bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of Nuclear Power Plant In-Service Maintenance Based on Virtual Reality
Authors: Weijun Kuang , Xiao Yu , Lin Zhang
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a method of constructing a nuclear power plant in-service maintenance virtual simulation scene and virtual maintenance process. Taking air-baffles dismantling process of CAP1400 nuclear power plant for instance, this paper discusses ergonomics, space analysis, and time assessment based on virtual reality in the process of in-service maintenance. It demonstrates the advantage of using virtual reality technology to design and verify an in-service maintenance process of nuclear power plants compared to the conventional way.
Comprehensive Identification of Meningococcal Genes and Small Noncoding RNAs Required for Host Cell Colonization
Authors: Capel Elena , Zomer Aldert L. , Nussbaumer Thomas , Bole Christine , Izac Brigitte , Frapy Eric , Meyer Julie , Bouzinba-Ségard Haniaa , Bille Emmanuelle , Jamet Anne , Cavau Anne , Letourneur Franck , Bourdoulous Sandrine , Rattei Thomas , Nassif Xavier , Coureuil Mathieu
Published: August 2016

Neisseria meningitidis
is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia, affecting infants and adults worldwide.
N. meningitidis
is also a common inhabitant of the human nasopharynx and, as such, is highly adapted to its niche. During bacteremia,
N. meningitidis
gains access to the blood compartment, where it adheres to endothelial cells of blood vessels and causes dramatic vascular damage. Colonization of the nasopharyngeal niche and communication with the different human cell types is a major issue of the
N. meningitidis
life cycle that is poorly understood. Here, highly saturated random transposon insertion libraries of
N. meningitidis
were engineered, and the fitness of mutations during routine growth and that of colonization of endothelial and epithelial cells in a flow device were assessed in a transposon insertion site sequencing (Tn-seq) analysis. This allowed the identification of genes essential for bacterial growth and genes specifically required for host cell colonization. In addition, after having identified the small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) located in intergenic regions, the phenotypes associated with mutations in those sRNAs were defined. A total of 383 genes and 8 intergenic regions containing sRNA candidates were identified to be essential for growth, while 288 genes and 33 intergenic regions containing sRNA candidates were found to be specifically required for host cell colonization.

IMPORTANCE
Meningococcal meningitis is a common cause of meningitis in infants and adults.
Neisseria meningitidis
(meningococcus) is also a commensal bacterium of the nasopharynx and is carried by 3 to 30% of healthy humans. Under some unknown circumstances,
N. meningitidis
is able to invade the bloodstream and cause either meningitis or a fatal septicemia known as purpura fulminans. The onset of symptoms is sudden, and death can follow within hours. Although many meningococcal virulence factors have been identified, the mechanisms that allow the bacterium to switch from the commensal to pathogen state remain unknown. Therefore, we used a Tn-seq strategy coupled to high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies to find genes for proteins used by
N. meningitidis
to specifically colonize epithelial cells and primary brain endothelial cells. We identified 383 genes and 8 intergenic regions containing sRNAs essential for growth and 288 genes and 33 intergenic regions containing sRNAs required specifically for host cell colonization.
New patient-reported experience measure for children with allergic disease: development, validation and results from integrated care
Authors: Gore C , Griffin R , Rothenberg T , Tallett A , Hopwood B , Sizmur S , O'Keeffe C , Warner J O
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To develop and validate a new allergy-specific patient-reported experience measure (PREM) for children and their parents, and to collect feedback in an integrated care setting.

Design

Two allergy-specific PREMs were produced using focus groups, cognitive testing, two prospective validation studies (collaboration: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Picker Institute Europe, Imperial College/London): ‘Your Allergy Care’, for children aged 8–16 years; ‘Your Child's Allergy Care’, for parents of children aged 0–7 years.

Setting

Community event, primary/secondary/tertiary allergy care settings.

Main outcome measures

Performance of PREMs in validation study; reported experience of allergy care.

Participants

687 children with allergic conditions and their parents/carers.

Results

In total, 687 questionnaires were completed; 503/687 (253 child; 250 parent) for the final survey. In both surveys, demographic variations were not associated with differences in results. Although 71% of patients reported one or more allergic conditions (food allergy/eczema/hay fever/asthma), 62% required multiple visits before receiving final diagnosis. Overall, patient experience was good for communication with patient/parent, competence and confidence in ability, and 73% felt looked after ‘very well’ and 23% ‘quite well’. Areas for improvement included communication with nurseries/schools, more information on side effects, allergic conditions and allergen/irritant avoidance. Allergy care in primary/emergency care settings was associated with higher problem-scores (worse experience) than in specialist clinics.

