bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between optical coherence tomographic and histopathologic appearances of artifacts caused by common surgical conditions and instrumentation
Authors: Cocca Christina J. , Selmic Laura E. , Samuelson Jonathan , Huang Pin‐Chieh , Wang Jianfeng , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To document the appearance of artifacts created by commonly encountered surgical conditions and instrumentation on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to compare these findings with histopathology.

Study design

Ex vivo study.

Animals

Five canine cadavers.

Methods

Skin, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle, and fascia samples were obtained from fresh canine cadavers. Blood pooling, hemostatic crushing, scalpel blade cut, monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar vessel sealing device, and ultrasonic energy surgical artifacts were induced on each tissue type. Each specimen was imaged with OCT and subsequently histologically processed.

Results

Most surgical instrumentation used for tumor excision created a high‐scattering region with local architectural disruption. Blood pooling was visible as a high‐scattering layer overlying tissue with normal architecture. Only the scalpel blade created a focal, low‐scattering area representing a sharply demarcated cut within the tissue distinct from the appearance of other instrumentation.

Conclusion

Common surgical instruments and conditions encountered during tumor excision produced high‐scattering OCT artifacts in tissues commonly seen at surgical margins.

Clinical significance

The clinical value of OCT hinges on the ability of personnel to interpret this novel imaging and recognize artifacts. Defining and describing the appearance of common surgical artifacts provides a foundation to create image libraries with known histological and OCT interpretation, ultimately improving the diagnostic accuracy of OCT for assessment of surgical margins.
Décomposition de Hodge pour l’homologie stable des groupes d’automorphismes des groupes libres
Authors: Djament Aurélien
Published: August 2019

On établit une décomposition de l’homologie stable des groupes d’automorphismes des groupes libres à coefficients polynomiaux contravariants en termes d’homologie des foncteurs. Elle permet plusieurs calculs explicites, qui recoupent des résultats établis de manière indépendante par O. Randal-Williams et généralisent certains d’entre eux. Nos méthodes reposent sur l’examen d’extensions de Kan dérivées associées à plusieurs catégories de groupes libres, la généralisation d’un critère d’annulation homologique à coefficients polynomiaux dû à Scorichenko, le théorème de Galatius identifiant l’homologie stable des groupes d’automorphismes des groupes libres à celle des groupes symétriques, la machinerie des$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$-espaces et le scindement de Snaith.
Anterior cingulate cortex modulates the affective‐motivative dimension of hyperosmolality‐induced thirst
Authors: Ma Longyu , Zhang Yuqi , Yue Lupeng , Zhang Xueying , Cui Shuang , Liu Feng‐Yu , Wan You , Yi Ming
Published: August 2019

Neuroimaging studies have shown that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is consistently activated by thirst and may underlie the affective motivation of drinking behaviour demanded by thirst. But direct evidence for this hypothesis is lacking. The present study evaluated potential correlations between ACC neuronal activity and drinking behaviour in rats injected with different concentrations of saline. We observed an increased number of c‐Fos‐positive neurons in the ACC after injection of hypertonic saline, indicating strong ACC neuronal activation under hyperosmotic thirst. Increased firing rates of putative ACC pyramidal neurons preceded drinking behaviour and positively correlated with both the total duration of drinking and the total amount of water consumed. Chemogenetic inhibition of ACC pyramidal neurons changed drinking behaviour from an explosive and short‐lasting pattern to a gradual but more persistent pattern, without affecting either the total duration of drinking or the total amount of water consumed. Together, these findings support a role of the ACC in modulating the affective‐motivative dimension of hyperosmolality‐induced thirst.
Polyatomic thermal creep flows through long microchannels at large temperature ratios
Authors: Tantos Christos
Published: August 2019

Rarefied polyatomic gas flows through long microchannels of circular cross section due to small temperature and pressure gradients have been studied on the basis of the Rykov model in a wide range of the gas rarefaction and for various values of the reference flow temperature. Results are presented for N2, CO2, CH4, and SF6 representing linear and nonlinear polyatomic gas molecules. The present numerical results for N2 and CO2 are in good agreement with the corresponding results of previous studies. In addition, a simple method of calculation of the thermal creep under large temperature differences, which has been proposed in previous studies for monatomic gases, is extended in the present work in the case of polyatomic gases. The results based on the polyatomic modeling differ significantly from the corresponding monatomic ones and the differences depend on the gas rarefaction, the working gas, and the flow temperature. Special attention is also given to the computation of the thermomolecular pressure effect in the case of polyatomic gases under large temperature ratios. Furthermore, the dependence of both the thermal creep and the thermomolecular pressure effect on the viscosity variation with temperature along the microchannel is pointed out. Finally, the numerical data are provided as supplementary material for modeling any polyatomic gas flow in a wide range of the gas rarefaction and flow temperatures.
Pressure to Provide a Solution: One-to-One Support With an Elite Junior Gymnast
Authors: Wadsworth Nick
Published: August 2019

