bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dectin-1-Targeted Antifungal Liposomes Exhibit Enhanced Efficacy
Authors: Ambati Suresh , Ferarro Aileen R. , Kang S. Earl , Lin Jianfeng , Lin Xiaorong , Momany Michelle , Lewis Zachary A. , Meagher Richard B.
Published: February 2019

The fungusAspergillus fumigatuscauses pulmonary invasive aspergillosis resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths each year. Patients are often treated with antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B (AmB) loaded into liposomes (AmB-LLs), but all antifungal drugs, including AmB-LLs, have serious limitations due to human toxicity and insufficient fungal cell killing. Even with the best current therapies, 1-year survival among patients with invasive aspergillosis is only 25 to 60%. Hence, there is a critical need for improved antifungal therapeutics. Dectin-1 is a mammalian protein that binds to beta-glucan polysaccharides found in nearly all fungal cell walls. We coated AmB-LLs with Dectin-1 to make DEC-AmB-LLs. DEC-AmB-LLs bound strongly to fungal cells, while AmB-LLs had little affinity. DEC-AmB-LLs killed or inhibitedA. fumigatus10 times more efficiently than untargeted liposomes, decreasing the effective dose of AmB. Dectin-1-coated drug-loaded liposomes targeting fungal pathogens have the potential to greatly enhance antifungal therapeutics.
VraSR and Virulence Trait Modulation during Daptomycin Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Infection
Authors: Taglialegna Agustina , Varela Maria C. , Rosato Roberto R. , Rosato Adriana E.
Published: February 2019

Methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
continues to develop resistance to antimicrobials, including those in current clinical use as daptomycin (DAP). Resistance to DAP arises by mutations in cell membrane and cell wall genes and/or upregulation of the two-component VraSR system. However, less is known about the connection between the pathogen and virulence traits during DAP resistance development. We provide new insights into VraSR and its regulatory role for virulence factors during DAP resistance, highlighting coordinated interactions that favor the higher persistence of MRSA DAP-resistant strains in the infected host.
Transcriptional Sequencing Uncovers Survival Mechanisms of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Antibacterial Egg White
Authors: Huang Xiaozhen , Zhou Xiujuan , Jia Ben , Li Nuo , Jia Jingya , He Mu , He Yichen , Qin Xiaojie , Cui Yan , Shi Chunlei , Liu Yanhong , Shi Xianming
Published: February 2019

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis is a major foodborne pathogen that causes salmonellosis mainly through contaminated chicken eggs or egg products and has been a worldwide public health threat since 1980. Frequent outbreaks of this serotype through eggs correlate significantly with its exceptional survival ability in the antibacterial egg white. Research on the survival mechanism of
S.
Enteritidis in egg white will help to further understand the complex and highly effective antibacterial mechanisms of egg white and lay the foundation for the development of safe and effective vaccines to prevent egg contamination by this
Salmonella
serotype. Key pathways and genes that were previously overlooked under bactericidal conditions were characterized as being induced in egg white, and synergistic effects between different antimicrobial factors appear to exist according to the gene expression changes. Our work provides new insights into the survival mechanism of
S.
Enteritidis in egg white.
Is it ethical to provide IVF add-ons when there is no evidence of a benefit if the patient requests it?
Authors: Zemyarska Mila Stefanova
Published: February 2019

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) ‘add-ons’ are therapeutic or diagnostic tools developed in an endeavour to improve the success rate of infertility treatment. However, there is no conclusive evidence that these interventions are a beneficial or effective adjunct of assisted reproductive technologies. Additionally, IVF add-ons are often implemented in clinical practice before their safety can be thoroughly ascertained. Yet, patients continue to request and pay large sums for such additional IVF tools. Hence, this essay set out to examine if it is ethical to provide IVF add-ons when there is no evidence of a benefit if the patient requests it. In order to determine what is ethical—namely, morally good and righteous, the question was considered in relation to three key values of medical ethics—autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence. It was determined that providing IVF add-ons might be morally acceptable in specific circumstances, if true informed consent can be given, there is a potential of cost-effective physiological or psychological benefit and the risk of harm is minimal, particularly with regard to the unborn child.
Methodology for service life prediction of window frames
Authors: Fernandes D. , de Brito J. , Silva A.
Published: February 2019

Window frames are an important element of buildings, with an enormous impact on the thermal performance and interior comfort conditions of buildings. Knowledge regarding the service life of window frames is extremely relevant, aiding the adoption of adequate solutions in the design and maintenance stages. This study proposes a methodology for the service life prediction of window frames, based on the visual inspection of 182 case studies, in-use conditions, in which the degradation phenomena and various characteristics of window frames are surveyed. This information is converted into degradation curves, which express the evolution of the degradation of window frames over time, allowing their service life to be estimated, as well as the influence of their characteristics on their durability. For aluminum and wooden frameworks, estimated service lives of 37.6 and 27.3 years are obtained. These results reveal that the window exposure conditions and the users’ behaviors have a substantial impact on the degradation of window frames.
Geochemical, isotopic, and U–Pb zircon study of the central and southern portions of the 780 Ma Gunbarrel Large Igneous Province in western Laurentia
Authors: Mackinder Alana , Cousens Brian L. , Ernst Richard E. , Chamberlain Kevin R.
Published: February 2019

