bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of haplotype structuring for two candidate genes for trypanotolerance in cattle
Authors: Álvarez I. , Pérez‐Pardal L. , Traoré A. , Fernández I. , Goyache F.
Published: September 2015

Bovine trypanotolerance is a heritable trait associated to the ability of the individuals to control parasitaemia and anaemia. The INHBA (BTA4) and TICAM1 (BTA7) genes are strong candidates for trypanotolerance‐related traits. The coding sequence of both genes (3951 bp in total) were analysed in a panel including 79 Asian, African and European cattle (Bos taurus and B. indicus) to identify naturally occurring polymorphisms on both genes. In general, the genetic diversity was low. Nineteen of the 33 mutations identified were found just one time. Seventeen different haplotypes were defined for the TICAM1 gene, and 9 and 12 were defined for the exon 1 and the exon 2 of the INHBA gene, respectively. There was no clear separation between cattle groups. The most frequent haplotypes identified in West African taurine samples were also identified in other cattle groups including Asian zebu and European cattle. Phylogenetic trees and principal component analysis confirmed that divergence among the cattle groups analysed was poor, particularly for the INHBA sequences. The European cattle subset had the lowest values of haplotype diversity for both the exon1 (monomorphic) and the exon2 (0.077 ± 0.066) of the INHBA gene. Neutrality tests, in general, did not suggest that the analysed genes were under positive selection. The assessed scenario would be consistent with the identification of recent mutations in evolutionary terms.
Practical Aspects of Traceability in Small Food Businesses with Implemented Food Safety Management Systems
Authors: Dzwolak Waldemar
Published: September 2015

An effective traceability system is very important for food safety and public health. This paper presents results from studies carried out in 2013–2014 on internal traceability in sixPolish small food businesses with implemented food safety management systems (FSMSs). In this paper, two key performance indicators are proposed related to available traceability records (ITR) and traceability time (tT), which can be valuable in the continuous improvement of internal traceability in small food businesses. Both indicators were applied in food businesses before and after certification of theFSMS, which influenced both indices. Before and after certification of theFSMS, theITRvalues were 0.39–0.92 and 0.71–1.00, whereastTvalues were 65–187 and 48–145 min, respectively. After direct observation of recalls and withdrawals, and analysis of records in the studied organizations, a generic mass balance was developed. Additionally, an algorithm includingITR,tTindicators and mass balance was established, which can be useful in practical testing and improving internal traceability systems in small food businesses.

Practical Applications

The results can be very useful to food safety/quality managers, practitioners, regulatory bodies and internal/external auditors as fundamentals of the rational improvement of the effectiveness and accuracy of internal traceability systems in small food businesses. The practical application also relates to the application of the algorithm, including available traceability records and traceability time indicators, as well as mass balance developed in this study. All the results can enhance the recall and withdrawal of nonconforming and/or unsafe food products, and can also facilitate the practical simulation of withdrawals as required by some private standards, such as BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and International Food Standard.
Role of platinum DNA damage‐induced transcriptional inhibition in chemotherapy‐induced neuronal atrophy and peripheral neurotoxicity
Authors: Yan Fang , Liu Johnson J , Ip Virginia , Jamieson Stephen M F , McKeage Mark J
Published: September 2015

Platinum‐based anticancer drugs cause peripheral neurotoxicity by damaging sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. The roles of platinum DNA binding, transcription inhibition and altered cell size were investigated in primary cultures of rat DRG cells. Click chemistry quantitative fluorescence imaging of RNA‐incorporated 5‐ethynyluridine showed high, but wide ranging, global levels of transcription in individual neurons that correlated with their cell body size. Treatment with platinum drugs reduced neuronal transcription and cell body size to an extent that corresponded to the amount of preceding platinum DNA binding, but without any loss of neuronal cells. The effects of platinum drugs on neuronal transcription and cell body size were inhibited by blocking platinum DNA binding with sodium thiosulfate, and mimicked by treatment with a model transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D. In vivo oxaliplatin treatment depleted the total RNA content of DRG tissue concurrently with altering DRG neuronal size. These findings point to a mechanism of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity, whereby platinum DNA damage induces global transcriptional arrest leading in turn to neuronal atrophy. DRG neurons may be particularly vulnerable to this mechanism of toxicity because of their requirements for high basal levels of global transcriptional activity.