This article presents a reflective case study, from the perspective of a trainee sport and exercise psychologist, of an applied consultancy experience with a 14-year-old gymnast. The case study highlights a number of applied challenges such as working with a client in an unfamiliar sport, questioning who the client is throughout the consultancy process, adopting a philosophy of practice different from the expectations of the parents, and further difficulties when including parents in the consultancy process. The case study also highlights how challenges to a practitioner’s philosophy of practice can be deeply uncomfortable and lead the practitioner to question his or her approach to service delivery. Although the intervention only lasted 3 sessions, there are a number of observations and lessons to be learned from an applied perspective, such as being aware of countertransference when building relationships with a client and understanding how the dynamics of the consultancy process might change when involving parents.
The Association of Physical Activity and Mortality Risk Reduction Among Smokers: Results From 1998–2009 National Health Interview Surveys–National Death Index Linkage
Authors: Siahpush Mohammad , Levan Trish D. , Nguyen Minh N. , Grimm Brandon L. , Ramos Athena K. , Michaud Tzeyu L. , Johansson Patrik L.
Published: August 2019

Background: The mortality benefits of meeting the US federal guidelines for physical activity, which includes recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, have never been examined among smokers. Our aim was to investigate the association between reporting to meet the guidelines and all-cause, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease mortality among smokers. Methods: We pooled data from the 1998–2009 National Health Interview Survey, which were linked to records in the National Death Index (n = 68,706). Hazard ratios (HR) were computed to estimate the effect of meeting the physical activity guidelines on mortality. Results: Smokers who reported meeting the guidelines for physical activity had 29% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62–0.81), 46% lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease (HR: 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39–0.76), and 26% lower risk of mortality from cancer (HR: 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.93), compared with those who reported meeting neither the aerobic nor the muscle-strengthening recommendations of the guidelines. Meeting the aerobic recommendation of the guidelines was associated with a 42% decline in that risk (HR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44–0.77). Conclusion: Smokers who adhere to physical activity guidelines show a significant reduction in mortality.
Bcl11b prevents fatal autoimmunity by promoting T
reg
cell program and constraining innate lineages in T
reg
cells
Authors: Drashansky Theodore T. , Helm Eric , Huo Zhiguang , Curkovic Nina , Kumar Preet , Luo Xiaoping , Parthasarathy Upasana , Zuniga Ashley , Cho Jonathan J. , Lorentsen Kyle J. , Xu Zhiwei , Uddin Mohammad , Moshkani Safiehkhathoon , Zhou Liang , Avram Dorina
Published: August 2019

Lack of Bcl11b in T
reg
cells causes fatal autoimmunity and altered T
reg
cell program and identity.
Indirect pathway from caudate tail mediates rejection of bad objects in periphery
Authors: Amita Hidetoshi , Hikosaka Okihide
Published: August 2019

The basal ganglia provide fundamental mechanisms for choosing good objects by rejecting many bad objects.
Vancomycin relieves mycophenolate mofetil–induced gastrointestinal toxicity by eliminating gut bacterial β-glucuronidase activity
Authors: Taylor Michael R. , Flannigan Kyle L. , Rahim Hannah , Mohamud Amina , Lewis Ian A. , Hirota Simon A. , Greenway Steven C.
Published: August 2019

Toxicity from the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil is prevented by eliminating gut bacteria expressing β-glucuronidase.
Multispecific anti-HIV duoCAR-T cells display broad in vitro antiviral activity and potent in vivo elimination of HIV-infected cells in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Anthony-Gonda Kim , Bardhi Ariola , Ray Alex , Flerin Nina , Li Mengyan , Chen Weizao , Ochsenbauer Christina , Kappes John C. , Krueger Winfried , Worden Andrew , Schneider Dina , Zhu Zhongyu , Orentas Rimas , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Goldstein Harris , Dropulić Boro
Published: August 2019

Multispecific duoCAR-T cells potently suppress HIV infection in a humanized mouse model.
Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 frazzles the brain in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gallardo Gilbert
Published: August 2019

Inhibition of ADAM10 α-secretase activity in neurons by secreted frizzled-related protein 1 may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Pyrrolomycins Are Potent Natural Protonophores
Authors: Valderrama Katherine , Pradel Elizabeth , Firsov Alexander M. , Drobecq Hervé , Bauderlique-le Roy Hélène , Villemagne Baptiste , Antonenko Yuri N. , Hartkoorn Ruben Christiaan
Published: August 2019

The escalating burden of antibiotic drug resistance necessitates research into novel classes of antibiotics and their mechanism of action. Pyrrolomycins are a family of potent natural product antibiotics with nanomolar activity against Gram-positive bacteria, yet with an elusive mechanism of action.
The VirAB-VirSR-AnrAB Multicomponent System Is Involved in Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e to Cephalosporins, Bacitracin, Nisin, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Ethidium Bromide
Authors: Jiang Xiaobing , Geng Yimin , Ren Siyu , Yu Tao , Li Yi , Liu Guosheng , Wang Hailei , Meng Hecheng , Shi Lei
Published: August 2019

