bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidate Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanism Investigation for Glioblastoma Multiforme Utilizing WGCNA
Authors: Yang Qi , Wang Rui , Wei Bo , Peng Chuangang , Wang Le , Hu Guozhang , Kong Daliang , Du Chao
Published: September 2018

To reveal the potential molecular mechanism of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and provide the candidate biomarkers for GBM gene therapy. Microarray dataset GSE50161 was obtained from GEO database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between GBM samples and control samples, followed by the module partition analysis based on WGCNA. Then, the pathway and functional enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. The hub genes were further investigated, followed by the survival analysis and data validation. A total of 1913 DEGs were investigated between two groups, followed by analysis of 5 modules using WGCNA. These DEGs were mainly enriched in functions like inflammatory response. The hub genes including upregulated N-Myc and STAT Interactor (NMI), Capping Actin Protein-Gelsolin Like (CAPG), and Proteasome Subunit Beta 8 (PSMB8) were revealed as potential liquid biopsy molecules for GBM diagnose. Moreover, Nucleolar and Spindle Associated Protein 1 (NUSAP1) and G Protein-Coupled Receptor 65 (GPR65) were outstanding genes in survival analysis. Our results suggested that CPNE6, HAPLN2, CMTM3, NMI, CAPG, and PSMB8 might be used as potential molecules for liquid biopsy of GBM. NUSAP1 and GPR65 might be novel prognostic targets for GBM gene therapy. Furthermore, the upregulated NMI might play an important role in GBM progression via inflammatory response.
Fuel-Efficient Driving Strategies for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: A Platooning Approach Based on Speed Profile Optimization
Authors: Torabi Sina , Wahde Mattias
Published: September 2018

A method for reducing the fuel consumption of a platoon of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) is described and evaluated in simulations for homogeneous and heterogeneous platoons. The method, which is based on speed profile optimization and is referred to as P-SPO, was applied to a set of road profiles of 10 km length, resulting in fuel reduction of 15.8% for a homogeneous platoon and between 16.8% and 17.4% for heterogeneous platoons of different mass configurations, relative to the combination of standard cruise control (for the lead vehicle) and adaptive cruise control (for the follower vehicle). In a direct comparison with MPC-based approaches, it was found that P-SPO outperforms the fuel savings of such methods by around 3 percentage points for the entire platoon, in similar settings. In P-SPO, unlike most common platooning approaches, each vehicle within the platoon receives its own optimized speed profile, thus eliminating the intervehicle distance control problem. Moreover, the P-SPO approach requires only a simple vehicle controller, rather than the two-layer control architecture used in MPC-based approaches.
Transposable Elements in the Organization and Diversification of the Genome ofAegilops speltoidesTausch (Poaceae, Triticeae)
Authors: Raskina Olga
Published: September 2018

Repetitive DNA—specifically, transposable elements (TEs)—is a prevailing genomic fraction in cereals that underlies extensive genome reshuffling and intraspecific diversification in the wild. Although large amounts of data have been accumulated, the effect of TEs on the genome architecture and functioning is not fully understood. Here, plant genome organization was addressed by means of cloning and sequencing TE fragments of different types, which compose the largest portion of theAegilops speltoidesgenome. Individual genotypes were analyzed cytogenetically using the cloned TE fragments as the DNA probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The obtained TE sequences of the Ty1-copia, Ty3-gypsy, LINE, and CACTA superfamilies showed the relatedness of theAe. speltoidesgenome to the Triticeae tribe and similarities to evolutionarily distant species. A significant number of clones consisted of intercalated fragments of TEs of various types, in which Fatima (Ty3-gypsy) sequences predominated. At the chromosomal level, different TE clones demonstrated sequence-specific patterning, emphasizing the effect of the TE fraction on theAe.speltoidesgenome architecture and intraspecific diversification. Altogether, the obtained data highlight the current species-specific organization and patterning of the mobile element fraction and point to ancient evolutionary events in the genome ofAe. speltoides.
Congenital Granular Cell Tumor: Case Report and Review
Authors: Gardner Preston , Rozzelle Arlene
Published: September 2018

