bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N
-Methyl-
d
-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockade Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Costa Vivian V. , Del Sarto Juliana L. , Rocha Rebeca F. , Silva Flavia R. , Doria Juliana G. , Olmo Isabella G. , Marques Rafael E. , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Foureaux Giselle , Araújo Julia Maria S. , Cramer Allysson , Real Ana Luíza C. V. , Ribeiro Lucas S. , Sardi Silvia I. , Ferreira Anderson J. , Machado Fabiana S. , de Oliveira Antônio C. , Teixeira Antônio L. , Nakaya Helder I. , Souza Danielle G. , Ribeiro Fabiola M. , Teixeira Mauro M.
Published: April 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency that causes significant neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative processes may be exacerbated by
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent neuronal excitoxicity. Here, we have exploited the hypothesis that ZIKV-induced neurodegeneration can be rescued by blocking NMDA overstimulation with memantine. Our results show that ZIKV actively replicates in primary neurons and that virus replication is directly associated with massive neuronal cell death. Interestingly, treatment with memantine or other NMDAR blockers, including dizocilpine (MK-801), agmatine sulfate, or ifenprodil, prevents neuronal death without interfering with the ability of ZIKV to replicate in these cells. Moreover,
in vivo
experiments demonstrate that therapeutic memantine treatment prevents the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by infection and massively reduces neurodegeneration and microgliosis in the brain of infected mice. Our results indicate that the blockade of NMDARs by memantine provides potent neuroprotective effects against ZIKV-induced neuronal damage, suggesting it could be a viable treatment for patients at risk for ZIKV infection-induced neurodegeneration.

IMPORTANCE
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency associated with serious neurological complications, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection of experimental animals with ZIKV causes significant neuronal damage and microgliosis. Treatment with drugs that block NMDARs prevented neuronal damage both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. These results suggest that overactivation of NMDARs contributes significantly to the neuronal damage induced by ZIKV infection, and this is amenable to inhibition by drug treatment.
184: KEY WORD VALIDITY RATIO (KWVR); A TOOL FOR VALIDITY OF KEYWORDS FOR BUILDING AN ACCURATE LITERATURE SEARCH STRATEGY
Authors: Gavgani Vahideh Zarea , Vahed Nafiseh
Published: April 2017

Background and aims:

Construction of a genuine Search Strategy for specific topics is almost challenging issue for accuracy of set of extracted literature. Search strategy includes multitude of fixed and relevant terms that moves in from other concepts nested in different categories. Building a pure set of all related words is dependent upon the terminology of topics, search engine algorithms of the specific database, the real information need and formation of search strategy. Without validation of the search strategy and the selection of eligible words set of extracted data will be objective for heterogeneity, especially in systematic reviews of evidence and scientometrics studies which require comprehensive and precise results. The aim of this study was to develop a tool for validation of selected keywords for systematic literature search.

Methods:

Based on CVI and CVR tools used for validity of contents in questionnaire building, the Key Word Validity (KWV) form was built. Semi structured Delphi with a small group discussion panel of experts was performed to validate the measures, items and contents of KWV tool. The KWV primary version was applied to assess the applicability and reliability of tool. The pilot study was conducted for identifying the best match words for retrieving the literatures for “evidence based librarianship”. Based on a literature review eligible terms and phrases were extracted.

All the words, terms and phrases were inverted into the descriptive concepts after steaming that made the check list. The identified terms nested in the KWV form and were submitted to panel of 5 expert searcher and subject specialists for library and information science. KWV form was built of three criteria including essential, related but needs modification, irrelevant/nonessential. Each term was scored by experts with the three criteria. The scores were then compared with Lawshe's CVR table to confirm the validity of terms.

Results:

Number of five selected terms was validated for study with KWVR=1>0/99. The search was once performed with the validated terms, which were scored essential and relevant but need modification and the results were imported to EndNote; once again the search was performed with terms which was scored irrelevant and no necessary and the results were imported to EndNote to compare the number of related hits. The result showed that the search results with the KWVR identified terms would give more relevant and more comprehensive results.

Conclusion:

KWVR can be used as a valid tool for validating eligible terms for literature search strategy construction especially for systematic reviews and scientometrics studies.
Acute on Chronic Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Unique Clinical Entity
Authors: Rockey Don C , Hafemeister Adam C , Reisch Joan S
Published: April 2017