This report describes TCS/ABC transporter modules characterized inListeria monocytogenesEGD-e. The modules consist of the VirSR TCS and the VirAB and AnrAB ABC transporters. Our results showed that this system is involved in nisin and bacitracin resistance, as well as resistance to cephalosporins, ethidium bromide (EtBr), and benzalkonium chloride (BC). In this system, VirAB is responsible only for antimicrobial sensing and signaling by VirSR, while AnrAB contributes to transportation of antimicrobials. Interestingly, VirAB itself, rather than the VirAB-VirSR-AnrAB system as a whole, contributes to kanamycin and tetracycline resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Podophage LL11
Authors: Theodore Matthew , Lessor Lauren , O’Leary Chandler , Kongari Rohit , Gill Jason , Liu Mei
Published: August 2019

EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) is an opportunistic pathogen that commonly causes foodborne illness. Study of bacteriophages against this pathogen could be useful to develop alternative treatment approaches. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of LL11, a T7-like podophage that infects ETEC.
Draft Genome Sequence of Manganese-Oxidizing Bacterium Massilia sp. Strain Mn16-1_5, Isolated from Serpentine Soil in Taitung, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Sheng-Chung , Chiu Chuen-Huey , Chiu Pin-Tzu , Chen Yo-Chia , Lin Yong-Hong , Young Chiu-Chung , Chiu Juei-Yu
Published: August 2019

Massilia
sp. strain Mn16-1_5 was isolated from serpentine soil. This strain is able to oxidize manganese and has the potential for bioremediation of chromium. Here, we present a 5.53-Mb draft genome sequence of this strain with a G+C content of 64.8% that might provide more information for species delineation and oxidase genes in this strain.
Outer retinal hyperreflective deposits (ORYD): a new OCT feature in naïve diabetic macular oedema after PPV with ILM peeling
Authors: Iglicki Matias , Loewenstein Anat , Barak Adiel , Schwartz Shulamit , Zur Dinah
Published: August 2019

Aims

We aimed to investigate a novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) finding of outer retinal hyperreflective deposits (ORYDs) in patients with naïve diabetic macular oedema (DMO) seen after small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictive value of ORYD for visual outcome over 24 months follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including 111 eyes from 111 patients with naïve DMO treated by PPV and ILM peeling with a follow-up of 24 months. OCT scans were analysed for the presence of ORYD 1 week and 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. Change in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfoveal thickness (CST) after surgery were measured over the follow-up period. Presence of ORYD was correlated with baseline characteristics and BCVA after 24 months.

Results

Hundred and eleven eyes from 111 patients were included (mean age 67.5±14.8 years). ORYD was identified in the outer plexiform layer as hyperreflective deposits in 92 patients (82.8%) 7 days after surgery but it was not present before surgery. There was a significant reduction in the presence of ORYD. After 24 months ORYD disappeared in all cases (p<0.001).

Conclusions

We describe a novel OCT feature of ORYD present in the early postoperative phase in the majority of patients after PPV with ILM peeling for naïve DMO, disappearing over the postoperative course. These deposits might be a result of sudden desinflammation and could shed new light on the process of DMO resolution after operative intervention.
Hypolipidaemia among patients with PMM2-CDG is associated with low circulating PCSK9 levels: a case report followed by observational and experimental studies
Authors: Chong Michael , Yoon Grace , Susan-Resiga Delia , Chamberland Ann , Cheillan David , Paré Guillaume , Seidah Nabil G
Published: August 2019

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are novel therapeutics for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc). While serious side-effects have not been observed in short-term clinical trials, there remain concerns that long-term PCSK9 inhibition may cause neurocognitive side-effects.

Methods and results

An adult male with childhood-onset global developmental delay, cerebellar atrophy and severe hypolipidaemia underwent extensive biochemical and genetic investigations. Initial testing revealed low circulating PCSK9 levels and a common loss-of-function PCSK9 polymorphism, but these findings did not fully account for severe hypolipidaemia. Whole-exome sequencing was subsequently performed and identified two pathogenic phosphomannose mutase 2 (PMM2) variants (p.Arg141His and p.Pro69Ser) known to cause PMM2-associated congenital disorder of glycosylation (PMM2-CDG). A diagnosis of PMM2-CDG was consistent with the proband’s neurological symptoms and severe hypolipidaemia. Given that PMM2-CDG is characterised by defective protein N-glycosylation and that PCSK9 is a negative regulator of LDLc, we postulated that loss of PCSK9 N-glycosylation mediates hypolipidaemia among patients with PMM2-CDG. First, in an independent cohort of patients with PMM2-CDG (N=8), we verified that circulating PCSK9 levels were significantly lower in patients than controls (p=0.0006). Second, we conducted in vitro experiments in hepatocyte-derived cells to evaluate the effects of PCSK9 N-glycosylation loss on LDL receptor (LDLR) activity. Experimental results suggest that defective PCSK9 N-glycosylation reduces the ability of circulating PCSK9 to degrade LDLR.

