bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol defends blood-brain barrier integrity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Wang Dong , Li Shi-Ping , Fu Jin-Sheng , Zhang Sheng , Bai Lin , Guo Li
Published: August 2016

The mouse autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS), is primarily characterized as dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Resveratrol exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective activities. We investigated the beneficial effects of resveratrol in protecting the integrity of the BBB in EAE mice and observed improved clinical outcome in the EAE mice after resveratrol treatment. Evans blue (EB) extravasation was used to detect the disruption of BBB. Western blot were used to detected the tight junction proteins and adhesion molecules zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Inflammatory factors inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, and arginase 1 were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) and IL-10 by ELISA. NADPH oxidase (NOX) levels were evaluated by qPCR, and its activity was analyzed by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence. Resveratrol at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent decrease in EAE paralysis and EB leakage, ameliorated EAE-induced loss of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5, as well as repressed the EAE-induced increase in adhesion proteins ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In addition, resveratrol suppressed the EAE-induced overexpression of proinflammatory transcripts iNOS and IL-1β and upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory transcripts arginase 1 and IL-10 cytokine in the brain. Furthermore, resveratrol downregulated the overexpressed NOX2 and NOX4 in the brain and suppressed NADPH activity. Resveratrol ameliorates the clinical severity of MS through maintaining the BBB integrity in EAE mice.
Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus among Women with Cervical Cytological Abnormalities or Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a High-Incidence Area of Esophageal Carcinoma in China
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Shaohong , Shen Jinhui , Peng Yanyan , Chen Lechuan , Mai Ruiqin , Zhang Guohong
Published: August 2016

Data of HPV genotype including 16 high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and 4 low-risk HPV from 38,397 women with normal cytology, 1341 women with cervical cytology abnormalities, and 223 women with ISCC were retrospectively evaluated by a hospital-based study. The prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) was 6.51%, 41.83%, and 96.86% in women with normal cytology, cervical cytology abnormalities, and ISCC, respectively. The three most common HPV types were HPV-52 (1.76%), HPV-16 (1.28%), and HPV-58 (0.97%) in women with normal cytology, whereas the most prevalent HPV type was HPV-16 (16.85%), followed by HPV-52 (9.55%) and HPV-58 (7.83%) in women with cervical cytology abnormalities. Specifically, HPV-16 had the highest frequency in ASC-H (24.16%, 36/149) and HSIL (35.71%, 110/308), while HPV-52 was the most common type in ASC-US (8.28%, 53/640) and LSIL (16.80%, 41/244). HPV-16 (75.78%), HPV18 (10.31%), and HPV58 (9.87%) were the most common types in women with ISCC. These data might contribute to increasing the knowledge of HPV epidemiology and providing the guide for vaccine selection for women in Shantou.
Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease: From Pathogenetic Dysfunction to Potential Clinical Application
Authors: Xu Lingjia , Pu Jiali
Published: August 2016

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease/synucleinopathy that develops slowly; however, there is no efficient method of early diagnosis, nor is there a cure. Progressive dopaminergic neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and widespread aggregation of theα-synuclein protein (encoded by theSNCAgene) in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites are the neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease. TheSNCAgene has undergone gene duplications, triplications, and point mutations. However, the specific mechanism ofα-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease remains obscure. Recent research showed that variousα-synuclein oligomers, pathological aggregation, and propagation appear to be harmful in certain areas in Parkinson’s disease patients. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the pathogenetic dysfunction ofα-synuclein associated with Parkinson’s disease and highlights current approaches that seek to develop this protein as a possible diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
A Chaos-Based Encryption Scheme for DCT Precoded OFDM-Based Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Wang Zhongpeng , Chen Shoufa
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a physical encryption scheme for discrete cosine transform (DCT) precoded OFDM-based visible light communication systems by employing chaos scrambling. In the proposed encryption scheme, the Logistic map is adopted for the chaos mapping. The chaos scrambling strategy can allocate the two scrambling sequences to the real (I) and imaginary (Q) parts of OFDM frames according to the initial condition, which enhance the confidentiality of the physical layer. The simulation experimental results prove the efficiency of the proposed encryption method for DCT precoded OFDM-based VLC systems. The experimental results show that the proposed security scheme can protect the DCT precoded OFDM-based VLC from eavesdropper, while keeping the advantage of the DCT precoding technique, which can reduce the PAPR and improve the BER performance of OFDM-based VLC.
Effect of HSV-IL12 Loaded Tumor Cell-Based Vaccination in a Mouse Model of High-Grade Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bauer David F. , Pereboeva Larisa , Gillespie G. Yancey , Cloud Gretchen A. , Elzafarany Osama , Langford Catherine , Markert James M. , Jr. Lawrence S. Lamb
Published: August 2016

