bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SWIMMING DYNAMICS OF A MICRO-ORGANISM IN A COUPLE STRESS FLUID: A RHEOLOGICAL MODEL OF EMBRYOLOGICAL HYDRODYNAMIC PROPULSION
Authors: ALI N. , SAJID M. , ABBAS Z. , BÉG O. ANWAR
Published: January 2017

Mathematical simulations of embryological fluid dynamics are fundamental to improving clinical understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying sperm locomotion. The strongly rheological nature of reproductive fluids has been established for a number of decades. Complimentary to clinical studies, mathematical models of reproductive hydrodynamics provide a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in spermatozoa locomotion which can be of immense benefit in clarifying fertilization processes. Although numerous non-Newtonian studies of spermatozoa swimming dynamics in non-Newtonian media have been communicated, very few have addressed the micro-structural characteristics of embryological media. This family of micro-continuum models include Eringen’s micro-stretch theory, Eringen’s microfluid and micropolar constructs and V. K. Stokes’ couple stress fluid model, all developed in the 1960s. In the present paper we implement the last of these models to examine the problem of micro-organism (spermatozoa) swimming at low Reynolds number in a homogenous embryological fluid medium with couple stress effects. The micro-organism is modeled as with Taylor’s classical approach, as an infinite flexible sheet on whose surface waves of lateral displacement are propagated. The swimming speed of the sheet and rate of work done by it are determined as function of the parameters of orbit and the couple stress fluid parameter ([Formula: see text]). The perturbation solutions are validated with a Nakamura finite difference algorithm. The perturbation solutions reveal that the normal beat pattern is effective for both couple stress and Newtonian fluids only when the amplitude of stretching wave is small. The swimming speed is observed to decrease with couple stress fluid parameter tending to its Newtonian limit as alpha tends to infinity. However the rate of work done by the sheet decreases with [Formula: see text] and approaches asymptotically to its Newtonian value. The present solutions also provide a good benchmark for more advanced numerical simulations of micro-organism swimming in couple-stress rheological biofluids.
Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2Nanoparticles with Polycarbonate and Investigation of its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Jahantigh Farhad , Nazirzadeh Mehdi
Published: January 2017

In this project, nanocomposite films were prepared with different Titanium dioxide (TiO2) percentages. Properties of polycarbonate (PC) and PC–TiO2nanocomposite films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The structure of samples was studied by XRD. The mechanical properties of PC–TiO2nanocomposite films were investigated by conducting tensile tests and hardness measurements. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. The elastic modulus of the composite increased with increasing weight fraction of nanoparticles. The microhardness value increases with increasing TiO2nanoparticles. The results of tensile testing were in agreement with those of micro-hardness measurements. In addition, TGA curves showed that nanocomposite films have higher resistance to thermal degradation compared to polycarbonate. There are many reports related to the modification of polycarbonate films, but still a systematic study of them is required.
Theoretical investigation on the photocatalytic activity of the Au/g-C3N4 monolayer
Authors: Nie Guoyan , Li Peng , Liang Jin-Xia , Zhu Chun
Published: January 2017

Two-dimensional optical catalysis materials have a wonderful potential application. Here, a new two-dimensional material consisting of the supported single-atom Au on a graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N[Formula: see text] single layer has been designed and its electronic and optical properties have been characterized by density functional calculations. The bandgap of 1.82[Formula: see text]eV calculated by the hybrid functional HSE06 shows that the Au/g-C3N4 is an indirect semiconductor, and the electron can easily be excited from the single-atom Au to the bottom of the conduction band. This material therefore has relatively strong optical properties in the visible region. Moreover, the process of Au insertion into the cavity of g-C3N4 single layer is energy-favorable. This work may provide insights and a new avenue for fabricating supported Au catalysts with high stability.
Curvature tensor for the spacetime of general relativity
Authors: Ahsan Zafar , Ali Musavvir
Published: January 2017

In the differential geometry of certain [Formula: see text]-structures, the role of [Formula: see text]-curvature tensor is very well known. A detailed study of this tensor has been made on the spacetime of general relativity. The spacetimes satisfying Einstein field equations with vanishing [Formula: see text]-tensor have been considered and the existence of Killing and conformal Killing vector fields has been established. Perfect fluid spacetimes with vanishing [Formula: see text]-tensor have also been considered. The divergence of [Formula: see text]-tensor is studied in detail and it is seen, among other results, that a perfect fluid spacetime with conserved [Formula: see text]-tensor represents either an Einstein space or a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological model.
Comment to “Approximate bihomomorphisms and biderivations in 3-Lie algebras” [Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys.10(2013) 1220020]
Authors: Park Choonkil , Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Targhi Alireza Tavakkoli
Published: January 2017

