bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomewide investigation of adaptation to harmful algal blooms in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Cammen Kristina M. , Schultz Thomas F. , Rosel Patricia E. , Wells Randall S. , Read Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can be lethal in marine species and cause illness in humans, are increasing worldwide. In the Gulf of Mexico, HABs of Karenia brevis produce neurotoxic brevetoxins that cause large‐scale marine mortality events. The long history of such blooms, combined with the potentially severe effects of exposure, may have produced a strong selective pressure for evolved resistance. Advances in next‐generation sequencing, in particular genotyping‐by‐sequencing, greatly enable the genomic study of such adaptation in natural populations. We used restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to investigate brevetoxicosis resistance in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). To improve our understanding of the epidemiology and aetiology of brevetoxicosis and the potential for evolved resistance in an upper trophic level predator, we sequenced pools of genomic DNA from dolphins sampled from both coastal and estuarine populations in Florida and during multiple HAB‐associated mortality events. We sequenced 129 594 RAD loci and analysed 7431 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The allele frequencies of many of these polymorphic loci differed significantly between live and dead dolphins. Some loci associated with survival showed patterns suggesting a common genetic‐based mechanism of resistance to brevetoxins in bottlenose dolphins along the Gulf coast of Florida, but others suggested regionally specific mechanisms of resistance or reflected differences among HABs. We identified candidate genes that may be the evolutionary target for brevetoxin resistance by searching the dolphin genome for genes adjacent to survival‐associated SNPs.
Chimerism analysis in clinical practice and its relevance for the detection of graft rejection and malignant relapse in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Mellgren Karin , Arvidson Johan , Toporski Jacek , Winiarski Jacek
Published: August 2015

Chimerism and clinical outcome data from 244 hematopoietic stem cell transplants in 218 children were retrospectively analyzed to assess their relevance for the detection of graft rejection and malignant relapse. Patients transplanted for a non‐malignant disease had significantly higher proportions of residual recipient T cells in peripheral blood at one, three, and six months compared with patients transplanted for malignant disease. Recipient T‐cell levels were below 50% at one month after transplantation in most patients (129 of 152 transplants). Graft rejection occurred more frequently in the group of patients with high levels of recipient cells at one month (10 graft rejections in the 23 patients with recipient T cells >50% at one month as compared to seven graft rejections occurred in 129 patients with recipient T cells <50% (p < 0.001). Multilineage chimerism data in 87 children with leukemia at one, three, and six months after transplantation were not correlated with subsequent relapse of malignant disease. In conclusion, early analysis of lineage‐specific chimerism in peripheral blood can be used to identify patients who are at high risk of graft rejection. However, the efficacy of early chimerism analysis for predicting leukemia relapse was limited.
Evaluation of Methodologies for Compensation of Out of Plane Motions in a 2D Digital Image Correlation Setup
Authors: Wittevrongel L. , Badaloni M. , Balcaen R. , Lava P. , Debruyne D.
Published: August 2015

In 2D digital image correlation, out of plane motions are an important experimental factor to consider. Because a 2D setup does not provide any depth information, movements towards the camera (out of plane motions) are disadvantageous for the surface measurement. The effects of out of plane motions in a 2D digital image correlation (DIC) setup have been investigated profoundly in previous works. The compensation of these motions however is less investigated. Therefore, this paper will handle on solutions for correcting or minimising out of plane motions in 2D DIC measurements. Three compensation methods are implemented and validated. Firstly, a mechanical camera positioning tool is developed to avoid misalignments of the camera and therefore avoid most of the out of plane motions. Secondly, the camera is aligned numerically using the camera pinhole model and numerically deforming the images. Finally, a method proposed in literature using a region of compensation is used in this validation. All three methods have shown to be able to minimise out of plane motions. Validated in an experimental setup, a great improvement of the identified Poisson ratio is observed during multiple tensile tests.
Variation of Residual Magnetic Field of Defective U75V Steel Subjected to Tensile Stress
Authors: Bao S. , Liu X. , Zhang D.
Published: August 2015

Variation of the stress‐induced magnetic field of the U75V rail steel under tension was investigated in this research. Various magnetic responses were registered by a magnetometer in the elastic and plastic deformation stages, which can be explained by the microstructural changes in magnetic domains. Two types of defective specimens were also tested to correlate the stress concentration with the magnetic field. It is found that the tangential component of the magnetic field Bx is much more sensitive to local stress concentration than the normal component Bz. The tangential component Bx reaches a peak value at the rupture position, and the peak magnitude is proportional to the concentrated stress caused by the defect. This observation is different from the Q235 steel, whose tangential component Bx and the normal component Bz are equally effective. Such discrepancy might be due to that U75V fails in a more brittle pattern than the Q235 steel. The average value of the Bx along the loading axis can determine the overall stress state of the structure, while the peaks in the Bx curve tell the local stress concentration caused by cracks and dislocation.
Analytic Intermodel Consistent Modeling of Volumetric Human Lung Dynamics
Authors: Ilegbusi Olusegun , Seyfi Behnaz , Neylon John , Santhanam Anand P.
Published: August 2015

