bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microneurography and sympathetic nerve activity: a decade-by-decade journey across 50 years
Authors: Carter Jason R.
Published: January 2019

The technique of microneurography has advanced the field of neuroscience for the past 50 years. While there have been a number of reviews on microneurography, this paper takes an objective approach to exploring the impact of microneurography studies. Briefly, Web of Science (Thomson Reuters) was used to identify the highest citation articles over the past 50 years, and key findings are presented in a decade-by-decade highlight. This includes the establishment of microneurography in the 1960s, the acceleration of the technique by Gunnar Wallin in the 1970s, the international collaborations of the 1980s and 1990s, and finally the highest impact studies from 2000 to present. This journey through 50 years of microneurographic research related to peripheral sympathetic nerve activity includes a historical context for several of the laboratory interventions commonly used today (e.g., cold pressor test, mental stress, lower body negative pressure, isometric handgrip, etc.) and how these interventions and experimental approaches have advanced our knowledge of cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and other human diseases and conditions.
The Role of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Pain Signaling
Authors: Bennett David L. , Clark Alex J. , Huang Jianying , Waxman Stephen G. , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D.
Published: January 2019

Acute pain signaling has a key protective role and is highly evolutionarily conserved. Chronic pain, however, is maladaptive, occurring as a consequence of injury and disease, and is associated with sensitization of the somatosensory nervous system. Primary sensory neurons are involved in both of these processes, and the recent advances in understanding sensory transduction and human genetics are the focus of this review. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are important determinants of sensory neuron excitability: they are essential for the initial transduction of sensory stimuli, the electrogenesis of the action potential, and neurotransmitter release from sensory neuron terminals. Nav1.1, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 are all expressed by adult sensory neurons. The biophysical characteristics of these channels, as well as their unique expression patterns within subtypes of sensory neurons, define their functional role in pain signaling. Changes in the expression of VGSCs, as well as posttranslational modifications, contribute to the sensitization of sensory neurons in chronic pain states. Furthermore, gene variants in Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 have now been linked to human Mendelian pain disorders and more recently to common pain disorders such as small-fiber neuropathy. Chronic pain affects one in five of the general population. Given the poor efficacy of current analgesics, the selective expression of particular VGSCs in sensory neurons makes these attractive targets for drug discovery. The increasing availability of gene sequencing, combined with structural modeling and electrophysiological analysis of gene variants, also provides the opportunity to better target existing therapies in a personalized manner.
Pedestrian Delay Model for Continuous Flow Intersections under Three Design Patterns
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Jing , Li Chaoyang
Published: January 2019

In order to accurately evaluate the level of service of pedestrians and provide the basis for the optimized design, the pedestrian delay of the continuous flow intersection was analyzed. According to the characteristics of streams of pedestrians’ arriving and leaving, the pedestrian delay models of different directions (namely, straight and diagonal) were established for three pedestrian passing patterns of the continuous flow intersection. The accuracy of the models was verified by VISSIM. The deviation was less than 3%. The effects of three key factors, namely, the vehicle demands, pedestrian demands and percentage of diagonal crossing, on the delay of the pedestrian under three modes were discussed by sensitivity analysis. The results show that the traditional pedestrian passing pattern mainly applies on the conditions that vehicle and pedestrian demands are low. The pattern of interspersed pedestrian passing is mainly applicable to the conditions of high vehicle and pedestrian demands. Although the pattern of exclusive pedestrian passing phase was least selected as the optimal design, it can apply to traffic demand fluctuating condition for its insensitive to volume and pedestrian demand pattern.
Effectiveness of Combined General Rehabilitation Gymnastics and Muscle Energy Techniques in Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Wendt Michał , Cieślik Krystyna , Lewandowski Jacek , Waszak Małgorzata
Published: January 2019

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of general rehabilitation gymnastics on subjective and objective characteristics of locomotor system in older women with chronic LBP. To satisfy this goal, the outcomes in exercising women were compared with the results of nonexercising controls.Material and Methods. The study group included 21 women with chronic LBP (age 65-75 years), participating in a 3-year general rehabilitation program combining strength, stretching, endurance, balance, and stabilization exercises with Muscle Energy Techniques (MET). Control group included 20 women with chronic LBP, who neither undertook the gymnastics nor participated in other forms of physical activity. The list of outcome measures included pain severity (Numeric Rating Scale), limitations in the activities of daily living (Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), mobility of all spinal segments (tensometric electrogoniometry), and bioelectrical activity of back muscles (kinesiologic electromyography).Results. Exercising women presented with lesser severity of current pain (by 62%, p<0.001) and pain experienced during the last three months (by 32.5%, p<0.001), reported less ailments during the last three months, and had fewer limitations in the activities of daily living (a 30% decrease in Oswestry Disability Index, p<0.05, and a 65% decrease in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, p<0.001) than the controls. Moreover, they showed significantly higher values of nearly all spondylometric parameters except for cervical lateral flexion. The study groups did not differ in the amplitudes of bioelectrical signal from the back muscles.Conclusions. These findings may point to beneficial effects of the combined exercise program.
Effect of Heat Treatment and Titanium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast Fe31Mn28 Ni15Al24.5Tix High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: El-Hadad Shimaa , Ibrahim Mervat , Mourad Mohamed
Published: January 2019

