bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A data-driven approach to the automated mapping of functional brain topographies across species
Authors: Pauli Wolfgang M.
Published: September 2018

Behavioral neuroscience has made great strides in developing animal models of human behavior and psychiatric disorders. Animal models allow for the formulation of hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, and the opportunity to test these hypotheses using procedures that are too invasive for human participants. However, recent scientific reviews have highlighted the low success rate of translating results from animal models into clinical interventions in humans. A potential roadblock is that bidirectional functional mappings between the human and rodent brain are incomplete. To narrow this gap, we created a framework, Neurobabel, for performing large-scale automated synthesis of human neuroimaging data and behavioral neuroscience data. By leveraging the semantics of how researchers within each field describe their studies, this framework enables region to region mapping of brain regions across species, as well as cross-species mapping of psychological functions. As a proof of concept, we utilize the framework to create a functional cross-species mapping between the amygdala and hippocampus for fear-related and spatial memories, respectively. We then proceed to address two open questions in the field: (1) Do rodents have a dorsolateral prefrontal cortex? (2) Which human brain region corresponds to the rodent prelimbic cortex?
Genes of the Pig, Sus scrofa, reconstructed with EvidentialGene
Authors: Gilbert Donald G.
Published: September 2018

The pig is a well-studied model animal of biomedical and agricultural importance. Genes of this species, Sus scrofa, are known from experiments and predictions, and collected at the NCBI Reference Sequence database section. Gene reconstruction from transcribed gene evidence of RNA-seq now can accurately and completely reproduce the biological gene sets of animals and plants. Such a gene set for the pig is reported here, including human orthologs missing from current NCBI and Ensembl reference pig gene sets, additional alternate transcripts, and other improvements. Methodology for accurate and complete gene set reconstruction from RNA is used: the automated SRA2Genes pipeline of EvidentialGene project.
Tracktor: image-based automated tracking of animal movement and behaviour
Authors: Sridhar Vivek Hari , Roche Dominique G. , Gingins Simon
Published: September 2018

1. Automated movement tracking is essential for high-throughput quantitative analyses of the behaviour and kinematics of organisms. Automated tracking also improves replicability by avoiding observer biases and allowing reproducible workflows. However, few automated tracking programs exist that are open access, open source, and capable of tracking unmarked organisms in noisy environments.

2. Tracktor is an image-based tracking freeware designed to perform single-object tracking in noisy environments, or multi-object tracking in uniform environments while maintaining individual identities. Tracktor is code-based but requires no coding skills other than the user being able to specify tracking parameters in a designated location, much like in a graphical user interface (GUI). The installation and use of the software is fully detailed in a user manual.

3. Through four examples of common tracking problems, we show that Tracktor is able to track a variety of animals in diverse conditions. The main strengths of Tracktor lie in its ability to track single individuals under noisy conditions (e.g. when the object shape is distorted), its robustness to perturbations (e.g. changes in lighting conditions during the experiment), and its capacity to track multiple individuals while maintaining their identities. Additionally, summary statistics and plots allow measuring and visualizing common metrics used in the analysis of animal movement (e.g. cumulative distance, speed, acceleration, activity, time spent in specific areas, distance to neighbour, etc.).

4. Tracktor is a versatile, reliable, easy-to-use automated tracking software that is compatible with all operating systems and provides many features not available in other existing freeware. Access Tracktor and the complete user manual here: https://github.com/vivekhsridhar/tracktor
Active control of arousal by a locus coeruleus GABAergic circuit
Authors: Breton-Provencher Vincent , Sur Mriganka
Published: September 2018

Arousal and novelty responses linked to locus coeruleus noradrenergic (LC-NA) activity affect cognitive performance. However, the mechanisms that control modes of LC-NA activity remain unknown. Here, we reveal a local population of GABAergic neurons (LC-GABA) capable of modulating LC-NA activity and arousal. Monosynaptic retrograde virus tracing shows that inputs to LC-GABA and LC-NA neurons arise from similar regions, though a few regions provide differential inputs to one subtype over the other. Recordings in the LC demonstrate two modes of LC-GABA responses whereby spiking is either correlated or broadly anti-correlated with LC-NA responses, reflecting anatomically similar and functionally coincident inputs, or differential and non-coincident inputs, to LC-NA and LC-GABA neurons. Coincident inputs control the gain of phasic LC-NA mediated novelty responses, while non-coincident inputs, such as from the prefrontal cortex to LC, alter overall levels of LC-NA responses without affecting response gain. These findings demonstrate distinct modes by which an inhibitory LC circuit regulates the gain and tone of arousal in the brain.
Cross-talk between the receptor tyrosine kinases AXL and ERBB3 regulates invadopodia formation in melanoma cells
Authors: Revach Or-Yam , Sandler Oded , Samuels Yardena , Geiger Benjamin
Published: September 2018

