bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational design of symmetrical eight-bladed β-propeller proteins
Authors: Noguchi Hiroki , Addy Christine , Simoncini David , Wouters Staf , Mylemans Bram , Van Meervelt Luc , Schiex Thomas , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Tame Jeremy R. H. , Voet Arnout R. D.
Published: November 2018

β-Propeller proteins form one of the largest families of protein structures, with a pseudo-symmetrical fold made up of subdomains called blades. They are not only abundant but are also involved in a wide variety of cellular processes, often by acting as a platform for the assembly of protein complexes. WD40 proteins are a subfamily of propeller proteins with no intrinsic enzymatic activity, but their stable, modular architecture and versatile surface have allowed evolution to adapt them to many vital roles. By computationally reverse-engineering the duplication, fusion and diversification events in the evolutionary history of a WD40 protein, a perfectly symmetrical homologue called Tako8 was made. If two or four blades of Tako8 are expressed as single polypeptides, they do not self-assemble to complete the eight-bladed architecture, which may be owing to the closely spaced negative charges inside the ring. A different computational approach was employed to redesign Tako8 to create Ika8, a fourfold-symmetrical protein in which neighbouring blades carry compensating charges. Ika2 and Ika4, carrying two or four blades per subunit, respectively, were found to assemble spontaneously into a complete eight-bladed ring in solution. These artificial eight-bladed rings may find applications in bionanotechnology and as models to study the folding and evolution of WD40 proteins.
A high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly of a generalist herbivore, Trichoplusia ni
Authors: Chen Wenbo , Yang Xiaowei , Tetreau Guillaume , Song Xiaozhao , Coutu Cathy , Hegedus Dwayne , Blissard Gary , Fei Zhangjun , Wang Ping
Published: November 2018

The cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, is a globally distributed highly polyphagous herbivore and an important agricultural pest. T. ni has evolved resistance to various chemical insecticides, and is one of the only two insect species that have evolved resistance to the biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in agricultural systems and has been selected for resistance to baculovirus infections. We report a 333‐Mb high‐quality T. ni genome assembly, which has N50 lengths of scaffolds and contigs of 4.6 Mb and 140 Kb, respectively, and contains 14,384 protein‐coding genes. High‐density genetic maps were constructed to anchor 305 Mb (91.7%) of the assembly to 31 chromosomes. Comparative genomic analysis of T. ni with Bombyx mori showed enrichment of tandemly duplicated genes in T. ni in families involved in detoxification and digestion, consistent with the broad host range of T. ni. High levels of genome synteny were found between T. ni and other sequenced lepidopterans. However, genome synteny analysis of T. ni and the T. ni derived cell line High Five (Hi5) indicated extensive genome rearrangements in the cell line. These results provided the first genomic evidence revealing the high instability of chromosomes in lepidopteran cell lines known from karyotypic observations. The high‐quality T. ni genome sequence provides a valuable resource for research in a broad range of areas including fundamental insect biology, insect‐plant interactions and co‐evolution, mechanisms and evolution of insect resistance to chemical and biological pesticides, and technology development for insect pest management.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial esophageal cancer expanding into the diverticulum
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Suzuki Sho , Gotoda Takuji
Published: November 2018

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Multi‐tasking epidermal stem cells: Beyond epidermal maintenance
Authors: Fujiwara Hironobu , Tsutsui Ko , Morita Ritsuko
Published: November 2018

Over the past decade, multiple stem cell compartments have been identified within the epidermis. These stem cell pools have different transcriptional properties, proliferative modes and anatomical locations, and they maintain distinct epidermal compartments. The importance of this stem cell heterogeneity and compartmentalization has been understood as a key feature in epidermal homeostasis. However, recent studies have revealed that these heterogeneous stem cells themselves act as a niche for neighboring cells, thereby establishing spatially and temporally patterned epidermal–dermal functional units. These studies provide a new perspective for interpreting the biological significance of stem cell heterogeneity and compartmentalization beyond their role in epidermal maintenance.
A niche for ecosystem multifunctionality in global change research
Authors: Giling Darren P. , Beaumelle Léa , Phillips Helen R. P. , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico , Ferlian Olga , Gottschall Felix , Guerra Carlos , Hines Jes , Sendek Agnieszka , Siebert Julia , Thakur Madhav P. , Barnes Andrew D.
Published: November 2018