Gastrointestinal bleeding is defined in temporal–spatial terms—as acute or chronic, and/or by its location in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we define a distinct type of bleeding, which we have coined ‘acute on chronic’ gastrointestinal bleeding. We prospectively identified all patients who underwent endoscopic evaluation for any form of gastrointestinal bleeding at a University Hospital. Acute on chronic bleeding was defined as the presence of new symptoms or signs of acute bleeding in the setting of chronic bleeding, documented as iron deficiency anemia. Bleeding lesions were categorized using previously established criteria. We identified a total of 776, 254, and 430 patients with acute, chronic, or acute on chronic bleeding, respectively. In patients with acute on chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, lesions were most commonly identified in esophagus (28%), colon and rectum (27%), and stomach (21%) (p<0.0001 vs locations for acute or chronic bleeding). In those specifically with acute on chronic upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n=260), bleeding was most commonly due to portal hypertensive lesions, identified in 47% of subjects compared with 29% of acute and 25% of chronic bleeders, (p<0.001). In all patients with acute on chronic bleeding, 30-day mortality was less than that after acute bleeding alone (2% (10/430) vs 7% (54/776), respectively, p<0.001). Acute on chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is common, and in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding was most often a result of portal hypertensive upper gastrointestinal tract pathology. Reduced mortality in patients with acute on chronic gastrointestinal bleeding compared with those with acute bleeding raises the possibility of an adaptive response.
Predicting hospitalisation duration after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: van Mourik Martijn S , Geenen Leonie M E , Delewi Ronak , Wiegerinck Esther M A , Koch Karel T , Bouma Berto J , Henriques Jose P , de Winter Robbert J , Baan Jan , Vis M. Marije
Published: April 2017

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is widely used as an alternative to conventional surgical aortic valve replacement. The aim of this study was to identify preprocedural predictors of duration of length of stay (LoS) after transfemoral TAVI (TF-TAVI).

Methods

We included all consecutive patients who underwent TF-TAVI at our centre between November 2010 and June 2013. Preprocedural, periprocedural and postprocedural variables were collected and evaluated to LoS. Linear regression was performed to find preprocedural predictors for total LoS.

Results

The population consisted of 114 patients (mean age: 79.6±8.7, 32.5% male). The median total LoS was 6.5 days (5–9 days). Multivariate analysis showed that the Metabolic Equivalent score (METs) (β=−0.084, p=0.011) and diastolic blood pressure (β=−0.011, p=0.016) independently contributed to the log-transformed LoS.

Conclusion

Multivariate linear regression showed that lower METs and lower diastolic blood pressure were associated with prolonged LoS. Understanding patients’ physical functionality can improve logistical planning of hospital stay and selecting patients eligible for early discharge.
Evidence for genetic hybridization betweenIxodes scapularisandIxodes cookei
Authors: Patterson James W. , Duncan Anna M. , McIntyre Kelsey C. , Lloyd Vett K.
Published: April 2017

Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821 (the black-legged tick) is becoming established in Canada. The northwards expansion of I. scapularis leads to contact between I. scapularis and Ixodes cookei Packard, 1869, a well-established tick species in Eastern Canada. Examination of I. cookei and I. scapularis collected from New Brunswick revealed ticks with ambiguous morphologies, with either a mixture or intermediate traits typical of I. scapularis and I. cookei, including in characteristics typically used as species identifiers. Genetic analysis to determine if these ticks represent hybrids revealed that four had I. cookei derived mitochondrial DNA but I. scapularis nuclear DNA. In one case, the nuclear sequence showed evidence of heterozygosity for I. scapularis and I. cookei sequences, whereas in the others, the nuclear DNA appeared to be entirely derived from I. scapularis. These data strongly suggest genetic hybridization between these two species. Ixodes cookei and hybrid ticks were readily collected from humans and companion animals and specimens infected with Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson et al., 1984, the causative agent of Lyme disease, were identified. These findings raise the issue of genetic introgression of I. scapularis genes into I. cookei and warrant reassessment of the capacity of I. cookei and I. cookei × I. scapularis hybrids to vector Borrelia infection.
Pentagram star pattern identification algorithm applied in three-head star sensors
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhu Xifang , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: April 2017

A pentagram star pattern identification algorithm for three-head star sensors was proposed. Its realization scheme was presented completely. Simulated star maps were produced by letting the three-head star sensor travel around the celestial sphere randomly and image the observed stars. Monte Carlo experiments were carried out. The performances of the pentagram algorithm were evaluated. It proves that its identification success rate reaches up to 98%.
Molecular and structural characterization of New Red and Erythrosine by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Chun , Du Jia-Meng , Zhao Jin-Chen , Zhu Tuo , Chen Guo-Qing
Published: April 2017

The fundamental and the fluorescence anisotropies of New Red and Erythrosine were measured. The intersection angles between the absorption and the emission dipole moments for New Red and Erythrosine are 4.44[Formula: see text] and 23.26[Formula: see text], respectively. The average angle shift of the emission dipole moment of New Red is 3.91[Formula: see text] during the lifetime of the excited state. This indicates that it has a bifurcated linear structure with weak rotational capacity. The average angle shift of the emission dipole moment of Erythrosine is 9.25[Formula: see text], indicating that it has a partial planar structure and is easier to rotate. The spatial ground state structures were simulated with Gaussian 09.
Diagonal rejection-based minimum variance distortionless response for fiber underwater acoustic array
Authors: Chen Yang , Zou Ling , Zhou Bin
Published: April 2017

