bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fast Geometric Optics-Based Design Approach for Dielectric Rod Antennas
Authors: Liu Jingping , Safavi-Naeini Safieddin , Wang Ying , Taeb Aidin
Published: December 2015

A simple and effective dielectric rod antenna design approach based on geometric optics and modal analysis is presented. The tapered antennas from microwave to terahertz can be readily designed with the equations presented in this paper. The radius of antenna is determined by the desired traveling wave mode inside the antenna. The field inside the antenna consists of the fundamental mode and the second mode. For the end-fire operation, there is only the fundamental mode. The length of the antenna is designed based on geometric optics theory so that most of the traveling wave will be converted to the radiating field towards the output plane, avoiding reflection inside the antenna. Such antennas can achieve wide bandwidth. The gain increases with the length of the antenna as long as the diameters and length satisfy the conditions given in this paper. A number of antenna design examples with high gain and wide bandwidth are presented. The measurement results of a 130 GHz rectangular antenna with a length of 4λshow a bandwidth of 60 GHz and a gain of 12 dB.
Germinated Brown Rice Alters Aβ(1-42) Aggregation and Modulates Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Genes in Differentiated Human SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Azmi Nur Hanisah , Ismail Maznah , Ismail Norsharina , Imam Mustapha Umar , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu Mohammed , Abdullah Maizaton Atmadini
Published: December 2015

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease involves complex etiological factors, of which the deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein and oxidative stress have been strongly implicated. We explored the effects of H2O2, which is a precursor for highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, on neurotoxicity and genes related to AD on neuronal cells. Candidate bioactive compounds responsible for the effects were quantified using HPLC-DAD. Additionally, the effects of germinated brown rice (GBR) on the morphology of Aβ(1-42) were assessed by Transmission Electron Microscopy and its regulatory effects on gene expressions were explored. The results showed that GBR extract had several phenolic compounds andγ-oryzanol and altered the structure of Aβ(1-42) suggesting an antiamyloidogenic effect. GBR was also able to attenuate the oxidative effects of H2O2as implied by reduced LDH release and intracellular ROS generation. Furthermore, gene expression analyses showed that the neuroprotective effects of GBR were partly mediated through transcriptional regulation of multiple genes including Presenilins, APP, BACE1, BACE2, ADAM10, Neprilysin, and LRP1. Our findings showed that GBR exhibited neuroprotective properties via transcriptional regulation of APP metabolism with potential impact on Aβaggregation. These findings can have important implications for the management of neurodegenerative diseases like AD and are worth exploring further.
Successful Treatment with Intravenous Cyclophosphamide for Refractory Adult-Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: Tsuji Yoshika , Iwanaga Nozomi , Adachi Anna , Tsunozaki Kinuyo , Izumi Yasumori , Moriwaki Yuji , Kurohama Kazuhiro , Ito Masahiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: December 2015

We report a 64-year-old female case of intractable adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). Initial high-dose steroid therapy combined with cyclosporin A was ineffective against macrophage-activation syndrome (MAS), which was accompanied by the systemic type of AOSD. Treatment for MAS with intravenous cyclophosphamide resulted in remission of AOSD and a reduction in the high doses of steroids. Efficacy of biologics against MAS in AOSD is unclear. Cyclophosphamide, a conventional cytotoxic agent, should be considered as one of the therapeutic options for refractory types of AOSD with MAS.
Low-Complexity Transmit Antenna Selection in Large-Scale Spatial Modulation Systems
Authors: Wei Peng , Yin Lu , Xiao Yue , He Xu , Li Shaoqian
Published: December 2015

Transmit antenna selection (TAS) is an efficient way for improving the system performance of spatial modulation (SM) systems. However, in the case of large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration, the computational complexity of TAS in large-scale SM will be extremely high, which prohibits the application of TAS-SM in a real large-scale MIMO system for future 5G wireless communications. For solving this problem, in this paper, two novel low-complexity TAS schemes, named as norm-angle guided subset division (NAG-SD) and threshold-based NAG-SD ones, are proposed to offer a better tradeoff between computational complexity and system performance. Simulation results show that the proposed schemes can achieve better performance than traditional TAS schemes, while effectively reducing the computational complexity in large-scale spatial modulation systems.
Cowden Syndrome and Concomitant Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Presentation of Two Cases
Authors: Langer Seppo W. , Ringholm Lene , Dali Christine I. , Petersen Rene Horsleben , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Federspiel Birgitte , Knigge Ulrich Peter
Published: December 2015

Cowden Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder. Patients with Cowden Syndrome are at increased risk of various benign and malignant neoplasms in breast, endometrium, thyroid, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system. Neuroendocrine tumors are ubiquitous neoplasms that may occur anywhere in the human body. Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors include four different histological subtypes, among these, typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoids. No association between Cowden Syndrome and neuroendocrine tumors has previously been described. We present two cases of Cowden Syndrome that were diagnosed with pulmonary carcinoids.
PK2/PKR1 Signaling Regulates Bladder Function and Sensation in Rats with Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Cystitis
Authors: Chen Biao , Zhang Huiping , Liu Lili , Wang Jiaojiao , Ye Zhangqun
Published: December 2015

