bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warming of the interior Arctic Ocean linked to sea ice losses at the basin margins
Authors: Timmermans Mary-Louise , Toole John , Krishfield Richard
Published: August 2018

Reduced sea ice cover opens a conduit for solar-heated water to reach the interior Arctic Basin halocline.
A bifunctional nociceptin and mu opioid receptor agonist is analgesic without opioid side effects in nonhuman primates
Authors: Ding Huiping , Kiguchi Norikazu , Yasuda Dennis , Daga Pankaj R. , Polgar Willma E. , Lu James J. , Czoty Paul W. , Kishioka Shiroh , Zaveri Nurulain T. , Ko Mei-Chuan
Published: August 2018

The small-molecule AT-121 is an agonist of nociceptin and mu opioid peptide receptors and mediates analgesia without opioid-associated side effects in nonhuman primates.
Draft Genome Sequences of Obligate Methylotrophs Methylovorus sp. Strain MM2 and Methylobacillus sp. Strain MM3, Isolated from Grassland Soil
Authors: Macey Michael Christopher , Pratscher Jennifer , Crombie Andrew , Murrell J. Colin
Published: August 2018

Methylotrophs of the family
Methylophilaceae
were isolated from grassland soil. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two obligate methylotrophs,
Methylovorus
sp.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas protegens Strain BNJ-SS-45, Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Bajpai Apekcha , Shende Kishor K. , Meena Narendra , Suravajhala Prashanth , Medicherla Krishna Mohan , Johri Bhavdish Narain
Published: August 2018

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas protegens
strain BNJ-SS-45, which was isolated from wheat rhizosphere. The genome is assembled with 7,116,445 bp with a GC content of 63.34% consisting of 32 scaffolds.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium parafortuitum Strain P7335
Authors: Saad Jamal , Levasseur Anthony , Drancourt Michel
Published: August 2018

Mycobacterium parafortuitum
is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, initially isolated from soil in Japan. The 6,175,772-bp draft genome sequence of
M. parafortuitum
strain P7335 exhibits a G+C content of 68.4%, 5,783 protein-coding genes, and 66 predicted RNA genes, including 59 tRNA genes, 6 rRNA operons, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Industrial Fast-Acidifying Strain Streptococcus thermophilus N4L
Authors: Proust Lucas , Loux Valentin , Martin Véronique , Magnabosco Cristian , Pedersen Martin , Monnet Véronique , Juillard Vincent
Published: August 2018

Streptococcus thermophilus
is one of the most used dairy starters for the production of yogurt and cheese. We report here the complete genome sequence of the industrial strain
S. thermophilus
N4L, which is used in dairy technology for its fast-acidifying phenotype.
What are the perceived influences on asthma self-management at the workplace? A qualitative study
Authors: Heinrichs Katherina , Vu-Eickmann Patricia , Hummel Stefan , Gholami Jalal , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Asthma can represent a substantial challenge to the affected individual, but is usually well controlled by adequate asthma self-management behaviour (SMB). Asthma SMB comprises symptom prevention, symptom monitoring, acute symptom management and communication with important others. The implementation of asthma SMB seems to depend on contextual factors. For employed adults, working conditions may be important in this respect. We, therefore, aimed to explore the perceived influences on effective asthma SMB at work.

Design

Our qualitative study built on semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis.

Setting

Participants were recruited in two pulmonary rehabilitation clinics in Northern Germany.

Participants

We conducted 27 interviews among employees with asthma (female: n=15) who worked at least 20 hours per week and were diagnosed with asthma at least 6 months prior to interviewing. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded.

Results

According to participants, the most influential factors with regard to asthma SMB at work appeared to be job decision latitude (JDL) and social support. JDL (ie, the control over one’s tasks and when and how things were done) was perceived to affect symptom prevention, symptom monitoring, and acute symptom management, but not communication. Support by colleagues, line managers, and the employer, for example, practical, emotional, or structural support, was perceived to exert effects on symptom prevention, acute symptom management, and communication (ie, self-disclosure of one’s condition).

Conclusions

Perceived JDL and social support were experienced as influencing successful implementation of asthma SMB at the workplace.

Trial registration number

German Clinical Trials Register no: DRKS00011309.
High Power Doppler Ultrasound Score is associated with the Risk of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears in Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chen Jen-Hung , Huang Kuo-Chin , Huang Chung-Cheng , Lai Han-Ming , Chou Wen-Yi , Chen Ying-Chou
Published: August 2018