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are multiprincipal element alloys with controllable properties. Studying the mechanical properties of these alloys and relating them to their microstructures is of interest. In the current investigation, Fe31Mn28 Ni15Al24.5Tix high-entropy alloys with Ti content (0–3 wt.%) were prepared by casting in an induction furnace. Different heat treatments were applied, and the microstructure and hardness of the cast samples were studied. It was observed that addition of up to 3.0 wt.% Ti significantly increases the hardness of the alloy from 300 to 500 (Hv) by the combined effect of solid solution strengthening and via decreasing lamellar spacing. Heat treatment at 900°C for 10 h enhanced the hardness at lower Ti percentages (0.0–0.8 wt.%) by decreasing the lamellar spacing, while no change was observed at higher Ti content. It was also observed that extending the treatment time to 20 h affected negatively the hardness of the alloy. Concluding, HEAs can achieve high hardness using low-cost principle elements with minor alloying additives compared to the other traditional alloys.
Structural and Physicochemical Characteristics of Granular Malic Acid-Treated Sweet Potato Starch Containing Heat-Stable Resistant Starch
Authors: Kwon Chinwoo , Kim Ha Ram , Moon Tae Wha , Lee Seung Hyun , Lee Chang Joo
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the structural and physicochemical characteristics of malic acid-treated sweet potato starch. Sweet potato starch mixed with various concentrations of malic acid solution underwent either thermal or nonthermal treatment. Observation of samples under a light microscope ensured the maintenance of granular shape and the Maltese cross. FT-IR spectra displayed a distinct carbonyl peak at 1722 cm−1, and analysis of the degree of substitution (DS) indicated an increase in the extent of ester bonds with increasing concentrations of malic acid. The DS of 2.0M-130 (0.214) was the highest and that of 0.5M-130 was the lowest (0.088) among the reacted starches. In vitro digestion test revealed an increased amount of resistant starch when a high concentration of malic acid was used. In addition, thermally treated samples maintained a higher content of resistant starch (RS) after 30 min of cooking at 100°C. After cooking, 2.0M-130 had an RS fraction of 53.4% which was reduced to 49.9% after cooking, revealing greater heat stability compared with nonthermally treated samples. The structure of malic acid-treated starch was investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), an X-ray diffractometer, a rapid visco analyzer (RVA), and analysis of apparent amylose content. The results showed that thermal and malic acid treatment of starch caused not only partial hydrolysis but also rearrangement of the crystalline area and helix structure of starch by esterification. Analysis of malic acid-treated starch, using a rapid visco analyzer showed no pasting properties, due to lack of its swelling caused by the malic acid cross link.
A Rare Presentation of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in the Nasolabial Fold
Authors: Alshammari Hind K. , Alzamami Haya F. , Ashoor Mona , Almarzouq Wasan F. , Kussaibi Haitham
Published: January 2019

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a benign lesion that occurs most frequently in the soft tissues and viscera. In the head and neck region, the tumor has been reported to occur in the orbit, tongue, nasopharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses and the central nervous system. Despite being a benign lesion, it exhibits infiltrative and destructive behaviours, making histopathological examination necessary to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a 38-year-old female presented with a right nasolabial fold mass, which was confirmed histologically to be an IMT. Surgical excision of the mass was achieved through a sublabial approach with an uneventful postoperative period. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an IMT in the nasolabial fold.
A Two-Step Cooperative Energy Detection Algorithm Robust to Noise Uncertainty
Authors: Yang Tingting , Wu Yucheng , Li Liang , Xu Weiyang , Tan Weiqiang
Published: January 2019

In order to achieve accurate interference detection in complex electromagnetic environments, a two-step cooperative stochastic resonance energy detection (TCSRED) algorithm is proposed to address the problem, where the traditional energy detection (ED) performance is susceptible to noise uncertainty. By combining two thresholds and two-step cooperation, the generalized stochastic resonance is applied to the energy detection, which effectively reduces the complexity and detection time. In particular, when a certain decision result is obtained in the first step of detection, the decision is finished and the second step of detection is unnecessary. Otherwise, the second step of detection is performed to obtain the final decision result. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is robust to the noise uncertainty. Even in the case of a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), it also performs better than existing methods without significant increment of the complexity.
Transient Elastography and Ultrasonography: Optimal Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Concurrent with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhang Geng-lin , Zhao Qi-yi , Lin Chao-shuang , Hu Zhao-xia , Zhang Ting , Gao Zhi-liang
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims. Concordance between transient elastography (TE) and ultrasonography (US) in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and concurrent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been rarely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined performances of TE and US in assessing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Patients and Methods. Consecutive CHB patients with NAFLD were prospectively enrolled. TE and US examinations were performed, with liver biopsy as a reference standard. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Differences between the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were compared using DeLong’s test. Results. TE and US scores correlated significantly with the histological fibrosis staging scores. TE was significantly superior to US in the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (AUC, 0.84 vs 0.73; P=0.02), advanced fibrosis (AUC, 0.95 vs 0.76; P<0.001), and cirrhosis (AUC, 0.96 vs 0.71; P<0.001). Combining TE with US did not increase the accuracy of detecting significant fibrosis, advanced cirrhosis, or cirrhosis (P=0.62, P=0.69, and P=0.38, respectively) compared to TE alone. However, TE combined with US significantly increased the positive predictive value for significant fibrosis when compared to TE alone. The optimal cut-off values of TE for predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were 8.7 kPa and 10.9 kPa, with negative predictive values of 92.4% and 98.7%, respectively. Conclusions. TE is useful for predicting hepatic fibrosis and excluding cirrhosis in CHB patients with NAFLD. A combination of TE and US does not improve the accuracy in assessing liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Hemodynamic Support Using Percutaneous Transfemoral Impella 5.0 and Impella RP for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Dalal Pratik K. , Mertens Amy , Shah Dinesh , Hanson Ivan
Published: January 2019

