bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of cytosolic free calcium in mammalian cells with aequorin
Authors: Snowdowne K. W. , Borle A. B.
Published: December 2017

Measurement of cytosolic free calcium (Cai) in small mammalian cells has been achieved by incorporating into cells the photoprotein aequorin by hypoosmotic shock treatment (HOST). The method and the instrumentation necessary for monitoring Cai are described in detail. We present evidence that the aequorin-Ca light signal originates in the cytosol and that the cells subjected to the HOST procedure have a normal viability and functional integrity with respect to growth, respiration, membrane transport calcium metabolism, and hormone responsiveness. From 36 measurements made at 25 degrees C, the cytosolic free calcium of cultured kidney cells is estimated to be 60 nM assuming an intracellular free magnesium of 1 mM. Anoxia and metabolic inhibitors (10 mM cyanide) dramatically increase the cytosolic free calcium, and both effects are fully reversible.
Uptake and metabolism of transferrin and albumin by rat yolk sac placenta
Authors: McArdle H. J. , Priscott P. K.
Published: December 2017

The uptake of radiolabeled albumin and transferrin by the rat yolk sac and their subsequent transport to the embryo were studied. Transferrin uptake increases with incubation time whether the results are expressed in terms of the total amount accumulated or per milligram embryo or yolk sac protein, whereas albumin levels increase only in absolute terms. The fate of transferrin and albumin was examined by partitioning 125I into low- and high-molecular-weight fractions. Nearly all the embryonic radioiodine originally derived from transferrin is in the low-molecular-weight fraction, compared with only 60% albumin. These results have been extended by examining the uptake and hydrolysis of transferrin and albumin by the isolated yolk sac. Transferrin is taken up more rapidly than albumin. The release of hydrolyzed transferrin to the incubation medium occurred 40 min after the initiation of incubation, compared with 20 min for albumin. Transferrin uptake by the yolk sac at different transferrin concentrations showed an initial rapid phase followed by a slower linear phase, whereas albumin uptake increased linearly with concentration. There was no competition between the two proteins for uptake. Transferrin was released from the yolk sacs at approximately twice the rate of albumin. Results demonstrate at least two uptake mechanisms in the rat visceral yolk sac, one for transferrin, which probably involves receptor-mediated endocytosis, and one for albumin, by which transferrin can also be transported, which probably involves pinocytotic mechanisms.
Myofibrillar end of the creatine phosphate energy shuttle
Authors: Savabi F. , Geiger P. J. , Bessman S. P.
Published: December 2017

Isometric contraction and relaxation of glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers containing native creatine kinase (CK) and ATPase activities were studied. Energy for contraction and relaxation was provided either by ADP + creatine phosphate (CP) or ATP alone, and the effectiveness of these additions on rate and maximum force of contraction and relaxation were compared. In the presence of 250 microM ADP, physiological concentration of CP (10 mM) produced faster and stronger contraction and faster and more complete relaxation than equimolar or even higher concentrations of ATP. When contraction was initiated by addition of ADP to fibers preincubated with 10 mM CP, the apparent Km for ADP was 1.18 +/- 0.24 mM. If the fibers were preincubated with ADP and contraction initiated by addition of 10 mM CP, the apparent Km for ADP was more than an order of magnitude smaller (76.0 +/- 4 microM). The observed Km for ADP for contraction was about half the Km for CP in solution (151.5 microM). The apparent Km for CP for rate of contraction was 2.67 +/- .046 mM independent of sequence of addition of ADP. Since these experiments were done in the presence of P1,P5-diadenosine 5'-pentaphosphate, a powerful inhibitor of adenylate kinase, the role of this enzyme in the process was not significant. These observations support the idea of compartmentation of myofibrillar CK in close function with myosin ATPase as part of the phosphoryl creatine energy shuttle.
Uptake of tyrosine and leucine in vivo by brain of diabetic and control rats
Authors: Brosnan J. T. , Forsey R. G. , Brosnan M. E.
Published: December 2017

The uptake of tyrosine and leucine by brain of control and diabetic rats was examined using the Oldendorf intracarotid injection technique. The brain uptake indexes (BUI) for tyrosine and leucine were identical in diabetic and control rats when the injectate consisted of labeled amino acids in Krebs saline. When the injectate consisted of radioactive amino acids added to plasma from either normal or diabetic rats, there was a decreased BUI for tyrosine from diabetic plasma compared with that from normal plasma. This was evident in both control and diabetic rats. Fractional uptake of leucine was unchanged in all situations. Because leucine level is elevated in plasma of diabetic rats there is an absolute increase in leucine uptake in diabetes. Branched-chain amino acids, added to normal plasma in the concentrations at which they occur in diabetic plasma, inhibited the uptake of tyrosine to the same extent as diabetic plasma did. We conclude that the decreased brain uptake and decreased brain level of tyrosine in diabetes is due to the high circulating levels of branched-chain amino acids and cannot be attributed to intrinsic changes in the blood-brain transporter for large neutral amino acids or to changes in other constituents of plasma.
Myosin light chain phosphorylation in fast and slow skeletal muscles in situ
Authors: Moore R. L. , Stull J. T.
Published: December 2017