In the distal radioulnar joint, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an important stabilizer and are frequently found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with wrist pain. This study was designed to predict TFCC tears using high-resolution ultrasound in severe RA. We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe RA. MRI and ultrasound were performed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. TFCC tears were recorded. The predictive factors for TFCC tears were analyzed by logistic regression. During the 1-year follow-up period, 54 patients were enrolled (42 females and 12 males), of whom 21 (38.9%) developed TFCC tears. The body mass index was 22.81±2.59 kg/m2 in the TFCC tear group compared with 23.61±2.76 kg/m2 in the non-tear group (p=0.136). The mean age was 55.14±9.54 years in the TFCC tear group compared with 56.45±14.04 years in the non-tear group (p=0.596). The tear group had a higher Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) (6.36±0.47 vs 5.58±0.65, p=0.011) and higher power Doppler (PD) ultrasound score at the dorsal radiocarpal joint (1.90±1.30 vs 1.33±0.99, p=0.011) than the non-tear group. We found that high DAS28 (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.95 to 4.50; p=0.001) and higher baseline PD score (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.14; p=0.019) were significantly associated with a higher risk of TFCC tears by logistic regression. So we conclude a higher wrist PD score in severe RA predicted future TFCC tears. Therefore, we suggest to use PD score in such patients to monitor the risk of future TFCC tears.
Are children more vulnerable to mesothelioma than adults? A comparison of mesothelioma risk among children and adults exposed non-occupationally to blue asbestos at Wittenoom
Authors: Reid Alison , Franklin Peter , Berry Geoffrey , Peters Susan , Sodhi-Berry Nita , Brims Fraser , Musk Arthur William , de Klerk Nicholas H
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The presence of asbestos in public buildings is a legacy of past asbestos use in many developed countries. Of particular concern is the amount and current condition in schools and the vulnerability of children to mesothelioma. Our aim was to compare the risk of mesothelioma between those exposed to blue asbestos as children and as adults at Wittenoom.

Methods

Public sources were used to establish the Wittenoom residents’ cohort. Mesothelioma incidence rates per 100 000 person-years at risk were derived for those first exposed to asbestos at Wittenoom as children (<15 years) or adults separately. Proportional hazards survival models examined the slope of the exposure-response relationship between asbestos exposure and incidence of mesothelioma in different sex and age groups.

Results

The mesothelioma rate was lower among those first exposed as children (76.8 per 100 000) than those first exposed as adults (121.3 per 100 000). Adjusting for cumulative exposure to asbestos and sex, those exposed as adults had a greater risk of mesothelioma (adjusted HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.7). The slope of the exposure-response relationship did not differ between those exposed as children and those exposed as adults.

Conclusion

We found no greater susceptibility to mesothelioma among those first exposed to asbestos as children than those first exposed as adults. However, given the long latency of mesothelioma, and the greater years of life yet to be lived by the Wittenoom children, it is likely that there will be more cases of mesothelioma in the future among those first exposed as children.
Gender differences in injuries attributed to workplace violence in Ontario 2002–2015
Authors: Chen Cynthia , Smith Peter M , Mustard Cameron
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study is to compare trends in the incidence of injury resulting from workplace violence for men and women at the population level over the period 2002–2015 among working-age adults in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

Administrative records of injury resulting from workplace violence were obtained from two population-based data sources in Ontario: 21 228 lost-time workers’ compensation claims (2002–2015) and 13 245 records of non-scheduled emergency department visits (2004–2014), where the main problem was attributed to a workplace violence event. Denominator counts were estimated from labour force surveys conducted by Statistics Canada, stratified by age and sex. Age-standardised rates were calculated using the direct method.

Results

Over the observation period, workplace violence incidence rates were in the range of 0.2–0.5 per 1000 full-time equivalent workers. Incidence rates of injury due to workplace violence among women increased over the observation period, with an average annual per cent change (APC) of 2.8% (95% CI 1.7% to 3.9%) in compensation claims and 2.7% (95% CI 1.0% to 4.4%) in emergency department visits. In contrast, there was no change in workplace violence injury rates among men in compensation claims (APC: −0.2% (95% CI −1.2% to 0.9%)) or in emergency department visits (APC: −0.5% (95% CI −1.6% to 0.6%)). A pronounced increase in workplace violence injury rates was observed in the education sector with an APC=7.0% (95% CI 5.6% to 8.5%) for women and an APC=4.1% (95% CI 0.9% to 7.4%) for men.

Conclusions

Differences in the risk of injury resulting from workplace violence for women relative to men in Ontario between 2002 and 2015 were verified by two data sources. The relative risk of violence for men and women also differed across industries.
Impact of China National Tobacco Company’s ‘Premiumization’ Strategy: longitudinal findings from the ITC China Surveys (2006–2015)
Authors: Xu Steve Shaowei , Gravely Shannon , Meng Gang , Elton-Marshall Tara , O’Connor Richard J , Quah Anne C K , Feng Guoze , Jiang Yuan , Hu Grace J , Fong Geoffrey T
Published: August 2018

Background

In 2009, the China National Tobacco Company (CNTC) began their Premiumization Strategy, designed to encourage smokers to trade up to more expensive brands, mainly by promoting the concept that higher class cigarettes are better quality and less harmful. This study is the first evaluation of the strategy’s impact on: (1) prevalence of premium brand cigarettes (PBC), mid-priced brand cigarettes (MBC) and discount brand cigarettes (DBC) over 9 years, from 3 years pre-strategy (2006) to 6 years post-strategy (2015); and (2) changes in reasons for choosing PBCs, MBCs and DBCs.

