bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eläinten hyvinvointia edistävät toimet hyvinvointimerkin takana
Authors: Wallenius Essi , Kauppinen Tiina , Raussi Satu , Heinola Katriina , Niemi Jarkko
Published: March 2020

Eläinten hyvinvointia edistäviä toimia ja olosuhteita kartoitettiin eläinten hyvinvoinnista kertovaan pakkausmerkintään tähtäävässä hankkeessa. Merkintä edellyttäisi toimenpiteitä, jotka tutkitusti edistävät eläinten hyvinvointia. Hyvinvointi on eläinyksilön kokemus omasta psyykkisestä ja fyysisestä olotilastaan, ja parhaiten todennettavissa itse eläimestä. Eläimen kokemukseen vaikuttavat sen kyky sopeutua tarjottuihin olosuhteisiin, hoito, terveys, suhde ihmiseen ja muihin eläimiin, perimä sekä mahdollisuus toteuttaa fysiologian ja käyttäytymisen tarpeitaan. Jokaisen tuotantoeläimen hyvinvointia syntymästä teurastukseen ei voida yksilöllisesti todentaa kuluttajalle saakka. Eläimelle voidaan kuitenkin tarjota resursseja ja hoitoa, jotka todennetusti edistävät hyvinvointia, kuten reilusti tilaa, ulospääsy ja laidunnusmahdollisuus, lajinomaista käyttäytymistä ja tarpeita tukeva ravinto ja olosuhteet sekä terveydenhuolto. Tuotos ja kuolleisuus tilalla eivät yksin riitä hyvinvoinnin arviointiin. Korkea kuolleisuus tai alhainen tuotos voivat kertoa, että eläinten hyvinvointi on alentunut. Jalostuksesta johtuen eläin voi kuitenkin tuottaa jonkin aikaa hyvin myös oman hyvinvointinsa kustannuksella. Terveys on tärkeä hyvinvoinnin osatekijä, mutta sairaus ei aina ole hyvinvointiongelma. Esimerkiksi salmonella ja kampylobakteeri voivat aiheuttaa ihmisille vakaviakin tauteja, mutta eivät ole vastaava uhka kanojen hyvinvoinnille. Sen sijaan kivuliaat jalkojen ongelmat ovat huomattavia hyvinvointihaittoja. Paras mahdollinen kivunlievitys kivuliaissa toimenpiteissä on myös tärkeää hyvinvoinnille. Eläinten hyvinvointia edistää lajin ja eläimen elämänvaiheeseen sopiva ruokinta, jatkuva mahdollisuus puhtaaseen juomaveteen, sekä lajinmukaisen syömiskäyttäytymisen huomiointi. Naudat ja lampaat tarvitsevat karkearehua voidakseen hyvin. Sioille karkearehu tarjoaa tekemistä niin tonkimismateriaalina kuin syötävänä. Eläimen on välttämätöntä päästä toteuttamaan käyttäytymistarpeitaan kehittyäkseen normaalisti ja voidakseen fyysisesti ja psyykkisesti hyvin. Esimerkiksi emakolla on ennen porsimista tarve rakentaa porsimispesä, mikä onnistuu vapaaporsituskarsinassa, mutta ei porsitushäkissä. Kanojen orren käyttö, hiekkakylvyt ja siipien oikominen ovat käyttäytymismalleja, joiden toteuttaminen virikehäkissä on muita kanalatyyppejä hankalampaa. Laidunnus ja ulospääsy mahdollistavat useiden käyttäytymistarpeiden toteuttamisen. Laiduntaminen edistää nautojen hyvinvointia parantaen lihasten kuntoa ja sorkkaterveyttä sekä mahdollistaen sosiaalisen käyttäytymisen ja lajinomaisen syömis- ja lepokäyttäytymisen. Jo vuorokauden kytkemisen jälkeen naudalle tulee liikkumisen tarve. Ammattitaitoinen karjanhoitaja on lopulta yksi tärkeimmistä tekijöistä, että hyvinvointimerkintäjärjestelmään kuuluva tuotantoeläin oikeasti voi hyvin.
The Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Head Position During Canalith Reposition Procedure Using 9 Axis Inertial Sensor
Authors: Hong Hyung Sun , Kim Ki Nam , Yun Chang Bin , Kang Jin Gu , Kim Hyun Ji , Lee Sangmin , Kim Kyu-Sung
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives The canalith reposition procedure (CRP) is used for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) where the accuracy of position may affect the therapeutic efficacy. We investigate the accuracy of head position in CRP and its influencing factors during the procedure by measuring the position using inertial sensors and three dimensional remodeling.Subjects and Method We included 28 patients who were diagnosed as BPPV. To evaluate the accuracy of the CRP, we used the inertial sensor on the patient’s goggle used for videonystagmography. We evaluated the accuracy of the treatment compared to the textual treatment used during CRP. We also evaluated patient factors that affected the accuracy of head position as well as analyzing the correlation between the error rate and the successful treatment rate.Results While the average error rate was 12.6±5.8% for the PSCC group, it was 10.2±5.2% for the lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) group. For the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) the group with body mass index (BMI), less than 25 patients had the lower error rate than the group with BMI greater than 25. There was no significant differences regarding the error rate according to BMI or age in the PSCC group. There is no significant differences regarding the error rate between those treated within 1 week and those over 1 week. For the LSCC delayed treatment group, there was no significant differences of error rate between the 1st and 2nd maneuver at each position.Conclusion For the Epley maneuver, the error rate of patients with high BMI is higher than those with low BMI. When the repeated barbeque maneuver was conducted, patients could have a more accurate position due to the learning effect. Care should be taken to ensure accurate CRP by considering various factors.
Pharmacokinetics of Boldine in Control and Mrp2-Deficient Rats
Authors: CERMANOVA J. , PRASNICKA A. , DOLEZELOVA E. , ROZKYDALOVA L. , HROCH M. , CHLÁDEK J. , TOMSIK P. , KLOETING I. , MICUDA S.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study was to describe the currently poorly understood pharmacokinetics (PK) of boldine in control rats (LW, Lewis rats), and Mrp2 transporter-deficient rats (TR-). Animals from the LW and TR- groups underwent a bolus dose study with 10 mg/kg of boldine applied either orally or intravenously in order to evaluate the major PK parameters. The TR- rats demonstrated significantly reduced total clearance with prolonged biological half-life (LW 12±4.6 versus TR- 20±4.4 min), decreased volume of distribution (LW 3.2±0.4 l/kg versus TR- 2.4±0.4 l/kg) and reduced bioavailability (LW 7 % versus TR- 4.5 %). Another set of LW and TR- rats were used for a clearance study with continuous intravenous administration of boldine. The LW rats showed that biliary and renal clearance formed less than 2 % of the total clearance of boldine. The treatment of samples with β glucuronidase showed at least a 38 % contribution of conjugation reactions to the overall clearance of boldine. The TR- rats demonstrated reduced biliary clearance of boldine and its conjugates, which was partly compensated by their increased renal clearance. In conclusion, this study presents the PK parameters of boldine and shows the importance of the Mrp2 transporter and conjugation reactions in the elimination of the compound.
Hypertriglyceridemic Rats Fed High Fat Diet as a Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: KAPRINAY B. , LIPTÁK B. , SLOVÁK L. , ŠVÍK K. , KNEZL V. , SOTNÍKOVÁ R. , GÁSPÁROVÁ Z.
Published: March 2020

