bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting the Multidimensional Character of Scientific Reasoning
Authors: Bradshaw William S. , Nelson Jennifer , Adams Byron J. , Bell John D.
Published: September 2017

This study reports part of a long-term program to help students improve scientific reasoning using higher-order cognitive tasks set in the discipline of cell biology. This skill was assessed using problems requiring the construction of valid conclusions drawn from authentic research data. We report here efforts to confirm the hypothesis that data interpretation is a complex, multifaceted exercise. Confirmation was obtained using a statistical treatment showing that various such problems rank students differently—each contains a unique set of cognitive challenges. Additional analyses of performance results have allowed us to demonstrate that individuals differ in their capacity to navigate five independent generic elements that constitute successful data interpretation: biological context, connection to course concepts, experimental protocols, data inference, and integration of isolated experimental observations into a coherent model. We offer these aspects of scientific thinking as a “data analysis skills inventory,” along with usable sample problems that illustrate each element. Additionally, we show that this kind of reasoning is rigorous in that it is difficult for most novice students, who are unable to intuitively implement strategies for improving these skills. Instructors armed with knowledge of the specific challenges presented by different types of problems can provide specific helpful feedback during formative practice. The use of this instructional model is most likely to require changes in traditional classroom instruction.
Biofilms for Babies: Introducing Microbes and Biofilms to Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Couto Jillian M.
Published: September 2017

Microbes are beneficial to life on our planet as they facilitate natural processes such as global nutrient cycling in our environment. This article details a 30-minute activity to introduce pre-school children ranging from 3 to 5 years of age to microbes and biofilms in the natural environment.
siRNA Immunological Fishing Training (SIFT) Experience as a Novel Research Education Tool for Students Studying Immunology
Authors: Elizondo Diana M. , Andargie Temesgen E. , Kubhar Dineeta S. , Marshall Karis M. , Zariwala Aamir M. , Lee Clarence M. , Lipscomb Michael W.
Published: September 2017

This report describes an innovative research education tool for student exposure and training in immunology. Utilizing the wealth of transcriptomics data provided through the immunological genome project, graduate and undergraduate students can engage in hands-on experimental studies to identify and rigorously characterize novel genes in immune cells using RNA interference-mediated approaches. The SIFT activities are directly aligned with cell biology and immunology courses and serve to reinforce and expand on the foundations learned. Furthermore, the student-driven studies provide a sense of ownership and largely expose students to the breadth of experimental research approaches in the biological sciences. Finally, generation of original datasets supports the greater scientific community by contributing in assembly and delineation of the regulatory networks that govern immunity.
Introducing Mammalian Cell Culture and Cell Viability Techniques in the Undergraduate Biology Laboratory
Authors: Bowey-Dellinger Kristen , Dixon Luke , Ackerman Kristin , Vigueira Cynthia , Suh Yewseok K. , Lyda Todd , Sapp Kelli , Grider Michael , Crater Dinene , Russell Travis , Elias Michael , Coffield V. McNeil , Segarra Verónica A.
Published: September 2017

Undergraduate students learn about mammalian cell culture applications in introductory biology courses. However, laboratory modules are rarely designed to provide hands-on experience with mammalian cells or teach cell culture techniques, such as trypsinization and cell counting. Students are more likely to learn about cell culture using bacteria or yeast, as they are typically easier to grow, culture, and manipulate given the equipment, tools, and environment of most undergraduate biology laboratories. In contrast, the utilization of mammalian cells requires a dedicated biological safety cabinet and rigorous antiseptic techniques. For this reason, we have devised a laboratory module and method herein that familiarizes students with common cell culture procedures, without the use of a sterile hood or large cell culture facility. Students design and perform a time-efficient inquiry-based cell viability experiment using HeLa cells and tools that are readily available in an undergraduate biology laboratory. Students will become familiar with common techniques such as trypsinizing cells, cell counting with a hemocytometer, performing serial dilutions, and determining cell viability using trypan blue dye. Additionally, students will work with graphing software to analyze their data and think critically about the mechanism of death on a cellular level. Two different adaptations of this inquiry-based lab are presented—one for non-biology majors and one for biology majors. Overall, these laboratories aim to expose students to mammalian cell culture and basic techniques and help them to conceptualize their application in scientific research.
A Hands-On Activity to Demonstrate the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology Via a Simulated VDJ Recombination Activity
Authors: Marshall Pamela A.
Published: September 2017

Essential or enduring understandings are often defined as the underlying core concepts or “big ideas” we’d like our students to remember when much of the course content has been forgotten. The central dogma of molecular biology and how cellular information is stored, used, and conveyed is one of the essential understandings students should retain after a course or unit in molecular biology or genetics. An additional enduring understanding is the relationships between DNA sequence, RNA sequence, mRNA production and processing, and the resulting polypeptide/protein product. A final big idea in molecular biology is the relationship between DNA mutation and polypeptide change. To engage students in these essential understandings in a Genetics course, I have developed a hands-on activity to simulate VDJ recombination. Students use a foldable type activity to splice out regions of a mock kappa light chain gene to generate a DNA sequence for transcription and translation. Students fold the activity several different times in multiple ways to “recombine” and generate several different DNA sequences. They then are asked to construct the corresponding mRNA and polypeptide sequence of each “recombined” DNA sequence and reflect on the products in a write-to-learn activity.
Define Your Goals Before You Design a CURE: A Call to Use Backward Design in Planning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences
Authors: Cooper Katelyn M. , Soneral Paula A. G. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: September 2017