Methods

A representative cohort of adult Chinese smokers (n=9047) in seven cities who participated in five waves of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey: pre-implementation (Wave 1 (2006; n=3452), Wave 2 (2007–2008; n=3586)); mid-implementation (Wave 3 (2009; n=4172)); and post-implementation (Wave 4 (2011–2012; n=4070), Wave 5 (2013–2015; n=2775)). Generalised estimating equations were conducted to examine changes in prevalence of PBCs, MBCs and DBCs, and reasons for brand choice from pre-implementation to post-implementation.

Results

From pre-implementation to post-implementation, there was an increase in prevalence of PBCs (5.4% to 23.2%, p<0.001) and MBCs (40.0% to 50.4%, p<0.001), and a decrease in DBCs (54.6% to 26.5%, p<0.001). There was an increase in smokers who chose their current brand because they believed it to be less harmful, both for MBC smokers (+13.0%, p=0.001) and PBC smokers (+9.0%, p=0.06). There was an increase for smokers in all brand classes for choosing their current brand because they were ‘higher in quality’ and because of affordable price, but the greatest increase was among PBC smokers (+18.6%, p<0.001 and +34.9%, p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the rising trend in Chinese smokers’ choice of ‘less harmful’, ‘higher quality’ and ‘affordable’ cigarettes, particularly PBCs, is likely due to CNTC’s aggressive marketing strategies. Strong tobacco control policies that prohibit CNTC’s marketing activities are critical in order to dispel erroneous beliefs that sustain continued smoking in China, where the global tobacco epidemic is exerting its greatest toll.
Bender elements in stiff cemented clay: shear wave velocity (Vs) correction by applying wavelength considerations
Authors: Khan Qasim , Subramanian Sathya , Wong Dawn Y.C. , Ku Taeseo
Published: August 2018

For the quality control of cement mixing in clays, small-strain shear stiffness Gmax is now increasingly being used due to enhanced repeatability in shear wave velocity (Vs) measurements. These stiff cemented clays have higher resonant frequencies that require the use of higher input frequencies in bender element testing for reliable Vs measurements. However, the practical requirements for suitable signals (with minimal near-field effects and wave reflections) can often be difficult to implement. To facilitate such Vs measurements, the current study proposes a methodology that can correct Vs values corresponding to lower wave propagation distance to wavelength ratios (Ltt/λ) to more reliable values of Vs at reference Ltt/λ criterion suggested in previous studies (e.g., 2, 3.33, and 4). Two clay types are mixed with ordinary Portland cement and various mix ratios are utilized to cover a wider range of soil stiffnesses. Based on the collected database, it is found that the resulting fitting functions enable the reasonable estimation of the stabilized Vs values corresponding to the suggested Ltt/λ criterion regardless of the nature of the input sine signal.
Cross-sector collaboration in the forest products industry: a review of the literature
Authors: Guerrero Jose E. , Hansen Eric
Published: August 2018

Cross-sector collaboration has gained attention from researchers in different fields of science in recent years because it represents significant business potential for forest companies to work with sectors possessing a more positive demand outlook, including those facing increasing pressure to detach from oil derivatives. Despite this, there is a lack of research regarding company-level, cross-sector collaboration in the forest-sector literature. This paper seeks to enhance the understanding of the cross-sector collaboration concept in the forest-sector literature and explore alternatives for forest companies to collaborate with other industries, rather than to compete. A systematic literature review is conducted to explore the relevance of cross-sector collaboration in the forest industry. Furthermore, the main drivers, benefits, and challenges of collaboration in the forest industry are identified. Results show that the literature has emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration for forest companies, but little empirical work has been done regarding the link between forest companies and other industrial sectors. Cost reduction, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability are among the principal drivers and benefits. Forest business culture, lack of trust, and lack of parameters to evaluate costs and savings generated are key challenges to forest companies implementing cross-sector collaboration.
Isotropic Damage Analysis of Thermoelastic Problems using BIE
Authors: Gun H.
Published: August 2018

This work presents a quadratic boundary integral equation formulation for isotropic damage analysis of components subjected to mechanical, thermal and centrifugal loads. To evaluate domain-related integrals due to the damage effects, the radial integration method (RIM) based on the use of the approximating the normalized displacements in the domain integrals by a series of prescribed radial basis functions (RBF) is adopted. The density of micro-defects is assumed to be small in the material. The scalar damage parameter expressed in an exponential evolution equation is utilized. Numerical examples including a rectangular plate, thick-walled cylinder and rotating disk problems under the thermal loads are given.
Development of a Novel Deterministic-Statistical Approach for Vibro-Acoustic Problems in Mid-Frequency based on Modified Integration Rule
Authors: Wu Fu , Yao Lingyun , He Zhicheng , Hu Mu
Published: August 2018