Concern about human modification of Earth's ecosystems has recently motivated ecologists to address how global change drivers will impact the simultaneous provisioning of multiple functions, termed ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). However, metrics of EMF have often been applied in global change studies with little consideration of the information they provide beyond single functions, or how and why EMF may respond to global change drivers. Here, we critically review the current state of this rapidly expanding field and provide a conceptual framework to guide the effective incorporation of EMF in global change research. In particular, we emphasize the need for a priori identification and explicit testing of the biotic and abiotic mechanisms through which global change drivers impact EMF, as well as assessing correlations among multiple single functions because these patterns underlie shifts in EMF. While the role of biodiversity in mediating global change effects on EMF has justifiably received much attention, empirical support for effects via other biotic and physicochemical mechanisms are also needed. Studies also frequently stated the importance of measuring EMF responses to global change drivers to understand the potential consequences for multiple ecosystem services, but explicit links between measured functions and ecosystem services were missing from many such studies. While there is clear potential for EMF to provide novel insights to global change research, predictive understanding will be greatly improved by insuring future research is strongly hypothesis‐driven, is designed to explicitly test multiple abiotic and biotic mechanisms, and assesses how single functions and their covariation drive emergent EMF responses to global change drivers.
Grain growth in strontium titanate in electric fields: The impact of space‐charge on the grain‐boundary mobility
Authors: Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Parras Jana P. , Preusker Jan‐Helmut , De Souza Roger A. , Hoffmann Michael J.
Published: November 2018

This study investigates grain growth in the perovskite oxide strontium titanate in an electric field. The seeded polycrystal technique was chosen as it provides a sensitive and controlled setup to evaluate the impact of different parameters on grain growth due to the well‐defined driving force for grain growth. Current blocking electrodes were used to prevent Joule heating. The results show faster grain growth, and thus, higher grain‐boundary mobility at the negative electrode. It is argued that the electric field causes point‐defect redistribution, resulting in a higher oxygen vacancy concentration at the negative electrode. The local oxygen vacancy concentration is suggested to affect the space‐charge potential at the grain boundaries. A thermodynamic treatment of the grain‐boundary potential at a grain boundary without field shows that for a high oxygen vacancy concentration less space‐charge and less accumulation of cationic defects to the boundary occurs. Therefore, at the negative electrode, a higher oxygen vacancy concentration results in less space‐charge and less accumulation of cationic defects. The lower degree of defect accumulation requires less diffusion of segregated defects during grain‐boundary migration, so that at the negative electrode faster grain growth is expected, as found in the experiments.
Facile synthesis of high surface area molybdenum carbide nanoparticles
Authors: Nayak Shanti Kiran , Benavidez Angelica D. , Garzon Fernando H.
Published: November 2018

Molybdenum carbide has immense potential as an active catalyst for reaction systems such as synthesis of important chemicals like ammonia. However, the carbide is not used as a commercial catalyst or support as the current synthesis processes produce low surface area material or have contaminants such as excess carbon and surface and chemisorbed oxygen. Moreover, attempts to refine the synthesis pathways are usually not supported by any thermochemical modeling. In this study, a facile and reproducible method to synthesize high surface area molybdenum carbide was developed with the help of thermochemical modeling to better understand molybdenum‐carbon phase behavior. We have synthesized 2‐5 nm particles of MoxC with surface areas of up to 360 m2/g as characterized using a variety of techniques including X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Feedback‐informed treatment and autonomy supportiveness: Effects on children s psychological outcomes
Authors: Nickle Teresann , White Justin R. , Costa Christine B.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Examine the importance of feedback, specifically the perception of parental autonomy support, to reduce youths’ premature treatment dropout.

Design and Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted, utilizing the convenience–purposive sample of 60 patient charts. Individuals were seen between October 2014 and July 2015 in a community clinic utilizing a treatment approach known as feedback‐informed treatment (FIT).

Findings

Clients found to have high paternal involvement reported better overall well‐being and lower levels of distress.

Conclusions

The construct of parental autonomy support, when combined with a FIT treatment model, is a promising approach to lower the rate of early treatment termination.
Moderate heritability and low evolvability of sperm morphology in a species with high risk of sperm competition, the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Authors: Edme Anaïs , Zobač Petr , Korsten Peter , Albrecht Tomáš , Schmoll Tim , Krist Miloš
Published: November 2018

Spermatozoa represent the morphologically most diverse type of animal cells and show remarkable variation in size across and also within species. To understand the evolution of this diversity, it is important to reveal to what degree this variation is genetic or environmental in origin and whether this depends on species’ life histories. Here we applied quantitative genetic methods to a pedigreed multigenerational data set of the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, a passerine bird with high levels of extra‐pair paternity, to partition genetic and environmental sources of phenotypic variation in sperm dimensions for the first time in a natural population. Narrow‐sense heritability (h2) of total sperm length amounted to 0.44 ± 0.14 SE, whereas the corresponding figure for evolvability (estimated as coefficient of additive genetic variation, CVa) was 0.02 ± 0.003 SE. We also found an increase in total sperm length within individual males between the arrival and nestling period. This seasonal variation may reflect constraints in the production of fully elongated spermatozoa shortly after arrival at the breeding grounds. There was no evidence of an effect of male age on sperm dimensions. In many previous studies on laboratory populations of several insect, mammal and avian species, heritabilities of sperm morphology were higher, whereas evolvabilities were similar. Explanations for the differences in heritability may include variation in the environment (laboratory vs. wild), intensity of sexual selection via sperm competition (high vs. low) and genetic architecture that involves unusual linkage disequilibrium coupled with overdominance in one of the studied species.
Size scaling of photophysiology and growth in four freshly isolated diatom species from Ryder Bay, western Antarctic peninsula
Authors: Kulk Gemma , Buist Anton , van de Poll Willem H. , Rozema Patrick D. , Buma Anita G. J.
Published: November 2018