Conclusion

Life-long exposure to genetically lower PCSK9 per se is unlikely to cause neurocognitive impairment. Both observational and experimental findings suggest that hypolipidaemia in PMM2-CDG may be partially mediated by loss of PCSK9 N-glycosylation and/or its regulators.
Preliminary heritability of complete rotation large colon volvulus in Thoroughbred broodmares
Authors: Petersen Jessica L , Lewis Ronald M , Embertson Rolf , Valberg Stephanie J , Holcombe Susan J
Published: August 2019

Large colon volvulus (LCV) is a life‐threatening form of colic that occurs when the large colon rotates 360° or more on its axis, resulting in colonic distention and ischaemia. Any horse can suffer from LCV, but the risk is greatest for periparturient Thoroughbred broodmares; the objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of LCV in these horses. The criteria for classification as an LCV case were being a Thoroughbred broodmare from one of three farms in central Kentucky and having had surgical correction for LCV. Controls were identified as Thoroughbred broodmares present on the same farms with no history of surgical colic. Thirty‐nine cases and 191 controls were identified. Age of the LCV cases at the time of incident was significantly younger than that of the controls at the time of the study (P<0.0001). A total of 2223 horses were present when the five‐generation pedigrees of the 230 study horses were combined. Heritability of LCV was estimated at 0.311±0.383 from the fit of a logit sire model with binomial data including year of birth and farm as fixed effects. Further data on broodmares from these and other farms will help to improve this estimate, which suggests the LCV is moderately heritable.
Factors associated with rehoming and time until rehoming for horses listed with an equine charity
Authors: Rosanowski Sarah , Verheyen Kristien
Published: August 2019

The number of unwanted horses in the UK has increased in recent years. It is therefore important to identify factors that indicate whether a horse can be rehomed and how long it takes to be rehomed. Data from 1 January 2013 until 30 March 2014 were extracted from an equine rehoming charity's database. Exposure variables were examined using multivariable logistic and Cox regression. In total, 791 horses were included in the study and 410 (51.8%) were rehomed during the study period. Median time until rehomed was 39 days (IQR 24–75). Horses whose owner was prepared to transfer ownership were nearly three times more likely to be rehomed than those available for loan. Horses deemed suitable for beginner riders had higher odds of finding a new home, compared with those needing an advanced rider. Horses that were only suitable as unridden companions took longer to find a new home than rideable horses. A restricted rehoming radius (<50 miles) also resulted in longer time to rehoming. Findings from this study can be used to inform rehoming strategies but also to identify horses less likely to be rehomed, and thus where alternative options should be considered.
Total body skeletal muscle mass and diet in children aged 6–8 years: ANIVA Study
Authors: Morales-Suarez-Varela Maria , Peraita-Costa Isabel , Guillamon Escudero Carlos , Llopis-Morales Agustin , Llopis-Gonzalez Agustin
Published: August 2019

The objective was to assess if there was any relationship between the amount of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in children aged 6–8 years and their nutritional intake. The Valencian Anthropometry and Child Nutrition (ANIVA) study is a cross-sectional study with children aged between 6–8 years (n = 1988) from schools in Valencia. Children were distributed into 4 groups for comparison: normal and high SMM and by sex. Anthropometric data were obtained following World Health Organization protocols. Nutritional intake was measured using a prospective 3-day food journal and the KIDMED questionnaire. Of the whole child sample, 63.9% had high SMM values. No differences were found in adherence to a Mediterranean diet or absolute energy intake. Significant differences were found in the proportion of energy intake in relation to estimated energy requirements and between nutritional intake of certain macro or micronutrients with SMM. This study provides values of SMM for children. Children’s adherence to a Mediterranean diet was not related to total SMM. At the same time, the consumption of excess calories or overeating is associated with SMM, with those children overeating more having lower SMM values. The differences in the intake of the other macro- and micronutrients were not associated with children’s SMM.
Movement of water in compacted bentonite and its relation with swelling pressure
Authors: Wang Hailong , Shirakawabe Takumi , Komine Hideo , Ito Daichi , Gotoh Takahiro , Ichikawa Yuta , Chen Qiao
Published: August 2019

A testing procedure was proposed to study water movement in compacted bentonite and the development of swelling pressure (ps) when compacted bentonite specimens were wetted. In this procedure, a multi-ring mold was introduced for ps measurements, after which the specimen was sliced for X-ray diffraction to find movement of water in the interlayer space of montmorillonite. Results revealed a relation between four phases of ps development and evolution of four states of interlayer water molecule arrangement of montmorillonite (L): when ps reached its first peak in phase I, L moved from 1 row water arrangement (1w) to at least 2w; when ps decreased and re-increased in phases II or III, L moved from 2w to at least 3w; and when ps reached a steady state in phase IV, L = 3w. The w distribution in the compacted bentonite was also measured as water absorption time increased. Based on those results, the global water movement was estimated in terms of diffusivity (D) following a method employing Boltzmann transform. Results of comparisons implied that D calculated using this method matched experimental data well and the method was rather easily handled.
Studying flavor-changing neutral tqZ couplings: Current constraints and future prospects
Authors: Hioki Zenrō , Ohkuma Kazumasa , Uejima Akira
Published: August 2019

Possible nonstandard tuZ and tcZ interactions, which induce flavor-changing neutral-current decays of the top quark, are studied in the effective-Lagrangian framework. The corresponding Lagrangian consists of four kinds of nonstandard couplings coming from [Formula: see text] invariant dimension-6 effective operators. The four coupling constants in each interaction are treated as complex numbers independent of each other and constraints on them are derived by using the present experimental limits of the branching fractions for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] processes. Future improvements of those constraints are also discussed as well as possibilities of measurements of these couplings at the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider.
Synchronization of Uncertain Complex Dynamical Networks
Authors: Meng Lei , Yang Dongsheng , Zhao Qingqi
Published: August 2019

