bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of drying–wetting cycles on soil-water characteristic curve of undisturbed granite residual soils and microstructure mechanism by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin relaxation time (T2) relaxometry
Authors: Kong Lingwei , Sayem Hossain Md. , Tian Huihui
Published: July 2017

Due to the formational environment and climatic variability, granite residual soils with grain-size distribution ranging from gravel to clay undergo multiple drying–wetting cycles. The influences of multiple drying–wetting cycles on the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) and pore-size distribution (POSD) of undisturbed granite residual soils are investigated using the pressure plate test and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin relaxation time (T2) distribution measurement, respectively. Results show that the water-retention capacity and air-entry value decrease and pores become more uniform with increasing drying–wetting cycles. After four drying–wetting cycles, the soil reaches a nearly constant state. The POSD change of multiple drying–wetting cycle samples is consistent with the SWCC of the soils. Furthermore, a modified van Genuchten model in terms of cumulative pore volume is used to obtain the best-fit POSD of the drying–wetting cycle samples. The shape and changing tendency of both curves of SWCC and POSD are quite similar and achieved a better correlation. It can be concluded that the SWCC is strongly dependent on the POSD of the soil and NMR T2relaxometry can be used as an alternative to the assessment of microstructural variation of residual soils subjected to the periodic drying and wetting process.
Implication of microRNAs in the development and potential treatment of radiation-induced heart disease
Authors: Kura Branislav , Babal Pavel , Slezak Jan
Published: July 2017

Radiotherapy is the most commonly used methodology to treat oncological disease, one of the most widespread causes of death worldwide. Oncological patients cured by radiotherapy applied to the mediastinal area have been shown to suffer from cardiovascular disease. The increase in the prevalence of radiation-induced heart disease has emphasized the need to seek new therapeutic targets to mitigate the negative impact of radiation on the heart. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) have received considerable interest. miRNAs regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by their ability to target various mRNA sequences because of their imperfect pairing with mRNAs. It has been recognized that miRNAs modulate a diverse spectrum of cardiac functions with developmental, pathophysiological, and clinical implications. This makes them promising potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes the recent findings about the possible involvement of miRNAs in radiation-induced heart disease and their potential use as diagnostic or treatment targets in this respect.
Holomorphic isometries between products of complex unit balls
Authors: Chan Shan Tai , Xiao Ming , Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2017

We first give an exposition on holomorphic isometries from the Poincaré disk to polydisks and from the Poincaré disk to the product of the Poincaré disk with a complex unit ball. As an application, we provide an example of proper holomorphic map from the unit disk to the complex unit ball that is irrational, algebraic and holomorphic on a neighborhood of the closed unit disk. We also include some new results on holomorphic isometries.
Nonlinear geometric optics method-based multi-scale numerical schemes for a class of highly oscillatory transport equations
Authors: Crouseilles Nicolas , Jin Shi , Lemou Mohammed
Published: July 2017

We introduce a new numerical strategy to solve a class of oscillatory transport partial differential equation (PDE) models which is able to capture accurately the solutions without numerically resolving the high frequency oscillations in both space and time. Such PDE models arise in semiclassical modeling of quantum dynamics with band-crossings, and other highly oscillatory waves. Our first main idea is to use the geometric optics ansatz, which builds the oscillatory phase into an independent variable. We then choose suitable initial data, based on the Chapman–Enskog expansion, for the new model. For a scalar model, we prove that so constructed models will have certain smoothness, and consequently, for a first-order approximation scheme we prove uniform error estimates independent of the (possibly small) wavelength. The method is extended to systems arising from a semiclassical model for surface hopping, a non-adiabatic quantum dynamic phenomenon. Numerous numerical examples demonstrate that the method has the desired properties.
Crank–Nicolson Galerkin approximations to nonlinear Schrödinger equations with rough potentials
Authors: Henning Patrick , Peterseim Daniel
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes the numerical solution of a class of nonlinear Schrödinger equations by Galerkin finite elements in space and a mass and energy conserving variant of the Crank–Nicolson method due to Sanz-Serna in time. The novel aspects of the analysis are the incorporation of rough, discontinuous potentials in the context of weak and strong disorder, the consideration of some general class of nonlinearities, and the proof of convergence with rates in [Formula: see text] under moderate regularity assumptions that are compatible with discontinuous potentials. For sufficiently smooth potentials, the rates are optimal without any coupling condition between the time step size and the spatial mesh width.
On noninner automorphisms of finite p-groups that fix the Frattini subgroup elementwise
Authors: Ghoraishi S. Mohsen
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite [Formula: see text]-group and let [Formula: see text]. In this paper we show that if [Formula: see text] lies in the second center [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] admits a noninner automorphism of order [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] is an odd prime, and order [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the automorphism can be chosen so that it induces the identity on the Frattini subgroup [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], this reduces the verification of the well-known conjecture that states every finite nonabelian [Formula: see text]-group [Formula: see text] admits a noninner automorphism of order [Formula: see text] to the case in which [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]. In addition, it follows that if [Formula: see text] is a finite nonabelian [Formula: see text]-group, [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] is a cohomologically trivial [Formula: see text]-module, then [Formula: see text] satisfies the above mentioned condition, and as a consequence we show that the order of [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text].
THE INFLUENCE OF PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE ON THE PASSIVE BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES
Authors: SILVA M. E. T. , BRANDÃO S. , PARENTE M. P. L. , MASCARENHAS T. , NATAL JORGE R. M.
Published: July 2017