Congenital granular cell tumors are infrequently occurring masses occurring on a neonate’s gingiva/alveolus. These lesions are benign with no noted malignant transformation, and treatment of excision is based on its effect on the neonate’s respiratory ability and/or nutritional intake. The purpose of this review is to discuss a case of a congenital granular cell tumor and its treatment and review of the literature including demographics, histopathology, and operative treatment.
Electrochemically Reduced Water Delays Mammary Tumors Growth in Mice and Inhibits Breast Cancer Cells Survival In Vitro
Authors: Frajese Giovanni Vanni , Benvenuto Monica , Mattera Rosanna , Giampaoli Saverio , Ambrosin Elena , Bernardini Roberta , Giganti Maria Gabriella , Albonici Loredana , Dus Ivan , Manzari Vittorio , Modesti Andrea , Mattei Maurizio , Bei Roberto
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical reduced water (ERW) has been proposed to have beneficial effects on human health due to its rich content of H2 and the presence of platinum nanoparticles with antioxidant effects. Many studies have demonstrated that ERW scavenging properties are able to reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress in different experimental models. Although few in vivo studies have been reported, it has been demonstrated that ERW may display anticancer effects by induction of tumor cells apoptosis and reduction of both angiogenesis and inflammation. In this study, we show that ERW treatment of MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐453, and mouse (TUBO) breast cancer cells inhibited cell survival in a time‐dependent fashion. ERW decreased ErbB2/neu expression and impaired pERK1/ERK2 and AKT phosphorylation in breast cancer cells. In addition, ERW treatment induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines independently of the status of p53 and ER and PR receptors. Our in vivo results showed that ERW treatment of transgenic BALB‐neuT mice delayed the development of mammary tumors compared to the control. In addition, ERW induced a significant prolongation of tumor‐free survival and a reduction in tumor multiplicity. Overall, these results suggest a potential beneficial role of ERW in inhibiting cancer cells growth.
Combined Treatment with Zinc Aspartate and Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIGs) Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
Authors: Straubel Diana , Thielitz Anja , Reinhold Annegret , Grüngreiff Kurt , Reinhold Dirk
Published: September 2018

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are widely used in replacement therapy of primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders and in approved autoimmune indications. In addition, IVIG application is used off-label for treatment of other autoimmune diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory autoimmune disorder with a clear T cell-mediated immune pathogenesis. The trace element zinc is shown to play a regulatory role in the maintenance of immune functions. Changes of zinc homeostasis affect both the innate and the adaptive immune system. On one hand, therapeutic zinc supplementation can normalize impaired immune functions due to zinc deficiency. On the other hand, therapeutic zinc supplementation is under consideration as a possible option to treat T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of IVIG (Octagam®), zinc aspartate (Unizink®), and the combined application of both preparations in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. Therapeutic intraperitoneal application of zinc aspartate significantly diminished clinical signs during the relapsing-remitting phase of EAE in SJL/J mice. In contrast, IVIG given in a therapeutic manner did not influence the course of EAE. Interestingly, the combined application of both, IVIG and zinc aspartate, significantly reduced the severity of the disease during the acute and the relapsing-remitting phase of the EAE. Our data suggest that the combination of IVIG and zinc aspartate may have beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases, like MS. Further studies should verify the benefit of a controlled immunosuppressive therapy with IVIG and zinc for such diseases.
Analysis of Ds⁎D⁎K⁎ and Ds1D1K⁎ Vertices in Three-Point Sum Rules
Authors: Janbazi M. , Khosravi R. , Noori E.
Published: September 2018

In this study, the coupling constants of Ds⁎D⁎K⁎ and Ds1D1K⁎ vertices were determined within the three-point Quantum chromodynamics sum rules method with and without consideration of the SUf(3) symmetry. The coupling constants were calculated for off-shell charm and K⁎ cases. Considering the nonperturbative effect of the correlation function, as the most important contribution, the quark-quark, quark-gluon, and gluon-gluon condensate corrections were estimated and were compared with other predictive methods.
Retrospective Analysis of Endocrine Dysfunctions in a Population of Adult Polytransfused Patients: Correlation of GH-IGF1 Axis Alteration with Cardiac Performance
Authors: Campo Michela Rosaria , Farese Anna , Correale Michele , Berti Giuseppe , Massa Michela , Sorrentino Maria Rosaria , Roberti Grazia , Sportelli Filomena , Cignarelli Mauro , Lamacchia Olga
Published: September 2018

Endocrine complications of haemochromatosis and heart failure mostly affect morbidity and mortality in polytransfused patients. This study analyzes endocrine dysfunctions and the impact of GH-IGF-1 axis alteration on cardiac performance in a population of 31 patients. A retrospective study on 31 Caucasian polytransfused outpatients, 27 adults and 4 pediatric, residing in Apulia, Italy, followed from 2005 to 2016, was conducted. Patients underwent basal and dynamic hormonal evaluation. GHRH plus arginine test was performed in 21 patients (19 adults and 2 children). Among them, 9 patients were affected by left ventricle diastolic dysfunction and/or atrial or ventricular dilatation (HD group) and 12 patients did not have cardiovascular disease (non-HD group). Twenty-nine out of 31 patients (94%) had at least one endocrinopathy. We found severe or mild GH deficit (GHD) in all HD patients versus 3 patients in the non-HD group (p=0.001). Mean IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in the HD group than in non-HD subjects (53±30 versus 122±91 μg/L, p=0.04). Our study confirms the need to perform a dynamic evaluation of the GH-IGF1 axis in polytransfused patients, especially when heart dysfunction emerges. An intervention study with GH replacement therapy in a larger randomized adult population will clarify the role of GH/IGF axis on cardiovascular outcomes in this patient population.
Volatile Acid-Solvent Evaporation (VASE): Molecularly Homogeneous Distribution of Acyclovir in a Bioerodable Polymer Matrix for Long-Term Treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Infections
Authors: Stegman James R. , Badin Jill K. , Biles Kaitlyn A. , Etienne Thamar , Fartash-Naini Sogand , Gordon Ariel D. , Greeley Zachary W. , Harding Benjamin W. , Mack Ricardo J. , Masica Danielle , Nelson Ashley N. , Samra Amandeep K. , Smith Sarah E. , Thomas Gabrielle P. , Zack Haley J. , Brunker Timothy J. , Margulies Barry J.
Published: September 2018

