bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanoma Chemoprevention: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Chhabra Gagan , Ndiaye Mary Ann , Garcia‐Peterson Liz Mariely , Ahmad Nihal
Published: March 2017

The incidence of skin cancers, both nonmelanoma and melanoma, is increasing in the United States. The ultraviolet radiation, mainly from sun, is considered the major cause for these neoplasms. While nonmelanoma skin cancers are far more numerous, melanoma remains the most challenging. This is because melanoma can become extremely aggressive and its incidence is increasing worldwide due to lack of effective early detection, as well as disease recurrence, following both surgery and chemotherapy. Therefore, in addition to better treatment options, newer means are required to prevent melanomas from developing. Chemoprevention is a reasonable cost‐effective approach to prevent carcinogenesis by inhibiting the processes of tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Melanoma is a progressive disease, which makes it very suitable for chemopreventive interventions, by targeting the processes and molecular pathways involved in the progression of melanoma. This review discusses the roles of various chemopreventive agents such as NSAIDs, statins, vitamins and dietary agents in melanoma and highlights current advancements and our perspective on future of melanoma chemoprevention. Although considerable preclinical data suggest that melanoma may be prevented or delayed by a numerous chemopreventive agents, we realize there are insufficient clinical studies evaluating their efficacy and long‐term safety for human use.
Skin Erythema, Pigmentation and Hydration Kinetics after Ultraviolet Radiation‐induced Photodamage in Southern Chinese Women
Authors: Wan Miaojian , Hu Rong , Xie Xiaoyuan , Gong Zijian , Yi Jinling , Chen Haiyan , Xie Lin , Guan Xiaomin , Guan Lei , Lai Wei
Published: March 2017

Although there have been some studies about changes of skin erythema and pigmentation following ultraviolet radiation in other races, the relevant data in Chinese have never been achieved. Thus, we evaluated the long‐time course of skin erythema, pigmentation and hydration changes after different doses of solar‐simulated ultraviolet (SSUV) irradiation in 26 Chinese women for 168 days. The erythema index increased abruptly and peaked during 3 days of SSUV exposure, then slowly returned to the baseline level starting at day 7 and completely recovered during 168‐day course of this study only in one minimal erythema doses (MED) SSUV irradiation. The melanin index started to slowly increase at day 3 of SSUV exposure, peaking at day 14 and gradually returned to the baseline level thereafter, but did not return to the baseline level during 168‐day course in all doses. Skin hydration slowly declined at day 3 of exposure, hitting the lowest point at day 7, then slowly recovered starting at day 14 and completely returned to the baseline level at day 28 only in 1.5MED. These results will serve as baseline data on Chinese skin and provide useful references for the treatment of serious skin photodamage in Chinese.
Ideological Asymmetries and the Essence of Political Psychology
Authors: Jost John T.
Published: March 2017

Individuals are not merely passive vessels of whatever beliefs and opinions they have been exposed to; rather, they are attracted to belief systems that resonate with their own psychological needs and interests, including epistemic, existential, and relational needs to attain certainty, security, and social belongingness. Jost, Glaser, Kruglanski, and Sulloway () demonstrated that needs to manage uncertainty and threat were associated with core values of political conservatism, namely respect for tradition and acceptance of inequality. Since 2003 there have been far more studies on the psychology of left‐right ideology than in the preceding half century, and their empirical yield helps to address lingering questions and criticisms. We have identified 181 studies of epistemic motivation (involving 130,000 individual participants) and nearly 100 studies of existential motivation (involving 360,000 participants). These databases, which are much larger and more heterogeneous than those used in previous meta‐analyses, confirm that significant ideological asymmetries exist with respect to dogmatism, cognitive/perceptual rigidity, personal needs for order/structure/closure, integrative complexity, tolerance of ambiguity/uncertainty, need for cognition, cognitive reflection, self‐deception, and subjective perceptions of threat. Exposure to objectively threatening circumstances—such as terrorist attacks, governmental warnings, and shifts in racial demography—contribute to modest “conservative shifts” in public opinion. There are also ideological asymmetries in relational motivation, including the desire to share reality, perceptions of within‐group consensus, collective self‐efficacy, homogeneity of social networks, and the tendency to trust the government more when one's own political party is in power. Although some object to the very notion that there are meaningful psychological differences between leftists and rightists, the identification of “elective affinities” between cognitive‐motivational processes and contents of specific belief systems is essential to the study of political psychology. Political psychologists may contribute to the development of a good society not by downplaying ideological differences or advocating “Swiss‐style neutrality” when it comes to human values, but by investigating such phenomena critically, even—or perhaps especially—when there is pressure in society to view them uncritically.
Working memory capacity and task goals modulate error‐related ERPs
Authors: Coleman James R. , Watson Jason M. , Strayer David L.
Published: March 2017

