bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic Variants in Complement Genes and Risk of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Relapse after Eculizumab Discontinuation
Authors: Fakhouri Fadi , Fila Marc , Provôt François , Delmas Yahsou , Barbet Christelle , Châtelet Valérie , Rafat Cédric , Cailliez Mathilde , Hogan Julien , Servais Aude , Karras Alexandre , Makdassi Raifah , Louillet Feriell , Coindre Jean-Philippe , Rondeau Eric , Loirat Chantal , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique
Published: November 2016

Background and objectives

The complement inhibitor eculizumab has dramatically improved the outcome of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, the optimal duration of eculizumab treatment in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome remains debated. We report on the French atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome working group’s first 2-year experience with eculizumab discontinuation in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Design, setting, participants & measurements

Using the French atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome registry database, we retrospectively identified all dialysis–free patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome who discontinued eculizumab between 2010 and 2014 and reviewed their relevant clinical and biologic data. The decision to discontinue eculizumab was made by the clinician in charge of the patient. All patients were closely monitored by regular urine dipsticks and blood tests. Eculizumab was rapidly (24–48 hours) restarted in case of relapse.

Results

Among 108 patients treated with eculizumab, 38 patients (nine children and 29 adults) discontinued eculizumab (median treatment duration of 17.5 months). Twenty-one patients (55%) carried novel or rare complement genes variants. Renal recovery under eculizumab was equally good in patients with and those without complement gene variants detected. After a median follow-up of 22 months, 12 patients (31%) experienced atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome relapse. Eight of 11 patients (72%) with complement factor H variants, four of eight patients (50%) with membrane cofactor protein variants, and zero of 16 patients with no rare variant detected relapsed. In relapsing patients, early reintroduction (≤48 hours) of eculizumab led to rapid (<7 days) hematologic remission and a return of serum creatinine to baseline level in a median time of 26 days. At last follow-up, renal function remained unchanged in nonrelapsing and relapsing patients compared with baseline values before eculizumab discontinuation.

Conclusions

Pathogenic variants in complement genes were associated with higher risk of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome relapse after eculizumab discontinuation. Prospective studies are needed to identify biomarkers predictive of relapse and determine the best strategy of retreatment in relapsing patients.
Carboidrases em rações de frangos de corte
Authors: Minafra Cibele , Silva Diones Montes da , Rodrigues Denise Russi , Gouveia Alison Batista Vieira Silva , Mesquita Sabina Alves , Santos Fabiana Ramos dos
Published: November 2016

Supplementation of exogenous enzymes in poultry diets has been the subject of several studies today and the inclusion of carbohydrases has promoted improvement in the nutritional value of diets of broilers, especially those based on corn, sorghum and soybean meal. The anti-nutritional factors contained in the diets of corn, sorghum and soybean meal, have limited effects. However, exogenous enzymes added to food, make the nutrients that would not be used, accessible intestinal absorption of birds, improve the performance and increase the digestibility of these diets by birds. This review is done with the intention of showing the carbohydrases action (arabinase, β -glucanase, cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and xylanase ) for the feeding of broilers and the use of organic compounds in the animal body to improve performance parameters, performance and digestibility
Molecular characterization of mariner-like elements in Bruchus pisorum and Bruchus rufimanus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Djebbi Salma , Ben Amara , Makni Hanem , Makni Mohamed , Mezghani-Khemakhem Maha
Published: November 2016

Mariner-like elements (MLEs) are Class-II transposons that are widely present
in diverse organisms and encode a D,D34D transposase motif. MLE sequences
from two coleopteran species, Bruchuspisorum and B. rufimanus were obtained
using the terminal-inverted repeats (TIRs) of mariner elements belonging to
the mauritiana subfamily as primer. The characterized elements were between
1073 and 1302 bp in length and are likely to be inactive, based on the
presence of multiple stop codons and/or frameshifts. A single consensus of
MLE was detected in B. pisorum and was named Bpmar1. This element exhibited
several conserved amino acid blocks as well as the specific D,D(34)D
signature. As for B. rufimanus, two MLE consensuses, designated Brmar1 and
Brmar2, were isolated, both containing deletions overlapping the internal
region of the transposase. Structural and phylogenetic analysis of these
sequences suggested a relatively recent origin of Bpmar1 versus a more
ancient invasion of Brmar1 and Brmar2 in their respective host genomes. Given
that MLEs are potential mediators of insect resistance and have been used as
vectors to transfer genes into host genomes, the MLEs characterized in this
study will have valuable implications for selecting appropriate transposable
elements in transgenesis.
RME-1 is required for lifespan extension and increased resistance to stresses associated with decreased insulin/IGF-1-like signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Chul-Kyu , Park Sang-Kyu
Published: November 2016

The insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 signaling (IIS) pathway is
a conserved life span-modulating genetic pathway. Many genes involved in
lifespan extension associated with decreased signaling of the IIS pathway have
been identified. In the present study, we found a novel gene required for
the effect of the IIS pathway on the stress response and aging in C. elegans.
Receptor mediated endocytosis (RME)-1 is expressed ubiquitously and known to
be involved in cellular endocytic transport. Knockdown of rme-1abolished the
lifespan-extending effect caused by decreased IIS. In addition, resistance to
oxidative stress, heat shock and ultraviolet irradiation were significantly
decreased when the expression of RME-1 was blocked. The delayed age-related
decline in motility observed in age-1 mutants with defects in the IIS pathway
was also modulated by RME-1. The expression of sod-3, which is positively
correlated with the remaining lifespan of an individual, was decreased by
rme-1 knockdown. Our study demonstrates that RME-1 is required for the
anti-aging effect associated with decreased IIS. We suggest that endocytic
transport could be one underlying mechanisms for longevity via the
IIS pathway.
Distribution of β-lactamase genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Zhejiang province, China, and regulation of gene expression
Authors: Zhao Jin-Fang , Wang Qiang , Ge Yu-Mei , Tan Pan-Li , Chen Yi-Min , Yan Jie
Published: November 2016

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common causative agent of nosocomial infections
with a high level of resistance toward ?-lactam antibiotics. Our previous
study showed that TEM-1 and SHV-11 are the predominant ?-lactamase-encoding
genes of K. pneumoniae isolates in the Zhejiangarea, China. In this study,
more clinical K. pneumoniae isolates were collected for detecting their
?-lactamase-encoding gene profiles by PCR and sequencing. qRT-PCR was then
performed to determine the role of cefotaxime or penicillin in low
concentrations to induce the ?-lactamase gene expression of K. pneumoniae
isolates. Moreover, the K. pneumoniae isolates were pretreated with closantel
(CLO), a histidine kinase inhibitor, before antibiotic treatment, and
qRT-PCR and the ?-lactamase phenotype confirmatory test were then applied to
determine the effect of CLO on the expression of the ?-lactamase genes. The
results showed that, except for KPC-2, the 1/4 MIC cefotaxime or penicillin
induced significant mRNA elevation of the TEM-1, CTX-M-14, SHV-11 and
OXA-1?-lactamase genes, but this induction could be inhibited by CLO. After
pretreatment withCLO,78.4~81.4%of the ?-lactam-resistant isolates became
sensitive and the positive rate of the ?-lactamase production phenotype in
the isolates was decreased from 100% to 27.1%. The data indicate thatTEM-1
(70.7%), SHV-11 (64.2%) and CTX-M-14 (40.5%) are the predominant ?-lactamase
genes of the K. pneumoniae isolates in Zhejiang and sublethal dosage of
?-lactam antibiotics can induce the ?-lactamase gene expression of K.
pneumoniae through histidine kinase-mediated two-component signaling systems.
Marginal Adaptation and Quality of Interfaces in Lithium Disilicate Crowns — Influence of Manufacturing and Cementation Techniques
Authors: Melo Freire CA , Borges GA , Caldas DBM , Santos RS , Ignácio SA , Mazur RF
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the cement line thickness and the interface quality in milled or injected lithium disilicate ceramic restorations and their influence on marginal adaptation using different cement types and different adhesive cementation techniques.

Methods and Materials: Sixty-four bovine teeth were prepared for full crown restoration (7.0±0.5 mm in height, 8.0 mm in cervical diameter, and 4.2 mm in incisal diameter) and were divided into two groups: CAD/CAM automation technology, IPS e.max CAD (CAD), and isostatic injection by heat technology, IPS e.max Press (PRESS). RelyX ARC (ARC) and RelyX U200 resin cements were used as luting agents in two activation methods: initial self-activation and light pre-activation for one second (tack-cure). Next, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 23°C ± 2°C for 72 hours. The cement line thickness was measured in micrometers, and the interface quality received scores according to the characteristics and sealing aspects. The evaluations were performed with an optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope images were presented to demonstrate the various features found in the cement line. For the cement line thickness, data were analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Games-Howell test (α=0.05). For the variable interface quality, the data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple comparisons nonparametric Dunn test (α=0.05).

Results: The ANOVA presented statistical differences among the ceramic restoration manufacturing methods as well as a significant interaction between the manufacturing methods and types of cement (p<0.05). The U200 presented lower cement line thickness values when compared to the ARC with both cementation techniques (p<0.05). With regard to the interface quality, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated statistical differences between the ceramic restoration manufacturing methods and cementation techniques. The PRESS ceramics obtained lower scores than did the CAD ceramics when using ARC cement (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Milled restorations cemented with self-adhesive resin cement resulted in a thinner cement line that is statistically different from that of CAD or pressed ceramics cemented with resin cement with adhesive application. No difference between one-second tack-cure and self-activation was noted.
Shear Bond Strength and Tooth-Composite Interaction With Self-Adhering Flowable Composites
Authors: Brueckner C , Schneider H , Haak R
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the tooth-composite interaction (A) and shear bond strength (SBS; B) of self-adhering flowables.