The synchronization problem of a kind of complex dynamical networks with uncertain links and external disturbances is studied in this paper. The adaptive and impulsive controller is designed after a series of researches on nonlinearity of joints, time variability and uncertainty of system parameters as well as uncertainty of coupling relationship among joints. The stability criteria of the uncertain complex dynamical networks are obtained based on the robust control theory and Lyapunov function theory, thus the synchronization for this kind of complex networks can be realized. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the method in this paper.
Optimization Location Selection Analysis of Energy Storage Unit in Energy Internet System Based on Tabu Search
Authors: Chen Haitian , Zhao Yan , Ji Yanwei , Wang Shunjiang , Ge Weichun , Su Anlong
Published: August 2019

Energy Internet has become the theme of the new round of industrial revolution. Energy storage, as a key technical support for the development of energy Internet, has always been of concern to numerous people, since the energy Internet consists of various energy networks that can provide energy support for different energy subnetworks. Therefore, the energy storage unit is in a crucial position in the entire energy network. This paper points out the importance of various energy storage technologies in the energy Internet. An energy storage unit location analysis method based on Tabu search algorithm is proposed to reduce the network energy loss, pressing mimizing network loss as constraint on the location of the energy storage unit as a search target. The Tabu search algorithm is programmed using Matlab and is used to search for the location of energy storage unit in the IEEE example. Besides, the optimal node solution is obtained, which verifies the feasibility of this algorithm to analyze the location selection of energy storage unit in the energy Internet. This paper has some reference value for the coordinated optimization of energy storage units in the energy Internet.
LSTM-Based with Deterministic Negative Sampling for API Suggestion
Authors: Yan Jinpei , Qi Yong , Rao Qifan , He Hui , Qi Saiyu
Published: August 2019

Modern programming relies on a large number of fundamental APIs, but programmers often take great effort to remember names and the usage of APIs when coding, and repeatedly search the related API documents or Q&A websites (e.g. Stack Overflow). To improve the programming efficiency, we present a Java API suggestion model called APIHelper which learns API sequence pattern via the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network, then provides API suggestion based on the program context. Comparing with statistical methods (e.g. Hidden Markov Model (HMM), N-gram), which require establishing one specific model for each class, we propose Deterministic Negative Sampling (DNS) to make API suggestion for a large number of Java classes by one single end-to-end LSTM. To verify this approach, we make API suggestion for 50,000 Java classes and evaluate it with accuracy and top-K accuracy. The results show that APIHelper outperforms other research works both on accuracy and computation efficiency.
Singular Lagrangians and precontact Hamiltonian systems
Authors: de León Manuel , Lainz Valcázar Manuel
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we discuss the singular Lagrangian systems on the framework of contact geometry. These systems exhibit a dissipative behavior in contrast with the symplectic scenario. We develop a constraint algorithm similar to the presymplectic one studied by Gotay and Nester (the geometrization of the well-known Dirac–Bergmann algorithm). We also construct the Hamiltonian counterpart and prove the equivalence with the Lagrangian side. A Dirac–Jacobi bracket is constructed similar to the Dirac bracket.
Fault zone architecture and its scaling laws: where does the damage zone start and stop?
Authors: Torabi A. , Ellingsen T. S. S. , Johannessen M. U. , Alaei B. , Rotevatn A. , Chiarella D.
Published: August 2019

Damage zones of different fault types are investigated in siliciclastics (Utah, USA), carbonates (Majella Mountain, Italy) and metamorphic rocks (western Norway). The study was conducted taking measurements of deformation features such as fractures and deformation bands on multiple 1D scanlines along fault walls. The resulting datasets are used to plot the frequency distribution of deformation features and to constrain the geometrical width of the damage zone for the studied faults. The damage-zone width of a single fault is constrained by identifying the changes in the slope of cumulative plots made on the frequency data. The cumulative plot further shows high deformation frequency by a steep slope (inner damage zone) and less deformation as a gentle slope (outer damage zone). Statistical distributions of displacement and damage-zone width and their relationship are improved, and show two-slope power-law distributions with a break point at
c.
100 m displacement. Bleached sandstones in the studied siliciclastic rocks of Utah are associated with a higher frequency of deformation bands and a wider damage zone compared to the unbleached zone of similar lithology. Fault damage zones in the carbonate rocks of Majella are often host to open fractures (karst), demonstrating that they can also be conductive to fluid flow.
Angiotensin II deteriorates advanced atherosclerosis by promoting MerTK cleavage and impairing efferocytosis through the AT1R/ROS/p38 MAPK/ADAM17 pathway
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Ying , Zhou Dong , Zhang Li-Sha , Deng Fu-Xue , Shu Shan , Wang Li-Jun , Wu Yue , Guo Ning , Zhou Juan , Yuan Zu-Yi
Published: August 2019