Treatment for herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) patients who suffer from recurrent outbreaks consists of multiple daily doses of the antiviral drugs acyclovir (ACV), penciclovir, or their more orally bioavailable derivatives valacyclovir or famciclovir. Drug troughs caused by missed doses may result in viral replication, which can generate drug-resistant mutants along with clinical sequelae. We developed a molecularly homogeneous mixture of ACV with the bioerodable polymer polycaprolactone. Through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry, our method of combining drug and polymer, termed Volatile Acid-Solvent Evaporation (VASE), does not compromise the integrity of polymer or drug. Furthermore, VASE creates materials that deliver therapeutic amounts of drug consistently for approximately two months. Devices with high enough drug loads diminish primary infection of HSV-1 in Vero cells to the same level as seen with a single dose of ACV. Our data will lead to further experiments in animal models, demonstrating efficacy in preventing reactivation of these viruses with a single intervention, and with other antiviral drugs amenable to such manipulation. Additionally, this type of treatment would leave no trace after its useful lifetime, as drug is released and polymer matrix is degraded in vivo.
Nanoparticles in Medicine: A Focus on Vascular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Mauricio M. D. , Guerra-Ojeda S. , Marchio P. , Valles S. L. , Aldasoro M. , Escribano-Lopez I. , Herance J. R. , Rocha M. , Vila J. M. , Victor V. M.
Published: September 2018

Nanotechnology has had a significant impact on medicine in recent years, its application being referred to as nanomedicine. Nanoparticles have certain properties with biomedical applications; however, in some situations, they have demonstrated cell toxicity, which has caused concern surrounding their clinical use. In this review, we focus on two aspects: first, we summarize the types of nanoparticles according to their chemical composition and the general characteristics of their use in medicine, and second, we review the applications of nanoparticles in vascular alteration, especially in endothelial dysfunction related to oxidative stress. This condition can lead to a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, consequently affecting vascular tone regulation and endothelial dysfunction, which is the first phase in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, nanoparticles with antioxidant properties may improve vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or atherosclerosis.
Duodenal Gangliocytic Paraganglioma Requiring a Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Adams Laurie , Friedman Theodore M. , Shaver Timothy R. , Younan George
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas (GPs) are a subclass of duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms and are exceedingly rare. They have been associated with an indolent behavior; however, they can rarely metastasize. Radical resection like a pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes indicated. We hereby present a case requiring major surgery and perform a literature search about this disease. Presentation of Case. A 49-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed, was found to have a hypodense mass in the second/third portion of the duodenum. A biopsy of the mass during upper endoscopy was inconclusive. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was recommended based on the high suspicion for a duodenal adenocarcinoma and was performed successfully. Her final pathology revealed a duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. Discussion. The majority of duodenal GPs present as gastrointestinal bleeds while others less commonly present with anemia, abdominal pain, duodenal obstructive symptoms, pancreatitis, or abnormal incidental findings on axial abdominal imaging. Duodenal GPs were initially viewed as benign tumors of the duodenum; however, there have been increasing incidence reports of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis. Appropriate treatment of duodenal GPs is still controversial and ranges from local endoscopic submucosal resection to major radical surgery. Conclusion. Duodenal GPs are very rare tumors of the second portion of the duodenum presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and local symptoms of surrounding organs. Local or radical resection is usually recommended to prevent bleeding and the minor risk of metastatic spread.
Endobronchial Watanabe Spigots for Treatment of Pyopneumothorax due to Nontuberculous Mycobacteriosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report Based on Past Experience
Authors: Kawai Norikazu , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Tojo Takashi , Osa Takao , Yamamoto Yoshifumi , Yasukawa Motoaki , Sawabata Noriyoshi , Taniguchi Shigeki
Published: September 2018

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease sometimes causes pneumothorax and empyema, which are often intractable because of patients’ background factors. Biological products used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have caused the problem of an increase in infection rates as a side effect, one of which is nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM). On the basis of past experience, we report the case of a patient who had a history of undergoing treatment with biological products against rheumatoid arthritis. The patient was treated for NTM-induced pyopneumothorax by endoscopic bronchial occlusion therapy using endobronchial Watanabe spigots.
The Ethanol Supernatant Extracts of Liushenwan Could Alleviate Nanodiethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Cancer in Mice
Authors: Chen Xi-Zhen , Zhang Wei Kevin , Tang He-Bin , Li Xiao-Jun , Tian Gui-Hua , Shang Hong-Cai , Li Yu-Sang
Published: September 2018