The biomechanical properties of the female pelvic floor tissues, such as muscles, fascia or ligaments are relevant when explaining pelvic disorders, since these may result from changes in the properties of those tissues. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on the passive biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor muscles. For this purpose, magnetic resonance images at Valsalva maneuver were used, and an inverse finite element analysis technique was applied. The numerical models of the pubovisceralis muscle and pelvic bones were built from axial magnetic resonance images acquired at rest. The numerical simulation was based on the finite element method (FEM), by which the material constants were determined for three different constitutive models (Neo-Hookean, Mooney–Rivlin and Yeoh). The ratio between the values of the material constants for women with and without prolapse was approximately 43% for the parameter [Formula: see text] in the Neo-Hookean constitutive model, 57% and 24% for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the Mooney–Rivlin constitutive model, and 35%, 21% and 14% for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the Yeoh constitutive model. For the three constitutive models, the mean values of the material properties related with stiffness were higher for the muscles of women with POP. These increases in stiffness are in line with other experimental works involving vaginal tissue, which showing that the elasticity module is significantly higher in the prolapsed tissue when compared with normal tissue.

The present work presents a noninvasive methodology based on the application of the FEM, which allows the establishment of a relationship between the stiffness of the pelvic floor muscles of women with POP and without this pathology.
Integral and series representations of q-polynomials and functions: Part I
Authors: Ismail Mourad E. H. , Zhang Ruiming
Published: July 2017

By applying an integral representation for [Formula: see text], we systematically derive a large number of new Fourier and Mellin transform pairs and establish new integral representations for a variety of [Formula: see text]-functions and polynomials that naturally arise from combinatorics, analysis, and orthogonal polynomials corresponding to indeterminate moment problems. These functions include [Formula: see text]-Bessel functions, the Ramanujan function, Stieltjes–Wigert polynomials, [Formula: see text]-Hermite and [Formula: see text]-Hermite polynomials, and the [Formula: see text]-exponential functions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Their representations are in turn used to derive many new identities involving [Formula: see text]-functions and polynomials. In this paper, we also present contour integral representations for the above mentioned functions and polynomials.
Formation of a pre-reaction hydrogen-bonded complex and its significance in the potential energy surface of the OH + SO2→ HOSO2 reaction: A computational study
Authors: Miriyala Vijay M. , Bhasi Priya , Nhlabatsi Zanele P. , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: July 2017

Using computational calculations, we have revisited the potential energy surface (PES) of the reaction between OH and SO2, which is believed as the rate-limiting step in the atmospheric formation of H2SO4. In this work, we report for the first time the presence of a pre-reaction hydrogen-bonded complex between OH and SO2 in the reaction PES. Based on this finding, it has been shown that the reaction can be considered as a two-step process in which the first step is the formation of the pre-reaction complex and the second step is the transformation of this complex to the product. It was observed that due to the presence of this pre-reaction complex as a potential well in the reaction PES, the barrier height got increased by around two-fold for the second step. Based on this observation, it has been proposed that the kinetics of the reaction is going to be affected. Also based on the analysis of the geometries of this pre-reaction complex and the transition state, it has been argued that the step involving the transformation of this pre-reaction complex to the product via the transition state is going to be the slowest step as this transformation involves large structural changes of the stationary points involved.
A bio-inspired two-scale complementarity evaluation method for image fusion
Authors: Hu Yanxiang , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2017

A bio-inspired two-scale image complementarity evaluation method is proposed. This novel multi-scale method provides a promising alternative for the performance assessment of image fusion algorithms. Moreover, it can also be used to compare and analyze the multi-scale difference of raw images. Two metrics are presented and used to assess the complementarity of fusion images in non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domains: visual saliency differences (VSDs) at the coarse scales and detail similarities (DSs) at the fine scales. Visual attention mechanism (VAM)-based saliency maps are combined with NSCT low-pass subbands to compute the VSDs, and linear correlation and contrast consistency-based DSs are compared in NSCT band-pass subbands. Five main multi-scale transform (MST)-based fusion algorithms were compared by using 30 groups of raw images that consist of four types of fusion images. Effects of NSCT filters and decomposition levels on evaluation results are discussed in detail. Furthermore, a group of color multi-exposure fusion images were also taken as examples to evaluate the complementarity of raw images. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, especially for MST-based image fusion algorithms.
Three-Dimensional Weakly Nonlinear Shallow Water Waves Regime and its Traveling Wave Solutions
Authors: Seadawy Aly R.
Published: July 2017