The high mounting precision of the fiber underwater acoustic array leads to an array manifold without perturbation. Besides, the targets are either static or slowly moving in azimuth in underwater acoustic array signal processing. Therefore, the covariance matrix can be estimated accurately by prolonging the observation time. However, this processing is limited to poor bearing resolution due to small aperture, low SNR and strong interferences. In this paper, diagonal rejection (DR) technology for Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) was developed to enhance the resolution performance. The core idea of DR is rejecting the main diagonal elements of the covariance matrix to improve the output signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR). The definition of SINR here implicitly assumes independence between the spatial filter and the received observations at which the SINR is measured. The power of noise converges on the diagonal line in the covariance matrix and then it is integrated into the output beams. With the diagonal noise rejected by a factor smaller than 1, the array weights of MVDR will concentrate on interference suppression, leading to a better resolution capability. The algorithm was theoretically proved with optimal rejecting coefficient derived under both infinite and finite snapshots scenarios. Numerical simulations were conducted with an example of a linear array with eight elements half-wavelength spaced. Both resolution and Direction-of-Arrival (DOA) performances of MVDR and DR-based MVDR (DR–MVDR) were compared under different SNR and snapshot numbers. A conclusion can be drawn that with the covariance matrix accurately estimated, DR–MVDR can provide a lower sidelobe output level and a better bearing resolution capacity than MVDR without harming the DOA performance.
Correlation between alpha preformation probability, decay half-life and barrier assault frequency
Authors: Ismail M. , Ellithi A. Y. , El-Depsy A. , Mohamedien O. A.
Published: April 2017

Calculation of alpha particle preformation probabilities for some alpha emitters is considered in the framework of a recent proposed barrier penetration formula, by two different approximations. The behavior of alpha particle preformation probability with the variation of neutron and proton numbers of parent nuclei for isotopes, in the range [Formula: see text], and isotones, in the range [Formula: see text], is investigated. The same correlations are then studied for the alpha decay half-life, the barrier assault frequency, barrier height and barrier penetration probability. Strong correlations are found and in a good agreement with experimental expectations.
Toward a Faster Fault Tolerant Consensus to Maintain Data Consistency in Collaborative Environments
Authors: Hanna Fouad , Droz-Bartholet Lionel , Lapayre Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2017

The consensus problem has become a key issue in the field of collaborative telemedicine systems because of the need to guarantee the consistency of shared data. In this paper, we focus on the performance of consensus algorithms. First, we studied, in the literature, the most well-known algorithms in the domain. Experiments on these algorithms allowed us to propose a new algorithm that enhances the performance of consensus in different situations. During 2014, we presented our very first initial thoughts to enhance the performance of the consensus algorithms, but the proposed solution gave very moderate results. The goal of this paper is to present a new enhanced consensus algorithm, named Fouad, Lionel and J.-Christophe (FLC). This new algorithm was built on the architecture of the Mostefaoui-Raynal (MR) consensus algorithm and integrates new features and some known techniques in order to enhance the performance of consensus in situations where process crashes are present in the system. The results from our experiments running on the simulation platform Neko show that the FLC algorithm gives the best performance when using a multicast network model on different scenarios: in the first scenario, where there are no process crashes nor wrong suspicion, and even in the second one, where multiple simultaneous process crashes take place in the system.
Improved Performance of h-BN Encapsulated Double Gate Graphene Nanomesh Field Effect Transistor for Short Channel Length
Authors: Tiwari Durgesh Laxman , Sivasankaran K.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents improved performance of Double Gate Graphene Nanomesh Field Effect Transistor (DG-GNMFET) with h-BN as substrate and gate oxide material. The DC characteristics of 0.95[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 5[Formula: see text]nm channel length devices are studied for SiO2 and h-BN substrate and oxide material. For analyzing the ballistic behavior of electron for 5[Formula: see text]nm channel length, von Neumann boundary condition is considered near source and drain contact region. The simulated results show improved saturation current for h-BN encapsulated structure with two times higher on current value (0.375 for SiO2 and 0.621 for h-BN) as compared to SiO2 encapsulated structure. The obtained result shows h-BN to be a better substrate and oxide material for graphene electronics with improved device characteristics.
Study on Barriers to Knowledge Management Implementation in Iranian Companies; Case Study: PDSCO (Projects Development and Solution Company)
Authors: Rabiee Namdar
Published: April 2017

This study aims at identifying the barriers to knowledge management implementation in Iranian consulting companies including PDSCO in 2015. Research method is applied in terms of objective, and descriptive-survey research in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of research consists of all staff in PDSCO and its branches. The statistical sample of research includes 200 subjects who are selected by simple random sampling. Data collection tool consists of a researcher-made 27-item questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The reliability of this questionnaire is equal to 0.87 based on Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS software are used to analyse data, and thus the exploratory factor analysis is utilized to identify factors, and Friedman test is used for ranking them. The main results of research show that components including the empowerment, encouragement and support, knowledge application, knowledge sharing, salary and benefits, creativity, trust, and technological and knowledge-based factors respectively play main roles in knowledge management implementation.
Beyond 'Star Trek'
Authors: Batchelor David Allen
Published: April 2017