The physiological properties of contraction-induced phosphate incorporation into the phosphorylatable light chain (P-light chain) of myosin were examined in fast-twitch white, fast-twitch red, and slow-twitch skeletal muscles in situ. Neural stimulation of rat gastrocnemius muscles between 0.5 and 100 Hz produced an increase in the phosphate content of the P-light chain from the white portion of the muscle, and the rate of P-light chain phosphorylation was frequency dependent. The extent of phosphorylation of P-light chain from the fast-twitch red portion of the gastrocnemius muscle was less. In contrast to fast-twitch skeletal muscle, only high-frequency stimulation (30-100 Hz) produced a small increase in the phosphate content of P-light chain from the slow-twitch soleus muscle. Fast white muscle contained 2.2 and 3.5 times more myosin light chain kinase activity than did the fast red and slow muscle, respectively. The rate of P-light chain dephosphorylation was four times faster in slow muscle than in fast white muscle. Thus the greater extent of phosphorylation of P-light chain in fast-twitch white skeletal muscle fibers may be due in part to the presence of more kinase and less phosphatase activities. Isometric twitch tension potentiation was correlated to the extent of phosphorylation of P-light chain from fast white muscle. The physiological consequences of P-light chain phosphorylation are likely to be of greatest importance in fast-twitch white muscle.
Quantitative relation of twitch and tonic tensions to intracellular Na+ activity in cardiac Purkinje fibers
Authors: Im W. B. , Lee C. O.
Published: December 2017

Quantitative relation of twitch and tonic tensions to intracellular Na ion was studied by describing model equations and measuring simultaneously the electrical, mechanical, and intracellular Na ion activities in electrically driven cardiac Purkinje fibers exposed to strophanthidin, tetrodotoxin (TTX), and varied [K+]0. In each experiment a plot of tension (T) vs. intracellular Na ion activity (aiNa) on logarithmic coordinates showed a good fit of the data to a single line described by the equation of T = beta (aiNa) gamma, in which beta and gamma represent the intercept and slope of the log T-log aiNa relation. Implication and average values of beta were presented. The average value of gamma obtained was 6.1 +/- 0.9 (SD, n = 8) in the experiments with strophanthidin (5 X 10(-7) - 10(-6) M) that somewhat depolarized transmembrane potential (Vm). The gamma value was 6.6 +/- 1.4 (n = 6) in the experiments with TTX (10(-6) - 5 X 10(-6) M) that shortened action potential duration. The gamma of 4.3 +/- 0.7 (n = 5) and 4.0 +/- 0.5 (n = 6) were obtained with the low [K+]0 of 1.0 and 2.0 mM, respectively, that hyperpolarized diastolic membrane potential by 12.7 +/- 6.3 mV (n = 5) and 13.7 +/- 2.4 mV (n = 6). The gamma value was 7.0 +/- 1.7 (n = 10) in the experiments with 8.1 mM [K+]0 that depolarized diastolic potential by 10.8 +/- 1.4 mV (n = 10). K+-free solution resulted in the gamma values of 6.0 +/- 0.9 (n = 6) for the twitch-aiNa relation and 5.3 +/- 1.4 (n = 9) for the tonic tension-aiNa relation. Except the experiments with the low [K+]0 the gamma values obtained are reasonably close to the value of 6.0 that is given on the basis of the 3Na-1Ca exchange and Ca2+-tension relation. In the experiments with the low [K+]0, the gamma values lower than 6.0 may be explained by the large hyperpolarization of diastolic membrane potential that could reduce intracellular calcium by means of the Na-Ca exchange. In conclusion, aiNa is a powerful determinant of twitch and tonic tensions which, in most instances, are linear functions of (aiNa)approximately 6.
Effects of Human-Centered Factors on Crash Injury Severities
Authors: Adanu Emmanuel Kofi , Jones Steven
Published: December 2017

