bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letting off steam
Authors: Mawston Anna
Published: February 2017

Sport and keeping fit are good for the body and the mind. For Anna Mawston, a small animal vet, football has been her lifelong passion and she finds it a good way to relax after a day in practice
Multifractal analysis of charged particle distributions using horizontal visibility graph and sandbox algorithm
Authors: Mali P. , Mukhopadhyay A. , Manna S. K. , Haldar P. K. , Singh G.
Published: February 2017

Horizontal visibility graphs (HVGs) and the sandbox (SB) algorithm usually applied for multifractal characterization of complex network systems that are converted from time series measurements, are used to characterize the fluctuations in pseudorapidity densities of singly charged particles produced in high-energy nucleus–nucleus collisions. Besides obtaining the degree distribution associated with event-wise pseudorapidity distributions, the common set of observables, typical of any multifractality measurement, are studied in [Formula: see text]O-Ag/Br and [Formula: see text]S-Ag/Br interactions, each at an incident laboratory energy of 200 GeV/nucleon. For a better understanding, we systematically compare the experiment with a Monte Carlo model simulation based on the Ultra-relativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics (UrQMD). Our results suggest that the HVG-SB technique is an efficient tool that can characterize multifractality in multiparticle emission data, and in some cases, it is even superior to other methods more commonly used in this regard.
Clues on the Majorana scale from scalar resonances at the LHC
Authors: Fischer Oliver
Published: February 2017

In order to address the observation of the neutrino oscillations and the metastability of the Standard Model (SM), we extend the fermion sector with two right-handed (i.e. sterile) neutrinos, and the scalar sector of the SM with a real scalar, the Hill field. The latter takes the role of a Majoron and generates the Majorana masses for the neutrino sector, such that the particle spectrum features two CP-even scalars h1and h2, and also two heavy, mass degenerate neutrinos. When the h1is identified with the scalar resonance at [Formula: see text] 125 GeV and the condition is imposed that the h1self-coupling and its running vanish at the Planck scale, the scalar mixing and the vacuum expectation value of the Hill field are fixed by the h2mass.

The h2can be searched for at the LHC, and it has prospects of being discovered for the target integrated luminosities of the HL-LHC and the Future Circular hadron Collider (FCC-hh) when its mass is on the weak scale. The knowledge of the h2mass and its decay properties can yield an insight into its coupling to the heavy neutrinos, and thus also on the heavy neutrino mass scale. This yields an interesting connection between potentially detectable heavy scalars in high-energy proton collisions and the mass scale of the heavy neutrinos that is testable at the LHC and at future colliders.
Electromagnetic proton form factors in dual large-Nc QCD: An update
Authors: Bisschoff B. , Dominguez C. A. , Hernandez L. A.
Published: February 2017

An updated determination is presented of the electric and magnetic form factors of the proton, in the framework of a dual-model realization of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) in the limit of an infinite number of colors. Very good agreement with data is obtained in the space-like region up to [Formula: see text]. In particular, the ratio [Formula: see text] is predicted in very good agreement with recoil polarization measurements from Jefferson Lab, up to [Formula: see text].
Gauge symmetry breaking in gravity and auxiliary effective action
Authors: Akhavan Amin
Published: February 2017

In the context of the covariant symmetry breaking in gravity, we study the quantum aspect of Chamseddine–Mukhanov model by making use of path integral method. Utilizing one of the gauge fixing constraints, we remove the specific ghost degree of freedom. In continuation, we define an auxiliary effective action. Introducing an auxiliary field, we will have a new dynamic field in addition to the fundamental field.
Thermo-magnetic nonlocal NJL model in the real and imaginary time formalisms
Authors: Márquez F. , Zamora R.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we study a nonlocal Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (nNJL) model with a Gaussian regulator in presence of a uniform magnetic field. We take a mixed approach to the incorporation of temperature in the model, and consider aspects of both real and imaginary time formalisms. We include confinement in the model through the quasiparticle interpretation of the poles of the propagator. By working in the real time formalism and computing the spectral density function, we find that the effect of the magnetic field on the poles of the propagator can be entirely absorbed within the mean field value of the scalar field. The analytic structure of our propagator is then preserved in the weak magnetic field limit. The effect of the magnetic field in the deconfinement phase transition is then studied. It is found that, like with chiral symmetry restoration, magnetic catalysis occurs for the deconfinement phase transition. It is also found that the magnetic field enhances the thermodynamical instability of the system. We work in the weak field limit, i.e. [Formula: see text]. At this level there is no splitting of the critical temperatures for chiral and deconfinement phase transitions.
Effect of heat treatment on structure, surface composition, infrared emission and surface electrical properties of tourmaline
Authors: He Dengliang , Liu Shuxin
Published: February 2017

