bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1st‐Order Shear Deformable Beam Formulation Based on Meshless Wavelet Galerkin Method
Authors: Jo JunHyung , Lee Yun
Published: August 2017

This paper examined and discussed a Meshless Wavelet Galerkin Method (MWGM) formulation for a first‐order shear deformable beam, the properties of the MWGM, the differences between the MWGM and EFG, and programming methods for the MWGM. The first‐order shear deformable beam (FSDB) consists of a pair of second‐order elliptic differential equations. The weak forms of two differential equations are deduced using Hat wavelet series. The exact integration and reduced integration were used to analyze the problems. Some indeterminate beam problems are considered. Condition numbers of the stiffness matrix were analyzed with exact integration and reduced integration for two cases of these problems. Consequently, the results were converged on the analytic solutions. The shear‐locking phenomenon also occurred in the MWGM as it occurs in the conventional FEM. The stiffness matrix calculated from the reduced integration causes a similar numerical error to the stiffness matrix calculated from the exact integration in the MWGM. The MWGM showed desirable results in the examples.
Corneal Spherical Aberration and Corneal Asphericity after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yan , Li Hua
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To investigate corneal spherical aberration and corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).Methods. This study enrolled 70 patients having SMILE and 64 subjects receiving FS-LASIK. The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was −5.83 ± 1.23 diopters (D) and −6.20 ± 1.52 D, respectively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), SE, corneal spherical aberration, and asphericity over the 6.0 mm cornea were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.Results. At 6 months, the UDVA, CDVA, and SE were −0.12 ± 0.11, −0.05 ± 0.05, and −0.16 ± 0.19 D in SMILE and −0.10 ± 0.06, −0.03 ± 0.06, and −0.08 ± 0.25 D in FS-LASIK. There was no difference between groups in the postoperative UDVA, CDVA, or SE (P>0.05). SMILE showed lower inductions of spherical aberration along the anterior surface and the total cornea and less increases in corneal asphericity of the anterior surface postoperatively than FS-LASIK (P<0.01). There were significant correlations between the changes in spherical aberration and corneal asphericity (P<0.001).Conclusions. SMILE and FS-LASIK exhibited excellent visual results and refractive outcomes. SMILE induced less increase in corneal spherical aberration and better preserved the corneal asphericity of the anterior corneal surface than FS-LASIK. Corneal asphericity changes contributed to the corneal spherical aberration changes following SMILE and FS-LASIK.
Macrosomia Rates in Women with Diet-Controlled Gestational Diabetes: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Vally Fatima , Presneill Jeffrey , Cade Thomas
Published: August 2017

Background. Current data on the rates of macrosomia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are heterogenous. No study has specifically examined macrosomia rates in women with diet-controlled gestational diabetes.Aims. To compare the rates of macrosomia between mothers with diet-controlled GDM to mothers without diabetes mellitus.Methods. A retrospective study in which all patients with diet-controlled GDM and singleton pregnancies in 2014 were considered for inclusion in the study. These cases were individually matched to mothers without GDM and without type 1 or 2 diabetes. Cases were matched to parity, age, and BMI. Controls were selected from the same year and as close as possible to the date of delivery of the case. Primary outcomes were macrosomia, defined by estimated fetal weight >90th centile and >95th centile (separately).Results. The estimated adjusted odds ratio for the presence of maternal GDM in the presence of EFW > 90th percentile (adjusted for maternal age, BMI, gravidity, parity, baby gender, and EGA) was 0.63 (95% CI 0.30–1.3;P=0.21). The estimated adjusted odds ratio for the association of maternal GDM and EFW > 95th percentile was 0.66 (95% CI 0.26–1.7;P=0.38).Conclusions. Our findings suggest that macrosomia is not increased in women with diet-controlled GDM. The study registration number isAQA 16/01.
Application of Genetic Algorithm to Estimation of Function Parameters in Lightning Currents Approximations
Authors: Javor V. , Lundengård K. , Rančić M. , Silvestrov S.
Published: August 2017

Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied for the estimation of two-peaked analytically extended function (2P-AEF) parameters in this paper. 2P-AEF is used for approximation of measured and typical lightning discharge currents. Lightning discharge channel is often modeled as thin-wire vertical antenna at perfectly conducting ground. Engineering lightning stroke models assume that the current along that channel is related to the channel-base current which may be measured at the instrumented tall towers and in triggered lightning experiments. Mathematical modeling of lightning currents is important in verification of lightning strokes models based on simultaneously measured electromagnetic fields at various distances, so as in lightning protection studies, computation of lightning induced effects and simulation of overvoltages in power systems. Typical lightning discharge currents of the first positive, first negative, and subsequent negative strokes are defined by IEC 62305 Standard based on comprehensive measurements. Parameters of 2P-AEF’s approximation of the typical negative first stroke current are determined by GA and compared to approximations obtained by other functions. Measured currents at Monte San Salvatore in Switzerland, at Morro de Cachimbo Station in Brazil, and in rocket-triggered lightning experiments at Camp Blanding in Florida are approximated by 2P-AEFs, and good agreement with experimentally measured waveshapes is obtained.
Sulodexide Protects Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Injury via Upregulating Klotho Expression at an Early Stage of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Liu Yu Ning , Zhou Jingwei , Li Tingting , Wu Jing , Xie Shu Hua , Liu Hua-feng , Liu Zhangsuo , Park Tae Sun , Wang Yaoxian , Liu Wei Jing
Published: August 2017