The invasive phenotype of metastatic cancer cells is accompanied by the formation of actin-rich invadopodia, which adhere to the extracellular matrix, and degrade it. In this study, we explored the role of the tyrosine kinome in the formation of invadopodia in metastatic melanoma cells. Using a microscopy-based siRNA screen, we identified novel invadopodia regulators, the knock-down of which either suppresses (e.g., TYK2, IGFR1, ERBB3, TYRO3, FES, ALK, PTK7) or enhances invadopodia formation and function (e.g., ABL2, AXL, CSK). Particularly intriguing was the discovery that the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL displays a dual regulatory function, manifested by enhancement of invadopodia function upon knock-down or long-term inhibition, as well as following its over-expression. We show here that this apparent contradiction may be attributed to the capacity of AXL to directly stimulate invadopodia; yet its suppression up-regulates the ERBB3 signaling pathway, which consequently activates core invadopodia regulators, and greatly enhances invadopodia function. Bioinformatic analysis of multiple melanoma cells points to an inverse expression pattern of AXL and ERBB3, with the apparent association of high-AXL melanomas, with high expression of invadopodia components and an invasive phenotype. The relevance of these results to melanoma metastasis in vivo, and to potential anti-invasion therapy, is discussed.
Macaque dorsal premotor cortex exhibits decision-related activity only when specific stimulus-response associations are known
Authors: Wang Megan , Montanède Christéva , Chandrasekaran Chandramouli , Peixoto Diogo , Shenoy Krishna V. , Kalaska John F.
Published: September 2018

How deliberation on sensory cues and action selection interact in decision-related brain areas is still not well understood. Here, monkeys reached to one of two targets, whose colors alternated randomly between trials, by discriminating the dominant color of a checkerboard cue composed of different numbers of squares of the two target colors in different trials. In a “Targets First” task the colored targets appeared first, followed by the checkerboard; in a “Checkerboard First” task, this order was reversed. After both cues appeared in both tasks, responses of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) neurons covaried with action choices, strength of evidence for action choices, and RTs--- hallmarks of decision-related activity. However, very few neurons were modulated by checkerboard color composition or the color of the chosen target, even in the Checkerboard First task. These findings implicate PMd in the action-selection but not the perceptual components of the decision-making process in these tasks.
Genome-wide selection footprints and deleterious variations in young Asian allotetraploid rapeseed
Authors: Zou Jun , Mao Lingfeng , Qiu Jie , Wang Meng , He Zhesi , Jia Lei , Wu Dongya , Huang Yongji , Chen Meihong , Shen Yifei , Shen Enhui , Li Ruiyuan , Hu Dandan , Wang Kai , Shi Lei , Ye Chuyu , Bancroft Ian , King Graham J , Meng Jinling , Fan Longjiang
Published: September 2018

Brassica napus (AACC, 2n=38), is an important oilseed crop grown worldwide. However, little is known about the population evolution of this species, the genomic difference between its major genetic clusters, such as European and Asian rapeseed, and impacts of historical large-sale introgression events in this young tetraploid. In this study, we reported the de novo assembly of the genome sequences of an Asian rapeseed (B. napus), Ningyou 7 and its four progenitors and carried out de novo assembly-based comparison, pedigree and population analysis with other available genomic data from diverse European and Asian cultivars. Our results showed that Asian rapeseed originally derived from European rapeseed, but it had subsequently significantly diverged, with rapid genome differentiation after intensive local breeding selection. The first historical introgression of B. rapa dramatically broadened the allelic pool of Asian B. napus, but decreased their deleterious variations. The secondary historical introgression of European rapeseed (canola-quality) has reshaped Asian rapeseed into two groups, accompanied by an increase in genetic load. This study demonstrates distinctive genomic footprints by recent intra- and inter-species introgression events for local adaptation, and provide novel insights for understanding the rapid genome evolution of a young allopolyploid crop.
Evidence of functional long-range Wnt/Wg in the developingDrosophilawing epithelium
Authors: Chaudhary Varun , Boutros Michael
Published: September 2018

Wnts are secreted proteins that regulate cell fate specification during development of all metazoans. Wnt proteins were proposed to spread over several cell diameters to activate signalling directly at a distance. In theDrosophilawing epithelium, an extracellular gradient of Wingless (Wg, the homolog of Wnt1) was observed extending over several cells away from producing cells. However, it was also recently shown that a membrane-tethered Neurotactin-Wg fusion protein (NRT-Wg) can rescue the loss-of endogenous Wg, leading to proper patterning of the wing. Therefore, whether Wg spreading is required for correct tissue patterning during development remains controversial and the functional range of wild-type Wg is unclear. Here, by capturing secreted Wg on distally located cells we show that the Wg gradient acts directly up to eleven cell distances. Cells located outside the reach of extracellular Wg depend on the Frizzled2 receptor to maintain target gene expression. We find that NRT-Wg is not restricted to the producing cells and propose that it can rescue signalling defects by perdurance in the receiving cells. These results provide insight into the mechanisms by which Wnt proteins mediate patterning of a rapidly growing tissue.
Effects of aging on liver microcirculatory function and sinusoidal phenotype
Authors: Maeso‐Díaz Raquel , Ortega‐Ribera Martí , Fernández‐Iglesias Anabel , Hide Diana , Muñoz Leticia , Hessheimer Amelia J. , Vila Sergi , Francés Rubén , Fondevila Constantino , Albillos Agustín , Peralta Carmen , Bosch Jaime , Tacke Frank , Cogger Victoria C. , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi
Published: September 2018