Factors related to drivers and their driving habits dominate the causation of traffic crashes. An in-depth understanding of the human factors that influence risky driving could be of particular importance to facilitate the application of effective countermeasures. This paper sought to investigate effects of human-centered crash contributing factors on crash outcomes. To select the methodology that best accounts for unobserved heterogeneity between crash outcomes, latent class (LC) logit model and random parameters logit (RPL) model were developed. Model estimation results generally show that serious injury crashes were more likely to involve unemployed drivers, no seatbelt use, old drivers, fatigued driving, and drivers with no valid license. Comparison of model fit statistics shows that the LC logit model outperformed the RPL model, as an alternative to the traditional multinomial logit (MNL) model.
Influence of Wheel Eccentricity on Vertical Vibration of Suspended Monorail Vehicle: Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Lv Kaikai , Wang Kaiyun , Chen Zhihui , Cai Chengbiao , Guo Lirong
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the influence of wheel eccentricity on vertical vibration of suspended monorail vehicle based on experiment and simulation. Two sets of tests are conducted in the first Chinese suspended monorail, and the tested acceleration is analyzed and exhibited. A multibody dynamic model of the suspended monorail vehicle is established to simulate the vertical vibration of car body excited by wheel eccentricity. The results show that there are three factors which may cause an abnormal vibration considering the track and the vehicle system. The influence of wheel eccentricity on the car body vibration was firstly analyzed. Simulated acceleration of car body has a great accordance with test. The wheel eccentricity could excite the resonance of car body at the speed of 21 km/h, and the vertical acceleration would increase considerably. Decreasing the secondary stiffness can effectively reduce the vertical vibration caused by wheel eccentricity, especially at the resonant speed. In the secondary test, the peak of car body acceleration at speed of 20 km/h is not appearing when only renewing the wheels, and the acceleration is decreasing obviously at the domain frequency. It is further determined that the abnormal vibration is mainly caused by the wheel eccentricity.
Relationship between Risk Behavior for Eating Disorders and Dental Caries and Dental Erosion
Authors: Brandt Lorenna Mendes Temóteo , Fernandes Liege Helena Freitas , Aragão Amanda Silva , Aguiar Yêska Paola Costa , Auad Sheyla Márcia , Castro Ricardo Dias de , Cavalcanti Sérgio D’Ávila Lins Bezerra , Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between risk behavior for eating disorders (EDs) and dental erosion and caries. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil, involving 850 randomly selected female adolescents. After evaluating risk behavior for eating disorders through the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh, 12 adolescents were identified with severe risk behavior for EDs and matched to 48 adolescents without such risk. Dental examinations, anthropometric measurements, and eating habits and oral hygiene were performed. Adolescents with high severity eating disorder condition were not more likely to show dental caries (p=0.329; OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 0.35–13.72) or dental erosion (p=0.590; OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 0.56–9.70). Adolescents with high body mass index (BMI) were five times more likely to have high severity eating disorder condition (p=0.031; OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.61–23.07). Therefore, high severity risk behavior for EDs was not significantly associated with dental caries and dental erosion. However, high BMI was a risk factor for developing eating disorders and should be an alert for individuals with this condition.
A Hybrid Short‐Term Forecasting Model of Passenger Flow on High‐Speed Rail considering the Impact of Train Service Frequency
Authors: Lai Qingying , Liu Jun , Luo Yongji , Ma Minshu
Published: December 2017

Short‐term forecasting of OD (origin to destination) passenger flow on high‐speed rail (HSR) is one of the critical tasks in rail traffic management. This paper proposes a hybrid model to explore the impact of the train service frequency (TSF) of the HSR on the passenger flow. The model is composed of two parts. One is the Holt‐Winters model, which takes advantage of time series characteristics of passenger flow. The other part considers the changes of TSF for the OD in different time during a day. The two models are integrated by the minimum absolute value method to generate the final hybrid model. The operational data of Beijing‐Shanghai high‐speed railway from 2012 to 2016 are used to verify the effectiveness of the model. In addition to the forecasting ability, with a definite formation, the proposed model can be further used to forecast the effects of the TSF.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Early Recovery of Bowel Function in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Yi-Hua , Dong Guang-Tong , Ye Yang , Zheng Jia-Bin , Zhang Ying , Lin Hong-Sheng , Wang Xue-Qian
Published: December 2017

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture therapy to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus (POI) and to enhance bowel function in cancer patients. Methods. A systematic search of electronic databases for studies published from inception until January 2017 was carried out from six databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of acupuncture and acupressure for POI and bowel function in cancer patients were identified. Outcomes were extracted from each study and pooled to determine the risk ratio and standardized mean difference. Results. 10 RCTs involving 776 cancer patients were included. Compared with control groups (no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and other active therapies), acupuncture was associated with shorter time to first flatus and time to first defecation. A subgroup analysis revealed that manual acupuncture was more effective on the time to first flatus and the time to first defecation; electroacupuncture was better in reducing the length of hospital stay. Compared with control groups (sham or no acupressure), acupressure was associated with shorter time to first flatus. However, GRADE approach indicated a low quality of evidence. Conclusions. Acupuncture and acupressure showed large effect size with significantly poor or inferior quality of included trials for enhancing bowel function in cancer patients after surgery. Further well‐powered evidence is needed.
Water Level Sensing in a Steel Vessel Using A0 and Quasi-Scholte Waves
Authors: Guo Peng , Deng Bo , Lan Xiang , Zhang Kaili , Li Hongyuan , Tian Zhenhua , Xu Hong
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a water level sensing method using guided waves of A0 and quasi-Scholte modes. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies are performed to investigate the properties of both the A0 and quasi-Scholte modes. The comparative study of dispersion curves reveals that the plate with one side in water supports a quasi-Scholte mode besides Lamb modes. In addition, group velocities of A0 and quasi-Scholte modes are different. It is also found that the low-frequency A0 mode propagating in a free plate can convert to the quasi-Scholte mode when the plate has one side in water. Based on the velocity difference and mode conversion, a water level sensing method is developed. For the proof of concept, a laboratory experiment using a pitch-catch configuration with two piezoelectric transducers is designed for sensing water level in a steel vessel. The experimental results show that the travelling time between the two transducers linearly increases with the increase of water level and agree well with the theoretical predictions.
Epidemiological Features of Clostridium difficile Colonizing the Intestine of Jordanian Infants
Authors: Abu-Khader Eman N. , Badran Eman F. , Shehabi Asem A.
Published: December 2017

