bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Aeromonas dhakensis
Strain F2S2-1, Isolated from the Skin Surface of an Indian Oil Sardine (
Sardinella longiceps
)
Authors: Nadiga Mohan , Vaidyanathan V. V. , Thayumanavan Thangavelu
Published: August 2016

Draft genome sequencing of
Aeromonas dhakensis
strain F2S2-1, isolated from the skin surface of an Indian oil sardine (
Sardinella
longiceps), has been carried out. The draft genome was roughly 4.7 Mb in size with 61.7% G+C content. Annotation of the genome yielded 4,337 genes coding for proteins, tRNAs, and rRNAs. Annotation also revealed the presence of 52 genes linked to resistance to antibiotics/toxic compounds. Pathway analysis revealed the presence of novobiocin biosynthetic genes and genes for biosynthesis of a siderophore group on nonsynthetic peptides.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Aeromonas
sp. Strain EERV15
Authors: Ehsani Elham , Barrantes Israel , Vandermaesen Johanna , Geffers Robert , Jarek Michael , Boon Nico , Springael Dirk , Pieper Dietmar H. , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro
Published: August 2016

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Aeromonas
sp. strain EERV15 isolated from sand filter. The organism most closely related to
Aeromonas
sp. EERV15 is
Aeromonas veronii
B565, with an average 83% amino acid sequence similarity of putatively encoded protein open reading frames.
Evaluation of statin prescriptions in type 2 diabetes: India Heart Watch-2
Authors: Gupta Rajeev , Lodha Sailesh , Sharma Krishna K , Sharma Surendra K , Gupta Sunil , Asirvatham Arthur J , Mahanta Bhupendra N , Maheshwari Anuj , Sharma Dinesh C , Meenawat Anand S , Khedar Raghubir S
Published: August 2016

Background

Contemporary treatment guidelines advise statin use in all patients with diabetes for reducing coronary risk. Use of statins in patients with type 2 diabetes has not been reported from India.

Methods

We performed a multisite (n=9) registry-based study among internists (n=3), diabetologists (n=3), and endocrinologists (n=3) across India to determine prescriptions of statins in patients with type 2 diabetes. Demographic and clinical details were obtained and prescriptions were audited for various medications with a focus on statins. Details of type of statin and dosage form (low, moderate, and high) were obtained. Patients were divided into categories based on presence of cardiovascular risk into low (no risk factors, n=1506), medium (≥1 risk factor, n=5425), and high (with vascular disease, n=1769). Descriptive statistics are presented.

Results

Prescription details were available in 8699 (men 5292, women 3407). Statins were prescribed in 55.2% and fibrates in 9.2%. Statin prescription was significantly greater among diabetologists (64.4%) compared with internists (n=53.3%) and endocrinologists (46.8%; p<0.001). Atorvastatin was prescribed in 74.1%, rosuvastatin in 29.2%, and others in 3.0%. Statin prescriptions were lower in women (52.1%) versus men (57.2%; p<0.001) and in patients aged <40 years (34.3%), versus those aged 40–49 (49.7%), 50–59 (60.1%), and ≥60 years (62.2%; p<0.001). Low-dose statins were prescribed in 1.9%, moderate dose in 85.4%, and high dose in 12.7%. Statin prescriptions were greater in the high-risk group (58.0%) compared with those in the medium-risk (53.8%) and low-risk (56.8%) groups (p <0.001). High-dose statin prescriptions were similar in the high-risk (14.5%), medium-risk (11.8%), and low-risk (13.5%) groups (p=0.31).

Conclusions

Statins are prescribed in only half of the clinic-based patients in India with type 2 diabetes. Prescription of high-dose statins is very low.
Severity and pattern of injuries caused by the traditional Swiss team sport ‘Hornussen’: first retrospective study at a level I trauma centre in Switzerland
Authors: Waterkamp Volkmar , Ricklin Meret , Schaller Benoît , Katsoulis Konstantinos , Exadaktylos Aristomenis
Published: August 2016

Background

This article addresses typical injury patterns related to the traditional Swiss team sport of Hornussen. A small plastic disk is struck with a special elastic racket and then intercepted in the field. Severe injuries have occasionally been reported. We present a systematic review of all cases of Hornussen injuries treated in the University Hospital of Bern from 2000 to 2014.

Methods

To assess the frequency, type and outcome of Hornussen injuries, we performed a database search of all inpatient and outpatient cases related to Hornussen and that were admitted to and/or treated in Bern University Hospital from 2000 to 2014.

Results

A total of 28 such patients could be identified. Apart from 1 woman injured as a bystander and treated as an outpatient, all patients were male and active players. Typical injury patterns comprised midfacial fractures and severe ocular traumata, very often in combination. Almost all of these patients had to be hospitalised due to the severity of the trauma suffered and underwent surgery. 1 patient had to be admitted to the intensive care unit prior to the operation.

