bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH IN STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NEEDS TO BETTER ADDRESS ANALYTICAL METHODS
Authors: GENELETTI DAVIDE
Published: April 2015

One of the main gaps in current SEA research is the limited development of analytical methods to predict and assess environmental effects, which are tailored to plans, programmes and policies. The scientific literature is producing new standards and evidence-based conclusions on a number of issues that are potentially relevant for SEA, including health, land take, ecosystem fragmentation and energy needs and supply. However, research in SEA is hardly keeping the pace in terms of "translating" these findings into operational recommendations that can be applied in typical SEA contexts. As a result, the analytical content of SEA is often disappointingly low, and the assessment of impacts is still largely based on qualitative descriptions and general statements. Future research should be directed at innovating SEA methods, by promoting the use of appropriate spatially-explicit and (semi)quantitative approaches, which can be based on advances in relevant disciplines, and the increasing availability of data and technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT RESEARCH IN THE UK
Authors: FISCHER THOMAS B. , JHA-THAKUR URMILA , HAYES SAMUEL
Published: April 2015

In this paper we briefly review the state of academic research in the UK in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Through consideration of the number of articles related to EIA and SEA published in academic journals and the contribution of post-graduate students' (PhD and master level) dissertation theses we aim to understand where activity has occurred in the field over recent decades. Simple literature and database searches reveal that the UK is an active environment for researchers and students in the field with numerous universities engaged in research and teaching (although not always both activities). However, we have also collected evidence to suggest that research funding is lacking and that there is variation over time in the number and scale of research projects being funded in the UK.
Drying-Induced Deformation in Fiber-Embedded Gels to Mimic Plant Nastic Movements
Authors: Liang Xiaodong , Li Kai , Cai Shengqiang
Published: April 2015

Pinecone scales and seedpod valves can deform in response to environmental humidity change, which is categorized as nastic movements. In this article, inspired by their tissue structure, we use fiber-embedded gels to model the nastic movements of pinecone scales and seedpod valves. In the model, stiffer and less swellable fibers orient inhomogeneously in the gel matrix. Depending on the arrangement of fibers, the gel matrix may bend or twist when it shrinks, caused by the decrease of environmental humidity. Our simulations demonstrate the possibilities of achieving different deformation modes in fiber-embedded gels through initially specified fiber arrangements. The numerical modeling methods presented in the article may find their applications in biomimetic designs with responsive gels.
Chinese Society Adjusting to the “New Normal”
Authors: ZHAO Litao
Published: April 2015

China has begun the full-fledged implementation of Xi's agenda of comprehensively deepening reform. Socially, the much anticipated urbanisation plan was announced in April 2014. Reforms in the social domain have made some progress, albeit uneven across issue areas. As China is in the transition to the economic and social “new normal”, it takes time, vision, will and skills to balance the multiple goals of stabilising growth, adjusting structure, improving livelihoods and deepening reform.
China's Foreign Policy: The Unveiling of President Xi Jinping's Grand Strategy
Authors: ZHENG Yongnian , LYE Liang Fook
Published: April 2015

China under President Xi Jinping has apparently formulated a grand foreign policy strategy and is in the midst of implementing it. In particular, Xi has called on China to develop a “distinctive diplomatic approach befitting its role as a major country”, as opposed to Deng Xiaoping's foreign policy dictum of “hiding one's capabilities and biding one's time”. China has been pro-active in seizing the initiative and even setting the agenda in regional, if not, international affairs.
Hong Kong's Governance Challenges in a New Age of Pro-Democracy Movement
Authors: YEW Chiew Ping
Published: April 2015

The Umbrella Movement, which spelled an end to the Hong Kong democrats' gradual, reformist approach, is a turning point in the city's pro-democracy movement. Young Hong Kongers, already inclined to see themselves as Hong Kong people and not Chinese citizens, through this wave of protests have further estranged themselves from mainland China. Caught between an increasingly interventionist Beijing and a more defiant society, the Hong Kong administration shall face tougher times ahead.
Poorly Water Soluble Drug Nanostructures via Surface Solvent Evaporation
Authors: Graham Michael , Yang Yonghong , D Roberts Aled , Zhang Haifei
Published: April 2015

A high percentage of developed drug compounds are poorly soluble in water, which severely limits their applications. Nanotechnology has been used to address this issue. Here we describe a simple and versatile bottom-up approach for the preparation of drug nanostructures by surface solvent evaporation on aluminum surface and polymer-coated surface. Three poorly water soluble drug compounds, including griseofulvin (GF), curcumin and antimalarial compound SL-2-25 have been investigated as model compounds. The structures are mainly characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) while the GF nanoparticles are also examined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A variety of structures including microassemblies composed of nanoparticles, nanospheres and nanofibers have been produced. A sonication method can be employed to produce aqueous nanoparticle suspension.
A CFD technique to investigate the chocked flow and heat transfer characteristic in a micro-channel heat sink
Authors: Azari Ahmad , Bahraini Abdorrasoul , Marhamati Saeideh
Published: April 2015

