bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FITNESS LANDSCAPE EPISTASIS AND RECOMBINATION
Authors: DEL RÍO MANUEL BELTRÁN , STEPHENS CHRISTOPHER R. , ROSENBLUETH DAVID A.
Published: February 2016

Homologous recombination is an important operator in the evolution of biological organisms. However, there is still no clear, generally accepted understanding of why it exists and under what circumstances it is useful. In this paper, we consider its utility in the context of an infinite population haploid model with selection and homologous recombination. We define utility in terms of two metrics — the increase in frequency of fit genotypes, and the increase in average population fitness, relative to those associated with selection only. Explicitly, we explore the full parameter space of a two-locus two-allele system, showing, as a function of the landscape and the initial population, that recombination is beneficial in terms of these metrics in two distinct regimes: a relatively landscape independent regime — the search regime — where recombination aids in the search for a fit genotype that is absent or at low frequency in the population; and the modular regime, where recombination allows for the juxtaposition of fit “modules” or Building Blocks (BBs). Thus, we conclude that the ubiquity and utility of recombination is intimately associated with the existence of modularity and redundancy in biological fitness landscapes.
Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activities of ZnO Nanoparticles: Synthesized Using Water Melon Juice as Fuel
Authors: Yadav L. S. Reddy , Kumar Danith , Kavitha C. , Rajanaika H. , Prasad B. Daruka , Nagabhushana H. , Nagaraju G.
Published: February 2016

In the present work, Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) have been prepared by a simple and low temperature solution combustion method using Zinc nitrate as a precursor and solid water melon juice as a novel fuel for the first time. The structure and morphology of the synthesized ZnO NPs have been analyzed using various analytical techniques such as Powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. ZnO NPs show good photo catalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. It also shows significant antibacterial activities against three bacterial strains.
Inorganic–Organic Nanohybrid Materials of Layered Zinc Hydroxide Nitrate with Intercalated Salicylate: Preparation, Characterization and UV-Blocking Properties
Authors: Liu Jiexiang , Zhang Yongqing , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: February 2016

Intercalation of salicylate (Sal) into layered zinc hydroxide nitrate (ZHN) nanohybrid materials was successfully synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The effect of pH, crystallization method, temperature and time of hydrothermal treatment on preparation was investigated in detail and compared. The products were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results revealed that ZHN–Sal with pure phase and good crystallinity was obtained at pH = 6.0–6.5, 60[Formula: see text]C and 3[Formula: see text]h of temperature and time of hydrothermal treatment. The TG-DTA data indicated that the intercalated Sal had a high stability compared to the isolated. And the phases and compositions of the sample calcined at increasing temperatures were also identified by XRPD and FTIR techniques. Furthermore, ZHN–Sal exhibited an improved UV-blocking ability, showing it can be used as a potential alternative matrix for the UV blocker.
Substituent effect and ligand exchange control the reactivity in ruthenium(II)-catalyzed hydroacylation of isoprenes and aldehydes ‖ A DFT study
Authors: Meng Qingxi , Su Peiying , Wang Fen , Zhu Shuhua
Published: February 2016

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the reaction mechanisms of ruthenium(II)-catalyzed hydroacylation of isoprene with benzaldehyde, and o-methoxyl, m-methoxyl and p-methoxyl benzaldehyde. All intermediates and transition states were entirely optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level (LANL2DZ(f) for Ru). The results demonstrated that the hydroacylation had two different catalytic cycles (path I and II), path II was more favorable than path I. Ru(II)-catalyzed hydroacylation began from the first catalytic cycle, and the nucleophilic reaction was the rate-determining step. The activation barriers of hydrogen migration were the highest in two catalytic cycles, so the hydrogen migration was the rate-determining step. The activation barrier of hydrogen migration could be broken down to two parts: the free energy of exchange ([Formula: see text]) and the relative free energy of transition state ([Formula: see text]). The ligand exchange energy ([Formula: see text]) had more contribution to the activation barrier than the relative free energy of transition state ([Formula: see text]), so the ligand exchange would control these hydroacylation. Furthermore, our calculations also described the substituent effect, and the results indicated that four aldehydes showed different chemical reactivity, and benzaldehyde and m-methoxyl benzaldehyde were predicted to have the best reactivity in ruthenium hydride-catalyzed hydroacylation.
Laplacian spectral characterization of dumbbell graphs and theta graphs
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Lu Pengli
Published: February 2016

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the path and cycle on [Formula: see text] vertices, respectively. The dumbbell graph, denoted by [Formula: see text], is the graph obtained from two cycles [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and a path [Formula: see text] by identifying each pendant vertex of [Formula: see text] with a vertex of a cycle, respectively. The theta graph, denoted by [Formula: see text], is the graph formed by joining two given vertices via three disjoint paths [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. In this paper, we prove that all dumbbell graphs as well as all theta graphs are determined by their [Formula: see text]-spectra.
Fast track system optimization of emergency departments: Insights from a computer simulation study
Authors: Shirazi Babak
Published: February 2016