We designed multimodal tumor vaccine that consists of irradiated tumor cells infected with the oncolytic IL-12-expressing HSV-1 virus, M002. This vaccine was tested against the syngeneic neuroblastoma mouse model Neuro 2a injected into the right caudate nucleus of the immunocompetent A/J mice. Mice were vaccinated via intramuscular injection of multimodal vaccine or uninfected irradiated tumor cells at seven and 14 days after tumor establishment. While there was no survival difference between groups vaccinated with cell-based vaccine applied following tumor injection, a premunition prime/boost vaccination strategy produced a significant survival advantage in both groups and sustained immune response to an intracranial rechallenge of the same tumor. The syngeneic but unrelated H6 hepatocellular tumor cell line grew unrestricted in vaccinated mice, indicative of vaccine-mediated specific immunity to Neuro 2a tumors. Longitudinal analyses of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a primary adaptive T cell response involving both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Spleen cell mononuclear preparations from vaccinated mice were significantly more cytotoxic to Neuro 2a tumor cells than spleen cells from control mice as demonstrated in a four-hourin vitrocytotoxicity assay. These results strongly suggest that an irradiated whole cell tumor vaccine incorporating IL-12-expressing M002 HSV can produce a durable, specific immunization in a murine model of intracranial tumor.
Two-Person Technique of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia with an Advanced Endoscopist and a Thoracic Surgeon: Initial Experience
Authors: Sanaka Madhusudhan R. , Jegadeesan Ramprasad , Thota Prashanthi N. , Navaneethan Udayakumar , Lopez Rocio , Murthy Sudish C. , Raja Siva
Published: August 2016

Background and Aims. We initiated peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) utilizing a two-person technique with combination of an advanced endoscopist and a thoracic surgeon with complementary skills. Our aim was to determine the feasibility and outcomes in initial 20 patients. Methods. In this observational study, main outcomes measured were therapeutic success in relieving symptoms (Eckardt score < 3), decrease in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures, improvement in emptying on timed barium esophagogram (TBE), and complications.Results. POEM was successful in all 20 patients with a mean operative time of140.1+32.9minutes. Eckardt symptom scores decreased significantly at two-month follow-up (6.4+2.9versus0.25+0.45,p<0.001). Both basal and residual LES pressures decreased significantly (28.2+14.1 mmHg versus12.8+6.3and22.4+11.3versus6.3+3.4 mmHg,p=0.025and <0.001, resp.). Barium column height at 5 minutes on TBE reduced from6.8+4.9 cm to2.3+2.9 cm (p=0.05). Two patients (10%) had mucosal perforations and one had delayed bleeding (5%).Conclusions.Two-person technique of POEM with combination of an advanced endoscopist and a thoracic surgeon is highly successful with low risk of complications.
Deep Convolutional Extreme Learning Machine and Its Application in Handwritten Digit Classification
Authors: Pang Shan , Yang Xinyi
Published: August 2016

In recent years, some deep learning methods have been developed and applied to image classification applications, such as convolutional neuron network (CNN) and deep belief network (DBN). However they are suffering from some problems like local minima, slow convergence rate, and intensive human intervention. In this paper, we propose a rapid learning method, namely, deep convolutional extreme learning machine (DC-ELM), which combines the power of CNN and fast training of ELM. It uses multiple alternate convolution layers and pooling layers to effectively abstract high level features from input images. Then the abstracted features are fed to an ELM classifier, which leads to better generalization performance with faster learning speed. DC-ELM also introduces stochastic pooling in the last hidden layer to reduce dimensionality of features greatly, thus saving much training time and computation resources. We systematically evaluated the performance of DC-ELM on two handwritten digit data sets: MNIST and USPS. Experimental results show that our method achieved better testing accuracy with significantly shorter training time in comparison with deep learning methods and other ELM methods.
Unicystic Ameloblastoma with Mural Proliferation Managed by Conservative Treatment
Authors: Garcia Natália Galvão , Oliveira Denise Tostes , Rodrigues Moacyr Tadeu Vicente
Published: August 2016

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a distinguishable entity of ameloblastomas, characterized by slow growth and being relatively locally aggressive. Three histological types are recognized according to the degree of ameloblastomatous epithelial extension, namely, luminal, intraluminal, and mural types. This classification has a direct bearing on their biological behavior, treatment, and prognosis. However, there is difficulty in determining the most appropriate form of treatment for unicystic ameloblastoma. We present a case of unicystic ameloblastoma that occurred in the right posterior mandible of 19-year-old girl, which was enucleated and did not recur after 12-month follow-up.
Common Mental Disorders among Occupational Groups: Contributions of the Latent Class Model
Authors: Bernardes Santos Kionna Oliveira , Martins Carvalho Fernando , de Araújo Tânia Maria
Published: August 2016