Conclusions

These new PREMs will allow allergy-specific patient experience reporting for children and parents and help identification of priority areas for improvement and commissioning of care. Efforts towards better allergy care provision must be targeted at primary and emergency care settings and underpinned by improving communication between healthcare providers and the community.
Tamoxifen precipitation of familial hypertriglyceridaemia: a rare cause of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wadood Ali , Chesner Robert , Mirza Mehboob , Zaman Shafquat
Published: August 2016

Drug-induced pancreatitis is uncommon, and is estimated to account for between 0.1% and 5% of cases. Tamoxifen is commonly used in the management of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. We present a rare case of tamoxifen-related hyperlipidaemia resulting in repeated episodes of pancreatitis, which, to the best of our knowledge, has only been documented a few times in the literature. A 36-year-old woman with familial hypertriglyceridaemia presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, modest increases in serum amylase levels and normal liver function tests. The patient had recently been diagnosed with breast carcinoma and was managed with wide local excision (WLE), adjuvant radiotherapy and tamoxifen. On each admission, the patient's symptoms were confirmed either biochemically and/or radiologically. Analysis of the case led to a diagnosis of precipitation of familial hypertriglyceridaemia from tamoxifen use resulting in pancreatitis. Management was altered with tamoxifen cessation and initiation of second-line hormonal therapy. Tamoxifen use needs consideration, especially in those with familial hyperlipidaemia.
Multidrug-resistantFusariumkeratitis: diagnosis and treatment considerations
Authors: Sara Sergio , Sharpe Kendall , Morris Sharon
Published: August 2016

Mycotic keratitis is an ocular infective process derived from any fungal species capable of corneal invasion. Despite its rarity in developed countries, its challenging and elusive diagnosis may result in keratoplasty or enucleation following failed medical management. Filamentous fungi such asFusariumare often implicated in mycotic keratitis. Bearing greater morbidity than its bacterial counterpart, mycotic keratitis requires early clinical suspicion and initiation of antifungal therapy to prevent devastating consequences. We describe a case of multidrug-resistant mycotic keratitis in a 46-year-old man who continued to decline despite maximal therapy and therapeutic keratoplasty. Finally, enucleation was performed as a means of source control preventing dissemination of a likely untreatable fungal infection into the orbit. Multidrug-resistantFusariumis rare, and may progress to endophthalmitis. We discuss potential management options which may enhance diagnosis and outcome in this condition.
First month prednisone dose predicts prednisone burden during the following 11 months: an observational study from the RELES cohort
Authors: Ruiz-Irastorza G , Garcia M , Espinosa G , Caminal L , Mitjavila F , González-León R , Sopeña B , Canora J , Villalba M V , Rodríguez-Carballeira M , López-Dupla J M , Callejas J L , Castro A , Tolosa C , Sánchez-García M E , Pérez-Conesa M , Navarrete-Navarrete N , Rodríguez A P , Herranz M T , Pallarés L
Published: August 2016

Aim

To study the influence of prednisone dose during the first month after systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis (prednisone-1) on glucocorticoid burden during the subsequent 11 months (prednisone-2–12).

Methods

223 patients from the Registro Español de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico inception cohort were studied. The cumulative dose of prednisone-1 and prednisone-2–12 were calculated and recoded into a four-level categorical variable: no prednisone, low dose (up to 7.5 mg/day), medium dose (up to 30 mg/day) and high dose (over 30 mg/day). The association between the cumulative prednisone-1 and prednisone-2–12 doses was tested. We analysed whether the four-level prednisone-1 categorical variable was an independent predictor of an average dose >7.5 mg/day of prednisone-2–12. Adjusting variables included age, immunosuppressives, antimalarials, methyl-prednisolone pulses, lupus nephritis and baseline SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results

Within the first month, 113 patients (51%) did not receive any prednisone, 24 patients (11%) received average low doses, 46 patients (21%) received medium doses and 40 patients (18%) received high doses. There was a strong association between prednisone-1 and prednisone-2–12 dose categories (p<0.001). The cumulative prednisone-1 dose was directly associated with the cumulative prednisone-2–12 dose (p<0.001). Compared with patients on no prednisone, patients taking medium (adjusted OR 5.27, 95% CI 2.18 to 12.73) or high-dose prednisone-1 (adjusted OR 10.5, 95% CI 3.8 to 29.17) were more likely to receive prednisone-2–12 doses of >7.5 mg/day, while patients receiving low-dose prednisone-1 were not (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0. 0.38 to 5.2). If the analysis was restricted to the 158 patients with a baseline SLEDAI of ≥6, the model did not change.

Conclusion

The dose of prednisone during the first month after the diagnosis of SLE is an independent predictor of prednisone burden during the following 11 months.
A characterization of the ball in ℂn
Authors: Diederich K. , Fornæss J. E. , Wold E. F.
Published: August 2016

We study bounded domains in [Formula: see text] with certain smoothness conditions and the properties of their squeezing functions in order to prove that the domains are biholomorphic to the ball.
Chern classes of tensor products
Authors: Manivel Laurent
Published: August 2016

We prove explicit formulas for Chern classes of tensor products of virtual vector bundles, whose coefficients are given by certain universal polynomials in the ranks of the two bundles.
Notes on algebraic log stack
Authors: Shentu Junchao , Wang Dong
Published: August 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a stack over the category of fine log schemes. If [Formula: see text] has a representable fppf covering, then, it has enough compatible minimal objects. As a consequence, we prove the equivalence between two notions of log moduli stacks which appear in literatures. Also, we obtain several fundamental results of algebraic log stacks.
Generalized duality and product of some noncommutative symmetric spaces
Authors: Han Yazhou
Published: August 2016