The socioeconomic and medical improvements of the last decades have led to a relevant increase in the median age of worldwide population. Although numerous studies described the impact of aging in different organs and the systemic vasculature, relatively little is known about liver function and hepatic microcirculatory status in the elderly. In this study, we aimed at characterizing the phenotype of the aged liver in a rat model of healthy aging, particularly focusing on the microcirculatory function and the molecular status of each hepatic cell type in the sinusoid. Moreover, major findings of the study were validated in young and aged human livers. Our results demonstrate that healthy aging is associated with hepatic and sinusoidal dysfunction, with elevated hepatic vascular resistance and increased portal pressure. Underlying mechanisms of such hemodynamic disturbances included typical molecular changes in the cells of the hepatic sinusoid and deterioration in hepatocyte function. In a specific manner, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells presented a dysfunctional phenotype with diminished vasodilators synthesis, hepatic macrophages exhibited a proinflammatory state, while hepatic stellate cells spontaneously displayed an activated profile. In an important way, major changes in sinusoidal markers were confirmed in livers from aged humans. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that aging is accompanied by significant liver sinusoidal deregulation suggesting enhanced sinusoidal vulnerability to chronic or acute injuries.
Vitamin D receptor interacts with NLRP3 to restrict the allergic response
Authors: Huang H , Hong J-Y , Wu Y-J , Wang E-Y , Liu Z-Q , Cheng B-H , Mei L , Liu Z-G , Yang P-C , Zheng P-Y
Published: September 2018

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates various biochemical activities between the cytoplasm and the nucleus in the cell. The nucleotide-binding, oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) protein is involved in the T helper type 2 (Th2) response. This study tests a hypothesis that VDR interacts with NLRP3 to restrict the Th2-biased response. In this study, VDR−/− mice and WT (WT) mice were used. Th2 cell differentiation between VDR−/− mice and WT mice was observed. We observed that CD4+ T cell activation was higher in VDR−/− mice. The VDR−/−CD4+ T cells were prone to Th2 polarization. VDR−/− mice produced more immunoglobulin (Ig)E. VDR bound NLRP3 to prevent Th2 differentiation by restricting IL4 gene transcription. Th2 biased inflammation spontaneously developed in the intestine of VDR−/− mice. In conclusion, VDR binds NLRP3 to restrict IL4 gene transcription and prevent biased Th2 polarization.
Blood clotting and traumatic injury with shock mediates complement-dependent neutrophil priming for extracellular ROS, ROS-dependent organ injury and coagulopathy
Authors: Barrett C D , Hsu A T , Ellson C D , Miyazawa B Y , Kong Y-W , Greenwood J D , Dhara S , Neal M D , Sperry J L , Park M S , Cohen M J , Zuckerbraun B S , Yaffe M B
Published: September 2018

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes participate in acute inflammatory pathologies such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following traumatic injury and shock, which also activates the coagulation system systemically. Trauma can prime the PMN nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex for an enhanced respiratory burst, but the relative role of various priming agents in this process remains incompletely understood. We therefore set out to identify mediators of PMN priming during coagulation and trauma-shock and determine whether PMN reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in this manner could influence organ injury and coagulation. Initial experiments demonstrated that PMN are primed for predominantly extracellular ROS production by products of coagulation, which was abrogated by CD88/C5a receptor(C5aR) inhibition. The importance of this was highlighted further by demonstrating that known PMN priming agents result in fractionally different amounts of extracellular versus intracellular ROS release depending on the agent used. Plasma from trauma patients in haemodynamic shock (n = 10) also primed PMN for extracellular ROS in a C5a-dependent manner, which correlated with both complement alternative pathway activation and thrombin generation. Furthermore, PMN primed by preincubation with products of blood coagulation directly caused loss of endothelial barrier function in vitro that was abrogated by C5aR blockade or NADPH oxidase inhibition. Finally, we show in a murine model of trauma-shock that p47phox knock-out (KO) mice with PMN incapable of generating ROS were protected from inflammatory end-organ injury and activated protein C-mediated coagulopathy. In summary, we demonstrate that trauma-shock and coagulation primes PMN for predominantly extracellular ROS production in a C5a-dependent manner that contributes to endothelial barrier loss and organ injury, and potentially enhances traumatic coagulopathy.
Nicotinate‐curcumin ameliorates cognitive impairment in diabetic rats by rescuing autophagic flux in CA1 hippocampus
Authors: Gu Hong‐Feng , Li Na , Tang Ya‐Ling , Yan Can‐Qun , Shi Zhe , Yi Si‐Ni , Zhou Hao‐Ling , Liao Duan‐Fang , OuYang Xin‐Ping
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Our previous study has confirmed that a novel curcumin derivate nicotinate‐curcumin (NC) can facilitate autophagic flux in THP‐1 cells induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein.