Conclusions

Eye and face injuries caused by Hornussen can be devastating. This resembles the potential risk of other bat-and-ball sports, such as cricket and baseball. Apart from the economic loss due to treatment costs and sick leave, these injuries can be disabling for life. It should therefore be mandatory for all players to wear protective gear, as is already the case for Hornussen players born in 1984 or later.
A comparative, cross-species investigation of the properties and roles of transferrin- and lactoferrin-binding protein B from pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Ostan N. , Morgenthau A. , Yu R.H. , Gray-Owen S.D. , Schryvers A.B.
Published: August 2016

Pathogenic bacteria from the families Neisseriaeceae and Moraxellaceae acquire iron from their host using surface receptors that have the ability to hijack iron from the iron-sequestering host proteins transferrin (Tf) and lactoferrin (Lf). The process of acquiring iron from Tf has been well-characterized, including the role of the surface lipoprotein transferrin-binding protein B (TbpB). In contrast, the only well-defined role for the homologue, LbpB, is in its protection against cationic antimicrobial peptides, which is mediated by regions present in some LbpBs that are highly enriched in glutamic or aspartic acid. In this study we compare the Tf-TbpB and the Lf-LbpB interactions and examine the protective effect of LbpB against extracts from human and transgenic mouse neutrophils to gains insights into the physiological roles of LbpB. The results indicate that in contrast to the Tf-TbpB interaction, Lf-LbpB interaction is sensitive to pH and varies between species. In addition, the results with transgenic mouse neutrophils raise the question of whether there is species specificity in the cleavage of Lf to generate cationic antimicrobial peptides or differences in the potency of peptides derived from mouse and human Lf.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SUBSIDY POLICIES TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE SOCIETY IN TOYOHASHI CITY IN JAPAN — A CGE-MODELING APPROACH
Authors: MIYATA YUZURU , SHIBUSAWA HIROYUKI , FUJII TOMOAKI
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we explore the economic impact of promotion and realization of an electric vehicle society (EVS). More concretely, this paper emphasizes a computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling approach to evaluate the following issues: economic impacts of subsidies for promotion of an EVS, the possibility of price reductions, industrial structure change toward an EVS, and modal shift occurring toward an EVS. Our simulation results demonstrate that after applying 5–25% up subsidies to five industries, such as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, EV transport, solar power, cogeneration and other transport, the total industrial output and city GDP increase. A large growth rate is found in industries where subsidies are introduced alone with non-ferrous metal industry. However, it is interesting that decreasing proportions are found in oil and coal product, mining, heat supply and gasoline vehicle (GV) transport industries. Moreover, all the commodity prices decrease since subsidies are given to some industries. Hence Toyohashi City’s economy shows a direction where the demand for conventional vehicles and energy use are decreased, conversely, the demand for EVs and renewable energy are increased illustrating a different life style from the current one. However, it does not mean that the total CO2 emission is decreased. EV society makes some industrial outputs larger. Due to the fact that some industrial outputs are increased, CO2 emissions of EV manufacturing and nonferrous metal are increased more than decreased industries. Thus, introducing 5–25% subsidies to EV manufacturing, EV transport, solar power, cogeneration and other transport can really represent a realistic alternative society to EVS if the total CO2 emission can be reduced. Therefore, we have to think what can make the total CO2 emission reduced.
SMALL REWARDS OR SOME ENCOURAGEMENT? USING AN EXPERIMENT IN CHINA TO TEST EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Authors: CHEO ROLAND
Published: August 2016

Extrinsic motivation can play a healthy role in influencing student performance, however, in the developing world without outside intervention, the provider of such extrinsic motivation is usually one with limited means, such as the village school teacher, or a parent struggling to make ends meet. Hence, this paper asks the question: Can limited extrinsic motivation affect academic performance? In particular, we look at two types of extrinsic motivation: small rewards and some encouragement and examine which does a better job to motivate students. We find in this study that the promise of a reward leads to improvement in scores during the treatment period, however, encouragement improves student performance in the post-treatment period (during the national primary school leaving examination).
The effect of Cd substitution doping on the bandgap and absorption spectrum of ZnO
Authors: Hou Qingyu , Li Yong , Qu Lingfeng , Zhao Chunwang
Published: August 2016

Many research papers have reported that in the ultraviolet area of 290–360 nm wavelength range, blueshift and redshift in the absorption spectrum occurred in ZnO with Cd doping; however, there is no reasonable theoretical explanation to this so far. To solve this problem, this study investigates the differences of blueshift and redshift in doping system by adopting plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential technology based on the density functional theory and applying [Formula: see text] method to calculate band structures, density of states and absorption spectrum distribution of the models, which is on the basis of model geometry optimization. By increasing the Cd doping concentration, the following results are obtained: increased volume of the mixed system, raised total energy, a decrease in stability, narrowed bandgaps and a significant redshift in the absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet or visible light area.
Geomorphology and topography of relict surfaces: the influence of inherited crustal structure in the northern Scandinavian Mountains
Authors: Schermer Elizabeth R. , Redfield Thomas F. , Indrevær Kjetil , Bergh Steffen G.
Published: August 2016

