bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequencing and Analysis of the Postharvest Fungus
Penicillium expansum
R21
Authors: Yin Guohua , Zhang Yuliang , Hua Sui Sheng T. , Yu Jiujiang , Bu Lijing , Pennerman Kayla K. , Huang Qixing , Guo Anping , Bennett Joan W.
Published: February 2017

Blue mold is the vernacular name of a common postharvest disease of stored apples, pears, and quince that is caused by several common species of
Penicillium
. This study reports the draft genome sequence of
Penicillium expansum
strain R21, which was isolated from a red delicious apple in 2011 in Pennsylvania.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Suttonella ornithocola Bacterium
Authors: Waldman Ben-Asher Hiba , Yerushalmi Rebecca , Wachtel Chaim , Barbiro-Michaely Efrat , Sompolinsky David , Gerber Doron
Published: February 2017

We report here the draft genome sequence of the
Suttonella ornithocola
bacterium. To date, this bacterium, found in birds, passed only phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first publication of the
Suttonella ornithocola
genome sequence. The genetic profile provides a basis for further analysis of its infection pathways.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cellulosilyticum
sp. I15G10I2, a Novel Bacterium Isolated from a Coal Seam Gas Water Treatment Pond
Authors: Adelskov Joseph , Patel Bharat K. C.
Published: February 2017

Cellulosilyticum
sp. strain I15G10I2 was isolated from a coal seam gas water treatment pond at the Spring Gully water treatment facility, Roma, Queensland, Australia. Analysis of the genome of 4,489,861 bp and G+C content of 35.23% revealed that strain I15G10I2 shared limited similarity to members of the genus
Cellulosilyticum
, family
Lachnospiraceae
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas putida KF715 (NBRC 110667) Isolated from Biphenyl-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Suenaga Hikaru , Yamazoe Atsushi , Hosoyama Akira , Kimura Nobutada , Hirose Jun , Watanabe Takahito , Fujihara Hidehiko , Futagami Taiki , Goto Masatoshi , Furukawa Kensuke
Published: February 2017

Pseudomonas putida
KF715 (NBRC 110667) utilizes biphenyl as a sole source of carbon and degrades polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Here, we report a complete genome sequence of the KF715 strain, which comprises a circular chromosome and four plasmids. Biphenyl catabolic genes were located on the largest plasmid, pKF715A.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Type Strain LMG 22219
Authors: Abouelkhair Mohamed A. , Riley Matthew C. , Bemis David A. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: February 2017

We report the first complete genome sequence of LMG 22219 (=ON 86
T
= CCUG 49543
T
), the
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
type strain isolated from feline lung tissue. This sequence information will facilitate phylogenetic comparisons of staphylococcal species and other bacteria at the genome level.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Strain Carrying the
bla
NDM-1
Carbapenemase Gene
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Feng Yu , Lin Ji , Zong Zhiyong
Published: February 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain WCHKP1845, recovered from the sputum of a patient with pneumonia, was resistant to colistin and carried the carbapenemase gene
bla
NDM-1
. Here, we report its 5.4-Mb draft genome sequence, comprising 140 contigs with an average 57.33% G+C content. The genome contains 5,118 coding sequences and 88 tRNA genes.
Significance of informal (on-the-job) learning and leadership development in health systems: lessons from a district finance team in South Africa
Authors: Choonara S , Goudge J , Nxumalo N , Eyles J
Published: February 2017

Background

The district health system (DHS) has a critical role to play in the delivery of primary healthcare (PHC). Effective district management, particularly leadership is considered to be crucial element of the DHS. Internationally, the debate around developing leadership competencies such as motivation or empowerment of staff, managing relationships, being solution driven as well as fostering teamwork are argued to be possible through approaches such as formal and informal training. Despite growing multidisciplinary evidence in fields such as engineering, computer sciences and health sciences there remains little empirical evidence of these approaches, especially the informal approach. Findings are based on a broader doctoral thesis which explored district financial management; although the core focus of this paper draws attention to the significance of informal learning and its practical value in developing leadership competencies.

Methods

A qualitative case study was conducted in one district in the Gauteng province, South Africa. Purposive and snowballing techniques yielded a sample of 18 participants, primarily based at a district level. Primary data collected through in-depth interviews and observations (participant and non-participant) were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Results indicate the sorts of complexities, particularly financial management challenges which staff face and draws attention to the use of two informal learning strategies—learning from others (how to communicate, delegate) and fostering team-based learning. Such strategies played a role in developing a cadre of leaders at a district level who displayed essential competencies such as motivating staff, and problem solving.

Conclusions

It is crucial for health systems, especially those in financially constrained settings to find cost-effective ways to develop leadership competencies such as being solution driven or motivating and empowering staff. This study illustrates that it is possible to develop such competencies through creating and nurturing a learning environment (on-the-job training) which could be incorporated into everyday practice.
Long-term experiences of Norwegian live kidney donors: qualitative in-depth interviews
Authors: Meyer Käthe B , Bjørk Ida Torunn , Wahl Astrid Klopstad , Lennerling Annette , Andersen Marit Helen
Published: February 2017

Objective

Live kidney donation is generally viewed as a welcome treatment option for severe kidney disease. However, there is a disparity in the body of research on donor experiences and postdonation outcome, and lack of knowledge on long-term consequences described by the donors. This study was conducted to provide insight into donors' subjective meanings and interpretation of their experiences ∼10 years after donation.

