bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured and Dynamic Disordered Domains Regulate the Activity of a Multifunctional Anti-σ Factor
Authors: Herrou Julien , Willett Jonathan W. , Crosson Sean
Published: July 2015

The anti-σ factor NepR plays a central role in regulation of the general stress response (GSR) in alphaproteobacteria. This small protein has two known interaction partners: its cognate extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor and the anti-anti-σ factor, PhyR. Stress-dependent phosphorylation of PhyR initiates a protein partner switch that promotes phospho-PhyR binding to NepR, which frees ECF σ to activate transcription of genes required for cell survival under adverse or fluctuating conditions. We have defined key functional roles for structured and intrinsically disordered domains of
Caulobacter crescentus
NepR in partner binding and activation of GSR transcription. We further demonstrate that NepR strongly stimulates the rate of PhyR phosphorylation
in vitro
and that this effect requires the structured and disordered domains of NepR. This result provides evidence for an additional layer of GSR regulation in which NepR directly influences activation of its binding partner, PhyR, as an anti-anti-σ factor. We conclude that structured and intrinsically disordered domains of NepR coordinately control multiple functions in the GSR signaling pathway, including core protein partner switch interactions and pathway activation by phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE
Anti-σ factors are key molecular participants in a range of adaptive responses in bacteria. The anti-σ factor NepR plays a vital role in a multiprotein partner switch that governs general stress response (GSR) transcription in alphaproteobacteria. We have defined conserved and unconserved features of NepR structure that determine its function as an anti-σ factor and uncovered a functional role for intrinsically disordered regions of NepR in partner binding events required for GSR activation. We further demonstrate a novel function for NepR as an enhancer of PhyR phosphorylation; this activity also requires the disordered domains of NepR. Our results provide evidence for a new layer of GSR regulatory control in which NepR directly modulates PhyR phosphorylation and, hence, activation of the GSR.
Cell Wall Remodeling Enzymes Modulate Fungal Cell Wall Elasticity and Osmotic Stress Resistance
Authors: Ene Iuliana V. , Walker Louise A. , Schiavone Marion , Lee Keunsook K. , Martin-Yken Hélène , Dague Etienne , Gow Neil A. R. , Munro Carol A. , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: July 2015

The fungal cell wall confers cell morphology and protection against environmental insults. For fungal pathogens, the cell wall is a key immunological modulator and an ideal therapeutic target. Yeast cell walls possess an inner matrix of interlinked β-glucan and chitin that is thought to provide tensile strength and rigidity. Yeast cells remodel their walls over time in response to environmental change, a process controlled by evolutionarily conserved stress (Hog1) and cell integrity (Mkc1, Cek1) signaling pathways. These mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways modulate cell wall gene expression, leading to the construction of a new, modified cell wall. We show that the cell wall is not rigid but elastic, displaying rapid structural realignments that impact survival following osmotic shock. Lactate-grown
Candida albicans
cells are more resistant to hyperosmotic shock than glucose-grown cells. We show that this elevated resistance is not dependent on Hog1 or Mkc1 signaling and that most cell death occurs within 10 min of osmotic shock. Sudden decreases in cell volume drive rapid increases in cell wall thickness. The elevated stress resistance of lactate-grown cells correlates with reduced cell wall elasticity, reflected in slower changes in cell volume following hyperosmotic shock. The cell wall elasticity of lactate-grown cells is increased by a triple mutation that inactivates the Crh family of cell wall cross-linking enzymes, leading to increased sensitivity to hyperosmotic shock. Overexpressing Crh family members in glucose-grown cells reduces cell wall elasticity, providing partial protection against hyperosmotic shock. These changes correlate with structural realignment of the cell wall and with the ability of cells to withstand osmotic shock.

IMPORTANCE
The
C. albicans
cell wall is the first line of defense against external insults, the site of immune recognition by the host, and an attractive target for antifungal therapy. Its tensile strength is conferred by a network of cell wall polysaccharides, which are remodeled in response to growth conditions and environmental stress. However, little is known about how cell wall elasticity is regulated and how it affects adaptation to stresses such as sudden changes in osmolarity. We show that elasticity is critical for survival under conditions of osmotic shock, before stress signaling pathways have time to induce gene expression and drive glycerol accumulation. Critical cell wall remodeling enzymes control cell wall flexibility, and its regulation is strongly dependent on host nutritional inputs. We also demonstrate an entirely new level of cell wall dynamism, where significant architectural changes and structural realignment occur within seconds of an osmotic shock.
Chern–Simons gauge theory and symplectic quantum mechanics
Authors: Jeffrey Lisa
Published: July 2015

We describe the relation between the Chern–Simons gauge theory partition function and the partition function defined using the symplectic action functional as the Lagrangian. We show that the partition functions obtained using these two Lagrangians agree, and we identify the semiclassical formula for the partition function defined using the symplectic action functional. We also compute the semiclassical formulas for the partition functions obtained using the two different Lagrangians: the Chern–Simons functional and the symplectic action functional.
Grape seed and skin extract protects against arsenic trioxide induced oxidative stress in rat heart
Authors: Sfaxi Ichraf , Charradi Kamel , Limam Ferid , El May Michèle Veronique , Aouani Ezzedine
Published: July 2015