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

On a mission to boldly go where no man has gone before, the series and movies somehow missed some promising technologies ...
Thrombus Formation at High Shear Rates
Authors: Casa Lauren D.C. , Ku David N.
Published: April 2017

The final common pathway in myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke is occlusion of blood flow from a thrombus forming under high shear rates in arteries. A high-shear thrombus forms rapidly and is distinct from the slow formation of coagulation that occurs in stagnant blood. Thrombosis at high shear rates depends primarily on the long protein von Willebrand factor (vWF) and platelets, with hemodynamics playing an important role in each stage of thrombus formation, including vWF binding, platelet adhesion, platelet activation, and rapid thrombus growth. The prediction of high-shear thrombosis is a major area of biofluid mechanics in which point-of-care testing and computational modeling are promising future directions for clinically relevant research. Further research in this area will enable identification of patients at high risk for arterial thrombosis, improve prevention and treatment based on shear-dependent biological mechanisms, and improve blood-contacting device design to reduce thrombosis risk.
Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution among Cervical Cancer Patients prior to Brazilian National HPV Immunization Program
Authors: de Almeida Liz M. , Martins Luís Felipe L. , Pontes Valéria B. , Corrêa Flávia M. , Montenegro Raquel C. , Pinto Laine C. , Soares Bruno M. , Vidal João Paulo C. B. , Félix Shayany P. , Bertoni Neilane , Szklo Moysés , Moreira Miguel Angelo M.
Published: April 2017

To evaluate the impact of HPV immunization and possible changes in virus type-specific prevalence associated with cervical cancer, it is important to obtain baseline information based on socioeconomic, educational, and environmental characteristics in human populations. We describe these characteristics and the type-specific HPV distribution in 1,183 women diagnosed with cervical cancer in two Brazilian healthcare institutions located at the Southeastern (Rio de Janeiro/RJ) and the Amazonian (Belém/PA) regions. Large differences were observed between women in these regions regarding economic, educational, and reproductive characteristics. The eight most frequent HPV types found in tumor samples were the following: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58. Some HPV types classified as unknown or low risk were found in tumor samples with single infections, HPV 83 in RJ and HPV 11, 61, and 69 in PA. The proportion of squamous cervical cancer was lower in RJ than in PA (76.3% versus 87.3%,p<0.001). Adenocarcinoma was more frequent in RJ than in PA (13.5% versus 6.9%,p<0.001). The frequency of HPV 16 in PA was higher in younger women (p<0.05). The success of a cervical cancer control program should consider HPV types, local health system organization, and sociodemographic diversity of Brazilian regions.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: Establishment of Reference Values for Isoprostanes, AOPP, and NPBI in Cord Blood
Authors: Longini Mariangela , Belvisi Elisa , Proietti Fabrizio , Bazzini Francesco , Buonocore Giuseppe , Perrone Serafina
Published: April 2017

Oxidative stress (OS) is a common pathogenic factor involved in the onset of several diseases in humans, from immunologic disorders to malignancy, being a serious public health problem. In perinatal period, OS has been associated with adverse outcome of pregnancy and neonatal diseases. Dangerous effects of OS are mediated by increased production of free radicals (FRs) following various mechanisms, such as hypoxia, ischemia reperfusion, hyperoxia, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, Fenton chemistry, and prostaglandin metabolism. FRs have short half-life, and their measurement in vivo is faced with many challenges. However, oxyradical derivatives are stable and thus may be measured and monitored repeatedly. The quantification of OS is based on the measurement of specific biomarkers in biologic fluids and tissues, which reflect induced oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Prostanoids, non–protein-bound iron (NPBI), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are actually considered truly specific and reliable for neonatal injury. Defining reference values for these biomarkers is necessary to investigate their role in neonatal diseases or also to evaluate the success of treatments. In this work, we wanted to define laboratory reference values for biomarkers of OS in a healthy population of term newborns.
Numerical Simulation of Blast Vibration and Crack Forming Effect of Rock-Anchored Beam Excavation in Deep Underground Caverns
Authors: Li XinPing , Huang JunHong , Luo Yi , Dong Qian , Li YouHua , Wan Yong , Liu TingTing
Published: April 2017

Aiming at surrounding rock damage induced by dynamic disturbance from blasting excavation of rock-anchored beam in rock mass at moderate or far distance in underground cavern, numerical model of different linear charging density and crustal stress in underground cavern is established by adopting dynamic finite element software based on borehole layout, charging, and rock parameter of the actual situation of a certain hydropower station. Through comparison in vibration velocity, contour surface of rock mass excavation, and the crushing extent of excavated rock mass between calculation result and field monitoring, optimum linear charging density of blast hole is determined. Studies are also conducted on rock mass vibration in moderate or far distance to blasting source, the damage of surrounding rock in near-field to blasting source, and crushing degree of excavated rock mass under various in situ stress conditions. Results indicate that, within certain range of in situ stress, the blasting vibration is independent of in situ stress, while when in situ stress is increasing above certain value, the blasting vibration velocity will be increasing and the damage of surrounding rock and the crushing degree of excavated rock mass will be decreasing.
Analysis of Serum Cytokines and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in Erysipelas Patients
Authors: Emene Charles C. , Kravchenko Irina E. , Aibatova Gulnaz I. , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: April 2017