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancerous deaths worldwide. At present, the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be a problem globally. Liushenwan (LSW), an ancient Chinese medicine previously used to treat localized infections, was recently reported to possess anticancer activity. Here in this study, we aim to examine the effect of LSW-ET (LSW-ET is the supernatant fraction of LSW from ultrasound assisted ethanol extraction) in prevention and treatment on nanodiethylnitrosamine- (nanoDEN-) induced HCC in mice. In nanoDEN-induced HCC mice treated with LSW-ET by oral (po) or intragastric gavage (ig), we observed an alleviation of serum ALT and AST levels, amelioration in histopathological stainings, and an inhibition in liver tumor growth. In addition, compared with the nanoDEN group, downregulation of multiple pivotal factors (COX-2,β-catenin, PCNA, and HMGB-1) was observed in LSW-ET-po and LSW-ET-ig groups. Taken together, the delivery of LSW-ET by oral could be a potential prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection byEscherichia coliin the Era of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Lee Dong Sup , Lee Seung-Ju , Choe Hyun-Sop
Published: September 2018

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused byEscherichia coli (E. coli)are the most common types of infections in women. The antibiotic resistance ofE. coliis increasing rapidly, causing physicians to hesitate when selecting oral antibiotics. In this review, our objective is to ensure that clinicians understand the current seriousness of antibiotic-resistantE. coli, the mechanisms by which resistance is selected for, and methods that can be used to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Pain Intensity Is Not Always Associated with Poorer Health Status: Exploring the Moderating Role of Spouse Personality
Authors: Suso-Ribera Carlos , Sullivan Michael J. L. , Suso-Vergara Santiago
Published: September 2018

Background. Past decades have seen a surge of studies investigating the role of spouses in chronic illness. The present study explored an interpersonal model of health-related quality of life in chronic pain settings. Spouse personality was tested as a moderator of pain intensity-to-health associations in patients with chronic pain.Methods. This is a cross-sectional study. Participants were 185 noncancer chronic pain patients and their spouses. Patients were mostly females (58.4%). Mean age was approximately 56 years for patients and spouses. Patients completed a measure of pain intensity, health-related quality of life, and personality. Spouses also reported on their personality characteristics. Spouse personality was used as the moderator in the relationship between patients’ pain intensity and health status. Patient personality was used as a covariate in the moderation analyses.Results. Spouse neuroticism moderated the relationship between pain intensity and physical health status, while spouse introversion moderated the pain-to-mental health association.Conclusions. Results support the idea that the relationship between a chronic stressor, namely, chronic pain, and health-related quality of life may be complex and contextually determined by spousal characteristics. Clinical implications are discussed in the context of couples.
Tracking of Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents in Germany in the Context of Risk Factors for Hypertension
Authors: Sarganas Giselle , Schaffrath Rosario Angelika , Niessner Claudia , Woll Alexander , Neuhauser Hannelore K.
Published: September 2018

Blood pressure (BP) tracking from childhood to adulthood has two aspects: the ranking stability relative to others over time and the prediction of future values. This study investigates BP tracking in children and adolescents in Germany in the context of hypertension risk factors. BP was measured and analyzed in 2542 participants of the German Health Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (t02003-2006; 3 to 17-year olds) and of a six year follow-up “Motorik Modul” (t12009-2012; 9 to 24-year olds). BP tracking coefficients were calculated from Spearman’s rank-order correlations. Predictive values and logistic regression models were used to forecast t1-BP above the hypertension threshold from t0-BP as well as from baseline and follow-up hypertension risk factors. BP tracking was moderate (0.33-0.50 for SBP and 0.19-0.39 for DBP) with no statistically significant differences between sex and age groups. Baseline hypertensive BP was the strongest independent predictor of hypertensive BP at follow-up (OR 4.3 and 3.4 for age groups 3-10 and 11-17 years) after adjusting for sex, BMI trajectories, birthweight, parental hypertension, and age-group dependent-sports/physical activity. However, the positive predictive value of baseline hypertensive BP for hypertensive BP at follow-up in 3- to 10-year olds was only 39% (34% in 11- to 17-year olds) and increased only moderately in the presence of additional risk factors. Our analysis with population-based data from Germany shows that BP in children and adolescents tracks only moderately over six years. BP in childhood is the strongest independent predictor of future BP but its predictive value is limited.
Acute Appendicitis Masquerading Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome in Adult Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Nanavati Sushant M. , Patel Hiren , Melki Gabriel , Kumar Vinod , Milman Edward , Michael Patrick , Volfson Ariy
Published: September 2018

Overshadowed by Sino-pulmonary infections, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) commonly affects gastrointestinal organs because of secretory and motility dysfunction. Infrequently, these changes result in Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS), an increasingly diagnosed gastrointestinal entity in adult Cystic Fibrosis patients. We present a case 22-year-old male who presented to our hospital with right lower quadrant abdominal pain with suspicion of acute appendicitis and was subsequently diagnosed as DIOS. Our case highlights the importance of DIOS as one of the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant abdominal pain in a patient with a CF, especially for physicians working at community hospitals which may not have a Cystic Fibrosis care program available.
Assessment of the Hepatitis C Surveillance System in Henan, China: 2014~2016
Authors: Li Jie , Shang Xuelan , Liang Yan , Yang Wenjie , Wang Zhe , Ji Hezhao
Published: September 2018