The problem formulations of models for three-dimensional weakly nonlinear shallow water waves regime in a stratified shear flow with a free surface are studied. Traveling wave solutions are generated by deriving the nonlinear higher order of nonlinear evaluation equations for the free surface displacement. We obtain the velocity potential and pressure fluid in the form of traveling wave solutions of the obtained nonlinear evaluation equation. The obtained solutions and the movement role of the waves of the exact solutions are new travelling wave solutions in different and explicit form such as solutions (bright and dark), solitary wave, periodic solitary wave elliptic function solutions of higher-order nonlinear evaluation equation.
A Facile One-Pot Method for Co3O4/Graphene Composite as Efficient Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Ma Rongxin , Liu Lizhu , Xu Zhanchun , Li Fenghui
Published: July 2017

As one of the electrode materials for supercapacitor, Co3O4/graphene composite was mainly synthesized via two-steps method. Here, a facile one-pot method was used for Co3O4/graphene composite, and the performances of one-pot-synthesized Co3O4/graphene composite were carefully investigated. Liquid-phase exfoliation was used for graphene and the [Formula: see text]-band/[Formula: see text]-band ratio of liquid-phase exfoliated graphene was only 0.094, which indicated that the graphene had low defect density and enhanced electrical conductivity. Morphologies investigation of Co3O4/graphene composites indicated that Co3O4 nanoparticles with mean diameter of 14[Formula: see text]nm were uniformly anchored on graphene sheets. The facile one-pot method associated with liquid-phase exfoliated graphene induced Co3O4/graphene composite with enhanced specific capacitance of 392 F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 1 A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The Co3O4/graphene composite also expressed relatively small internal resistance and diffusion resistance (0.36[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and 0.45[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], respectively). Moreover, the synthesized Co3O4/graphene composite yielded excellent rate performances with only 9.5% capacitance loss when current density was increased by a factor of 10.
Dynamics of a dengue epidemic model with class-age structure
Authors: Feng Wen-Jing , Cai Li-Ming , Liu Kaihui
Published: July 2017

We introduce the class-age-dependent rates of the infected and vaccinated class in the compartmental model of dengue transmission. An age-structured host-vector interaction model incorporating vaccination effects is formulated and analyzed for the spread of dengue. Moreover, the basic reproduction number is derived, which serves as a threshold value determining the stability of the equilibrium points. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functional, the global asymptotic stability of the equilibria of the model is established in terms of the basic reproduction number. In particular, the disease-free equilibrium of the model is globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is less than one, while the disease persists and the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is greater than one. The analysis of our model indicates that our model is realistic to give a hint to control the transmission of dengue. Furthermore, it follows from the formulation of the infection-free equilibrium of susceptible humans [Formula: see text] and the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] that both of them are decreasing with respect to the vaccination parameter [Formula: see text], which indicates that appropriate vaccinating program may contribute to prevent the transmission of Dengue disease.
In situ atomic force microscope observing the effect of vinylene carbonate on the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase layer during the initial cycle
Authors: Lin Lingpiao , Yang Kai , Chen Haibiao , Pan Feng
Published: July 2017

We used in situ atomic force microscope to observe the evolution of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the graphite surface during the initial lithium intercalation process. We found that 1% vinylene carbonate (VC) in the electrolyte can promote the formation of an initial SEI at a higher potential by VC reduction. VC also restrained the reduction of ethylene carbonate (EC) and as a consequence, it can affect the morphology of the SEI formed.
Antibacterial Drug Releasing Materials by Post-Polymerization Surface Modification
Authors: Chng Shuyun , Moloney Mark G. , Wu Linda Y. L.
Published: July 2017

Functional materials are available by the post-polymerization surface modification of diverse polymers in a three-step process mediated, firstly, by carbene insertion chemistry, secondly, by diazonium coupling, and thirdly by modification with a remotely tethered spiropyran unit, and these materials may be used for the reversible binding and release of Penicillin V. Surface loading densities of up to 0.19[Formula: see text]mmol/g polymer are achievable, leading to materials with higher loading densities and release behavior relative to unmodified controls, and observable antibacterial biocidal activity.
Mineralogical characterization of coal samples relevant to coal bed methane porosity and permeability concerns
Authors: Cuff C. , Corkeron M. , Rasmussen C. E. , Bush A. , Camuti K.
Published: July 2017