Increased free radical production had been documented in group A (β-hemolytic) streptococcus infection cases. Comparing 71 erysipelas patients to 55 age-matched healthy individuals, we sought for CAT, SOD1, and SOD2 single polymorphism mutation (SNPs) interactions with erysipelas’ predisposition and serum cytokine levels in the acute and recovery phases of erysipelas infection. Whereas female patients had a higher predisposition to erysipelas, male patients were prone to having a facial localization of the infection. The presence of SOD1 G7958, SOD2 T2734, and CAT C262 alleles was linked to erysipelas’ predisposition. T and C alleles of SOD2 T2734C individually were linked to patients with bullous and erythematous erysipelas, respectively. G and A alleles of SOD1 G7958A individually were associated with lower limbs and higher body part localizations of the infection, respectively. Serum levels of IL-1β, CCL11, IL-2Rα, CXCL9, TRAIL, PDGF-BB, and CCL4 were associated with symptoms accompanying the infection, while IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, G-CSF, and VEGF were associated with predisposition and recurrence of erysipelas. While variations of IL-1β, IL-7, IL-8, IL-17, CCL5, and HGF were associated with the SOD2 T2734C SNP, variations of PDFG-BB and CCL2 were associated with the CAT C262T SNP.
Evaluation of Quality of Life at Progression in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Hudgens Stacie , Forsythe Anna , Kontoudis Ilias , D’Adamo David , Bird Ashley , Gelderblom Hans
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) is a rare malignancy of mesodermal tissue, with international incidence estimates between 1.8 and 5 per 100,000 per year. Understanding quality of life (QoL) and the detrimental impact of disease progression is critical for long-term care and survival. Objectives. The primary objective was to explore the relationship between disease progression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using data from Eisai’s study (E7389-G000-309). Methods. This was a 1 : 1 randomized, open-label, multicenter, Phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of eribulin versus dacarbazine in patients with advanced STS. The QoL analysis was conducted for the baseline and progression populations using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item core QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results. There were no statistical differences between the two treatment arms at baseline for any domain (p>0.05; n=452). Of the 399 patients who experienced disease progression (unadjusted and adjusting for histology), dacarbazine patients had significantly lower Global Health Status, Physical Functioning scores, and significantly worse Nausea and Vomiting, Insomnia, and Appetite Loss (p<0.05). Conclusions. These results indicate differences in HRQoL overall and at progression between dacarbazine and eribulin patients, with increases in symptom severity observed among dacarbazine patients.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Regulates MicroRNA 21 Expression to Activate TGF-β Signaling in Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells to Enhance Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Selvamurugan Nagarajan , He Zhiming , Rifkin Daniel , Dabovic Branka , Partridge Nicola C.
Published: April 2017

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been documented to promote bone fracture healing in nonunions and increase lumbar spinal fusion rates. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PEMF stimulates differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) into osteoblasts are not well understood. In this study the PEMF effects on hBMSCs were studied by microarray analysis. PEMF stimulation of hBMSCs’ cell numbers mainly affected genes of cell cycle regulation, cell structure, and growth receptors or kinase pathways. In the differentiation and mineralization stages, PEMF regulated preosteoblast gene expression and notably, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway and microRNA 21 (miR21) were most highly regulated. PEMF stimulated activation of Smad2 and miR21-5p expression in differentiated osteoblasts, and TGF-β signaling was essential for PEMF stimulation of alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression. Smad7, an antagonist of the TGF-β signaling pathway, was found to be miR21-5p’s putative target gene and PEMF caused a decrease in Smad7 expression. Expression of Runx2 was increased by PEMF treatment and the miR21-5p inhibitor prevented the PEMF stimulation of Runx2 expression in differentiating cells. Thus, PEMF could mediate its effects on bone metabolism by activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and stimulation of expression of miR21-5p in hBMSCs.
The Channel Compressive Sensing Estimation for Power Line Based on OMP Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Liang Kun , He Yeshen , Wu Yannian , Hu Xin , Sun Lili
Published: April 2017

Power line communication (PLC) can collect information by power line which increases the coverage and connectivity of the smart grid. In this paper, we analyze the transmission characteristics of the power line channel and model it with mathematics channel. The multipath effect of the power line channel is studied with a novel technology named compressive sensing herein. We also proposed a new method to the power line channel estimation based on compressive sensing. We can collect and extract the effective parameters of the power line channel to storage, which only take very little storage space. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can reduce the amount of processing data in the digital signal processing module and decrease the requirement for the hardware.
Safety Performance Evaluation of a Three‐Leg Unsignalized Intersection Using Traffic Conflict Analysis
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Chen Jun , Zhao Jingya
Published: April 2017