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a novel chemokine‐like peptide with multiple proinflammatory and nociception‐related activities. This study aimed to explore the potential role of PK2 in modulating bladder activity and sensation in rats with cyclophosphamide‐ (CYP‐) induced cystitis. Changes of PK2 and prokineticin receptors (PKRs) in normal and inflamed urinary bladders were determined at several time points (4 h, 48 h, and 8 d) after CYP treatment. Combining a nonselective antagonist of prokineticin receptors (PKRA), we further evaluated the regulatory role of PK2 in modulating bladder function and visceral pain sensation via conscious cystometry and pain behavioral scoring. PK2 and prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1), but not prokineticin receptor 2, were detected in normal and upregulated in CYP‐treated rat bladders at several levels. Immunohistochemistry staining localized PKR1 primarily in the urothelium. Blocking PKRs with PKRA showed no effect on micturition reflex activity and bladder sensation in control rats while it increased the voiding volume, prolonged voiding interval, and ameliorated visceral hyperalgesia in rats suffering from CYP‐induced cystitis. In conclusion, PK2/PKR1 signaling pathway contributes to the modulation of inflammation‐mediated voiding dysfunction and spontaneous visceral pain. Local blockade of PKRs may represent a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of inflammation‐related bladder diseases.
Evaluation of Synthesized Nanohydroxyapatite‐Nanocellulose Composites as Biocompatible Scaffolds for Applications in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Herdocia-Lluberes Claudia S. , Laboy-López Simara , Morales Stefannie , Gonzalez-Robles Tania J. , González-Feliciano José A. , Nicolau Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals have been associated with many diseases due to their activation of signaling pathways that lead to their mineralization and deposition in intra‐articular and periarticular locations in the bones. In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been placed in a polysaccharide network as a strategy to minimize this deposition. This research consisted of the evaluation of varying proportions of the polysaccharide network, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and HAp synthesized via a simple sol‐gel method. The resulting biocompatible composites were extensively characterized by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that an nHAp = CNC ratio presented greater homogeneity in the size and distribution of the nanoparticles without compromising the crystalline structure. Also, incorporation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) was performed to evaluate the effects that this interaction would have in the constructs. Finally, the osteoblast cell (hFOB 1.19) viability assay was executed and it showed that all of the materials promoted greater cell proliferation while the nHAp > CNC proportion with the inclusion of the BMP‐2 protein was the best composite for the purpose of this study.
A Mutual Broadcast Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Fourier Series
Authors: Wang Xiaogang , Shi Weiren
Published: December 2015

This thesis presents a mural broadcast authentication protocol (MBAP) for wireless sensor networks based on Fourier series according to the issues of the main broadcast authentication protocol µTESLA being limited in authentication delay, more initial parameters, limited time, large key chain, and network congestion. Firstly, achieving the forward authentication work for common sensor nodes to base station is based on the characteristic of continuous-integrability function [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] which could be expanded into Fourier series, including entity authentication and source attestation. Secondly, assume that [Formula: see text] is the quadratic form function, and achieve the reverse authentication work for base station to common sensor nodes by detecting the security of [Formula: see text]. The analysis results of safety performance in MBAP show that the captured nodes in WSN will not affect the security of broadcast authentication protocol and have low computation and communication cost, the base station can make broadcast randomly, and common sensor nodes can authenticate messages instantly, which solves the problem of network congestion well. The most important thing of MBAP is the mutual broadcast authentication method which ensures the security of the network greatly.
Electrohydrodynamic Processing of p‐Type Transparent Conducting Oxides
Authors: Liu Yin , Pollaor Sureeporn , Wu Yiquan
Published: December 2015

Electrohydrodynamic processing is capable of synthesizing various materials in the form of porous/dense thin films, nanofibers, nanorods, nanobelts, and ribbons, which is highly favorable for functional oxides. The tailored microstructures and properties derived from electrohydrodynamic forming also give rise to new research interests on some classical oxides, such as transparent conducting oxides (TCOs). Here a case of feasible electrospray synthesis of classical ZnO is demonstrated with tailored p‐type conductivity. Another p‐type TCO, CuAlO2, was prepared by both electrospray and electrospinning methods and the processing‐derived electrical and optical properties are demonstrated. The last part of the paper discusses some emerging applications especially for CuAlO2 as potential nanobuilding blocks enabled by electrohydrodynamic processing.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting with Coronary Artery and Pericardial Involvement
Authors: Dewan Rohit , Trejo Bittar Humberto E. , Lacomis Joan , Ocak Iclal
Published: December 2015