We recommend using backward design to develop course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). The defining hallmark of CUREs is that students in a formal lab course explore research questions with unknown answers that are broadly relevant outside the course. Because CUREs lead to novel research findings, they represent a unique course design challenge, as the dual nature of these courses requires course designers to consider two distinct, but complementary, sets of goals for the CURE: 1) scientific discovery milestones (i.e., research goals) and 2) student learning in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains (i.e., pedagogical goals). As more undergraduate laboratory courses are re-imagined as CUREs, how do we thoughtfully design these courses to effectively meet both sets of goals? In this Perspectives article, we explore this question and outline recommendations for using backward design in CURE development.
Hands-On Assembly of DNA Sequencing Reads as a Gateway to Bioinformatics
Authors: Jensen Paul A.
Published: September 2017

The scale of genomic sequencing data and the complexity of bioinformatic algorithms make it difficult for students to develop a concrete understanding of assembling complete genomes from millions of short DNA sequences. We present a hands-on activity where students explore the genome assembly process using short DNA sequences printed on paper. Topics highlighted during the lesson include overlap identification, reference sequences, and the challenges arising from sequencing errors, low-frequency mutations, and repetitive regions. Sample materials provide reads and solutions for assembling clinically relevant regions of the S. gordonii penicillin binding protein and the human HTT gene. An online tool allows instructors to generate custom read sets from other DNA sequences.
New Changes for
JMBE
: A Look Forward
Authors: Elliott Samantha L.
Published: September 2017

In this letter, the Editor-in-Chief of JMBE highlights new enhancements for the journal.
Integration of RCR and Ethics Education into Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences in the Biological Sciences: A Needed Discussion
Authors: Olimpo Jeffrey T. , Diaz-Martinez Laura A. , Bhatt Jay M. , D’Arcy Christina E.
Published: September 2017

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been identified as a promising vehicle to broaden novices’ participation in authentic scientific opportunities. While recent studies in the bioeducation literature have focused on the influence of CUREs on cognitive and non-cognitive student outcomes (e.g., attitudes and motivation, science process skills development), few investigations have examined the extent to which the contextual features inherent in such experiences affect students’ academic and professional growth. Central among these factors is that of ethics and the responsible conduct of research (RCR)—essential cornerstones of the scientific enterprise. In this article, we examine the intersectionality of ethics/RCR instruction within CURE contexts through a critical review of existing literature that details mechanisms for the integration of ethics/RCR education into undergraduate laboratory experiences in the science domains. Building upon this foundation, we propose a novel, evidence-based framework that seeks to illustrate posited interactions between core ethics/RCR principles and unique dimensions of CUREs. It is our intent that this framework will inform and encourage open dialogue around an often-overlooked aspect of CURE instruction—how to best prepare ethically responsible scholars for entrance into the global scientific workforce.
Bacterial DNA Extraction Using Individual Enzymes and Phenol/Chloroform Separation
Authors: Wright Mitchell Henry , Adelskov Joseph , Greene Anthony Carlson
Published: September 2017

Marmur (4) developed one of the first detailed comprehensive methods for purifying bacterial DNA. This procedure is now outdated, and can be difficult to follow for those with limited experience in molecular biology. Here, we provide a modernized, simplified protocol for extracting bacterial DNA and discuss how this can be incorporated into microbiology laboratory courses for biology majors.
Unusual presentation of silently growing abdominal aortic aneurysm causing biliary obstruction
Authors: Changal Khalid Hamid , Lim Francis , Sunkara Tejasvi , Hamdani Syed Uzair
Published: September 2017

Biliary obstruction is a rare presentation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The most common symptoms of AAA are abdominal or back pain and limb ischaemia from thromboembolism. We report a case of a 67-year-old male who was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice secondary to an AAA. CT angiogram revealed compression of the common bile duct by the large AAA, causing diffuse intrahepatic and extrahepatic ductal dilatation. Surgical repair of the aortic aneurysm was successful, and patient’s symptoms improved.
Quaternary geology of part of the McLeod Lake map area (NTS 093J), central British Columbia: lithostratigraphy, glacial history, and chronology
Authors: Sacco David A. , Ward Brent C. , Lian Olav B. , Maynard Denny E. , Geertsema Marten
Published: September 2017

