is consistent with previous accident investigation results as well as enterprise reality. This testifies that the model is effective and that the results can guide the allocation of safety investment of petrochemical port enterprises scientifically.
Integrated 6-DOF Orbit-Attitude Dynamical Modeling and Control Using Geometric Mechanics
Authors: Jiang Ling , Wang Yue , Xu Shijie
Published: May 2017

The integrated 6-DOF orbit-attitude dynamical modeling and control have shown great importance in various missions, for example, formation flying and proximity operations. The integrated approach yields better performances than the separate one in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and agility. One challenge in the integrated approach is to find a unified representation for the 6-DOF motion with configuration space SE(3). Recently, exponential coordinates of SE(3) have been used in dynamics and control of the 6-DOF motion, however, only on the kinematical level. In this paper, we will improve the current method by adopting exponential coordinates on the dynamical level, by giving the relation between the second-order derivative of exponential coordinates and spacecraft’s accelerations. In this way, the 6-DOF motion in terms of exponential coordinates can be written as a second-order system with a quite compact form, to which a broader range of control theories, such as higher-order sliding modes, can be applied. For a demonstration purpose, a simple asymptotic tracking control law with almost global convergence is designed. Finally, the integrated modeling and control are applied to the body-fixed hovering over an asteroid and verified by a simulation, in which absolute motions of the spacecraft and asteroid are simulated separately.
An HTML5-Based Pure Website Solution for Rapidly Viewing and Processing Large-Scale 3D Medical Volume Reconstruction on Mobile Internet
Authors: Qiao Liang , Chen Xin , Zhang Ye , Zhang Jingna , Wu Yi , Li Ying , Mo Xuemei , Chen Wei , Xie Bing , Qiu Mingguo
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to propose a pure web-based solution to serve users to access large-scale 3D medical volume anywhere with good user experience and complete details. A novel solution of the Master-Slave interaction mode was proposed, which absorbed advantages of remote volume rendering and surface rendering. On server side, we designed a message-responding mechanism to listen to interactive requests from clients (Slave model) and to guide Master volume rendering. On client side, we used HTML5 to normalize user-interactive behaviors on Slave model and enhance the accuracy of behavior request and user-friendly experience. The results showed that more than four independent tasks (each with a data size of 249.4 MB) could be simultaneously carried out with a 100-KBps client bandwidth (extreme test); the first loading time was <12 s, and the response time of each behavior request for final high quality image remained at approximately 1 s, while the peak value of bandwidth was <50-KBps. Meanwhile, the FPS value for each client was ≥40. This solution could serve the users by rapidly accessing the application via one URL hyperlink without special software and hardware requirement in a diversified network environment and could be easily integrated into other telemedical systems seamlessly.
Approximation of Durrmeyer Type Operators Depending on Certain Parameters
Authors: Malik Neha , Araci Serkan , Beniwal Man Singh
Published: May 2017

Motivated by a number of recent investigations, we consider a new analogue of Bernstein-Durrmeyer operators based on certain variants. We derive some approximation properties of these operators. We also compute local approximation and Voronovskaja type asymptotic formula. We illustrate the convergence of aforementioned operators by making use of the software MATLAB which we stated in the paper.
Drought Assessment and Projection under Climate Change: A Case Study in the Middle and Lower Jinsha River Basin
Authors: Yuan Zhe , Xu Jijun , Chen Jin , Huo Junjun , Yu Yangyue , Locher Peter , Xu Bin
Published: May 2017

