bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(1′-acetylferrocenyl)porphyrin: Electronic and structural effects of acetyl group on TFcP
Authors: Possanza Fabio , Vecchi Andrea , Conte Valeria , Floris Barbara , Galloni Pierluca
Published: July 2017

Synthesis of tetrasubstituted-tetraferrocenylporphyrins containing an acetyl functional group on all ferrocenyl moiety has been performed, allowing the analysis of the effects of these groups in terms of geometry and electronic distribution. TFcPs exhibit interesting electrochemical properties, mostly due to electronic communication between the ferrocenyl substituents and the porphyrin core and the presence of four acetyl substituents do not affect significantly these properties. Nevertheless the functionalization leads to a more defined electronic transition, in particular in the Q region and a more stable TFcP in terms of chemical oxidation. This can openinig the way to modulate and/or improve the performance of TFcP in various applications.
Thermostability of DNA Complexes with Mitoxantrone at Small Fillings
Authors: Babayan Yuri S. , Hakobyan Sergey N. , Ghazaryan Rusanna S. , Shahinyan Mariam A.
Published: July 2017

Thermostability of DNA complexes with anti-tumorous compound — mitoxantrone — at 0.011[Formula: see text]M and 0.11 M NaCl ionic strengths of solution by spectrophotometric and microcalorimetric methods has been studied. It was shown that at small fillings when one molecule of mitoxantrone corresponds to 250 or more base pairs of DNA, the thermostability of complexes strongly depends on the solution’s ionic strength; moreover, at an ionic strength of 0.011 M NaCl the melting temperature dependence on mitoxantrone concentration passes through a minimum. In the mentioned region of mitoxantrone concentration the melting enthalpy of the complexes increases linearly with mitoxantrone concentration enhancement. The observed phenomenon, which is not observed for ethidium bromide complexes with DNA, is qualitatively explained by the increasing of coil-shaped state of DNA–mitoxantrone complex due to additional freedom of rotation of mitoxantrone side groups.
Generalized Euler classes, differential forms and commutative DGAs
Authors: Gorokhovsky Alexander , Sullivan Dennis , Xie Zhizhang
Published: July 2017

In the context of commutative differential graded algebras over [Formula: see text], we show that an iteration of “odd spherical fibration” creates a “total space” commutative differential graded algebra with only odd degree cohomology. Then we show for such a commutative differential graded algebra that, for any of its “fibrations” with “fiber” of finite cohomological dimension, the induced map on cohomology is injective.
Cyclodextrins: A Weapon in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Wong Chew Ee , Dolzhenko Anton V. , Lee Sui Mae , Young David James
Published: July 2017

Antimicrobial resistance poses one of the most serious global challenges of our age. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely utilized excipients in formulations because of their solubilizing properties, low toxicity, and low inflammatory response. This review summarizes recent investigations of antimicrobial agents involving CDs and CD-based antimicrobial materials. CDs have been employed for antimicrobial applications either through formation of inclusion complexes or by chemical modification of their hydroxyl groups to tailor pharmaceutically active compounds. Applications of these CD inclusion complexes include drug delivery, antimicrobial coatings on materials (e.g., biomedical devices and implants) and antimicrobial dressings that help to prevent wound infections. There are relatively limited studies of chemically modified CDs with antimicrobial activity. The mechanism of action of antimicrobial CD inclusion complexes and derivatives needs further elucidation, but activity of CDs and their derivatives is often associated with their interaction with bacterial cell membranes.
The South China Sea: Troubled Waters in China-U.S. Relations
Authors: Cai Penghong
Published: July 2017

Similar to his foreign policy and strategic thinking, President Trump’s South China Sea policy features strong uncertainty. The new president is keen on enhancing U.S. military strength, but often uses “suspense” to achieve better deals on the negotiation table. Whether the practice can be directly linked to the rebalancing strategy is uncertain, but it can be said that the Trump administration is seeking peace through stronger military power, which will exert complex impact on the security situation of the South China Sea as well as the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. President Trump believes that the United States should consolidate its maritime supremacy in the Asia-Pacific, yet seeking confrontation and conflicts is by no means a policy option for the United States to maintain its regional hegemony. In comparison, China’s approach to resolving disputes and the security dilemma with the United States is to seek common ground while shelving disputes. Both countries should try to enhance their mutual understanding on the South China Sea issue for sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
Pricing European options and risk measurement under exponential Lévy models — a practical guide
Authors: Salhi Khaled
Published: July 2017

This paper provides a thorough survey of the European option pricing, with new trends in the risk measurement, under exponential Lévy models. We develop all steps of pricing from equivalent martingale measures construction to numerical valuation of the option price under these measures. We then construct an algorithm, based on Rockafellar and Uryasev representation and fast Fourier transform, to compute Risk indicators, like the VaR and the CVaR of derivatives. The results are illustrated with an example of each exponential Lévy class. The main contribution of this paper is to build a comprehensive study from the theoretical point of view to practical numerical illustration and to give a complete characterization of the studied equivalent martingale measures by discussing their similarity and their applicability in practice. Furthermore, this work proposes applications to the Fourier inversion technique in risk measurement.
Cold plutonism in the Arabian–Nubian Shield: evidence from the Abu Diab garnet-bearing leucogranite, central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Abu El-Ela Fawzi F. , Abu El-Rus Mohamed A. , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Gahlan Hisham A.
Published: July 2017