In this research, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to investigate the effect of choking on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a typical micro-channel heat sink. Numerical simulations have been carried out using Spalart–Allmaras model. Comparison of the numerical results for the heat transfer rate, mass flow rate and Stanton number with the experimental data were conducted. Relatively good agreement was achieved with maximum relative error 16%, and 8% for heat transfer and mass flow rate, respectively. Also, average relative error 9.2% was obtained for the Stanton number in comparison with the experimental values. Although, the results show that the majority of heat was transferred in the entrance region of the channel, but the heat transfer in micro-channels can also be affected by choking at channel exit. Moreover, the results clearly show that, the location where the flow is choked (at the vicinity of the channel exit) is especially important in determining the heat transfer phenomena. It was found that Spalart–Allmaras model is capable to capture the main features of the choked flow. Also, the effects of choking on the main characteristics of the flow was presented and discussed.
Lipid-induced insulin resistance does not impair insulin access to skeletal muscle
Authors: Kolka Cathryn M. , Richey Joyce M. , Castro Ana Valeria B. , Broussard Josiane L. , Ionut Viorica , Bergman Richard N.
Published: April 2015

Elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFA) induce insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Previously, we have shown that experimental insulin resistance induced by lipid infusion prevents the dispersion of insulin through the muscle, and we hypothesized that this would lead to an impairment of insulin moving from the plasma to the muscle interstitium. Thus, we infused lipid into our anesthetized canine model and measured the appearance of insulin in the lymph as a means to sample muscle interstitium under hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp conditions. Although lipid infusion lowered the glucose infusion rate and induced both peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance, we were unable to detect an impairment of insulin access to the lymph. Interestingly, despite a significant, 10-fold increase in plasma FFA, we detected little to no increase in free fatty acids or triglycerides in the lymph after lipid infusion. Thus, we conclude that experimental insulin resistance induced by lipid infusion does not reduce insulin access to skeletal muscle under clamp conditions. This would suggest that the peripheral insulin resistance is likely due to reduced cellular sensitivity to insulin in this model, and yet we did not detect a change in the tissue microenvironment that could contribute to cellular insulin resistance.
An index of parameter reproducibility accounting for estimation uncertainty: theory and case study on β-cell responsivity and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Dalla Man Chiara , Pillonetto Gianluigi , Riz Michela , Cobelli Claudio
Published: April 2015

Parameter reproducibility is necessary to perform longitudinal studies where parameters are assessed to monitor disease progression or effect of therapy but are also useful in powering the study, i.e., to define how many subjects should be studied to observe a given effect. The assessment of parameter reproducibility is usually accomplished by methods that do not take into account the fact that these parameters are estimated with uncertainty. This is particularly relevant in physiological and clinical studies where usually reproducibility cannot be assessed by multiple testing and is usually assessed from a single replication of the test. Working in a suitable stochastic framework, here we propose a new index ( S) to measure reproducibility that takes into account parameter uncertainty and is particularly suited to handle the normal testing conditions of physiological and clinical investigations. Simulation results prove that S, by properly taking into account parameter uncertainty, is more accurate and robust than the methods available in the literature. The new metric is applied to assess reproducibility of insulin sensitivity and β-cell responsivity of a mixed-meal tolerance test from data obtained in the same subjects retested 1 wk apart. Results show that the indices of insulin sensitivity and β-cell responsivity to glucose are well reproducible. We conclude that the oral minimal models provide useful indices that can be used safely in prospective studies or to assess the efficacy of a given therapy.
Flexible explicit but rigid implicit learning in a visuomotor adaptation task
Authors: Bond Krista M. , Taylor Jordan A.
Published: April 2015

There is mounting evidence for the idea that performance in a visuomotor rotation task can be supported by both implicit and explicit forms of learning. The implicit component of learning has been well characterized in previous experiments and is thought to arise from the adaptation of an internal model driven by sensorimotor prediction errors. However, the role of explicit learning is less clear, and previous investigations aimed at characterizing the explicit component have relied on indirect measures such as dual-task manipulations, posttests, and descriptive computational models. To address this problem, we developed a new method for directly assaying explicit learning by having participants verbally report their intended aiming direction on each trial. While our previous research employing this method has demonstrated the possibility of measuring explicit learning over the course of training, it was only tested over a limited scope of manipulations common to visuomotor rotation tasks. In the present study, we sought to better characterize explicit and implicit learning over a wider range of task conditions. We tested how explicit and implicit learning change as a function of the specific visual landmarks used to probe explicit learning, the number of training targets, and the size of the rotation. We found that explicit learning was remarkably flexible, responding appropriately to task demands. In contrast, implicit learning was strikingly rigid, with each task condition producing a similar degree of implicit learning. These results suggest that explicit learning is a fundamental component of motor learning and has been overlooked or conflated in previous visuomotor tasks.
Crossed motor innervation of the base of human tongue
Authors: Kubin Leszek , Jordan Amy S. , Nicholas Christian L. , Cori Jennifer M. , Semmler John G. , Trinder John
Published: April 2015