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a systemic disease resulting in necrotizing vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels. Cardiac involvement is rare and when present usually manifests with pericarditis and coronary artery vasculitis. We report here a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis involving the native coronary arteries, bypass graft, and pericardium with interesting imaging findings on contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. A 57-year-old man with a history of chronic headaches presented to the emergency room with syncope. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated extensive soft tissue attenuation around the native coronary arteries and bypass graft. Contrast-enhanced MRI demonstrated enhancing nodular soft tissue surrounding the coronary arteries, bypass graft, and pericardium. Pericardial biopsy revealed a necrotizing granulomatous pericarditis with vasculitis concerning for granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The patient demonstrated MPO-positive and PR-3 negative serologies. After being discharged on rituximab and prednisone, follow-up CT 3 years later showed significant improvement of the soft tissue thickening surrounding the coronary arteries, bypass graft, and pericardium.
An Analysis on the Moisture and Thermal Protective Performance of Firefighter Clothing Based on Different Layer Combinations and Effect of Washing on Heat Protection and Vapour Transfer Performance
Authors: Atalay Ozgur , Kursun Bahadir Senem , Kalaoglu Fatma
Published: December 2015

Fabric assemblies for firefighting clothing have been tested for heat protection and comfort. The constituent materials and fabric structures have been specifically selected and tailored for firefighters’ clothing. In order to do this, four types of outer shell fabrics, four types of moisture barrier fabrics, and four types of heat barriers with different weights and material compositions were used to make a multilayered fabric assembly. Heat transfer (flame), heat transfer (radiant), and water vapour resistance tests were conducted according to the latest EN469 test standard which also recommends washing tests. These tests reveal that material content and material brand have considerable effect on the required performance levels of heat protection. In addition, while washing tests have improved water vapor transfer properties, they have a deteriorating effect on heat protection performance. Considering heat protection and moisture comfort properties, the optimal assemblies are thereby identified.
Restriction Profiling of 23S Microheterogenic Ribosomal Repeats for Detection and Characterizing ofE. coliand Their Clonal, Pathogenic, and Phylogroups
Authors: Jayasree Rajagopalan Nair Parvathi , Singh Sunita
Published: December 2015

Correlating ribosomal microheterogenicity with unique restriction profiles can prove to be an efficacious and cost-effective approach compared with sequencing for microbial identification. An attempt to peruse restriction profiling of 23S ribosomal assemblage was ventured; digestion patterns withBfaI discriminatedE. colifrom its colony morphovars, whileHaeIII profiles assisted in establishing distinct clonal groups. Among the gene pool of 399 ribosomal sequences extrapolated from 57E. coligenomes, varying degree of predominance (I > III > IV > II) ofHaeIII pattern was observed. This was also corroborated in samples collected from clinical, commensal, and environmental origin. K-12 and its descendants showed type I pattern whereasE. coli-B and its descendants exhibited type IV, both of these patterns being exclusively present inE. coli. A near-possible association between phylogroups andHaeIII profiles with presumable correlation between the clonal groups and different pathovars was established. The generic nature, conservation, and barcode gap of 23S rRNA gene make it an ideal choice and substitute to 16S rRNA gene, the most preferred region for molecular diagnostics in bacteria.
Role ofBurkholderia pseudomalleiSigma N2 in Amino Acids Utilization and in Regulation of Catalase E Expression at the Transcriptional Level
Authors: Diep Duong Thi Hong , Phuong Nguyen Thi Thanh , Hlaing Mya Myintzu , Srimanote Potjanee , Tungpradabkul Sumalee
Published: December 2015

Burkholderia pseudomalleiis the causative agent of melioidosis. The complete genome sequences of this pathogen have been revealed, which explain some pathogenic mechanisms. In various hostile conditions, for example, during nitrogen and amino acid starvation, bacteria can utilize alternative sigma factors such as RpoS and RpoN to modulate genes expression for their adaptation and survival. In this study, we demonstrate that mutagenesis ofrpoN2, which lies on chromosome 2 ofB. pseudomalleiand encodes a homologue of the sigma factor RpoN, did not alter nitrogen and amino acid utilization of the bacterium. However, introduction ofB. pseudomallei rpoN2intoE. colistrain deficient forrpoNrestored the ability to utilize amino acids. Moreover, comparative partial proteomic analysis of theB. pseudomalleiwild type and itsrpoN2isogenic mutant was performed to elucidate its amino acids utilization property which was comparable to its function found in the complementation assay. By contrast, therpoN2mutant exhibited decreasedkatEexpression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Our finding indicates thatB. pseudomalleiRpoN2 is involved in a specific function in the regulation of catalase E expression.
Predicting Surface Runoff from Catchment to Large Region
Authors: Li Hongxia , Zhang Yongqiang , Zhou Xinyao
Published: December 2015

Predicting surface runoff from catchment to large region is a fundamental and challenging task in hydrology. This paper presents a comprehensive review for various studies conducted for improving runoff predictions from catchment to large region in the last several decades. This review summarizes the well-established methods and discusses some promising approaches from the following four research fields: (1) modeling catchment, regional and global runoff using lumped conceptual rainfall-runoff models, distributed hydrological models, and land surface models, (2) parameterizing hydrological models in ungauged catchments, (3) improving hydrological model structure, and (4) using new remote sensing precipitation data.
A Comparative Study of the Inhibitory Effect of Gum Exudates fromKhaya senegalensisandAlbizia ferrugineaon the Corrosion of Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Medium
Authors: Ameh Paul Ocheje
Published: December 2015