Low-relief surfaces in northern Norway are mapped and analysed to explore (1) whether surfaces were once continuous and possibly correlative, recording an ancient, relict landscape, (2) whether the distribution of (now disrupted) surfaces reveals a tectonic history related to rifting of the North Atlantic and (3) how topography changes across the transition between the North Atlantic and Barents Sea margins. Elevation contours on surfaces, a smoothed fit to mean elevations and histograms of elevation show three distinct, coast-parallel zones onshore northern Norway, and a different pattern in coastal Lofoten–Vesterålen. A sharp transition from continuous surfaces to lower, discretely stepped, discontinuous surfaces is located where the crust thins rapidly to the NW from >39 to <25 km. In margin-parallel transects, elevations remain high for >100 km north of the Senja Fracture Zone and then decrease gradually further NE. The spatial pattern suggests that a continuous, low-relief, relatively low-elevation surface formed in late Mesozoic time and was preserved despite modification by Cenozoic faulting, uplift and slow erosion. Scandinavia's present-day topographic envelope reflects a crustal strength profile set up during earlier hyperextension and maintained by slow Neogene erosion rather than resulting from opening of the North Atlantic or caused by glacial erosion.

Supplementary material:
A map of polygons of all surface heights within the study area and data on the location of median centres of polygons, assigned attributes and selected zonal statistics are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3312960
Effects of aging and coronary artery disease on sympathetic neural recruitment strategies during end-inspiratory and end-expiratory apnea
Authors: Badrov Mark B. , Lalande Sophie , Olver T. Dylan , Suskin Neville , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: August 2016

In response to acute physiological stress, the sympathetic nervous system modifies neural outflow through increased firing frequency of lower-threshold axons, recruitment of latent subpopulations of higher-threshold axons, and/or acute modifications of synaptic delays. Aging and coronary artery disease (CAD) often modify efferent muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Therefore, we investigated whether CAD ( n = 14; 61 ± 10 yr) and/or healthy aging without CAD (OH; n = 14; 59 ± 9 yr) modified these recruitment strategies that normally are observed in young healthy (YH; n = 14; 25 ± 3 yr) individuals. MSNA (microneurography) was measured at baseline and during maximal voluntary end-inspiratory (EI) and end-expiratory (EE) apneas. Action potential (AP) patterns were studied using a novel AP analysis technique. AP frequency increased in all groups during both EI- and EE-apnea (all P < 0.05). The mean AP content per integrated burst increased during EI- and EE-apnea in YH (EI: Δ6 ± 4 APs/burst; EE: Δ10 ± 6 APs/burst; both P < 0.01) and OH (EI: Δ3 ± 3 APs/burst; EE: Δ4 ± 5 APs/burst; both P < 0.01), but not in CAD (EI: Δ1 ± 3 APs/burst; EE: Δ2 ± 3 APs/burst; both P = NS). When APs were binned into “clusters” according to peak-to-peak amplitude, total clusters increased during EI- and EE-apnea in YH (EI: Δ5 ± 2; EE: Δ6 ± 4; both P < 0.01), during EI-apnea only in OH (EI: Δ1 ± 2; P < 0.01; EE: Δ1 ± 2; P = NS), and neither apnea in CAD (EI: Δ −2 ± 2; EE: Δ −1 ± 2; both P = NS). In all groups, the AP cluster size-latency profile was shifted downwards for every corresponding cluster during EI- and EE-apnea (all P < 0.01). As such, inherent dysregulation exists within the central features of apnea-related sympathetic outflow in aging and CAD.
Testosterone inhibits expression of lipogenic genes in visceral fat by an estrogen-dependent mechanism
Authors: Holland A. Maleah , Roberts Michael D. , Mumford Petey W. , Mobley C. Brooks , Kephart Wesley C. , Conover Christine F. , Beggs Luke A. , Balaez Alexander , Otzel Dana M. , Yarrow Joshua F. , Borst Stephen E. , Beck Darren T.
Published: August 2016

The influence of the aromatase enzyme on the chronic fat-sparing effects of testosterone requires further elucidation. Our purpose was to determine whether chronic anastrozole (AN, an aromatase inhibitor) treatment alters testosterone-mediated lipolytic/lipogenic gene expression in visceral fat. Ten-month-old Fischer 344 rats ( n = 6/group) were subjected to sham surgery (SHAM), orchiectomy (ORX), ORX + treatment with testosterone enanthate (TEST, 7.0 mg/wk), or ORX + TEST + AN (0.5 mg/day), with drug treatment beginning 14 days postsurgery. At day 42, ORX animals exhibited nearly undetectable serum testosterone and 29% higher retroperitoneal fat mass than SHAM animals ( P < 0.001). TEST produced a ∼380-415% higher serum testosterone than SHAM ( P < 0.001) and completely prevented ORX-induced visceral fat gain ( P < 0.001). Retroperitoneal fat was 21% and 16% lower in ORX + TEST than SHAM ( P < 0.001) and ORX + TEST + AN ( P = 0.007) animals, while serum estradiol (E2) was 62% ( P = 0.024) and 87% ( P = 0.010) higher, respectively. ORX stimulated lipogenic-related gene expression in visceral fat, demonstrated by ∼84–154% higher sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1, P = 0.023), fatty acid synthase ( P = 0.01), and LPL ( P < 0.001) mRNA than SHAM animals, effects that were completely prevented in ORX + TEST animals ( P < 0.01 vs. ORX for all). Fatty acid synthase ( P = 0.061, trend) and LPL ( P = 0.043) mRNA levels were lower in ORX + TEST + AN than ORX animals and not different from SHAM animals but remained higher than in ORX + TEST animals ( P < 0.05). In contrast, the ORX-induced elevation in SREBP-1 mRNA was not prevented by TEST + AN, with SREBP-1 expression remaining ∼117–171% higher than in SHAM and ORX + TEST animals ( P < 0.01). Across groups, visceral fat mass and lipogenic-related gene expression were negatively associated with serum testosterone, but not E2. Aromatase inhibition constrains testosterone-induced visceral fat loss and the downregulation of key lipogenic genes at the mRNA level, indicating that E2influences the visceral fat-sparing effects of testosterone.
Contractile properties of motor units and expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms in rat fast-type muscle after volitional weight-lifting training
Authors: Łochyński Dawid , Kaczmarek Dominik , Mrówczyński Włodzimierz , Warchoł Wojciech , Majerczak Joanna , Karasiński Janusz , Korostyński Michał , Zoladz Jerzy A. , Celichowski Jan
Published: August 2016