Lower than anticipated gas production rates in coal bed methane (CBM) operations are sometimes related to formation damage in which reduced permeability results from the interaction of bore and fracturing fluids with coal. This study assesses the potential for mineral precipitation to cause formation damage from a Permian coal seam in the Bowen Basin, eastern Australia, using geochemical modelling of coal mineralogy, formation fluid and bore fluid composition. The mineralogical composition of coal was assessed using petrography, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluoresence and electron beam microanalysis. Geochemical modelling of ambient groundwater and drilling fluid interactions with coal samples was undertaken using Geochemist's WorkBench (GWB). This modelling indicates that likely mineral precipitates/re-precipitates to adversely impact porosity and permeability include a range of clay, carbonate and sulphate minerals. Additionally, these interactions may induce alteration of precursor smectites to new species that reduce permeability. The resultant smectites also have a high propensity for expansion and dispersion in the presence of inappropriate drilling fluids.

Precipitation, expansion and dispersion of these fine-grained minerals may potentially lead to large reductions in permeability, with profound impacts upon gas flow. Indications are that reduced permeability can be mitigated by suitable chemical matching of groundwaters with drilling fluids.
Humor, laughter, learning, and health! A brief review
Authors: Savage Brandon M. , Lujan Heidi L. , Thipparthi Raghavendar R. , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: July 2017

Human emotions, such as anxiety, depression, fear, joy, and laughter, profoundly affect psychological and physiological processes. These emotions form a set of basic, evolved functions that are shared by all humans. Laughter is part of a universal language of basic emotions that all humans recognize. Health care providers and educators may utilize the power of laughter to improve health and enhance teaching and learning. This is an important consideration because teaching is not just about content: it is also about forming relationships and strengthening human connections. In this context, when used effectively, humor is documented to build relationships and enhance performance. Specifically, humor improves student performance by attracting and sustaining attention, reducing anxiety, enhancing participation, and increasing motivation. Moreover, humor stimulates multiple physiological systems that decrease levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, and increase the activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system. To achieve these benefits, it is important to use humor that is relevant to the course content and not disparaging toward others. Self-effacing humor illustrates to students that the teacher is comfortable making mistakes and sharing these experiences with the classroom. In this brief review, we discuss the history and relationship between humor, laughing, learning, and health with an emphasis on the powerful, universal language of laughter.
Best practices for learning physiology: combining classroom and online methods
Authors: Anderson Lisa C. , Krichbaum Kathleen E.
Published: July 2017

Physiology is a requisite course for many professional allied health programs and is a foundational science for learning pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. Given the demand for online learning in the health sciences, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of online and in-class teaching methods, especially as they are combined to form hybrid courses. The purpose of this study was to compare two hybrid physiology sections in which one section was offered mostly in-class (85% in-class), and the other section was offered mostly online (85% online). The two sections in 2 yr ( year 1 and year 2) were compared in terms of knowledge of physiology measured in exam scores and pretest-posttest improvement, and in measures of student satisfaction with teaching. In year 1, there were some differences on individual exam scores between the two sections, but no significant differences in mean exam scores or in pretest-posttest improvements. However, in terms of student satisfaction, the mostly in-class students in year 1 rated the instructor significantly higher than did the mostly online students. Comparisons between in-class and online students in the year 2 cohort yielded data that showed that mean exam scores were not statistically different, but pre-post changes were significantly greater in the mostly online section; student satisfaction among mostly online students also improved significantly. Education researchers must investigate effective combinations of in-class and online methods for student learning outcomes, while maintaining the flexibility and convenience that online methods provide.
The effect of flipped teaching combined with modified team-based learning on student performance in physiology
Authors: Gopalan Chaya , Klann Megan C.
Published: July 2017

Flipped classroom is a hybrid educational format that shifts guided teaching out of class, thus allowing class time for student-centered learning. Although this innovative teaching format is gaining attention, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of flipped teaching on student performance. We compared student performance and student attitudes toward flipped teaching with that of traditional lectures using a partial flipped study design. Flipped teaching expected students to have completed preclass material, such as assigned reading, instructor-prepared lecture video(s), and PowerPoint slides. In-class activities included the review of difficult topics, a modified team-based learning (TBL) session, and an individual assessment. In the unflipped teaching format, students were given PowerPoint slides and reading assignment before their scheduled lectures. The class time consisted of podium-style lecture, which was captured in real time and was made available for students to use as needed. Comparison of student performance between flipped and unflipped teaching showed that flipped teaching improved student performance by 17.5%. This was true of students in both the upper and lower half of the class. A survey conducted during this study indicated that 65% of the students changed the way they normally studied, and 69% of the students believed that they were more prepared for class with flipped learning than in the unflipped class. These findings suggest that flipped teaching, combined with TBL, is more effective than the traditional lecture.
The bradykinin-cGMP-PKG pathway augments insulin sensitivity via upregulation of MAPK phosphatase-5 and inhibition of JNK
Authors: Frigolet María E. , Thomas Garry , Beard Kristin , Lu Huogen , Liu Lijiang , Fantus I. George
Published: July 2017