Methods and Materials: (A) Thirty-two human molars with one Class V cavity were restored with Vertise Flow (VF), Fusio Liquid Dentin (FLD), an experimental self-adhering flowable (EF), or Adper Prompt-L-Pop/Filtek Supreme XT Flowable (PLP). Teeth were prepared according to laboratory standard and stored in water (24 hours, 37°C). Microleakage (ML; percentage interface length at enamel [E]/dentin [D]) and tooth-composite interaction were investigated. (B) The buccal surface of 160 embedded human molars was abraded to expose an enamel/dentin area of diameter ≥3 mm. Composite specimens were produced on enamel/dentin with VF, FLD, EF, or PLP. Prior to loading, 80 samples were water stored (24 hours, 37°C) and 80 thermocycled (5°C-55°C, 1500 cycles). The SBS was measured, and failure modes were classified by scanning electron microscopy.

Statistics: Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher exact tests were performed (α=0.05).

Results: (A) At enamel margins, EF and VF showed significantly lower ML than did FLD and PLP (pi≤0.009; 81%-89%); in dentin, lower values resulted with FLD and VF compared with PLP and EF (pi≤0.01; 77%-94%). Adhesive tags at E were consistently verifiable with EF and VF but irregularly with FLD and PLP. At D, tags were detectable with all systems. (B) In all groups, SBS decreased by up to 97% after thermocycling. It was generally diminished with self-adhering flowables (E: 50%-98%, D: 59%-98%; pi<0.02). More cohesive defects were observed with PLP (pi<0.009).

Conclusion: Tooth-composite morphology and bond strength indicate that the clinical use of self-adhering flowables must be pursued cautiously.
Margin Integrity and Secondary Caries of Lined or Non-lined Composite and Glass Hybrid Restorations After Selective Excavation In Vitro
Authors: Schwendicke F , Kniess JLM , Paris S , Blunck U
Published: November 2016

Objectives: For deep carious lesions, selective carious tissue removal (leaving soft dentin close to the pulp) is suggested. Afterward, different restoration materials, such as resin composites or glass hybrids (GHs), can be placed. Many dentists also apply setting or non-setting calcium hydroxide liners before restoration. We compared margin integrity and susceptibility for secondary caries in differently restored premolars in vitro.

Methods: In 48 extracted human premolars, artificial residual lesions were induced on pulpo-axial walls of standardized cavities. Teeth were restored using a GH (Equia Forte) or adhesively placed resin composite restoration (OptiBond FL and Tetric EvoCeram) without any liner (RC), resin composite restoration with a non-setting calcium hydroxide liner (RC_NCH), or resin composite restoration with a setting calcium hydroxide liner (RC_SCH). After thermomechanical cycling, groups (n=12) were compared regarding their gingivocervical margin integrity (proportion of irregularities, microgaps, gaps >5 μm, overhangs). Teeth were then submitted to a continuous culture Lactobacillus rhamnosus biofilm model. After 14 days, bacterial numbers in biofilms, along tooth-restoration margins and mineral loss (ΔZ) of secondary lesions, were determined.

Results: GH and RC_NCH showed significantly higher proportions of irregularities than RC and RC_SCH (p<0.05/Mann-Whitney). GH also showed significantly more gaps than alternative restorations (p<0.05). Bacterial numbers and ΔZ did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: GH and composites lined with non-setting calcium hydroxide showed reduced margin integrity compared with non-lined composites or composites lined with setting calcium hydroxide. This did not increase susceptibility for secondary caries.
A Research Synthesis of the Associations Between Socioeconomic Background, Inequality, School Climate, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Berkowitz Ruth , Moore Hadass , Astor Ron Avi , Benbenishty Rami
Published: November 2016

Educational researchers and practitioners assert that supportive school and classroom climates can positively influence the academic outcomes of students, thus potentially reducing academic achievement gaps between students and schools of different socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. Nonetheless, scientific evidence establishing directional links and mechanisms between SES, school climate, and academic performance is inconclusive. This comprehensive review of studies dating back to the year 2000 examined whether a positive climate can successfully disrupt the associations between low SES and poor academic achievement. Positive climate was found to mitigate the negative contribution of weak SES background on academic achievement; however, most studies do not provide a basis for deducing a directional influence and causal relations. Additional research is encouraged to establish the nature of impact positive climate has on academic achievement and a multifaceted body of knowledge regarding the multilevel climate dimensions related to academic achievement.
A high-performance control scheme for reluctance type bearingless motors
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Su Bokai , Chen Long , Yang Zebin , Yang Yifei , Qiao Wei , Han Shouyi
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a novel decoupling control approach based inverse system and internal model control methods are presented to improve the dynamic properties and control accuracy of a reluctance type bearingless motor (RBLM) effectively. By employing the inverse system method, we can obtain a decoupling pseudo-linear system, which consists of two second-order linear integral subsystems and one first-order linear integral subsystem. In addition, to reject the influence of the unmodeled dynamics the decoupling control accuracy as well as enhance RBLM system robustness, the 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) internal model control approach is used for the three subsystems to design closed-loop controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed decoupling control approach is validated by experimental results at various operations.
Using Trajectory Clusters to Define the Most Relevant Features for Transient Stability Prediction Based on Machine Learning Method
Authors: Ji Luyu , Wu Junyong , Zhou Yanzhen , Hao Liangliang
Published: November 2016

