bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttransplant Tacrolimus-Induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Ammari Zaid , Pak Stella C. , Ruzieh Mohammed , Dasa Osama , Tiwari Abhinav , Jaume Juan C. , Alfonso-Jaume Maria A.
Published: May 2018

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients receiving tacrolimus as part of their immunosuppressive regimen is a rarely reported adverse event. We report a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and no known history of diabetes mellitus who presented with DKA, 3 months after kidney transplantation.
Emission Performance of a Diesel Engine Fuelled with Petrol Diesel, Green Diesel, and Waste Cooking Oil Blends
Authors: Chiavola O. , Recco E.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an experimental research on the impact of mixing ratio of biodiesel from waste cooking oil and an innovative diesel fuel (in which a renewable component is contained) on the emissions of an up-to-date light and compact small engine that has a leading role in city cars and urban vehicles. Two blends’ mixing ratios (20% and 40% by volume) were tested and the results were compared to those obtained when the engine was operated with low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and ULSD blended with 15% by volume of renewable diesel. The results indicate that diesel+ enhances CO and HC emissions in the exhaust as regards ULSD. Blending diesel+ with WCO causes a further reduction for most of the engine operative field. Concerning particulate emission, accumulation mode dominates for all fuels. Diesel+ is always characterized by lower mean diameters as regards ULSD. The addition of WCO further reduces the court mean diameter. Particle number concentration obtained by fuelling the engine with B40 is the lowest as regards all the other tested fuels. Concerning NOx, a moderate increase of the emission was observed when fuelling the engine with diesel+, net or in blends.
A Rare Case of Localised Isolated Penile Fournier’s Gangrene and a Short Review of the Literature
Authors: Katsimantas Antonios , Ferakis Nikolaos , Skandalakis Panagiotis , Filippou Dimitrios
Published: May 2018

Penile Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is very rare clinical entity, which is also known as penile necrotizing fasciitis or wet gangrene of the penis. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and in the majority of the described cases it affects not only penis but also the adjacent organs and tissues (e.g., bladder, muscles, rectum, testis, and scrotum). We report a rare case of a previously healthy 68-year-old male, who presented with acute isolated penile Fournier’s gangrene. Pus culture was identified with pathogens Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Prevotella melaninogenica. Prompt surgical exploration, fluid resuscitation, antibiotic treatment, and diligent postoperative care are the cornerstone in the successful treatment of this emergency with high mortality.
Climate Responsive Design Simulation and Modelling for Industrial Heritage
Authors: Castilla Manuel V.
Published: May 2018

The control of solar radiation is a basic dimension of modern design in all different types of constructions. Many architects have recently observed that different phases of sustainable design require a set of calculations and simulations that are necessary as a new standard design. The valuable contributions to the process of sustainable design has a common denominator: solar radiation and comfort. In this way, motivated by all these new strategies and concepts, the large number of papers published suggests that the work has not been finished. This work provides an illustration of the Atarazanas regarding its climate responsiveness, focusing specifically on daylighting, shading, heat gain, and cooling loads. The objective is to assess the design of the Reales Atarazanas de Sevilla (Seville Royal Dockyards) to quantify how it is impacted by solar insolation and to provide insights about design characteristics that influence efficiency and conservation.
Big Data in Cloud Computing: A Resource Management Perspective
Authors: Ullah Saeed , Awan M. Daud , Sikander Hayat Khiyal M.
Published: May 2018

The modern day advancement is increasingly digitizing our lives which has led to a rapid growth of data. Such multidimensional datasets are precious due to the potential of unearthing new knowledge and developing decision-making insights from them. Analyzing this huge amount of data from multiple sources can help organizations to plan for the future and anticipate changing market trends and customer requirements. While the Hadoop framework is a popular platform for processing larger datasets, there are a number of other computing infrastructures, available to use in various application domains. The primary focus of the study is how to classify major big data resource management systems in the context of cloud computing environment. We identify some key features which characterize big data frameworks as well as their associated challenges and issues. We use various evaluation metrics from different aspects to identify usage scenarios of these platforms. The study came up with some interesting findings which are in contradiction with the available literature on the Internet.
Association between the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire and Wrist Actigraphy
Authors: Santisteban Jose Arturo , Brown Thomas G. , Gruber Reut
Published: May 2018

Chronotype refers to individuals’ preferences for timing of sleep and wakefulness. It can be quantified by measuring the midpoint time between the start and end of sleep during free days. Measuring chronotype is helpful to diagnose circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. The Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) is a self-reported measure of chronotype that calculates the midpoint of sleep on free days based on self-reported bed and wake times. Self-reports of sleep are prone to bias. The objective was to examine the agreement between the MCTQ-derived midpoint and an objective measure obtained using wrist actigraphy. The sleep of 115 participants aged 18–34 (mean = 24, SD = 4.6) was monitored with actigraphy for 4 to 6 consecutive nights. The corrected midpoint of sleep on free days was derived from sleep start and end times on both free days and scheduled days. The corrected midpoint of sleep on free days as measured by the MCTQ was 4:56 (SD = 1 : 16) and by actigraphy was 4:51 (SD = 1 : 23). They were not significantly different (t(87)=0.66, p=0.51). A strong correlation was found between these two measurements (r(88)=0.73, p<0.001). The 95% limits of agreement were between −1:37:19 and 2:14:38. MCTQ and actigraphy provide similar results for the corrected midpoint of sleep on free days.
Futile Recanalization after Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nie Ximing , Pu Yuehua , Zhang Zhe , Liu Xin , Duan Wanying , Liu Liping
Published: May 2018