People with metabolic syndrome have higher risk of cardiovascular diseases then those without. The aim of the work was to investigate whether high fat diet administered to Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) rats can induce signs of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our results showed that HTG rats fed high fat diet (HTGch) had disturbed glucose metabolism and also lipid metabolism – increased serum triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (Ch), low-density lipoprotein-Ch (LDL-Ch), and decreased high-density lipoprotein-Ch (HDL-Ch). Their livers proved markers of developing steatosis. Moreover, HTGch had increased blood pressure, yet the vascular endothelium was not significantly damaged. All these changes were accompanied with oxidative stress and tissue damage identified as increased liver concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activity of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAGA). We assume that the model used may be suitable for the study of MetS with no evidence of obesity. Prolongation of the high fat diet duration might have a major impact on all parameters tested, especially on vascular endothelial function.
İdari Gözetim Altına Alınan Yabancıların Elektronik ve İletişim Cihazlarının İncelenmesine İlişkin Hükmün Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: TEKSOY Barış
Published: March 2020

7196 sayılı Kanun ile yapılan değişiklikler kapsamında, YUKK’un 57. maddesine yeni bir fıkra eklenmiş, bu fıkra ile idarî gözetim altına alınan yabancıların elektronik ve iletişim cihazlarının incelenmesi düzenlenmiştir. Türk yabancılar hukukunda ilk defa düzenlenen bir yöntem olan cihaz incelemesi, yabancının vatandaşlığının (uyrukluğunun) tespit edilmesi amacıyla yapılacaktır. Hükmün uygulanma alanı içerisinde kalan kişiler, yalnızca sınır dışı edilmek üzere idarî gözetim altına alınan yabancılardır. Hükmün öngördüğü yöntem ile incelenebilecek eşya da “elektronik ve iletişim cihazı” olarak tanımlanmıştır. Hüküm, yöntemin uygulanması kararını vermeye yetkili mercii belirlememiş, diğer yandan bu yöntemin icrasının nasıl ve hangi görevlilerce gerçekleştirileceğini de düzenlememiştir. Bu hususların, öncelikle mevzuattaki diğer hükümlerden yararlanılarak tespit edilmesi ayrıca idarenin düzenleyici işlemleri ile de düzenlenmesi gerekmektedir. İlgili mevzuatın kullanılması ya da idarenin düzenleyici işlemleri ile çözülemeyecek olduğunu düşündüğümüz önemli sorun, Anayasanın 13. ve 20. maddelerinin yeterince dikkate alınmaması ve bunlara aykırı sonuçların ortaya çıkarılmasıdır.
Comparative Literature, Companion Species and the Camel
Authors: Olszok Charis
Published: March 2020

