bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Actinomyosin Motor Drives Malaria Parasite Red Blood Cell Invasion but Not Egress
Authors: Perrin Abigail J. , Collins Christine R. , Russell Matthew R. G. , Collinson Lucy M. , Baker David A. , Blackman Michael J.
Published: July 2018

Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites that actively invade, replicate within, and egress from host cells. The parasite actinomyosin-based molecular motor complex (often referred to as the glideosome) is considered an important mediator of parasite motility and virulence. Mature intracellular parasites often become motile just prior to egress from their host cells, and in some genera, this motility is important for successful egress as well as for subsequent invasion of new host cells. To determine whether actinomyosin-based motility is important in the red blood cell egress and invasion activities of the malaria parasite, we have used a conditional genetic approach to delete
GAP45
, a primary component of the glideosome, in asexual blood stages of
Plasmodium falciparum
. Our results confirm the essential nature of GAP45 for invasion but show that
P. falciparum
does not require a functional motor complex to undergo egress from the red blood cell. Malarial egress therefore differs fundamentally from induced egress in the related apicomplexan
Toxoplasma gondii
.

IMPORTANCE
Clinical malaria results from cycles of replication of single-celled parasites of the genus
Plasmodium
in red blood cells. Intracellular parasite replication is followed by a highly regulated, protease-dependent process called egress, in which rupture of the bounding membranes allows explosive release of daughter merozoites which rapidly invade fresh red cells. A parasite actinomyosin-based molecular motor (the glideosome) has been proposed to provide the mechanical force to drive invasion. Studies of the related parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
have shown that induced egress requires parasite motility, mediated by a functional glideosome. However, whether the glideosome has a similar essential role in egress of malaria merozoites from red blood cells is unknown. Here, we show that although a functional glideosome is required for red blood cell invasion by
Plasmodium falciparum
merozoites, it is not required for egress. These findings place further emphasis on the key role of the protease cascade in malarial egress.
cAMP Receptor Protein Controls Vibrio cholerae Gene Expression in Response to Host Colonization
Authors: Manneh-Roussel Jainaba , Haycocks James R. J. , Magán Andrés , Perez-Soto Nicolas , Voelz Kerstin , Camilli Andrew , Krachler Anne-Marie , Grainger David C.
Published: July 2018

The bacterium
Vibrio cholerae
is native to aquatic environments and can switch lifestyles to cause disease in humans. Lifestyle switching requires modulation of genetic systems for quorum sensing, intestinal colonization, and toxin production. Much of this regulation occurs at the level of gene expression and is controlled by transcription factors. In this work, we have mapped the binding of cAMP receptor protein (CRP) and RNA polymerase across the
V. cholerae
genome. We show that CRP is an integral component of the regulatory network that controls lifestyle switching. Focusing on a locus necessary for toxin transport, we demonstrate CRP-dependent regulation of gene expression in response to host colonization. Examination of further CRP-targeted genes reveals that this behavior is commonplace. Hence, CRP is a key regulator of many
V. cholerae
genes in response to lifestyle changes.

IMPORTANCE
Cholera is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholerae
. Best known for causing disease in humans, the bacterium is most commonly found in aquatic ecosystems. Hence, humans acquire cholera following ingestion of food or water contaminated with
V. cholerae
. Transition between an aquatic environment and a human host triggers a lifestyle switch that involves reprogramming of
V. cholerae
gene expression patterns. This process is controlled by a network of transcription factors. In this paper, we show that the cAMP receptor protein (CRP) is a key regulator of
V. cholerae
gene expression in response to lifestyle changes.
Acinetobacter baumannii Gastrointestinal Colonization Is Facilitated by Secretory IgA Which Is Reductively Dissociated by Bacterial Thioredoxin A
Authors: Ketter Patrick M. , Yu Jieh-Juen , Guentzel M. Neal , May Holly C. , Gupta Rishein , Eppinger Mark , Klose Karl E. , Seshu J. , Chambers James P. , Cap Andrew P. , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: July 2018

Multidrug-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiis among the most common causes of infectious complications associated with combat-related trauma in military personnel serving overseas. However, little is currently known about its pathogenesis. While the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been found to be a major reservoir forA. baumannii, as well as to potentially contribute to development of multidrug resistance, no studies have addressed the mechanisms involved in gut colonization. In this study, we address this critical gap in knowledge by first assessing the interaction between secretory IgA (SIgA), the principal humoral immune defense on mucosal surfaces, and theA. baumanniiclinical isolate Ci79. Surprisingly, SIgA appeared to enhanceA. baumanniiGI tract colonization, in a process mediated by bacterial thioredoxin A (TrxA), as evidenced by reduction of bacterial attachment in the presence of TrxA inhibitors. Additionally, atrxAtargeted deletion mutant (ΔtrxA) showed reduced bacterial burdens within the GI tract 24 h after oral challenge byin vivolive imaging, along with loss of thiol-reductase activity. Surprisingly, not only was GI tract colonization greatly reduced but the associated 50% lethal dose (LD50) of theΔtrxAmutant was increased nearly 100-fold in an intraperitoneal sepsis model. These data suggest that TrxA not only mediatesA. baumanniiGI tract colonization but also may contribute to pathogenesis inA. baumanniisepsis following escape from the GI tract under conditions when the intestinal barrier is compromised, as occurs with cases of severe shock and trauma.