Arsenic is a metalloid found in water, soil, and air from natural and anthropogenic sources, and is commonly found in inorganic as well as organic forms. The clinical use of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is limited by its cardiotoxic side effects. Grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) is a polyphenolic mixture with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of GSSE on arsenic-induced cardiac oxidative stress and injury. Animals exposed to 2.5 mg/kg As2O3for 21 days exhibited a relevant increase in heart lipoperoxidation, protein carbonylation, and inflammation, as well as a drop in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In addition, As2O3disturbed heart lipidemia and lipase activity, transition metals distribution and the associated enzymes, intracellular mediators such as calcium and the associated calpain activity, as well as myocardial architecture. Treatment with 4 g/kg GSSE protected against most of the deleterious effects provoked by As2O3. Our data suggest that GSSE has the potential to protect against As2O3-induced cardiotoxicity.
Effect of temperature on magnetic susceptibility and thermodynamic properties of an asymmetric quantum dot in tilted magnetic field
Authors: Khordad R.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the specific heat, entropy and magnetic susceptibility of an asymmetric GaAs quantum dot (QD) are studied under the influence of temperature and a tilted external magnetic field. We first calculate the analytical wave functions and energy levels using a transformation to simplify the Hamiltonian of the system. Then, we obtain the analytical expressions for specific heat, entropy and magnetic susceptibility as the function of temperature, magnetic field and its direction for various anisotropy of the system. According to the results obtained from the present work, we find that (i) the specific heat and entropy are decreased when the magnetic field increases. (ii) When anisotropy is increased, the specific heat and entropy decrease. (iii) At large magnetic fields, the anisotropy has not important effect on specific heat and entropy. In briefly, the magnetic field, magnetic field direction and anisotropy play important roles in the specific heat, entropy and magnetic susceptibility of an asymmetric QD.
Breathers and localized solutions of complex modified Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Liu Yue-Feng , Guo Rui , Li Hua
Published: July 2015

Under investigation is the complex modified Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation, which has many physical significance in fluid mechanics, plasma physics and so on. Via the Darboux transformation (DT) method, some breather and localized solutions are presented on two backgrounds: the continuous wave background [Formula: see text] and the constant background [Formula: see text]. Some figures are plotted to illustrate the dynamical features of those solutions.
Dual-Mode Controlled Pulse Width Monostable Multivibrator Using DVCCs
Authors: Chien Hung-Chun
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a dual-mode controlled pulse width monostable multivibrator used for analogue signal processing applications that employs two differential voltage current conveyors (DVCCs), four passive components and an analogue switch. Unlike the traditional operational-amplifier-based monostable multivibrators, the proposed circuit contributes a dual-mode controlled scheme for adjusting the output pulse width through a voltage source and a grounded resistor. This paper discusses several previous designs and presents the circuit operations, related governing formulas, non-ideal effect problems, design considerations, and experimental examples of the proposed circuit. A prototype circuit was implemented, and commercially integrated circuits and discrete passive components were used to execute the experimental tests. The features of the proposed circuit are discussed, and the experimental results indicated that the circuit is feasibly used in dual-mode controlled pulse width for the output pulse and were consistent with those of the theoretical analyses.
STRONGLY AND WEAKLY INTERACTING CONFIGURATIONS OF HEXAGONAL BORON NITRIDE ON NICKEL
Authors: EBNONNASIR ABBAS , KODAMBAKA SUNEEL , CIOBANU CRISTIAN V.
Published: July 2015

Using density functional theory calculations with van der Waals corrections, we have investigated the stability and electronic properties of monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) on the Ni (111) surface. We have found that hBN can bind either strongly (chemisorption) or weakly to the substrate with metallic or insulating properties, respectively. While the more stable configuration is the chemisorbed structure, many weakly bound (physisorbed) states can be realized via growth around an hBN nucleus trapped in an off-registry position. This finding provides an explanation for seemingly contradictory sets of reports on the configuration of hBN on Ni (111).
DEVELOPMENT OF ARDUINO-BASED HAND DYNAMOMETER ASSISTIVE DEVICE
Authors: NOH NORAZMIRA MD , KADRI NAHRIZUL ADIB , USMAN JULIANA
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to develop a hand dynamometer that can act as a rehabilitation device by acquiring quantified data to enhance the power of hand grip strength. On the whole, patient that suffers from the hand injury is directly exposed to intricacy when performing daily task. Therefore, many hand aids have been developed to overcome the problem. A typical hand assistive device is able to measure the hand grip strength, which eventually increases its functionality. Like hand dynamometer, it is used for regular screening of hand grip strength and also for the preliminary and ongoing assessment of patients with hand dysfunction or trauma. Strain gauge-based system transducer acts as the measurement system together with Arduino microcontroller for the instrumentation, communication and controlling applications. The integration of strain gauges with a transducer is called a load cell which also made up the overall of force sensor to obtain readings from the hand grip movement. Microcontroller will further use this information to store and analyze data in the SD card. The percentage difference observed between hands across the sample of 25 subjects support the 10% rule. An overall 10.74% difference was found when combined dominant and non-dominant hand strength scores for all subjects were observed.
Biot number constraints on the thermal regime of acidic magmas in the subvolcanic crust: an integrated approach using numerical modelling and petrology
Authors: Pla F. , Álvarez-Valero A. M.
Published: July 2015