A comparative study of the inhibitory potentials of gum exudates fromAlbizia ferruginea(AF) andKhaya senegalensis(KS) on the corrosion of mild steel in HCl medium was investigated using weight loss and gasometric method. The active chemical constituents of the gum were elucidated using GC-MS while FTIR was used to identify the bonds/functional groups in the gums. The two gum exudates were found to be good corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic medium. On comparison, maximum inhibition efficiency was found inKhaya senegalensiswith 82.56% inhibition efficiency at 0.5% g/L concentration of the gum. This may be due to the fact that more compounds with heteroatoms were identified in the GCMS spectrum of KS gum compared to the AF gum. The presence of such compounds may have enhanced their adsorption on the metal surface and thereby blocking the surface and protecting the metal from corrosion. The adsorption of the inhibitors was found to be exothermic and spontaneous and fitted the Langmuir adsorption model.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Calcular Cholecystitis in a Patient with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Albarrak Abdullah A. , Khairy Sami , Ahmed Alzahrani Mohammed
Published: December 2015

Management of patients who have ventriculoperitoneal shunt presenting with acute calcular cholecystitis has remained a clinical challenge. In this paper, the hospital course and the follow-up of a patient presenting with acute calcular cholecystitis and ventriculoperitoneal shunt managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy are presented followed by literature review on the management of acute calcular cholecystitis in patients who have ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Production of Monomeric Aromatic Compounds from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Lignin by Chemical and Enzymatic Methods
Authors: Tang Pei-Ling , Hassan Osman , Maskat Mohamad Yusof , Badri Khairiah
Published: December 2015

In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFBF) was pretreated with alkali, and lignin was extracted for further degradation into lower molecular weight phenolic compounds using enzymes and chemical means. Efficiency of monomeric aromatic compounds production from OPEFBF lignin via chemical (nitrobenzene versus oxygen) and enzymatic [cutinase versus manganese peroxidase (MnP)] approaches was investigated. The effects of sodium hydroxide concentration (2, 5, and 10% wt.) and reaction time (30, 90, and 180 minutes) on the yield of aromatic compounds were studied. The results obtained indicated that nitrobenzene oxidation produced the highest yield (333.17±49.44 ppm hydroxybenzoic acid,5.67±0.25 ppmp-hydroxybenzaldehyde,25.57±1.64 ppm vanillic acid,168.68±23.23 ppm vanillin,75.44±6.71 ppm syringic acid,815.26±41.77 ppm syringaldehyde,15.21±2.19 ppmp-coumaric acid, and44.75±3.40 ppm ferulic acid), among the tested methods. High sodium hydroxide concentration (10% wt.) was needed to promote efficient nitrobenzene oxidation. However, less severe oxidation condition was preferred to preserve the hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid). Cutinase-catalyzed hydrolysis was found to be more efficient than MnP-catalyzed oxidation in the production of aromatic compounds. By hydrolyzed 8% wt. of lignin with 0.625 mL cutinase g−1lignin at pH 8 and 55°C for 24 hours, about642.83±14.45 ppm hydroxybenzoic acid,70.19±3.31 ppm syringaldehyde,22.80±1.04 ppm vanillin,27.06±1.20 ppmp-coumaric acid, and50.19±2.23 ppm ferulic acid were produced.
Postural and Balance Disorders in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Prospective Open-Label Feasibility Study with Two Months of Action Observation Treatment
Authors: Santamato Andrea , Ranieri Maurizio , Cinone Nicoletta , Stuppiello Lucia Anna , Valeno Giovanni , De Sanctis Jula Laura , Fortunato Francesca , Solfrizzi Vincenzo , Greco Antonio , Seripa Davide , Panza Francesco
Published: December 2015

Action observation treatment has been proposed as therapeutic option in rehabilitation of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD) to improve freezing of gait episodes. The purpose of this prospective open-label feasibility study was to evaluate the impact of 8-week action observation training (video-therapy) for the treatment of postural instability and balance impairment in PD patients. Fifteen PD patients aged under 80 years with scores of 1 to 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr staging and without evidence of freezing of gait were recruited. They underwent 24 sessions of video-therapy training based on carefully watching video clips on motor tasks linked to balance, subsequently performing the same observed movements. No statistically significant differences were observed in the identified outcome measures with the Berg Balance Scale and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale after two months of follow-up. In the present study, a short course of action observation treatment seems to be not effective in reducing balance impairments and postural instability in patients affected by mild to moderate PD. Further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up period, and standardized protocols of action observation treatment are needed to investigate the effects of this rehabilitation technique in the management of postural and balance disorders of PD patients.
Andrographolide Stimulates Neurogenesis in the Adult Hippocampus
Authors: Varela-Nallar Lorena , Arredondo Sebastian B. , Tapia-Rojas Cheril , Hancke Juan , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: December 2015