Muscle fibers of the genioglossus (GG) form the bulk of the muscle mass at the base of the tongue. The motor control of the tongue is critical for vocalization, feeding, and breathing. Our goal was to assess the patterns of motor innervation of GG single motor units (SMUs) in humans. Simultaneous monopolar recordings were obtained from four sites in the base of the tongue bilaterally at two antero-posterior levels from 16 resting, awake, healthy adult males, who wore a face mask with airway pressure and airflow sensors. We analyzed 69 data segments in which at least one lead contained large action potentials generated by an SMU. Such potentials served as triggers for spike-triggered averaging (STA) of signals recorded from the other three sites. Spontaneous activity of the SMUs was classified as inspiratory modulated, expiratory modulated, or tonic. Consistent with the antero-posterior orientation of GG fibers, 44 STAs (77%) recorded ipsilateral to the trigger yielded sharp action potentials with a median amplitude of 52 μV [interquartile range (IQR): 25–190] that were time shifted relative to the trigger by about 1 ms. Notably, 48% of recordings on the side opposite to the trigger also yielded sharp action potentials. Of those, 17 (29%) had a median amplitude of 63 μV (IQR: 39–96), and most were generated by tonic SMUs. Thus a considerable proportion of GG muscle fibers receive a crossed motor innervation. Crossed innervation may help ensure symmetry and stability of tongue position and movements under normal conditions and following injury or degenerative changes affecting the tongue.
Femoral artery ligation increases the responses of thin-fiber muscle afferents to contraction
Authors: Stone Audrey J. , Copp Steven W. , McCord Jennifer L. , Kaufman Marc P.
Published: April 2015

Previous evidence has shown that ligating the femoral artery for 72 h resulted in an exaggerated exercise pressor reflex. To provide electrophysiological evidence for this finding, we examined in decerebrated rats whose femoral arteries were either freely perfused or ligated for 72 h the responses of thin-fiber (i.e., groups III and IV) afferents to static contraction of the hindlimb muscles. We found that contraction increased the combined activity of group III and IV afferents in both freely perfused ( n = 29; baseline: 0.3 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction: 0.8 ± 0.2 imp/s; P < 0.05) and ligated rats ( n = 28; baseline: 0.4 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction: 1.4 ± 0.1 imp/s; P < 0.05). Most importantly, the contraction-induced increase in afferent activity was greater in ligated rats than it was in freely perfused rats ( P = 0.005). In addition, the responses of group III afferents to contraction in ligated rats ( n = 15; baseline 0.3 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction 1.5 ± 0.2 imp/s) were greater ( P = 0.024) than the responses to contraction in freely perfused rats ( n = 18; baseline 0.3 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction 0.9 ± 0.2 imp/s). Likewise, the responses of group IV afferents to contraction in ligated rats ( n = 13; baseline 0.5 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction 1.3 ± 0.2 imp/s) were greater ( P = 0.048) than the responses of group IV afferents in freely perfused rats ( n = 11; baseline 0.3 ± 0.1 imp/s, contraction 0.6 ± 0.2 imp/s). We conclude that both group III and IV afferents contribute to the exaggeration of the exercise pressor reflex induced by femoral artery ligation.
Identification of stable reference genes in differentiating human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Holmgren Gustav , Ghosheh Nidal , Zeng Xianmin , Bogestål Yalda , Sartipy Peter , Synnergren Jane
Published: April 2015

Reference genes, often referred to as housekeeping genes (HKGs), are frequently used to normalize gene expression data based on the assumption that they are expressed at a constant level in the cells. However, several studies have shown that there may be a large variability in the gene expression levels of HKGs in various cell types. In a previous study, employing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) subjected to spontaneous differentiation, we observed that the expression of commonly used HKG varied to a degree that rendered them inappropriate to use as reference genes under those experimental settings. Here we present a substantially extended study of the HKG signature in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), including nine global gene expression datasets from both hESC and human induced pluripotent stem cells, obtained during directed differentiation toward endoderm-, mesoderm-, and ectoderm derivatives. Sets of stably expressed genes were compiled, and a handful of genes (e.g., EID2, ZNF324B, CAPN10, and RABEP2) were identified as generally applicable reference genes in hPSCs across all cell lines and experimental conditions. The stability in gene expression profiles was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR analysis. Taken together, the current results suggest that differentiating hPSCs have a distinct HKG signature, which in some aspects is different from somatic cell types, and underscore the necessity to validate the stability of reference genes under the actual experimental setup used. In addition, the novel putative HKGs identified in this study can preferentially be used for normalization of gene expression data obtained from differentiating hPSCs.
Clinical Utility of Skin Biopsy in Differentiating between Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Haga Rie , Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Nishijima Haruo , Miki Yasuo , Suzuki Chieko , Wakabayashi Koichi , Baba Masayuki , Yagihashi Soroku , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: April 2015