Spanning 2500 km along the western margin of North America are 780 Ma dykes, sills, and minor volcanic packages of the Gunbarrel Large Igneous Province. This study focuses on southern (northwestern United States) and central (northern British Columbia) Gunbarrel intrusions and metavolcanics rocks of the Irene and Huckleberry formation (Washington State). Southern Gunbarrel U–Pb ages range from 780 to 769 Ma and new U–Pb zircon dates for the Turah and Rogers Pass sills are 778.6 ± 0.7 and 778.7 ± 0.9 Ma, respectively. Southern Gunbarrel intrusions are medium- to coarse-grained diabases that are moderately evolved basaltic, continental tholeiites. Intrusions display negative Nb–Ta and positive Pb anomalies in normalized multielement plots, and εNd780 values vary from +3.6 to +1.5. The Irene and Huckleberry volcanic rocks are E-MORB in composition with higher εNd780 (+5 to +6) and likely represent partial melts of a mantle plume responsible for the Gunbarrel event. Assuming an Irene and Huckleberry parental magma, mixing models indicate that the southern Gunbarrel magmas were crustally contaminated, but local host rocks are not appropriate crustal contaminants. The modeling points to average upper crust as the crustal contaminant, with an εNd780 of approximately –2. This crustal contaminant likely resides on the craton impinged upon by the mantle plume. The remarkable geochemical homogeneity of Gunbarrel intrusions from the Yukon to Wyoming is best explained if primary, plume-derived E-MORB magmas were contaminated in large magma reservoirs near the plume centre and were then injected laterally into the crust 100s to 1000s of kilometres from the reservoir.
Rare metal indicator minerals in bedrock and till at the Strange Lake peralkaline complex, Quebec and Labrador, Canada
Authors: McClenaghan M.B. , Paulen R.C. , Kjarsgaard I.M.
Published: February 2019

A study of rare metal indicator minerals and glacial dispersal was carried out at the Strange Lake Zr – Y – heavy rare earth element deposit in northern Quebec and Labrador, Canada. The heavy mineral (>3.2 specific gravity) and mid-density (3.0–3.2 specific gravity) nonferromagnetic fractions of mineralized bedrock from the deposit and till up to 50 km down ice of the deposit were examined to determine the potential of using rare earth element and high fileld strength element indicator minerals for exploration. The deposit contains oxide, silicate, phosphate, and carbonate indicator minerals, some of which (cerianite, uraninite, fluorapatite, rhabdophane, thorianite, danburite, and aeschynite) have not been reported in previous bedrock studies of Strange Lake. Indicator minerals that could be useful in the exploration for similar deposits include Zr silicates (zircon, secondary gittinsite (CaZrSi2O7), and other hydrated Zr±Y±Ca silicates), pyrochlore ((Na,Ca)2Nb2O6(OH,F)), and thorite (Th(SiO4))/thorianite (ThO2) as well as rare earth element minerals monazite ((La,Ce,Y,Th)PO4), chevkinite ((Ce,La,Ca,Th)4(Fe,Mg)2(Ti,Fe)3Si4O22), parisite (Ca(Ce,La)2(CO3)3F2), bastnaesite (Ce(CO3)F), kainosite (Ca2(Y,Ce)2Si4O12(CO3)·H2O), and allanite ((Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)). Rare metal indicator minerals can be added to the expanding list of indicator minerals that can be recovered from surficial sediments and used to explore for a broad range of deposit types and commodities that already include diamonds and precious, base, and strategic metals.
Simultaneous effects of hydrostatic pressure, temperature and aluminum concentration on nonlinear optical rectification, second- and third-harmonic generation in a GaAs/Ga1−xAlxAs morse quantum well
Authors: Li Jun-Sheng , Zhang Zhi-Hai , Liu You-Wen , Yuan Jian-Hui
Published: February 2019

In this work, the simultaneous effects of aluminum concentration, hydrostatic pressure and temperature on the nonlinear optical rectification (OR), second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG and THG) in a GaAs/Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]As morse quantum well (QW) are studied. The expressions of OR, SHG and THG in morse QW were derived with the use of the compact-density-matrix approach and iterative method. The simultaneous effects of aluminum concentration, hydrostatic pressure and temperature on the effective mass have been taken into account. It is found that (1) the presence of the aluminum concentration, hydrostatic pressure and temperature have a great influence on the symmetry of the system, the nonlinear OR, SHG and THG. (2) the variation of the resonant peaks of the OR and SHG shows complicated behavior as the temperature changes. (3) the temperature effect is weaker than the aluminum concentration and hydrostatic pressure effects on the nonlinear OR, SHG and THG. The influences of different parameters of GaAs/Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]As morse QW and applied field strengths on the nonlinear OR, SHG and THG are discussed.
Study of electron-phonon coupling and its effect on electrical resistivity in HF systems
Authors: Baral P. C.
Published: February 2019