Andrographolide (ANDRO) is a labdane diterpenoid component ofAndrographis paniculatawidely used for its anti-inflammatory properties. We have recently determined that ANDRO is a competitive inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), a key enzyme of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Since this signaling pathway regulates neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, we evaluated whether ANDRO stimulates this process. Treatment with ANDRO increased neural progenitor cell proliferation and the number of immature neurons in the hippocampus of 2- and 10-month-old mice compared to age-matched control mice. Moreover, ANDRO stimulated neurogenesis increasing the number of newborn dentate granule neurons. Also, the effect of ANDRO was evaluated in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. In these mice, ANDRO increased cell proliferation and the density of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus. Concomitantly with the increase in neurogenesis, ANDRO induced the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the hippocampus of wild-type and APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice determined by increased levels ofβ-catenin, the inactive form of GSK-3β, and NeuroD1, a Wnt target gene involved in neurogenesis. Our findings indicate that ANDRO stimulates neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus suggesting that this drug could be used as a therapy in diseases in which neurogenesis is affected.
The Finite-Conducting Ground’s Effect on the Inductance of a Rectangular Loop
Authors: Jia Xiao , Liu Lihua , Fang Guangyou
Published: December 2015

In an airborne electromagnetic system, which transmits time-domain half-sine current waves generated by a resonance circuit, the inductance of the transmitting loop is of great significance and directly related to parameters of the half-sine current waveform. However, in general, the effect of a finite-conducting ground on the inductance of the transmitting loop was neglected, or the ground was handled as a perfect conductor. In other words, there was no accurate method to evaluate ground’s effect on the inductance of the transmitting loop. Therefore, a new and convenient algorithm, calculating ground’s effect on the inductance of a rectangular loop, is proposed in this paper. An experiment was constructed afield, showing that the inductance increased gradually when the loop was lifted up from 0 m to 30 m, which supported the algorithm positively.
Filtering Redundant Data from RFID Data Streams
Authors: Kamaludin Hazalila , Mahdin Hairulnizam , Abawajy Jemal H.
Published: December 2015

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled systems are evolving in many applications that need to know the physical location of objects such as supply chain management. Naturally, RFID systems create large volumes of duplicate data. As the duplicate data wastes communication, processing, and storage resources as well as delaying decision-making, filtering duplicate data from RFID data stream is an important and challenging problem. Existing Bloom Filter-based approaches for filtering duplicate RFID data streams are complex and slow as they use multiple hash functions. In this paper, we propose an approach for filtering duplicate data from RFID data streams. The proposed approach is based on modified Bloom Filter and uses only a single hash function. We performed extensive empirical study of the proposed approach and compared it against the Bloom Filter, d-Left Time Bloom Filter, and the Count Bloom Filter approaches. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms the baseline approaches in terms of false positive rate, execution time, and true positive rate.
The Treatment and Follow-Up of Anti-LGI1 Limbic Encephalitis
Authors: Yu Jinbei , Yu Xuefan , Fang Shaokuan , Zhang Ying , Lin Weihong
Published: December 2015

Objective: This study aims to retrospectively study clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up visits in patients with anti-leucine-rich glioma inactivated-1 (LGI1) limbic encephalitis (LE) for prompting the early diagnosis and efficacious treatment of this disease. Methods: Four anti-LGI1 LE patients were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology at the First Hospital of Jilin University. Data from their clinical manifestations, diagnoses, treatments and follow-up visits were analyzed. Results: Four patients with anti-LGI1 LE were characterized by hypomnesia, mental and behavior disorder, faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), seizures accompanied by pathological changes in the limbic system, obstinate hyponatremia and positive detection of anti-LGI1 antibody. In this study, we found that 1 patient initially presented with an abnormal sensation and had a subsequent FBDS, inconsistent with normal cases of anti-LGI1 LE. This patient had abnormalities in the basal ganglia region identified with head MRI, unlike most cases, which report abnormalities in the limbic system by positron emission tomography/CT scan. Finally, 3 of our patients with FBDS were treated with antiepileptic drugs as well as immune modulatory treatment, and they responded well. Conclusions: We identified new characteristics in clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of anti-LGI1 LE, which contribute to a better understanding of this disease and help improve its early diagnosis and efficacious treatment.
Mutations in the Leucine Zipper-Like Motif of the Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 Fusion Protein Impair Fusion Activity
Authors: Xie Wenyan , Wen Hongling , Chu Fulu , Yan Shaofeng , Xie Wenli , Lin Bin , Chen Yuzhen , Li Zhenmei , Ren Guijie , Song Yanyan , Zhao Li , Wang Zhiyu
Published: December 2015