Diatoms are one of the dominant groups in phytoplankton communities of the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Although generally well‐studied, little is known about size dependent photophysiological responses in diatom bloom formation and succession. To increase this understanding, four Antarctic diatom species covering two orders of magnitude in cell size were isolated in northern Marguerite Bay (WAP). Fragilariopsis sp., Pseudo‐nitzschia cf. subcurvata, Thalassiosira cf. antarctica, and Proboscia cf. alata were acclimated to three different irradiances after which photophysiology, electron transport, carbon fixation, and growth were assessed. The small species Fragilariopsis sp., Pseudo‐nitzschia cf. subcurvata, and large species Proboscia cf. alata showed similar photoacclimation to higher irradiances with a decrease in cellular chlorophyll a and an increase in chlorophyll a specific absorption and xanthophyll cycle pigments and activity. In contrast, pigment concentrations and absorption remained unaffected by higher irradiances in the large species Thalassiosira cf. antarctica. Overall, the small species showed significantly higher growth rates compared to the large species, which was related to relatively high light harvesting capacity and electron transport rates in the smaller species. However, photophysiological responses related to photoinhibition and photoprotection and carbon fixation showed no relationship with cell size. This study supports the dominance of small diatoms at low irradiances during winter and early spring, but does not provide photophysiological evidence for the dominance of large diatoms during the phytoplankton bloom in the WAP. This suggests that other factors such as grazing and nutrient availability are likely to play a major role in diatom bloom formation.
Community Response to Extreme Drought (CRED): a framework for drought‐induced shifts in plant–plant interactions
Authors: Ploughe Laura W. , Jacobs Elin M. , Frank Graham S. , Greenler Skye M. , Smith Melinda D. , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2018

Contents

Summary
52

I.
Introduction
52

II.
The Community Response to Extreme Drought (CRED) framework
55

III.
Post‐drought rewetting rates: system and community recovery
61

IV.
Site‐specific characteristics influencing community resistance and resilience
63

V.
Conclusions
64

Acknowledgements
65

References
66

As climate changes, many regions of the world are projected to experience more intense droughts, which can drive changes in plant community composition through a variety of mechanisms. During drought, community composition can respond directly to resource limitation, but biotic interactions modify the availability of these resources. Here, we develop the Community Response to Extreme Drought framework (CRED), which organizes the temporal progression of mechanisms and plant–plant interactions that may lead to community changes during and after a drought. The CRED framework applies some principles of the stress gradient hypothesis (SGH), which proposes that the balance between competition and facilitation changes with increasing stress. The CRED framework suggests that net biotic interactions (NBI), the relative frequency and intensity of facilitative (+) and competitive (−) interactions between plants, will change temporally, becoming more positive under increasing drought stress and more negative as drought stress decreases. Furthermore, we suggest that rewetting rates affect the rate of resource amelioration, specifically water and nitrogen, altering productivity responses and the intensity and importance of NBI, all of which will influence drought‐induced compositional changes. System‐specific variables and the intensity of drought influence the strength of these interactions, and ultimately the system's resistance and resilience to drought.
d2‐R test for Japanese adolescents: Concurrent validity with the attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder rating scale
Authors: Yato Yuko , Hirose Shohei , Wallon Philippe , Mesmin Claude , Jobert Matthieu
Published: November 2018

Background

The d2‐R test is a cancellation test developed in Germany to measure concentration and attention. This study examined the validity of the d2‐R test for Japanese adolescents in comparison with German standardized data.

Methods

Japanese junior high school students (n = 121; 61 girls, 60 boys) participated in this study. The students’ performance scores in the d2‐R test were compared with their daily attentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness assessments conducted by the teachers. The assessments were evaluated using the attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder rating scale, fourth edition (ADHD‐RS)‐IV. The comparison with German counterparts was also made.

Results

Students who were rated as less attentive and more hyperactive/impulsive performed more slowly and committed more errors in the d2‐R test. Although there were no sex differences in any of the d2‐R parameters, male students were rated higher than female students in all of the ADHD‐RS‐IV scores. Japanese adolescents outscored German counterparts on speed, concentration, and carefulness.

Conclusion

The concurrent validity of the d2‐R test is confirmed. It is an appropriate index to measure the sustained and focused attention of Japanese adolescents. The present research merits attention as the first investigation of the d2‐R test conducted for Japanese adolescents.
Short‐term neurological outcomes in ischemic and hemorrhagic pediatric stroke
Authors: Uzunhan Tuğçe Aksu , Aydinli Nur , Çalişkan Mine , Tatli Burak , Özmen Meral
Published: November 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess short‐term neurological outcomes in pediatric stroke with regard to patient characteristics.