Design

Qualitative explorative in-depth interviews. The sampling strategy employed maximum variation. Setting Oslo University Hospital is the national centre for organ transplantation and donation in Norway, and there are 26 local nephrology centres.

Participants

16 donors representing all parts of Norway who donated a kidney in 2001–2004 participated in the study. The interviews were analysed using an interpretative approach.

Results

The analysis resulted in 4 main themes; the recipient outcome justified long-term experiences, family dynamics—tension still under the surface, ambivalence—healthy versus the need for regular follow-up, and life must go on. These themes reflect the complexity of live kidney donation, which fluctuated from positive experiences such as pride and feeling privileged to adverse experiences such as altered family relationships or reduced health.

Conclusions

Live kidney donors seemed to possess resilient qualities that enabled them to address the long-term consequences of donation. The challenge is to provide more uniform information about long-term consequences. In future research, resilient qualities could be a topic to explore in live donation.
Making internal fixation work with limited bone stock
Authors: Meeson Richard
Published: February 2017

Fractures are common in small animal practice and there are many options for managing them. Plates and screws remain a popular means to manage many fractures; however, some fractures are sufficiently close to a joint (juxta‐articular), that they limit the amount of bone available to achieve a standard stable plate and screw fixation. This article discusses the options to achieve a stable internal fixation when there is limited bone stock.
A nucleation and growth model of silicon nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser deposition via Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Wang Yinglong , Qin Aili , Chu Lizhi , Deng Zechao , Ding Xuecheng , Guan Li
Published: February 2017

We simulated the nucleation and growth of Si nanoparticles produced by pulse laser deposition using Monte Carlo method at the molecular (microscopic) level. In the model, the mechanism and thermodynamic conditions of nucleation and growth of Si nanoparticles were described. In a real physical scale of target-substrate configuration, the model was used to analyze the average size distribution of Si nanoparticles in argon ambient gas and the calculated results are in agreement with the experimental results.
Experimental Verification of Fractional-Order Filters Using a Reconfigurable Fractional-Order Impedance Emulator
Authors: Dimeas Ilias , Tsirimokou Georgia , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: February 2017

Fractional-order filter design examples, realized through the substitution of fractional-order capacitors and inductors by a re-configurable active emulator, are presented in this paper. The implementation of the emulator is achieved using Current Feedback Operational Amplifiers (CFOAs) as active elements with the required fractional-order differentiation/integration performed through the employment of an integer-order multi-feedback topology. An important benefit, from the design flexibility point of view, is that the same topology could be re-configured for emulating both fractional-order capacitors and inductors through the appropriate selection of the time-constants and gain factors. The behavior of the realized filters is experimentally evaluated using commercially available CFOAs.
An Algorithm for Forward Reduction in Sequence-Based Software Specification
Authors: Lin Lan , Xue Yufeng , Song Fengguang
Published: February 2017

Sequence-based software specification is a rigorous method for deriving a formal system model based on informal requirements, through a systematic process called sequence enumeration. Under this process, stimulus (input) sequences are considered in a breadth-first manner, with the expected system response to each sequence given. Not every sequence needs to be further extended by the enumeration rules. The completed specification encodes a Mealy machine and forms a basis for other activities including code development and testing. This paper presents a forward reduction algorithm for sequence-based specification. The need for such an algorithm has been identified by field applications. We used the state machine as an intermediate tool to comprehend and analyze all change impacts resulted from a forward reduction, and used an axiom system for its development. We present the algorithm both mathematically in functional form and procedurally in pseudocode, illustrate it with a symbolic example, and report a larger case study from the published literature in which the algorithm is applied. The algorithm will prove useful and effective in deriving a system-level specification as well as in merging and combining partial work products towards a formal system model in field applications.
Linking Design Model with Code
Authors: Eckert Candice , Cham Brian , Li Pengyi , Sun Jing , Dobbie Gillian
Published: February 2017

With the growing in size and complexity of modern computer systems, the need for improving the quality at all stages of software development has become a critical issue. The current software production has been largely dependent on manual code development. Despite the slow development process, the errors introduced by the programmers contribute to a substantial portion of defects in the final software product. Model-driven engineering (MDE), despite having many advantages, is often overlooked by programmers due to lack of proper understanding and training in the matter. This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of MDE and looks at research results showing the adoption rates of design models. It analyzes different tools used for automated code generation and displays the reasons that led to technical decisions such as the programming language or design model used. In light of the findings, an educational tool, namely Lorini, was developed to provide automated code generation from the design models. The implemented tool consists of a plug-in for the Astah framework aimed at teaching Java programming to students through UML diagrams. It features instantaneous code generation from three types of UML diagrams, code-diagram matching, a feedback panel for error displays and on-the-fly compilation and execution of the resulting program. We also explore the possibility of generating assertion constraints from the design model and use them to verify the implementation. Evaluation of the tool indicated it to be successful with unique educational features and intuitive to use.
Traffic Safety Region Estimation Based on SFS–PCA–LSSVM: An Application to Highway Crash Risk Evaluation
Authors: Yang Yanfang , Qin Yong , Jia Limin , Dong Honghui
Published: February 2017