Crustal xenoliths are key subvolcanic material for studying processes that operate in a magma dyke during intrusion into its surrounding country rock. The Biot number is the appropriate parameter to advance knowledge of the rock–magma thermal interaction. We present an interactive approach that combines the petrological study of natural subvolcanic samples, through crustal xenoliths, which represents an essential pilot to explore and constrain the input parameters and boundary conditions in numerical simulations of fluid dynamics under a volcano. Our results – as a function of different dyke depths, aspect ratios and temperature gradients at the host and dyke – allow an accurate interpretation of the thermal history of magma flow in the dyke, revealing significant differences in heat transfer and thermal resistance between the crust and ascending magma. Conclusively, melt flow within rigid-walled channels depends directly on the depth (pressure gradient) and width of the dyke according to a balance between the rate of magma input and heat loss that determines how fast the magma may ascend. In addition, and with implications for crustal assimilation, there is evidence of a strong relationship between the preconditioning temperature and the integrity of the host rock over the time that xenoliths are immersed in the magma dyke.
The somatotropic axis and longevity in mice
Authors: Brown-Borg H. M.
Published: July 2015

The somatotropic signaling pathway has been implicated in aging and longevity studies in mice and other species. The physiology and lifespans of a variety of mutant mice, both spontaneous and genetically engineered, have contributed to our current understanding of the role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I on aging-related processes. Several other mice discovered to live longer than their wild-type control counterparts also exhibit differences in growth factor levels; however, the complex nature of the phenotypic changes in these animals may also impact lifespan. The somatotropic axis impacts several pathways that dictate insulin sensitivity, nutrient sensing, mitochondrial function, and stress resistance as well as others that are thought to be involved in lifespan regulation.
Neural coordination during reach-to-grasp
Authors: Vaidya Mukta , Kording Konrad , Saleh Maryam , Takahashi Kazutaka , Hatsopoulos Nicholas G.
Published: July 2015

When reaching to grasp, we coordinate how we preshape the hand with how we move it. To ask how motor cortical neurons participate in this coordination, we examined the interactions between reach- and grasp-related neuronal ensembles while monkeys reached to grasp a variety of different objects in different locations. By describing the dynamics of these two ensembles as trajectories in a low-dimensional state space, we examined their coupling in time. We found evidence for temporal compensation across many different reach-to-grasp conditions such that if one neural trajectory led in time the other tended to catch up, reducing the asynchrony between the trajectories. Granger causality revealed bidirectional interactions between reach and grasp neural trajectories beyond that which could be attributed to the joint kinematics that were consistently stronger in the grasp-to-reach direction. Characterizing cortical coordination dynamics provides a new framework for understanding the functional interactions between neural populations.
RNA-Seq analysis of high NaCl-induced gene expression
Authors: Izumi Yuichiro , Yang Wenjing , Zhu Jun , Burg Maurice B. , Ferraris Joan D.
Published: July 2015

High extracellular NaCl is known to change expression of numerous genes, many of which are regulated by the osmoprotective transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells-5 (NFAT5). In the present study we employed RNA-Seq to provide a comprehensive, unbiased account of genes regulated by high NaCl in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEFs). To identify genes regulated by NFAT5 we compared wild-type MEFs (WT-MEFs) to MEFs in which mutation of the NFAT5 gene inhibits its transcriptional activity (Null-MEFs). In WT-MEFs adding NaCl to raise osmolality from 300 to 500 mosmol/kg for 24 h increases expression of 167 genes and reduces expression of 412. Raising osmolality through multiple passages (adapted cells) increases expression of 196 genes and reduces expression of 528. In Null-MEFs, after 24 h of high NaCl, expression of 217 genes increase and 428 decrease, while in adapted Null-MEFs 143 increase and 622 decrease. Fewer than 10% of genes are regulated in common between WT- and null-MEFs, indicating a profound difference in regulation of high-NaCl induced genes induced by NFAT5 compared with those induced in the absence of NFAT5. Based on our findings we suggest a mechanism for this phenomenon, which had previously been unexplained. The NFAT5 DNA-binding motif (osmotic response element) is overrepresented in the vicinity of genes that NFAT5 upregulates, but not genes that it downregulates. We used Gene Ontology and manual curation to determine the function of the genes targeted by NFAT5, revealing many novel consequences of NFAT5 transcriptional activity.
Structural Characterization ofProsopis africanaPopulations (Guill., Perrott., and Rich.) Taub in Benin
Authors: Houètchégnon Towanou , Gbèmavo Dossou Seblodo Judes Charlemagne , Ouinsavi Christine Ajokè Ifètayo Nougbodé , Sokpon Nestor
Published: July 2015