Traffic conflicts were used to evaluate safety performance of a three‐leg unsignalized intersection. With the aid of a video camera, data were collected at the intersection and 15‐second time span was used in each observation to overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods of traffic conflict analysis. Time to collision (TTC), a widely accepted indicator, was used to identify whether an interaction between two vehicles was a traffic conflict. By using Poisson regression, a prediction model for traffic conflicts at the intersection was developed. Based upon the model, assuming that other factors remain constant, when time headway or speed of eastbound traffic on major road, which is crossed by left‐turning traffic from minor road, increases, the number of traffic conflicts at the intersection decreases. When volume of left‐turning traffic on minor road or speed of left‐turning vehicles on minor road increases, the number of traffic conflicts at the intersection increases if other factors remain constant. Explanations for the influence of the factors, which were represented by independent variables of the prediction model, were then analyzed in detail.
Association of PECAM-1 Gene Polymorphisms with Kawasaki Disease in Chinese Children
Authors: Li Zhuoying , Han Dong , Jiang Jie , Chen Jia , Tian Lang , Yang Zuocheng
Published: April 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis complicated by development of coronary artery lesions. PECAM-1 is a kind of cell adhesion molecule, which plays an important role in coronary artery disease. The relationship between PECAM-1 gene polymorphisms and their susceptibility to Kawasaki diseases (KD) is still unclear. In our study, we examined the PECAM-1 gene polymorphisms in 44 KD patients and 59 healthy children and revealed the correlation of PECAM-1 gene polymorphisms in KD children with and without coronary artery lesions (CAL).
Predictors of Cephalic Vaginal Delivery Following External Cephalic Version: An Eight-Year Single-Centre Study of 447 Cases
Authors: Kew Natalie , DuPlessis Jacobus , La Paglia Domenic , Williams Katherine
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Our study aims to investigate and evaluate (1) rates of success of ECV for breech presentation at term at the Royal Women’s Hospital in comparison to international standards; (2) mode of delivery following ECV; (3) factors influencing success rates of ECV at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Methods. An audit of all women who underwent ECV between the years 2007 and 2014 at the Royal Women’s Hospital as public patients was completed. Data parameters were collected from paper and electronic patient files at the Women’s Hospital. Data was collected to analyse the effect of the following parameters on ECV success and birth outcome: age, parity, gestational age, BMI, AFI, and tocolytic use. These parameters were analysed to determine their effect on ECV outcome and birth outcome. Results. The Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, has an ECV success rate of approximately 37%. Of the patients undergoing ECV, 29% proceeded to normal vaginal delivery. Predictors of successful ECV included low BMI, multiparity, and AFI more than 16 (P<0.05). The only predictor of cephalic vaginal delivery following ECV was multiparity. Negative predictors of cephalic delivery were low AFI and nulliparity. Conclusions. The success rate of ECV at the Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, is in line with global standards.
Safety and Efficacy of Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Chen David Z. , Sng Chelvin C. A.
Published: April 2017

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is emerging as a new therapeutic option for glaucoma patients who wish to reduce their medication burden and avoid the postoperative complications of conventional glaucoma filtration surgery. These devices differ in terms of their efficacy and safety profile. Schlemm’s canal devices have the most favorable safety profile at the compromise of modest efficacy, while subconjunctival and suprachoroidal devices are potentially more effective at lowering the intraocular pressure at the expense of a higher rate of complications. This review consolidates the latest evidence on the efficacy and safety of the MIGS devices in clinical use and provides an overview on upcoming devices which would likely also become viable treatment options in the near future. These clinical data would assist a glaucoma surgeon in selecting the most appropriate MIGS device for each patient based on the glaucoma severity and patient expectations.
Podocyte Autophagy: A Potential Therapeutic Target to Prevent the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Liu Na , Xu Liuqing , Shi Yingfeng , Zhuang Shougang
Published: April 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), becomes a worldwide problem. Ultrastructural changes of the glomerular filtration barrier, especially the pathological changes of podocytes, lead to proteinuria in patients with diabetes. Podocytes are major components of glomerular filtration barrier, lining outside of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) to maintain the permeability of the GBM. Autophagy is a high conserved cellular process in lysosomes including impaired protein, cell organelles, and other contents in the cytoplasm. Recent studies suggest that activation of autophagy in podocytes may be a potential therapy to prevent the progression of DN. Here, we review the mechanisms of autophagy in podocytes and discuss the current studies about alleviating proteinuria via activating podocyte autophagy.
Role of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Cui Wenpeng , Min Xu , Xu Xiaohong , Du Bing , Luo Ping
Published: April 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is manifested as increased urinary protein level, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and final renal dysfunction. DN is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and causes a huge societal healthcare burden. Since satisfied treatments are still limited, exploring new strategies for the treatment of this disease is urgently needed. Oxidative stress takes part in the initiation and development of DN. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in the cellular response to oxidative stress. Thus, activation of Nrf2 seems to be a new choice for the treatment of DN. In current review, we discussed and summarized the therapeutic effects of Nrf2 activation on DN from both basic and clinical studies.
Electrochemical Determination of Caffeine Content in Ethiopian Coffee Samples Using Lignin Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Amare Meareg , Aklog Senait
Published: April 2017