Crystal structure, surface composition, infrared emission properties and surface electrical properties of tourmaline from Guangxi of China, when subjected to heat treatment in air atmosphere had been studied by some methods, including X-ray fluorescence spectrum (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) meter, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Zeta potential analyzer, etc. Experimental results show that the unit cell of tourmaline would shrink during heat treatment because Fe[Formula: see text] were oxidized. Moreover, the Fe[Formula: see text]/Fe[Formula: see text] inside tourmaline can be raised after treatment. Infrared normal total emissivity of tourmaline reaches 0.87, and infrared radiation energy density is [Formula: see text]. It can maintain excellent infrared emission properties at high temperature. Simultaneously, tourmaline presents negative Zeta potential in the aqueous solution, and its Zeta potential reaches −18.04 mV. Zeta potential of tourmaline was increased to −24.83 mV after heat treatment at 400[Formula: see text]C, and decrease to −11.78 mV after heat treatment at 600[Formula: see text]C. These findings may provide reference data for tourmaline’s application in the field of functional materials.
VLSI Implementation of Low Power High Speed ECC Processor Using Versatile Bit Serial Multiplier
Authors: Srinivasan M. , Tamilselvan G. M.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, an area competent field-programmable gate array (FPGA) execution scheme of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is depicted. There are numerous limitations in traditional encryption algorithms such us Rivest Shamir Adleman (RSA), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in respect of security, power, and resources at the real-time performance. The ECC is mounting as an imperative cryptography, and gives you an idea about a promise to be the substitute of RSA. In this paper, ECC processor architecture over Galois Fields (GFs) with the multitalented bit serial multiplier is depicted which accomplishes the greatest area and power performance over traditional digit-serial multiplier. In addition, the vigilant scheduling operation was employed to diminish the involvedness of logic unit operations in ECC processor. The anticipated architecture is executed on vertex4 FPGA expertise in Xilinx software. We demonstrate that results perk up the performance of the enhanced design by contrasting with the traditional design.
Design and Implementation of 32-Bit High Valency Jackson Adders
Authors: Poornima N. , Bhaaskaran V. S. Kanchana
Published: February 2017

Parallel prefix addition offers a highly efficient solution to most of the applications which requires fast addition of two binary numbers. An efficient adder design demands proper selection of recurrence equations and its realization. There are different recursion equations like Weinberger recursion, Ling recursion, Jackson recursion, to name a few, available to suit a variety of design requirements. In this work, we have proposed adders based on Jackson recursion. In these adders, the complexity found in generate term is reduced at all the levels of the carry graph to optimize the adder performance parameters. The proposed adder structures are implemented for a word size of 32-bit based on the Jackson recursion equations for valency-4 and valency-5. The synthesis results reveal that the high-valency Jackson adder structures are superior in terms of power and area over the Ling adders for comparable delay values. Experimental results obtained reveals that an average of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] savings in area and power, respectively, are achieved by the proposed adders, as compared to Ling adders for the same word size. Furthermore, the proposed adders demonstrate enhanced area-delay and the power-delay values compared to the adders based on the Weinberger’s recursion.
Statistical hadronization and multiplicities in high-energy hadron–nucleus collisions
Authors: Sharma S. , Kaur M. , Thakur S.
Published: February 2017

Concepts from statistical mechanics and ensemble theory are applied to study the characteristic properties of charged particle production in hadron–nucleus collisions at high energy. In the present study we utilize the predictions from different approaches using statistical mechanics. The Tsallis q-statistics is used to study the regularity in multiplicity distributions in hadron–nucleus collisions at high energies as one of the interesting options. Gamma distributions and a possible microcanonical generalization of Tsallis distribution have also been exploited to describe the data.
Hazards, Climates and Cultures: Reflections on Recent Scholarship and Proposals for Further Research
Authors: Jeffers James M.
Published: February 2017

Writing in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, James K. Mitchell challenged social science researchers of hazards and disasters to broaden their research agenda. He advocated a move beyond simply applying existing social science insights to contemporary events to reflection on the larger project of the production of knowledge through academic research, the application of that knowledge to public policy, and the role of the social sciences in these endeavors. In particular, he urged consideration of the context-dependent nature of scientific knowledge on hazards, the relationships between scientific and non-scientific ways of understanding and responding to disasters, and the complex and often contradictory ways in which hazards can be framed, interpreted and understood. Ten years on from this challenge, this paper reviews scholarship that has addressed some of these concerns and proposes questions for further research. It argues that while social science research has advanced in some of the directions proposed by Mitchell, the challenge of complex, dynamic and contradictory interpretations of hazards and the implications of the provisional nature of knowledge remain understudied. It also suggests that while recent innovations in the co-production of hazards knowledge are welcome, there may be significant challenges to utilizing these approaches on a wider basis.
Characteristics of the drainage network of the Kosi Megafan, India and its interaction with the August 2008 flood flow
Authors: Majumder D. , Ghosh P.
Published: February 2017