Methods

Children aged 28 days–18 years with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated. Neurological findings in the first 3 months were accepted as short‐term prognosis, and modified Rankin scale was used.

Results

A total of 33 patients (62%) with AIS, 12 (23%) with HS, and eight (15%) with CSVT were included. Moya moya syndrome was the most common new diagnosis in AIS. Stroke recurred in five (15%); and one AIS patient with posterior circulation infarct died (3%). Prognosis in AIS was favorable for 20 patients (61%) and poor for 13 patients (39%). Forty‐two percent of HS were of vascular origin. Seven patients (70%) with HS had good prognosis and three (30%) had poor prognosis with no death. Homocysteine‐related hypercoagulability was most frequently noted in the etiology of CSVT. Synchronous systemic thrombosis was observed in three CSVT patients (37.5%) and death occurred in two (25%). Prognosis was evaluated as favorable for three CSVT patients (37.5%) and poor for five (62.5%). For thrombophilia, thrombosis panel was performed fully in 83% of AIS and CSVT patients.

Conclusions

Pediatric stroke is associated with a poor prognosis in a substantial number of patients in the short term, with CSVT having the worst prognosis. Detailed patient characteristics are listed not only for ischemic but also for hemorrhagic stroke; and a full thrombosis panel was achieved for most ischemic stroke patients.
High frequency of multiple HPV types detection in Fanconi anemia patients oral swabs
Authors: Portugal Magda Eline Guerrart , Raboni Sonia Mara , Nogueira Meri Bordignon , Vidal Luine Rosele Renaud , Dingueleski Amanda Helena , Kluk Edelaine , Bonfim Carmem , Ribeiro Lisandro Lima , Torres‐Pereira Cassius Carvalho
Published: November 2018

Background

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease usually characterized by bone marrow failure and congenital malformations. The risk of development of malignancies in the oral cavity of FA patients, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), increases significantly after a hematopoietic stem cells transplant (HSCT), and may also be linked with the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the oral cavity. We investigated the prevalence and the HPV genotypes in oral mucosa of Brazilian FA patients.

Methods and results

Oral swabs of 49 FA patients were collected. The median age of patients was 20 years (range 5‐44) and 57% were over 18 years. Oral lesions were present in 20% of all patients, being 90% leukoplakia. HPV DNA was detected in 28% (14/49) of patients, and one of them also reported genital HPV lesions. Sixty‐seven percent of all patients had undergone HSCT, including 12 patients (86%) of those with HPV results. Multiple HPV types were detected in 78% and 71% of HPV samples by Sanger sequencing and reverse hybridization methods, respectively. The most prevalent HPV types detected were 6, 11, 18, and 68.

Conclusions

HPV prevalence in the oral mucosa of the assessed FA patients was higher than reported in the general population. Additional studies with collection of sequential samples are needed to know the natural history of the presence of multiple HPV types in these individuals and its association with the development of tumors, to evaluate the implementation of preventive measures, such as vaccination, and to guide early treatment.
A new look at the Schrödinger equation in exact scalar field cosmology
Authors: Fomin I. V. , Chervon S. V. , Maharaj S. D.
Published: November 2018

We propose a new representation of the Schrödinger-like equation for scalar field Friedmann cosmology where the scalar field is the argument, and the Hubble parameter is the analogue to the wave function. Such an approach gives us the possibility to use the Schrödinger potential as a generating function which leads to generalization of known exact solutions. Further, we find a simple transformation of the Hubble parameter which generates new solutions from the Schrödinger-like equation. Several examples are identified where exact forms for the scale factor, Hubble parameter and scalar potential can be written in closed form. Earlier results are regained in our approach.
SURVIVAL DRIVERS OF POST-INCUBATED START-UPS: THE EFFECT OF ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE
Authors: SCAGNELLI SIMONE , VASILE LORENZO , APOSTOLOV MICO
Published: November 2018

Incubators, spin-offs, industrial networks and consortiums are some of the examples to build-up university–industry links in fostering innovation. University incubators are well known for supporting the growth of start-ups by providing knowledge and research, as well as, sustaining entrepreneurship by the direct involvement of their faculty. In this regard, the aim of this paper is to examine the influence of faculty members on the financial performance of a sample of new technology based firms which have been previously incubated by different Italian University Incubators. Essentially, the results on the presence of academic governance in relation to the financial performance of the firm describe a certain dip, even when controlling for other variables such as the industry and the number of registered patents.
Cost Effectiveness of Bosentan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Authors: You Ruxu , Qian Xinyu , Tang Weijing , Xie Tian , Zeng Fang , Chen Jun , Zhang Yu , Liu Jinyu
Published: November 2018