The hypoalbuminuric effect of sulodexide (SDX) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) was suggested by some clinical trials but was denied by the Collaborative Study Group. In this study, the diabetic rats were treated with SDX either from week 0 to 24 or from week 13 to 24. We found that 24-week treatment significantly decreased the urinary protein and HAVCR1 excretion, inhibited the interstitial expansion, and downregulated the renal cell apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis. Renoprotection was also associated with a reduction in renocortical/urinary oxidative activity and the normalization of renal klotho expression. However, all of these actions were not observed when SDX was administered only at the late stage of diabetic nephropathy (from week 13 to 24). In vitro, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) dose-dependently enhanced the oxidative activity but lowered the klotho expression in cultured proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs). Also, H2O2 could downregulate the expression of klotho in a dose-dependent manner. However, overexpression of klotho reduced the HAVCR1 production and the cellular apoptosis level induced by AGEs or H2O2. Our study suggests that SDX may prevent the progression of DKD at the early stage by upregulating renal klotho expression, which inhibits the tubulointerstitial injury induced by oxidative stress.
Nutrition Practice and Knowledge of First-Year Medical Students
Authors: Perlstein Robyn , McCoombe Scott , Macfarlane Susie , Bell Andrew Colin , Nowson Caryl
Published: August 2017

Objectives. To compare the knowledge of Australian dietary recommendations to the dietary practices of first-year medical students. Design. Over a period of four years, anonymous online surveys were completed by medical students attending a first-year nutrition lecture. Background. There is little information on the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of medical students. Setting. First-year postgraduate university medical students, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Participants. Between the years 2012 and 2016, 32%–61% of first-year students completed the survey. Phenomenon of Interest. Student’s knowledge of dietary guidelines and related practices. Analysis. The frequency of response was assessed across the different year cohorts using descriptive statistics. Results. Between 59% and 93% of first-year students correctly identified the recommended daily servings for fruit, and between 61% and 84% knew the vegetable recommendations. In contrast only 40%–46% met the guidelines for fruit and 12%–19% met the guidelines for vegetables. Conclusions and Implications. Discrepancies between students’ nutrition knowledge and behavior can provide learning opportunities. With low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption in medical students, increased awareness of links between nutrition and health, together with encouragement to make behavioral changes, may increase the skills of graduates to support patients in improving dietary intake.
Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with a Dedifferentiated Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Harada Shinichi , Nagaharu Keiki , Baba Youichirou , Murata Tetsuya , Mizuno Toshiro , Kawakami Keiki
Published: August 2017

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncological emergency caused by massive cytolysis of malignant cells. This syndrome eventually induces metabolic abnormalities. TLS is observed mainly among tumors with rapid cell proliferation or high sensitivity to antineoplastic treatment. In rare cases, TLS occurs without any cytotoxic treatment. Previous reports have shown that alternative stress including proceeding infection or an operation might play a role in TLS. However, exact mechanism of spontaneous TLS remains unknown. Here, we describe a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with dedifferentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma and developed TLS without any cytotoxic chemotherapy. Although spontaneous TLS in solid malignancies are extremely rare, clinicians should consider the possibilities of TLS especially in aggressive solid tumors.
Renoprotective Effects of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin: A Review in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mega Cristina , Teixeira-de-Lemos Edite , Fernandes Rosa , Reis Flávio
Published: August 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is now the single commonest cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide and one of the main causes of death in diabetic patients. It is also acknowledged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since sitagliptin was approved, many studies have been carried out revealing its ability to not only improve metabolic control but also ameliorate dysfunction in various diabetes-targeted organs, especially the kidney, due to putative underlying cytoprotective properties, namely, its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. Despite overall recommendations, many patients spend a long time well outside the recommended glycaemic range and, therefore, have an increased risk for developing micro- and macrovascular complications. Currently, it is becoming clearer that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management must envision not only the improvement in glycaemic control but also, and particularly, the prevention of pancreatic deterioration and the evolution of complications, such as DN. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge in the field of renoprotective actions of sitagliptin, namely, improvement in diabetic dysmetabolism, hemodynamic factors, renal function, diabetic kidney lesions, and cytoprotective properties.
The Long‐Term Course of Outcomes for Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation following Integrated Complementary and Alternative Medicine Inpatient Treatment: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kim Moon-Hwi , Lee Yoon Jae , Shin Joon-Shik , Lee Jinho , Jeong Haechan , Kim Me-riong , Park Sam-Min , Go Ung , Kim Sung-Moon , Kim Jae-Yeong , Hwang Dong-Gyu , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: August 2017