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) resulting in cardiogenic shock continues to be a substantial source of morbidity and mortality despite advances in recognition and treatment. Prior to the advent of percutaneous and more durable left ventricular support devices, prompt revascularization with the addition of vasopressors and inotropes were the standard of care in the management of this critical population. Recent published studies have shown that in addition to prompt revascularization, unloading of the left ventricle with the placement of the Impella percutaneous axillary flow pump can lead to improvement in mortality. Parameters such as the cardiac power output (CPO) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), obtained through pulmonary artery catheterization, can help ascertain the productivity of right and left ventricular function. Utilization of these parameters can provide the information necessary to escalate support to the right ventricle with the insertion of an Impella RP or the left ventricle with the insertion of larger devices, which provide more forward flow. Herein, we present a case of AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock resulting in biventricular failure treated with the percutaneous insertion of an Impella RP and Impella 5.0 utilizing invasive markers of left and right ventricular function to guide the management and escalation of care.
How Did Rumors on Twitter Diffuse and Change in Expression? An Investigation of the Process of Spreading Rumors on Twitter during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Ogasahara Morihiro , Kawashima Hirotaka , Fujishiro Hiroyuki
Published: January 2019

Twitter has been emerging as a major communication channels during disasters. The characteristics of Twitter—quickly and widely diffusing information and allowing every user to be an information transmitter—can be effective for problem solving in anxious and ambiguous situations such as disasters; however, false rumors on Twitter can be a serious problem. Rumor research has suggested that rumors are a kind of collective sense-making when mass media cannot provide people with enough information (e.g., during disasters). Furthermore, the expression of the rumor changes during the process of spreading. This study investigated the data of 187 thousand tweets related to the Cosmo Oil rumor during the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 and analyzed the change in Twitter expressions and the collective sense-making process during this catastrophe. The results of this study suggest that collective sense-making is rare in diffused tweets, partly because of the gatekeeping role of hubs (i.e., users who have many followers on Twitter). Rumor discussion on Twitter during disasters might be suitable for broadcasting static information than for collective sense-making.
Output Regulation for a Class of MIMO Uncertain Stochastic Nonlinear Systems by Active Disturbance Rejection Control Approach
Authors: Lv Chunwan , Huang Guoshun , Ouyang Zhengyong , Chen Jian , Bao Lingxin
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) approach is applied to a class of multi‐input multioutput (MIMO) uncertain stochastic nonlinear systems. An extended state observer (ESO) is first designed for estimation of both unmeasured states and stochastic total disturbance of each subsystem which represents the total effects of internal unmodeled stochastic dynamics and external stochastic disturbance with unknown statistical property. The ADRC controller based on the states of ESO is further designed to achieve the closed‐loop system’s output regulation performance including practical mean square reference signals tracking, disturbance attenuation, and practical mean square stability when the reference signals are zero avoiding solving any partial differential equations in the conventional output regulation theory. Some numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ADRC approach.
Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Lymphomatous Lymph Nodes: A Comparison between PET/CT and Contrast-Enhanced CT
Authors: Ma Xuelei , Ling Wenwu , Xia Fan , Zhang Yifan , Zhu Chenjing , He Jialing
Published: January 2019

Purpose. We described imaging characteristics of different types of lymphomas using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and summarized some simple criteria to distinguish between normal lymph nodes and lymphomatous lymph nodes for clinical diagnosis. Materials and methods. Sixty-one lymphoma patients from 2014 to 2015 with 140 suspicious lymph nodes, who had been confirmed by histology and underwent chemotherapy, were enrolled in our study. The responses to chemotherapy were recorded by PET/CT, contrast-enhanced CT, or CEUS. Results. We summarized the CEUS enhancement patterns as two types when detecting lymphomatous lymph nodes, which could be the specific diagnostic criteria: (1) rapid well-distributed hyperenhancement, with 83.1% lesions exhibiting a fast-in hyperenhancement pattern in the arterial phase, and (2) rapid heterogeneous hyperenhancement, with 16.9% lesions exhibiting heterogeneous in the arterial phase. Particularly, we found that all the suspicious lesions of indolent lymphomas were rapid well-distributed hyperenhancement. CEUS successfully identified 117 lymphomatous lymph nodes, while PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT detected 124 and 113 lymphomatous lymph nodes, respectively. CEUS had an accuracy of 83.57%, and the accuracy of PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT was 88.57% and 80.71%, respectively (p=0.188). The false-negative rate was 16.43%, 11.43%, and 19.29%, respectively (p=0.188). Conclusion. CEUS could be a useful tool in detecting lymphomatous nodes. A rapid well-distributed hyperenhancement pattern in CEUS could be a useful diagnostic criterion in both aggressive lymphoma and indolent lymphoma. These results can help us distinguish between lymphomatous and benign lymph nodes and make better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Qualitative Study of Barriers to Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication among Rural Women in India
Authors: Gupta Shreya , Dhamija Jas Pal , Mohan Indu , Gupta Rajeev
Published: January 2019