To gain an insight into the spatiotemporal variability of drought events and to assess trends under future climate change scenarios are fundamental for making sound mitigation and adaptation strategies. A new drought index, standardized supply-demand water index (SSDI), has been proposed in this research. The SSDI describes drought from the view of water supply-demand relations using a simple water balance model. It was used to assess historical drought events in the middle and lower Jinsha river basin (MLJRB) located in the southwest China and applied to address the drought conditions in the MLJRB under current and future climates. The results showed the following: (1) The average drought area during 2001 to 2011 reached up to 9.9 × 103 km2, accounting for 35.4% of the whole farmland area in the MLJRB, which was about twice as the drought area during 1961 to 2000. The region for greater drought severity with more drought events and longer duration was mainly distributed in Dali, Chuxiong, Kunming, and Yuxi. (2) For the period 2021 to 2050, total drought area was projected to increase by 43.2%. The drought-prone regions could move further towards the northwest of the MLJRB.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Based Regimen as Compared to Zidovudine Based Regimens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dadi Tegene Legese , Kefale Adane Teshome , Mega Teshale Ayele , Kedir Muktar Sano , Addo Habtamu Acho , Biru Tessema Tsehay
Published: May 2017

Background. Although tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) and zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC)/efavirenz (EFV) are used as preferred first line regimen, their head-to-head comparison in terms of their efficacy and tolerability was limited. This review aimed to synthesize the best available evidence on the comparative efficacy and tolerability of the two regimens.Methods. Seven sites and databases in addition to Google search until August 20, 2016, were searched. Only randomized clinical trials conducted on adult population were included in this study. Our primary outcome was viral load suppression while secondary outcomes were death and tolerability. Undetectable viral load is defined as <50 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) copies/ml. Joanna Briggs institute meta-analysis of statistics assessment and review instrument (JBI-MAStARI) and critical appraisal and data extraction tool were applied for critical assessment and data extraction, respectively. We performed a random effect meta-analysis to pool the relative risk (RR) for viral load suppression (<50 HIV RNA copies/ml and <400 HIV RNA copies/ml), tolerability, and death.Result. Data was extracted from four articles, which included a total of 2381 participants. We found superior viral load suppression among tenofovir (TDF) arm compared to zidovudine (ZDV) arm. Tenofovir arm achieves viral load <50 HIV RNA copies/ml (RR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.04, 1.21],I2=0%) higher than zidovudine arm. Similarly TDF arm is superior in viral load suppression to <400 HIV RNA copies/ml (RR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.11, 1.27],I2=0%). Moreover, TDF based regimens were more likely to be tolerated than ZDV based regimens (4 trials, 2381 participants (RR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.02, 1.10],I2=51%)). However, forest plot of death shows that it was not significant (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.51, 1.62]).Conclusion. The use of TDF/FTC/EFV as first line regimen for naïve HIV-1 infected adult patient showed superior viral load suppression and tolerability as compared to ZDV/3TC/EFV. In order to compare the death outcome of both ZDV/3TC/EFV and TDF/FTC/EFV further research is needed.
DCAR: DTN Congestion Avoidance Routing Algorithm Based on Tokens in an Urban Environment
Authors: Wang Hezhe , Lv Hongwu , Wang Huiqiang , Feng Guangsheng
Published: May 2017

When a delay/disruption tolerant network (DTN) is applied in an urban scenario, the network is mainly composed of mobile devices carried by pedestrians, cars, and other vehicles, and the node’s movement trajectory is closely related to its social relationships and regular life; thus, most existing DTN routing algorithms cannot show efficient network performance in urban scenarios. In this paper, we propose a routing algorithm, called DCRA, which divides the urban map into grids; fixed sink stations are established in specific grids such that the communication range of each fixed sink station can cover a specific number of grids; these grids are defined as a cluster and allocated a number of tokens in each cluster; the tokens in the cluster are controlled by the fixed sink station. A node will transmit messages to a relay node that has a larger remaining buffer size and encounters fixed sink stations or the destination node more frequently after it obtains a message transmit token. Simulation experiments are carried out to verify the performance of the DCAR under an urban scenario, and results show that the DCAR algorithm is superior to existing routing algorithms in terms of delivery ratio, average delay, and network overhead.
Role of Personality in Behavioral Responses to New Environments in Captive Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica)
Authors: Quintavalle Pastorino Giovanni , Viau Anna , Curone Giulio , Pearce-Kelly Paul , Faustini Massimo , Vigo Daniele , Mazzola Silvia Michela , Preziosi Richard
Published: May 2017