Human lung undergoes breathing-induced deformation in the form of inhalation and exhalation. Modeling the dynamics is numerically complicated by the lack of information on lung elastic behavior and fluid–structure interactions between air and the tissue. A mathematical method is developed to integrate deformation results from a deformable image registration (DIR) and physics-based modeling approaches in order to represent consistent volumetric lung dynamics. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation assumes the lung is a poro-elastic medium with spatially distributed elastic property. Simulation is performed on a 3D lung geometry reconstructed from four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) dataset of a human subject. The heterogeneous Young’s modulus (YM) is estimated from a linear elastic deformation model with the same lung geometry and 4D lung DIR. The deformation obtained from the CFD is then coupled with the displacement obtained from the 4D lung DIR by means of the Tikhonov regularization (TR) algorithm. The numerical results include 4DCT registration, CFD, and optimal displacement data which collectively provide consistent estimate of the volumetric lung dynamics. The fusion method is validated by comparing the optimal displacement with the results obtained from the 4DCT registration.
Potential Benefits of Exergaming for Cognition and Dual-Task Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ogawa Elisa F. , You Tongjian , Leveille Suzanne G.
Published: August 2015

This paper provides a systematic review of current research findings using exergaming as a treatment for improving cognition and dual-task function in older adults. A literature search was conducted to collect exergaming intervention studies that were either randomized controlled or uncontrolled studies. Of the seven identified studies (five randomized controlled studies and two uncontrolled studies), three studies focused on cognitive function alone, two studies focused on dual-task function alone, and two studies measured both cognitive function and dual-task function. Current evidence supports that exergaming improves cognitive function and dual-task function, which potentially leads to fall prevention. However, it is unclear whether exergaming, which involves both cognitive input and physical exercise, has additional benefits compared with traditional physical exercise alone. Further studies should include traditional exercise as a control group to identify these potential, additional benefits.
Standing from the Floor in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Klima Dennis Wayne , Anderson Catherine , Samrah Dina , Patel Dipal , Chui Kevin , Newton Roberta
Published: August 2015

While considerable research has targeted physical performance in older adults, less is known about the ability to rise from the floor among community-dwelling elders. The purposes of the study were to (1) examine physical performance correlates of timed supine to stand performance and (2) identify the predominant motor pattern used to complete floor rise. Fifty-three community-dwelling adults over the age of 60 (x = 78.5 ± 8.5; 36 [68%] females) performed a timed supine to stand test and physical performance assessments. Forty-eight subjects (90.6%) demonstrated an initial roll with asymmetrical squat sequence when rising to stand. Supine to stand performance time was significantly correlated with all physical performance tests, including gait speed (r = −.61; p < .001), grip strength (r = −.30; p < .05), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance (r = .71; p < .001). Forty-eight percent of the variance in rise time (p < .001) was attributed to TUG velocity. Findings serve to enhance both functional performance assessment and floor rise interventions.
Big Archaeology fights Big Oil to preserve ancient landscape
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: August 2015

Researchers say fracking threatens hundreds of early Pueblo sites and endangers future excavations.
War over Belgian polar station
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: August 2015

Science at risk in ownership quarrel over Antarctic base.
As Arctic drilling starts, Shell-funded researchers keep watch
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: August 2015

Critics uneasy at industry role in environmental monitoring.
Battling a giant killer
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: August 2015

The iconic eastern hemlock is under siege from a tiny invasive insect.
The new North
Authors: Appenzeller Tim
Published: August 2015

Stoked by climate change, fire and insects are remaking the planet's vast boreal forest.
Atom-interferometry constraints on dark energy
Authors: Hamilton P. , Jaffe M. , Haslinger P. , Simmons Q. , Müller H. , Khoury J.
Published: August 2015

Limiting unknows in the dark side

Our knowledge of the inventory of stuff that makes up our universe amounts to a humbling 5%. The rest consists of either dark energy (~70%) or dark matter (~25%). Using atom interferometry, Hamilton
et al.
describe the results of experiments that controlled for dark energy screening mechanisms in individual atoms, not bulk matter. Aprile
et al.
report on an analysis of data taken with the XENON100 detectors aiming to identify dark matter particles directly by monitoring their rare interaction with ordinary matter. In this setup, a large underground tank of liquid xenon forms a target for weakly interacting m assive particles. These combined results set limits on several types of proposed dark matter and dark energy candidates (see the Perspective by Schmiedmayer and Abele).

Science
, this issue p.
849
, p.
851
; see also p.
786
Genetically engineered trees: Paralysis from good intentions
Authors: Strauss Steven H. , Costanza Adam , Séguin Armand
Published: August 2015

Forest crises demand regulation and certification reform
Structures of the RNA polymerase-σ
54
reveal new and conserved regulatory strategies
Authors: Yang Yun , Darbari Vidya C. , Zhang Nan , Lu Duo , Glyde Robert , Wang Yi-Ping , Winkelman Jared T. , Gourse Richard L. , Murakami Katsuhiko S. , Buck Martin , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: August 2015

Keeping gene transcription in check

Transcription of all genes is carried out by RNA polymerase (RNAP). The enzyme is thus a pivotal regulation point for many cell and developmental processes. In bacteria, sigma factors play a vital role in transcription regulation, with σ54 being critical for transcription of many stress response genes. Yang
et al.
determined the x-ray crystal structure of RNAP bound to σ54, as well as promoter DNA. In the initial inhibited state of the RNAP-σ54 complex, the σ54 blocks the template DNA from entering the RNAP active site and the downstream DNA channel.