The Kosi River in India is well known in the fluvial fan literature because of its well-documented avulsive dynamics and because of the relationships between changes in the course of the river and megafan aggradational processes. The radial configuration of the Kosi drainage network was instrumental in the recognition of large, low-gradient, fluvial-dominated counterparts of alluvial fans, commonly defined as megafans, and the system forms a well-constrained example contributing to the recent development of the concept of distributive fluvial systems. A major flood inundated the Kosi Megafan in August 2008. The available data on the temporal evolution of the flood inundation patterns illustrate how the exceptional discharge event travelled across the megafan surface using the pre-existing distributary channel network, how the anthropogenic infrastructure affected the flood path and propagation, and the type of geomorphic changes that were induced by this catastrophic hydrological event. In spite of the large discharge involved in the flood, the fan drainage network appears not to have been significantly modified by the event, probably because the flood wave followed a pre-existing channel network for avulsion and down-fan propagation. Most of the evident aggradation took place on the proximal and medial domains along a well-defined, radially oriented sector of the fan. The observed pattern of flood propagation and associated sedimentation provide important clues to understanding the processes operating during exceptional discharge events, which are an integral part of the long-term, avulsion-dominated evolution of such systems.
Disorders of the JAK/STAT Pathway in T Cell Lymphoma Pathogenesis: Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Waldmann Thomas A. , Chen Jing
Published: February 2017

Common gamma receptor–dependent cytokines and their JAK/STAT pathways play pivotal roles in T cell immunity. Abnormal activation of this system was pervasive in diverse T cell malignancies assessed by pSTAT3/pSTAT5 phosphorylation. Activating mutations were described in some but not all cases. JAK1 and STAT3 were required for proliferation and survival of these T cell lines whether or not JAKs or STATs were mutated. Activating JAK and STAT mutations were not sufficient to initiate leukemic cell proliferation but rather only augmented signals from upstream in the cytokine pathway. Activation required the full pathway, including cytokine receptors acting as scaffolds and docking sites for required downstream JAK/STAT proteins. JAK kinase inhibitors have depressed leukemic T cell line proliferation. The insight that JAK/STAT system activation is pervasive in T cell malignancies suggests novel therapeutic approaches that include antibodies to common gamma cytokines, inhibitors of cytokine-receptor interactions, and JAK kinase inhibitors that may revolutionize therapy for T cell malignancies.
Identification of a mammalian silicon transporter
Authors: Ratcliffe Sarah , Jugdaohsingh Ravin , Vivancos Julien , Marron Alan , Deshmukh Rupesh , Ma Jian Feng , Mitani-Ueno Namiki , Robertson Jack , Wills John , Boekschoten Mark V. , Müller Michael , Mawhinney Robert C. , Kinrade Stephen D. , Isenring Paul , Bélanger Richard R. , Powell Jonathan J.
Published: February 2017

Silicon (Si) has long been known to play a major physiological and structural role in certain organisms, including diatoms, sponges, and many higher plants, leading to the recent identification of multiple proteins responsible for Si transport in a range of algal and plant species. In mammals, despite several convincing studies suggesting that silicon is an important factor in bone development and connective tissue health, there is a critical lack of understanding about the biochemical pathways that enable Si homeostasis. Here we report the identification of a mammalian efflux Si transporter, namely Slc34a2 (also termed NaPiIIb), a known sodium-phosphate cotransporter, which was upregulated in rat kidney following chronic dietary Si deprivation. Normal rat renal epithelium demonstrated punctate expression of Slc34a2, and when the protein was heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, Si efflux activity (i.e., movement of Si out of cells) was induced and was quantitatively similar to that induced by the known plant Si transporter OsLsi2 in the same expression system. Interestingly, Si efflux appeared saturable over time, but it did not vary as a function of extracellular [Formula: see text] or Na+ concentration, suggesting that Slc34a2 harbors a functionally independent transport site for Si operating in the reverse direction to the site for phosphate. Indeed, in rats with dietary Si depletion-induced upregulation of transporter expression, there was increased urinary phosphate excretion. This is the first evidence of an active Si transport protein in mammals and points towards an important role for Si in vertebrates and explains interactions between dietary phosphate and silicon.
Dietary nitrate does not reduce oxygen cost of exercise or improve muscle mitochondrial function in patients with mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Nabben Miranda , Schmitz Joep P. J. , Ciapaite Jolita , le Clercq Carlijn M. P. , van Riel Natal A. , Haak Harm R. , Nicolay Klaas , de Coo Irenaeus F. M. , Smeets Hubert , Praet Stephan F. , van Loon Luc J. , Prompers Jeanine J.
Published: February 2017

Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance negatively affect the quality of life of patients with mitochondrial myopathy. Short-term dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce oxygen cost of exercise in healthy humans and trained athletes. We investigated whether 1 wk of dietary inorganic nitrate supplementation decreases the oxygen cost of exercise and improves mitochondrial function in patients with mitochondrial myopathy. Ten patients with mitochondrial myopathy (40 ± 5 yr, maximal whole body oxygen uptake = 21.2 ± 3.2 ml·min−1·kg body wt−1, maximal work load = 122 ± 26 W) received 8.5 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1inorganic nitrate (~7 mmol) for 8 days. Whole body oxygen consumption at 50% of the maximal work load, in vivo skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (evaluated from postexercise phosphocreatine recovery using31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy), and ex vivo mitochondrial oxidative capacity in permeabilized skinned muscle fibers (measured with high-resolution respirometry) were determined before and after nitrate supplementation. Despite a sixfold increase in plasma nitrate levels, nitrate supplementation did not affect whole body oxygen cost during submaximal exercise. Additionally, no beneficial effects of nitrate were found on in vivo or ex vivo muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity. This is the first time that the therapeutic potential of dietary nitrate for patients with mitochondrial myopathy was evaluated. We conclude that 1 wk of dietary nitrate supplementation does not reduce oxygen cost of exercise or improve mitochondrial function in the group of patients tested.
Calcium channel blockade blunts the renal effects of acute nitric oxide synthase inhibition in healthy humans
Authors: Montanari Alberto , Lazzeroni Davide , Pelà Giovanna , Crocamo Antonio , Lytvyn Yuliya , Musiari Luisa , Cabassi Aderville , Cherney David Z. I.
Published: February 2017

Our aim was to investigate whether blockade of calcium channels (CCs) or angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) modulates renal responses to nitric oxide synthesis inhibition (NOSI) in humans. Fourteen sodium-replete, healthy volunteers underwent 90-min infusions of 3.0 μg·kg−1·min−1NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) on 3 occasions, preceded by 3 days of either placebo (PL), 10 mg of manidipine (MANI), or 50 mg of losartan (LOS). At each phase, mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR; inulin), renal blood flow (RBF; p-aminohippurate), urinary sodium (UNaV), and 8-isoprostane (U8-iso-PGF2αV; an oxidative stress marker) were measured. With PL + l -NAME, the following changes were observed: +6% MAP ( P < 0.005 vs. baseline), −10% GFR, −20% RBF, −49% UNaV ( P < 0.001), and +120% U8-iso-PGF2αV ( P < 0.01). In contrast, MAP did not increase during LOS + l-NAME or MANI + l-NAME ( P > 0.05 vs. baseline), whereas renal changes were the same during LOS + l-NAME vs. PL + l-NAME (ANOVA, P > 0.05). However, during MANI + l-NAME, changes vs. baseline in GFR (−6%), RBF (−12%), and UNaV (−34%) were blunted vs. PL + l-NAME and LOS + l-NAME ( P < 0.005), and the rise in U8-iso-PGF2αV was almost abolished (+37%, P > 0.05 vs. baseline; P < 0.01 vs. PL + l-NAME or LOS + l-NAME). We conclude that, since MANI blunted l-NAME-induced renal hemodynamic changes, CCs participate in the renal responses to NOSI in healthy, sodium-replete humans independent of changes in MAP and without the apparent contribution of the AT1R. Because the rise in U8-iso-PGF2αV was essentially prevented during MANI + l-NAME, CC blockade may oppose the renal effects of NOSI in part by counteracting oxidative stress responses to acutely impaired renal NO bioavailability.
Zebrafish mesonephric renin cells are functionally conserved and comprise two distinct morphological populations
Authors: Rider Sebastien A. , Christian Helen C. , Mullins Linda J. , Howarth Amelia R. , MacRae Calum A. , Mullins John J.
Published: February 2017

Zebrafish provide an excellent model in which to assess the role of the renin-angiotensin system in renal development, injury, and repair. In contrast to mammals, zebrafish kidney organogenesis terminates with the mesonephros. Despite this, the basic functional structure of the nephron is conserved across vertebrates. The relevance of teleosts for studies relating to the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system was established by assessing the phenotype and functional regulation of renin-expressing cells in zebrafish. Transgenic fluorescent reporters for renin ( ren), smooth muscle actin ( acta2), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta ( pdgfrb) were studied to determine the phenotype and secretory ultrastructure of perivascular renin-expressing cells. Whole kidney ren transcription responded to altered salinity, pharmacological renin-angiotensin system inhibition, and renal injury. Mesonephric ren-expressing cells occupied niches at the preglomerular arteries and afferent arterioles, forming intermittent epithelioid-like multicellular clusters exhibiting a granular secretory ultrastructure. In contrast, renin cells of the efferent arterioles were thin bodied and lacked secretory granules. Renin cells expressed the perivascular cell markers acta2 and pdgfrb. Transcriptional responses of ren to physiological challenge support the presence of a functional renin-angiotensin system and are consistent with the production of active renin. The reparative capability of the zebrafish kidney was harnessed to demonstrate that ren transcription is a marker for renal injury and repair. Our studies demonstrate substantive conservation of renin regulation across vertebrates, and ultrastructural studies of renin cells reveal at least two distinct morphologies of mesonephric perivascular ren-expressing cells.
Comparison between the phase angle and phase shift parameters to assess thoracoabdominal asynchrony in COPD patients
Authors: Cano Porras Desiderio , Lunardi Adriana C. , Marques da Silva Cibele C. B. , Paisani Denise M. , Stelmach Rafael , Moriya Henrique T. , Carvalho Celso R. F.
Published: February 2017

