bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCR2-dependent monocyte-derived macrophages resolve inflammation and restore gut motility in postoperative ileus
Authors: Farro Giovanna , Stakenborg Michelle , Gomez-Pinilla Pedro J , Labeeuw Evelien , Goverse Gera , Giovangiulio Martina Di , Stakenborg Nathalie , Meroni Elisa , D’Errico Francesca , Elkrim Yvon , Laoui Damya , Lisowski Zofia M , Sauter Kristin A , Hume David A , Van Ginderachter Jo A , Boeckxstaens Guy E , Matteoli Gianluca
Published: June 2017

Objective

Postoperative ileus (POI) is assumed to result from myeloid cells infiltrating the intestinalmuscularis externa(ME) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. In the current study, we investigated the role of infiltrating monocytes in a murine model of intestinal manipulation (IM)-induced POI in order to clarify whether monocytes mediate tissue damage and intestinal dysfunction or they are rather involved in the recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) motility.

Design

IM was performed in mice with defective monocyte migration to tissues (C-C motif chemokine receptor 2,Ccr2−/−mice) and wild-type (WT) mice to study the role of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MΦs) during onset and resolution of ME inflammation.

Results

At early time points, IM-induced GI transit delay and inflammation were equal in WT andCcr2−/−mice. However, GI transit recovery after IM was significantly delayed inCcr2−/−mice compared with WT mice, associated with increased neutrophil-mediated immunopathology and persistent impaired neuromuscular function. During recovery, monocyte-derived MΦs acquire pro-resolving features that aided in the resolution of inflammation. In line, bone marrow reconstitution and treatment with MΦ colony-stimulating factor 1 enhanced monocyte recruitment and MΦ differentiation and ameliorated GI transit inCcr2−/−mice.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a critical role for monocyte-derived MΦs in restoring intestinal homeostasis after surgical trauma. From a therapeutic point of view, our data indicate that inappropriate targeting of monocytes may increase neutrophil-mediated immunopathology and prolong the clinical outcome of POI, while future therapies should be aimed at enhancing MΦ physiological repair functions.
Favouring modulation of circulating lipoproteins and lipid loading capacity by direct antiviral agents grazoprevir/elbasvir or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment against chronic HCV infection
Authors: Sun Hung-Yu , Cheng Pin-Nan , Tseng Chiung-Ying , Tsai Wei-Jen , Chiu Yen-Cheng , Young Kung-Chia
Published: June 2017

Objective

Lipid homoeostasis is disturbed in patients with HCV infection. Direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment eradicates chronic HCV viraemia, but the dynamics of lipid components remain elusive. This study investigates the clinical manifestation and mechanistic relevance of plasma triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (Chol), lipoproteins and apolipoproteins (apos) after DAA treatment.

Design

Twenty-four patients with chronic genotype 1 (GT1) HCV treated with elbasvir/grazoprevir or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks, and followed-up thereafter, were recruited. Their TG, Chol, apoAI and apoB levels were quantified in plasma samples and individually fractionated lipoprotein of various classes. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using the FIB-4 Score. The TG and Chol loading capacities were calculated with normalisation to apoB, which represents per very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL particle unit

Results

DAA treatment achieved a sustained virological response rate of 91.7% and reduced the FIB-4 Score. Relative to the baseline, the plasma TG level was reduced but the Chol level increased gradually. Plasma apoB levels and apoB/apoAI ratio were transiently downregulated as early as the first 4 weeks of treatment. The TG and Chol loading capacities in VLDL were elevated by ~20% during the period of DAA treatment and had steadily increased by 100% at follow-up. Furthermore, the TG-to-Chol ratio in VLDL was increased, while the ratio in LDL was reduced, indicating an efficient catabolism.

Conclusion

The DAA treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C might lead to efficient HCV eradication and hepatic improvement concomitantly evolving with favouring lipoprotein/apo metabolisms.
Bottom-up factors contribute to large-scale synchrony in spruce budworm populations
Authors: Bouchard Mathieu , Régnière Jacques , Therrien Pierre
Published: June 2017

Understanding the mechanisms that cause large-scale synchrony in insect population dynamics might yield key insights for predicting potential outbreak occurrence. Here, we evaluated which environmental factors best explain synchronous population fluctuations in the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) (SBW), a major defoliator of coniferous forests in North America. SBW population levels were assessed with pheromone traps during the 1986–2014 period across a 625 000 km2 territory located in the province of Québec (Canada). The populations were characterized by abundance fluctuations that were often synchronized across the whole study area. Interannual population fluctuations were correlated with host tree cone production (a source of food) and high May temperatures, suggesting that synchrony was influenced by food availability and phenological mismatch during shoot development. Cone production was itself correlated with low precipitation during the previous summer. This study indicates that bottom-up trophic factors can drive spatiotemporal synchrony in insect populations and contribute to explain important and sustained population increases during some years. We also suggest that several biological processes, all influenced by weather, are likely to interact to explain population synchrony during the different phases of the approximately 35 year SBW outbreak cycle, complicating the prediction of climate change effects on this insect.
Genetically modified soybean expressing insecticidal protein (Cry1Ac): Management risk and perspectives
Authors: Martins-Salles Silvia , Machado Vilmar , Massochin-Pinto Laura , Fiuza Lidia M.
Published: June 2017

