bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-scale experimental testing of dump-point safety berms in surface mining
Authors: Giacomini Anna , Thoeni Klaus
Published: April 2015

Waste rock (muck) piles are used as energy absorption barriers in many surface mining applications, such as berms at dumping points and at the crest of slopes, and in windrows as traffic separators or edge barriers on haul roads. The height of safety berms and windrows is currently designed using rules of thumb, such as height equal to half the maximum wheel diameter. However, over the last few decades, the dimensions of haul trucks have increased, and it is unclear if such rules of thumb are still applicable. This study, funded by the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP), was carried out with the objective of improving the current knowledge on design and construction of dump-point safety berms in mining environments. Through full-scale experimental investigations on the dynamic impact of haul trucks on dump-point safety berms, significant data on berm design, construction materials, as well as principal berm characteristics were collected for the first time. The experimental findings suggested that the current rule of thumb might only be suitable for dump points where trucks travel at velocities lower than 10 km/h. The studies also showed that safety berms should be built using fresh, blocky, nonslaking waste rock materials and well maintained over their lifespan.
One-step synthesis of metal sulfide/tellurium composites with distinct microstructures
Authors: Jin Huile , Zhao Yuewu , Chen Liyun , Liu Aili , Wang Shun , Jiang Weizhong
Published: April 2015

Microsphere flower- and mushroom-shaped metal sulfide/tellurium composites were synthesized through a one-step and template-free approach in which the simultaneous formation of tellurium and NiS (or CdS) leads to well-dispersed composites. The development of such distinct microstructures has been systematically investigated as a function of reaction temperature, concentrations of the starting reagents, and reaction time. Characterizations with scanning and transmitting electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric methods illustrate that the as-obtained metal sulfides exist in different phases in the composites. CdS was found to present as cubic sphalerite-type cadmium sulfide crystals, whereas NiS was in the amorphous form. Photo-excitation and emission property of the NiS/Te composite was also examined.
The maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of vortex tubes
Authors: Polihronov Jeliazko G. , Straatman Anthony G.
Published: April 2015

In a number of recent publications, it has been shown that the vortex tube effect occurs as a result of the extraction of work from a radial inflow of rotating gas. The delivered energy and its corresponding temperature drop have been derived from first principles. This work studies the cycle of rotational cooling by also considering the process of gas compression and arrives at the maximum theoretical value of the coefficient of performance (COP). For air, the maximum COP of the vortex tube effect is 2.5; it can reach over 15.0 for common refrigerants (e.g., R-218) and 20.0 or higher for other gases (e.g., n-heptane).
q-Deformed Einstein equations
Authors: Dil Emre
Published: April 2015

In this study, we consider three independent physical studies and try to combine them to find an interesting result. Ubriaco’s q-deformed bosons and Verlinde’s entropic gravity studies are taken into account to find the deformed Einstein equations for describing the gravitational field of deformed objects, such as, Strominger’s black holes obeying the deformed Bose or Fermi statistics. We consider the gravitation as an entropic force, as in Verlinde’s approach and assume the source of gravitation is the q-deformed bosons of Ubriaco. Consequently, we obtain the deformed Einstein equations for these deformed bosons by considering the gravitation as an entropic force.
Direct conversion semiconductor detectors in positron emission tomography
Authors: Cates Joshua W. , Gu Yi , Levin Craig S.
Published: April 2015

Semiconductor detectors are playing an increasing role in ongoing research to improve image resolution, contrast, and quantitative accuracy in preclinical applications of positron emission tomography (PET). These detectors serve as a medium for direct detection of annihilation photons. Early clinical translation of this technology has shown improvements in image quality and tumor delineation for head and neck cancers, relative to conventional scintillator-based systems. After a brief outline of the basics of PET imaging and the physical detection mechanisms for semiconductor detectors, an overview of ongoing detector development work is presented. The capabilities of semiconductor-based PET systems and the current state of these devices are discussed.
Einstein's equations and a cosmology with finite matter
Authors: Clavelli L. , Goldstein Gary R.
Published: April 2015

We discuss various space–time metrics which are compatible with Einstein's equations and a previously suggested cosmology with a finite total mass.1 In this alternative cosmology, the matter density was postulated to be a spatial delta function at the time of the big bang thereafter diffusing outward with constant total mass. This proposal explores a departure from standard assumptions that the big bang occurred everywhere at once or was just one of an infinite number of previous and later transitions.
Predicting missing links via structural similarity
Authors: Lyu Guo-Dong , Fan Chang-Jun , Yu Lian-Fei , Xiu Bao-Xin , Zhang Wei-Ming
Published: April 2015