Studying personality in captive animals may enable the development of individual-based management decisions, which may improve animal welfare. Asiatic lions at London Zoo represent an opportunity to research an understudied species’ response to new environments since they have experienced social and physical changes, such as new enclosures and increased social interaction with humans. This project aimed to investigate the role of personality in behavioral responses to these changes. Lion personality questionnaires completed by keepers and direct focal animal observations were used to create personality profiles. Time budgets and enclosure use were determined and compared between control nights and event nights and between the lions’ previous enclosure and their new one. The results showed a lack of difference in time budget and enclosure use between control and social event nights, and the spread of participation index values revealed that the lions use their enclosures unevenly. Personality profiles identified various traits that could assist with individual-based management decisions. As the first study to assess Asiatic lions personality, this research contributes to the creation of consistent and valid methodology for evaluating captive animal personality that may improve husbandry and welfare protocols for individual lions, leading to the improved health and success of the species.
Solubilization of Phenol Derivatives in Polymer Micelles Formed by Cationic Block Copolymer
Authors: Fuentes Irma , Silva Patricio , Martinez Francisco , Olea Andrés F.
Published: May 2017

The aggregation of cationic block copolymers formed by polystyrene (PS) and poly(ethyl-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-PE4VP) was studied in aqueous solution. Diblock copolymers of PS and poly(4-vinylpyridine) were synthesized by sequential anionic polymerization using BuLi as initiator. Subsequently, the 4-vinylpyridine units were quaternized with ethyl bromide to obtain cationic PS-b-PE4VP block copolymers with different quaternization degree. The self-aggregation of cationic block copolymers was studied by fluorescence probing, whereas the morphology and size of polymer micelles were determined by transmission electronic microscopy. Results indicate that spherical micelles with sizes lower than 100 nm were formed, whereas their micropolarity decreases with increasing quaternization degree. The partition of phenols between the micellar and aqueous phase was studied by using the pseudo-phase model, and the results show that the partition coefficients increase with increasing length of the side alkyl chain and are larger for star micelles. These results are discussed in terms of three-region model.
LHC Probes of TeV-Scale Scalars in SO(10) Grand Unification
Authors: Aydemir Ufuk , Mandal Tanumoy
Published: May 2017

We investigate the possibility of TeV-scale scalars as low energy remnants arising in the nonsupersymmetric SO(10) grand unification framework where the field content is minimal. We consider a scenario where the SO(10) gauge symmetry is broken into the gauge symmetry of the Standard Model (SM) through multiple stages of symmetry breaking, and a colored and hypercharged scalar χ picks a TeV-scale mass in the process. The last stage of the symmetry breaking occurs at the TeV-scale where the left-right symmetry, that is, SU(2)L⊗SU(2)R⊗U(1)B-L⊗SU(3)C, is broken into that of the SM by a singlet scalar field S of mass MS~1 TeV, which is a component of an SU(2)R-triplet scalar field, acquiring a TeV-scale vacuum expectation value. For the LHC phenomenology, we consider a scenario where S is produced via gluon-gluon fusion through loop interactions with χ and also decays to a pair of SM gauge bosons through χ in the loop. We find that the parameter space is heavily constrained from the latest LHC data. We use a multivariate analysis to estimate the LHC discovery reach of S into the diphoton channel.
Optimizing Cutting Conditions and Prediction of Surface Roughness in Face Milling of AZ61 Using Regression Analysis and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Alharthi Nabeel H. , Bingol Sedat , Abbas Adel T. , Ragab Adham E. , El-Danaf Ehab A. , Alharbi Hamad F.
Published: May 2017