To achieve rapid real-time transient stability prediction, a power system transient stability prediction method based on the extraction of the post-fault trajectory cluster features of generators is proposed. This approach is conducted using data-mining techniques and support vector machine (SVM) models. First, the post-fault rotor angles and generator terminal voltage magnitudes are considered as the input vectors. Second, we construct a high-confidence dataset by extracting the 27 trajectory cluster features obtained from the chosen databases. Then, by applying a filter–wrapper algorithm for feature selection, we obtain the final feature set composed of the eight most relevant features for transient stability prediction, called the global trajectory clusters feature subset (GTCFS), which are validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Comprehensive simulations are conducted on a New England 39-bus system under various operating conditions, load levels and topologies, and the transient stability predicting capability of the SVM model based on the GTCFS is extensively tested. The experimental results show that the selected GTCFS features improve the prediction accuracy with high computational efficiency. The proposed method has distinct advantages for transient stability prediction when faced with incomplete Wide Area Measurement System (WAMS) information, unknown operating conditions and unknown topologies and significantly improves the robustness of the transient stability prediction system.
Coevolution of Cooperation and Layer Selection Strategy in Multiplex Networks
Authors: Hayashi Katsuki , Suzuki Reiji , Arita Takaya
Published: November 2016

Recently, the emergent dynamics in multiplex networks, composed of layers of multiple networks, has been discussed extensively in network sciences. However, little is still known about whether and how the evolution of strategy for selecting a layer to participate in can contribute to the emergence of cooperative behaviors in multiplex networks of social interactions. To investigate these issues, we constructed a coevolutionary model of cooperation and layer selection strategies in which each an individual selects one layer from multiple layers of social networks and plays the Prisoner’s Dilemma with neighbors in the selected layer. We found that the proportion of cooperative strategies increased with increasing the number of layers regardless of the degree of dilemma, and this increase occurred due to a cyclic coevolution process of game strategies and layer selection strategies. We also showed that the heterogeneity of links among layers is a key factor for multiplex networks to facilitate the evolution of cooperation, and such positive effects on cooperation were observed regardless of the difference in the stochastic properties of network topologies.
The Truncated Lognormal Distribution as a Luminosity Function for SWIFT-BAT Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Zaninetti Lorenzo
Published: November 2016

The determination of the luminosity function (LF) in Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) depends on the adopted cosmology, each one characterized by its corresponding luminosity distance. Here, we analyze three cosmologies: the standard cosmology, the plasma cosmology and the pseudo-Euclidean universe. The LF of the GRBs is firstly modeled by the lognormal distribution and the four broken power law and, secondly, by a truncated lognormal distribution. The truncated lognormal distribution fits acceptably the range in luminosity of GRBs as a function of the redshift.
Mental Health in Cypriot Citizens of the Rural Health Centre Kofinou
Authors: Stavrou Georgios , Paikousis Lefkios , Jelastopulu Eleni , Charalambous Georgios
Published: November 2016