Predicting missing links in networks plays a significant role in modern science. On the basis of structural similarity, our paper proposes a new node-similarity-based measure called biased resource allocation (BRA), which is motivated by the resource allocation (RA) measure. Comparisons between BRA and nine well-known node-similarity-based measures on five real networks indicate that BRA performs no worse than RA, which was the best node-similarity-based index in previous researches. Afterwards, based on localPath (LP) and Katz measure, we propose another two improved measures, named Im-LocalPath and Im-Katz respectively. Numerical results show that the prediction accuracy of both Im-LP and Im-Katz measure improve compared with the original LP and Katz measure. Finally, a new path-similarity-based measure and its improved measure, called LYU and Im-LYU measure, are proposed and especially, Im-LYU measure is shown to perform more remarkably than other mentioned measures.
Classical extension of quantum-correlated separable states
Authors: Bellomo G. , Plastino A. , Plastino A. R.
Published: April 2015

Li and Luo [Phys. Rev. A 78 (2008) 024303] discovered a remarkable relation between discord and entanglement. It establishes that all separable states can be obtained via reduction of a classically-correlated state "living" in a space of larger dimension. Starting from this result, we discuss here an optimal classical extension of separable states and explore this notion for low-dimensional systems. We find that the larger the dimension of the classical extension, the larger the discord in the original separable state. Further, we analyze separable states of maximum discord in ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2 and their associated classical extensions showing that, from the reduction of a classical state in (ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ3) ⊗ ℂ2, one can obtain a separable state of maximum discord in ℂ2 ⊗ ℂ2.
Jacobi stability analysis of the Lorenz system
Authors: Harko Tiberiu , Ho Chor Yin , Leung Chun Sing , Yip Stan
Published: April 2015

We perform the study of the stability of the Lorenz system by using the Jacobi stability analysis, or the Kosambi–Cartan–Chern (KCC) theory. The Lorenz model plays an important role for understanding hydrodynamic instabilities and the nature of the turbulence, also representing a nontrivial testing object for studying nonlinear effects. The KCC theory represents a powerful mathematical method for the analysis of dynamical systems. In this approach, we describe the evolution of the Lorenz system in geometric terms, by considering it as a geodesic in a Finsler space. By associating a nonlinear connection and a Berwald type connection, five geometrical invariants are obtained, with the second invariant giving the Jacobi stability of the system. The Jacobi (in)stability is a natural generalization of the (in)stability of the geodesic flow on a differentiable manifold endowed with a metric (Riemannian or Finslerian) to the non-metric setting. In order to apply the KCC theory, we reformulate the Lorenz system as a set of two second-order nonlinear differential equations. The geometric invariants associated to this system (nonlinear and Berwald connections), and the deviation curvature tensor, as well as its eigenvalues, are explicitly obtained. The Jacobi stability of the equilibrium points of the Lorenz system is studied, and the condition of the stability of the equilibrium points is obtained. Finally, we consider the time evolution of the components of the deviation vector near the equilibrium points.
Powerful Outflows and Feedback from Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: King Andrew , Pounds Ken
Published: April 2015

Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) represent the growth phases of the supermassive black holes in the center of almost every galaxy. Powerful, highly ionized winds, with velocities ∼0.1–0.2c, are a common feature in X-ray spectra of luminous AGNs, offering a plausible physical origin for the well-known connections between the hole and properties of its host. Observability constraints suggest that the winds must be episodic and detectable only for a few percent of their lifetimes. The most powerful wind feedback, establishing the M−σ relation, is probably not directly observable at all. The M−σ relation signals a global change in the nature of AGN feedback. At black hole masses below M−σ, feedback is confined to the immediate vicinity of the hole. At the M−σ mass, it becomes much more energetic and widespread and can drive away much of the bulge gas as a fast molecular outflow.
Physical Models of Galaxy Formation in a Cosmological Framework
Authors: Somerville Rachel S. , Davé Romeel
Published: April 2015

Modeling galaxy formation in a cosmological context presents one of the greatest challenges in astrophysics today due to the vast range of scales and numerous physical processes involved. Here we review the current status of models that employ two leading techniques to simulate the physics of galaxy formation: semianalytic models and numerical hydrodynamic simulations. We focus on a set of observational targets that describe the evolution of the global and structural properties of galaxies from roughly cosmic high noon (z ∼ 2–3) to the present. Although minor discrepancies remain, overall, models show remarkable convergence among different methods and make predictions that are in qualitative agreement with observations. Modelers have converged on a core set of physical processes that are critical for shaping galaxy properties. This core set includes cosmological accretion, strong stellar-driven winds that are more efficient at low masses, black hole feedback that preferentially suppresses star formation at high masses, and structural and morphological evolution through merging and environmental processes. However, all cosmological models currently adopt phenomenological implementations of many of these core processes, which must be tuned to observations. Many details of how these diverse processes interact within a hierarchical structure formation setting remain poorly understood. Emerging multiscale simulations are helping to bridge the gap between stellar and cosmological scales, placing models on a firmer, more physically grounded footing. Concurrently, upcoming telescope facilities will provide new challenges and constraints for models, particularly by directly constraining inflows and outflows through observations of gas in and around galaxies.
Chemical Looping Technology: Oxygen Carrier Characteristics
Authors: Luo Siwei , Zeng Liang , Fan Liang-Shih
Published: April 2015