Recently, FE-SEA was proposed especially for the analysis of vibro-acoustic problems in mid-frequency regime. In practical applications, the use of conventional FEM in this hybrid FE-SEA method entails some inherent drawbacks, which is closely associated with well-known “overly-stiff” feature of FEM and the balance of mass matrix and stiffness matrix. In this work, a modified integration rule (MIR) is applied in the acoustic FEM model to readjust the mass matrix. Then, the MIR-FEM is embedded to achieve a hybrid MIR-FE-SEA framework, aiming to further improve the accuracy of mid-frequency response prediction. In the proposed MIR-FE-SEA model, the plate structure which often has a higher modal density is considered as a statistical subsystem and modeled statistically using statistical energy analysis (SEA). The acoustical cavity with a relative lower modal density is modeled deterministically using MIR-FEM. The coupling between these two different types of subsystems is achieved through the diffuse field reciprocity relation. The proposed MIR-FE-SEA is verified by various numerical examples.
Prediction of Anti-Malarial Activity Based on Deep Belief Network
Authors: Tian Shengwei , Yan Yilin , Yu Long , Wang Mei , Li Li
Published: August 2018

Malaria is a kind of disease that greatly threatens human health. Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria. Anti-malarial drugs which are sought, developed and synthesized keep malaria under control, having received increasing attention in drug discovery field. Machine learning techniques have been used widely in drug research and development. On the basis of semi-supervised machine learning for molecular descriptions, this research develops a multilayer deep belief network (DBN) that can be used to identify whether compounds have the anti-malarial activity. Firstly, the influence of feature dimensions on predicting accuracy is discussed. Furthermore, the proposed model is applied to contrast shallow machine learning and supervised machine learning with the similar deep architecture. The research results show that the proposed model can predict anti-malarial activity accurately. The stable performance on the evaluation metrics confirms the practicability of our model. The proposed DBN model performs better than other shallow supervised models and deep supervised models. Moreover, it could be applied to reduce the cost and the time of drug discovery.
Bouc Hysteresis Under White Noise Excitation Using Nonlinear Mapping and the Beta Distribution
Authors: Kasess Christian H. , Waubke Holger
Published: August 2018

The Bouc model describes the behavior of hysteretic materials using three-coupled differential equations. Under white noise excitation, the probability density of the state variables can be approximated using closure methods. Here, a new closure approach is presented that utilizes the beta distribution for hysteretic softening together with a nonlinear mapping using the inverse hyperbolic tangent. The beta distribution properly models the distribution of the force-proportional displacement, the required nonlinear relation between displacement, velocity, and force-proportional displacement is, however, not entirely captured for large excitation levels leading to deviations from the Monte-Carlo simulations.
Reverberation Level Modeling via Coupled Mode Approach in Shallow-Water Sound Channel with Internal Solitary Waves
Authors: Park Jungyong , Yang Haesang , Seong Woojae , Choo Youngmin
Published: August 2018

Reverberation level (RL) is modeled in a shallow water environment with an underwater sound channel and internal solitary wave (ISW) using the coupled mode method. Numerical RL result based on one-way coupled mode shows an abnormal increase when a source is located near the channel axis and the ISW is located far from the source. The abnormal increase is analyzed by using a two-mode approach (assuming a trapped mode and a bottom interacting mode). The two-mode approach explains the relation between the RL increase and the ISW location explicitly: the ISW transfers trapped mode energy to bottom interacting mode energy, and its increasing rate is a function of its modal attenuation and ISW location from the source. The sensitivity test according to several ISW parameters is also performed.
Statistical Characterization of Acoustic Signals Using 1D Wavelet Transforms with Applications in Acoustical Oceanography
Authors: Taroudakis Michael I.
Published: August 2018

The paper summarizes the research carried out at the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology-HELLAS aiming at the statistical characterization of underwater acoustic signals and their subsequent use for geoacoustic inversions and applications in ocean acoustic tomography. In these applications, an acoustic signal recorded in the marine environment due to some source is used as the carrier of information on the physical parameters of the environment. Statistical characterization of acoustic signals is a pre-processing technique aiming at the definition of signal observables, to be used as input data of appropriately defined inverse problems aiming at the estimation of critical parameters of the marine environment. The statistical characterization scheme was introduced as a way to define signal observables especially in cases that typical observables such as ray arrivals or modal arrivals cannot be identified in the recorded signals. Moreover, the setting of the associated inverse problem requires just a single recording device, which renders its application practically and relatively cheap in comparison with signal inversion methods requiring reception at an array of hydrophones. The characterization scheme is based on a wavelet transform of the signal at various levels, followed by the statistical description of the wavelet sub-band coefficients. It is shown that A-stable symmetric distributions are capable of defining the statistics of these coefficients, the characteristic parameters of which are the observables of the signal to be exploited for the inversions. As the inverse problems associated with the sought applications are formulated as optimization processes, an objective function to be used as a similarity measure is defined, which in the case of the statistical characterization method is the Kullback–Leibrer Divergence (KLD), capable of comparing probability density functions. The inversion processes are performed by means of neural networks or genetic algorithms, and the performance of the combined signal characterization and inversion method has been tested with simulated and real data. It is shown, that the method works well especially with noise-free or denoised signals.
Autocrine IL-1β mediates the promotion of corneal neovascularization by senescent fibroblasts
Authors: Dong Muchen , Yang Lingling , Qu Mingli , Hu Xiaoli , Duan Haoyun , Zhang Xiaoping , Shi Weiyun , Zhou Qingjun
Published: August 2018