Early recanalization after endovascular treatment could improve the prognosis of acute ischemia stroke. Futile recanalization often occurred which was one of the main causes of failure. By now the mechanisms of futile recanalization were not clear. They are probably concerned with bad collateral circulation, subacute reocclusion, large hypoperfusion volumes, microvascular compromise, and impaired cerebral autoregulation. Previous research found that some of the image markers could be used as the accurate predictors for poor prognosis after successful treatment in order to identify the patients who were not suitable for recanalization and reduce some of the unnecessary cost. Predictors for futile recanalization mentioned in our article can be used for supplement to make decision for endovascular treatment.
Classification of BCI Users Based on Cognition
Authors: Ozkan N. Firat , Kahya Emin
Published: May 2018

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) are systems originally developed to assist paralyzed patients allowing for commands to the computer with brain activities. This study aims to examine cognitive state with an objective, easy-to-use, and easy-to-interpret method utilizing Brain-Computer Interface systems. Seventy healthy participants completed six tasks using a Brain-Computer Interface system and participants’ pupil dilation, blink rate, and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) data were collected simultaneously. Participants filled Nasa-TLX forms following each task and task performances of participants were also measured. Cognitive state clusters were created from the data collected using the K-means method. Taking these clusters and task performances into account, the general cognitive state of each participant was classified as low risk or high risk. Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and Neural Networks were also used to classify the same data in order to measure the consistency of this classification with other techniques and the method provided a consistency between 87.1% and 100% with other techniques.
Optimization of Deep Oxidative Desulfurization Process Using Ionic Liquid and Potassium Monopersulfate
Authors: Zhang Yinke , Xu Hang , Jia Mengfan , Liu Zhuang , Qu Deqiang
Published: May 2018

Response surface methodology (RSM) was selected to optimize a desulfurization process with metal based ionic liquids ([Bmim]Cl/CoCl2) and potassium monopersulfate (PMS) together to remove benzothiophene (BT) from octane (simulating oil). The four experimental conditions of PMS dosage, [Bmim]Cl/CoCl2 dosage, temperature, and reaction time were investigated. The results showed that the quadratic relationship was built up between BT removal and four experimental variables with 0.9898 fitting coefficient. The optimal conditions were 1.6 g (20 wt%) PMS solution, 3.2 g [Bmim]Cl/CoCl2, 46°C, and 23 min, which were obtained based on RSM and experimental results. Under the optimal condition, predicted sulfur removal rate and experimental sulfur removal rate were 96.7% and 95.4%, respectively. The sequence of four experimental conditions on desulfurization followed the order temperature > time > [Bmim]Cl/CoCl2 dosage > PMS solution dosage.
Periodic Tempered Distributions of Beurling Type and Periodic Ultradifferentiable Functions with Arbitrary Support
Authors: Sohn Byung Keun
Published: May 2018

Let Sω′(R) be the space of tempered distributions of Beurling type with test function space Sω(R) and let Eω,p be the space of ultradifferentiable functions with arbitrary support having a period p. We show that Eω,p is generated by Sω(R). Also, we show that the mapping Sω(R)→Eω,p is linear, onto, and continuous and the mapping Sω,p′(R)→Eω,p′ is linear and onto where Sω,p′(R) is the subspace of Sω′(R) having a period p and Eω,p′ is the dual space of Eω,p.
A Review of Selected Studies That Determine the Physical and Chemical Properties of Saliva in the Field of Dental Treatment
Authors: Kubala Elżbieta , Strzelecka Paulina , Grzegocka Marta , Lietz-Kijak Danuta , Gronwald Helena , Skomro Piotr , Kijak Edward
Published: May 2018

Physiological whole saliva is a unique body fluid constantly washing the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and larynx. Saliva is a clear, slightly acidic mucinous-serous secretion, composed of various electrolytes, small organic substances, proteins, peptides, and polynucleotides. There are many ways to use saliva as a biological fluid (biofluid). The significant advantages of saliva as a unique diagnostic material are its availability and the noninvasive method of collection. The aim of this review is to emphasize the diagnostic value of saliva as a research material in the configuration of its structure and secretion disorders. The data were obtained using the MEDLINE (PubMed) search engine, as well as an additional manual search. The analysis covered 77 articles selected from a group of 1986 publications and initially qualified for devising. The results were evaluated and checked for the correctness of qualifying in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The diagnostic use of saliva has attracted the attention of many researchers due to its noninvasive nature and relative simplicity of collection. In addition, it should be noted that the determination of chemical and physical saliva parameters can be effectively performed in the patient’s presence in the dental office.
Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Ophthalmoplegia and Altered Level of Consciousness without Headache
Authors: Salehi Nooshin , Firek Anthony , Munir Iqbal
Published: May 2018