The Neoproterozoic Abu Diab garnet-bearing leucogranite (SiO
2
73.7 – 76.8 wt%; total alkalis 8.1 – 9.3 wt%) was emplaced during the late to post Pan-African Orogeny. The pluton is almost homogeneous in composition, weakly peraluminous (molecular Al
2
O
3
/(CaO + Na
2
O + K
2
O) = 1.04 – 1.12) and approaches the minimum melt composition in the water-saturated Qz–Ab–Or system. The chondrite-normalized patterns are almost unfractionated, with weak tetrad effects and prominent negative Eu anomalies. Ba, Sr, P, Eu and Ti show strong negative anomalies in primitive-mantle normalized multi-element diagrams. Magmatic garnet is dominantly a spessartine (66 – 67 mol %)–almandine (27 – 29 mol %) solid solution. Our results indicate that the Abu Diab granite magma formed from low-degree eutectic melting of a felsic pelite source in the lower to middle continental crust. Zirconium saturation thermometry indicates magma generation temperatures of 732 ± 28°C (2σ), placing the Abu Diab leucogranite in the ‘cold granite’ group. This indicates that muscovite breakdown is the dominant reaction in the melt source. The high normative Or, the increasing Rb/Sr concomitant with decreasing Sr and Ba, and the sharp negative Eu anomalies are consistent with fluid-absent melting. Field relations and petrographic observations indicate the emplacement of Abu Diab granites after the closure of the Mozambique Ocean and collision of East and West Gondwana, most probably during fast adiabatic uplift and decompression of the thickened crust.

Supplementary material:
The locations of the peraluminous leucocratic granites in the Arabian-Nubian and other supplementary data for this paper are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3815293
.
Bathymetry of Schirmacher lakes as a tool for geomorphological evolution studies
Authors: Swain Ashit Kumar
Published: July 2017

The spatial distribution of polar lakes is governed by the lithology and structure of the geological units, whereas their shape and size is modified by later fluctuations of the polar ice sheet and glacier movements. Polar lakes are the downwards integrator of the sediment action in their catchment areas. Bathymetric profiles of some proglacial, land-locked and epi-shelf lakes spread across the Schirmacher Oasis were obtained during the austral winter period of 2008 using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to understand their evolution through space and time. Morphometric characteristics of these lakes show different depth ratios and they have different surface areas and volume proportions with depth. This study shows that the largest land-locked lake, L-49, appears to have been formed by the fusion of three sub-basins. Some of the proglacial lakes which are becoming detached from the polar ice sheet, such as lake P-11, are kettle lakes. Water from the polar ice-sheet melt has been accumulating at these lake basins, but no further aggradation processes have affected them. Some of the larger lakes such as lakes L-27, L-49 and P-9 are reworked lakes which evolved during a phase of glacial advancement and were later modified during another advancement phase. The other larger lakes such as lake E-14, E-15 and L-75 are very deep and were produced by the glacial activity associated with some weak structural fabric.
Mantle source heterogeneity in continental mafic Large Igneous Provinces: insights from the Panjal, Rajmahal and Deccan basalts, India
Authors: Kumar K. Vijaya , Laxman More B. , Nagaraju K.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we illustrate the geochemical diversity of the basalts of Panjal (
c.
289 Ma), Rajmahal (
c.
117 Ma) and Deccan (
c.
65 Ma) continental large igneous provinces (continental LIPs) from India as controlled by multiple mantle sources. The Panjal primitive basalts are formed by 5–20%, Rajmahal basalts by 10–20% and Deccan picritic basalts by 1–20% melting of the mantle. The depth of melting beneath Deccan is greater than beneath Rajmahal, which greater than beneath Panjal. We have categorized the Panjal, Rajmahal and Deccan basalts into Type I and Type II. The Type I basalts with lower La/Nb, Th/Nb and Th/Yb ratios and higher

ε

N

d
i

values (

ε

N

d
i

= −3 to +8) are derived from the sublithospheric sources; some of the Type I basalts represent lithosphere-contaminated melts. The Type II basalts with higher La/Nb, Th/Nb and Th/Yb ratios and lower

ε

N

d
i

values (

ε

N

d
i

= −20 to −3) are produced from the subcontinental lithosphere. We estimate that lithosphere and sublithosphere (plume and/or E-MORB patches within asthenosphere) have contributed, respectively, approximately 67 and 33% to the Panjal, 52 and 48% to Rajmahal, and 28 and 72% to Deccan LIPs. Fertility of the Indian subcontinental lithosphere may have increased with decreasing age related to the break-up of Gondwana.
Spatially tuned normalization explains attention modulation variance within neurons
Authors: Ni Amy M. , Maunsell John H. R.
Published: July 2017