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two symmetric quasi-Banach spaces and let [Formula: see text] be a semifinite von Neumann algebra. The purpose of this paper is to study the product space [Formula: see text] and the space of multipliers from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], i.e. [Formula: see text]. These spaces share many properties with their classical counterparts. Let [Formula: see text] It is shown that if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-convex fully symmetric and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-convex, then [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the space of multipliers from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] As an application, we give conditions on when [Formula: see text] Moreover, we show that the product space can be described with the help of complex interpolation method.
Detecting communities by asymmetric intimacy in directed-weighted network
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Qin Xiaomeng
Published: August 2016

Community detection and analysis have attracted wide public concerns over the recent years. Meanwhile, many related algorithms in complex networks have been proposed. However, most of them concentrate on undirected and unweighted networks. Concerning the significant theoretical value and potential application foreground for directed-weighted networks, in this paper, a novel hierarchical communities detection algorithm (termed as DCBAI) has been proposed on the basis of asymmetric intimacy between nodes. Community structures are effectively detected by node clustering algorithm in directed-weighted network, and a set of optimal communities are generated. In addition, a new and asymmetric parameter is adopted to measure the intimate relationship between nodes. We make some simulation using the proposed algorithm in real-world networks and artificial networks, and the result obtained proves that the parameter can describe the direct and indirect relationships between two nodes. Eventually, comparison with similar algorithms shows that our proposed algorithm has better performance.
ELECTROCHEMICAL PHOSPHATE CONVERSION COATINGS: A REVIEW
Authors: DARBAND GHASEM BARATI , ALIOFKHAZRAEI M.
Published: August 2016

Deposition of phosphate conversion coating using electrochemical methods have many advantages such as low phosphating temperature, low energy cost and good properties of fabricated coating and in recent times increasingly employed for deposition of phosphate coating. Deposition mechanism of coating which is fabricated using electrochemical methods is different from those obtained by conventional chemical methods, consequently, the properties of electrophosphate coating is also different from those conventional phosphate coating. In this paper, recent understanding of deposition mechanism of electrophosphate coating is reviewed. The microstructure, composition, thickness and corrosion behavior of electrophosphate coatings and effect of different factors of those properties were also reviewed.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR TESTING THE FRACTAL DIMENSION OF COMPACTED BENTONITE IMMERSED IN SALT SOLUTION
Authors: XIANG GUOSHENG , XU YONGFU , XIE SHENGHUA , FANG YUAN
Published: August 2016

This study employs swelling deformation test for estimating the fractal dimension of salt-modified bentonite soil by measuring the void ratio of montmorillonite ([Formula: see text]) and the effective stress ([Formula: see text]). For the compacted Tsukinuno bentonite, a typical Na-montmorillonite, the fractal dimension is tested by the swelling deformation test conducted in sodium chloride solutions with different concentrations. According to the results, the fractal dimension of the specimens is essentially constant irrespective of the concentration of inundating NaCl solution. The strong correlation of the results from the swelling deformation test with those from the nitrogen adsorption test indicates that the swelling deformation test is an effective laboratory method for testing the fractal dimension of compacted bentonite in salt solution.
SURFACE FINISHING OF NANOSCRATCH PATTERNS ON COATED PYREX GLASSES USING MAF
Authors: LEE SEOUNG HWAN
Published: August 2016

We investigate a surface finishing scheme fitted for AFM scratched nanopatterns on a coated surface using magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF). First, nanoscale patterning was carried out on IZO-coated Pyrex glass, with a specially-designed AFM machining setup. After AFM machining, nonuniform surface features such as pile-ups are generated, and the final shapes are often more complicated for coated materials. For this reason, MAF was implemented for the nanoscale removal of pile-up/debris of coated materials and design of experiment (DOE) was utilized to obtain optimal process conditions for the finishing process.

The process was monitored using acoustic emission (AE) for coating-substrate (glass) boundary detection, as well for monitoring the polishing status/depth. Experimental results indicate the viability of the proposed scheme as a nanoscale selective finishing technique for various material setups.
An Equivalence Result on the Reduction of Games with Unawareness
Authors: Sasaki Yasuo
Published: August 2016

Recently models and solution concepts of games with unawareness have been developed. This paper discusses the issue of reducing static games with unawareness to standard Bayesian games and shows that equilibrium concepts for the two formulations, i.e., generalized Nash equilibrium and Bayesian equilibrium, are equivalent. We discuss implications of the result.
A New Bernoulli Wavelet Method for Numerical Solutions of Nonlinear Weakly Singular Volterra Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Sahu P. K. , Saha Ray S.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, Bernoulli wavelet method has been developed to solve nonlinear weakly singular Volterra integro-differential equations. Bernoulli wavelets are generated by dilation and translation of Bernoulli polynomials. The properties of Bernoulli wavelets and Bernoulli polynomials are first presented. The present wavelet method reduces these integral equations to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations and again these algebraic systems have been solved numerically by Newton’s method. Convergence analysis of the present method has been discussed in this paper. Some illustrative examples have been demonstrated to show the applicability and accuracy of the present method.
Differential invariants of the metric field and a 1-form
Authors: Dušek Zdeněk
Published: August 2016