Accurate real-time crash risk evaluation is essential for making prevention strategy in order to proactively improve traffic safety. Quite a number of models have been developed to evaluate traffic crash risk by using real-time surveillance data. In this paper, the basic idea of traffic safety region is introduced into highway crash risk evaluation. Sequential forward selection (SFS), principal components analysis (PCA) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) are used to estimate the traffic safety region and classify the traffic states (safe condition and unsafe condition). The proposed method works by first extracting state variables from the observed traffic variables. Two statistics [Formula: see text] and squared prediction error (SPE) are calculated by SFS–PCA and used as the final state variables for traffic state space. Next, LSSVM is used to estimate the boundary of traffic safety region and identify the traffic states in the traffic state space. To demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method, this study develops two crash risk evaluation models, namely SFS–LSSVM model and PCA–LSSVM model, based on crash data and non-crash data collected on freeway I-880N in Alameda. Validation results show that the method is of reasonably high accuracy for identifying traffic states.
Exploiting Correlation Subspace to Predict Heterogeneous Cross-Project Defects
Authors: Cheng Ming , Wu Guoqing , Wan Hongyan , You Guoan , Yuan Mengting , Jiang Min
Published: February 2017

Cross-project defect prediction trains a prediction model using historical data from source projects and applies the model to target projects. Most previous efforts assumed the cross-project data have the same metrics set, which means the metrics used and the size of metrics set are the same. However, this assumption may not hold in practical scenarios. In addition, software defect datasets have the class-imbalance problem which increases the difficulty for the learner to predict defects. In this paper, we advance canonical correlation analysis by deriving a joint feature space for associating cross-project data. We also propose a novel support vector machine algorithm which incorporates the correlation transfer information into classifier design for cross-project prediction. Moreover, we take different misclassification costs into consideration to make the classification inclining to classify a module as a defective one, alleviating the impact of imbalanced data. The experimental results show that our method is more effective compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Mining Feature-Opinion from Reviews Based on Dependency Parsing
Authors: He Tieke , Hao Rui , Qi Hang , Liu Jia , Wu Qing
Published: February 2017

The manual reading of all the product reviews to find a satisfying item is not only labor-intensive, but also tedious for the consumers. In this paper, we propose a feature-opinion mining approach to automatically summarize the reviews, which is based on dependency parsing. Specifically, in our approach we first utilize a regression model to generate sentiment word, including phrase and its sentiment weight, and then we extract the feature based on the dependency relationship between feature word and sentiment word, finally we assign a score to the feature according to the dependency relationship. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach can effectively mine the feature-opinion from reviews.
A Multi-Source Approach for Bug Triage
Authors: Liu Jin , Tian Yiqiuzi , Yu Xiao , Yang Zhijiang , Jia Xiangyang , Ma Chuanxiang , Xu Zheng
Published: February 2017

Bug triaging refers to the process of assigning a bug to the most appropriate fixer. As the scale and complexity of software increases, bug triaging becomes a tedious and time-consuming work. Existing bug triaging approaches typically treat it as a problem of optimizing recommendation accuracy. However, the time that different fixers may spend also varies. Thus, we take time cost as another optimizing objective aside from accuracy and use modern portfolio theory to strike a balance between them. In addition, for fixers with little fixing records, we need more data to build profiles about their expertise. To address these problems, we propose a bug triaging approach with awareness of accuracy and time cost, and we use bug reports from other projects to enrich the bug fixing history of fixers. We evaluate our approach with experiments on data collected from Bugzilla. The experiment results validate the effectiveness of our approach.
Building a Model-Based GUI Test Automation System for Mobile Applications
Authors: Tao Chuanqi , Gao Jerry
Published: February 2017

With the rapid advance of mobile computing technology and wireless networking, there is a significant increase of mobile applications (apps). This brings new business requirements and demands in mobile software testing, and causes new issues and challenges in mobile test automation. Existing mobile application testing approaches mostly concentrate on GUI-based testing, load and performance testing without considering large-scale concurrent mobile app test automation, and model-based test coverage analysis. In this paper, a mobile hierarchical GUI model is proposed to present mobile operation scenario flows and gesture features in a hierarchical manner, in order to facilitate test dependency analysis in test automation. Mobile app test coverage analysis is performed based on GUI ripping models. The paper also presents a developed system that provides a test automation solution using GUI models. Finally, the paper reports a case study to indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Kronecker function rings of ring extensions
Authors: Paudel Lokendra , Tchamna Simplice
Published: February 2017