Vulnerable plaques in advanced atherosclerosis have defective efferocytosis. The role of ANG II in the progression of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of ANG II on macrophage efferocytosis in advanced atherosclerosis. ANG II decreased the surface expression of Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) in macrophages through a disintegrin and metalloproteinase17 (ADAM17)-mediated shedding of the soluble form of MerTK (sMer) in the medium, which led to efferocytosis suppression. ANG II-activated ADAM17 required reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker losartan suppressed ROS production, and ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) prevented p38 MAPK phosphorylation. In addition, mutant MERTKΔ483-488 was resistant to ANG II-induced MerTK shedding and efferocytosis suppression. The advanced atherosclerosis model that is characterized by larger necrotic cores, and less collagen content was established by feeding apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice with a high-fat diet for 16 wk. NAC and losartan oral administration prevented atherosclerotic lesion progression. Meanwhile, the inefficient efferocytosis represented by decreased macrophage-associated apoptotic cells and decreased MerTK+CD68+double-positive macrophages in advanced atherosclerosis were prevented by losartan and NAC. Additionally, the serum levels of sMer were increased and positively correlated with the upregulated levels of ANG II in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. In conclusion, ANG II promotes MerTK shedding via AT1R/ROS/p38 MAPK/ADAM17 pathway in macrophages, which led to defective efferocytosis and atherosclerosis progression. Defining the molecular mechanisms of defective efferocytosis may provide a promising prognosis and therapy for ACS patients.
CysLT1 receptor antagonists pranlukast and zafirlukast inhibit LRRC8-mediated volume regulated anion channels independently of the receptor
Authors: Figueroa Eric E. , Kramer Meghan , Strange Kevin , Denton Jerod S.
Published: August 2019

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) encoded by the leucine-rich repeat containing 8 ( LRRC8) gene family play critical roles in myriad cellular processes and might represent druggable targets. The dearth of pharmacological compounds available for studying VRAC physiology led us to perform a high-throughput screen of 1,184 of US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for novel VRAC modulators. We discovered the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonist, pranlukast, as a novel inhibitor of endogenous VRAC expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Pranlukast inhibits VRAC voltage-independently, reversibly, and dose-dependently with a maximal efficacy of only ~50%. The CysLT1R pathway has been implicated in activation of VRAC in other cell types, prompting us to test whether pranlukast requires the CysLT1R for inhibition of VRAC. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that CYSLTR1 mRNA is virtually undetectable in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, the CysLT1R agonist leukotriene D4 had no effect on VRAC activity and failed to stimulate Gq-coupled receptor signaling. Heterologous expression of the CysLT1R reconstituted LTD4-CysLT1R- Gq-calcium signaling in HEK293 cells but had no effect on VRAC inhibition by pranlukast. Finally, we show the CysLT1R antagonist zafirlukast inhibits VRAC with an IC50 of ~17 µM and does so with full efficacy. Our data suggest that both pranlukast and zafirlukast are likely direct channel inhibitors that work independently of the CysLT1R. This study provides clarifying insights into the putative role of leukotriene signaling in modulation of VRAC and identifies two new chemical scaffolds that can be used for development of more potent and specific VRAC inhibitors.
Diabetes aggravates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by repressing mitochondrial function and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy
Authors: Yang Yuan-Yuan , Gong Dao-Jing , Zhang Jian-Jian , Liu Xiu-Heng , Wang Lei
Published: August 2019

Diabetes could aggravate ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether diabetes exacerbates renal I/R injury and its possible mechanism. In vitro, HK-2 cells under normal or high glucose conditions were subjected to hypoxia (12 h) followed by reoxygenation (3 h) (H/R). Cell viability, intracellular ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production, and apoptosis were measured. In vivo, streptozotocin-induced diabetic and nondiabetic rats were subjected to I/R. Renal pathology, function, and apoptosis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blot analysis. Compared with the normal glucose + H/R group, mitochondrial function (ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species) and mitophagy were reduced in the high glucose + H/R group, as was expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin. Also, cells in the high glucose + H/R group exhibited more apoptosis compared with the normal glucose + H/R group, as assessed by flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and Western blot analysis. Compared with normal rats that underwent I/R, diabetic rats that underwent I/R exhibited more severe tubular damage and renal dysfunction as well as expression of the apoptotic protein caspase-3. Meanwhile, diabetes alleviated mitophagy-associated protein expression in rats subjected to I/R, including expression of PINK1 and Parkin. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the mitophagosome could be hardly observed and that mitochondrial morphology and structure were obviously damaged in the diabetes + I/R group. In conclusion, our results, for the first time, indicate that diabetes could aggravate I/R injury by repressing mitochondrial function and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in vivo and in vitro.
Increase of core temperature affected the progression of kidney injury by repeated heat stress exposure
Authors: Sato Yuka , Roncal-Jimenez Carlos A. , Andres-Hernando Ana , Jensen Thomas , Tolan Dean R. , Sanchez-Lozada Laura G. , Newman Lee S. , Butler-Dawson Jaime , Sorensen Cecilia , Glaser Jason , Miyazaki Makoto , Diaz Henry F. , Ishimoto Takuji , Kosugi Tomoki , Maruyama Shoichi , Garcia Gabriela E. , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Johnson Richard J.
Published: August 2019