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Findings point to a new stepwise mechanism of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity, whereby platinum DNA damage induces global transcriptional arrest leading in turn to neuronal atrophy. Dorsal root ganglion neurons may be particularly vulnerable to this neurotoxicity because of their high global transcriptional outputs, demonstrated in this study by click chemistry quantitative fluorescence imaging.
Prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning activates TLR4–TRIF signaling to induce protection of ischemic retina
Authors: Halder Sebok Kumar , Matsunaga Hayato , Ishii Ken J. , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: September 2015

Prothymosin‐alpha protects the brain and retina from ischemic damage. Although prothymosin‐alpha contributes to toll‐like receptor (TLR4)‐mediated immnunopotentiation against viral infection, the beneficial effects of prothymosin‐alpha‐TLR4 signaling in protecting against ischemia remain to be elucidated. In this study, intravitreal administration of prothymosin‐alpha 48 h before induction of retinal ischemia prevented retinal cellular damage as evaluated by histology, and retinal functional deficits as evaluated by electroretinography. Prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning completely prevented the ischemia‐induced loss of ganglion cells with partial survival of bipolar and photoreceptor cells, but not amacrine cells, in immunohistochemistry experiments. Prothymosin‐alpha treatment in the absence of ischemia caused mild activation, proliferation, and migration of retinal microglia, whereas the ischemia‐induced microglial activation was inhibited by prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning. All these preventive effects of prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning were abolished in TLR4 knock‐out mice and by pre‐treatments with anti‐TLR4 antibodies or minocycline, a microglial inhibitor. Prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning inhibited the retinal ischemia‐induced up‐regulation of TLR4‐related injury genes, and increased expression of TLR4‐related protective genes. Furthermore, the prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning‐induced prevention of retinal ischemic damage was abolished in TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β knock‐out mice, but not in myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 knock‐out mice. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that prothymosin‐alpha preconditioning selectively drives TLR4–TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β signaling and microglia in the prevention of retinal ischemic damage.

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We propose the following mechanism for prothymosin‐alpha (ProTα) preconditioning‐induced retinal prevention against ischemia: ProTα preconditioning‐induced prevention of retinal ischemic damage is mediated by selective activation of the TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF)– interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) pathway downstream of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in microglia, resulting in up‐regulation of TRIF‐IRF3‐dependent protective genes and down‐regulation of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)‐Nuclear factor (NF)κB‐dependent injury genes. Detailed investigations would be helpful to test the efficacy of ProTα as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of ischemic disorders.
Pertussis toxin reduces calcium influx to protect ischemic stroke in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model
Authors: Tang Zhiwei , Li Shiping , Han Pengcheng , Yin Junxiang , Gan Yan , Liu Qingwei , Wang Jinkun , Wang Chongqian , Li Yu , Shi Jiong
Published: September 2015

Increased calcium influx secondary to glutamate induced excitotoxicity initiates and potentiates devastating pathological changes following ischemic stroke. Pertussis toxin (PTx), a G‐protein blocker, is known to suppress intracellular calcium accumulation. We hypothesize that PTx can protect against stroke by blocking calcium influx. In a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model, PTx (1000 ng) was given intraperitoneally 30 min after inducing stroke. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of perfusion and T2‐weighted brain scans were obtained to evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and infarct volume. Primary neuronal culture was used to test glutamate induced excitotoxicity and calcium influx. We established a non‐linear exponential curve model to minimize variations in animal cerebrovasculature. A reduction of 40–60% in relative CBF was a critical window where infarct volume started to increase as rCBF reduced. PTx showed maximal effects in reducing infarct volume at this window. In vitro studies further demonstrated PTx increased neuronal cell survival by decreasing glutamate‐induced calcium influx into neurons and preventing neurons from apoptosis. PTx salvages the ischemic penumbra by blocking calcium influx. This provides us a new mechanism upon which experimental therapies can be explored to treat ischemic stroke.

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In ischemic stroke, excessive glutamate binds to AMPA receptor that depolarizes calcium channel and/ or NMDA receptor. Both of them allow calcium to enter the cell. The overload of calcium triggers cellular cascade that includes Caspase activation and release, leading to pre‐mature cell death. We have demonstrated that PTx, a G‐protein inhibitor, blocks calcium entry which in turn prevents further cellular damage.
Spinal Nerve Root Enhancement on MRI Scans in Children: A Review
Authors: Kontzialis Marinos , Poretti Andrea , Michell Hans , Bosemani Thangamadhan , Tekes Aylin , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: September 2015

Spinal nerve root enhancement in pediatric patients is generally nonspecific, and clinical and laboratory correlation is essential. Nerve root enhancement indicates lack of integrity of the blood‐nerve barrier. In this review, we will present a range of pediatric conditions that can present with spinal nerve root enhancement including inflammatory, infectious, hereditary, and neoplastic causes. Familiarity with the various pathologic entities associated with spinal nerve root enhancement is important for a concise differential diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting. This will avoid unnecessary additional investigations.
Daily affective experiences predict objective sleep outcomes among adolescents
Authors: Tavernier Royette , Choo Sungsub B. , Grant Kathryn , Adam Emma K.
Published: September 2015