The structural characterization ofProsopis africanaof Benin was studied on the basis of forest inventory conducted in three different vegetation types (savannah, fallow, and field) and three climate zones. The data collected in 139 plots of 1000 m2each related to the diameter at breast (1.3 m above ground), total height, identification, and measurement of DBH relatedP. africanaspecies height. Tree-ring parameters such as Blackman and Green indices, basal area, average diameter, height of Lorey, and density were calculated and interpreted. Dendrometric settings of vegetation type and climate zone (Guinea, Sudan-Guinea, and Sudan) were compared through analysis of variance (ANOVA). There is a significant difference in dendrometric settings according to the type of vegetation and climate zone. Basal area, density, and average diameter are, respectively, 4.47 m2/ha, 34.95 stems/ha, and 37.02 cm in the fields; 3.01 m2/ha, 34.74 stems/ha, and 33.66 cm in fallows; 3.31 m2/ha, 52.39 stems/ha, and 29.61 cm in the savannahs. The diameter distribution and height observed at the theoretical Weibull distribution show that the diameter and height of the populations of the species are present in all positively skewed distributions or asymmetric left, a characteristic of single-species stands with predominance of young individuals or small diameters or heights.
Nutrition before and during Surgery and the Inflammatory Response of the Heart: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Visser Marlieke , Niessen Hans W. M. , Kok Wouter E. M. , Cocchieri Riccardo , Wisselink Willem , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , de Mol Bas A. J. M.
Published: July 2015

Major surgery induces a long fasting time and provokes an inflammatory response which increases the risk of infections. Nutrition given before and during surgery can avoid fasting and has been shown to increase the arginine/asymmetric dimetlhylarginine ratio, a marker of nitric oxide availability, in cardiac tissue and increased concentrations of branched chain amino acids in blood plasma. However, the effect of this new nutritional strategy on organ inflammatory response is unknown. Therefore, we studied the effect of nutrition before and during cardiac surgery on myocardial inflammatory response. In this trial, 32 patients were randomised between enteral, parenteral, and no nutrition supplementation (control) from 2 days before, during, up to 2 days after coronary artery bypass grafting. Both solutions included proteins or amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals. Myocardial atrial tissue was sampled before and after revascularization and was analysed immunohistochemically, subdivided into cardiomyocytic, fatty, and fibrotic areas. Inflammatory cells, especially leukocytes, were present in cardiac tissue in all study groups. No significant differences were found in the myocardial inflammatory response between the enteral, parenteral, and control groups. In conclusion, nutrition given before and during surgery neither stimulates nor diminishes the myocardial inflammatory response in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The trial was registered in Netherlands Trial Register (NTR):NTR2183.
Vehicle Routing Problem for Multiple Product Types, Compartments, and Trips with Soft Time Windows
Authors: Kabcome P. , Mouktonglang T.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model to solve the vehicle routing problem with soft time windows (VRPSTW) and distribution of products with multiple categories. In addition, we include multiple compartments and trips. Each compartment is dedicated to a single type of product. Each vehicle is allowed to have more than one trip, as long as it corresponds to the maximum distance allowed in a workday. Numerical results show the effectiveness of our model.
Bayesian Information Criterion Based Feature Filtering for the Fusion of Multiple Features in High-Spatial-Resolution Satellite Scene Classification
Authors: Lin Da , Xu Xin , Pu Fangling
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a novel classification method for high-spatial-resolution satellite scene classification introducing Bayesian information criterion (BIC)-based feature filtering process to further eliminate opaque and redundant information between multiple features. Firstly, two diverse and complementary feature descriptors are extracted to characterize the satellite scene. Then, sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) with penalty function is employed to fuse the extracted feature descriptors and remove the ambiguities and redundancies between them simultaneously. After that, a two-phase Bayesian information criterion (BIC)-based feature filtering process is designed to further filter out redundant information. In the first phase, we gradually impose a constraint via an iterative process to set a constraint on the loadings for averting sparse correlation descending below to a lower confidence limit of the approximated canonical correlation. In the second phase, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is utilized to conduct the feature filtering which sets the smallest loading in absolute value to zero in each iteration for all features. Lastly, a support vector machine with pyramid match kernel is applied to obtain the final result. Experimental results on high-spatial-resolution satellite scenes demonstrate that the suggested approach achieves satisfactory performance in classification accuracy.
Is the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index Being Routinely Used in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Shafiq Ali , Lodhi Hamza , Ahmed Zaheer , Bajwa Ata
Published: July 2015