Objectives. To access the Hepatitis C (HepC) surveillance program in Henan, China, 2014~2016. Methods. A total of 8,448 HepC-relevant cases were reviewed and this data was then inquired against the 6,147 archived HepC reports during the same time period. The performance of the HepC surveillance program was evaluated using parameters including Timely Reporting Rate (TRR), pairs of Report Sensitivity (RS)/Underreporting Rate (UR), and False Report Rate (FRR)/Predictive Value Positive (PVP). Longitudinal comparisons of report quality over the three examined years were conducted to determine the temporal trend of HepC surveillance accountability. Results. All HepC reports were submitted within 24 hours post diagnosis, and TRR rates for all examined years remained at 100%. The RS rates significantly improved overtime for clinically diagnosed HepC cases (CDHC) (2014:60.32%, 2015:68.13%, and 2016:82.83%), whereas the RS for confirmed HepC cases (CHC) remained relatively constant (80.77%, 88.64%, and 85.82%). The FRR rates for CDHC and CHC in 2015~2016 were both approximately 30% but at 23.61% and 51.85%, respectively, in 2014. Conclusions. The HepC surveillance system in Henan remains effective and consistent improvement in report accountability was observed over time. However, some issues concerning especially RS and PVP remained to be addressed for ensuring data accountsbility.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Children and Adolescents in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Baddou Issad , El Hamdouchi Asmaa , El Harchaoui Imane , Benjeddou Kaoutar , Saeid Naima , Elmzibri Mohammed , El Kari Khalid , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: September 2018

Background. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescent plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular health diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adulthood. However, little is known about physical activity levels (PA) and sedentary time among children and adolescents in Morocco. Objective. To examine gender, type of day, and age grade differences in objectively measured sedentary time, physical activity levels, and physical activity guideline attainment among children and adolescents in Morocco. Method. 172 children/adolescents (mean age = 10.92 ± 1.55 years, 49.4% are boys) were recruited for this study and wore a tri-axial accelerometer (GT3X+) for 7 consecutive days. Time spent in sedentary, PA levels, and daily steps were measured and compared according to gender, age grade, and the type of day (weekdays/weekends). Results. In weekdays children/adolescents spent more time in sedentary than weekends (p < 0.001). Boys were eight times more likely to meet the recommendation for at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day than girls (OR: 8.569; 95% [CI]: 4.23–17.32), p < 0.001. Conclusion. These findings highlight the need for effective and sustainable strategies and programs aiming to promote physical activity and to reduce sedentary behavior among children and adolescents in Morocco.
Lead Time for Cities of Northern India by Using Multiparameter EEW Algorithm
Authors: Bhardwaj Rakhi , Sharma Mukat Lal
Published: September 2018

Earthquake early warning (EEW) is considered one of the important real-time earthquake damage mitigation measures. The presence of seismogenic sources generating high seismicity in Himalayas and the cities of concern lying at appropriate distances makes Northern India a perfect case to be monitored using EEW systems. In the present study, an attempt has been made to estimate the lead times for Northern Indian cities for issuing early warning by using the EEW system deployed by IIT Roorkee in Central Himalayas. The instrumentation deployed at 100 locations between Uttarkashi and Chamoli has been used to estimate the lead time at six cities. The estimated lead time includes the time to reach S-wave after subtraction of the sum of P-wave arrival time at the station, time taken by EEW algorithm, transmission and processing delay. The study reveals that for Dehradun, Hardwar, Roorkee, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Delhi the minimum calculated lead time is 5, 11, 20, 35, and 68 sec while the maximum lead time is 37, 36, 47, 59, and 90 sec, respectively. Such larger estimated lead times to these densely populated cities show that EEW can successfully work as one of the important real-time earthquake disaster reduction measures in Northern India.
Efficient Tandem Organic Light Emitting Diode Using Organic Photovoltaic Charge Generation Layer
Authors: Jetly Akanksha , Mehra Rajesh
Published: September 2018

Highly efficient tandem red OLED is proposed using planar organic heterojunction based charge generation layer (CGL) of C70 (Fullerene)/CoPc (Cobalt Phthalocyanine). The proposed charge generation layer generates charges and exhibits organic photovoltaic type (OPV) behavior in the red emitter zone which helps in slower efficiency roll-off at higher current densities. In addition an ultrathin layer of Al/LiF is used as electron injection layer (EIL) so as to enhance the injection of electrons from charge generation layer to emissive unit. It is found that the tandem red device can reach current efficiency and luminance of 26 cd/A and 26039 cd/m2 at 20 mA/cm2 and 100 mA/cm2, respectively, which is 1.663 times and 1.665 times higher than the corresponding single emitter device. Moreover, it is known that the tandem device requires double turn-on voltage than conventional devices. In this work, the turn-on voltage of red tandem device (5.85 V) is found to be less than twice the voltage of conventional device (3 V). Further with the introduction of Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR), enhancement in current efficiency and brightness of tandem red device are observed due to high reflectance property of DBR. Thus, the effective charge generation and OPV function of proposed charge generation layer as well as remarkably high injection property of EIL layer lead to the high performance tandem OLED.
An Approximate Solution of the Time-Fractional Fisher Equation with Small Delay by Residual Power Series Method
Authors: Demir Ali , Bayrak Mine Aylin , Ozbilge Ebru
Published: September 2018