Objective. There is poor adherence to antihypertensive therapies among women in India. To determine its socioeconomic barriers we performed a qualitative study on Indian rural women with hypertension. Methods. In-depth interviews with women having hypertension and presenting to outpatient department at a teaching hospital were performed in 30 women aged 35-65 years, using a questionnaire focused on reasons for nonadherence and poor lifestyle modification. Low to medium adherence was observed in two-thirds of women. Results. Majority of women were from low socioeconomic status and were illiterate. Awareness of hypertension and its complications was poor. Knowledge and practices of cessation of smoking and tobacco use and salt restriction in hypertension were low. Efforts to increase physical activity and decrease dietary fat and sugar intake were largely absent. Local follow-up at rural community health centres was not practiced due to physician nonavailability and about half used alternative systems of medicine. None had health insurance or access to free medicines. All the women had to pay out-of-pocket for medicines and were concerned with cost of therapy as well as pill burden. Half of the women borrowed money from relatives or friends to reach the hospital and pay for medicines. Conclusions. Socioeconomic barriers for low adherence to antihypertensive medication in women in India are low awareness of hypertension and complications, poor access to care, out-of-pocket payments, borrowing money, lack of insurance, and cost of medicines.
A Simplified Calculation Method of Length Adjustment of Datum Strand for the Main Cable with Small Sag
Authors: He Jun , Li Chuanxi , Ke Hongjun , Liu Yang , Zhang Yuping , Dong Chuangwen , Li Hongli , Zhang Zhe
Published: January 2019

In order to overcome the complicated iterative process of the cable length adjustment based on catenary theory and large error of length adjustment for cable with a small sag based on the parabola theory, this paper firstly develops a direct and simply calculation method based on parabola theory, considering the influence of elastic elongation on the cable unstressed length, which can apply for datum strand of the main cable and catwalk bearing rope with a small sag to improve the construction accuracy of the datum strand of suspension bridges. Then, the applicability of the proposed cable length adjustment formula under different conditions of the sag‐span ratio is analyzed and compared with other calculation methods based on the theory of catenary or parabola. Finally, numerical examples are presented and discussed to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed analytical method.
Integrated Analysis of LncRNA-mRNA Coexpression in the Extracellular Matrix of Developing Deciduous Teeth in Miniature Pigs
Authors: Li Yang , Li Guoqing , Wang Fu , Wu Xiaoshan , Wu Zhifang , Wang Jinsong , Zhang Chunmei , He Junqi , Wang Hao , Wang Songlin
Published: January 2019

Miniature pigs, a valuable alternative model for understanding human tooth development, have deciduous teeth from all four tooth families that are replaced once by permanent molars. The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports cells and maintains the integrity of tooth germs during tooth development. However, details on the role of the ECM in tooth development are poorly understood. Here, we performed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles in the ECM components of deciduous tooth germs by RNA sequencing in miniature pigs. From the early cap to the late bell stages, we identified 4,562 and 3,238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from E40 to E50 and E50 to E60, respectively. In addition, a total of 1,464 differentially expressed lncRNAs from E40 to E50 and 969 differentially expressed lncRNAs from E50 to E60 were obtained. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that DEGs were enriched significantly for multiple signaling pathways, especially for the ECM pathway. We then outlined the detailed dynamic gene expression profiling of ECM components during deciduous molar development. Comparison of the cap and bell stages revealed that the structure and functions of the ECM dynamically changed. The ECM-related genes, including THBS1, COL4A5, COL4A6, COL1A1, CHAD, TNR, GP1BA, and ITGA3, were significantly changed, and some were shown to enrich during the bell stage development. Finally, we outlined the coexpression of lncRNAs and ECM properties during tooth development. We showed that the interplay of key lncRNAs could change ECM processes and influence the ECM establishment of tooth patterns to accomplish full tooth formation. These results might provide information to elucidate the regulation network of the lncRNA and ECM in tooth development.
Quality Assessment of Selected Dairy Products in Sri Lankan Market
Authors: Perera Prameesha , Munasinghe Helani , Marapana R. A. U. J.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of the study was to determine the quality of selected Sri Lankan-marketed dairy products. Four brands of full cream milk powder (FCMP) (imported A and B; local C and D) and three brands of pasteurized milk (PM) attributed to the alphabetical identifies E, F, and G were tested, with raw cow’s milk (CM) as control. Fat, protein, ash, carbohydrate, moisture, and water percentage, total solids (TS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, specific gravity (SG), arsenic content, and total coliform count (TCC) were assessed. The average fat and ash content per serving of milk (SOM) of FCMP was significantly lower than the PM and CM. Highest (p>0.05) protein content (7.58 g ± 1.05) was recorded for CM. Carbohydrate and pH were not significantly different in three types of milk products. FCMP had a significantly lower (p<0.05) TA of, 0.18 ± 0.02 than the PM, 0.20 ± 0.02. Specific gravity in Brands D (1.033 ± 0.00) and E (1.033 ± 0.00) was significantly higher (p>0.05) compared to the CM (1.030 ± 0.00). All the abovementioned parameters between imported and locally produced FCMP brands were not significantly different from each other. In imported FCMP, mean moisture % was significantly higher (p>0.05) than local brands; however, in each FCMP, brand mean moisture % was statistically non-significant. Total solids in PM was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the CM. Every tested sample was free of arsenic. However, all PM brands and B of FCMP were contaminated with coliform. Total coliform count in B and E agreed with the Sri Lankan standard level. Nutritional value in SOM of PM and FCMP was less than CM, while the lowest value was recorded in FCMP. It can be concluded that all brands of powdered milk possess the recommend suggested standards in terms of both physicochemical and microbiological qualities. Though the physicochemical characteristics in PM brands agree with the standard levels, microbial hygiene is poor where coliform contamination was very high in Brand E.
The Effect of Chlorine Ion on Metal Corrosion Behavior under the Scratch Defect of Coating
Authors: Cui Yanyu , Qin Yongxiang , Dilimulati Dilinuer , Wang Yujun
Published: January 2019