Background. Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a clinical syndrome caused by acute ischemic infarction or hemorrhage of the pituitary gland. The typical clinical presentation of PA includes acute onset of severe headache, visual disturbance, cranial nerve palsy, and altered level of consciousness. Case Report. A 78-year-old man presented to the emergency department with one-day history of ptosis and diplopia and an acute-onset episode of altered level of consciousness which was resolving. He denied having headache, nausea, or vomiting. Physical examination revealed third-cranial nerve palsy and fourth-cranial nerve palsy both on the right side. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head was unremarkable. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pituitary mass with hemorrhage (apoplexy) and extension to the right cavernous sinus. The patient developed another episode of altered level of consciousness in the hospital. Transsphenoidal resection of the tumor was done which resulted in complete recovery of the ophthalmoplegia and mental status. Conclusion. Pituitary apoplexy can present with ophthalmoplegia and altered level of consciousness without having headache, nausea, or vomiting. A CT scan of the head could be negative for hemorrhage. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and timely management of pituitary apoplexy.
Influence of Fissure Number on the Mechanical Properties of Layer‐Crack Rock Models under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Tan Yun-liang , Guo Wei-yao , Zhao Tong-bin , Yu Feng-hai , Huang Bin , Huang Dong-mei
Published: May 2018

Many case studies have revealed that rock bursts generally occur in the high stress concentration area where layer‐crack structures often exist, especially for brittle coal or rock masses. Understanding the mechanical properties of layer‐crack rock models is beneficial for rational design and stability analysis of rock engineering project and rock burst prevention. This study experimentally investigated the influence of fissure number on the mechanical properties of layer‐crack rock models through uniaxial compression tests. The digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) and acoustic emission (AE) techniques were applied to record and analyze the information of deformation and failure processes. Test results show the following: the bearing capacity of layer‐crack specimen decreases compared with intact specimen, but their failure modes are similar, which are the splitting failure accompanied with local shear failure; the nonuniform deformation phenomenon begins to appear at the elastic deformation stage for layer‐crack specimens; the AE behavior of intact specimens consists of three stages, that is, active stage, quiet stage, and major active stage, but for layer‐crack specimens, it is characteristic by three peaks without quiet stage. In addition, as the fissure number of layer‐crack specimens increases, the bearing capacity of specimens decreases, the appearing time of nonuniform deformation phenomenon in the specimen surface decreases, the AE events are denser and denser in each peak stage, and the risk of dynamic instability of layer‐crack structure increases. At last, the failure mechanism of layer‐crack structure and the related mitigation advices were discussed based on the test results. In general, the novelty is that this paper focuses on the failure mechanism of layer‐crack structure directly.
Biomechanical, Biochemical, and Cell Biological Evaluation of Different Collagen Scaffolds for Tendon Augmentation
Authors: Gabler Carolin , Spohn Juliane , Tischer Thomas , Bader Rainer
Published: May 2018

Tendon augmentation is increasingly clinically relevant due to rising amount of tendon ruptures because of the aging and more demanding population. Therefore, newly developed scaffolds based on bovine epoxide stabilized collagen maintaining the native fibril-like collagen structure were characterized and compared to two commercially available porcine collagen scaffolds. For biomechanical testing (ultimate load, ultimate stress, stiffness, and elastic modulus), bovine collagen scaffolds were hydrated and compared to reference products. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by seeding human primary fibroblasts on each collagen-based scaffold and cultured over various time periods (3 d, 7 d, and 14 d). Live/dead staining was performed and metabolic cell activity (WST-1 assay) was measured. Biochemical degradability was investigated by enzymatic digestion. The bovine collagen scaffold showed significantly enhanced biomechanical properties. These persisted over different rehydration times. Cell biological tests revealed that the bovine collagen scaffolds support reproducible cell colonization and a significant increase in the number of viable cells during cultivation. The results are comparable with the viability and proliferation rate of cells grown on porcine reference materials. With regard to biochemical degradability, all tested materials showed comparable resistance to enzymatic degradation in vitro. Due to imitating the natural tendon structure the new scaffold material is supposed to provide beneficial effects in future clinical application.
Channeling Vision: CaV1.4—A Critical Link in Retinal Signal Transmission
Authors: Waldner D. M. , Bech-Hansen N. T. , Stell W. K.
Published: May 2018