Spatial attention improves perception of attended parts of a scene, a behavioral enhancement accompanied by modulations of neuronal firing rates. These modulations vary in size across neurons in the same brain area. Models of normalization explain much of this variance in attention modulation with differences in tuned normalization across neurons (Lee J, Maunsell JHR. PLoS One 4: e4651, 2009; Ni AM, Ray S, Maunsell JHR. Neuron 73: 803–813, 2012). However, recent studies suggest that normalization tuning varies with spatial location both across and within neurons (Ruff DA, Alberts JJ, Cohen MR. J Neurophysiol 116: 1375–1386, 2016; Verhoef BE, Maunsell JHR. eLife 5: e17256, 2016). Here we show directly that attention modulation and normalization tuning do in fact covary within individual neurons, in addition to across neurons as previously demonstrated. We recorded the activity of isolated neurons in the middle temporal area of two rhesus monkeys as they performed a change-detection task that controlled the focus of spatial attention. Using the same two drifting Gabor stimuli and the same two receptive field locations for each neuron, we found that switching which stimulus was presented at which location affected both attention modulation and normalization in a correlated way within neurons. We present an equal-maximum-suppression spatially tuned normalization model that explains this covariance both across and within neurons: each stimulus generates equally strong suppression of its own excitatory drive, but its suppression of distant stimuli is typically less. This new model specifies how the tuned normalization associated with each stimulus location varies across space both within and across neurons, changing our understanding of the normalization mechanism and how attention modulations depend on this mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Tuned normalization studies have demonstrated that the variance in attention modulation size seen across neurons from the same cortical area can be largely explained by between-neuron differences in normalization strength. Here we demonstrate that attention modulation size varies within neurons as well and that this variance is largely explained by within-neuron differences in normalization strength. We provide a new spatially tuned normalization model that explains this broad range of observed normalization and attention effects.
Group IV nociceptors develop axonal chemical sensitivity during neuritis and following treatment of the sciatic nerve with vinblastine
Authors: Govea Rosann M. , Barbe Mary F. , Bove Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2017

We have previously shown that nerve inflammation (neuritis) and transient vinblastine application lead to axonal mechanical sensitivity in nociceptors innervating deep structures. We also have shown that these treatments reduce axonal transport and have proposed that this leads to functional accumulation of mechanically sensitive channels in the affected part of the axons. Though informing the etiology of mechanically induced pain, axonal mechanical sensitivity does not address the common report of ongoing radiating pain during neuritis, which could be secondary to the provocation of axonal chemical sensitivity. We proposed that neuritis and vinblastine application would induce sensitivities to noxious chemicals and that the number of chemo-sensitive channels would be increased at the affected site. In adult female rats, nerves were either untreated or treated with complete Freund’s adjuvant (to induce neuritis) or vinblastine. After 3–7 days, dorsal root teased fiber recordings were taken from group IV neurons with axons within the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerves were injected intraneurally with a combination of noxious inflammatory chemicals. Whereas no normal sciatic axons responded to this stimulus, 80% and 38% of axons responded in the neuritis and vinblastine groups, respectively. In separate experiments, sciatic nerves were partially ligated and treated with complete Freund’s adjuvant or vinblastine (with controls), and after 3–5 days were immunolabeled for the histamine H3 receptor. The results support that both neuritis and vinblastine treatment reduce transport of the histamine H3 receptor. The finding that nociceptor axons can develop ectopic chemical sensitivity is consistent with ongoing radiating pain due to nerve inflammation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many patients suffer ongoing pain with no local pathology or apparent nerve injury. We show that nerve inflammation and transient application of vinblastine induce sensitivity of group IV nociceptor axons to a mixture of endogenous inflammatory chemicals. We also show that the same conditions reduce the axonal transport of the histamine H3 receptor. The results provide a mechanism for ongoing nociception from focal nerve inflammation or pressure without overt nerve damage.
Dynamic Model and Vibration Characteristics of Planar 3-RRR Parallel Manipulator with Flexible Intermediate Links considering Exact Boundary Conditions
Authors: Sheng Lianchao , Li Wei , Wang Yuqiao , Fan Mengbao , Yang Xuefeng
Published: July 2017

Due to the complexity of the dynamic model of a planar 3-RRR flexible parallel manipulator (FPM), it is often difficult to achieve active vibration control algorithm based on the system dynamic model. To establish a simple and efficient dynamic model of the planar 3-RRR FPM to study its dynamic characteristics and build a controller conveniently, firstly, considering the effect of rigid-flexible coupling and the moment of inertia at the end of the flexible intermediate link, the modal function is determined with the pinned-free boundary condition. Then, considering the main vibration modes of the system, a high-efficiency coupling dynamic model is established on the basis of guaranteeing the model control accuracy. According to the model, the modal characteristics of the flexible intermediate link are analyzed and compared with the modal test results. The results show that the model can effectively reflect the main vibration modes of the planar 3-RRR FPM; in addition the model can be used to analyze the effects of inertial and coupling forces on the dynamics model and the drive torque of the drive motor. Because this model is of the less dynamic parameters, it is convenient to carry out the control program.
Fabrication of Metal Nanoparticle Arrays in the ZrO2(Y), HfO2(Y), and GeOx Films by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Gorshkov Oleg , Antonov Ivan , Filatov Dmitry , Shenina Maria , Kasatkin Alexander , Bobrov Alexander , Koryazhkina Maria , Korotaeva Irina , Kudryashov Mikhail
Published: July 2017