Science
, this issue p.
882
Exclusion of leptophilic dark matter models using XENON100 electronic recoil data
Authors: Collaboration The XENON , Aprile E. , Agostini F. , Alfonsi M. , Arazi L. , Arisaka K. , Arneodo F. , Auger M. , Balan C. , Barrow P. , Baudis L. , Bauermeister B. , Behrens A. , Brown A. , Brown E. , Bruenner S. , Bruno G. , Budnik R. , Bütikofer L. , Cardoso J. M. R. , Cervantes M. , Coderre D. , Colijn A. P. , Contreras H. , Cussonneau J. P. , Decowski M. P. , Di Giovanni A. , Duchovni E. , Fattori S. , Ferella A. D. , Fieguth A. , Fulgione W. , Gao F. , Garbini M. , Geis C. , Goetzke L. W. , Grignon C. , Gross E. , Hampel W. , Itay R. , Kaether F. , Kaminsky B. , Kessler G. , Kish A. , Landsman H. , Lang R. F. , Le Calloch M. , Lellouch D. , Levinson L. , Levy C. , Lindemann S. , Lindner M. , Lopes J. A. M. , Lyashenko A. , Macmullin S. , Undagoitia T. Marrodán , Masbou J. , Massoli F. V. , Mayani D. , Fernandez A. J. Melgarejo , Meng Y. , Messina M. , Miguez B. , Molinario A. , Morana G. , Murra M. , Naganoma J. , Ni K. , Oberlack U. , Orrigo S. E. A. , Pakarha P. , Pantic E. , Persiani R. , Piastra F. , Pienaar J. , Plante G. , Priel N. , Rauch L. , Reichard S. , Reuter C. , Rizzo A. , Rosendahl S. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Sartorelli G. , Schindler S. , Schreiner J. , Schumann M. , Lavina L. Scotto , Selvi M. , Shagin P. , Simgen H. , Teymourian A. , Thers D. , Tiseni A. , Trinchero G. , Tunnell C. , Vitells O. , Wall R. , Wang H. , Weber M. , Weinheimer C.
Published: August 2015

Limiting unknows in the dark side

Our knowledge of the inventory of stuff that makes up our universe amounts to a humbling 5%. The rest consists of either dark energy (~70%) or dark matter (~25%). Using atom interferometry, Hamilton
et al.
describe the results of experiments that controlled for dark energy screening mechanisms in individual atoms, not bulk matter. Aprile
et al.
report on an analysis of data taken with the XENON100 detectors aiming to identify dark matter particles directly by monitoring their rare interaction with ordinary matter. In this setup, a large underground tank of liquid xenon forms a target for weakly interacting m assive particles. These combined results set limits on several types of proposed dark matter and dark energy candidates (see the Perspective by Schmiedmayer and Abele).

Science
, this issue p.
849
, p.
851
; see also p.
786
Planted forest health: The need for a global strategy
Authors: Wingfield M. J. , Brockerhoff E. G. , Wingfield B. D. , Slippers B.
Published: August 2015

Several key tree genera are used in planted forests worldwide, and these represent valuable global resources. Planted forests are increasingly threatened by insects and microbial pathogens, which are introduced accidentally and/or have adapted to new host trees. Globalization has hastened tree pest emergence, despite a growing awareness of the problem, improved understanding of the costs, and an increased focus on the importance of quarantine. To protect the value and potential of planted forests, innovative solutions and a better-coordinated global approach are needed. Mitigation strategies that are effective only in wealthy countries fail to contain invasions elsewhere in the world, ultimately leading to global impacts. Solutions to forest pest problems in the future should mainly focus on integrating management approaches globally, rather than single-country strategies. A global strategy to manage pest issues is vitally important and urgently needed.
A most unusual (super)predator
Authors: Worm Boris
Published: August 2015

Effects of human hunting and fishing differ fundamentally from those of other predators

[Also see Report by

Darimont
et al.

]
Probing the dark side
Authors: Schmiedmayer Jörg , Abele Hartmut
Published: August 2015

Fundamental questions about dark matter and dark energy are probed in laboratory experiments

[Also see Reports by

Hamilton
et al.

and
XENON Collaboration
]
Plant microbiome blueprints
Authors: Haney Cara H. , Ausubel Frederick M.
Published: August 2015

A plant defense hormone shapes the root microbiome

[Also see Report by

Lebeis
et al.