Shokri et al. [Approximate bihomomorphisms and biderivations in 3-Lie algebras, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 10 (2013) 1220020, 13pp.] proved the Hyers–Ulam stability of bihomomorphisms and biderivations on normed 3-Lie algebras. It is easy to see that the definition of bihomomorphism in normed 3-Lie algebras is meaningless and so the results of [J. Shokri, A. Ebadian and R. Aghalari, Approximate bihomomorphisms and biderivations in 3-Lie algebras, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 10 (2013) 1220020, 13pp., Sec. 3] are meaningless. Moreover, there is a serious problem in the main functional equation (1.2). So, we replace the functional equation (1.2) by a suitable functional equation. In this paper, we correct the definition of bihomomorphism and the statements of the results in [J. Shokri, A. Ebadian and R. Aghalari, Approximate bihomomorphisms and biderivations in 3-Lie algebras, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 10 (2013) 1220020, 13pp., Sec. 3], and prove the corrected theorems.
Veldkamp spaces: From (Dynkin) diagrams to (Pauli) groups
Authors: Saniga Metod , Holweck Frédéric , Pracna Petr
Published: January 2017

Regarding a Dynkin diagram as a specific point-line incidence structure (where each line has just two points), one can associate with it a Veldkamp space. Focusing on extended Dynkin diagrams of type [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], it is shown that the corresponding Veldkamp space always contains a distinguished copy of the projective space PG[Formula: see text]. Proper labeling of the vertices of the diagram (for [Formula: see text]) by particular elements of the two-qubit Pauli group establishes a bijection between the 15 elements of the group and the 15 points of the PG[Formula: see text]. The bijection is such that the product of three elements lying on the same line is the identity and one also readily singles out that particular copy of the symplectic polar space [Formula: see text] of the PG[Formula: see text] whose lines correspond to triples of mutually commuting elements of the group; in the latter case, in addition, we arrive at a unique copy of the Mermin–Peres magic square. In the case of [Formula: see text], a more natural labeling is that in terms of elements of the three-qubit Pauli group, furnishing a bijection between the 63 elements of the group and the 63 points of PG[Formula: see text], the latter being the maximum projective subspace of the corresponding Veldkamp space; here, the points of the distinguished PG[Formula: see text] are in a bijection with the elements of a two-qubit subgroup of the three-qubit Pauli group, yielding a three-qubit version of the Mermin–Peres square. Moreover, save for [Formula: see text], each Veldkamp space is also endowed with some exceptional point(s). Interestingly, two such points in the [Formula: see text] case define a unique Fano plane whose inherited three-qubit labels feature solely the Pauli matrix [Formula: see text].
Global dynamics and optimal control of an influenza model with vaccination, media coverage and treatment
Authors: Wang Lianwen , Liu Zhijun , Xu Dashun , Zhang Xinan
Published: January 2017

In this work, in order to identify the most effective measure and combinations of several measures to control influenza spread, we propose an SVEIAR influenza model with imperfect vaccination, media coverage and antiviral treatment. The global dynamics of the model is explored. Sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number and the endemic equilibrium is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of influenza control measures. Furthermore, an optimal control problem incorporating the three measures is formulated to design optimal control strategies for influenza. The cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that combining the three measures is the most cost-effective among the strategies considered. Numerical simulations show that media propaganda can play a dominant role in curbing influenza transmission.
On the reduced second Zagreb index of trees
Authors: Shafique Saba , Ali Akbar
Published: January 2017

The current note is devoted to investigate the trees, which maximize or minimize the reduced second Zagreb index among all [Formula: see text]-vertex trees with fixed number of segments. This note also involves development of some results, which may be used to characterize the extremal trees with respect to the aforementioned index among all [Formula: see text]-vertex trees having fixed number of branching vertices.
Nonlinear preservers of group invertible operators
Authors: Oudghiri M. , Souilah K.
Published: January 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the algebra of all bounded linear operators on an infinite-dimensional complex or real Banach space [Formula: see text]. We prove that a bijective bicontinuous map [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] preserves the difference of group invertible operators in both directions if and only if [Formula: see text] is either of the form [Formula: see text] or of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a nonzero scalar, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two bounded invertible linear or conjugate linear operators.
Improved clonal selection algorithm optimizing Neural Network for solving terminal anti-missile collaborative intercepting assistant decision-making model
Authors: Xiao Jinke , Li Weimin , Xiao Xinrong
Published: January 2017

Programming terminal high-low collaborative intercepting strategy scientifically and constructing assistant decision-making model with self-determination and intellectualization is onekey problem to enhance operational efficiency. Assistant decision-making model has been constructed after analysis on collaborative intercepting principle; then Improved Clonal Selection Algorithm Optimizing Neural Network (ICLONALG-NN) is designed to solve the terminal anti-missile collaborative intercepting assistant decision-making model through introducing crossover operator to increase population diversity, introducing modified combination operator to make use of the information before crossover and mutation, introducing population update operator into traditional CLONALG to optimize Neural Network parameters. Experimental simulation confirms the superiority and practicability of the assistant decision-making model solved by ICLONALG-NN.
Photochemical Water Oxidation Using {PMo12O40@Mo72Fe30}n Based Soft Oxometalate
Authors: Das Santu , Roy Soumyajit
Published: January 2017