Aims

Given that autophagy plays critical roles in neurodegenerative diseases, the present study was carried out to investigate whether NC can improve cognitive function of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) via restoring autophagic flux in CA1 hippocampus.

Results

Our results showed that NC treatment improved cognitive deficit and attenuated neuronal loss as well as cellular ultrastructure impairment in the CA1 region of DM rats induced by streptozotocin. Moreover, NC lowered the expressions of the apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2, Bax, Cyt‐c, and cleaved Caspase‐3. Notably, NC treatment reversed autophagic flux impairment as evidenced by the deceases in LC3‐II and p62 protein levels, and autophagosome accumulation in the hippocampal CA1 region of DM rats. However, these protective effects of NC were abolished by cotreatment with 3‐methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) and chloroquine (an autophagic flux inhibitor), respectively. Furthermore, NC treatment decreased the expressions of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6k) proteins in the CA1 region of DM rats.

Conclusions

These results indicate that NC ameliorates DM‐induced cognitive function impairment via restoring autophagic flux might by inhibiting mTOR/p70S6k activation in the CA1 region, and NC may be a promising agent for diabetic cognitive dysfunction prevention and treatment.
Dealing with Time Inconsistency: Inflation Targeting versus Exchange Rate Targeting
Authors: DAVIS J. SCOTT , FUJIWARA IPPEI , WANG JIAO
Published: September 2018

Adopting a single instead of multiple targets can be an effective way to overcome the classic time‐inconsistency problem. The choice of a single mandate depends on the trade openness and the credibility. Reduced‐form empirical results show as central banks become less credible, they are more likely to adopt a pegged exchange rate, and the tendency to peg depends on trade openness. In a model with “loose commitment,” as credibility falls, either an inflation target or a pegged exchange rate is more likely to be adopted. A relatively closed (highly open) economy would adopt an inflation target (exchange rate peg).
Neural network modeling of hydrological systems: A review of implementation techniques
Authors: Oyebode Oluwaseun , Stretch Derek
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a review of procedural steps and implementation techniques used in the development of artificial intelligence models, generally referred to as artificial neural networks (ANNs), within the water resources domain. It focusses on identifying different areas wherein ANNs have found application thereby elucidating its advantages and disadvantages as well as various challenges encountered in its use. Results from this review provide useful insights into how the performance of ANNs can be improved and potential areas of application that are yet to be explored in hydrological modeling.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Development of integrated and hybrid artificial intelligent tools is critical to achieving improved forecasts in hydrological modeling studies.

Further research into comprehending the internal mechanisms of neural networks is required to obtain a practical meaning of each network component deployed to solve real‐world problems.

More robust optimization techniques and tools like differential evolution, particle swarm optimization and deep neural nets, are yet to be fully explored in the water resources analysis, and should be given more attention to enhance neural networks aptitude for modeling complex and nonlinear hydrological processes.
Meson production in two-photon interaction in pp and pA ultraperipheral collisions at the LHC and FCC
Authors: Xie Ya-Ping , Chen Xurong
Published: September 2018

Meson cross-sections are evaluated in two-photon interaction in hadron–hadron ultraperipheral collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and Future Circular Collider (FCC). Two models of the equivalent photon flux are employed in the calculations. Cross-sections of meson production in proton–proton and proton-lead ultraperipheral collisions are presented in this paper. These meson cross-sections in two-photon interaction can be applied to predict cross-sections in the experiments at the LHC and FCC.
Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element Method for Analysis of Train–Bridge Interaction Problems Considering The Coach-Coupler Effect
Authors: Duan Y. F. , Wang S. M. , Yau J. D.
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method is presented for analysis the train–bridge systems considering the coach-coupler effect. The bridge is discretized into a group of mass particles linked by massless beam elements and the multi-body coach with suspension systems is simulated as a set of mass particles connected by parallel spring-dashpot units. Then the equation of motion of each mass particle is solved individually and the internal forces induced by pure deformations in the massless beam elements are calculated by a fictitious reverse motion method, in which the structural stiffness matrices need not be updated or factorized. Though the vector-form equations resulting from the VFIFE method cannot be used to compute the structural frequencies by the eigenvalue approach, this study proposes a numerical free vibration test to identify the bridge frequencies for evaluating the bridge damping. Numerical verifications demonstrate that the present VFIFE method performs as accurately as previous numerical ones. The results show that the couplers play an energy-dissipating role in reducing the car bodies’ response due to the bridge-induced resonance, but not in their response due to the train-induced resonance because of the bridge’s intense vibration. Meanwhile, a dual-resonance phenomenon in the train–bridge system occurs when the coach-coupler effect is considered in the vehicle model.
Anisotropic behavior of dark energy models in fractal cosmology
Authors: Hossienkhani H. , Yousefi H. , Azimi N.
Published: September 2018