IMPORTANCEAcinetobacter baumanniiis an emerging bacterial pathogen recently classified as a serious threat to U.S. and global health by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. It also is one of the leading causes of combat-related infections associated with injured military personnel serving overseas. Little is known regarding mechanisms of gastrointestinal tract colonization despite this site being shown to serve as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant (MDR)A. baumanniiisolates. Here, we establish that secretory IgA, the major immunoglobulin of mucosal surfaces, promotesA. baumanniiGI tract colonization via bacterial thioredoxin A as evidenced through significant reduction in colonization in IgA-deficient animals. Additionally, bacterial colonization and mortality were significantly reduced in animals challenged with a thioredoxin A-deficientA. baumanniimutant. Combined, these data suggest that thioredoxin A is a novel virulence factor, for which antithioredoxin therapies could be developed, for this important multidrug-resistant pathogen.
Fine mapping MHC associations in Graves’ disease and its clinical subtypes in Han Chinese
Authors: Chu Xun , Yang Minjun , Song Zhen-Ju , Dong Yan , Li Chong , Shen Min , Zhu Yong-Qiang , Song Huai-Dong , Chen Sai-Juan , Chen Zhu , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

Background

The classical human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes were the most important genetic determinant for Graves’ disease (GD). The aim of the study was to fine map causal variants of the HLA genes.

Methods

We applied imputation with a Pan-Asian HLA reference panel to thoroughly investigate themajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) associations with GD down to the amino acid level of classical HLA genes in 1468 patients with GD and 1490 controls of Han Chinese.

Results

The strongest finding across the HLA genes was the association with HLA-DPβ1 position 205 (Pomnibus=2.48×10−33). HLA-DPA1*02:02 was the strongest association among the classical HLA alleles, which was in perfect linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DPα1 residue Met11 (OR=1.90, Pbinary=1.76×10−31). Applying stepwise conditional analysis, we identified amino acid position 205 in HLA-DPβ1, position 66 and 99 in HLA-B and position 28 in HLA-DRβ1 explain majority of the MHC association to GD risk. We further evaluated risk of two clinical subtypes of GD, namely persistent thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody -positive (pTRAb+) group and ‘non-persistent TRAb positive’ (pTRAb−) group after antithyroid drug therapy. We found that HLA-B residues Lys66-Arg69-Val76 could drive pTRAb− GD risk alone, while HLA-DPβ1 position 205, HLA-B position 69 and 199 and HLA-DRβ1 position 28 drive pTRAb+ GD risk. The risk heterogeneity between pTRAb+ and pTRAb− GD might be driven by HLA-DPα1 Met11.

Conclusions

Four amino acid positions could account for the associations of MHC with GD in Han Chinese. These distinct HLA association patterns indicated the two subtypes have distinct molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Unilateral pallidal stimulation for disabling dystonia due to Rasmussen’s disease
Authors: Carreño Mar , Martí Maria José , Aldecoa Ibán , Painous Celia , Conde Estefanía , Valldeoriola Francesc , Valls-Solé Josep , Bargalló Núria , Gil Francisco , Manzanares Isabel , Setoain Xavier , Donaire Antonio , Muñoz Esteban , Roldán Pedro , Boget Teresa , Pintor Luis , Bailles Eva , Rumià Jordi
Published: July 2018

Objective

To describe an adult patient with Rasmussen’s disease with focal dystonia as the most disabling symptom and the good response to unilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical records and diagnostic tests.

Results

The patient had displayedmild focal seizures with sensory and motor symptoms on the left arm and hemiface since the age of 22. Ten years later she experienced abrupt onset of focal left dystonia involving mainly the leg. Brain MRI showed progressive right hemisphere atrophy, and  18fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) showed right hypometabolism mainly over the frontal and insular regions. Brain biopsy confirmed chronic encephalitis. The dystonia became very severe and made walking extremely difficult. Different treatments including dopaminergic, anticholinergic, immunomodulatory drugs and botulinum toxin were ineffective. Finally the patient was treated with unilateral GPi DBS. Shortly after the onset of the stimulation, the dystonia started to improve. Parameters have been adjusted, and 18 months after surgery the patient is able to walk and run unaided, although a mild left leg dystonia persists.

Conclusion

Rasmussen’s disease may be difficult to diagnose in adult patients. Associated movement disorders may be more disabling than seizures. Focal dystonia may be treated successfully with DBS.
Salivary cotinine concentration and carbon monoxide levels in young adults smoking midwakh in comparison with cigarette smokers
Authors: Shaikh Rizwana Burhanuddin , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Al Sharbatti Shatha , Muttappallymyalil Jayakumary , Lee Lily , Weitzman Michael
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To estimate and compare the salivary cotinine levels using a semiquantitative method, called NicAlert, between three groups: non-smokers, daily smokers of cigarettes and daily smokers of midwakh, and to compare the carbon monoxide (CO) levels among these groups.