Finding an alternative energy resource which can produce clean energy at a low cost is one of the major concerns of our times. The conversion of light energy into chemical energy is one key step forward in the direction. With that end in view photochemical water oxidation to produce oxygen plays a crucial role. In the present paper we have synthesized a soft oxometalate {PMo[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]@Mo[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]}n(1) from its well-known precursor polyoxometalate constituent [Muller et al., Chem. Commun. 1, 657 (2001)]. It is known that in the matter of catalysis, high surface area, possibility of heterogenization, recoverability makes soft oxometalates (SOMs) attractive as catalytic materials. Here we exploit such advantages of SOMs. The SOM based material acts as an active catalyst for photochemical water oxidation reaction with a maximum turnover number of 20256 and turnover frequency of 24.11[Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text]. The catalyst material is stable under photochemical reaction conditions and therefore can be reused for multiple photo catalytic water oxidation reaction cycles.
The Russia-India-China Trio in the Changing International System
Authors: Dongxiao Chen , Shuai Feng
Published: January 2017

Shifting power balances on the Eurasian continent present both challenges and opportunities for further trilateral cooperation among Russia, India, and China (RIC). The call for a new Asia-Pacific security architecture underscores the strategic importance of a closer trilateral relationship. From a macro perspective, the current international system and regional structure offer favorable conditions for building a strategic RIC trio, yet at the micro level, major barriers will largely remain with regard to the domestic politics, public perceptions and policy implementation of the three countries. Only by strengthening strategic planning and operational cooperation while drawing lessons from the development of other multilateral cooperation mechanisms, can the three countries advance their strategic ties to a new level.
Advances in Nanotechnology as They Pertain to Food and Agriculture: Benefits and Risks
Authors: Sadeghi Rohollah , Rodriguez Randol J. , Yao Yuan , Kokini Jozef L.
Published: January 2017

Nanotechnology is an emerging and rapidly developing toolbox that has novel and unique applications to food science and agriculture. Fast and impressive developments in nanotechnology for food and agriculture have led to new experimental prototype technologies and products. Developing various types of nanodelivery systems, detection tools, nanoscale modifications of bulk or surface properties, fabrication of wide-range bionanosensors, and biodegradable nanoplatforms can potentially improve consumer health and safety, product shelf life and stability, bioavailability, environmental sustainability, efficiency of processing and packaging, and real-time monitoring. Some recently developed nanotechnology techniques and potential product applications of nanotechnology are summarized in this review. Exposure to nanomaterials may be harmful to the consumer and the environment and might increase the potential of risk. For this reason, evaluation of the potential risks resulting from the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, humans, and the environment is also reviewed.
Evidence-Based Management: Foundations, Development, Controversies and Future
Authors: Rynes Sara L. , Bartunek Jean M.
Published: January 2017

We review the recent development of evidence-based management (EBMgt), tracing its origins to longstanding gaps between research and practice, discrepant findings across studies, and the emergence of evidence-based medicine (EBMed). We provide a definition of EBMgt and review four foundational articles advocating its use. We then review categories of articles that comprise the EBMgt canon: advocacy articles, essays or perspectives, teaching-related, empirical, reviews, and critiques and responses. Critiques include political, epistemological, and methodological issues directly pertinent to EBMgt as well as broader concerns about the scholarly research base on which EBMgt depends. Our suggestions for future research emphasize, first and foremost, increasing the production of high-quality empirical studies in EBMgt. Topics of particular interest include research co-creation by academics and practitioners, process and outcome studies of EBMgt implementations, and practitioners’ use of evidence in their working environments. We also call for broader types of systematic reviews (SRs) than have generally been conducted in the organization sciences.
Culture, Politics, and Economic Development
Authors: Collier Paul
Published: January 2017

For a generation, political science has been dominated by the analysis of interests within the framework of rational choice. Although this has enabled major advances, it struggles to provide a plausible analysis of many instances of sociopolitical dysfunction. This article reviews recent innovations in economics, psychology, and economic history that are converging to rehabilitate culture as a legitimate element of analysis. Culture matters, and its evolution is amenable to formal scientific analysis. But these processes need not be benign: There is no equivalent to the invisible hand of the market, guiding a culture toward social optimality. An organizational culture can trap a vital public agency, such as a tax administration, into severe dysfunction. A societal culture can trap an entire country into autocracy or poverty.
Zinc suppresses stem cell properties of lung cancer cells through protein kinase C-mediated β-catenin degradation
Authors: Ninsontia Chuanpit , Phiboonchaiyanan Preeyaporn Plaimee , Kiratipaiboon Chayanin , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: January 2017

Highly tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) residing in most cancers are responsible for cancer progression and treatment failure. Zinc is an element regulator of several cell functions; however, its role in regulation of stem cell program in lung cancer has not been demonstrated. The present study reveals for the first time that zinc can suppress stem cell properties of lung cancer cells. Such findings were proved in different lung cancer cell lines (H460, H23, and H292) and it was found that CSC markers (CD133 and ALDH1A1), stem cell-associated transcription factors (Oct4, Nanog, and Sox-2), and the ability to form tumor spheroid were dramatically suppressed by zinc treatments. Zinc was found to activate protein kinase C-α (PKCα) that further phosphorylated and mediated β-catenin degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. Zinc was found to increase the β-catenin-ubiquitin complex, which can be inhibited by a specific PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I. Using specific reactive oxygen species detection and antioxidants, we have demonstrated that superoxide anions generated by zinc are a key upstream mechanism for PKCα activation leading to the subsequent suppression of stem cell features of lung cancer. Zinc increased cellular superoxide anions and the addition of superoxide anion scavenger prevented the activation of PKCα and β-catenin degradation. These findings indicate a novel role for zinc regulation in the PKCα/β-catenin pathway and explain an important mechanism for controlling of stem cell program in lung cancer cells.
Impact of posttranslational modifications of engineered cysteines on the substituted cysteine accessibility method: evidence for glutathionylation
Authors: Zhao Rongbao , Najmi Mitra , Aluri Srinivas , Goldman I. David
Published: January 2017

The substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) is widely used to study the structure and function of channels, receptors and transporters. In its usual application, a cysteine residue is introduced into a protein which lacks native cysteines following which the accessibility of the residue to the aqueous compartment is assessed. Implicit, and generally assumed, is that if the cysteine-substituted residue is not available to react with sulfhydryl reagents it is not exposed to the extracellular compartment or within the aqueous translocation pathway. We demonstrate here, in a Hela-derived cell line, that some cysteine-substituted residues of the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT, SLC46A1) that are inaccessible to 2-((biotinoyl)amino)ethyl methanethiosulfonate are glutathionylated by biotinylated glutathione ethyl ester in the absence of an oxidizing agent. Intramolecular disulfide formation involving cysteine-substituted residues was also identified in some instances. These posttranslational modifications limit the accessibility of the cysteine residues to sulfhydryl-reactive reagents and can have a profound impact on the interpretation of SCAM but may not alter function. When a posttranslationally modified residue is used as a reference extracellular control, the high level of exposure required for detection on Western blot results in erroneous detection of otherwise inaccessible intracellular cysteine-substituted residues. The data indicate that in the application of SCAM, when a cysteine-substituted residue does not appear to be accessible to sulfhydryl-reactive reagents, the possibility of a posttranslational modification should be excluded. The data explain the discrepancies in the assessment, and confirm the localization, of the first intracellular loop of PCFT.
Effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on CFTR chloride secretion and the host immune response
Authors: Stanton Bruce A.
Published: January 2017

In the healthy lung the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is rapidly eliminated by mucociliary clearance, a process that is dependent on the activity of the CFTR anion channel that, in concert with a number of other transport proteins, regulates the volume and composition of the periciliary surface liquid. This fluid layer is essential to enable cilia to clear pathogens from the lungs. However, in cystic fibrosis (CF), mutations in the CFTR gene reduce Cl− and [Formula: see text] secretion, thereby decreasing periciliary surface liquid volume and mucociliary clearance of bacteria. In CF this leads to persistent infection with the opportunistic pathogen, P. aeruginosa, which is the cause of reduced lung function and death in ~95% of CF patients. Others and we have conducted studies to elucidate the effects of P. aeruginosa on wild-type and Phe508del-CFTR Cl− secretion as well as on the host immune response. These studies have demonstrated that Cif (CFTR inhibitory factor), a virulence factor secreted by P. aeruginosa, is associated with reduced lung function in CF and induces the ubiquitination and degradation of wt-CFTR as well as TAP1, which plays a key role in viral and bacterial antigen presentation. Cif also enhances the degradation of Phe508del-CFTR that has been rescued by ORKAMBI, a drug approved for CF patients homozygous for the Phe508del-CFTR mutation, thereby reducing drug efficacy. This review is based on the Hans Ussing Distinguished Lecture at the 2016 Experimental Biology Meeting given by the author.
Acute high-intensity interval exercise reduces human monocyte Toll-like receptor 2 expression in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Durrer Cody , Francois Monique , Neudorf Helena , Little Jonathan P.
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to disease pathophysiology. Exercise has anti-inflammatory effects, but the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a single session of HIIT on cellular, molecular, and circulating markers of inflammation in individuals with T2D. Participants with T2D ( n = 10) and healthy age-matched controls (HC; n = 9) completed an acute bout of HIIT (7 × 1 min at ~85% maximal aerobic power output, separated by 1 min of recovery) on a cycle ergometer with blood samples obtained before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and at 1 h of recovery (1-h Post). Inflammatory markers on leukocytes were measured by flow cytometry, and TNF-α was assessed in both LPS-stimulated whole blood cultures and plasma. A single session of HIIT had an overall anti-inflammatory effect, as evidenced by 1) significantly lower levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 surface protein expression on both classical and CD16+ monocytes assessed at Post and 1-h Post compared with Pre ( P < 0.05 for all); 2) significantly lower LPS-stimulated TNF-α release in whole blood cultures at 1-h Post ( P < 0.05 vs. Pre); and 3) significantly lower levels of plasma TNF-α at 1-h Post ( P < 0.05 vs. Pre). There were no differences between T2D and HC, except for a larger decrease in plasma TNF-α in HC vs. T2D (group × time interaction, P < 0.05). One session of low-volume HIIT has immunomodulatory effects and provides potential anti-inflammatory benefits to people with, and without, T2D.
Similar pattern of change in V̇o2kinetics, vascular function, and tissue oxygen provision following an endurance training stimulus in older and young adults
Authors: McLay Kaitlin M. , Murias Juan M. , Paterson Donald H.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the time course of changes in the oxygen uptake (V̇o2) kinetics response subsequent to short-term exercise training (i.e., 24, 48, 72, and 120 h posttraining) and examine the relationship with the time course of changes in microvascular [deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration ([HHb])-to-V̇o2ratio ([HHb])/V̇o2)] and macrovascular [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] O2delivery to the active tissues/limbs. Seven healthy older [OA; 74 ± 6 (SD) yr] and young men (YA; 25 ± 3 yr) completed three endurance cycling exercise training sessions at 70% V̇o2peak. Moderate-intensity exercise on-transient V̇o2(measured breath by breath) and [HHb] (measured by near-infrared spectroscopy) were modeled with a monoexponential and normalized (0–100% of response), and the [HHb])/V̇o2was calculated. Ultrasound-derived FMD of the popliteal artery was assessed after 5 min of cuff occlusion. %FMD was calculated as the greatest percent change in diameter from baseline. Time constant of V̇o2(τV̇o2) was significantly reduced in both OA (~18%) and YA (~23%) at 24 h ( P < 0.001) posttraining and remained decreased at 48 h before returning toward pretraining (PRE) values. Both groups showed a significant decrease in the [HHb])/V̇o2at 24, 48, and 72 h ( P = 0.001, 0.01, and 0.03, respectively) posttraining before returning toward PRE values at 120 h. %FMD followed a similar time course to that of changes in the [HHb])/V̇o2, being significantly greater in both OA (by ~64%) and YA (by ~26%) at 24 h ( P < 0.001), remaining increased at 48 and 72 h ( P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively), and returning toward PRE values at 120 h. These data suggest the rate of adjustment of V̇o2may be constrained by O2availability in the active tissues.
Primary cilia regulate the osmotic stress response of renal epithelial cells through TRPM3
Authors: Siroky Brian J. , Kleene Nancy K. , Kleene Steven J. , Varnell Charles D. , Comer Raven G. , Liu Jialiu , Lu Lu , Pachciarz Nolan W. , Bissler John J. , Dixon Bradley P.
Published: January 2017