]
Hosting nature's “Super Bowl”
Big Blue Live
Airing on PBS at 8:00 pm ET and 8:00 pm PT; 31 August, 1 September, and 2 September 2015. www.pbs.org/bigbluelive
Authors: Thompson Valerie
Published: August 2015

Conservation scientist M. Sanjayan prepares to anchor PBS's first live nature program.
Hepatic abscess as a paradoxical response to antituberculous chemotherapy for tubercular lymphadenitis
Authors: Meena Manoj , Gupta Neeraj , Kewlani Jaiprakash , Vijayadeepan Kumararesan Sabarigirivasan Harish
Published: August 2015

Tubercular liver abscess developing as a paradoxical reaction (PR) to antitubercular therapy (ATT) is relatively uncommon in the absence of disseminated disease and immunocompromised status of the host even in countries such as India where the disease is rampant. We report a rare case of hepatic abscess that developed paradoxically during antituberculous therapy for tubercular lymphadenitis in a 30-year-old woman who tested negative for HIV. Diagnosis was performed with the help of ultrasonography (USG)-guided aspiration of the abscess followed by cytopathological examination and PCR confirmation of the disease from the USG-guided aspirate. The patient responded well to oral corticosteroid therapy without any alteration of the ongoing ATT regimen. Details of the case and other relevant literature regarding the pathogenesis of this event are discussed in detail.
Improving the availability of intra-operative images created during trauma operations - a multidisciplinary team collaboration
Authors: Hayes Thomas , Harrison Edward
Published: August 2015

Intraoperative x rays are regularly taken on multiple occasions during orthopaedic surgery, especially during the course of planned trauma lists where procedures are performed under x ray guidance. These images have an important role in demonstrating the nature of the operation to clinical staff and in permitting an assessment of the standard of surgery by colleagues at planned metalwork reviews. Furthermore, they represent an important medico-legal record of the fracture configuration at the time of completion of surgery.

Various technologies are available for the creation, storage, and presentation of such images. In our hospital, relatively unsophisticated technology is employed to physically print such x rays before they are digitally uploaded to an electronic computer system to be stored. This system also allows the images to be viewed. Unfortunately, many opportunities existed within our systems which created opportunities for images to be lost so that they were not made available to clinical staff. We aimed to evaluate and improve this system with the aim of making all x rays taken intraoperatively available to clinical staff in a timely manner. By examining the processes through which images were handled, we were able to adopt strategies to ensure the prompt production of images.
Megakaryocytic hyperplasia in myeloproliferative neoplasms is driven by disordered proliferative, apoptotic and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Malherbe Jacques A J , Fuller Kathryn A , Arshad Ayesha , Nangalia Jyoti , Romeo Giuliana , Hall Sara L , Meehan Katie S , Guo Belinda , Howman Rebecca , Erber Wendy N
Published: August 2015

Aims

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a heterogeneous group of clonal proliferative bone marrow diseases characterised by extensive megakaryocytic hyperplasia and morphological atypia. Despite knowledge of genomic defects, the pathobiological processes driving these megakaryocytic abnormalities in MPN remain poorly explained. We have explored the proliferative, apoptotic and epigenetic profiles of megakaryocytes in human MPN.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on bone marrow trephine biopsies of 81 MPN (with and withoutJAK2V617FandCALRmutations) and 15 normal controls to assess the megakaryocytic expression of biomarkers associated with proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (Bcl-XL, BNIP-3) and epigenetic regulation (EZH2, SUZ12).

Results

Myeloproliferative megakaryocytes showed significantly greater expression of proliferative Ki67 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL, reduced pro-apoptotic BNIP-3 and increased SUZ12 compared with controls. In essential thrombocythaemia, large-giant megakaryocytes with hyperlobated nuclei showed a trend towards a proliferative signature. In contrast, myelofibrotic megakaryocytes with condensed nuclear chromatin, and cases withCALRmutations, had significant reductions in pro-apoptotic BNIP-3.

Conclusions

Uncontrolled megakaryocytic expansion in MPN results from a combination of increased proliferation, attenuated apoptosis and defective epigenetic regulation withCALRmutations favouring apoptotic failure. The higher platelet counts reported to be seen in MPN withCALRmutations may be due to greater dysregulation of megakaryocyte apoptosis.
Modeling water quality in an oil sands compensation lake
Authors: Jiang Jianhua , Vandenberg Jerry , Halket Ian , Clipperton Kasey , Kavanagh Richard J. , Hogg Joanne
Published: August 2015

Surface mining in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada, often requires that mining operators drain lakes or divert streams to access the underlying ore. “Compensation lakes” can be constructed to create new fish habitat to offset the loss of fish habitat due to mining activity and to satisfy conditions under a project’s Fisheries Act Authorization. The design of these lakes requires prediction of future water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels to determine the suitability of the new habitat for fish. These predictions are made using a calibrated hydrodynamic and water quality model. Until recently, there were not any built compensation lakes in the region with enough measured water quality data that could be used to calibrate such a model. This paper uses measured data from Horizon Lake, a recently built compensation lake, to calibrate Generalized Environmental Modeling System of Surfacewaters (GEMSS), a three-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model, used to model the lake. Horizon Lake was built in 2008 by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. and water quality in the lake has been monitored for the last seven years. The results of the model calibration to observed water temperature and dissolved oxygen provide rates and coefficients, notably sediment oxygen demand, that can be used to improve model applications to other planned compensation lakes.
Electromagnetic source for the Kerr–Newman geometry
Authors: Dymnikova Irina
Published: August 2015

