bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident CTS in a large pooled cohort study: associations obtained by a Job Exposure Matrix versus associations obtained from observed exposures
Authors: Dale Ann Marie , Ekenga Christine C , Buckner-Petty Skye , Merlino Linda , Thiese Matthew S , Bao Stephen , Meyers Alysha Rose , Harris-Adamson Carisa , Kapellusch Jay , Eisen Ellen A , Gerr Fred , Hegmann Kurt T , Silverstein Barbara , Garg Arun , Rempel David , Zeringue Angelique , Evanoff Bradley A
Published: March 2018

Background

There is growing use of a job exposure matrix (JEM) to provide exposure estimates in studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders; few studies have examined the validity of such estimates, nor did compare associations obtained with a JEM with those obtained using other exposures.

Objective

This study estimated upper extremity exposures using a JEM derived from a publicly available data set (Occupational Network, O*NET), and compared exposure-disease associations for incident carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with those obtained using observed physical exposure measures in a large prospective study.

Methods

2393 workers from several industries were followed for up to 2.8 years (5.5 person-years). Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes were assigned to the job at enrolment. SOC codes linked to physical exposures for forceful hand exertion and repetitive activities were extracted from O*NET. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to describe exposure-disease associations for incident CTS for individually observed physical exposures and JEM exposures from O*NET.

Results

Both exposure methods found associations between incident CTS and exposures of force and repetition, with evidence of dose–response. Observed associations were similar across the two methods, with somewhat wider CIs for HRs calculated using the JEM method.

Conclusion

Exposures estimated using a JEM provided similar exposure-disease associations for CTS when compared with associations obtained using the ‘gold standard’ method of individual observation. While JEMs have a number of limitations, in some studies they can provide useful exposure estimates in the absence of individual-level observed exposures.
Autogenous vaccination reduces antimicrobial usage and mortality rates in a herd facing severe exudative epidermitis outbreaks in weaned pigs
Authors: Arsenakis Ioannis , Boyen Filip , Haesebrouck Freddy , Maes Dominiek G D
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted in a commercial 1000‐sow herd facing recurrent exudative epidermitis (EE) outbreaks during the nursery period and assessed the efficacy of autogenous vaccination in controlling such outbreaks. The vaccine was produced using three Staphylococcus hyicus isolates recovered from affected pigs shortly before the onset of the study. All of those isolates were positive for the exhB gene, which encodes the exfoliative toxin type B (ExhB). From four consecutive farrowing batches of sows, two batches were vaccinated (V) against S hyicus at five and two weeks before farrowing, and two sow batches remained non‐vaccinated (NV). Vaccination efficacy was primarily determined by the levels of metaphylactic antimicrobial usage, and the morbidity and mortality data for the pigs of the V and NV sows. The total amount of antimicrobials used metaphylactically against EE in pigs among the V and NV farrowing batches was 39,600 and 88,550 mg, respectively. The used daily dose pig to animal daily dose pig ratio for the V and NV batches were 1.31 and 1.79, respectively (a ratio of 0.8 to 1.2 is indicative of correct dosing). The morbidity and mortality rates were V=6.50 and NV=14.36 (P=0.008), and V=2.59 and NV=5.02 (P=0.000), respectively. To conclude, autogenous vaccination of the sows with a vaccine based on exhB‐positive S hyicus isolates reduced metaphylactic treatment with antimicrobials as well as the morbidity and mortality rates in weaned pigs compared with pigs from NV sow batches.
Trade-offs between sight lines and escape habitat determine spatial strategies of risk management by a keystone herbivore
Authors: Morris Douglas W. , Vijayan Sundararaj
Published: March 2018

Prey individuals possess four basic strategies to manage predation risk while foraging: time allocation, space use, apprehension, and foraging tenacity. But there are no direct tests of theory detailing how spatial strategies change and covary from fine to coarse scales of environmental variability. We address this shortcoming with experiments that estimated space use and vigilance of snowshoe hares while we measured foraging tenacity in artificial resource patches placed in risky open versus safe alder habitat. Hares employed only two of eight a priori options to manage risk. Hares increased vigilance and reduced foraging in open areas as the distance from cover increased. Hares did not differentiate between open and alder habitats, increase vigilance at the coarse-grained scale, or reduce vigilance and foraging tenacity under supplemental cover. Hares were more vigilant in the putatively safe alder than in the purportedly risky open habitat. These apparently paradoxical results appear to reflect a trade-off between the benefit of alder as escape habitat and the cost of obscured sight lines that reduce predator detection. The trade-off also appears to equalize safety between habitats at small scales and suggests that common-sense predictions detailing how prey reduce risk may make no sense at all.
Total Flavones ofAbelmoschus manihotExhibits Pro-Angiogenic Activity by Activating the VEGF-A/VEGFR2-PI3K/Akt Signaling Axis
Authors: Zhu Gui-Song , Tang Ling-Yi , Lv Dong-Ling , Jiang Meng
Published: March 2018

Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) binds to VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and thus activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway play a central role in angiogenesis. Total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot (TFA), the major active component of the traditional Chinese herb Abelmoschus manihot, display novel pro-angiogenic activity. However, little information concerning its underlying mechanism is available. Here we investigate the pro-angiogenesis of TFA with the aim of understanding its mechanism of action. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model were used to evaluate pro-angiogenesis of TFA using cell viability, wounding healing, transwell invasion, tube formation, RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, was used to interfere with PI3K/Akt pathway signal for assessing the underlying mechanism. Results in vitro indicated TFA obviously promoted HUVECs proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. Furthermore, TFA markedly augmented PI3K and Akt phosphorylation and up-regulated VEGF-A and VEGFR2 expression in HUVECs. However, pre-treatment with LY294002 not only markedly attenuated TFA-induced cells proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation, but also significantly abolished TFA-induced VEGF-A and VEGFR2 over-expression as well as PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. Experiments in CAM model showed TFA significantly promoted the formation of branched blood vessels and was dramatically suppressed by LY294002. Taken together, TFA promoted angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo which, however, were counteracted by LY294002, suggesting at least in part, TFA exhibits pro-angiogenic activity by activating the VEGF-A/VEGFR2-PI3K/Akt signaling axis.
Hypouricemic Effects ofArmillaria melleaon Hyperuricemic Mice Regulated through OAT1 and CNT2
Authors: Yong Tianqiao , Chen Shaodan , Xie Yizhen , Chen Diling , Su Jiyan , Shuai Ou , Hu Huiping , Zuo Dan , Liang Danling
Published: March 2018

Ethanol and water extracts of Armillaria mellea were prepared by directly soaking A. mellea in ethanol (AME) at 65[Formula: see text]C, followed by decocting the remains in water (AMW) at 85[Formula: see text]C. Significantly, AME and AMW at 30, 60 and 120[Formula: see text]mg/kg exhibited excellent hypouricemic actions, causing remarkable declines from hyperuricemic control (351[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L, [Formula: see text]) to 136, 130 and 115[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L and 250, 188 and 152[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L in serum uric acid, correspondingly. In contrast to the evident renal toxicity of allopurinol, these preparations showed little impacts. Moreover, they showed some inhibitory effect on XOD (xanthine oxidase) activity. Compared with hyperuricemic control, protein expressions of OAT1 (organic anion transporter 1) were significantly elevated in AME- and AMW-treated mice. The levels of GLUT9 (glucose transporter 9) expression were significantly decreased by AMW. CNT2 (concentrative nucleoside transporter 2), a key target for purine absorption in gastrointestinal tract was involved in this study, and was verified for its innovative role. Both AME and AMW down-regulated CNT2 proteins in the gastrointestinal tract in hyperuricemic mice. As they exhibited considerable inhibitory effects on XOD, we selected XOD as the target for virtual screening by using molecular docking, and four compounds were hit with high ranks. From the analysis, we concluded that hydrogen bond, Pi–Pi and Pi-sigma interactions might play important roles for their orientations and locations in XOD inhibition.
Alleviation of Hippocampal Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress byAllomyrina dichotomaLarvae Extract
Authors: Kim Jongwan , Haque Md. Nazmul , Goo Tae-Won , Moon Il Soo
Published: March 2018

In the brain, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress results in synaptic dysfunction and eventually leads to neurodegeneration. Allomyrina dichotoma larvae are a Chinese ethnomedicine and are widely used in East Asia. In the present study, we investigated the ability of ethanol extract of A. dichotoma larvae (ADE) to improve synaptic structure and function by activating unfolded protein response (UPR) under ER stress in animal and neuron culture models. ER stress was induced in obese mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) or by treating dissociated cultures of rat embryonic (E19) hippocampal neurons with tunicamycin (TM). Western blot and real-time or conventional RT-PCR were performed to analyze the expressions of ER stress marker proteins. In dissociated hippocampal cultures, immunocytochemistry was performed for synaptic proteins, and cultures were stained with styryl dye FM1-43 to assess presynaptic activities. In HFD-fed obese mice, ADE efficiently reduced the expressions of ER stress markers, such as, xbp-1, chop, atf4, erdi4, and eIf2a, and those of the ER chaperone/foldases Bip/grp78, Ero-1l, and PDI. Unconventionally spliced xbp-1s mRNA was not detected. In primary rat hippocampal cultures under ER stress, ADE significantly lowered the nuclear expression of CHOP, inhibited the downregulations of postsynaptic proteins, such as, GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD-95, and maintained the pool size of recycling presynaptic vesicles. The study shows that ADE potently suppressed the induction of ER stress and maintained the structure and function of hippocampal neurons, and suggests that ADE is a potentially valuable food supplement and preventive therapeutic for ER stress-related nervous disorders.
Asatone Prevents Acute Lung Injury by Reducing Expressions of NF-κB, MAPK and Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Chang Heng-Yuan , Chen Yi-Chuan , Lin Jaung-Geng , Lin I-Hsin , Huang Hui-Fen , Yeh Chia-Chou , Chen Jian-Jung , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: March 2018