Background. It is often difficult to differentiate Parkinson’s disease (PD) from multiple system atrophy (MSA), especially in their early stages.Objectives. To examine the clinical utility of histopathological analysis of biopsied skin from the chest wall and/or leg in differentiating between the two diseases.Methods. Skin biopsies from the lower leg and/or anterior chest wall were obtained from 38 patients with idiopathic PD (26 treated with levodopa and 12 levodopa-naïve) and 13 age-matched patients with MSA. We sought aggregates of phosphorylatedα-synuclein on cutaneous nerve fibers using double fluorescence immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy and measured intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD).Results. Phosphorylatedα-synuclein aggregates were identified on cutaneous nerves in two patients with PD (5.3%) but in none of the patients with MSA, and IENFD was significantly lower in patients with PD when compared to those with MSA. There was no difference in IENFD between levodopa-treated and levodopa-naïve patients with PD.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that an assessment of IENFD in biopsied skin could be a useful means of differentiating between PD and MSA but that detection ofα-synuclein aggregates on cutaneous nerves in the distal sites of the body is insufficiently sensitive.
Androgen Receptors Expression in Pituitary of Male Viscacha in relation to Growth and Reproductive Cycle
Authors: Filippa Verónica Palmira , Rosales Gabriela Judith , Cruceño Albana Andrea Marina , Mohamed Fabian Heber
Published: April 2015

The aim of this work was to study the androgen receptors (AR) expression in pituitary pars distalis (PD) of male viscachas in relation to growth and reproductive cycle. AR were detected by immunocytochemistry and quantified by image analysis. Pituitary glands from fetus, immature, prepubertal, and adult viscachas during their reproductive cycle were used. In the fetal PD, the immunoreactivity (ir) was mainly cytoplasmic. In immature and prepubertal animals, AR-ir was cytoplasmic (ARc-ir) and nuclear (ARn-ir) in medial region. In adult animals, ARn-ir cells were numerous at caudal end. AR regionalization varied between the PD zones in relation to growth. In immature animals, the ARn-ir increased whereas the cytoplasmic expression decreased in relation to the fetal glands. The percentage of ARc-ir cells increased in prepubertal animals whereas the nuclear AR expression was predominant in adult viscachas. The AR expression changed in adults, showing minimum percentage in the gonadal regression period. The variation of nuclear AR expression was directly related with testosterone concentration. These results demonstrated variations in the immunostaining pattern, regionalization, and number of AR-ir cells throughout development, growth, and reproductive cycle, suggesting the involvement of AR in the regulation of the pituitary activity of male viscacha.
Ginseng Purified Dry Extract, BST204, Improved Cancer Chemotherapy-Related Fatigue and Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Park Hyun-Jung , Shim Hyun Soo , Kim Jeom Yong , Kim Joo Young , Park Sun Kyu , Shim Insop
Published: April 2015

Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. A large proportion of cancer patients experience cancer-related physical and central fatigue so new strategies are needed for treatment and improved survival of these patients. BST204 was prepared by incubating crude ginseng extract with ginsenoside-β-glucosidase. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of BST204, mixture of ginsenosides on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced CRF, the glycogen synthesis, and biochemical parameters in mice. The mice were randomly divided into the following groups: the naïve normal (normal), the HT-29 cell inoculated (xenograft), xenograft and 5-FU treated (control), xenograft + 5-FU + BST204-treated (100 and 200 mg/kg) (BST204), and xenograft + 5-FU + modafinil (13 mg/kg) treated group (modafinil). Running wheel activity and forced swimming test were used for evaluation of CRF. Muscle glycogen, serum inflammatory cytokines, aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CRE), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEUT), red blood cell (RBC), and hemoglobin (HGB) were measured. Treatment with BST204 significantly increased the running wheel activity and forced swimming time compared to the control group. Consistent with the behavioral data, BST204 markedly increased muscle glycogen activity and concentrations of WBC, NEUT, RBC, and HGB. Also, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), AST, ALT, and CRE levels in the serum were significantly reduced in the BST204-treated group compared to the control group. This result suggests that BST204 may improve chemotherapy-related fatigue and adverse toxic side effects.
Aqueous Date Flesh or Pits Extract Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Suppression of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Angiogenic Markers in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats
Authors: Al-Rasheed Nouf M. , Attia Hala A. , Mohamad Raeesa A. , Al-Rasheed Nawal M. , Al-Amin Maha A. , AL-Onazi Asma
Published: April 2015

Previous data indicated the protective effect of date fruit extract on oxidative damage in rat liver. However, the hepatoprotective effects via other mechanisms have not been investigated. This study was performed to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of date flesh extract (DFE) or date pits extract (DPE) via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reducing the levels of inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic markers. Coffee was used as reference hepatoprotective agent. Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4(0.4 mL/kg) three times weekly for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE (6 mL/kg), coffee (300 mg/kg), and combination of coffee + DFE and coffee + DPE were given to CCl4-intoxicated rats daily for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE, and their combination with coffee attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen deposition in injured liver were alleviated by both extracts. CCl4-induced expression ofα-smooth muscle actin was suppressed indicating HSCs inactivation. Increased angiogenesis was ameliorated as revealed by reduced levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31. We concluded that DFE or DPE could protect liver via different mechanisms. The combination of coffee with DFE or DPE may enhance its antifibrotic effects.
On the Selection of Information Sources for Gossip Spreading
Authors: Dong Wenxiang , Yang Ying , Zhang Wenyi
Published: April 2015