A Bt soybean has been recently developed, thus, efficiently regulating the populations of major lepidopteran pests. However, in other cases, these benefits have been reduced or lost because of the rapid evolution of pest resistance to the Bt toxins in transgenic crops. When pest populations are exposed to Bt crops and to refuges (non- Bt plants), the evolution of resistance is governed by the fitness of resistant individuals relative to susceptible individuals for both the presence and absence of Bt toxins. One major ecological concern regarding the biosafety of Bt crops on the environment is their potential effects on non-target organisms, especially predators and parasitoids that play an important role in pest control. This information is important for supporting insect resistance management (IRM) programs and for improving agricultural practices in a crop production system with Bt plants. Before the use of Bt plants for insect pest control in Brazil is adopted, IRM programs should be established to ensure the sustainability of this technology for integrated pest management (IPM). This review presents data on Bt soybean and lepidopteran pests as well as on the importance of natural enemies as a form of biological control, and applications for IPM and IRM.
Special Ulrich bundles on non-special surfaces with pg = q = 0
Authors: Casnati Gianfranco
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a surface with [Formula: see text] and endowed with a very ample line bundle [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] supports special (often stable) Ulrich bundles of rank [Formula: see text], extending a recent result by A. Beauville. Moreover, we show that such an [Formula: see text] supports families of dimension [Formula: see text] of pairwise non-isomorphic, indecomposable, Ulrich bundles for arbitrary large [Formula: see text] except for very few cases. We also show that the same is true for each linearly normal non-special surface with [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] of degree at least [Formula: see text], Enriques surface and anticanonical rational surface.
(Anti)evaporation of dyonic black holes in string-inspired dilaton f(R)-gravity
Authors: Addazi Andrea
Published: June 2017

We discuss dyonic black hole solutions in the case of f(R)-gravity coupled with a dilaton and two gauge bosons. The study of such a model is highly motivated from string theory. Our black hole solutions are extensions of the one firstly studied by Kallosh, Linde, Ortín, Peet and Van Proeyen (KLOPV) in arXiv:hep-th/9205027 . We will show that extreme solutions are unstable. In particular, these solutions have Bousso–Hawking–Nojiri–Odintsov (anti)evaporation instabilities.
Indium passivation impact on HfO2/GaAs interface: A first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Lamei , Shang Jimin , Cai Genwang
Published: June 2017

The interface quality between III–V semiconductor and high-k material is critical for improving the performance of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors. Utilizing first-principles calculations, we explore the electronic properties of the GaAs/HfO2 interface when indium interfacial atom defects are introduced. The stability of the interfaces will increase with the increasing of the number of indium interfacial atoms. Meanwhile, the band offsets also depend on the number of indium atom substitutions and interstitials. Furthermore, the substitutions suppress the interfacial gap states near the VBM and have the partially passivation, but the effect of interstitial passivation on the interfacial states are limited.
One-step hydrothermal fabrication and optical properties of ZnO nanoplate
Authors: Li Hong , Liu Hongyan , Li Yushan , Liu Qinzhuang
Published: June 2017

The surface morphology of ZnO evolving from nanorod to nanoplate is controlled through the increase of Al[Formula: see text] concentration in aqueous solution. In the process of fabricating ZnO nanoplate, Al[Formula: see text] acts as surface passivating agent and the growth rate along the [0001] orientation is suppressed. The blueshift of free excitons occurs with the increasing of Al[Formula: see text] concentration.
Design and Experiment of a Sorting System for Haploid Maize Kernel
Authors: Song Peng , Zhang Han , Wang Cheng , Luo Bin , Zhang Jun Xiong
Published: June 2017

This study designed an automatic sorting system that can separate haploid maize kernels from cross-breeding kernels that are marked with the Navajo label. This system comprises the seed feeding, image acquisition, sorting and system control units. The seed feeding unit distributes the maize kernels over the synchronous belt. The image acquisition unit acquires the images of maize kernels, as well as distinguishes the heterozygous from haploid kernels based on the color feature of the endosperm. The sorting unit contains mechanical arms and solenoid valves that can select the heterozygote kernels using air suction. Lastly, the system control unit is compatible with other units. Four maize varieties, namely, 958-CAU, 1050-37, LC0990-LN75 and LC0995-CAU, were provided by China Agricultural University, National Maize Improvement Center. These varieties were selected for the experiments conducted. The successful unloading rates of the system are 85.56%, 91.39%, 87.22% and 86.39%, respectively. (R[Formula: see text]G)[Formula: see text]G–B[Formula: see text]/B was employed to distinguish the pigmented endosperm area. The accuracy rates of identification for the heterozygous kernels are 92.91%, 95.04%, 88.82% and 92.65% for 958-CAU, 1050-37, LC0990-LN75 and LC0995-CAU, respectively.
Boundedness and compactness of Dunkl two-wavelet multipliers
Authors: Mejjaoli Hatem
Published: June 2017