In this paper artificial neural network (ANN) and regression analysis were used for the prediction of surface roughness. Five models of neural network were developed and the model that showed best fit with experimental results was with 6 neurons in the hidden layer. Regression analysis was also used to build a mathematical model representing the surface roughness as a function of the process parameters. The coefficient of determination was found to be 94.93% and 93.63%, for the best neural network model and regression analysis, respectively, from the comparison of the models with thirteen validation experimental tests. Optical microscopy was conducted on two machined surfaces with two different values of feed rates while maintaining the spindle speed and depth of cut at the same values. Examining the surface topology and surface roughness profile for the two surfaces revealed that higher feed rate results in relatively thick roughness markings that are distantly spaced, whereas low values of feed rate result in thin surface roughness markings that are closely spaced giving better surface finish.
Molecular Identification of Aminoglycoside-Modifying Enzymes and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes among Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Recovered from Egyptian Patients
Authors: El-Badawy Mohamed F. , Tawakol Wael M. , El-Far Shaymaa W. , Maghrabi Ibrahim A. , Al-Ghamdi Saleh A. , Mansy Moselhy S. , Ashour Mohammed S. , Shohayeb Mohamed M.
Published: May 2017

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in clinical settings is thought to have led to the global emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of genes encoding aminoglycoside resistance and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. All K. pneumoniae isolates were phenotypically identified using API 20E and then confirmed genotypically through amplification of the specific K. pneumoniae phoE gene. All isolates were genotyped by the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction technique (ERIC-PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by a modified Kirby-Bauer method and broth microdilution. All resistant or intermediate-resistant isolates to either gentamicin or amikacin were screened for 7 different genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). In addition, all resistant or intermediate-resistant isolates to either ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin were screened for 5 genes encoding the quinolone resistance protein (Qnr), 1 gene encoding quinolone-modifying enzyme, and 3 genes encoding quinolone efflux pumps. Biotyping using API 20E revealed 13 different biotypes. Genotyping demonstrated that all isolates were related to 2 main phylogenetic groups. Susceptibility testing revealed that carbapenems and tigecycline were the most effective agents. Investigation of genes encoding AMEs revealed that acc(6′)-Ib was the most prevalent, followed by acc(3′)-II, aph(3′)-IV, and ant(3′′)-I. Examination of genes encoding Qnr proteins demonstrated that qnrB was the most prevalent, followed by qnrS, qnrD, and qnrC. It was found that 61%, 26%, and 12% of quinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates harbored acc(6′)-Ib-cr, oqxAB, and qebA, respectively. The current study demonstrated a high prevalence of aminoglycoside and quinolone resistance genes among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae.
Hepatic 18F-FDG Uptake Measurements on PET/MR: Impact of Volume of Interest Location on Repeatability
Authors: Domachevsky Liran , Bernstine Hanna , Nidam Meital , Stein Dan , Goldberg Natalia , Stern Dorit , Abadi-Korek Ifat , Groshar David
Published: May 2017

Background. To investigate same day 18F-FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) PET (Positron Emission Tomography)/MR (Magnetic Resonance) test-retest repeatability of Standardized Uptake Value measurements normalized for body weight (SUV) and lean body mass (SUL) in different locations in the liver. Methods. This prospective study was IRB approved with written informed consent obtained. 35 patients (20 women and 15 men, 61±11.2 years) that performed a whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MR followed by liver-dedicated contrast-enhanced 18F-FDG PET/MR were included. SUV/L max, mean, and peak were measured inferior to, superior to, and at the right portal vein and in the left lobe of the liver. The coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were obtained. Results. The variability for SUV/L’s measurements was lowest inferior to the portal vein (<9.2%) followed by measurements performed at the level of the portal vein (<14.6%). Conclusion. The area inferior to the portal vein is the most reliable location for hepatic 18F-FDG uptake measurements on PET/MR.
Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Redispersing Additive in Magnetorheological Fluid
Authors: Portillo M. Aguilera , Iglesias G. R.
Published: May 2017