In this work, we report on theoretical study of the effect of electron-phonon (EP) interaction in THz frequency and temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity in heavy fermion (HF) systems. For this purpose, a model Hamiltonian is considered which consists of the Heisenberg type exchange interaction between localized moments and a tight binding model called the Kondo lattice model (KLM). The effect of EP coupling on electrical resistivity is presented by considering phonon interaction to bare f-electrons, band electrons and to the hybridization between band and f-electrons as a perturbed term. The phonon Hamiltonian in harmonic approximation is also included. The model Hamiltonian is solved by employing the mean-field theory (MFT) along with the Hubbard model of approximation. The temperature- and frequency-dependent electrical resistivity exhibits change in slopes at T[Formula: see text] as well as at T[Formula: see text]. The theoretical findings from the graphical analysis by varying the model parameters g[Formula: see text], g[Formula: see text] and g[Formula: see text] are compared to some of the experimental results in HF systems.
Spontaneous Electromagnetic Induction Modulating the Neuronal Dynamical Response
Authors: Wang Rong , Feng Peihua , Fan Yongchen , Wu Ying
Published: February 2019

Spontaneous electromagnetic induction originating from neuronal electrical activity is believed to reflect the memory ability in the neural system and significantly modulates neural information transmission, but its fundamental effect on the neuronal dynamic properties is still not well understood. In this paper, we use a memristor to couple neuronal electrical activity and magnetic fields and study how the spontaneous electromagnetic induction modulates the neuronal dynamical response to external stimulation. It is found that the negative feedback of electromagnetic induction on the neuron significantly reduces the dynamical response range, decreases the oscillation amplitude and induces a higher firing frequency. Meanwhile, the memory effect on electromagnetic induction can induce two kinds of bistability, including the coexistence of a stable limit cycle and a fixed point, and the coexistence of two stable limit cycles. Furthermore, high electric driving for electromagnetic induction produces complex firing patterns with single, double and multiple frequencies. Our results not only further confirm the efficacy of spontaneous electromagnetic induction in modulating the neuronal dynamical properties but also provide insights into the possibilities of choosing suitable parameter spaces in studying the effects of external magnetic induction on brain functions.
Symmetries in the Lorenz-96 Model
Authors: van Kekem Dirk L. , Sterk Alef E.
Published: February 2019

The Lorenz-96 model is widely used as a test model for various applications, such as data assimilation methods. This symmetric model has the forcing [Formula: see text] and the dimension [Formula: see text] as parameters and is [Formula: see text]-equivariant. In this paper, we unravel its dynamics for [Formula: see text] using equivariant bifurcation theory. Symmetry gives rise to invariant subspaces that play an important role in this model. We exploit them in order to generalize results from a low dimension to all multiples of that dimension. We discuss symmetry for periodic orbits as well.

Our analysis leads to proofs of the existence of pitchfork bifurcations for [Formula: see text] in specific dimensions [Formula: see text]: In all even dimensions, the equilibrium [Formula: see text] exhibits a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation. In dimensions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], a second supercritical pitchfork bifurcation occurs simultaneously for both equilibria originating from the previous one.

Furthermore, numerical observations reveal that in dimension [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is odd, there is a finite cascade of exactly [Formula: see text] subsequent pitchfork bifurcations, whose bifurcation values are independent of [Formula: see text]. This structure is discussed and interpreted in light of the symmetries of the model.
3-Uniform states and orthogonal arrays of strength 3
Authors: Zang Yajuan , Zuo Huijuan , Tian Zihong
Published: February 2019

A pure quantum state of [Formula: see text] subsystems with [Formula: see text] levels is called [Formula: see text]-uniform state if all its reductions to [Formula: see text] qudits are maximally mixed. We construct 3-uniform states for an arbitrary number of [Formula: see text] via orthogonal arrays and the method of adding minus signs mathematically.
Deletion of leptin receptors in vagal afferent neurons disrupts estrogen signaling, body weight, food intake and hormonal controls of feeding in female mice
Authors: Huang Kuei-Pin , Ronveaux Charlotte C. , de Lartigue Guillaume , Geary Nori , Asarian Lori , Raybould Helen E.
Published: February 2019

Deletion of the leptin receptor from vagal afferent neurons (VAN) using a conditional deletion (Nav1.8/LepRfl/fl) results in an obese phenotype with increased food intake and lack of exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced satiation in male mice. Female mice are partially protected from weight gain and increased food intake in response to ingestion of high-fat (HF) diets. However, whether the lack of leptin signaling in VAN leads to an obese phenotype or disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function in female mice is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that leptin signaling in VAN is essential to maintain estrogen signaling and control of food intake, energy expenditure, and adiposity in female mice. Female Nav1.8/LepRfl/flmice gained more weight, had increased gonadal fat mass, increased meal number in the dark phase, and increased total food intake compared with wild-type controls. Resting energy expenditure was unaffected. The decrease in food intake produced by intraperitoneal injection of CCK (3 μg/kg body wt) was attenuated in female Nav1.8/LepRfl/flmice compared with wild-type controls. Intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin (100 μg/kg body wt) increased food intake in Nav1.8/LepRfl/flmice but not in wild-type controls. Ovarian steroidogenesis was suppressed, resulting in decreased plasma estradiol, which was accompanied by decreased expression of estrogen receptor-1 (Esr1) in VAN but not in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. These data suggest that the absence of leptin signaling in VAN is accompanied by disruption of estrogen signaling in female mice, leading to an obese phenotype possibly via altered control of feeding behavior.
Skeletal muscle fiber type-selective effects of acute exercise on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in insulin-resistant, high-fat-fed rats
Authors: Pataky Mark W. , Yu Carmen S. , Nie Yilin , Arias Edward B. , Singh Manak , Mendias Christopher L. , Ploutz-Snyder Robert J. , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: February 2019

Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (GU) by skeletal muscle is enhanced several hours after acute exercise in rats with normal or reduced insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle is composed of multiple fiber types, but exercise’s effect on fiber type-specific insulin-stimulated GU in insulin-resistant muscle was previously unknown. Male rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 2 wk) and were either sedentary (SED) or exercised (2-h exercise). Other, low-fat diet-fed (LFD) rats remained SED. Rats were studied immediately postexercise (IPEX) or 3 h postexercise (3hPEX). Epitrochlearis muscles from IPEX rats were incubated in 2-deoxy-[3H]glucose (2-[3H]DG) without insulin. Epitrochlearis muscles from 3hPEX rats were incubated with 2-[3H]DG ± 100 µU/ml insulin. After single fiber isolation, GU and fiber type were determined. Glycogen and lipid droplets (LDs) were assessed histochemically. GLUT4 abundance was determined by immunoblotting. In HFD-SED vs. LFD-SED rats, insulin-stimulated GU was decreased in type IIB, IIX, IIAX, and IIBX fibers. Insulin-independent GU IPEX was increased and glycogen content was decreased in all fiber types (types I, IIA, IIB, IIX, IIAX, and IIBX). Exercise by HFD-fed rats enhanced insulin-stimulated GU in all fiber types except type I. Single fiber analyses enabled discovery of striking fiber type-specific differences in HFD and exercise effects on insulin-stimulated GU. The fiber type-specific differences in insulin-stimulated GU postexercise in insulin-resistant muscle were not attributable to a lack of fiber recruitment, as indirectly evidenced by insulin-independent GU and glycogen IPEX, differences in multiple LD indexes, or altered GLUT4 abundance, implicating fiber type-selective differences in the cellular processes responsible for postexercise enhancement of insulin-mediated GLUT4 translocation.
Amino acid and fatty acid metabolomic profile during fasting and hyperinsulinemia in girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Cree-Green Melanie , Carreau Anne-Marie , Rahat Haseeb , Garcia-Reyes Yesenia , Bergman Bryan C. , Pyle Laura , Nadeau Kristen J.
Published: February 2019

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and altered muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. IR in adults with obesity and diabetes is associated with changes in amino acid, free fatty acid (FFA), and mitochondrial acylcarnitine (AC) metabolism. We sought to determine whether these metabolites are associated with IR and/or androgens in youth-onset PCOS. We enrolled obese girls with PCOS [ n = 15, 14.5 yr (SD 1.6), %BMI 98.5 (SD 1.0)] and without PCOS [ n = 6, 13.2 yr (SD 1.2), %BMI 98.0 (SD 1.1)]. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Untargeted metabolomics of plasma was performed while fasting and during hyperinsulinemia. Fasting arginine, glutamine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were higher ( P < 0.04 for all but P < 0.001 for valine), as were glutamine and histidine during hyperinsulinemia ( P < 0.03). Higher valine during hyperinsulinemia was associated with IR ( r = 0.59, P = 0.006). Surprisingly, end-clamp AC C4 was lower in PCOS, and lower C4 was associated with IR ( r = −0.44, P = 0.04). End-clamp FFAs of C14:0, C16:1, and C18:1 were higher in PCOS girls, and C16:1 and C18:1 strongly associated with IR ( r = 0.73 and 0.53, P < 0.01). Free androgen index related negatively to short-, medium-, and long-chain AC ( r = −0.41 to −0.71, P < 0.01) but not FFA or amino acids. Obese girls with PCOS have a distinct metabolic signature during fasting and hyperinsulinemia. As in diabetes, IR related to valine and FFAs, with an unexpected relationship with AC C4, suggesting unique metabolism in obese girls with PCOS.
Evaluation of Simplified Analysis Procedures for a High‐Rise Reinforced Concrete Core Wall Structure
Authors: Rahman Abdur , Khan Qaiser Uz Zaman , Qureshi Muhammad Irshad
Published: February 2019

Nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) procedure is one of the most precise and accurate numerical method to compute the seismic demands of high‐rise structures but is complex, rigorous, and time‐consuming and requires a lot of expertise for nonlinear modelling and results interpretation. Therefore, practicing engineers in developing countries like Pakistan still use the simplified analysis procedures to compute the seismic demands. Among the simplified analysis procedures, equivalent lateral force and response spectrum analysis procedures are widely used for the design purpose. However, other procedures have also been proposed in the recent past to accurately capture the higher mode effects in mid‐to‐high‐rise structures. In the current study, results of a forty‐story core wall building are used to check the relative accuracy and ease of application of different simplified analysis procedures. Furthermore, a modal decomposition technique is used to separate the modal responses from the NLRHA results, and a mode wise comparison of different demand parameters for different simplified procedures is performed. The current study has been used to clearly identify the reasons of inaccuracies in different simplified procedures. Furthermore, a simplified analysis procedure is proposed to accurately estimate the seismic demands of high‐rise buildings and the possible solutions to improve their predictions.
An Unusual Cause of Epistaxis: Paranasal Sinus Myeloid Sarcoma
Authors: Dewan Karuna , Baird John H. , Shires Courtney B.
Published: February 2019

We report a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with right-sided headaches, blurring of vision in the right eye, cold-induced epistaxis, and facial numbness in the trigeminal nerve distribution. Laboratory studies revealed a significant number of myeloblasts on peripheral smear with granulated cytoplasm, irregular nuclei, and prominent vacuoles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated a T1-enhancing 1.5 cm right-sided dural-based lesion involving the medial sphenoid wing, cavernous sinus, infratemporal fossa, and sphenoid sinus region. An endoscopic biopsy of the lesion within the sphenoid sinus confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma, with myeloblasts comprising 30% of cellularity by flow cytometry. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed a hypercellular marrow with 23% blasts by flow cytometry that demonstrated a similar immunophenotypic pattern to those seen in the sinus mass. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing revealed the balanced translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22.1), consistent with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia with RUNX1-RUNX1T1-balanced translocation by WHO 2016 criteria. Myeloid sarcoma represents a rare extramedullary presentation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), either alone or in conjunction with blood or bone marrow involvement. This case emphasizes the need for a broad differential diagnosis and an aggressive work-up for any unusual paranasal sinus mass.
Data Analysis and Results of the Radiation-Tolerant Collaborative Computer On-Board OPTOS CubeSat
Authors: Martín-Ortega Alberto , Rodríguez Santiago , de Mingo José R. , Ibarmia Sergio , Rivas Joaquín , López-Buedo Sergio , López-Ongil Celia , Portela-García Marta
Published: February 2019

The current evolution of the space missions demands to increase the computing capacities of the on-board computer while reducing its power consumption. This requirement evolves faster than the ability of the manufacturers to develop better space-qualified processors. To meet the strong requirements, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology has developed a distributed on-board computer based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS). This computer, named OPTOS, provides enhanced computational capacities with respect to what computers of other small satellites typically provide. To maintain the reliability needed to perform typical critical activities such as real-time maintenance or current surveillance, authors have conceived a set of collaborative hardening techniques, taking advantage of the distributed architecture of the OPTOS On-Board Computer. The 3-year mission data analysis shows the feasibility of the collaborative hardening techniques implemented, despite using SEU sensitive devices. The authors describe the processes and tools used to analyse the data and clearly expose the functional errors found at unit level, while the system remains unfaulty and reliable thanks to the collaborative techniques.
An Energy Efficient Wearable Smart IoT System to Predict Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Majumder AKM Jahangir Alam , ElSaadany Yosuf Amr , Young Roger , Ucci Donald R.
Published: February 2019

Recently, many people have become more concerned about having a sudden cardiac arrest. With the increase in popularity of smart wearable devices, an opportunity to provide an Internet of Things (IoT) solution has become more available. Unfortunately, out of hospital survival rates are low for people suffering from sudden cardiac arrests. The objective of this research is to present a multisensory system using a smart IoT system that can collect Body Area Sensor (BAS) data to provide early warning of an impending cardiac arrest. The goal is to design and develop an integrated smart IoT system with a low power communication module to discreetly collect heart rates and body temperatures using a smartphone without it impeding on everyday life. This research introduces the use of signal processing and machine-learning techniques for sensor data analytics to identify predict and/or sudden cardiac arrests with a high accuracy.
Optic Neuropathy with Features Suggestive of Optic Neuritis in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis
Authors: Miyamoto Miyuki , Ishii Nobuyuki , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Shiomi Kazutaka , Kaida Tomoko , Chuman Hideki , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: February 2019

We describe our encounter with a 39-year-old man who exhibited acute painless visual loss and progressive gait disturbance. He had tendinous xanthoma and several neuroophthalmological findings indicative of optic neuropathy in the right eye, including afferent pupillary defect, cecocentral scotoma, and optic disc swelling. Neurological examination showed cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral swelling in the optic nerves with gadolinium-enhancement suggesting optic neuritis, an enlarged fourth ventricle, atrophy of the cerebellum, and hyperintensities in the bilateral dentate nuclei. The patient was diagnosed with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) based on an elevated serum cholestanol level and a homozygous missense mutation in CYP27A1. CTX is a genetic lipid storage disease caused by dysfunction of the mitochondrial enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase. With respect to ophthalmological manifestations, juvenile cataracts and optic neuropathy are common findings in patients with CTX, but there have been no reports of optic neuropathy with features suggestive of optic neuritis. Thus, this case illustrates that clinicians should consider a diagnosis of CTX in patients with cardinal features of CTX even if the patients show signs indicative of optic neuritis.
Predictors of Treatment Outcomes among Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Tanzania
Authors: Leveri Tamary Henry , Lekule Isack , Mollel Edson , Lyamuya Furaha , Kilonzo Kajiru
Published: February 2019