A prospective observational study was conducted in 524 lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) inpatients to report the long‐term effects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment. Participants received integrative CAM treatment during hospitalization, from June 2012 to May 2013, and long‐term outcomes were assessed from July to August 2016. Numerical rating scales (NRSs) of back and leg pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), satisfaction, surgery, recurrence, and current care status were investigated. Baseline characteristics were analyzed to determine factors that predicted long‐term satisfaction. A total of 367 patients were available for follow‐up. The long‐term change in NRS of back and leg pain and ODI was 3.53 (95% CI, 3.22, 3.83), 2.72 (2.34, 3.11), and 32.89 (30.21, 35.57), respectively, showing that improvements were well sustained. Regarding satisfaction, 86.11% responded that they were “slightly improved” or better. Range of lumbar flexion ≤ 60° and both legs’ pain at admission were significant predictors of “much improved” or better satisfaction in the long term. Overall, LDH patients who received CAM treatment maintained favorable states in the long term. However, as an uncontrolled observational study, further studies with placebo and/or active controls are warranted. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov  NCT02257723 (date of registration: October 2, 2014).
Kaempferide Protects against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Xinjie , Li Defang , Hao Wenjin , Meng Fanqing , Wang Bo , Han Jichun , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate both the efficacy and mechanism of action of kaempferide (Kae) as a therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. A rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by a 2 h perfusion. In our study, we show that Kae remarkably improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial injury via a decrease in myocardial enzyme levels, and attenuated myocardial infarct size in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, preconditioning treatment with Kae was found to significantly decrease serum TNF-α, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), MDA, and ROS levels, while it was found to increase serum levels of SOD. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cleaved caspase-3 expression levels were observed to be downregulated, while phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β) expression levels were upregulated. However, cotreatment with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) or TDZD-8 (a GSK-3β inhibitor) was found to abolish the above cardioprotective effects observed with the Kae treatment. The data presented in this study provides evidence that Kae attenuates I/R-induced myocardial injury through inhibition of the Nrf2 and cleaved caspase-3 signaling pathways via a PI3K/Akt/GSK 3β-dependent mechanism.
Effect of Partial Cladding Pattern of Aluminum 7075 T651 on Corrosion and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rendell E. , Hsiao A. , Shirokoff J.
Published: August 2017

The corrosion resistance of aluminum 7075 T651 in full clad (Alclad), partial clad, and bare (unclad) forms was compared after 300 hours of corrosion exposure in an acidic salt spray cabinet test at 36°C. After corrosion exposure, severe to moderate exfoliation corrosion was observed on the unprotected medium sized test panel, light general corrosion was observed on the partially clad panel, and patches of corrosion not penetrating the clad layer were observed on the fully clad panel. After corrosion tests, the tensile strength of partially clad, fully clad, and unprotected panels decreased by 3.4%, 4.0%, and 5.3%, respectively.
Feasibility Study on a Measurement Method and a Portable Measuring System to Estimate the Concentration of Cloxacillin andβ-Lactamase in Milk
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Rovati Luigi , Costi Maria Paola , Luciani Rosaria , Venturelli Alberto , Cattini Stefano
Published: August 2017

Antibiotics are nowadays used and abused worldwide in common veterinary practice to treat diseases, prevent infections, and promote animal’s growth. Drug resistance occurrence is a relevant phenomenon that can inactivate the antibiotic. Moreover, antibiotics used for animals are also found in milk and it poses serious health risks to humans. Another negative effect is related to milk processors since antibiotics cause detrimental effects on cheese and yogurt starter bacteria. Given its consumption as both beverage and derivatives, milk is one of the most regulated products in food industry. Nowadays several commercial tests are available to investigate antibiotics in milk, but they generally provide a qualitative result, require bulky procedure, and are time consuming. In this paper, we investigate the use of a chromogenic cephalosporin to quantify the concentration of cloxacillin—aβ-lactam difficult to be detected by using “cowside” screenings which is the drug of choice in the method of mastitis control. The proposed measurement method and prototype have been demonstrated to be able to detect cloxacillin in milk at concentrations lower than the MRL set by the European Commission. Moreover, they are also able to detect the illegal practice of usingβ-lactamase to degradeβ-lactams in milk.
Decreased Plasma COMP and Increased Plasma CTX-II Levels in a Chinese Pseudoachondroplasia Family with Novel COMP Mutation
Authors: Gu Chongjuan , Yang Zhao , Tan Hao , Zhang Yingying , Lu Yilu , Ma Yongxin
Published: August 2017