Unwanted agglomeration of micro particles in magnetorheological fluid is an important problem for many technological applications. Furthermore, the stability of this kind of fluid is also studied as an important property in many research papers. Prior to use, a redispersion of agglomerated or aggregated (connected by solid phase) particles is often necessary. The objective of this study is to evaluate the dispersibility effect of magnetic nanoparticles as a carrier, while keeping the magnetorheological (MR) effect as high as possible. A simple device based on the estimation of the penetration force of a standard needle is presented. The needle moves across the sample vertically with a constant velocity and it is attached to a scale which registers the force displaced by the needle during the dynamic test. The effect with and without other additives was also studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveal a protective behavior of nanoparticles around the micro particles. We conclude that addition of magnetic nanoparticles improves the dispersibility characteristic compared with common dispersing additives without affecting the MR effect.
Facile TEMPO Immobilization onto Poly(acrylic acid)-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles: Preparation and Property
Authors: Huang Guohui , Liu Xiaoxuan , Bei Yiling , Ma Huiqing
Published: May 2017

Adding catalysts to magnetic polyvalent supports facilitating catalyst recycling and recovery seems feasible. Polymer-modified magnetic nanocomposites for organocatalyst immobilization are a plausible approach to this technology. Here, we present facile and efficient method for 2,2′,6,6′-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) immobilization onto polymer-modified magnetic nanoparticles under mild reaction conditions. Poly(acrylic acid) was chosen to graft from magnetic nanoparticle through a simple inverse emulsion polymerization technique. The resulting poly(acrylic acid) magnetic nanocomposite is an ideal material to immobilize the organocatalyst 4-hydroxy-2,2′,6,6′-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (H-TEMPO) via an esterification reaction with pendant carboxyl group on the polymer chain. Instrumental analysis confirmed that poly(acrylic acid) chain was grafted on the silica-coated magnetic particles by this simple method while maintaining their magnetic properties; elemental analysis indicated that TEMPO was efficiently immobilized onto the polymer chain. The catalysis tests under both Anelli and Minisci system showed that the nanocomposite catalyst exhibits proper selectivity and activity for the alcohol/aldehyde transformation. Recycling experiments showed that stability and reusability of the nanocomposite catalyst were satisfying.
Differential Fasting Plasma Glucose and Ketone Body Levels in GHRKO versus 3xTg-AD Mice: A Potential Contributor to Aging-Related Cognitive Status?
Authors: Griffith Chelsea M. , Macklin Lauren N. , Bartke Andrzej , Patrylo Peter R.
Published: May 2017

Cognitive function declines with age and appears to correlate with decreased cerebral metabolic rate (CMR). Caloric restriction, an antiaging manipulation that extends life-span and can preserve cognitive function, is associated with decreased glucose uptake, decreased lactate levels, and increased ketone body (KB) levels in the brain. Since the majority of brain nutrients come from the periphery, this study examined whether the capacity to regulate peripheral glucose levels and KB production differs in animals with successful cognitive aging (growth hormone receptor knockouts, GHRKOs) versus unsuccessful cognitive aging (the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease). Animals were fasted for 5 hours with their plasma glucose and KB levels subsequently measured. Intriguingly, in GHRKO mice, compared to those in controls, fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased while their KB levels were significantly increased. Conversely, 3xTg-AD mice, compared to controls, exhibited significantly elevated plasma glucose levels and significantly reduced plasma KB levels. Taken together, these results suggest that the capacity to provide the brain with KBs versus glucose throughout an animal’s life could somehow help preserve cognitive function with age, potentially through minimizing overall brain exposure to reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end products and improving mitochondrial function.
Conceptual Design of a Small Hybrid Unmanned Aircraft System
Authors: Papa Umberto , Ponte Salvatore , Del Core Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) technologies are today extremely required in various fields of interest, from military to civil (search and rescue, environmental surveillance and monitoring, and entertainment). Besides safety and legislative issues, the main obstacle to civilian applications of UAS systems is the short time of flight (endurance), which depends on the equipped power system (battery pack) and the flight mission (low/high speed or altitude). Long flight duration is fundamental, especially with tasks that require hovering capability (e.g., river flow monitoring, earthquakes, devastated areas, city traffic monitoring, and archeological sites inspection). This work presents the conceptual design of a Hybrid Unmanned Aircraft System (HUAS), merging a commercial off-the-shelf quadrotor and a balloon in order to obtain a good compromise between endurance and weight. The mathematical models for weights estimation and balloon static performance analysis are presented, together with experimental results in different testing scenarios and complex environments, which show 50% improvement of the flight duration.
SLC25A46 Mutations Associated with Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxia in North African Families
Authors: Hammer Monia B. , Ding Jinhui , Mochel Fanny , Eleuch-Fayache Ghada , Charles Perrine , Coutelier Marie , Gibbs J. Raphael , Arepalli Sampath K. , Chong Sean B. , Hernandez Dena G. , Majounie Elisa , Clipman Steven , Bouhlal Yosr , Nehdi Houda , Brice Alexis , Hentati Faycal , Stevanin Giovanni , Amouri Rim , Durr Alexandra , Singleton Andrew B.
Published: May 2017