The classical Kronecker function ring construction associates to a domain [Formula: see text] a Bézout domain. Let [Formula: see text] be a subring of a ring [Formula: see text], and let ⋆ be a star operation on the extension [Formula: see text]. In their book [Manis Valuations and Prüfer Extensions II, Lectures Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 2103 (Springer, Cham, 2014)], Knebusch and Kaiser develop a more general construction of the Kronecker function ring of [Formula: see text] with respect to ⋆. We characterize in several ways, under relatively mild assumption on [Formula: see text], the Kronecker function ring as defined by Knebusch and Kaiser. In particular, we focus on the case where [Formula: see text] is a flat epimorphic extension or a Prüfer extension.
n-Algebras admitting a multiplicative basis
Authors: Martín Antonio J. Calderón , Izquierdo Francisco J. Navarro , Delgado José M. Sánchez
Published: February 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text]-algebra of arbitrary dimension and over an arbitrary base field [Formula: see text]. A basis [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be multiplicative if for any [Formula: see text], we have either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for some (unique) [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text], we are dealing with algebras admitting a multiplicative basis while if [Formula: see text] we are speaking about triple systems with multiplicative bases. We show that if [Formula: see text] admits a multiplicative basis then it decomposes as the orthogonal direct sum [Formula: see text] of well-described ideals admitting each one a multiplicative basis. Also, the minimality of [Formula: see text] is characterized in terms of the multiplicative basis and it is shown that, under a mild condition, the above direct sum is by means of the family of its minimal ideals.
Integrability aspects of the vortex filament equation for pseudo-null curves
Authors: del Amor José , Giménez Ángel , Lucas Pascual
Published: February 2017

An algebraic background in order to study the integrability properties of pseudo-null curve motions in a three-dimensional Lorentzian space form is developed. As an application, we delve into the relationship between the Burgers’ equation and the pseudo-null vortex filament equation. A recursion operator for the pseudo-null vortex filament equation is also provided.
Reduction of gravity-matter and dS gravity to hypersurface
Authors: Park I. Y.
Published: February 2017

The quantization scheme based on reduction of the physical states I. Y. Park, Hypersurface foliation approach to renormalization of ADM formulation of gravity, Eur. Phys. J. C 75(9) (2015) 459, arXiv:1404.5066 [hep-th] is extended to two gravity-matter systems and pure de Sitter (dS) gravity. For the gravity-matter systems, we focus on quantization in a flat background for simplicity, and renormalizability is established through gauge-fixing of matter degrees of freedom. Quantization of pure dS gravity has several new novel features. It is noted that the infrared divergence does not arise in the present scheme of quantization. The lapse function constraint plays a crucial role.
Static Deflection, Pull-in Instability and Oscillatory Behavior of the Electrostatically Actuated Microresonator with a Distributed Proof Mass Considering Non-Classical Theory
Authors: Bina Rasoul , Mojahedi Mahdi
Published: February 2017

In this paper, the static and vibration responses of a microresonator by considering distributed proof mass are investigated based on the modified couple stress theory (MCST). The microresonator has a proof mass placed on the end of micro-cantilever beam and the proof mass actuated by electrostatic actuation. Due to the large length of proof mass compared to beam length, the proof mass is considered as a lengthy mass in the modeling. Hence, the resultant force and moment acting on the proof mass can be calculated by integrating the density of the electrostatic force along the mass length. Considering the length effects of the proof mass, MCST and electrostatic actuation, the equation of dynamic motion is derived using the extended Hamilton principle. Using a model approximation, i.e., Galerkin decomposition method, the governing equations of static and oscillatory motions are reduced and the resultant equation is solved by analytical (multiple scale method) and numerical methods. The result shows that the developed model, that includes distributed proof mass and size dependency effects, improves the results of pull-in instability voltage, natural frequency and amplitude of vibration.
Some regular generalized star b-separation axiom in bigeneralized topological spaces
Authors: Baculta Josephine Josol , Rara Helen Moso
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and investigate some [Formula: see text] separation axioms in bigeneralized topological spaces. Using the concepts of regular generalized star b-open sets due to Indirani and Sindhu, the study defines and characterizes [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-regular and [Formula: see text]-normal spaces.
Pro-Resolution Potency of Resolvins D1, D2 and E1 on Neutrophil Migration and in Dermal Wound Healing
Authors: Menon Riyesh , Krzyszczyk Paulina , Berthiaume François
Published: February 2017