The present study investigated individual differences in information processing following errant behavior. Participants were initially classified as high or as low working memory capacity using the Operation Span Task. In a subsequent session, they then performed a high congruency version of the flanker task under both speed and accuracy stress. We recorded ERPs and behavioral measures of accuracy and response time in the flanker task with a primary focus on processing following an error. The error‐related negativity was larger for the high working memory capacity group than for the low working memory capacity group. The positivity following an error (Pe) was modulated to a greater extent by speed‐accuracy instruction for the high working memory capacity group than for the low working memory capacity group. These data help to explicate the neural bases of individual differences in working memory capacity and cognitive control.
Effect of THMs concentrations on the redesigning of Bani Suef water distribution system
Authors: El Shehawy Ragab , El Sayed Abd El Aziz , Mady El Sayed
Published: March 2017

Controlling trihalomethanes (THMs) formed in water distribution systems (WDS) is an important issue for producing safe drinking water in the last decades. The main objective of this study is to design WDS to minimize THMs formation. Implemented case of Bani Suef water distribution system (BSWDS), Egypt, was modeled and studied for operating scenarios 2020 and 2040 (case study) using WaterCAD software, alternative [1]. Drinking water samples were collected from fifteen points located on BSWDS according to monthly sampling program performed between February and September 2015. Laboratory analysis showed that the total growth rate coefficient was 1.157 day−1, used in THMs prediction by WaterCAD. Three design alternatives [2, 3, 4] were prepared to reduce the formed THMs based on WaterCAD results. Alternative [2] represented new design of alternative [1] through using decreased pipes diameters to study the effect of reducing travel time on minimizing THMs. Alternative [3] was prepared by redesigning alternative [1] using extending new pipelines from dead ends. Alternative [4] was prepared by redesigning alternative [1] through replacing asbestos cement pipes with new UPVC ones. Predicted THMs from alternatives [2, 3, 4] are lower about 27.85, 21.82 and 11.4% than alternative [1], respectively, for 2020. While, for 2040, are lower about 26.41, 20.2 and 11.4%, respectively.
Surface runoff estimation over heterogeneous foothills of Aravalli mountain using medium resolution remote sensing rainfall data with soil conservation system‐curve number method: A case of semi‐arid ungauged Manesar Nala watershed
Authors: Rawat Kishan Singh , Mishra Anil Kumar , Ahmad Nayan
Published: March 2017

Manesar Nala watershed, having an aerial extent of 71.53 km2, was subjected to modelling of its hydrological behaviour for assessing its water resource potential. Modern tools and techniques of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used for assessment of runoff generating potential using the Hydrologic Soil Cover Complex (HSCC) Method [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)‐Soil Conservation System‐Curve Number (SCS‐CN) approach]. RS and GIS were used in generation and integration of thematic maps [such as Land use/Land cover (using LISS‐III data) and Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG), (using soil map of study area) to derive the Curve Number (CN) for simulating Runoff (Ro)]. The daily rainfall (P) data for the study period 2002–2015 were acquired from NOAA Climate Prediction Center (NCPC). Corresponding Ro from the watershed for intense storm events for 14 years were calculated through RS and GIS. GIS and SCS‐CN model was employed for modelling the runoff production to study its hydrological behaviour. The study showed that the Manesar Nala watershed was having a composite Curve Number – II (CNII) value of 82.5 for normal conditions. For dry and wet conditions these values were estimated at 66.44 (CNI) and 91.56 (CNIII), respectively. This investigation showed that Manesar Nala watershed exhibited an annual average (of 14 years, 2002–2015) Ro volume of 4 542 514.37 m3 based on the average annual rainfall (P) of 0.72 m (720 mm). The average annual surface runoff (Ro) was predicted to be approximately 0.21 m with annual runoff coefficient (CR) of 0.29. During the study, we also found a strong correlation ‘r’ between satellite driven P and Ro from NRCS‐CN method of the order of 0.94. The methodology so developed has the potential to be used in other similar ungauged watersheds in the same agro‐climatic conditions for the purpose of planning of watershed conservation measures and other developmental activities.
Angiotensin II activates CaV1.2 Ca2+ channels through β‐arrestin2 and casein kinase 2 in mouse immature cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kashihara Toshihide , Nakada Tsutomu , Kojima Katsuhiko , Takeshita Toshikazu , Yamada Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2017

Key points

Angiotensin II (AngII) is crucial in cardiovascular regulation in perinatal mammalians.

Here we show that AngII increases twitch Ca2+ transients of mouse immature but not mature cardiomyocytes by robustly activating CaV1.2 L‐type Ca2+ channels through a novel signalling pathway involving angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors, β‐arrestin2 and casein kinase 2.

A β‐arrestin‐biased AT1 receptor agonist, TRV027, was as effective as AngII in activating L‐type Ca2+ channels.

Our results help understand the molecular mechanism by which AngII regulates the perinatal circulation and also suggest that β‐arrestin‐biased AT1 receptor agonists may be valuable therapeutics for paediatric heart failure.