Clostridium difficile is commonly found in the intestine of infants without causing any disease. This study investigated the most important epidemiological features of C. difficile strains colonizing intestine of Jordanian infants. A total of 287 fecal samples were collected from infants admitted to the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) over the period of 2015. Samples were cultured for C. difficile and their growth was identified using microbiological culture and PCR. The overall C. difficile colonization rate among hospitalized and nonhospitalized infants was 37/287 (12.9%). Neonates were less colonized than other infants (8.7% verses 19.5%). Colonization of the infants with C. difficile toxigenic strains (TcdA and TcdB) was observed in 54% of the isolates, whereas those colonized with nontoxigenic strains were 46% and only one isolate was positive for binary toxin. Breast feeding of infants is a significant factor associated with decreased colonization with C. difficile. All C. difficile strains were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole, while high resistance rate to ciprofloxacin (78.4%) and less resistance rate to erythromycin (29.7%) were detected among the isolates. The results showed that 40.5% of the isolates carried mutated gyrA and gyrB genes which have cross-resistance to ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin. This study represents useful epidemiological features about C. difficile colonizing intestine of infants living in a developing country.
Thermal-Mechanical Optimization of Folded Core Sandwich Panels for Thermal Protection Systems of Space Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Chen , Wang Zhijin , Weaver Paul M.
Published: December 2017

The integrated thermal protection system (ITPS) is a complicated system that addresses both mechanical and thermal considerations. An M-pattern folded core sandwich panel packed with low-density insulation material provides inherently low mass for a potential ITPS panel. Herein, we identify the most influential geometric parameters and establish a viable, computationally efficient optimization procedure. Variables considered for optimization are geometric dimensions of the ITPS, while temperature and deflection are taken as constraints. A one-dimensional (1D) thermal model based on a modified form of the rule of mixtures was established, while a three-dimensional (3D) model was adopted for linear static analyses. Parametric models were generated to facilitate a design of experiment (DOE) study, and approximate models using radial basis functions were obtained to carry out the optimization process. Sensitivity studies were first conducted to investigate the effect of geometric parameters on the ITPS responses. Then optimizations were performed for both thermal and thermal-mechanical constraints. The results show that the simplified 1D thermal model is able to predict temperature through the ITPS thickness satisfactorily. The combined optimization strategy evidently improves the computational efficiency of the design process showing it can be used for initial design of folded core ITPS.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor (IGF) Binding Protein‐2, Independently of IGF‐1, Induces GLUT‐4 Translocation and Glucose Uptake in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Assefa Biruhalem , Mahmoud Ayman M. , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Spranger Joachim , Arafat Ayman M.
Published: December 2017

Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐2 (IGFBP‐2) is the predominant IGF binding protein produced during adipogenesis and is known to increase the insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake (GU) in myotubes. We investigated the IGFBP‐2‐induced changes in basal and insulin‐stimulated GU in adipocytes and the underlying mechanisms. We further determined the role of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors in mediating the IGFBP‐2 and the impact of IGFBP‐2 on the IGF‐1‐induced GU. Fully differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with IGFBP‐2 in the presence and absence of insulin and IGF‐1. Insulin, IGF‐1, and IGFBP‐2 induced a dose‐dependent increase in GU. IGFBP‐2 increased the insulin‐induced GU after long‐term incubation. The IGFBP‐2‐induced impact on GU was neither affected by insulin or IGF‐1 receptor blockage nor by insulin receptor knockdown. IGFBP‐2 significantly increased the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, AMPK, TBC1D1, and PKCζ/λ and induced GLUT‐4 translocation. Moreover, inhibition of PI3K and AMPK significantly reduced IGFBP‐2‐stimulated GU. In conclusion, IGFBP‐2 stimulates GU in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes through activation of PI3K/Akt, AMPK/TBC1D1, and PI3K/PKCζ/λ/GLUT‐4 signaling. The stimulatory effect of IGFBP‐2 on GU is independent of its binding to IGF‐1 and is possibly not mediated through the insulin or IGF‐1 receptor. This study highlights the potential role of IGFBP‐2 in glucose metabolism.
Hypertension in Non-Type 2 Diabetes in Isfahan, Iran: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Janghorbani Mohsen , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Amini Masoud
Published: December 2017