This article brings together theories of both real and literary animals’ readability within Animal Studies and of untranslatability within comparative literature more broadly. Through a focus on Ibrāhīm al-Kūnī’s al-Tibr, in comparison with Mahasweta Devi's ‘Pterodactyl, Puran Sahay and Pirtha’, I read the central human-animal encounters through both their cultural specificity and the wider ‘animal tropes’ to which they point, situating them within local tradition and the flows of world literature. I then shift to an examination of how both texts, through interspecies encounter, theorize the very processes of readability and comparability which they invite. Animals, I suggest, emerge as sites of ‘secrets’, hinting at the dictates of censorship as they shield symbolic import, or at the local which must be preserved from appropriation, and, above all, at a dimension of ‘otherness’ which can never be fully grasped. In al-Tibr, I examine this through a reading of the camel as ‘ āya’ (sign), a central term within Arabic cosmology, and, in ‘Pterodactyl’, through Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's influential reading of ‘ethical singularity’ in the story.
The Photorhabdus Virulence Cassettes RRSP-Like Effector Interacts With Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 and Causes Mitotic Defects in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Wang Xia , Shen Jiawei , Jiang Feng , Jin Qi
Published: March 2020

The “Photorhabdus virulence cassettes” (PVCs) secreted by Photorhabdus are defined as “extracellular contractile injection systems” (eCISs) and can deliver effectors to eukaryotic hosts for cytotoxicity. Previously, we demonstrated the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure and assembly process of an intact PVC particle from Photorhabdus asymbiotica. In this work, we characterized the biological functions of a PVC effector, which is defined as a homologous protein of Ras/Rap1-specific endopeptidase domain (RRSP) in the multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin from Vibrio vulnificus. In this work, we found that the RRSP homologous protein (RRSPPa) was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis and death of HeLa cells. Furthermore, we discovered that RRSPPa disturbed mitotic progression, including the induction of cell cycle alteration, retardation of cell abscission time, and regression of the cleavage furrow. In addition, we revealed that RRSPPa could target the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) protein and block activation of CDK1 through inhibition of Thr161 phosphorylation, which partially explained the crucial role of this effector in cell mitosis.
Chloroquine Inhibits Stemness of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Targeting CXCR4-STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Yue Dongli , Zhang Daiqun , Shi Xiaojuan , Liu Shasha , Li Anqi , Wang Dong , Qin Guohui , Ping Yu , Qiao Yamin , Chen Xinfeng , Wang Feng , Chen Renyin , Zhao Song , Wang Lidong , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Recent studies have shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are present in ESCC, are thought to lead to aggressive tumor behavior and the prognosis. The CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), is regarded as a putative CSCs marker in various malignancies. Here, we demonstrate that CXCR4 played a key role in ESCC progression and CXCR4 positive ESCC cells possessed stem-like properties. Furthermore, the anti-malarial agent chloroquine (CQ) targeted CXCR4-positive ESCC cells via STAT3 pathway. Therefore, CQ with anti-CSCs effects may be an effective adjunct to current ESCC chemotherapy regimens.
Striatal Dopamine D2-Muscarinic Acetylcholine M1 Receptor–Receptor Interaction in a Model of Movement Disorders
Authors: Crans René A. J. , Wouters Elise , Valle-León Marta , Taura Jaume , Massari Caio M. , Fernández-Dueñas Víctor , Stove Christophe P. , Ciruela Francisco
Published: March 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor control deficits, which is associated with the loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra. In parallel to dopaminergic denervation, there is an increase of acetylcholine within the striatum, resulting in a striatal dopaminergic–cholinergic neurotransmission imbalance. Currently, available PD pharmacotherapy (e.g., prodopaminergic drugs) does not reinstate the altered dopaminergic–cholinergic balance. In addition, it can eventually elicit cholinergic-related adverse effects. Here, we investigated the interplay between dopaminergic and cholinergic systems by assessing the physical and functional interaction of dopamine D2 and muscarinic acetylcholine M1 receptors (D2R and M1R, respectively), both expressed at striatopallidal medium spiny neurons. First, we provided evidence for the existence of D2R–M1R complexes via biochemical (i.e., co-immunoprecipitation) and biophysical (i.e., BRET1 and NanoBiT®) assays, performed in transiently transfected HEK293T cells. Subsequently, a D2R–M1R co-distribution in the mouse striatum was observed through double-immunofluorescence staining and AlphaLISA® immunoassay. Finally, we evaluated the functional interplay between both receptors via behavioral studies, by implementing the classical acute reserpine pharmacological animal model of experimental parkinsonism. Reserpinized mice were administered with a D2R-selective agonist (sumanirole) and/or an M1R-selective antagonist (VU0255035), and alterations in PD-related behavioral tasks (i.e., locomotor activity) were evaluated. Importantly, VU0255035 (10 mg/kg) potentiated the antiparkinsonian-like effects (i.e., increased locomotor activity and decreased catalepsy) of an ineffective sumanirole dose (3 mg/kg). Altogether, our data suggest the existence of putative striatal D2R/M1R heteromers, which might be a relevant target to manage PD motor impairments with fewer adverse effects.
A Multiple-Baseline Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Focused on Repetitive Negative Thinking for Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression
Authors: Ruiz Francisco J. , Luciano Carmen , Flórez Cindy L. , Suárez-Falcón Juan C. , Cardona-Betancourt Verónica
Published: March 2020