Information diffusion is efficient via gossip or rumor spreading in many of the next generation networks. It is of great importance to select some seed nodes as information sources in a network so as to maximize the gossip spreading. In this paper, we deal with the issue of the selection of information sources, which are initially informed nodes (i.e., seed nodes) in a network, for pull-based gossip protocol. We prove that the gossip spreading maximization problem (GSMP) is NP-hard. We establish a temporal mapping of the gossip spreading process using virtual coupon collectors by leveraging the concept of temporal network, further prove that the gossip spreading process has the property of submodularity, and consequently propose a greedy algorithm for selecting the information sources, which yields a suboptimal solution within [Formula: see text] of the optimal value for GSMP. Experiments are carried out to study the spreading performance, illustrating the significant superiority of the greedy algorithm over heuristic and random algorithms.
The Effect of Fiber Geometry and Interfacial Properties on the Elastic Properties of Cementitious Nanocomposite Material
Authors: Abu Taqa Ala G. , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , Senouci Ahmed , Al-Nuaimi Nasser , Bani-Hani Khaldoon A.
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the elastic (Young’s) modulus of carbon Nanotube‐ (CNT‐) reinforced cement paste using 3D and axisymmetric models using Abaqus software. The behavior of the CNT and the cement matrix was assumed to be fully elastic while the cohesive surface framework was used to model the interface. To investigate the effect of fiber waviness on the value of the elastic modulus, 3D models were developed assuming different distributions of fibers. The results obtained using the 3D model were compared to those obtained using the simplified three‐phase axisymmetric model which consists of one single CNT aligned in the center of composite unit cell, an interface, and cement matrix. A parametric study was then carried out using the axisymmetric model to study the role of the interface in the composite elastic modulus without accounting for the presence of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ or interphase). The results showed that the CNTs waviness significantly reduced their reinforcing capability in the cement paste. On the other hand, the results obtained using the axisymmetric model were found to be in good agreement with those obtained using the 3D model. Moreover, the results of the parametric study showed that the interface properties significantly affect the composite elastic modulus and alter its behavior.
Lead Telluride Doped with Au as a Very Promising Material for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Nikolic Pantelija M. , Paraskevopoulos Konstantinos M. , Zorba Triantafyllia T. , Vasiljevic Zorka Z. , Pavlidou Eleni , Vujatovic Stevan S. , Blagojevic Vladimir , Aleksic Obrad S. , Bojicic Aleksandar I. , Nikolic Maria V.
Published: April 2015

PbTe single crystals doped with monovalent Au or Cu were grown using the Bridgman method. Far infrared reflectivity spectra were measured at room temperature for all samples and plasma minima were registered. These experimental spectra were numerically analyzed and optical parameters were calculated. All the samples of PbTe doped with Au or Cu were of the “n” type. The properties of these compositions were analyzed and compared with PbTe containing other dopants. The samples of PbTe doped with only 3.3 at% Au were the best among the PbTe + Au samples having the lowest plasma frequency and the highest mobility of free carriers-electrons, while PbTe doped with Cu was the opposite. Samples with the lowest Cu concentration of 0.23 at% Cu had the best properties. Thermal diffusivity and electronic transport properties of the same PbTe doped samples were also investigated using a photoacoustic (PA) method with the transmission detection configuration. The results obtained with the far infrared and photoacoustic characterization of PbTe doped samples were compared and discussed. Both methods confirmed that when PbTe was doped with 3.3 at% Au, thermoelectric and electrical properties of this doped semiconductor were both significantly improved, so Au as a dopant in PbTe could be used as a new high quality thermoelectric material.
New-Onset Diabetes and Glucose Regulation Are Significant Determinants of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sezer Siren , Erkmen Uyar Mehtap , Tutal Emre , Bal Zeynep , Guliyev Orhan , Colak Turan , Hasdemir Efe , Haberal Mehmet
Published: April 2015

Background. New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with decreased graft survival and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for development of NODAT and its’ relationship with arterial stiffness and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in kidney transplant recipients.Methods. 159 kidney transplant recipients were selected from our transplantation center who underwent renal transplantation between years 2007 and 2010.Results. Among 159 patients, 57 (32.2%) patients were with NODAT who were significantly older than patients without diabetes (P: 0.0001). Patients with NODAT had significantly higher pulse wave velocity (PWv) (P: 0.033) and left ventricular mass index LVMI (P: 0.001) compared to patients without NODAT. Further analysis was done according to LVMI as follows: LVMI > 130 g/m2(n: 57) and LVMI ≤ 130 g/m2(n: 102). We observed higher office systolic and diastolic BP, serum trygliceride, glucose, creatinine, age, and HbA1c (P: 0.0001) levels in patients with LVMI > 130 g/m2. Linear regression analysis revealed that HbA1c was the major determinant of LVMI (P: 0.026,β: 0.361).Conclusions. HbA1c is the major determinant of LVMI, so strict control of serum glucose levels is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with NODAT.
An Adaptive Measurement Report Period and Handoff Threshold Scheme Based on SINR Variation in LTE-A Networks
Authors: Chen Jenhui , Sheng Ching-Yang
Published: April 2015