Objectives. Although many studies have reported on the cost-effectiveness of bosentan for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a systematic review of economic evaluations of bosentan is currently lacking. Objective evaluation of current pharmacoeconomic evidence can assist decision makers in determining the appropriate place in therapy of a new medication. Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted in English-language databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit databases, and the Cochrane Library) and Chinese-language databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, and Chongqing VIP) to identify studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of bosentan for PAH treatments. Results. A total of 8 published studies were selected for inclusion. Among them were two studies comparing bosentan with epoprostenol and treprostinil. Both results indicated that bosentan was more cost-effective than epoprostenol, while the results of bosentan and treprostinil were not consistent. Four studies compared bosentan with other endothelin receptor antagonists, which indicated ambrisentan might be the drug of choice for its economic advantages and improved safety profile. Only two economic evaluations provided data to compare bosentan versus sildenafil, and the results favored the use of sildenafil in PAH patients. Four studies compared bosentan with conventional, supportive, or palliative therapy, and whether bosentan was cost-effective was uncertain. Conclusions. Bosentan may represent a more cost-effective option compared with epoprostenol and conventional or palliative therapy. There was unanimous agreement that bosentan was not a cost-effective front-line therapy compared with sildenafil and other endothelin receptor antagonists. However, high-quality cost-effectiveness analyses that utilize long-term follow-up data and have no conflicts of interest are still needed.
Towards Privacy Preserving IoT Environments: A Survey
Authors: Seliem Mohamed , Elgazzar Khalid , Khalil Kasem
Published: November 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of Internet‐enabled devices that can sense, communicate, and react to changes in their environment. Billions of these computing devices are connected to the Internet to exchange data between themselves and/or their infrastructure. IoT promises to enable a plethora of smart services in almost every aspect of our daily interactions and improve the overall quality of life. However, with the increasing wide adoption of IoT, come significant privacy concerns to lose control of how our data is collected and shared with others. As such, privacy is a core requirement in any IoT ecosystem and is a major concern that inhibits its widespread user adoption. The ultimate source of user discomfort is the lack of control over personal raw data that is directly streamed from sensors to the outside world. In this survey, we review existing research and proposed solutions to rising privacy concerns from a multipoint of view to identify the risks and mitigations. First, we provide an evaluation of privacy issues and concerns in IoT systems due to resource constraints. Second, we describe the proposed IoT solutions that embrace a variety of privacy concerns such as identification, tracking, monitoring, and profiling. Lastly, we discuss the mechanisms and architectures for protecting IoT data in case of mobility at the device layer, infrastructure/platform layer, and application layer.
Data-Driven-Based Approach to Identifying Differentially Methylated Regions Using Modified 1D Ising Model
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Shudong , Wang Xinzeng
Published: November 2018

Background.DNA methylation is essential for regulating gene expression, and the changes of DNA methylation status are commonly discovered in disease. Therefore, identification of differentially methylation patterns, especially differentially methylated regions (DMRs), in two different groups is important for understanding the mechanism of complex diseases. Few tools exist for DMR identification through considering features of methylation data, but there is no comprehensive integration of the characteristics of DNA methylation data in current methods.Results.Accounting for the characteristics of methylation data, such as the correlation characteristics of neighboring CpG sites and the high heterogeneity of DNA methylation data, we propose a data-driven approach for DMR identification through evaluating the energy of single site using modified 1D Ising model. Applied to both simulated and publicly available datasets, our approach is compared with other popular methods in terms of performance. Simulated results show that our method is more sensitive than competing methods. Applied to the real data, our method can identify more common DMRs than DMRcate, ProbeLasso, and Wang’s methods with a high overlapping ratio. Also, the necessity of integrating the heterogeneity and correlation characteristics in identifying DMR is shown through comparing results with only considering mean or variance signals and without considering relationship of neighboring CpG sites, respectively. Through analyzing the number of DMRs identified in real data located in different genomic regions, we find that about 90% DMRs are located in CGI which always regulates the expression of genes. It may help us understand the functional effect of DNA methylation on disease.
Design and Efficiency Research of a New Composite Vibrating Screen
Authors: Li Zhanfu , Tong Xin , Zhou Bi , Ge Xiaole , Ling Jingxiu
Published: November 2018

A new composite vibrating mode is presented in this paper. Modeling and dynamic analysis are studied according to two‐degree‐of‐freedom systems theory. The effects of vibration parameters, including swing angle, swing frequency, vibrating direction angle, and translation frequency, on the screening efficiency were researched by means of experiment research over a new laboratory‐scale composite vibrating screen which is designed based on the new composite vibrating mode. The results are analysed in terms of curves and fitting equations. Compared to the translation mode and swing mode, the screening performance of the new composite vibrating mode, both in screening efficiency and in processing capacity, is significantly improved.
Transcriptional Profiling of Leucocyte Count Variation from Porcine Peripheral Blood Reveals Differential Gene Expression
Authors: Adetula Adeyinka Abiola , Liu Xiangdong , Tran Thi Thuy Nhien , Bhuiyan Ali Akbar , Du Xiaoyong , Zhu Mengjin , Li Xinyun , Zhao Shuhong , Ma Yunlong , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2018