Angiotensin II (AngII), the main effector peptide of the renin–angiotensin system, plays important roles in cardiovascular regulation in the perinatal period. Despite the well‐known stimulatory effect of AngII on vascular contraction, little is known about regulation of contraction of the immature heart by AngII. Here we found that AngII significantly increased the peak amplitude of twitch Ca2+ transients by robustly activating L‐type CaV1.2 Ca2+ (CaV1.2) channels in mouse immature but not mature cardiomyocytes. This response to AngII was mediated by AT1 receptors and β‐arrestin2. A β‐arrestin‐biased AT1 receptor agonist was as effective as AngII in activating CaV1.2 channels. Src‐family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and casein kinase 2α’β (CK2α’β) were sequentially activated when AngII activated CaV1.2 channels. A cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, p27Kip1 (p27), inhibited CK2α’β, and AngII removed this inhibitory effect through phosphorylating tyrosine 88 of p27 via SFKs in cardiomyocytes. In a human embryonic kidney cell line, tsA201 cells, overexpression of CK2α’β but not c‐Src directly activated recombinant CaV1.2 channels composed of C‐terminally truncated α1C, the distal C‐terminus of α1C, β2C and α2δ1 subunits, by phosphorylating threonine 1704 located at the interface between the proximal and the distal C‐terminus of CaV1.2α1C subunits. Co‐immunoprecipitation revealed that CaV1.2 channels, CK2α’β and p27 formed a macromolecular complex. Therefore, stimulation of AT1 receptors by AngII activates CaV1.2 channels through β‐arrestin2 and CK2α’β, thereby probably exerting a positive inotropic effect in the immature heart. Our results also indicated that β‐arrestin‐biased AT1 receptor agonists may be used as valuable therapeutics for paediatric heart failure in the future.
Switching Antiwindup Design on Enlarging the Domain of Attraction for a Supercavitating Vehicle Subject to Actuator Saturation
Authors: Qiang Baochen , Le Zhang
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a new switching antiwindup compensation design to maximize the domain of attraction for a supercavitating vehicle subject to actuator saturation. The dive-plane dynamics of the vehicle are considered. By applying the linear differential inclusion expression of saturated feedbacks, conditions under which the compensator locally stabilizes the closed-loop system are then derived. The design of antiwindup gains on maximizing the system's domain of attraction is finally formulated and solved as an iterative optimization problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. Simulations are conducted for systems with magnitude and rate limits to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Robust Output Regulation Via Sliding Mode Control and Disturbance Observer: Application in a Forced Van Der Pol Chaotic Oscillator
Authors: Shiravani F. , Shafiei M. H.
Published: March 2017

This paper considers the problem of robust output regulation of nonlinear systems in semi strict-feedback form in the presence of model uncertainties and nonvanishing disturbances. In the proposed procedure, two exosystems are considered to generate the disturbance and reference signals. In order to reduce both the conservatism of the control law and the chattering phenomena, a disturbance observer is designed for disturbance estimation instead of assuming the known upper bound for the disturbance. Moreover, a novel sliding surface is designed based on the tracking error to guarantee that the output of the system tracks the output of the exosystem. In this regard, some theorems are given and according to the Lyapunov approach, it is proved that the robust output regulation is guaranteed in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. Finally, in order to show the applicability of the proposed controller, it is applied to the Van der Pol chaotic oscillator. Computer simulations verify the theoretical results and also show the effective performance of the proposed controller.
Robust State Feedback H∞ Control for Discrete-Time Fuzzy System With Random Delays
Authors: Sakthivel R. , Arunkumar A. , Mathiyalagan K. , Park Ju H.
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the problem of robust stabilization for a class of discrete-time Takagi–Sugeno (TS) fuzzy systems via input random delays in control input. The main objective of this paper is to design a state feedback H∞ controller. Linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach together with the construction of proper Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is employed for obtaining delay dependent sufficient conditions for the existence of robust H∞ controller. In particular, the effect of both variation range and distribution probability of the time delay is taken into account in the control input. The key feature of the proposed results in this paper is that the time‐varying delay in the control input not only dependent on the bound but also the distribution probability of the time delay. The obtained results are formulated in terms of LMIs which can be easily solved by using the standard optimization algorithms. Finally, a numerical example with simulation result is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained control law and less conservativeness of the proposed result.
A Review on Laser Processing in Electronic and MEMS Packaging
Authors: Rahim Kaysar , Mian Ahsan
Published: March 2017

The packaging of electronic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices is an important part of the overall manufacturing process as it ensures mechanical robustness as well as required electrical/electromechanical functionalities. The packaging integration process involves the selection of packaging materials and technology, process design, fabrication, and testing. As the demand of functionalities of an electronic or MEMS device is increasing every passing year, chip size is getting larger and is occupying the majority of space within a package. This requires innovative packaging technologies so that integration can be done with less thermal/mechanical effect on the nearby components. Laser processing technologies for electronic and MEMS packaging have potential to obviate some of the difficulties associated with traditional packaging technologies and can become an attractive alternative for small-scale integration of components. As laser processing involves very fast localized and heating and cooling, the laser can be focused at micrometer scale to perform various packaging processes such as dicing, joining, and patterning at the microscale with minimal or no thermal effect on surrounding material or structure. As such, various laser processing technologies are currently being explored by researchers and also being utilized by electronic and MEMS packaging industries. This paper reviews the current and future trend of electronic and MEMS packaging and their manufacturing processes. Emphasis is given to the laser processing techniques that have the potential to revolutionize the future manufacturing of electronic and MEMS packages.
Total-body imaging: Transforming the role of positron emission tomography
Authors: Cherry Simon R. , Badawi Ramsey D. , Karp Joel S. , Moses William W. , Price Pat , Jones Terry
Published: March 2017