Objective: To investigate the effect of the leucine zipper-like motif between HRA and HRB of the human parainfluenza virus 3 fusion protein on fusion activity. Methods: Site-directed mutagenesis was utilized to substitute the heptadic residues at 257, 264, 271, 278, 285, 292, and 299 in this motif with alanine. Additionally, 3 middle heptadic leucine residues at 271, 278, and 285 were replaced with alanine singly or in combination. A vaccinia virus-T7 RNA polymerase transient expression system was employed to express the wild-type or mutated fusion (F) proteins. Three different types of membrane fusion assays were performed to analyze the fusogenic activity, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was executed to examine the cell surface expression level, and a coimmunoprecipitation assay was conducted to probe the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN)-F interaction at the cell surface. Results: All of the substitutions in this motif exhibited diminished or even lost fusion activity in all stages of fusion, although they all had no effect on cell surface expression. In the coimmunoprecipitation assay, all mutants resulted in decreased detection of the HN-F complexes compared with that of the wild-type F protein. Conclusions: This motif has an important influence on fusion activity, and its integrality is indispensable for membrane fusion.
Postprandial Hypoglycemia in Children after Gastric Surgery: Clinical Characterization and Pathophysiology
Authors: Calabria Andrew C. , Charles Lawrenshey , Givler Stephanie , De León Diva D.
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: Dumping syndrome is a common complication in children after fundoplication and other gastric surgeries and is characterized by postprandial hypoglycemia (PPH). Children with PPH have an exaggerated GLP-1 response to a meal with an exaggerated insulin surge and subsequent hypoglycemia. We evaluated the role of GLP-1 in the pathogenesis of PPH by examining the effects of GLP-1 receptor blockade on glucose and insulin response to a meal. Methods: Six children with known PPH after surgery underwent a mixed meal tolerance test with/without the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39) using an open-label crossover design. Results: Average nadir plasma glucose concentration was ≥65 mg/dl in all treatment conditions; however, 3 out of the 6 subjects had a nadir plasma glucose <65 mg/dl during vehicle infusion, while only 1 out of the 6 had a nadir plasma glucose <65 mg/dl during infusion of exendin-(9-39). Exendin-(9-39) suppressed postmeal insulin concentrations when compared to vehicle, with a lower peak insulin concentration observed in the children who received 500 pmol/kg/min of exendin-(9-39) (131.3 ± 125.1 pmol/l) compared to children who received 300 pmol/kg/min (231.1 ± 153.4 pmol/l) or vehicle (259.7 ± 120.2 pmol/l). Gastric emptying was not different between groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the exaggerated insulin response to a meal is at least in part due to the effects of GLP-1 on the pancreatic β-cell and suggest that GLP-1 receptor antagonists may represent a potential avenue of treatment for children with PPH.
The Drosophila Chitinase-Like Protein IDGF3 Is Involved in Protection against Nematodes and in Wound Healing
Authors: Kucerova Lucie , Broz Vaclav , Arefin Badrul , Maaroufi Houda Ouns , Hurychova Jana , Strnad Hynek , Zurovec Michal , Theopold Ulrich
Published: December 2015

Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) of the 18 glycosyl hydrolase family retain structural similarity to chitinases but lack enzymatic activity. Although CLPs are upregulated in several human disorders that affect regenerative and inflammatory processes, very little is known about their normal physiological function. We show that an insect CLP (Drosophila imaginal disc growth factor 3, IDGF3) plays an immune-protective role during entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) infections. During these infections, nematodes force their entry into the host via border tissues, thus creating wounds. Whole-genome transcriptional analysis of nematode-infected wild-type and Idgf3 mutant larvae have shown that, in addition to the regulation of genes related to immunity and wound closure, IDGF3 represses Jak/STAT and Wingless signaling. Further experiments have confirmed that IDGF3 has multiple roles in innate immunity. It serves as an essential component required for the formation of hemolymph clots that seal wounds, and Idgf3 mutants display an extended developmental delay during wound healing. Altogether, our findings indicate that vertebrate and invertebrate CLP proteins function in analogous settings and have a broad impact on inflammatory reactions and infections. This opens the way to further genetic analysis of Drosophila IDGF3 and will help to elucidate the exact molecular context of CLP function.
The Neural Basis of Vocal Pitch Imitation in Humans
Authors: Belyk Michel , Pfordresher Peter Q. , Liotti Mario , Brown Steven
Published: December 2015

Vocal imitation is a phenotype that is unique to humans among all primate species, and so an understanding of its neural basis is critical in explaining the emergence of both speech and song in human evolution. Two principal neural models of vocal imitation have emerged from a consideration of nonhuman animals. One hypothesis suggests that putative mirror neurons in the inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis of Broca's area may be important for imitation. An alternative hypothesis derived from the study of songbirds suggests that the corticostriate motor pathway performs sensorimotor processes that are specific to vocal imitation. Using fMRI with a sparse event-related sampling design, we investigated the neural basis of vocal imitation in humans by comparing imitative vocal production of pitch sequences with both nonimitative vocal production and pitch discrimination. The strongest difference between these tasks was found in the putamen bilaterally, providing a striking parallel to the role of the analogous region in songbirds. Other areas preferentially activated during imitation included the orofacial motor cortex, Rolandic operculum, and SMA, which together outline the corticostriate motor loop. No differences were seen in the inferior frontal gyrus. The corticostriate system thus appears to be the central pathway for vocal imitation in humans, as predicted from an analogy with songbirds.
Analytical Calculation of Errors in Time and Value Perception Due to a Subjective Time Accumulator: A Mechanistic Model and the Generation of Weber’s Law
Authors: Namboodiri Vijay Mohan K. , Mihalas Stefan , Hussain Shuler Marshall G.
Published: December 2015