Materials and methods

A total of 159 adult male volunteers aged 20 and above were included, with 54 current cigarette smokers, 52 current midwakh smokers and 53 non-smokers. Estimate of breath carbon monoxide and salivary cotinine were collected, as well as sociodemographic characteristics and details of smoking habits and second-hand smoke exposure among participants. Institutional review board approval was obtained and data were analysed using SPSS V.21 with the Kruskal-Wallis test used to obtain differences in the distribution.

Results

There was no significant difference in the median breath CO and salivary cotinine levels between cigarette and midwakh smokers. Levels of breath CO were significantly higher in cigarette and midwakh smokers as compared with non-smokers (19.5, 17.5 and 6.0, respectively, p<0.05); the same relationship was observed for cotinine levels among cigarette and midwakh smokers as compared with non-smokers (4.0, 3.0 and 0.0, respectively, p≤0.05). Additionally, the values of both salivary cotinine and breath CO increased with the frequency of tobacco use.

Conclusion

These are the first data that we are aware of that demonstrate that in terms of at least two key biomarkers of tobacco use, there are comparable levels of exposure between cigarettes and midwakh users, demonstrating a need for intensified attention to the use of midwakh.
Effect of beetroot juice supplementation on 10-km performance in recreational runners
Authors: de Castro Talitha Fernandes , Manoel Francisco de Assis , Figueiredo Diogo Hilgemberg , Figueiredo Diego Hilgemberg , Machado Fabiana Andrade
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on 10-km running performance in recreational runners. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-designed study, 14 male recreational runners (age, 27.8 ± 3.4 years) performed three 10-km running tests, at baseline and under the conditions of BRJ supplementation and placebo (PLA). Supplementation was administered for 3 days, and on the days of the assessments, the ingestion occurred 2 h before the test and consisted of a dose of 420 mL of BRJ in natura (8.4 mmol inorganic nitrate (NO3−)·day−1) or PLA with depleted NO3− (0.01 mmol NO3−·day−1). The mean velocity (MV) was calculated, and the following variables were determined: maximal heart rate, maximal rating of perceived exertion, blood glucose concentration (analyzed before and after the test), and lactate peak. There was no main effect between conditions regarding 10-km running time performance (BRJ: 50.1 ± 5.3 min; PLA: 51.0 ± 5.1 min; P = 0.391) and total MV (BRJ: 12.1 ± 1.3 km·h−1; PLA: 11.9 ± 1.2 km·h−1; P = 0.321) or in the other analyzed variables. The time to complete the first half of the test (5 km) was statistically lower in the BRJ group than in the PLA group (P = 0.027). In conclusion, chronic supplementation with BRJ increased MV in the first half of the test and improved the final test times of 10 of the 14 runners, although we did not find a statistically significant difference in the performance of the 10-km run.
A short-term intervention combining aerobic exercise with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is more ketogenic than either MCT or aerobic exercise alone: a comparison of normoglycemic and prediabetic older women
Authors: Vandenberghe Camille , Castellano Christian-Alexandre , Maltais Mathieu , Fortier Mélanie , St-Pierre Valérie , Dionne Isabelle J. , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this study were to determine (i) whether a 5-day aerobic exercise (AE) program combined with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement would increase the plasma ketone response in older women more than either intervention alone and (ii) whether ketonemia after these combined or separate treatments was alike in normoglycemic (NG) and prediabetic (PD) women. Older women (NG, n = 10; PD, n = 9) underwent a 4-h metabolic study after each of 4 different treatments: (i) no treatment (control), (ii) 5 days of MCT alone (30 g·day−1), (iii) 1 session of 30 min of AE alone, and (iv) 5 days of MCT and AE combined (MCT+AE). Blood was sampled every 30 min over 4 h for analysis. In NG, MCT+AE induced the highest area under the curve (AUC) for plasma ketones (835 ± 341 μmol·h·L−1); this value was 69% higher than that observed with MCT alone (P < 0.05). AUCs were not different between MCT alone and MCT+AE in PD, but both treatments induced a significantly higher AUC than the control or AE alone (P < 0.05). Although there was a trend towards a higher ketone AUC in NG versus PD with AE alone (P = 0.091), there was no significant difference between the ketone AUCs in PD and NG. In conclusion, MCT+AE was more ketogenic in older women than MCT or AE alone. MCT+AE had a synergistic effect on ketonemia in NG but not in PD. Whether improving insulin sensitivity with a longer term AE intervention can improve the ketogenic effect of MCT in PD and thereby increase brain ketone uptake in older people merits further investigation.
Singularities of worldsheets in spherical space–times
Authors: Lian Xuening , Wang Zhigang , Li Huilai
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the singularities of the geometry for four classes of worldsheets, which are respectively, located in three-dimensional hyperbolic space and three-dimensional de Sitter space–time are considered. Under the theoretical frame of geometry of space–time and as applications of singularity theory, it is shown that these worldsheets have two classes of singularities, that is, in the local sense, these four classes of worldsheets are, respectively, diffeomorphic to the cuspidal edge and the swallowtail. The first hyperbolic worldsheet and the second hyperbolic worldsheet are [Formula: see text]-dual to the tangent curves of spacelike curves. Moreover, it is also revealed that there is a close relationship between the types of singularities of worldsheets and a geometric invariant [Formula: see text], depending on whether [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the singularities of these worldsheets can be characterized by the geometric invariant. We provide two explicit examples of worldsheets to illustrate the theoretical results.
The large-Nc limit of borelized spectral sum rules and the slope of radial Regge trajectories
Authors: Afonin S. S. , Solomko T. D.
Published: July 2018