The first total-body positron emission tomography (TB-PET) scanner represents a radical change for experimental medicine and diagnostic health care.
Modeling Alzheimer’s disease in mice with human neurons
Authors: Novarino Gaia
Published: March 2017

Human neurons transplanted into a mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease show human-specific vulnerability to β-amyloid plaques and may help to identify new therapeutic targets.
Antepartum uterine rupture at 29 weeks gestation following unilateral salpingectomy and review of literature
Authors: Huang Yu-Ting , Yim Stephen Li-Yen , Kapurubandara Supuni , Anpalagan Anbu
Published: March 2017

Antepartum uterine rupture following salpingectomy is a rare condition and is associated with high fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. We illustrate a 33-year-old primigravida who presented with abdominal pain at 29 weeks of gestation. Her previous obstetric history included a ruptured right ectopic pregnancy for which she underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy with no breach of uterine cavity. Her antenatal care had otherwise been unremarkable. Following admission for undetectable fetal heart, ultrasound and CT demonstrated an extrauterine fetus at the right adnexal region with free fluid consistent with intra-abdominal haemorrhage. An exploratory laparotomy was performed which revealed a uterine rupture at the right cornua with the extruded fetus en caul. The fetus was delivered and the uterus repaired in three layers. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged 5 days following surgery. We review the current literature including the evaluation and management of this rare condition.
Adult and adolescent livestock productive asset transfer programmes to improve mental health, economic stability and family and community relationships in rural South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kohli Anjalee , Perrin Nancy A , Remy Mitima Mpanano , Alfred Mirindi Bacikenge , Arsene Kajabika Binkurhorhwa , Nadine Mwinja Bufole , Heri Banyewesize Jean , Clovis Mitima Murhula , Glass Nancy
Published: March 2017

Introduction

People living in poverty have limited access to traditional financial institutions. Microfinance programmes are designed to meet this gap and show promise in improving income, economic productivity and health. Our Congolese–US community academic research partnership developed two livestock productive asset transfer programmes, Pigs for Peace (PFP) and Rabbits for Resilience (RFR), to address the interlinked health, social and economic well-being of individuals, their families and communities. The community-based randomised controlled trials examine the effectiveness of PFP and RFR to improve health, economic stability, and family and community relationships among male and female adults and adolescents living in 10 rural, postconflict villages of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods and analysis

PFP participants include adult permanent residents of rural villages; adolescent participants in RFR include male and female adolescents 10–15 years old living in the selected rural villages. Participants were randomised to intervention or delayed control group. Participants in PFP completed baseline interview prior to intervention and follow-up interview at 6, 12 and 18 months postintervention. In RFR, participants completed baseline interview prior to intervention and follow-up interview at 6, 12 and 18 months postbaseline. The primary outcome of both trials, the change in baseline mental health distress at 18 months in the intervention group (adults, adolescents) compared to control group, is used to calculate sample size.

Ethics and dissemination

The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute Internal Review Board approved this protocol. A committee of respected Congolese educators and community members (due to lack of local ethics review board) approved the study. The findings will provide important information on the potential for community-led sustainable development initiatives to build on traditional livelihood (livestock raising, agriculture) to have a sustained health, economic and social impact on the individual, family and community.

Trial registration number

NCT02008708,NCT02008695.
212: SCIENTOMETRICS STUDY OF PUBLISHED RETRACTIONS IN PUBMED
Authors: Jalalzadeh Sara , Abbasi Fahimeh , Pashazadeh Fariba
Published: March 2017

Background and aims:

Retractions are published in journals in order to correct, ensure the accuracy and integrity of literature and avoid of misconducts. Hence, retraction is an important mechanism in scientific accreditation especially in health subject. In the recent years, the numbers of retracted scientific articles have been increased but compared with the growth of total publications, it has allocated very small portion. In this study, the retracted articles indexed in PubMed have been assessed.

Methods:

In this descriptive study, all retracted articles were searched in PubMed with limitation to publication types but without date limitation considered. Then retrieved data were analyzed.

Results:

The results of this survey showed a total of 9211 retractions published during 1959 to 2016. According to these findings, the least retraction was published in 1959, 1966 and 1973 with one retracted article each year and the most retractions were 871 retractions in 2013. In addition, of 1781 journals published retractions, THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (298 (3.24%)), PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (181 (1.97%)), SCIENCE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) (153 (1.66%)) and NATURE (129 (1.4%)) allocated the most rate of retractions. Furthermore, the assessing of indexing cituation of these findings showed 87.08% were in Medline, 11.26% in PubMed-not-Medline and 0.79% in In-Data-Review. Moreover, the most rate of publication types of retractions were related to “JOURNAL ARTICLE”, “SEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOV'T”,” RESEARCH SUPPORT, N.I.H., EXTRAMURAL”, “COMPARATIVE STUDY “and” RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL”, also the highest rate of Mesh subject headings in retracted articles were belong to “CELLS, CULTURED”, “OLECULAR SEQUENCE DATA”, “TREATMENT OUTCOME”, “CELL LINE, TUMOR”. Finally, the majority of retracted articles were English (98.5%), then French (0.39%), German (0.33%) and Chinese (0.31%)

