bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Effect of Six Weeks Electro Muscle Stimulation Training on Physical Changes in the Sedentary Men and Women
Authors: Kılıç Tahir , Ugurlu Alkan
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigation of the effect of six weeks electrostimulation training on physical changes in the sedentary men and women. Electro muscle stimulation (EMS), which is applied since the discovery of contraction under the influence of electrical currents, on the purpose of rehabilitation and treatment purposes, has attracted the attention of coaches, athletes and sports scientists as a popular training method over time. In the present research, 6 weeks, 3 days a week and for 25 minutes in a day of EMS machine training program was applied to the sedentary women n=12 and sedentary men n=12. In order to determine effect of EMS machine training on the physical changes which are body mass, % body fat, fat mass, body mass index, total body water, fat free mass, muscle mass, Tanita (SC-300) Body Composition Analyzer was used as a pre-test and post-test. The results of the Tanita body measurements were analyzed by using SPSS computer program, the standard deviations were calculated, and pre- and post-training statistical paired samples T Test analysis were made. According to SPSS analysis results, there are statistically significant increases in the % body fat, fat mass, soft muscle tissues, extracellular and intracellular liquid weights and cell mass weights (p<0.05). There are increases in other results which is, body mass, BMI, muscle mass, metabolic ages, obesity levels, internal fat, bone mineral weights and skeletal muscle mass, but not statistically significant (p>0.05). Only EMS training has increased the maximum power associated with sports, due to the increase in the speed of movement. In addition, the stronger long-term effects of EMS training provide new opportunities, as determined by the duration of the training. The right application of full-body EMS training with dynamic exercise movements is a promising combination for power and speed training.
Determination of Prospective Chemistry Teachers’ Cognitive Structures and Misconceptions About Stereochemistry
Authors: Durmaz Mustafa
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitive structures of chemistry teacher candidates about “stereochemistry”. A case study research method, one of the qualitative research patterns, was used in the study and the sample of study involved 28 prospective chemistry teachers who had taken Organic Chemistry I and II courses at Education Faculty of a middle Anatolian university. For the data collection, stereochemistry concept inventory comprising of 20 questions was used. In the analysis of data, students’ responses in SCI were categorized. The detailed analysis of the results indicated that chemistry teacher candidates had some misconceptions concerning stereochemistry parallel to the literature. Based on these observations, some suggestions were presented for improving students’ foundational understanding about stereochemistry.
Design and Modeling of Nano-Robots Control in Medicine
Authors: Soltani Reza
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to present a new model to develop and expand nanotechnology in particular in the field of medicine.  The subject under study focus on the control design of nano-robots for bio-molecular assembly manipulation, and use of evolutionary factors as a suitable method to gain the adaptive properties for proposed model is needed. Moreover, the study use of neural networks as the most practical method for the optimization problem of robot motion using a sensor based system. Thus, the study proposes a useful method within advanced graphics simulation for nano-assembly automation with its focus on an applied model for nano-medicine. Therefore, the study results should provide a great impact for effective design of control instrumentation, helping in the development of nanotechnology. The presented nano-robot model is required to survive and interact with a complex environment. Furthermore the nano-robot has to consider a pre-defined set of tasks both in a competitive scenario and in a collective environment. Nano-robot in a three-dimensional environment monitors organ inlets’ nutritional levels, and assembling new biomolecules into that have to be delivered to the organ inlets with higher priority during each moment of our dynamic simulation. The nano-robot must avoid fuzzy obstacles, and must with proper time and manner react in real time for an environment requiring continuous control. In order to achieve the most pre-programmed set of behaviors the nano-robot uses a local perception through simulated sensors to effectively interact with the surrounding environment. The development of new concepts on nano-mechatronics and automation theory is focused on the problem of molecular machine systems. Finally a novel adaptive optimal method is described and the model validation through the application of nano-robot control design for nano-medicine confirmed.
Cadherins: cellular adhesive molecules serving as signalling mediators
Authors: Yulis Mark , Kusters Dennis H. M. , Nusrat Asma
Published: July 2018

The single pass, transmembrane proteins of the cadherin family have been appreciated as important proteins that regulate intercellular adhesion. In addition to this critical function, cadherins contribute to important signalling events that control cellular homeostasis. Many examples exist of classical, desmosomal and atypical cadherins participating in the regulation of signalling events that control homeostatic functions in cells. Much of the work on cadherin mediated signalling focuses on classical cadherins or on specific disease states such as pemphigus vulgaris. Cadherin mediated signalling has been shown to play critical roles during development, in proliferation, apoptosis, disease pathobiology and beyond. It is becoming increasingly clear that cadherins operate through a range of molecular mechanisms. The diversity of pathways and cellular functions regulated by cadherins suggests that we have only scratched the surface in terms of the roles that these versatile proteins play in signalling and cellular function.

