bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Organic Matter Degradation Potential in Baltic Sea Sediments Is Influenced by Depositional Conditions and
In Situ
Geochemistry
Authors: Zinke Laura A. , Glombitza Clemens , Bird Jordan T. , Røy Hans , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Lloyd Karen G. , Amend Jan P. , Reese Brandi Kiel
Published: December 2018

Sediments sequester organic matter over geologic time scales and impact global climate regulation. Microbial communities in marine sediments drive organic matter degradation, but the factors controlling their assemblages and activities, which in turn impact their role in organic matter degradation, are not well understood. Hence, determining the role of microbial communities in carbon cycling in various sediment types is necessary for predicting future sediment carbon cycling. We examined microbial communities in Baltic Sea sediments, which were deposited across various climatic and geographical regimes to determine the relationship between microbial potential for breakdown of organic matter and abiotic factors, including geochemistry and sediment lithology. The findings from this study will contribute to our understanding of carbon cycling in the deep biosphere and how microbial communities live in deeply buried environments.
Changes in the Rumen Microbiota of Cows in Response to Dietary Supplementation with Nitrate, Linseed, and Saponin Alone or in Combination
Authors: Popova Milka , Guyader Jessie , Silberberg Mathieu , Seradj Ahmad Reza , Saro Cristina , Bernard Aurélien , Gérard Christine , Martin Cécile , Morgavi Diego P.
Published: December 2018

This study aimed at identifying the microbial mechanisms of enteric methane mitigation when linseed, nitrate, and saponins were fed to nonlactating cows alone or in a combination. Hydrogen is a limiting factor in rumen methanogenesis. We hypothesized that linseed and saponins would affect hydrogen producers and nitrate would affect hydrogen consumption, leading to reduced methane production in the rumen. Contrary to what was predicted, both linseed and nitrate had a deleterious effect on hydrogen producers; linseed also redirected hydrogen consumption toward propionate production, whereas nitrate stimulated the growth of nitrate-reducing and, hence, hydrogen-consuming bacterial taxa. This novel knowledge of microbial mechanisms involved in rumen methanogenesis provides insights for the development and optimization of methane mitigation strategies.
Role of Gonococcal Neisserial Surface Protein A (NspA) in Serum Resistance and Comparison of Its Factor H Binding Properties with Those of Its Meningococcal Counterpart
Authors: Lewis Lisa A. , Rice Peter A. , Ram Sanjay
Published: December 2018

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea, has evolved several mechanisms to subvert complement, including binding of the complement inhibitor factor H (FH). We previously reported FH binding toN. gonorrhoeaeindependently of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation.
Avoidance of Trinucleotide Corresponding to Consensus Protospacer Adjacent Motif Controls the Efficiency of Prespacer Selection during Primed Adaptation
Authors: Musharova Olga , Vyhovskyi Danylo , Medvedeva Sofia , Guzina Jelena , Zhitnyuk Yulia , Djordjevic Marko , Severinov Konstantin , Savitskaya Ekaterina
Published: December 2018

Adaptive immunity of prokaryotes depends on acquisition of foreign DNA fragments into CRISPR arrays as spacers followed by destruction of foreign DNA by CRISPR interference machinery. Different fragments are acquired into CRISPR arrays with widely different efficiencies, but the factors responsible are not known. We analyzed the frequency of spacers acquired during primed adaptation in an
E. coli
CRISPR array and found that AAG motif was depleted from highly acquired spacers. AAG is also a consensus protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) that must be present upstream from the target of the CRISPR spacer for its efficient destruction by the interference machinery. These results are important because they provide new information on the mechanism of primed spacer acquisition. They add to other previous evidence in the field that pointed out to a “directionality” in the capture of new spacers. Our data strongly suggest that the recognition of an AAG PAM by the interference machinery components prior to spacer capture occludes downstream AAG sequences, thus preventing their recognition by the adaptation machinery.
Microbiota and Pathogen Proteases Modulate Type III Secretion Activity in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Cameron Elizabeth A. , Curtis Meredith M. , Kumar Aman , Dunny Gary M. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: December 2018