We introduce the notion of a Dunkl two-wavelet multiplier, and we give its trace formula as a bounded linear operator in the trace class from [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] in terms of the symbol and the two admissible wavelets. Next, we give results on the boundedness and compactness of Dunkl two-wavelet multipliers on [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
CONTEXTUAL EFFECTS IN OPEN INNOVATION: A MULTI-COUNTRY COMPARISON
Authors: ARBUSSÃ ANNA , LLACH JOSEP
Published: June 2017

This paper contributes to the understanding of the context dependency of open innovation. It does so by empirically analysing the relationship between innovation activities, firm characteristics and the degree of innovation openness of manufacturing companies in three European countries with varying degrees of technological development. Logistic regression analysis is used to study CIS data from Germany, Portugal and Bulgaria. In line with the contingency approach to open innovation, the results suggest that the appropriate open innovation strategy is context dependent, with similar practices and firm characteristics obtaining opposite relationship signs in different countries. Hence, it is important to take country idiosyncrasies into account when designing policies to promote open innovation.
Occupancy Estimation Based on Indoor CO2 Concentration: Comparison of Neural Network and Bayesian Methods
Authors: Rahman Haolia , Han Hwataik
Published: June 2017

The number of occupants in a space can significantly affect ventilation control. Using neural network and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, this study estimates the number of occupants based on CO2 concentration in a room. The abilities of both methods to recognize the input-parameter characteristics are compared under certain circumstances, and the parameters are optimized to improve the estimation accuracy. The neural network trains an input dataset of CO2 concentrations, ventilation rates, and occupancy patterns with tapped delay lines. Meanwhile, the Bayesian MCMC calculates the given CO2 data by a mathematical model based on a statistical approach. The present space model is a single-office room in which the CO2 concentration is determined through several simulation schemes and experiments. The estimation accuracy of the neural network depends on the complexity of the input parameters (i.e., CO2 concentration and ventilation rate), whereas the Bayesian MCMC is influenced by uncertainty in the CO2 concentration. Both methods produce acceptable estimates under certain treatments.
Efficient Mapping of Applications for Future Chip-Multiprocessors in Dark Silicon Era
Authors: Hoveida Mohaddeseh , Aghaaliakbari Fatemeh , Bashizade Ramin , Arjomand Mohammad , Sarbazi-Azad Hamid
Published: June 2017

The failure of Dennard scaling has led to the utilization wall that is the source of dark silicon and limits the percentage of a chip that can actively switch within a given power budget. To address this issue, a structure is needed to guarantee the limited power budget along with providing sufficient flexibility and performance for different applications with various communication requirements. In this article, we present a general-purpose platform for future many-core Chip-Multiprocessors (CMPs) that benefits from the advantages of clustering, Network-on-Chip (NoC) resource sharing among cores, and power gating the unused components of clusters. We also propose two task mapping methods for the proposed platform in which active and dark cores are dispersed appropriately, so that an excess of power budget can be obtained. Our evaluations reveal that the first and second proposed mapping mechanisms respectively reduce the execution time by up to 28.6% and 39.2% and the NoC power consumption by up to 11.1% and 10%, and gain an excess power budget of up to 7.6% and 13.4% over the baseline architecture.
Circuits for Action and Cognition: A View from the Superior Colliculus
Authors: Basso Michele A. , May Paul J.
Published: June 2017

The superior colliculus is one of the most well-studied structures in the brain, and with each new report, its proposed role in behavior seems to increase in complexity. Forty years of evidence show that the colliculus is critical for reorienting an organism toward objects of interest. In monkeys, this involves saccadic eye movements. Recent work in the monkey colliculus and in the homologous optic tectum of the bird extends our understanding of the role of the colliculus in higher mental functions, such as attention and decision making. In this review, we highlight some of these recent results, as well as those capitalizing on circuit-based methodologies using transgenic mice models, to understand the contribution of the colliculus to attention and decision making. The wealth of information we have about the colliculus, together with new tools, provides a unique opportunity to obtain a detailed accounting of the neurons, circuits, and computations that underlie complex behavior.
Inhibitory Interneurons in the Retina: Types, Circuitry, and Function
Authors: Diamond Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2017

Visual signals in the vertebrate retina are shaped by feedback and feedforward inhibition in two synaptic layers. In one, horizontal cells establish fundamental center-surround receptive-field properties via morphologically and physiologically complex synapses with photoreceptors and bipolar cells. In the other, a panoply of amacrine cells imbue ganglion cell responses with spatiotemporally complex information about the visual world. Here, I review current ideas about horizontal cell signaling, considering the evidence for and against the leading, competing theories. I also discuss recent work that has begun to make sense of the remarkable morphological and physiological diversity of amacrine cells. These latter efforts have been aided tremendously by increasingly complete connectivity maps of inner retinal circuitry and new genetic tools that enable study of individual, sparsely expressed amacrine cell types.
Understanding mechanisms and seeking cures for Alzheimer's disease: why we must be “extraordinarily diverse”
Authors: Thambisetty Madhav
Published: June 2017