Primary cilia sense environmental conditions, including osmolality, but whether cilia participate in the osmotic response in renal epithelial cells is not known. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPV4 and TRPM3 are osmoresponsive. TRPV4 localizes to cilia in certain cell types, while renal subcellular localization of TRPM3 is not known. We hypothesized that primary cilia are required for maximal activation of the osmotic response of renal epithelial cells and that ciliary TRPM3 and TRPV4 mediate that response. Ciliated [murine epithelial cells from the renal inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD-3) and 176-5] and nonciliated (176-5Δ) renal cells expressed Trpv4 and Trpm3. Ciliary expression of TRPM3 was observed in mIMCD-3 and 176-5 cells and in wild-type mouse kidney tissue. TRPV4 was identified in cilia and apical membrane of mIMCD-3 cells by electrophysiology and in the cell body by immunofluorescence. Hyperosmolal stress at 500 mOsm/kg (via NaCl addition) induced the osmotic response genes betaine/GABA transporter ( Bgt1) and aldose reductase ( Akr1b3) in all ciliated cell lines. This induction was attenuated in nonciliated cells. A TRPV4 agonist abrogated Bgt1 and Akr1b3 induction in ciliated and nonciliated cells. A TRPM3 agonist attenuated Bgt1 and Akr1b3 induction in ciliated cells only. TRPM3 knockout attenuated Akr1b3 induction. Viability under osmotic stress was greater in ciliated than nonciliated cells. Akr1b3 induction was also less in nonciliated than ciliated cells when mannitol was used to induce hyperosmolal stress. These findings suggest that primary cilia are required for the maximal osmotic response in renal epithelial cells and that TRPM3 is involved in this mechanism. TRPV4 appears to modulate the osmotic response independent of cilia.
Carotid β-stiffness index is associated with slower processing speed but not working memory or white matter integrity in healthy middle-aged/older adults
Authors: DuBose Lyndsey E. , Voss Michelle W. , Weng Timothy B. , Kent James D. , Dubishar Kaitlyn M. , Lane-Cordova Abbi , Sigurdsson Gardar , Schmid Phillip , Barlow Patrick B. , Pierce Gary L.
Published: January 2017

Aging is associated with increased carotid artery stiffness, a predictor of incident stroke, and reduced cognitive performance and brain white matter integrity (WMI) in humans. Therefore, we hypothesized that higher carotid stiffness/lower compliance would be independently associated with slower processing speed, higher working memory cost, and lower WMI in healthy middle-aged/older (MA/O) adults. Carotid β-stiffness ( P < 0.001) was greater and compliance ( P < 0.001) was lower in MA/O ( n = 32; 64.4 ± 4.3 yr) vs. young ( n = 19; 23.8 ± 2.9 yr) adults. MA/O adults demonstrated slower processing speed (27.4 ± 4.6 vs. 35.4 ± 5.0 U/60 s, P < 0.001) and higher working memory cost (−15.4 ± 0.14 vs. −2.2 ± 0.05%, P < 0.001) vs. young adults. Global WMI was lower in MA/O adults ( P < 0.001) and regionally in the frontal lobe ( P = 0.020) and genu ( P = 0.009). In the entire cohort, multiple regression analysis that included education, sex, and body mass index, carotid β-stiffness index (B = −0.53 ± 0.15 U, P = 0.001) and age group (B = −4.61 ± 1.7, P = 0.012, adjusted R2 = 0.4) predicted processing speed but not working memory cost or WMI. Among MA/O adults, higher β-stiffness (B = −0.60 ± 0.18, P = 0.002) and lower compliance (B = 0.93 ± 0.26, P = 0.002) were associated with slower processing speed but not working memory cost or WMI. These data suggest that greater carotid artery stiffness is independently and selectively associated with slower processing speed but not working memory among MA/O adults. Carotid artery stiffening may modulate reductions in processing speed earlier than working memory with healthy aging in humans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previously, studies investigating the relation between large elastic artery stiffness, cognition, and brain structure have focused mainly on aortic stiffness in aged individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors and other comorbidities. This study adds to the field by demonstrating that the age-related increases in carotid artery stiffness, but not aortic stiffness, is independently and selectively associated with slower processing speed but not working memory among middle-aged/older adults with low cardiovascular disease risk factor burden.
Respiratory muscle blood flow during exercise: Effects of sex and ovarian cycle
Authors: Smith Joshua R. , Hageman K. Sue , Harms Craig A. , Poole David C. , Musch Timothy I.
Published: January 2017