Bradykinin (BK) promotes insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in adipocytes and other cell types. We demonstrated that in rat adipocytes BK enhances insulin-stimulated glucose transport via endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide (NO) generation, and decreased activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase). In endothelial cells, NO increases soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activity, which, in turn, activates protein kinase G (PKG) by increasing cGMP levels. In this study, we investigated whether BK acts via the sGC-cGMP-PKG pathway to inhibit the negative effects of JNK on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in rat adipocytes. BK augmented cGMP concentrations. The BK-induced enhancement of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was mimicked by the sGC activator YC-1 and a cell-permeable cGMP analog, CPT-cGMP, and inhibited by the sGC inhibitor ODQ and the PKG inhibitor KT 5823. Transfection of dominant-negative PKG reduced the BK augmentation of insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation. The activation of JNK and ERK1/2 by insulin was attenuated by BK, which was mediated by the sGC-cGMP-PKG pathway. Whereas insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of upstream activators of JNK and ERK, i.e., MKK4 and MEK1/2, was unaffected, BK augmented insulin-mediated induction of MKP-5 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, zaprinast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, enhanced cGMP and MKP-5 and prolonged the action of BK. These data indicate that BK enhances insulin action by inhibition of negative feedback by JNK and ERK via upregulation of MKP-5, mediated by the sGC-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway.
Chronic hypoxia alters maternal uterine and fetal hemodynamics in the full-term pregnant guinea pig
Authors: Turan Sifa , Aberdeen Graham W. , Thompson Loren P.
Published: July 2017

Placental hypoxia is associated with maternal hypertension, placental insufficiency, and fetal growth restriction. In the pregnant guinea pig, prenatal hypoxia during early gestation inhibits cytotrophoblast invasion of spiral arteries, increases maternal blood pressure, and induces fetal growth restriction. In this study the impact of chronic maternal hypoxia on fetal heart structure was evaluated using four-dimensional echocardiography with spatiotemporal image correlation and tomographic ultrasound, and uterine and umbilical artery resistance/pulsatility indexes and fetal heart function were evaluated using pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to normoxia ( n = 7) or hypoxia (10.5% O2, n = 9) at 28–30 days gestation, which was maintained until full term (65 days). At full term, fetal heart structure and outflow tracts were evaluated in the four-chamber view. Fetal heart diastolic function was assessed by E wave-to-A wave diastolic filling ratios (E/A ratios) of both ventricles and systolic function by the myocardial performance index (or Tie) of left ventricles of normoxic ( n = 21) and hypoxic ( n = 17) fetuses. There were no structural abnormalities in fetal hearts. However, hypoxia induced asymmetric fetal growth restriction and increased the placental/fetal weight compared with normoxic controls. Hypoxia increased Doppler resistance and pulsatility indexes in the uterine, but not umbilical, arteries, had no effect on the Tie index, and increased the E/A ratio in left, but not right, ventricles. Thus, prolonged hypoxia, starting at midgestation, increases uterine artery resistance and generates fetal growth restriction at full term. Furthermore, the enhanced cardiac diastolic filling with no changes in systolic function or umbilical artery resistance suggests that the fetal guinea pig systemic circulation undergoes a compensated, adaptive response to prolonged hypoxia exposure.
HIF-1-mediated production of exosomes during hypoxia is protective in renal tubular cells
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhou Xiangjun , Yao Qisheng , Liu Yutao , Zhang Hao , Dong Zheng
Published: July 2017

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles produced and secreted by cells to mediate intercellular communication. The production and function of exosomes in kidney tissues and cells remain largely unclear. Hypoxia is a common pathophysiological condition in kidneys. This study was designed to characterize exosome production during hypoxia of rat renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs), investigate the regulation by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and determine the effect of the exosomes on ATP-depletion-induced tubular cell injury. Hypoxia did not change the average sizes of exosomes secreted by RPTCs, but it significantly increased exosome production in a time-dependent manner. HIF-1 induction with dimethyloxalylglycine also promoted exosome secretion, whereas pharmacological and genetic suppression of HIF-1 abrogated the increase of exosome secretion under hypoxia. The exosomes from hypoxic RPTCs had inhibitory effects on apoptosis of RPTCs following ATP depletion. The protective effects were lost in the exosomes from HIF-1α knockdown cells. It is concluded that hypoxia stimulates exosome production and secretion in renal tubular cells. The exosomes from hypoxic cells are protective against renal tubular cell injury. HIF-1 mediates exosome production during hypoxia and contributes to the cytoprotective effect of the exosomes.
Increased susceptibility to structural acute kidney injury in a mouse model of presymptomatic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pleasant LaTawnya , Ma Qing , Devarajan Mahima , Parameswaran Priyanka , Drake Keri , Siroky Brian , Shay-Winkler Kritton , Robbins Jeffrey , Devarajan Prasad
Published: July 2017