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a core feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. Recently, some studies have shown promising results with brief protocols of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focused on RNT in the treatment of emotional disorders in adults. The current study analyzes the effect of an individual, 3-session, RNT-focused ACT protocol in the treatment of severe and comorbid GAD and depression. Six adults meeting criteria for both disorders and showing severe symptoms of at least one of them participated in the study. A delayed multiple-baseline design was implemented. All participants completed a 5-week baseline without showing improvement trends in emotional symptoms (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21; DASS-21) and pathological worry (Penn State Worry Questionnaire; PSWQ). The ACT protocol was then implemented, and a 3-month follow-up was conducted. Five of the six participants showed clinically significant changes in the DASS-21 and the PSWQ. The standardized mean difference effect sizes for single-case experimental design were very large for emotional symptoms (d = 3.34), pathological worry (d = 4.52), experiential avoidance (d = 3.46), cognitive fusion (d = 3.90), repetitive thinking (d = 4.52), and valued living (d = 0.92 and d = 1.98). No adverse events were observed. Brief, RNT-focused ACT protocols for treating comorbid GAD and depression deserve further empirical tests.
Calibration of a Load Measurement System for an Unmanned Aircraft Composite Wing Based on Fibre Bragg Gratings and Electrical Strain Gauges
Authors: Święch Łukasz
Published: March 2020

This paper presents the issues concerning calibration of a measurement system for monitoring the cross-sectional forces and moments of an unmanned aircraft’s wing. A composite cantilever wing with built-in measurement systems based on electrical resistance and Fibre Bragg Grating strain gauges has been made for the purpose of the study. Measurement systems placed along the span of the wing consist of strain gauges arranged in a manner that allows the monitoring of shear force, bending and twisting moments. The calibration process was described in terms of both experimental tests and mathematical formalism. The calibration results were compared for the complete system, consisting of three sensor units, and for various combinations of separated measuring points. For each case, a reading inaccuracy analysis was carried out and conclusions, including recommendations for the design of this kind of measurement system, were formulated.
Effect of Salinity Stress on Phenylpropanoid Genes Expression and Related Gene Expression in Wheat Sprout
Authors: Cuong Do Manh , Kwon Soon-Jae , Nguyen Bao Van , Chun Se Won , Kim Jae Kwang , Park Sang Un
Published: March 2020

The effect of salinity (NaCl treatment) on the nutritive value of wheat sprouts was investigated by analyzing the expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes and the levels of phenylpropanoid compounds. Treatment with various concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, and 200 mM) resulted in increased epicatechin levels but decreased accumulation of catechin hydrate, benzoic acid, and quercetin compounds in the sprouts compared with the control (0 mM). The trans-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, epicatechin, and total phenylpropanoid level in wheat sprout was the highest at 50 mM of NaCl treatment. Six-day-old wheat plantlets exposed to 50 mM NaCl for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, showed that the total phenylpropanoids accumulation was the highest at 48 h after the treatment and most of the treatments showed higher phenylpropanoid content than the control at the same time points. Although the shoot and root length and the fresh weight of wheat sprouts decreased with NaCl treatment, these results suggest that treatment of 50 mM NaCl improves the nutritional quality of wheat sprouts, due to increased phenylpropanoid concentrations.
In-flight Wind Field Identification and Prediction of Parafoil Systems
Authors: Gao Haitao , Tao Jin , Dehmer Matthias , Emmert-Streib Frank , Sun Qinglin , Chen Zengqiang , Xie Guangming , Zhou Quan
Published: March 2020

The wind field is an essential factor that affects accurate homing and flare landing of parafoil systems. In order to obtain the ambient wind field during the descent of a parafoil system, a combination method of in-flight wind field identification and prediction is proposed. First, a wind identification method only using global position system information is derived based on the flight dynamics of parafoil systems. Then a wind field prediction model is constructed using the atmospheric dynamics, and the low-altitude wind field is predicted based on the identified wind field of high-altitude. Finally, simulations of wind field identification and prediction are conducted. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can identify the wind fields precisely and also predict the wind fields reasonably. This method can potentially be applied in practical parafoil systems to provide wind field information for homing tasks.
Fault Diagnosis of Rotating Machine
Authors: Królczyk Grzegorz , Li Zhixiong , Antonino Daviu Jose Alfonso
Published: March 2020

Rotating machines have been used in a wide variety of industries, such as manufacturing tools [...]
A Smart Water Metering Deployment Based on the Fog Computing Paradigm
Authors: Amaxilatis Dimitrios , Chatzigiannakis Ioannis , Tselios Christos , Tsironis Nikolaos , Niakas Nikos , Papadogeorgos Simos
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we look into smart water metering infrastructures that enable continuous, on-demand and bidirectional data exchange between metering devices, water flow equipment, utilities and end-users. We focus on the design, development and deployment of such infrastructures as part of larger, smart city, infrastructures. Until now, such critical smart city infrastructures have been developed following a cloud-centric paradigm where all the data are collected and processed centrally using cloud services to create real business value. Cloud-centric approaches need to address several performance issues at all levels of the network, as massive metering datasets are transferred to distant machine clouds while respecting issues like security and data privacy. Our solution uses the fog computing paradigm to provide a system where the computational resources already available throughout the network infrastructure are utilized to facilitate greatly the analysis of fine-grained water consumption data collected by the smart meters, thus significantly reducing the overall load to network and cloud resources. Details of the system’s design are presented along with a pilot deployment in a real-world environment. The performance of the system is evaluated in terms of network utilization and computational performance. Our findings indicate that the fog computing paradigm can be applied to a smart grid deployment to reduce effectively the data volume exchanged between the different layers of the architecture and provide better overall computational, security and privacy capabilities to the system.
Potential of Room Acoustic Solver with Plane-Wave Enriched Finite Element Method
Authors: Okuzono Takeshi , Mohamed M Shadi , Sakagami Kimihiro
Published: March 2020