The gut microbiota is usually regarded as providing colonization resistance against enteric pathogens. However, some pathogens evolved to thrive with the aid of certain members of the microbiota. Several Gram-negative bacteria employ type three secretion systems (T3SSs), which are molecular syringes that deliver effector proteins to host cells, hijacking host cell function. Here we show that the T3SS of enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) is cleaved by self and microbiota-derived proteases. Self-cleavage limits effector translocation, while cleavage by the microbiota member
Bacteroides thetaiotamicron
(
Bt
) exacerbates effector translocation and lesion formation on epithelial cells.
Carboxypeptidase E-ΔN promotes migration, invasiveness, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of human osteosarcoma cells via the Wnt–β-catenin pathway
Authors: Fan Shuli , Gao Xiang , Chen Peng , Li Xu
Published: December 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, and metastatic OS is the major cause of OS-related death. Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is known to be highly expressed in some cancer types, and its N-terminal truncated form, CPE-ΔN, is implicated in tumor metastasis and poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of CPE-ΔN on cell migration, invasiveness, and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cells, and illustrated the molecular mechanisms. We first constructed CPE-ΔN overexpressing human OS cell lines (143B and U2OS cells), and found that ectopic CPE-ΔN expression in OS cells enhanced cell migration and invasiveness, and promoted the EMT process. Further, overexpression of CPE-ΔN increased the levels of c-myc and nuclear β-catenin in OS cells, which suggested the CPE-ΔN promotes activation of the Wnt–β-catenin pathway in OS cells. Treatment with β-catenin small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the migration and invasiveness of CPE-ΔN-overexpressing cells, and reduced the expression of E-cadherin. Together, these results suggest that CPE-ΔN promotes migration, invasiveness, and the EMT of OS cells via the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway.
Effect of flotation tires used for agricultural field equipment on flexible pavement damage
Authors: Bilodeau Jean-Pascal , Grellet Damien , Doré Guy , Phénix Maurice
Published: December 2018

Agricultural field equipment are typically equipped with wide single tires with particular tire tread and low inflation working pressures. Because of the significant differences with standard truck tires, the effect of flotation implement tire on pavement performance and load associated damage is likely to differ. This paper presents the results of an experimental research project where flotation tires were used to test the response of an instrumented flexible pavement built in an indoor test pit. The effect of load, tire pressure, and tire type was investigated as part of the study. Based on the collected results, the tire type and design greatly influence the pavement response. The critical and governing pavement damage mechanism was found to be subgrade structural rutting. Wide specialty tires were found to generally induce less damage than standard truck tires. A method for axle weight adjustment for wide farm tires was proposed as part of the project.
Conditions and timing of low-pressure – high-temperature metamorphism in the Montresor Belt, Rae Province, Nunavut
Authors: Dziawa Carolyn , Gaidies Fred , Percival John
Published: December 2018

Pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) estimates for the Montresor Belt, obtained using phase equilibria and geospeedometry modelling integrated with in situ U–Th–Pb monazite geochronology, shed new light on the tectonometamorphic effects of the Snowbird phase of the Trans-Hudson orogeny. Typical metapelitic assemblages of the lower Montresor group consist of white mica, biotite, plagioclase, quartz, and andalusite, which in some rocks is partly or completely pseudomorphed by white mica. The observed assemblages reflect peak P–T conditions centring at approximately 575 °C and 3 kbar. Rocks with high bulk Fe/Mg contents contain compositionally zoned garnet, permitting the addition of further constraints on the conditions of metamorphism in the Montresor Belt: Core compositions of earliest-grown garnets indicate initial garnet crystallization at approximately 535 °C and 2.3 kbar, suggesting a nearly isobaric P–T path of prograde metamorphism with a gradient of approximately 50 °C·kbar–1. Chemical age-dating of monazite inclusions in garnet yields ages of ca. 1870 ± 9 to 1837 ± 9 Ma. Retrograde, pseudomorphic andalusite replacement by white mica at approximately 540 °C is inferred to have been controlled by variations in bulk rock chemistry. Morphologically corroded and chemically heterogeneous monazite adjacent to white mica pseudomorphs suggests that andalusite replacement took place at ca. 1792 ± 10 Ma, possibly associated with extension and movement along the detachment fault separating the upper and lower Montresor groups. Simulations of diffusion across chlorite- and biotite-filled cracks in garnet assumed to be coeval with andalusite replacement suggest that the rocks have experienced the retrograde event for at least 20 My.
Closing the feedback loop: on stakeholder participation in management strategy evaluation
Authors: Goethel Daniel R. , Lucey Sean M. , Berger Aaron M. , Gaichas Sarah K. , Karp Melissa A. , Lynch Patrick D. , Walter John F. , Deroba Jonathan J. , Miller Shana , Wilberg Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Management strategy evaluation (MSE) is a simulation-based approach to examine the efficacy of management options in achieving fishery-, ecosystem-, and socioeconomic-related objectives while integrating over system uncertainties. As a form of structured decision analysis, MSE is amenable to stakeholder involvement, which can reduce implementation barriers associated with nontransparent decision-making procedures. Based on analysis of three MSE processes (Atlantic tunas (Thunnus spp.), Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), and eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica)), we provide suggestions for improving stakeholder engagement in MSE. By assembling a workgroup and modeling team with diverse backgrounds, including professional facilitators, communication liaisons, and social scientists, dialogue can be improved and an atmosphere of mutual learning fostered. Communication further benefits from clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and terms of engagement for all involved; explicitly and transparently identifying goals and objectives of the MSE before modeling has begun; and, when appropriate, revisiting goals and objectives throughout the MSE process. Although MSEs are not without limitations, the participatory modeling framework, wherein stakeholders are actively engaged at each stage of MSE development, provides a useful mechanism to support fisheries management.
Short and long ranged impurities in fractional quantum Hall systems
Authors: Friedman B. A.
Published: December 2018