Our previous study has confirmed that senescent fibroblasts promote corneal neovascularization (CNV) partially via the enhanced secretion of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). However, the regulation of MMP expression in senescent fibroblasts remained unclear. In this study, we identified that the expression and secretion levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were significantly upregulated in senescent human corneal fibroblasts than that in normal fibroblasts. Moreover, compared with vehicle-pretreated senescent fibroblasts, IL-1β pretreatment enhanced the expression of angiogenic factors but reduced the expression of angiostatic factors in senescent fibroblasts. When cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, IL-1β-pretreated senescent fibroblasts more strongly promoted their proliferation, migration, and tube-formation capacities than the vehicle-controlled senescent fibroblasts. In addition, either interleukin-1 receptor antagonist or anti-IL-1β neutralization completely inhibited the promotion of senescent fibroblasts in vascular tube formation in vitro and CNV in vivo. Therefore, we concluded that autocrine IL-1β mediated the promotion of senescent fibroblasts on corneal neovascularization.
Effect of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α on intestinal riboflavin uptake: inhibition mediated via transcriptional mechanism(s)
Authors: Anandam Kasin Yadunandam , Alwan Omar A. , Subramanian Veedamali S. , Srinivasan Padmanabhan , Kapadia Rubina , Said Hamid M.
Published: August 2018

Riboflavin (RF), is essential for normal cellular metabolism/function. Intestinal RF absorption occurs via a specific carrier-mediated process that involves the apical transporter RFVT-3 ( SLC52A3) and the basolateral RFVT-1 (SLC52A1). Previously, we characterized different cellular/molecular aspects of the intestinal RF uptake process, but nothing is known about the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the uptake event. We addressed this issue using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. First, we determined the level of mRNA expression of the human (h)RFVT-3 and hRFVT-1 in intestinal tissue of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and observed a markedly lower level compared with controls. In the in vitro model, exposing Caco-2 cells to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) led to a significant inhibition in RF uptake, an effect that was abrogated upon knocking down TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). The inhibition in RF uptake was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of hRFVT-3 and -1 protein and mRNA levels, as well as in the activity of the SLC52A3 and SLC52A1 promoters. The latter effects appear to involve Sp1 and NF-κB sites in these promoters. Similarly, exposure of mouse small intestinal enteroids and wild-type mice to TNF-α led to a significant inhibition in physiological and molecular parameters of intestinal RF uptake. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to TNF-α leads to inhibition in RF uptake and that this effect is mediated, at least in part, via transcriptional mechanism(s). These findings may explain the significantly low RF levels observed in patients with IBD.
The lens internal microcirculation system delivers solutes to the lens core faster than would be predicted by passive diffusion
Authors: Vaghefi Ehsan , Donaldson Paul J.
Published: August 2018

It has been proposed that optical properties of the lens are actively maintained by an internal microcirculation system that utilizes ionic and fluid fluxes to deliver nutrients to deeper regions of the lens tissue via the extracellular space faster than would occur by passive diffusion alone. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a range of commercially available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reagents of varying molecular sizes that served as tracers of extracellular solute delivery. The penetration of these tracers into bovine lenses incubated in the absence and presence of solutions that inhibit the microcirculation was monitored in real time over a 4-h period using T1-weighted MRI. We found that only the smaller contrast agents were delivered to the core of the lens and that the rate of solute penetration was significantly faster than that calculated simple diffusion. Next, the lenses were first incubated in either high extracellular K+to depolarize the lens potential or ouabain to inhibit the Na+pump. These two perturbations are known to inhibit the circulating ionic and fluid fluxes that are proposed to drive solute delivery into the lens core. Both perturbations inhibited the delivery of the extracellular tracer molecules to the lens core. Our findings suggest that the microcirculation system can potentially be harnessed to deliver exogenous antioxidants to the lens core to afford mature fiber cells protection against oxidative damage that ultimately manifests as age-related nuclear cataract.
Immune cells and inflammation in AKI to CKD progression
Authors: Sato Yuki , Yanagita Motoko
Published: August 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical state resulting from pathogenic conditions such as ischemic and toxic insults. The pathophysiology of AKI shares common pathogenic denominators including cell death/injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, regardless of the initiating insults. Recent clinical studies have shown that a single episode of AKI can lead to subsequent chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the involvement of multiple types of cells in the pathophysiology of AKI is becoming increasingly clear, the precise mechanisms for this “AKI to CKD progression” are still unknown, and no drug has been shown to halt this progression. An increasing number of epidemiological studies have also revealed that the presence of aging greatly increases the risk of AKI to CKD progression, and chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as an important determinant factor for this progression. In this review article, we first describe the current understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI to CKD progression based on multiple types of cells. In particular, we will highlight the recent findings in regard to the mechanisms for chronic inflammation after AKI. Subsequently, we will focus on the mechanisms responsible for the increased risk of AKI to CKD progression in the elderly. Finally, we highlight our recent finding of age-dependent tertiary lymphoid tissue formation and its roles in AKI to CKD progression and speculate on the potential therapeutic opportunities that come from targeting aberrant inflammation after AKI.
Nephron-specific knockout of TMEM16A leads to reduced number of glomeruli and albuminuria
Authors: Schenk Laura K. , Buchholz Bjoern , Henke Sebastian F. , Michgehl Ulf , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Kunzelmann Karl , Pavenstädt Hermann
Published: August 2018