Background: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a complex group of neurodegenerative disorders with high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In most cases, the cerebellar ataxia is not pure, and complicating clinical features such as pyramidal signs or extraneurological features are found. Objective: To identify the genetic origin of the cerebellar ataxia for 3 consanguineous North African families presenting with ARCA. Methods: Genome-wide high-density SNP genotyping and whole-exome sequencing were performed followed by Sanger sequencing for mutation confirmation. Results: Two variants were identified in SLC25A46. Mutations in this gene have been previously associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 and optic atrophy. While the previously reported variant p.Arg340Cys seems to be consistently associated with the same clinical features such as childhood onset, optic atrophy, gait and speech difficulties, and wasting of the lower limbs, the patient with the novel mutation p.Trp160Ser did not present with optic atrophy and his ocular abnormalities were limited to nystagmus and saccadic pursuit. Conclusion: In this study, we report a novel variant (p.Trp160Ser) in SLC25A46 and we broaden the phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in SLC25A46.
Genetic Polymorphisms and the Phenotypic Characterization of Individuals with Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Oeverhaus Michael , Meyer zu Westrup Verena , Dietzel Martha , Hense Hans-Werner , Pauleikhoff Daniel
Published: May 2017

Purpose: While the importance of risk polymorphisms for the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is well established, their impact on morphological and functional phenotypes is largely unclear. We aimed to characterize individual phenotypes in patients who were either homozygous for a risk allele in the CFH gene, ARMS2 gene, or both as compared to non-carriers. Methods: Patients with early AMD (n = 85) were assessed during a follow-up examination of a prospective study (MARS) with multimodal diagnostics including SD-OCT and microperimetry. Results: Compared to non-carriers, OCT scans revealed lower retinal thickness in patients homozygous for CFH or ARMS2, which was caused by a significantly reduced photoreceptor layer. The number and ultrastructure of drusen were also significantly different. Conclusions: These findings indicate that patients with risk alleles demonstrate distinct phenotypic differences of morphology and function as compared to non-carriers. In particular in the CFH group, a loss of photoreceptors occurred concomitantly with reduced retinal sensitivity. Further studies might help to better understand the pathophysiology.
Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit eines homöopathischen Komplexmittels (Sinusitis Hevert SL) bei akuter, unkomplizierter Rhinosinusitis: Eine multizentrische, randomisierte, doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte Studie an erwachsenen Patienten