Determining the presence of thoracoabdominal asynchrony in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is clinically relevant, but there is no consensus on the optimal parameters for performing this analysis. We assessed 22 COPD patients (FEV1 40 ± 10% predicted) and 13 healthy controls during rest and exercise with optoelectronic plethysmography (70% maximum workload) on a cycle ergometer. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was calculated by using phase angle and phase shift parameters following a three-compartment model involving the upper and lower rib cages and abdomen. Patients were classified as having thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA+) or not (TAA−) based on control values (mean ± 2 SDs). The chest wall volume and compartmental contribution were also measured. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was observed in the lower rib cage. The phase angle detected more TAA+ patients at rest (15 vs. 7 patients) and during exercise (14 vs. 8 patients) compared with the phase shift. TAA+ patients also presented a lower chest wall volume, lower rib cage contribution, and higher abdominal contribution to chest wall volume compared with the control and TAA− patients. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was more detectable during rest and exercise using the phase angle parameter, and it was observed in the lower rib cage compartment, reducing the chest wall volume during exercise in patients with COPD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study contributes to advance the knowledge over the previous lack of consensus on the assessment of thoracoabdominal asynchrony. We rigorously evaluated the related features that interfere in the measurement of the asynchrony (measurement tool, chest wall model and calculation parameter). Our results suggest that phase angle detects more suitably thoracoabdominal asynchrony that occurs on the lower ribcage and leads to a reduction in the chest wall volume during exercise in COPD patients.
A chronic physical activity treatment in obese rats normalizes the contributions of ET-1 and NO to insulin-mediated posterior cerebral artery vasodilation
Authors: Olver T. Dylan , McDonald Matthew W. , Klakotskaia Diana , Richardson Rachel A. , Jasperse Jeffrey L. , Melling C. W. James , Schachtman Todd R. , Yang Hsiao T. , Emter Craig A. , Laughlin M. Harold
Published: February 2017

This study tested the hypotheses that obesity-induced decrements in insulin-stimulated cerebrovascular vasodilation would be normalized with acute endothelin-1a receptor antagonism and that treatment with a physical activity intervention restores vasoreactivity to insulin through augmented nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent dilation. Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats were divided into the following groups: 20 wk old food controlled (CON-20); 20 wk old free food access (model of obesity, OB-20); 40 wk old food controlled (CON-40); 40 wk old free food access (OB-40); and 40 wk old free food access+RUN (RUN-40; wheel-running access from 20 to 40 wk). Rats underwent Barnes maze testing and a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). In the 40-wk cohort, cerebellum and hippocampus blood flow (BF) were examined (microsphere infusion). Vasomotor responses (pressurized myography) to insulin were assessed in untreated, endothelin-1a receptor antagonism, and NOS inhibition conditions in posterior cerebral arteries. Insulin-stimulated vasodilation was attenuated in the OB vs. CON and RUN groups ( P ≤ 0.04). Dilation to insulin was normalized with endothelin-1a receptor antagonism in the OB groups (between groups, P ≥ 0.56), and insulin-stimulated NOS-mediated dilation was greater in the RUN-40 vs. OB-40 group ( P < 0.01). At 40 wk of age, cerebellum BF decreased during EHC in the OB-40 group ( P = 0.02) but not CON or RUN groups ( P ≥ 0.36). Barnes maze testing revealed increased entry errors and latencies in the RUN-40 vs. CON and OB groups ( P < 0.01). These findings indicate that obesity-induced impairments in vasoreactivity to insulin involve increased endothelin-1 and decreased nitric oxide signaling. Chronic spontaneous physical activity, initiated after disease onset, reversed impaired vasodilation to insulin and decreased Barnes maze performance, possibly because of increased exploratory behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The new and noteworthy findings are that 1) in rodents, obesity-related deficits in insulin-mediated vasodilation are associated with increased influence of insulin-stimulated ET-1 and depressed influence of insulin-stimulated NOS and 2) a physical activity intervention, initiated after the onset of disease, restores insulin-mediated vasodilation, likely by normalizing insulin-stimulated ET-1 and NOS balance. These data demonstrate that the treatment effects of chronic exercise on insulin-mediated vasodilation extend beyond active skeletal muscle vasculature and include the cerebrovasculature.
Development of a technique for determination of pulmonary artery pulse wave velocity in horses
Authors: Silva Gonçalo Teixeira de Almeida , Guest Bruce B. , Gomez Diego E. , McGregor Martine , Viel Laurent , O’Sullivan M. Lynne , Runciman John , Arroyo Luis G.
Published: February 2017