The influence of chloride ion on the corrosion of metal under coating with scratch defects was researched by wire beam electrode (WBE) technology and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology. The results showed that the current of metal surface could be characterized by the WBE technology. In the case of scratches on the coating, the location of the damage always showed an anodic current, and the cathodic reaction took place adjacent to the damaged location. The cathode area surrounded the defect and migrated to the far end over time. With the increase of Cl- concentration, the corrosion reaction speeded up, the rate of cathode migration also increased, and the speed of coating stripping did as well. Combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, uniform laws were obtained.
Anomalous Grain Boundary Diffusion: Fractional Calculus Approach
Authors: Sibatov Renat T.
Published: January 2019

Grain boundary (GB) diffusion in engineering materials at elevated temperatures often determines the evolution of microstructure, phase transformations, and certain regimes of plastic deformation and fracture. Interpreting experimental data with the use of the classical Fisher model sometimes encounters contradictions that can be related to violation of Fick’s law. Here, we generalize the Fisher model to the case of non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion ubiquitous in disordered materials. The process is formulated in terms of the subdiffusion equations with time-fractional derivatives of order α∈(0,1] and β∈(0,1] for grain volume and GB, respectively. It is shown that propagation along GB for the case of a localized instantaneous source and weak localization in GB (β>α/2) is approximately described by distributed-order subdiffusion with exponents α/2 and β. The mean square displacement is calculated with the use of the alternating renewal process model. The tail of the impurity concentration profiles along the z axis is approximately described by the dependence ∝exp(-Az6/5) for all 0<α≤1, as in the case of normal GB diffusion, so the 6/5-law itself can serve as an identifier of a more general phenomenon, namely, anomalous GB diffusion.
Effects of Modulation of Ion Channel Currents by Salidroside in H9C2 Myocardial Cells in Hypoxia and Reoxygenation
Authors: Cao Xue-bin , Jiang Zhi-hao , Dong Lei , Zheng Yu , Li Yang
Published: January 2019

Salidroside, a phenyl-propanoid glycoside isolated from the medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea, has potent cardioprotective effects, especially against myocardial hypoxia and reoxygenation injury. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its action is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of salidroside on sodium channel current (INa) and transient outward potassium channel current (Ito) in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. H9C2 cells were subcultured under anoxic conditions to mimic myocardial hypoxia and subsequently treated with salidroside. Whole cell patch clamp was performed to determine the effect of hypoxia/reoxygenation and salidroside on myocardial electrophysiological properties. In the differentiated H9C2 cells, hypoxia/reoxygenation reduced INa and Ito amplitude, while salidroside significantly restored both and altered the INa and Ito activation/inactivation kinetics in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that salidroside protects myocardial cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation by restoring the function of sodium and potassium channels.
NK Cell Infiltrates and HLA Class I Expression in Primary HER2+ Breast Cancer Predict and Uncouple Pathological Response and Disease-free Survival
Authors: Muntasell Aura , Rojo Federico , Servitja Sonia , Rubio-Perez Carlota , Cabo Mariona , Tamborero David , Costa-García Marcel , Martínez-Garcia María , Menéndez Sílvia , Vazquez Ivonne , Lluch Ana , Gonzalez-Perez Abel , Rovira Ana , López-Botet Miguel , Albanell Joan
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

We investigated the value of tumor-infiltrating NK (TI-NK) cells and HLA class I tumor expression as biomarkers of response to neoadjuvant anti-HER2 antibody–based treatment in breast cancer.