Source-free equations of nonlinear electrodynamics minimally coupled to gravity (NED-GR) admit regular axially symmetric asymptotically Kerr–Newman solutions which describe electrically charged rotating black holes and spinning solitons. Asymptotic analysis of solutions shows the existence of de Sitter vacuum interior which has the properties of a perfect conductor and an ideal diamagnetic. The Kerr ring singularity (a naked singularity in the case without horizons) is replaced with a superconducting current which serves as a nondissipative source of the Kerr–Newman fields and can be responsible for an unlimited life time of a spinning object.
The effect of halo nuclear density on reaction cross-section for light ion collision
Authors: Hassan M. A. M. , Nour El-Din M. S. M. , Ellithi A. , Ismail E. , Hosny H.
Published: August 2015

In the framework of the optical limit approximation (OLA), the reaction cross-section for halo nucleus — stable nucleus collision at intermediate energy, has been studied. The projectile nuclei are taken to be one-neutron halo (1NHP) and two-neutron halo (2NHP). The calculations are carried out for Gaussian–Gaussian (GG), Gaussian-Oscillator (GO), and Gaussian-2S (G2S) densities for each considered projectile. As a target, the stable nuclei in the range 4–28 of the mass number are used. An analytic expression of the phase shift function has been derived. The zero range approximation is considered in the calculations. Also, the in-medium effect is studied. The obtained results are analyzed and compared with the geometrical reaction cross-section and the available experimental data.
How the Thermal Gradient Affects the Vibration Behavior of a Spinning Orthotropic Oval Cylindrical Shell
Authors: Ahmed Mousa Khalifa
Published: August 2015

Based on the framework of Flügge's shell theory, transfer matrix approach and Romberg integration method, we investigated how the thermal gradient affects the vibration behavior of rotating isotropic and orthotropic oval cylindrical shells. The governing equations of orthotropic oval cylindrical shells, under parabolically varying thermal gradient around its circumference, with consideration of the effects of initial hoop tension and centrifugal forces due to the rotation are derived, and they are put in a matrix differential equation as a boundary-value problem. As a semianalytic solution, the trigonometric functions are used with Fourier's approach to approximate the solution in the longitudinal direction, and also to reduce the two-dimensional problem in to an one-dimensional one. Using the transfer matrix approach, the equations can be written in a matrix differential equation of first-order and solved numerically as an initial-value problem. The proposed model is applied to get the natural frequencies and vibratory displacement of the symmetrical and antisymmetrical vibration modes. The sensitivity of the vibration behavior to the rotational speed, the thermal gradient, the ovality and orthotropy of the shell is studied for different type-modes of vibration. The present method is found to be accurate when compared with the results available in the literature.
Snap-Through Phenomenon and Self-Contact of Spatial Elastica Subjected to Mid-Torque
Authors: Phungpaingam Boonchai , Virgin Lawrence N. , Chucheepsakul Somchai
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the snap-through phenomenon and effect of self-contact of the spatial elastica subjected to mid-length torque. One end of the elastica is clamped while the other end is placed in a sleeve joint. The total arc-length of the elastica can be varied by sliding the end through the sleeve joint. At a certain value of total arc-length, the sleeve joint is clamped and an external torque is applied at the mid-length of the elastica. The system of governing differential equations is derived from the equilibrium of an elastica segment and geometric relations of the inextensible elastica. The transformation matrix formulated in terms of Euler parameters is utilized to avoid the kinematic singularity. To display the behavior of the elastica, the system of differential equations needs to be integrated numerically from one end to the other end. The integration is performed so that the boundary conditions and some constraint conditions of the problem are satisfied, i.e., a shooting method is used. The effect of self-contact is taken into account by considering the contact force as a point load applying at contact point. From the results, the snap-through phenomenon, effect of self-contact and equilibrium configurations are highlighted herein.
Differential Harnack estimates for conjugate heat equation under the Ricci flow
Authors: Abolarinwa Abimbola
Published: August 2015

We prove (local and global) differential Harnack inequalities for all positive solutions to the geometric conjugate heat equation coupled to the forward in time Ricci flow. In this case, the diffusion operator is perturbed with the curvature operator, precisely, the Laplace–Beltrami operator is replaced with “[Formula: see text]”, where [Formula: see text] is the scalar curvature of the Ricci flow, which is well generalized to the case of nonlinear heat equation with potential. Our estimates improve on some well known results by weakening the curvature constraints. As a by-product, we obtain some Li–Yau-type differential Harnack estimate. The localized version of our estimate is very useful in extending the results obtained to noncompact case.
Fixed point theorems for a system of transformations in generalized metric spaces
Authors: Czerwik Stefan , Król Krzysztof
Published: August 2015

In this paper we present the results on the existence of fixed points of system of mappings in generalized metric spaces generalizing the result of Diaz and Margolis. Also the “local fixed point theorems” of a system of such mappings both in generalized and ordinary metric spaces are stated. Banach fixed point theorem and many others are consequences of our results.
Gabor frames with trigonometric spline dual windows
Authors: Kim Inmi
Published: August 2015