It has been previously shown (Namboodiri, Mihalas, Marton, & Hussain Shuler, 2014 ) that an evolutionary theory of decision making and time perception is capable of explaining numerous behavioral observations regarding how humans and animals decide between differently delayed rewards of differing magnitudes and how they perceive time. An implementation of this theory using a stochastic drift-diffusion accumulator model (Namboodiri, Mihalas, & Hussain Shuler, 2014a ) showed that errors in time perception and decision making approximately obey Weber’s law for a range of parameters. However, prior calculations did not have a clear mechanistic underpinning. Further, these calculations were only approximate, with the range of parameters being limited. In this letter, we provide a full analytical treatment of such an accumulator model, along with a mechanistic implementation, to calculate the expression of these errors for the entirety of the parameter space. In our mechanistic model, Weber’s law results from synaptic facilitation and depression within the feedback synapses of the accumulator. Our theory also makes the prediction that the steepness of temporal discounting can be affected by requiring the precise timing of temporal intervals. Thus, by presenting exact quantitative calculations, this work provides falsifiable predictions for future experimental testing.
Efficient Associative Computation with Discrete Synapses
Authors: Knoblauch Andreas
Published: December 2015

Neural associative networks are a promising computational paradigm for both modeling neural circuits of the brain and implementing associative memory and Hebbian cell assemblies in parallel VLSI or nanoscale hardware. Previous work has extensively investigated synaptic learning in linear models of the Hopfield type and simple nonlinear models of the Steinbuch/Willshaw type. Optimized Hopfield networks of size n can store a large number of about [Formula: see text] memories of size k (or associations between them) but require real-valued synapses, which are expensive to implement and can store at most [Formula: see text] bits per synapse. Willshaw networks can store a much smaller number of about [Formula: see text] memories but get along with much cheaper binary synapses. Here I present a learning model employing synapses with discrete synaptic weights. For optimal discretization parameters, this model can store, up to a factor [Formula: see text] close to one, the same number of memories as for optimized Hopfield-type learning—for example, [Formula: see text] for binary synapses, [Formula: see text] for 2 bit (four-state) synapses, [Formula: see text] for 3 bit (8-state) synapses, and [Formula: see text] for 4 bit (16-state) synapses. The model also provides the theoretical framework to determine optimal discretization parameters for computer implementations or brainlike parallel hardware including structural plasticity. In particular, as recently shown for the Willshaw network, it is possible to store [Formula: see text] bit per computer bit and up to [Formula: see text] bits per nonsilent synapse, whereas the absolute number of stored memories can be much larger than for the Willshaw model.
Global Exponential Stability of Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks with Piecewise Constant Argument of Generalized Type and Impulses
Authors: Xi Qiang
Published: December 2015

In this letter, we consider a model of Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with piecewise constant argument of generalized type and impulses. Sufficient conditions ensuring the existence and uniqueness of solutions are obtained. Based on constructing a new differential inequality with piecewise constant argument and impulse and using the Lyapunov function method, we derive sufficient conditions ensuring the global exponential stability of equilibrium point, with approximate exponential convergence rate. An example is given to illustrate the validity and advantage of the theoretical results.
The Child’s Opinion and Position in Care Order Proceedings
Authors: Magnussen Anne-Mette , Skivenes Marit
Published: December 2015

This paper examines whether, and in what way, the child participates in care order decisions heard by the Norwegian County Boards. If they are heard, how are their opinions weighed, and do the children themselves present their perspective of their situation? We analysed a total of 53 written rulings on care orders that included all the publicly available decisions in the time period from 2007–2013 that concerned a child in the age range of 5–11 years old. The findings show that the child’s opinion in seven out of ten cases is not mentioned or only very briefly mentioned. In the remaining of the cases, the opinion of the child is considered and given due weight. Finally, we find that rarely is the child’s perspective of the situation referred to in the written decisions. This means that the most important person in a care order decision-making process – the child – is not at the centre of the proceeding. The general conclusion is that children’s views about their needs, interests and perception of the situation are not evident in the County Boards’ reasoning in these care order cases, and it is the exception that their opinion is considered.
The Interest Theory, Children’s Rights and Social Authorities
Authors: Sund Lars-Göran , Vackermo Marie
Published: December 2015

The principle of ‘the best interests of the child’ (art. 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child) is sometimes put forward as being the leading guide, i.e. it will in the long run – via, e.g. court cases and legal writing – give accurate and detailed information on the scope of children’s rights and the responsibilities of, e.g., parents. We claim that this principle does not provide us with the necessary analytical tools to enhance the legal rights of children. To this end it is more efficient to accept the explanatory power and apply the elements of the Interest theory, i.e. the chain of children’s interests and rights, obligations of e.g. parents and sanctions against failures. In this context we also illustrate that rights can have different strengths by briefly examining the role of social authorities in relation to the rights of children.
Children’s Wellbeing and Children’s Rights in Tension?
Authors: Tisdall E. Kay M.
Published: December 2015