After more than a century since Dr. Alois Alzheimer first described the pathological hallmarks accompanying the defining clinical features of the disease, we have yet to deliver any meaningful disease-modifying treatments to our patients. In this article, I present a rationale for the need to be “extraordinarily diverse” in seeking effective ways to treat or prevent this devastating disease. This approach is based on applying a systems-biology perspective at the population level, using a diverse array of “OMICS” methodologies to identify molecular mechanisms associated with well-established AD risk factors including systemic inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance. We believe that applying this strategy to understand longitudinal changes in human physiology during aging is of paramount importance in identifying meaningful opportunities to intervene effectively in AD.
The regulatory 1α subunit of protein kinase A modulates renal cystogenesis
Authors: Ye Hong , Wang Xiaofang , Constans Megan M. , Sussman Caroline R. , Chebib Fouad T. , Irazabal María V. , Young William F. , Harris Peter C. , Kirschner Lawrence S. , Torres Vicente E.
Published: June 2017

The failure of the polycystins (PCs) to function in primary cilia is thought to be responsible for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Primary cilia integrate multiple cellular signaling pathways, including calcium, cAMP, Wnt, and Hedgehog, which control cell proliferation and differentiation. It has been proposed that mutated PCs result in reduced intracellular calcium, which in turn upregulates cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, and subsequently other proliferative signaling pathways. However, the role of PKA in ADPKD has not been directly ascertained in vivo, although the expression of the main regulatory subunit of PKA in cilia and other compartments (PKA-RIα, encoded by PRKAR1A) is increased in a mouse model orthologous to ADPKD. Therefore, we generated a kidney-specific knockout of Prkar1a to examine the consequences of constitutive upregulation of PKA on wild-type and Pkd1 hypomorphic ( Pkd1RC) backgrounds. Kidney-specific loss of Prkar1a induced renal cystic disease and markedly aggravated cystogenesis in the Pkd1RC models. In both settings, it was accompanied by upregulation of Src, Ras, MAPK/ERK, mTOR, CREB, STAT3, Pax2 and Wnt signaling. On the other hand, Gli3 repressor activity was enhanced, possibly contributing to hydronephrosis and impaired glomerulogenesis in some animals. To assess the relevance of these observations in humans we looked for and found evidence for kidney and liver cystic phenotypes in the Carney complex, a tumoral syndrome caused by mutations in PRKAR1A. These observations expand our understanding of the pathogenesis of ADPKD and demonstrate the importance of PRKAR1A highlighting PKA as a therapeutic target in ADPKD.
Reduction in podocyte SIRT1 accelerates kidney injury in aging mice
Authors: Chuang Peter Y. , Cai Weijing , Li Xuezhu , Fang Lu , Xu Jin , Yacoub Rabi , He John Cijiang , Lee Kyung
Published: June 2017

Both the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease are increasing in the elderly population. Although aging is known to induce kidney injury, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a longevity gene, is known to protect kidney cell injury from various cellular stresses. In previous studies, we showed that the podocyte-specific loss of Sirt1 aggravates diabetic kidney injury. However, the role of Sirt1 in aging-induced podocyte injury is not known. Therefore, in this study we sought to determine the effects of podocyte-specific reduction of Sirt1 in age-induced kidney injury. We employed the inducible podocyte-specific Sirt1 knockdown mice that express shRNA against Sirt1 (Pod-Sirt1RNAi) and control mice that express shRNA for luciferase (Pod-LuciRNAi). We found that reduction of podocyte Sirt1 led to aggravated aging-induced glomerulosclerosis and albuminuria. In addition, urinary level of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress, was markedly increased in aged Pod-Sirt1RNAimice compared with aged Pod-LuciRNAimice. Although podocyte-specific markers decreased in aged mice compared with the young controls, the decrease was further exacerbated in aged Pod-Sirt1RNAicompared with Pod-LuciRNAimice. Interestingly, expression of cellular senescence markers was significantly higher in the glomeruli of Pod-Sirt1RNAimice than Pod-LuciRNAimice, suggesting that cellular senescence may contribute to podocyte loss in aging kidneys. Finally, we confirmed that Pod-Sirt1RNAiglomeruli were associated with reduced activation of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α coactivador-1 (PGC1α)/PPARγ, forkhead box O (FOXO)3, FOXO4, and p65 NF-κB, through SIRT1-mediated deacetylation. Together, our data suggest that SIRT1 may be a potential therapeutic target to treat patients with aging-related kidney disease.
Postnatal airway growth in cystic fibrosis piglets
Authors: Adam Ryan J. , Abou Alaiwa Mahmoud H. , Bouzek Drake C. , Cook Daniel P. , Gansemer Nicholas D. , Taft Peter J. , Powers Linda S. , Stroik Mallory R. , Hoegger Mark J. , McMenimen James D. , Hoffman Eric A. , Zabner Joseph , Welsh Michael J. , Meyerholz David K. , Stoltz David A.
Published: June 2017

Mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel cause CF. The leading cause of death in the CF population is lung disease. Increasing evidence suggests that in utero airway development is CFTR-dependent and that developmental abnormalities may contribute to CF lung disease. However, relatively little is known about postnatal CF airway growth, largely because such studies are limited in humans. Therefore, we examined airway growth and lung volume in a porcine model of CF. We hypothesized that CF pigs would have abnormal postnatal airway growth. To test this hypothesis, we performed CT-based airway and lung volume measurements in 3-wk-old non-CF and CF pigs. We found that 3-wk-old CF pigs had tracheas of reduced caliber and irregular shape. Their bronchial lumens were reduced in size proximally but not distally, were irregularly shaped, and had reduced distensibility. Our data suggest that lack of CFTR results in aberrant postnatal airway growth and development, which could contribute to CF lung disease pathogenesis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This CT scan-based study of airway morphometry in the cystic fibrosis (CF) postnatal period is unique, as analogous studies in humans are greatly limited for ethical and technical reasons. Findings such as reduced airway lumen area and irregular caliber suggest that airway growth and development are CF transmembrane conductance regulator-dependent and that airway growth defects may contribute to CF lung disease pathogenesis.
Stem Cells in Repair of Gastrointestinal Epithelia
Authors: Andersson-Rolf Amanda , Zilbauer Matthias , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Clevers Hans
Published: June 2017

Among the endodermal tissues of adult mammals, the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium exhibits the highest turnover rate. As the ingested food moves along the GI tract, gastric acid, digestive enzymes, and gut resident microbes aid digestion as well as nutrient and mineral absorption. Due to the harsh luminal environment, replenishment of new epithelial cells is essential to maintain organ structure and function during routine turnover and injury repair. Tissue-specific adult stem cells in the GI tract serve as a continuous source for this immense regenerative activity. Tissue homeostasis is achieved by a delicate balance between gain and loss of cells. In homeostasis, temporal tissue damage is rapidly restored by well-balanced tissue regeneration, whereas prolonged imbalance may result in diverse pathologies of homeostasis and injury repair. Starting with a summary of the current knowledge of GI tract homeostasis, we continue with providing models of acute injury and chronic diseases. Finally, we will discuss how primary organoid cultures allow new insights into the mechanisms of homeostasis, injury repair, and disease, and how this novel 3D culture system has the potential to translate into the clinic.
ORAI Calcium Channels
Authors: Trebak Mohamed , Putney James W.
Published: June 2017

In this review article, we discuss the different gene products and translational variants of ORAI proteins and their contribution to the makeup of different native calcium-conducting channels with distinct compositions and modes of activation. We also review the different modes of regulation of these distinct calcium channels and their impact on downstream cellular signaling controlling important physiological functions.
Metabolic Regulation of Angiogenesis in Diabetes and Aging
Authors: Sawada Naoki , Arany Zolt
Published: June 2017

Impaired angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction are hallmarks of diabetes and aging. Clinical efforts at promoting angiogenesis have largely focused on growth factor pathways, with mixed results. Recently, a new repertoire of endothelial intracellular molecules critical to endothelial metabolism has emerged as playing an important role in regulating angiogenesis. This review thus focuses on the emerging importance and therapeutic potential of these proteins and of endothelial bioenergetics in diabetes and aging.
Coexistence of DTT and Mobile Broadband: A Survey and Guidelines for Field Measurements
Authors: Kalliovaara Juha , Ekman Reijo , Talmola Pekka , Höyhtyä Marko , Jokela Tero , Poikonen Jussi , Paavola Jarkko , Jakobsson Mikko
Published: June 2017

This article provides a survey and a general methodology for coexistence studies between digital terrestrial television (DTT) and mobile broadband (MBB) systems in the ultra high frequency (UHF) broadcasting band. The methodology includes characterization of relevant field measurement scenarios and gives a step-by-step guideline on how to obtain reliable field measurement results to be used in conjunction with link budget analyses, laboratory measurements, and simulations. A survey of potential European coexistence scenarios and regulatory status is given to determine feasible future use scenarios for the UHF television (TV) broadcasting band. The DTT reception system behavior and performance are also described as they greatly affect the amount of spectrum potentially available for MBB use and determine the relevant coexistence field measurement scenarios. Simulation methods used in determining broadcast protection criteria and in coexistence studies are briefly described to demonstrate how the information obtained from field measurements can be used to improve their accuracy. The presented field measurement guidelines can be applied to any DTT-MBB coexistence scenarios and to a wide range of spectrum sharing and cognitive radio system coexistence measurements.
Solving the Time‐Jerk Optimal Trajectory Planning Problem of a Robot Using Augmented Lagrange Constrained Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Lu Shaotian , Zhao Jingdong , Jiang Li , Liu Hong
Published: June 2017

The problem of minimum time‐jerk trajectory planning for a robot is discussed in this paper. The optimal objective function is composed of two segments along the trajectory, which are the proportional to the total execution time and the proportional to the integral of the squared jerk (which denotes the derivative of the acceleration). The augmented Lagrange constrained particle swarm optimization (ALCPSO) algorithm, which combines the constrained particle swarm optimization (CPSO) with the augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) method, is proposed to optimize the objective function. In this algorithm, falling into a local best value can be avoided because a new particle swarm is generated per initial procedure, and the best value gained from the former generation is saved and delivered to the next generation during the iterative search procedure to enable the best value to be found more easily and more quickly. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on a planar 3‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) robot; the simulation results show that the algorithm is effective, offering a solution to the time‐jerk optimal trajectory planning problem of a robot under nonlinear constraints.
Comparison of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis and Open Reduction Internal Fixation on Proximal Humeral Fracture in Elder Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Yuhui , Johansson Dongni , Chen Xingyu , Zheng Fang , Li Liangman
Published: June 2017