A dual Gabor window pair has two functions that can reconstruct any function in [Formula: see text] using certain systems of their modulated and translated forms. Few explicit examples of dual Gabor window pairs are known. This paper constructs explicit examples with trigonometric form in one dimension as well as higher dimensions. Also, in the discrete time domain, the trigonometric form allows us to evaluate the Gabor coefficients efficiently using the Discrete Fourier Transform. The windows have fixed support and arbitrary smoothness.
A non-standard numerical approach to the solution of some second-order ordinary differential equations
Authors: Obayomi A. Adesoji , Oke Michael Olufemi
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a set of non-standard discrete models were constructed for the solution of non-homogenous second-order ordinary differential equation. We applied the method of non-local approximation and renormalization of the discretization functions to some problems and the result shows that the schemes behave qualitatively like the original equation.
On certain spaces of double sequences by de la Vallée-Poussin mean
Authors: Raj Kuldip , Pandoh Suruchi
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we introduce some [Formula: see text]-convergence spaces of double difference sequences of interval numbers with Musielak–Orlicz function [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]-normed spaces. We also make an effort to study some topological properties and inclusion relations between these spaces. Furthermore, we study [Formula: see text]-statistical convergence of double difference sequences of interval numbers.
Quasi-cyclic codes over the ring 𝔽p[u]/〈u2 − u〉
Authors: Pattanayak Sukhamoy , Singh Abhay Kumar
Published: August 2015

Quasi-cyclic (QC) codes are a natural generalization of cyclic codes. In this paper, we study some structural properties of QC codes over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime and [Formula: see text]. By exploring their structure, we determine the one generator QC codes over [Formula: see text] and the size by giving a minimal spanning set. We discuss some examples of QC codes of various length over [Formula: see text].
The temporal evolution of chemical and physical properties of magmatic systems
Authors: Caricchi Luca , Blundy Jon
Published: August 2015

Exactly 100 years ago the great Canadian-born petrologist N. L. Bowen published two seminal works on the chemical differentiation of magmas in which he posed the basis for a physico-chemical understanding of the fractionation of crystals from melts in molten rock. A subsequent century of research and technological advances has enhanced our understanding of the physics and chemistry of magmatic systems and their temporal evolution. The image of sub-volcanic magmatic systems has evolved greatly in that time, from a simple ‘boiling vat’ concept of molten rock in which bubbles, crystals and melt separate gravitationally to a recognition that magma vats are relatively rare and that most magmatic systems spend much of their lifetime in a partially molten, or mushy, state. Real magmatic systems appear to be organized into a series of storage regions periodically connected by feeding structures transferring magma (and heat) at different fluxes. Magma fluxes between the different portions of this plumbing system, and the variation of the chemical and physical properties of magma as it rises through the crust, exert essential controls on the eruptive modalities of volcanoes and the geochemistry of their products. This book presents a collection of contributions that use petrology, geochemistry, geochronology and numerical modelling to identify the processes operating at different depths within magmatic systems and to characterize the fluxes of magma between them.
Obesity-induced changes in kidney mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in the presence or absence of leptin
Authors: Munusamy Shankar , do Carmo Jussara M. , Hosler Jonathan P. , Hall John E.
Published: August 2015

We investigated obesity-induced changes in kidney lipid accumulation, mitochondrial function, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the absence of hypertension, and the potential role of leptin in modulating these changes. We compared two normotensive genetic mouse models of obesity, leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and hyperleptinemic melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice (LoxTB MC4R−/−), with their respective lean controls. Compared with controls, ob/ob and LoxTB MC4R−/− mice exhibit significant albuminuria, increased creatinine clearance, and high renal triglyceride content. Renal ATP levels were decreased in both obesity models, and mitochondria isolated from both models showed alterations that would lower mitochondrial ATP production. Mitochondria from hyperleptinemic LoxTB MC4R−/− mice kidneys respired NADH-generating substrates (including palmitate) at lower rates due to an apparent decrease in complex I activity, and these mitochondria showed oxidative damage. Kidney mitochondria of leptin-deficient ob/ob mice showed normal rates of respiration with no evidence of oxidative damage, but electron transfer was partially uncoupled from ATP synthesis. A fourfold induction of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression indicated induction of ER stress in kidneys of hyperleptinemic LoxTB MC4R−/− mice. In contrast, ER stress was not induced in kidneys of leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. Our findings show that obesity, in the absence of hypertension, is associated with renal dysfunction in mice but not with major renal injury. Alterations to mitochondria that lower cellular ATP levels may be involved in obesity-induced renal injury. The type and severity of mitochondrial and ER dysfunction differs depending upon the presence or absence of leptin.
Opposing effects of shear-mediated dilation and myogenic constriction on artery diameter in response to handgrip exercise in humans
Authors: Atkinson Ceri L. , Carter Howard H. , Naylor Louise H. , Dawson Ellen A. , Marusic Petra , Hering Dagmara , Schlaich Markus P. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Green Daniel J.
Published: August 2015