Leucocytes have tremendous health-check importance related to the individual antiviral capacity of pigs and other mammals. However, the molecular mechanism of the immune response of blood leucocytes in pigs is not completely known. This study investigated the leucocyte-count variation before and after poly I:C stimulation in a Duroc–Erhualian F2 population. Pigs with increased and decreased differences in leucocyte counts were coded as increased responder (IR) and decreased responder (DR), respectively. Then, we used microarray technology to compare the gene-expression profiles of both groups of pigs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IR pigs and 136 DEGs in DR pigs. Forty-one common DEGs showed that both groups had similar expression patterns of immune responses. These results illustrated a differential expression in both groups. Furthermore, qPCR experiment was performed to verify the differential-expression profile. Functional annotation of the DEGs indicated that both IR and DR pigs were similar in several biological processes, including innate immune response, and also exhibited distinct differences in biological processes, molecular function, and pathways. These results provided insights into the mechanism underlying the antiviral capacity of pigs.Trial registration numberis CAS Registry Number24939-03-5.
Apoptosis of Platelets Inhibited By Herba Sarcandrae Extract through the Mitochondria Pathway
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Jiang Yiling , Zheng Qin , Zhang Aiping , Shi Ling , Xia Lemin , Luo Meihong
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the present study is to decode the underlying mechanism of Herba Sarcandrae that indicated antipurpuric effect and to unveil one of its primary components, flavonoids, which play an important role. An immune mediated bone marrow failure (BMF) model in mouse was established by infusion thymus suspension cells after radiation in vivo. Platelets isolated in vitro were prepared from normal mice and BMF mice, respectively. The expressions of PS, P‐selectin, PAC‐1, Bax, Bad, Bid, and caspase‐9 were examined by flow cytometry, and alteration of morphology of platelets under different conditions was observed. Our results indicated that the number of platelets was increased by addition of total flavonoids, and some of apoptotic markers such as Bax, Bad, Bid, and Caspase‐9 were downregulated. In addition, the phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on platelets was inhibited by total flavonoids, and the expressions of PAC‐1 and P‐selectin were decreased. In conclusion, it is suggested that the total flavonoids of Herba Sarcandrae may inhibit the excessive platelet apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway. In addition, activation of platelets may be also involved in mediating apoptosis of platelets.
The Clinical Utility of Circulating Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Concentrations in NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Ze-Long , Bi Xi-Wen , Liu Pan-Pan , Lei De-Xin , Jiang Wen-Qi , Xia Yi
Published: November 2018

Background. Circulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA concentrations were reported to have prognostic value for NK/T-cell lymphoma patients in limited small-scale studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of circulating EBV-DNA concentrations to a large sample of NK/T-cell lymphoma patients. Methods. We conducted this meta-analysis, which included a total of 15 prospective and retrospective comparable studies to assess the association between pretreatment EBV-DNA (pre-DNA), posttreatment EBV-DNA (post-DNA), and clinical outcomes of NK/T-cell lymphoma patients. We chose overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint and progression-free survival (PFS), complete response (CR), and overall response rate (ORR) as secondary endpoints. Results. High pre-DNA and detectable post-DNA were both significantly correlated with poorer OS in NK/T-cell lymphoma patients (P<0.05), with hazard radios (HRs) equal to 3.45 and 2.30, respectively. High pre-DNA and detectable post-DNA also predicted poorer PFS. Additionally, high pre-DNA was found to be significantly correlated with both worse CR and ORR, which indicated worse treatment response. Conclusion. Circulating EBV-DNA concentrations provides prognostic values of survival and treatment response in NK/T-cell lymphoma patients.
Colorectal Cancer and Mitochondrial Dysfunctions of the Adjunct Adipose Tissues: A Case Study
Authors: Burlaka A. P. , Ganusevich I. I. , Vovk A. V. , Burlaka A. A. , Gafurov M. R. , Lukin S. N.
Published: November 2018