We put forward a new phenomenological method for calculating the slope of radial trajectories from values of ground states and vacuum condensates. The method is based on a large-[Formula: see text] extension of borelized spectral sum rules. The approach is applied to the light nonstrange vector, axial and scalar mesons. The extracted values of slopes proved to be approximately universal and are in the interval [Formula: see text] GeV2. As a by-product, the given method leads to prediction of the second radial trajectory with ground state mass lying near 0.6 GeV.
Stability and selection of lamellar eutectic growth with anisotropic surface tension
Authors: Xu Xiaohua , Chen Mingwen
Published: July 2018

The morphological stability of lamellar eutectic growth with the anisotropic effect of surface tension is studied by means of the interfacial wave (IFW) theory developed by Xu in the 1990s. We solve the related linear eigenvalue problem for the case that the Peclet number is small and the segregation coefficient parameter is close to the unit. The stability criterion of lamellar eutectic growth with the anisotropic surface tension is obtained. The linear stability analysis reveals that the stability of lamellar eutectic growth depends on a stability critical number [Formula: see text]. Similar to the case of isotropic surface tension, the system involves two types of global instability mechanisms: the “exchange of stability” invoked by the non-oscillatory, unstable modes and the “global wave instabilities” invoked by four types of oscillatory unstable modes, namely antisymmetric–antisymmetric (AA-), symmetric–symmetric (SS-), antisymmetric–symmetric (AS-) and symmetric–antisymmetric (SA-) modes. The anisotropic surface tension, by decreasing the corresponding stability critical number [Formula: see text], stabilizes the “exchange of stability” mechanism and “global wave instability” mechanism invoked by AA-, SA- and SS-modes. However, by increasing the corresponding stability critical number [Formula: see text], the anisotropic surface tension destabilizes the “global wave instability” mechanism invoked by AS-mode.
A Comparison of Distance Estimation in HMD-Based Virtual Environments with Different HMD-Based Conditions
Authors: Buck Lauren E. , Young Mary K. , Bodenheimer Bobby
Published: July 2018

Underestimation of egocentric distances in immersive virtual environments using various head-mounted displays (HMDs) has been a puzzling topic of research interest for several years. As more commodity-level systems become available to developers, it is important to test the variation of underestimation in each system since reasons for underestimation remain elusive. In this article, we examine several different systems in two experiments and comparatively evaluate how much users underestimate distances in each one. To observe distance estimation behavior, a standard indirect blind walking task was used. An Oculus Rift DK1, weighted Oculus Rift DK1, Oculus Rift DK1 with an artificially restricted field of view, Nvis SX60, Nvis SX111, Oculus Rift DK2, Oculus Rift consumer version (CV1), and HTC Vive were tested. The weighted and restricted field of view HMDs were evaluated to determine the effect of these factors on distance underestimation; the other systems were evaluated because they are popular systems that are widely available. We found that weight and field of view restrictions heightened underestimation in the Rift DK1. Results from these conditions were comparable to the Nvis SX60 and SX111. The Oculus Rift DK1 and CV1 possessed the least amount of distance underestimation, but in general, commodity-level HMDs provided more accurate estimates of distance than the prior generation of HMDs.
How Movement Modulates Hearing
Authors: Schneider David M. , Mooney Richard
Published: July 2018

Hearing is often viewed as a passive process: Sound enters the ear, triggers a cascade of activity through the auditory system, and culminates in an auditory percept. In contrast to a passive process, motor-related signals strongly modulate the auditory system from the eardrum to the cortex. The motor modulation of auditory activity is most well documented during speech and other vocalizations but also can be detected during a wide variety of other sound-generating behaviors. An influential idea is that these motor-related signals suppress neural responses to predictable movement-generated sounds, thereby enhancing sensitivity to environmental sounds during movement while helping to detect errors in learned acoustic behaviors, including speech and musicianship. Findings in humans, monkeys, songbirds, and mice provide new insights into the circuits that convey motor-related signals to the auditory system, while lending support to the idea that these signals function predictively to facilitate hearing and vocal learning.
What Happens with the Circuit in Alzheimer's Disease in Mice and Humans?
Authors: Zott Benedikt , Busche Marc Aurel , Sperling Reisa A. , Konnerth Arthur
Published: July 2018