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) are key to many biological functions. Entry of Ca2+into cells is essential for initiating or modulating important processes such as secretion, cell motility, and gene transcription. In the retina and other neural tissues, one of the major roles of Ca2+-entry is to stimulate or regulate exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, without which synaptic transmission is impaired. This review will address the special properties of one L-type VGCC,CaV1.4, with particular emphasis on its role in transmission of visual signals from rod and cone photoreceptors (hereafter called “photoreceptors,” to the exclusion of intrinsically photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells) to the second-order retinal neurons, and the pathological effects of mutations in theCACNA1Fgene which codes for the pore-formingα1Fsubunit ofCaV1.4.
The Influence of Neck Muscle Activation on Head and Neck Injuries of Occupants in Frontal Impacts
Authors: Li Fan , Lu Ronggui , Hu Wei , Li Honggeng , Hu Shiping , Hu Jiangzhong , Wang Haibin , Xie He
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present paper was to study the influence of neck muscle activation on head and neck injuries of vehicle occupants in frontal impacts. A mixed dummy-human finite element model was developed to simulate a frontal impact. The head-neck part of a Hybrid III dummy model was replaced by a well-validated head-neck FE model with passive and active muscle characteristics. The mixed dummy-human FE model was validated by 15 G frontal volunteer tests conducted in the Naval Biodynamics Laboratory. The effects of neck muscle activation on the head dynamic responses and neck injuries of occupants in three frontal impact intensities, low speed (10 km/h), medium speed (30 km/h), and high speed (50 km/h), were studied. The results showed that the mixed dummy-human FE model has good biofidelity. The activation of neck muscles can not only lower the head resultant acceleration under different impact intensities and the head angular acceleration in medium- and high-speed impacts, thereby reducing the risks of head injury, but also protect the neck from injury in low-speed impacts.
Investigation of Clinical Characteristics and Etiological Factors in Children with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization
Authors: Giuca Maria Rita , Cappè Maria , Carli Elisabetta , Lardani Lisa , Pasini Marco
Published: May 2018

Aim. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical defects and etiological factors potentially involved in the onset of MIH in a pediatric sample. Methods. 120 children, selected from the university dental clinic, were included: 60 children (25 boys and 35 girls; average age: 9.8 ± 1.8 years) with MIH formed the test group and 60 children (27 boys and 33 girls; average age: 10.1 ± 2 years) without MIH constituted the control group. Distribution and severity of MIH defects were evaluated, and a questionnaire was used to investigate the etiological variables; chi-square, univariate, and multivariate statistical tests were performed (significance level set at p<0.05). Results. A total of 186 molars and 98 incisors exhibited MIH defects: 55 molars and 75 incisors showed mild defects, 91 molars and 20 incisors had moderate lesions, and 40 molars and 3 incisors showed severe lesions. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showed a significant association (p<0.05) between MIH and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders and the antibiotics used during pregnancy (0.019). Conclusions. Moderate defects were more frequent in the molars, while mild lesions were more frequent in the incisors. Antibiotics used during pregnancy and ENT may be directly involved in the etiology of MIH in children.
Paleopathological Considerations on Malaria Infection in Korea before the 20th Century
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Seo Min , Hong Jong Ha , Lee Eunju
Published: May 2018

Malaria, one of the deadliest diseases in human history, still infects many people worldwide. Among the species of the genusPlasmodium,P. vivaxis commonly found in temperate-zone countries including South Korea. In this article, we first review the history of malarial infection in Korea by means of studies on Joseon documents and the related scientific data on the evolutionary history ofP. vivaxin Asia. According to the historical records, malarial infection was not unusual in pre-20th-century Korean society. We also found that certain behaviors of the Joseon people might have affected the host-vector-pathogen relationship, which could explain why malarial infection prevalence was so high in Korea at that time. In our review of genetic studies onP. vivax, we identified substantial geographic differentiation among continents and even between neighboring countries. Based on these, we were able to formulate a strategy for future analysis of ancientPlasmodiumstrains in Korea.
Protracted Clonal Trajectory of a JAK2 V617F-Positive Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Developing during Long-Term Remission from Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Langabeer Stephen E. , Haslam Karl , Smyth Maria Anne , Quinn John , Murphy Philip T.
Published: May 2018

Although transformation of the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is well documented, development of an MPN in patients previously treated for, and in remission from, AML is exceedingly rare. A case is described in which a patient was successfully treated for AML and in whom a JAK2 V617F-positive MPN was diagnosed after seven years in remission. Retrospective evaluation of the JAK2 V617F detected a low allele burden at AML diagnosis and following one course of induction chemotherapy. This putative chemoresistant clone subsequently expanded over the intervening seven years, resulting in a hematologically overt MPN. As AML relapse has not occurred, the MPN may have arose in a separate initiating cell from that of the AML. Alternatively, both malignancies possibly evolved from a common precursor defined by a predisposition mutation with divergent evolution into MPN through acquisition of the JAK2 V617F and AML through acquisition of different mutations. This case emphasizes the protracted time frame from acquisition of a disease-driving mutation to overt MPN and further underscores the clonal complexity in MPN evolution.
Age- and Gender-Based Differences in Nest-Building Behavior and Learning and Memory Performance Measured Using a Radial Six-Armed Water Maze in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Xiong Xiang-Dong , Xiong Wei-Dong , Xiong Shang-Shen , Chen Gui-Hai
Published: May 2018