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is an autosomal dominant osteochondrodysplasia caused by mutations in the gene encoding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Accurate clinical diagnosis of PSACH is sometimes difficult. Here, we identified a novel COMP mutation (c.1675G>A, p.Glu559Lys) in a Chinese PSACH family. We detected the plasma levels of COMP and type II collagen (CTX-II) in the four affected individuals. The results showed the levels of plasma COMP significantly decreased and plasma CTX-II significantly increased in the three PSACH patients with COMP mutation. However, both plasma levels of COMP and CTX-II were not to have found significant difference between the presymptomatic carrier and the age-matched subjects. In vitro analysis and immunofluorescence displayed wild type COMP homogenously expressed in cytoplasm, but mutant proteins were irregularly accumulated inside the HEK-293 cells. Western blot revealed that the quantity of the mutant COMP was more compared to wild type COMP in cells after transfection for 12 hours and 24 hours. Subsequently, 3D structural analysis showed three changes have taken place in secondary structure of the mutant COMP. In conclusion, the novel mutation of COMP may result in intracellular accumulation of the mutant protein. Decreased plasma COMP and increased plasma CTX-II may potentially serve as diagnostic markers of PSACH but may not be applicable in the presymptomatic carrier.
Anti-Gouty Arthritis and Antihyperuricemia Effects of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Head Extract in Gouty and Hyperuricemia Animal Models
Authors: Li Lanzhou , Teng Meiyu , Liu Yange , Qu Yidi , Zhang Yuanzhu , Lin Feng , Wang Di
Published: August 2017

This study was performed to investigate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) head extract (SHE) on gout. First, the components of sunflower head powder and SHE were analyzed systematically. SHE, especially SHEB (extracted with 20% ethanol and 80% double-distilled water), strongly suppressed the swelling of the ankles in rats with acute gout induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and reduced the levels of uric acid and xanthine oxidase (XO) in mice with hyperuricemia induced by oteracil potassium and yeast extract powder. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that SHEB reduced inflammation cells and increased the joint space in the ankle compared with the control rats with MSU-induced gout. In the rats with acute gout, among 13 detected inflammatory cytokines, SHEB significantly enhanced the serum levels of interleukin-10 and the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1α. In the mice with hyperuricemia, SHEB reduced the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and nitrogen monoxide in liver tissues. The potential therapeutic effects of SHE on gout are probably due to the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and the suppression of XO activity via the modulation of oxidative stress status.
Vibration Antiresonance Design for a Spacecraft Multifunctional Structure
Authors: Li Dong-Xu , Liu Wang , Hao Dong
Published: August 2017

Spacecraft must withstand rigorous mechanical environment experiences such as acceleration, noise, vibration, and shock during the process of launching, satellite-vehicle separation, and so on. In this paper, a new spacecraft multifunctional structure concept designed by us is introduced. The multifunctional structure has the functions of not only load bearing, but also vibration reduction, energy source, thermal control, and so on, and we adopt a series of viscoelastic parts as connections between substructures. Especially in this paper, a vibration antiresonance design method is proposed to realize the vibration reduction. The complex zero-point equations of the vibration system are firstly established, and then the vibration antiresonance design for the system is achieved. For solving the difficulties due to viscoelastic characteristics of the connecting parts, we present the determining formulas to obtain the structural parameters, so that the complex zero-point equations can be satisfied. Numerical simulation and ground experiment demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method. This method can solve the structural vibration control problem under the function constraints of load bearing and energy supplying and will expand the performance of spacecraft functional modules.
Differential and Combined Effects of Physical Activity Profiles and Prohealth Behaviors on Diabetes Prevalence among Blacks and Whites in the US Population: A Novel Bayesian Belief Network Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Seixas Azizi A. , Henclewood Dwayne A. , Langford Aisha T. , McFarlane Samy I. , Zizi Ferdinand , Jean-Louis Girardin
Published: August 2017

The current study assessed the prevalence of diabetes across four different physical activity lifestyles and infer through machine learning which combinations of physical activity, sleep, stress, and body mass index yield the lowest prevalence of diabetes in Blacks and Whites. Data were extracted from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) dataset from 2004–2013 containing demographics, chronic diseases, and sleep duration (N = 288,888). Of the total sample, 9.34% reported diabetes (where the prevalence of diabetes was 12.92% in Blacks/African Americans and 8.68% in Whites). Over half of the sample reported sedentary lifestyles (Blacks were more sedentary than Whites), approximately 20% reported moderately active lifestyles (Whites more than Blacks), approximately 15% reported active lifestyles (Whites more than Blacks), and approximately 6% reported very active lifestyles (Whites more than Blacks). Across four different physical activity lifestyles, Blacks consistently had a higher diabetes prevalence compared to their White counterparts. Physical activity combined with healthy sleep, low stress, and average body weight reduced the prevalence of diabetes, especially in Blacks. Our study highlights the need to provide alternative and personalized behavioral/lifestyle recommendations to generic national physical activity recommendations, specifically among Blacks, to reduce diabetes and narrow diabetes disparities between Blacks and Whites.
Sensitive Wavelengths Selection in Identification of Ophiopogon japonicus Based on Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Xia Zhengyan , Zhang Chu , Weng Haiyong , Nie Pengcheng , He Yong
Published: August 2017