Lignin film was deposited at the surface of glassy carbon electrode potentiostatically. In contrast to the unmodified glassy carbon electrode, an oxidative peak with an improved current and overpotential for caffeine at modified electrode showed catalytic activity of the modifier towards oxidation of caffeine. Linear dependence of peak current on caffeine concentration in the range6×10-6to100×10-6 mol L−1with determination coefficient and method detection limit (LoD = 3 s/slope) of 0.99925 and8.37×10-7 mol L−1, respectively, supplemented by recovery results of 93.79–102.17% validated the developed method. An attempt was made to determine the caffeine content of aqueous coffee extracts of Ethiopian coffees grown in four coffee cultivating localities (Wonbera, Wolega, Finoteselam, and Zegie) and hence to evaluate the correlation between users preference and caffeine content. In agreement with reported works, caffeine contents (w/w%) of 0.164 in Wonbera coffee; 0.134 in Wolega coffee; 0.097 in Finoteselam coffee; and 0.089 in Zegie coffee were detected confirming the applicability of the developed method for determination of caffeine in a complex matrix environment. The result indicated that users’ highest preference for Wonbera and least preference for Zegie cultivated coffees are in agreement with the caffeine content.
Contrast-Enhanced Microtomographic Characterisation of Vessels in Native Bone and Engineered Vascularised Grafts Using Ink-Gelatin Perfusion and Phosphotungstic Acid
Authors: Sutter Sarah , Todorov Atanas , Ismail Tarek , Haumer Alexander , Fulco Ilario , Schulz Georg , Scherberich Arnaud , Kaempfen Alexandre , Martin Ivan , Schaefer Dirk J.
Published: April 2017

Objectives. Bone ischemia and necrosis are challenging to treat, requiring investigation of native and engineered bone revascularisation processes through advanced imaging techniques. This study demonstrates an experimental two-step method for precise bone and vessel analysis in native bones or vascularised bone grafts using X-ray microtomography (μCT), without interfering with further histological processing. Methods. Distally ligated epigastric arteries or veins of 6 nude rats were inserted in central channels of porous hydroxyapatite cylinders and these pedicled grafts were implanted subcutaneously. One week later, the rats were perfused with ink-gelatin and euthanised and the femurs, tibias, and grafts were explanted. Samples were scanned using μCT, decalcified, incubated with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) for contrast enhancement, rescanned, and processed histologically. Results. Contrast-enhanced μCT displayed the course and branching of native bone vessels. Histologically, both central (−17%) and epiphyseal vessels (−58%) appeared smaller than in μCT scans. Hydroxyapatite cylinders were thoroughly vascularised but did not display bone formation. Grafts with a central artery had more (+58%) and smaller (−52%) vessel branches compared to grafts with a vein. Conclusions. We present a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-perform two-step method to analyse bone and vessels by μCT, suitable to assess a variety of bone-regenerative strategies.
Fabricating 90 nm Resolution Structures in Sol-Gel Silica Optical Waveguides for Biosensor Applications
Authors: Enami Yasufumi
Published: April 2017

Bragg grating structure in a sol-gel silica waveguide is fabricated on the basis of nanoimprint lithography for biophotonic applications. The process realizes nonstandardized lithography in sol-gel silica at a high resolution for a relatively large area in the range of several micrometers with a resolution in the order of several nanometers. Here we demonstrate structures of 250 and 90 nm resolutions in a sol-gel silica optical waveguide for a large area that is not optimized to date. Bragg grating of a 250 nm periodic structure is realized for a 1 mm long area.
Regulation of Discrete Functional Responses by Syk and Src Family Tyrosine Kinases in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Ear Thornin , Tatsiy Olga , Allard Frédérick L. , McDonald Patrick P.
Published: April 2017

Neutrophils play a critical role in innate immunity and also influence adaptive immune responses. This occurs in good part through their production of inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines, in conjunction with their prolonged survival at inflamed foci. While a picture of the signaling machinery underlying these neutrophil responses is now emerging, much remains to be uncovered. In this study, we report that neutrophils constitutively express various Src family isoforms (STKs), as well as Syk, and that inhibition of these protein tyrosine kinases selectively hinders inflammatory cytokine generation by acting posttranscriptionally. Accordingly, STK or Syk inhibition decreases the phosphorylation of signaling intermediates (e.g., eIF-4E, S6K, and MNK1) involved in translational control. By contrast, delayed apoptosis appears to be independent of either STKs or Syk. Our data therefore significantly extend our understanding of which neutrophil responses are governed by STKs and Syk and pinpoint some signaling intermediates that are likely involved. In view of the foremost role of neutrophils in several chronic inflammatory conditions, our findings identify potential molecular targets that could be exploited for future therapeutic intervention.
Expression of YAP/TAZ in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors and Its Possible Association with Proliferative Behavior
Authors: Man Qi-Wen , Ma Yan-Qi , Liu Jin-Yuan , Zhao Yi , Liu Bing , Zhao Yi-Fang
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to clarify whether YAP/TAZ is involved in the pathogenesis and proliferative growth of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). The expression levels of YAP/TAZ and downstream proteins and genes in normal oral mucosa (OM) and KCOT were determined and compared by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of YAP/TAZ and downstream proteins (Cyr61, CTGF) was significantly upregulated in KCOT with upregulation of Ki-67 compared to OM. Importantly, the mRNA levels of transcription factors (TEAD1, TEAD4, and RUNX2) and cell cycle related genes (CDK2, PCNA), which interact with the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ, are also upregulated in the KCOT. In addition, the results from Spearman rank correlation test revealed the close relationship between YAP/TAZ and Ki-67, which was further evidenced by double-labelling immunofluorescence that revealed a synchronous distribution for YAP/TAZ with Ki-67 in KCOT samples. All the data suggested YAP/TAZ might be involved in the proliferative behavior of KCOT.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nanopowders and Coatings of Carbon-Doped Zinc Oxide Prepared by Pulsed Electron Beam Evaporation
Authors: Il’ves V. G. , Sokovnin S. Yu.
Published: April 2017