Short- and long-range impurities have been examined for fractional quantum Hall systems. There appears to be a consistent computational picture for short-range impurities. In the case of long-range impurities, calculations agree qualitatively with experiment, in that the critical mobility is very sensitive to long-range impurities and the critical mobility for long range impurities is larger than the critical mobility for short-range impurities. The physical mechanism of this sensitivity and a quantitative understanding remain a challenging computational issue.
Study of MEMS Touch-Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensor Utilizing Flexible SiC Circular Diaphragm: Robust Design, Theoretical Modeling, Numerical Simulation and Performance Comparison
Authors: Jindal Sumit Kumar , Aditya Varma M. , Thukral Deepali
Published: December 2018

Copious research has been conducted on Capacitive Pressure Sensors over the decades with a focus on Silicon being the primary filming element. However, due to Silicon Carbide emerging as superior in harsh environmental conditions, the research is gravitating towards it for industrial applications. This work presents a new analytical model for a polycrystalline silicon carbide-based capacitive pressure sensor working in touch-mode operation. Carbide demonstrates properties like electrical stability, mechanical robustness and chemical inertness which puts it on the frontier of research. The mathematical model proposed is a simple yet powerful tool in manipulating design and sizing for fast analysis. It is quicker and bypasses the need for complex simulation software. The analysis is purely mathematical and hence the results are analyzed with MATLAB. The mathematical model developed is verified with a standard Finite Element Analysis (FEM) using COMSOL v5.2. The results of the mathematical analysis dovetail well with the FEM analysis and show a significant improvement in both the sensitivity and capacitance generated.
Ernest Henley’s isospin and the ensuing progress
Authors: Miller G. A.
Published: December 2018

Ernest Henley’s contributions to understanding isospin symmetry and the experimental and theoretical progress that followed are reviewed. Many experimentalists and theorists worked to bring Ernest’s early vision of the subject to fruition. This progress and wide-ranging impact is described.
A DISCUSSION ON THE TRANSMISSION CONDITIONS FOR SATURATED FLUID FLOW THROUGH POROUS MEDIA WITH FRACTAL MICROSTRUCTURE
Authors: MORALES FERNANDO A. , ARISTIZÁBAL LUIS C.
Published: December 2018

This work is aimed to find suitable exchange conditions for saturated fluid flow in a porous medium, when a fractal microstructure is embedded in the porous matrix. Two different deterministic models are introduced and rigorously analyzed. Also, numerical experiments for each of them are presented to verify the theoretically predicted behavior of the phenomenon and some probabilistic versions are explored numerically to gain further insight on the phenomenon.
Some Properties of Proportional Reversed Hazards Model Based on Quantile Functions
Authors: Unnikrishnan Nair N. , Sankaran P. G. , Sunoj S. M.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study some reliability aspects of proportional reversed hazards model (PRHM) using quantile functions and derive certain characteristic properties. A quantile-based relevation transform for past lifetime random variable is introduced. The relationships between quantile-based PRHM and quantile versions of measures of divergence are investigated.
Survival Signature-based Reliability Approach for Complex Systems Susceptible to Common Cause Failures
Authors: Feng Geng
Published: December 2018

The importance of reliability to complex systems cannot be disputed as they are the backbones of our society. In practice, the common cause failures may have severe reverse function on complex systems’ overall stability. Survival Signature opens a new way to perform reliability analysis on systems with multiple component types. This paper under takes a research on survival signature-based reliability analysis on complex systems susceptible to Common Cause Failures. To be specific, it proposes the standard [Formula: see text]-factor model and general [Formula: see text]-factor model to combine with the survival signature. In practical applications, the [Formula: see text]-factor estimator of the system might not be defined completely due to limited data, or knowledge which requires to take imprecision into account. Some numerical cases are presented to show the applicability of the methods for complex systems. In addition, this paper may attract people’s attention on the conception of Design for Reliability.
Nonlinear Multiparameter Eigenvalue Problems in Aeroelasticity
Authors: Pons Arion , Gutschmidt Stefanie
Published: December 2018