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has increasingly been applied as an analytical tool in fields of agricultural, food, and Traditional Chinese Medicine over the past few years. The HSI spectrum of a sample is typically achieved by a spectroradiometer at hundreds of wavelengths. In recent years, considerable effort has been made towards identifying wavelengths (variables) that contribute useful information. Wavelengths selection is a critical step in data analysis for Raman, NIRS, or HSI spectroscopy. In this study, the performances of 10 different wavelength selection methods for the discrimination of Ophiopogon japonicus of different origin were compared. The wavelength selection algorithms tested include successive projections algorithm (SPA), loading weights (LW), regression coefficients (RC), uninformative variable elimination (UVE), UVE-SPA, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), interval partial least squares regression (iPLS), backward iPLS (BiPLS), forward iPLS (FiPLS), and genetic algorithms (GA-PLS). One linear technique (partial least squares-discriminant analysis) was established for the evaluation of identification. And a nonlinear calibration model, support vector machine (SVM), was also provided for comparison. The results indicate that wavelengths selection methods are tools to identify more concise and effective spectral data and play important roles in the multivariate analysis, which can be used for subsequent modeling analysis.
HaVec: An Efficient de Bruijn Graph Construction Algorithm for Genome Assembly
Authors: Limon Mahfuzer Rahman , Sharker Ratul , Biswas Sajib , Rahman M. Sohel
Published: August 2017

Background. The rapid advancement of sequencing technologies has made it possible to regularly produce millions of high-quality reads from the DNA samples in the sequencing laboratories. To this end, the de Bruijn graph is a popular data structure in the genome assembly literature for efficient representation and processing of data. Due to the number of nodes in a de Bruijn graph, the main barrier here is the memory and runtime. Therefore, this area has received significant attention in contemporary literature. Results. In this paper, we present an approach called HaVec that attempts to achieve a balance between the memory consumption and the running time. HaVec uses a hash table along with an auxiliary vector data structure to store the de Bruijn graph thereby improving the total memory usage and the running time. A critical and noteworthy feature of HaVec is that it exhibits no false positive error. Conclusions. In general, the graph construction procedure takes the major share of the time involved in an assembly process. HaVec can be seen as a significant advancement in this aspect. We anticipate that HaVec will be extremely useful in the de Bruijn graph-based genome assembly.
Y-box Protein-1 Regulates the Expression of Collagen I in Hepatic Progenitor Cells via PDGFR-β/ERK/p90RSK Signalling
Authors: Li Fei , Ma Zhenzeng , Liu Heng , Zhang Qidi , Cai Xiaobo , Qu Ying , Xu Mingyi , Lu Lungen
Published: August 2017

Y-box protein-1 (YB-1) is a highly conserved transcription factor that is involved in multiple biological processes via transcriptional regulation of several genes, including p53, cyclin D1, and EGFR. YB-1 has been reported to be overexpressed in injured livers. This study aims to explore the functions of YB-1 in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). Herein, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-sequencing) and RNA-sequencing assays identified that YB-1 participated in the biological adhesion process and ECM-receptor interactions in HPCs. Further study demonstrated that YB-1 modulated the expression of extracellular matrix components in HPCs. ChIP-sequencing assays established that PDGFR-β was a target gene of YB-1, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that YB-1 negatively regulated PDGFR-β promoter activity in HPCs. In addition, PDGFR-β can regulate the expression of collagen I through ERK/p90RSK signalling, and disruption of the signalling pathway with a PDGFR-β inhibitor or ERK1/2 inhibitor abolished the regulatory effect of PDGFR-β on collagen I expression in HPCs. Conclusively, YB-1 can modulate the expression of collagen I in HPCs via direct binding to the PDGFR-β promoter, negatively regulating its expression. In addition, the ERK/p90RSK axis serves as the downstream signalling pathway of PDGFR-β.
Common Expression Quantitative Trait Loci Shared by Histone Genes
Authors: Kim Hanseol , Suh Yujin , Lee Chaeyoung
Published: August 2017

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to examine expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for histone genes. We examined common eQTLs for multiple histone genes in 373 European lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). A linear regression model was employed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with expression of the histone genes, and the number of eQTLs was determined by linkage disequilibrium analysis. Additional associations of the identified eQTLs with other genes were also examined. We identified 31 eQTLs for 29 histone genes through genome-wide analysis using 29 histone genes (P<2.97×10−10). Among them, 12 eQTLs were associated with the expression of multiple histone genes. Transcriptome-wide association analysis using the identified eQTLs showed their associations with additional 80 genes (P<4.75×10−6). In particular, expression of RPPH1, SCARNA2, and SCARNA7 genes was associated with 26, 25, and 23 eQTLs, respectively. This study suggests that histone genes shared 12 common eQTLs that might regulate cell cycle-dependent transcription of histone and other genes. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the transcriptional mechanisms of these genes.
Characterization of Alkaline Treatment and Fiber Content on the Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Ground Coffee Waste/Oxobiodegradable HDPE Biocomposites
Authors: Tan Ming Yee , Nicholas Kuan Hoo Tien , Lee Meng Chuen
Published: August 2017