Conclusion:

Retractions publish in two types of self-reported by author or editors discernments. Also two main reasons for retraction are “misconducts” and “unintentional mistakes” of authors that the second reason has the largest numbers of retractions. Therefore, notifying of retracted articles and raising awareness of readers and authors are the best mechanisms for controlling of negative effects of retracted articles. However, publishing of retraction in journals reflects how much importance they are considering to the accuracy of published information.
Validating a fully automated real-time PCR-based system for use in the molecular diagnostic analysis of colorectal carcinoma: a comparison with NGS and IHC
Authors: Colling Richard , Wang Lai Mun , Soilleux Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Background

Molecular testing is increasingly needed in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and the current clinically relevant mutations are inBRAF,KRASandNRAS. This study aimed to further validate a new alternative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platform (Idylla, Biocartis) against existing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays.

Methods

56 Idylla tests were performed on 43 CRC cases, in a total of 74 comparisons against an NGS panel (Ion Torrent) and the VE1 (anti-BRAF) antibody IHC. Discrepant cases were also compared with either conventional (Cobas) or droplet digital PCR (Bio-Rad).

Results

Idylla showed an overall concordance of 100% (95% CI 93% to 100%) with comparator molecular testing and indications were that Idylla is likely to be more sensitive than routine NGS.BRAFIHC showed 90% concordance with NGS (95% CI 70% to 97%).

Conclusions

This study validates Idylla in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded CRC tissue.BRAFIHC, however, is an unreliable substitute for molecular testing in CRC.
‘Deal with It. Name It’: the diagnostic moment in film
Authors: Jutel Thierry , Jutel Annemarie
Published: March 2017

The moment a serious diagnosis is announced creates an important crisis for a patient, as it shifts their sense of self and of their future potential. This essay discusses the creative representation and use of this diagnostic moment in film narratives. UsingStill Alice,A Late Quartet,WitandCléo from 5 to 7as examples, we describe how each of these uses the diagnostic moment in relation to narrative construction and characterisation in recognisable ways. We associate the diagnostic moment with certain narrative and visual devices that are frequently implemented in films as means for character development, and for managing the audience's empathy. This is the case whether or not the diagnosis is contested or accepted, and whether the diagnostic moment is the frame for the narrative, or a closing device. By analysing its representation in film, we emphasise the cultural significance of diagnosis as a life-transforming event.
Pareto Governors for Energy-Optimal Computing
Authors: Sen Rathijit , Wood David A.
Published: March 2017

The original definition of energy-proportional computing does not characterize the energy efficiency of recent reconfigurable computers, resulting in nonintuitive “super-proportional” behavior. This article introduces a new definition of ideal energy-proportional computing, new metrics to quantify computational energy waste, and new SLA-aware OS governors that seek Pareto optimality to achieve power-efficient performance.
Investigating Laboratory and Everyday Typing Performance of Blind Users
Authors: Nicolau Hugo , Montague Kyle , Guerreiro Tiago , Rodrigues André , Hanson Vicki L.
Published: March 2017

Over the last decade there have been numerous studies on touchscreen typing by blind people. However, there are no reports about blind users’ everyday typing performance and how it relates to laboratory settings. We conducted a longitudinal study involving five participants to investigate how blind users
truly
type on their smartphones. For 12 weeks, we collected field data, coupled with eight weekly laboratory sessions. This article provides a thorough analysis of everyday typing data and its relationship with controlled laboratory assessments. We improve state-of-the-art techniques to obtain intent from field data, and provide insights on real-world performance. Our findings show that users improve over time, even though it is at a slow rate. Substitutions are the most common type of error and have a significant impact on entry rates in both field and laboratory settings. Results show that participants are 1.3--2 times faster when typing during everyday tasks. On the other hand, they are less accurate. We finished by deriving some implications that should inform the design of a future virtual keyboard for nonvisual input. Moreover, findings should be of interest to keyboard designers and researchers looking to conduct field studies to understand everyday input performance.
Defragmentation of Tasks in Many-Core Architecture
Authors: Pathania Anuj , Venkataramani Vanchinathan , Shafique Muhammad , Mitra Tulika , Henkel Jörg
Published: March 2017