This paper deals with the problem of triggering handoff procedure at an appropriate point of time to reduce the ping-pong effect problem in the long-term evolution advanced (LTE-A) network. In the meantime, we also have studied a dynamic handoff threshold scheme, named adaptive measurement report period and handoff threshold (AMPHT), based on the user equipment’s (UE’s) reference signal received quality (RSRQ) variation and the moving velocity of UE. AMPHT reduces the probability of unnecessarily premature handoff decision making and also avoids the problem of handoff failure due to too late handoff decision making when the moving velocity of UE is high. AMPHT is achieved by two critical parameters: (1) a dynamic RSRQ threshold for handoff making; (2) a dynamic interval of time for the UE’s RSRQ reporting. The performance of AMPHT is validated by comparing numerical experiments (MATLAB tool) with simulation results (the ns-3 LENA module). Our experiments show that AMPHT reduces the premature handoff probability by 34% at most in a low moving velocity and reduces the handoff failure probability by 25% in a high moving velocity. Additionally, AMPHT can reduce a large number of unnecessary handoff overheads and can be easily implemented because it uses the original control messages of 3GPP E-UTRA.
Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation by Acid-Etched and/or Grit-Blasted Titanium Substrate Topography Is Enhanced by 1,25(OH)2D3in a Sex-Dependent Manner
Authors: Olivares-Navarrete Rene , Hyzy Sharon L. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: April 2015

This study assessed contributions of micron-scale topography on clinically relevant titanium (Ti) to differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells and osteoblasts; the interaction of this effect with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1α,25(OH)2D3); and if the effects are sex-dependent. Male and female rat bone marrow cells (BMCs) were cultured on acid-etched (A,Ra=0.87 μm), grit-blasted (GB,Ra=3.90 μm), or grit-blasted/acid-etched (SLA,Ra=3.22 μm) Ti. BMCs were sensitive to surface topography and underwent osteoblast differentiation. This was greatest on SLA; acid etching and grit blasting contributed additively. Primary osteoblasts were also sensitive to SLA, with less effect from individual structural components, demonstrated by enhanced local factor production. Sex-dependent responses of BMCs to topography varied with parameter whereas male and female osteoblasts responded similarly to surface treatment. 1α,25(OH)2D3enhanced cell responses on all surfaces similarly. Effects were sex-dependent and male cells grown on a complex microstructured surface were much more sensitive than female cells. These results indicate that effects of the complex SLA topography are greater than acid etching or grit blasting alone on multipotent BMCs and committed osteoblasts and that individual parameters are sex-specific. The effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3was sex dependent. The results also suggest that levels of 1α,25(OH)2D3in the patient may be important in osseointegration.
Vimentin 3, the New Hope, Differentiating RCC versus Oncocytoma
Authors: von Brandenstein Melanie , Puetz Katharina , Schlosser Monika , Löser Heike , Kallinowski Joachim P. , Gödde Daniel , Buettner Reinhard , Störkel Stefan , Fries Jochen W. U.
Published: April 2015

Vimentin is currently used to differentiate between malignant renal carcinomas and benign oncocytomas. Recent reports showing Vimentin positive oncocytomas seriously question the validity of this present diagnostic approach. Vimentin 3 is a spliced variant and ends with a unique C-terminal ending after exon 7 which differentiates it from the full length version that has 9 exons. Therefore, the protein size is different; the full length Vimentin version has a protein size of ~57 kDa and the truncated version of ~47 kDa. We designed an antibody, called Vim3, against the unique C-terminal ending of the Vimentin 3 variant. Using immune histology, immune fluorescence, Western blot, and qRT-PCR analysis, a Vim3 overexpression was detectable exclusively in oncocytoma, making the detection of Vim3 a potential specific marker for benign kidney tumors. This antibody is the first to clearly differentiate benign oncocytoma and the mimicking eosinophilic variants of the RCCs. This differentiation between malignant and benign RCCs is essential for operative planning, follow-up therapy, and patients’ survival. In the future the usage of Vimentin antibodies in routine pathology has to be applied with care. Consideration must be given to Vimentin specific binding epitopes otherwise a misdiagnosis of the patients’ tumor samples may result.
Computer-Aided Lung Nodule Recognition by SVM Classifier Based on Combination of Random Undersampling and SMOTE
Authors: Sui Yuan , Wei Ying , Zhao Dazhe
Published: April 2015