Asatone is an active component extracted from the Chinese herb Radix et Rhizoma Asari. Our preliminary studies have indicated that asatone has an anti-inflammatory effect on RAW 264.7 culture cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Acute lung injury (ALI) has high morbidity and mortality rates due to the onset of serious lung inflammation and edema. Whether asatone prevents ALI LPS-induced requires further investigation. In vitro studies revealed that asatone at concentrations of 2.5–20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL drastically prevented cytotoxicity and concentration-dependently reduced NO production in the LPS-challenged macrophages. In an in vivo study, the intratracheal administration of LPS increased the lung wet/dry ratio, myeloperoxidase activity, total cell counts, white blood cell counts, NO, iNOS, COX, TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-1[Formula: see text], and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as mitogen-activated protein kinases in the lung tissues. Pretreatment with asatone could reverse all of these effects. Asatone markedly reduced the levels of TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-6 in the lung and liver, but not in the kidney of mice. By contrast, LPS reduced anti-oxidative enzymes and inhibited NF-[Formula: see text]B activations, whereas asatone increased anti-oxidative enzymes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and NF-[Formula: see text]B activations in the lung tissues. Conclusively, asatone can prevent ALI through various anti-inflammatory modalities, including the major anti-inflammatory pathways of NF-[Formula: see text]B and mitogen-activated protein kinases. These findings suggest that asatone can be applied in the treatment of ALI.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND BLUE PHOTOLUMINESCENCE OF HYDROGENATED SILICON CARBONITRIDE THIN FILMS
Authors: PENG YINQIAO , ZHOU JICHENG , LEI GUIBIN , GAN YUANJU , CHEN YUEFENG
Published: March 2018

Hydrogenated silicon carbonitride (SiCN:H) thin films were deposited by sputtering of silicon carbide target in hydrogen-doped argon and nitrogen atmospheres. The properties of the SiCN:H films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer, atomic force microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectrophotometer. No distinct crystal was formed in the SiCN:H films as-deposited and annealed at 600∘C and 800∘C. The SiCN:H films were mainly composed of Si–N, Si–C, Si–O, C–C, C–N, C[Formula: see text]N, N–Hn bonds and SiCxNy network structure. The strong blue photoluminescence observed from the SiCN:H film annealed at 600∘C was attributed to SiCxNy network structure.
Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Stability of Fractional Stochastic Systems
Authors: Deng Jian
Published: March 2018

The modern theory of stochastic dynamic stability is founded on two main exponents: the largest Lyapunov exponent and moment Lyapunov exponent. Since any fractional viscoelastic system is indeed a system with memory, data normalization during iterations will disregard past values of the response and therefore the use of data normalization seems not appropriate in numerical simulation of such systems. A new numerical simulation method is proposed for determining the [Formula: see text]th moment Lyapunov exponent, which governs the [Formula: see text]th moment stability of the fractional stochastic systems. The largest Lyapunov exponent can also be obtained from moment Lyapunov exponents. Examples of the two-dimensional fractional systems under wideband noise and bounded noise excitations are presented to illustrate the simulation method.
Implementation of New Hybrid AHP–TOPSIS-2N Method in Sorting and Prioritizing of an it CAPEX Project Portfolio
Authors: De Souza Leandro Peçanha , Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , De Barros Alexandre Pinheiro
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results obtained by the information technology (IT) governance committee (ITGC) of a company undergoing a strategic realignment in the sorting and prioritizing of its portfolio of IT investment projects (CAPEX). The establishment of committees is one of the best practices in corporate governance, and it is often associated with the sorting and prioritizing of project alternatives, a problem typical of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). One of the aids to resolve this problem was the development of a methodology in steps, and a new hybrid multicriteria method consists of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution-2 normalization (TOPSIS-2N) techniques. The application of the hybrid AHP–TOPSIS-2N model proved to be consistent and robust, generating two priority sorting possibilities aligned with the strategic situation of the organization and a range of improvements in terms of governance and processes for the ITGC of the company.
Measurement of quantum correlation by Frobenius norm in non-Markovian system
Authors: Hu Juju , Liu Shuqin , Ji Yinghua
Published: March 2018

In order to measure the quantum correlation of a bipartite state quickly, an easy method is to construct a test matrix through the commutations among the blocks of its density matrix. Then, the Frobenius norm of the test matrix can be used to measure the quantum correlation. In this paper, we apply the measurement by Frobenius norm ([Formula: see text] to the dynamics evolution of the non-Markovian quantum system and compare it with the typical quantum discord ([Formula: see text] proposed by Ollivier and Zurek. The research results show that [Formula: see text] can indeed measure the quantum correlation of a bipartite state as same as [Formula: see text]. Further studies find that there are still differences between the two measurements: in some regions, when [Formula: see text] is zero, [Formula: see text] is not zero. It indicates that [Formula: see text] is more detailed than [Formula: see text] to measure quantum correlation of a bipartite state.
Involving Lead Users in Innovation: A Structured Summary of Research on the Lead User Method
Authors: Brem Alexander , Bilgram Volker , Gutstein Adele
Published: March 2018