An exuberant inflammatory response may exacerbate the primary tissue damage caused by injuries to the skin due to burns, surgery, excessive pressure, and other etiologies, thus increasing the time to heal. We hypothesized that application of factors that decrease inflammation would allow the skin to more quickly restore its barrier function, and promote the return to homeostasis. Resolvins are endogenous, pro-resolving lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids that serve to inhibit neutrophil migration and enhance macrophage phagocytosis, thus promoting the resolution of inflammation and the beginning of the proliferative phase of wound healing. Resolvins are derived either from docosahexaenoic (D-series) or eicosapentaenoic (E-series) acid. Herein, we compare the effects of resolvins D1 (RvD1), D2 (RvD2) and E1 (RvE1) on their abilities to inhibit neutrophil migration in vitro and to promote wound healing in vivo. In Transwell experiments, all resolvins inhibited neutrophil migration, with RvE1 being the most effective at a 2000[Formula: see text]nM concentration. In an in vivo murine excisional wound (1[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]cm) healing model, topically applied resolvins accelerated wound closure. RvE1-treated wounds healed by 19.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.5 days post-wounding, which was significantly shorter than the RvD2-treated and RvD1-treated groups ([Formula: see text]0.05), which closed by an average of 22.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.8 and 24.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]2.2 days, respectively. Furthermore, all resolvin-treated groups healed faster than vehicle controls ([Formula: see text]0.05), which closed at 28.6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.5 days. There was a strong linear correlation ([Formula: see text]0.9384) between each resolvin’s potency in inhibiting neutrophil migration in vitro versus accelerating wound healing in vivo. Furthermore, upon histological analysis, the RvE1-treated group exhibited more mature collagen organization and re-epithelialization.
Temporal dissociation between the minimal distal-to-aortic pressure ratio and peak hyperemia during intravenous adenosine infusion
Authors: Casadonte Lorena , Marques Koen M. , Spaan Jos A. E. , Siebes Maria
Published: February 2017

The present study sought to compare the temporal relation between maximal coronary flow (peak hyperemia) and minimal coronary-to-aortic pressure ratio (Pd/Pa) for intracoronary (IC) and intravenous (IV) adenosine administration. Peak hyperemia is assumed to coincide with the minimal Pd/Pa value. However, this has not been confirmed for systemic hemodynamic variations during IV adenosine infusion. Hemodynamic responses to IV and IC adenosine administration were obtained in 12 patients (14 lesions) using combined IC pressure and flow velocity measurements. A fluid dynamic model was used to predict the change in Pd/Pa for different stenosis severities and varying Pa. Hemodynamic variability during IV adenosine hyperemia was greater than during IC adenosine, as assessed by the coefficient of variation. During IV adenosine, flow velocity peaked 28 ± 4 (SE) s after the onset of hyperemia, while Pd/Pa reached a minimum (0.82 ± 0.01) 22 ± 7 s later ( P < 0.05), when Pa had declined by 6.1% and hyperemic velocity by 4.5% ( P < 0.01). Model outcomes corroborated the role of variable Pa in this dissociation. In contrast, maximal flow and minimal Pd/Pa coincided for IC adenosine, with IV-equivalent peak velocities and a higher Pd/Pa ratio (0.86 ± 0.01, P < 0.01). Hemodynamic variability during continuous IV adenosine infusion can lead to temporal dissociation of minimal Pd/Pa and peak hyperemia, in contrast to IC adenosine injection, where maximal velocity and minimal Pd/Pa coincide. Despite this variability, stenosis hemodynamics remained stable with both ways of adenosine administration. Our findings suggest advantages of IC over IV adenosine to identify maximal hyperemia from pressure-only measurements.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Systemic hemodynamic variability during intravenous adenosine infusion produces substantial temporal dissociation between peak hyperemia appraised by coronary flow velocity and the minimal distal-to-aortic pressure ratio commonly used to determine functional stenosis severity. This dissociation was absent for intracoronary adenosine administration and tended to be mitigated in patients receiving Ca2+ antagonists.
Central role of T helper 17 cells in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Maston Levi D. , Jones David T. , Giermakowska Wieslawa , Howard Tamara A. , Cannon Judy L. , Wang Wei , Wei Yongyi , Xuan Weimin , Resta Thomas C. , Gonzalez Bosc Laura V.
Published: February 2017

Inflammation is a prominent pathological feature in pulmonary arterial hypertension, as demonstrated by pulmonary vascular infiltration of inflammatory cells, including T and B lymphocytes. However, the contribution of the adaptive immune system is not well characterized in pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic hypoxia. CD4+ T cells are required for initiating and maintaining inflammation, suggesting that these cells could play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that CD4+ T cells, specifically the T helper 17 subset, contribute to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. We compared indices of pulmonary hypertension resulting from chronic hypoxia (3 wk) in wild-type mice and recombination–activating gene 1 knockout mice (RAG1−/−, lacking mature T and B cells). Separate sets of mice were adoptively transferred with CD4+, CD8+, or T helper 17 cells before normoxic or chronic hypoxic exposure to evaluate the involvement of specific T cell subsets. RAG1−/− mice had diminished right ventricular systolic pressure and arterial remodeling compared with wild-type mice exposed to chronic hypoxia. Adoptive transfer of CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells restored the hypertensive phenotype in RAG1−/− mice. Interestingly, RAG1−/− mice receiving T helper 17 cells displayed evidence of pulmonary hypertension independent of chronic hypoxia. Supporting our hypothesis, depletion of CD4+ cells or treatment with SR1001, an inhibitor of T helper 17 cell development, prevented increased pressure and remodeling responses to chronic hypoxia. We conclude that T helper 17 cells play a key role in the development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
Quantitative MRI volumetry, diffusivity, cerebrovascular flow, and cranial hydrodynamics during head-down tilt and hypercapnia: the SPACECOT study
Authors: Kramer Larry A. , Hasan Khader M. , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Marshall-Goebel Karina , Rittweger Jörn , Donoviel Dorit , Higashi Saki , Mwangi Benson , Gerlach Darius A. , Bershad Eric M. ,   SPACECOT Investigators Group
Published: February 2017