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of Cypriot citizens living in the current difficult period of economic recession. The specific objective was to investigate the different factors (gender, age, socio-economic factors, etc.) that may affect the levels of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression in patients attending the Rural Health Centre of Kofinou. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of a total of 300 Cypriots who visited Kofinou Health Centre in the period between July and September 2015. For the middle-aged citizens, the Greek version of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to 150 persons [1], while for the visiting senior citizens (aged over 65 years), the Greek version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used [2]. Results: HADS: A total of 150 people of average age 47 ± 11.5 years (min 23–max 64) participated in the study. Fifty-six percent were women. Seventy-seven percent stated they had a reduction in income (mean reduction 35% ± 25%) and 46.7% suffered from chronic disease. The 36.6% and 28.7% of the visitors showed moderate or severe forms of anxiety and depression, accordingly. Higher emotional distress is associated with lower educational level (b = −2.63, p < 0.001), lower income (b = −1.07, p = 0.017), and the presence of a chronic disease (b = 5.45, p < 0.001). The same factors are significantly associated with higher anxiety (Education: b = −1.20, p = 0.003; Income: b = −0.64, p = 0.01; Chronic disease: b = 2.82, p = 0.001). Additionally, a reduction in income (>35%) is associated with increased depression (p = 0.028). GDS: 150 patients out of which 77 were women (51.3%). The average age of participants was 72 ± 5.5 years. Ninety-three (62%) participants declared a reduction in income due to the financial crisis (mean reduction 20% ± 8%), while 139 (92.7%) stated that they had chronic disease. Fifty-three participants (35.3%) thought they had symptoms of depression after the economic crisis. The women showed higher level of geriatric depression symptoms than men (b = −1.96, p = 0.005), while age is associated with higher levels of GDS (b = 0.16, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The study shows that stress levels, depression, and emotional distress are increased in specific population groups. The main variables associated with the mental health of the participants are the presence of a chronic disease, income, and level of education.
Diabetes and Obesity as Independent Risk Factors for Osteoporosis: Updated Results from the ROIS/EMEROS Registry in a Population of Five Thousand Post-Menopausal Women Living in a Region Characterized by Heavy Environmental Pressure
Authors: Neglia Cosimo , Argentiero Alberto , Chitano Giovanna , Agnello Nadia , Ciccarese Roberta , Vigilanza Antonella , Pantile Valerio , Argentiero Domenico , Quarta Raffaele , Rivezzi Matteo , Di Tanna Gian , Di Somma Carolina , Migliore Alberto , Iolascon Giovanni , Gimigliano Francesca , Distante Alessandro , Piscitelli Prisco
Published: November 2016

Objectives: We aimed to analyze bone mineralization and the effect of different risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Methods: We found 4909 postmenopausal subjects within ≥10,000 records from the ROIS/EMEROS (Ionian and Salento Osteoporosis Registry/Euro Mediterranean Registry of Osteoporosis) registry, a population study carried out in an area characterized by heavy environmental pressure between Brindisi and Taranto from 2009 to 2016. All subjects were assessed via phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to evaluate their bone mineralization (assessed via amplitude dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS)) and the association between demineralization and the presence of other conditions or risk factors. Results: Mean age was 64 ± 9.5 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a negative association between bone mineralization (AD-SoS) and BMI (p < 0.001). By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we observed significant values of odds ratios (ORs) of osteoporosis (adjusted for age, physical activity, and the use of drugs known to increase the risk of fractures) in subjects with diabetes and obesity: 1.39 (confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.83) and 1.46 (CI: 1.20–1.78), respectively. A statistically significant linear trend of higher ORs of osteoporosis was found for increasing values of BMI. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the high impact of obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes on osteoporosis.
Environmental Justice Research: Contemporary Issues and Emerging Topics
Authors: Chakraborty Jayajit , Collins Timothy , Grineski Sara
Published: November 2016

Environmental justice (EJ) research seeks to document and redress the disproportionate environmental burdens and benefits associated with social inequalities. Although its initial focus was on disparities in exposure to anthropogenic pollution, the scope of EJ research has expanded. In the context of intensifying social inequalities and environmental problems, there is a need to further strengthen the EJ research framework and diversify its application. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) incorporates 19 articles that broaden EJ research by considering emerging topics such as energy, food, drinking water, flooding, sustainability, and gender dynamics, including issues in Canada, the UK, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the articles contribute to three research themes: (1) documenting connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts by examining unsafe infrastructure, substance use, and children’s obesity and academic performance; (2) promoting and achieving EJ by implementing interventions to improve environmental knowledge and health, identifying avenues for sustainable community change, and incorporating EJ metrics in government programs; and (3) clarifying stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues to extend research beyond the documentation of unjust conditions and processes. Collectively, the articles highlight potentially compounding injustices and an array of approaches being employed to achieve EJ.
Use of Response Time for Measuring Cognitive Ability
Authors: Kyllonen Patrick , Zu Jiyun
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the key literature on response time as it has played a role in cognitive ability measurement, providing a historical perspective as well as covering current research. We discuss the speed-level distinction, dimensions of speed and level in cognitive abilities frameworks, speed–accuracy tradeoff, approaches to addressing speed–accuracy tradeoff, analysis methods, particularly item response theory-based, response time models from cognitive psychology (ex-Gaussian function, and the diffusion model), and other uses of response time in testing besides ability measurement. We discuss several new methods that can be used to provide greater insight into the speed and level aspects of cognitive ability and speed–accuracy tradeoff decisions. These include item-level time limits, the use of feedback (e.g., CUSUMs), explicit scoring rules that combine speed and accuracy information (e.g., count down timing), and cognitive psychology models. We also review some of the key psychometric advances in modeling speed and level, which combine speed and ability measurement, address speed–accuracy tradeoff, allow for distinctions between response times on items responded to correctly and incorrectly, and integrate psychometrics with information-processing modeling. We suggest that the application of these models and tools is likely to advance both the science and measurement of human abilities for theory and applications.
A Study on the Susceptibility to SCC of 7050 Aluminum Alloy by DCB Specimens
Authors: Qi Xing , Jin Jirong , Dai Chunli , Qi Wenjuan , He Wangzhao , Song Renguo
Published: November 2016