An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (Mesoamerican nephropathy) has emerged in hot regions of Central America. We have demonstrated that dehydration associated with recurrent heat exposure causes chronic kidney disease in animal models. However, the independent influence of core body temperature on kidney injury has not been explored. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that kidney injury could be accelerated by increasing body temperature independent of external temperature. Wild-type mice were exposed to heat (39.5°C, 30 min, 2 times daily) with or without the mitochondrial uncoupling agent 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) for 10 days. Core temperature, renal function, proteinuria, and renal histological and biochemical analyses were performed. Isolated mitochondria markers of oxidative stress were evaluated from kidney tissue. DNP increased body core temperature in response to heat by 1°C (42 vs. 41°C), which was transient. The mild increase in temperature correlated with worsening albuminuria ( R = 0.715, P < 001), renal tubular injury, and interstitial infiltration of monocytes/macrophages. Tubular injury was marked in the outer medulla. This was associated with a reduction in kidney tissue ATP levels (nonheated control: 16.71 ± 1.33 nmol/mg and DNP + heat: 13.08 ± 1.12 nmol/mg, P < 0.01), reduced mitochondria, and evidence for mitochondrial oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggest that kidney injury in heat stress is markedly worsened by increasing core temperature. This is consistent with the hypothesis that clinical and subclinical heat stroke may play a role in Mesoamerican nephropathy.
Cerebral peak alpha frequency reflects average pain severity in a human model of sustained, musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Furman Andrew J. , Thapa Tribikram , Summers Simon J. , Cavaleri Rocco , Fogarty Jack S. , Steiner Genevieve Z. , Schabrun Siobhan M. , Seminowicz David A.
Published: August 2019

Heightened pain sensitivity, the amount of pain experienced in response to a noxious event, is a known risk factor for development of chronic pain. We have previously reported that pain-free, sensorimotor peak alpha frequency (PAF) is a reliable biomarker of pain sensitivity for thermal, prolonged pains lasting tens of minutes. To test whether PAF can provide information about pain sensitivity occurring over clinically relevant timescales (i.e., weeks), EEG was recorded before and while participants experienced a long-lasting pain model, repeated intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor (NGF), that produces progressively developing muscle pain for up to 21 days. We demonstrate that pain-free, sensorimotor PAF is negatively correlated with NGF pain sensitivity; increasingly slower PAF is associated with increasingly greater pain sensitivity. Furthermore, PAF remained stable following NGF injection, indicating that the presence of NGF pain for multiple weeks is not sufficient to induce the PAF slowing reported in chronic pain. In total, our results demonstrate that slower pain-free, sensorimotor PAF is associated with heightened sensitivity to a long-lasting musculoskeletal pain and also suggest that the apparent slowing of PAF in chronic pain may reflect predisease pain sensitivity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pain sensitivity, the intensity of pain experienced after injury, has been identified as an important risk factor in the development of chronic pain. Biomarkers of pain sensitivity have the potential to ease chronic pain burdens by preventing disease emergence. In the current study, we demonstrate that the speed of pain-free, sensorimotor peak alpha frequency recorded during resting-state EEG predicts pain sensitivity to a clinically-relevant, human model of prolonged pain that persists for weeks.
Factors Affecting the Digestibility of Beef and Consequences for Designing Meat-Centric Meals
Authors: Farouk Mustafa M. , Wu Guojie , Frost Deborah A. , Staincliffe Maryann , Knowles Scott O.
Published: August 2019

The impact of the following on beef digestibility was determined by static in vitro methods: (1) age of cattle; (2) muscle rigor state, ultimate pH, and mincing/particle size; (3) muscle/meat cut; (4) organ meats; and (5) meat accompaniments. Results indicate that beef is more digestible from older compared to younger cattle; prerigor compared to postrigor meat; higher compared to lower ultimate pH meat; cuts with lower compared to higher collagen contents; finely compared to coarsely minced/ground meat; and organ (liver and kidney) compared to muscle meat. Beef digestibility is enhanced when cooked with mushroom and pumpkin and reduced with starchy foods such as rice and potatoes. The outcomes of this study provide a base for the scientific design of meals with beef as a central ingredient and digestibility as the main functionality of interest.
Signaling Pathways, Chemical and Biological Modulators of Nucleotide Excision Repair: The Faithful Shield against UV Genotoxicity
Authors: Kobaisi F. , Fayyad N. , Rezvani H. R. , Fayyad-Kazan M. , Sulpice E. , Badran B. , Fayyad-Kazan H. , Gidrol X. , Rachidi W.
Published: August 2019