Dynamic resistance training increases the force and speed of muscle contraction, but little is known about modifications to the contractile properties of the main physiological types of motor units (MUs) that contribute to these muscle adaptations. Although the contractile profile of MU muscle fibers is tightly coupled to myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression, it is not well understood if MyHC transition is a prerequisite for modifications to the contractile characteristics of MUs. In this study, we examined MU contractile properties, the mRNA expression of MyHC, parvalbumin, and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pump isoforms, as well as the MyHC protein content after 5 wk of volitional progressive weight-lifting training in the medial gastrocnemius muscle in rats. The training had no effect on MyHC profiling or Ca2+-handling protein gene expression. Maximum force increased in slow (by 49%) and fast (by 21%) MUs. Within fast MUs, the maximum force increased in most fatigue-resistant and intermediate but not most fatigable MUs. Twitch contraction time was shortened in slow and fast fatigue-resistant MUs. Twitch half-relaxation was shortened in fast most fatigue-resistant and intermediate MUs. The force-frequency curve shifted rightward in fast fatigue-resistant MUs. Fast fatigable MUs fatigued less within the initial 15 s while fast fatigue-resistant units increased the ability to potentiate the force within the first minute of the standard fatigue test. In conclusion, at the early stage of resistance training, modifications to the contractile characteristics of MUs appear in the absence of MyHC transition and the upregulation of Ca2+-handling genes.
High-Speed X-Ray Transmission and Numerical Study of Melt Flows inside the Molten Pool during Laser Welding of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Peng Jin , Li Liqun , Lin Shangyang , Zhang Furong , Pan Qinglong , Katayama Seiji
Published: August 2016

By using the X-ray transmission imaging system, melt flows inside a molten pool were studied during laser welding of aluminum alloy at different welding speeds. Then, the correlation between temperature gradients along the direction of weld penetration and melt flows in the rear part of a molten pool was analyzed by using a three-dimensional numerical method. And the presented model was verified by experimental results. The corresponding investigation was carried out to further study the correlation between temperature gradient and melt flow behavior of the molten pool in the plate heated by preheating temperature. The results indicated that, in the rear part of the molten pool, the maximum flow velocity was located at the bottom of the molten pool. The melt metal in the rear molten pool caused by different welding speeds had significantly different flow trends. As the welding speed increased, the absorbed intensity on the keyhole front wall also increased as well as the recoil pressure that could maintain the keyhole opened. Consequently, the increase of the welding speed was more beneficial to improving the stability of the molten pool.
Effect of Cross‐Sex Hormonal Replacement on Antioxidant Enzymes in Rat Retroperitoneal Fat Adipocytes
Authors: Pérez-Torres Israel , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Zúñiga-Muñoz Alejandra , Velázquez Espejel Rodrigo , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Uribe-Carvajal Salvador , Pavón Natalia
Published: August 2016

We report the effect of cross‐sex hormonal replacement on antioxidant enzymes from rat retroperitoneal fat adipocytes. Eight rats of each gender were assigned to each of the following groups: control groups were intact female or male (F and M, resp.). Experimental groups were ovariectomized F (OvxF), castrated M (CasM), OvxF plus testosterone (OvxF + T), and CasM plus estradiol (CasM + E2) groups. After sacrifice, retroperitoneal fat was dissected and processed for histology. Adipocytes were isolated and the following enzymatic activities were determined: Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR). Also, glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured. In OvxF, retroperitoneal fat increased and adipocytes were enlarged, while in CasM rats a decrease in retroperitoneal fat and small adipocytes are observed. The cross‐sex hormonal replacement in F rats was associated with larger adipocytes and a further decreased activity of Cu‐Zn SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GR, and GSH, in addition to an increase in LPO. CasM + E2 exhibited the opposite effects showing further activation antioxidant enzymes and decreases in LPO. In conclusion, E2 deficiency favors an increase in retroperitoneal fat and large adipocytes. Cross‐sex hormonal replacement in F rats aggravates the condition by inhibiting antioxidant enzymes.
H∞Controller Design for Asynchronous Hybrid Systems with Multiple Delays
Authors: Sun Xiaoqiang , Mao Weijie
Published: August 2016