Adolescence is a sensitive period for changes in both sleep and affect. Although past research has assessed the association between affect and sleep among adolescents, few studies have examined both trait (typical) and day‐to‐day changes in affect, and fewer still have specifically examined negative social evaluative emotions (e.g. embarrassment) in relation to sleep. Both between‐ and within‐person variations in daily affect were examined in relation to four objectively‐measured sleep outcomes (sleep hours; sleep latency; sleep efficiency; and length of wake bouts) among adolescents. Participants (N = 77 high‐school students; 42.9% female; M = 14.37 years) wore an actiwatch and completed daily‐diaries for 3 days. The results of hierarchical linear models (controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity, parental employment status, income, puberty and caffeine) indicated that negative social evaluative emotions and high‐arousal affective experiences generally predicted poor sleep outcomes, whereas low‐arousal affective experiences were associated with good sleep outcomes. Specifically, at the person level, adolescents reporting higher negative social evaluative emotions had shorter average sleep hours, and those experiencing higher anxiety–nervousness had longer wake bouts. In addition, individuals experiencing more dysphoria (sad, depressed, lonely) had longer average sleep hours and shorter wake bouts, while those experiencing more calmness had shorter sleep latencies. At the within‐person level, individuals had longer sleep latencies following days that they had experienced high‐arousal positive affect (e.g. excitement), and had longer wake bouts following days they had experienced more negative social evaluative emotions. The results highlight the detrimental effects of negative social evaluative emotions and high‐arousal affective states for adolescent sleep.
Agreement Among Radiographs, Fluoroscopy and Bronchoscopy in Documentation of Airway Collapse in Dogs
Authors: Johnson L.R. , Singh M.K. , Pollard R.E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Airway collapse is a common finding in dogs with chronic cough, yet the diagnosis can be difficult to confirm without specialty equipment.

Hypothesis

Bronchoscopic documentation of tracheobronchial collapse will show better agreement with fluoroscopic imaging than with standard radiography.

Animals

Forty‐two dogs prospectively evaluated for chronic cough.

Methods

In this prospective study, three‐view thoracic radiographs were obtained followed by fluoroscopy during tidal respiration and fluoroscopy during induction of cough. Digital images were assessed for the presence or absence of collapse at the trachea and each lobar bronchus. Bronchoscopy was performed under general anesthesia for identification of tracheobronchial collapse at each lung segment. Agreement of imaging tests with bronchoscopy was evaluated along with sensitivity and specificity of imaging modalities as compared to bronchoscopy.

Results

Airway collapse was identified in 41/42 dogs via 1 or more testing modalities. Percent agreement between pairs of tests varied between 49 and 87% with poor–moderate agreement at most bronchial sites. Sensitivity for the detection of bronchoscopically identified collapse was highest for radiography at the trachea, left lobar bronchi, and the right middle bronchus, although specificity was relatively low. Detection of airway collapse was increased when fluoroscopy was performed after induction of cough compared to during tidal respiration.

Conclusions

Radiography and fluoroscopy are complementary imaging techniques useful in the documentation of bronchial collapse in dogs. Confirming the presence or absence of tracheal or bronchial collapse can require multiple imaging modalities as well as bronchoscopy.
Public Reason Liberalism and Sex‐Neutral Marriage A Response to Francis J. Beckwith
Authors: Walker Greg
Published: September 2015

This article responds to an article by Francis J. Beckwith that argued that the consistent application of generic liberal principles requires that same‐sex marriage not be recognised in civil law. This response demonstrates that Beckwith's article contains a series of interpretative and substantive flaws that render his argument unsuccessful. These relate to a misinterpretation of core liberal principles and a sidestepping of the matter of undue bias against same‐sex partners. In correcting these flaws I tentatively propose a Voltairean argument in favour of same‐sex civil marriage for those citizens with moral qualms about same‐sex relationships derived from their reasonable comprehensive doctrine.
Asset Price Bubbles: Existence, Persistence and Migration
Authors: Gomez‐Gonzalez Jose E. , Ojeda‐Joya Jair N. , Franco Juan P. , Torres Jhon E.
Published: September 2015

Econometric tests are performed for the detection and migration of asset‐price bubbles in the housing, currency and stock markets of seven countries. This set of countries includes both developed and emerging economies that have good historical data on housing prices. Our empirical results suggest that this type of exuberant behaviour in prices occurs more frequently in the housing market than in the currency and stock markets. Additionally, we find significant evidence of bubble migration across markets within some of the studied countries.
Measurement of sand creep on a flat sand bed using a high‐speed digital camera: Mesoscopic features of creeping grains
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Yuan , Yang Bin , Jia Pan
Published: September 2015

The characterization of aeolian sand creep motion remains incomplete. In this study, a top‐view imaging system was constructed in a wind tunnel experiment to record sand creep motion on a flat sand bed. In addition, a set of ‘mesoscopic’ parameters was defined based on the creep trajectory that was reconstructed by a particle tracking algorithm. Statistical results show that the parameters representing the lifespan of the creep motion follow a lognormal distribution, whereas those representing the sideways grain motion deviate from the lognormal distribution. As the wind velocity increases, the sideways motion is strengthened and the lifespan of the creep motion is shortened, indicating a stronger transition from creep to saltation. Furthermore, under a ‘pure rolling’ hypothesis, the creep trajectory can be transformed into two numbers of rolling cycles from the perspectives of space and time. The ratio of the two numbers is useful in identifying the specific mode of the creep motion.
Circulating Dendritic Cells, Farm Exposure and Asthma at Early Age
Authors: Kääriö H. , Nieminen J. K. , Karvonen A. M. , Huttunen K. , Schröder P. C. , Vaarala O. , von Mutius E. , Pfefferle P.I. , Schaub B. , Pekkanen J. , Hirvonen M.‐R. , Roponen M.
Published: September 2015