A major mystery of many types of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains the underlying, disease-specific neuronal damage. Because of the strong interconnectivity of neurons in the brain, neuronal dysfunction necessarily disrupts neuronal circuits. In this article, we review evidence for the disruption of large-scale networks from imaging studies of humans and relate it to studies of cellular dysfunction in mouse models of AD. The emerging picture is that some forms of early network dysfunctions can be explained by excessively increased levels of neuronal activity. The notion of such neuronal hyperactivity receives strong support from in vivo and in vitro cellular imaging and electrophysiological recordings in the mouse, which provide mechanistic insights underlying the change in neuronal excitability. Overall, some key aspects of AD-related neuronal dysfunctions in humans and mice are strikingly similar and support the continuation of such a translational strategy.
A New Surgical Method of U-Shaped Myometrial Excavation and Modified Suture Approach with Uterus Preservation for Diffuse Adenomyosis
Authors: Jun-Min Xie , Kun-Peng Zhu , Yin-Kai Zhao , Ya-Qin Zhang , Xiao-Fan Fan , Xiao-Yu Zhu , Li Wei , Bin Wang
Published: July 2018

Objective. To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a new surgical method of U-shaped myometrial excavation and modified suture approach with uterus preservation for diffuse adenomyosis. Methods. From January 2012 to December 2014, 198 patients with diffuse adenomyosis were surgically treated using this novel procedure in Zhengzhou Hua-Shan Hospital. Degree of dysmenorrhea, menstrual blood volume, serum CA 125, and uterine size before and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery were compared. Results. Postoperatively, VAS score of dysmenorrhea, menstrual blood volume, serum CA 125 level, and uterine size significantly decreased at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months from presurgical levels (all p < .001), but there were no differences at the follow-up time points. Two patients recurred at 18 months and 23 months after surgery, but both recovered after repeat surgery. Interestingly, 2 other patients recrudesced at 10 months and 12 months after surgery. In addition, only one patient was found to have a postoperative anaemia with fever, conservatively managed without surgery. Conclusion. U-shaped myometrial excavation and modified suture approach with uterus preservation is a safe and feasible surgical approach to treat diffuse adenomyosis, with favourable outcomes.
Detection of Vertical Root Fractures Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Presence and Absence of Gutta-Percha
Authors: Hekmatian Ehsan , Karbasi kheir Mitra , Fathollahzade Hossein , Sheikhi Mahnaz
Published: July 2018

Background. Vertical root fractures (VRFs) can significantly reduce dental prognosis. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers better visualization of VRF than conventional radiography. However, gutta-percha creates artifacts in cone-beam CT (CBCT) images and reduces the diagnosis quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CBCT in detection of VRF in presence and absence of gutta-percha in canals. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 50 extracted mandibular premolars were selected. After preparing the access cavity, canals were instrumented using step-back method, and gutta-percha #40 was placed afterwards. The fractures were created using electromechanical universal testing machine on 25 teeth. The teeth were randomly placed in dry mandibular dental sockets, and the first CBCTs were taken. Then the gutta-percha was removed, and the second CBCTs were taken. Results. The results of Kappa coefficient between two observers in roots with and without gutta-percha were 0.644 and 0.830, respectively (p value ≤ 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of VRF diagnosis in assessing gutta-percha filled canals were 32% and 68% for the first observer, respectively (Kappa < 0.000, p value = 1.000), and 40% and 68% for the second observer, respectively (Kappa = 0.080, p value = 0.556). The sensitivity and specificity of VRF diagnosis in assessing the empty canals (without gutta-percha) were 72% and 96% for the first observer, respectively (Kappa = 0.680, p value ≤ 0/001), and 72% and 96% for the second observer, respectively (Kappa = 0.680, p value ≤ 0/001). Conclusion. The intracanal filling materials such as gutta-percha reduce the diagnostic ability of vertical root fractures. Hence, it is recommended to remove those materials from root canals before imaging to improve the diagnostic potential of CBCT.
A Unified Assessment Approach for Urban Infrastructure Sustainability and Resilience
Authors: Wang Liang , Xue Xiaolong , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Linshuang
Published: July 2018

The concepts of sustainability and resilience have become very popular in the field of urban infrastructure. This paper reviews previous research on sustainability and resilience of urban infrastructure. The concepts of urban infrastructure’s sustainability and resilience are compared from the perspectives of dimensions, properties, goals, and methodologies. The paper systematically assesses the sustainability and resilience of urban infrastructure by using the concept of the grade point average (GPA). The GPA of urban infrastructure’s sustainability and resilience (urban infrastructure SR‐GPA) is proposed as a unified concept. The assessment index system of urban infrastructure SR‐GPA is constructed from five dimensions including demand, status, influence, resource, and measure. The analytic network process (ANP) is used to assess urban infrastructure SR‐GPA considering the interaction between the indexes. The ANP structure model of urban infrastructure SR‐GPA is established based on the assessment method and index system. The Harbin subway SR‐GPA is selected as an empirical study to test the applicability of the proposed assessment method. The results show that the assessment indexes have different impacts on urban infrastructure SR‐GPA. The Harbin subway SR‐GPA is in a low level and can be upgraded through increasing construction investment, allocating resources efficiently, and considering resilience in the whole life cycle.
Microbiological Quality and Contamination Level of Water Sources in Isiolo County in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Abok Elisha , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Kunyanga Catherine Nkirote , Aliwa Bernard Ochieng’
Published: July 2018