Solutions for theH∞synthesis problems of asynchronous hybrid systems with input-output delays are proposed. The continuous-time lifting approach of sampled-data systems is extended to a hybrid system with multiple delays, and some feasible formulas to calculate the operators of the equivalent discrete-time (DT) system are given. Different from the existing methods derived from symplectic pair theory or by state augmentation, a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional to solve the synthesis problem is explicitly constructed. The delay-dependent stability conditions we obtained can be described in terms of nonstrict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are much more convenient to be solved by LMI tools.
A Role of Ginseng and Its Constituents in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Rokot Natasya Trivena , Kairupan Timothy Sean , Cheng Kai-Chun , Runtuwene Joshua , Kapantow Nova Hellen , Amitani Marie , Morinaga Akinori , Amitani Haruka , Asakawa Akihiro , Inui Akio
Published: August 2016

Ginseng, a perennial plant belonging to the Panax genus of the Araliaceae family, has been used in China, Korea, and Japan as a traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. Ginseng is recorded to have exhibited a wide variety of beneficial pharmacological effects and has become a popular and worldwide known health supplement and drug. The protective effects of ginseng on central nervous system are discussed in this review. Ginseng species and ginsenosides and their intestinal metabolism and bioavailability are concisely introduced. The molecular mechanisms of the effects of ginseng on central nervous system, mainly focused on the neuroprotection properties of ginseng, memory, and learning enhanced properties, and the effects on neurodegenerative disorders are presented. Thus, ginseng and its constituents are of potential merits in the treatment of cerebral disorders.
A New Scale to Assess the Severity and Prognosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Authors: Bai JiuWu , Xu JinFu , Yang WenLan , Gao Beilan , Cao Weijun , Liang Shuo , Li Huiping
Published: August 2016

Background. Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a syndrome characterized by pulmonary surfactant accumulation. Small proportion of PAP patients experienced spontaneous remission.Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the severity and prognosis of PAP using various indexes.Methods. Characteristics, PaO2, lung function parameters, and HRCT score of 101 patients with PAP were retrospectively analyzed. Many indexes were explored and integrated into a scale.Results. PaO2was lower among smokers than among never-smokers. PaO2differed between each pair of patient groups stratified according to HRCT score or DLCO, % predicted, which differed between any two groups stratified according to PaO2. The PAP patients who died presented with more symptoms, a higher HRCT score, and lower DLCO, % predicted, than survivors. Smoking status, symptoms, PaO2, HRCT score, and DLCO, % predicted, were integrated into a scale (severity and prognosis score of PAP (SPSP)). SPSP correlated positively with PaO2, FVC, % predicted, FEV1, % predicted, and DLCO, % predicted, and negatively with HRCT score. The patients who died displayed a higher SPSP than survivors.Conclusion. Smoking status, symptoms, PaO2, HRCT score, and DLCO, % predicted, were integrated into a scale (SPSP) that can be used to assess the severity and prognosis of PAP to some degree.
Asymptotic Behavior of Certain Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Grace Said , Akin Elvan
Published: August 2016

This paper deals with asymptotic behavior of nonoscillatory solutions of certain forced integrodifferential equations of the form:atx′t′=e(t)+∫ct‍(t-s)α-1k(t,s)f(s,x(s))ds,  c>1,  0<α<1.From the obtained results, we derive a technique which can be applied to some related integrodifferential as well as integral equations.
Self-Dual Configurations in a Generalized Abelian Chern-Simons-Higgs Model with Explicit Breaking of the Lorentz Covariance
Authors: Casana Rodolfo , Sourrouille Lucas
Published: August 2016

We have studied the existence of self-dual solitonic solutions in a generalization of the Abelian Chern-Simons-Higgs model. Such a generalization introduces two different nonnegative functions,ω1(|ϕ|)andω(|ϕ|), which split the kinetic term of the Higgs field,|Dμϕ|2→ω1(|ϕ|)|D0ϕ|2-ω(|ϕ|)|Dkϕ|2, breaking explicitly the Lorentz covariance. We have shown that a clean implementation of the Bogomolnyi procedure only can be implemented whetherω(|ϕ|)∝β|ϕ|2β-2withβ≥1. The self-dual or Bogomolnyi equations produce an infinity number of soliton solutions by choosing conveniently the generalizing functionω1(|ϕ|)which must be able to provide a finite magnetic field. Also, we have shown that by properly choosing the generalizing functions it is possible to reproduce the Bogomolnyi equations of the Abelian Maxwell-Higgs and Chern-Simons-Higgs models. Finally, some new self-dual|ϕ|6-vortex solutions have been analyzed from both theoretical and numerical point of view.
Online Hierarchical Sparse Representation of Multifeature for Robust Object Tracking
Authors: Yang Honghong , Qu Shiru
Published: August 2016