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Finite-element analysis of non-collinear mixing of two lowest-order antisymmetric Rayleigh–Lamb waves
Authors: Ishii Yosuke , Hiraoka Koichi , Adachi Tadaharu
Published: July 2018

Recently, a perturbation approach was adopted for the non-collinear mixing of plate waves in an isotropic elastic plate with quadratic nonlinearity by Ishii, Biwa, and Adachi [J. Sound Vib. 419, 390–404 (2018)] and a resonance condition was derived theoretically, namely, that a significant scattered plate wave is generated when its frequency and wavevector coincide with the sum/difference of those of its primary waves. However, that analysis assumed monochromatic plane waves that interacted everywhere in the plate. To apply the non-collinear mixing of plate waves to nondestructive evaluation of plate-like structures, the influence of the spatial and temporal finiteness of the primary waves on the generation of the scattered wave must be elucidated. To that end, the present study conducts three-dimensional dynamic finite-element analyses on the mixing of lowest-order antisymmetric Rayleigh–Lamb waves that have finite beam widths and time durations. The generation of scattered lowest-order symmetric Rayleigh–Lamb and shear horizontal waves with sum frequencies is discussed for various beam widths, intersection angles, and primary frequencies. The resonance condition derived originally for monochromatic plane waves in the aforementioned study is found to be valid even when the wave interaction is allowed only within limited space and time.
Effect of the perceptual weighting by spectral shaping of residual noise on time-domain multichannel noise reduction
Authors: Bao Yu , Chen Huawei , Wu Xiaohua
Published: July 2018

This letter studies the effect of the perceptual weighting by spectral shaping of residual noise, a technique that has been successfully used in signal-channel noise reduction, on multichannel noise reduction in the time domain. It is known that multichannel methods can achieve noise reduction without introducing any speech distortion compared with single-channel methods. This letter shows, however, that the perceptual weighting by spectral shaping of residual noise will have no effect on multichannel noise reduction if no speech distortion is expected. It is useful only if some speech distortion is tolerated. Moreover, the effect is more significant with the increase of speech distortion.
Evolution of human, chicken, alligator, frog, and zebrafish mineralocorticoid receptors: Allosteric influence on steroid specificity
Authors: Katsu Yoshinao , Oka Kaori , Baker Michael E.
Published: July 2018

Analysis of the interactions of multiple steroid ligands with the mineralocorticoid receptor identifies domains involved in activation and inhibition.
Proteomic analysis of S-nitrosylated nuclear proteins in rat cortical neurons
Authors: Smith Jacob G. , Aldous Sarah G. , Andreassi Catia , Cuda Giovanni , Gaspari Marco , Riccio Antonella
Published: July 2018

The S-nitrosylated proteome directs dendritogenesis in developing cortical neurons.
Inhibition of the acetyltransferase NAT10 normalizes progeric and aging cells by rebalancing the Transportin-1 nuclear import pathway
Authors: Larrieu Delphine , Viré Emmanuelle , Robson Samuel , Breusegem Sophia Y. , Kouzarides Tony , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: July 2018

Inhibition of the acetyltransferase NAT10 rescues a nuclear import pathway in cells from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome patients.
Nuclear import pathway key to rescuing dominant progerin phenotypes
Authors: Wilson Katherine L.
Published: July 2018

Restoring a nuclear import pathway rescues pathological phenotypes of cells from HGPS patients (Larrieuet al., in 3 July 2018 issue).
Complete Genome Sequence of an Atypical Porcine Pestivirus Isolated from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Wu SongSong , Wang Zhe , Zhang WenBo , Deng ShunZhou
Published: July 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of an atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV). The virus strain JX-JM01-2018A01 was isolated from the Jiangxi Province, China, from a sucking piglet. This genome sequence will contribute to the understanding of APPV genetic divergence and promote future disease control and vaccine research and development in China.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Strains of Brochothrix thermosphacta, Carnobacterium divergens, Lactobacillus algidus, Lactobacillus fuchuensis, Lactococcus piscium, Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum, Pseudomonas lundensis, and Weissella viridescens, a Collection of Psychrotrophic Species Involved in Meat and Seafood Spoilage
Authors: Poirier Simon , Coeuret Gwendoline , Champomier-Vergès Marie-Christine , Chaillou Stéphane
Published: July 2018

In this study, we present the draft genome sequences of nine strains from various psychrotrophic species identified in meat products and being recognized as important emerging food spoilers. Many of these species have only one or few strains being sequenced, and this work will contribute to the improvement of the overall genomic knowledge about them.
Swarmer Cell Development of the Bacterium Proteus mirabilis Requires the Conserved Enterobacterial Common Antigen Biosynthesis Gene
rffG
Authors: Little Kristin , Tipping Murray J. , Gibbs Karine A.
Published: July 2018