Experimental Design:

TI-NK cells and HLA-I were determined by IHC in pretreatment tumor biopsies from two cohorts of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer [discovery cohort (n = 42) and validation cohort (n = 71)]. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were scored according to international guidelines. Biomarker association with pathologic complete response (pCR) and disease-free survival (DFS) was adjusted for prognostic factors. Gene set variation analysis was used for determining immune cell populations concomitant to NK-cell enrichment in HER2-positive tumors from the Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 190).

Results:

TI-NK cells were significantly associated with pCR in the discovery cohort as well as in the validation cohort (P < 0.0001), independently of clinicopathologic factors. A ≥3 TI-NK cells/50x high-power field (HPF) cutoff predicted pCR in the discovery and validation cohort [OR, 188 (11–3154); OR, 19.5 (5.3–71.8)]. Presence of TI-NK cells associated with prolonged DFS in both patient cohorts [HR, 0.07 (0.01–0.6); P = 0.01; HR, 0.3 (0.08–1.3); P = 0.1]. NK-, activated dendritic- and CD8 T-cell gene expression signatures positively correlated in HER2-positive tumors, supporting the value of NK cells as surrogates of effective antitumor immunity. Stratification of patients by tumor HLA-I expression identified patients with low and high relapse risk independently of pCR.

Conclusions:

This study identifies baseline TI-NK cells as an independent biomarker with great predictive value for pCR to anti-HER2 antibody–based treatment and points to the complementary value of tumor HLA-I status for defining patient prognosis independently of pCR.
Hemolytic Anemia of Malignancy: A Case Study Involving Signet Ring Cell Metastatic Breast Cancer with Severe Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Lee Eric H. , Otoukesh Salman , Abdi pour Amir , Nagaraj Gayathri
Published: January 2019

Hemolytic anemia in the setting of malignancy is a rare manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome with significant morbidity. Here we discuss a case involving metastatic breast cancer presenting with severe hemolytic anemia and renal failure secondary to thrombotic microangiopathy of malignancy. This case discusses the workup for secondary hemolytic anemia, a possible role for therapeutic plasma exchange in this setting, as well the current understanding of the management of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia of malignancy.
Hyperbilirubinemia Induces Pro-Apoptotic Effects and Aggravates Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yuan Li , Liao Ping-Ping , Song Hai-Cheng , Zhou Jia-Hui , Chu Hai-Chen , Lyu Lin
Published: January 2019

Aims: Hyperbilirubinemia is associated with postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. A high concentration of bilirubin could induce oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hyperbilirubinemia aggravated the renal tubule cells injury and the pro-apoptotic potential of bilirubin on renal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI). Methods: The human proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 cells were challenged with a gradient concentration of bilirubin for 24 h. Cell injury was assessed by flow cytometry and MTT assay. Bilirubin was injected intraperitoneally into male Sprague-Dawley rats once every 12 h (100 mg/kg), 3 times in total. The same solvent volume without bilirubin powder was used as vehicle in non-bilirubin injection groups. The RIRI surgical procedure was a bilateral renal pedicles clamping (45 min) followed by 30 h reperfusion. The rats were divided into 4 groups: negative control (NC), similar surgical procedures without clamping; Bil, bilirubin injection for 36 h, then rats were sacrificed; RIRI, RIRI surgical procedures; Bil + RIRI, RIRI applied 6 h later than the first bilirubin injection, rats were sacrificed after another 30 h. Results: In vitro, bilirubin induced cell apoptosis and significantly decreased the cell viability of HK-2 cells. Bilirubin induced the active caspase 3 and phosphorylation of p38 in HK-2 cells. In vivo, serum creatinine was higher in Bil + RIRI compared with RIRI (p < 0.01). The tubular injury scores of hematoxylin and eosin and tubular necrosis scores of periodic acid-Schiff were higher in Bil + RIRI than these in RIRI (All p < 0.05). The number of Tunel-positive nuclei was higher in Bil + RIRI compared to RIRI (p < 0.001). The active caspase 3 and phosphorylation of p38 were higher and the Bcl2 was lower in Bil + RIRI compared to RIRI. Moreover, the apoptosis level was higher in Bil compared to NC. Conclusions: Our results reveal that the hyperbilirubinemia induces pro-apoptotic effects and aggravates RIRI.
HIGH OUTCROSSING RATE AND POLLEN DISPERSAL DISTANCE of Diospyros celebica Bakh. (EBENACEAE), AN ENDEMIC TREE SPECIES IN SULAWESI ISLAND, INDONESIA
Authors: Restu Muhammad , G. Gusmiaty , Larekeng Siti Halimah
Published: January 2019