Background. The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score can risk-stratify patients with PE but its widespread use is uncertain. With the PESI, we compared length of hospital stay between low, moderate, and high risk PE patients and determined the number of low risk PE patients who were discharged early. Methods. PE patients admitted to St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital from January 2005 to August 2010 were screened. PESI score stratified acute PE patients into low (<85), moderate (86–105), and high (>105) risk categories and their length of hospital stay was compared. Patients with low risk PE discharged early (≤3 days) were calculated. Results. Among 315 PE patients, 51.7% were at low risk. No significant difference in hospital stay between low (7.11 ± 3 d) and moderate (6.88 ± 2.9 d) risk, p > 0.05, as well as low and high risk (7.28 ± 3.0 d), p > 0.05, was found. 9% of low risk patients were discharged ≤ 3 days. Conclusions. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between low and high risk groups and only a small number of low risk patients were discharged from the hospital early suggesting that risk tools like PESI may not have a widespread use.
On Pseudorapidity Distribution and Speed of Sound in High Energy Heavy Ion Collisions Based on a New Revised Landau Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Gao Li-Na , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: July 2015

We propose a new revised Landau hydrodynamic model to study systematically the pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in heavy ion collisions over an energy range from a few GeV to a few TeV per nucleon pair. The interacting system is divided into three sources, namely, the central, target, and projectile sources, respectively. The large central source is described by the Landau hydrodynamic model and further revised by the contributions of the small target/projectile sources. The modeling results are in agreement with the available experimental data at relativistic heavy ion collider, large hadron collider, and other energies for different centralities. The value of square speed of sound parameter in different collisions has been extracted by us from the widths of rapidity distributions. Our results show that, in heavy ion collisions at energies of the two colliders, the central source undergoes a phase transition from hadronic gas to quark-gluon plasma liquid phase; meanwhile, the target/projectile sources remain in the state of hadronic gas. The present work confirms that the quark-gluon plasma is of liquid type rather than being of a gas type.
Intellectual Impairment in Patients with Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Sunmonu Taofiki A. , Sellner Johann , Ogunrin Olubunmi A. , Imarhiagbe Frank A. , Komolafe Morenikeji A. , Afolabi Olusegun T. , Ilesanmi Olayinka S. , Olanrewaju Fatai , Oladimeji Benedicta Y.
Published: July 2015

Neurocognitive impairment is a detrimental complication of HIV infection. Here, we characterized the intellectual performance of patients with newly diagnosed HIV infection in southwestern Nigeria. We conducted a prospective study at Owo Federal Medical Center by using the adapted Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The raw scores were converted to standardized scores (z-scores) and correlated with clinical and laboratory findings. Fifty-eight HIV positive patients were recruited; 72% were in WHO stages 3 and 4. We detected a high rate of intellectual impairment in HIV positive patients and controls (63.8% and 10%, resp.;P<0.001). HIV positive patients performed worse throughout the subtests of both verbal and performance intelligence quotients. Presence of opportunistic infections was associated with worse performance in the similarities and digit symbol tests and performance and full scale scores. Lower body weight correlated with poor performance in different WAIS subtests. The high rate of advanced disease stage warrants measures aimed at earlier diagnosis and treatment. Assessment of neurocognitive performance at diagnosis may offer the opportunity to improve functioning in daily life and counteract disease progression.
Preparation of High Activity Ga and Cu Doped ZnS by Hydrothermal Method for Hydrogen Production under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Kimi Melody , Yuliati Leny , Shamsuddin Mustaffa
Published: July 2015

Ga(0.1),Cu(x)‐ZnS (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The synthesized Ga and Cu codoped ZnS photocatalysts showed photocatalytic property effective for hydrogen production from aqueous solution containing Na2SO3 and Na2S as sacrificial reagent under visible light irradiation. The rate of hydrogen production was found to be strongly dependent on Cu doping content. The highest photocatalytic activity is observed for Ga(0.1),Cu(0.01)‐ZnS with hydrogen production rate of 114 µmol/h. The addition of Ga as codoped increased the photocatalytic activity to 58 times as compared to single doped Cu‐ZnS. The Ga and Cu codoped ZnS photocatalysts are also stable under long irradiation. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of Ga and Cu codoped photocatalyst can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Ga and Cu. The photocatalytic activity was greatly enhanced with the addition of 0.5 wt% Ru as cocatalyst with a hydrogen production rate of 744 µmol/h.
Macrophage Differentiation from Monocytes Is Influenced by the Lipid Oxidation Degree of Low Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Seo Jin-Won , Yang Eun-Jeong , Yoo Kyung-Hwa , Choi In-Hong
Published: July 2015