Farm environment has been shown to protect from childhood asthma. Underlying immunological mechanisms are not clear yet, including the role of dendritic cells (DCs). The aim was to explore whether asthma and farm exposures are associated with the proportions and functional properties of DCs from 4.5‐year‐old children in a subgroup of the Finnish PASTURE birth cohort study. Myeloid DCs (mDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and CD86 expression on mDCs ex vivo (n = 100) identified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analysed using flow cytometry. MDCs and production of interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) by mDCs were analysed after 5 h in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (n = 88). Prenatal and current farm exposures (farming, stables, hay barn and farm milk) were assessed from questionnaires. Asthma at age 6 years was defined as a doctor′s diagnosis and symptoms; atopic sensitization was defined by antigen‐specific IgE measurements. Asthma was positively associated with CD86 expression on mDCs ex vivo [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–15.4] and inversely with IL‐6 production in mDCs after in vitro stimulation with LPS (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.82). In vitro stimulation with LPS resulted in lower percentage of mDCs in the farm PBMC cultures as compared to non‐farm PBMC cultures. Our results suggest an association between childhood asthma and functional properties of DCs. Farm exposure may have immunomodulatory effects by decreasing mDC proportions.
Risks, Trust, and Sacrifice: Social Structural Motivators for Environmental Change*
Authors: Macias Thomas
Published: September 2015

Objective

The social capital literature suggests generalized trust should work to motivate individuals to engage in environmentally beneficial behavior as it is associated with altruistic outcomes, moderation, and self‐sacrifice. The environmental justice literature, however, suggests certain populations are understandably more skeptical about who they can trust with respect to environmental threats in their communities, thus undermining the hypothesis that greater trust results in positive environmental outcomes. We seek to test the relative direct and indirect influences of generalized trust and knowledge of environmental issues on individuals’ willingness to make sacrifices for the environment.

Methods

Based on established theory in the social capital, environmental concern, and environmental justice literature, this study conducts structural equation modeling using data from the 2010 General Social Survey.

Results

This analysis finds support for both social capital and environmental justice arguments. However, the positive direct effect of generalized trust on a willingness to sacrifice outweighs its indirect negative effect via perceived environmental threats by a factor of four to one, suggesting generalized trust is a net catalyst for environmental action. Knowledge of issues is positively associated with both perceived environmental risks and a willingness to sacrifice.

Conclusion

Generalized trust is an important motivator for self‐sacrifice in the realm of environmental behavior. We should nonetheless be skeptical of efforts to promote it that ignore the unequal distribution of environmental threats in the population.
OsMAPK6, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase, influences rice grain size and biomass production
Authors: Liu Shuying , Hua Lei , Dong Sujun , Chen Hongqi , Zhu Xudong , Jiang Jun'e , Zhang Fang , Li Yunhai , Fang Xiaohua , Chen Fan
Published: September 2015

Grain size is an important agronomic trait in determining grain yield. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine the final grain size are not well understood. Here, we report the functional analysis of a rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant, dwarf and small grain1 (dsg1), which displays pleiotropic phenotypes, including small grains, dwarfism and erect leaves. Cytological observations revealed that the small grain and dwarfism of dsg1 were mainly caused by the inhibition of cell proliferation. Map‐based cloning revealed that DSG1 encoded a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), OsMAPK6. OsMAPK6 was mainly located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and was ubiquitously distributed in various organs, predominately in spikelets and spikelet hulls, consistent with its role in grain size and biomass production. As a functional kinase, OsMAPK6 interacts strongly with OsMKK4, indicating that OsMKK4 is likely to be the upstream MAPK kinase of OsMAPK6 in rice. In addition, hormone sensitivity tests indicated that the dsg1 mutant was less sensitive to brassinosteroids (BRs). The endogenous BR levels were reduced in dsg1, and the expression of several BR signaling pathway genes and feedback‐inhibited genes was altered in the dsg1 mutant, with or without exogenous BRs, indicating that OsMAPK6 may contribute to influence BR homeostasis and signaling. Thus, OsMAPK6, a MAPK, plays a pivotal role in grain size in rice, via cell proliferation, and BR signaling and homeostasis.
Interleukin‐13 affects the epithelial sodium channel in the intestine by coordinated modulation of STAT6 and p38 MAPK activity
Authors: Dames Petra , Bergann Theresa , Fromm Anja , Bücker Roland , Barmeyer Christian , Krug Susanne M. , Fromm Michael , Schulzke Jörg‐Dieter
Published: September 2015

Key points

Interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) causes intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, and is implicated in the pathogenesis of Th2‐driven intestinal inflammation (e.g. ulcerative colitis). However, it is unclear whether the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) – the main limiting factor for sodium absorption in the distal colon – is also influenced by IL‐13 and if so, by what mechanism(s).