Healthcare systems engineering in emergency departments (EDs) are developing rapidly in the world nowadays. Fast track (FT) as a rapid treatment system is considered to facilitate ED patient flow. To know how FT can improve the performance of ED, one should study the best configuration of resources for implementation of FT. This research presents a pattern for implementation of FT systems in hospital EDs using healthcare simulation paradigms. Simulation-based optimization model uses modeling and simulation capabilities to generate configurations of FT resources and its patient prioritization pattern with Arena[Formula: see text] simulation software. A decision making method is used to select the optimal configuration based on pre-specified performance indicators. The results imply that the proposed FT implementation pattern is efficient and capable of improving patient flow.
Debye’s temperature and heat capacity for Sr0.15Ba0.85Bi2Nb2O9 relaxor ferroelectric ceramic
Authors: Peláiz-Barranco A. , González-Abreu Y. , Saint-Grégoire P. , Guerra J. D. S. , Calderón-Piñar F.
Published: February 2016

A lead-free relaxor ferroelectric, Sr[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text]Bi2Nb2O9, was synthesized via solid-state reaction and the temperature-dependence of the heat capacity was measured in a wide temperature range. The dielectric permittivity was also measured between 500[Formula: see text]Hz and 5[Formula: see text]MHz in the same temperature range. No anomaly has been detected in the heat capacity curve for the whole temperature range covered in the present experiments, while broad peaks have been observed in the dielectric permittivity with high frequency dispersion. A typical relaxor behavior has been observed from the dielectric analysis. The Debye’s temperature has showed a minimum value near the freezing temperature. The results are discussed considering the spin-glass model and the high frequency dispersion, which has been observed for the studied relaxor system.
Relationship between tolerance factor and temperature coefficient of permittivity of temperature-stable high permittivity BaTiO3–Bi(Me)O3 compounds
Authors: Raengthon Natthaphon , McCue Connor , Cann David P.
Published: February 2016

The temperature coefficient of permittivity ([Formula: see text]) of BaTiO3–Bi(Me)O3 solid solutions were investigated. It was determined that as the tolerance factor was decreased with the addition of Bi(Me)O3, the [Formula: see text] shifted from large negative values to [Formula: see text] values approaching zero. It is proposed that the different bonding nature of the dopant cation affects the magnitude and temperature stability of the permittivity. This study suggests that the relationship between tolerance factor and [Formula: see text] can be used as a guide to design new dielectric compounds exhibiting temperature-stable high permittivity characteristics, which is similar to past research on perovskite and pyrochlore-based microwave dielectrics.
Formation of arc-shaped orogenic belts in the Western and Central Mediterranean: a palaeomagnetic review
Authors: Cifelli Francesca , Caricchi Chiara , Mattei Massimo
Published: February 2016

During the past few decades, palaeomagnetism has been used as a powerful tool for constraining kinematic models of curved orogenic systems, because of its great potential in quantifying vertical axis rotations and in discriminating between primary and secondary (orocline
s.l.
) arcs. The Mediterranean area has represented an attractive region to apply palaeomagnetic analysis, as it shows a large number of narrow arcs, defining an irregular and rather diffuse plate boundary. This paper is intended to be an updated review on the contribution of palaeomagnetism to the reconstruction of the Neogene geodynamic evolution of the arc-shaped orogenic belts in the Western and Central Mediterranean Basin. The Gibraltar Arc, the Northern Apennines and the Calabria Arc are here described, underlining the common and the different features that characterize these arcuate mountain chains. In particular, the mechanisms that lead to the present-day shape of these arcs (the subduction process) will be discussed, in the general framework of the geometry and space–time evolution of the Mediterranean subduction system.
Development of ovine chorionic somatomammotropin hormone-deficient pregnancies
Authors: Baker Callie M. , Goetzmann Lindsey N. , Cantlon Jeremy D. , Jeckel Kimberly M. , Winger Quinton A. , Anthony Russell V.
Published: February 2016

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Chorionic somatomammotropin hormone (CSH), a placenta-specific secretory product found at high concentrations in maternal and fetal circulation throughout gestation, is significantly reduced in human and sheep IUGR pregnancies. The objective of this study was to knock down ovine CSH ( oCSH) expression in vivo using lentiviral-mediated short-hairpin RNA to test the hypothesis that oCSH deficiency would result in IUGR of near-term fetal lambs. Three different lentiviral oCSH-targeting constructs were used and compared with pregnancies ( n = 8) generated with a scrambled control (SC) lentiviral construct. Pregnancies were harvested at 135 days of gestation. The most effective targeting sequence, “target 6” (tg6; n = 8), yielded pregnancies with significant reductions ( P ≤ 0.05) in oCSH mRNA (50%) and protein (38%) concentrations, as well as significant reductions ( P ≤ 0.05) in placental (52%) and fetal (32%) weights compared with the SC pregnancies. Fetal liver weights were reduced 41% ( P ≤ 0.05), yet fetal liver insulin-like growth factor-I ( oIGF1) and -II mRNA concentrations were reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) 82 and 71%, respectively, and umbilical artery oIGF1 concentrations were reduced 62% ( P ≤ 0.05) in tg6 pregnancies. Additionally, fetal liver oIGF-binding protein ( oIGFBP) 2 and oIGFBP3 mRNA concentrations were reduced ( P ≤ 0.05), whereas fetal liver oIGFBP1 mRNA concentration was not impacted nor was maternal liver o IGF and o IGFBP mRNA concentrations or uterine artery oIGF1 concentrations ( P ≥ 0.10). Based on our results, it appears that oCSH deficiency does result in IUGR, by impacting placental development as well as fetal liver development and function.
Mechanism of increased clearance of glycated albumin by proximal tubule cells
Authors: Wagner Mark C. , Myslinski Jered , Pratap Shiv , Flores Brittany , Rhodes George , Campos-Bilderback Silvia B. , Sandoval Ruben M. , Kumar Sudhanshu , Patel Monika , Ashish  , Molitoris Bruce A.
Published: February 2016

Serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and has a long half-life due to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)-mediated transcytosis by many cell types, including proximal tubule cells of the kidney. Albumin also interacts with, and is modified by, many small and large molecules. Therefore, the focus of the present study was to address the impact of specific known biological albumin modifications on albumin-FcRn binding and cellular handling. Binding at pH 6.0 and 7.4 was performed since FcRn binds albumin strongly at acidic pH and releases it after transcytosis at physiological pH. Equilibrium dissociation constants were measured using microscale thermophoresis. Since studies have shown that glycated albumin is excreted in the urine at a higher rate than unmodified albumin, we studied glucose and methylgloxal modified albumins (21 days). All had reduced affinity to FcRn at pH 6.0, suggesting these albumins would not be returned to the circulation via the transcytotic pathway. To address why modified albumin has reduced affinity, we analyzed the structure of the modified albumins using small-angle X-ray scattering. This analysis showed significant structural changes occurring to albumin with glycation, particularly in the FcRn-binding region, which could explain the reduced affinity to FcRn. These results offer an explanation for enhanced proximal tubule-mediated sorting and clearance of abnormal albumins.
Rapid cooling after acute hyperthermia alters intestinal morphology and increases the systemic inflammatory response in pigs
Authors: Johnson Jay S. , Sapkota Avi , Lay Donald C.
Published: February 2016

The study objective was to determine the direct effects of rapid cooling after acute hyperthermia on intestinal morphology and inflammatory response in pigs. In four repetitions, male pigs ( N = 36; 88.7 ± 1.6 kg) were exposed to thermoneutrality (TN; n = 3/rep; 19.5 ± 0.1°C) for 6 h or heat stress (HS; 36.4 ± 0.1°C) for 3 h, followed by a 3-h recovery period of rapid cooling (HSRC; n = 3/rep; rapid TN exposure and ice water dousing for 1.5 h) or gradual cooling (HSGC; n = 3/rep; gradual decrease from HS to TN). Rectal (TR) and gastrointestinal tract (TGI) temperatures were obtained every 15 min for 6 h. In repetitions 1 and 2, blood was collected at 60 and 180 min during HS and 30 and 60 min during recovery, and then pigs were euthanized at 180 min of recovery and duodenum, ileum, and colon tissue were collected to evaluate intestinal morphology. HS increased ( P < 0.01) maximum TR(40.7°C) and TGI(41.5°C) compared with TN treatment (38.9 and 39.3°C, respectively). Recovery reduced TR( P < 0.01; 0.4°C) in HSRC vs. HSGC pigs, but TGIwas similar (40.7°C). HSRC reduced ( P < 0.01) villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (34%) and ileum (46%) vs. HSGC pigs. Serum LPS concentration was greater in HSRC pigs ( P = 0.04; 68.5% and 52.4%, respectively) compared with TN and HSGC pigs, and TNF-α concentration tended to be greater ( P = 0.06; 41.2%) compared with HSGC pigs during recovery. In summary, rapid cooling reduced TRbut had no effect on TGI, and this may be linked to increased intestinal damage and a systemic inflammatory response.
Long-duration bed rest as an analog to microgravity
Authors: Hargens Alan R. , Vico Laurence
Published: February 2016

Long-duration bed rest is widely employed to simulate the effects of microgravity on various physiological systems, especially for studies of bone, muscle, and the cardiovascular system. This microgravity analog is also extensively used to develop and test countermeasures to microgravity-altered adaptations to Earth gravity. Initial investigations of bone loss used horizontal bed rest with the view that this model represented the closest approximation to inactivity and minimization of hydrostatic effects, but all Earth-based analogs must contend with the constant force of gravity by adjustment of the G vector. Later concerns about the lack of similarity between headward fluid shifts in space and those with horizontal bed rest encouraged the use of 6 degree head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest as pioneered by Russian investigators. Headward fluid shifts in space may redistribute bone from the legs to the head. At present, HDT bed rest with normal volunteers is the most common analog for microgravity simulation and to test countermeasures for bone loss, muscle and cardiac atrophy, orthostatic intolerance, and reduced muscle strength/exercise capacity. Also, current physiologic countermeasures are focused on long-duration missions such as Mars, so in this review we emphasize HDT bed rest studies with durations of 30 days and longer. However, recent results suggest that the HDT bed rest analog is less representative as an analog for other important physiological problems of long-duration space flight such as fluid shifts, spinal dysfunction and radiation hazards.
Influence of vigilance state on physiological consequences of seizures and seizure-induced death in mice
Authors: Hajek Michael A. , Buchanan Gordon F.
Published: February 2016