Many-cores can execute multiple multithreaded tasks in parallel. A task performs most efficiently when it is executed over a spatially connected and compact subset of cores so that performance loss due to communication overhead imposed by the task’s threads spread across the allocated cores is minimal. Over a span of time, unallocated cores can get scattered all over the many-core, creating fragments in the task mapping. These fragments can prevent efficient contiguous mapping of incoming new tasks leading to loss of performance. This problem can be alleviated by using a task defragmenter, which consolidates smaller fragments into larger fragments wherein the incoming tasks can be efficiently executed. Optimal defragmentation of a many-core is an NP-hard problem in the general case. Therefore, we simplify the original problem to a problem that can be solved optimally in polynomial time. In this work, we introduce a concept of exponentially separable mapping (ESM), which defines a set of task mapping constraints on a many-core. We prove that an ESM enforcing many-core can be defragmented optimally in polynomial time.
Feeding influences adipose tissue responses to exercise in overweight men
Authors: Chen Yung-Chih , Travers Rebecca L. , Walhin Jean-Philippe , Gonzalez Javier T. , Koumanov Francoise , Betts James A. , Thompson Dylan
Published: March 2017

Feeding profoundly affects metabolic responses to exercise in various tissues, but the effect of feeding status on human adipose tissue responses to exercise has never been studied. Ten healthy overweight men aged 26 ± 5 yr (mean ± SD) with a waist circumference of 105 ± 10 cm walked at 60% of maximum oxygen uptake under either fasted or fed conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced design. Feeding comprised 648 ± 115 kcal 2 h before exercise. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals to examine changes in metabolic parameters and adipokine concentrations. Adipose tissue samples were obtained at baseline and 1 h after exercise to examine changes in adipose tissue mRNA expression and secretion of selected adipokines ex vivo. Adipose tissue mRNA expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 ( PDK4), adipose triglyceride lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase ( HSL), fatty acid translocase/CD36, glucose transporter type 4 ( GLUT4), and insulin receptor substrate 2 ( IRS2) in response to exercise were lower in fed compared with fasted conditions (all P ≤ 0.05). Postexercise adipose IRS2 protein was affected by feeding ( P ≤ 0.05), but Akt2, AMPK, IRS1, GLUT4, PDK4, and HSL protein levels were not different. Feeding status did not impact serum and ex vivo adipose secretion of IL-6, leptin, or adiponectin in response to exercise. This is the first study to show that feeding before acute exercise affects postexercise adipose tissue gene expression, and we propose that feeding is likely to blunt long-term adipose tissue adaptation to regular exercise.
Expression of leptin receptor in the oviduct of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii)
Authors: Xi Liqin , Liu Yuning , Tang Zeqi , Sheng Xia , Zhang Haolin , Weng Qiang , Xu Meiyu
Published: March 2017

The oviduct of Chinese brown frog ( Rana dybowskii) expands specifically during prehibernation instead of in the breeding period. In this study, we investigated the expression of leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) in Rana dybowskii oviduct during the breeding period and prehibernation. Histologically, the oviduct of Rana dybowskii consists of glandular cells, tubule lumen, and epithelial cells. The oviductal weight and pipe diameter also revealed significant differences, which were higher in prehibernation than that of the breeding period. Ob-Rb was observed in stromal cells of oviductal tissue in both the breeding period and prehibernation. The mean protein and mRNA levels of the Ob-Rb were significantly higher in prehibernation as compared with the breeding period. In addition, oviductal content of leptin was also higher in prehibernation than that of the breeding period. These results suggested that oviduct of Rana dybowskii might be a target organ of leptin, and leptin may play an autocrine/paracrine role mediated by Ob-Rb in regulating the oviductal hypertrophy during prehibernation.
Impact of lifelong exercise training on endothelial ischemia-reperfusion and ischemic preconditioning in humans
Authors: Maessen Martijn F. H. , van Mil Anke C. C. M. , Straathof Yaïra , Riksen Niels P. , Rongen Gerard A. P. J. M. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: March 2017

Reperfusion is essential for ischemic tissue survival, but causes additional damage to the endothelium [i.e., ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury]. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) refers to short repetitive episodes of ischemia that can protect against I/R. However, IPC efficacy attenuates with older age. Whether physical inactivity contributes to the attenuated efficacy of IPC to protect against I/R injury in older humans is unclear. We tested the hypotheses that lifelong exercise training relates to 1) attenuated endothelial I/R and 2) maintained IPC efficacy that protects veteran athletes against endothelial I/R. In 18 sedentary male individuals (SED, <1 exercise h/wk for >20 yr, 63 ± 7 yr) and 20 veteran male athletes (ATH, >5 exercise h/wk for >20 yr, 63 ± 6 yr), we measured brachial artery endothelial function with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after I/R. We induced I/R by 20 min of ischemia followed by 20 min of reperfusion. Randomized over 2 days, participants underwent either 35-min rest or IPC (3 cycles of 5-min cuff inflation to 220 mmHg with 5 min of rest) before I/R. In SED, FMD decreased after I/R [median (interquartile range)]: [3.0% (2.0–4.7) to 2.1% (1.5–3.9), P = 0.046] and IPC did not prevent this decline [4.1% (2.6–5.2) to 2.8% (2.2–3.6), P = 0.012]. In ATH, FMD was preserved after I/R [3.0% (1.7–5.4) to 3.0% (1.9–4.1), P = 0.82] and when IPC preceded I/R [3.2% (1.9–4.2) to 2.8% (1.4–4.6), P = 0.18]. These findings indicate that lifelong exercise training is associated with increased tolerance against endothelial I/R. These protective, preconditioning effects of lifelong exercise against endothelial I/R may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of exercise training.
Stimulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 by metabolic acidosis requires osteoblastic intracellular calcium signaling and prostaglandin synthesis
Authors: Krieger Nancy S. , Bushinsky David A.
Published: March 2017

Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) increases progressively in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased mortality. FGF23 is synthesized in osteoblasts and osteocytes; however, the factors regulating its production are not clear. Patients with CKD have decreased renal acid excretion leading to metabolic acidosis (MET). During MET, acid is buffered by bone with release of mineral calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P). MET increases intracellular Ca signaling and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-induced prostaglandin production in the osteoblast, leading to decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. We found that MET directly stimulates FGF23 in mouse bone organ cultures and primary osteoblasts. We hypothesized that MET increases FGF23 through similar pathways that lead to bone resorption. Neonatal mouse calvariae were incubated in neutral (NTL, pH = 7.44, Pco2 = 38 mmHg, [HCO3−] = 27 mM) or acid (MET, pH = 7.18, Pco2 = 37 mmHg, [HCO3−] = 13 mM) medium without or with 2-APB (50 μM), an inhibitor of intracellular Ca signaling or NS-398 (1 μM), an inhibitor of COX2. Each agent significantly inhibited MET stimulation of medium FGF23 protein and calvarial FGF23 RNA as well as bone resorption at 48 h. To exclude the potential contribution of MET-induced bone P release, we utilized primary calvarial osteoblasts. In these cells each agent inhibited MET stimulation of FGF23 RNA expression at 6 h. Thus stimulation of FGF23 by MET in mouse osteoblasts utilizes the same initial signaling pathways as MET-induced bone resorption. Therapeutic interventions directed toward correction of MET, especially in CKD, have the potential to not only prevent bone resorption but also lower FGF23 and perhaps decrease mortality.
Differential processing of the direction and focus of expansion of optic flow stimuli in areas MST and V3A of the human visual cortex
Authors: Strong Samantha L. , Silson Edward H. , Gouws André D. , Morland Antony B. , McKeefry Declan J.
Published: March 2017

Human neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have raised the possibility that different attributes of optic flow stimuli, namely radial direction and the position of the focus of expansion (FOE), are processed within separate cortical areas. In the human brain, visual areas V5/MT+ and V3A have been proposed as integral to the analysis of these different attributes of optic flow stimuli. To establish direct causal relationships between neural activity in human (h)V5/MT+ and V3A and the perception of radial motion direction and FOE position, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to disrupt cortical activity in these areas while participants performed behavioral tasks dependent on these different aspects of optic flow stimuli. The cortical regions of interest were identified in seven human participants using standard functional MRI retinotopic mapping techniques and functional localizers. TMS to area V3A was found to disrupt FOE positional judgments but not radial direction discrimination, whereas the application of TMS to an anterior subdivision of hV5/MT+, MST/TO-2 produced the reverse effects, disrupting radial direction discrimination but eliciting no effect on the FOE positional judgment task. This double dissociation demonstrates that FOE position and radial direction of optic flow stimuli are signaled independently by neural activity in areas hV5/MT+ and V3A.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Optic flow constitutes a biologically relevant visual cue as we move through any environment. With the use of neuroimaging and brain-stimulation techniques, this study demonstrates that separate human brain areas are involved in the analysis of the direction of radial motion and the focus of expansion in optic flow. This dissociation reveals the existence of separate processing pathways for the analysis of different attributes of optic flow that are important for the guidance of self-locomotion and object avoidance.
Ion diffusion may introduce spurious current sources in current-source density (CSD) analysis
Authors: Halnes Geir , Mäki-Marttunen Tuomo , Pettersen Klas H. , Andreassen Ole A. , Einevoll Gaute T.
Published: March 2017

Current-source density (CSD) analysis is a well-established method for analyzing recorded local field potentials (LFPs), that is, the low-frequency part of extracellular potentials. Standard CSD theory is based on the assumption that all extracellular currents are purely ohmic, and thus neglects the possible impact from ionic diffusion on recorded potentials. However, it has previously been shown that in physiological conditions with large ion-concentration gradients, diffusive currents can evoke slow shifts in extracellular potentials. Using computer simulations, we here show that diffusion-evoked potential shifts can introduce errors in standard CSD analysis, and can lead to prediction of spurious current sources. Further, we here show that the diffusion-evoked prediction errors can be removed by using an improved CSD estimator which accounts for concentration-dependent effects.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Standard CSD analysis does not account for ionic diffusion. Using biophysically realistic computer simulations, we show that unaccounted-for diffusive currents can lead to the prediction of spurious current sources. This finding may be of strong interest for in vivo electrophysiologists doing extracellular recordings in general, and CSD analysis in particular.
Geometrically Tunable Transverse Electric Field in Multilayered Structures
Authors: Tarkhanyan Roland H. , Niarchos Dimitris G.
Published: March 2017