The single sheet arrays of Au nanoparticles (NPs) embedded into the ZrO2(Y), HfO2(Y), and GeOx (x≈2) films have been fabricated by the alternating deposition of the nanometer-thick dielectric and metal films using Magnetron Sputtering followed by annealing. The structure and optical properties of the NP arrays have been studied, subject to the fabrication technology parameters. The possibility of fabricating dense single sheet Au NP arrays in the matrices listed above with controlled NP sizes (within 1 to 3 nm) and surface density has been demonstrated. A red shift of the plasmonic optical absorption peak in the optical transmission spectra of the nanocomposite films (in the wavelength band of 500 to 650 nm) has been observed. The effect was attributed to the excitation of the collective surface plasmon-polaritons in the dense Au NP arrays. The nanocomposite films fabricated in the present study can find various applications in nanoelectronics (e.g., single electronics, nonvolatile memory devices), integrated optics, and plasmonics.
QT and QTc in Male Patients with Psychotic Disorders Treated with Atypical Neuroleptics
Authors: Miniati Mario , Simoncini Marly , Vanelli Federica , Franceschini Caterina , Massimetti Gabriele , Carmassi Claudia , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: July 2017

Objective. We explored the potential association between antipsychotics and QT/QTc duration changes in hospitalized male patients with psychotic disorders. Methods. The chart review was conducted on 184 male patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2015 at the Psychiatric Clinic of Pisa, Italy. Patients who were treated with one atypical antipsychotic at the time of the ECG recording were 109/184 (59.2%). QT/QTc were compared considering the atypical antipsychotic received. Results. 96.3% (n = 105/109) of the sample showed QTc values ≤ 430 ms; 4 patients (3.7%) had QTc values between 430 and 450 msec (2 with paliperidone, 1 with risperidone, and 1 with olanzapine). The mean QT duration of the overall sample was 368.0 ± 28.0 and the mean QTc 400.1 ± 17.8. QTc values did not reveal statistically significant differences. QT values were significantly different (chi-square = 17.3; df = 5; p = .004). Statistically significant differences between aripiprazole and paliperidone (349.0 ± 28.3 versus 390.5 ± 29.8; p = .002) and between clozapine and paliperidone (361.1 ± 22.43 versus 390.5 ± 29.8; p = .033) were found. Conclusions. Aripiprazole was the least interfering neuroleptic with QT/QTc. Paliperidone was the atypical neuroleptic with the most relevant difference with aripiprazole, but only on QT.
Crosstalk with Inflammatory Macrophages Shapes the Regulatory Properties of Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells
Authors: Ravanidis Stylianos , Bogie Jeroen F. J. , Donders Raf , Deans Robert , Hendriks Jerome J. A. , Stinissen Piet , Pinxteren Jef , Mays Robert W. , Hellings Niels
Published: July 2017

Macrophages and microglia are key effector cells in immune-mediated neuroinflammatory disorders. Driving myeloid cells towards an anti-inflammatory, tissue repair-promoting phenotype is considered a promising strategy to halt neuroinflammation and promote central nervous system (CNS) repair. In this study, we defined the impact of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC), a stem cell population sharing common mesodermal origin with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), on the phenotype of macrophages and the reciprocal interactions between these two cell types. We show that MAPC suppress the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by inflammatory macrophages partially through a cyclooxygenase 2- (COX-2-) dependent mechanism. In turn, we demonstrate that inflammatory macrophages trigger the immunomodulatory properties of MAPC, including an increased expression of immunomodulatory mediators (e.g., inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2), chemokines, and chemokine receptors. Macrophage-primed MAPC secrete soluble factors that suppress TNF-αrelease by macrophages. Moreover, the MAPC secretome suppresses the antigen-specific proliferation of autoreactive T cells and the T cell stimulatory capacity of macrophages. Finally, MAPC increase their motility towards secreted factors of activated macrophages. Collectively, these in vitro findings reveal intimate reciprocal interactions between MAPC and inflammatory macrophages, which are of importance in the design of MAPC-based therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammatory disorders in which myeloid cells play a crucial role.
A Regular k-Shrinkage Thresholding Operator for the Removal of Mixed Gaussian-Impulse Noise
Authors: Pan Han , Jing Zhongliang , Qiao Lingfeng , Li Minzhe
Published: July 2017

The removal of mixed Gaussian-impulse noise plays an important role in many areas, such as remote sensing. However, traditional methods may be unaware of promoting the degree of the sparsity adaptively after decomposing into low rank component and sparse component. In this paper, a new problem formulation with regular spectral k-support norm and regular k-support l1 norm is proposed. A unified framework is developed to capture the intrinsic sparsity structure of all two components. To address the resulting problem, an efficient minimization scheme within the framework of accelerated proximal gradient is proposed. This scheme is achieved by alternating regular k-shrinkage thresholding operator. Experimental comparison with the other state-of-the-art methods demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed method.
Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications
Authors: Liu Zewen , Zhou Tingyang , Ziegler Alexander C. , Dimitrion Peter , Zuo Li
Published: July 2017