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of different aging states for 7050 aluminum alloy in 3.5% sodium chloride aqueous solution has been studied by means of double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens, cathodic polarization, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and time-of-flying second ion mass spectrometer (ToF-SIMS). The results showed that the susceptibility to SCC (Iscc) of 7050 aluminum alloy decreases with increasing the aging time. When a cathodic polarization potential of −1100 mV was applied to DCB specimens, the ion current intensity of hydrogen (IH+) near the crack tip and Iscc increased obviously, thus the degree of the diffusion of hydrogen into the grain boundary become more serious. The observation of microstructure indicated that the precipitates on the grain boundary become coarse and are sparsely distributed with increasing the aging time of 7050 aluminum alloy.
Tunable Particle Focusing in a Straight Channel with Symmetric Semicircle Obstacle Arrays Using Electrophoresis-Modified Inertial Effects
Authors: Yuan Dan , Pan Chao , Zhang Jun , Yan Sheng , Zhao Qianbin , Alici Gursel , Li Weihua
Published: November 2016

In this work, a novel microfluidic platform for tunable particle focusing in a straight channel with symmetric semicircle obstacle arrays using electrophoresis (EP)-modified inertial effects was presented. By exerting an EP force on the charged microparticles, a relative velocity gap between microspheres and fluid in a straight channel with symmetric semicircle obstacle arrays was implemented. The relative velocity and fluid shear will induce shear-slip lift force (Saffman lift force) perpendicular to the mainstream direction. Therefore, the focusing pattern can be altered using the electrophoresis-induced Saffman force. The effects of electric field direction, flow rate, electric field magnitude, and particle size were also studied. This demonstrates the possibility of adjusting the particle inertial focusing pattern in a straight channel with with symmetric semicircle obstacle arrays using electrophoresis. Manipulation of the lateral migration of focusing streaks increases controllability in applications such as blood cell filtration and the separation of cells by size.
A Dewetting Model for Double-Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Kang Zhanxiao , Zhu Pingan , Kong Tiantian , Wang Liqiu
Published: November 2016

The evolution of double-emulsion droplets is of great importance for the application of microdroplets and microparticles. We study the driving force of the dewetting process, the equilibrium configuration and the dewetting time of double-emulsion droplets. Through energy analysis, we find that the equilibrium configuration of a partial engulfed droplet depends on a dimensionless interfacial tension determined by the three relevant interfacial tensions, and the engulfing part of the inner phase becomes larger as the volume of the outer phase increases. By introducing a dewetting boundary, the dewetting time can be calculated by balancing the driving force, caused by interfacial tensions, and the viscous force. Without considering the momentum change of the continuous phase, the dewetting time is an increasing function against the viscosity of the outer phase and the volume ratio between the outer phase and inner phase.
pH Dependent Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins, Their Mechanisms of Action and Potential as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Malik Erum , Dennison Sarah , Harris Frederick , Phoenix David
Published: November 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potent antibiotics of the innate immune system that have been extensively investigated as a potential solution to the global problem of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. A group of AMPs that are increasingly being reported are those that utilise pH dependent antimicrobial mechanisms, and here we review research into this area. This review shows that these antimicrobial molecules are produced by a diverse spectrum of creatures, including vertebrates and invertebrates, and are primarily cationic, although a number of anionic examples are known. Some of these molecules exhibit high pH optima for their antimicrobial activity but in most cases, these AMPs show activity against microbes that present low pH optima, which reflects the acidic pH generally found at their sites of action, particularly the skin. The modes of action used by these molecules are based on a number of major structure/function relationships, which include metal ion binding, changes to net charge and conformational plasticity, and primarily involve the protonation of histidine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid residues at low pH. The pH dependent activity of pore forming antimicrobial proteins involves mechanisms that generally differ fundamentally to those used by pH dependent AMPs, which can be described by the carpet, toroidal pore and barrel-stave pore models of membrane interaction. A number of pH dependent AMPs and antimicrobial proteins have been developed for medical purposes and have successfully completed clinical trials, including kappacins, LL-37, histatins and lactoferrin, along with a number of their derivatives. Major examples of the therapeutic application of these antimicrobial molecules include wound healing as well as the treatment of multiple cancers and infections due to viruses, bacteria and fungi. In general, these applications involve topical administration, such as the use of mouth washes, cream formulations and hydrogel delivery systems. Nonetheless, many pH dependent AMPs and antimicrobial proteins have yet to be fully characterized and these molecules, as a whole, represent an untapped source of novel biologically active agents that could aid fulfillment of the urgent need for alternatives to conventional antibiotics, helping to avert a return to the pre-antibiotic era.
The Development of a Parenteral Pharmaceutical Formulation of a New Class of Compounds of Nitrosourea
Authors: Nikolaeva Ludmila , Oborotova Natalia , Bunyatyan Natalia , Zhang Xi , Sanarova Ekaterina , Lantsova Anna , Orlova Olga , Polozkova Alevtina
Published: November 2016