The coalescence and subsequent divergence of glaciers near the McLeod Lake map area during the last (Fraser) glaciation are recorded by landforms, ice-flow indicators, and the distribution of sediments. Ice initially flowed into the study area from the northwest, with at least one fluctuation in the ice-front position. Ice flow during glacial maximum was generally to the northeast and transitioned to the east during deglaciation. The Quaternary stratigraphic record spans the Fraser Glaciation and is represented by a sequence of advance glaciolacustrine sediments, multiple till units, retreat glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial sediments, and associated postglacial aeolian material. The surficial geology is dominated by thick, streamlined till that thins where relief is high. Glaciofluvial outwash occurs mostly in northeast- and southeast-trending meltwater channels, while ice-contact glaciofluvial deposits and ablation till occur in depressions throughout the region. Extensive glaciolacustrine deposits blanket low-lying regions in the southern parts of the study area. Meltwater and ice-flow features suggest that deglaciation in the region was dominantly frontal retreat and that ice was largely active as it retreated through the study area. Postglacial aeolian activity was brief; optical dating on K-feldspar from aeolian landforms indicates that the landforms had stabilized by between 8.71–10.71 and 12.3–14.3 ka, and provides minimum ages for ice retreat. The data from the study area are evaluated with similar data from adjacent regions to develop an ice-flow history, and refine the conceptual model of deglaciation for the northern Interior Plateau.
Rapid discovery of SNPs that differentiate hatchery steelhead trout from ESA-listed natural-origin steelhead trout using a 57K SNP array
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Palti Yniv , Gao Gunagtu , Warheit Kenneth I. , Seeb James E.
Published: September 2017

Natural-origin steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)) in the Pacific Northwest, USA, are threatened by a number of factors including habitat destruction, disease, decline in marine survival, and a potential erosion of genetic viability due to introgression from hatchery strains. Our major goal was to use a recently developed SNP array containing ∼57 000 SNPs to identify a subset of SNPs that differentiate hatchery and natural-origin populations. We analyzed 35 765 polymorphic SNPs in nine populations of steelhead trout sampled from Puget Sound, Washington, USA. We then conducted two outlier tests and found 360 loci that were candidates for divergent selection between hatchery and natural-origin populations (mean FCT = 0.29, maximum = 0.65) and 595 SNPs that were candidates for selection among natural-origin populations (mean FST = 0.25, maximum = 0.51). Comparisons with a linkage map revealed that two chromosomes (Omy05 and Omy25) contained significantly more outliers than other chromosomes, suggesting that regions on Omy05 and Omy25 may be of adaptive significance. Our results highlight several advantages of the 57 000 SNP array as a tool for population and conservation genomics studies.
Survival and migration speed of radio-tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in two large rivers: one without and one with dams
Authors: Huusko Riina , Hyvärinen Pekka , Jaukkuri Mikko , Mäki-Petäys Aki , Orell Panu , Erkinaro Jaakko
Published: September 2017

Connectivity problems in fish migration in regulated rivers have been widely studied, but few studies have rigorously compared parallel migration success between regulated and free-flowing rivers. Here, survival and migration speed of downstream migrating radio-tagged Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts were studied in two large neighboring rivers in the northern Baltic Sea area: one without and one with dams. Both rivers have a free-flowing upper section, where the survival and migration speed of salmon smolts were similar. Survival along the lower section of the free-flowing river was about six times higher than in the lower part of the regulated river with five hydropower plants. Migration speed of smolts was also significantly faster in the river without dams. These severe problems in downstream connectivity in the regulated river pose challenging tasks for restoration of salmon populations.
Management strategy analysis for multispecies fisheries, including technical interactions and human behavior in modelling management decisions and fishing
Authors: Ono Kotaro , Haynie Alan C. , Hollowed Anne B. , Ianelli James N. , McGilliard Carey R. , Punt André E.
Published: September 2017

A multispecies fishery management strategy evaluation (MSE) framework based on the example of the groundfish fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands region of Alaska was used to examine the interplay between a bycatch species and three groundfish species. The study introduces a framework for a realistic multispecies fishery MSE by accounting for fleet dynamics, multispecies fishery quota allocation, and the temporal dynamics of technical interactions. The quota allocation and the fleet dynamics models were implemented using linear programming, and regression approaches were used to make a realistic projection of future users’ behavioral response to changes in the fishery. The models were calibrated and then validated using historical and out-of-sample data, respectively. The results highlight the importance of accounting for technical interactions and their interannual dynamics for both quota allocation and fleet dynamics to design a realistic multispecies fishery MSE (without them, the amount of lost yield increased). Therefore, particular attention should be paid to understanding human behavior as well as its uncertainty and to refining approaches to incorporate this information into a multispecies fishery management strategy analysis.
Shift-Optimized Energy-Efficient Racetrack-Based Main Memory
Authors: Wang Danghui , Ma Lang , Zhang Meng , An Jianfeng , Li Hai Helen , Chen Yiran
Published: September 2017