Excess body weight has been causally linked to an increased risk of different cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC) but the mechanisms underlying this association are practically unknown. We investigate redox state-superoxide (SO) generation rate, activity of complex I in electron transport chain (ETC) of mitochondria and of dinitrosyl iron complexes by electron paramagnetic resonance; activity of matrix metalloproteinase (gelatinase) MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gel zymography of adipose tissues (AT) from 46 patients (64.0 ± 1.6 y.o.) with CRC (II–III stages, pT2–3N0–2M0) in the AT adjacent to tumor (ATAT) and at a distance of 3 cm from the tumor (ATD) to follow the connection of the AT redox state with some of the tumor microenvironment indicators. We have incubated the AT species with the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) to follow its influence on the measured values. As a control, normal AT (NAT) obtained during the liposuction is used. Tumor-induced changes in mitochondrial ETC of ATAT, particularly for Complex I, lead to the enhanced SO generation and consequent oxidative modifications of DNA in ATAT (up to 6.1 times higher than that in NAT and 3.7 times higher than that in ATD, p < 0.05). Gelatinase activity in ATAT is significantly higher than in ATD. A considerable effect of TNF-α on ATAT and ATD (but not on NAT, i.e., only on the tissues where the reprogramming of metabolism has already occurred under the influence of tumor) manifested in increase of cellular hypoxia, gelatinase activity, and SO generation rate is observed. The results can be used for better understanding the mechanism(s) of metabolic symbiosis of tumor and AT as well as serving as a basis for new therapeutic approaches.
Modeling Problem of Equivalent Mechanical Models of a Sloshing Fluid
Authors: Li Yu-Chun , Gou Hong-Liang
Published: November 2018

Because the defects in the existing modeling methods for the equivalent mechanical model of a sloshing fluid have led to incorrect or inaccurate results in the existing equivalent models, this paper discusses three different modeling methods for the equivalent models: the traditional method, Housner’s method, and the modified method. The equivalent models obtained by the three methods are, respectively, presented and compared with each other for a liquid in rectangular and upright cylindrical tanks. The results show that the traditional method cannot provide the correct location expressions of the equivalent masses because the two types of different excitations are simultaneously used in one equivalent model. An equivalent model is exclusively applicable to a certain excitation (a translational excitation in a certain direction or a rotational excitation about a certain axis). Housner’s method is based on physical intuition, instead of fluid dynamics theory, therefore the calculation precision of Housner’s solution is not satisfactory. Housner’s method is only suitable for vertical tanks with a flat bottom subjected to a horizontal excitation. Based on a conceptual mistake in the traditional method, the concept of the equivalent model is reclarified, and the modified equivalence method is therefore suggested. A supplementary solution for the equivalent model in a cylindrical tank is presented. The correct models can be acquired using the modified equivalence method, which is applicable to tanks of arbitrary shape.
Generalized Dirac Oscillator in Cosmic String Space-Time
Authors: Deng Lin-Fang , Long Chao-Yun , Long Zheng-Wen , Xu Ting
Published: November 2018

In this work, the generalized Dirac oscillator in cosmic string space-time is studied by replacing the momentum pμ with its alternative pμ+mωβfμxμ. In particular, the quantum dynamics is considered for the function fμxμ to be taken as Cornell potential, exponential-type potential, and singular potential. For Cornell potential and exponential-type potential, the corresponding radial equations can be mapped into the confluent hypergeometric equation and hypergeometric equation separately. The corresponding eigenfunctions can be represented as confluent hypergeometric function and hypergeometric function. The equations satisfied by the exact energy spectrum have been found. For singular potential, the wave function and energy eigenvalue are given exactly by power series method.
Role of Double-Carbapenem Regimen in the Treatment of Infections due to Carbapenemase Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: A Single-Center, Observational Study
Authors: Cancelli F. , Oliva A. , De Angelis M. , Mascellino M. T. , Mastroianni C. M. , Vullo V.
Published: November 2018

Purpose. (i) To compare infections caused by carbapenem-susceptible (CS) and carbapenemase producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE); (ii) to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the double-carbapenem (DC) regimen in comparison with the best available treatment (BAT) in infections caused by CP-CRE; and (iii) to determine the exact minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of meropenem/ertapenem (MEM/ETP) and the degree of in vitro ETP+MEM synergism in subjects receiving the DC. Methodology. Over a 3-year period (2014-2017), patients with infections due to Enterobacteriaceae were included in a single-center, retrospective, observational study. According to the susceptibility to carbapenems, subjects were divided into CSE and CP-CRE groups. CP-CRE group was further divided into subjects receiving the DC regimen and those treated with other regimens (BAT group). Clinical characteristics and the presence of 5th-day response and 60-day outcome were evaluated for DC and BAT groups. The determination of MEM and ETP actual MICs and the MEM+ETP synergistic activity were performed on strains obtained from subjects receiving the DC regimen. Results. A total of 128 patients were included in the study: 55/128 (43%) with infections due to CP-CRE and 73/128 (57%) with infections due to CSE. Among CP-CRE (n=55), 21 subjects (39%) were treated with the DC regimen whereas 34 (61%) received BAT. No differences in terms of severity of infection, presence/absence of concomitant bacteremia, type of infection, and resolution of infection were found; in contrast, DC group tended to have a higher rate of sepsis or septic shock at the onset of infection and a higher rate of 5th-day response. MICs 50/90 were 256/512 and 256/256 μg/mL for MEM and ETP, respectively. Overall, complete in vitro synergism was found in 6/20 strains (30%). Conclusion. The DC regimen is a valid and effective therapeutic option in patients with infections due to KPC producing CRE, including those with bacteremic infection and more severe clinical conditions. The clinical effectiveness is maintained even in the presence of extremely high MEM MICs.
Acid-Base Status Disturbances in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis at High Altitudes
Authors: Cely Javier Enrique , Rocha Oscar G. , Vargas María J. , Sanabria Rafael M. , Corzo Leyder , D'Achiardi Roberto E. , Zúñiga Eduardo A.
Published: November 2018