Object tracking based on sparse representation has given promising tracking results in recent years. However, the trackers under the framework of sparse representation always overemphasize the sparse representation and ignore the correlation of visual information. In addition, the sparse coding methods only encode the local region independently and ignore the spatial neighborhood information of the image. In this paper, we propose a robust tracking algorithm. Firstly, multiple complementary features are used to describe the object appearance; the appearance model of the tracked target is modeled by instantaneous and stable appearance features simultaneously. A two-stage sparse-coded method which takes the spatial neighborhood information of the image patch and the computation burden into consideration is used to compute the reconstructed object appearance. Then, the reliability of each tracker is measured by the tracking likelihood function of transient and reconstructed appearance models. Finally, the most reliable tracker is obtained by a well established particle filter framework; the training set and the template library are incrementally updated based on the current tracking results. Experiment results on different challenging video sequences show that the proposed algorithm performs well with superior tracking accuracy and robustness.
Performance of Soft Asphalt and Double Otta Seal within First Three Years
Authors: Vaitkus Audrius , Vorobjovas Viktoras , Tuminienė Faustina , Gražulytė Judita
Published: August 2016

Gravel roads play an important role in the transport infrastructure. However, their maintenance (especially the control of dustiness using chemical dust suppressants) is expensive. Besides, the condition of gravel roads results in low driving comfort, longer travelling time, faster vehicle amortization, and so forth. Typically, these problems are solved by paving gravel roads with asphalt wearing layer. However, north countries practice had shown pavement structure high susceptibility to frost due to insufficient thickness of frost resistance layer. The construction of thicker frost resistant layer increases road construction cost by 25% and, in most cases, there is no need to increase bearing capacity by increasing total thickness of pavement structure. In 2012 19 gravel roads were constructed using cost effective rehabilitation technologies—soft asphalt and double Otta Seal in Lithuania. This paper focuses on those two technologies’ performance within first three years of constructed roads exploitation. The implemented experimental research consisted of three parts by evaluating constructed roads base layers bearing capacity; pavement roughness; and pavement distresses and defects. As a result, the acceptable performance indicators were determined for both technologies—soft asphalt and double Otta Seal. Also recommendations for construction and exploitation improvement were defined.
Effects of Seated Postural Stability and Trunk and Upper Extremity Strength on Performance during Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Tests in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Gagnon Dany H. , Roy Audrey , Gabison Sharon , Duclos Cyril , Verrier Molly C. , Nadeau Sylvie
Published: August 2016

Objectives.To quantify the association between performance-based manual wheelchair propulsion tests (20 m propulsion test, slalom test, and 6 min propulsion test), trunk and upper extremity (U/E) strength, and seated reaching capability and to establish which ones of these variables best predict performance at these tests.Methods.15 individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) performed the three wheelchair propulsion tests prior to discharge from inpatient SCI rehabilitation. Trunk and U/E strength and seated reaching capability with unilateral hand support were also measured. Bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression analyses allowed determining the best determinants and predictors, respectively.Results.The performance at the three tests was moderately or strongly correlated with anterior and lateral flexion trunk strength, anterior seated reaching distance, and the shoulder, elbow, and handgrip strength measures. Shoulder adductor strength-weakest side explained 53% of the variance on the 20-meter propulsion test-maximum velocity. Shoulder adductor strength-strongest side and forward seated reaching distance explained 71% of the variance on the slalom test. Handgrip strength explained 52% of the variance on the 6-minute propulsion test.Conclusion.Performance at the manual wheelchair propulsion tests is explained by a combination of factors that should be considered in rehabilitation.
Theoretical and Experimental Demonstration on Grating Lobes of Liquid Crystal Optical Phased Array
Authors: Wang Xiangru , Wu Liang , Li Man , Wu Shuanghong , Shang Jiyang , Qiu Qi
Published: August 2016

High deflection efficiency is one of the urgent requirements for practical liquid crystal optical phased array (LC-OPA). In this paper, we demonstrate that high order grating lobes induced from fringe effect are the most important issue to reduce occupation of main lobe. A novel theoretical model is developed to analyze the feature of grating lobes when the device of LC-OPA is working on the scheme of variable period grating (VPG) or variable blazing grating (VBG). Subsequently, our experiments present the relevant results showing a good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Penetration and Silencing Activity of VEGF Dicer Substrate siRNA Vectorized by Chitosan Nanoparticles in Monolayer Culture and a Solid Tumor ModelIn Vitrofor Potential Application in Tumor Therapy
Authors: Raja Maria Abdul Ghafoor , Katas Haliza , Abd Hamid Zariyantey
Published: August 2016

Penetration and distribution of drug through the avascular regions of human solid tumors after extravasation are crucial concerns for antitumor efficacy. To address this issue, anin vitrosolid tumor model of multicellular layers (MCLs) of human colorectal cancer cells (DLD-1) was established. In an attempt to deliver Dicer substrate small interfering RNA (DsiRNA), chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have been developed for targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene for tumor growth inhibition. The DsiRNA-CS nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation method had provided maximal protection of DsiRNA in full human serum up to 48 h incubation. RT-PCR studies revealed significant concentration- and time-dependent knock-down ofVEGFmRNA and its product due to uniform penetration of DsiRNA-CS nanoparticles throughout MCLs. Taken together, this study also demonstrated that DsiRNA-CS nanoparticles could effectively knock downVEGFgene as therapeutic target in monolayer culture or in solid tumor model for potential treatment of human colorectal carcinoma.
Quantum-Corrected Two-Dimensional Horava-Lifshitz Black Hole Entropy
Authors: Anacleto M. A. , Bazeia D. , Brito F. A. , Mota-Silva J. C.
Published: August 2016