Proteus mirabilis
swarm motility has been implicated in pathogenesis. We have found that cells deploy multiple uncharacterized strategies to handle cell envelope stress beyond the Rcs phosphorelay when attempting to engage in swarm motility. While RcsB is known to directly inhibit the master transcriptional regulator for swarming, we have shown an additional role for RcsB in protecting cell morphology. These data support a growing appreciation that the Rcs phosphorelay is a multifunctional regulator of cell morphology in addition to its role in microbial stress responses. These data also strengthen the paradigm that outer membrane composition is a crucial checkpoint for modulating entry into swarm motility. Furthermore, the
rffG
-dependent moieties provide a novel attractive target for potential antimicrobials.
Student Use of Self-Data for Out-of-Class Graphing Activities Increases Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes
Authors: DeBoy Cynthia A.
Published: July 2018

Two out-of-class graphing activities related to hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle and stress responses are used to determine whether student use of self-data vs. provided data increases engagement, learning outcomes, and attitude changes. Comparisons of quizzes and surveys for students using self- vs. provided data suggest that while both activities increase learning outcomes, use of self-data compared with provided data has a greater impact on increasing learning outcomes, promotes recognition that hormones are relevant, and enhances confidence in graphing skills and graphing efficacy.
Build the Read: A Hands-On Activity for Introducing Microbiology Students to Next-Generation DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics
Authors: Macori Guerrino , Romano Angelo , Decastelli Lucia , Cotter Paul D.
Published: July 2018

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is the current standard for providing genomic data, by virtue of the ability of the technology to generate a considerable amount of information rapidly and at low cost. The data generated can be of key importance to research and addressing issues in public health and, thus, is relevant to society. Unsurprisingly, content relating to the principle and chemistry underlying Next-Generation Sequencing is presented to almost every microbiology-related class, to professionals across multiple fields and, to the general public as popular science. The most commonly utilized NGS platforms (MiSeq, NextSeq and HighSeq) are those provided by Illumina. In this paper, we describe a hands-on activity for students to represent the chemistry underlying Illumina-based NGS, by creating representative reads using LEGO blocks, to link indexes, assemble the sequence and ‘identify’ the bacteria from which the DNA originated, thereby, in the process introducing the participants to the basic principles of bioinformatics.
Crystal Structure of the Dimerized N Terminus of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Replicase Protein Reveals a Novel Antiviral Interface
Authors: Luo Gao , Zhu Xiongfei , Lv Yang , Lv Bomin , Fang Jin'e , Cao Shengbo , Chen Huanchun , Peng Guiqing , Song Yunfeng
Published: July 2018

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one of the most economically damaging pathogens affecting the swine industry. Although vaccines have been available for more than 10 years, the virus still remains prevalent. More effective strategies for disease prevention are clearly required. The Rep and Rep′ proteins of the virus have identical N-terminal regions that interact with each other, allowing the formation of homo- or heterodimers. The heterodimer has crucial functions during different stages of viral replication. Here, we resolved the crystal structure of the Rep (Rep′) dimerization domain. The individual residues involved in the intermolecular interaction were visualized in the protein structure, and several interactions were verified by mutant analysis. Our studies show that disrupting the interaction decreases viral replication, thus revealing a new target for the design of antiviral agents.
PARP1 Stabilizes CTCF Binding and Chromatin Structure To Maintain Epstein-Barr Virus Latency Type
Authors: Lupey-Green Lena N. , Caruso Lisa B. , Madzo Jozef , Martin Kayla A. , Tan Yinfei , Hulse Michael , Tempera Italo
Published: July 2018

EBV is a human gammaherpesvirus that infects more than 95% of individuals worldwide. Upon infection, EBV circularizes as an episome and establishes a chronic, latent infection in B cells. In doing so, the virus utilizes host cell machinery to regulate and maintain the viral genome. In otherwise healthy individuals, EBV infection is typically nonpathological; however, latent infection is potentially oncogenic and is responsible for 1% of human cancers. During latent infection, EBV expresses specific sets of proteins according to the given latency type, each of which is associated with specific types of cancers. For example, type III latency, in which the virus expresses its full repertoire of latent proteins, is characteristic of AIDS-associated and posttransplant lymphomas associated with EBV infection. Understanding how viral latency type is regulated at the chromatin level may reveal potential targets for EBV-specific pharmacological intervention in EBV-associated cancers.
Extracellular Vesicles Released by Herpes Simplex Virus 1-Infected Cells Block Virus Replication in Recipient Cells in a STING-Dependent Manner
Authors: Deschamps Thibaut , Kalamvoki Maria
Published: July 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all types of cells as they constitute major mechanism of intercellular communication and have the capacity to alter the functions of recipient cells despite their limited capacity for cargo. How the EVs released by HSV-infected cells could alter the surrounding microenvironment and influence the infection currently remains unknown. The cargo of EVs reflects the physiological state of the cells in which they were produced, so the content of EVs originating from infected cells is expected to be substantially different from that of healthy cells. Our studies indicate that the EVs released by HSV-1-infected cells carry innate immune components such as STING and other host and viral factors; they can activate innate immune responses in recipient cells and inhibit HSV-1 replication. The implication of these data is that the EVs released by HSV-1-infected cells could control HSV-1 dissemination promoting its persistence in the host.
Medical needs of adolescent refugees resettling in Western Australia
Authors: Hirani Kajal , Payne Donald N , Mutch Raewyn , Cherian Sarah
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate the medical needs and socioeconomic determinants of health among adolescent refugees resettling in Western Australia.