An analytical solution of the time-fractional Fisher equation with small delay is established by means of residual the residual power series method (RPSM) where the fractional derivative is taken in the Caputo sense. Taking advantage of small delay, the time-fractional Fisher equation is expanded in powers series of delay term ϵ. By using RPSM analytical solution of time-fractional of Fisher equation is constructed. The final results and graphical consequences illustrate that the proposed method in this study is very efficient, effective, and reliable for the solution of the time-fractional Fisher equation with small delay.
Caching and Placement for In‐Network Caching in Device‐to‐Device Communications
Authors: Soleimani Somayeh , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2018

Caching content by users constitutes a promising solution to decrease the costly transmissions with going through the base stations (BSs). To improve the performance of in‐network caching in device‐to‐device (D2D) communications, caching placement and content delivery should be jointly optimized. To this end, we jointly optimize caching decision and content discovery strategies by considering the successful content delivery in D2D links for maximizing the in‐network caching gain through D2D communications. Moreover, an in‐network caching placement problem is formulated as an integer nonlinear optimization problem. To obtain the optimal solution for the proposed problem, Lagrange dual decomposition is applied in order to reduce the complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has a near‐optimal performance, approaching that of the exhaustive search method. Furthermore, the proposed scheme has a notable in‐network caching gain and an improvement in traffic offloading compared to that of other caching placement schemes.
Landscape of Acquired Resistance to Osimertinib in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC and Clinical Validation of Combined EGFR and RET Inhibition with Osimertinib and BLU-667 for Acquired RET Fusion
Authors: Piotrowska Zofia , Isozaki Hideko , Lennerz Jochen K. , Gainor Justin F. , Lennes Inga T. , Zhu Viola W. , Marcoux Nicolas , Banwait Mandeep K. , Digumarthy Subba R. , Su Wenjia , Yoda Satoshi , Riley Amanda K. , Nangia Varuna , Lin Jessica J. , Nagy Rebecca J. , Lanman Richard B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Iafrate A. John , Heist Rebecca S. , Shaw Alice T. , Evans Erica K. , Clifford Corinne , Ou Sai-Hong I. , Wolf Beni , Hata Aaron N. , Sequist Lecia V.
Published: September 2018

We present a cohort of 41 patients with osimertinib resistance biopsies, including 2 with an acquired CCDC6–RET fusion. Although RET fusions have been identified in resistant EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), their role in acquired resistance to EGFR inhibitors is not well described. To assess the biological implications of RET fusions in an EGFR-mutant cancer, we expressed CCDC6–RET in PC9 (EGFR del19) and MGH134 (EGFR L858R/T790M) cells and found that CCDC6–RET was sufficient to confer resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The selective RET inhibitors BLU-667 and cabozantinib resensitized CCDC6–RET-expressing cells to EGFR inhibition. Finally, we treated 2 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and RET-mediated resistance with osimertinib and BLU-667. The combination was well tolerated and led to rapid radiographic response in both patients. This study provides proof of concept that RET fusions can mediate acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs and that combined EGFR and RET inhibition with osimertinib/BLU-667 may be a well-tolerated and effective treatment strategy for such patients.

Significance:

The role of RET fusions in resistant EGFR-mutant cancers is unknown. We report that RET fusions mediate resistance to EGFR inhibitors and demonstrate that this bypass track can be effectively targeted with a selective RET inhibitor (BLU-667) in the clinic.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1494
Genistein Inhibited Estradiol-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Downregulating the FAK/Focal Adhesion Pathway
Authors: Liu Bing , Xu Lili , Yu Xinming , Jiao Xuefei , Yan Junwei , Li Wei , Guo Mingjin
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of genistein on the focal adhesion signaling pathway through its regulation of FAK. Genistein ultimately restored and alleviated estradiol-induced vascular endothelial injury. Methods: Microarray analysis was used to select differentially expressed genes. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell activity, and ROS test and NO test were performed to detect the degree of damage to HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). The relative mRNA expression levels and protein expression levels of FAK were tested by western blot and qRT-PCR. GO functional analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were applied to predict the possible relationship between functions and related pathways, and transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion and migration. Results: FAK was highly expressed in the HUVECs treated with estradiol (HU-ESTs). Cell viability and NO level decreased, whereas ROS level increased in the HU-ESTs. Effective knockdown of FAK in HU-ESTs elevated cell viability and NO levels while suppressing ROS levels. In addition, inhibition of FAK greatly decreased cell invasion and migration, while the overexpression of FAK enhanced cell invasion and migration. KEGG further indicated focal adhesion pathways were activated. Genistein elevated HU-EST viability, and NO and ROS level increased in a concentration dependent manner. Transwell and western blot assays revealed that genistein could reduce the FAK expression levels and alleviate the damage to the HU-ESTs. Conclusion: FAK overexpression promoted invasion and migration of the HU-ESTs. However, genistein greatly suppressed FAK and estradiol-induced vascular endothelial cell injury.
Status of raptors in the Moyar River Valley, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Anoop N.R. , Babu S. , Bharathidasan S. , Nagarajan R.
Published: September 2018