Objective.To estimate the incidence of and risk factors for the development of hypertension (HTN) in people with T1D using routinely collected data.Method.The mean 16-year incidence of HTN was measured among 1,167 (557 men and 610 women) nonhypertensive patients with T1D from Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center outpatient clinics, Iran. HTN was defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic BP 90 mm Hg or higher and/or use of antihypertensive medications. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 20.6 years (10.5 years) with a mean (SD) duration of diabetes of 3.6 years (4.8 years) at registration.Results.The prevalence of HTN at baseline was 9.7% (95% CI: 8.2, 11.5). Among the 1,167 patients free of HTN at registration who attended the clinic at least twice in the period 1992–2016, the incidence of HTN was 9.6 (8.0 women and 11.3 men) per 1000 person-years based on 18,870 person-years of follow-up. Multivariate analyses showed that male gender, older age, higher triglyceride, and higher systolic BP were significantly and independently associated with the development of HTN in this population.Conclusion.These findings will help the identification of those patients with T1D at particular risk of HTN and strongly support the case for vigorous control of BP in patients with T1D.
Differential Susceptibility of Germ and Leydig Cells to Cadmium‐Mediated Toxicity: Impact on Testis Structure, Adiponectin Levels, and Steroidogenesis
Authors: Cupertino Marli C. , Novaes Rômulo D. , Santos Eliziária C. , Neves Ana C. , Silva Edson , Oliveira Juraci A. , Matta Sérgio L. P.
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the relationship between germ and Leydig cell death, testosterone, and adiponectin levels in cadmium‐mediated acute toxicity. Cadmium chloride was administered in a single dose to five groups of rats: G1 (0.9% NaCl) and G2 to G5 (0.67, 0.74, 0.86, and 1.1 mg Cd/kg). After 7 days, the animals were euthanized, and the testosterone and testes were analyzed. Dose‐dependent Cd accumulation in the testes was identified. At 0.86 and 1.1 mg/kg, animals exhibited marked inflammatory infiltrate and disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium. While Leydig cells were morphologically resistant to Cd toxicity, massive germ cell death and DNA oxidation and fragmentation were observed. Although numerical density of Leydig cells was unchanged, testosterone levels were significantly impaired in animals exposed to 0.86 and 1.1 mg Cd/kg, occurring in parallel with the reduction in total adiponectins and the increase in high‐molecular weight adiponectin levels. Our findings indicated that Leydig and germ cells exhibit differential microstructural resistance to Cd toxicity. While germ cells are a primary target of Cd‐induced toxicity, Leydig cells remain resistant to death even when exposed to high doses of Cd. Despite morphological resistance, steroidogenesis was drastically impaired by Cd exposure, an event potentially related to the imbalance in adiponectin production.
Population Based Metaheuristic Algorithm Approach for Analysis of Multi-Item Multi-Period Procurement Lot Sizing Problem
Authors: Kumar Prasanna , Herbert Mervin , Rao Srikanth
Published: December 2017

This research study focuses on the optimization of multi-item multi-period procurement lot sizing problem for inventory management. Mathematical model is developed which considers different practical constraints like storage space and budget. The aim is to find optimum order quantities of the product so that total cost of inventory is minimized. The NP-hard mathematical model is solved by adopting a novel ant colony optimization approach. Due to lack of benchmark method specified in the literature to assess the performance of the above approach, another metaheuristic based program of genetic algorithm is also employed to solve the problem. The parameters of genetic algorithm model are calibrated using Taguchi method of experiments. The performance of both algorithms is compared using ANOVA analysis with the real time data collected from a valve manufacturing company. It is verified that two methods have not shown any significant difference as far as objective function value is considered. But genetic algorithm is far better than the ACO method when compared on the basis of CPU execution time.
Traffic Multiresolution Modeling and Consistency Analysis of Urban Expressway Based on Asynchronous Integration Strategy
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Ma Jian , Ran Bin , Yan Lixin
Published: December 2017

The paper studies multiresolution traffic flow simulation model of urban expressway. Firstly, compared with two-level hybrid model, three-level multiresolution hybrid model has been chosen. Then, multiresolution simulation framework and integration strategies are introduced. Thirdly, the paper proposes an urban expressway multiresolution traffic simulation model by asynchronous integration strategy based on Set Theory, which includes three submodels: macromodel, mesomodel, and micromodel. After that, the applicable conditions and derivation process of the three submodels are discussed in detail. In addition, in order to simulate and evaluate the multiresolution model, “simple simulation scenario” of North-South Elevated Expressway in Shanghai has been established. The simulation results showed the following.(1)Volume-density relationships of three submodels are unanimous with detector data.(2)When traffic density is high, macromodel has a high precision and smaller error and the dispersion of results is smaller. Compared with macromodel, simulation accuracies of micromodel and mesomodel are lower but errors are bigger.(3)Multiresolution model can simulate characteristics of traffic flow, capture traffic wave, and keep the consistency of traffic state transition. Finally, the results showed that the novel multiresolution model can have higher simulation accuracy and it is feasible and effective in the real traffic simulation scenario.
Assessing the Performance of a Noninvasive Glucose Monitor in People with Type 2 Diabetes with Different Demographic Profiles
Authors: Bahartan Karnit , Horman Keren , Gal Avner , Drexler Andrew , Mayzel Yulia , Lin Tamar
Published: December 2017

Background. Noninvasive glucose-monitoring devices represent an exciting frontier in diabetes research. GlucoTrack® is a noninvasive device that indirectly measures glucose fluctuation in the earlobe tissue. However, GlucoTrack measurements may be susceptible to effects of quasi-stable factors that may be affected by demographic profiles. The current study, thus, examined device performances in people with type 2 diabetes with different demographic profiles, focusing on age, gender, body mass, and whether the earlobe is pierced. Materials and Methods. Clinical trials were conducted on 172 type 2 adult diabetic subjects. Device performance was clinically evaluated using the Clarke error grid (CEG) analysis and statistically assessed using absolute relative difference (ARD). Results. CEG analysis revealed that 97.6% of glucose readings were within the clinically acceptable CEG A + B zones. Mean and median ARD were 22.3% and 18.8%, respectively. Likelihood ratio and parametric bootstrap tests revealed that there were no significant differences in ARD values across age, gender, body mass, and whether the earlobe was pierced, indicating that the accuracy of GlucoTrack remains consistent across the tested demographic profiles. Conclusions. Our results suggest that GlucoTrack performance does not depend on demographic profiles of its users and it is thus suitable for various people with type 2 diabetes.
Plant Explants Grown on Medium Supplemented with Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Have a Significant Increase in Embryogenesis
Authors: Kokina Inese , Mickeviča Ilona , Jahundoviča Inese , Ogurcovs Andrejs , Krasovska Marina , Jermaļonoka Marija , Mihailova Irēna , Tamanis Edmunds , Gerbreders Vjačeslavs
Published: December 2017