Recently developed spin-based, racetrack memory (RM) shows great promise in enabling nonvolatile memory with unprecedented density and energy efficiency. RM-based technology will leverage the power and cost limit of main memory. However, main memory has random accessing patterns and makes racetrack shifting overhead variable that induces an unstable latency. This paper analyzes the shifting features in view of computing architecture by exploring the design space of RM. We propose RM-based pre-shifting and direction optimized policies to reduce the shifting overhead and to achieve a DRAM comparable performance without additional energy and area overhead. Experiments with a wide range of SPEC2006 benchmarks show the proposed methodology outperforms RM-based main memory without pre-shifting by 12% in energy consumption. Compared to DRAM-based main memory of the same capacity, the proposed methodology improves the energy consumption by 53% on average.
Translation-like actions of nilpotent groups
Authors: Cohen David Bruce , Pengitore Mark
Published: September 2017

We give a new obstruction to translation-like actions on nilpotent groups. Suppose we are given two finitely generated torsion-free nilpotent groups with the same degree of polynomial growth, but non-isomorphic Carnot completions (asymptotic cones). We show that there exists no injective Lipschitz function from one group to the other. It follows that neither group can act translation-like on the other. As Lipschitz injections need not be bi-Lipschitz embeddings, this is a strengthening of a classical result of Pansu in the context of groups of the same homogeneous dimension.
China’s Foreign Policy Since 2012: A Question of Communication and Clarity
Authors: Brown Kerry
Published: September 2017

China’s success in developing its economy since 1978 has been accompanied by an increasing geopolitical role. In recent years, this has been accentuated by the increasing confusion about the resilience of its own systems and global visions by the United States and its allies. China has never had a larger stage to exercise its influence and present its values and vision. It has created a set of narratives for its foreign policy that conveys this vision in ways which attempt to avoid normativeness, but assert China’s legitimate interests. Nevertheless, a number of challenges have emerged for China in the past five years and these will continue shaping China’s self-image and global role in the future.
Design Considerations for Memristive Crossbar Physical Unclonable Functions
Authors: Uddin Mesbah , Majumder MD. Badruddoja , Beckmann Karsten , Manem Harika , Alamgir Zahiruddin , Cady Nathaniel C. , Rose Garrett S.
Published: September 2017

Hardware security has emerged as a field concerned with issues such as integrated circuit (IC) counterfeiting, cloning, piracy, and reverse engineering. Physical unclonable functions (PUF) are hardware security primitives useful for mitigating such issues by providing hardware-specific fingerprints based on intrinsic process variations within individual IC implementations. As technology scaling progresses further into the nanometer region, emerging nanoelectronic technologies, such as memristors or RRAMs (resistive random-access memory), have become interesting options for emerging computing systems. In this article, using a comprehensive temperature dependent model of an HfO
x
(hafnium-oxide) memristor, based on experimental measurements, we explore the best region of operation for a memristive crossbar PUF (XbarPUF). The design considered also employs XORing and a column shuffling technique to improve reliability and resilience to machine learning attacks. We present a detailed analysis for the noise margin and discuss the scalability of the XbarPUF structure. Finally, we present results for estimates of area, power, and delay alongside security performance metrics to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the XbarPUF. Our XbarPUF exhibits nearly ideal (near 50%) uniqueness, bit-aliasing and uniformity, good reliability of 90% and up (with 100% being ideal), a very small footprint, and low average power consumption ≈104μW.
Cluster-Based Quality-Aware Adaptive Data Compression for Streaming Data
Authors: Basheer Aseel , Sha Kewei
Published: September 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely applied in data collection applications. Energy efficiency is one of the most important design goals of WSNs. In this article, we examine the tradeoffs between the energy efficiency and the data quality. First, four attributes used to evaluate data quality are formally defined. Then, we propose a novel data compression algorithm, Quality-Aware Adaptive data Compression (QAAC), to reduce the amount of data communication to save energy. QAAC utilizes an adaptive clustering algorithm to build clusters from dataset; then a code for each cluster is generated and stored in a Huffman encoding tree. The encoding algorithm encodes the original dataset based on the Haffman encoding tree. An improvement algorithm is also designed to reduce the information loss when data are compressed. After the encoded data, the Huffman encoding tree and parameters used in the improvement algorithm have been received at the sink, a decompression algorithm is used to retrieve the approximation of the original dataset. The performance evaluation shows that QAAC is efficient and achieves a much higher compression ratio than lossy and lossless compression algorithms, while it has much smaller information loss than lossy compression algorithms.
Robust In-Field Testing of Digital Microfluidic Biochips
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sukanta , Mitra Debasis , Bhattacharya Bhargab B.
Published: September 2017