In lung cancer computer-aided detection/diagnosis (CAD) systems, classification of regions of interest (ROI) is often used to detect/diagnose lung nodule accurately. However, problems of unbalanced datasets often have detrimental effects on the performance of classification. In this paper, both minority and majority classes are resampled to increase the generalization ability. We propose a novel SVM classifier combined with random undersampling (RU) and SMOTE for lung nodule recognition. The combinations of the two resampling methods not only achieve a balanced training samples but also remove noise and duplicate information in the training sample and retain useful information to improve the effective data utilization, hence improving performance of SVM algorithm for pulmonary nodules classification under the unbalanced data. Eight features including 2D and 3D features are extracted for training and classification. Experimental results show that for different sizes of training datasets our RU-SMOTE-SVM classifier gets the highest classification accuracy among the four kinds of classifiers, and the average classification accuracy is more than 92.94%.
Fabrication of a Needle Microsensor and Its Applications in the Detection of Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Fang Yuxin , Zhang Di , Xia Qing , Hong Shouhai , Xu Yuan , Guo Yi
Published: April 2015

A novel needle microsensor measurement system was fabricated and applied to determine the concentration of dissolved oxygen. Platinum nanoparticles were employed to modify the surface of copper-core electrode in order to improve electrochemical response signal. The homemade electrode displayed efficient electrocatalytic reduction activity towards dissolved oxygen. The sensor responded linearly to dissolved oxygen in the range of 10 μM to 0.195 mM and had a remarkable sensitivity of 9.02 μA/mM. In addition, it showed an excellent reproducibility, stability, and selectivity. These results indicated that the needle microsensor when used, could yield good performance. Moreover, it is believed to be a potential tool for studying specific substances at a cellular level orin vivoin future.
Boundedness of Singular Integrals on Hardy Type Spaces Associated with Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Dong Jianfeng , Huang Jizheng , Liu Heping
Published: April 2015

LetL=-Δ+Vbe a Schrödinger operator onRn,n≥3, whereV≢0is a nonnegative potential belonging to the reverse Hölder classBn/2. The Hardy type spacesHLp, n/(n+δ) 
0, are defined in terms of the maximal function with respect to the semigroup{e-tL}t>0. In this paper, we investigate the bounded properties of some singular integral operators related toL, such asLiγand∇L-1/2, on spacesHLp. We give the molecular characterization ofHLp, which is used to establish theHLp-boundedness of singular integrals.
Experimental Protoporphyria: Effect of Bile Acids on Liver Damage Induced by Griseofulvin
Authors: Martinez María del Carmen , Ruspini Silvina Fernanda , Afonso Susana Graciela , Meiss Roberto , Buzaleh Ana Maria , Batlle Alcira
Published: April 2015

The effect of bile acids administration to an experimental mice model of Protoporphyria produced by griseofulvin (Gris) was investigated. The aim was to assess whether porphyrin excretion could be accelerated by bile acids treatment in an attempt to diminish liver damage induced by Gris. Liver damage markers, heme metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in mice treated with Gris and deoxycholic (DXA), dehydrocholic (DHA), chenodeoxycholic, or ursodeoxycholic (URSO). The administration of Gris alone increased the activities of glutathione reductase (GRed), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as total porphyrins, glutathione (GSH), and cytochrome P450 (CYP) levels in liver. Among the bile acids studied, DXA and DHA increased PROTO IX excretion, DXA also abolished the action of Gris, reducing lipid peroxidation and hepatic GSH and CYP levels, and the activities of GGT, AP, SOD, and GST returned to control values. However, porphyrin accumulation was not prevented by URSO; instead this bile acid reduced ALA-S and the antioxidant defense enzymes system activities. In conclusion, we postulate that DXA acid would be more effective to prevent liver damage induced by Gris.
Effects of Reentry Plasma Sheath on Mutual-Coupling Property of Array Antenna
Authors: Bai B. W. , Li X. P. , Liu Y. M. , Xu J.
Published: April 2015

A plasma sheath enveloping a reentry vehicle would cause the failure of on-board antennas, which is an important effect that contributes to the “blackout” problem. The method of replacing the on-board single antenna with the array antennas and using beamforming technology has been proposed to mitigate “blackout” problem by many other researchers. Because the plasma sheath is a reflective medium, plasma will alter the mutual coupling between array elements and degrade the beamforming performance of array antenna. In this paper, the effects of the plasma sheath on the mutual coupling properties between adjacent array elements are studied utilizing the algorithm of finite integration technique. Results show that mutual coupling coefficients of array elements are deteriorating more seriously with the decrease of collision frequency. Moreover, when electron density and collision frequency are both large, plasma sheath improves the mutual coupling property of array elements; this conclusion suggests that replacing the on-board single antenna with the array antennas and using beamforming technology can be adopted to mitigate the blackout problem in this condition.
Serrated Polyps and Their Alternative Pathway to the Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Szylberg Łukasz , Janiczek Marlena , Popiel Aneta , Marszałek Andrzej
Published: April 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. For a long time, only one pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis was known. In recent years, a new “alternative” pathway through serrated adenoma was described. Recent meta-analysis estimated these cancers as about 10% to 30% of all CRCs. Serrated polyps are the second most popular groups of polyps (after conventional adenomas) found during colonoscopy. Serrated polyps of the colon are clinically and molecularly diverse changes that have common feature as crypt luminal morphology characterized by glandular serration. Evidence suggests that subtypes of serrated polyps, particularly TSA and SSA/P, can lead to adenocarcinoma through the serrated pathway. Moreover, the data indicate that the SSA/P are the precursors of colorectal carcinoma by MSI and may be subject to rapid progression to malignancy. An important step to reduce the incidence of CRC initiated by the serrated pathway is to improve the detection of serrated polyps and to ensure their complete removal during endoscopy. Understanding of the so-called serrated carcinogenesis pathway is an important step forward in expanding possibilities in the prevention of CRC.
Sulfated Polysaccharides Isolated from ClonedGrateloupia filicinaand Their Anticoagulant Activity
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Yang Shengfeng , Wang Jinxia , Song Lin , Xing Ronge , Liu Song , Yu Huahua , Li Pengcheng
Published: April 2015