Increasing numbers of individuals, particularly the elderly, suffer from neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases are normally characterized by progressive loss of neuron cells and compromised motor or cognitive function. Previous studies have proposed that the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may have complex roles in promoting the disease development. Research has shown that neuron cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in membranes, high oxygen consumption, and weak antioxidant defense. However, the exact molecular pathogenesis of neurodegeneration related to the disturbance of redox balance remains unclear. Novel antioxidants have shown great potential in mediating disease phenotypes and could be an area of interest for further research. In this review, we provide an updated discussion on the roles of ROS in the pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinocerebellar ataxia, as well as a highlight on the antioxidant‐based therapies for alleviating disease severity.
The Prevalence of Hjortsjo Crook Sign of Right Posterior Sectional Bile Duct and Bile Duct Anatomy in ERCP
Authors: Alghamdi Hanan M. , Almuhanna Afnan F. , Aldhafery Bander F. , AlSulaiman Raed M. , Almarhabi Ahmed , AlQurain Abdulaziz
Published: July 2017

Aim. The frequency of the Right Posterior Sectional Bile Duct (RPSBD) hump sign in cholangiogram when it crosses over the right portal vein known as Hjortsjo Crook Sign and the bile duct anatomy are studied. Knowledge of the implication of positive sign can facilitate safe resection for both bile duct and portal vein. Methods. Prospectively, we included 237 patients with indicated ERCP during a period from March 2010 to January 2015. Results. The mean age (±SD) and male to female ratio were 38.8 (±19.20) and 1 : 1.28, respectively. All patients are Arab from Middle Eastern origin, had biliary stone disease, and underwent diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Positive Hjortsjo Crook Sign was found in 17.7% (42) of patients. The sign was found to be equally more frequent in Nakamura’s RPSBD anatomical variant types I, II, and IV in 8.4% (20), 6.8% (16), and 2.1% (5), respectively, while rare anatomical variant type III showed no positive sign. Conclusion. Hjortsjo Crook Sign frequently presents in RPSBD variation types I, II, and IV in our patients.
Effect of Content of Sulfate Groups in Seaweed Polysaccharides on Antioxidant Activity and Repair Effect of Subcellular Organelles in Injured HK‐2 Cells
Authors: Ma Xiao-Tao , Sun Xin-Yuan , Yu Kai , Gui Bao-Song , Gui Qin , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: July 2017

This study aims to investigate the repair effect of subcellular structure injuries of the HK‐2 cells of four degraded seaweed polysaccharides (DSPs), namely, the degraded Porphyra yezoensis, Gracilaria lemaneiformis, Sargassum fusiform, and Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides. The four DSPs have similar molecular weight, but with different content of sulfate groups (i.e., 17.9%, 13.3%, 8.2%, and 5.5%, resp.). The damaged model was established using 2.8 mmol/L oxalate to injure HK‐2 cells, and 60 μg/mL of various DSPs was used to repair the damaged cells. With the increase of sulfate group content in DSPs, the scavenging activity of radicals and their reducing power were all improved. Four kinds of DSPs have repair effect on the subcellular organelles of damaged HK‐2 cells. After being repaired by DSPs, the release amount of lactate dehydrogenase was decreased, the integrity of cell membrane and lysosome increased, the Δψm increased, the cell of G1 phase arrest was inhibited, the proportion of S phase increased, and cell apoptotic and necrosis rates were significantly reduced. The greater the content of sulfate group is, the stronger is the repair ability of the polysaccharide. These DSPs, particularly the polysaccharide with higher sulfate group content, may be a potential drug for the prevention and cure of kidney stones.
Real-Time Integrated Limited-Stop and Short-Turning Bus Control with Stochastic Travel Time
Authors: Zhang Hu , Zhao Shuzhi , Cao Yang , Liu Huasheng , Liang Shidong
Published: July 2017

In a traditional transit system, passenger arrival time and bus running time are typically random and uncoordinated. This randomness gives the appearance of unbalanced passenger demand and unreliable transit services. Therefore, this paper proposes a real-time control method for bus routes. In our method, buses skip some stations and turn back at appropriate stations, in order to balance passenger demand along the bus route and improve the overall transit service. Our real-time control method considers the typical changes in passenger demand and the stochastic travel time of buses. In this paper, the number of controlled vehicles at any given time is determined, and the bus holding time at the turn-back station is adopted. When implemented correctly, the optimal scheme indicates which stations should be skipped, where it is suitable for buses to turn back, and how long the holding time should be at turn-back stations, which in turn will minimize the total cost of a transit system. This paper formulates such an integrated strategy, presents the solution method of the formulation, and proves the validity of the real-time control method.
Analytical Method for the Validation of Three Polyphenols as a Marker Compound for the Standardization of Solidago virgaurea subsp. gigantea Extracts and Antiadipogenesis of Harvesting Time and Location
Authors: Hwang Seung Hwan , Kim Ju Hee , Wang Zhiqiang , Lee Jae-Yong , Lim Soon Sung
Published: July 2017