We study effects of anisotropy (although low) on the ghost and generalized ghost dark energy (DE) models in the framework of fractal cosmology. We obtain the equation of state parameter, [Formula: see text], the deceleration parameter, and the evolution equation of the ghost and generalized ghost dark energy. We find that, in both models, [Formula: see text] cannot cross the phantom line and eventually the universe approaches a de-Sitter phase of expansion. We show that the anisotropy effects on ghost and generalized ghost dark energy (GDE) in fractal cosmology correspond to [Formula: see text]CDM limit on the statefinder plane. We evaluate the anisotropy effects on both the linear perturbation and the spherical collapse from the DE models and compare them with the results of the DE of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker and [Formula: see text]CDM models. We also show that in ghost and generalized ghost cosmologies, the growth factor [Formula: see text] rise front the values for an [Formula: see text]CDM universe. Finally, we constrain the model parameters by using the maximum likelihood analysis and a combined dataset of baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and OHD.
Preparation and luminescence properties of Li2.06Nb0.18Ti0.76O3:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Liu Lei , Zeng Qun , Yao Chun-Feng , Guo Chao-Chao , Li Yi
Published: September 2018

New red phosphors with compositions of Li[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O3: [Formula: see text]Eu[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–4[Formula: see text]wt.%) were prepared by using solid-state reactions. The phase structure and photoluminescence (PL) properties were studied as functions of synthetic temperature and Eu[Formula: see text] concentration. With the increase of synthetic temperature and Eu[Formula: see text] concentration, both the characteristic peaks of the excitation spectra monitored at 612[Formula: see text]nm and emission spectra excited at 396[Formula: see text]nm were remarkably enhanced. The intensity of peaks reaches a maximum when the content of Eu[Formula: see text] increases to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.% at 950∘C, Chromaticity Coordinate (CIE) of samples superior to the commercial red phosphors Y2O3:Eu[Formula: see text]. The internal quantum efficiency (QE) of Li[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O3:3[Formula: see text]wt.%Eu[Formula: see text] was 49.5%. These features show promising applications for near-ultraviolet (near-UV) chips-based LEDs.
#AiMES2018_20181002_1400_Low-T-SiGe_Porret
Authors: Porret Clement , Hikavyy Andriy , Granados Juan Fernando Gomez , Baudot Sylvain , Vohra Anurag , Kunert Bernardette , Douhard Bastien , Bogdanowicz Janusz , Schaekers Marc , Kohen David , Margetis Joe , Tolle John , Lima Lucas Petersen Barbosa , Sammak Amir , Scappucci Giordano , Rosseel Erik , Langer Robert , Loo Roger
Published: September 2018

As CMOS scaling proceeds with sub-10 nm nodes, new architectures and materials are implemented to continue increasing performances at constant footprint. Strained and stacked channels and 3D-integrated devices have for instance been introduced for this purpose. A common requirement for these new technologies is a strict limitation in thermal budgets to preserve the integrity of devices already present on the chips. We present our latest developments on low-temperature epitaxial growth processes, ranging from channel to source/drain applications for a variety of devices and describe options to address the upcoming challenges.
A New Intraoral Appliance for Trismus in Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Chaitanya Nallan C. S. K. , Krishna Prasad C. M. S. , Priyanka Danam Reshma , Nithika Madireddy , Suvarna Chintada , Nancypriyanka Jampala , Badam Rajkumar
Published: September 2018

Trismus is the most common sequelae of various pathological processes leading to compromised nutritional state in addition to physical and psychological disabilities. Therapeutic interventions are available to relieve trismus, which range from oral usage of pharmacological agents to intralesional steroid therapy. Intraoral appliance therapy can be employed as an alternative or adjuvant treatment for radiotherapy-induced fibrosis and autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma, psychogenic trismus, and oral submucous fibrosis, decreasing the adverse effects associated with other pharmacological interventions. A novel intraoral appliance—“Nallan C-H”—has been developed and tried for trismus producing better results. A report on three such cases having trismus due to a premalignancy has been presented. It is hypothesized that the same appliance can be used for treating inoperable trismus in palliative care setting additionally or as an adjuvant to pharmacological approach.
Polymorphisms in the Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor (GLP-1R) Gene Are Associated with the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Chinese Han Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Lu Ran , Gu Nan , Wei Xiaowei , Bai Ge , Zhang Jianwei , Deng Ruifen , Feng Nan , Li Jianping , Guo Xiaohui
Published: September 2018