Research on the lead user method has been conducted for more than thirty years and has shown that the method is more likely to generate breakthrough innovation than traditional market research tools. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper shows a detailed view on the broad variety of research on lead user characteristics, lead user processes, lead user identification and application, and success factors. The main challenge of the lead user method as identified in literature is the resource issue regarding time, manpower, and costs. Also, internal acceptance and the processing of the method have been spotted in literature, as well as the intellectual property protection issue. From the starting point of the initial lead user method process introduced by Lüthje and Herstatt (2004), results are integrated into a revisited view on the lead user method process. In addition, concrete suggestions for corporate realization options are given. The article closes with limitations and future research suggestions.
EFFECTS OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RESOURCE DIMENSIONS ON THE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS
Authors: RYDEHELL HANNA , ISAKSSON ANDERS , LÖFSTEN HANS
Published: March 2018

This study examines the effects of new technology-based firms (NTBFs) internal and external resources on their early business performance. Based on a large unique dataset of 401 newly started NTBFs, we find that founders’ business experience and their firms’ proximity to other firms positively affect early business performance. Growth orientation is found to be negatively related to business performance, which might suggest a certain level of over-optimism among entrepreneurs with aspiration to grow fast.
THE IMPACT OF OPENNESS ON INNOVATION IN SMEs
Authors: HINTEREGGER CHRISTOPH , DURST SUSANNE , TEMEL SERDAL , YESILAY RUSTEM BARIS
Published: March 2018

The study of modes of open innovation in smaller companies is still in the development phase. This study responds to this situation and, drawing upon a data set from 4,679 Turkish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), explores the influence of inbound open innovation and coupled open innovation on marketing innovation as well as process and organisational innovation in SMEs. Results reveal major differences between small and medium-sized Turkish enterprises with regard to both marketing innovation as well as process and organisational innovation. While inbound open innovation positively influences both, marketing as well as process and organisational innovation, the effects for small-sized enterprises are even higher than for medium-sized ones. Coupled open innovation positively influences both innovation outcomes as well, although the effects for medium-sized enterprises are significantly higher than for smaller ones.
Mapping the small-world properties of brain networks in Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Xiaohong , Lei Victoria Lai Cheng , Li Defeng , Hu Zhishan , Xiang Yutao , Yuan Zhen
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to examine the small-world properties of functional brain networks in Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting (SI) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In particular, the fNIRS neuroimaging combined with complex network analysis was performed to extract the features of functional brain networks underling three translation strategies associated with Chinese to English SI: “transcoding” that takes the “shortcut” linking translation equivalents between Chinese and the English, “code-mixing” that basically does not involve bilingual processing, and “transphrasing” that takes the “long route” involving a monolingual processing of meaning in Chinese and then another monolingual processing of meaning in English. Our results demonstrated that the small-world network topology was able to distinguish well between the transcoding, code-mixing and transphrasing strategies related to Chinese to English SI.
Equivalence relationship between a three-axis centrifugal test load and flight load
Authors: Liu Gege , Zhang Yahong , Zhang Xinong
Published: March 2018

For aircraft flying with high accelerations and high acceleration change rates in three-dimensional space, load simulation tests are usually carried out in a three-axis centrifuge with three degrees of freedom. A triaxial centrifugal test that simulates the actual flight environment must reflect the real effect of the flight load on the structure. An acceleration analysis model of a three-axis centrifuge in body coordinates is established to meet this requirement. The spatial distribution of the acceleration and the effects of kinematic parameters on acceleration are analyzed. Using the acceleration analysis model, the displacement equivalence and strain energy equivalence relations of a beam in a centrifugal environment and actual flight environment are studied. Moreover, equivalence relationships meeting requirements are proposed and validated for a specific example. The distribution of the acceleration and the equivalence relations of the two environments are the basis for the ground simulation of flight loads.
Quantitative compositional mapping of mineral phases by electron probe micro-analyser
Authors: Lanari Pierre , Vho Alice , Bovay Thomas , Airaghi Laura , Centrella Stephen
Published: March 2018

Compositional mapping has greatly impacted mineralogical and petrological studies over the past half-century with increasing use of the electron probe micro-analyser. Many technical and analytical developments have benefited from the synergies of physicists and geologists and they have greatly contributed to the success of this analytical technique. Large-area compositional mapping has become routine practice in many laboratories worldwide, improving our ability to measure the compositional variability of minerals in natural geological samples and reducing the operator bias as to where to locate single spot analyses. This chapter aims to provide an overview of existing quantitative techniques for the evaluation of rock and mineral compositions and to present various examples of applications. A new advanced method for compositional map standardization that relies on internal standards and accurately corrects the X-ray intensities for continuum background is also presented. This technique has been implemented into the computer software XMapTools. The improved workflow defines the appropriate practice of accurate standardization and provides data-reporting standards to help improve petrological interpretations.
Imaging Bacterial Cell Wall Biosynthesis
Authors: Radkov Atanas D. , Hsu Yen-Pang , Booher Garrett , VanNieuwenhze Michael S.
Published: March 2018