Predicting room acoustics using wave-based numerical methods has attracted great attention in recent years. Nevertheless, wave-based predictions are generally computationally expensive for room acoustics simulations because of the large dimensions of architectural spaces, the wide audible frequency ranges, the complex boundary conditions, and inherent error properties of numerical methods. Therefore, development of an efficient wave-based room acoustic solver with smaller computational resources is extremely important for practical applications. This paper describes a preliminary study aimed at that development. We discuss the potential of the Partition of Unity Finite Element Method (PUFEM) as a room acoustic solver through the examination with 2D real-scale room acoustic problems. Low-order finite elements enriched by plane waves propagating in various directions are used herein. We examine the PUFEM performance against a standard FEM via two-room acoustic problems in a single room and a coupled room, respectively, including frequency-dependent complex impedance boundaries of Helmholtz resonator type sound absorbers and porous sound absorbers. Results demonstrated that the PUFEM can predict wideband frequency responses accurately under a single coarse mesh with much fewer degrees of freedom than the standard FEM. The reduction reaches O ( 10 − 2 ) at least, suggesting great potential of PUFEM for use as an efficient room acoustic solver.
Adaptive Dynamic Disturbance Strategy for Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Wang Tiejun , Wu Kaijun , Du Tiaotiao , Cheng Xiaochun
Published: March 2020

To overcome the problems of slow convergence speed, premature convergence leading to local optimization and parameter constraints when solving high-dimensional multi-modal optimization problems, an adaptive dynamic disturbance strategy for differential evolution algorithm (ADDSDE) is proposed. Firstly, this entails using the chaos mapping strategy to initialize the population to increase population diversity, and secondly, a new weighted mutation operator is designed to weigh and combinemutation strategies of the standard differential evolution (DE). The scaling factor and crossover probability are adaptively adjusted to dynamically balance the global search ability and local exploration ability. Finally, a Gauss perturbation operator is introduced to generate a random disturbance variation, and to accelerate premature individuals to jump out of local optimization. The algorithm runs independently on five benchmark functions 20 times, and the results show that the ADDSDE algorithm has better global optimization search ability, faster convergence speed and higher accuracy and stability compared with other optimization algorithms, which provide assistance insolving high-dimensionaland complex problems in engineering and information science.
Unraveling the Role of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels in the Hippocampus of an Aβ(1–42)-Infused Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Akyuz Enes , Villa Chiara , Beker Merve , Elibol Birsen
Published: March 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex etiology and characterized by cognitive deficits and memory loss. The pathogenesis of AD is not yet completely elucidated, and no curative treatment is currently available. Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are important for playing a key role in maintaining the resting membrane potential and controlling cell excitability, being largely expressed in both excitable and non-excitable tissues, including neurons. Accordingly, the aim of the study is to investigate the role of neuronal Kir channels in AD pathophysiology. The mRNA and protein levels of neuronal Kir2.1, Kir3.1, and Kir6.2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis from the hippocampus of an amyloid-β(Aβ)(1-42)-infused rat model of AD. Extracellular deposition of Aβ was confirmed by both histological Congo red staining and immunofluorescence analysis. Significant decreased mRNA and protein levels of Kir2.1 and Kir6.2 channels were observed in the rat model of AD, whereas no differences were found in Kir3.1 channel levels as compared with controls. Our results provide in vivo evidence that Aβ can modulate the expression of these channels, which may represent novel potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of AD.
Local Mast Cell Activation Promotes Neovascularization
Authors: Bot Ilze , van der Velden Daniël , Bouwman Merel , Kröner Mara J. , Kuiper Johan , Quax Paul H. A. , de Vries Margreet R.
Published: March 2020

Mast cells have been associated with arteriogenesis and collateral formation. In advanced human atherosclerotic plaques, mast cells have been shown to colocalize with plaque neovessels, and mast cells have also been associated with tumor vascularization. Based on these associations, we hypothesize that mast cells promote angiogenesis during ischemia. In human ischemic muscle tissue from patients with end-stage peripheral artery disease, we observed activated mast cells, predominantly located around capillaries. Also, in mouse ischemic muscles, mast cells were detected during the revascularization process and interestingly, mast cell activation status was enhanced up to 10 days after ischemia induction. To determine whether mast cells contribute to both arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, mast cells were locally activated immediately upon hind limb ischemia in C57Bl/6 mice. At day 9, we observed a 3-fold increase in activated mast cell numbers in the inguinal lymph nodes. This was accompanied by an increase in the amount of Ly6Chigh inflammatory monocytes. Interestingly, local mast cell activation increased blood flow through the hind limb (46% at day 9) compared to that in non-activated control mice. Histological analysis of the muscle tissue revealed that mast cell activation did not affect the number of collaterals, but increased the collateral diameter, as well as the number of CD31+ capillaries. Together, these data illustrate that locally activated mast cell contribute to arteriogenesis and angiogenesis.
Virtual Forestry Generation: Evaluating Models for Tree Placement in Games
Authors: Williams Benjamin , Ritsos Panagiotis D. , Headleand Christopher
Published: March 2020