Background. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) bestows protective effects upon the cardiovascular system through direct cardiovascular interactions or by improvements to metabolic function. Both these effects are thought to be at least partly mediated by the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). This case-controlled study investigated whether polymorphisms in theGLP-1Rgene affect the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients in the Chinese Han population.Methods. Eleven haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), distributed across 22 kb of the 39 kbGLP-1Rgene, were selected and genotyped in diabetic patients from a Chinese Han population. Patients were classified based on the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Coronary artery stenosis was ≥50% in 394 patients (coronary artery disease- (CAD-) positive group), and coronary artery stenosis was <50% in 217 patients (control group). Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the two groups at all 11 SNPs.Results. When considered in recessive inheritance mode, patients with the GG genotype at rs4714210 had a lower CAD risk than patients with other genotypes (OR = 0.442, 95% CI = 0.258–0.757,p=0.002), even when other known CAD risk factors were taken into account (ORa = 0.440, 95%CIa = 0.225–0.863,pa=0.017). In additive inheritance mode, GG genotype carriers at rs4714210 exhibited a lower risk of CAD than AA carriers (ORa = 0.475,CIa = 0.232–0.970,pa=0.041).Conclusion. In type 2 diabetic patients from a Han Chinese population, some variations in theGLP-1Rgene were associated with a lower risk of developing CAD.
Gamma Oryzanol Treats Obesity‐Induced Kidney Injuries by Modulating the Adiponectin Receptor 2/PPAR‐α Axis
Authors: Francisqueti Fabiane Valentini , Ferron Artur Junio Togneri , Hasimoto Fabiana Kurokawa , Alves Pedro Henrique Rizzi , Garcia Jéssica Leite , dos Santos Klinsmann Carolo , Moreto Fernando , Silva Vanessa dos Santos , Ferreira Ana Lúcia A. , Minatel Igor Otávio , Corrêa Camila Renata
Published: September 2018

The kidney is an important organ in the maintenance of body homeostasis. Dietary compounds, reactive metabolites, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) can affect renal filtration and whole body homeostasis, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. Gamma oryzanol (γOz) is a compound with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity that has shown a positive action in the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. Aim. To evaluate the effect of γOz to recover renal function in obese animals by high sugar‐fat diet by modulation of adiponectin receptor 2/PPAR‐α axis Methods. Male Wistar rats were initially randomly divided into 2 experimental groups: control and high sugar‐fat diet (HSF) for 20 weeks. When proteinuria was detected, HSF animals were allocated to receive γOz or maintain HSF for more than 10 weeks. The following were analyzed: nutritional and biochemical parameters, systolic blood pressure, and renal function. In the kidney, the following were evaluated: inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein expression by Western blot. Results. After 10 weeks of γOz treatment, γOz was effective to improve inflammation, increase antioxidant enzyme activities, increase the protein expression of adiponectin receptor 2 and PPAR‐α, and recover renal function. Conclusion. These results permit us to confirm that γOz is able to modulate PPAR‐α expression, inflammation, and oxidative stress pathways improving obesity‐induced renal disease.
Adaptive Neural Control of Hypersonic Vehicles with Actuator Constraints
Authors: Luo Changxin , Lei Humin , Zhang Dongyang , Zou Xiaojun
Published: September 2018

An adaptive neural control method is proposed in this paper for the flexible air-breathing hypersonic vehicle (AHV) with constraints on actuators. This scheme firstly converts the original control problem with input constraints into a new control problem without input constraints based on the control input saturation function. Secondly, on the basis of the implicit function theorem, the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is introduced to approximate the uncertain items of the model. And the minimal-learning-parameter (MLP) technique is adopted to design the adaptive law for the norm of network weight vector, which significantly reduces calculations. Meanwhile, the finite-time convergence differentiator (FD) is introduced, through which the model state variables and their derivatives are accurately estimated to ensure the control effect. Finally, it is theoretically proved that the closed-loop control system is stable. And the effectiveness of the designed controller is verified by simulation.
Experimental Analysis of an Active Vibration Frequency Control in Gearbox
Authors: Wang Han , Zhang Feng , Li Haiyan , Sun Wenhao , Luo Shunan
Published: September 2018

Aiming at the vibrations of the multistage gear transmission system aroused by the gear meshing excitation, a novel active vibration control structure with built‐in piezoelectric actuators (PZT) was established. The active control forces generated by the PZT were transmitted to the shafts through the additional supporting bearings. In addition, an adaptive fuzzy proportion integration differentiation (AFPID) control algorithm was proposed as the primary control algorithm to reduce the transverse vibrations of the gear shaft. According to the control law of PID parameters, a fuzzy inference module was designed to adaptively adjust the PID parameters to obtain the optimal control effect. An experimental platform was set up to verify the control effect of the algorithm. The experiments performed show 10 dB reduction in housing vibrations at certain targeted mesh harmonics over a range of operating speeds.
Forecast of Chaotic Series in a Horizon Superior to the Inverse of the Maximum Lyapunov Exponent
Authors: Alfaro Miguel , Fuertes Guillermo , Vargas Manuel , Sepúlveda Juan , Veloso-Poblete Matias
Published: September 2018