Chemical looping processes are characterized as promising carbonaceous fuel conversion technologies with the advantages of manageable CO2 capture and high energy conversion efficiency. Depending on the chemical looping reaction products generated, chemical looping technologies generally can be grouped into two types: chemical looping full oxidation (CLFO) and chemical looping partial oxidation (CLPO). In CLFO, carbonaceous fuels are fully oxidized to CO2 and H2O, as typically represented by chemical looping combustion with electricity as the primary product. In CLPO, however, carbonaceous fuels are partially oxidized, as typically represented by chemical looping gasification with syngas or hydrogen as the primary product. Both CLFO and CLPO share similar operational features; however, the optimum process configurations and the specific oxygen carriers used between them can vary significantly. Progress in both CLFO and CLPO is reviewed and analyzed with specific focus on oxygen carrier developments that characterize these technologies.
Transient Creep and Strain Energy Dissipation: An Experimental Perspective
Authors: Faul Ulrich , Jackson Ian
Published: April 2015

Energy dissipation due to intrinsic attenuation occurs at elevated temperatures in rocks as a result of a range of processes. Examples where small-strain, transient deformation occurs are seismic waves, tidal deformation, and at longer timescales post-glacial rebound and far-field post-seismic deformation. Experiments at mantle temperatures and seismic frequencies show that grain boundary sliding is a key process that results in a broad absorption band, as indicated by seismic observations. Models of grain boundary sliding predict a smooth transition from elastic behavior through an anelastic regime toward viscous (Maxwell) behavior, consistent with experimental observations. Other mechanisms that may contribute to dissipation in Earth, at least locally, are dislocations and melt. Extrapolation of the laboratory data shows that first-order observations of planetary behavior and structure can be explained by the effects of temperature and pressure on transient creep properties, but that locally, additional mechanisms are required.
Rapid Plate Motion Variations Through Geological Time: Observations Serving Geodynamic Interpretation
Authors: Iaffaldano Giampiero , Bunge Hans-Peter
Published: April 2015

Past and current plate motions are increasingly well mapped from high-temporal-resolution paleomagnetic and geodetic studies, revealing rapid variations that occur on short timescales relative to the time it takes for the large-scale structure associated with mantle buoyancy to evolve. The rates of change of plate velocities hold key information on the geodynamic, tectonic, and Earth's surface processes that may have caused them. Rapid plate motion changes thus provide us with a unique opportunity to quantify the forcing associated with these processes. Important mechanisms capable of inducing such rapid changes include evolving plate boundary forces, for example, those associated with slab sinking or orogeny along convergent margins, as well as temporal variations in pressure-driven flow within the asthenosphere that link plate velocity variations explicitly to changes in dynamic topography. Here, we focus on (a) findings from recent kinematic observations and (b) the quantitative framework that allows their geodynamic interpretation.
Glutamate Synapses in Human Cognitive Disorders
Authors: Volk Lenora , Chiu Shu-Ling , Sharma Kamal , Huganir Richard L.
Published: April 2015

Accumulating data, including those from large genetic association studies, indicate that alterations in glutamatergic synapse structure and function represent a common underlying pathology in many symptomatically distinct cognitive disorders. In this review, we discuss evidence from human genetic studies and data from animal models supporting a role for aberrant glutamatergic synapse function in the etiology of intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), neurodevelopmental disorders that comprise a significant proportion of human cognitive disease and exact a substantial financial and social burden. The varied manifestations of impaired perceptual processing, executive function, social interaction, communication, and/or intellectual ability in ID, ASD, and SCZ appear to emerge from altered neural microstructure, function, and/or wiring rather than gross changes in neuron number or morphology. Here, we review evidence that these disorders may share a common underlying neuropathy: altered excitatory synapse function. We focus on the most promising candidate genes affecting glutamatergic synapse function, highlighting the likely disease-relevant functional consequences of each. We first present a brief overview of glutamatergic synapses and then explore the genetic and phenotypic evidence for altered glutamate signaling in ID, ASD, and SCZ.
Plasticity of Cortical Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance
Authors: Froemke Robert C.
Published: April 2015

Synapses are highly plastic and are modified by changes in patterns of neural activity or sensory experience. Plasticity of cortical excitatory synapses is thought to be important for learning and memory, leading to alterations in sensory representations and cognitive maps. However, these changes must be coordinated across other synapses within local circuits to preserve neural coding schemes and the organization of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, i.e., excitatory-inhibitory balance. Recent studies indicate that inhibitory synapses are also plastic and are controlled directly by a large number of neuromodulators, particularly during episodes of learning. Many modulators transiently alter excitatory-inhibitory balance by decreasing inhibition, and thus disinhibition has emerged as a major mechanism by which neuromodulation might enable long-term synaptic modifications naturally. This review examines the relationships between neuromodulation and synaptic plasticity, focusing on the induction of long-term changes that collectively enhance cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance for improving perception and behavior.
Environmental Dimensions of Migration
Authors: Hunter Lori M. , Luna Jessie K. , Norton Rachel M.
Published: April 2015