In this work, we devise solution algorithms for nonlinear multiparameter eigenvalue problems arising in the analysis of aeroelastic flutter. Two iterative algorithms are devised, as well as a restriction method for simplifying the system behavior away from the desired flutter points. The algorithms are tested on a sectional model and on the Goland wing. Both are found to have fast and reliable convergence properties, yielding flutter point solutions which are validated by the literature. The definition of the eigenvalues is found to have a significant influence on the convergence properties of the algorithm; preferable choices for eigenvalue definitions are noted. The computational costs of the algorithms are tested and discussed; they are found to be favorable relative to other approaches from the literature. Opportunities for extending these methods are also tested and discussed.
Modeling and Control of an Eight-Legged Walking Robot Driven by Different Gait Generators
Authors: Grzelczyk Dariusz , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we studied both kinematic and dynamic models of a mammal-like octopod robot. To control robot legs, we employed a simple gait generator based on a sine function and we proposed modified generators of gait. The introduced generators allowed us to obtain better kinematic and dynamic properties of motion of the whole robot during walking. By changing the length and the height of a single robot step, it is possible to use one model to control the initial, regular, and final phases of the robot gait without the need of generating additional control signals. The simulation parameters were estimated based on the prototype designed in Inventor software. In turn, for numerical research, we used a simulation model implemented in Mathematica. The obtained results were presented in the form of time histories of basic kinematic and dynamic quantities of the robot gait as well as the configuration of the robot legs at the chosen time moments. The presented method allows us to precisely control the robot position in the vertical direction, which is also presented in this paper. As a result, we obtained better stability of the whole robot during walking and performing tasks, also on slippery terrains, i.e. on terrains with relatively low coefficient of friction between the ground and the robot feet.
Assessment of Internal Loads in the Joints of the Lower Extremities During the Snatch in Young Weightlifters
Authors: Czaplicki Adam , Dziewiecki Krzysztof , Mazur Zenon , Blajer Wojciech
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is to present the results of an assessment of internal loads in the joints of the lower limbs during the snatch performed by young weightlifters. A planar model of a weightlifter composed of 7 rigid segments (the lower trunk, thighs, lower legs and feet) connected by six hinge joints was used in the computations. The dynamic equations of the motion of the model were obtained using a projective technique. Kinematic data were recorded by a Vicon system with a sampling frequency of 200 Hz. The ground reactions were measured independently for the left and right limbs on two force platforms. The inverse dynamics problem was solved to assess the internal loads (the muscle forces and joint reactions) in the lower limbs. Relatively high differences in the reactions in the joints and muscle forces in the left and right lower extremities were identified. The obtained results also reveal that the snatch, a lift which tends to be geometrically symmetrical in the sagittal plane, is not necessarily characterized by symmetry of internal loads. Thus, this study has shown that a kinematics analysis of the lifter’s movement, which is commonly used to assess the technique of the snatch, is insufficient and should be supplemented with a dynamics analysis.
Dynamical extensions of quasi-linear left cycle sets and the Yang–Baxter equation
Authors: Castelli Marco , Catino Francesco , Miccoli Maria Maddalena , Pinto Giuseppina
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we give a characterization of the quasi-linear left cycle sets [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] via unitary metahomomorphisms and a complete description of those with [Formula: see text] improving the results obtained in [F. Catino and M. M. Miccoli, Construction of quasi-linear left cycle sets, J. Algebra Appl. 14(1) (2015), Article ID:1550001, 1–7]. Moreover, we develop a theory of dynamical extensions of quasi-linear left cycle sets to provide new set-theoretic solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation that are non-degenerate, involutive and multipermutational.
A characterization of 2-primal and NI rings over skew inverse Laurent series rings
Authors: Tehranchi Abdolreza , Paykan Kamal
Published: December 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be an associative ring equipped with an automorphism [Formula: see text] and an [Formula: see text]-derivation [Formula: see text]. In this note, we characterize when a skew inverse Laurent series ring [Formula: see text] and a skew inverse power series ring [Formula: see text] are 2-primal, and we obtain partial characterizations for those to be NI.
3-Dimensional Skew-symmetric Algebras and the Variety of Hom-Lie Algebras
Authors: Remm Elisabeth
Published: December 2018

An algebra is called skew-symmetric if its multiplication operation is a skewsymmetric bilinear application. We determine all these algebras in dimension 3 over a field of characteristic different from 2. As an application, we determine the subvariety of 3-dimensional Hom-Lie algebras. For this type of algebra, we study also the case of dimension 4.
On Prime Spectrum of Maximal Subgroups in Finite Groups
Authors: Zhang Chi , Guo Wenbin , Maslova Natalia V. , Revin Danila O.
Published: December 2018

For a positive integer n, we denote by π(n) the set of all prime divisors of n. For a finite group G, the set [Formula: see text] is called the prime spectrum of G. Let [Formula: see text] mean that M is a maximal subgroup of G. We put [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this notice, using well-known number-theoretical results, we present a number of examples to show that both K(G) and k(G) are unbounded in general. This implies that the problem “Are k(G) and K(G) bounded by some constant k?”, raised by Monakhov and Skiba in 2016, is solved in the negative.
Differential Inverse Power Series Rings with Quasi-Armendariz-like Condition
Authors: Paykan Kamal , Bodaghi Abasalt
Published: December 2018