Protocatechuic acid (PC), chlorogenic acid (CA), and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K-O-R), isolated from the Solidago virgaurea subsp. gigantea (SV) extract, were quickly and efficiently separated using HPLC. Our chromatographic method was found to effectively separate PC, CA, and K-O-R at retention times of 5.36, 8.22, and 17.04 min, respectively. Linearity of PC, CA, and K-O-R was found to be in the range of 4.85–485.00, 47.5–1900.00, and 8.50–850.00 μg/ml. Recoveries ranged between 101.32 and 103.30%, 95.82 and 100.25%, and 96.18 and 99.37%, for PC, CA, and K-O-R, respectively. The antiadipogenesis activity of SV extracts collected from five different months and from seven different regions was evaluated using an Oil Red O staining assay in 3T3-L1 cells. Extract from SV collected in April from the Ulleung Island produced over 106.89% inhibition of adipogenesis without cytotoxicity at 50 μg/ml. This extract had a high amount of PC and K-O-R. The developed HPLC method was found to be fast, accurate, precise, and reproducible and could be applied to qualitative and quantitative analysis of three bioactive compounds in SV extracts. The SV extract collected in April from Ulleung Island can be used as a functional food ingredient preventing obesity.
Melittin, a Potential Natural Toxin of Crude Bee Venom: Probable Future Arsenal in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hossen Md. Sakib , Gan Siew Hua , Khalil Md. Ibrahim
Published: July 2017

Since diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common and serious endocrine metabolic disorders, it is important to elucidate novel antidiabetic therapeutic agents from various sources, including natural products. Bee venom (BV) is a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, and low molecular components, and melittin is the main constituent. Melittin is a peptide consisting of 26 amino acids with the sequence GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ. It has several important biological effects and has a relatively low toxicity. Recent studies using animal models have confirmed that melittin has significant glucose and lipid lowering activities by acting on several mechanistic pathways. The main antidiabetic activity of melittin is increasing insulin secretion via depolarization of pancreatic β-cells. Other possible mechanisms may involve stimulation of phospholipase A2, increase of glucose uptake, improving lipid profile, and/or reduction of inflammation. This review summarizes the various sources, proteomics, biological roles, adverse effects, and medical applications of melittin and its mechanism of action in combating DM.
Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Characteristics of Dropped Eggs Based on Fluid-Solid Coupling Theory
Authors: Haiyan Song , Fang Wang , Jianguo Zhang , Yinong Zhang , Shugang Yang
Published: July 2017

It is important to study the properties and mechanics of egg drop impacts in order to reduce egg loss during processing and logistics and to provide a basis for the protective packaging of egg products. In this paper, we present the results of our study of the effects of the structural parameters on the mechanical properties of an egg using a finite element model of the egg. Based on Fluid-Solid coupling theory, a finite element model of an egg was constructed using ADINA, a finite element calculation and analysis software package. To simplify the model, the internal fluid of the egg was considered to be a homogeneous substance. The egg drop impact was simulated by the coupling solution, and the feasibility of the model was verified by comparison with the experimental results of a drop test. In summary, the modeling scheme was shown to be feasible and the simulation results provide a theoretical basis for the optimum design of egg packaging and egg processing equipment.
Ethanolamine and Phosphatidylethanolamine: Partners in Health and Disease
Authors: Patel Dhaval , Witt Stephan N.
Published: July 2017