With the help of electron beam evaporation of mechanical mixtures of nonmagnetic micron powders ZnO and carbon in vacuum with the subsequent annealing of evaporation products in air at the temperature of 773 K, single-phase crystal nanopowders ZnO-C were produced with the hexagonal wurtzite structure and low content of the carbon dopant not exceeding 0.25 wt%. It was established that doping ZnO with carbon stimulates primary growth of nanoparticles along the direction 0001 in the coatings. Nanocrystal growth in coatings occurs in the same way as crystal growth in thin films, with growth anisotropy in the c-axis direction in wurtzite ZnO. Element mapping has confirmed homogeneous distribution of carbon in ZnO lattice. Ferromagnetism of single-phase crystal nanopowders ZnO-C with the hexagonal wurtzite structure and low content of the carbon dopant not exceeding 0.25 wt% was produced at room temperature. Ferromagnetic response of the doped NP ZnO-C has exceeded the ferromagnetic response of pure NP ZnO 5 times. The anhysteretic form of magnetization curves NP ZnO-C indicates aspiration of samples to superparamagnetism manifestation.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bluetongue Virus Infection in Tibetan Sheep and Yaks in Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Ma Jian-Gang , Zhang Xiao-Xuan , Zheng Wen-Bin , Xu Ying-Tian , Zhu Xing-Quan , Hu Gui-Xue , Zhou Dong-Hui
Published: April 2017

Bluetongue (BT), caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), is an arthropod-borne viral disease in ruminants. However, information about BTV infection in yaks in China is limited. Moreover, no such data concerning BTV in Tibetan sheep is available. Therefore, 3771 serum samples were collected from 2187 Tibetan sheep and 1584 yaks between April 2013 and March 2014 from Tibetan Plateau, western China, and tested for BTV antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of BTV was 17.34% (654/3771), with 20.3% (443/2187) in Tibetan sheep and 13.3% (211/1584) in yaks. In the Tibetan sheep group, the seroprevalence of BTV in Luqu, Maqu, Tianzhu, and Nyingchi Prefecture was 20.3%, 20.8%, 20.5%, and 19.1%, respectively. The seroprevalence of BTV in different season groups varied from 16.5% to 23.4%. In the yak group, BTV seroprevalence was 12.6%, 15.5%, and 11.0% in Tianzhu, Maqu, and Luqu counties, respectively. The seroprevalence in different seasons was 12.6%, 15.5%, 15.4%, and 9.0% in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The season was the major risk factor concerning BTV infection in yaks (P<0.05). The date of the BTV seroprevalence in Tibetan sheep and yaks provides baseline information for controlling BT in ruminants in western China.
The Relationship between Body Mass Index and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Referred for Coronary Angiography
Authors: Gregory Anne B. , Lester Kendra K. , Gregory Deborah M. , Twells Laurie K. , Midodzi William K. , Pearce Neil J.
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may be associated with more severe coronary artery disease (CAD); however, the relationship between body mass index [BMI (kg/m2)] and CAD severity is uncertain and debatable. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BMI and angiographic severity of CAD. Methods. Duke Jeopardy Score (DJS), a prognostic tool predictive of 1-year mortality in CAD, was assigned to angiographic data of patients ≥18 years of age (N=8,079). Patients were grouped into 3 BMI categories: normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2); and multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for 1-year all-cause and cardiac-specific mortality were calculated. Results. Cardiac risk factor prevalence (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) significantly increased with increasing BMI. Unadjusted all-cause and cardiac-specific 1-year mortality tended to rise with incremental increases in DJS, with the exception of DJS 6 (p<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, no significant association of BMI and all-cause (HR 0.70, 95% CI .48–1.02) or cardiac-specific (HR 1.11, 95% CI .64–1.92) mortality was found. Conclusions. This study failed to detect an association of BMI with 1-year all-cause or cardiac-specific mortality after adjustment for potential confounding variables.