A generalization of semiprime rings and right p.q.-Baer rings, which we call quasi-Armendariz rings of differential inverse power series type (or simply, [Formula: see text]-quasi-Armendariz), is introduced and studied. It is shown that the [Formula: see text]-quasi-Armendariz rings are closed under direct sums, upper triangular matrix rings, full matrix rings and Morita invariance. Various classes of non-semiprime [Formula: see text]-quasi-Armendariz rings are provided, and a number of properties of this generalization are established. Some characterizations for the differential inverse power series ring [Formula: see text] to be quasi-Baer, generalized quasi-Baer, primary, nilary, reflexive, ideal-symmetric and left AIP are concluded, where δ is a derivation on the ring R. Finally, miscellaneous examples to illustrate and delimit the theory are given.
Excellent Extensions and Homological Conjectures
Authors: Zhang Yingying
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we introduce the notion of excellent extensions of rings. Let Γ be an excellent extension of an Artin algebra Λ, we prove that Λ satisfies the Gorenstein symmetry conjecture (resp., finitistic dimension conjecture, Auslander–Gorenstein conjecture, Nakayama conjecture) if and only if so does Γ. As a special case of excellent extensions, when G is a finite group whose order is invertible in Λ acting on Λ and Λ is G-stable, we prove that if the skew group algebra ΛG satisfies strong Nakayama conjecture (resp., generalized Nakayama conjecture), then so does Λ.
Containment Problem for Quasi Star Configurations of Points in ℙ2
Authors: Haghighi Hassan , Mosakhani Mohammad
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the containment problem for the defining ideal of a special type of zero-dimensional subscheme of ℙ2, the so-called quasi star configuration, is investigated. Some sharp bounds for the resurgence of these types of ideals are given. As an application of this result, for every real number [Formula: see text], we construct an infinite family of homogeneous radical ideals of points in 𝕂[ℙ2] such that their resurgences lie in the interval [2−ε, 2). Moreover, the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity of all ordinary powers of defining ideal of quasi star configurations are determined. In particular, it is shown that all of these ordinary powers have a linear resolution.
Finite Groups in Which the Automizers of Some Abelian Subgroups are Trivial
Authors: Bai Pengfei , Guo Xiuyun
Published: December 2018

If H is a subgroup of a finite group G, then the automizer AutG(H) of H in G is defined as the group of automorphisms of H induced by conjugation by elements of NG(H). A finite group G is called an NNC-group if for any non-normal abelian subgroup A, either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In this paper, classifications of nilpotent NNC-groups and non-solvable NNC-groups are given. We also investigate the solvable NNC-groups and describe the structure of solvable NNC-groups.
Impact Resistance and Design of Graded Cellular Cladding
Authors: Ding Yuanyuan , Zheng Zhijun , Wang Yonggang , Zhou Fenghua
Published: December 2018

One-dimensional impact response of graded cellular rods with monotonously increasing density distribution, which benefits in buffering the impact object in proximal end, is investigated by using shock models and cell-based finite element models. Based on the rigid–plastic hardening (R-PH) idealization, a theoretical model of the shock front propagation behavior in graded cellular rods subjected by impact is developed and solved numerically with a fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme. Finite element analysis is performed using 2D random Voronoi technique, and the comparisons illustrate that the theoretical predictions and finite element results are in good agreement. The anti-impact responses of graded cellular materials with different gradient parameters are carried out, and it is demonstrated that the design indicators, including support stress, critical length and maximum deceleration of the object, are highly related to the gradient parameters of graded cellular materials. A design strategy for the impact alleviation of graded cellular materials is proposed. Thus, the gradient parameters can be finally determined to meet the requirement of the actual design indicators and it can also offer an optimal critical length for final graded cellular materials.
Microwave Absorption Enhancement of Fe/C Core–Shell Hybrid Derived from a Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Heng Liuyang , Zhang Zilong , Wang Shuai , Chen Xiqiao , Jia Xiubo , Tang Zhixiang , Zou Yanhong
Published: December 2018

Core–shell structured Fe/C have been successfully derived from a metal-organic framework for microwave absorbing. Based on the measured electromagnetic parameters, it is found that the maximum reflection loss (RL) of Fe/C reaches [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB at 5.8[Formula: see text]GHz with a thickness of 3.0[Formula: see text]mm and the broadest absorption bandwidth ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB) is up to 6.0[Formula: see text]GHz (from 11.2 to 17.2[Formula: see text]GHz) with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The excellent microwave absorption is mainly ascribed to the multiple reflections, good impedance matching, dielectric loss and interface polarization originating from the core–shell structure. It is believed that Fe/C can be a promising microwave absorbing material.
Hand Grip Strength and Its Sociodemographic and Health Correlates among Older Adult Men and Women (50 Years and Older) in Indonesia
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: December 2018