Sex and ovarian cycle have been speculated to modify respiratory muscle blood flow control during exercise, but the findings are inconclusive. We tested the hypotheses that females would have higher respiratory muscle blood flow and vascular conductance (VC) compared with males during exercise and that this difference would be accentuated in proestrus vs. ovariectomized (OVA) females. Mean arterial pressure (carotid artery catheter) and respiratory muscle blood flow (radiolabeled microspheres) were measured during moderate-intensity (24 m/min, 10% grade) exercise in male ( n = 9), female ( n = 9), and OVA female ( n = 7) rats and near-maximal (60 m/min, 5% grade) exercise in male ( n = 5) and female ( n = 7) rats. At rest, diaphragm, intercostal, and transversus abdominis blood flow were not different ( P = 0.33) among groups. During moderate-intensity exercise, diaphragm (M: 124 ± 16; F: 140 ± 14; OVA: 140 ± 20 ml·min−1·100 g−1), intercostal (M: 33 ± 5; F: 34 ± 5; OVA: 30 ± 5 ml·min−1·100 g−1), and transversus abdominis blood flow (M: 24 ± 4; F: 35 ± 7; OVA: 35 ± 9 ml·min−1·100 g−1) significantly increased in all groups compared with rest but were not different ( P = 0.12) among groups. From rest to moderate-intensity exercise, diaphragm ( P < 0.03) and transversus abdominis ( P < 0.04) VC increased in all groups, whereas intercostal VC increased only for males and females ( P = 0.01). No differences ( P > 0.13) existed in VC among groups. During near-maximal exercise, diaphragm (M: 304 ± 62; F: 283 ± 17 ml·min−1·100 g−1), intercostal (M: 29 ± 8; F: 40 ± 6 ml·min−1·100 g−1), and transversus abdominis (M: 85 ± 14; F: 86 ± 9 ml·min−1·100 g−1) blood flow and VC were not different ( P > 0.27) between males and females. These data demonstrate that respiratory muscle blood flow and vascular conductance at rest and during exercise are not affected by sex or ovarian cycle in rats.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It has been proposed that sex and ovarian cycle modulate respiratory muscle blood flow control during exercise. We demonstrate herein that neither sex nor ovarian cycle influences respiratory muscle blood flow or vascular conductance at rest or during exercise in rats.
The Utilization of Formalin Fixed-Paraffin-Embedded Specimens in High Throughput Genomic Studies
Authors: Zhang Pan , Lehmann Brian D. , Shyr Yu , Guo Yan
Published: January 2017

High throughput genomic assays empower us to study the entire human genome in short time with reasonable cost. Formalin fixed-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue processing remains the most economical approach for longitudinal tissue specimen storage. Therefore, the ability to apply high throughput genomic applications to FFPE specimens can expand clinical assays and discovery. Many studies have measured the accuracy and repeatability of data generated from FFPE specimens using high throughput genomic assays. Together, these studies demonstrate feasibility and provide crucial guidance for future studies using FFPE specimens. Here, we summarize the findings of these studies and discuss the limitations of high throughput data generated from FFPE specimens across several platforms that include microarray, high throughput sequencing, and NanoString.
Clinical Performance of Prediction Rules and Nasogastric Lavage for the Evaluation of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Dakik Hassan K. , Srygley F. Douglas , Chiu Shih-Ting , Chow Shein-Chung , Fisher Deborah A.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. The majority of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are admitted for urgent endoscopy as it can be difficult to determine who can be safely managed as an outpatient. Our objective was to compare four clinical prediction scoring systems: Glasgow Blatchford Score (GBS) and Clinical Rockall, Adamopoulos, and Tammaro scores in a sample of patients presenting to the emergency department of a large US academic center. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients during 2008–2010. Our outcome was significant UGIB defined as high-risk stigmata on endoscopy, or receipt of blood transfusion or surgery, or death. Results. A total of 393 patients met inclusion criteria. The GBS was the most sensitive for detecting significant UGIB at 98.30% and had the highest negative predictive value (90.00%). Adding nasogastric lavage data to the GBS increased the sensitivity to 99.57%. Conclusions. Of all four scoring systems compared, the GBS demonstrated the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value for identifying a patient with a significant UGIB. Therefore, patients with a 0 score can be safely managed as an outpatient. Our results also suggest that performing a nasogastric lavage adds little to the diagnosis UGIB.
Comparative Survey of Holding Positions for Reducing Vaccination Pain in Young Infants
Authors: Yin Hui-Chu , Cheng Shao-Wen , Yang Chun-Yuh , Chiu Ya-Wen , Weng Yi-Hao
Published: January 2017