Background. Understanding age-based and gender-based behavioral changes is becoming more important as a greater percentage of people lives longer worldwide. In this study, a C57BL/6 mouse animal model was used to study age-based and gender-based behavioral differences using nest building and radial six-armed water maze (RAWM) testing. Methods. In C57BL/6 mice, nest-building behavior was recorded as nesting scores, while spatial learning and memory behaviors were assessed using RAWM platform search errors and latencies. Results. In the nest-building test, nest building significantly declined in nineteen 25-month-old mice compared to that of twenty-three 7-month-old mice. Meanwhile, nest building in 25-month-old mice was lower for eight male mice than for eleven female mice, while no significant gender differences were observed in nest building of 7-month-old mice. RAWM performance also declined in aged versus nonaged adult mice, while no significant gender differences were observed in average RAWM performance regardless of age. Conclusions. In adult C57BL/6 mice, nest building is a sensitive indicator for detecting both age- and gender-based behavioral declines, while RAWM performance, an assessment of spatial learning and memory behaviors, is not sensitive to gender but significantly declines with aging. Therefore, for a C57BL/6 mouse model of aging, both nest building and RAWM should be useful to further study mechanisms involved in behavioral decline with aging.
Research on Improved Depth Belief Network-Based Prediction of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Lu Peng , Guo Saidi , Zhang Hongpo , Li Qihang , Wang Yuchen , Wang Yingying , Qi Lianxin
Published: May 2018

Quantitative analysis and prediction can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Quantitative prediction based on traditional model has low accuracy. The variance of model prediction based on shallow neural network is larger. In this paper, cardiovascular disease prediction model based on improved deep belief network (DBN) is proposed. Using the reconstruction error, the network depth is determined independently, and unsupervised training and supervised optimization are combined. It ensures the accuracy of model prediction while guaranteeing stability. Thirty experiments were performed independently on the Statlog (Heart) and Heart Disease Database data sets in the UCI database. Experimental results showed that the mean of prediction accuracy was 91.26% and 89.78%, respectively. The variance of prediction accuracy was 5.78 and 4.46, respectively.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection Attenuates Diabetic Retinopathy in Adult Rats with Experimentally Induced Diabetes in the Early Stage
Authors: Lv Jiao , Chen Miao-Miao , Mu Zhi-Hao , Wang Fang , Qian Zhong-Yi , Zhou Lei , Guo Qiu-Ting , Zhao Zhi-Min , Pan Yu-Ping , Liao Xin-Yu , Yang Zhi-Hong , Cai Ning , Li Shu-De , Zou Ying-Ying
Published: May 2018

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness, yet its treatment is very limited. Anti-VEGF drug has been widely applied in ocular disease, but its effects on diabetic retinopathy and the underlying mechanism have remained to be fully explored. To elucidate the role of anti-VEGF treatment, we sought to determine the effects of bevacizumab on diabetic neurovascular changes extending from the 3rd to 9th week with induced diabetes in adult rats. The retinal neurovascular changes included increased expression of VEGF, nNOS, iNOS, eNOS, and NO in the course of diabetes progression. In diabetic rats given bevacizumab injection, the ganglion cell loss and alterations of retinal thickness were ameliorated. In this connection, the immunofluorescence labeling of the above biomarkers was noticeably decreased. Along with this, Western blotting confirmed that bevacizumab treatment was associated with a decrease of VEGF, Flk-1, and cAMP response element binding and protein kinase C protein expression. The present results suggest that bevacizumab treatment in the early stage of the retinopathy may ameliorate the lesions of retinopathy, in which VEGF/Flk-1 signaling has been shown here to play an important role.
Pitting Corrosion of the Resistance Welding Joints of Stainless Steel Ventilation Grille Operated in Swimming Pool Environment
Authors: Szala Mirosław , Łukasik Daniel
Published: May 2018

This work focuses on the pitting corrosion of ventilation grilles operated in swimming pool environments. The ventilation grille was made by resistance welding of stainless steel rods. Based on the macroscopic and microscopic examinations, the mechanism of the pitting corrosion was confirmed. Chemical composition microanalysis of sediments as well as base metal using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) method was carried out. The weldments did not meet the operating conditions of the swimming pool environment. The wear due to the pitting corrosion was identified in heat affected zones of stainless steel weldment and was more severe than the corrosion of base metal. The low quality finish of the joints and influence of the welding process on the weld metal microstructure lead to accelerated deposition of corrosion effecting elements such as chlorine.
Enriched P1-Conforming Methods for Elliptic Interface Problems with Implicit Jump Conditions
Authors: Jo Gwanghyun , Kwak Do Y.
Published: May 2018

We develop a numerical method for elliptic interface problems with implicit jumps. To handle the discontinuity, we enrich usual P1-conforming finite element space by adding extra degrees of freedom on one side of the interface. Next, we define a new bilinear form, which incorporates the implicit jump conditions. We show that the bilinear form is coercive and bounded if the penalty term is sufficiently large. We prove the optimal error estimates in both energy-like norm and L2-norm. We provide numerical experiments. We observe that our scheme converges with optimal rates, which coincides with our error analysis.
Prenatal Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Long-Term Effects of Excess Glucocorticoid Exposure
Authors: Lajic Svetlana , Karlsson Leif , Nordenström Anna
Published: May 2018

Prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with dexamethasone (DEX) has been in use since the mid-1980s and has proven effective at reducing virilization of external genitalia in affected girls. However, multiple experimental studies on animals and clinical studies on humans show that prenatal administration of glucocorticoids may cause unwanted adverse effects which have raised concerns about the long-term safety of the treatment. The long-term outcome of prenatal DEX treatment on cognition has been investigated, but the results are still conflicting. Overall, most of the evidence points towards a negative effect on executive functions where girls seem to be more susceptible than boys. Some effects on social behavior have been observed, but results are still contradictory and treated children are mostly well adapted. Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic function are still areas to be investigated. Larger studies are warranted to investigate areas other than cognition and behavior and to be able to draw more definitive conclusions about prenatal DEX treatment.
The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of 11-Oxygenated Androgens in Human Physiology and Disease
Authors: Turcu Adina F. , Nanba Aya T. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: May 2018

The 11-oxyandrogens, particularly 11-ketotestosterone, have been recognized as a biologically important gonadal androgen in teleost (bony) fishes for decades, and their presence in human beings has been known but poorly understood. Today, we recognize that 11-oxyandrogens derive from the human adrenal glands and are major bioactive androgens, particularly in women and children. This article will review their biosynthesis and metabolism, abundance in normal and pathologic states, and potential as biomarkers of adrenal developmental changes and disease. Specifically, 11-oxyandrogens are the dominant active androgens in many patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
Decellularized Pancreas Matrix Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Using Ductal or Arterial Catheterization
Authors: Hashemi Javad , Pasalar Parvin , Soleimani Masoud , Arefian Ehsan , Khorramirouz Reza , Akbarzadeh Aram , Ghorbani Fariba , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Kajbafzadeh Abdol Mohammad
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Diabetes is known as a worldwide disease with a great burden on society. Since therapeutic options cover a limited number of target points, new therapeutic strategies in the field of regenerative medicine are considered. Bioscaffolds along with islet cells would provide bioengineered tissue as a substitute for β-cells. The perfusion-decellularization technique is considered to create such scaffolds since they mimic the compositional, architectural, and biomechanical nature of a native organ. In this study, we investigated 2 decellularization methods preserving tissue microarchitecture. Methods: Procured pancreas from Sprague-Dawley rats was exposed to different percentages of detergent for 2, 4, and 6 h after cannulation via the common bile duct or aorta. Results: High concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), i.e., > 0.05%, resulted in tissue disruption or incomplete cell removal depending on the duration of exposure. In both methods, 6-h exposure to 0.05% SDS created a bioscaffold with intact extracellular matrices and proper biomechanical characteristics. Tissue-specific stainings revealed that elastic, reticular, and collagen fiber concentrations were well preserved. Quantitative findings showed that glycosaminoglycan content was slightly different, but hydroxyproline was in the range of native pancreas tissue. Dye infusion through ductal and vascular cannulation proved that the vascular network was intact, and scanning electron microscopy indicated a homogeneous porous structure. Conclusions: Using the detergent-based method, an effective and time-efficient procedure, a whole pancreas extracellular matrix bioscaffold can be developed that can be used as a 3D structure for pancreas tissue engineering-based studies and regenerative medicine applications.
Human Adrenal Cortex: Epigenetics and Postnatal Functional Zonation
Authors: Baquedano María Sonia , Belgorosky Alicia
Published: May 2018

The human adrenal cortex, involved in adaptive responses to stress, fluid homeostasis, and secondary sexual characteristics, arises from a tightly regulated development of a zone and cell type-specific secretory pattern. However, the molecular mechanisms governing adrenal zonation, particularly postnatal zona reticularis development, which produce adrenal androgens in a lifetime-specific manner, remain poorly understood. Epigenetic events, including DNA and histone modifications as well as regulation by noncoding RNAs, are crucial in establishing or maintaining the expression pattern of specific genes and thus contribute to the stability of a specific differentiation state. Emerging evidence points to epigenetics as another regulatory layer that could contribute to establishing the adrenal zone-specific pattern of enzyme expression. Here, we outline the developmental milestones of the human adrenal cortex, focusing on current advances and understanding of epigenetic regulation of postnatal functional zonation. Numerous questions remain to be addressed emphasizing the need for additional investigations to elucidate the role of epigenetics in the human adrenal gland. Ultimately, improved understanding of the epigenetic factors involved in adrenal development and function could lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Differences in Reporting the Ragweed Pollen Season Using Google Trends across 15 Countries
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Agache Ioana , Berger Uwe , Bergmann Karl-Christian , Besancenot Jean-Pierre , Bousquet Philippe J. , Casale Tom , d’Amato Gennaro , Kaidashev Igor , Khaitov Musa , Mösges Ralph , Nekam Kristof , Onorato Gabrielle L. , Plavec Davor , Sheikh Aziz , Thibaudon Michel , Vautard Robert , Zidarn Mihaela
Published: May 2018