Peptidoglycan is an essential component of the cell wall that protects bacteria from environmental stress. A carefully coordinated biosynthesis of peptidoglycan during cell elongation and division is required for cell viability. This biosynthesis involves sophisticated enzyme machineries that dynamically synthesize, remodel, and degrade peptidoglycan. However, when and where bacteria build peptidoglycan, and how this is coordinated with cell growth, have been long-standing questions in the field. The improvement of microscopy techniques has provided powerful approaches to study peptidoglycan biosynthesis with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent development of molecular probes further accelerated the growth of the field, which has advanced our knowledge of peptidoglycan biosynthesis dynamics and mechanisms. Here, we review the technologies for imaging the bacterial cell wall and its biosynthesis activity. We focus on the applications of fluorescent d-amino acids, a newly developed type of probe, to visualize and study peptidoglycan synthesis and dynamics, and we provide direction for prospective research.
Nanoscale Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy Using Near-Field Probes
Authors: Hermann Richard J. , Gordon Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Light-matter interactions can provide a wealth of detailed information about the structural, electronic, optical, and chemical properties of materials through various excitation and scattering processes that occur over different length, energy, and timescales. Unfortunately, the wavelike nature of light limits the achievable spatial resolution for interrogation and imaging of materials to roughly λ/2 because of diffraction. Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) breaks this diffraction limit by coupling light to nanostructures that are specifically designed to manipulate, enhance, and/or extract optical signals from very small regions of space. Progress in the SNOM field over the past 30 years has led to the development of many methods to optically characterize materials at lateral spatial resolutions well below 100 nm. We review these exciting developments and demonstrate how SNOM is truly extending optical imaging and spectroscopy to the nanoscale.
Shale Gas Implications for C2-C3Olefin Production: Incumbent and Future Technology
Authors: Stangland Eric E.
Published: March 2018

Substantial natural gas liquids recovery from tight shale formations has produced a significant boon for the US chemical industry. As fracking technology improves, shale liquids may represent the same for other geographies. As with any major industry disruption, the advent of shale resources permits both the chemical industry and the community an excellent opportunity to have open, foundational discussions on how both public and private institutions should research, develop, and utilize these resources most sustainably. This review summarizes current chemical industry processes that use ethane and propane from shale gas liquids to produce the two primary chemical olefins of the industry: ethylene and propylene. It also discusses simplified techno-economics related to olefins production from an industry perspective, attempting to provide a mutually beneficial context in which to discuss the next generation of sustainable olefin process development.
Extracellular adenosine: a critical signal in liver fibrosis
Authors: Fausther Michel
Published: March 2018

Extracellular adenosine nucleoside is a potent, endogenous mediator that signals through specific G protein-coupled receptors, and exerts pleiotropic effects on liver physiology, in health and disease. Particularly, adenosinergic or adenosine-mediated signaling pathways impact the progression of hepatic fibrosis, a common feature of chronic liver diseases, through regulation of matrix deposition by liver myofibroblasts. This review examines the current lines of evidence on adenosinergic regulation of liver fibrosis and myofibroblasts, identifies unanswered research questions, and proposes important future areas of investigation.
Clostridium difficile toxins A and B decrease intestinal SLC26A3 protein expression
Authors: Coffing Hayley , Priyamvada Shubha , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N. , Salibay Christine , Engevik Melinda , Versalovic James , Yacyshyn Mary Beth , Yacyshyn Bruce , Tyagi Sangeeta , Saksena Seema , Gill Ravinder K. , Alrefai Waddah A. , Dudeja Pradeep K.
Published: March 2018

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the primary cause of nosocomial diarrhea in the United States. Although C. difficile toxins A and B are the primary mediators of CDI, the overall pathophysiology underlying C. difficile-associated diarrhea remains poorly understood. Studies have shown that a decrease in both NHE3 (Na+/H+ exchanger) and DRA (downregulated in adenoma, Cl−/[Formula: see text] exchanger), resulting in decreased electrolyte absorption, is implicated in infectious and inflammatory diarrhea. Furthermore, studies have shown that NHE3 is depleted at the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells and downregulated in patients with CDI, but the role of DRA in CDI remains unknown. In the current studies, we examined the effects of C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB on DRA protein and mRNA levels in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Our data demonstrated that DRA protein levels were significantly reduced in response to TcdA and TcdB in IECs in culture. This effect was also specific to DRA, as NHE3 and PAT-1 (putative anion transporter 1) protein levels were unaffected by TcdA and TcdB. Additionally, purified TcdA and TcdA + TcdB, but not TcdB, resulted in a decrease in colonic DRA protein levels in a toxigenic mouse model of CDI. Finally, patients with recurrent CDI also exhibited significantly reduced expression of colonic DRA protein. Together, these findings indicate that C. difficile toxins markedly downregulate intestinal expression of DRA which may contribute to the diarrheal phenotype of CDI.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our studies demonstrate, for the first time, that C. difficile toxins reduce DRA protein, but not mRNA, levels in intestinal epithelial cells. These findings suggest that a downregulation of DRA may be a critical factor in C. difficile infection-associated diarrhea.
Lower tendon stiffness in very old compared with old individuals is unaffected by short-term resistance training of skeletal muscle
Authors: Eriksen Christian Skou , Henkel Cecilie , Svensson Rene B. , Agergaard Anne-Sofie , Couppé Christian , Kjaer Michael , Magnusson S. Peter
Published: March 2018