Microfluidic technology offers vast promise for implementing biochemistry-on-chip with diverse applications to clinical diagnosis, genome analysis, drug design, and point-of-care testing. Among various types of fluid-chips, droplet-based digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs), which consist of a patterned array of controllable electrodes, provide the advantage of programmability, ease of fluidic operations, and versatile droplet mobility. However, because of manufacturing or field defects, electrode degradation, or dielectric breakdown, these chips may suffer from incorrect fluidic behavior. Reliability of fluidic operations is of utmost concern in DMFBs that are used to perform safety-critical bio-protocols. Various methods are deployed to test these devices, either offline or being overlapped with bioassay operations (termed as concurrent or in-field testing). The main challenge of in-field testing lies in the fact that the test must run concurrently with the execution of the normal assay without hampering the correctness of the latter. In prior work, optimal testing for droplet mobility over all electrodes was formulated in terms of finding either a Hamiltonian path or a Eulerian path in an undirected graph that represents the electrode-adjacency structure. Although these models have been studied for offline testing, no such effort was made in the area of concurrent testing. In this work, we propose, for in-field application, an SAT-based modeling and solution approach to find an optimal test plan that can be used to check droplet movement across the boundary between every pair of adjacent electrodes, which is visited by the droplets of the ongoing assay. The proposed method is robust and determines a test solution successfully regardless of the cover assay that is being executed concurrently. Experiments on several real-life assays and other test cases demonstrate the effectiveness of the method with respect to test completion time.
Morrey Meets Herz with Variable Exponent and Applications to Commutators of Homogeneous Fractional Integrals with Rough Kernels
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Wang Jiajia , Fu Zunwei
Published: September 2017

We define the new central Morrey space with variable exponent and investigate its relation to the Morrey-Herz spaces with variable exponent. As applications, we obtain the boundedness of the homogeneous fractional integral operator TΩ,σ and its commutator [b,TΩ,σ] on Morrey-Herz space with variable exponent, where Ω∈Ls(Sn-1) for s≥1 is a homogeneous function of degree zero, 0<σ<n, and b is a BMO function.
Linear Quadratic Stochastic Optimal Control of Forward Backward Stochastic Control System Associated with Lévy Process
Authors: Huang Hong , Wang Xiangrong , Hou Ting , Xu Lu
Published: September 2017

This paper analyzes one kind of linear quadratic (LQ) stochastic control problem of forward backward stochastic control system associated with Lévy process. We obtain the explicit form of the optimal control, then prove it to be unique, and get the linear feedback regulator by introducing one kind of generalized Riccati equation. Finally, we discuss the solvability of the generalized Riccati equation, and its existence and uniqueness of the solutions are proved in a special case.
Acute Exercise and Neurocognitive Development in Preadolescents and Young Adults: An ERP Study
Authors: Chu Chien-Heng , Kramer Arthur F. , Song Tai-Fen , Wu Chih-Han , Hung Tsung-Min , Chang Yu-Kai
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a single bout of exercise on neurocognitive function in preadolescent children and young adults by determining the modulatory role of age and the neuroelectrical mechanism(s) underlying the association between acute exercise and executive function. Twenty preadolescents and 20 young adults completed the Stroop test, and neuroelectrical activity was recorded during two treatment sessions performed in a counterbalanced order. Exercise treatments involved moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 20 min as the main exercise and two 5 min periods of warm-up and cool-down. The control treatment participants read for a similar duration of time. Acute exercise improved participant reaction times on the Stroop test, regardless of Stroop congruency, and greater beneficial effects were observed in young adults compared to those in preadolescents. The P3 amplitudes increased after acute exercise in preadolescents and young adults, but acute exercise induced lower conflict sustained potential (conflict SP) amplitudes in preadolescent children. Based on these findings, age influences the beneficial effect of acute exercise on cognitive performance in general. Furthermore, the event-related brain potential differences attributed to acute exercise provide a potential clue to the mechanisms that differentiate the effects of acute exercise on individuals from preadolescence to young adulthood.
Spinal Cord Stimulation in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Effects on Posture and Gait—A Preliminary 3D Biomechanical Study
Authors: Brugliera L. , De Luca A. , Corna S. , Bertolotto M. , Checchia G. A. , Cioni M. , Capodaglio P. , Lentino C.
Published: September 2017

We studied 8 patients with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices which had been previously implanted to treat neuropathic chronic pain secondary to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of SCS on posture and gait by means of clinical scales (Short Form Health Survey-36, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and instrumented evaluation with 3D Gait Analysis using a stereophotogrammetric system. The latter was performed with the SCS device turned both OFF and ON. We recorded gait and posture using the Davis protocol and also trunk movement during flexion-extension on the sagittal plane, lateral bending on the frontal plane, and rotation on the transversal plane. During and 30 minutes after the stimulation, not only the clinical scales but also spatial-temporal gait parameters and trunk movements improved significantly. Improvement was not shown under stimulation-OFF conditions. Our preliminary data suggest that SCS has the potential to improve posture and gait and to provide a window of pain-free opportunity to optimize rehabilitation interventions.
Rapid Screening of Chemical Constituents in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae by UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS Combined with Data Postprocessing Techniques
Authors: Shan Lanlan , Wu Yuanyuan , Yuan Lei , Zhang Yani , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo
Published: September 2017

Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is the dried rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (Anemarrhena Bunge of Liliaceae). The medicine presents anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative, and diuretic effects. The chemical constituents of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae are complex and diverse, mainly including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, benzophenones, and alkaloids. In this study, UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS was used in combination with data postprocessing techniques, including characteristic fragments filter and neutral loss filter, to rapidly classify and identify the five types of substances in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae. On the basis of numerous literature reviews and according to the corresponding characteristic fragments produced by different types of compounds in combination with neutral loss filtering, we summarized the fragmentation patterns of the main five types of compounds and successfully screened and identified 32 chemical constituents in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae. The components included 18 steroidal saponins, 6 flavonoids, 4 phenylpropanoids, 2 alkaloids, and 2 benzophenones. The method established in this study provided necessary data for the study on the pharmacological effects of Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and also provided the basis for the chemical analysis and quality control of TCMs to promote the development of a method for chemical research on TCMs.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Parkinson’s Disease Activities of Daily Living Scale
Authors: Jonasson Stina B. , Hagell Peter , Hariz Gun-Marie , Iwarsson Susanne , Nilsson Maria H.
Published: September 2017

Objective. To evaluate a set of psychometric properties (i.e., data completeness, targeting, and external construct validity) of the Parkinson’s disease Activities of Daily Living Scale (PADLS) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specific attention was paid to the association between PADLS and PD severity, according to the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) staging. Methods. The sample included 251 persons with PD (mean age 70 [SD 9] years). Data collection comprised a self-administered postal survey, structured interviews, and clinical assessments at home visits. Results. Data completeness was 99.6% and the mean PADLS score was 2.1. Floor and ceiling effects were 22% and 2%, respectively. PADLS scores were more strongly associated (rs>0.5) with perceived functional independence, ADL dependency, walking difficulties, and self-rated PD severity than with variables such as PD duration and cognitive function (rs<0.5). PADLS scores differed across H&Y stages (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). Those in H&Y stages IV-V had more ADL disability than those in stage III (Mann–Whitney U test, p<0.001), whereas there were no significant differences between the other stages. Conclusion. PADLS revealed excellent data completeness, acceptable targeting, and external construct validity. It seems to be well suited as a rough estimate of ADL disability in people with PD.
Characterization of Dielectric Nanocomposites with Electrostatic Force Microscopy
Authors: El Khoury D. , Fedorenko V. , Castellon J. , Bechelany M. , Laurentie J.-C. , Balme S. , Fréchette M. , Ramonda M. , Arinero R.
Published: September 2017

Nanocomposites physical properties unexplainable by general mixture laws are usually supposed to be related to interphases, highly present at the nanoscale. The intrinsic dielectric constant of the interphase and its volume need to be considered in the prediction of the effective permittivity of nanodielectrics, for example. The electrostatic force microscope (EFM) constitutes a promising technique to probe interphases locally. This work reports theoretical finite-elements simulations and experimental measurements to interpret EFM signals in front of nanocomposites with the aim of detecting and characterizing interphases. According to simulations, we designed and synthesized appropriate samples to verify experimentally the ability of EFM to characterize a nanoshell covering nanoparticles, for different shell thicknesses. This type of samples constitutes a simplified electrostatic model of a nanodielectric. Experiments were conducted using either DC or AC-EFM polarization, with force gradient detection method. A comparison between our numerical model and experimental results was performed in order to validate our predictions for general EFM-interphase interactions.
Determination of Total Chromium and Chromium Species in Kombolcha Tannery Wastewater, Surrounding Soil, and Lettuce Plant Samples, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Asfaw Tilahun Belayneh , Tadesse Tewodros Mulugeta , Ewnetie Alamir Mihertu
Published: September 2017

This research paper deals with the determination of total chromium (total Cr), Cr(III), and Cr(VI) in Kombolcha leather industrial wastewater and the surrounding (soil and lettuce plant) samples where the wastewater flows. The levels of total Cr, Cr(VI), and Cr(III) in wastewater, soil, and lettuce plant samples were determined by FAAS, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, and difference (Cr(VI) from total Cr), respectively. Among all samples taken, the maximum amounts of total Cr, Cr(III), and Cr(VI) were obtained at the discharging point and the minimum amounts of total Cr and Cr(III) were found downstream (400 m from the junction) of Kombolcha leather industrial wastewater. On the other hand, the minimum concentration of Cr(VI) was obtained in lettuce plant sample. The amounts of total Cr in all samples except soil sample were above the permissible limit as set by WHO/FAO. The concentrations of Cr(III) in all wastewater samples were above the permissible level, whereas the concentration of Cr(VI) in wastewater was above the permissible level except 400 m from the junction. The result showed that a remarkable elimination of total Cr and Cr species has not been achieved by this leather industry as its level was not much decreased when entered into the water systems. Therefore, effective treatment methods should be applied to the wastewater for the wellbeing of the surroundings.
Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Significance of IL-8, sIL-2R, and Immunoglobulin-Free Light Chain Levels in Patients with Myelofibrosis
Authors: Barabanshikova Maria V. , Dubina Irina A. , Lapin Sergey V. , Morozova Elena V. , Vlasova Julia J. , Ivanova Maria O. , Moiseev Ivan S. , Afanasyev Boris V.
Published: September 2017