TMEM16A is a transmembrane protein from a conserved family of calcium-activated proteins that is highly expressed in the kidney. TMEM16A confers calcium-activated chloride channel activity, which is of importance for various cellular functions in secretory epithelia and involved in secretion-dependent renal cyst growth. However, its specific function in renal physiology has remained elusive so far. Therefore, we generated conditional nephron-specific TMEM16A-knockout mice and found that these animals suffered from albuminuria. Kidney histology demonstrated an intact corticomedullary differentiation and absence of cysts. Electron microscopy showed a normal slit diaphragm. However, the total number of glomeruli and total nephron count was decreased in TMEM16A-knockout animals. At the same time, glomerular diameter was increased, presumably as a result of the hyperfiltration in the remaining glomeruli. TUNEL and PCNA stainings showed increased cell death and increased proliferation. Proximal tubular cilia were intact in young animals, but the number of properly ciliated cells was decreased in older, albuminuric animals. Taken together, our data suggest that TMEM16A may be involved in ureteric bud branching and proper nephron endowment. Loss of TMEM16A resulted in reduced nephron number and, subsequently, albuminuria and tubular damage.
Electrical nerve stimulation modulates motor unit activity in contralateral biceps brachii during steady isometric contractions
Authors: Hamilton Landon D. , Mani Diba , Almuklass Awad M. , Davis Leah A. , Vieira Taian , Botter Alberto , Enoka Roger M.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of our study was to compare the influence of five types of electrical nerve stimulation delivered through electrodes placed over the right biceps brachii on motor unit activity in the left biceps brachii during an ongoing steady isometric contraction. The electrical stimulation protocols comprised different combinations of pulse duration (0.2 and 1.0 ms), stimulus frequency (50 and 90 Hz), and stimulus current (greater or less than motor threshold). The electrical nerve stimulation protocols were applied over the muscle of the right elbow flexors of 13 participants (26 ± 3 yr) while they performed voluntary contractions with the left elbow flexors to match a target force set at 10% of maximum. All five types of electrical nerve stimulation increased the absolute amplitude of the electromyographic (EMG) signal recorded from the left biceps brachii with high-density electrodes. Moreover, one stimulation condition (1 ms, 90 Hz) had a consistent influence on the centroid location of the EMG amplitude distribution and the average force exerted by the left elbow flexors. Another stimulation condition (0.2 ms, 90 Hz) reduced the coefficient of variation for force during the voluntary contraction, and both low-frequency conditions (50 Hz) increased the duration of the mean interspike interval of motor unit action potentials after the stimulation had ended. The findings indicate that the contralateral effects of electrical nerve stimulation on the motor neuron pool innervating the homologous muscle can be influenced by both stimulus pulse duration and stimulus frequency.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Different types of electrical nerve stimulation delivered through electrodes placed over the right biceps brachii modulated the ongoing motor unit activity in the left biceps brachii. Although the effects varied with stimulus pulse duration, frequency, and current, all five types of electrical nerve stimulation increased the amplitude of the electromyographic activity in the left biceps brachii. Moreover, most of the effects in the left arm occurred after the electrical nerve stimulation of the right arm had been terminated.
Functional dissociation of the inferior frontal junction from the dorsal attention network in top-down attentional control
Authors: Tamber-Rosenau Benjamin J. , Asplund Christopher L. , Marois René
Published: August 2018

The posterior lateral prefrontal cortex—specifically, the inferior frontal junction (IFJ)—is thought to exert a key role in the control of attention. However, the precise nature of that role remains elusive. During the voluntary deployment and maintenance of visuospatial attention, the IFJ is typically coactivated with a core dorsal network consisting of the frontal eye field and superior parietal cortex. During stimulus-driven attention, IFJ instead couples with a ventrolateral network, suggesting that IFJ plays a role in attention distinct from the dorsal network. Because IFJ rapidly switches activation patterns to accommodate conditions of goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention (Asplund CL, Todd JJ, Snyder AP, Marois R. Nat Neurosci 13: 507–512, 2010), we hypothesized that IFJ’s primary role is to dynamically reconfigure attention rather than to maintain attention under steady-state conditions. This hypothesis predicts that in a goal-directed visuospatial cuing paradigm IFJ would transiently deploy attention toward the cued location, whereas the dorsal attention network would maintain attentional weights during the delay between cue and target presentation. Here we tested this hypothesis with functional magnetic resonance imaging while subjects were engaged in a Posner cuing task with variable cue-target delays. Both IFJ and dorsal network regions were involved in transient processes, but sustained activity was far more evident in the dorsal network than in IFJ. These results support the account that IFJ primarily acts to shift attention whereas the dorsal network is the main locus for the maintenance of stable attentional states.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Goal-directed visuospatial attention is controlled by a dorsal fronto-parietal network and lateral prefrontal cortex. However, the relative roles of these regions in goal-directed attention are unknown. Here we present evidence for their dissociable roles in the transient reconfiguration and sustained maintenance of attentional settings: while maintenance of attentional settings is confined to the dorsal network, the configuration of these settings at the beginning of an attentional episode is a function of lateral prefrontal cortex.
The BMP Pathway and Its Inhibitors in the Skeleton
Authors: Lowery Jonathan W. , Rosen Vicki
Published: August 2018