Background. Infant holding position may reduce vaccination pain. However, the optimal position for young infants remains controversial. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of holding infants in the supine position and the effectiveness of holding infants in upright position for relieving acute pain from vaccine injection. Methods. This prospective cohort study enrolled 6–12-week-old healthy infants. We examined infant pain responses by evaluating the following three categories: (1) crying, (2) irritability, and (3) facial expression. Results. In total, 282 infants were enrolled, with 103 and 179 held in the supine and upright positions, respectively. At 30 s after vaccination, the infants in the supine position showed a larger decrease in crying (p<0.001), irritability (p=0.002), and pained facial expression (p=0.001) than did those in the upright position. However, there was no significant difference in pain response between two groups at 180 s after intervention. Conclusion. In 2-month-old infants, the supine position may reduce acute pain more effectively than does the upright position. Our findings provide a clinical strategy for relieving vaccination pain in young infants.
Forecasting Trends in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease among Elderly Adults in Quebec
Authors: Zhou Z. , Deceuninck G. , Lefebvre B. , De Wals P.
Published: January 2017

Background. In Canada, the current recommendation is to offer PPV23 to adults ≥ 65 years. PCV13 is now licensed for adults. Methods. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in adults 65–74 years of age in the Quebec notifiable diseases registry were classified into five serotype categories. Poisson regression models were fitted to monthly rates observed in 2000–2014 and predictions were made for 2015–2024, using theoretical assumptions regarding indirect effects of childhood vaccination and serotype replacement. Results. IPD rates caused by PCV7 serotypes decreased markedly since PCV7 introduction for children in December 2004. This trend is also underway for additional PCV13 serotypes except serotype 3. Additional PPV23 serotypes and nonvaccine serotypes have been on rise since 2004 and this is expected to continue. A small decrease in overall IPD incidence in the next decade is predicted. The proportion of PCV13 serotypes represented 33% of IPD cases in 2014 and would be 20% (95% CI: 15% to 28%) in 2024. PPV23 coverage was 53% in 2014 and is expected to be 47% (95% CI: 26% to 85%) in 2024. Conclusion. The potential usefulness of a combined PCV13 + PPV23 program for elderly adults would decrease over time but PCV13 would be the only option to prevent serotype 3 IPD.
Urinary Excretion of Kidney Aquaporins as Possible Diagnostic Biomarker of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Rossi Luigi , Nicoletti Maria Celeste , Carmosino Monica , Mastrofrancesco Lisa , Di Franco Antonella , Indrio Francesca , Lella Rossella , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco , Svelto Maria , Gesualdo Loreto , Procino Giuseppe
Published: January 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microangiopathic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) affecting one-third of diabetic patients. The large variability in the clinical presentation of renal involvement in patients with DM makes kidney biopsy a prerequisite for a correct diagnosis. However, renal biopsy is an invasive procedure associated with risk of major complications. Numerous studies aimed to identify a noninvasive biomarker of DN but, so far, none of these is considered to be sufficiently specific and sensitive. Water channel aquaporins (AQPs), expressed at the plasma membrane of epithelial tubular cells, are often dysregulated during DN. In this work, we analyzed the urine excretion of AQP5 and AQP2 (uAQP5 and uAQP2),viaexosomes, in 35 diabetic patients: 12 normoalbuminuric with normal renal function (DM), 11 with proteinuric nondiabetic nephropathy (NDN), and 12 with histological diagnosis and classification of DN. ELISA and WB analysis independently showed that uAQP5 was significantly increased in DN patients. Interestingly, linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between uAQP5 and the histological class of DN. The same analysis, focusing on uAQP2, showed comparable results. Taken together, these data suggest a possible use of AQP5 and AQP2 as novel noninvasive biomarkers to help in classifying the clinical stage of DN.
Dynamic Rule Encryption for Mobile Payment
Authors: Husni Emir
Published: January 2017

The trend of financial transactions by using a mobile phone or mobile payment increases. By using the mobile payment service, users can save money on mobile phone (handset) and separate from the pulse. For protecting users, mobile payment service providers must complete the mobile payment service with the transaction security. One way to provide transaction security is to utilize a secure mobile payment application. This research provides a safety feature used for an Android-based mobile payment application. This security feature is making encryption rules dynamically named Dynamic Rule Encryption (DRE). DRE has the ability to protect data by means of encrypting data with dynamic rules, and DRE also has a token function for an authentication. DRE token raised with dynamic time-based rules. Here, the time is used as a reference with the order of the day in the year (day of the year). The processes of the DRE’s encryption, decryption, and the DRE’s functionality as the token are discussed in this paper. Here, the Hamming distance metric is employed for having maximum differences between plaintext and ciphertext.
Transfer Assessment of Carbendazim Residues from Rape Flowers to Apicultural Products
Authors: Li Ying-Hong , Zhou Bei-Lei , Qian Ming-Rong , Wang Qiang , Zhang Hu
Published: January 2017