While the impact of changes in blood flow and shear stress on artery function are well documented, the acute effects of increases in arterial pressure are less well described in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 30 min of elevated blood pressure, in the absence of changes in shear stress or sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation, on conduit artery diameter. Ten healthy male subjects undertook three sessions of 30 min unilateral handgrip exercise at 5, 10, and 15% of maximal voluntary contractile (MVC) strength. Brachial artery shear rate and blood flow profiles were measured simultaneously during exercise in the active and contralateral resting arms. Bilateral brachial artery diameter was simultaneously assessed before and immediately postexercise. In a second experiment, six subjects repeated the 15% MVC condition while continuous vascular measurements were collected during muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) assessment using peroneal microneurography. We found that unilateral handgrip exercise at 5, 10, and 15% MVC strength induced stepwise elevations in blood pressure ( P < 0.01, Δmean arterial pressure: 7.06 ± 2.44, 8.50 ± 2.80, and 18.35 ± 3.52 mmHg, P < 0.01). Whereas stepwise increases were evident in shear rate in the exercising arm ( P < 0.001), no changes were apparent in the nonexercising limb ( P = 0.42). Brachial artery diameter increased in the exercising arm ( P = 0.02), but significantly decreased in the nonexercising arm ( P = 0.03). At 15% MVC, changes in diameter were significantly different between arms (interaction effect: P = 0.01), whereas this level of exertion produced no significant changes in MSNA. We conclude that acute increases in transmural pressure, independent of shear rate and changes in SNS activation, reduce arterial caliber in normotensive humans in vivo. These changes in diameter were mitigated by exercise-induced elevations in shear rate in the active limb.
Visual coding with a population of direction-selective neurons
Authors: Fiscella Michele , Franke Felix , Farrow Karl , Müller Jan , Roska Botond , Azeredo da Silveira Rava , Hierlemann Andreas
Published: August 2015

The brain decodes the visual scene from the action potentials of ∼20 retinal ganglion cell types. Among the retinal ganglion cells, direction-selective ganglion cells (DSGCs) encode motion direction. Several studies have focused on the encoding or decoding of motion direction by recording multiunit activity, mainly in the visual cortex. In this study, we simultaneously recorded from all four types of ON-OFF DSGCs of the rabbit retina using a microelectronics-based high-density microelectrode array (HDMEA) and decoded their concerted activity using probabilistic and linear decoders. Furthermore, we investigated how the modification of stimulus parameters (velocity, size, angle of moving object) and the use of different tuning curve fits influenced decoding precision. Finally, we simulated ON-OFF DSGC activity, based on real data, in order to understand how tuning curve widths and the angular distribution of the cells' preferred directions influence decoding performance. We found that probabilistic decoding strategies outperformed, on average, linear methods and that decoding precision was robust to changes in stimulus parameters such as velocity. The removal of noise correlations among cells, by random shuffling trials, caused a drop in decoding precision. Moreover, we found that tuning curves are broad in order to minimize large errors at the expense of a higher average error, and that the retinal direction-selective system would not substantially benefit, on average, from having more than four types of ON-OFF DSGCs or from a perfect alignment of the cells' preferred directions.
Applying NGS Data to Find Evolutionary Network Biomarkers from the Early and Late Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wong Yung-Hao , Wu Chia-Chou , Lin Chih-Lung , Chen Ting-Shou , Chang Tzu-Hao , Chen Bor-Sen
Published: August 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major liver tumor (~80%), besides hepatoblastomas, angiosarcomas, and cholangiocarcinomas. In this study, we used a systems biology approach to construct protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs) for early-stage and late-stage liver cancer. By comparing the networks of these two stages, we found that the two networks showed some common mechanisms and some significantly different mechanisms. To obtain differential network structures between cancer and noncancer PPINs, we constructed cancer PPIN and noncancer PPIN network structures for the two stages of liver cancer by systems biology method using NGS data from cancer cells and adjacent noncancer cells. Using carcinogenesis relevance values (CRVs), we identified 43 and 80 significant proteins and their PPINs (network markers) for early-stage and late-stage liver cancer. To investigate the evolution of network biomarkers in the carcinogenesis process, a primary pathway analysis showed that common pathways of the early and late stages were those related to ordinary cancer mechanisms. A pathway specific to the early stage was the mismatch repair pathway, while pathways specific to the late stage were the spliceosome pathway, lysine degradation pathway, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway. This study provides a new direction for cancer-targeted therapies at different stages.
Estimating Finite Source Effects in Microlensing Events due to Free-Floating Planets with the Euclid Survey
Authors: Hamolli Lindita , Hafizi Mimoza , De Paolis Francesco , Nucita Achille A.
Published: August 2015