Design

Comprehensive medical and socioeconomic health data of resettling adolescent refugees aged 12 years and above attending a Refugee Health Service over a 1-year period were analysed.

Results

Medical records of 122 adolescents, median (range) age of 14 (12–17) years, were reviewed. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities included dependence on government financial support (50%), housing issues (27%) and child protection service involvement (11%). Medical concerns included non-communicable disorders (85%), infectious diseases (81%), nutrition/growth (71%) and physical symptoms of non-organic origin (43%). One quarter (27%) of female adolescents had sexual/reproductive health issues. A median (range) of 5 (2–12) health concerns were identified for each adolescent with 49% requiring referral to subspecialty services.

Conclusion

Resettling adolescent refugees are socioeconomically vulnerable with a range of medical issues that frequently require additional subspecialty health referrals.
A case of suspected illegal abortion: how clinicians may assist the forensic pathologist
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Ricci Pietrantonio , Mocciaro Rita , Gratteri Santo
Published: July 2018

Abortion may be performed in a safe or unsafe manner, the latter being a frequent and dangerous event. It can also be performed in countries where abortion is legally recognised but, for various reasons, may be undertaken in an illegal environment. We present a case of a possible illegal abortion. A woman presented to the hospital with a dead fetus, saying that she was the victim of a car accident. Forensic and gynaecological examination of the woman were carried out, along with an autopsy of the fetus. It was discovered that the woman had performed a clandestine abortion. The differential diagnosis between illegal abortion and miscarriage represents a complicated issue and requires both clinical and forensic support. The gynaecologist may be of assistance to the forensic pathologist in confirming whether an illegal abortion has been performed.
Randomised, prospective clinical trial of platelet-rich plasma injection in the management of severe dry eye
Authors: Avila Marcel Y , Igua Angela M , Mora Amparo M
Published: July 2018

Background

To evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of severe dry eye.

Methods

This prospective, intervention study included patients with severe dry eye who had been diagnosed with Sjogren syndrome. Patients were divided into two groups. The intervention group received PRP (n=15) injections on days 0, 30, 60 and 90, as well as hyaluronic acid five times per day. The comparison group received hyaluronic acid (n=15) five times per day. Subjects were measured at baseline and at 30, 60 and 90 days. The primary outcome measures were changes in corneal staining according to the Oxford classification, results of the Schirmer test and tear break-up time (TBUT). The secondary outcome measures were changes in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and treatment compliance.

Results

All subjects completed the study. The intervention group showed improvements in all primary outcome measures when compared with the control group, including a reduction in corneal staining (p<0.001), increase in the mean Schirmer value from 5.6±0.7 to 9.0±1.1 mm, and an increase in TBUT from 4.0±0.4 to 6.4±0.4 s at day 90. An improvement in subjective OSDI values was also found.

Conclusion

PRP injection is safe and effective in improving tear parameters as well as subjective parameters, and was found to be superior to hyaluronic acid alone in the management of patients with severe dry eye. This represent a novel alternative treatment for severe dry eye.

Trial registration number

NCT02257957.
Effects of social network diversity on mortality, cognition and physical function in the elderly: a longitudinal analysis of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP)
Authors: Ali Talha , Nilsson Charlotte Juul , Weuve Jennifer , Rajan Kumar B , Mendes de Leon Carlos F
Published: July 2018

Background

Having a larger social network has been shown to have beneficial effects on health and survival in adults, but few studies have evaluated the role of network diversity, in addition to network size. We explore whether social network diversity is associated with mortality, cognition and physical function among older black and white adults.

Methods

Data are obtained from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a longitudinal, population-based study of adults aged 65 years and older at baseline. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we estimate the hazard of mortality by network diversity (n=6497). The association between network diversity and cognition (n=6560) and physical function (n=6561) is determined using generalised estimating equations. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, marital status and health-related variables.

Results

In fully adjusted models, elderly with more diverse social networks had a lower risk of mortality (HR=0.93, p<0.01) compared with elderly with less diverse networks. Increased diversity in social networks was also associated with higher global cognitive function (coefficient=0.11, p<0.001) and higher physical function (coefficient=0.53, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Social networks are particularly important for older adults as they face the greatest threats to health and depend on network relationships, more than younger individuals, to meet their needs. Increasing diversity, and not just increasing size, of social networks may be essential for improving health and survival among older adults.
Diabetes, plasma glucose and incidence of colorectal cancer in Chinese adults: a prospective study of 0.5 million people
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Kartsonaki Christiana , Guo Yu , Chen Yiping , Yang Ling , Bian Zheng , Bragg Fiona , Millwood Iona Y , Shen Leijia , Zhou Songgen , Liu Jiben , Chen Junshi , Li Liming , Holmes Michael V , Chen Zhengming
Published: July 2018

Background

Diabetes is associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Uncertainty remains about the relevance of duration of diabetes and about the association of blood glucose with CRC risk among individuals without diabetes.