Water security and safety is of vital concern in arid and semiarid regions of Kenya. Potable water accessibility and supply is limited due to fluctuating climatic conditions and environmental pollution that lower the wholesomeness of most water sources. The aim of this study was to establish the suitability of these water sources for drinking and use in industrial food processing by the small and medium enterprises (SME’s). The aim of this study was to establish suitability of these water sources for drinking and use in industrial food processing by the small and medium enterprises (SME’s). A total of 60 surface and ground water sources samples were purposively collected aseptically from the four administrative units (Ngare Mara, LMD, Leparua, and Wabera) of Isiolo County. ISO 16649-3, 688-2, 7937, 9308-1, and 18744 were used for enumeration of E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium pafringens, Coliforms, and cysts. Highest mean Clostridium pafringens counts in ground and surface water were 1452 Cfu/ml and 3421 Cfu/ml, respectively. Mean Staphylococcus aureus counts were 740 Cfu/ml and 1333 Cfu/ml in surface water and ground water, respectively. Escherichia coli and Coliforms contamination accounted for 29.88 % and 88.2 %, respectively. Microbial counts in the water sources differed significantly (p≤0.05). Total coliforms had a significant negative relationship (r = -0.76) with residual chlorine. Ground and surface water sources were highly contaminated with microorganism to levels regarded as unsafe by the Kenyan and WHO standards for potable water. Point-of-use water disinfection is thus necessary.
Asymptotic Properties of Solutions to Second-Order Difference Equations of Volterra Type
Authors: Migda Janusz , Migda Małgorzata , Nockowska-Rosiak Magdalena
Published: July 2018

We consider the discrete Volterra type equation of the form Δ(rnΔxn)=bn+∑k=1nK(n,k)f(xk). We present sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions with prescribed asymptotic behavior. Moreover, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions. We use o(ns), for given nonpositive real s, as a measure of approximation.
Clustered Breeding Sites: Shelters for Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Dias J. C. A. , Monteiro L. H. A.
Published: July 2018

Here, the propagation of vector-borne diseases is modeled by using a probabilistic cellular automaton. Numerical simulations considering distinct spatial distributions and time variations of the vector abundance are performed, in order to investigate their impacts on the number of infected individuals of the host population. The main conclusion is as follows: in the clustered distributions, the prevalence is lower, but the eradication is more difficult to be achieved, as compared to homogeneous distributions. This result can be relevant in the implementation of preventive surveillance measures.
A Rare Presentation of Invasive Tuberculosis of the Central Nervous System in an Immunocompetent Patient in a Nonendemic Country
Authors: Martins Rita , Casimiro Carlos , Valverde Ana , Campillo Jose
Published: July 2018

We herein report a rare case of a 25-year-old immunocompetent male patient with disseminated tuberculosis of central nervous system (CNS), first presenting as multiple cerebral lesions with no meningeal involvement. Subsequent diagnostic workup disclosed extensive peritoneal involvement. A broad differential diagnosis was considered, including neoplastic and infectious diseases. The diagnosis was confirmed with positive PCR result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the biopsied mesenteric tissue. The patient was started on tuberculostatic regimen with favorable outcome. No acquired or hereditary immunodeficiency was documented. Disseminated tuberculosis in immunocompetent individuals is extremely rare. Genetic susceptibility factors have been reported in individuals with extensive forms of the disease and a high index of suspicion is required, as observed in our case.
Evaluation Index System and Evaluation Method of China’s Regional Potential for Electrical Energy Substitution
Authors: Li Yanmei , Chen Zeng
Published: July 2018

Electrical energy substitution is used as a national strategy to promote the energy consumption revolution, increase the proportion of electric energy in terminal energy consumption, increase the proportion of coal used for power generation in total coal consumption, increase the share of renewable energy in electricity consumption, and reduce air pollutant emissions; its importance in the national energy strategy is beyond doubt. Evaluating the potential of electrical energy substitution in various regions of China is an indispensable step in effectively carrying out electrical energy substitution. Only by clearly identifying the potential and characteristics of electrical energy substitution in each region can an effective electrical energy substitution strategy be formulated. This paper constructs a regional electrical energy substitution potential evaluation index system, based on comprehensive consideration of the influencing factors and regional differences in the potential of electrical energy substitution. The weight of each indicator is determined by a combination of cloud model and entropy method. The improved Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) evaluation model by connection degree is used to evaluate the potential of electrical energy substitution in each region. Finally, this index system and evaluation method are used to evaluate the potential of electrical energy substitution in twenty-five regions in the State Grid jurisdiction, and the evaluation results are analyzed; the effectiveness of evaluation index system and evaluation method are verified. The practical significance of this paper lies in providing important theoretical support for State Grid to implement electrical energy substitution according to local conditions.
Dasatinib-Induced Hypopigmentation in Pediatric Patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alharbi Bader , Alamri Samer , Mahdi Ahmed , Marghalani Siham
Published: July 2018