Authors: Michalsen Andreas , Palm Jürgen , Samer Holger , Wollmann Jan-Christoph , Tausend Sieglinde , Klein Isabel , Schnitker Jörg
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund: In der vorliegenden Studie wurden die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit des homöopathischen Arzneimittels Sinusitis Hevert SL an Patienten mit akuter Rhinosinusitis untersucht. Methoden: In einer randomisierten, placebokontrollierten klinischen Studie wurden 314 Patienten mit bis zu 3 Tagen bestehenden Symptomen, leichtem bis moderatem Gesichtsschmerz und einem Major Rhinosinusitis Symptom Score (MRSS) ≥ 8 und ≤ 14 für 15 Tage (Tag 0 erster Arztbesuch plus 14 Tage Behandlung) eingeschlossen und mit Sinusitis Hevert SL oder Placebo behandelt. Den primären Endpunkt bildeten die Responderrate im MRSS (Reduktion ≥ 50%) bei der Abschlussvisite sowie die Rate der Remissionen (komplettes Abklingen aller 5 Hauptsymptome). Sekundäre Zielkriterien bildeten die Einschätzung der Wirksamkeit durch den Prüfer (auf einer 4-Punkte-Skala) und der Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 German Adapted Version (SNOT-20 GAV; Selbsterhebung durch die Patienten). Ergebnisse: 314 Patienten wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Davon wurden 308 mit der Studienmedikation behandelt: 153 mit Sinusitis Hevert SL und 155 mit Placebo. 265 Patienten schlossen die Studie vollständig und valide ab (Valid Completers). Die MRSSpat-Responderrate aller Patienten war für Sinusitis Hevert SL nicht signifikant besser (85,6% vs. 80,6%; p = 0,243), die Rate der Remissionen war mit 31,4% für Sinusitis Hevert SL und 37,4% für Placebo in beiden Gruppen nicht signifikant unterschiedlich (p = 0,2641). In der sekundären Completer-Analyse zeigte sich eine signifikante Differenz der Responderraten von 92,1% versus 83,5% zugunsten von Sinusitis Hevert SL (p = 0,032). Weiter war die Zeit bis zur Verbesserung der Rhinorrhoe signifikant kürzer (4,0 vs. 6,0 Tage; p = 0,040). Vor allem relevante nasale Symptome des SNOT-20 und die Lebensqualität verbesserten sich unter Behandlung mit Sinusitis Hevert SL signifikant deutlicher. Schlussfolgerungen: Es zeigte sich in dieser Studie bei akuter Rhinosinusitis und hoher Placebo-Ansprechrate keine Überlegenheit für Sinusitis Hevert SL in der Gesamtresponder- und Remissionsrate. Es fand sich ein Nutzen von Sinusitis Hevert SL in der Auswertung der Valid Completers für die Response sowie für spezifische Verbesserungen klinisch relevanter Symptome und die Abheilungsgeschwindigkeit der akuten Rhinosinusitis bei guter Verträglichkeit.
Pial Arteriovenous Fistula and Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation Associated with RASA1 Mutation: 2 Pediatric Cases with Successful Surgical Management
Authors: Chugh A. Jessey , Shahid Asim , Manjila Sunil , Gulati Deepak , Bambakidis Nicholas C.
Published: May 2017