This study examined the species composition and nest-tree characteristics of diurnal raptors in the tropical forests of Moyar Valley, Western Ghats between December 2012 and March 2013.  We recorded 28 species of raptors including three species of vultures.  Accipitridae was the dominant family comprising of 25 species followed by two from Falconidae and the monotypic Pandionidae.  Among them, eight species fall under various threatened category: three Critically Endangered, one Endangered, two Vulnerable and two Near Threatened.  The Critically Endangered Gyps bengalensis was frequently recorded during the survey (175 sightings) followed by Milvus migrans (39 sightings) and Haliastur indus (27 sightings).  We located 53 active nests of four species of raptors, viz., Gyps bengalensis (42 nests), Nisaetus cirrhatus (4 nests), Haliastur indus (4 nests), and Milvus migrans (3 nests).  A notable difference in the nest-tree characteristics among the sympatric raptors was observed.  These results would be important to identify priority areas for developing future conservation and management programs for the long-term conservation of raptorial birds in the Western Ghats.
An extended distribution record of Western Ghats species Litsea oleoides (Meissn.) Hook.f. (Lauraceae) from Matheran, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Veach Radha , Hegde Gurumurthi
Published: September 2018

In the course of floristic explorations in the hill station of Matheran of Maharashtra, authors collected an interesting specimen of a Litsea. After critical examination and comparing specimens with all available collections in various herbaria including Kew, the tree was identified as Litsea oleoides (Meissn.) Hook.f., an endemic  species of wet evergreen forests in South India, hitherto not reported from Maharashtra. Same is reported here with notes on its distribution and phenology.
First record of Hislopia malayensis Annandale, 1916 (Bryozoa: Gymnolaemata) from freshwaters of India
Authors: Harkal Ananta Dnyanoba , Mokashe Satish Sumanrao
Published: September 2018

The manuscript reports the first record of Hislopia malayensis, Annandale, 1916 (Bryozoa, Gymnolaemata) from India. These kinds of studies are to understand the real picture of diversity, distribution, and ecology of bryozoans in India.
The gilled mushroom Amanita spissacea (Amanitaceae): a new report for India
Authors: Lalrinawmi Hmar , Zothanzama John , Held Benjamin W. , Vabeikhokhei Josiah M.C. , . Zohmangaiha , Blanchette Robert
Published: September 2018

Mizoram is regarded as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the World owing to the diverse group of flora and fauna documented here.  Information regarding the macrofungi, however, is very limited.  For this reason, a systematic study of mushrooms from Mizoram was undertaken and during the field survey, Amanita spissacea was collected and identified.  This is the first report of this mushroom from India.  This species was identified on the basis of its morphological and microscopic characteristics as well as molecular characterization of the ITS region of rDNA.  Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed that A. spissacea was a distinct species from A. fritillaria, A. sepiacea, A. citrina and other closely related species Amanita section Valideae.
Species composition and abundance estimates of reptiles in selected agroecosystems in southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Jayakumar Abhirami Mini , Nameer Paingamadathil Ommer
Published: September 2018

Species composition and abundance of reptiles in selected agroecosystems in Thrissur plains, near Palghat Gap, southern Western Ghats in India, was studied from January 2017 to May 2017.  The agroecosystems surveyed were coconut, cashew & rubber plantations, home garden, paddy field, and botanical garden.  Time-constrained visual encounter surveys of a total effort of 360 man-hours were done in the field.  Coconut and cashew plantations reported the highest species richness with 11 species each, while the highest number of sightings (159) were recorded from botanical garden.  Bronze Grass Skink Eutropis macularia was the most abundant species in agroecosystems.  Correspondence analysis was done to compare the reptilian diversity in the agroecosystems.  The reptile fauna of home garden and paddy field were found to be more distinct than the rest of the agroecosystems.  A total of 17 species of reptiles were recorded during the study, thus highlighting the significance of agroecosystems in acting as important buffer landscapes for reptiles.
Inventory of prong-gilled mayflies (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) of India with records of endemic taxa
Authors: Selvakumar C. , Chandra Kailash , Sivaramakrishnan K. G.
Published: September 2018

The present study investigated leptophlebiid mayfly in 48 sampling sites from 11 states and one union territory of India including earlier report.  It deals with diagnostic characters, diversity, distribution and status of 26 species belonging to 12 genera under two subfamilies of Leptophlebiidae from India. Twenty-three of them are endemic to India inclusive of 15 species and six genera are endemic to the Western Ghats and four species are endemic to the Himalaya. Due to this high percentage of endemism, conservation of habitats and microhabitats harbouring this ancient gondwanan lineage gains priority.
Dietary assessment of five species of anuran tadpoles from northern Odisha, India
Authors: Asrafuzzaman Syed , Mahapatra Susmita , Rout Jasmin , Sahoo Gunanidhi
Published: September 2018