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is the second most abundant phospholipid in mammalian cells. PE comprises about 15–25% of the total lipid in mammalian cells; it is enriched in the inner leaflet of membranes, and it is especially abundant in the inner mitochondrial membrane. PE has quite remarkable activities: it is a lipid chaperone that assists in the folding of certain membrane proteins, it is required for the activity of several of the respiratory complexes, and it plays a key role in the initiation of autophagy. In this review, we focus on PE’s roles in lipid‐induced stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Parkinson’s disease (PD), ferroptosis, and cancer.
Significantly Reduced Blood Pressure Measurement Variability for Both Normotensive and Hypertensive Subjects: Effect of Polynomial Curve Fitting of Oscillometric Pulses
Authors: Yang Fangwei , Chen Fei , Zhu Mingping , Chen Aiqing , Zheng Dingchang
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to compare within-subject blood pressure (BP) variabilities from different measurement techniques. Cuff pressures from three repeated BP measurements were obtained from 30 normotensive and 30 hypertensive subjects. Automatic BPs were determined from the pulses with normalised peak amplitude larger than a threshold (0.5 for SBP, 0.7 for DBP, and 1.0 for MAP). They were also determined from cuff pressures associated with the above thresholds on a fitted curve polynomial curve of the oscillometric pulse peaks. Finally, the standard deviation (SD) of three repeats and its coefficient of variability (CV) were compared between the two automatic techniques. For the normotensive group, polynomial curve fitting significantly reduced SD of repeats from 3.6 to 2.5 mmHg for SBP and from 3.7 to 2.1 mmHg for MAP and reduced CV from 3.0% to 2.2% for SBP and from 4.3% to 2.4% for MAP (all P<0.01). For the hypertensive group, SD of repeats decreased from 6.5 to 5.5 mmHg for SBP and from 6.7 to 4.2 mmHg for MAP, and CV decreased from 4.2% to 3.6% for SBP and from 5.8% to 3.8% for MAP (all P<0.05). In conclusion, polynomial curve fitting of oscillometric pulses had the ability to reduce automatic BP measurement variability.
NADPH Oxidase 2 Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in the Brain after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ma Merry W. , Wang Jing , Dhandapani Krishnan M. , Brann Darrell W.
Published: July 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. After the initial primary mechanical injury, a complex secondary injury cascade involving oxidative stress and neuroinflammation follows, which may exacerbate the injury and complicate the healing process. NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) is a major contributor to oxidative stress in TBI pathology, and inhibition of NOX2 is neuroprotective. The NLRP3 inflammasome can become activated in response to oxidative stress, but little is known about the role of NOX2 in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation following TBI. In this study, we utilized NOX2 knockout mice to study the role of NOX2 in mediating NLRP3 inflammasome expression and activation following a controlled cortical impact. Expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components NLRP3 and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC), as well as its downstream products cleaved caspase‐1 and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), was robustly increased in the injured cerebral cortex following TBI. Deletion of NOX2 attenuated the expression, assembly, and activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome via a mechanism that was associated with TXNIP, a sensor of oxidative stress. The results support the notion that NOX2‐dependent inflammasome activation contributes to TBI pathology.
Research on Fatigue Strain and Fatigue Modulus of Concrete
Authors: Liu Fangping , Zhou Jianting
Published: July 2017

Concrete fatigue strain and fatigue modulus evolution play a vital role in the evaluation of the material properties. In this paper, by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of existing concrete strain analysis methods, the level-S nonlinear fatigue strain model was proposed. The parameters’ physical meaning, the ranges, and the impact on the shape of the curve were all discussed. Then, the evolution model of fatigue modulus was established based on the fatigue strain evolution model and the hypothesis of fatigue modulus inversely related fatigue strain amplitude. The results indicate that the level-S model covered all types of fatigue strain evolution. It is very suitable for the description of strain evolution of concrete for its strong adaptability and high accuracy. It was found that the fitting curves coincided with the experimental curves very well, and the correlation coefficients were all above 0.98. The evolution curves of fatigue strain modulus both have three stages, namely, variation phase, linear change stage, and convergence stage. The difference is that the fatigue strain evolution curve is from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, but the fatigue modulus evolution curve is from the upper left corner to the right lower corner.
Reliability Analysis of Random Vibration Transmission Path Systems
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Yi-Min
Published: July 2017

The vibration transmission path systems are generally composed of the vibration source, the vibration transfer path, and the vibration receiving structure. The transfer path is the medium of the vibration transmission. Moreover, the randomness of transfer path influences the transfer reliability greatly. In this paper, based on the matrix calculus, the generalized second moment technique, and the stochastic finite element theory, the effective approach for the transfer reliability of vibration transfer path systems was provided. The transfer reliability of vibration transfer path system with uncertain path parameters including path mass and path stiffness was analyzed theoretically and computed numerically, and the correlated mathematical expressions were derived. Thus, it provides the theoretical foundation for the dynamic design of vibration systems in practical project, so that most random path parameters can be considered to solve the random problems for vibration transfer path systems, which can avoid the system resonance failure.
Comparison of the Effects of Carperitide and Tolvaptan on Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: A Two-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Koeda Chikahiko , Yamaya Shohei , Hozawa Maiko , Sato Masayuki , Nasu Kazuhiro , Takahashi Tomohiro , Terui Katsutoshi
Published: July 2017

In patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, diuretics can reduce blood pressure and lead to electrolyte abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of tolvaptan (T group) and carperitide (C group) in these patients. Sixty-one consecutive patients admitted to the Iwate Prefectural Kuji Hospital or the Emergency Center of the Iwate Medical University between July 2011 and April 2015 were included in this study. These patients had acute heart failure (HF) and were initially treated with furosemide. Patients were excluded from the study if they received combined carperitide and tolvaptan, if they received tolvaptan or cardiotonic drugs prior to the study period, if their LV ejection fraction was ≥40%, and if they had renal dysfunction (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL). There were no differences in the change in serum electrolytes in both groups, and none of the patients in the T group received supplementary dobutamine therapy. Oxygen administration was stopped successfully after a significantly shorter treatment period in the T group. These findings suggest that patients treated with tolvaptan did not require dobutamine as frequently as those treated with carperitide and indicated that tolvaptan may improve respiratory function more rapidly in patients with LV dysfunction.
Study on the Effect of γ-Irradiation on Gadolinium Oxysulfide Nanophosphors (Gd2O2S-NPs)
Authors: Hasim Muhammad Hassyakirin , Abdul Rahman Irman , Rahim Sapizah , Ayob Muhammad Taqiyuddin Mawardi , Sharin Shamellia , Radiman Shahidan
Published: July 2017