Effect of alkali treatment on ground coffee waste/oxobiodegradable HDPE (GCW/oxo-HDPE) composites was evaluated using 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% volume fraction of GCW. The composites were characterized using structural (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)), mechanical (tensile and impact test) properties, and water absorption. FTIR spectrum indicated the eradication of lipids, hemicellulose, lignin, and impurities after the treatments lead to an improvement of the filler/matrix interface adhesion. This is confirmed by SEM results. Degree of crystallinity index was increased by 5% after the treatment. Thermal stability for both untreated and treated GCW composites was alike. Optimum tensile result was achieved when using 10% volume fraction with enhancement of 25% for tensile strength and 24% for tensile modulus compared to untreated composite. Specific tensile strength and modulus had improved as the composite has lower density. The highest impact properties were achieved when using 15% volume fraction that lead to an improvement of 6%. Treated GCW composites show better water resistance with 57% improvement compared to the untreated ones. This lightweight and ecofriendly biocomposite has the potential in packaging, internal automotive parts, lightweight furniture, and other composite engineering applications.
Identification of Two Types of Metallogenic Fluids in the Ultra-Large Huize Pb–Zn Deposit, SW China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Han Runsheng , Wei Pingtang , Wang Lei
Published: August 2017

This work investigates the ultra-large Huize Pb–Zn deposit, based on the results of preceding studies and detailed field geological surveys. The existing findings were reorganized and reinterpreted and supplemented with C–H–O isotopic measurements, which resulted in the identification of two different metallogenic fluids: a high temperature, low salinity, and acidic Fluid A, which originates from deep-seated fluids and is enriched in lighter C and O isotopes (−3‰<δ13C‰< −4‰; 10‰<δ18O‰< 17‰; −92‰<δD‰< −50‰), and a low temperature, high salinity Fluid B, which is a subsurface brine formed by atmospheric precipitation. Fluid B is characterized by heavier C–O–H isotopic compositions (−2‰<δ13C‰< 1‰; 2‰<δ18O‰< 24‰; −66‰<δD‰< −43‰) than Fluid A and cycles continuously within the strata. We hypothesize that the Huize Pb–Zn deposit is the result of large-scale fluid migration from deep regions of the crust. These upward-moving fluids extracted metallic elements from carbonate strata of various ages, forming a metal-rich metallogenic fluid (Fluid A). After higher-grade ores were precipitated from the fluid following decompression boiling, it then mixed with Fluid B and continued to precipitate sulfides.
FOXE1 Mutation Screening in a Case with Cleft Lip, Hypothyroidism, and Thyroid Carcinoma: A New Syndrome?
Authors: Mendieta-Zerón Hugo , Jiménez-Rosales Angélica , Pérez-Amado Carlos Jhovani , Jiménez-Morales Silvia
Published: August 2017

A 26-year-old woman is referred to the Internal Medicine consultation due to increases in laboratory studies associated with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) that was confirmed by histopathological studies. Her clinical history revealed that, at 3 months of age, she was successfully treated with surgery for cleft lip (CL) and at the age of 24 years was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXE1 and its promoter regions have been associated with various etiologies related to the thyroid, including orofacial clefting, specially cleft palate (CP) and CL, hypothyroidism (HT), and thyroid cancer. The association of CL, HT, and PTC might be component of a new syndrome; however FOXE1 coding region, which has been involved with these entities, has not exhibited mutations or SNPs. Further study of other genes may help in better characterization of the possible syndrome.
Intercomparing the Response of Tropospheric and Stratospheric Temperature to Two Types of El Niño Onset
Authors: Chang Shujie , Shao Min , Shi Chunhua , Xu Hua
Published: August 2017

Based on Remote Sensing Systems-retrieved temperature data in the period of January 1979 to February 2016, the response of stratospheric and tropospheric temperature in boreal winter to two previously defined types of El Niño [spring (SP) and summer (SU)] is investigated. The results show that, the response of temperature under SP onset involves a significant positive anomaly, with a symmetric distribution about the equator over the Indian Ocean region in the lower troposphere (850 hPa) and a negative anomaly in the lower stratosphere (50 hPa). Meanwhile, in the area 30°N and 30°S of the equator, most parts of the lower stratosphere feature a positive anomaly. This indicates that SP El Niño events are more conducive than SU events to warming the lower stratosphere. The atmospheric circulation structure over the tropical Indian Ocean is beneficial to the upward transfer of warm air to the upper layer. In contrast, the structure over the tropical Pacific Ocean favors the warming of upper air. On the other hand, the Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux is small and the heat flux is negative during SP-type events. Thus, the EP flux and Brewer–Dobson circulation decrease, making the temperature higher in the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere region at low latitudes.
An Unusual Case of Recurrent Hypersensitivity Reaction Associated with Kounis-Like Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kundumadam Shanker , Reddy Vivek , Mallikethi Reddy Sagar , Kathi Pradeep , Abidov Aiden
Published: August 2017