Objective. The study aims to compare minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of proximal humeral fracture in elder patients. Method. PubMed, Medline, EMbase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals were searched to identify all relevant studies from inception to October 2016. Data were analyzed with Cochrane Collaboration’s Review Manage 5.2. Results. A total of 630 patients from 8 publications were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that MIPO was superior to ORIF in the treatment of proximal humeral fracture in elder patients. It was reflected in reducing blood loss, operation time, postoperative pain, or fracture healing time of the surgery and in improving recovery of muscle strength. Concerning complications, no significant difference was seen between MIPO and ORIF. Conclusion. The MIPO was more suitable than ORIF for treating proximal humeral fracture in elder patients.
A Patient-Matched Entire First Metacarpal Prosthesis in Treatment of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Punyaratabandhu Thipachart , Lohwongwatana Boonrat , Puncreobutr Chedtha , Kosiyatrakul Arkaphat , Veerapan Puwadon , Luenam Suriya
Published: June 2017

Giant cell tumor of the bones occurring in the first metacarpals frequently requires entire metacarpal resection due to the aggressive nature and high rate of recurrence. Bone reconstruction can be performed with autogenous bone grafts. Here we describe a new technique of reconstruction using a patient-matched three-dimensional printed titanium first metacarpal prosthesis. This prosthesis has a special design for ligament reconstruction in the proximal and distal portions. Good hand function and aesthetic appearance were maintained at a 24-month follow-up visit. This reconstructive technique can avoid donor-site complications and spare the autogenous bone grafts for revision options.
Neuronal Damage Induced by Perinatal Asphyxia Is Attenuated by Postinjury Glutaredoxin‐2 Administration
Authors: Romero Juan Ignacio , Holubiec Mariana Inés , Tornatore Tamara Logica , Rivière Stéphanie , Hanschmann Eva-Maria , Kölliker-Frers Rodolfo Alberto , Tau Julia , Blanco Eduardo , Galeano Pablo , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Lillig Christopher Horst , Capani Francisco
Published: June 2017

The general disruption of redox signaling following an ischemia‐reperfusion episode has been proposed as a crucial component in neuronal death and consequently brain damage. Thioredoxin (Trx) family proteins control redox reactions and ensure protein regulation via specific, oxidative posttranslational modifications as part of cellular signaling processes. Trx proteins function in the manifestation, progression, and recovery following hypoxic/ischemic damage. Here, we analyzed the neuroprotective effects of postinjury, exogenous administration of Grx2 and Trx1 in a neonatal hypoxia/ischemia model. P7 Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to right common carotid ligation or sham surgery, followed by an exposure to nitrogen. 1 h later, animals were injected i.p. with saline solution, 10 mg/kg recombinant Grx2 or Trx1, and euthanized 72 h postinjury. Results showed that Grx2 administration, and to some extent Trx1, attenuated part of the neuronal damage associated with a perinatal hypoxic/ischemic damage, such as glutamate excitotoxicity, axonal integrity, and astrogliosis. Moreover, these treatments also prevented some of the consequences of the induced neural injury, such as the delay of neurobehavioral development. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating neuroprotective effects of recombinant Trx proteins on the outcome of neonatal hypoxia/ischemia, implying clinical potential as neuroprotective agents that might counteract neonatal hypoxia/ischemia injury.
Characterization, Dissolution, and Solubility of Zn-Substituted Hydroxylapatites [(ZnxCa1−x)5(PO4)3OH] at 25°C
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhu Yinian , Zhu Zongqiang , Liang Yanpeng , Niu Yanlong , Lin Ju
Published: June 2017

A series of Zn-substituted hydroxylapatites [(ZnxCa1−x)5(PO4)3OH, Zn-Ca-HA] with the Zn/(Zn + Ca) molar ratio (XZn) of 0~0.16 was prepared and characterized, and then the dissolution of the synthesized solids in aqueous solution was investigated by batch experiment. The results indicated that the aqueous zinc, calcium, and phosphate concentrations greatly depended on the Zn/(Zn + Ca) molar ratio of the Zn-Ca-HA solids (XZn). For the Zn-Ca-HA dissolution at 25°C with an initial pH of 2.00, the final solution pH increased, while the final solution calcium and phosphate concentrations decreased with the increasing XZn. The final solution zinc concentrations increased with the increasing XZn when XZn≤0.08 and decreased with the increasing XZn when XZn = 0.08~0.16. The mean Ksp values for (ZnxCa1−x)5(PO4)3OH at 25°C decreased from 10−57.75 to 10−58.59 with the increasing XZn from 0.00 to 0.08 and then increased from 10–58.59 to 10–56.63 with the increasing XZn from 0.08 to 0.16. This tendency was consistent with the dependency of the lattice parameter a on XZn. The corresponding free energies of formation (ΔGfo) increased lineally from −6310.45 kJ/mol to −5979.39 kJ/mol with the increasing XZn from 0.00 to 0.16.
Development and Implementation of an End-Effector Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot for Hemiplegic Patients with Line and Circle Tracking Training
Authors: Liu Yali , Li Chong , Ji Linhong , Bi Sheng , Zhang Xuemin , Huo Jianfei , Ji Run
Published: June 2017