Objective. There is lack of knowledge about the patterns and correlates of hand grip strength (HGS) of older adults in Indonesia. This study aims to assess sociodemographic and health determinants of HGS among older adult men and women in Indonesia. Methods. Participants were 7097 individuals of 50 years and older (mean age 61.2 years, SD=9.4) that participated in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) in 2014-15. The assessment measures included a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and health variables and anthropometric and HGS measurements. Linear multivariable regression analysis was conducted to estimate the association of social and health variables and HGS. Results. The mean HGS was 28.2 kgs for men and 17.2 kgs for women. In adjusted linear regression analysis among both men and women, height, being overweight or obese, and having a good self-rated health status were positively associated with HGS, while age, having underweight, low cognitive functioning, and functional disability were negatively associated with HGS. In addition, among men, higher education and medium economic background were positive and having two or more chronic conditions, having severe depressive symptoms, and having moderate sleep impairment were negatively associated with HGS. Conclusion. The study contributed to a better understanding of patterns and correlates of HGS among older adults in Indonesia. Gender-specific and health related interventions may be needed so as to improve the physical functioning of the growing older populace in Indonesia.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of the Rational Loading Waveform in SHPB Test for Rock Materials
Authors: Luo Song , Gong Fengqiang
Published: December 2018

Aiming at the determination of the rational loading waveform for rock materials, the comparative impact tests under the loadings of rectangular and half‐sine stress waves were performed on red sandstone using an Ø50 mm SHPB apparatus. Experimental results with the rectangular stress wave affirm that the waveform dispersion and stress‐strain curve oscillation frequently exist during the test of rock materials, which signifies that the accuracy of test results derived from the rectangular stress wave loading cannot be guaranteed. Under the loading of the half‐sine stress wave, the phenomenon of wave dispersion during the tests has been eliminated radically, and there is no oscillation in the stress‐strain curves. To further demonstrate the rationality of the half‐sine wave loading in the SHPB test, by utilizing the three‐dimensional numerical simulation approach, the propagations of rectangular, triangular, and half‐sine stress waves travelling in the axial and radial directions of the SHPB with four elastic bar diameter sizes are analyzed and compared. The results show that the waveform dispersion of the rectangular and triangular stress waves always exists and will be more and more serious with increasing diameter size and propagation distance. For the half‐sine stress wave, the waveform dispersion effect is very weak and not affected by the bar diameter size and propagation distance. The half‐sine stress wave is the rational loading waveform for rock SHPB tests with different bar diameters.
Wide Resection and Iliac Crest Arthrodesis for Multiply Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor of First Metatarsal
Authors: Golz Andrew , Murphy Michael , Nystrom Lukas , Schiff Adam
Published: December 2018

Case. Giant cell tumor of bone is a benign, aggressive neoplasm commonly arising in the femur, tibia, and distal radius and less commonly in the hands and feet. We describe a 22-year-old woman who underwent wide resection of multiply recurrent first metatarsal giant cell tumor and reconstruction with iliac crest arthrodesis. Conclusion. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of managing multiply recurrent giant cell tumor of the first metatarsal. The patient was without pain and exercising without difficulty 18 months following surgery. This method appears useful for reconstructing the foot following multiply recurrent giant cell tumor of the metatarsal.
Bifunctional Tailoring of Platinum Surfaces with Earth Abundant Iron Oxide Nanowires for Boosted Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Al-Qodami Bilquis Ali , Farrag Heba H. , Sayed Sayed Youssef , Allam Nageh K. , El-Anadouli Bahgat E. , Mohammad Ahmad M.
Published: December 2018

To expedite the marketing of direct formic acid fuel cells, a peerless inexpensive binary FeOx/Pt nanocatalyst was proposed for formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO). The roles of both catalytic ingredients (FeOx and Pt) were inspired by testing the catalytic performance of FAO at the FeOx/Au and FeOx/GC analogies. The deposition of FeOx proceeded electrochemically with a post‐activating step that identified the catalyst’s structure and performance. With a proper adaptation for the deposition and activation processes, the FeOx/Pt nanocatalyst succeeded to mitigate the typical CO poisoning that represents the principal element deteriorating the catalytic performance of the direct formic acid fuel cells. It also provided a higher (eightfold) catalytic efficiency than the bare Pt substrates toward FAO with a much better durability. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were all employed to inspect, respectively, the surface morphology, bulk composition, and crystal structure of the catalyst. The electrochemical impedance spectra could correlate the charge transfer resistances for FAO over the inspected set of catalysts to explore the role of FeOx in mediating the reaction mechanism.
Persistence of Brucella abortus in the Bone Marrow of Infected Mice
Authors: Gutiérrez-Jiménez Cristina , Hysenaj Lisiena , Alfaro-Alarcón Alejandro , Mora-Cartín Ricardo , Arce-Gorvel Vilma , Moreno Edgardo , Gorvel Jean Pierre , Barquero-Calvo Elías
Published: December 2018