Background. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) is widely used for evaluating common mental disorders. However, few studies have evaluated the SRQ-20 measurements performance in occupational groups. This study aimed to describe manifestation patterns of common mental disorders symptoms among workers populations, by using latent class analysis.Methods. Data derived from 9,959 Brazilian workers, obtained from four cross-sectional studies that used similar methodology, among groups of informal workers, teachers, healthcare workers, and urban workers. Common mental disorders were measured by using SRQ-20. Latent class analysis was performed on each database separately.Results. Three classes of symptoms were confirmed in the occupational categories investigated. In all studies, class I met better criteria for suspicion of common mental disorders. Class II discriminated workers with intermediate probability of answers to the items belonging to anxiety, sadness, and energy decrease that configure common mental disorders. Class III was composed of subgroups of workers with low probability to respond positively to questions for screening common mental disorders.Conclusions. Three patterns of symptoms of common mental disorders were identified in the occupational groups investigated, ranging from distinctive features to low probabilities of occurrence. The SRQ-20 measurements showed stability in capturing nonpsychotic symptoms.
Systemic Air Embolism Associated with Pleural Pigtail Chest Tube Insertion
Authors: Alkhankan Emad , Nusair Ahmad , Mazagri Rida , Al-Ourani Mohammed
Published: August 2016

Pleural pigtail catheter placement is associated with many complications including pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and chest pain. Air embolism is a known but rare complication of pleural pigtail catheter insertion and has a high risk of occurrence with positive pressure ventilation. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old male with bilateral pneumonia who developed a pneumothorax while on mechanical ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure mode. During the placement of the pleural pigtail catheter to correct the pneumothorax, the patient developed a sudden left sided body weakness and became unresponsive. An air embolism was identified in the right main cerebral artery, which was fatal.
Integrated Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Profiles Data to Identify Key Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jin Xiang , Liu Xingang , Li Xiaodan , Guan Yinghui
Published: August 2016

Introduction. Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is the most frequent type of lung cancer and has a high metastatic rate at an early stage. This study is aimed at identifying LAC-associated genes.Materials and Methods. GSE62950 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus included a DNA methylation dataset and an mRNA expression profiles dataset, both of which included 28 LAC tissue samples and 28 adjacent normal tissue samples. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by Limma package in R, and their functions were predicted by enrichment analysis using TargetMine online tool. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape. Finally, LAC-associated methylation sites were identified by CpGassoc package in R and mapped to the DEGs to obtain LAC-associated DEGs.Results. Total 913 DEGs were identified in LAC tissues. In the PPI networks,MAD2L1,AURKB,CCNB2,CDC20,andWNT3Ahad higher degrees, and the first four genes might be involved in LAC through interaction. Total 8856 LAC-associated methylation sites were identified and mapped to the DEGs. And there were 29 LAC-associated methylation sites located in 27 DEGs (e.g.,SH3GL2,BAI3,CDH13,JAM2,MT1A,LHX6,andIGFBP3).Conclusions. These key genes might play a role in pathogenesis of LAC.
The Energy Loss of α-Particles in Ferromagnetic Nickel at Phase Transition
Authors: Khadke U. V.
Published: August 2016

The energy loss (EL) of 5.486 MeV α-particles in ferromagnetic nickel foils was measured at different temperatures of the foils. The temperature of the foils was controlled and recorded using a PC-based temperature controller with an accuracy of ±0.01°C. It is observed that the energy loss in ferromagnetic nickel increases by 2–5% as the material goes from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state. Thus our results show that the phase transition in ferromagnetic materials affects energy loss.
Low Dosage of Chitosan Supplementation Improves Intestinal Permeability and Impairs Barrier Function in Mice
Authors: Guan Guiping , Wang Hongbing , Peng Hanhui , Li Guanya
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between low dose dietary supplementation with chitosan (COS) and body weight, feed intake, intestinal barrier function, and permeability in mice. Twenty mice were randomly assigned to receive an unadulterated control diet (control group) or a dietary supplementation with 30 mg/kg dose of chitosan (COS group) for two weeks. Whilst no significant differences were found between the conditions for body weight or food and water intake, mice in the COS group had an increased serum D-lactate content (P<0.05) and a decreased jejunal diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (P<0.05). Furthermore, mice in COS group displayed a reduced expression of occludin and ZO-1 (P<0.05) and a reduced expression of occludin in the ileum (P<0.05). The conclusion drawn from these findings showed that although 30 mg/kg COS-supplemented diet had no effect on body weight or feed intake in mice, this dosage may compromise intestinal barrier function and permeability. This research will contribute to the guidance on COS supplements.
Extreme Elevation of Alkaline Phosphatase in a Pregnancy Complicated by Gestational Diabetes and Infant with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lozo Svjetlana , Atabeygi Amir , Healey Michael
Published: August 2016

There have been few case reports of isolated elevation of alkaline phosphatase beyond the normal physiologic amount with subsequent return to baseline after delivery. Here we present a similar case of extreme elevation of alkaline phosphatase in a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes and subsequently by neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT).
Creatine Prevents the Structural and Functional Damage to Mitochondria in Myogenic, Oxidatively Stressed C2C12 Cells and Restores Their Differentiation Capacity
Authors: Barbieri Elena , Guescini Michele , Calcabrini Cinzia , Vallorani Luciana , Diaz Anna Rita , Fimognari Carmela , Canonico Barbara , Luchetti Francesca , Papa Stefano , Battistelli Michela , Falcieri Elisabetta , Romanello Vanina , Sandri Marco , Stocchi Vilberto , Ciacci Caterina , Sestili Piero
Published: August 2016