Calcification of the tunica media of the axial pulmonary arteries (PA) has been reported in a large proportion of racehorses. In humans, medial calcification is a significant cause of arterial stiffening and is implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac, cerebral, and renal microvascular diseases. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) provides a measure of arterial stiffness. This study aimed to develop a technique to determine PA-PWV in horses and, secondarily, to investigate a potential association between PA-PWV and arterial fibro-calcification. A dual-pressure sensor catheter (PSC) was placed in the main PA of 10 sedated horses. The pressure waves were used to determine PWV along the PA, using the statistical phase offset method. Histological analysis of the PA was performed to investigate the presence of fibro-calcified lesions. The mean (±SD) PWV was 2.3 ± 0.7 m/s in the proximal PA trunk and 1.1 ± 0.1 m/s further distal (15 cm) in a main PA branch. The mean (±SD) of mean arterial pressures in the proximal PA trunk was 30.1 ± 5.2 mmHg, and 22.0 ± 6.0 mmHg further distal (15 cm) within the main PA branch. The mean (±SD) pulse pressure in the proximal PA trunk was 15.0 ± 4.7 mmHg, and 13.5 ± 3.3 mmHg further distal (15 cm) within the main PA branch. Moderate to severe lesions of the tunica media of the PAs were observed in seven horses, but a correlation with PWV could not be established yet. Pulmonary artery PWV may be determined in standing horses. The technique described may allow further investigation of the effect of calcification of large PAs in the pathogenesis of equine pulmonary circulatory disorders.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pulmonary artery pulse wave velocity was determined safely in standing sedated horses. The technique described may allow further investigation of the effect of calcification of large pulmonary arteries in the pathogenesis of pulmonary circulatory disorders in horses.
Transient voltage-activated K+currents in central antennal lobe neurons: cell type-specific functional properties
Authors: Paeger Lars , Bardos Viktor , Kloppenburg Peter
Published: February 2017

In this study we analyzed transient voltage-activated K+currents ( IA) of projection neurons and local interneurons in the antennal lobe of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. The antennal lobe is the first synaptic processing station for olfactory information in insects. Local interneurons are crucial for computing olfactory information and form local synaptic connections exclusively in the antennal lobe, whereas a primary task of the projection neurons is the transfer of preprocessed olfactory information from the antennal lobe to higher order centers in the protocerebrum. The different physiological tasks of these neurons require specialized physiological and morphological neuronal phenotypes. We asked if and how the different physiological phenotypes are reflected in the functional properties of IA, which is crucial for shaping intrinsic electrophysiological properties of neurons. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings from adult male P. americana showed that all their central antennal lobe neurons can generate IA. The current exhibited marked cell type-specific differences in voltage dependence of steady-state activation and inactivation, and differences in inactivation kinetics during sustained depolarization. Pharmacological experiments revealed that IAin all neuron types was partially blocked by α-dendrotoxin and phrixotoxin-2, which are considered blockers with specificity for Shaker- and Shal-type channels, respectively. These findings suggest that IAin each cell type is a mixed current generated by channels of both families. The functional role of IAwas analyzed in experiments under current clamp, in which portions of IAwere blocked by α-dendrotoxin or phrixotoxin-2. These experiments showed that IAcontributes significantly to the intrinsic electrophysiological properties, such as the action potential waveform and membrane excitability.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the insect olfactory system, projection neurons and local interneurons have task-specific electrophysiological and morphological phenotypes. Voltage-activated potassium channels play a crucial role in shaping functional properties of these neurons. This study revealed marked cell type-specific differences in the biophysical properties of transient voltage-activated potassium currents in central antennal lobe neurons.
Molecular Physiology of Freeze Tolerance in Vertebrates
Authors: Storey Kenneth B. , Storey Janet M.
Published: February 2017

Freeze tolerance is an amazing winter survival strategy used by various amphibians and reptiles living in seasonally cold environments. These animals may spend weeks or months with up to ∼65% of their total body water frozen as extracellular ice and no physiological vital signs, and yet after thawing they return to normal life within a few hours. Two main principles of animal freeze tolerance have received much attention: the production of high concentrations of organic osmolytes (glucose, glycerol, urea among amphibians) that protect the intracellular environment, and the control of ice within the body (the first putative ice-binding protein in a frog was recently identified), but many other strategies of biochemical adaptation also contribute to freezing survival. Discussed herein are recent advances in our understanding of amphibian and reptile freeze tolerance with a focus on cell preservation strategies (chaperones, antioxidants, damage defense mechanisms), membrane transporters for water and cryoprotectants, energy metabolism, gene/protein adaptations, and the regulatory control of freeze-responsive hypometabolism at multiple levels (epigenetic regulation of DNA, microRNA action, cell signaling and transcription factor regulation, cell cycle control, and anti-apoptosis). All are providing a much more complete picture of life in the frozen state.
Vibroacoustic Analysis of a Refrigerator Freezer Cabinet Coupled with an Air Duct
Authors: Çelikkan Onur , Erol Haluk
Published: February 2017