Background. Acid-base disorders have been previously described in patients with chronic hemodialysis, with metabolic acidosis being the most important of them; however, little is known about the potential changes in acid-base status of patients on dialysis living at high altitudes. Methods. Cross-sectional study including 93 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis on alternate days and living in Bogotá, Colombia, at an elevation of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet) over sea level (m.o.s.l.). Measurements of pH, PaCO2, HCO3, PO2, and base excess were made on blood samples taken from the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) during the pre- and postdialysis periods in the midweek hemodialysis session. Normal values for the altitude of Bogotá were taken into consideration for the interpretation of the arterial blood gases. Results. 43% (n= 40) of patients showed predialysis normal acid-base status. The most common acid-base disorder in predialysis period was metabolic alkalosis with chronic hydrogen ion deficiency in 19,3% (n=18). Only 9,7% (n=9) had predialysis metabolic acidosis. When comparing pre- and postdialysis blood gas analysis, higher postdialysis levels of pH (7,41 versus 7,50, p<0,01), bicarbonate (21,7mmol/L versus 25,4mmol/L, p<0,01), and base excess (-2,8 versus 2,4, p<0,01) were reported, with lower levels of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (34,9 mmHg versus 32,5 mmHg, p<0,01). Conclusion. At an elevation of 2,640 m.o.s.l., a large percentage of patients are in normal acid-base status prior to the dialysis session (“predialysis period”). Metabolic alkalosis is more common than metabolic acidosis in the predialysis period when compared to previous studies. Paradoxically, despite postdialysis metabolic alkalosis, PaCO2 levels are lower than those found in the predialysis period.
Characterization of Mating Type Genes in Aspergillus flavus Populations from Two Locations in Kenya
Authors: Abigael Ouko , Sheila Okoth , Nelson Amugune , Joutsjoki Vesa
Published: November 2018

In this study, the possibility of sexual reproduction in sampled Aspergillus flavus strains was evaluated by assessing the distribution of mating type (MAT) genes, which are known to control sexual character among fungi, for two counties in Kenya. Forty-four isolates from Nandi and Makueni counties were genotyped by MAT using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. The primer pair for the MAT1-1 amplified a 396 base pair (bp) fragment containing an α-box motif, and MAT1-2 primers targeted a 270 bp segment with a high mobility group protein. The MAT1-2 genes dominated in both regions although the frequency was higher in Nandi (75%) than in Makueni (54.17%). There were no MAT1-1 genes sampled in Nandi, and in Makueni their proportion was 15.91%. The percentage of isolates that amplified for both MAT genes in Makueni was 9.09%, while in Nandi it was 11.36%. Currently, use of aggressive aflatoxin non-producing A. flavus strains as biocontrol is the most promising preharvest aflatoxin control strategy in Kenya. However, we address the possibility of introduced biocontrol strains to breed with existing aflatoxin producing strains in nature, which could lead to the generation of A. flavus offspring capable of aflatoxin production while also being aggressive colonizers and possibly increasing the burden of aflatoxin exposure in food.
Electrical Conductivity Modulation of Crosslinked Composite Nanofibers Based on PEO and PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Massaglia G. , Chiodoni A. , Marasso S. L. , Pirri C. F. , Quaglio M.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this work is to investigate the development of nanofiber mats, based on intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs), which show simultaneously a high electrical conductivity and mandatory insoluble water properties. In particular, the nanofibers, thanks to their properties such as high surface area, porosity, and their ability to offer a preferential pathway for electron flow, play a crucial role to improve the essential characteristics ensured by ICPs. The nanofiber mats are obtained by electrospinning process, starting from a polymeric solution made of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). PEO is selected not only as a dopant to increase the electrical/ionic conductivity, as deeply reported in the literature, but also to ensure the proper stability of the polymeric jet, to collect a dried nanofiber mat. Moreover, in the present work, two different treatments are proposed in order to induce crosslinking between PEO chains and PEDOT:PSS, made insoluble into water which is the final sample. The first process is based on a heating treatment, conducted at 130°C under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h, named the annealing treatment. The second treatment is provided by UV irradiation that is effective to induce a final crosslinking, when a photoinitiator, such as benzophenone, is added. Furthermore, we demonstrate that both crosslinking treatments can be used to verify the preservation of nanostructures and their good electrical conductivity after water treatment (i.e., water resistance). In particular, we confirm that the crosslinking method with UV irradiation results to being more effective than the standard annealing treatment. Indeed, we demonstrate that the processing time, required to obtain the final crosslinked nanofiber mats with a high electrical conductance, results to being smaller than the one needed during the heating treatment.