LDL plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and macrophage differentiation. However, there is no report regarding the oxidation degree of LDL and macrophage differentiation. Our study has shown that the differentiation into M1 or M2 macrophages is related to the lipid oxidation level of LDL. Based on the level of lipid peroxidation, LDL is classified into high‐oxidized LDL (hi‐oxLDL) and low‐oxidized LDL (low‐oxLDL). The differentiation profiles of macrophages were determined by surface receptor expression and cytokine secretion profiles. Low‐oxLDL induced CD86 expression and production of TNF‐α and IL‐12p40 in THP‐1 cells, indicating an M1 macrophage phenotype. Hi‐oxLDL induced mannose receptor expression and production of IL‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, which mostly match the phenotype of M2 macrophages. Further supporting evidence for an M2 polarization by hi‐oxLDL was the induction of LOX‐1 in THP‐1 cells treated with hi‐oxLDL but not with low‐oxLDL. Similar results were obtained in primary human monocytes. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that the oxidation degree of LDL influences the differentiation of monocytes into M1 or M2 macrophages and determines the inflammatory fate in early stages of atherosclerosis.
Mild Phenotype in a Patient with aDe Novo6.3 Mb Distal Deletion at 10q26.2q26.3
Authors: Tanteles George A. , Nikolaou Elpiniki , Christou Yiolanda , Alexandrou Angelos , Evangelidou Paola , Christophidou-Anastasiadou Violetta , Sismani Carolina , Papacostas Savvas S.
Published: July 2015

We report on a 29-year-old Greek-Cypriot female with ade novo6.3 Mb distal 10q26.2q26.3 deletion. She had a very mild neurocognitive phenotype with near normal development and intellect. In addition, she had certain distinctive features and postural orthostatic tachycardia. We review the relevant literature and postulate that certain of her features can be diagnostically relevant. This report illustrates the powerful diagnostic ability of array-CGH in the elucidation of relatively mild phenotypes.
Primary Intracranial Melanoma with Early Leptomeningeal Spread: A Case Report and Treatment Options Available
Authors: Balakrishnan Rajesh , Porag Rokeya , Asif Dewan Shamsul , Satter A. M. Rejaus , Taufiq Md. , Gaddam Samson S. K.
Published: July 2015

Primary CNS melanomas are rare and they constitute about 1% of all cases of melanomas and 0.07% of all brain tumors. These tumors are aggressive in nature and may metastasise to other organs. Till date less than 25 cases have been reported in the literature. The primary treatment for local intraparenchymal tumours is complete resection and/or radiotherapy and it is associated with good survival. However once there is disease spread to leptomeninges the overall median survival is around 10 weeks. In this case report we describe a primary intracranial melanoma without any dural attachment in 16-year-old boy who had radical excision of the tumor followed by radiotherapy who eventually had rapidly developed leptomeningeal disease and review the literature with a focus on the clinic pathological, radiological, and treatment options.
Estimation of Daytime NO3Radical Levels in the UK Urban Atmosphere Using the Steady State Approximation Method
Authors: Khan M. A. H. , Morris W. C. , Watson L. A. , Galloway M. , Hamer P. D. , Shallcross B. M. A. , Percival C. J. , Shallcross D. E.
Published: July 2015

The steady state approximation has been applied to the UK National Environment Technology Centre (NETCEN) data at three urban sites in the UK (Marylebone Road London, London Eltham, and Harwell) over the period of 1997 to 2012 to estimate the concentrations of daytime NO3. Despite the common assertion that NO3levels are negligible in the day as a consequence of photolysis, there are occasions where NO3reaches a few pptv. A seasonal pattern in NO3concentration was observed with higher levels in the spring with consistent peaks in April and May. A combination of temperature effects (the formation of NO3from the reaction of NO2with O3has a high activation energy barrier), a distinct pattern in O3concentration (peaking in spring), and loss via reaction with NO peaking in winter is responsible for this trend. Although reaction with OH is still the dominant loss process for VOCs during the day, there are VOCs (unsaturated) that will have an appreciable loss due to reaction with NO3in the daytime. Since the addition reaction of NO3with alkenes can lead directly to organic nitrate formation, there are implications for O3formation and secondary organic aerosol formation during daytime and these are discussed.
Succinate Dehydrogenase Loss in Familial Paraganglioma: Biochemistry, Genetics, and Epigenetics
Authors: Her Yeng F. , Maher L. James
Published: July 2015

It is counterintuitive that metabolic defects reducing ATP production can cause, rather than protect from, cancer. Yet this is precisely the case for familial paraganglioma, a form of neuroendocrine malignancy caused by loss of succinate dehydrogenase in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Here we review biochemical, genetic, and epigenetic considerations in succinate dehydrogenase loss and present leading models and mysteries associated with this fascinating and important tumor.
Fusion of Heterogeneous Intrusion Detection Systems for Network Attack Detection
Authors: Kaliappan Jayakumar , Thiagarajan Revathi , Sundararajan Karpagam
Published: July 2015