Creatine (Cr) is a nutritional supplement promoting a number of health benefits. Indeed Cr has been shown to be beneficial in disease‐induced muscle atrophy, improve rehabilitation, and afford mild antioxidant activity. The beneficial effects are likely to derive from pleiotropic interactions. In accord with this notion, we previously demonstrated that multiple pleiotropic effects, including preservation of mitochondrial damage, account for the capacity of Cr to prevent the differentiation arrest caused by oxidative stress in C2C12 myoblasts. Given the importance of mitochondria in supporting the myogenic process, here we further explored the protective effects of Cr on the structure, function, and networking of these organelles in C2C12 cells differentiating under oxidative stressing conditions; the effects on the energy sensor AMPK, on PGC-1α, which is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and its downstream effector Tfam were also investigated. Our results indicate that damage to mitochondria is crucial in the differentiation imbalance caused by oxidative stress and that the Cr‐prevention of these injuries is invariably associated with the recovery of the normal myogenic capacity. We also found that Cr activates AMPK and induces an upregulation of PGC-1α expression, two events which are likely to contribute to the protection of mitochondrial quality and function.
Factors Contributing to Massive Blood Loss on Peripartum Hysterectomy for Abnormally Invasive Placenta: Who Bleeds More?
Authors: Takahashi Hironori , Ohkuchi Akihide , Usui Rie , Suzuki Hirotada , Baba Yosuke , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: August 2016

Introduction. To identify factors that determine blood loss during peripartum hysterectomy for abnormally invasive placenta (AIP-hysterectomy).Methods. We reviewed all of the medical charts of 11,919 deliveries in a single tertiary perinatal center. We examined characteristics of AIP-hysterectomy patients, with a single experienced obstetrician attending all AIP-hysterectomies and using the same technique.Results. AIP-hysterectomy was performed in 18 patients (0.15%: 18/11,919). Of the 18, 14 (78%) had a prior cesarean section (CS) history and the other 4 (22%) were primiparous women. Planned AIP-hysterectomy was performed in 12/18 (67%), with the remaining 6 (33%) undergoing emergent AIP-hysterectomy. Of the 6, 4 (4/6: 67%) patients were primiparous women. An intra-arterial balloon was inserted in 9/18 (50%). Women with the following three factors significantly bled less in AIP-hysterectomy than its counterpart: the employment of an intra-arterial balloon (4,448±1,948versus8,861±3,988 mL), planned hysterectomy (5,003±2,057versus9,957±4,485 mL), and prior CS (5,706±2,727versus9,975±5,532 mL). Patients with prior CS (−) bled more: this may be because these patients tended to undergo emergent surgery or attempted placental separation.Conclusion. Patients with intra-arterial balloon catheter insertion bled less on AIP-hysterectomy. Massive bleeding occurred in emergent AIP-hysterectomy without prior CS.
Histological and Molecular Characterization of Grape Early Ripening Bud Mutant
Authors: Guo Da-Long , Yu Yi-He , Xi Fei-Fei , Shi Yan-Yan , Zhang Guo-Hai
Published: August 2016

An early ripening bud mutant was analyzed based on the histological, SSR, and methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) analysis and a layer-specific approach was used to investigate the differentiation between the bud mutant and its parent. The results showed that the thickness of leaf spongy tissue of mutant (MT) is larger than that of wild type (WT) and the differences are significant. The mean size of cell layer L2 was increased in the mutant and the difference is significant. The genetic background of bud mutant revealed by SSR analysis is highly uniform to its parent; just the variations from VVS2 SSR marker were detected in MT. The total methylation ratio of MT is lower than that of the corresponding WT. The outside methylation ratio in MT is much less than that in WT; the average inner methylation ratio in MT is larger than that in WT. The early ripening bud mutant has certain proportion demethylation in cell layer L2. All the results suggested that cell layer L2 of the early ripening bud mutant has changed from the WT. This study provided the basis for a better understanding of the characteristic features of the early ripening bud mutant in grape.
A New Artificial Neural Network Approach in Solving Inverse Kinematics of Robotic Arm (Denso VP6242)
Authors: Almusawi Ahmed R. J. , Dülger L. Canan , Kapucu Sadettin
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a novel inverse kinematics solution for robotic arm based on artificial neural network (ANN) architecture. The motion of robotic arm is controlled by the kinematics of ANN. A new artificial neural network approach for inverse kinematics is proposed. The novelty of the proposed ANN is the inclusion of the feedback of current joint angles configuration of robotic arm as well as the desired position and orientation in the input pattern of neural network, while the traditional ANN has only the desired position and orientation of the end effector in the input pattern of neural network. In this paper, a six DOF Denso robotic arm with a gripper is controlled by ANN. The comprehensive experimental results proved the applicability and the efficiency of the proposed approach in robotic motion control. The inclusion of current configuration of joint angles in ANN significantly increased the accuracy of ANN estimation of the joint angles output. The new controller design has advantages over the existing techniques for minimizing the position error in unconventional tasks and increasing the accuracy of ANN in estimation of robot’s joint angles.
Sensor Data Fusion Based on a New Conflict Measure
Authors: Jiang Wen , Wei Boya , Qin Xiyun , Zhan Jun , Tang Yongchuan
Published: August 2016

Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory has been widely used in various fields. However, how to measure the degree of conflict (similarity) between the bodies of evidence is an open issue. In this paper, in order to solve this problem, firstly we propose a modified cosine similarity to measure the similarity between vectors. Then a new similarity measure of basic probability assignment (BPAs) is proposed based on the modified cosine similarity. The new similarity measure can achieve the reasonable measure of the similarity of BPAs and then efficiently measure the degree of conflict among bodies of evidence. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, a weighted average method based on the new BPAs similarity is proposed, and an example is used to show the validity of the proposed method.
A Case of Metastatic Adamantinoma That Responded Well to Sunitinib
Authors: Liman Andrew D. , Liman Agnes K. , Shields Jenna , Englert Becky , Shah Rashmikant
Published: August 2016

Adamantinoma is a rare low-grade malignant bone tumor of epithelial origin. Metastatic adamantinoma has been reported to be resistant to chemotherapy. We report a case of metastatic adamantinoma to the lung, 10 years after the initial diagnosis of tibial mass. The patient received radiation therapy to the lung with partial response. A surveillance PET scan revealed progression of the lung mass and biopsy confirmed to be progressive residual metastatic adamantinoma. He received carboplatin and etoposide for 7 months and achieved a partial response. Four months later, PET scan showed disease progression. We started him on sunitinib, a multikinase inhibitor. He achieved a good partial response for 3 years. He died due to pneumonia at the age of 72.
Enhanced Structural, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Hybridized with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Yusof Yusliza , Zaidi Mohd Irwan , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study is to evaluate the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) hybridized with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) obtained via chemical reduction of aqueous silver salt assisted with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as stabilizing agent. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals microstructural analysis of the MWNT-Ag hybrids. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra prove the interactions between the AgNP and carboxyl groups of the MWNT. Raman spectra reveal that the D- to G-band intensity ratiosID/IGandID′/IGincrease upon the deposition of AgNP onto the surface of the MWNT. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the MWNT-Ag hybrids decompose at a much faster rate and the weight loss decreased considerably due to the presence of AgNP. Nonlinearity of current-voltage (I-V) curves indicates that electrical transport of pristine MWNT is enhanced when AgNP is induced as charge carriers in the MWNT-Ag hybrids. The threshold voltageVthvalue for the MWNT doped with a maximum of 70 vol% of AgNP was substantially reduced by 65% relative to the pristine MWNT. The MWNT-Ag hybrids have a favourable electrical characteristic with a low threshold voltage that shows enhancement mode for field-effect transistor (FET) applications.
On the Development of an Al4.8 wt% Cu Alloy Obtained from Recycled Aluminum Cans Designed for Thixoforming Process
Authors: Vieira Ronan Miller , Moreira Gianni Ferreira Alves , Filho André Itman , Vieira Estéfano Aparecido
Published: August 2016

This work has focused on the development of a new aluminum alloy containing 4.8 wt% of Cu alloy obtained from recycled aluminium cans designed for thixoforming process. After the step of melting and solidification of the alloy in a metallic permanent mold, samples were solution heat treated at 525°C for times ranging from 2 h to 48 h, quenched in water and followed by natural aging. Results have shown the evolution of hardness so from them solubilization solution heat treatment was chosen for 24 h. The best condition for aging was 190°C during 3 h. With this data pieces were thixoforged at 580°C and 615°C corresponding, respectively, to solid fraction (fs) of 0.8 and 0.6. The optimized T6 temper was applied and tensile tests were performed. The mechanical properties obtained are compatible with those obtained for consolidated alloys processed in semisolid state (SS) and after T6 temper hardness increases from 95 HB to 122 HB and the best results were a tensile strength of 324 MPa ± 10 MPa, yield strength of 257 MPa ± 18 MPa, and an elongation of 7.1%  ±  1%. For alloys designed for thixoforming process, these results are in accordance with what was expected whereas globular microstructure, high ductility, and good performance under cyclic conditions are desirable.
Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Roy Andrew K. , Garot Jerome , Neylon Antoinette , Spaziano Marco , Sawaya Fadi J. , Lefèvre Thierry
Published: August 2016

Progressive dyspnea and hypoxaemia in the subacute phase after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are uncommon and warrant immediate assessment of valve and prosthesis leaflet function to exclude thrombosis, as well as investigation for other causes related to the procedure, such as left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory sepsis. In this case, we report the observation of a patient presenting two weeks after TAVI with arterial hypoxaemia in an upright position, relieved by lying flat, and coupled with an intracardiac shunt detected on echocardiography in the absence of pulmonary hypertension, raising the suspicion of Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome (POS). Invasive intracardiac haemodynamic assessment showed a significant right-to-left shunt (Qp/Qs = 0.74), which confirmed the diagnosis, with subsequent closure of the intracardiac defect resulting in immediate relief of symptoms and hypoxaemia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an interatrial defect and shunt causing Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, resolved by percutaneous device closure.
Age-Associated Changes in the Spectral and Statistical Parameters of Surface Electromyogram ofTibialis Anterior
Authors: Siddiqi Ariba , Arjunan Sridhar Poosapadi , Kumar Dinesh Kant
Published: August 2016