Methods

The prospective China Kadoorie Biobank recruited 512 713 participants in 2004–2008 from 10 diverse areas in China. After 10 years of follow-up, 3024 incident cases of CRC (1745 colon, 1716 rectal) were recorded among 510 136 participants without prior cancer at baseline. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted HRs for CRC associated with diabetes (previously diagnosed or screen-detected) and, among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, with levels of random plasma glucose (RPG).

Results

Overall 5.8% of participants had diabetes at baseline. Individuals with diabetes had an adjusted HR of 1.18 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.33) for CRC, with similar risk for colon and rectal cancer (1.19 [1.01 to 1.39] vs 1.14 [0.96 to 1.35]). The HRs decreased with longer duration of diabetes (pfor trend 0.03). Among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, RPG was positively associated with CRC, with adjusted HRs per 1 mmol/L higher baseline RPG of 1.04 (1.02 to 1.05) for CRC, again similar for colon and rectal cancer (1.03 [1.01to 1.05] and 1.04 [1.02 to 1.06], respectively). The associations of diabetes and RPG appeared stronger in men than in women, but the differences were non-significant (pfor heterogeneity 0.3 and 0.2).

Discussion

Among Chinese adults, diabetes and higher blood glucose levels among those without known diabetes are associated with higher risk of CRC.
Increased expression of serum periostin and YKL40 in children with severe asthma and asthma exacerbation
Authors: El Basha Noussa Ragab , Osman Hanan Mohsen , Abdelaal Amaal Abdo , Saed Salma Mohamed , Shaaban Hala Hamdy
Published: July 2018

Children with severe asthma or acute asthma exacerbation may encounter difficulties in performing pulmonary function tests. In this situation, serum biomarkers can play a great role in evaluation of such patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the serum levels of human chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL40) and periostin in a group of Egyptian children with asthma during acute asthma exacerbation and in stable asthmatics compared with healthy control, and to correlate these findings with the severity of asthma. This cross-sectional study enrolled 120 childrenwith asthma with different degrees of asthma severity, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, along with 60 age-matched and sex-matched healthy control. A complete blood count and an estimation of serum periostin and YKL40 levels were performed for all cases and control. Individual and mean values of periostin and YKL40 were significantly higher during acute asthma exacerbations, p<0.001. A highly significant relation between serum levels of periostin and YKL40 and asthma severity, p value for each was <0.001. Absolute eosinophil count was significantly correlated with the serum periostin levels in stable asthmatic group (p=0.01) only. There was significantly positive correlation (P<0.001) between both markers in stable asthmatic group. Spearman's correlation coefficient shows a statistically significant positive correlation between both markers and patient's age and duration of asthma, p value for each was 0.001. These findings highlight the importance of periostin and YKL40 as serum biomarkers for assessment of asthma severity and acute asthma exacerbations in children with asthma.
Abortion induces reactivation of inflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Landi Doriana , Ragonese Paolo , Prosperini Luca , Nociti Viviana , Haggiag Shalom , Cortese Antonio , Fantozzi Roberta , Pontecorvo Simona , Ferraro Elisabetta , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Mataluni Giorgia , Monteleone Fabrizia , Salvetti Marco , Di Battista Giancarlo , Francia Ada , Millefiorini Enrico , Gasperini Claudio , Mirabella Massimiliano , Salemi Giuseppe , Boffa Laura , Pozzilli Carlo , Centonze Diego , Marfia Girolama Alessandra
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) undergoing abortion.

Methods

An independent, multicentre retrospective study was conducted collecting data from eight Italian MS centres. We compared the preconception and postabortion annualised relapse rate (ARR) and number of Gadolinium enhancing (Gd+) lesions, by analyses of covariance. Variables associated with postabortion clinical and MRI activity were investigated using Poisson regression models; each abortion was considered as a statistical unit.

Results

From 1995 to 2017, we observed 188 abortions (17 elective) in 153 women with RRMS. Abortions occurred after a mean time of 9.5 (4.4) weeks from estimated conception date. In 86 events out of 188, conception happened during treatment with disease modifying drugs. The mean postabortion ARR (0.63±0.74) was significantly increased (p=0.037) compared with the preconception year (0.50±0.71) as well as the postabortion mean number of new Gd+ lesions (0.77±1.40 vs 0.39±1.04; p=0.004). Higher likelihood of relapses was predicted by higher preconception ARR, discontinuation of preconception treatment and elective abortion; the occurrence of new Gd+ lesions was associated with higher preconception number of active lesions, discontinuation of preconception treatment, shorter length of pregnancy maintenance and elective abortion.