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in patients with refractory epilepsy. SUDEP occurs more commonly during nighttime sleep. The details of why SUDEP occurs at night are not well understood. Understanding why SUDEP occurs at night during sleep might help to better understand why SUDEP occurs at all and hasten development of preventive strategies. Here we aimed to understand circumstances causing seizures that occur during sleep to result in death. Groups of 12 adult male mice were instrumented for EEG, EMG, and EKG recording and subjected to seizure induction via maximal electroshock (MES) during wakefulness, nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Seizure inductions were performed with concomitant EEG, EMG, and EKG recording and breathing assessment via whole body plethysmography. Seizures induced via MES during sleep were associated with more profound respiratory suppression and were more likely to result in death. Despite REM sleep being a time when seizures do not typically occur spontaneously, when seizures were forced to occur during REM sleep, they were invariably fatal in this model. An examination of baseline breathing revealed that mice that died following a seizure had increased baseline respiratory rate variability compared with those that did not die. These data demonstrate that sleep, especially REM sleep, can be a dangerous time for a seizure to occur. These data also demonstrate that there may be baseline respiratory abnormalities that can predict which individuals have higher risk for seizure-induced death.
An asymmetric outer retinal response to drifting sawtooth gratings
Authors: Riddell Nina , Hugrass Laila , Jayasuriya Jude , Crewther Sheila G. , Crewther David P.
Published: February 2016

Electroretinogram (ERG) studies have demonstrated that the retinal response to temporally modulated fast-ON and fast-OFF sawtooth flicker is asymmetric. The response to spatiotemporal sawtooth stimuli has not yet been investigated. Perceptually, such drifting gratings or diamond plaids shaded in a sawtooth pattern appear brighter when movement produces fast-OFF relative to fast-ON luminance profiles. The neural origins of this illusion remain unclear (although a retinal basis has been suggested). Thus we presented toad eyecups with sequential epochs of sawtooth, sine-wave, and square-wave gratings drifting horizontally across the retina at temporal frequencies of 2.5–20 Hz. All ERGs revealed a sustained direct-current (DC) transtissue potential during drift and a peak at drift offset. The amplitudes of both phenomena increased with temporal frequency. Consistent with the human perceptual experience of sawtooth gratings, the sustained DC potential effect was greater for fast-OFF cf. fast-ON sawtooth. Modeling suggested that the dependence of temporal luminance contrast on stimulus device frame rate contributed to the temporal frequency effects but could not explain the divergence in response amplitudes for the two sawtooth profiles. The difference between fast-ON and fast-OFF sawtooth profiles also remained following pharmacological suppression of postreceptoral activity with tetrodotoxin (TTX), 2-amino-4-phosphonobutric acid (APB), and 2,3 cis-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (PDA). Our results indicate that the DC potential difference originates from asymmetries in the photoreceptoral response to fast-ON and fast-OFF sawtooth profiles, thus pointing to an outer retinal origin for the motion-induced drifting sawtooth brightness illusion.
Testing the hypothesis of neurodegeneracy in respiratory network function with a priori transected arterially perfused brain stem preparation of rat
Authors: Jones Sarah E. , Dutschmann Mathias
Published: February 2016

Degeneracy of respiratory network function would imply that anatomically discrete aspects of the brain stem are capable of producing respiratory rhythm. To test this theory we a priori transected brain stem preparations before reperfusion and reoxygenation at 4 rostrocaudal levels: 1.5 mm caudal to obex ( n = 5), at obex ( n = 5), and 1.5 ( n = 7) and 3 mm ( n = 6) rostral to obex. The respiratory activity of these preparations was assessed via recordings of phrenic and vagal nerves and lumbar spinal expiratory motor output. Preparations with a priori transection at level of the caudal brain stem did not produce stable rhythmic respiratory bursting, even when the arterial chemoreceptors were stimulated with sodium cyanide (NaCN). Reperfusion of brain stems that preserved the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) showed spontaneous and sustained rhythmic respiratory bursting at low phrenic nerve activity (PNA) amplitude that occurred simultaneously in all respiratory motor outputs. We refer to this rhythm as the pre-BötC burstlet-type rhythm. Conserving circuitry up to the pontomedullary junction consistently produced robust high-amplitude PNA at lower burst rates, whereas sequential motor patterning across the respiratory motor outputs remained absent. Some of the rostrally transected preparations expressed both burstlet-type and regular PNA amplitude rhythms. Further analysis showed that the burstlet-type rhythm and high-amplitude PNA had 1:2 quantal relation, with burstlets appearing to trigger high-amplitude bursts. We conclude that no degenerate rhythmogenic circuits are located in the caudal medulla oblongata and confirm the pre-BötC as the primary rhythmogenic kernel. The absence of sequential motor patterning in a priori transected preparations suggests that pontine circuits govern respiratory pattern formation.
Decreased heart rate and enhanced sinus arrhythmia during interictal sleep demonstrate autonomic imbalance in generalized epilepsy
Authors: Sivakumar Siddharth S. , Namath Amalia G. , Tuxhorn Ingrid E. , Lewis Stephen J. , Galán Roberto F.
Published: February 2016