In this article, two models of the forecast of time series obtained from the chaotic dynamic systems are presented: the Lorenz system, the manufacture system, and the volume of the Great Salt Lake of Utah. The theory of the nonlinear dynamic systems indicates the capacity of making good‐quality predictions of series coming from dynamic systems with chaotic behavior up to a temporal horizon determined by the inverse of the major Lyapunov exponent. The analysis of the Fourier power spectrum and the calculation of the maximum Lyapunov exponent allow confirming the origin of the series from a chaotic dynamic system. The delay time and the global dimension are employed as parameters in the models of forecast of artificial neuronal networks (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM). This research demonstrates how forecast models built with ANN and SVM have the capacity of making forecasts of good quality, in a superior temporal horizon at the determined interval by the inverse of the maximum Lyapunov exponent or theoretical forecast frontier before deteriorating exponentially.
Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects ofMaerua angolensisDC. Stem Bark Extract in Mice
Authors: Benneh Charles Kwaku , Biney Robert Peter , Adongo Donatus Wewura , Mante Priscilla Kolibea , Ampadu Felix Agyei , Tandoh Augustine , Jato Jonathan , Woode Eric
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The stem bark extract ofMaerua angolensisDC. (Capparaceae) is used as a traditional remedy for management of anxiety, psychosis, and epilepsy.Aim of the Study. We therefore aimed at evaluating the anxiolytic and antidepressant potential of the plant in mice models.Methods. The dried stem bark was extracted with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (50:50) mixture to obtain the extract, MAE. We employed Irwin’s test to identify the preliminary behavioral and autonomic effects. Subsequently, MAE was administeredper osto male mice and subsequently assessed, 1 h later, for anxiety parameters in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the regular Suok tests. The forced swim (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests were employed to assess the antidepressant potential of the extract (100-1000 mg kg−1).Results. In our preliminary assay, MAE (100-5000 mg/kg) exhibited analgesic effects and a reduction in fear response in the Irwin’s test. The spontaneous locomotor activity was reduced at 1000 mg/kg. Additionally, MAE (1000 mg/kg) increased the latency to PTZ-induced convulsions, and duration to sleep in the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time assay. MAE (1000 mg/kg), similar to diazepam, in the anxiolytic assay, increased the percentage time spent in the open arms while decreasing protected head dips and unprotected stretch attend postures in the EPM. Correspondingly, there was a reduction in anxiety-induced immobility and freezing in the Suok test (300 mg/kg) without loss of sensorimotor coordination. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in immobility duration in the FST (300 mg/kg) and TST (1000 mg/kg).Conclusion. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate fractions ofMaerua angolensisstem bark possess anxiolytic and acute antidepressant effects in mice.
Association between Pulmonary Function and Stair-Climbing Test Results after Lung Resection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kubori Yohei , Matsuki Ryosuke , Hotta Akira , Morisawa Tomoyuki , Tamaki Akira
Published: September 2018

Background. The stair-climbing test was used to assess the exercise capacity before lung resection in subjects with lung cancer. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the role of this exercise methodology as a postoperative test. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the stair-climbing test findings reflect the postoperative decrease in pulmonary function. Methods. Twenty subjects with non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent lung resection were enrolled in the study. Perioperative functional evaluation comprised the pulmonary function test, stair-climbing test, and 6-min walk distance test (6MWD). A correlation analysis was performed between the postoperative percentages of pulmonary function with respect to preoperative values and the exercise capacity. Results. No correlation was noted between the percentage changes in pulmonary function and those in 6MWD. However, there was a significant correlation between the percentage changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s and those in the altitude reached in the stair-climbing test (r=0.46, p<0.05) and between the percentage changes in carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity and those in the altitude (r=0.54, p<0.05). Conclusions. The stair-climbing test findings might be effective at detecting changes in exercise capacity induced by postoperative decrease in pulmonary function.
Network Monitoring Information Collection in the SDN-Enabled Airborne Tactical Network
Authors: Chen Kefan , Zhao Shanghong , Lv Na
Published: September 2018