Background: Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are characterized by clonal hematopoiesis and persistent inflammatory reaction. In this study, the clinical significance and prognostic impact of several inflammatory markers were evaluated in patients with BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative malignancies. Methods: Serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and lymphoid-associated activation markers - soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and immunoglobulin-free light chains (FLC) - were evaluated in patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF), post-polycythemia vera MF, and post-essential thrombocythemia MF, and compared with the levels in healthy donors. Results: In 57 MF patients, sIL-2R excess correlated with transfusion-dependent anemia (p = 0.03) and splenomegaly (p = 0.02). There were no statistically significant correlations between sIL-2R and IL-8 levels, but the plasma concentration of κ-FLC positively correlated with the IL-8 level (p = 0.027). In univariate analysis, increased levels of IL-8 (p = 0.016) and sIL-2R (p = 0.010) significantly reduced 1-year overall survival. Only elevated sIL-2R rate retained significance (p = 0.02) in multivariate analysis when Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System plus (DIPSSplus) risk stratification was added. Conclusion: We observed an association between FLC and proinflammatory cytokine hyperexpression. Serum cytokine levels and FLC might be a promising approach to predicting and monitoring treatment response in MF patients.
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Macular Edema following Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: 1 Initial Injection versus 3 Monthly Injections
Authors: Osaka Rie , Muraoka Yuki , Miwa Yuko , Manabe Koichiro , Kobayashi Mamoru , Takasago Yukari , Ooto Sotaro , Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Iida Yuto , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To compare the 12-month efficacy of 1 initial intravitreal injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent followed by pro re nata (PRN) dosing with that of 3 initial monthly injections followed by PRN dosing in patients with macular edema (ME) after central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: Twenty-nine eyes received 1 initial injection (1+PRN group) and 20 received 3 monthly injections (3+PRN group). Results: At month 12, changes in logMAR visual acuity from baseline were -0.172 ± 0.372 and -0.142 ± 0.317 in the 1+PRN and 3+PRN groups, respectively; the difference was not significant (p = 0.769). The number of anti-VEGF injections administered in the 3+PRN group (5.9 ± 2.1) was significantly greater than that in the 1+PRN group (4.1 ± 2.8; p = 0.022). Conclusion: When used for ME after CRVO, a 1+PRN regimen achieved 12-month outcomes similar to those of a 3+PRN regimen with fewer injections.
Impact of Cyclooxygenase-2 1195 G-Carrier Genotype Associated with Intestinal Metaplasia and Endoscopic Findings Based on Kyoto Classification
Authors: Kodaka Yasuhiro , Futagami Seiji , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Yamawaki Hiroshi , Sato Hitomi , Hashimoto Satomi , Kawagoe Tetsuro , Ueki Nobue , Nagoya Hiroyuki , Maruki Yuuta , Miyake Kazumasa , Gudis Katya , Sakamoto Choitsu , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: We aimed to clarify whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) genotypes were associated with certain histological findings and endoscopical appearances based on Kyoto classification. Methods: We enrolled 285 Helicobacter pylori-infected gastritis patients. Genotypes of COX-2 1195, COX-2 1290, mPGES-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) 511 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 308 were analyzed. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Endoscopic appearances and histological assessment were determined by using Kyoto classification, operative link on gastritic intestinal metaplasia assessment and the updated Sydney system. Results: There was a significant (p = 0.027) relationship between the IL-1β 511 C-carrier and histological gastric inflammation in H. pylori-infected gastritis patients. There was a significant (p = 0.009) correlation between the COX-2 1195 G-carrier genotype and histological intestinal metaplasia in the gastric antrum of H. pylori-infected gastritis patients and gastric xanthoma (p = 0.027). The COX-2 1195 G-carrier genotype was also significantly (p = 0.038) associated with the score of endoscopic intestinal metaplasia based on Kyoto classification. The mPGES-1 genotype was significantly (p = 0.002) associated with endoscopic swelling of area. Conclusion: Our results suggest that in Japan, there exists a significant correlation between the COX-2 1195 G-carrier genotype and intestinal metaplasia in histological and endoscopic findings based on Kyoto classification in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa.
The Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphism is Associated with the Susceptibility to Immunoglobulin a Nephropathy in Chinese Population
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Meng , Wei Linting , Niu Dan , Wei Jiali , Ou Yan , Jin Tianbo , Yu Qiaoling , Liu Xinghan , Tian Tian , Dai Cong , Fu Rongguo , Wang Li
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is one of the most important enzymes for producting nitric oxide (NO), which regulate the function of many organs and cells. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of eNOS were found to be associated with many kidney diseases. However, it is lack of relevant studies to evaluate the associations between eNOS polymorphisms and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). This case-control study aimed to evaluate the relationship between eNOS polymorphisms and IgAN. Methods: We recruited 351 IgAN patients and 310 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from Northwest China. Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of two common eNOS SNPs (rs1799983 and rs2070744). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the Chi square test to evaluate the associations between eNOS and IgAN. Phase 2.1 was used to conduct haplotype analysis. Results: In the overall analysis, we found that the rs1799983 polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of IgAN (G/T vs. G/G: OR=0.57, 95%CI=0.34–0.96; G/T+T/T vs. G/G: OR=0.52, 95%CI=0.31–0.86; G/T vs. G/G-T/T: OR=0.60, 95%CI=0.36–0.99; Log-additive model: OR=0.48, 95%CI=0.30–0.78). Haplotype analysis indicated that Trs1799983Crs2070744 is a protective factor against IgAN (OR=0.62, 95%CI=0.42––0.92). However, no significant differences were found between the two SNPs (rs1799983 and rs2070744) and clinical features (age, sex, blood pressure, and Lee’s grade) of IgAN. Conclusion: The eNOS gene rs1799983 polymorphism and Trs1799983Crs2070744 haplotype may reduce the risk of IgAN in Chinese populations.
MicroRNA-101 Inhibits Growth, Proliferation and Migration and Induces Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells by Targeting Sex-Determining Region Y-Box 2
Authors: Wang Jingjie , Zeng Huijuan , Li Hanjun , Chen Tao , Wang Lulu , Zhang Kai , Chen Jing , Wang Rui , Li Qiurong , Wang Shaohua
Published: September 2017