We hypothesized that epilepsy affects the activity of the autonomic nervous system even in the absence of seizures, which should manifest as differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac cycle. To test this hypothesis, we investigated ECG traces of 91 children and adolescents with generalized epilepsy and 25 neurologically normal controls during 30 min of stage 2 sleep with interictal or normal EEG. Mean heart rate (HR) and high-frequency HRV corresponding to respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were quantified and compared. Blood pressure (BP) measurements from physical exams of all subjects were also collected and analyzed. RSA was on average significantly stronger in patients with epilepsy, whereas their mean HR was significantly lower after adjusting for age, body mass index, and sex, consistent with increased parasympathetic tone in these patients. In contrast, diastolic (and systolic) BP at rest was not significantly different, indicating that the sympathetic tone is similar. Remarkably, five additional subjects, initially diagnosed as neurologically normal but with enhanced RSA and lower HR, eventually developed epilepsy, suggesting that increased parasympathetic tone precedes the onset of epilepsy in children. ECG waveforms in epilepsy also displayed significantly longer TP intervals (ventricular diastole) relative to the RR interval. The relative TP interval correlated positively with RSA and negatively with HR, suggesting that these parameters are linked through a common mechanism, which we discuss. Altogether, our results provide evidence for imbalanced autonomic function in generalized epilepsy, which may be a key contributing factor to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Viral vector-based tools advance knowledge of basal ganglia anatomy and physiology
Authors: Sizemore Rachel J. , Seeger-Armbruster Sonja , Hughes Stephanie M. , Parr-Brownlie Louise C.
Published: February 2016

Viral vectors were originally developed to deliver genes into host cells for therapeutic potential. However, viral vector use in neuroscience research has increased because they enhance interpretation of the anatomy and physiology of brain circuits compared with conventional tract tracing or electrical stimulation techniques. Viral vectors enable neuronal or glial subpopulations to be labeled or stimulated, which can be spatially restricted to a single target nucleus or pathway. Here we review the use of viral vectors to examine the structure and function of motor and limbic basal ganglia (BG) networks in normal and pathological states. We outline the use of viral vectors, particularly lentivirus and adeno-associated virus, in circuit tracing, optogenetic stimulation, and designer drug stimulation experiments. Key studies that have used viral vectors to trace and image pathways and connectivity at gross or ultrastructural levels are reviewed. We explain how optogenetic stimulation and designer drugs used to modulate a distinct pathway and neuronal subpopulation have enhanced our mechanistic understanding of BG function in health and pathophysiology in disease. Finally, we outline how viral vector technology may be applied to neurological and psychiatric conditions to offer new treatments with enhanced outcomes for patients.
Determination of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) Concentrations via Ion Chromatography and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry in Samples Collected from Nacogdoches Wastewater Treatment Plant, East Texas (USA)
Authors: Onchoke Kefa K. , Sasu Salomey A.
Published: February 2016

The concentration of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a toxic environmental pollutant and carcinogen, was determined in samples collected from Nacogdoches Wastewater Treatment Plant (NWWTP) using ion chromatography and UV-visible spectrophotometry (IC, UV-Vis). On reaction with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) Cr+6 forms a 1,5-diphenylcarbazide-Cr(VI) complex, which is then analyzed at 530 nm and 540 nm, respectively. Via ion chromatography Cr(VI) concentrations were in the range of 0.00190±0.0020 and 0.0010±0.0006 ppm at the influent and effluent, respectively. With the use of standard addition wastewater samples were spiked with a 0.5 ppm Cr(VI) standard of various amounts and subsequently analyzed with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The spiked concentrations gave Cr(VI) concentrations in the range of 0.0090±0.0060 ppm and 0.0040±0.0061 ppm at the influent and influent wastewater, respectively. The determined Cr(VI) concentrations through the ion chromatography and UV-Vis spectrophotometry are below the maximum USEPA contaminant concentration of 0.1 ppm. From the analysis, the NWWTP efficiently removes Cr(VI) before discharge into the environment through La Nana Creek. The removal efficiency for Cr(VI) was determined to be ≥92.8% along the wastewater treatment stages from the influent (aeration stage) to the effluent stages prior to discharge into the La Nana Creek.
Rapid Visco Analyzer Measurements ofjaponicaRice Cultivars to Study Interrelationship between Pasting Properties and Farming System
Authors: Kesarwani Amit , Chiang Po Yuan , Chen Shih Shiung
Published: February 2016

Rheological properties influence the starch softness and cooking quality. Twojaponicarice cultivars were studied that were cultivated under organic and conventional farming. Study was conducted for 2 years in popularjaponicacultivars, that is, Kaohsiung number 139 and Taikeng number 16, which were grown twice a year in Taiwan. The results highlighted that major pasting properties such as peak viscosity, setback value, and pasting temperature improved under organic farming; however, in further analysis, eating and cooking quality reported no significant changes except aroma in rice.
Free Vibration Analysis of Circular Cylindrical Shells with Arbitrary Boundary Conditions by the Method of Reverberation-Ray Matrix
Authors: Tang Dong , Wu Guoxun , Yao Xiongliang , Wang Chuanlong
Published: February 2016