Conclusions

Abortion was associated with clinical and radiological inflammatory rebound remarkably in the first 12 months postevent. Deregulated proinflammatory processes arising at the early stages of pregnancy might play a role both in MS reactivation and abortion. Women with MS should be counselled about these risks of abortion and followed up accordingly.
A politics of the senses: the political role of theKing’s-Evil in Richard Wiseman’sSeverall Chirurgicall Treatises
Authors: Komorowski Adam S , Song Sang Ik
Published: July 2018

Written by Richard Wiseman, sergeant-surgeon to King Charles II of England, ‘A Treatise on the King’s-Evil’ within his magnum opusSeverall Chirurgicall Treatises(1676), acts as a proto-case series which explores the treatment and cure of 91 patients with the King’s-Evil. Working within the confines of the English monarch’s ability to cure the disease with their miraculous (or thaumaturgic) touch, Wiseman simultaneously elevates and extends the potential to heal to biomedicine. Wiseman’s work on the King’s-Evil provides an interesting window through which the political expediency of the monarch’s thaumaturgic touch may be explored. The dependence of the thaumaturgic touch on liturgy, theatricality and its inherent political economy in Restoration England allowed Wiseman to appropriate the traditionally monarchical role of healer as his own, by drawing attention to a medical ritual of healing that was as reliant, just as the theatrical ritual of monarchical thaumaturgy was, on symbolic binaries of healer–healed, head–body and touch–sight.
Mesoscale climatic impacts on the distribution ofHomarus americanusin the US inshore Gulf of Maine
Authors: Tanaka Kisei R. , Chang Jui-Han , Xue Ying , Li Zengguang , Jacobson Larry , Chen Yong
Published: July 2018

American lobster (Homarus americanus) supports one of the most valuable fisheries in the United States. Spatial distributions of H. americanus are hypothesized to be influenced by climate-driven environmental factors, but such effects have not been quantified. We developed a Tweedie generalized additive model (GAM) to quantify environmental effects on season-, sex-, and size-specific distributions of H. americanus in the inshore Gulf of Maine. Tweedie GAMs were coupled with regional circulation model output to predict spatiotemporal changes in distribution of H. americanus due to mesoscale climate variability. GAM results indicated that bottom temperature and salinity impacts on H. americanus distribution were more pronounced during spring. The coupled climate–niche model predicted significantly higher H. americanus abundance under a warm climatology scenario. This study provides a predictive climate–niche modelling framework that may be useful for planning fishery investments and anticipating management challenges given ongoing climate-driven changes in the Northwest Atlantic.
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels: pathophysiological, developmental, and pharmacological insights into their function in cellular excitability
Authors: Spinelli Valentina , Sartiani Laura , Mugelli Alessandro , Romanelli Maria Novella , Cerbai Elisabetta
Published: July 2018

The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) proteins are voltage-dependent ion channels, conducting both Na+and K+, blocked by millimolar concentrations of extracellular Cs+and modulated by cyclic nucleotides (mainly cAMP) that contribute crucially to the pacemaker activity in cardiac nodal cells and subsidiary pacemakers. Over the last decades, much attention has focused on HCN current, If, in non-pacemaker cardiac cells and its potential role in triggering arrhythmias. In fact, in addition to pacemakers, HCN current is constitutively present in the human atria and has long been proposed to sustain atrial arrhythmias associated to different cardiac pathologies or triggered by various modulatory signals (catecholamines, serotonin, natriuretic peptides). An atypical Ifoccurs in diseased ventricular cardiomyocytes, its amplitude being linearly related to the severity of cardiac hypertrophy. The properties of atrial and ventricular Ifand its modulation by pharmacological interventions has been object of intense study, including the synthesis and characterization of new compounds able to block preferentially HCN1, HCN2, or HCN4 isoforms. Altogether, clues emerge for opportunities of future pharmacological strategies exploiting the unique properties of this channel family: the prevalence of different HCN subtypes in organs and tissues, the possibility to target HCN gain- or loss-of-function associated with disease, the feasibility of novel isoform-selective drugs, as well as the discovery of HCN-mediated effects for old medicines.
Large-scale changes in the littoral fish communities of lakes in southeastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Finigan Paul A. , Mandrak Nicholas E. , Tufts Bruce L.
Published: July 2018