Dasatinib is an oral second-generation multitarget tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is efficacious in treating imatinib-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or intolerant cases. Noncutaneous adverse effects with dasatinib are well known in the literature, most commonly cytopenias and fluid retention, while pigmentary abnormalities have rarely been reported. We report the case of a 12-year-old male known case of CML, who presented to dermatology clinic approximately 2 years after initiating dasatinib treatment, with new-onset hypopigmentation of his upper limb, upper chest, and both knees of six months’ duration.
Semianalytical Solutions of Relative Motions with Applications to Periodic Orbits about a Nominal Circular Orbit
Authors: Guo Qiwei , Lei Hanlun , Xu Bo
Published: July 2018

In the dynamical model of relative motion with circular reference orbit, the equilibrium points are distributed on the circle where the leader spacecraft is located. In this work, analytical solutions of periodic configurations around an arbitrary equilibrium point are constructed by taking Lindstedt-Poincaré (L-P) and polynomial expansion methods. Based on L-P approach, periodic motions are expanded as formal series of in-plane and out-of-plane amplitudes. According to the method of polynomial expansions, a pair of modal coordinates is chosen, and the remaining state variables are expressed as polynomial series about the modal coordinates. In order to check the validity of series solutions constructed, the practical convergence is evaluated. Considering the fact that relative motion model is a special case of restricted three-body problem, the periodic configurations constructed in the model of relative motion are taken as starting solutions to numerically identify the periodic orbits in restricted three-body problem by means of continuation technique with the mass of system as continuation parameter.
Imageless Navigation Improves Intraoperative Monitoring of Leg Length Changes during Total Hip Arthroplasty for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Two Case Reports
Authors: Shah Ritesh R. , Gobin Varsha , Muir Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2018

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare condition characterized by avascular necrosis and malformation of the femoral head. For many patients, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the only viable treatment option; however, there are challenges associated with THA in this population, primarily the equalization of leg lengths. Here, we present two cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease treated via total hip arthroplasty with the assistance of an imageless, computer-assisted navigation device. In each case, the device provided intraoperative data on leg length in real time, allowing for improved accuracy of component placement. Postoperative leg lengths were confirmed to be equalized in each case using radiographs. These cases are, to our knowledge, the first such cases using imageless navigation during THA and demonstrate the benefits of such assistive technologies in challenging cases such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Global Dynamics of a Virus-Immune System with Virus-Guided Therapy and Saturation Growth of Virus
Authors: Li Qian , Xiao Yanni
Published: July 2018

We considered a piecewise virus-immune dynamic model to investigate the effectiveness of the HIV virus loads-guided structured treatment interruptions (STIs). To better describe the biological reality, we extended the existing models by taking the carrying capacity of the virus loads into consideration to indicate the saturated growth of virus loads. We initially investigated the sliding dynamics of the proposed model and then obtained the global dynamics of the proposed model. Our main results showed that the system can exhibit very complex and diverse dynamic behaviors including a globally asymptotically stable equilibrium, bistable equilibra, and tristable equilibria, depending on the dynamics of the subsystems and the threshold level. In particular, an interesting result indicated that, with a proper threshold condition, the virus-guided therapy policy can successfully control the virus loads far below its carrying capacity and maintain the activity of the immune system for the case that the effector cells always go to zero without therapy or with continuous therapy. The finding suggested that the optimal strategy should be individual-based due to coexistence of multiple stable steady states, depending on the threshold conditions and the initial levels of viral loads and effector cells of the patients.
Landmark-Guided Local Deep Neural Networks for Age and Gender Classification
Authors: Zhang Yungang , Xu Tianwei
Published: July 2018

Many types of deep neural networks have been proposed to address the problem of human biometric identification, especially in the areas of face detection and recognition. Local deep neural networks have been recently used in face-based age and gender classification, despite their improvement in performance, their costs on model training is rather expensive. In this paper, we propose to construct a local deep neural network for age and gender classification. In our proposed model, local image patches are selected based on the detected facial landmarks; the selected patches are then used for the network training. A holistical edge map for an entire image is also used for training a “global” network. The age and gender classification results are obtained by combining both the outputs from both the “global” and the local networks. Our proposed model is tested on two face image benchmark datasets; competitive performance is obtained compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Activities of the Aqueous Rhizome Extract of Rheum officinale Baillon
Authors: Chang Eugene , Kim Choon Young
Published: July 2018