Aging negatively affects collagen-rich tissue, like tendons, but in vivo tendon mechanical properties and the influence of physical activity after the 8th decade of life remain to be determined. This study aimed to compare in vivo patellar tendon mechanical properties in moderately old (old) and very old adults and the effect of short-term resistance training. Twenty old (9 women, 11 men, >65 yr) and 30 very old (11 women, 19 men, >83 yr) adults were randomly allocated to heavy resistance training (HRT) or no training (CON) and underwent testing of in vivo patellar tendon (PT) mechanical properties and PT dimensions before and after a 3-mo intervention. Previous measurements of muscle properties, blood parameters, and physical activity level were included in the analysis. Data from 9 old HRT, 10 old CON, 14 very old CON, and 12 old HRT adults were analyzed. In addition to lower quadriceps muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA), we found lower PT stiffness and Young’s modulus ( P < 0.001) and a trend toward the lower mid-portion PT-CSA ( P = 0.09) in very old compared with old subjects. Daily step count was also lower in very old subjects ( P < 0.001). Resistance training improved muscle strength and cross-sectional area equally in old and very old subjects ( P < 0.05) but did not affect PT mechanical properties or dimension. We conclude that PT material properties are reduced in very old age, and this may likely be explained by reduced physical activity. Three months of resistance training however, could not alter PT mechanical properties in very old individuals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first to quantify in vivo tendon mechanical properties in a group of very old adults in their eighties. Patellar tendon stiffness was lower in very old (87 yr on average) compared with moderately old (68 yr on average) individuals. Reduced physical activity with aging may explain some of the loss in tendon stiffness, but regular heavy resistance training for 3 mo was not sufficient to change tendon mechanical properties.
Chronic interval exercise training prevents BKCa channel-mediated coronary vascular dysfunction in aortic-banded miniswine
Authors: Olver T. Dylan , Edwards Jenna C. , Ferguson Brian S. , Hiemstra Jessica A. , Thorne Pamela K. , Hill Michael A. , Laughlin M. Harold , Emter Craig A.
Published: March 2018

Conventional treatments have failed to improve the prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of chronic interval exercise training (IT) on large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel-mediated coronary vascular function in heart failure. We hypothesized that chronic interval exercise training would attenuate pressure overload-induced impairments to coronary BKCa channel-mediated function. A translational large-animal model with cardiac features of HFpEF was used to test this hypothesis. Specifically, male Yucatan miniswine were divided into three groups ( n = 7/group): control (CON), aortic banded (AB)-heart failure (HF), and AB-interval trained (HF-IT). Coronary blood flow, vascular conductance, and vasodilatory capacity were measured after administration of the BKCa channel agonist NS-1619 both in vivo and in vitro in the left anterior descending coronary artery and isolated coronary arterioles, respectively. Skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity was decreased and left ventricular brain natriuretic peptide levels increased in HF vs. CON and HF-IT animals. A parallel decrease in NS-1619-dependent coronary vasodilatory reserve in vivo and isolated coronary arteriole vasodilatory responsiveness in vitro were observed in HF animals compared with CON, which was prevented in the HF-IT group. Although exercise training prevented BKCa channel-mediated coronary vascular dysfunction, it did not change BKCa channel α-subunit mRNA, protein, or cellular location (i.e., membrane vs. cytoplasm). In conclusion, these results demonstrate the viability of chronic interval exercise training as a therapy for central and peripheral adaptations of experimental heart failure, including BKCa channel-mediated coronary vascular dysfunction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Conventional treatments have failed to improve the prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Our findings show that chronic interval exercise training can prevent BKCa channel-mediated coronary vascular dysfunction in a translational swine model of chronic pressure overload-induced heart failure with relevance to human HFpEF.
Optimizing the Geometry of Flexure System Topologies Using the Boundary Learning Optimization Tool
Authors: Hatamizadeh Ali , Song Yuanping , Hopkins Jonathan B.
Published: March 2018