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that may persist for long periods causing relapses in antibiotic-treated patients. The ability of Brucella to develop chronic infections is linked to their capacity to invade and replicate within the mononuclear phagocyte system, including the bone marrow (BM). Persistence of Brucella in the BM has been associated with hematological complications such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and pancytopenia in human patients. In the mouse model, we observed that the number of Brucella abortus in the BM remained constant for up to 168 days of postinfection. This persistence was associated with histopathological changes, accompanied by augmented numbers of BM myeloid GMP progenitors, PMNs, and CD4+ lymphocytes during the acute phase (eight days) of the infection in the BM. Monocytes, PMNs, and GMP cells were identified as the cells harboring Brucella in the BM. We propose that the BM is an essential niche for the bacterium to establish long-lasting infections and that infected PMNs may serve as vehicles for dispersion of Brucella organisms, following the Trojan horse hypothesis. Monocytes are solid candidates for Brucella reservoirs in the BM.
Bioinformatic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal Intervention Effects of Chicory in a Quail Model of Hyperuricemia
Authors: Bian Meng , Lin Zhijian , Wang Yu , Zhang Bing , Li Gaoxi , Wang Haige
Published: December 2018

Background. Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a kind of a metabolic disease that seriously threatens human health worldwide. Chicory, a natural herbal medicine, has an obvious effect of reducing uric acid. The aim of this study is to explore the potential components and pharmacological pathways that may play a role in hypouricemia activity of chicory. Bioinformatics and metabonomics were applied to this research. Firstly, component‐target network was used to identify possible components related to the pharmacological properties and their corresponding mechanisms pathway of chicory. Afterwards, animal pharmacodynamic experiments were performed. Blood and stool samples were collected for untargeted metabolomic analysis by dint of UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS methods, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were performed for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. Significant enriched function pathways were used in bioinformatics suggesting that chicory might have the effect of regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. PLS‐DA analysis was applied to discover differentiating metabolites, and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that chicory had powerful effects of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐ (GPI‐) anchor biosynthesis, inositol phosphate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Combining bioinformatics and metabolomics results, we consider that chicory may develop on lowering uric acid by adjusting lipid metabolism. In addition, we chose quail as animal model innovatively and discussed the treatment of hyperuricemia with chicory in multiple methods, which may render reference for the research of HUA.
The Potential of Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair and Regeneration: Novel Aspects
Authors: Uzieliene I. , Urbonaite G. , Tachtamisevaite Z. , Mobasheri A. , Bernotiene E.
Published: December 2018

Menstrual blood is a unique body fluid that contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells have attracted a great deal of attention due to their exceptional advantages including easy access and frequently accessible sample source and no need for complex ethical and surgical interventions, as compared to other tissues. Menstrual blood-derived MSCs possess all the major stem cell properties and even have a greater proliferation and differentiation potential as compared to bone marrow-derived MSCs, making them a perspective tool in a further clinical practice. Although the potential of menstrual blood stem cells to differentiate into a large variety of tissue cells has been studied in many studies, their chondrogenic properties have not been extensively explored and investigated. Articular cartilage is susceptible to traumas and degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, and has poor self-regeneration capacity and therefore requires more effective therapeutic technique. MSCs seem promising candidates for cartilage regeneration; however, no clinically effective stem cell-based repair method has yet emerged. This chapter focuses on studies in the field of menstrual blood-derived MSCs and their chondrogenic differentiation potential and suitability for application in cartilage regeneration. Although a very limited number of studies have been made in this field thus far, these cells might emerge as an efficient and easily accessible source of multipotent cells for cartilage engineering and cell-based chondroprotective therapy.
Boson Peak and Superstructural Groups in Na2O-B2O3 Glasses
Authors: Osipov Armenak A. , Osipova Leyla M.
Published: December 2018

Low-frequency Raman spectra of the sodium borate glasses with Na2O content ranging from 0 to 30 mol% were measured and analyzed from the point of view of their structure in the intermediate range order. Our results show that there is a simple linear correlation between correlation length, lc, and an average size, , of the area of ordered arrangement of atoms, obtained via the distribution of the (super)structural units and their representative size. Six types of the areas of ordered arrangement of atoms were determined, being related to the presence of the B3O3⌀3 boroxol rings, B3O3⌀4- triborate rings, B5O6⌀4- pentaborate groups, B8O10⌀62- tetraborate groups, B4O5⌀42- diborate groups, and B3O63- cyclic metaborate anions in the sodium borate glasses. It was shown that the size of the areas of ordered arrangement of atoms can be determined from the simple geometric analysis of the crystallographic data on the superstructural units.
The Impact of Ischaemic Stroke Subtype on 30-day Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Bjerkreim Anna Therese , Khanevski Andrej Netland , Selvik Henriette Aurora , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Thomassen Lars , Naess Halvor , Logallo Nicola
Published: December 2018