A handful of approaches have been previously proposed to generate procedurally virtual forestry for virtual worlds and computer games, including plant growth models and point distribution methods. However, there has been no evaluation to date which assesses how effective these algorithms are at modelling real-world phenomena. In this paper, we tackle this issue by evaluating three algorithms used in the generation of virtual forests—a randomly uniform point distribution method (control), a plant competition model, and an iterative random point distribution technique. Our results show that a plant competition model generated more believable content when viewed from an aerial perspective. Interestingly, however, we also found that a randomly uniform point distribution method produced forestry which was rated higher in playability and photorealism, when viewed from a first-person perspective. We conclude that the objective of the game designer is important to consider when selecting an algorithm to generate forestry, as the algorithms produce forestry that is perceived differently.
Analysis of Fundamental Differences between Capacitive and Inductive Impedance Matching for Inductive Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Zhaksylyk Yelzhas , Halvorsen Einar , Hanke Ulrik , Azadmehr Mehdi
Published: March 2020

Inductive and capacitive impedance matching are two different techniques optimizing power transfer in magnetic resonance inductive wireless power transfer. Under ideal conditions, i.e., unrestricted parameter ranges and no loss, both approaches can provide the perfect match. Comparing these two techniques under non-ideal conditions, to explore fundamental differences in their performance, is a challenging task as the two techniques are fundamentally different in operation. In this paper, we accomplish such a comparison by determining matchable impedances achievable by these networks and visualizing them as regions of a Smith chart. The analysis is performed over realistic constraints on parameters of three different application cases both with and without loss accounted for. While the analysis confirms that it is possible to achieve unit power transfer efficiency with both approaches in the lossless case, we find that the impedance regions where this is possible, as visualized in the Smith chart, differ between the two approaches and between the applications. Furthermore, an analysis of the lossy case shows that the degradation of the power transfer efficiencies upon introduction of parasitic losses is similar for the two methods.
Congestion-Aware Geocast Routing in Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks
Authors: Nascimento Henrique , Pereira Paulo Rogério , Magaia Naercio
Published: March 2020

Vehicular Delay-Tolerant Networks (VDTNs) are networks of vehicles that communicate wirelessly, where there are no permanent end-to-end connections. VDTNs have a highly variable topology, with frequent partitions, and possibly low node density. Thus, delay-tolerant routing adopts a store-carry-and-forward message transfer paradigm, where messages have a useful Time-To-Live (TTL) and are stored until a good contact opportunity arises. Multiple message replicas can be generated to improve delivery probability at the cost of increasing network congestion. In this paper, we propose the V-GRADIENT geocast routing protocol that monitors node density, buffer occupancy, and interest in geocast groups, to adapt the forwarding techniques used dynamically, to disseminate messages within the geographic region of interest. Simulation results show that the V-GRADIENT is capable of controlling network congestion and efficiently delivering messages resulting in better delivery ratios, lower latencies, and a small increase in overhead when compared with existing protocols.
(Sub)mm-Wavelength Observations of Pre-Planetary Nebulae and Young Planetary Nebulae
Authors: Sánchez Contreras Carmen
Published: March 2020

This is a non-comprehensive review of observations of pre-Planetary Nebulae (pPNe) and young Planetary Nebulae (yPNe) at (sub)mm-wavelengths, a valuable window for probing multi-phased gas and dust in these objects. This contribution focuses on observations of molecular lines (from carbon monoxide—CO—and other species), and briefly at the end, on hydrogen radio recombination lines from the emerging H ii regions at the center of yPNe. The main goal of this contribution is to show the potential of (sub)mm-wavelength observations of pPNe/yPNe to help the community to devise and develop new observational projects that will bring us closer to a better understanding of these latest stages of the evolution of low-to-intermediate (∼0.8–8 M ⊙ ) mass stars.
Disclosure of Strategic Managers’ Factotum: Behavioral Incentives of Innovative Business
Authors: Durana Pavol , Valaskova Katarina , Vagner Ladislav , Zadnanova Silvia , Podhorska Ivana , Siekelova Anna
Published: March 2020