We demonstrate in an intestinal cell model as well as in mouse distal colon that IL‐13 causes reduced ENaC activity.

We show that IL‐13 impairs ENaC‐dependent sodium transport by activating the JAK1/2–STAT6 signalling pathway.

These results improve our understanding of the mechanisms through which IL‐13 functions as a key effector cytokine in ulcerative colitis, thereby contributing to the distinct pathology of this disease.

Interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, possibly by disrupting epithelial integrity. In the distal colon, the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is an important factor in the regulation of sodium absorption, and therefore plays a critical role in minimizing intestinal sodium and water losses. In the present study, we investigated whether IL‐13 also acts as a potent modulator of epithelial sodium transport via ENaC, and the signalling components involved. The effect of IL‐13 on ENaC was examined in HT‐29/B6‐GR/MR human colon cells, as well as in mouse distal colon, by measuring amiloride‐sensitive short‐circuit current (ISC) in Ussing chambers. The expression levels of ENaC subunits and the cellular components that contribute to ENaC activity were analysed by qRT‐PCR and promoter gene assay. We show that IL‐13, in both the cell model and in native intestinal tissue, impaired epithelial sodium absorption via ENaC (JNa) as a result of decreased transcription levels of β‐ and γ‐ENaC subunits and SGK1, a post‐translational regulator of ENaC activity, due to impaired promoter activity. The reduction in JNa was prevented by inhibition of JAK1/2–STAT6 signalling. This inhibition also affected the IL‐13‐induced decrease in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. The contribution of STAT6 to IL‐13‐mediated ENaC inactivation was confirmed in a STAT6−/− mouse model. In conclusion, these results indicate that IL‐13, the levels of which are elevated in ulcerative colitis, contributes to impaired ENaC activity via modulation of the STAT6/p38 MAPK pathways.
Subject-Specific Carpal Ligament Elongation in Extreme Positions, Grip, and the Dart Thrower's Motion
Authors: Rainbow Michael J. , Kamal Robin N. , Moore Douglas C. , Akelman Edward , Wolfe Scott W. , Crisco Joseph J.
Published: September 2015

This study examined whether the radiocarpal and dorsal capsular ligaments limit end-range wrist motion or remain strained during midrange wrist motion. Fibers of these ligaments were modeled in the wrists of 12 subjects over multiple wrist positions that reflect high demand tasks and the dart thrower's motion. We found that many of the volar and dorsal ligaments were within 5% of their maximum length throughout the range of wrist motion. Our finding of wrist ligament recruitment during midrange and end-range wrist motion helps to explain the complex but remarkably similar intersubject patterns of carpal motion.
Mechanisms of silicon damage during N2/H2 organic etching for fin field-effect-transistor CMOS
Authors: Morimoto Tamotsu , Ohtake Hiroto , Wanifuchi Tomiko
Published: September 2015

The authors investigated the mechanisms of Si p+/n junction damage caused by N2/H2 plasma during organic implantation mask etching. The junction leakage current of a p+/n-well diode rose when the authors reduced the plasma-source power and increased the radio-frequency (RF) bias power, whereas it did not rise after they increased hydrogen ratio of the N2/H2 plasma gas. This indicates that ion energy and dose have a greater influence on junction damage than the density of hydrogen radicals does. Accordingly, the authors suggest that a high etching rate and low ion energy, which correspond to a high hydrogen ratio and low RF bias, are the best combination for low-damage organic block etching.
Technical Note: Initial characterization of the new EBT‐XD Gafchromic film
Authors: Grams Michael P. , Gustafson Jon M. , Long Kenneth M. , de los Santos Luis E. Fong
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To assess the dosimetric accuracy and energy dependence of the new EBT‐eXtended Dose (XD) Gafchromic film and to compare the lateral response artifact (LRA) between EBT‐XD and EBT3 film.

Methods:

EBT3 and EBT‐XD calibration curves were created by exposing films to known doses from 0 to 3000 cGy using a 6 MV beam. To assess the accuracy and dynamic range of EBT‐XD, a 60° enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) was used to deliver a dose range of approximately 200–2900 cGy. Comparison to treatment planning system (TPS) calculation was made using a gamma analysis with 2%/2 mm passing criteria. To assess and compare the LRA between EBT3 and EBT‐XD, 21 × 21 cm2 open fields delivered doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 cGy to both types of film. Films were placed at the center of the scanner, and ratios of measured to TPS predicted doses were calculated at 50 and 80 mm lateral from the scanner center in order to quantitatively assess the LRA. To evaluate the energy dependence of EBT‐XD film, seven known doses ranging from 400 to 3000 cGy were delivered using both 6 and 18 MV beams and the resulting optical densities (ODs) compared.