An analytical procedure for free vibration analysis of circular cylindrical shells with arbitrary boundary conditions is developed with the employment of the method of reverberation-ray matrix. Based on the Flügge thin shell theory, the equations of motion are solved and exact solutions of the traveling wave form along the axial direction and the standing wave form along the circumferential direction are obtained. With such a unidirectional traveling wave form solution, the method of reverberation-ray matrix is introduced to derive a unified and compact form of equation for natural frequencies of circular cylindrical shells with arbitrary boundary conditions. The exact frequency parameters obtained in this paper are validated by comparing with those given by other researchers. The effects of the elastic restraints on the frequency parameters are examined in detail and some novel and useful conclusions are achieved.
Sensorless Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors and EKF Parameter Tuning Research
Authors: Zhang Yong , Cheng Xu-Feng
Published: February 2016

This paper concerns the parameter tuning and the estimated results postprocessing of the extended Kalman filter for the sensorless control application of permanent magnet synchronous motors. At first an extended Kalman filter parameter tuning method is proposed based on the theoretical and simulation analysis of extended Kalman filter parameters. Furthermore, a sensorless control system is proposed based on the parameter tuning method and the simulation analysis of extended Kalman filter estimation results in different reference speeds and different load torques. The proposed sensorless control system consists of two parts. The first one is a module to self-regulate extended Kalman filter parameters. The second part can correct the estimated speed and the estimated rotation angle based on the reference speed and the electromagnetic torque. Finally, simulation results are presented to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed sensorless control system.
Quantitative Model for Supply Chain Visibility: Process Capability Perspective
Authors: Lee Youngsu , Rim Suk-Chul
Published: February 2016

Currently, the intensity of enterprise competition has increased as a result of a greater diversity of customer needs as well as the persistence of a long-term recession. The results of competition are becoming severe enough to determine the survival of company. To survive global competition, each firm must focus on achieving innovation excellence and operational excellence as core competency for sustainable competitive advantage. Supply chain management is now regarded as one of the most effective innovation initiatives to achieve operational excellence, and its importance has become ever more apparent. However, few companies effectively manage their supply chains, and the greatest difficulty is in achieving supply chain visibility. Many companies still suffer from a lack of visibility, and in spite of extensive research and the availability of modern technologies, the concepts and quantification methods to increase supply chain visibility are still ambiguous. Based on the extant researches in supply chain visibility, this study proposes an extended visibility concept focusing on a process capability perspective and suggests a more quantitative model usingZscore in Six Sigma methodology to evaluate and improve the level of supply chain visibility.
Porous Epoxy: Effect of Mixing Sequences (ELH versus EHL) Using Toluene as Extraction Medium via Ultrasonic Technique
Authors: Ishak Siti Noorkhartina , Teh Pei Leng , Du Ngoc Uy Lan , Yeoh Cheow Keat
Published: February 2016

Porous epoxy was fabricated using natural rubber latex (NRL) as the void template. In this study, two mixing sequences were selected: epoxy, hardener, and then latex (EHL) and epoxy, latex, and then hardener (ELH). The extraction process was carried out to extract the latex particles from the cured epoxy sample using toluene as extraction medium with ultrasonic technique for 1 hour. The formation of porous structure in epoxy system is dependent essentially on the amount of latex removed from the epoxy matrix. As expected, the density results showed lower values in the porous epoxy in ELH mixing sequences. More porous structure in epoxy was obtained which was proven by the increasing in porosity % which has led to lowering of the value in dielectric constant which is preferred for electronic packaging application. However, it also caused a decrease in flexural strength and modulus.
Community-AcquiredMoraxella catarrhalisBacteremic Pneumonia: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ariza-Prota Miguel Angel , Pando-Sandoval Ana , García-Clemente Marta , Fole-Vázquez David , Casan Pere
Published: February 2016

Moraxella(formerlyBranhamella)catarrhaliswas discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, and for many decades it was considered to be a harmless commensal of the upper respiratory tract. It is a Gram-negative, aerobic diplococcus considered to be the third most common pathogen isolated in childhood sinusitis and otitis media and in adult chronic lower respiratory disease, as well as an etiological agent of pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Moraxella catarrhalispneumonia is rarely associated with bacteremia. Here, we present two cases of community-acquiredMoraxella catarrhalisbacteremic pneumonia.
Evaluation of Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Akçay Betül İlkay Sezgin , Kardeş Esra , Maçin Sultan , Ünlü Cihan , Özgürhan Engin Bilge , Maçin Aydın , Bozkurt Tahir Kansu , Ergin Ahmet , Surmeli Reyhan
Published: February 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in the elderly population.Methods. A total of 42 eyes of 21 patients with more than 70% ICA stenosis (Group 1) on one side and less than 70% stenosis (Group 2) on the other side were recruited for this study. ICA stenosis was diagnosed using both the B-mode and Doppler ultrasound. The two groups were compared in terms of the percentage of stenosis, SFCT measurements, intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, refractive error, and peak systolic velocity. Eyes were examined with the RTVue-100 OCT device by the EDI-OCT technique.Results. The mean age of the patients was71.9±10.8years. The mean percentage of ICA stenosis was74±4.9% in Group 1 and47.5±7.7% in Group 2. The mean SFCT was231.9±44.6 μm in Group 1 and216.2±46.8 μm in Group 2, which was significantly lower (P=0.028). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the percentage of internal carotid artery stenosis and SFCT (r=0896,P=0.001).Conclusions. Compensatory SFCT increase can be seen in ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis greater than 70%.
Inhibitory Effect of thePunica granatumFruit Extract on Angiotensin-II Type I Receptor and Thromboxane B2 in Endothelial Cells Induced by Plasma from Preeclamptic Patients
Authors: Kusumawati Widya , Keman Kusnarman , Soeharto Setyawati
Published: February 2016