Research on the environmental dimensions of human migration has made important strides in recent years. However, findings have been spread across multiple disciplines with wide-ranging methodologies and limited theoretical development. This article reviews key findings of the field and identifies future directions for sociological research. We contend that the field has moved beyond linear environmental “push” theories toward a greater integration of context, including micro-level, meso-level, and macro-level interactions. We highlight findings that migration is often a household strategy to diversify risk (new economics of labor migration theory), interacting with household composition; individual characteristics; social networks; and historical, political, and economic contexts. We highlight promising developments in the field, including the recognition that migration is a long-standing form of environmental adaptation and yet only one among many forms of adaptation. Finally, we argue that sociologists could contribute significantly to migration–environment inquiry through attention to issues of inequality, perceptions, and agency vis-à-vis structure.
Insulin-independent reversal of type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice with brown adipose tissue transplant
Authors: Gunawardana Subhadra C. , Piston David W.
Published: April 2015

Traditional therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D) involve insulin replacement or islet/pancreas transplantation and have numerous limitations. Our previous work demonstrated the ability of embryonic brown adipose tissue (BAT) transplants to establish normoglycemia without insulin in chemically induced models of insulin-deficient diabetes. The current study sought to extend the technique to an autoimmune-mediated T1D model and document the underlying mechanisms. In nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, BAT transplants result in complete reversal of T1D associated with rapid and long-lasting euglycemia. In addition, BAT transplants placed prior to the onset of diabetes on NOD mice can prevent or significantly delay the onset of diabetes. As with streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic models, euglycemia is independent of insulin and strongly correlates with decrease of inflammation and increase of adipokines. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is the first hormone to increase following BAT transplants. Adipose tissue of transplant recipients consistently express IGF-I compared with little or no expression in controls, and plasma IGF-I levels show a direct negative correlation with glucose, glucagon, and inflammatory cytokines. Adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of IGF-I may stimulate regeneration of new healthy white adipose tissue, which in turn secretes hypoglycemic adipokines that substitute for insulin. IGF-I can also directly decrease blood glucose through activating insulin receptor. These data demonstrate the potential for insulin-independent reversal of autoimmune-induced T1D with BAT transplants and implicate IGF-I as a likely mediator in the resulting equilibrium.
Binding of Citreoviridin to Human Serum Albumin: Multispectroscopic and Molecular Docking
Authors: Hou Haifeng , Qu Xiaolan , Li Yuqin , Kong Yueyue , Jia Baoxiu , Yao Xiaojun , Jiang Baofa
Published: April 2015

Citreoviridin (CIT), a mycotoxin produced byPenicillium citreonigrum,is a common contaminant of wide range of agriproducts and detrimental to human and animal health. In this study, the interaction of CIT with human serum albumin (HSA) is researched by steady-state fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, circular dichroism (CD) methods, and molecular modeling. The association constants, binding site numbers, and corresponding thermodynamic parameters are used to investigate the quenching mechanism. The alternations of HSA secondary structure in the presence of CIT are demonstrated with UV-Vis, synchronous fluorescence, and CD spectra. The molecular modeling results reveal that CIT can bind with hydrophobic pocket of HSA with hydrophobic and hydrogen bond force. Moreover, an apparent distance of 3.25 nm between Trp214 and CIT is obtained via fluorescence resonance energy transfer method.
A Low-Noise, Modular, and Versatile Analog Front-End Intended for ProcessingIn VitroNeuronal Signals Detected by Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Regalia Giulia , Biffi Emilia , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Pedrocchi Alessandra
Published: April 2015

The collection of good quality extracellular neuronal spikes from neuronal cultures coupled to Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) is a binding requirement to gather reliable data. Due to physical constraints, low power requirement, or the need of customizability, commercial recording platforms are not fully adequate for the development of experimental setups integrating MEA technology with other equipment needed to perform experiments under climate controlled conditions, like environmental chambers or cell culture incubators. To address this issue, we developed a custom MEA interfacing system featuring low noise, low power, and the capability to be readily integrated inside an incubator-like environment. Two stages, a preamplifier and a filter amplifier, were designed, implemented on printed circuit boards, and tested. The system is characterized by a low input-referred noise (<1 μV RMS), a high channel separation (>70 dB), and signal-to-noise ratio values of neuronal recordings comparable to those obtained with the benchmark commercial MEA system. In addition, the system was successfully integrated with an environmental MEA chamber, without harming cell cultures during experiments and without being damaged by the high humidity level. The devised system is of practical value in the development ofin vitroplatforms to study temporally extended neuronal network dynamics by means of MEAs.
Now, Later of Never: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Call—Is Surgery Necessary after Atypical Breast Core Biopsy Results in Mammographic Screening Settings?
Authors: Makretsov Nikita
Published: April 2015