We focus on the Hamilton-Jacobi method to determine several thermodynamic quantities such as temperature, entropy, and specific heat of two-dimensional Horava-Lifshitz black holes by using the generalized uncertainty principles (GUP). We also address the product of horizons, mainly concerning the event, Cauchy, and cosmological and virtual horizons.
Mitochondria in the Aging Muscles of Flies and Mice: New Perspectives for Old Characters
Authors: Campo Andrea del , Jaimovich Enrique , Tevy Maria Florencia
Published: August 2016

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass accompanied by a decrease in muscle strength and resistance and is the main cause of disability among the elderly. Muscle loss begins long before there is any clear physical impact in the senior adult. Despite all this, the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle aging are far from being understood. Recent studies have identified that not only mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction but also mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial calcium uptake could be involved in the degeneration of skeletal muscle mass. Mitochondrial homeostasis influences muscle quality which, in turn, could play a triggering role in signaling of systemic aging. Thus, it has become apparent that mitochondrial status in muscle cells could be a driver of whole body physiology and organismal aging. In the present review, we discuss the existing evidence for the mitochondria related mechanisms underlying the appearance of muscle aging and sarcopenia in flies and mice.
Finite Control Set Model Predictive Speed Control of a DC Motor
Authors: Šlapák Viktor , Kyslan Karol , Lacko Milan , Fedák Viliam , Ďurovský František
Published: August 2016

The paper describes the design procedure for a finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) of brushed permanent magnet DC (PMDC) machine supplied from DC-DC converter. Full order linear Kalman filter is used for estimation of an unmeasured load torque and reduction of speed measurement noise. A new cost function has been introduced with a feedforward dynamic current component and a feedforward static load current component. The performance of the proposed control strategy is compared to the conventional PI-PWM cascade speed control through the experimental verification on the 250 W laboratory prototype. Obtained results show excellent dynamic behaviour and indicate possible energy savings of the proposed speed control.
The Novel Tubulin-Binding Checkpoint Activator BAL101553 Inhibits EB1-Dependent Migration and Invasion and Promotes Differentiation of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells
Authors: Bergès Raphaël , Tchoghandjian Aurélie , Honoré Stéphane , Estève Marie-Anne , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Bachmann Felix , Lane Heidi A. , Braguer Diane
Published: August 2016

Glioblastoma patients have limited treatment options. Cancer stem-like cells (CSLC) contribute to glioblastoma invasiveness and repopulation; hence, they represent promising targets for novel therapies. BAL101553 is a prodrug of BAL27862, a novel microtubule-destabilizing agent inhibiting tumor cell proliferation through activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint, which is currently in phase I/II clinical development. Broad anticancer activity has been demonstrated against human cancer models, including tumors refractory to conventional treatments. We have shown that overexpression of microtubule + end-binding 1-protein (EB1) correlates with glioblastoma progression and poor survival. Here, we show that BAL27862 inhibits the growth of two glioblastoma CSLCs. As EB1 is overexpressed in the CSLC line GBM6, which displays a high tumorigenicity and infiltrative pattern of migration in vivo, we investigated drug activity on GBM6 according to EB1 expression. BAL27862 inhibited migration and colony formation at subcytotoxic concentrations in EB1-expressing control cells (GBM6-sh0) but only at cytotoxic concentrations in EB1-downregulated (GBM-shE1) cells. Three administrations of BAL101553 were sufficient to provoke an EB1-dependent survival benefit in tumor-bearing mice. Patterns of invasion and quantification of tumor cells in brain demonstrated that GBM6-sh0 cells were more invasive than GBM6-shEB1 cells, and that the antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects of BAL101553 were more potent in mice bearing control tumors than in EB1-downregulated tumors. This was associated with inhibition of stem cell properties in the GBM6-sh0 model. Finally, BAL27862 triggered astrocytic differentiation of GBM6 in an EB1-dependent manner. These results support the potential of BAL101553 for glioblastoma treatment, with EB1 expression as a predictive biomarker of response. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2740–9. ©2016 AACR.
Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth: A Growing Literature
Authors: Martinez Saez Daniel , Sasaki Robson Tetsuo , Neves Adriana da Costa , da Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira
Published: August 2016

Adult stem cells research has been considered the most advanced sort of medical-scientific research, particularly stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), which represent an immature stem cell population. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge concerning SHED from full-text scientific publications from 2003 to 2015, available in English language and based on the keyword and/or abbreviations ‘stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED)', and individually presented as to the properties of SHED, immunomodulatory properties of SHED and stem cell banking. In summary, these cell populations are easily accessible by noninvasive procedures and can be isolated, cultured and expanded in vitro, successfully differentiated in vitro and in vivo into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes and neural cells, and present low immune reactions or rejection following SHED transplantation. Furthermore, SHED are able to remain undifferentiated and stable after long-term cryopreservation. In conclusion, the high proliferative capacity, easy access, multilineage differentiation capacity, noninvasiveness and few ethical concerns make stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth the most valuable source of stem cells for tissue engineering and cell-based regenerative medicine therapies.
Effect of the rs10767664 Variant of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene on Weight Change and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Morbidly Obese Patients after Biliopancreatic Diversion Surgery
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Izaola Olatz , Primo David , Pacheco David
Published: August 2016