Development of nanotechnology leads to the increasing release of nanoparticles in the environment that results in accumulation of different NPs in living organisms including plants. This can lead to serious changes in plant cultures which leads to genotoxicity. The aims of the present study were to detect if iron oxide NPs pass through the flax cell wall, to compare callus morphology, and to estimate the genotoxicity in Linum usitatissimum L. callus cultures induced by different concentrations of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Two parallel experiments were performed: experiment A, where flax explants were grown on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l, 1 mg/l, and 1.5 mg/l Fe3O4 NPs for callus culture obtaining, and experiment B, where calluses obtained from basal MS medium were transported into medium supplemented with concentrations of NPs identical to experiment A. Obtained results demonstrate similarly in both experiments that 25 nm Fe3O4 NPs pass into callus cells and induce low toxicity level in the callus cultures. Nevertheless, calluses from experiment A showed 100% embryogenesis in comparison with experiment B where 100% rhizogenesis was noticed. It could be associated with different stress levels and adaptation time for explants and calluses that were transported into medium with Fe3O4 NPs supplementation.
The Influence of Suprascapular Notch Shape on the Visualization of Structures in the Suprascapular Notch Region: Studies Based on a New Four-Stage Ultrasonographic Protocol
Authors: Jezierski Hubert , Podgórski Michał , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Kachlik David , Polguj Michał
Published: December 2017

Evaluation of the morphology of the suprascapular notch region is important from a clinical point of view because it is the most common site of suprascapular nerve compression and injury. A group of 120 patients underwent ultrasound examination of the suprascapular notch region according to our original four-stage “step-by-step” protocol. The notches were classified based on their morphology and measurements like maximal depth (MD) and superior transverse diameter (STD) as follows: type I-MD is longer than STD, type II-MD and STD are equal, type III-STD is longer than MD, and in type IV/V-notches only the bony margin was visualized without depression. Both suprascapular notches were fully visualized in 115 of 120 patients. The type III suprascapular notch was the most prevalent (64.2%), followed by type IV/V (18.7%), type I (11.1%), and type II (6.0%). Color Doppler analysis allowed the suprascapular artery to be recognized in all visualized notches. The suprascapular vein was visible in 176 notches and the suprascapular nerve in 150. Notches containing both suprascapular nerve and vein were significantly wider and shallower than average. As the suprascapular artery is the most easily recognised structure in the area, it may serve as a useful landmark of the suprascapular notch.
Reduced sB7-H3 Expression in the Peripheral Blood of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Sun Jing , Lai Huijun , Shen Dong , Wu Pingping , Yang Jie , Sun Zhongwen , Guo Yundi
Published: December 2017

Both membrane-bound and soluble forms of costimulatory molecules play important roles in immune-regulatory networks. B7-H3, a member of the B7 family, has been found with aberrant expression in tumors and infectious disease. However, the significance of sB7-H3 expression in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been investigated. Using the peripheral blood of 78 SLE patients, we established a comprehensive database containing clinical data and relevant laboratory tests. We found that sB7-H3 expression in SLE patients was significantly lower compared with the healthy individuals. In addition, sB7-H3 levels in the patients were positively correlated with the disease activity as indicated by SLE disease activity index score, rashes, fever, and inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, sB7-H3 was associated with the counts of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Our findings suggest that sB7-H3 might counteract the aberrant immune response and potentially serve as a monitoring indicator of disease progression and therapeutic target in SLE treatment.
Empagliflozin Increases Short-Term Urinary Volume Output in Artificially Induced Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis
Authors: Refardt Julie , Winzeler Bettina , Meienberg Fabian , Vogt Deborah R. , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: December 2017