Breast cancer mammographic screening leads to detection of premalignant and preinvasive lesions with an increasing frequency. Nevertheless, current epidemiologic evidence indicates that the screening reduces breast cancer specific mortality, but not overall mortality in breast cancer patients. The evidence is lacking whether aggressive eradication of DCIS (preinvasive form of breast carcinoma) by surgery and radiation is of survival benefit, as long-term breast cancer specific mortality in a cohort of patients with DCIS is already in a single digit percent range. Furthermore, it is currently not known whether the aggressive surgical eradication of atypical breast lesions which fall short of diagnosis of DCIS is of any benefit for the patients. Here we propose a model for a randomized controlled trial to generate high level evidence and solve this dilemma.
Crosstalk between the Unfolded Protein Response and NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mohammed-Ali Zahraa , Cruz Gaile L. , Dickhout Jeffrey G.
Published: April 2015

The chronic inflammatory response is emerging as an important therapeutic target in progressive chronic kidney disease. A key transcription factor in the induction of chronic inflammation is NF-κB. Recent studies have demonstrated that sustained activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) can initiate this NF-κB signaling phenomenon and thereby induce chronic kidney disease progression. A key factor influencing chronic kidney disease progression is proteinuria and this condition has now been demonstrated to induce sustained UPR activation. This review details the crosstalk between the UPR and NF-κB pathways as pertinent to chronic kidney disease. We present potential tools to study this phenomenon as well as potential therapeutics that are emerging to regulate the UPR. These therapeutics may prevent inflammation specifically induced in the kidney due to proteinuria-induced sustained UPR activation.
Chemokine‐Ligands/Receptors: Multiplayers in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Knerlich-Lukoschus Friederike , Held-Feindt Janka
Published: April 2015

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in complex posttraumatic sequelae affecting the whole neuraxis. Due to its involvement in varied neuromodulatory processes, the chemokine‐ligand/receptor‐network is a key element of secondary lesion cascades induced by SCI. This review will provide a synopsis of chemokine‐ligand/receptor‐expression along the whole neuraxis after traumatic spinal cord (sc) insults on basis of recent in vivo and in vitro findings in a SCI paradigm of thoracic force‐defined impact lesions (Infinite Horizon Impactor) in adult rats. Analyses of chemokine‐ligand/receptor‐expression at defined time points after sc lesion of different severity grades or sham operation revealed that these inflammatory mediators are induced in distinct anatomical sc regions and in thalamic nuclei, periaqueductal grey, and hippocampal structures in the brain. Cellular and anatomical expression profiles together with colocalization/expression of neural stem/progenitor cell markers in adult sc stem cells niches or with pain‐related receptors and mediators in dorsal horns, dorsal columns, and pain‐processing brain areas support the notion that chemokines are involved in distinct cascades underlying clinical posttraumatic impairments and syndromes. These aspects and their implication in concepts of tailored SCI treatment are reviewed in the context of the recent literature on chemokine‐ligand/receptor involvement in complex secondary lesion cascades.
Functional Polymorphisms inCOX-2Gene Are Correlated with the Risk of Oral Cancer
Authors: Li Dong , Hao Shu-Hong , Sun Yan , Hu Chun-Mei , Ma Zhi-Hua , Wang Zhi Ming , Liu Jie , Liu Hong Bo , Ye Ming , Zhang Yu Fei , Yang Dong Sheng , Shi Guang
Published: April 2015

Background. This meta-analysis investigated the association between functionalCOX-2gene polymorphisms and the risk of oral cancer.Methods. Several electronic databases were searched for published studies using combinations of keywords related toCOX-2gene polymorphisms and oral cancer. After selection of relevant studies, following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, data was performed using STATA 12.0 software.Results. We retrieved 83 studies from database search using specific search terms. After multiple rounds of selection and elimination, 7 studies were finally identified as suitable to be included in our present meta-analysis, based on their relevance and data integrity. These 7 studies contained a combined total of 2,296 oral cancer patients and 3,647 healthy controls. Our findings demonstrated that +837 T > C (rs5275) polymorphism inCOX-2showed statistically significant differences in gene frequencies in case and control groups in allele model and dominant model. Similar results were obtained withCOX-2gene polymorphism 765 G > C (rs20417). On the other hand, 1195 A > G (rs689466) polymorphism inCOX-2did not confer susceptibility to oral cancers.Conclusion. Based on our results,COX-2gene polymorphisms, +837 T > C (rs5275) and −765G > C (rs20417), showed clear links with oral cancer susceptibility, and the 1195A > G (rs689466) polymorphism did not show such a correlation.
Neutrophils Induced Licensing of Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Amano Keishiro , Hirayama Masahiro , Azuma Eiichi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Keida Yoshitaka , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: April 2015