Diosphyros celebica Bakh., also known as Sulawesi ebony, is an endemic to central and northern Sulawesi. Information about pollen dispersal patterns of D. celebica have not been previously investigated. This study was aimed to determine pollination type, percentage of selfing and outcrossing, as well as distance of pollen dispersal of D. celebica. This study was conducted at experimental forest of Universitas Hasanuddin, Maros District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. One hundred and sixty six individuals of D. celebica consisted of adult trees and seedlings were analyzed in this study. Ninety four adult trees were selected to become parent trees. The trees were mapped with GPS coordinates . All samples were genotyped using four SSR markers loci. Parental analysis and determination of pollen dispersal patterns were carried out using Cervus 3.0.3. Results indicated that the evaluated markers were effective for assigning candidate of male parents to all evaluated seedlings. Donated pollens could come from male parents in any directions relative to female parent positions. Pollen dispersal pattern showed outcrossing pollination among different male parents (pollen donated trees). The results indicated that seeds were produced predominatly by outcrossing. Pollen dispersal reached up to 166 m. Pollen related processes were linked through female parents, pollinators availability and ecological environment. Simultaneous use of progeny genotyping, spatially explicit analysis of environmental variables and outcomes of plantâ€“animal interactions, were the key elements for an expanded approach to gene flow analysis considering dispersal via pollen and seeds. Research on pollen dispersal of D. celebica should be carried out in other forest types, such as mixed forest and highland forest.
PROPOSED MODEL ON LEVELS OF DEGRADED LAND AT MERAWU WATERSHED, BANJARNEGARA REGENCY, CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA
Authors: Sulistyo Bambang , Gunawan Totok , Hartono Hartono , Danoedoro Projo , Martanto Rochmat
Published: January 2019

Conservation of degraded land in Indonesia requires maps of degraded land. The maps were established based onÂ a model developed in 1998 by the then Indonesia Department of Forestry. The model has 2 weaknesses i.e. 1. high level of uncertainty due to vector-based data used to build the thematic maps and 2. parameters redundancy or duplication from the model. This research was aimed to build up a proposed model on levels of degraded land at Merawu Watershed using fully raster-based data supported with remote sensing and GIS techniques. Parameters analyzed were Slope, Erosivity (R), Erodibility (K), Slope Length and Steepness (LS), Cover and Management (C), Support Practice (P) and Percentage of Canopy Cover. These data were presented in fully raster format. Management parameter was not explicitly used in this research because management parameter was already represented by the C and P parameters . Five parameters were directly obtained using fully raster format, i.e. Slope, LS, C, P and Percentage of Canopy Cover. The other 2 parameters went through spatial interpolation process before being presented as fully raster format. Correlation analysis among parameters was carried out. Parameters having high correlation coefficient (r â‰¥ 0.8) were excluded from the model to avoid redundancy. The proposed model only used parameters having low correlation coefficient. The research result showed that the determination of levels of degraded land was more accurate when using only erosion parameters, formulated as:Level of Degraded Land (LoDL) â‰ˆ Erosion â‰ˆ R x K x LS x C x P.Â
RESISTANCE AGAINST Aeromonas hydrophila INFECTION AND GROWTH OF SECOND GENERATION (F2) AFRICAN CATFISH [Clarias gariepinus] USING SELECTED MOLECULAR MARKERS
Authors: Alimuddin Alimuddin , Putri Fadhila Maharani , Wahjuningrum Dinamella , Hardiantho Dian , Sunarma Ade , Nuryati Sri
Published: January 2019

Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogenic bacteria that causes mass mortality in catfish. In previous studies, specific pathogen resistant (SPR), A. hydrophila-resistant African catfish first generation (F1) has been cultivated by marker assisted selection using the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) 1 as a molecular marker. In this study, growth performance, inheritance of the MHC DNA marker in the second generation (F2) of catfish and disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection were observed.Â  The F2 progenies were produced by crossing F1 fish between themselves. Nursery was performed in 80-L glass aquaria, 4 replications for each cross, at the same initial density, for 2 months of rearing. The results showed that daily growth rate of F2 progenies from the SPR broods was significantly higher than those from broods without the marker.Â  Results of the PCR analysis showed that average number of F2 progenies from SPR broods carrying the MHC marker was about 91% higher than that of control.Â  After the fish reached about 12 cm body length, they were challenged by intramuscularly injecting of 0.1 mL A. hydrophila (LD50: 106 CFU ml-1) for 7 days. Results of challenge test showed that survival of F2 offspring from the crosses of SPR broods (77.2%) was about two times higher than those from brood without MHC marker (38.3%).Â  Differential leukocyte count supported the high resistance of F2 progenies from F1 broods having MHC I marker against A. hydrophila infection. In conclusion, African catfish farming carrying MHC marker potentially have higher productivity and reduces fish lose due to infection by A. hydrophila.
WATER POLLUTION LEVELS IN THE SUWUNG ESTUARY, BALI, BASED ON BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
Authors: Saraswati Ni Luh Gede Rai Ayu , Arthana I Wayan , Risuana I Gede Surya , Hendrawan I Gede
Published: January 2019