The early events that signal renal dysfunction in presymptomatic heart failure are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that functional and mechanistic changes occur in the kidney that precede the development of symptomatic heart failure. We employed a transgenic mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of mutant α-B-crystallin that develops slowly progressive cardiomyopathy. Presymptomatic transgenic mice displayed an increase in serum creatinine (1.17 ± 0.34 vs. wild type 0.65 ± 0.16 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and in urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; 278.92 ± 176.24 vs. wild type 49.11 ± 22.79 ng/ml, P < 0.05) but no renal fibrosis. Presymptomatic transgenic mouse kidneys exhibited a twofold upregulation of the Ren1 gene, marked overexpression of renin protein in the tubules, and a worsened response to ischemia-reperfusion injury based on serum creatinine (2.77 ± 0.66 in transgenic mice vs. 2.01 ± 0.58 mg/dl in wild type, P < 0.05), urine NGAL (9,198.79 ± 3,799.52 in transgenic mice vs. 3,252.94 ± 2,420.36 ng/ml in wild type, P < 0.05), tubule dilation score (3.4 ± 0.5 in transgenic mice vs. 2.6 ± 0.5 in wild type, P < 0.05), tubule cast score (3.2 ± 0.4 in transgenic mice vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 in wild type, P < 0.05), and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei (10.1 ± 2.1 in the transgenic group vs. 5.7 ± 1.6 per 100 cells counted in wild type, P < 0.01). Our findings indicate functional renal impairment, urinary biomarker elevations, and induction of renin gene and protein expression in the kidney that occur in early presymptomatic heart failure, which increase the susceptibility to subsequent acute kidney injury.
Neuronal networks in the developing brain are adversely modulated by early psychosocial neglect
Authors: Stamoulis Catherine , Vanderwert Ross E. , Zeanah Charles H. , Fox Nathan A. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: July 2017

The brain’s neural circuitry plays a ubiquitous role across domains in cognitive processing and undergoes extensive reorganization during the course of development in part as a result of experience. In this study we investigated the effects of profound early psychosocial neglect associated with institutional rearing on the development of task-independent brain networks, estimated from longitudinally acquired electroencephalographic (EEG) data from <30 to 96 mo, in three cohorts of children from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), including abandoned children reared in institutions who were randomly assigned either to a foster care intervention or to remain in care as usual and never-institutionalized children. Two aberrantly connected brain networks were identified in children that had been reared in institutions: 1) a hyperconnected parieto-occipital network, which included cortical hubs and connections that may partially overlap with default-mode network, and 2) a hypoconnected network between left temporal and distributed bilateral regions, both of which were aberrantly connected across neural oscillations. This study provides the first evidence of the adverse effects of early psychosocial neglect on the wiring of the developing brain. Given these networks' potentially significant role in various cognitive processes, including memory, learning, social communication, and language, these findings suggest that institutionalization in early life may profoundly impact the neural correlates underlying multiple cognitive domains, in ways that may not be fully reversible in the short term.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper provides first evidence that early psychosocial neglect associated with institutional rearing profoundly affects the development of the brain’s neural circuitry. Using longitudinally acquired electrophysiological data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), the paper identifies multiple task-independent networks that are abnormally connected (hyper- or hypoconnected) in children reared in institutions compared with never-institutionalized children. These networks involve spatially distributed brain areas and their abnormal connections may adversely impact neural information processing across cognitive domains.
Vibration over the larynx increases swallowing and cortical activation for swallowing
Authors: Mulheren Rachel W. , Ludlow Christy L.
Published: July 2017

Sensory input can alter swallowing control in both the cortex and brainstem. Electrical stimulation of superior laryngeal nerve afferents increases reflexive swallowing in animals, with different frequencies optimally effective across species. Here we determined 1) if neck vibration overlying the larynx affected the fundamental frequency of the voice demonstrating penetration of vibration into the laryngeal tissues, and 2) if vibration, in comparison with sham, increased spontaneous swallowing and enhanced cortical hemodynamic responses to swallows in the swallowing network. A device with two motors, one over each thyroid lamina, delivered intermittent 10-s epochs of vibration. We recorded swallows and event-related changes in blood oxygenation level to swallows over the motor and sensory swallowing cortexes bilaterally using functional near infrared spectroscopy. Ten healthy participants completed eight 20-min conditions in counterbalanced order with either epochs of continuous vibration at 30, 70, 110, 150, and 70 + 110 Hz combined, 4-Hz pulsed vibration at 70 + 110 Hz, or two sham conditions without stimulation. Stimulation epochs were separated by interstimulus intervals varying between 30 and 45 s in duration. Vibration significantly reduced the fundamental frequency of the voice compared with no stimulation demonstrating that vibration penetrated laryngeal tissues. Vibration at 70 and at 150 Hz increased spontaneous swallowing compared with sham. Hemodynamic responses to swallows in the motor cortex were enhanced during conditions containing stimulation compared with sham. As vibratory stimulation on the neck increased spontaneous swallowing and enhanced cortical activation for swallows in healthy participants, it may be useful for enhancing swallowing in patients with dysphagia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vibratory stimulation at 70 and 150 Hz on the neck overlying the larynx increased the frequency of spontaneous swallowing. Simultaneously vibration also enhanced hemodynamic responses in the motor cortex to swallows when recorded with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). As vibrotactile stimulation on the neck enhanced cortical activation for swallowing in healthy participants, it may be useful for enhancing swallowing in patients with dysphagia.
A Rare Case of Primary Bilateral Adrenal Lymphoma
Authors: Meyyur Aravamudan Veeraraghavan , Kee Fong Phang , Sam Yang Shiyao , Singh Pavel , Ng Siok-Bian , Kumar Gollamudi Satya Pavan
Published: July 2017