Gadolinium oxysulfide nanophosphors (Gd2O2S-NPs) have been successfully synthesized using γ-irradiation and hydrogenation treatment. The primary stage of Gd2O2S-NPs synthesis was carried out using various doses of γ-irradiation to form diverse sizes of Gd2(SO4)3 precursor, followed by hydrogenation treatment at 900°C for 2 hours to form Gd2O2S-NPs. Then, the nanophosphors were characterized for the structure, morphology, and luminescence properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence spectrometer (PL). Pure hexagonal phase of Gd2O2S-NPs was obtained with high crystallinity and without any impurities. The morphologies were observed from grain-like nanostructures transformed to spherical shape as the irradiation dose reached 40 kGy. Besides, Gd2O2S-NPs which were prepared at highest irradiation dose of 40 kGy show highest intensity of emission peak at 548 nm and corresponded to Stark level transition from the GJ6 state of Gd3+ ion. It can be emphasized that the different doses of γ-irradiation influenced the nucleation event of Gd2(SO4)3 precursor thus affecting the morphology and size particles of Gd2O2S-NPs. Hence, from the results, it can be suggested that Gd2O2S-NPs can be a promising host for optical applications.
Intractable Fasting Hypoglycemia as a Manifestation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Forde Justin J. , Ewelukwa Ofor , Brar Tony , Cabrera Roniel
Published: July 2017

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare and serious paraneoplastic complication of both malignant and benign tumors to consider when evaluating fasting hypoglycemia, especially in the setting of liver diseases. We present a case of NICTH in a 54-year-old male with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who presented with symptomatic intractable hypoglycemia (IH) after bowel preparation and fasting for screening upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
NPHS2Mutations: A Closer Look to Latin American Countries
Authors: Guaragna Mara Sanches , Lutaif Anna Cristina G. B. , Maciel-Guerra Andréa T. , Belangero Vera M. S. , Guerra-Júnior Gil , De Mello Maricilda P.
Published: July 2017

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common kidney pathologies in childhood, being characterized by proteinuria, edema, and hypoalbuminemia. In clinical practice, it is divided into two categories based on the response to steroid therapy: steroid-sensitive and steroid resistant. Inherited impairments of proteins located in the glomerular filtration barrier have been identified as important causes of nephrotic syndrome, with one of these being podocin, coded byNPHS2gene.NPHS2mutations are the most frequent genetic cause of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this review is to update the list ofNPHS2mutations reported between June 2013 and February 2017, with a closer look to mutations occurring in Latin American countries.
Breast Carcinoma: From Initial Tumor Cell Detachment to Settlement at Secondary Sites
Authors: Melzer Catharina , von der Ohe Juliane , Hass Ralf
Published: July 2017

Metastasis represents a multistep cascade of cancer cell alterations accompanied by structural and functional changes within the tumor microenvironment which may involve the induction of a retrodifferentiation program. Major steps in metastatic developments include (A) cell detachment from the primary tumor site involving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (B) migration and invasion into surrounding tissue, (C) transendothelial intravasation into the vasculature of blood and/or lymphatic vessels as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), (D) dissemination to distant organs, and (E) extravasation of CTCs to secondary sites as disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). This article highlights some aspects of the metastatic cascade with a focus on breast cancer cells. Metastatic steps critically depend on the capability of cancer cells to adapt to distant tissues and the corresponding new microenvironment. As a consequence, increasing plasticity and developmental changes paralleled by acquisition of new cancer cell functionalities challenge a successful therapeutic approach.
Detection of Folliculin Gene Mutations in Two Chinese Families with Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome
Authors: Liu Lv , Yang Kai , Wang Xiang , Shi Zhihui , Yang Yifeng , Yuan Yu , Guo Ting , Xiao Xiaocui , Luo Hong
Published: July 2017

Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHD, OMIM#135150) is a rare disease in clinic; it is characterized by skin fibrofolliculomas, pulmonary cysts with an increased risk of recurrent pneumothorax, renal cysts, and renal neoplasms. Previous studies have demonstrated that variants in folliculin (FLCN, NM_144997) are mainly responsible for this disease. In this research, we enrolled two BHD families and applied direct sequencing of FLCN to explore the genetic lesions in them. Two FLCN mutations were identified: one is a novel deletion variant (c.668delA/p.N223TfsX19), while the other is a previously reported insertion mutation (c.1579_1580insA/p.R527QfsX75). And the pathogenicity of both variants was confirmed by cosegregation assay. Bioinformatics analysis showed that c.668delA may lead to functional haploinsufficiency of FLCN because mRNA carrying this mutation exhibits a faster degradation rate comparing to the wild type. Real-time qPCR also confirmed that the mRNA level of FLCN expression in the proband was decreased significantly compared with the controls, which may disrupt the mTOR pathway and lead to BHD. The insertion mutation (c.1579_1580insA) was predicted to cause a prolonged amino acid sequence of FLCN. The present identification of two mutations not only further supports the important role of tumor suppressor FLCN in BHD and primary spontaneous pneumothorax, but also expands the spectrum of FLCN mutations and will provide insight into genetic diagnosis and counseling of families with BHD.