Background: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs play a critical role in breast cancer (BC) progression. microRNA-101 (miR-101) has been considered a tumor suppressive miRNA in different cancer types. This study aimed to investigate miR-101 expression in BC tissues and to investigate its roles in BC progression that are mediated by Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), a critical oncogene in various cancers. Methods: qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect miR-101 and SOX2 expression in BC tissues and paired normal tissues or BC cell lines. MTT, transwell migration, wound healing, colony formation, flow cytometric and xenograft assays were performed to determine the influence of miR-101 and SOX2 on the malignant behaviors of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Results: miR-101 was significantly downregulated in BC tissues and cell lines. miR-101 overexpression inhibited the malignant behaviors of BC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. miR-101 downregulation had the converse effect. A miR-101 binding site was identified by luciferase reporter assay in the 3’UTR of SOX2. SOX2 was upregulated in BC tissues and cell lines, and its upregulation was associated with lymph node metastasis, pathological grade and TNM classification. SOX2 knockdown mimicked the effects of miR-101 overexpression on the malignant behaviors of BC cells, while SOX2 overexpression mitigated the miR-101-induced inhibition of these effects. Conclusions: Our study revealed that miR-101 plays a critical role in suppressing tumor progression by directly targeting SOX2.
ГРАМАТИКА МОВИ ГРАФІЧНОЇ ВІЗУАЛІЗАЦІЇ МЕДИЧНИХ ДАНИХ В ПАКЕТІ GGPLOT2
Authors: Martsenyuk V. P. , Andrushchak I. Ye. , Banadyha A. I.
Published: September 2017

Application of package ggplot2 graphics grammar paradigm is shown on the example of medical researches data visualization. This approach offers a flexible instrument for the construction of multi-layered and multipanel charts on the basis of clinical and laboratory researches data.
Esophageal Injury and Atrioesophageal Fistula Caused by Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kapur Sunil , Barbhaiya Chirag , Deneke Thomas , Michaud Gregory F.
Published: September 2017

Esophageal perforation is a dreaded complication of atrial fibrillation ablation that occurs in 0.1% to 0.25% of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. Delayed diagnosis is associated with the development of atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) and increased mortality. The relationship between the esophagus and the left atrial posterior wall is variable, and the esophagus is most susceptible to injury where it is closest to areas of endocardial ablation. Esophageal ulcer seems to precede AEF development, and postablation endoscopy documenting esophageal ulcer may identify patients at higher risk for AEF. AEF has been reported with all modalities of atrial fibrillation ablation despite esophageal temperature monitoring. Despite the name AEF, fistulas functionally act 1 way, esophageal to atrial, which accounts for the observed symptoms and imaging findings. Because of the rarity of AEF, evaluation and validation of strategies to reduce AEF remain challenging. A high index of suspicion is recommended in patients who develop constitutional symptoms or sudden onset chest pain that start days or weeks after atrial fibrillation ablation. Early detection by computed tomography scan with oral and intravenous contrast is safe and feasible, whereas performance of esophageal endoscopy in the presence of AEF may result in significant neurological injury resulting from air embolism. Outcomes for esophageal stenting are poor in AEF. Aggressive intervention with skilled cardiac and thoracic surgeons may improve chances of stroke-free survival for all types of esophageal perforation.
Deep Ecology
Authors: Witoszek Nina , Mueller Martin Lee
Published: September 2017

This introductory chapter interrogates the intellectual robustness and mobilizing potential of Arne Naess’s deep ecology in the 21st century. Our contention is that deep ecology is not a spent force, as some influential Western philosophers argue in this volume. On the contrary, ecophilosophy has left a legacy which remains a significant part of the ongoing cultural innovation for a sustainable future. As several essays in this collection show, Arne Naess’ thought feeds into new, science-based visions of the relationship between humans and nature. More importantly, it has got a new lease of life in the South, where biocentric cosmovisions play an ever more important role, not just in philosophical, but political debates which have an impact on Latin America’s future.