Background: The effect of the rs10767664 variant of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene on weight loss after bariatric surgery has not been evaluated. We decided to investigate the role of the rs10767664 variant on outcomes after biliopancreatic diversion surgery. Materials and Methods: A sample of 90 patients with morbid obesity without diabetes mellitus was operated. Biochemical and anthropometric evaluation were realized at basal visit and at each visit during 3 years (at 1, 2 and 3 years). Results: Initial percentage excess weight loss, body mass index, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) improved. No differences in these changes were detected between the two genotypes (wild-type group AA vs. mutant group AT plus TT) in a dominant model. The improvement of insulin levels was lower in T-allele carriers than non-T-allele carriers (-2.8 ± 0.7 vs. -7.1 ± 0.9 UI/dl; p = 0.02). The decrease of fasting glucose (-13.4 ± 7.4 vs. -24.2 ± 5.2 mg/dl; p = 0.01) and HOMA-IR (-1.1 ± 0.3 vs. -0.5 ± 0.4 units; p = 0.02) were lower in T-allele carriers than non-T-allele carriers. Conclusion: Our data showed an association between the rs10767664 variant and metabolic response after weight loss. Non-T-allele carriers have a better improvement in glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels than T-allele carriers.
Gene Panel Testing in Epileptic Encephalopathies and Familial Epilepsies
Authors: Møller Rikke S. , Larsen Line H.G. , Johannesen Katrine M. , Talvik Inga , Talvik Tiina , Vaher Ulvi , Miranda Maria J. , Farooq Muhammad , Nielsen Jens E.K. , Lavard Svendsen Lene , Kjelgaard Ditte B. , Linnet Karen M. , Hao Qin , Uldall Peter , Frangu Mimoza , Tommerup Niels , Baig Shahid M. , Abdullah Uzma , Born Alfred P. , Gellert Pia , Nikanorova Marina , Olofsson Kern , Jepsen Birgit , Marjanovic Dragan , Al-Zehhawi Lana I.K. , Peñalva Sofia J. , Krag-Olsen Bente , Brusgaard Klaus , Hjalgrim Helle , Rubboli Guido , Pal Deb K. , Dahl Hans A.
Published: August 2016

In recent years, several genes have been causally associated with epilepsy. However, making a genetic diagnosis in a patient can still be difficult, since extensive phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity has been observed in many monogenic epilepsies. This study aimed to analyze the genetic basis of a wide spectrum of epilepsies with age of onset spanning from the neonatal period to adulthood. A gene panel targeting 46 epilepsy genes was used on a cohort of 216 patients consecutively referred for panel testing. The patients had a range of different epilepsies from benign neonatal seizures to epileptic encephalopathies (EEs). Potentially causative variants were evaluated by literature and database searches, submitted to bioinformatic prediction algorithms, and validated by Sanger sequencing. If possible, parents were included for segregation analysis. We identified a presumed disease-causing variant in 49 (23%) of the 216 patients. The variants were found in 19 different genes including SCN1A, STXBP1, CDKL5, SCN2A, SCN8A, GABRA1, KCNA2, and STX1B. Patients with neonatal-onset epilepsies had the highest rate of positive findings (57%). The overall yield for patients with EEs was 32%, compared to 17% among patients with generalized epilepsies and 16% in patients with focal or multifocal epilepsies. By the use of a gene panel consisting of 46 epilepsy genes, we were able to find a disease-causing genetic variation in 23% of the analyzed patients. The highest yield was found among patients with neonatal-onset epilepsies and EEs.
The Association between Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Usage and Breast Cancer Characteristics
Authors: Goldvaser Hadar , Rizel Shulamit , Hendler Daniel , Neiman Victoria , Shepshelovich Daniel , Shochat Tzippy , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch , Yerushalmi Rinat
Published: August 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the association between angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) usage and breast cancer characteristics and outcomes. Methods: All patients who were treated in our institute for estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative early breast cancer between April 2005 and March 2012 and whose tumors were sent for Oncotype-DX analysis were included. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding ARB usage were retrieved. Usage of several prespecified medications for hypertension was also evaluated. Each medication group was compared with the rest of the cohort. Results: A total of 671 patients were included. Forty-six (7%) patients were treated with ARB. ARB usage was associated with macroscopic nodal involvement (p < 0.001) and a more advanced stage at diagnosis (p < 0.001). These findings remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Patients treated with ARB also had a higher incidence of invasive lobular carcinoma subtype (p = 0.009), a worse 5-year breast cancer-specific survival (94.7 vs. 98.8%, p = 0.024) and a worse 5-year overall survival (94.6 vs. 98.8%, p = 0.015), but these differences were not demonstrated in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Patients treated with ARB presented with a more advanced breast cancer disease and some distinct histological features. Further research is required to elucidate the effect of ARB treatment on breast cancer.