To improve the pathophysiological understanding of visual changes observed in astronauts, we aimed to use quantitative MRI to measure anatomic and physiological responses during a ground-based spaceflight analog (head-down tilt, HDT) combined with increased ambient carbon dioxide (CO2). Six healthy, male subjects participated in the double-blinded, randomized crossover design study with two conditions: 26.5 h of −12° HDT with ambient air and with 0.5% CO2, both followed by 2.5-h exposure to 3% CO2. Volume and mean diffusivity quantification of the lateral ventricle and phase-contrast flow sequences of the internal carotid arteries and cerebral aqueduct were acquired at 3 T. Compared with supine baseline, HDT (ambient air) resulted in an increase in lateral ventricular volume ( P = 0.03). Cerebral blood flow, however, decreased with HDT in the presence of either ambient air or 0.5% CO2( P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively); this was partially reversed by acute 3% CO2exposure. Following HDT (ambient air), exposure to 3% CO2increased aqueductal cerebral spinal fluid velocity amplitude ( P = 0.01) and lateral ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mean diffusivity ( P = 0.001). We concluded that HDT causes alterations in cranial anatomy and physiology that are associated with decreased craniospinal compliance. Brief exposure to 3% CO2augments CSF pulsatility within the cerebral aqueduct and lateral ventricles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Head-down tilt causes increased lateral ventricular volume and decreased cerebrovascular flow after 26.5 h. Additional short exposure to 3% ambient carbon dioxide levels causes increased cerebrovascular flow associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid pulsatility at the cerebral aqueduct. Head-down tilt with chronically elevated 0.5% ambient carbon dioxide and acutely elevated 3% ambient carbon dioxide causes increased mean diffusivity of cerebral spinal fluid within the lateral ventricles.
The Impact of Feedback on the Different Time Courses of Multisensory Temporal Recalibration
Authors: De Niear Matthew A. , Noel Jean-Paul , Wallace Mark T.
Published: February 2017

The capacity to rapidly adjust perceptual representations confers a fundamental advantage when confronted with a constantly changing world. Unexplored is how feedback regarding sensory judgments (top-down factors) interacts with sensory statistics (bottom-up factors) to drive long- and short-term recalibration of multisensory perceptual representations. Here, we examined the time course of both cumulative and rapid temporal perceptual recalibration for individuals completing an audiovisual simultaneity judgment task in which they were provided with varying degrees of feedback. We find that in the presence of feedback (as opposed to simple sensory exposure) temporal recalibration is more robust. Additionally, differential time courses are seen for cumulative and rapid recalibration dependent upon the nature of the feedback provided. Whereas cumulative recalibration effects relied more heavily on feedback that informs (i.e., negative feedback) rather than confirms (i.e., positive feedback) the judgment, rapid recalibration shows the opposite tendency. Furthermore, differential effects on rapid and cumulative recalibration were seen when the reliability of feedback was altered. Collectively, our findings illustrate that feedback signals promote and sustain audiovisual recalibration over the course of cumulative learning and enhance rapid trial-to-trial learning. Furthermore, given the differential effects seen for cumulative and rapid recalibration, these processes may function via distinct mechanisms.
Risk Analysis on Leakage Failure of Natural Gas Pipelines by Fuzzy Bayesian Network with a Bow-Tie Model
Authors: Shan Xian , Liu Kang , Sun Pei-Liang
Published: February 2017

Pipeline is the major mode of natural gas transportation. Leakage of natural gas pipelines may cause explosions and fires, resulting in casualties, environmental damage, and material loss. Efficient risk analysis is of great significance for preventing and mitigating such potential accidents. The objective of this study is to present a practical risk assessment method based on Bow-tie model and Bayesian network for risk analysis of natural gas pipeline leakage. Firstly, identify the potential risk factors and consequences of the failure. Then construct the Bow-tie model, use the quantitative analysis of Bayesian network to find the weak links in the system, and make a prediction of the control measures to reduce the rate of the accident. In order to deal with the uncertainty existing in the determination of the probability of basic events, fuzzy logic method is used. Results of a case study show that the most likely causes of natural gas pipeline leakage occurrence are parties ignore signage, implicit signage, overload, and design defect of auxiliaries. Once the leakage occurs, it is most likely to result in fire and explosion. Corresponding measures taken on time will reduce the disaster degree of accidents to the least extent.
Outage Analysis of Multihop Wireless Backhaul Using Millimeter Wave under Blockage Effects
Authors: Jung Haejoon , Lee In-Ho
Published: February 2017