Many kinds of research has suggested that innovation is positively linked to business performance and that it acts as an intermediary between organizational variables and financial performance measured by earnings achieved. Researchers worldwide have paid great attention to identifying and exploiting the main drivers of innovation management, which has led to many research articles that have adopted different approaches and identified several factors that are related to innovation. Nevertheless, there is some ambiguity about the critical behavioral factors for innovation. Therefore, this study aims to identify behavioral incentives, or key factors, that impact business innovation and financial stability, mainly in the field of strategic management, and to reveal the latest trend in corporate innovation policy by using bibliographic mapping. The purpose is to precisely define specific incentives that can influence the overall productivity and profitability of a business, and this list of innovation factors can be of benefit to a strategic manager in introducing or supporting innovative activities. The analysis is preceded by an in-depth study of publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases and based on the VOS Viewer method (which is a mapping and clustering program for network data), the available keywords are analyzed, and then a list of incentives in strategic innovation is compiled.
Tuberculosis in HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis is Associated with an Increased Risk of Death
Authors: Rutakingirwa Morris K. , Cresswell Fiona V. , Kwizera Richard , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Kagimu Enock , Nuwagira Edwin , Tugume Lillian , Mpoza Edward , Dobbin Joanna , Williams Darlisha A. , Muzoora Conrad , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Hullsiek Kathy H. , Rhein Joshua
Published: March 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) and cryptococcal meningitis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in advanced HIV disease. Data are limited on TB co-infection among individuals with cryptococcal meningitis. We performed a retrospective analysis of HIV-infected participants with cryptococcal meningitis from 2010–2017. Baseline demographics were compared between three groups: ‘prevalent TB’ if TB treated >14 days prior to cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis, ‘concurrent TB’ if TB treated ± 14 days from diagnosis, or ‘No TB at baseline’. We used time-updated proportional-hazards regression models to assess TB diagnosis as a risk for death. Of 870 participants with cryptococcal meningitis, 50 (6%) had prevalent TB, 67 (8%) had concurrent TB, and 753 (86%) had no baseline TB. Among participants without baseline TB, 67 (9%) were diagnosed with incident TB (after >14 days), with a median time to TB incidence of 41 days (IQR, 22–69). The 18-week mortality was 50% (25/50) in prevalent TB, 46% (31/67) in concurrent TB, and 45% (341/753) in the no TB group (p = 0.81). However, TB co-infection was associated with an increased hazard of death (HR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.33–2.32; p < 0.001) in a time-updated model. TB is commonly diagnosed in cryptococcal meningitis, and the increased mortality associated with co-infection is a public health concern.
Outcome of Root Canal Treatments Using a New Calcium Silicate Root Canal Sealer: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zavattini Angelo , Knight Alan , Foschi Federico , Mannocci Francesco
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the success rate of root canal treatments undertaken using a calcium silicate root canal sealer in combination with a single cone with non-calcium silicate cement and warm vertical condensation. Methods: 150 necrotic or pulpitic teeth were treated. (REC: 08/H0804/79). Following standardized root canal chemo-debridement. The canals were obturated using warm vertical condensation of gutta-percha and epoxy-based sealer (AH plus) or a calcium silicate sealer (BioRootTM RCS) with a single cone technique. Follow-up assessment was conducted at 12 months using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Results: At 1-year recall, 104 teeth were assessed (51 AH plus, 53 BioRootTM RCS). The success rate using loose criteria for the CBCT images and PA radiographs was respectively 80% and 89% in the AH plus/warm vertical condensation group, 84% and 90% in the BioRootTM RCS/single cone group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (Fisher exact test p value 0.6099 for the CBCT images). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this non-randomized trial, a calcium silicate cement in combination with single cone resulted in a similar proportion of successful cases compared to warm vertical condensation and epoxy-based sealer.
Advances in CAD/CAM/CAE Technologies
Authors: Kyratsis Panagiotis , Kakoulis Konstantinos , Markopoulos Angelos P.
Published: March 2020

Computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) technologies find more and more applications in today’s industry, e [...]
Limiting Values and Functional and Difference Equations
Authors: Wang N.-L. , Agarwal Praveen , Kanemitsu S.
Published: March 2020

Boundary behavior of a given important function or its limit values are essential in the whole spectrum of mathematics and science. We consider some tractable cases of limit values in which either a difference of two ingredients or a difference equation is used coupled with the relevant functional equations to give rise to unexpected results. As main results, this involves the expression for the Laurent coefficients including the residue, the Kronecker limit formulas and higher order coefficients as well as the difference formed to cancel the inaccessible part, typically the Clausen functions. We establish these by the relation between bases of the Kubert space of functions. Then these expressions are equated with other expressions in terms of special functions introduced by some difference equations, giving rise to analogues of the Lerch-Chowla-Selberg formula. We also state Abelian results which not only yield asymptotic formulas for weighted summatory function from that for the original summatory function but assures the existence of the limit expression for Laurent coefficients.
Oscillation Criteria of Higher-order Neutral Differential Equations with Several Deviating Arguments
Authors: Moaaz Osama , Dassios Ioannis , Bazighifan Omar
Published: March 2020