Lymphoma may involve the adrenal glands, but primary lymphoma is rare. Only a few cases have been reported in medical literature. Primary adrenal lymphoma is extremely rare, accounting for <1% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We here present a case of a middle-aged female who presented with persistent fever for three weeks. She also reported significant weight loss of more than 10 kgs over the duration of three months. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen and pelvis demonstrated bilateral adrenal masses. She underwent short Synacthen test which showed evidence of adrenal insufficiency. She underwent CT-guided adrenal gland biopsy. Histology of adrenal gland biopsy showed features consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. She was started on R-CHOP chemotherapy and had a good clinical response and remained in complete remission for five months after chemotherapy.
Dissemination and Molecular Characterization ofStaphylococcus aureusat a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Xiamen City, China
Authors: Yu Yiwen , Yao Yihui , Weng Qinyun , Li Jingyi , Huang Jianwei , Liao Yiqun , Zhu Fu , Zhao Qifeng , Shen Xu , Niu Jianjun
Published: July 2017

Staphylococcus aureusis a global epidemic pathogen that causes heavy disease burden. The aim of this study was to determine which globally knownS. aureuslineages are currently present in a hospital of Xiamen. Therefore, the 426S. aureusstrains were detected by Melting Curve Analysis (MCA) and genotyped by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) as well as Multicolor Melting Curve Analysis-Based Multilocus Melt Typing (MLMT). In addition, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) was used to identify 108 representative strains. In light of eighteen antibiotics except for Vancomycin (by Broth Dilution Method), we used the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method to assess antibiotic susceptibility of 426S. aureusstrains. Finally, PFGE analysis revealed 14 different patterns with three major patterns (C10, C8, and C11) that accounted for 69.42% of allS. aureusstrains, and MT-1~MT-5 occupied most part of the strains by MLMT. MLST revealed 25 different STs with the predominant types being ST239, ST59, and ST188. There have been 8 antibiotics that showed more than 50% resistance of allS. aureusstrains. In summary, we found several of the lineages are predominant in our hospital. And antibiotic resistance is still a severe problem that needs to be controlled in clinic.
Trophic Activity and Phenotype of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Background of Their Regenerative Potential
Authors: Kocan Beata , Maziarz Aleksandra , Tabarkiewicz Jacek , Ochiya Takahiro , Banaś-Ząbczyk Agnieszka
Published: July 2017

There has been an increased interest in mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue, due to their abundance and accessibility with no ethical concerns. Their multipotent properties make them appropriate for regenerative clinical applications. It has been shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may differ between the origin sites. Moreover, a variety of internal and external factors may affect their biological characteristics, as what we aimed to highlight in this review. It has been demonstrated that ASCs secrete multiple trophic factors that are capable of stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation and migration of various cell types. Particular attention should be given to exosomes, since it is known that they contribute to the paracrine effects of MSCs. Secretion of trophic agents by ASCs is thought to be in a greater importance for regenerative medicine applications, rather than cells engraftment to the site of injury and their differentiation ability. The surface marker profile of ASCs seems to be similar to that of the mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, although some molecular differences are observed. Thus, in this review, we have attempted to define trophic activity, as well as phenotypic characterization of ASCs, as crucial factors for therapeutic usage.
In Situ Wire Drawing of Phosphate Glass in Polymer Matrices for Material Extrusion 3D Printing
Authors: Siqueiros J. Gilberto , Roberson David A.
Published: July 2017