Natural killer (NK) cells acquire effector function through a licensing process and exert anti‐leukemia/tumor effect. However, there is no means to promote a licensing effect of allogeneic NK cells other than cytomegalovirus reactivation‐induced licensing in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in human. In mice, a licensing process is mediated by Ly49 receptors which recognize self‐major histocompatibility complex class I. The distribution of four Ly49 receptors showed similar pattern in congenic mice, B10, B10.BR, and B10.D2, which have B10 background. Forty Gy‐irradiated 2 × 106 B10.D2 cells including splenocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells in untreated mice, or granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor treated mice were injected intraperitoneally into B10 mice. We found that murine NK cells were effectively licensed by intraperitoneal injection of donor neutrophils with its corresponding NK receptor ligand in B10 mice as a recipient and B10.D2 as a donor. Mechanistic studies revealed that NK cells showed the upregulation of intracellular interferon‐γ and CD107a expression as markers of NK cell activation. Moreover, enriched neutrophils enhanced licensing effect of NK cells; meanwhile, licensing effect was diminished by depletion of neutrophils. Collectively, injection of neutrophils induced NK cell licensing (activation) via NK receptor ligand interaction.
Feature Selection Applying Statistical and Neurofuzzy Methods to EEG-Based BCI
Authors: Martinez-Leon Juan-Antonio , Cano-Izquierdo Jose-Manuel , Ibarrola Julio
Published: April 2015

This paper presents an investigation aimed at drastically reducing the processing burden required by motor imagery brain-computer interface (BCI) systems based on electroencephalography (EEG). In this research, the focus has moved from the channel to the feature paradigm, and a 96% reduction of the number of features required in the process has been achieved maintaining and even improving the classification success rate. This way, it is possible to build cheaper, quicker, and more portable BCI systems. The data set used was provided within the framework of BCI Competition III, which allows it to compare the presented results with the classification accuracy achieved in the contest. Furthermore, a new three-step methodology has been developed which includes a feature discriminant character calculation stage; a score, order, and selection phase; and a final feature selection step. For the first stage, both statistics method and fuzzy criteria are used. The fuzzy criteria are based on the S-dFasArt classification algorithm which has shown excellent performance in previous papers undertaking the BCI multiclass motor imagery problem. The score, order, and selection stage is used to sort the features according to their discriminant nature. Finally, both order selection and Group Method Data Handling (GMDH) approaches are used to choose the most discriminant ones.
The Evolutionary Algorithm to Find Robust Pareto-Optimal Solutions over Time
Authors: Chen Meirong , Guo Yinan , Liu Haiyuan , Wang Chun
Published: April 2015

In dynamic multiobjective optimization problems, the environmental parameters change over time, which makes the true pareto fronts shifted. So far, most works of research on dynamic multiobjective optimization methods have concentrated on detecting the changed environment and triggering the population based optimization methods so as to track the moving pareto fronts over time. Yet, in many real-world applications, it is not necessary to find the optimal nondominant solutions in each dynamic environment. To solve this weakness, a novel method called robust pareto-optimal solution over time is proposed. It is in fact to replace the optimal pareto front at each time-varying moment with the series of robust pareto-optimal solutions. This means that each robust solution can fit for more than one time-varying moment. Two metrics, including the average survival time and average robust generational distance, are present to measure the robustness of the robust pareto solution set. Another contribution is to construct the algorithm framework searching for robust pareto-optimal solutions over time based on the survival time. Experimental results indicate that this definition is a more practical and time-saving method of addressing dynamic multiobjective optimization problems changing over time.
Improving Lowland Rice (O. sativa L. cv. MR219) Plant Growth Variables, Nutrients Uptake, and Nutrients Recovery Using Crude Humic Substances
Authors: Palanivell Perumal , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Ab Majid Nik Muhamad , Jalloh Mohamadu Boyie , Susilawati Kasim
Published: April 2015

High cation exchange capacity and organic matter content of crude humic substances from compost could be exploited to reduce ammonia loss from urea and to as well improve rice growth and soil chemical properties for efficient nutrients utilization in lowland rice cultivation. Close‐dynamic air flow system was used to determine the effects of crude humic substances on ammonia volatilization. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of crude humic substances on rice plant growth, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil chemical properties using an acid soil mixed with three rates of crude humic substances (20, 40, and 60 g pot−1). Standard procedures were used to evaluate rice plant dry matter production, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil chemical properties. Application of crude humic substances increased ammonia volatilization. However, the lowest rate of crude humic substances (20 g pot−1) significantly improved total dry matter, nutrients uptake, nutrients recovery, and soil nutrients availability compared with crude humic substances (40 and 60 g pot−1) and the normal fertilization. Apart from improving growth of rice plants, crude humic substances can be used to ameliorate acid soils in rice cultivation. The findings of this study are being validated in our ongoing field trials.
Fractional-Order Controller Design for Oscillatory Fractional Time-Delay Systems Based on the Numerical Inverse Laplace Transform Algorithms
Authors: Liu Lu , Pan Feng , Xue Dingyu
Published: April 2015