We consider multihop millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) wireless backhaul communications, by which small cell base station (SBS) clusters can connect to a macrocell base station (MBS). Assuming the mm-Wave wireless backhaul links suffer from outage caused by obstacles that block the line-of-sight (LoS) paths, we derive the statistics of a perhop distance based on the blockage model using stochastic geometry and random shape theory and analyze the multihop outage probability using the statistics of a perhop distance. We also provide an optimal number of hops to minimize the end-to-end outage performance between the MBS and the destination SBS cluster when the end-to-end distance is given.
Fast Evaluation of Segmentation Quality with Parallel Computing
Authors: Cruz Henry , Eckert Martina , Meneses Juan M. , Martínez J. F.
Published: February 2017

In digital image processing and computer vision, a fairly frequent task is the performance comparison of different algorithms on enormous image databases. This task is usually time-consuming and tedious, such that any kind of tool to simplify this work is welcome. To achieve an efficient and more practical handling of a normally tedious evaluation, we implemented the automatic detection system, with the help of MATLAB®’s Parallel Computing Toolbox™. The key parts of the system have been parallelized to achieve simultaneous execution and analysis of segmentation algorithms on the one hand and the evaluation of detection accuracy for the nonforested regions, such as a study case, on the other hand. As a positive side effect, CPU usage was reduced and processing time was significantly decreased by 68.54% compared to sequential processing (i.e., executing the system with each algorithm one by one).
Mexican Hat Wavelet Kernel ELM for Multiclass Classification
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Yi-Fan , Ma Tian-Lei
Published: February 2017

Kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) is a novel feedforward neural network, which is widely used in classification problems. To some extent, it solves the existing problems of the invalid nodes and the large computational complexity in ELM. However, the traditional KELM classifier usually has a low test accuracy when it faces multiclass classification problems. In order to solve the above problem, a new classifier, Mexican Hat wavelet KELM classifier, is proposed in this paper. The proposed classifier successfully improves the training accuracy and reduces the training time in the multiclass classification problems. Moreover, the validity of the Mexican Hat wavelet as a kernel function of ELM is rigorously proved. Experimental results on different data sets show that the performance of the proposed classifier is significantly superior to the compared classifiers.
WNT/β-Catenin Directs Self-Renewal Symmetric Cell Division of hTERThigh Prostate Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Kai , Guo Yanjing , Wang Xue , Zhao Huifang , Ji Zhongzhong , Cheng Chaping , Li Li , Fang Yuxiang , Xu Dawei , Zhu Helen He , Gao Wei-Qiang
Published: February 2017

Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) drive cancer progression and recurrence. Self-renewal expansion of CSC is achieved through symmetric cell division, yet how external stimuli affect intracellular regulatory programs of CSC division modes and stemness remains obscure. Here, we report that the hTERThigh prostate cancer cells exhibit CSC properties, including a stem cell–associated gene expression signature, long-term tumor-propagating capacity and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In promoting the self-renewal symmetric division of hTERThigh prostate cancer cells, WNT3a dramatically decreased the ratio of hTERThigh prostate cancer cells undergoing asymmetric division. Increased WNT/β-catenin signal activation was also detected in hTERThigh prostate cancer cells. hTERT-mediated CSC properties were at least partially dependent on β-catenin. These findings provide novel cellular and molecular mechanisms for the self-renewal of CSC orchestrated by tumor microenvironmental stimuli and intracellular signals. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2534–47. ©2017 AACR.
Genetic Manipulation of Helicobacter pylori Virulence Function by Host Carcinogenic Phenotypes
Authors: Suarez Giovanni , Romero-Gallo Judith , Sierra Johanna C. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Krishna Uma S. , Gomez Martin A. , Wilson Keith T. , Peek Richard M.
Published: February 2017

Helicobacter pylori is the strongest risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma, yet only a minority of infected persons ever develop this malignancy. One cancer-linked locus is the cag type 4 secretion system (cagT4SS), which translocates an oncoprotein into host cells. A structural component of the cagT4SS is CagY, which becomes rapidly altered during in vivo adaptation in mice and rhesus monkeys, rendering the cagT4SS nonfunctional; however, these models rarely develop gastric cancer. We previously demonstrated that the H. pylori cag+ strain 7.13 rapidly induces gastric cancer in Mongolian gerbils. We now use this model, in conjunction with samples from patients with premalignant lesions, to define the effects of a carcinogenic host environment on the virulence phenotype of H. pylori to understand how only a subset of infected individuals develop cancer. H. pylori cagY sequence differences and cagT4SS function were directly related to the severity of inflammation in human gastric mucosa in either a synchronous or metachronous manner. Serial infections of Mongolian gerbils with H. pylori strain 7.13 identified an oscillating pattern of cagT4SS function. The development of dysplasia or cancer selected for attenuated virulence phenotypes, but robust cagT4SS function could be restored upon infection of new hosts. Changes in the genetic composition of cagY mirrored cagT4SS function, although the mechanisms of cagY alterations differed in human isolates (mutations) versus gerbil isolates (addition/deletion of motifs). These results indicate that host carcinogenic phenotypes modify cagT4SS function via altering cagY, allowing the bacteria to persist and induce carcinogenic consequences in the gastric niche. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2401–12. ©2017 AACR.
Lapatinib Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells Is Accompanied by Phosphorylation-Mediated Reprogramming of Glycolysis
Authors: Ruprecht Benjamin , Zaal Esther A. , Zecha Jana , Wu Wei , Berkers Celia R. , Kuster Bernhard , Lemeer Simone
Published: February 2017