Second-order differential invariants of the metric field [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text]-form [Formula: see text] on the manifold are described using the factorization of the differential group with respect to a proper subgroup. It is proved that, all these invariants depend on the metric, its curvature tensor and covariant derivatives of the [Formula: see text]-form.
Co3O4 Nanoparticles-Modified α-MnO2 Nanorods Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide as Cathode Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Jin GuanHua , Liu Suqin , Li Yaomin , Guo Yang , Ding Zhiying
Published: August 2016

Development of efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains a key issue for the commercialization of metal-air batteries. In this study, the novel structured Co3O4 nanoparticles-modified [Formula: see text]-MnO2 nanorods supported on reduced graphene oxide (Co3O4-MnO2/rGO) were synthesized with varying amounts of [Formula: see text]-MnO2 via a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The relationship between the physical properties and the electrochemical results was investigated using X-ray diffraction spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and rotating disk electrode. The as-prepared Co3O4–MnO2 nanohybrid exhibits enhanced catalytic activity for ORR under alkaline condition compared with MnO2/rGO and Co3O4/rGO. Furthermore, it mainly favors a direct 4e-reaction pathway for ORR, which is attributed to the well-designed structure, the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and [Formula: see text]-MnO2, and the covalent coupling between the Co3O4-MnO2 and reduced graphene oxide. The role of Co3O4 in Co3O4–MnO2 hybrid for catalyzing ORR also has been illustrated by varying the mass ratio of Co3O4 and MnO2, which reveals that the Co3O4–MnO2 with the ratio of 1:1 has better catalytic activity.
Facile One-Pot Synthesis and Optical Properties of Quinary Wurtzite Cu3ZnInSnS6 Nanocrystals
Authors: Li Dehui , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yajie , Qi Weichen , Dong Jinxiang , Yang Jing , Qiu Zhidong
Published: August 2016

Nearly monodisperse bullet-like Cu3ZnInSnS6 (CZITS) nanocrystals with wurtzite structure were successfully synthesized through optimized noninjection method. The structure, composition, morphology and optical properties of CZITS nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis–NIR absorption. Their suitable bandgap and photoresponsive behavior indicate a high potential application in the field of solar cells. The growth mechanism of the as-synthesized CZITS nanocrystals was preliminarily discussed. It was found that the formation of CZITS could be separated into two steps: nucleation of Cu7S4 and growth of the CZITS main body.
Totally real submanifolds in a generalized complex space form
Authors: Ali Choudhary Majid
Published: August 2016

In the present paper, we investigate totally real submanifolds in generalized complex space form. We study the [Formula: see text]-structure in the normal bundle of a totally real submanifold and derive some integral formulas computing the Laplacian of the square of the second fundamental form and using these formulas, we prove a pinching theorem. In fact, the purpose of this note is to generalize results proved in B. Y. Chen and K. Ogiue, On totally real manifolds, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 193 (1974) 257–266, S. S. Chern, M. Do Carmo and S. Kobayashi, Minimal submanifolds of a sphere with second fundamental form of constant length, in Functional Analysis and Related Fields (Springer-Verlag, 1970), pp. 57–75 to the case, when the ambient manifold is generalized complex space form.
Cerebellar tDCS dissociates the timing of perceptual decisions from perceptual change in speech
Authors: Lametti Daniel R. , Oostwoud Wijdenes Leonie , Bonaiuto James , Bestmann Sven , Rothwell John C.
Published: August 2016

Neuroimaging studies suggest that the cerebellum might play a role in both speech perception and speech perceptual learning. However, it remains unclear what this role is: does the cerebellum help shape the perceptual decision, or does it contribute to the timing of perceptual decisions? To test this, we used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with a speech perception task. Participants experienced a series of speech perceptual tests designed to measure and then manipulate (via training) their perception of a phonetic contrast. One group received cerebellar tDCS during speech perceptual learning, and a different group received sham tDCS during the same task. Both groups showed similar learning-related changes in speech perception that transferred to a different phonetic contrast. For both trained and untrained speech perceptual decisions, cerebellar tDCS significantly increased the time it took participants to indicate their decisions with a keyboard press. By analyzing perceptual responses made by both hands, we present evidence that cerebellar tDCS disrupted the timing of perceptual decisions, while leaving the eventual decision unaltered. In support of this conclusion, we use the drift diffusion model to decompose the data into processes that determine the outcome of perceptual decision-making and those that do not. The modeling suggests that cerebellar tDCS disrupted processes unrelated to decision-making. Taken together, the empirical data and modeling demonstrate that right cerebellar tDCS dissociates the timing of perceptual decisions from perceptual change. The results provide initial evidence in healthy humans that the cerebellum critically contributes to speech timing in the perceptual domain.
High-fidelity optical excitation of cortico-cortical projections at physiological frequencies
Authors: Hass Charles A. , Glickfeld Lindsey L.
Published: August 2016