Children’s wellbeing has moved from an academic field of interest to a policy and practice framework, internationally and in many countries. Children’s wellbeing tends to be twinned casually with children’s rights but recent Scottish legislation – the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 – has put children’s rights and children’s wellbeing in tension. This provides an opportunity to consider the concepts critically. The article scrutinises parliamentary debates and accompanying submissions, to reveal that children’s rights arguments failed due to political concerns about litigation and a lack of evidence that children’s rights improved children’s lives. Children’s wellbeing arguments were more successful, as children’s wellbeing continues the familiar trajectory of a needs-based approach. It has additional benefits of maximising outcomes, emphasising early intervention and prevention, and statistical development. It also risks being apolitical and professionally-driven, with no minimum standards and limited recourse for children’s and their families’ rights and complaints. These findings raise broader questions about how to argue for children’s rights in national and global contexts where children’s wellbeing has ever-increasing prominence, fuelled by calls for evidence-based policy and accountability via outcomes.
Typification of the Linnaean names Oxalis flava and O. versicolor (Oxalidaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , ALTINORDU FAHIM
Published: December 2015

The typification of the Linnaean names Oxalis flava and O. versicolor (Oxalidaceae) are discussed. The illustrations provided by Burman  in Rariorum Africanarum Plantarum are designated as the lectotypes of these names. Furthermore, an epitype for the name O. versicolor is also designated in order to avoid any ambiguity in the interpretation of the lectotype.
Revision of the genus Istrianis Meyrick, 1918 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) with special regard to the Palaearctic region
Authors: BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , KARSHOLT OLE
Published: December 2015

Twenty-one species of the genus Istrianis are recognized as valid in the world fauna, 11 of which are described as new: I. pseudomyricariella sp. nov. (Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan), I. nilssoni sp. nov. (Greece), I. kravchenkoi sp. nov. (Palestine), I. sattleri sp. nov. (Pakistan), I. armatus sp. nov. (Yemen), I. lvovskyi sp. nov. (Mongolia), I. sruogai sp. nov. (Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan), I. piskunovi sp. nov. (Ukraine), I. falkovitshi sp. nov. (Turkmenistan), I. kyrgyzsquamella sp. nov. (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), I. yemeniasquamella sp. nov. (Yemen). Teleia myricariella var. arenicolella Caradja, 1920 is re-called from synonymy of I. myricariella (Frey, 1870) and considered as a valid species: Istrianis arenicolella (Caradja, 1920) sp. rev. One new synonym is established: Teleia amilcarella Lucas, 1933 syn. nov. of I. arenicolella. One new combination is proposed: I. steganotricha (Meyrick, 1935), comb. nov. (ex Telphusa). Redescriptions and identification keys for all the Palaearctic species and for two new species from Yemen are provided, accompanied by illustrations of the adults, and male and female genitalia.
A new arboreal frog of the genus Guibemantis from the southeast of Madagascar (Anura: Mantellidae)
Authors: VENCES MIGUEL , JOVANOVIC OLGA , SAFAREK GORAN , GLAW Frank , KÖHLER JÖRN
Published: December 2015

We describe a new species of arboreal frog of the genus Guibemantis, subgenus Guibemantis, from low altitude rainforest in Manombo Special Reserve, south-eastern Madagascar. Previously published phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences have placed Guibemantis diphonus sp. nov. sister to G. timidus. The new species is distinguished from G. timidus and all other species in the subgenus by a substantial genetic differentiation (≥ 4.4% uncorrected p-distance in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene), strongly divergent advertisement call, and some limited morphological differences. It is the smallest known species in the subgenus, with 34−36 mm snout-vent length in adult males. Its advertisement call is unique among other species in the subgenus in being composed of two distinctly different note types (only one note type in the other species).
Skill in Simulating Australian Precipitation at the Tropical Edge*
Authors: Maher Penelope , Sherwood Steven C.
Published: December 2015

Expansion of the tropics will likely affect subtropical precipitation, but observed and modeled precipitation trends disagree with each other. Moreover, the dynamic processes at the tropical edge and their interactions with precipitation are not well understood. This study assesses the skill of climate models to reproduce observed Australian precipitation variability at the tropical edge. A multivariate linear independence approach distinguishes between direct (causal) and indirect (circumstantial) precipitation drivers that facilitate clearer attribution of model errors and skill. This approach is applied to observed precipitation and ERA-Interim reanalysis data and a representative subset of four models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and their CMIP3 counterparts. The drivers considered are El Niño–Southern Oscillation, southern annular mode, Indian Ocean dipole, blocking, and four tropical edge metrics (position and intensity of the subtropical ridge and subtropical jet). These models are skillful in representing the covariability of drivers and their influence on precipitation. However, skill scores have not improved in the CMIP5 subset relative to CMIP3 in either respect. The Australian precipitation response to a poleward-located Hadley cell edge remains uncertain, as opposing drying and moistening mechanisms complicate the net response. Higher skill in simulating driver covariability is not consistently mirrored by higher precipitation skill. This provides further evidence that modeled precipitation does not respond correctly to large-scale flow patterns; further improvements in parameterized moist physics are needed before the subtropical precipitation responses can be fully trusted. The multivariate linear independence approach could be applied more widely for practical model evaluation.