Results:

The gamma passing rate was 99.1% for the 6 MV EDW delivery. EBT‐XD film exhibited minimal LRA (<1%) up to 3000 cGy. In contrast, EBT3 demonstrated an under‐response of 11.3% and 22.7% at lateral positions of 50 and 80 mm, respectively, for the 3000 cGy exposure. Differences between ODs of the EBT‐XD films exposed to known doses from 6 to 18 MV beams were <0.8% suggesting minimal energy dependence throughout this energy range.

Conclusions:

The LRA of EBT‐XD is greatly reduced when compared to EBT3. This in combination with its accuracy from 0 to 3000 cGy and minimal energy dependence from 6 to 18 MV makes EBT‐XD film well suited for dosimetric measurements in high dose SRS/SBRT applications.
Benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum in a 12-year-old boy, diagnosed via telepathology
Authors: Hinsch Nora , Rauofi Rokai , Stauch Gerhard
Published: September 2015

Low resource countries often have inadequate healthcare systems that, among other problems, suffer from a severe shortage of local expertise. In fields such as pathology, however, where diagnoses are mainly based on macroscopic and histological images, telemedicine can provide an opportunity to supplement the local capabilities by involving a world-wide network of experts. For this, the local pathologist can upload images to an online platform and then consult with international colleagues via teleconferencing, which can be particularly useful in rare or difficult cases. We present the case of a 12-year-old Afghan boy with benign cystic mesothelioma, an extremely rare benign tumour. Using the online platform IPath, we were able to diagnose the eighth reported case of this rare condition in a child, in collaboration with our colleagues in Afghanistan.
Harmonically trapped one-dimensional Fermi gas using the static fluctuation approximation
Authors: Al-Khzon H.A. , Ghassib H.B. , Al-Sugheir Mohamed K.
Published: September 2015

A system of a finite number of harmonically trapped fermions in one dimension, in the presence of a static magnetic field, is studied within the framework of the static fluctuation approximation, for different repulsive and attractive potential strengths. Specifically, the thermodynamic properties of the system (the chemical potential, total energy, heat capacity, and entropy), as well as its magnetic properties (the magnetization and susceptibility), are calculated. It is observed that the system remains in an ordered phase for a small number of particles N, even at high temperatures T. Disorder sets in for large N, even at low T. The effect of the potential strength on the heat capacity is particularly tangible in the region bordering the quantum and classical regimes. The effect of the temperature (representing disorder) is directly opposite to that of the magnetic field (representing order), as expected on basic physical grounds. These features are consistent with experimental results.
Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects of Uncaria sinensis in LPS-Stimulated BV2 Microglia Cells and Focal Cerebral Ischemic Mice
Authors: Kang Bo Kyung , Kim Mi Kyoung , Kim So Young , Lee Seung Jin , Choi Young Whan , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Hwa Kyoung
Published: September 2015

Uncaria sinensis (US) has long been used as a traditional Korean medicine to treat cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, including hypertension and cerebral ischemia. Several recent studies have indicated that US has neuroprotective and cerebrovascular protective effects in ischemic brain injury; however, little is known about the anti-inflammatory effects of US. Therefore, the present study was designed to validate the anti-inflammatory effects of US. The anti-neuroinflammatory properties of US on pro-inflammatory mediators were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine BV2 microglia and injured brains induced by photothrombotic cortical ischemia. Hexane extracts of US (HEUS) significantly suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia and inhibited LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity in BV2 cells. In addition, HEUS significantly reduced the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, HEUS treatment inhibited the transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In an in vivo study, treatment of HEUS resulted in significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological function 48 h after ischemic brain injury, possibly through the inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. HEUS inhibits LPS-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory mediators and prevents cerebral ischemic damage, suggesting that US may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke accompanied by microglia activation.
Centrality dependence of thermal freeze-out conditions at LHC in Pb+Pb collisions at sNN = 2.76TeV
Authors: Uddin Saeed , Bashir Inam-ul , Bhat Riyaz Ahmed , Bashir Waseem
Published: September 2015

We have analyzed the available midrapidity [Formula: see text] transverse momentum spectra of identified particles such as protons [Formula: see text], kaons [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for different centralities of Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC energy [Formula: see text]. We have used our earlier proposed unified statistical thermal freeze-out model. The model incorporates the effect of nuclear transparency in such energetic collisions and the resulting asymmetry in the collective-flow profile along the longitudinal and the transverse directions. Our calculated results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data measured by the ALICE experiment. The model calculation fits the experimental data for different particle species which provide thermal freeze-out conditions in terms of temperature and collective-flow parameters. The analysis shows a rise in the thermal freeze-out temperature and a mild decrease in the transverse collective-flow velocity as we go from central to the peripheral collisions. The baryon chemical potential is assumed to be nearly zero for the bulk of the matter [Formula: see text], a situation expected in the heavy ion collisions at LHC energies in the Bjorken approach owing to nearly complete nuclear transparency. The contributions from the decay of the heavier resonances are also taken into account in our calculations.
Localization and mass spectra of bulk bosonic fields on de Sitter thick branes
Authors: Chen Xiu-Wu , Zheng Wei-Qiang , Chen Ji-Yan
Published: September 2015