Despite the rapid development of medical technologies, chemotherapy treatment still occupies an important place in clinical oncology. In this regard, the current research in this area focuses on the synthesis of new highly effective antitumor substances that have minimal side effects and the development of stable pharmaceutical formulations (PF) on their basis. In order to solve this problem, the I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences actively sought for original substances, namely, nitrosourea (NU) derivatives, one of the most promising classes of anticancer drugs. As a result of this research, a novel NU derivative was synthesized, namely ormustine, which showed high antitumor activity in preliminary preclinical trials. It is now crucial to develop an ormustine pharmaceutical formulation. Conducted technological studies showed that the most suitable solvent for the drug substance is 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, which ensures its rapid dissolution by ultrasonic treatment. A significant reduction in the concentration of the active ingredient during the storage of the solution required the development of a technique of its lyophilization and the selection of a shaper such as a Kollidon 17 PF. Upon completion of the development of a pharmaceutical formulation of ormustine, its stability after lyophilization was demonstrated, and a sufficient amount of the drug has been acquired for preclinical research.
Revivalist Nationalism since World War II: From “Wake up, America!” to “Make America Great Again”
Authors: Hummel Daniel
Published: November 2016

Between 1945 and 1980, evangelicals emerged as a key political constituency in American politics, helping to form the Religious Right and work for the election of Ronald Reagan and other conservative Republicans. This article argues that they embraced a distinctive type of revivalist nationalism, centered around the mass revival. Case studies of Billy Graham, Bill Bright, Jerry Falwell, and Ronald Reagan offer a narrative of postwar revivalist nationalism and demonstrate that evangelicals renegotiated the relationship between personal salvation and national renewal during this period, facilitating their mass entry into partisan politics. Billy Graham presented in his early crusades an unsophisticated assumption that mass conversion would lead to national renewal. Later revivalists such as Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, sought to reorient revivalism toward directed political organization, leading in the 1970s to decreasing emphasis on personal conversion and increasing focus on the political process. By the 1980 presidential election, the Religious Right had completely abandoned the priority of personal conversion and sought instead to revive the “principles” of a Christian America. Ronald Reagan embodied this principle-oriented revival, and helped crystalize a revivalist nationalism that remains embedded in contemporary evangelical politics.
Gas Sensing Analysis of Ag-Decorated Graphene for Sulfur Hexafluoride Decomposition Products Based on the Density Functional Theory
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Huang Rong , Gui Yingang , Zeng Hong
Published: November 2016

Detection of decomposition products of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is one of the best ways to diagnose early latent insulation faults in gas-insulated equipment, and the occurrence of sudden accidents can be avoided effectively by finding early latent faults. Recently, functionalized graphene, a kind of gas sensing material, has been reported to show good application prospects in the gas sensor field. Therefore, calculations were performed to analyze the gas sensing properties of intrinsic graphene (Int-graphene) and functionalized graphene-based material, Ag-decorated graphene (Ag-graphene), for decomposition products of SF6, including SO2F2, SOF2, and SO2, based on density functional theory (DFT). We thoroughly investigated a series of parameters presenting gas-sensing properties of adsorbing process about gas molecule (SO2F2, SOF2, SO2) and double gas molecules (2SO2F2, 2SOF2, 2SO2) on Ag-graphene, including adsorption energy, net charge transfer, electronic state density, and the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. The results showed that the Ag atom significantly enhances the electrochemical reactivity of graphene, reflected in the change of conductivity during the adsorption process. SO2F2 and SO2 gas molecules on Ag-graphene presented chemisorption, and the adsorption strength was SO2F2 > SO2, while SOF2 absorption on Ag-graphene was physical adsorption. Thus, we concluded that Ag-graphene showed good selectivity and high sensitivity to SO2F2. The results can provide a helpful guide in exploring Ag-graphene material in experiments for monitoring the insulation status of SF6-insulated equipment based on detecting decomposition products of SF6.
An Analysis of the Influence of Flight Parameters in the Generation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Orthomosaicks to Survey Archaeological Areas
Authors: Mesas-Carrascosa Francisco-Javier , Notario García María , Meroño de Larriva Jose , García-Ferrer Alfonso
Published: November 2016