We introduce a new computational tool called the Boundary Learning Optimization Tool (BLOT) that identifies the boundaries of the performance capabilities achieved by general flexure system topologies if their geometric parameters are allowed to vary from their smallest allowable feature sizes to their largest geometrically compatible feature sizes for given constituent materials. The boundaries generated by the BLOT fully define the design spaces of flexure systems and allow designers to visually identify which geometric versions of their synthesized topologies best achieve desired combinations of performance capabilities. The BLOT was created as a complementary tool to the freedom and constraint topologies (FACT) synthesis approach in that the BLOT is intended to optimize the geometry of the flexure topologies synthesized using the FACT approach. The BLOT trains artificial neural networks to create models of parameterized flexure topologies using numerically generated performance solutions from different design instantiations of those topologies. These models are then used by an optimization algorithm to plot the desired topology’s performance boundary. The model-training and boundary-plotting processes iterate using additional numerically generated solutions from each updated boundary generated until the final boundary is guaranteed to be accurate within any average error set by the user. A FACT-synthesized flexure topology is optimized using the BLOT as a simple case study.
Development of Semiliquid Ingredients from Grape Skins and Their Potential Impact on the Reducing Capacity of Model Functional Foods
Authors: Stojanovic Milan , Marinoni Laura , Cabassi Giovanni , Antic Malisa , Lavelli Vera
Published: March 2018

Grape skins (GS), which can be considered as reusable coproducts of winemaking, were processed to develop semiliquid ingredients for functional foods, as an alternative to powdered GS, which needs high energy input for drying. Processing of semiliquid GS ingredients included blanching, dilution to obtain dispersions with 2% or 10% of dry solids, milling, homogenization, and pasteurization. The individual phenolic contents andin vitroferric ion reducing capacity (FRAP) of semiliquid GS ingredients were compared with those of air-dried and freeze-dried GS. With respect to freeze-dried GS, the recovery of FRAP values was ~75% for both air-dried GS and 2% GS dispersion and 59% for 10% GS dispersion. The average particle size diameters of solids in semiliquid GS ingredients were similar to those observed in commercial apple skin products. Possible applications of GS semiliquid ingredients to increase the reducing capacity of food 10 times include formulation into beverages and ice-type desserts and use in bakery products.
Sensor Fault Diagnosis Observer for an Electric Vehicle Modeled as a Takagi-Sugeno System
Authors: Gómez-Peñate S. , López-Estrada F. R. , Valencia-Palomo G. , Osornio-Ríos R. , Zepeda-Hernández J. A. , Ríos-Rojas C. , Camas-Anzueto J.
Published: March 2018

A sensor fault diagnosis of an electric vehicle (EV) modeled as a Takagi-Sugeno (TS) system is proposed. The proposed TS model considers the nonlinearity of the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle and parametric variation induced by the slope of the road; these considerations allow to obtain a mathematical model that represents the vehicle for a wide range of speeds and different terrain conditions. First, a virtual sensor represented by a TS state observer is developed. Sufficient conditions are given by a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) that guarantee asymptotic convergence of the TS observer. Second, the work is extended to perform fault detection and isolation based on a generalized observer scheme (GOS). Numerical simulations are presented to show the performance and applicability of the proposed method.
Finite-Difference Time Domain Techniques Applied to Electromagnetic Wave Interactions with Inhomogeneous Plasma Structures
Authors: Nicolini Julio L. , Bergmann José Ricardo
Published: March 2018

Motivated by the emerging field of plasma antennas, electromagnetic wave propagation in and scattering by inhomogeneous plasma structures are studied through finite-difference time domain (FDTD) techniques. These techniques have been widely used in the past to study propagation near or through the ionosphere, and their extension to plasma devices such as antenna elements is a natural development. Simulation results in this work are validated with comparisons to solutions obtained by eigenfunction expansion techniques well supported by the literature and are shown to have an excellent agreement. The advantages of using FDTD simulations for this type of investigation are also outlined; in particular, FDTD simulations allow for field solutions to be developed at lower computational cost and greater resolution than equivalent eigenfunction methods for inhomogeneous plasmas and are applicable to arbitrary plasma properties such as spatially or time-varying inhomogeneities and collision frequencies, as well as allowing transient effects to be studied as the field solutions are obtained in the time domain.
Modification of Cell Wall Polysaccharides during Drying Process Affects Texture Properties of Apple Chips
Authors: Xiao Min , Yi Jianyong , Bi Jinfeng , Zhao Yuanyuan , Peng Jian , Hou Chunhui , Lyu Jian , Zhou Mo
Published: March 2018