In this study, the vibration and acoustic interactions between the structure and the cavity inside the freezer cabinet were investigated. Thus, a set of numerical and experimental analyses were performed. In the numerical analysis, the acoustic characteristics of the freezer cavity were solved, and the mixed finite element method was then implemented to analyse the coupled behaviour of the cavity with the air duct using the Acoustic Fluid-Structure Interaction (AFSI) technique. In the experimental analyses, an acoustic modal analysis of the freezer cavity and a structural modal analysis of the air duct were performed for the validation process. A good agreement was obtained among the results. Thus, the accuracy of the numerical model was confirmed. The validated models were used for optimizing the design. To solve the noise generation mechanism inside the freezer cabinet, the noise primarily generated by the freezer fan unit was measured under normal working conditions of the refrigerator, and the resonance frequencies were obtained. This information was compared with the normal modes of the air duct, and the overlapping frequencies were identified. To reduce the interaction between the source and the structure, a few design modifications were applied to the air duct. Thus, the structural-borne noise radiating from the air duct into the freezer cavity was reduced.
Existence of HbF Enhancer Haplotypes atHBS1L-MYBIntergenic Region in Transfusion-Dependent Saudiβ-Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Cyrus Cyril , Vatte Chittibabu , Borgio J. Francis , Al-Rubaish Abdullah , Chathoth Shahanas , Nasserullah Zaki A. , Jarrash Sana Al , Sulaiman Ahmed , Qutub Hatem , Alsaleem Hassan , Alzahrani Alhusain J. , Steinberg Martin H. , Ali Amein K. Al
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives.β-Thalassemia and sickle cell disease are genetic disorders characterized by reduced and abnormalβ-globin chain production, respectively. The elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can ameliorate the severity of these disorders. In sickle cell disease patients, the HbF level elevation is associated with three quantitative trait loci (QTLs),BCL11A,HBG2 promoter, andHBS1L-MYBintergenic region. This study elucidates the existence of the variants in these three QTLs to determine their association with HbF levels of transfusion-dependent Saudiβ-thalassemia patients.Materials and Methods. A total of 174 transfusion-dependentβ-thalassemia patients and 164 healthy controls from Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were genotyped for fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the three QTL regions using TaqMan assay on real-time PCR.Results. Genotype analysis revealed that six alleles ofHBS1L-MYBQTL (rs9376090Cp=0.0009, rs9399137Cp=0.008, rs4895441Gp=0.004, rs9389269Cp=0.008, rs9402686Ap=0.008, and rs9494142Cp=0.002) were predominantly associated withβ-thalassemia. In addition, haplotype analysis revealed that haplotypes ofHBS1L-MYB(GCCGCACp=0.022) andHBG2 (GTTp=0.009) were also predominantly associated withβ-thalassemia. Furthermore, theHBS1L-MYBregion also exhibited association with the high HbF cohort.Conclusion. The stimulation of HbF gene expression may provide alternative therapies for the amelioration of the disease severity ofβ-thalassemia.
The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Asymptomatic Korean Males: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nam Su-Hyun , Kang Sung-Goo , Song Sang-Wook
Published: February 2017

Introduction. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a significant systemic predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) reflects coronary artery calcification and is an independent risk factor for coronary artery stenosis. In the present study, we explored the relationship between the NLR and CACS in terms of subclinical inflammation and coronary artery calcification.Materials and Methods. We evaluated males and females who did not have CVD, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high fasting blood sugar levels. We measured white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in blood samples. We also obtained CACSs using coronary multidetector computed tomography.Results. Multivariate logistic regression showed that older age was significantly associated with a higher CACS (P<0.001); males had higher CACSs than females (P<0.001); and the higher the TG level, the higher the CACS (P=0.019). The NLR of males, but not females, was significantly associated with the CACS.Conclusion. An independent association between the NLR and CACS was thus evident in healthy adult males after adjusting for other CVD risk factors. Therefore, the NLR is a significant predictor of potential CVD in male subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis.
Silencing CAPN2 Expression Inhibited Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells Proliferation and Invasion via AKT/mTOR Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Pu , Miao Chenkui , Liang Chao , Shao Pengfei , Wang Zengjun , Li Jie
Published: February 2017

The mRNA expression of CAPN2 was upregulated in CRPC cells (DU145 and PC3) than that in non-CRPC cells. Silencing CAPN2 expression could inhibit DU145 and PC3 cells proliferation by cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Knockdown of CPAN2 level suppressed the migration and invasion capacity of CRPC cells by reducing matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 activation, as well as repressing the phosphorylation protein expression of AKT and mTOR. In addition, we found that the expression of CAPN2 was elevated in Pca tissues than that in normal control tissues. Therefore, we showed the important roles of CAPN2 in the development and progression in CRPC cells, suggesting a new therapeutic intervention for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.
Research on Modeling Intrahousehold Interactions from the Perspective of Space-Time Constraints
Authors: Gao Liangpeng , Ji Yanjie , Liu Yang , He Baohong
Published: February 2017