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute the largest subdivision of the transforming growth factor-β family of ligands. BMPs exhibit widespread utility and pleiotropic, context-dependent effects, and the strength and duration of BMP pathway signaling is tightly regulated at numerous levels via mechanisms operating both inside and outside the cell. Defects in the BMP pathway or its regulation underlie multiple human diseases of different organ systems. Yet much remains to be discovered about the BMP pathway in its original context, i.e., the skeleton. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intricacies of the BMP pathway and its inhibitors in bone development, homeostasis, and disease. We frame the content of the review around major unanswered questions for which incomplete evidence is available. First, we consider the gene regulatory network downstream of BMP signaling in osteoblastogenesis. Next, we examine why some BMP ligands are more osteogenic than others and what factors limit BMP signaling during osteoblastogenesis. Then we consider whether specific BMP pathway components are required for normal skeletal development, and if the pathway exerts endogenous effects in the aging skeleton. Finally, we propose two major areas of need of future study by the field: greater resolution of the gene regulatory network downstream of BMP signaling in the skeleton, and an expanded repertoire of reagents to reliably and specifically inhibit individual BMP pathway components.
Toward Cochlear Therapies
Authors: Wang Jing , Puel Jean-Luc
Published: August 2018

Sensorineural hearing impairment is the most common sensory disorder and a major health and socio-economic issue in industrialized countries. It is primarily due to the degeneration of mechanosensory hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea via complex pathophysiological mechanisms. These occur following acute and/or chronic exposure to harmful extrinsic (e.g., ototoxic drugs, noise...) and intrinsic (e.g., aging, genetic) causative factors. No clinical therapies currently exist to rescue the dying sensorineural cells or regenerate these cells once lost. Recent studies have, however, provided renewed hope, with insights into the therapeutic targets allowing the prevention and treatment of ototoxic drug- and noise-induced, age-related hearing loss as well as cochlear cell degeneration. Moreover, genetic routes involving the replacement or corrective editing of mutant sequences or defected genes are showing promise, as are cell-replacement therapies to repair damaged cells for the future restoration of hearing in deaf people. This review begins by recapitulating our current understanding of the molecular pathways that underlie cochlear sensorineural damage, as well as the survival signaling pathways that can provide endogenous protection and tissue rescue. It then guides the reader through to the recent discoveries in pharmacological, gene and cell therapy research towards hearing protection and restoration as well as their potential clinical application.
Concurrent Synthesis of Zero- and One-Dimensional, Spherical, Rod-, Needle-, and Wire-Shaped CuO Nanoparticles byProteus mirabilis10B
Authors: Eltarahony Marwa , Zaki Sahar , Abd-El-Haleem Desouky
Published: August 2018

Natural environment is a wealthy source of bionanofactories that invested in green approaches as the fabrication of biomimetic nanomaterials. The current study points out the importance of microbial activity in metal bioremediation, green synthesis of NPs, and global biogeochemical cycles of bioactive metals as well. It describes for the first time the synchronous biosynthesis of zero- (intracellular) and one-dimensional (extracellular) copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) viaProteus mirabilis10B. This bionanofactory represents key location of reduction and stabilization, and its exopolysaccharide additionally provides nucleation and growth site for CuO-NPs. The as-synthesized CuO-NPs were characterized; UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance at 275 and 430 nm for intracellular and extracellular CuO-NPs, respectively. XRD reflected crystalline, pure phase monoclinic structure CuO-NPs. EDX illustrated strong copper signal with atomic percentages 32.3% (intracellular) and 14% (extracellular) CuO-NPs. However,ζ-potential recorded −62.5 and −43.8 mV with PDI 0.207 and 0.313 for intracellular and extracellular CuO-NPs, respectively, confirming the colloidal stability and monodispersity. Moreover, TEM micrographs depicted quasi-spherical intracellularly sequestered CuO-NPs (10 nm). Unexpectedly, extracellular CuO-NPs exhibited rod-, needle-, and wire-shaped with 17–37.5 nm in width and 112–615 nm in length. The antagonistic activity of both types of CuO-NPs was evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (aerobic and anaerobic), biofilm, yeast, mold, and algae. The potent antagonistic efficacy of CuO-NPs was displayed which encourages its utilization in controlling microbial contamination. Finally, the promising metabolic activity ofProteus mirabilis10B can be exploited in simultaneous and beneficial applications for human and the surrounding ecosystem.
Frequency-Tunable Electromagnetic Absorber by Mechanically Controlling Substrate Thickness
Authors: Jeong Heijun , Tentzeris Manos M. , Lim Sungjoon
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we propose a frequency-tunable electromagnetic absorber that uses the mechanical control of substrate thickness. The absorption frequency of the proposed absorber can be changed by varying the substrate thickness. In order to mechanically control the substrate thickness, we introduce a 3D-printed molding with air space. The proposed structure consists of two layers and one frame: the FR4 substrate, polylactic acid (PLA) frame, and air substrate. The FR4 and PLA thicknesses are fixed, and the air thickness is varied using the PLA frame. Therefore, the effective dielectric constant of the overall substrate can be changed. The metallic rectangular patch and ground are patterned on the top and bottom FR4 substrates, respectively. The performance of the proposed tunable absorber is demonstrated from full-wave simulation and measurements. When both of the FR4 substrate thicknesses are 0.3 mm and the air thickness is changed from 1 to 3.5 mm, the absorption frequency is changed from 8.9 to 8.0 GHz, respectively. Therefore, the frequency-tuning capability of the proposed absorber is successfully demonstrated.
Enhancement of Organic Matter Removal in an Integrated Biofilm-Membrane Bioreactor Treating High-Salinity Wastewater
Authors: Yang Yan , Shao Zhiyu , Du Jun , He Qiang , Chai Hongxiang
Published: August 2018