Background. According to World Health Organization (WHO) the final multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) treatment outcome is the most important direct measurement of the effectiveness of the MDRTB control program. Literature review has shown marked diversity in predictors of treatment outcomes worldwide even among the same continents. Therefore, findings could also be different in Tanzanian context, where the success rate is still lower than the WHO recommendation. This study sought to determine the predictors of treatment outcomes among MDRTB patients in Tanzania in order to improve the success rate. Methodology. This was a retrospective cohort study, which was conducted at Kibong’oto Infectious Diseases Hospital (KIDH) in Tanzania. Patients’ demographic and clinical parameters were collected from the MDRTB registry and clinical files. Then, a detailed analysis was done to determine the predictors of successful and unsuccessful MDRTB treatment outcomes. Results. Three hundred and thirty-two patients were diagnosed and put on MDRTB treatment during the year 2009 to 2014. Among them, males were 221 (67%), and 317 (95.48%) were above 18 years of age, mean age being 36.9 years. One hundred and sixty-one patients (48.5%) were living in Dar es Salaam. The number of MDRTB patients has increased from 16 in 2009 to 132 in 2014. Majority of patients (75.7%) had successful treatment outcomes. The following predictors were significantly associated with MDRTB cure: presence of cavities in chest X-rays (aOR 1.89, p value 0.002), low BMI (aOR 0.59, p value 0.044), and resistance to streptomycin (aOR 4.67, p value 0.007) and ethambutol (aOR 0.34, p value 0.041). Smoking and presence of cavities in chest X-rays were associated with MDRTB mortality, aOR 2.31, p value 0.043 and aOR 0.55, p value 0.019, respectively. Conclusion. The study indicated that overall number of MDRTB patients and the proportion of successful treatment outcomes have been increasing over the years. The study recommends improving nutritional status of MDRTB patients, widespread antismoking campaign, and close follow-up of patients with ethambutol resistance.
Improving Antimicrobial Activity of Carbon/Gelatin Composite by Ce(III)
Authors: Yu Tengfei , Guo Yang , Ning Bin , Gao Peiyi , Huang Yaqin
Published: February 2019

Carbon/gelatin/Ce (CGCe) composite was prepared with high antimicrobial activity. And the structure, thermal property, and antimicrobial activity of the composite were investigated. The research results showed that CGCe has a higher thermal property and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli compared with CG. The influences of molecular weight of gelatin, pH, and concentration of Ce (III) on the antimicrobial activity were discussed, and the IC50, MIC, and MBC against S. aureus of CGCe are 185 μm·mL-1, 525 μm·mLl-1, and 700 μm·mL-1, respectively, and the IC50, MIC, and MBC against E. coli of CGCe are 255 μm·mL-1, 700 μm·mL-1, and 1050 μm·mL-1, respectively.
A New Approach for Free Vibration Analysis of Thin‐Walled Box Girder Considering Shear Lag Effect
Authors: Luo Zuolong , Yuan Haoyun , Niu Xirong
Published: February 2019

The thin‐walled box girder (T‐WBG) is widely applied in the long‐span bridge structures during the past decades due to its lighter self‐weight and better mechanical properties. The shear lag effect (SLE), an essential aspect of T‐WBG which governs the stress and the deformation, is rather necessary to be revealed properly. The extraordinary issue of T‐WBG analysis nowadays is the SLE impact on its dynamical response to external load. This paper proposes an improved finite element method (FEM) to obtain the realistic vibration characteristics of the T‐WBG considering the SLE by theory analysis and formula derivation. Firstly, based on the classical plate and shell theory as well as beam theory, the T‐WBG was divided into shell subunit for the roof and beam subunit for web and floor, respectively. Secondly, a 3‐order polynomial which is consistent with the experiment results was adopted as the axial‐displacement interpolation function of the roof subunit, whose nodal displacements parameters were also taken as the basic. Thirdly, the nodal displacement parameters of the web subunit and floor subunit were deduced by the basic according to the principle of deflection consistency. It is shown through a numerical example that the proposed method is much more economical to achieve reasonable accuracy than traditional FEM analysis software when dealing with the free vibration problem of the T‐WBG considering the SLE. Besides, it is also observed that the natural frequency values considering the SLE have a trend of decreasing markedly in general, and the influence of SLE on higher‐order frequency is more significant than on the lower one under the boundary condition of cantilever supported, while a contrary effect under the boundary condition of simple supported.
Diagnostic Dilemma of Disseminated Histoplasmosis Mimicking Hemophagocytosis Lymphohistiocytosis in Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis on Anti-TNF Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Suman Saurav , Lenert Aleksander
Published: February 2019