Numerous robots have been widely used to deliver rehabilitative training for hemiplegic patients to improve their functional ability. Because of the complexity and diversity of upper limb motion, customization of training patterns is one key factor during upper limb rehabilitation training. Most of the current rehabilitation robots cannot intelligently provide adaptive training parameters, and they have not been widely used in clinical rehabilitation. This article proposes a new end-effector upper limb rehabilitation robot, which is a two-link robotic arm with two active degrees of freedom. This work investigated the kinematics and dynamics of the robot system, the control system, and the realization of different rehabilitation therapies. We also explored the influence of constraint in rehabilitation therapies on interaction force and muscle activation. The deviation of the trajectory of the end effector and the required trajectory was less than 1 mm during the tasks, which demonstrated the movement accuracy of the robot. Besides, results also demonstrated the constraint exerted by the robot provided benefits for hemiplegic patients by changing muscle activation in the way similar to the movement pattern of the healthy subjects, which indicated that the robot can improve the patient’s functional ability by training the normal movement pattern.
Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case Report and Current Treatment Dilemmas
Authors: Harnett Glenn
Published: June 2017

Resistance to macrolides is rising in the USA and warrants careful consideration when confronted with a patient with suspected pneumonia in the urgent care clinic. This case study exemplifies the potentially serious consequences of treatment failure following prescription of a macrolide for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Furthermore, the consequential treatment dilemmas currently faced by physicians are briefly discussed.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Circulating Levels of Sirtuin 4 in Obese Patients: A Novel Association
Authors: Barrea Luigi , Tarantino Giovanni , Somma Carolina Di , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Macchia Paolo Emidio , Falco Andrea , Colao Annamaria , Savastano Silvia
Published: June 2017

Purpose. This study was aimed at evaluating sirtuin 4 (Sirt4) levels in obese individuals, in relation to their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), a healthy dietary pattern characterized by high antioxidant capacity, and markers of visceral fat storage. Subjects/Methods. Forty‐three obese patients (44% males; BMI: 36.7–58.8 kg/m2) were consecutively included. PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) and the 7‐day food records were used to assess the adherence to MD and dietary pattern, respectively. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was calculated. Sirt4 levels were detected by ELISA method. Results. The majority of the obese participants (62.8%) had an average adherence to MD. Compared with average adherers, low adherers had higher BMI, energy intake, and percentage of energy from lipids, mainly saturated fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and lower Sirt4 levels. After adjusting for BMI, Sirt4 levels remained negatively correlated with VAI. After adjusting for total energy intake, Sirt4 levels remained negatively associated with PREDIMED and consumption of n‐3 PUFA, vitamins C and E. The threshold value of PREDIMED predicting the lowest decrease in Sirt4 levels was found at a score of 6. Conclusions. Less reduced Sirt4 levels in obese patients adhering to MD suggest a further aspect of the antioxidant advantage of MD.
Methods of Biotyping of Streptococcus mutans Species with the Routine Test as a Prognostic Value in Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Krzyściak Wirginia , Kościelniak Dorota , Papież Monika , Jurczak Anna , Vyhouskaya Palina
Published: June 2017

Purpose. In order to investigate the suitability of Streptococcus mutans species biotyping by measuring the activity of selected enzymes from a commercial test, criteria were established for biotyping clinical strains from children with dental caries. In addition, the relationships between the selected biotypes, sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics, and early childhood caries were determined. Methods. A total of 142 S. mutans isolates from dental plaque of children with caries were divided into different biotypes. Patients were divided into two groups: noncavitated (1‐2 in ICDAS) and cavitated (5‐6 in ICDAS) lesions. Biotyping criteria were determined based on both the arbitrary method and the clusterization method. The susceptibility of the strains to amoxicillin, cefazolin, erythromycin, and teicoplanin was studied by diluting a solid medium. Results. Biotype I was the most common. Mean MIC values showed that the strains belonging to biotypes II and IV were the most sensitive to amoxicillin. For predetermined biotypes, observed differences were dependent on the severity of dental caries. Conclusions. The proposed method of S. mutans strains biotyping is relatively quick and simple to use, provided the application of suitable biotyping criteria, and may contribute to the effective prevention of dental caries induced by S. mutans.
Cardioprotection against Heart Failure by Shenfu Injection via TGF‐β/Smads Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ni Jingyu , Shi Yang , Li Lan , Chen Jingrui , Li Lingyan , Li Min , Zhu Jinqiang , Zhu Yan , Fan Guanwei
Published: June 2017

Objective. To explore the potential cardioprotective mechanism of Shenfu injection (SFI) against heart failure (HF) by attenuating myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling. Methods and Results. Four weeks after myocardial infarction (MI), adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized for 4‐week treatment with Valsartan, SFI, or vehicle. Echocardiography and hemodynamics were applied to evaluate cardiac functions. Myocardia of coronary artery ligated (CAD) rats were observed to investigate changes in cardiac structure and function. Our findings suggest that treatment with SFI could inhibit progression of myocardial fibrosis and attenuate cardiac remodeling. In addition, SFI decreased expression of Smad2 and Smad3, while increasing the expression of Smad7 through regulation of TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway. Conclusion. Treatment with SFI in Sprague Dawley rats improves ventricular structure and function and reduces cardiac fibrosis by ameliorating TGF‐β/Smads signaling pathway after ventricular remodeling.
Standard versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Serban Daniel , Calina Niki , Tender Gabriel
Published: June 2017