High salinity can strongly inhibit microbial activity and decrease the sedimentation ability of activated sludge. The combination of biofilm and membrane bioreactor is a practical approach towards effective removal of pollutants and low fouling rate. An integrated biofilm-membrane bioreactor (BMBR) treating mustard tuber wastewater was investigated. An average COD removal efficiency of 94.81% and ammonium removal efficiency of 96.84% were achieved at an organic load of 0.5 kg COD/(m3·d). However, the reactor showed a relatively low efficiency in total nitrogen and soluble phosphorus removal due to the lack of anaerobic environment. The increase of influent organic load resulted in a performance degradation because a balance between the degradation ability and pollution has been reached. Images of scanning electron microscopy revealed that halophilic bacteria were the dominant microbe in the system that leads to a loose sludge structure and declined settling properties. It was found that membrane fouling was the consequence of the interaction of microbial activities and NaCl crystallization.
Dynamic Fracture Toughness and Dynamic Tensile Strength of the Rock from Different Depths of Beijing Datai Well
Authors: Man Ke , Liu Xiaoli
Published: August 2018

From the standard test method suggested by ISRM and GB/T50266‐2013, the uniaxial static tensile strength, dynamic tensile strength, and dynamic fracture toughness of the same basalt at different depths have been measured, respectively. It is observed that there may be an empirical relation between dynamic fracture toughness and dynamic tensile strength. The testing data show that both the dynamic fracture toughness and dynamic tensile strength increase with the loading rate and the dynamic tensile strength increases a little bit more quickly than the dynamic fracture toughness. With an increasing depth, the dynamic tensile strength has much more influence on the dynamic fracture toughness, as which it is much liable to bring out the unexpected catastrophes in the engineering projects, especially during the excavation at deep mining. From the rock failure mechanisms, it is pointed out that the essential reason of the rock failure is the microcrack unstable propagation. The crack processes growth, propagation, and coalescence are induced by tensile stress, not shear stress or compressive stress. The paper provides estimation of the dynamic fracture toughness from the dynamic tensile strength value, which can be measured more easily.
Early Gastric Cancer with Purely Enteroblastic Differentiation and No Conventional Adenocarcinoma Component
Authors: Yamada Rin , Horiguchi Shin-ichiro , Onishi Tomoko , Motoi Toru , Hishima Tsunekazu
Published: August 2018

Gastric carcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation (GCED) is a rare variant of gastric carcinoma, and a part of GCED produces alpha-fetoprotein. GCED is characterized by cells with clear cytoplasm and a tubulopapillary and solid growth pattern resembling those in the primitive gut. GCED is typically overlaid by a conventional adenocarcinoma (CA) component, implying that CA in the mucosa differentiates into GCED during tumor invasion and proliferation. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a 10-mm superficial elevated lesion and a slight central depression at the anterior wall of the lower gastric body. Endoscopic submucosal dissection revealed tumor cells having clear cytoplasm and severely atypical nuclei characteristic of GCED. The growth pattern was predominantly solid and trabecular but included submucosal layer invasion and limited tubular growth. Atrophic pyloric mucosa without intestinal metaplasia surrounded the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for AFP, GPC3, and SALL4. The present patient showed a purely enteroblastic differentiation without a CA component despite the presence of early cancer, indicating that few cases of GCED may arise de novo in the gastric mucosa. GCED is more aggressive compared with CA; therefore, pathologists should be aware that GCED without CA can appear in biopsy specimens of early cancer while making an accurate diagnosis.
New Advances in Toxicological Forensic Analysis Using Mass Spectrometry Techniques
Authors: Mogollón Noroska Gabriela Salazar , Quiroz-Moreno Cristian Daniel , Prata Paloma Santana , de Almeida Jose Rafael , Cevallos Amanda Sofía , Torres-Guiérrez Roldán , Augusto Fabio
Published: August 2018

This article reviews mass spectrometry methods in forensic toxicology for the identification and quantification of drugs of abuse in biological fluids, tissues, and synthetic samples, focusing on the methodologies most commonly used; it also discusses new methodologies in screening and target forensic analyses, as well as the evolution of instrumentation in mass spectrometry.