This study aims to evaluate whether thePunica granatumfruit extract modulates the Angiotensin-II Type I receptor (AT1-R) and thromboxane B2 level in endothelial cells induced by plasma from preeclamptic patients. Endothelial cells were obtained from human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. At confluence, endothelial cells were divided into five groups, which included endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from normal pregnancy (NP), endothelial cells exposed to 2% plasma from preeclamptic patients (PP), and endothelial cells exposed to PP in the presence of ethanolic extract ofPunica granatum(PP + PG) at the following three doses: 14; 28; and 56 ppm. The expression of AT1-R was observed by immunohistochemistry technique, and thromboxane B2 level was done by immunoassay technique. Plasma from PP significantly increased AT1-R expression and thromboxane B2 levels compared to cells treated by normal pregnancy plasma. The increasing of AT1-R expression significantly (P<0.05) attenuated by high dose treatments ofPunica granatumextract. Moreover, the increasing of thromboxane B2 levels significantly (P<0.05) attenuated by lowest dose treatments ofPunica granatumextract. We further concluded thatPunica granatumfruit protects and inhibits the sensitivity of endothelial cells to plasma from preeclamptic patients due to inhibition of AT1-R expression (56 ppm) and reduced thromboxane B2 levels (14 ppm).
Coordinating a Service Supply Chain under Arms Offset Program’s Intervention by Performance-Based Contracting
Authors: Lin Yi-Kuei , Lin Jong-Jang , Yeh Ruey-Huei
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates a support service supply chain for coordinating with a local third-party logistics provider by arms offset program’s intervention and develops a performance-based contracting framework for the coordinating problem, which remains scarce in the literatures. The performance-based contracting framework evaluates payments and profits for the support service by a game-theoretical approach with principal-agent model. We prove that the proposed framework is an effective tool in acquiring the balance between maximum profit and minimum payment for both parties in the coordinating problem without moral hazard issue. A numerical study consolidates the formulated schemes as contracting preference for both parties’ decision with a higher profit margin at a lower customer’s payment.
A Rare Case of Functioning Adrenocortical Oncocytoma Presenting as Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Tartaglia Nicola , Cianci Pasquale , Altamura Amedeo , Lizzi Vincenzo , Vovola Fernanda , Fersini Alberto , Ambrosi Antonio , Neri Vincenzo
Published: February 2016

Functioning adrenocortical oncocytoma is very rare neoplasm. It is usually nonfunctional and benign and incidentally detected. Generally, these tumors originate in the kidneys, thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary or pituitary glands; they have also been reported in other sites including choroid plexus, respiratory tract, and larynx. Histologically, they are characterized by cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and numerous packed mitochondria. We reported a case of a 44-year-old female who presented with Cushing syndrome for hypersecretion of cortisol due to adrenocortical oncocytoma. Magnetic resonance of abdomen revealed a right adrenal mass. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed and the tumor was pathologically confirmed as benign adrenocortical oncocytoma. After surgical treatment, Cushing’s syndrome resolved.
Activation of the MDA-5–IPS-1 Viral Sensing Pathway Induces Cancer Cell Death and Type I IFN-Dependent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Wang Hongxia , Li Xia , Guo Chunqing , Yuan Fang , Fisher Paul B. , Wang Xiang-Yang
Published: February 2016

Melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 (MDA-5, IFIH1), a cytosolic innate pattern recognition receptor, functions as a first line of defense against viral infection by sensing double-stranded RNA. Ectopic expression of MDA-5 has been shown to induce cancer cell death, but the mechanism of action by which MDA-5 exerts these cytotoxic effects is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of MDA-5 via replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad.Mda-5) initiates multiple signaling cascades, culminating in cytotoxicity and type I IFN production in mouse and human prostate cancer cells. This intrinsic dual activity of MDA-5 required the adaptor protein IFNβ promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1, MAVS) and could be functionally uncoupled. MDA-5 lacking N-terminal caspase recruitment domains (CARD) engaged an intracellular death program in cancer cells but was unable to efficiently stimulate the expression of IFNβ. In contrast to cancer cells susceptible to MDA-5–mediated cytotoxicity, normal cells were highly resistant and instead developed a robust type I IFN response. Strikingly, intratumoral delivery of Ad.Mda-5 led to regression of preestablished prostate cancers and development of long-lasting antitumor immune memory, which was primarily attributed to the activation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes and/or natural killer cells. Using the CARD-truncated MDA-5 mutant, silencing of IPS-1, and antibody blockade of the IFNα/β receptor, we further demonstrate that type I IFN signaling was crucial for in situ MDA-5–induced protective antitumor immunity. Therefore, deliberately targeting the evolutionarily conserved MDA-5–IPS-1 antiviral pathway in tumors can provoke parallel tumoricidal and immunostimulatory effects that bridge innate and adaptive immune responses for the therapeutic treatment of cancer. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2166–76. ©2016 AACR.
Mitochondrial Reprogramming Regulates Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Kannan Anbarasu , Wells Robert B. , Sivakumar Subramaniam , Komatsu Satoshi , Singh Karan P. , Samten Buka , Philley Julie V. , Sauter Edward R. , Ikebe Mitsuo , Idell Steven , Gupta Sudeep , Dasgupta Santanu
Published: February 2016