Biodiversity loss is a serious issue for freshwater fishes in temperate climates and there is a need for more information in this area. A study was conducted to assess fish community changes in the littoral zone of 22 lakes over a 45 year period (compared years 1969–1979 and year 2014). To compare fish communities, historical seining records were compiled for 22 inland lakes and compared with contemporary data sampled using the same protocol. Fish abundance data analyzed using a multivariate approach identified a shift from cyprinid-dominated communities to centrarchid-dominated communities between time periods. There was no evidence to support a strong influence of invasive species on these communities, but there have been significant changes in temperature and land use around these lakes since the historical data sets were collected. This is an important contribution to our understanding of biodiversity change in North American freshwater fish communities and may influence fisheries management approaches in the future.
Dynamics modeling and structural analysis of underwater construction robot
Authors: Hong Sung-Min , Kang Hyeon-Seok , Shim Do-Sik , Choi Hyeung-Sik , Kim Joon-Young
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the dynamics modeling, structural analysis of UCR. First of all, the system configuration of UCR and structural analysis are introduced. After that, 3-DOF equation of UCR is introduced for an analysis of motion performance through a numerical simulation, and applying the LOS method at the UCR for path following. Finally, the performance of the proposed path tracking method is verified through simulation and experiments using small test platform.
A study on finite element analysis for simplification of curvature extrusion method
Authors: Yu J. O. , Kim Y. H. , Takuo Nagamachi
Published: July 2018

To eliminate the complexity of curvature extrusion process, a new extrusion method was proposed. In this study, a finite element analysis for curvature extrusion was studied to commercialize this extrusion method that creates curvature in a tilting method. When simulating an extrusion process, it is important to fix the appropriate friction coefficient and fillet value to avoid peel-out problems such that the finite element disappears. Therefore, the actual extrusion results and the simulated results were compared to find conditions that the element would not disappear. There was a good agreement between the simulation and experimental results when the coefficient friction was 0.4 and the fillet was 0.4 mm.
Bilayered ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode for dye sensitized solar cell
Authors: Beedri Niyamat I. , Baviskar Prashant K. , Supekar Abhijit T. , Inamuddin  , Jadkar Sandesh R. , Pathan Habib M.
Published: July 2018

Nb2O5 layer were deposited on ZnO by using doctor blade method. The preparation of a bilayered ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode was introduce for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. Deposition of Nb2O5 layer on ZnO film improves power conversion efficiency of DSSCs. The ZnO/Nb2O5photoanode-based DSSCs show increase in photocurrent, open circuit voltage and conversion efficiency. The ZnO/Nb2O5 solar cell provides 50 mV increase of open circuit voltage, [Formula: see text] increment in current density and [Formula: see text] increment in efficiency as compare to ZnO-based DSSCs. We further analyzed the electron recombination properties of ZnO and ZnO/Nb2O5 by utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS analysis (Bode Plot) for ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode show shifting of the peak related to electron recombination towards low frequency as compared to ZnO photoanode. Thus, there is an increase in lifetime of electrons in the ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode, confirming that the recombination reactions are reduced in ZnO/Nb2O5 photoanode as compared to the ZnO.
Easy cellulose nanofiber extraction from residue of agricultural crops
Authors: Nakagaito Antonio Norio , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: July 2018

Cellulose is found in the cell wall of plant fibers in the form of nanofibers. The Young’s modulus of the crystalline portion is close to 140 GPa whereas the tensile strength of nanofibers is estimated to be above 2 GPa. Cellulose nanofiber has the potential to become an environmentally benign substitute for conventional reinforcements, but the overall cost of production is prohibitive due to the high energy demand and low yields of the mainstream processes, along with the need for expensive devices for proper extraction. This study proposes the use of an affordable kitchen blender adapted to extract cellulose nanofiber from agricultural crop byproducts to reduce production cost. Preliminary results showed that blending of pulp fibers from grass straw produces nanofibers similar to commercially available morphologies. So far, the raw material for nanofiber extraction has been mainly pulp fibers from wood, but the availability of cellulose in plant cells other than fibers would make nanofibers accessible to a wider research community and accelerate the development of cellulose-based nanocomposites.
Structural, optical and physical properties of Dy3+ ions in barium sulphate borophosphate glasses for generation of white light
Authors: Yamusa Y. A. , Hussin Rosli , Wan Shamsuri W. N. , Dalhatu S. A. , Aliyu Aliyu M. , Bulus Ibrahim
Published: July 2018

Glasses in the 25BaSO[Formula: see text]30B2O[Formula: see text](45 −x)P2O[Formula: see text]xDy2O3 system with x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 mol% have been prepared by the melt quenching approach with the aim of using it for optical and white light application. The structural properties are examined by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The amorphous state of the glasses matrices is determined by X-ray diffraction. Direct and indirect energy bandgap have been evaluated via the data found from UV–visible–near IR spectroscopy. The spectral absorption, emission and excitation are measured, and it is found that the glass doped Dy2O3 ions display good UV-excited luminescence of 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] and 4F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text] transition around 480–500 and 570–600 nm corresponding to blue and yellow regions respectively. The physical parameters of the glasses have also been calculated. Infrared and Raman of the borosulfophosphate glasses revealed intense spectrum which is characterized by distinct bands.
Momentum distribution and the universal contact of a unitary Fermi gas with particle-hole fluctuation
Authors: Ruan Xiao-Xia , Gong Hao , Wang Zheng-Ling , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: July 2018