Background: Google Trends (GT) searches trends of specific queries in Google, which potentially reflect the real-life epidemiology of allergic rhinitis. We compared GT terms related to ragweed pollen allergy in American and European Union countries with a known ragweed pollen season. Our aim was to assess seasonality and the terms needed to perform the GT searches and to compare these during the spring and summer pollen seasons. Methods: We examined GT queries from January 1, 2011, to January 4, 2017. We included 15 countries with a known ragweed pollen season and used the standard 5-year GT graphs. We used the GT translation for all countries and the untranslated native terms for each country. Results: The results of “pollen,” “ragweed,” and “allergy” searches differed between countries, but “ragweed” was clearly identified in 12 of the 15 countries. There was considerable heterogeneity of findings when the GT translation was used. For Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, the GT translation was inappropriate. The country patterns of “pollen,” “hay fever,” and “allergy” differed in 8 of the 11 countries with identified “ragweed” queries during the spring and the summer, indicating that the perception of tree and grass pollen allergy differs from that of ragweed pollen. Conclusions: To investigate ragweed pollen allergy using GT, the term “ragweed” as a plant is required and the translation of “ragweed” in the native language needed.
MiR-142-3p Enhances Cell Viability and Inhibits Apoptosis by Targeting CDKN1B and TIMP3 Following Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Wu Dong-Mei , Wen Xin , Han Xin-Rui , Wang Shan , Wang Yong-Jian , Shen Min , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhuang Juan , Zhang Zi-Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng-Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun-Hui , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: MiRNAs are involved in phenotype modulation of neural cells after peripheral nerve injury. However, the roles of miRNAs on the survival of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have not yet been fully understood. Methods: In this study, the expression of miR-142-3p was measured in rat DRGs (L4-L6) during the initial 24 hours post sciatic nerve transection by microarray profiling and quantitative PCR. The functional assays including the cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were performed in miR-142-3p mimic or inhibitor transfected cell lines. Results: MiR-142-3p was identified to be siginificantly upregulated in rat DRGs (L4-L6) during the initial 24 hours post sciatic nerve transection. MiR-142-3p mimic enhanced cell viability by promoting cell cycle and inhibiting cell apoptosis in cultured DRG neurons. In addition, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B, also known as p27/Kip1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) were identified as targets of miR-142-3p. Furthermore, knockdown of CDKN1B or TIMP3 by specific siRNAs could reverse the effect of miR-142-3p. Conclusions: In the conclusion, the results showed that miR-142-3p could promote neuronal cell cycle and inhibit apoptosis at least partially through suppressing CDKN1B and TIMP3 after peripheral nerve injury.
Progressive Degeneration and Inhibition of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in the SOD1-G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Deng Binbin , Lv Wenjing , Duan Weisong , Liu Yakun , Li Zhongyao , Ma Yanqin , Zhang Guisen , Song Xueqin , Cui Can , Qi Xiaoming , Li Yuan , Li Chunyan
Published: May 2018