The continuous exposure of the human body’s cells to radiation and genotoxic stresses leads to the accumulation of DNA lesions. Fortunately, our body has several effective repair mechanisms, among which is nucleotide excision repair (NER), to counteract these lesions. NER includes both global genome repair (GG-NER) and transcription-coupled repair (TC-NER). Deficiencies in the NER pathway underlie the development of several DNA repair diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Deficiencies in GG-NER and TC-NER render individuals to become prone to cancer and neurological disorders, respectively. Therefore, NER regulation is of interest in fine-tuning these risks. Distinct signaling cascades including the NFE2L2 (NRF2), AHR, PI3K/AKT1, MAPK, and CSNK2A1 pathways can modulate NER function. In addition, several chemical and biological compounds have proven success in regulating NER’s activity. These modulators, particularly the positive ones, could therefore provide potential treatments for genetic DNA repair-based diseases. Negative modulators, nonetheless, can help sensitize cells to killing by genotoxic chemicals. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the major upstream signaling pathways and molecules that could modulate the NER’s activity.
Cellulose Conversion to 5 Hydroxymethyl Furfural (5-HMF) Using Al-Incorporated SBA-15 as Highly Efficient Catalyst
Authors: Pham Son Tung , Nguyen Manh B. , Le Giang H. , Pham Trang T. T. , Quan Trang T. T. , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Son Thanh Le , Vu Tuan Anh
Published: August 2019

Al-incorporated SBA-15 samples (xAl/SBA-15) were successfully prepared by “atomic implantation” method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET), and temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). In this catalyst, metal oxide species were highly dispersed on the SBA-15 surface and existed as isolated atoms. It was shown that the Al incorporation lead to the formation of medium and strong acid sites. The catalytic activity and selectivity were tested in a mild hydrothermal process for degradation of cotton cellulose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF). A cellulose conversion of 68.5% and 5-HMF selectivity of 62.1% after 2 h of reaction at 170°C were achieved. The very high 5-HMF yield (42.57%) obtained in this paper is much higher than that was reported in the literature.
Unmasking the Masquerader: A Delayed Diagnosis of MS and Its 4.5 Years of Implications in an Older African American Male
Authors: Dong Deanna , Carlson Joshua , Ruberwa Joseph , Snihur Thomas , Al-Obaidi Nawar , Bustillo José
Published: August 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has classically been described as a disease of the young Caucasian female. While the prevalence may seem to be higher in Caucasians (CAs), recent studies suggest that the real incidence of MS may actually be higher in African Americans (AAs). Here, we discuss a nonclassical case of MS in an older African American male, prognostic factors, disease patterns in African Americans, and how a delay in diagnosis and socioeconomic factors can lead to worse outcomes. In patients that present with possible symptoms of MS, a high suspicion for MS should be entertained even in epidemiologically atypical patients to prevent delay in diagnosis and irreversible disability.
Comparison of Auto- and Fixed-Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Air Leak in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lebret Marius , Rotty Marie-Caroline , Argento Cyril , Pepin Jean-Louis , Tamisier Renaud , Arbib François , Jaffuel Dany , Molinari Nicolas , Borel Jean-Christian
Published: August 2019

Auto-CPAP may cause sleep fragmentation due to variations in pressure and unintentional leaks. The aim of this study was to compare air leak between fixed-CPAP and auto-CPAP after 4 months of CPAP treatment. This study is an ancillary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, parallel, controlled trial over 4 months, comparing fixed- and auto-CPAP in newly diagnosed patients with OSA. The following data were extracted from the CPAP devices: mean and 90th percentile pressure, residual apnea-hypopnea index, mean CPAP use, and amount of leak. Within each arm, patients were also randomly allocated to use of one of the three different brands of devices. Since the leak was reported differently for each device, median leak value was determined for each brand and leaks were classified as “above the median” or “below the median”. Data from 269 patients were analyzed. The univariate analysis showed that tobacco consumption, CPAP level, and oronasal masks were associated with leaks above the median value but not the type of CPAP. The multivariate analysis showed that only CPAP level and oronasal masks were associated with leaks below the median. There were no differences in the types of mask used between fixed- and auto-CPAP. There was no impact of the type of CPAP on leaks or the type of interface used. We used a method based on the median leak value to standardize comparisons across devices which report leaks with different definitions.
Features of Plasma Electrolytic Formation of Manganese- and Cobalt-Containing Composites on Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Karakurkchi Ann V. , Sakhnenko Nykolay D. , Ved’ Maryna V. , Luhovskyi Ihor S. , Drobakha Hryhoriy A. , Mayba Maryna V.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the results of studies on the electrochemical treatment characteristics of aluminum and alloys in alkaline electrolytes. It is shown that the heterogeneity of the alloys composition complicates the formation of the surface oxide layer. To homogenize the treated surface and obtain oxide coatings doped with manganese and cobalt, electrolytes based on KOH and K4P2O7 with the addition of KMnO4 and CoSO4 were used. Plasma electrolytic oxidizing (PEO) in these electrolytes in the range of current densities 5–20 A/dm2 allows to obtain mixed oxide coatings which contained both aluminum oxide matrix and doping metal oxides Al2O3·MnOx and Al2O3·CoOy. It is shown that an increase in the PEO current density and the concentration of manganate- and cobalt(II) ions in the solution leads to an increase the content of dopant metals in the coatings outer layer. The incorporation of manganese and cobalt oxides in the composition of the surface layers was confirmed by the results of X-ray structural analysis. The rational modes of aluminum alloys PEO treatment were substantiated to obtain coatings with manganese and cobalt contents up to 25–40 аt.%. Formed oxide systems have a developed surface and high adhesion to the base metal and show an increased corrosion resistance and catalytic activity. This allows us to view them as promising materials for air- and water-cleaning technologies and internal combustion engine waste gas purification systems.