We compute the momentum distribution of a homogeneous Fermi gas at unitarity in the normal phase within the framework of the non-self-consistent T-matrix approximation with particle-hole fluctuation. From the large-momentum behavior of momentum distribution, we obtain the contact for the unitary Fermi gas. We also compare our results with experimental data and other theoretical predictions.
Vibrational structure analysis of cobalt fluoro-porphyrin surface coatings on gallium phosphide
Authors: Khusnutdinova Diana , Beiler Anna M. , Wadsworth Brian L. , Nanyangwe Sylvia K. , Moore Gary F.
Published: July 2018

Grazing angle attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (GATR–FTIR) spectroscopy is used to characterize chemically modified gallium phosphide (GaP) surfaces containing grafted cobalt(II) porphyrins with 3-fluorophenyl substituents installed at the meso-positions. In these hybrid constructs, porphyrin surface attachment is achieved using either a two-step method involving coordination of cobalt fluoro-porphyrin metal centers to nitrogen sites on an initially applied thin-film polypyridyl surface coating, or via a direct modification strategy using a cobalt fluoro-porphyrin precursor bearing a covalently bonded 4-vinylphenyl surface attachment group at a [Formula: see text]-position. Both surface-attachment chemistries leverage the UV-induced immobilization of alkenes but result in distinct structural connectivities of the grafted porphyrin units and their associated vibrational spectra. In particular, the in-plane deformation vibrational frequency of metalloporphyrin components in samples prepared via coordination to the polymeric interface is characterized by an eight wavenumber shift to higher frequencies compared to that measured on metalloporphyrin-modified surfaces prepared using the one-step attachment method. The more rigid ring structure in the polymeric architecture is consistent with coordination of porphyrin cobalt centers to pyridyl-nitrogen sites on the surface graft. These results demonstrate the use of GATR–FTIR spectroscopy as a sensitive tool for characterizing porphyrin-modified surfaces with absorption signals that are close to the detection limits of many common spectroscopic techniques.
Dynamics of a stochastic three-species competitive model with Lévy jumps
Authors: Gao Yongxin , Tian Shiquan
Published: July 2018

This paper is concerned with a three-species competitive model with both white noises and Lévy noises. We first carry out the almost complete parameters analysis for the model and establish the critical value between persistence in the mean and extinction for each species. The sufficient criteria for stability in distribution of solutions are obtained. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to verify the theoretical results.
Improving code quality in ROS packages using a temporal extension of first-order logic
Authors: Come David , Brunel Julien , Doose David
Published: July 2018

Robots are given more and more challenging tasks in domains such as transport and delivery, farming or health. Software is a key component for robots, and Robot Operating System (ROS) is a popular open-source middleware for writing robotics applications. Code quality matters a lot because a poorly written software is much more likely to contain bugs and will be harder to maintain over time. Within a code base, finding faulty patterns takes a lot of time and money. We propose a framework to search automatically user-provided faulty code patterns. This framework is based on [Formula: see text], a temporal extension of first-order logic, and Pangolin, a verification engine for C[Formula: see text] programs. We formalized with [Formula: see text] five faulty patterns related to ROS and embedded systems. We analyzed with Pangolin 25 ROS packages looking for occurrences of these patterns and found a total of 218 defects. To prevent the faulty patterns from arising in new ROS packages, we propose a design pattern, and we show how Pangolin can be used to enforce it.
Recurrent nonsevere hypoglycemia exacerbates imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis leading to synapse injury and cognitive deficit in diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yu , Huang Lishan , Zheng Wenting , An Jingjing , Zhan Zhidong , Wang Linxi , Chen Zhou , Liu Libin
Published: July 2018

Recurrent nonsevere hypoglycemia (RH) can lead to cognitive dysfunction in patients with diabetes, although the involved mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying RH-induced cognitive deficits with a focus on mitochondrial homeostasis. To establish a model that mimicked RH in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) receiving insulin therapy, streptozotocin-induced mice with T1DM were subjected to recurrent, twice-weekly insulin injections over 4 wk. We found that RH disrupted the mitochondrial fine structure, reduced the number of mitochondria, and upregulated the expression of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy markers, including dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein-3 (BNIP3), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3) in the hippocampus of T1DM mice. Moreover, RH and chronic hyperglycemia synergistically promoted the production of reactive oxygen species, impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressed mitochondrial energy metabolism. Under diabetic conditions, RH also altered the synaptic morphology and reduced the expression of synaptic marker proteins. Long-term recognition memory and spatial memory, assessed with the Morris water maze test, were also impaired. However, these effects were largely prevented by mitochondrial division inhibitor 1, a potent and selective Drp1 inhibitor. Thus, it appears that RH exacerbates the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis, leading to synapse injury and cognitive deficits in diabetes. The adjustment of mitochondrial homeostasis could serve as an effective neuroprotective approach when addressing low blood sugar conditions.