A thick de Sitter brane constructed by a canonical or phantom scalar field and localization mass spectra of the bulk scalar and vector fields on the de Sitter brane is investigated. It is found that the scalar and vector zero modes are always localized on the de Sitter brane. For the de Sitter brane generated by a canonical scalar field, the spectrum of the scalar (vector) KK modes consists of one or two bound modes (one bound mode) and a set of continuous modes. However, for the de Sitter brane generated by a phantom scalar field, the spectrum of the scalar (vector) KK modes consists of two (one) or more bound KK modes as well as a set of continuous modes. The continuous spectrum on both branes starts with a same value for the scalar (vector) KK modes.
Instability of charged massive scalar fields in bound states around Kerr–Sen black holes
Authors: Siahaan Haryanto M.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we show the instability of a charged massive scalar field in bound states around Kerr–Sen black holes. By matching the near and far region solutions of the radial part in the corresponding Klein–Gordon equation, one can show that the frequency of bound state scalar fields contains an imaginary component which gives rise to an amplification factor for the fields. Hence, the unstable modes for a charged and massive scalar perturbation in Kerr–Sen background can be shown.
Initial state and thermalization in the Color Glass Condensate framework
Authors: Gelis François
Published: September 2015

In this review, I present the description of the early stages of heavy ion collisions at high energy in the Color Glass Condensate framework, from the pre-collision high energy nuclear wave function to the point where hydrodynamics may start becoming applicable.
THE APPLICATION OF SEMIDEFINITE INTEGER PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR THE SIMULATION OF COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: BO JIAO , ZHI-YONG LU , JIAN-MAI SHI
Published: September 2015

Semidefinite integer programming model is an accurate tool for the structural design of networks. In this paper, we propose a semidefinite integer programming model with the constraints of spectral distributions and node degree distributions for the simulation of complex networks. Also, the feasible solutions and branch-and-bound solving algorithms of the model are designed. Based on eight metrics (e.g., spectral distribution, node degree distribution, clustering coefficients, etc.), the validity and practicability of the proposed method are illustrated.
Streamlined Environmental Assessments: Picking the Greenest Option Despite Limited Time and Data at the Federal Environment Agency in Germany
Authors: Berger Markus , Finkbeiner Matthias , Markard Christiane , Angrick Michael , Frommer Jakob , Irmer Ulrich , Müschen Klaus , Richter Simone , Szewzyk Regine , Oehme Ines , Gromke Ulrich , Gohlisch Gunnar
Published: September 2015

The Federal Environment Agency of Germany (Umweltbundesamt: UBA) is expected to provide information regarding the environmental performance of products and technologies — even in cases with limited time and data availability. Therefore, the streamlined environmental assessment (StreamEA) methodology has been developed which combines the competences available throughout the agency. Based on scientific assessment models, a ranking of alternatives can be determined for 15 impact categories, like greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nuisance, pathogenic emissions or physical killing of animals. Since the overall environmental burden depends on the specific impact per product and the total number of products, a macroeconomic assessment at the level of the product entirety is included. The applicability of the method, which can be adapted to other regions, and the robustness of results have been tested by means of case studies. The method is currently applied in the daily work of the agency to provide guidance to the general public and policy makers.
On the degree of irrationality in Noether’s problem
Authors: Leshin Jonah
Published: September 2015

Noether’s problem asks whether, for a given field [Formula: see text] and finite group [Formula: see text], the fixed field [Formula: see text] is a purely transcendental extension of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] acts on the [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The field [Formula: see text] is naturally the function field for a quotient variety [Formula: see text]. We study the degree of irrationality [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] for an abelian group [Formula: see text], which is defined to be the minimal degree of a dominant rational map from [Formula: see text] to projective space. In particular, we give bounds for [Formula: see text] in terms of the arithmetic of cyclotomic extensions [Formula: see text].
Supercongruences involving Bernoulli polynomials
Authors: Sun Zhi-Hong
Published: September 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a prime, and let [Formula: see text] be a rational [Formula: see text]-adic integer. Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the Bernoulli numbers and Bernoulli polynomials given by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is given by [Formula: see text].
Generalized harmonic numbers and Euler sums
Authors: Chen Kwang-Wu
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we investigate two kinds of Euler sums that involve the generalized harmonic numbers with arbitrary depth. These sums establish numerous summation formulas including the special values of Arakawa–Kaneno zeta functions and a new formula of multiple zeta values of height one as examples.
Beyond the Square Root: Evidence for Logarithmic Dependence of Market Impact on Size and Participation Rate
Authors: Zarinelli Elia , Treccani Michele , Farmer J. Doyne , Lillo Fabrizio
Published: September 2015