Fractional-order time-delay system is thought to be a kind of oscillatory complex system which could not be controlled efficaciously so far because it does not have an analytical solution when using inverse Laplace transform. In this paper, a type of fractional-order controller based on numerical inverse Laplace transform algorithm INVLAP was proposed for the mentioned systems by searching for the optimal controller parameters with the objective function of ITAE index due to the verified nature that fractional-order controllers were the best means of controlling fractional-order systems. Simulations of step unit tracking and load-disturbance responses of the proposed fractional-order optimalPIλDμcontroller (FOPID) and corresponding conventional optimal PID (OPID) controller have been done on three typical kinds of fractional time-delay system with different ratio between time delay (L) and time constant (T) and a complex high-order fractional time delay system to verify the availability of the presented control method.
Genetic Associations ofPPARGC1Awith Type 2 Diabetes: Differences among Populations with African Origins
Authors: Cheema Amanpreet K. , Li Tan , Liuzzi Juan P. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Dorak Mehmet T. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in correlation ofPPARGC1Apolymorphisms with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in adults of African origins: African Americans and Haitian Americans. The case-control study consisted of >30 years old, self-identified Haitian Americans (n=110cases andn=116controls) and African Americans (n=124cases andn=122controls) living in South Florida with and without T2D. Adjusted logistic regression indicated that both SNP rs7656250 (OR = 0.22,P=0.005) and rs4235308 (OR = 0.42,P=0.026) showed protective association with T2D in Haitian Americans. In African Americans, however, rs4235308 showed significant risk association with T2D (OR = 2.53,P=0.028). After stratification with sex, in Haitian Americans, both rs4235308 (OR = 0.38,P=0.026) and rs7656250 (OR = 0.23,P=0.006) showed protective association with T2D in females whereas in African American males rs7656250 had statistically significant protective effect on T2D (OR = 0.37,P=0.043). The trends observed for genetic association ofPPARGC1ASNPs, rs4235308, and rs7656250 for T2D between Haitian Americans and African Americans point out differences in Black race and warrant replicative study with larger sample size.
Precision Medicine for Advanced Pancreas Cancer: The Individualized Molecular Pancreatic Cancer Therapy (IMPaCT) Trial
Authors: Chantrill Lorraine A. , Nagrial Adnan M. , Watson Clare , Johns Amber L. , Martyn-Smith Mona , Simpson Skye , Mead Scott , Jones Marc D. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Gill Anthony J. , Watson Nicole , Chin Venessa T. , Humphris Jeremy L. , Chou Angela , Brown Belinda , Morey Adrienne , Pajic Marina , Grimmond Sean M. , Chang David K. , Thomas David , Sebastian Lucille , Sjoquist Katrin , Yip Sonia , Pavlakis Nick , Asghari Ray , Harvey Sandra , Grimison Peter , Simes John , Biankin Andrew V.
Published: April 2015

Purpose: Personalized medicine strategies using genomic profiling are particularly pertinent for pancreas cancer. The Individualized Molecular Pancreatic Cancer Therapy (IMPaCT) trial was initially designed to exploit results from genome sequencing of pancreatic cancer under the auspices of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) in Australia. Sequencing revealed small subsets of patients with aberrations in their tumor genome that could be targeted with currently available therapies.

Experimental Design: The pilot stage of the IMPaCT trial assessed the feasibility of acquiring suitable tumor specimens for molecular analysis and returning high-quality actionable genomic data within a clinically acceptable timeframe. We screened for three molecular targets: HER2 amplification; KRAS wild-type; and mutations in DNA damage repair pathways (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM).

Results: Tumor biopsy and archived tumor samples were collected from 93 patients and 76 were screened. To date 22 candidate cases have been identified: 14 KRAS wild-type, 5 cases of HER2 amplification, 2 mutations in BRCA2, and 1 ATM mutation. Median time from consent to the return of validated results was 21.5 days. An inability to obtain a biopsy or insufficient tumor content in the available specimen were common reasons for patient exclusion from molecular analysis while deteriorating performance status prohibited a number of patients from proceeding in the study.

Conclusions: Documenting the feasibility of acquiring and screening biospecimens for actionable molecular targets in real time will aid other groups embarking on similar trials. Key elements include the need to better prescreen patients, screen more patients, and offer more attractive clinical trial options. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 2029–37. ©2015 AACR.
The Role of Consolidative Radiotherapy after a Complete Response to Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Rituximab Era: Results from a Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Chunhong , Deng Chao , Zou Wen , Zhang Guangsen , Wang Jingjing
Published: April 2015

Background: The current standard therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (RCHOP). The role of radiotherapy (RT) after complete response (CR) to RCHOP in patients with DLBCL remains unclear. This systematic review with a meta-analysis is an attempt to evaluate this role. Methods: Studies that evaluated RT versus no-RT after CR to RCHOP for DLBCL patients were searched in databases. Hazard ratios (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: A total of 4 qualified retrospective studies (633 patients) were included in this review. The results suggested that RT improved overall survival (OS; HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.77) and progression-free/event-free survival (PFS/EFS; HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11-0.50) in all patients compared with no-RT. In a subgroup analysis of patients with stage III-IV DLBCL, RT improved PFS/EFS (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.51) and local control (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.44), with a trend of improving OS (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-1.05). Conclusion: Consolidation RT could significantly improve outcomes of DLBCL patients who achieved a CR to RCHOP. However, the significance of these results was limited by these retrospective data. Further investigation of the role of consolidation RT in the rituximab era is needed.
Hepatocellular Cancer: New Kids on the Block
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas-Claudius , Gerken Guido G.H.
Published: April 2015