Optogenetic activation of axons is a powerful approach for determining the synaptic properties and impact of long-range projections both in vivo and in vitro. However, because of the difficulty of measuring activity in axons, our knowledge of the reliability of optogenetic axonal stimulation has relied on data from somatic recordings. Yet, there are many reasons why activation of axons may not be comparable to cell bodies. Thus we have developed an approach to more directly assess the fidelity of optogenetic activation of axonal projections. We expressed opsins (ChR2, Chronos, or oChIEF) in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1) and recorded extracellular, pharmacologically isolated presynaptic action potentials in response to axonal activation in the higher visual areas. Repetitive stimulation of axons with ChR2 resulted in a 70% reduction in the fiber volley amplitude and a 60% increase in the latency at all frequencies tested (10–40 Hz). Thus ChR2 cannot reliably recruit axons during repetitive stimulation, even at frequencies that are reliable for somatic stimulation, likely due to pronounced channel inactivation at the high light powers required to evoke action potentials. By comparison, oChIEF and Chronos evoked photocurrents that inactivated minimally and could produce reliable axon stimulation at frequencies up to 60 Hz. Our approach provides a more direct and accurate evaluation of the efficacy of new optogenetic tools and has identified Chronos and oChIEF as viable tools to interrogate the synaptic and circuit function of long-range projections.
Effect of phenytoin on sodium conductances in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Hill-Yardin Elisa L. , Williams David , O'Brien Terence , Serelis Andris , French Christopher R.
Published: August 2016

The antiepileptic drug phenytoin (PHT) is thought to reduce the excitability of neural tissue by stabilizing sodium channels (NaV) in inactivated states. It has been suggested the fast-inactivated state (IF) is the main target, although slow inactivation (IS) has also been implicated. Other studies on local anesthetics with similar effects on sodium channels have implicated the NaV voltage sensor interactions. In this study, we reexamined the effect of PHT in both equilibrium and dynamic transitions between fast and slower forms of inactivation in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The effects of PHT were observed on fast and slow inactivation processes, as well as on another identified “intermediate” inactivation process. The effect of enzymatic removal of IF was also studied, as well as effects on the residual persistent sodium current ( INaP). A computational model based on a gating charge interaction was derived that reproduced a range of PHT effects on NaV equilibrium and state transitions. No effect of PHT on IF was observed; rather, PHT appeared to facilitate the occupancy of other closed states, either through enhancement of slow inactivation or through formation of analogous drug-bound states. The overall significance of these observations is that our data are inconsistent with the commonly held view that the archetypal NaV channel inhibitor PHT stabilizes fast inactivation states, and we demonstrate that conventional slow activation “IS” and the more recently identified intermediate-duration inactivation process “II” are the primary functional targets of PHT. In addition, we show that the traditional explanatory frameworks based on the “modulated receptor hypothesis” can be substituted by simple, physiologically plausible interactions with voltage sensors. Additionally, INaP was not preferentially inhibited compared with peak INa at short latencies (50 ms) by PHT.
The Effects of Minimal Length, Maximal Momentum, and Minimal Momentum in Entropic Force
Authors: Feng Zhong-Wen , Yang Shu-Zheng , Li Hui-Ling , Zu Xiao-Tao
Published: August 2016

The modified entropic force law is studied by using a new kind of generalized uncertainty principle which contains a minimal length, a minimal momentum, and a maximal momentum. Firstly, the quantum corrections to the thermodynamics of a black hole are investigated. Then, according to Verlinde’s theory, the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) corrected entropic force is obtained. The result shows that the GUP corrected entropic force is related not only to the properties of the black holes but also to the Planck length and the dimensionless constantsα0andβ0. Moreover, based on the GUP corrected entropic force, we also derive the modified Einstein’s field equation (EFE) and the modified Friedmann equation.
Nanostructured Surface with Tunable Contact Angle Hysteresis for ConstructingIn VitroTumor Model
Authors: Sun Kang , Yang Mingliang , Xu Yue , Jiang Lelun , Song Rong , Liu Yang , Jiang Qing , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2016

Contact angle hysteresis (CAH) is an important phenomenon in surface chemistry. In this paper, we fabricated nanostructured substrates and investigated the relationship between roughness and CAH. We demonstrated that by patterning well-tuned CAH in superhydrophobic background, we can pattern droplets with controlled sizes. We further showed that our system could be used in fabricating complex hydrogel architecture, allowing coculture of different types of cells in three-dimensional way. This CAH-based patterning strategy would providein vitromodels for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Metastatic Progression of Prostate Cancer Is Mediated by Autonomous Binding of Galectin-4-O-Glycan to Cancer Cells
Authors: Tsai Chin-Hsien , Tzeng Sheue-Fen , Chao Tai-Kuang , Tsai Chia-Yun , Yang Yu-Chih , Lee Ming-Ting , Hwang Jiuan-Jiuan , Chou Yu-Ching , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Cha Tai-Lung , Hsiao Pei-Wen
Published: August 2016