This work is concerned with the oscillatory behavior of solutions of even-order neutral differential equations. By using the technique of Riccati transformation and comparison principles with the second-order differential equations, we obtain a new Philos-type criterion. Our results extend and improve some known results in the literature. An example is given to illustrate our main results.
Using Additives for Fouling Control in a Lab-Scale MBR; Comparing the Anti-Fouling Potential of Coagulants, PAC and Bio-Film Carriers
Authors: Gkotsis Petros , Zouboulis Anastasios , Mitrakas Manassis
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the effect of different additives, such as coagulants/flocculants, adsorption agents (powdered activated carbon, PAC), and bio-film carriers, on the fouling propensity of a lab-scale membrane bio-reactor (MBR) treating synthetic municipal wastewater. The coagulation agents FO 4350 SSH, Adifloc KD 451, and PAC1 A9-M at concentrations of 10 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 100 mg Al/L, respectively, and PAC at a concentration of 3.6 ± 0.1 g/L, exhibited the best results during their batch-mode addition to biomass samples. The optimal additives FO 4350 SSH and Adifloc KD 451 were continuously added to the bioreactor at continuous-flow addition experiments and resulted in increased membrane lifetime by 16% and 13%, respectively, suggesting that the decrease of SMPc concentration and the increase of sludge filterability is the dominant fouling reduction mechanism. On the contrary, fouling reduction was low when PAC1 A9-M and PAC were continuously added, as the membrane lifetime was increased by approximately 6%. Interestingly, the addition of bio-film carriers (at filling ratios of 40%, 50%, and 60%) did not affect SMPc concentration, sludge filterability, and trans-membrane pressure (TMP). Finally, the effluent quality was satisfactory in terms of organics and ammonia removal, as chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)5, and NH 4 + -N concentrations were consistently below the permissible discharge limits and rarely exceeded 30, 15, and 0.9 mg/L, respectively.
Measurement of Multi Ion Transport through Human Bronchial Epithelial Cell Line Provides an Insight into the Mechanism of Defective Water Transport in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Zajac Miroslaw , Lewenstam Andrzej , Bednarczyk Piotr , Dolowy Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

We measured concentration changes of sodium, potassium, chloride ions, pH and the transepithelial potential difference by means of ion-selective electrodes, which were placed on both sides of a human bronchial epithelial 16HBE14σ cell line grown on a porous support in the presence of ion channel blockers. We found that, in the isosmotic transepithelial concentration gradient of either sodium or chloride ions, there is an electroneutral transport of the isosmotic solution of sodium chloride in both directions across the cell monolayer. The transepithelial potential difference is below 3 mV. Potassium and pH change plays a minor role in ion transport. Based on our measurements, we hypothesize that in a healthy bronchial epithelium, there is a dynamic balance between water absorption and secretion. Water absorption is caused by the action of two exchangers, Na/H and Cl/HCO3, secreting weakly dissociated carbonic acid in exchange for well dissociated NaCl and water. The water secretion phase is triggered by an apical low volume-dependent factor opening the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator CFTR channel and secreting anions that are accompanied by paracellular sodium and water transport.
Fatigue Life Evaluation Considering Fatigue Reliability and Fatigue Crack for FV520B-I in VHCF Regime Based on Fracture Mechanics
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Yang Yuxing , Yu Jing , Wang Jingsi , Du Fengming , Zhang Yuanliang
Published: March 2020

This paper focuses on the fatigue reliability analysis and the development of a new life model of reliability and crack growth mechanisms in FV520B-I (high strength martensitic-type stainless steels) in the very-high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime, which haven’t been studied well. First, the fatigue test was carried out to clarify the fatigue failure mechanism in the very-high cycle regime. Based on the test results and fatigue reliability theory, the fatigue life distribution and P-S-N curves were modeled. A new fatigue life evaluation model for FV520B-I is proposed according to the fracture mechanics and classic life evaluation method. With the comprehensive application of P-S-N curves and a new proposed fatigue life evaluation model, a new assumption of a P-Sc-N curve is developed and verified, to quantitatively express the relationship between fatigue life, reliability and fatigue cracking. This is novel and valuable for further fatigue study of FV520B-I.
A Case of Aeromonas trota in an Immunocompromised Patient with Diarrhea
Authors: Fernández-Bravo Ana , Fort-Gallifa Isabel , Ballester Frederic , Pujol Isabel , Gomez-Bertomeu Frederic , Domínguez Mariola , Micó Miquel , Alcoceba Eva , Simó-Sisó Josep Maria , Figueras Maria José
Published: March 2020

According to recent literature, 95.4% of the Aeromonas strains associated with human clinical cases correspond to four species: Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas dhakensis, Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas hydrophila. However, other less prevalent species such as Aeromonas trota, are also described from clinical samples. Based on its low incidence, the latter species can be regarded as rare and it is the only Aeromonas species susceptible to ampicillin. From the taxonomic point of view, A. trota is considered a synonym of the species Aeromonas enteropelogenes. The objective of this study is to present a new clinical case associated with A. trota in order to increase the knowledge about this species. The strain was recovered from the feces of a 69-year-old patient with a diarrheal syndrome and peritoneal psammocarcinoma. The preliminary identification as Aeromonas sp. was obtained with the API 20E, but it was characterized as Aeromonas jandei and also as Aeromonas enteropelogenes with different scores with the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Based on the sequence of the rpoD gene, it was confirmed to be A. trota. The antimicrobial resistance pattern showed that the strain was susceptible to ampicillin, penicillins in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors, quinolones, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and cephalosporins, except cephalothin. In conclusion, the recognition of an Aeromonas strain susceptible to ampicillin should alert the clinical microbiologist of the possible involvement of this rare species. Furthermore, the MALDI-TOF database should be updated indicating that the species A. enteropelogenes, is a synonym of A. trota.