HER2/ERBB2–overexpressing breast cancers targeted effectively by the small-molecule kinase inhibitor lapatinib frequently acquire resistance to this drug. In this study, we employed explorative mass spectrometry to profile proteome, kinome, and phosphoproteome changes in an established model of lapatinib resistance to systematically investigate initial inhibitor response and subsequent reprogramming in resistance. The resulting dataset, which collectively contains quantitative data for >7,800 proteins, >300 protein kinases, and >15,000 phosphopeptides, enabled deep insight into signaling recovery and molecular reprogramming upon resistance. Our data-driven approach confirmed previously described mechanisms of resistance (e.g., AXL overexpression and PIK3 reactivation), revealed novel pharmacologically actionable targets, and confirmed the expectation of significant heterogeneity in molecular resistance drivers inducing distinct phenotypic changes. Furthermore, our approach identified an extensive and exclusively phosphorylation-mediated reprogramming of glycolytic activity, supported additionally by widespread changes of corresponding metabolites and an increased sensitivity towards glycolysis inhibition. Collectively, our multi-omic analysis offers deeper perspectives on cancer drug resistance and suggests new biomarkers and treatment options for lapatinib-resistant cancers. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1842–53. ©2017 AACR.
A Case Report of Cushing’s Disease Presenting as Hair Loss
Authors: Lefkowitz Emily G. , Cossman Jack P. , Fournier John B.
Published: February 2017

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that comprises a large group of signs and symptoms resulting from chronic exposure to excess corticosteroids. Most cases of Cushing’s syndrome are due to increased adrenocorticotropic hormone production from a pituitary adenoma, which is referred to as Cushing’s disease. Most of the signs and symptoms are nonspecific and common in the general population, making a diagnosis often challenging. However, several dermatological manifestations, such as fragile skin, easy bruising, and reddish purple striae, are more discriminatory. Because uncontrolled Cushing’s syndrome of any etiology is associated with substantial morbidity, including increased cardiovascular disease and mortality, it is important to make an early diagnosis. Unfortunately, median delays of 2 years to diagnosis have been reported. We report a case of a woman who had multiple dermatological findings, including facial plethora, easy bruising, violaceous striae, hirsutism, and acne, the latter 2 signs reflecting androgen excess. Of interest, our patient presented with a chief complaint of hair loss, a common complaint in the general population that occurs with a greater frequency in patients with Cushing’s disease and is attributed to androgenetic alopecia, but it is rarely the presenting symptom.
Extracorporal Shock Waves Activate Migration, Proliferation and Inflammatory Pathways in Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes, and Improve Wound Healing in an Open-Label, Single-Arm Study in Patients with Therapy-Refractory Chronic Leg Ulcers
Authors: Aschermann Ilknur , Noor Seema , Venturelli Sascha , Sinnberg Tobias , Busch Christian , Mnich Christian D.
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are globally a major cause of morbidity and mortality with increasing prevalence. Their treatment is highly challenging, and many conservative, surgical or advanced therapies have been suggested, but with little overall efficacy. Since the 1980s extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has gained interest as treatment for specific indications. Here, we report that patients with CLU showed wound healing after ESWT and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: We performed cell proliferation and migration assays, FACS- and Western blot analyses, RT-PCR, and Affymetrix gene expression analyses on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and a tube formation assay on human microvascular endothelial cells to assess the impact of shock waves in vitro. In vivo, chronic therapy-refractory leg ulcers were treated with ESWT, and wound healing was assessed. Results: Upon ESWT, we observed morphological changes and increased cell migration of keratinocytes. Cell-cycle regulatory genes were upregulated, and proliferation induced in fibroblasts. This was accompanied by secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes, which are known to drive wound healing, and a pro-angiogenic activity of endothelial cells. These observations were transferred “from bench to bedside”, and 60 consecutive patients with 75 CLUs with different pathophysiologies (e.g. venous, mixed arterial-venous, arterial) were treated with ESWT. In this setting, 41% of ESWT-treated CLUs showed complete healing, 16% significant improvement, 35% improvement, and 8% of the ulcers did not respond to ESWT. The induction of healing was independent of patient age, duration or size of the ulcer, and the underlying pathophysiology. Conclusions: The efficacy of ESWT needs to be confirmed in controlled trials to implement ESWT as an adjunct to standard therapy or as a stand-alone treatment. Our results suggest that EWST may advance the treatment of chronic, therapy-refractory ulcers.