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is generally used for determining water pollution levels in bodies of water. Estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water that can be polluted via land areas or rivers. This study was conducted to determine the spatial distribution of water pollution levels in the Suwung Estuary in Bali based on BOD5 analyses conducted in January and February 2016. Samples were taken in 20 points (19 points in the Suwung Estuary and 1 outside the Suwung Estuary as control). BOD5 samples were then analysed in the laboratory. Our BOD5 analyses used the amperometric method based on the National Field Manual for the Collection of Data Water-Quality, Chapter A7. BOD5 samples were taken at all tide cycles, during low to high tide and high to low tide. BOD5 values ranged from 0.84 mg/Lâ€“9.47 mg/L during lowto high tide and 0.96 mg/Lâ€“8.75 mg/L during high to low tide. Results of the BOD5 analyses showed slight contamination in the Suwung Estuary during both tidal conditions. The BOD5 valuesâ€™ spatial distribution showed higher values around cage aquacultures, rivers, the Suwung Landfill, and around the Benoa Harbour.
PLACEMENT OF Syzygium boerlagei (Merr.) Govaerts (MYRTACEAE) CONFIRMED WITH ATPB-RBCL INTERGENIC SPACER
Authors: Widodo Pudji , Chikmawati Tatik , Kusuma Yayan Wahyu Candra
Published: January 2019

A molecular analysis was conducted to determine whether Eugenia boerlagei Merr. (Myrtaceae) belongs to genus Eugenia or Syzygium based on sequences of cpDNA fragments namely atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer. The study used seven specimens of Syzygium sect. Jambosa, three of Syzygium sect. Syzygium, two of Eugenia s.s. and one of Eugenia boerlagei Merr. with Baeckea ovalifolia and B. tuberculata as the outgroup. The results show that Eugenia boerlagei is appropriately placed under the genus Syzygium.
Notes on the annual killifish species Nothobranchius rachovii (Cyprinodontiformes; Nothobranchiidae) with the description of two new species
Authors: SHIDLOVSKIY KONSTANTIN M. , WATTERS BRIAN R. , WILDEKAMP RUDOLF H.
Published: January 2019

Two new species of the East African annual killifish genus Nothobranchius, N. krysanovi and N. pienaari, occurring on the coastal plains of Mozambique and in the Republic of South Africa, are described. Both are members of a clade, herein termed as N. rachovii species group, within the subgenus Nothobranchius. The species N. rachovii is rediagnosed on the basis of cytology, mtDNA analyses, morphology and male colouration. Both new species, N. krysanovi and N. pienaari, can be distinguished from the other species of the group by male colouration, morphology, cytology and mtDNA sequences. Based on mtDNA analyses the subgenus Zononothobranchius is reviewed and presently regarded as containing only one species.
Pericoma nielseni nom. nov., a replacement name for Pericoma formosa Nielsen, 1964, preoccupied by Pericoma formosa Meunier, 1905 (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: KVIFTE GUNNAR MIKALSEN
Published: January 2019

Pericoma formosa Meunier, 1905 was described from Baltic amber and is of dubious systematic placement within the Psychodinae (Hennig, 1972; Meunier, 1905). Pericoma formosa Nielsen, 1964 was described from Zealand in Denmark and has later been found in Norway, France, Finland and the Czech and Slovak Republics (Ježek, 2006; Nielsen, 1964). The current work resolves the hitherto unrecognised homonymy of these names.
A new tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern Vietnam
Authors: ROWLEY JODI J. L. , THUY LE THI , TRAN DUONG , DAO THI ANH , STUART BRYAN L. , HUY HOANG DUC
Published: January 2019

We describe a new species of rhacophorid frog from the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. Rhacophorus vampyrus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of: a pale tan to brick red dorsum; white throat, chest and belly; black flanks and anterior and posterior surface of thighs; grey to black webbing between fingers and toes; reduced finger webbing; and pointed projection at tibiotarsal articulation. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between 1470–2004 m elevation. Rhacophorus vampyrus sp. nov. is a phytotelm breeder, depositing eggs in foam nests in small tree-holes.
Insects found in birds’ nests from Argentina. Cyanoliseus patagonus (Vieillot, 1818) [Aves: Psittacidae], with the description of Cyanolicimex patagonicus, gen. n., sp. n., and a key to the genera of Haematosiphoninae (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: IORIO OSVALDO DI , TURIENZO PAOLA , MASELLO JUAN , CARPINTERO DIEGO L.
Published: January 2019

The Burrowing Parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus (Vieillot, 1817) [Aves: Psittacidae], is one of the most southern Neotropical parrots. They require sandstone, limestone, or earth cliffs where they excavate their colonial nest-burrows. Adult C. p. patagonus excavate their own nest-burrows, most of them about 1.5 m deep.             Each burrow is occupied by a single pair that lay one clutch of two to five eggs per year, directly on the sand of the breeding chamber. The breeding birds abandon the place until the start of the next breeding attempt in the following year. Burrow nests from Río Negro province (Argentina) are inhabited by two ectoparasitic insects, the flea Hectopsylla narium (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), and Cyanolicimex patagonicus, gen. n., sp. n. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). The Rio Negro province is the southernmost known limit for Haematosiphoninae in the Western Hemisphere, and C. patagonicus is the third Haematosiphoninae with a Psittacidae bird as host. As the South American genera of Haematosiphoninae cannot be separated using the available key due to unsatisfactory characters, the proposition of new characters for the identification of the four South American genera, together with the corresponding modifications to the key, are presented.