Metastatic prostate cancer continues to pose a difficult therapeutic challenge. Prostate cancer progression is associated with aberrant O-glycosylation of cancer cell surface receptors, but the functional impact of such events is uncertain. Here we report spontaneous metastasis of human prostate cancer xenografts that express high levels of galectin-4 along with genetic signatures of EGFR-HER2 signaling and O-glycosylation. Galectin-4 expression in clinical specimens of prostate cancer correlated with poor patient survival. Galectin-4 binding to multiple receptor tyrosine kinases stimulated their autophosphorylation, activated expression of pERK, pAkt, fibronectin, and Twist1, and lowered expression of E-cadherin, thereby facilitating epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. In vivo investigations established that galectin-4 expression enabled prostate cancer cells to repopulate tumors in orthotopic and heterotopic tissues. Notably, these effects of galectin-4 relied upon O-glycosylation mediated by C1GALT1, a galactosyltransferase implicated in other cancers. Parallel changes in galectin-4 and O-glycosylation triggered aberrant receptor signaling and more aggressive invasive character in prostate cancer cells, which through better survival in the circulation also contributed to the bulk cell progeny of distal tumors. Our findings establish galectin-4 and C1GALT1-mediated glycosylation in a signaling axis that is activated during prostate cancer progression, with implications for therapeutic targeting of advanced metastatic disease. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5756–67. ©2016 AACR.
The Dual Inhibition of RNA Pol I Transcription and PIM Kinase as a New Therapeutic Approach to Treat Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rebello Richard J. , Kusnadi Eric , Cameron Donald P. , Pearson Helen B. , Lesmana Analia , Devlin Jennifer R. , Drygin Denis , Clark Ashlee K. , Porter Laura , Pedersen John , Sandhu Shahneen , Risbridger Gail P. , Pearson Richard B. , Hannan Ross D. , Furic Luc
Published: August 2016

Purpose: The MYC oncogene is frequently overexpressed in prostate cancer. Upregulation of ribosome biogenesis and function is characteristic of MYC-driven tumors. In addition, PIM kinases activate MYC signaling and mRNA translation in prostate cancer and cooperate with MYC to accelerate tumorigenesis. Here, we investigate the efficacy of a single and dual approach targeting ribosome biogenesis and function to treat prostate cancer.

Experimental Design:The inhibition of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis with CX-5461, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription, has been successfully exploited therapeutically but only in models of hematologic malignancy. CX-5461 and CX-6258, a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor, were tested alone and in combination in prostate cancer cell lines, in Hi-MYC- and PTEN-deficient mouse models and in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of metastatic tissue obtained from a patient with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Results: CX-5461 inhibited anchorage-independent growth and induced cell-cycle arrest in prostate cancer cell lines at nanomolar concentrations. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg CX-5461 induced TP53 expression and activity and reduced proliferation (MKI67) and invasion (loss of ductal actin) in Hi-MYC tumors, but not in PTEN-null (low MYC) tumors. While 100 mg/kg CX-6258 showed limited effect alone, its combination with CX-5461 further suppressed proliferation and dramatically reduced large invasive lesions in both models. This rational combination strategy significantly inhibited proliferation and induced cell death in PDX of prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate preclinical efficacy of targeting the ribosome at multiple levels and provide a new approach for the treatment of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5539–52. ©2016 AACR.
Therapeutic HPV Cancer Vaccine Targeted to CD40 Elicits Effective CD8+ T-cell Immunity
Authors: Yin Wenjie , Duluc Dorothée , Joo HyeMee , Xue Yaming , Gu Chao , Wang Zhiqing , Wang Lei , Ouedraogo Richard , Oxford Lance , Clark Amelia , Parikh Falguni , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Thompson-Snipes LuAnn , Lee Sang-Yull , Beauregard Clay , Woo Jung-Hee , Zurawski Sandra , Sikora Andrew G. , Zurawski Gerard , Oh SangKon
Published: August 2016

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV16 and HPV18, can cause cancers in diverse anatomical sites, including the anogenital and oropharyngeal (throat) regions. Therefore, development of safe and clinically effective therapeutic vaccines is an important goal. Herein, we show that a recombinant fusion protein of a humanized antibody to CD40 fused to HPV16.E6/7 (αCD40-HPV16.E6/7) can evoke HPV16.E6/7-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses in head-and-neck cancer patients in vitro and in human CD40 transgenic (hCD40Tg) mice in vivo. The combination of αCD40-HPV16.E6/7 and poly(I:C) efficiently primed HPV16.E6/7-specific T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, in hCD40Tg mice. Inclusion of montanide enhanced HPV16.E6/7-specific CD4+, but not CD8+, T-cell responses. Poly(I:C) plus αCD40-HPV16.E6/7 was sufficient to mount both preventative and therapeutic immunity against TC-1 tumors in hCD40Tg mice, significantly increasing the frequency of HPV16-specific CD8+ CTLs in the tumors, but not in peripheral blood. In line with this, tumor volume inversely correlated with the frequency of HPV16.E6/7-specific CD8+ T cells in tumors, but not in blood. These data suggest that CD40-targeting vaccines for HPV-associated malignancies can provide a highly immunogenic platform with a strong likelihood of clinical benefit. Data from this study offer strong support for the development of CD40-targeting vaccines for other cancers in the future. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(10); 823–34. ©2016 AACR.
Rasip1-Mediated Rho GTPase Signaling Regulates Blood Vessel Tubulogenesis via Nonmuscle Myosin II
Authors: Barry David M. , Koo Yeon , Norden Pieter R. , Wylie Lyndsay A. , Xu Ke , Wichaidit Chonlarat , Azizoglu D. Berfin , Zheng Yi , Cobb Melanie H. , Davis George E. , Cleaver Ondine
Published: August 2016