Appearance of a transverse component in dc electric field with respect to the applied current is investigated in periodic multilayer composite structures made of nanometer-to-micrometer scale alternating layers of two different homogeneous and isotropic conducting materials. Dependence of the transverse electric field on geometrical orientation of the layers is examined using the coordinate transformation approach. Electric field bending angle as a function of the layers’ resistivity ratio is studied in detail. It is shown that both the direction and the magnitude of the field can be changed using orientation angle of the layers as a tuning parameter.
Computer Simulation of Three Particles Sedimentation in a Narrow Channel
Authors: Chen Rongqian , Liu Yi , Nie Deming
Published: March 2017

The settling of three particles in a narrow channel is simulated via the lattice Boltzmann direct‐forcing/fictitious domain (LB‐DF/FD) method for the Reynolds number ranging from 5 to 200. The effects of the wall and the Reynolds number are studied. It is interesting to find that at certain Reynolds numbers the left (right) particle is settling at 0.175 (0.825) of the channel width irrespective of its initial position or the channel width. Moreover, numerical results have shown that the lateral particles lead at small Reynolds numbers, while the central particle leads at large Reynolds numbers due to the combined effects of particle‐particle and particle‐wall interactions. The central particle will leave the lateral ones behind when the Reynolds number is large enough. Finally the effect of the Reynolds number on the trajectory of the lateral particles is presented.
Cinnamon Polyphenol Extract Inhibits Hyperlipidemia and Inflammation by Modulation of Transcription Factors in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Rats
Authors: Tuzcu Zeynep , Orhan Cemal , Sahin Nurhan , Juturu Vijaya , Sahin Kazim
Published: March 2017

We evaluated the effects of cinnamon polyphenol extract on hepatic transcription factors expressions including SREBP‐1c and LXR‐α in rats fed high fat diet (HFD). Twenty‐eight Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: (i) normal control: animals fed with normal chow; (ii) cinnamon: animals supplemented with cinnamon polyphenol; (iii) HFD: animals fed a high‐fat diet; and (iv) HFD + cinnamon: animals fed a high‐fat diet and treated with cinnamon polyphenol. Obesity was linked to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress as imitated by elevated serum glucose, lipid profile, and serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Cinnamon polyphenol decreased body weight, visceral fat, liver weight and serum glucose and insulin concentrations, liver antioxidant enzymes, and lipid profile (P < 0.05) and reduced serum and liver MDA concentration compared to HFD rats (P < 0.05). Cinnamon polyphenol also suppressed the hepatic SREBP‐1c, LXR‐α, ACLY, FAS, and NF‐κB p65 expressions and enhanced the PPAR‐α, IRS‐1, Nrf2, and HO‐1 expressions in the HFD rat livers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cinnamon polyphenol reduces the hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress through activating transcription factors and antioxidative defense signaling pathway in HFD rat liver.
Synthesis and Characterization of System In(O,OH)S/i-ZnO/n+-ZnO
Authors: Vallejo William , Diaz-Uribe Carlos , Gordillo G.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we fabricated system In(O,OH)S/i-ZnO/n+-ZnO to be used as potential optical window in thin films solar cells. i-ZnO/n+-ZnO thin films were synthesized by reactive evaporation (RE) method and In(O,OH)S thin films were synthesized by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method; all thin films were deposited on soda lime glass substrates. Thin films were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and spectral transmittance measurements. Structural results indicated that both thin films were polycrystalline; furthermore, morphological results indicated that both thin films coated uniformly soda lime glass substrate; besides, optical characterization indicated that system had more than 80% of visible radiation transmittance.
Muscarinic Receptors Types 1 and 2 in the Preoptic-Anterior Hypothalamic Areas Regulate Ovulation Unequally in the Rat Oestrous Cycle
Authors: López-Ramírez Yadira L. , López-Ramírez Kayro , Arrieta-Cruz Isabel , Flores Angélica , Mendoza-Garcés Luciano , Librado-Osorio Raúl A. , Gutiérrez-Juárez Roger , Domínguez Roberto , Cruz María Esther
Published: March 2017

Muscarinic receptors types 1 (m1AChR) and 2 (m2AChR) in the preoptic and anterior hypothalamus areas (POA-AHA) were counted, and the effects of blocking these receptors on spontaneous ovulation were analysed throughout the rat oestrous cycle. Rats in each phase of the oestrous cycle were assigned to the following experiments: (1) an immunohistochemical study of the number of cells expressing m1AChR or m2AChR in the POA-AHA and (2) analysis of the effects of the unilateral blockade of the m1AChR (pirenzepine, PZP) or m2AChR (methoctramine, MTC) on either side of the POA-AHA on the ovulation rate. The number of m2AChR-immunoreactive cells was significantly higher at 09:00 h on each day of the oestrous cycle in the POA-AHA region, while no changes in the expression profile of m1AChR protein were observed. The ovulation rate in rats treated with PZP on the oestrous day was lower than that in the vehicle group. Animals treated on dioestrous-1 with PZP or MTC had a higher ovulation rate than those in the vehicle group. In contrast, on dioestrous-2, the MTC treatment decreased the ovulation rate. These results suggest that m1AChR or m2AChR in the POA-AHA could participate in the regulation of spontaneous ovulation in rats.