In recent years free-floating planets (FFPs) have drawn a great interest among astrophysicists. Gravitational microlensing is a unique and exclusive method for their investigation which may allow obtaining precious information about their mass and spatial distribution. The planned Euclid space-based observatory will be able to detect a substantial number of microlensing events caused by FFPs towards the Galactic bulge. Making use of a synthetic population algorithm, we investigate the possibility of detecting finite source effects in simulated microlensing events due to FFPs. We find a significant efficiency for finite source effect detection that turns out to be between 20% and 40% for a FFP power law mass function index in the range [0.9, 1.6]. For many of such events it will also be possible to measure the angular Einstein radius and therefore constrain the lens physical parameters. These kinds of observations will also offer a unique possibility to investigate the photosphere and atmosphere of Galactic bulge stars.
Proinflammatory Cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Prystupa Andrzej , Kiciński Paweł , Sak Jarosław , Boguszewska-Czubara Anna , Toruń-Jurkowska Anna , Załuska Wojciech
Published: August 2015

Background. The aim of the study was to assess the activity of interleukin-1α, interleukin-6, and hepatocyte growth factor protein (HGF) in serum of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.Materials and Methods. Sixty patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis treated in various hospitals were randomly enrolled. The stage of cirrhosis was assessed according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh scoring system. The control group consisted of ten healthy persons without liver disease, who did not drink alcohol. Additionally, the group of alcoholics without liver cirrhosis was included in the study. The activity of interleukin-1α, interleukin-6, and HGF in blood plasma of patients and controls was measured using the sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique with commercially available quantitative ELISA test kits.Results. Higher concentrations of HGF protein were demonstrated in patients with Child class B and Child class C liver cirrhosis, compared to controls and alcoholics without liver cirrhosis. Moreover, significantly higher concentrations of HGF protein were found in patients with Child class C liver cirrhosis compared to patients with Child class A liver cirrhosisp<0.05. The concentrations of interleukin-1αin patients with Child class B and Child class C liver cirrhosis were significantly higher in comparison with controls. Significantly higher concentrations of interleukin-6 were demonstrated in Child class C, compared to Child class A.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats Depression-Like Behavior and Expression of p-ERK/ERK and p-P38/P38
Authors: Xu Jian , She Yanling , Su Ning , Zhang Ruixin , Lao Lixing , Xu Shifen
Published: August 2015

We investigate the antidepressant-like effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on a chronic unpredictable mild stress rats depression-like behavior. In our study, depression in rats was induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and isolation for four weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Normal, Model, EA, and Sham EA. EA treatment was administered for two weeks, once a day for five days a week. Two acupoints, Yintang (EX-HN3) and Baihui (GV20), were selected. For sham EA, acupuncture needles were inserted shallowly into the acupoints: EX-HN3 and GV20. No electrostimulator was connected. The antidepressant-like effect of the electroacupuncture treatment was measured by sucrose intake test, open field test, and forced swimming test in rats. The protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK1/2)/ERK1/2 and p-P38/P38 in the hippocampus (HP) were examined by Western blot analysis. Our data demonstrate that EA treatment decreased the immobility time of forced swimming test and improved the sucrose solution intake in comparison to unpredictable chronic mild stress and placebo sham control. Electroacupuncture may act on depression by enhancing p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 in the hippocampus.
Fuzzy Counter Propagation Neural Network Control for a Class of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
Authors: Sakhre Vandana , Jain Sanjeev , Sapkal Vilas S. , Agarwal Dev P.
Published: August 2015

Fuzzy Counter Propagation Neural Network (FCPN) controller design is developed, for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems. In this process, the weight connecting between the instar and outstar, that is, input-hidden and hidden-output layer, respectively, is adjusted by using Fuzzy Competitive Learning (FCL). FCL paradigm adopts the principle of learning, which is used to calculate Best Matched Node (BMN) which is proposed. This strategy offers a robust control of nonlinear dynamical systems. FCPN is compared with the existing network like Dynamic Network (DN) and Back Propagation Network (BPN) on the basis of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Best Fit Rate (BFR), and so forth. It envisages that the proposed FCPN gives better results than DN and BPN. The effectiveness of the proposed FCPN algorithms is demonstrated through simulations of four nonlinear dynamical systems and multiple input and single output (MISO) and a single input and single output (SISO) gas furnace Box-Jenkins time series data.
Vitamin E Analogs as Radiation Response Modifiers
Authors: Singh Pankaj K. , Krishnan Sunil
Published: August 2015

The potentially life-threatening effects of total body ionizing radiation exposure have been known for more than a century. Despite considerable advances in our understanding of the effects of radiation over the past six decades, efforts to identify effective radiation countermeasures for use in case of a radiological/nuclear emergency have been largely unsuccessful. Vitamin E is known to have antioxidant properties capable of scavenging free radicals, which have critical roles in radiation injuries. Tocopherols and tocotrienols, vitamin E analogs together known as tocols, have shown promise as radioprotectors. Although the pivotal mechanisms of action of tocols have long been thought to be their antioxidant properties and free radical scavenging activities, other alternative mechanisms have been proposed to drive their activity as radioprotectors. Here we provide a brief overview of the effects of ionizing radiation, the mechanistic mediators of radiation-induced damage, and the need for radiation countermeasures. We further outline the role for, efficacy of, and mechanisms of action of tocols as radioprotectors, and we compare and contrast their efficacy and mode of action with that of another well-studied chemical radioprotector, amifostine.