Anuran tadpoles are gregarious predators capable of differentiating food items among diverse types of prey via varied feeding and oral structures.  Tadpoles were collected from different study sites in three districts of northern Odisha during three consecutive rainy seasons (from July–October of 2015–2017).  After morphometric measurements (total length and body length), the stomach contents of 75 tadpoles belonging to five different anuran species (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Fejervarya orissaensis, Polypedates maculatus and Microhyla ornata) belonging to four families namely Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Rhacophoridae and Microhylidae were examined.  The food spectrum of tadpoles included mostly detritus, followed by phytoplankton (represented by 5 classes and 54 genera).  Such studies contribute to the understanding of the natural diets of these anuran species that can assist in developing management strategies for them.  Aquatic habitats must be conserved and maintained so that conservation of anurans can be ensured.
Foraging habits of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in the Himalaya, India
Authors: Maheshwari Aishwarya
Published: September 2018

This study attempts to investigate reason behind the diurnal behavior of nocturnal red fox and found availability of domestic fowls and young ones of the sheep/ goats during daytime. Free ranging fowls (n=230; an average 57.5 per year) and inattentive young ones of sheep/ goats (n=74; an average 18.5 per year) were the most vulnerable to for red fox predation.  This study concludes that diurnal behavior could be due to reduce intense competition with large predators such as snow leopard and wolf, during night time and the freedom from human harassment in preying upon inattentive livestock.
Distribution and population status of Sambar Rusa unicolor (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) from Aravalli landscape with a note on its first record from Aravalli Hills of Haryana, India
Authors: Jain Paridhi , Bhasin Anchal , Talukdar Gautam , Habib Bilal
Published: September 2018

Sambar is the most widespread deer in Southeastern Asia and is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.  In this communication, we report the results of an extensive literature review and camera trapping to present the historic and current distribution of Sambar in Aravalli Mountain region.  The records state that the species is nearly exterminated in the protected areas of Gujarat Aravalli and bordering areas of Rajasthan, although a sizable population still survives in northern and central Aravalli (Pali-Rajasamand-Udaipur & Alwar-Sawai Madhopur region).  We also report the first record of Sambar from the Aravalli Hill region of Haryana.
First record of Yellow-Rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia (Hay, 1845) (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) in eastern India
Authors: Das Manaranjan , Debata Subrat
Published: September 2018

The Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia is an extremely rare bird and historically recorded from two localities in central India and southern India. We record its sighting from Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha, eastern India. This offers an opportunity for additional survey throughout the recorded localities to explain its wintering status in India.
First record of a coreid bug Anhomoeus fusiformis Hsiao (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Anhomoeini) from India
Authors: More Sadashiv V. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: September 2018

A coreid bug Anhomoeus fusiformis Hsiao, 1963 is recorded for the first time from India; the species is described with several illustrations, including information about male and female genitalia.
A Noninvasive Method for Assessing Impaired Diastolic Suction in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yotti Raquel , Bermejo Javier , Antoranz J. Carlos , Desco M. Mar , Cortina Cristina , Rojo-Álvarez José Luis , Allué Carmen , Martín Laura , Moreno Mar , Serrano José A. , Muñoz Roberto , García-Fernández Miguel A.
Published: September 2018

Background—

Diastolic suction is a major determinant of early left ventricular filling in animal experiments. However, suction remains incompletely characterized in the clinical setting.

Methods and Results—

First, we validated a method for measuring the spatio-temporal distributions of diastolic intraventricular pressure gradients and differences (DIVPDs) by digital processing color Doppler M-mode recordings. In 4 pigs, the error of peak DIVPD was 0.0±0.2 mm Hg (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.95) compared with micromanometry. Forty patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 20 healthy volunteers were studied at baseline and during dobutamine infusion. A positive DIVPD (toward the apex) originated during isovolumic relaxation, reaching its peak shortly after mitral valve opening. Peak DIVPD was less than half in patients with DCM than in control subjects (1.2±0.6 versus 2.5±0.8 mm Hg,
P
<0.001). Dobutamine increased DIVPD in control subjects by 44% (
P
<0.001) but only by 23% in patients with DCM (
P
=NS). DIVPDs were the consequence of 2 opposite forces: a driving force caused by local acceleration, and a reversed (opposed to filling) convective force that lowered the total DIVPD by more than one third. In turn, local acceleration correlated with E-wave velocity and ejection fraction, whereas convective deceleration correlated with E-wave velocity and ventriculo:annular disproportion. Convective deceleration was highest among patients showing a restrictive filling pattern.

Conclusions—

Patients with DCM show an abnormally low diastolic suction and a blunted capacity to recruit suction with stress. By raising the ventriculo:annular disproportion, chamber remodeling proportionally increases convective deceleration and adversely affects left ventricular filling. These previously unreported mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction can be studied by using Doppler echocardiography.