Sulfated polysaccharides (GSP) were isolated from the clonedGrateloupia filicinawhich was cultured in Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, China. The yield of GSP was 15.75%. The total sugar and sulfate were 40.90 and 19.89%, respectively. And the average molecular weight was 11.7 KDa. The results of neutral sugar analysis showed that GSP was mainly sulfated polysaccharides of galactose. The experiments for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) anticoagulant assays in vitro indicated that GSP was a good potential anticoagulant. Therefore, this study supplied new thought for the clonedGrateloupia filicinaexploitation of high-value products.
Properties of Functions in the Wiener ClassBVp[a,b]for0<p<1
Authors: Niu Yeli , Wang Heping
Published: April 2015

We will investigate properties of functions in the Wiener classBVp[a,b]with0<p<1. We prove that any function inBVp[a,b] (0<p<1)can be expressed as the difference of two increasing functions inBVp[a,b]. We also obtain the explicit form of functions inBVp[a,b]and show that their derivatives are equal to zero a.e. on[a,b].
Concise Review: Are Stimulated Somatic Cells Truly Reprogrammed into an ES/iPS-Like Pluripotent State? Better Understanding by Ischemia-Induced Multipotent Stem Cells in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Nakagomi Takayuki , Nakano-Doi Akiko , Narita Aya , Matsuyama Tomohiro
Published: April 2015

Following the discovery of pluripotent stem (PS) cells such as embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, there has been a great hope that injured tissues can be repaired by transplantation of ES/iPS-derived various specific types of cells such as neural stem cells (NSCs). Although PS cells can be induced by ectopic expression of Yamanaka’s factors, it is known that several stimuli such as ischemia/hypoxia can increase the stemness of somatic cells via reprogramming. This suggests that endogenous somatic cells acquire stemness during natural regenerative processes following injury. In this study, we describe whether somatic cells are converted into pluripotent stem cells by pathological stimuli without ectopic expression of reprogramming factors based on the findings of ischemia-induced multipotent stem cells in a mouse model of cerebral infarction.
Low-Complexity User Scheduling with Switched Tilting for 3D Cellular Systems
Authors: Liu Haijing , Gao Hui , Lv Tiejun
Published: April 2015

We propose a low-complexity user scheduling scheme to enhance the sum rate performance for a multicell downlink system, in which the base station (BS) is equipped with a large-scale active antenna array. First, we divide each cell intoNregions according to the vertical beamwidth of the BS antennas. Next, candidate user equipment (UE) items are assigned to corresponding groups to their locations. Each scheduling slot is also divided intoNequal-time subslots. Then, at each subslot, we focus on one UE group, select the optimal number,K*, of UEs for simultaneous data transmission in the manner of round-robin scheduling, and adjust the BS antenna tilting to the optimal angleθtilt*. In particular,K*andθtilt*for each UE group are both obtained by means of large-system asymptotic analysis. Benefiting from the random matrix theory tools, the asymptotic analytical results are independent of instantaneous channel state information of UE, which make it possible to solveK*andθtilt*offline, therefore saving the online computational resources significantly. Numerical results verify that the proposed scheme achieves good sum rate performance with extremely low computational complexity.
Characterization of Organic Thin Film Solar Cells of PCDTBT : PC71BM Prepared by Different Mixing Ratio and Effect of Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Murugesan Vijay Srinivasan , Ono Shusuke , Tsuda Norio , Yamada Jun , Shin Paik-Kyun , Ochiai Shizuyasu
Published: April 2015

The organic thin film solar cells (OTFSCs) have been successfully fabricated using PCDTBT : PC71BM with different mixing ratios (1 : 1 to 1 : 8) and the influence of hole transport layer thickness (PEDOT : PSS). The active layers with different mixing ratios of PCDTBT : PC71BM have been fabricated using o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB). The surface morphology of the active layers and PEDOT : PSS layer with different thicknesses were characterized by AFM analysis. Here, we report that the OTFSCs with high performance have been optimized with 1 : 4 ratios of PCDTBT : PC71BM. The power conversion efficiency (PCE = 5.17%) of the solar cells was significantly improved by changing thickness of PEDOT : PSS layer. The thickness of the PEDOT : PSS layer was found to be of significant importance; the thickness of the PEDOT : PSS layer at 45 nm (higher spin speed 5000 rpm) shows higher short circuit current density (Jsc) and lower series resistance (Rs) and higher PCE.