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have become the cornerstone for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic autoimmune conditions. However, these biologic DMARDs can lead to various opportunistic infections such as viral infection, tuberculosis, and histoplasmosis. Furthermore, these biologics can also cause severe systemic inflammatory reactions known as hemophagocytosis lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that can lead to multiorgan failure and high mortality. Due to overlapping clinical features and time-intensive microbiological culture methods, distinguishing between HLH and opportunistic infections can be challenging early in the disease course. We present a similar situation with our patient where the patient met the diagnostic criteria for HLH however was found to have disseminated histoplasmosis. This case uniquely evaluates the utility of the HLH diagnostic criteria and hemophagocytosis for accurate diagnosis of HLH.
Roles of Identified Long Noncoding RNA in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Yan , Xu Keyang , Xu Kechen , Chen Sixiang , Cao Yifang , Zhan Huakui
Published: February 2019

Diabetes mellitus is the leading chronic disease in the world, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) as one of its complications could increase the mortality. The development of DN is associated to abnormal hemodynamic factors like cytokine networks and the intervention of metabolic risk factors like blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid. However, the pathogenesis of DN is still poorly understood. Although glucose-lowering drugs and insulins have significant effects on blood glucose, the fluctuation of blood glucose or other risk factors could continuously damage the kidney. Recent studies reported that the progression of DN is closely related to the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which is important for the early diagnosis and targeted intervention of DN. In this review, we briefly summarize the published studies on the functions and potential mechanism of reported lncRNA in the regulation of DN.
Adaptive PD Control Based on RBF Neural Network for a Wire‐Driven Parallel Robot and Prototype Experiments
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Lin Qi , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhou Fangui
Published: February 2019

An adaptive PD control scheme is proposed for the support system of a wire‐driven parallel robot (WDPR) used in a wind tunnel test. The control scheme combines a PD control and an adaptive control based on a radial basis function (RBF) neural network. The PD control is used to track the trajectory of the end effector of the WDPR. The experimental environment, the external disturbances, and other factors result in uncertainties of some parameters for the WDPR; therefore, the RBF neural network control method is used to approximate the parameters. An adaptive control algorithm is developed to reduce the approximation error and improve the robustness and control precision of the WDPR. It is demonstrated that the closed‐loop system is stable based on the Lyapunov stability theory. The simulation results show that the proposed control scheme results in a good performance of the WDPR. The experimental results of the prototype experiments show that the WDPR operates on the desired trajectory; the proposed control method is correct and effective, and the experimental error is small and meets the requirements.
Influence of Drying Temperature on Phenolic Acids Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Sprouts and Leaves of White and Red Quinoa
Authors: Złotek Urszula , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Dziki Dariusz , Świeca Michał , Nowak Renata , Martinez Enrique
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of drying temperature on the phenolic acids profile and antioxidant activity of sprouts and leaves red and white Chenopodium quinoa (RQ and WQ, respectively). Four-day sprouts and leaves dried at 30, 45, and 60°C were tested. All sprouts contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds; however, higher content was determined in the RQ sprouts. Phenolic compounds from WQ sprouts seem to be thermostable in the studied temperature range, whereas total phenolics content in RQ sprouts decreased significantly after drying in the 60°C. Content of vanillic and p-coumaric acids did not differ significantly between sprouts dried at the same conditions; however, their level decreased in the high temperature. Irrespective of the drying temperature, higher activity against ABTS free radicals and reducing power was observed in the case of RQ sprouts extracts. Sprouts dried at 30°C had a higher ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. RQ sprouts were characterized by about two times higher antioxidant activity regardless of the method used. No significant differences between total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids content in RQ and LQ leaves were found. In the both cases, decrease of TPC was observed after drying in the highest temperature. The leaves do not differ too much in terms of the phenolic acids profile, whereas the differentiating factor is thermal processing. Leaves of both quinoa contained thermostable compounds able to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Reducing power and ability to scavenge OH radicals were correlated with all components of quinoa sprouts which suggest synergism between them and does not indicate the key role of a particular compound in creating antioxidant capacity. Germination and subsequent oven-drying at 30°C of quinoa seeds significantly increased the antioxidant properties compared with raw seeds. Also, in the case of leaves, the best results were obtained after drying at 30°C.
Distributed Formation Control for Multiple Quadrotor Based on Multi‐Agent Theory and Disturbance Observer
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Gao Junli , Zhang Wenfeng , Zeng Tao , Ye Liping
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the disturbance observers‐based distributed formation control for multiple quadrotor aircrafts with external disturbances and uncertain parameters using multi‐agent theory and finite‐time control method. Firstly, the finite‐time disturbance observers are proposed to handle the external disturbances on the position‐loop. Similarly, when there are both the uncertain parameters and external disturbances on the attitude‐loop, the finite‐time disturbance observers are designed to estimate the total lump disturbances. By skillfully using homogeneous system theory, Lyapunov theory, and multi‐agent theory, the distributed formation control algorithms are developed. Finally, through simulations, the efficiency of the proposed method (including the convergence rate and disturbance rejection) is verified.
Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Approach Reveals the Therapeutic Mechanism of Action of Baicalein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Chongyang , Xu Tian , Sun Xiaoguang , Zhang Shuang , Liu Shuling , Fan Shuning , Lei Chaofang , Tang Feifei , Zhai Changming , Li Changxiang , Luo Juan , Wang Qingguo , Wei Wei , Wang Xueqian , Cheng Fafeng
Published: February 2019

Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the greatest proportion of these deaths. Baicalein, a flavonoid isolated from the root of Scutellariae radix, is considered a potential candidate to treat HCC. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, a network pharmacological approach was combined with microarray data (GSE95504) acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of action of baicalein at a systemic level. We identified 38 baicalein targets and 76 differently expressed genes (DEGs) following treatment with baicalein, including 55 upregulated and 21 downregulated genes. The DEGs were significantly enriched in the biological functions of apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and PERK-mediated unfolded protein response. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and topological screening revealed a core module of PPIs including two baicalein targets, TP53 and CDK1, and two downregulated DEGs, HSPA1A and HSPA1B. Expression and survival data for these genes in the module derived from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) were subjected to Kaplan–Meier analysis of overall survival and disease-free survival. Overexpression of CDK1, BRCA1, TUBB, HSPA1A, HSPA1B, and HSPA4 was associated with significantly worse overall survival, while overexpression of CDK1, CLU7, BRCA1, and TUBB was associated with significantly worse disease-free survival. These data suggest that baicalein exerts therapeutic effects against HCC via a PPI network involving TP53, CDK1, HSPA1A, and HSPA1B.
A Repeated Measures Pilot Comparison of Trajectories of Fluctuating Endogenous Hormones in Young Women with Traumatic Brain Injury, Healthy Controls
Authors: Niemeier Janet P. , Perrin Paul B. , Hurst Bradley S. , Foureau David M. , Huynh Toan T. , Evans Susan L. , Silverman Jonathan E. , Elise McClannahan M. , Brusch Benjamin D. , Newman Mark , Mougeout Jean-Luc , Wagner Amy K.
Published: February 2019

Objective. To compare baseline and 72-hour hormone levels in women with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and controls. Setting. Hospital emergency department. Participants. 21 women ages 18-35 with TBI and 21 controls. Design. Repeated measures. Main Measures. Serum samples at baseline and 72 hours; immunoassays for estradiol (E2), progesterone (PRO), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and cortisol (CORT); and health history. Results. Women with TBI had lower E2 (p=0.042) and higher CORT (p=0.028) levels over time. Lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) and OCs were associated with lower FSH (GCS p=0.021; OCs p=0.016) and higher CORT (GCS p=0.001; OCs p=0.008). Conclusion. Acute TBI may suppress E2 and increase CORT in young women. OCs appeared to independently affect CORT and FSH responses. Future work is needed with a larger sample to characterize TBI effects on women’s endogenous hormone response to injury and OC use’s effects on post-TBI stress response and gonadal function, as well as secondary injury.
Improved SDOF Approach to Incorporate the Effects of Axial Loads on the Dynamic Responses of Steel Columns Subjected to Blast Loads
Authors: Yan Junbo , Liu Yan , Huang Fenglei
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a complicated single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) approach was developed to determine the global response of steel columns under combined axial and blast‐induced transverse loads. Nonlinear section and member analyses were incorporated into the suggested SDOF method to account for the complex features of the material behavior, the high strain rate effect, and the column geometry. The SDOF technique was validated through comparisons with available finite element and experimental data, and a good consistency was obtained. Then, the validated SDOF approach was utilized to derive the pressure‐impulse curves under various levels of axial loading. The level of the axial load was shown to have a significant influence on the dynamic behavior of a steel column subjected to a blast load.
Submitral Aneurysm in a Patient with a Normal Electrocardiogram
Authors: Solis-Olivares Carlos A. , Meester Irene , Solis-Soto Juan M.
Published: February 2019

A ventricular aneurysm entails well-known risks for the patient such as heart failure, potentially lethal arrhythmias, and systemic embolic phenomena. The submitral or posterolateral ventricular aneurysm is a very rare variety, usually of congenital etiology, which may also have other causes, including ischemic heart disease. The present case is about a 76-year-old male with the antecedent of an acute myocardial infarction 3 years ago. He presented with intermittent, brief, and self-limiting episodes of severe dyspnea, intense desperation, and accelerated palpitations, with a nonspecific electrocardiogram. An echocardiography revealed a large submitral aneurysm, with a good clinical response to the specific treatment of heart failure, antiarrhythmics, and oral anticoagulation therapy. We analyze the implications of an aneurysm in the context of an ischemic etiology, with special attention to the limitations of the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of occlusions of the circumflex artery that irrigates the posterolateral region of the heart. We suspect that a greater number of patients with a culprit circumflex artery could receive appropriate coronary interventionism or thrombolysis if decision-making in the emergency room would not depend mainly on the electrocardiogram. Better stratification tools are needed to prevent late complications of infarction, such as those observed in this patient.