A strategy to increase the amount of materials available for additive manufacturing platforms such as material extrusion 3D printing (ME3DP) is the creation of printable thermoplastic composites. Potential limiters to the incorporation of filler materials into a thermoplastic resin include agglomeration of the filler materials, which can compromise the mechanical properties of the material system and a static morphology of the filler material. A potential solution to these issues is the use of filler materials with low glass transition temperatures allowing for a change in morphology during the extrusion process. Here, we successfully demonstrate the drawing of phosphate glass particles into a wire-like morphology within two polymeric systems: (1) a rubberized acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend and (2) polylactic acid (PLA). After applying a normalization process to account for the effect of air gap within the 3D printed test specimens, an enhancement in the mechanical properties was demonstrated where an increase in strength was as high as 21% over baseline specimens. Scanning electron microanalysis was used to characterize the fracture surface and wire drawing efficacy. Factors affecting the ability to achieve wire drawing such as polymer viscosity and print temperature are also highlighted.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Muscle-Derived Stem Cells via Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Han Donghe , Chen Shurui , Fang Shiqiang , Liu Shiqiong , Jin Meihua , Guo Zhanpeng , Yuan Yajiang , Wang Yansong , Liu Chang , Mei Xifan
Published: July 2017

Muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) possess multipotent differentiation and self-renewal capacities; however, the effects and mechanism in neuron injury remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MDSCs on neuron secondary injury, oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. An in vivo study showed the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score and number of neurons significantly increased after MDSCs’ transplantation in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. An in vitro study demonstrated that MDSCs attenuated neuron apoptosis, and the expression of antioxidants was upregulated as well as the ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax in the MNT (MDSCs cocultured with injured neurons) group compared with the NT (injured neurons) group. Both LC3II/LC3I andβ-catenin were enhanced in the MNT group, while XAV939 (aβ-catenin inhibitor) decreased the expression of nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and LC3II/LC3I. Moreover, MDSCs became NSE- (neuron-specific enolase-) positive neuron-like cells with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment. The correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant relation between the level of BDNF and neuron injury. These findings suggest that MDSCs may protect the spinal cord from injury by inhibiting apoptosis and replacing injured neurons, and the increased BDNF andβ-catenin could contribute to MDSCs’ effects.
Relationship between Choroidal Thickness and Visual Field Impairment in Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy
Authors: Hashimoto Yuki , Saito Wataru , Saito Michiyuki , Hasegawa Yuka , Takita Akari , Mori Shohei , Noda Kousuke , Ishida Susumu
Published: July 2017

Purpose. To evaluate sequential changes in choroidal thickness at the affected area in patients with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). Methods. This retrospective observational case series included 14 affected eyes and 6 unaffected fellow eyes from 10 AZOOR patients with impaired macular area. Using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, choroidal thicknesses at the subfovea and at nasal and temporal sites 1000 μm away from the fovea were manually measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months thereafter. Changes in the choroidal thicknesses and the average threshold at the affected area on Humphrey perimetry were compared during the 6-month follow-up. Results. In AZOOR eyes, the average threshold at the affected area significantly increased over time, while outer retinal structure ameliorated. The mean choroidal thicknesses at all the sites measured significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline values in AZOOR eyes, but not in fellow eyes. There was an inverse correlation between the changing rates of the average threshold and the subfoveal choroidal thickness at 6 months from baseline. Conclusion. The current data suggest that choroidal thickness at AZOOR-affected area significantly decreased with regression of AZOOR and this anatomical change correlated with the functional recovery.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Multivariate Calibration to Predict the Yield of Sesame Oil Produced by Traditional Aqueous Extraction Process
Authors: Xu Yong-Dong , Zhou Yan-Ping , Chen Jing
Published: July 2017

Sesame oil produced by the traditional aqueous extraction process (TAEP) has been recognized by its pleasant flavor and high nutrition value. This paper developed a rapid and nondestructive method to predict the sesame oil yield by TAEP using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A collection of 145 sesame seed samples was measured by NIR spectroscopy and the relationship between the TAEP oil yield and the spectra was modeled by least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). Smoothing, taking second derivatives (D2), and standard normal variate (SNV) transformation were performed to remove the unwanted variations in the raw spectra. The results indicated that D2-LS-SVM (4000–9000 cm−1) obtained the most accurate calibration model with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.15 (%, w/w). Moreover, the RMSEP was not significantly influenced by different initial values of LS-SVM parameters. The calibration model could be helpful to search for sesame seeds with higher TAEP oil yields.
An Unusual Cause of Intestinal Obstruction in a Young Adult Patient: Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp
Authors: Rais Meryem , Chahdi Hafsa , Elfahssi Mohammed , Albouzidi Abderrahmane , Oukabli Mohamed
Published: July 2017

Inflammatory fibroid polyps are uncommon benign lesions that originate in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach and the ileum are the most commonly affected sites. Although inflammatory fibroid polyp is one of the rare conditions leading to intestinal obstruction in adults, it should be considered as a possible diagnosis in obstructive tumors of the small bowel causing intussusceptions. We present one case of inflammatory fibroid polyp as a rare cause of intussusception in a young adult patient.