Background: Myelination, degeneration and regeneration are implicated in crucial responses to injury in the peripheral nervous system. Considering the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we used the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-G93A transgenic mouse model of ALS to investigate the effects of mutant SOD1 on the peripheral nerves. Methods: Changes in peripheral nerve morphology were analyzed in SOD1 mutant mice at various stages of the disease by toluidine blue staining and electron microscopy (EM). Schwann cell proliferation and recruitment of inflammatory factors were detected by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription PCR and were compared between SOD1 mutant mice and control mice. Furthermore, western blotting (WB) and TUNEL staining were used to investigate axonal damage and Schwann cell survival in the sciatic nerves of mice in both groups. Results: An analysis of the peripheral nervous system in SOD1-G93A mice revealed the following novel features: (i) Schwann cells and axons in mutant mice underwent changes that were similar to those seen in the control mice during the early development of peripheral nerves. (ii) The peripheral nerves of SOD1-G93A mice developed progressive neuropathy, which presented as defects in axons and myelin, leading to difficulty in walking and reduced locomotor capacity at a late stage of the disease. (iii) Macrophages were recruited and accumulated, and nerve injury and a deficit in the blood-nerve barrier were observed. (iv) Proliferation and the inflammatory micro-environment were inhibited, which impaired the regeneration and remyelination of axons after crush injury in the SOD1-G93A mice. Conclusions: The mutant human SOD1 protein induced axonal and myelin degeneration during the progression of ALS and participated in axon remyelination and regeneration in response to injury.
Ceritinib Enhances the Efficacy of Substrate Chemotherapeutic Agent in Human ABCB1-Overexpressing Leukemia Cells In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex-Vivo
Authors: Yang Li , Li Manjun , Wang Fang , Zhen Chen , Luo Min , Fang Xiaona , Zhang Hong , Zhang Jianye , Li Qingshan , Fu Liwu
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Multidrug resistance (MDR) triggered by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, such as ABCB1, ABCC1, and ABCG2, is a key obstacle for successful cancer chemotherapy. There is currently no FDA-approved MDR modulator that can be used in clinic. Ceritinib, a selective ALK inhibitor, has been approved as the second-line treatment for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Here, we examined the role of ceritinib in leukemia associated MDR in therapy. Methods: The cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. The flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of cell surface protein and to detect the accumulation and efflux of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) or doxorubicin (Dox) in cells. The RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the gene expression and protein expression levels, respectively. Results: We found that ceritinib enhanced the efficacy of substrate chemotherapeutic agent in ABCB1-overexpressing K562/adr leukemia cells both in vitro and in vivo models, but neither in sensitive parental K562 leukemia cells nor in ABCC1-overexpressing HL-60/adr leukemia cells. Mechanistically, ceritinib significantly increased the intracellular accumulation of Rh123 or Dox but did neither alter ABCB1 expressions at both protein and mRNA levels nor block the phosphorylations of AKT and ERK1/2 at the concentration of MDR reversal. Importantly, ceritinib also increased the intracellular accumulation of Dox and enhanced the efficacy of Dox in primary leukemia cells in ex-vivo. Conclusion: Our results suggested that ceritinib enhanced the efficacy of substrate chemotherapeutic agent on inhibition of leukemia cell growth in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo, which linked to block ABCB1 function, pumping out its substrate conventional chemotherapeutic agent, thereby increasing the intracellular accumulation. These suggest the combination of ceritinib and substrate chemotherapeutic drugs maybe an effective treatment of resistant leukemia patients with ABCB1-mediated MDR.
ILKAP Binding to and Dephosphorylating HIF-1α is Essential for Apoptosis Induced by Severe Hypoxia
Authors: Liu Tielong , Liu Yonggang , Cao Jiashi , Gao Xin , Wang Jing , Chen Guanghui , Wang Yang , Liu Ge , Bai Guangjian , Hu Yiwei , Yang Jiaxiang , Dong Lianfeng , Quan Xinbao , Zou Weiwei
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Integrin-linked kinase-associated phosphatase (ILKAP), a serine/threonine phosphatase that belongs to the protein phosphatase 2C family, has a role in cell survival and apoptosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is the key transcription factor in the response to oxygen deficiency in mammals. Direct phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of HIF-1α affect its function. The present study investigated the role of ILKAP on HIF-1α dephosphorylation and cell behavior. Methods: HIF-1α was induced by hypoxia. Physical binding between ILKAP and HIF-1α was demonstrated by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. HIF-1α transcriptional activity was investigated using a hypoxia-response element-containing luciferase reporter plasmid. Cell viability was evaluated by a trypan blue dye exclusion assay. ILKAP function was explored by a gain and loss assay with an overexpression plasmid and shRNA infection. Results: ILKAP physically interacted with HIF-1α and induced its dephosphorylation. Both the HIF-1α-p53 interaction and apoptosis relied on ILKAP. Conclusion: The results indicated that the ILKAP directly binds and dephosphorylates HIF-1α and responsible for severe hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis.
The Transition to Capital in Marx’s Critique of Political Economy
Authors: Mau Søren
Published: May 2018

The introduction of the concept of capital inCapital– with the words ‘we find’ – has provoked a great deal of discussion about the precise relation between the categories of simple circulation and the concept of capital. In this article, I argue that Marx derives the concept of capital by way of an analysis of the immanent contradictions of money, and that this dialectical derivation can be understood as a conceptual movement in which the concepts of money and capital progressively change their modal status. Furthermore, I examine the development of this transition to capital throughout Marx’s writings from the period 1857 to 1872, arguing that the same arguments can be found in all the relevant writings. Finally, the article provides a critical review of the literature on the transition to capital.
Lectotypification of names in the genus Lycianthes (Solanaceae)
Authors: DEAN ELLEN A. , REYES MIRIAM
Published: May 2018

As part of a revision of the Mexican and Central American species of the genus Lycianthes (Solanaceae), 15 names or synonyms in the genus, including many names published by the German botanist Georg Bitter, are lectotypified.
An Analysis of the Prevalence of Heat Waves in the United States between 1948 and 2015
Authors: Oswald Evan M.
Published: May 2018

Unusually hot weather is a major concern to public health as well as other systems (e.g., ecological, economical, energy). This study utilized spatially continuous and homogenized observational surface climate data to examine changes in the regularity of heat waves in the continental United States. This included the examination of heat waves according only to daytime temperatures, nighttime temperatures, and both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Results confirmed a strong increase in the prevalence of heat waves between the mid-1970s and the dataset end (2015), and that increase was preceded by a mild decrease since the dataset beginning (1948). Results were unclear whether the prevalence of nighttime or simultaneous daytime–nighttime heat waves increased the most, but it was clear that increases were largest in the summer. The largest gains occurred in the West and Southwest, and a “warming hole” was most conspicuous in the northern Great plains. The changes in heat wave prevalence were similar to changes in the mean temperatures, and more so in the daytime heat waves. Daytime and nighttime heat waves coincided with one another more frequently in recent years than they did in the 1970s. Some parts of the United States (West Coast) were more likely than other parts to experience daytime and nighttime heat waves simultaneously. While linear trends were not sensitive to the climate dataset, trend estimation method, or heat wave definition, they were mildly sensitive to the start and end dates and extremely sensitive to the climate base period method (fixed in time or directly preceding any given heat wave).