Background. Stroke aetiology may affect the risk and causes of readmission after ischaemic stroke (IS) and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) due to differences in risk factors, functional outcome, and treatment. We aimed to examine frequencies, causes, and risk of 30-day readmission by stroke subtype, determine predictors of 30-day readmission, and study the impact of 30-day readmissions on one-year mortality. Methods. All surviving patients admitted with IS or TIA from July 2007 to December 2013 were followed by review of medical records for all unplanned readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Stroke subtype was classified as large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), small vessel occlusion (SVO), stroke of other determined aetiology (SOE), or stroke of undetermined aetiology (SUE). Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the risk of 30-day readmission for the stroke subtypes and identify predictors of 30-day readmission, and its impact on one-year mortality. Results. Of 1874 patients, 200 (10.7%) were readmitted within 30 days [LAA 42/244 (17.2%), CE 75/605 (12.4%), SVO 12/205 (5.9%), SOE 6/32 (18.8%), SUE 65/788 (8.3%)]. The most frequent causes of readmissions were stroke-related event, infection, recurrent stroke/ TIA, and cardiac disease. After adjusting for age, sex, functional outcome, length of stay, and the risk factor burden, patients with LAA and SOE subtype had significantly higher risks of readmission for any cause, recurrent stroke or TIA, and stroke-related events. Predictors of 30-day readmission were higher age, peripheral arterial disease, enteral feeding, and LAA subtype. Thirty-day readmission was an independent predictor of one-year mortality. Conclusions. Patients with LAA or SOE have a high risk of 30-day readmission, possibly caused by an increased risk of recurrent stroke and stroke-related events. Awareness of the risk of readmission for different causes and appropriate handling according to stroke subtype may be useful for preventing some readmissions after stroke.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome with Stroke in Puerperal Woman with High Titer of Anti-Phospholipid IgM Antibody
Authors: Hirashima Hiroto , Iwamoto Masahiro , Ozawa Tadashi , Kijima Shigeyoshi , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkuchi Akihide
Published: December 2018

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with stroke is very rare in puerperal women. A 36-year-old nulliparous woman with both rheumatoid arthritis and recurrent pregnancy loss, probably due to a high titer of anti-phospholipid IgM antibody, was referred at 10 weeks of gestation. Low-dose aspirin at 100 mg/day and heparin calcium subcutaneous injection at 10,000 units/day were started before pregnancy and stopped at 35+6and 40+2weeks, respectively. She transabdominally delivered a male infant weighing 3,344 g at 40+5weeks. A tonic-clonic seizure abruptly occurred without either hypertension or proteinuria 5 days after delivery. Intracerebral hemorrhage involving an area of 2 cm in diameter in the right frontal lobe and subarachnoid hemorrhage with PRES were confirmed. Seizure recurred 2 days after the initial episode. She showed severe headache and mild disturbance of consciousness but no neurological findings. We suggested that a high titer of anti-phospholipid IgM antibody might be associated with stroke.
The Systems of Volume-Localized Electron Quantum Levels of Charged Fullerenes
Authors: Arutyunyan Rafael V. , Osadchy Alexander V.
Published: December 2018

The existence of a system of short-lived, discrete, volume-localized electron quantum levels in positively charged fullerenes is theoretically and numerically demonstrated using the example of fullerenes C60 and C20. Unlike experimentally and theoretically well-studied electron states localized in a thin surface layer, these electron states are due to the flat part of the Coulomb potential of a positively charged fullerene sphere. The energy width of the system of such discrete volume-localized levels depends on the charge and increases with increasing charge. For C60+1, the energy width is 0.16 a.u. and increases up to 0.9 a.u. for fullerene C60+10. Thus, the electrons captured on these discrete levels of fullerene form a sort of short-lived superheavy “nanoatom” or “nanoion,” in which the electrons are localized inside a positively charged spherical “nucleus” with an atomic mass of 240 a.u. for C20 and 720 a.u. for C60. Numerous published papers have demonstrated theoretically and experimentally the existence of metastable positively charged C60 fullerenes with a charge of +10 or more, which suggests the possibility of experimental observation of the considering system of volume-localized electronic states. In conclusion, questions are discussed and estimates are made of the possibility of generating coherent radiation at these transitions.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis and Incident Diabetes among Nondiabetic Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tang Huilin , Li Deming , Li Yufeng , Zhang Xi , Song Yiqing , Li Xinli
Published: December 2018

Aims. Emerging evidence has suggested a mechanistic link from vitamin D metabolism to glucose and insulin homeostasis. This study is aimed at specifically quantifying the direct effects of vitamin D supplementation on indexes of glucose and insulin homeostasis as well as incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among nondiabetic adults. Methods. We systematically searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin D supplementation in nondiabetic adults in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool the estimates. Results. Our meta-analysis included 47 RCTs involving 44,161 nondiabetic individuals with a median trial duration of 4 months and a median dose of 4000 IU/d. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced fasting glucose by 0.11 mmol/L, fasting insulin by 1.47 mIU/L, and HOMA-IR by 0.32 while increasing total 25 (OH) D levels by 40.14 nmol/L. We found no significant effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin secretion or beta cell function indexes. Based on the data from six trials involving 39,633 participants and 2533 incident T2D cases, vitamin D supplementation was not associated with the risk of incident diabetes compared to placebo (pooled relative risk: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.93 to 1.08). Conclusions. Our meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplementation might improve glucose and insulin metabolism without affecting the risk of T2D among nondiabetic adults.