Background: With over 600,000 newly diagnosed hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients worldwide every year and ongoing clinical research, it is surprising that many of the new molecular entities have not yet resulted in significant prolongation of progression-free or overall survival. Nevertheless, there are a number of promising agents currently under investigation. Given the unique tumor biology and heterogeneous clinical manifestations of HCC, the application of molecular and cellular markers could also benefit patient selection, disease prognosis and trial design. Summary: This paper provides an overview of the current therapeutic strategies for HCC in the curative and palliative settings. Furthermore, we introduce some of the promising small molecules and antibodies that may find their way into clinical practice, with a focus on substances that are currently in phase III testing. Finally, we summarize the role of promising biomarkers, such as circulating tumor or cancer stem cells. Key Message: Despite the rising prevalence of HCC and active clinical research, few therapeutic options besides sorafenib have been established. This review discusses the new therapeutic agents in the pipeline. Practical Implications: Although many promising preclinical studies have resulted in phase I-II trials on HCC, so far only the tyrosine and Raf kinase inhibitor sorafenib has made its way into the hands of physicians. This multikinase inhibitor is the only approved option for systemic treatment of advanced HCC. Currently, the development of promising approaches for disease management is guided by biomarkers such as molecular markers or cellular characteristics. The use of biomarkers may facilitate early diagnosis in high-risk groups and therefore enhance outcomes by detecting patients whose disease is still curable.
Global- and Renal-Specific Sympathoinhibition in Aldosterone Hypertension
Authors: Lohmeier Thomas E. , Liu Boshen , Hildebrandt Drew A. , Cates Adam W. , Georgakopoulos Dimitrios , Irwin Eric D.
Published: April 2015

Recent technology for chronic electric activation of the carotid baroreflex and renal nerve ablation provide global and renal-specific suppression of sympathetic activity, respectively, but the conditions for favorable antihypertensive responses in resistant hypertension are unclear. Because inappropriately high plasma levels of aldosterone are prevalent in these patients, we investigated the effects of baroreflex activation and surgical renal denervation in dogs with hypertension induced by chronic infusion of aldosterone (12 μg/kg per day). Under control conditions, basal values for mean arterial pressure and plasma norepinephrine concentration were 100±3 mm Hg and 134±26 pg/mL, respectively. By day 7 of baroreflex activation, plasma norepinephrine was reduced by ≈40% and arterial pressure by 16±2 mm Hg. All values returned to control levels during the recovery period. Arterial pressure increased to 122±5 mm Hg concomitant with a rise in plasma aldosterone concentration from 4.3±0.4 to 70.0±6.4 ng/dL after 14 days of aldosterone infusion, with no significant effect on plasma norepinephrine. After 7 days of baroreflex activation at control stimulation parameters, the reduction in plasma norepinephrine was similar but the fall in arterial pressure (7±1 mm Hg) was diminished (≈55%) during aldosterone hypertension when compared with control conditions. Despite sustained suppression of sympathetic activity, baroreflex activation did not have central actions to inhibit either the stimulation of vasopressin secretion or drinking induced by increased plasma osmolality during chronic aldosterone infusion. Finally, renal denervation did not attenuate aldosterone hypertension. These findings suggest that aldosterone excess may portend diminished blood pressure lowering to global and especially renal-specific sympathoinhibition during device-based therapy.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Septal Pacing Is Superior to Right Ventricular Apical Pacing
Authors: Zou Cao , Song Jianping , Li Hui , Huang Xingmei , Liu Yuping , Zhao Caiming , Shi Xin , Yang Xiangjun
Published: April 2015

Background

The effects of right ventricular apical pacing (
RVAP
) and right ventricular outflow tract (
RVOT
) septal pacing on atrial and ventricular electrophysiology have not been thoroughly compared.

Methods and Results

To identify a more favorable pacing strategy with fewer adverse effects, 80 patients who had complete atrioventricular block with normal cardiac function and who were treated with either
RVAP
(n=42) or
RVOT
septal pacing (n=38) were recruited after an average of 2 years of follow‐up. The data from electrocardiography and echocardiography performed before pacemaker implantation and at the end of follow‐up were collected. The patients in the
RVOT
septal pacing and
RVAP
groups showed similar demographic and clinical characteristics before pacing treatments. After a mean follow‐up of 2 years, the final maximum P‐wave duration; P‐wave dispersion; Q‐, R‐, and S‐wave complex duration; left atrial volume index; left ventricular end‐systolic diameter; ratio of transmitral early diastolic filling velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity; and interventricular mechanical delay in the
RVOT
septal pacing group were significantly less than those in the
RVAP
group (
P
<0.05). The final left ventricular ejection fraction of the
RVOT
septal pacing group was significantly higher than that of the
RVAP
group (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with
RVAP
,
RVOT
septal pacing has fewer adverse effects regarding atrial electrical activity and structure in patients with normal cardiac function.