This article describes the configuration and technical specifications of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using a red–green–blue (RGB) sensor for the acquisition of images needed for the production of orthomosaics to be used in archaeological applications. Several flight missions were programmed as follows: flight altitudes at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 m above ground level; two forward and side overlap settings (80%–50% and 70%–40%); and the use, or lack thereof, of ground control points. These settings were chosen to analyze their influence on the spatial quality of orthomosaicked images processed by Inpho UASMaster (Trimble, CA, USA). Changes in illumination over the study area, its impact on flight duration, and how it relates to these settings is also considered. The combined effect of these parameters on spatial quality is presented as well, defining a ratio between ground sample distance of UAV images and expected root mean square of a UAV orthomosaick. The results indicate that a balance between all the proposed parameters is useful for optimizing mission planning and image processing, altitude above ground level (AGL) being main parameter because of its influence on root mean square error (RMSE).
Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Chronic Liver Diseases: Evidence of an Association
Authors: El-Sayed Nagwa , Ramadan Manar , Ramadan Mohamed
Published: November 2016

Toxoplasmosis may present as a severe disease among some Egyptian patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) due to their impaired immune system, changing the course of the disease. The classical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by serological tests is inadequate for such patients. This study was performed to highlight the role of real-time quantitative PCR (qrtPCR) test in the accurate diagnosis of toxoplasmosis among Egyptian patients with CLD. Seventy patients with CLD and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All were subjected to full clinical examinations, abdominal ultrasonography, and biochemical analysis of liver enzymes and they were investigated for markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In addition, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasitemia was determined using qrtPCR. The results showed that T. gondii parasitemia was positive in 30% of CLD patients with highly statistically significant (p < 0.001) compared with the control group (6%). Co-infection in both T. gondii/HBV and T. gondii/HCV was 33.3% and 31.4%, respectively, with a highly significant association between T. gondii parasitemia and HCV viral load. Moreover, the results showed a significant increase of liver enzymes in the serum of patients positive for T. gondii compared with negative patients. An association between T. gondii infection and CLD was observed, and further studies will be needed to define the mechanism of this association.
Morphometric Controls on Glacier Mass Balance of the Puruogangri Ice Field, Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Lin , Jiang Liming , Sun Yafei , Wang Hansheng , Yi Chaolu , Hsu Houtse
Published: November 2016

Evaluating the impacts of climatic changes and morphometric features on glacier mass balance is crucial to providing insight into glacier changes and their effects on regional water resources and ecosystems. Here, we presented an evaluation of morphometric effects on the glacier mass balances of the Puruogangri ice field (PIF) on the Tibetan Plateau. A clear spatial variability of glacier mass balances, ranging from −0.035 to +0.019 m·w.e.·year−1, was estimated by comparing the TanDEM-X DEM (2012) with the SRTM-X DEM (2000). In general, the observed glacier mass changes were consistent with our fieldwork investigations. Furthermore, by applying the method of linear regression analysis, we found that the mass changes of individual glaciers on the PIF were mainly dominated by the mean altitude (R = 0.84, p < 0.001), however, they were statistically independent of glacier size, aspect, and surface velocity. At a local scale (grid size of 10 × 10 pixels), apart from the factor of altitude, surface velocity was correlated with glacier mass change.
Experimental Investigations of Scour Pools around Porous Obstructions
Authors: Kim Hyung , Kimura Ichiro , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: November 2016

Paired impermeable or porous obstructions are used to create scour pool habitat. We investigated local scour pools created by paired porous obstructions using laboratory experiments. To examine the influence of porous obstructions on local scour depths and volumes, various densities in the porous obstructions, ratio of obstruction width to channel width and submergence ratio were evaluated. A local scour pool developed when the flow blockage (product of density in the porous obstructions and ratio of obstruction width to channel width) and the ratio of the obstruction width to channel width were ≥5.0 and ≥0.4, respectively. The depth of the scour pool increased with increasing flow blockage, while scour depth reduced as the submergence ratio increased. The scoured volume had a strong relationship with the scour depth around the porous obstructions. Results of the predictive equations were considered reliable for estimating the maximum scour depth and scoured volume around porous obstructions in clear-water conditions.
Development of adsorptive membranes by confinement of activated biochar into electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Taheran Mehrdad , Naghdi Mitra , Brar Satinder K , Knystautas Emile , Verma Mausam , Surampalli Rao Y , Valero Jose R
Published: November 2016

Adsorptive membranes have many applications in removal of contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic contaminants from water. Recently, increasing concentrations of pharmaceutically active compounds, especially antibiotics, such as chlortetracycline in water and wastewater sources has raised concerns about their potentially adverse impacts on environment and human health. In this study, a series of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/activated biochar nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) with different loadings of biochar (0–2%, w/w) were fabricated using electrospinning. The morphology and structure of fabricated membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that at 1.5% of biochar loading, the surface area reached the maximum value of 12.4 m2/g and beyond this loading value, agglomeration of particles inhibited fine interaction with nanofibrous matrix. Also, the adsorption tests using chlortetracycline showed that, under environmentally relevant concentrations, the fabricated adsorptive NFMs had a potential for removal of these types of emerging contaminants from water and wastewaters.