We make an extensive empirical study of the market impact of large orders (metaorders) executed in the US equity market between 2007 and 2009. We show that the square root market impact formula, which is widely used in the industry and supported by previous published research, provides a good fit only across about two orders of magnitude in order size. A logarithmic functional form fits the data better, providing a good fit across almost five orders of magnitude. We introduce the concept of an “impact surface” to model the impact as a function of both the duration and the participation rate of the metaorder, finding again a logarithmic dependence. We show that during the execution the price trajectory deviates from the market impact, a clear indication of non-VWAP executions. Surprisingly, we find that sometimes the price starts reverting well before the end of the execution. Finally we show that, although on average the impact relaxes to approximately [Formula: see text] of the peak impact, the precise asymptotic value of the price depends on the participation rate and on the duration of the metaorder. We present evidence that this might be due to a herding phenomenon among metaorders.
Irisin improves endothelial function in obese mice through the AMPK-eNOS pathway
Authors: Han Fang , Zhang Shuxian , Hou Ningning , Wang Di , Sun Xiaodong
Published: September 2015

Irisin is a novel hormone secreted by myocytes. Lower levels of irisin are independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in obese subjects. The objective of this study was to explore whether irisin exerts a direct vascular protective effect on endothelial function in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were given chow or a high-fat diet with or without treatment with irisin. Aortic endothelial function was determined by measuring endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV). Nitric oxide (NO) in the aorta was determined. The effect of irisin on the levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in endothelial cells was determined. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to study the role of irisin in the AMPK-eNOS pathway. Acetylcholine-stimulated EDV was significantly lower in obese mice compared with control mice. Treatment of obese mice with irisin significantly enhanced EDV and improved endothelial function. This beneficial effect of irisin was partly attenuated in the presence of inhibitors of AMPK, Akt, and eNOS. Treatment of obese mice with irisin enhanced NO production and phosphorylation of AMPK, Akt, and eNOS in endothelial cells. These factors were also enhanced by irisin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Suppression of AMPK expression by small interfering RNA blocked irisin-induced eNOS and Akt phosphorylation and NO production. We have provided the first evidence that irisin improves endothelial function in aortas of high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. The mechanism for this protective effect is related to the activation of the AMPK-eNOS signaling pathway.
Satellite Observed Aerosol Optical Thickness and Trend around Megacities in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Zhao Xuepeng
Published: September 2015

Nearly 30-year aerosol optical thickness (AOT) climate data record (CDR) derived from the operational satellite observations of National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) is used to study the AOT trends over seventeen megacities in the coast zone (MCCZ). Linear trends are derived from monthly and seasonal mean AOT in the past three decades and used in the analysis. The results indicate the following: (1) AOT around a MCCZ in fast developing countries has relatively high value and a positive trend with a confidence level generally above 95%; (2) AOT around a MCCZ in industrialized countries has relatively low value and a negative trend with a confidence level generally above 95%; (3) AOT values and their trends show distinct seasonal variations in MCCZ, which can be explained somewhat by the seasonal variations of meteorological conditions. AOT trend is an effective index for examining the efficacy of air pollution control policies implemented for these megacities.
An Advanced Partial Discharge Recognition Strategy of Power Cable
Authors: Bi Xiaotian , Ren Ang , Li Simeng , Han Mingming , Li Qingquan
Published: September 2015

Detection and localization of partial discharge are very important in condition monitoring of power cables, so it is necessary to build an accurate recognizer to recognize the discharge types. In this paper, firstly, a power cable model based on FDTD simulation is built to get the typical discharge signals as training samples. Secondly, because the extraction of discharge signal features is crucial, fractal characteristics of the training samples are extracted and inputted into the recognizer. To make the results more accurate, multi-SVM recognizer made up of six Support Vector Machines (SVM) is proposed in this paper. The result of the multi-SVM recognizer is determined by the vote of the six SVM. Finally, the BP neural networks and ELM are compared with multi-SVM. The accuracy comparison shows that the multi-SVM recognizer has the best accuracy and stability, and it can recognize the discharge type efficiently.
Magnetic and Mechanical Properties of Deformed Iron Nitrideγ′-Fe4N
Authors: Cheng Chin-Hsiang , Nguyen Minh-Tien , Leu Tzong-Shyng , Chang I-Ling , Liao Ming-Liang , Panin Sergey V. , Panin Alexey V.
Published: September 2015

The present study is aimed at magnetic and mechanical properties of iron nitride (γ′-Fe4N) with elastic deformation. Electronic structure and thermal properties of the iron nitride are also studied to have a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics ofγ′-Fe4N. This study is focused on the variation of the magnetic and the mechanical properties of iron nitride with a change in crystal size represented by lattice constant. As the lattice constant is altered with deformation, magnetic moment of Fe-II atoms is appreciably elevated, while that of Fe-I atoms is nearly unchanged. Dependence of the magnetic moment and the bulk modulus on the lattice constant is examined. Meanwhile, chemical bonds between Fe atoms and N atoms formed across the crystal have been visualized by delocalization of atomic charge density in electron density map, and thermodynamic properties, including entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and heat capacity, are evaluated.