There have been multiple reports of allergic reactions associated with acute coronary syndromes. This has been classically described as Kounis syndrome. We present an unusual case of 70-year-old male with multiple prior hypersensitivity reactions and history of coronary artery bypass grafting who presented recurrent episode of severe angioedema and anaphylaxis. He responded to epinephrine but subsequently developed a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction with worsening heart failure. Our case is unique in that, unlike classic Kounis syndrome, the acute coronary event in this case did not present concurrently with the allergic reaction; rather it took nearly 48 hours to present. Subsequent angiogram revealed patent grafts and significant decline in the left ventricular systolic function as compared to his own ECHO a year ago. We postulate that slow mediators of inflammation may play a role in delayed development of acute coronary events with associated LV dysfunction following episodes of angioedema and anaphylaxis.
Skin Wound Healing Potential and Mechanisms of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves and Oleoresin of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. Kuntze in Rats
Authors: Gushiken Lucas Fernando Sérgio , Hussni Carlos Alberto , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Rozza Ariane Leite , Beserra Fernando Pereira , Vieira Ana Júlia , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Lemos Marivane , Polizello Junior Maurilio , Silva Jonas Joaquim Mangabeira da , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Martinez Emanuel Ricardo Monteiro , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena
Published: August 2017

The wound healing is a complex process which, sometimes, can be a problem in public health because of the possibility of physical disability or even death. Due to the lack of a gold standard drug in skin wound treatment and aiming at the discovery of new treatments in skin repair and the mechanisms involved in the process, we used oleoresin (OR) from Copaifera langsdorffii and hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves (EH) to treat rat skin wounds. For that, male Wistar rats were divided into groups (n = 8): Lanette, Collagenase, 10% EH, or 10% OR and, after anesthesia, one wound of 2 cm was made in the back of animals. The wounds were treated once a day for 3, 7, or 14 days and the wound areas were measured. The rats were euthanized and skin samples destined to biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed a macroscopic retraction of the wounds of 10% EH and 10% OR creams and both treatments showed anti‐inflammatory activity. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated the activity of Copaifera langsdorffii creams in angiogenesis, reepithelialization, wound retraction, and remodeling mechanisms.
Evaluation of the Xanthan-Based Film Incorporated with Silver Nanoparticles for Potential Application in the Nonhealing Infectious Wound
Authors: Huang Jinjian , Ren Jianan , Chen Guopu , Deng Youming , Wang Gefei , Wu Xiuwen
Published: August 2017

Xanthan gum is a high molecular weight polysaccharide biocompatible to biological systems, so its products promise high potential in medicine. In this study, we crosslinked xanthan gum with citric acid to develop a transparent film for protecting the wound. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into the film to enhance the antimicrobial property of our biomaterial. This paper discussed the characteristics and manufacturing of this nanocomposite dressing. The safety of the dressing was studied using fibroblasts (L929) by the method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and staining of ethidium homodimer (PI) and calcein AM. The bacterial inhibition test and application of the dressing to nonhealing wounds infected with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were performed to evaluate the antibacterial effects in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The results indicated that the dressing could restrict the formation of biofilms, reduce inflammatory reactions, and promote the angiogenesis of granulation tissues in infectious wounds. Therefore, this dressing has a great advantage over traditional clinical products especially when administered under the condition of infections or for the purpose of infection prevention.
Immune-Mediated Autonomic Neuropathies following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Mangaonkar Abhishek , Khateeb Hassan Al , Duma Narjust , Louis Erik K. St. , McKeon Andrew , Patnaik Mrinal , Hogan William , Litzow Mark , Kourelis Taxiarchis
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) after allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) is a rare occurrence and likely immune-mediated in etiology. There is limited literature on this topic and hence, we wish to briefly describe management of two cases at our institution and their outcomes. Methods. We retrospectively identified two patients with immune-mediated AD after SCT from our database. Immune-mediated AD was defined as AD secondary to an immune-mediated etiology without an alternative cause and responding to immunosuppression. Results. The first case is of a 32-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent double umbilical cord allogeneic SCT. The second patient was a 51-year-old woman with secondary AML who underwent matched-related donor allogeneic SCT. Both underwent an extensive work-up for an underlying etiology prior to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Conclusions. AD after SCT is a rare yet significant clinical entity. A work-up of underlying etiology should be performed. IVIG is a treatment option for these patients.
Trends in the Incidence of Cervical Cancer in Jordan, 2000–2013
Authors: Sharkas Ghazi , Arqoub Kamal , Khader Yousef , Nimri Omar , Shroukh Wejdan , Jadallah Hala , Saheb Tayseer
Published: August 2017