Symptomatic spondylolisthesis patients may benefit from surgical decompression and stabilization. The standard (S) technique is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Newer, minimally invasive (MI) techniques seem to provide similar results with less morbidity. We enrolled patients with at least 6 months of symptoms and image-confirmed low-grade spondylolisthesis, at a single academic institution, between 2011 and 2015. The patients were randomized to either S or MI TLIF. The primary outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improvement at 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included length of operation, estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, and fusion rates at 1 year. Forty patients were enrolled in each group. The differences in mean operative time and estimated blood loss were not statistically significant between the two groups. The patients were discharged after surgery at 4.12 days for the S TLIF group and 1.92 days for the MI TLIF group. The ODI improvement was similar and statistically significant in both groups. The fusion was considered solid in 36 (90%) of patients at 1 year in both groups. In conclusion, the two techniques provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes at 1 year. The patients undergoing MI TLIF had a shorter hospital stay. This trial is registered with NCT03155789.
A Preliminary Genome-Wide Association Study of Pain-Related Fear: Implications for Orofacial Pain
Authors: Randall Cameron L. , Wright Casey D. , Chernus Jonathan M. , McNeil Daniel W. , Feingold Eleanor , Crout Richard J. , Neiswanger Katherine , Weyant Robert J. , Shaffer John R. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: June 2017

Background. Acute and chronic orofacial pain can significantly impact overall health and functioning. Associations between fear of pain and the experience of orofacial pain are well-documented, and environmental, behavioral, and cognitive components of fear of pain have been elucidated. Little is known, however, regarding the specific genes contributing to fear of pain. Methods. A genome-wide association study (GWAS; N=990) was performed to identify plausible genes that may predispose individuals to various levels of fear of pain. The total score and three subscales (fear of minor, severe, and medical/dental pain) of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-9 (FPQ-9) were modeled in a variance components modeling framework to test for genetic association with 8.5 M genetic variants across the genome, while adjusting for sex, age, education, and income. Results. Three genetic loci were significantly associated with fear of minor pain (8q24.13, 8p21.2, and 6q26; p<5×10-8 for all) near the genes TMEM65, NEFM, NEFL, AGPAT4, and PARK2. Other suggestive loci were found for the fear of pain total score and each of the FPQ-9 subscales. Conclusions. Multiple genes were identified as possible candidates contributing to fear of pain. The findings may have implications for understanding and treating chronic orofacial pain.
Five-Coordinate Zinc(II) Complex: Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Structure, and Antibacterial Activities of Bis-[(E)-2-hydroxy-N′-{1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene}benzohydrazido]dimethylsulfoxidezinc(II) Complex
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qiang , Ng Yoke Mooi , Tiong Pei Jen , Abu Talip Ruwaida Asyikin , Jasin Nornadia , Jong Vivien Yi Mian , Tay Meng Guan
Published: June 2017

The titled Zn(II) complex was synthesized by reacting the compound (E)-2-hydroxy-N′-{1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene}benzohydrazide with zinc(II) acetate dihydrate in alkaline DMSO and ethanol solution under reflux condition for 28 hours. The resulting solid was filtered and recrystallized from the mixture of ethanol and DMSO. The hydrazone Schiff base and its Zn(II) complex were characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Meanwhile, their antibacterial activities were examined using disc diffusion method. The spectral studies showed that the hydrazone Schiff base underwent keto-enol tautomerization, forming a bidentate ligand (N,O) towards Zn(II) ion. Surprisingly, on top of the two hydrazone Schiff base molecules which coordinated to the Zn metal center, an additional DMSO molecule was found attached to the Zn metal center in the crystal data, resulting in a 5-coordinate distorted trigonal bipyramidal Zn(II) complex. Both hydrazone Schiff base and its Zn(II) complexes were found to exhibit low antibacterial activity even when the concentrations were increased to 800 ppm.
Can Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Stromal Cells Serve a Starting Material for Myoblasts?
Authors: Ando Yu , Saito Marie , Machida Masakazu , Yoshida-Noro Chikako , Akutsu Hidenori , Takahashi Masataka , Toyoda Masashi , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: June 2017

A large number of myocytes are necessary to treat intractable muscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy with cell-based therapies. However, starting materials for cellular therapy products such as myoblasts, marrow stromal cells, menstrual blood-derived cells, and placenta-derived cells have a limited lifespan and cease to proliferate in vitro. From the viewpoints of manufacturing and quality control, cells with a long lifespan are more suitable as a starting material. In this study, we generated stromal cells for future myoblast therapy from a working cell bank of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The ESC-derived CD105+ cells with extensive in vitro proliferation capability exhibited myogenesis and genetic stability in vitro. These results imply that ESC-derived CD105+ cells are another cell source for myoblasts in cell-based therapy for patients with genetic muscular disorders. Since ESCs are immortal, mesenchymal stromal cells generated from ESCs can be manufactured at a large scale in one lot for pharmaceutical purposes.