An intrusion detection system (IDS) helps to identify different types of attacks in general, and the detection rate will be higher for some specific category of attacks. This paper is designed on the idea that each IDS is efficient in detecting a specific type of attack. In proposed Multiple IDS Unit (MIU), there are five IDS units, and each IDS follows a unique algorithm to detect attacks. The feature selection is done with the help of genetic algorithm. The selected features of the input traffic are passed on to the MIU for processing. The decision from each IDS is termed as local decision. The fusion unit inside the MIU processes all the local decisions with the help of majority voting rule and makes the final decision. The proposed system shows a very good improvement in detection rate and reduces the false alarm rate.
Automatic Change Detection Method of Multitemporal Remote Sensing Images Based on 2D-Otsu Algorithm Improved by Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Huang Liang , Fang Yuanmin , Zuo Xiaoqing , Yu Xueqin
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a new automatic change detection method of multitemporal remote sensing images based on 2D-Otsu algorithm improved by Firefly algorithm. The proposed method is designed to automatically extract the changing area between two temporal remote sensing images. First, two different temporal remote sensing images were acquired through difference value method of remote sensing images; then, the 2D-Otsu threshold segmentation principles are analyzed and the optimal threshold of 2D-Otsu threshold segmentation method is figured out by using the Firefly algorithm, where the difference images are conducted with binary classification to obtain the changing category and the nonchanging category; finally, the proposed method is used to carry out change detection experiments on the two selected areas, where a variety of methods are compared. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively and quickly extract the changing area between the two temporal remote sensing images; thus, it is an effective method of change detection for remote sensing images.
Kalman Filter Sensor Fusion for Mecanum Wheeled Automated Guided Vehicle Localization
Authors: Yoon Sang Won , Park Seong-Bae , Kim Jong Shik
Published: July 2015

The Mecanum automated guided vehicle (AGV), which can move in any direction by using a special wheel structure with a LIM-wheel and a diagonally positioned roller, holds considerable promise for the field of industrial electronics. A conventional method for Mecanum AGV localization has certain limitations, such as slip phenomena, because there are variations in the surface of the road and ground friction. Therefore, precise localization is a very important issue for the inevitable slip phenomenon situation. So a sensor fusion technique is developed to cope with this drawback by using the Kalman filter. ENCODER and StarGazer were used for sensor fusion. StarGazer is a position sensor for an image recognition device and always generates some errors due to the limitations of the image recognition device. ENCODER has also errors accumulating over time. On the other hand, there are no moving errors. In this study, we developed a Mecanum AGV prototype system and showed by simulation that we can eliminate the disadvantages of each sensor. We obtained the precise localization of the Mecanum AGV in a slip phenomenon situation via sensor fusion using a Kalman filter.
Beneficial Effects of the mTOR Inhibitor Everolimus in Patients with Advanced Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Subgroup Results of a Phase II Trial
Authors: Schneider T. C. , de Wit D. , Links T. P. , van Erp N. P. , van der Hoeven J. J. M. , Gelderblom H. , van Wezel T. , van Eijk R. , Morreau H. , Guchelaar H. J. , Kapiteijn E.
Published: July 2015

Objective. Until recently, advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) had few treatment options except surgery. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus has shown encouraging results in neuroendocrine tumors. As part of a prospective phase II study, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of everolimus in advanced MTC.Methods. Seven patients with per RECIST 1.1 documented advanced MTC were included and received everolimus 10 mg daily. The primary objective was determining treatment efficacy. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and pharmacokinetics (PK).Results. Median follow-up duration was 28 weeks (17–147). Five patients (71%) showed SD, of which 4 (57%) showed SD >24 weeks. Median PFS and OS were 33 (95%CI: 8–56) and 30 (95%CI: 15–45) weeks, respectively. Toxicity was predominantly grade 1/2 and included mucositis (43%), fatigue (43%), and hypertriglyceridemia (43%). Four MTCs harbored the somaticRETmutation c.2753T>C, p.Met918Thr. The best clinical response was seen in a MEN2A patient. PK characteristics were consistent with phase I data. One patient exhibited extensive toxicity accompanying elevated everolimus plasma concentrations.Conclusions. This study suggests that everolimus exerts clinically relevant antitumor activity in patients with advanced MTC. Given the high level of clinical benefit and the relatively low toxicity profile, further investigation of everolimus in these patients is warranted.
Adaptive Second Order Sliding Mode Control of a Fuel Cell Hybrid System for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Liu Jianxing , Zhao Yue , Geng Bo , Xiao Bing
Published: July 2015

We present an adaptive-gain second order sliding mode (SOSM) control applied to a hybrid power system for electric vehicle applications. The main advantage of the adaptive SOSM is that it does not require the upper bound of the uncertainty. The proposed hybrid system consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a unidirectional DC/DC converter and a Li-ion battery stack with a bidirectional DC/DC converter, where the PEMFC is employed as the primary energy source and the battery is employed as the second energy source. One of the main limitations of the FC is its slow dynamics mainly due to the air-feed system and fuel-delivery system. Fuel starvation phenomenon will occur during fast load demand. Therefore, the second energy source is required to assist the main source to improve system perofrmance. The proposed energy management system contains two cascade control structures, which are used to regulate the fuel cell and battery currents to track the given reference currents and stabilize the DC bus voltage while satisfying the physical limitations. The proposed control strategy is evaluated for two real driving cycles, that is, Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) and Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET).
S100B Inhibitor Pentamidine Attenuates Reactive Gliosis and Reduces Neuronal Loss in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cirillo Carla , Capoccia Elena , Iuvone Teresa , Cuomo Rosario , Sarnelli Giovanni , Steardo Luca , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