Interactions among family members can yield valuable information for interpreting individual travel decisions. Typically, each family member plays a set role and travel decisions are made by considering the combined needs of household members. This study investigates both multiactivity and multiperson interactions in urban nuclear families and proposes the novel concepts of “activity-restriction degree” and “activity-constraint niche” to quantify the degree of space-time constraints within time geography. A structural equation model is employed to analyze intrahousehold interactions based on individual activity-travel patterns during the workday. The results indicate that the links between family members reflect behavioral responses (with constraints) between individuals and other family members. Household interaction constraints not only influence individual travel decisions but also affect the realization of the household activity for everyone. These interactions lead to reasonable adjustments and mutual support and to the identification of efficient activity patterns that meet the demands of the entire household.
The General Solution of Differential Equations with Caputo-Hadamard Fractional Derivatives and Noninstantaneous Impulses
Authors: Zhang Xianzhen , Liu Zuohua , Peng Hui , Zhang Xianmin , Yang Shiyong
Published: February 2017

Based on some recent works about the general solution of fractional differential equations with instantaneous impulses, a Caputo-Hadamard fractional differential equation with noninstantaneous impulses is studied in this paper. An equivalent integral equation with some undetermined constants is obtained for this fractional order system with noninstantaneous impulses, which means that there is general solution for the impulsive systems. Next, an example is given to illustrate the obtained result.
Resveratrol Attenuates Copper‐Induced Senescence by Improving Cellular Proteostasis
Authors: Matos Liliana , Gouveia Alexandra Monteiro , Almeida Henrique
Published: February 2017

Copper sulfate‐induced premature senescence (CuSO4‐SIPS) consistently mimetized molecular mechanisms of replicative senescence, particularly at the endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis level. In fact, disruption of protein homeostasis has been associated to age‐related cell/tissue dysfunction and human disorders susceptibility. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with proved antiaging properties under particular conditions. In this setting, we aimed to evaluate resveratrol ability to attenuate cellular senescence induction and to unravel related molecular mechanisms. Using CuSO4‐SIPS WI‐38 fibroblasts, resveratrol is shown to attenuate typical senescence alterations on cell morphology, senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase activity, and cell proliferation. The mechanisms implicated in this antisenescence effect seem to be independent of senescence‐associated genes and proteins regulation but are reliant on cellular proteostasis improvement. In fact, resveratrol supplementation restores copper‐induced increased protein content, attenuates BiP level, and reduces carbonylated and polyubiquitinated proteins by autophagy induction. Our data provide compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of resveratrol by mitigating CuSO4‐SIPS stressful consequences by the modulation of protein quality control systems. These findings highlight the importance of a balanced cellular proteostasis and add further knowledge on molecular mechanisms mediating resveratrol antisenescence effects. Moreover, they contribute to identifying specific molecular targets whose modulation will prevent age‐associated cell dysfunction and improve human healthspan.
Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated Prostaglandin E2 Contributes to Acute Response of Epithelial Injury
Authors: Hu Yi-Ping , Peng Yin-Bo , Zhang Yi-Fan , Wang Ying , Yu Wei-Rong , Yao Min , Fu Xiu-Jun
Published: February 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated after tissue injury play a crucial role during wound healing through initiating acute inflammation, clarifying infection and dead tissue, and mediating various intracellular signal transduction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been identified as one of the major factors responsible for inflammation and tissue repair. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that ROS produced by damaged human keratinocytes induces the synthesis of PGE2. In vitro epithelial wounding model was used to observe the production of ROS and secretion of PGE2 as well as the involved signal pathway. The mechanical injury caused the rapid production of ROS in in vitro cultured keratinocytes, which was significantly blocked by an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. The increased intracellular ROS caused by mechanical injury stimulates PGE2 production in a time‐dependent manner via the activation of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which was stimulated by phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK). These results indicate ROS‐induced ERK activation leading to the activation of COX‐2 and the synthesis of PGE2 in human keratinocytes responding to mechanical injury in the acute phase.
Early Bone Formation around Immediately Loaded Transitional Implants Inserted in the Human Posterior Maxilla: The Effects of Fixture Design and Surface
Authors: Mangano Carlo , Shibli Jamil Awad , Pires Jefferson Trabach , Luongo Giuseppe , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: February 2017

Aim. To evaluate the effects of fixture design and surface on the early bone formation around immediately loaded implants inserted in the human posterior maxilla. Materials and Methods. Ten totally edentulous subjects received two transitional implants: one tapered implant with knife-edge threads/nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (test: Anyridge®, Megagen, Gyeongbuk, South Korea) and one cylindrical implant with self-tapping threads/sandblasted surface (control: EZPlus®, Megagen). The implants were placed according to a split-mouth design and immediately loaded to support an interim complete denture; after 8 weeks, they were removed for histologic/histomorphometric analysis. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) and the bone density (BD%) were calculated. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the differences. Results. With test implants, a mean BIC% and BD% of 35.9 (±9.1) and 31.8 (±7.5) were found. With control implants, a mean BIC% and BD% of 29.9 (±7.6) and 32.5 (±3.9) were found. The mean BIC% was higher with test implants, but this difference was not significant (p=0.16). Similar BD% were found in the two groups (p=0.9). Conclusions. In the posterior maxilla, under immediate loading conditions, implants with a knife-edge thread design/nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface seem to increase the peri-implant endosseous healing properties, when compared to implants with self-tapping thread design/sandblasted surface.