Rationale:

Vascular tubulogenesis is essential to cardiovascular development. Within initial vascular cords of endothelial cells, apical membranes are established and become cleared of cell–cell junctions, thereby allowing continuous central lumens to open. Rasip1 (Ras-interacting protein 1) is required for apical junction clearance, as well as for regulation of Rho GTPase (enzyme that hydrolyzes GTP) activity. However, it remains unknown how activities of different Rho GTPases are coordinated by Rasip1 to direct tubulogenesis.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine the mechanisms downstream of Rasip1 that drive vascular tubulogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Using conditional mouse mutant models and pharmacological approaches, we dissect GTPase pathways downstream of Rasip1. We show that clearance of endothelial cell apical junctions during vascular tubulogenesis depends on Rasip1, as well as the GTPase Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42 homolog) and the kinase Pak4 (serine/threonine-protein kinase 4). Genetic deletion of Rasip1 or Cdc42, or inhibition of Pak4, all blocks endothelial cell tubulogenesis. By contrast, inactivation of RhoA (Ras homologue gene family member A) signaling leads to vessel overexpansion, implicating actomyosin contractility in control of lumen diameter. Interestingly, blocking activity of NMII (nonmuscle myosin II) either before, or after, lumen morphogenesis results in dramatically different tubulogenesis phenotypes, suggesting time-dependent roles.

Conclusions:

Rasip1 controls different pools of GTPases, which in turn regulate different pools of NMII to coordinate junction clearance (remodeling) and actomyosin contractility during vascular tubulogenesis. Rasip1 promotes activity of Cdc42 to activate Pak4, which in turn activates NMII, clearing apical junctions. Once lumens open, Rasip1 suppresses actomyosin contractility via inhibition of RhoA by Arhgap29, allowing controlled expansion of vessel lumens during embryonic growth. These findings elucidate the stepwise processes regulated by Rasip1 through downstream Rho GTPases and NMII.
Arius and the Vampire
Authors: Erickson Gregory
Published: August 2016

This essay focuses on two figures in James Joyce’s Ulysses, the heretic Arius and the vampire, who when examined together address issues of anxiety over the body and artistic creation. Stephen’s early musings on Arius lead directly into his primary act of artistic creation, a poem he writes that begins, “He comes, pale vampire.” Like the heretic, the vampire will recede into the background, but will continue to haunt the novel, offering troubling and disruptive commentary on the narrative. Joyce’s less literal vampires have the ability to change forms—a rat in the cemetery, a bat flying over a church, ghosts of deceased characters, and a “black panther vampire”—and along with his paradigmatic heretic, Arius, they seem to float from the mind of character to character, forcing them to question received wisdom about creation, procreation, authority, succession, and the relationship of body to mind. Throughout the novel, heretics and vampires work as figures of disruption, as symbols of an alternative taxonomy, and as reminders of the threat or promise of undeserved births and unnatural death. Ultimately, we will see that vampire narratives, classical heresy, and Ulysses share a common central project: questioning and rethinking the act of creation itself.
“We May be Through with the Past …”
Authors: Silverman Jason M.
Published: August 2016

Recurring themes and traditions within the biblical corpus have attracted much scholarship. This article uses P. T. Anderson’s Magnolia (1999) as a test case for the ways traditions may or may not interact, and what that means for ‘tradition history.’ While the film has many features which strike many viewers as biblical, the author-director denies prior knowledge of these connections. The film is analyzed in terms of structure, Anderson’s claimed sources, the American cultural context of the 1990s, and its biblical resonances. After assessing the import of these observations, the tradition history of Magnolia is compared to the tradition history of the exodus in the Hebrew Bible. Within the framework of attention to media contexts, the article concludes by noting the importance of authority, canon, and multiple lines of transmission. In so doing, our understanding of the transmission of traditions is problematized, and a broader, less text-centric paradigm is called for.
Phylogeny and morphology reveal two new species of Diaporthe from Betula spp. in China
Authors: DU ZHUO , FAN XIN-LEI , HYDE KEVIN D. , YANG QIN , LIANG YING-MEI , TIAN CHENG-MING
Published: August 2016

Diaporthe species are common pathogens, endophytes, or saprobes on a wide range of hosts. During our investigation of forest pathogens, we made collections of Diaporthe species associated with canker and dieback disease of Betula platyphylla and B. albosinensis in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces in China. Diaporthe betulae sp. nov. and D. betulicola sp. nov. are introduced in this paper, with illustrations, descriptions and support from analysis of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (CAL), histone H3 (HIS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) and beta-tubulin (TUB2) sequence data. Diaporthe betulae is characterized by hyaline, ellipsoidal, aseptate, biguttulate, 8.5–11 × 3–4 µm alpha conidia. Diaporthe betulicola is characterized by pycnidial stromata with a single locule with one ostiole per disc. Alpha conidia are hyaline, oblong, aseptate, lack guttules and 9.9–14.7 × 1.3–2.5 µm, and beta conidia are hyaline, spindle-shaped, curved, aseptate and 17–24 × 0.7–1.2 µm.
A new combination in Angraecoides (Angraecinae, Orchidaceae): a forgotten name
Authors: PESSOA EDLLEY , ALVES MARCCUS
Published: August 2016