Age-related neuromuscular change of Tibialis Anterior (TA) is a leading cause of muscle strength decline among the elderly. This study has established the baseline for age-associated changes in sEMG of TA at different levels of voluntary contraction. We have investigated the use of Gaussianity and maximal power of the power spectral density (PSD) as suitable features to identify age-associated changes in the surface electromyogram (sEMG). Eighteen younger (20–30 years) and 18 older (60–85 years) cohorts completed two trials of isometric dorsiflexion at four different force levels between 10% and 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction. Gaussianity and maximal power of the PSD of sEMG were determined. Results show a significant increase in sEMG’s maximal power of the PSD and Gaussianity with increase in force for both cohorts. It was also observed that older cohorts had higher maximal power of the PSD and lower Gaussianity. These age-related differences observed in the PSD and Gaussianity could be due to motor unit remodelling. This can be useful for noninvasive tracking of age-associated neuromuscular changes.
Hypertension Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Middle-Aged Adults in Chongqing, China
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Rao Yunshuang , Shi Zumin , Liu Lingli , Chen Cheng , Zhao Yong
Published: August 2016

Hypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease in China, and yet little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associations with demographic and social-economic characteristics in middle-aged patients with hypertension. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Chongqing, China, using a multistage stratified random sampling methodology. Data was collected on 1,224 eligible adults, aged between 45 and 53 years, including the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 to measure HRQOL. Hypertension was associated with poor state of physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and social function (p<0.05for all). In multivariable analyses, education level, job conditions, average monthly income, smoking status, sleep quality, perception of relationship with family, childhood breastfeeding history, and body mass index were associated with domains of SF36 among those with hypertension (p<0.05for all). Hypertensive respondents with high education, marital status, breastfeeding, higher incomes, good quality of sleep, positive relationship with family, and higher body mass index have better HRQOL in middle-aged people with hypertension. Those unemployed had a better state of general health and had a poorer state of social function. Nonsmokers had a poorer state of bodily pain than smokers. This study provides detailed information of the implications for health care providers to gain a more complete picture of their hypertension patients’ health.
Pilot Study of a Web-Delivered Multicomponent Intervention for Rural Teens with Poorly Controlled Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Lansing Amy Hughes , Stanger Catherine , Budney Alan , Christiano Ann S. , Casella Samuel J.
Published: August 2016

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-delivered multicomponent behavioral and family-based intervention targeting self-regulation and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels (SMBG) and glycemic control (HbA1c) in teens with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) living in rural US.Methods. 15 teens with poorly controlled T1DM participated in a 25-week web-delivered intervention with two phases, active treatment (weekly treatment sessions and working memory training program) and maintenance treatment (fading of treatment sessions).Results. Almost all (13 of 15) participants completed at least 14 of 15 treatment sessions and at least 20 of 25 working memory training sessions. SMBG was increased significantly at end of active and maintenance treatment, and HbA1c was decreased at end of active treatment (p’s ≤ 0.05). Executive functioning improved at end of maintenance treatment: performance on working memory and inhibitory control tasks significantly improved (p’s ≤ 0.02) and parents reported fewer problems with executive functioning (p=0.05). Improvement in inhibitory control was correlated with increases in SMBG and decreases in HbA1c.Conclusions. An innovative web-delivered and multicomponent intervention was feasible for teens with poorly controlled T1DM and their families living in rural US and associated with significant improvements in SMBG and HbA1c.
The Chemical Featuring, Toxicity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae) Leaves
Authors: Faleiro José Henrique , Gonçalves Randys Caldeira , dos Santos Mara Núbia Guimarães , da Silva Diego Pereira , Naves Plínio Lázaro Faleiro , Malafaia Guilherme
Published: August 2016

It is known that the phytochemical identification and assessment of biological effects caused by the constituent species Psidium cattleianum, which belongs to family Myrtaceae, are poorly held in the literature. The aim of the current study is to investigate the composition of secondary metabolites, the toxicity, and the antimicrobial activity of P. cattleianum leaves. The crude ethanolic extract of the plant was obtained through maceration and fractionated with hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. The crude ethanol extract and the fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening and tested against the microcrustacean Artemia salina for toxicological assessment. Antimicrobial tests with crude ethanol extract and the fractions were carried out through the agar diffusion method using broth microdilution against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Burkholderia cepacia, and Escherichia coli strains. A variety of secondary metabolite groups such as catechins, steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins was detected. Regarding toxicity, hexane and dichloromethane fractions were considered nontoxic, whereas the crude ethanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction showed low toxicity. The crude ethanol extract and the fractions, except for the hexane fraction, showed activity against the tested strains. Therefore, the composition of the secondary metabolites, the low toxicity, and the antimicrobial activity suggest that this species is promising in the search and development of new drugs.
TGF-β1/Smads and miR-21 in Renal Fibrosis and Inflammation
Authors: Loboda Agnieszka , Sobczak Mateusz , Jozkowicz Alicja , Dulak Jozef
Published: August 2016