Carbendazim is usually used to control the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum of rapes during the flowering period. This paper presents a study on transfer assessment of carbendazim residues from rape flowers to apicultural products. In the field trials, the rapes were sprayed with carbendazim on standard dosage. Bees produced apicultural products (bee pollen, honey, and royal jelly) from sprayed rapes. Apicultural products were collected on a regular basis. Carbendazim residues were extracted from bee pollen, honey, and royal jelly, respectively. HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method was developed and partially validated to identify and quantify carbendazim residues. The limits of quantification in pollen, honey, and royal jelly were 0.01 mg/kg. Mathematical curve fitting was carried out on the basis of transfer assessment of carbendazim residues from rape flowers to apicultural products. The respective carbendazim residues were 1.10±0.03 mg/kg in pollen on 18th day, 0.032±0.001 mg/kg in honey on 24th day, and 0.077±0.002 mg/kg in royal jelly on 22nd day. Transfer assessment and mathematical curve fitting of carbendazim residues from rape flowers to apicultural products show carbendazim diminished over spraying time. The gap of carbendazim residues between pollen and honey is decreased with time. The carbendazim residues in pollen are 10 times higher than that of honey and jelly.
Synchronization and Antisynchronization of N-Coupled Complex Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Systems with Ring Connection
Authors: Jiang Cuimei , Liu Shutang
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses synchronization and antisynchronization of N-coupled complex permanent magnet synchronous motors systems with ring connection. Based on the direct design method and antisymmetric structure, the appropriate controllers are designed to ensure the occurrence of synchronization and antisynchronization in an array of N-coupled general complex chaotic systems described by a unified mathematical expression with ring connection. The proposed method is flexible and is suitable both for design and for implementation in practice. Numerical results are plotted to show the rapid convergence of errors to zero and further verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the theoretical scheme.
Saddle Pulmonary Embolism with Thrombus in Transit across a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Shepherd Fitzgerald , White-Stern Ashley , Rahaman Oloruntobi , Kurian Damian , Simon Karen
Published: January 2017

This is the case of a 25-year-old obese man who presented with acute shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations. Of note, he lives a sedentary lifestyle and was recently hospitalized for incision and drainage of a left foot abscess. On presentation he was tachypnoeic, tachycardiac, and hypoxic but blood pressure was stable. Laboratory studies were significant for elevated D-dimer and mildly increased troponin. On further investigation he was found to have a saddle pulmonary embolism with massive clot burden. Echocardiogram revealed thrombus in transit and McConnell’s sign. He underwent surgical embolectomy and closure of a patent foramen ovale. This is a particularly rare case, especially in such a young patient. Because this is a rare diagnosis, with insufficient data, there is no formally established treatment guideline. However, in patients who are good surgical candidates, studies have shown better outcome with surgical embolectomy as compared to anticoagulation alone or thrombolysis.
Improving Theory of Mind in Schizophrenia by Targeting Cognition and Metacognition with Computerized Cognitive Remediation: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Thibaudeau Élisabeth , Cellard Caroline , Reeder Clare , Wykes Til , Ivers Hans , Maziade Michel , Lavoie Marie-Audrey , Pothier William , Achim Amélie M.
Published: January 2017

Schizophrenia is associated with deficits in theory of mind (ToM) (i.e., the ability to infer the mental states of others) and cognition. Associations have often been reported between cognition and ToM, and ToM mediates the relationship between impaired cognition and impaired functioning in schizophrenia. Given that cognitive deficits could act as a limiting factor for ToM, this study investigated whether a cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) that targets nonsocial cognition and metacognition could improve ToM in schizophrenia. Four men with schizophrenia received CRT. Assessments of ToM, cognition, and metacognition were conducted at baseline and posttreatment as well as three months and 1 year later. Two patients reached a significant improvement in ToM immediately after treatment whereas at three months after treatment all four cases reached a significant improvement, which was maintained through 1 year after treatment for all three cases that remained in the study. Improvements in ToM were accompanied by significant improvements in the most severely impaired cognitive functions at baseline or by improvements in metacognition. This study establishes that a CRT program that does not explicitly target social abilities can improve ToM.
Management of the Amniotic Band Syndrome with Cleft Palate: Literature Review and Report of a Case
Authors: Cortez-Ortega Carolina , Garrocho-Rangel José Arturo , Flores-Velázquez Joselín , Ruiz-Rodríguez Socorro , Noyola-Frías Miguel Ángel , Santos-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Pozos-Guillén Amaury
Published: January 2017

Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is a group of congenital malformations that includes the majority of typical constriction rings and limb and digital amputations, together with major craniofacial, thoracic, and abdominal malformations. The syndrome is caused by early rupture of the amniotic sac. Some of the main oral manifestations include micrognathia, hyperdontia, and cleft lip with or without cleft palate, which is present in 14.6% of patients with this syndrome. The purpose of this report was to describe the clinical characteristics and the oral treatment provided to a 6-month-old male patient affected with ABS with cleft lip and palate.