Among the different signaling molecules released during reactive gliosis occurring in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the astrocyte-derived S100B protein plays a key role in neuroinflammation, one of the hallmarks of the disease. The use of pharmacological tools targeting S100B may be crucial to embank its effects and some of the pathological features of AD. The antiprotozoal drug pentamidine is a good candidate since it directly blocks S100B activity by inhibiting its interaction with the tumor suppressor p53. We used a mouse model of amyloid beta- (Aβ-) induced AD, which is characterized by reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation in the brain, and we evaluated the effect of pentamidine on the main S100B-mediated events. Pentamidine caused the reduction of glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100B, and RAGE protein expression, which are signs of reactive gliosis, and induced p53 expression in astrocytes. Pentamidine also reduced the expression of proinflammatory mediators and markers, thus reducing neuroinflammation in AD brain. In parallel, we observed a significant neuroprotection exerted by pentamidine on CA1 pyramidal neurons. We demonstrated that pentamidine inhibits Aβ-induced gliosis and neuroinflammation in an animal model of AD, thus playing a role in slowing down the course of the disease.
The Cotransplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exerts Antiapoptotic Effects in Adult Rats after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wu Shifeng , Cui Guanqun , Shao Hua , Du Zhongjun , Ng Jack C. , Peng Cheng
Published: July 2015

The mechanisms behind the repairing effects of the cotransplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) have not been fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the cotransplantation of OECs with BMSCs on antiapoptotic effects in adult rats for which the models of SCI are induced. We examined the changes in body weight, histopathological changes, apoptosis, and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins after 14 days and 28 days after transplantation. We also assessed animal locomotion using BBB test. We found that treatment with OECs and BMSCs had a remissive effect on behavioral outcome and histopathological changes induced SCI. Furthermore, we observed the significant antiapoptotic effect on cotransplant treated group. In addition, cotransplantation of OECs with BMSCs was found to have more significant repairing effect than that of OECs or BMSCs alone. Furthermore, the recovery of hind limb could be related to antiapoptotic effect of OECs and BMSCs through downregulating the apoptotic pathways. Finally, our data suggested the cotransplantation of OECs with BMSCs holds promise for a potential cure after SCI through the ability to incorporate into the spinal cord.
The Diagnostic and Differential Diagnosis Utility of Cerebrospinal Fluidα-Synuclein Levels in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wen Min , Yu Wen-Feng , Zhang Chun-Lin , Jiao Ling
Published: July 2015

Several recent studies showed thatα-syn might be a potential diagnostic biomarker for PD in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but the results were inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the diagnostic and differential diagnosis efficacy of CSFα-syn in PD. Studies which measured CSFα-syn orα-syn oligomers in patients with PD and met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that mean concentration of CSFα-syn was significantly lower in PD compared to controls and significantly higher in PD compared to multiple system atrophy (MSA). No significant difference in mean concentration of CSFα-syn was found between PD and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Mean concentration of CSFα-syn was slightly decreased in PD compared to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Mean concentration of CSFα-syn oligomers was significantly higher in PD than control. These results support the findings that CSFα-syn may be a potential diagnostic and differential diagnosis biomarker in PD compared to control and MSA but not DLB. Furthermore,α-syn oligomer may represent a better biomarker for diagnosis of PD.
Screening Optimization of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Mehta Bella , Zapantis Ekaterini , Petryna Olga , Efthimiou Petros
Published: July 2015

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) but there are no clear guidelines for LTBI screening with Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Quantiferon TB Gold testing (QFT-G). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in a high risk, largely foreign-born, inner city, RA population. After screening 280 RA patients, 134 patients who had both TST and QFT-G testing performed during their initial evaluation were included. Results. Out of 132 RA patients included in our analysis, 50 (37.8%) patients were diagnosed with LTBI with either positive TST 42 (31.8%) or QFT-G 23 (17.4%). 15 (11.4%) were positive and 82 (62.1%) were negative for both tests. The agreement between TST and QFT-G was 73.5% (Kappa 0.305, CI = 95% 0.147–0.463, p=0.081).  Conclusions. There was low-moderate agreement (κ=0.305) between TST and QFT-G. In the absence of clearly defined gold standard and limitations associated with both tests, we propose early screening with both tests for patients who need prompt treatment with BRMs. Patients who are not immediate candidates for BRM treatment may be safely and cost effectively screened with a two-step process: initial screening with TST and if negative, IGRA testing. Patients positive for either test should be promptly treated.