A new nomenclatural combination for the African species Angraecum moandense to the recently proposed genus Angraecoides is provided. Angraecum chevalieri is confirmed as a synonym of this species.
Improving Wind Predictions in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer through Parameter Estimation in a Single-Column Model
Authors: Lee Jared A. , Hacker Joshua P. , Delle Monache Luca , Kosović Branko , Clifton Andrew , Vandenberghe Francois , Rodrigo Javier Sanz
Published: August 2016

A current barrier to greater deployment of offshore wind turbines is the poor quality of numerical weather prediction model wind and turbulence forecasts over open ocean. The bulk of development for atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) parameterization schemes has focused on land, partly because of a scarcity of observations over ocean. The 100-m FINO1 tower in the North Sea is one of the few sources worldwide of atmospheric profile observations from the sea surface to turbine hub height. These observations are crucial to developing a better understanding and modeling of physical processes in the marine ABL.

In this study the WRF single-column model (SCM) is coupled with an ensemble Kalman filter from the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) to create 100-member ensembles at the FINO1 location. The goal of this study is to determine the extent to which model parameter estimation can improve offshore wind forecasts. Combining two datasets that provide lateral forcing for the SCM and two methods for determining , the time-varying sea surface roughness length, four WRF-SCM/DART experiments are conducted during the October–December 2006 period. The two methods for determining are the default Fairall-adjusted Charnock formulation in WRF and use of the parameter estimation techniques to estimate in DART. Using DART to estimate is found to reduce 1-h forecast errors of wind speed over the Charnock–Fairall ensembles by 4%–22%. However, parameter estimation of does not simultaneously reduce turbulent flux forecast errors, indicating limitations of this approach and the need for new marine ABL parameterizations.
Discharge Destination after Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Cramer John D. , Patel Urjeet A. , Samant Sandeep , Shintani Smith Stephanie
Published: August 2016

Objective

In recent decades, there has been a reduction in the length of postoperative hospital stay, with a corresponding increase in discharge to postacute care. Discharge to postacute care facilities represents a meaningful patient‐centered outcome; however, little has been published about this outcome after head and neck surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective review of national database.

Setting

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2011 to 2013.

Subjects and Methods

We compared the rate of discharge to home versus postacute care facilities in patients admitted after head and neck surgery and used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of discharge to postacute care.

Results

The overall rate of discharge to postacute care facilities after head and neck surgery (n = 15,890) was 15.7% after major surgery (including laryngectomy, composite resection, and free tissue transfer), 4.4% after moderate surgery (including regional tissue transfer, oropharyngeal or oral cavity resection, and neck dissection), and 1.1% after minor head and neck surgery (including endocrine or salivary gland surgery). On multivariable analysis, significant preoperative predictors of discharge to postacute care were advanced age, functional status, major or moderate surgical procedures, tracheostomy, advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists class, low body mass index, and dyspnea.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that patients undergoing major or moderate head and neck surgery, patients with reduced functional status, and patients with advanced comorbidities are at substantial risk of discharge to postacute care. The possibility of discharge to postacute care should be discussed with high‐risk patients.
Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Otitis Media in an Indigenous Filipino Population
Authors: Santos‐Cortez Regie Lyn P. , Reyes‐Quintos Ma. Rina T. , Tantoco Ma. Leah C. , Abbe Izoduwa , Llanes Erasmo Gonzalo d.V. , Ajami Nadim J. , Hutchinson Diane S. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Padilla Carmencita D. , Villarta Romeo L. , Gloria‐Cruz Teresa Luisa , Chan Abner L. , Cutiongco‐de la Paz Eva Maria , Chiong Charlotte M. , Leal Suzanne M. , Abes Generoso T.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To identify genetic and environmental risk factors for otitis media in an indigenous Filipino population.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Indigenous Filipino community.

Subjects and Methods

Clinical history and information on breastfeeding, tobacco smoke exposure, and swimming were obtained from community members. Heads of households were interviewed for family history and personal beliefs on ear health. Height and weight were measured. Otoscopic findings were described for the presence and character of perforation or discharge. An A2ML1 duplication variant that confers otitis media susceptibility was Sanger sequenced in all DNA samples. Co‐occurrence of middle ear bacteria detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was determined according to A2ML1 genotype and social cluster.

Results

The indigenous Filipino population has a ~50% prevalence of otitis media. Young age was associated with otitis media (4 age strata; P =. 004); however, age was nonsignificant as a bistratal or continuous variable. There was no association between otitis media and sex, body mass index, breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, or deep swimming. In multivariate analyses, A2ML1 genotype is the strongest predictor of otitis media, with an odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.3‐10.8; P =. 005). When otitis media diagnoses were plotted across ages, otitis media was observed within the first year of life, and chronic otitis media persisted up to adulthood, particularly in A2ML1‐variant carriers.

Conclusion

Among indigenous Filipinos, A2ML1 genotype is the primary risk factor for otitis media and main determinant of disease progression, although age, the middle ear microbiome, and social clusters might modulate the effect of the A2ML1 genotype.