Aviation swarm is considered to be a promising organization of air combat forces to execute combat and noncombat air missions. As a critical component of an aviation swarm, airborne tactical network (ATN) provides the communication capability. Considering the deficiencies of today’s ATNs, it is unable to meet the communication demands of an aviation swarm, which motivates us to employ the software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm and design a SDN-enabled airborne tactical network (SD-ATN). For the SDN paradigm, network monitoring information (M-info) is the source of knowledge that forms the globe network view of the control plane; therefore, how to ensure that the control plane collects M-info from the data plane in a reliable and real-time way is a fundamental problem of designing the SD-ATN. To address this issue, a transmission framework called the MCF-SD-ATN is first designed, which makes it practical to provide dedicated quality of service (QoS) guarantees for the M-info collection. Then, a communication protocol called the MCP-SD-ATN is designed to implement the M-info collection work based on the MCF-SD-ATN. We implement the MCF-SD-ATN and the MCP-SD-ATN in EXata 5.1 for simulation. Simulation results show that the proposed solution is appropriate for M-info collection in the SD-ATN.
Sedentary Lifestyle and Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Medical Personnel in North-East Poland
Authors: Citko Anna , Górski Stanisław , Marcinowicz Ludmiła , Górska Anna
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The sedentary lifestyle is defined as prolonged sitting both at work and during leisure time, with energy expenditures of below 600 MET · min/week. The sedentary lifestyle is a well-known predictor of obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome. The influence of the sedentary lifestyle and associated factors on nsLBP is still being discussed. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a sedentary lifestyle and its associated metabolic predictors on the prevalence of nsLBP in nurses and paramedics. Materials and Methods. The study included 609 participants, aged 30-60 years, who were residents of north-east Poland. Data was collected using a questionnaire (based, in part, on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), and included details of sociodemographic profile, chronic illnesses, and a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results. Nearly half (49.59%) of the respondents reported decreased physical activity, and in the group with recurring nsLBP this figure was 67.59%. Univariate logistic regression modelling found that leading a sedentary lifestyle caused a 3.5-fold increase in the incidence of recurring nsLBP (p<0.001). Excessive coffee consumption significantly increased the likelihood of recurring LBP (OR=16.44, 95% CI: 8.55-31.61), and cigarette smoking increased the likelihood of both recurrent and chronic LBP. The likelihood of chronic low back pain was significantly increased by components of metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure (over 9-fold), type 2 diabetes (over 3-fold), and hyperlipidemia (over 2-fold) (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions. A sedentary lifestyle significantly increased the incidence of recurring low back pain, while increased physical activity had a significant effect on the presence of chronic low back pain. In the sedentary lifestyle group, conditions classified within metabolic syndrome were found to significantly increase the chances of developing nonspecific low back pain.
The Effect of Antidepressants on the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hall Barry J. , Hamlin P. John , Gracie David J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: September 2018

Background and Aims. Mood may have an important role in the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the impact of antidepressant use on prognosis is unknown. We aimed to address this in a longitudinal study in a referral population. Methods. We collected demographic data, clinical disease activity and mood using validated questionnaires, and antidepressant use at baseline. Longitudinal disease activity was defined by disease flare or need for glucocorticosteroids, escalation of medical therapy, hospitalisation, or intestinal resection. We compared rates of these over a minimum period of 2 years according to antidepressant use at baseline. Results. In total, 331 patients provided complete data, of whom 54 (15.8%) were taking an antidepressant at study entry. Older age, female gender, and abnormal mood scores were associated with antidepressant use. During longitudinal follow-up, there was a trend towards lower rates of any of the four endpoints of IBD activity of interest in patients with abnormal anxiety scores at baseline and who were receiving an antidepressant (42.3% versus 64.6%, P = 0.05). Based on univariate Cox regression analysis, there was a trend towards lower rates of escalation of medical therapy among patients receiving antidepressants at baseline (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-1.00, P = 0.05). None of the differences observed persisted after multivariate Cox regression. Conclusions. Antidepressants may have some beneficial effects on the natural history of IBD, but larger studies with longer follow-up are required. Whether these effects are limited to patients with abnormal mood remains uncertain.
Benign Smooth Muscle Tumors (Leiomyomas) of Deep Somatic Soft Tissue
Authors: McCarthy Aoife J. , Chetty Runjan
Published: September 2018

Leiomyomas of deep soft tissue are extremely rare and should only be diagnosed following adherence to stringent histological criteria, namely, the absence of nuclear atypia and of coagulative tumor necrosis. Whether extremely low counts of, or even any, mitotic activity are acceptable when making a diagnosis of leiomyoma in deep soft tissue sites is controversial. The morphology and immunophenotype of smooth muscle tumors in deep soft tissue are similar to their counterparts irrespective of topography. It is interesting to note that leiomyomas of deep soft tissue (extremity and retroperitoneum) are often hyalinized/sclerosed and calcified. However, the prediction of their behavior and correct codification is dependent on thorough, meticulous search for mitoses and necrosis. Leiomyomas of deep soft tissue in the extremity should be devoid of mitoses and “significant” cytological atypia. An occasional larger, slightly pleomorphic cell in the midst of bland spindle cells, can be regarded as insignificant atypia. If any mitotic activity and several atypical cells are encountered in smooth muscle tumors of deep soft tissue of the extremity, it would be prudent to invoke the appellation of smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential and advocate wide local excision and follow-up.
Radiation Pattern Reconfigurable Waveguide Slot Array Antenna Using Liquid Crystal
Authors: Shi Hongyu , Li Jianxing , Zhu Shitao , Zhang Anxue , Xu Zhuo
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we proposed a radiation pattern reconfigurable waveguide slot array antenna using liquid crystal (LC). Together with the waveguide slot, the designed complementary electric-field-coupled resonator functions like a switch controlled by the dielectric constant of the LC, which can control the antenna element to radiate or not. Thus, the array factor and radiation pattern can be manipulated. The proposed antenna was simulated, fabricated, and measured. Its radiation direction can be reconfigured to 46° or 0° at about 15 GHz.