The influences of hot air drying (AD), medium- and short-wave infrared drying (IR), instant controlled pressure drop drying (DIC), and vacuum freeze drying (FD) on cell wall polysaccharide modification were studied, and the relationship between the modifications and texture properties was analyzed. The results showed that the DIC treated apple chips exhibited the highest crispness (92) and excellent honeycomb-like structure among all the dried samples, whereas the FD dried apple chips had low crispness (10), the minimum hardness (17.4 N), and the highest volume ratio (0.76) and rehydration ratio (7.55). Remarkable decreases in the contents of total galacturonic acid and the amounts of water extractable pectin (WEP) were found in all the dried apple chips as compared with the fresh materials. The highest retention of WEP fraction (102.7 mg/g AIR) was observed in the FD dried apple chips, which may lead to a low structural rigidity and may be partially responsible for the lower hardness of the FD apple chips. In addition, the crispness of the apple chips obtained by DIC treatment, as well as AD and IR at 90°C, was higher than that of the samples obtained from the other drying processes, which might be due to the severe degradation of pectic polysaccharides, considering the results of the amounts of pectic fractions, the molar mass distribution, and concentrations of the WEP fractions. Overall, the data suggested that the modifications of pectic polysaccharides of apple chips, including the amount of the pectic fractions and their structural characteristics and the extent of degradation, significantly affect the texture of apple chips.
Inkjet-Printed Flexible MEMS Switches for Phased-Array Antennas
Authors: Monne Mahmuda Akter , Lan Xing , Zhang Chunbo , Chen Maggie Yihong
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a fully inkjet-printed flexible MEMS switch for phased-array antennas. The physical structure of the printed MEMS switch consists of an anchor with a clamp-clamp beam, a sacrificial layer, and bottom transmission lines. 5-mil Kapton® polyimide film is used as a flexible substrate material. Two different types of conductive ink PEDOT : PSS from Sigma Aldrich and silver nanoparticle ink from NovaCentrix are used for the fabrication of different printed layers. Layer-by-layer fabrication process and material evaluation are illustrated. Layer characterization is done with respect to critical thickness and resistance using 2D/3D material analysis. Fujifilm Dimatix Material Printer (DMP-2800) is used for fabrication, and KLA-Tencor (P-7) profiler is used for 2D and 3D analysis of each layer. The MEMS switch has a low actuation voltage of 1.2 V, current capacity of 0.2195 mA, a current on-off ratio of 2195 : 1, and an RF insertion loss of 5 dB up to 13.5 GHz. Printed MEMS switch technology is a promising candidate for flexible and reconfigurable phased-array antennas and other radio frequency (RF) and microwave frequency applications.
Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary: A Retrospective Study of 31 Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Dridi Manel , Chraiet Nesrine , Batti Rim , Ayadi Mouna , Mokrani Amina , Meddeb Khedija , Yahiaoui Yosra , Raies Henda , Mezlini Amel
Published: March 2018

Background. Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) are the most common sex cord-stromal tumors. Unlike epithelial ovarian tumors, they occur in young women and are usually detected at an early stage. The aim of this study was to report the clinical and pathological characteristics of AGCT patients and to identify the prognostic factors. Methods. All cases of AGCTs, treated at Salah Azaïz Institute between 1995 and 2010, were retrospectively included. Kaplan-Meier’s statistical method was used to assess the relapse-free survival and the overall survival. Results. The final cohort included 31 patients with AGCT. The mean age was 53 years (35–73 years). Patients mainly presented with abdominal mass and/or pain (61%, n=19). Mean tumor size was 20 cm. The majority of patients had a stage I disease (61%,  n=19). Two among 3 patients with stage IV disease had liver metastasis. Mitotic index was low in 45% of cases (n=14). Surgical treatment was optimal in almost all cases (90%, n=28). The median follow-up time was 14 years (1–184 months). Ten patients relapsed (32%) with a median RFS of 8.4 years (6.8–9.9 years). Mean overall survival was 13 years (11–15 years). Stage I disease and low-to-intermediate mitotic index were associated with a better prognosis in univariate analysis (resp., p=0.05 and p=0.02) but were not independent prognostic factors. Conclusion. GCTs have a long natural history with common late relapses. Hence, long active follow-up is recommended. In Tunisian patients, hepatic metastases were more frequent than occidental series. The prognosis remains good and initial staging at diagnosis is an important prognostic factor.
Parameter Sensitivity of Shallow‐Bias Tunnel with a Clear Distance Located in Rock
Authors: Jiang Xueliang , Wang Feifei , Yang Hui , Niu Jiayong
Published: March 2018

In order to obtain the seismic internal force response laws of a shallow‐bias tunnel with a small clear distance, the reliability of the numerical simulation is verified by the shaking table model test. The parameter sensitivity of the tunnel is studied by using MIDAS‐NX finite element software. The effects of seismic wave peak (0.1 g, 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.4 g, 0.5 g, and 0.6 g), existing slope angle (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), clear distance (1.0 D, 1.5 D, 2.0 D, and 3.0 D), and excitation mode (X direction, Z direction, XY direction, and XYZ direction) on the internal force response law of the tunnel are studied, respectively. The results show that (1) the shear force gradually increases with the increasing of seismic peak. The amplification is different with different measuring points. (2) Under different existing slope‐angle conditions, the variation trend of shear force of the tunnel is similar, but the shear force is different. The existing slope has significant effect on the shear force response of the tunnel, and the degree is different with different slope angles. (3) Under the conditions of 1.5 D and 2.0 D, the shear force response of the tunnel is stronger, but the response of other conditions is relatively weak. The tunnel with 1.5 D to 2.0 D clear distance should be avoided. Different excitation modes have a significant effect on the shear force response of the tunnel. (4) Under the same excitation mode, the different excitation directions also have a significant effect on the shear force response. (5) The shear force response of the tunnel crosssection shows nonlinear variation trend. The shear force response is strongest at the arch shoulder and arch foot of the tunnel. The research results provide a useful reference for the design of antishock and vibration resistance of the tunnel.