Purpose: The goal of this study was to understand the role of altered mitochondrial function in breast cancer progression and determine the potential of the molecular alteration signature in developing exosome-based biomarkers.

Experimental Design: This study was designed to characterize the critical components regulating mitochondrial function in breast tumorigenesis. Experiments were conducted to assess the potential of these molecules for exosome-based biomarker development.

Results: We observed a remarkable reduction in spontaneous metastases through the interplay in mitochondria by SH3GL2, vesicular endocytosis–associated protein and MFN2, an important regulator of mitochondrial fusion. Following its overexpression in breast cancer cells, SH3GL2 translocated to mitochondria and induced the production of superoxide and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. These molecular changes were accompanied by decreased lung and liver metastases and primary tumor growth. SH3GL2 depletion reversed the above phenotypic and associated molecular changes in nontumorigenic and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. Loss of SH3GL2 and MFN2 expression was evident in primary human breast cancer tissues and their positive lymph nodes, which was associated with disease progression. SH3GL2 and MFN2 expression was detected in sera exosomes of normal healthy women, but barely detectable in the majority of the women with breast cancer exhibiting SH3GL2 and MFN2 loss in their primary tumors.

Conclusions: This study identified a new mitochondria reprogramming pathway influencing breast cancer progression through SH3GL2 and MFN2. These proteins were frequently lost in breast cancer, which was traceable in the circulating exosomes. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3348–60. ©2016 AACR.
Intracochlear Position of Cochlear Implants Determined Using CT Scanning versus Fitting Levels: Higher Threshold Levels at Basal Turn
Authors: van der Beek Feddo B. , Briaire Jeroen J. , van der Marel Kim S. , Verbist Berit M. , Frijns Johan H.M.
Published: February 2016

Objectives: In this study, the effects of the intracochlear position of cochlear implants on the clinical fitting levels were analyzed. Design: A total of 130 adult subjects who used a CII/HiRes 90K cochlear implant with a HiFocus 1/1J electrode were included in the study. The insertion angle and the distance to the modiolus of each electrode contact were determined using high-resolution CT scanning. The threshold levels (T-levels) and maximum comfort levels (M-levels) at 1 year of follow-up were determined. The degree of speech perception of the subjects was evaluated during routine clinical follow-up. Results: The depths of insertion of all the electrode contacts were determined. The distance to the modiolus was significantly smaller at the basal and apical cochlear parts compared with that at the middle of the cochlea (p < 0.05). The T-levels increased toward the basal end of the cochlea (3.4 dB). Additionally, the M-levels, which were fitted in our clinic using a standard profile, also increased toward the basal end, although with a lower amplitude (1.3 dB). Accordingly, the dynamic range decreased toward the basal end (2.1 dB). No correlation was found between the distance to the modiolus and the T-level or the M-level. Furthermore, the correlation between the insertion depth and stimulation levels was not affected by the duration of deafness, age at implantation or the time since implantation. Additionally, the T-levels showed a significant correlation with the speech perception scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The stimulation levels of the cochlear implants were affected by the intracochlear position of the electrode contacts, which were determined using postoperative CT scanning. Interestingly, these levels depended on the insertion depth, whereas the distance to the modiolus did not affect the stimulation levels. The T-levels increased toward the basal end of the cochlea. The level profiles were independent of the overall stimulation levels and were not affected by the biographical data of the patients, such as the duration of deafness, age at implantation or time since implantation. Further research is required to elucidate how fitting using level profiles with an increase toward the basal end of the cochlea benefits speech perception. Future investigations may elucidate an explanation for the effects of the intracochlear electrode position on the stimulation levels and might facilitate future improvements in electrode design.
Frontal Lobe Degeneration in Adults with Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Authors: Fonseca Luciana Mascarenhas , Yokomizo Juliana Emy , Bottino Cassio Machado , Fuentes Daniel
Published: February 2016

Background: There is a proven link between Down syndrome and the early development of the neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in the personality and behavior of adults with Down syndrome might indicate the early stages of dementia or of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The objective of this study was to investigate the executive functions and changes in behavior associated with frontal lobe degeneration in individuals with Down syndrome who develop AD. We conducted a systematic review selecting studies employing cognitive assessments. Summary: We identified few studies using objective measurements to determine whether cognitive aspects associated with the frontal lobe correlate with dementia in this population. We observed a tendency toward such correlations. Key Messages: There is a need for further studies in which objective measures of cognitive and behavioral factors are evaluated together with data related to brain function and morphology.