Renal fibrosis, irrespective of its etiology, is a final common stage of almost all chronic kidney diseases. Increased apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory cell infiltration characterize the injured kidney. On the molecular level, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-Smad3 signaling pathway plays a central role in fibrotic kidney disease. Recent findings indicate the prominent role of microRNAs, small noncoding RNA molecules that inhibit gene expression through the posttranscriptional repression of their target mRNAs, in different pathologic conditions, including renal pathophysiology. miR-21 was also shown to play a dynamic role in inflammatory responses and in accelerating injury responses to promote organ failure and fibrosis. Understanding the cellular and molecular bases of miR-21 involvement in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, including inflammatory reaction, could be crucial for their early diagnosis. Moreover, the possibility of influencing miR-21 level by specific antagomirs may be considered as an approach for treatment of renal diseases.
Device-Training for Individuals with Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury Using a Powered Exoskeleton for Technically Assisted Mobility: Achievements and User Satisfaction
Authors: Platz Thomas , Gillner Annett , Borgwaldt Nicole , Kroll Sylvia , Roschka Sybille
Published: August 2016

Objective. Results of a device-training for nonambulatory individuals with thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) using a powered exoskeleton for technically assisted mobility with regard to the achieved level of control of the system after training, user satisfaction, and effects on quality of life (QoL).Methods. Observational single centre study with a 4-week to 5-week intensive inpatient device-training using a powered exoskeleton (ReWalk™).Results. All 7 individuals with SCI who commenced the device-training completed the course of training and achieved basic competences to use the system, that is, the ability to stand up, sit down, keep balance while standing, and walk indoors, at least with a close contact guard. User satisfaction with the system and device-training was documented for several aspects. The quality of life evaluation (SF-12v2™) indicated that the use of the powered exoskeleton can have positive effects on the perception of individuals with SCI regarding what they can achieve physically. Few adverse events were observed: minor skin lesions and irritations were observed; no falls occurred.Conclusions. The device-training for individuals with thoracic and lumbar SCI was effective and safe. All trained individuals achieved technically assisted mobility with the exoskeleton while still needing a close contact guard.
CNT Reinforced Silver Nanocomposites: Mechanical and Electrical Studies
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Nain Sonia , Neena  , Pal Hemant , Kumar Ravi
Published: August 2016

Nanoindentation hardness and elastic modulus of the silver/MWCNT (multiwalled carbon nanotubes) composites, fabricated by modified wet mixing technique, are studied in the present work. CNT reinforced silver nanocomposites, fabricated by introducing 4.5 volume percentages of CNT in the silver matrix, have increased elastic modulus and approximately 50% higher hardness than pure nanosilver. It is also observed from the results that the electrical conductivity of the fabricated materials was decreased by increasing the CNTs volume %.
Anaplasma marginale: Diversity, Virulence, and Vaccine Landscape through a Genomics Approach
Authors: Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Amaro-Estrada Itzel , Rodríguez-Camarillo Sergio Darío
Published: August 2016

In order to understand the genetic diversity ofA. marginale, several efforts have been made around the world. This rickettsia affects a significant number of ruminants, causing bovine anaplasmosis, so the interest in its virulence and how it is transmitted have drawn interest not only from a molecular point of view but also, recently, some genomics research have been performed to elucidate genes and proteins with potential as antigens. Unfortunately, so far, we still do not have a recombinant anaplasmosis vaccine. In this review, we present a landscape of the multiple approaches carried out from the genomic perspective to generate valuable information that could be used in a holistic way to finally develop an anaplasmosis vaccine. These approaches include the analysis of the genetic diversity ofA. marginaleand how this affects control measures for the disease. Anaplasmosis vaccine development is also reviewed from the conventional vaccinomics to genome-base vaccinology approach based on proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses reported. The use of these new omics approaches will undoubtedly reveal new targets of interest in the near future, comprising information of potential antigens and the immunogenic effect ofA. marginaleproteins.
SABinder: A Web Service for Predicting Streptavidin-Binding Peptides
Authors: He Bifang , Kang Juanjuan , Ru Beibei , Ding Hui , Zhou Peng , Huang Jian
Published: August 2016

Streptavidin is sometimes used as the intended target to screen phage-displayed combinatorial peptide libraries for streptavidin-binding peptides (SBPs). More often in the biopanning system, however, streptavidin is just a commonly used anchoring molecule that can efficiently capture the biotinylated target. In this case, SBPs creeping into the biopanning results are not desired binders but target-unrelated peptides (TUP). Taking them as intended binders may mislead subsequent studies. Therefore, it is important to find if a peptide is likely to be an SBP when streptavidin is either the intended target or just the anchoring molecule. In this paper, we describe an SVM-based ensemble predictor called SABinder. It is the first predictor for SBP. The model was built with the feature of optimized dipeptide composition. It was observed that 89.20% (MCC = 0.78; AUC = 0.93; permutation test,p<0.001) of peptides were correctly classified. As a web server, SABinder is freely accessible. The tool provides a highly efficient way to exclude potential SBP when they are TUP or to facilitate identification of possibly new SBP when they are the desired binders. In either case, it will be helpful and can benefit related scientific community.
An Experimental and Numerical Study on Embedded Rebar Diameter in Concrete Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Hasan Md Istiaque , Yazdani Nur
Published: August 2016

High frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used to detect and locate rebars in concrete. In this paper, a method of estimating the diameter of steel rebars in concrete with GPR is investigated. The relationship between the maximum normalized positive GPR amplitude from embedded rebars and the rebar diameter was established. Concrete samples with rebars of different diameters were cast and the maximum normalized amplitudes were recorded using a 2.6 GHz GPR antenna. Numerical models using GPRMAX software were developed and verified with the experimental data. The numerical models were then used to investigate the effect of dielectric constant of concrete and concrete cover on the maximum normalized amplitude. The results showed that there is an approximate linear relationship between the rebar diameter and the maximum GPR normalized amplitude. The developed models can be conveniently used to estimate the embedded rebar diameters in existing concrete with GPR scanning; if the concrete is homogeneous, the cover depth is known and the concrete dielectric constant is also known. The models will be highly beneficial in forensic investigations of existing concrete structures with unknown rebar sizes and locations.
CCL2 Produced by the Glioma Microenvironment Is Essential for the Recruitment of Regulatory T Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Chang Alan L. , Miska Jason , Wainwright Derek A. , Dey Mahua , Rivetta Claudia V. , Yu Dou , Kanojia Deepak , Pituch Katarzyna C. , Qiao Jian , Pytel Peter , Han Yu , Wu Meijing , Zhang Lingjiao , Horbinski Craig M. , Ahmed Atique U. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: August 2016

In many aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme, progression is enabled by local immunosuppression driven by the accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). However, the mechanistic details of how Tregs and MDSCs are recruited in various tumors are not yet well understood. Here we report that macrophages and microglia within the glioma microenvironment produce CCL2, a chemokine that is critical for recruiting both CCR4+ Treg and CCR2+Ly-6C+ monocytic MDSCs in this disease setting. In murine gliomas, we established novel roles for tumor-derived CCL20 and osteoprotegerin in inducing CCL2 production from macrophages and microglia. Tumors grown in CCL2-deficient mice failed to maximally accrue Tregs and monocytic MDSCs. In mixed-bone marrow chimera assays, we found that CCR4-deficient Treg and CCR2-deficient monocytic MDSCs were defective in glioma accumulation. Furthermore, administration of a small-molecule antagonist of CCR4 improved median survival in the model. In clinical specimens of glioblastoma multiforme, elevated levels of CCL2 expression correlated with reduced overall survival of patients. Finally, we found that CD163-positive infiltrating macrophages were a major source of CCL2 in glioblastoma multiforme patients. Collectively, our findings show how glioma cells influence the tumor microenvironment to recruit potent effectors of immunosuppression that drive progression. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5671–82. ©2016 AACR.
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Breast Cancer in Women Followed over 20 Years
Authors: Eliassen A. Heather , Warner Erica T. , Rosner Bernard , Collins Laura C. , Beck Andrew H. , Quintana Liza M. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: August 2016

Experimental evidence supports a protective role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in breast carcinogenesis, but epidemiologic evidence is inconsistent. Whether plasma 25(OH)D interacts with breast tumor expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and retinoid X receptor-α (RXR) has not been investigated. We conducted a nested case–control study in the Nurses' Health Study, with 1,506 invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed after blood donation in 1989–1990, 417 of whom donated a second sample in 2000–2002. VDR and RXR expression were assessed by immunohistochemical staining of tumor microarrays (n = 669 cases). Multivariate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression. Plasma 25(OH)D levels were not associated with breast cancer risk overall [top (≥32.7 ng/mL) vs. bottom (<17.2 ng/mL) quintile RR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67–1.13; P trend = 0.21]. 25(OH)D measured in summer (May–October) was significantly inversely associated with risk (top vs. bottom quintile RR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.94; P trend = 0.01); winter levels (November–April) were not (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.75–1.60; P trend = 0.64; P interaction = 0.03). 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with risk of tumors with high expression of stromal nuclear VDR [≥30 ng/mL vs. <30 ng/mL RR (95% CI): VDR ≥ median = 0.67 (0.48–0.93); VDR < median = 0.98 (0.72–1.35), P heterogeneity = 0.12] and significantly stronger for summer measures (P heterogeneity = 0.01). Associations were not significantly different by RXR expression. No overall association was observed between plasma 25(OH)D and breast cancer risk. However, our results suggest women with high, compared with low, plasma 25(OH)D levels in the summer have a reduced breast cancer risk, and plasma 25(OH)D may be inversely associated with risk of tumors expressing high levels of VDR. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5423–30. ©2016 AACR.