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with dysregulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and incidence of human diseases. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the lipid oxidation and antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Rheum officinale Baillon rhizome in order to evaluate its potential as a future novel natural antioxidant resource and a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical formations. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Rheum rhizome extract were dose dependently increased. Consistent with this, radical scavenging activities of Rheum rhizome extract as determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity were significantly elevated as the concentration increased. In addition, the treatment of aqueous Rheum rhizome extract significantly increased ferric reducing and copper chelating activities. According to results of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance analysis, Rheum rhizome extract significantly delayed lipid oxidation. Preincubation with Rheum rhizome extract significantly inhibited tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced ROS generation. Moreover, superoxide anion production was significantly lower in Rheum rhizome extract-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells than t-BHP-incubated cells (p<0.05). These findings suggest that Rheum officinale Baillon rhizome extract has a potential as an excellent natural antioxidant agent.
Primary Sphenoidal Sinus Lymphoma with Initial Presentation as Unilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy Symptom
Authors: Mao Xijing , Jin Lifang , Zhu Bochi , Cui Honghua , Yao Min , Yao Gang
Published: July 2018

A 48-year-old man presented with 3 days of mild horizontal diplopia in the left direction, followed by the onset of headache 17 days later. A physical examination revealed isolated left abducens nerve palsy. Head computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed soft-tissue density neoplasms that occupied the sphenoidal sinus and further invaded to destroy the clivus. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplasms was performed from biopsies samples. The pathological diagnosis was extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL), nasal type, associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The patient subsequently exhibited secondary symptoms (fever, night sweats), enlarged lymph nodes, renal metastases, and hemophagocytic syndrome, with clinical diagnosis stage IV of ENKL. The patient has a poor prognosis. This report is unique in two aspects: the unilateral abducens nerve palsy as the initial and isolated symptom of ENKL, and the primary sphenoidal sinus ENKL.
Decentralized Optimization Algorithms for Variable Speed Pumps Operation Based on Local Interaction Game
Authors: Wang Shi-Qiang , Xing Jian-Chun , Jiang Zi-Yan , Dai Yun-Chuang
Published: July 2018

A fully distributed optimal control strategy for the parallel variable speed pumps in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems is proposed. Compared with the traditional centralized method, the efficient control and coordination are scattered to every updated smart pump without the need for a monitoring host. Similar to the structure, mechanism, and characteristics of biological communities, a smart pump can communicate with adjacent nodes and operate collaboratively to complete pumps group operation with the least total power consumption under load demand and system constraints. And a decentralized optimization method that is decentralized estimation of distribution algorithm (DEDA) under local interaction games framework has been transplanted to the proposed structure to optimize the pumps working in parallel mode. Besides, convergence property of the two novel mechanisms is analyzed theoretically. Finally, simulation studies have been conducted based on the models of a physical pumps system, and the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with centralized algorithms in terms of both effectiveness and stability. The results provide support for the validity of the proposed algorithms and control structure.
Beyond Statins: Emerging Evidence for HDL-Increasing Therapies and Diet in Treating Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Farrer Sterling
Published: July 2018

Coronary heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Current attempts to treat atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease often involve pharmaceutical and surgical treatments. While these treatments are successful in managing the pain from coronary heart disease, they do little to prevent or stop it. There are a number of clinical strategies that are currently being researched to treat atherosclerosis through HDL-increasing therapies. These clinical studies have shown positive effects through nutritional intervention, exercise, stress reduction, and tobacco and alcohol cessation. These treatment options are explored in greater detail, including their potential to halt and even reverse atherosclerosis. The results from these recent studies and how they relate to the mechanism of reverse cholesterol transport are also critically examined. Reverse cholesterol transport is a multistep process resulting in the net movement of cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver via the plasma. The mechanism of reverse cholesterol transport is also further explored in this review.
Gut Microbiota Play an Essential Role in the Antidiabetic Effects of Rhein
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Zang Pu , Chen Junxiu , Wu Fei , Zheng Zhouqin , Ma Jian , Yang Cuihua , Du Hong
Published: July 2018

It is clear that the gut microbiota can affect host metabolism and alterations of the gut microbiota can link with metabolic disease. Rhein has been used in traditional Chinese medicine with putative antidiabetic effects. Here we show that oral administration of rhein for 6 weeks can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG) level (8.30 ± 4.52 mmol/l versus 18.89 ± 6.06 mmol/l, p < 0.01), elevate the active glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) level (22.21 ± 2.61 pmol/l verss 14.46 ± 5.22 pmol/l, p < 0.05), and increase the number of L‐cells in the terminal ileum. The antidiabetic effect of rhein is abrogated in db/db mice treated with rhein in combination with broad‐spectrum antibiotics. We observed that the abundance of the Bacteroidetes is increased in mice treated with rhein (0.361±0.022 versus 0.185 ± 0.055, p < 0.05,). In addition, there is no significant difference in diversity between rhein‐treated groups and the controls (Shannon index: p = 0.88; Simpson index: p = 0.86). Taken together, our results indicate that modulation of the gut microbiota may play an essential role in the antidiabetic effects of rhein.