We present case reports of 2 pediatric patients who were both found to have pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with subsequent genetic analysis revealing mutations in the RASA1 gene. Considering their family history of distinct cutaneous lesions, these mutations were likely inherited as opposed to de novo mutations. Patient 1 had large capillary malformations on the left side of the face and neck, associated with macrocephaly, and presented at the age of 32 months with speech delay, right-sided weakness, and focal seizures involving the right side of the body. Patient 2 presented with proptosis at the age of 9 months, but was otherwise neurologically intact. Given the chance for definitive single-stage control of vascular shunt (obviating chances for radiation exposure with endovascular treatment) and surgically accessible location of these intracranial lesions, both patients were treated with surgery with excellent clinical and radiological outcome. In general, given the high mortality secondary to severe congestive heart failure when treated conservatively, the goal of treatment in cortical AVF in young children, even when asymptomatic, is rapid control of the shunt. This was achieved successfully in our cases - both patients experienced significant symptomatic improvement following surgery and remained neurologically stable in the subsequent follow-up visits.
Early Effects of Dexamethasone Implant on Macular Morphology and Visual Function in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Veritti Daniele , Sarao Valentina , Galiazzo Francesco , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the early effects of dexamethasone implant in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Eyes with DME were prospectively included in the study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, complete ophthalmic evaluation, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, and 90 days after treatment. Results: Twenty-three eyes of 20 patients were included in the study. Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased rapidly after treatment (p < 0.0001, repeated measures ANOVA) from 511 μm at baseline to 469 μm after 1 day (p < 0.05), and 275 μm (p < 0.01) at the end of the follow-up. BCVA gain (p < 0.0001, repeated measures ANOVA) was on average +2 ETDRS letters at day 1 (not significant), +9 letters from day 28 to day 90 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant showed an early and fast effect in reducing CRT and improving BCVA in DME patients.
Molecular Imaging of Inducible VEGF Expression and Tumor Progression in a Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Liang Lu , Yue Zhiwei , Du Wei , Li Yang , Tao Hongyan , Wang Di , Wang Ran , Huang Ziwei , He Ningning , Xie Xiaoyan , Han Zhongchao , Liu Na , Li Zongjin
Published: May 2017

Background: Tumor derived vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can stimulate proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and recruit endothelial progenitor cells into tumors for vascular formation via a paracrine manner. Now increasing evidence suggests that VEGF also serves as an autocrine factor promoting cell survival and tumor angiogenesis. Real time visualization of VEGF activity in the early stages of tumor formation using molecular imaging will provide unprecedented insight into the biological processes of cancer. Methods: The mouse breast cancer cell line 4T1 was transfected with an inducible, bidirectional tetracycline (Bi-Tet) promoter driving VEGF and renilla luciferase (Rluc). This was used to quantitatively image conditional switching of VEGF by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) under the control of systemic administration of doxycycline. Simultaneously, 4T1 cells were labelled with the double fusion reporter gene (Fluc-eGFP) to establish a breast cancer model. Results: We found that inducible VEGF could promote proliferation and attenuate apoptosis due to oxidative stress in an autocrine manner in vitro. In vivo studies revealed that induction of VEGF expression during early tumor development not only dramatically enhanced tumor growth but also increased tumor angiogenesis as visualized by BLI. Finally, immunohistochemistry staining confirmed that inducing VEGF expression promoted cell survival and tumor neovascularization. Conclusion: Together the inducible bidirectional tetracycline (Bi-Tet) co-expression system combined with the dual bioluminescence imaging (BLI) system provides a platform to investigate a target gene’s role in the pathologic process of cancer and facilitates noninvasive monitoring of biological responses in real time.
#NoNosVamosNosEchan - internet, activismo en red y narrativas de los nuevos emigrantes españoles
Authors: Cogo Denise , Olivera Mauricio Nihil
Published: May 2017

The article focuses on the internet activism of young Spanish emigrants within the collective Marea Granate (MG). The digital narratives produced by the collective, which aim to deconstruct the speeches of the Spanish government on the current migration resulting from the economic crisis of 2008, are analyzed. The qualitative methodology is constructed in the combination of documentary research, observation and interviews with members of the collective MG. The article concludes that the counter discourses production of Marea Granate attributes visibility to the condition of precariousness that provoked the emigration of Spaniards, besides it gives evidence of absent perspectives in the discourse of the government, like the adoption of austerity policies by Spain and European Union.
Sociedade de consumo e o universo 24/7
Authors: Bezerra Beatriz Braga
Published: May 2017

In the book 24/4: Late capitalism and the ends of sleep, Jonathan Crary presents several examples to discuss the interferences of the capitalism and technological development on the humankind. The intense relationship with gadgets, the submission to the labor logic and the speed of productivity, as well as the man’s devotion to material consumption are highlighted by the author as collateral effects of the neoliberal globalization. The 24/7 universe defended by Crary surrounds our lives and binds us to a restless reality.