Objectives. To determine the incidence of cervical cancer in Jordan and assess its trend in over a 14-year period (2000–2013). Methods. This descriptive study was based on secondary analysis of cervical cancer data that are registered in the Jordan Cancer Registry (JCR). Results. A total of 591 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Jordan during the period 2000–2013. The age at diagnosis ranged between 15 and 97 years, with a median of 50 years. The average age standardized rate (ASR) was 2.0/100,000 women. The incidence of cervical cancer started to decrease after 2006 but it remained relatively constant between 2008 and 2013. Over the 14-year period, ASR for cervical cancer decreased by 28.6% from 2.1 per 100,000 women in 2000 to 1.5 per 100,000 women in 2013. About 46.5% of the cases were of squamous cell carcinoma morphology. Early cancer constituted about 60% of the cases, regional cases constituted 9.6%, and distant metastatic cases constituted 10.7%. Conclusions. The incidence of cervical cancer in Jordan is low compared to regional estimates and remained relatively constant between 2008 and 2013. Implementation of screening measures could lead to better case finding, early diagnosis, and prevention of cervical cancer.
Rogue Wave Solutions and Generalized Darboux Transformation for an Inhomogeneous Fifth-Order Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Song N. , Zhang W. , Wang P. , Xue Y. K.
Published: August 2017

The rogue wave solutions are discussed for an inhomogeneous fifth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which describes the dynamics of a site-dependent Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chain. Using the Darboux matrix, the generalized Darboux transformation is constructed and a recursive formula is derived. Based on the transformation, the first-order to the third-order rogue wave solutions are obtained. Then, the nonlinear dynamics of the first-order to the third-order rogue waves are studied on the basis of some free parameters. Several new structures of the rogue waves are found using numerical simulation. The conclusions will be a supportive tool to study the rogue waves better.
Cholinergic Potentiation of Restoration of Visual Function after Optic Nerve Damage in Rats
Authors: Chamoun Mira , Sergeeva Elena G. , Henrich-Noack Petra , Jia Shaobo , Grigartzik Lisa , Ma Jing , You Qing , Huppé-Gourgues Frédéric , Sabel Bernhard A. , Vaucher Elvire
Published: August 2017

Enhancing cortical plasticity and brain connectivity may improve residual vision following a visual impairment. Since acetylcholine plays an important role in attention and neuronal plasticity, we explored whether potentiation of the cholinergic transmission has an effect on the visual function restoration. To this end, we evaluated for 4 weeks the effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil on brightness discrimination, visually evoked potentials, and visual cortex reactivity after a bilateral and partial optic nerve crush in adult rats. Donepezil administration enhanced brightness discrimination capacity after optic nerve crush compared to nontreated animals. The visually evoked activation of the primary visual cortex was not restored, as measured by evoked potentials, but the cortical neuronal activity measured by thallium autometallography was not significantly affected four weeks after the optic nerve crush. Altogether, the results suggest a role of the cholinergic system in postlesion cortical plasticity. This finding agrees with the view that restoration of visual function may involve mechanisms beyond the area of primary damage and opens a new perspective for improving visual rehabilitation in humans.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Integral Quality Monitoring System® Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Oderinde Oluwaseyi M. , du Plessis F. C. P.
Published: August 2017

The Integral Quality Monitoring (IQM) System is a real-time beam output verifying system that validates the integrity and accuracy of patient treatment plan (TP) data during radiation treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the IQM to errors in segment using EGSnrc/BEAMnrc Monte Carlo (MC) codes. Sensitivity analysis (SA) techniques were applied to study the significance of small alterations of field sizes (segments) on the IQM signal response. One hundred and eighty multileaf segments were analyzed with methods that include scatter plots (SP), brute force, variance-based (VAR), and standard regression coefficient SA. The segments were altered randomly within ±1, ±2, and ±3 mm leaf steps for 10 MV photon beams. SP analysis gradient and VAR maximum index are 1.045 and 0.556 for the smallest segment while the largest segment has the value of 0.018 and 0.504, respectively. The brute force and standard regression displayed maximum sensitivity indices around the unaltered segments. These tests conclusively indicated that the IQM was more sensitive to alterations of small segments compared to larger segments. This is important since small segment variation will cause a higher dose output variation that should be picked up during online beam monitoring.
Solar Photovoltaic Energy and Electricity Security on ECOWAS Countries
Authors: Lawin Emmanuel Agnidé , Bazyomo Serge Dimitri , Ouedraogo Abdoulaye
Published: August 2017

The study presented in this paper analyzes the role that photovoltaic energy can play in enhancing energy self-sufficiency in each of the fifteen Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries. For this purpose, the satellite CM-SAF database, Global Land Cover data and land slope computed from Digital Elevation Model data, was used to compute the area of suitable lands, the potential of energy, and the coefficient of variation of solar irradiation. The results show that 31.76% of the total area of each ECOWAS country has the potential to shelter photovoltaic energy system generators. Except Cape-Verde which lacks data concerning land cover, all the countries of the community dispose of suitable area for photovoltaic systems installation. Using only 1% of these areas at each country scale the amount of the whole community energy production can reach up to 7782.37 TWh·year−1. The result of solar resource repartition shows that the energy could have a low interannual variation. But, in the same year, a significant variation of solar irradiation exits between months.