Objective. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIADH) is the predominant cause of hyponatremia, but treatment options are unsatisfying. SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion with concomitant osmotic diuresis. We therefore hypothesized SGLT2-inhibitors as a novel treatment for SIADH. Design. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomised crossover study in 14 healthy volunteers. Methods. We induced an artificial SIADH model by administration of desmopressin and overhydration. Afterwards, empagliflozin 25 mg or placebo was given in random order. The main outcomes were total urinary excretion, glucosuria, and the area under the curve (AUC) of serum sodium concentration. Outcome measures were obtained 2–8 hours after administration of study drug. Results. 14 participants (64% males), BMI 23 kg/m2 (±2.4), aged 28.6 years (±9), completed the study. Empagliflozin led to significantly increased total urinary excretion (579.3 ml (±194.8) versus 367.3 ml (±158.8); treatment effect 158 ml (CI 48.29, 267.74), p=0.017) due to glucosuria (74.18 mmol (±22.3) versus 0.12 mmol (±0.04); treatment effect (log scale) 2.85 (CI 2.75, 2.96), p<0.001). There was no difference in the AUC of serum sodium concentration (treatment effect 0.2 (CI −7.38, 6.98), p=0.96). Conclusion. In our SIADH model, empagliflozin increased urinary excretion due to osmotic diuresis. Due to the short treatment duration, serum sodium levels remained unchanged. Real-live studies are needed to further examine empagliflozin as a new treatment for SIADH.
The 2D Spectral Intrinsic Decomposition Method Applied to Image Analysis
Authors: Sidibe Samba , Niang Oumar , Thioune Abdoulaye , Abdou Abdoul-Dalibou , Ngom Ndeye Fatou
Published: December 2017

We propose a new method for autoadaptive image decomposition and recomposition based on the two-dimensional version of the Spectral Intrinsic Decomposition (SID). We introduce a faster diffusivity function for the computation of the mean envelope operator which provides the components of the SID algorithm for any signal. The 2D version of SID algorithm is implemented and applied to some very known images test. We extracted relevant components and obtained promising results in images analysis applications.
Stealthy Hardware Trojan Based Algebraic Fault Analysis of HIGHT Block Cipher
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Tao , Zhang Fan , Zhao Xinjie , He Wei , Xu Lumin , Ma Yunfei
Published: December 2017

HIGHT is a lightweight block cipher which has been adopted as a standard block cipher. In this paper, we present a bit-level algebraic fault analysis (AFA) of HIGHT, where the faults are perturbed by a stealthy HT. The fault model in our attack assumes that the adversary is able to insert a HT that flips a specific bit of a certain intermediate word of the cipher once the HT is activated. The HT is realized by merely 4 registers and with an extremely low activation rate of about 0.000025. We show that the optimal location for inserting the designed HT can be efficiently determined by AFA in advance. Finally, a method is proposed to represent the cipher and the injected faults with a merged set of algebraic equations and the master key can be recovered by solving the merged equation system with an SAT solver. Our attack, which fully recovers the secret master key of the cipher in 12572.26 seconds, requires three times of activation on the designed HT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Trojan attack on HIGHT.
Morphological and Chemical Properties of Particulate Matter in the Dammam Metropolitan Region: Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tawabini Bassam S. , Lawal Taoreed T. , Shaibani Abdulaziz , Farahat Ashraf M.
Published: December 2017

Characteristics of airborne particulate matter (PM) as well as its levels in air samples collected from selected sites within cities of Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, are investigated. Concentration levels of the 10 microns’ PM (i.e., PM10) are determined using the gravimetric technique. Morphological and chemical characteristics of the PM collected from the sampling cities are studied using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Moreover, levels and types of hazardous materials related to these samples are assessed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results revealed that the average concentration levels of PM10 were approximately 177, 380, and 126 μg/m3 in Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam, respectively. The structure of PM collected in Dhahran was mainly platy and rod-like shaped with a size between 2 and 6 μm, while PM collected in Khobar was mostly irregular in form, with a size range between 2 and 8 μm, and Dammam’s PM was rounded and between 1 and 3 μm in size. Both EDX and XRF results indicate relatively high weight % of C, O, Si, F, and Ca with lower weight % of Na, Mg, and K at the 3 cities. Finally, the study shows that Ba and Zn were the main trace metals associated with the collected PM in the 3 cities.
Axisymmetric Contact Problem for a Flattened Cell: Contributions of Substrate Effect and Cell Thickness to the Determination of Viscoelastic Properties by Using AFM Indentation
Authors: Zhu Xinyao , Liu Lanjiao , Wang Zuobin , Liu X.
Published: December 2017

Nanoindentation technology has proven to be an effective method to investigate the viscoelastic properties of biological cells. The experimental data obtained by nanoindentation are frequently interpreted by Hertz contact model. However, in order to validate Hertz contact model, some studies assume that cells have infinite thickness which does not necessarily represent the real situation. In this study, a rigorous contact model based upon linear elasticity is developed for the interpretation of indentation tests of flattened cells. The cell, normally bonded to the Petri dish, is initially treated as an elastic layer of finite thickness perfectly fixed to a rigid substrate. The theory of linear elasticity is utilized to solve this contact issue and then the solutions are extended to viscoelastic situation which is regarded as a good indicator for mechanical properties of biological cells. To test the present model, AFM-based creep test has been conducted on living human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (SMMC-7721 cell) and its fullerenol-treated counterpart. The results indicate that the present model could not only describe very well the creep behavior of SMMC-7721 cells, but also curb overestimation of the mechanical properties due to substrate effect.
Pattern of Contrast Sensitivity Changes in Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Lourthai Preeyachan , Bhurayanontachai Patama
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To evaluate contrast sensitivity (CS) changes in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods. Visual acuity (VA), CS, and subretinal fluid (SRF) were evaluated monthly for 6 months. Treatment was considered at 3 months in case of persistent SRF. Results. Twelve of 20 eyes (60%) had spontaneous SRF resolution within 4 months. Five of 8 patients with delayed SRF resolution received either focal laser or photodynamic therapy. The CS was impaired in all spatial frequencies at baseline. There was a negative correlation between the baseline SRF thickness and CS at 3 and 6 cycles per degree (cpd). The CS improved significantly at the time of fluid resolution (p=0.001) and continued to improve in 3 and 6 cpd. The CS at 6 cpd did not recover if compared to a normal fellow eye at 6 months (p=0.018). The CS of 12 cpd at 6 months was superior in the spontaneous resolution group. Conclusion. The impaired CS gradually improved as the SRF reduced at all spatial frequencies. CS at 3 and 12 cpd continued to improve after complete fluid resolution. Despite an excellent final VA, the CS at 6 months did not regain its normal value.
MUC1-C Induces PD-L1 and Immune Evasion in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Maeda Takahiro , Hiraki Masayuki , Jin Caining , Rajabi Hasan , Tagde Ashujit , Alam Maroof , Bouillez Audrey , Hu Xiufeng , Suzuki Yozo , Miyo Masaaki , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hinohara Kunihiko , Kufe Donald
Published: December 2017

The immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1 and the transmembrane mucin MUC1 are upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where they contribute to its aggressive pathogenesis. Here, we report that genetic or pharmacological targeting of the oncogenic MUC1 subunit MUC1-C is sufficient to suppress PD-L1 expression in TNBC cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that MUC1-C acted to elevate PD-L1 transcription by recruitment of MYC and NF-κB p65 to the PD-L1 promoter. In an immunocompetent model of TNBC in which Eo771/MUC1-C cells were engrafted into MUC1 transgenic mice, we showed that targeting MUC1-C associated with PD-L1 suppression, increases in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and tumor cell killing. MUC1 expression in TNBCs also correlated inversely with CD8, CD69, and GZMB, and downregulation of these markers associated with decreased survival. Taken together, our findings show how MUC1 contributes to immune escape in TNBC, and they offer a rationale to target MUC1-C as a novel immunotherapeutic approach for TNBC treatment.

Significance: These findings show how upregulation of the transmembrane mucin MUC1 contributes to immune escape in an aggressive form of breast cancer, with potential implications for a novel immunotherapeutic approach. Cancer Res; 78(1); 205–15. ©2017 AACR.
Germline Variants in DNA Repair Genes, Diagnostic Radiation, and Risk of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Sandler Jason E. , Huang Huang , Zhao Nan , Wu Weiwei , Liu Fangfang , Ma Shuangge , Udelsman Robert , Zhang Yawei
Published: December 2017

Background: Radiation exposure is a well-documented risk factor for thyroid cancer; diagnostic imaging represents an increasing source of exposure. Germline variations in DNA repair genes could increase risk of developing thyroid cancer following diagnostic radiation exposure. No studies have directly tested for interaction between germline mutations and radiation exposure.

Methods: Using data and DNA samples from a Connecticut population–based case–control study performed in 2010 to 2011, we genotyped 440 cases of incident thyroid cancer and 465 population-based controls for 296 SNPs in 52 DNA repair genes. We used multivariate unconditional logistic regression models to estimate associations between each SNP and thyroid cancer risk, as well as to directly estimate the genotype–environment interaction between each SNP and ionizing radiation.

Results: Three SNPs were associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer and with thyroid microcarcinoma: HUS rs2708896, HUS rs10951937, and MGMT rs12769288. No SNPs were associated with increased risk of larger tumor (>10 mm) in the additive model. The gene–environment interaction analysis yielded 24 SNPs with Pinteraction < 0.05 for all thyroid cancer, 12 SNPs with Pinteraction < 0.05 for thyroid microcarcinoma, and 5 SNPs with Pinteraction < 0.05 for larger tumors.

Conclusions: Germline variants in DNA repair genes are associated with thyroid cancer risk and are differentially associated with thyroid microcarcinoma and large tumor size. Our study provides the first evidence that germline genetic variations modify the association between diagnostic radiation and thyroid cancer risk.

Impact: Thyroid microcarcinoma may represent a distinct subset of thyroid cancer. The effect of diagnostic radiation on thyroid cancer risk varies by germline polymorphism. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 285–94. ©2017 AACR.
Helicobacter pylori Blood Biomarkers and Gastric Cancer Survival in China
Authors: Varga Matthew G. , Wang Tianyi , Cai Hui , Xiang Yong-Bing , Gao Yu-Tang , Ji Bu-Tian , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao-Ou , Epplein Meira
Published: December 2017

Background: Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the leading risk factor for noncardia gastric cancer, yet its influence on prognosis of gastric cancer is largely unknown. Thus, exploring the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in survival could lead to a greater understanding of the high mortality associated with gastric cancer.

Methods: Seropositivity to 15 H. pylori antigens was assessed using a multiplex assay in two prospective cohorts, the Shanghai Men's Health Study and the Shanghai Women's Health Study. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between prediagnostic H. pylori antigen levels and gastric cancer–specific survival.

Results: Prediagnostic levels of H. pylori serum antibodies that were previously associated with gastric cancer incidence in this population were not associated with gastric cancer survival, whether assessed in a 6-antigen panel [HR = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78–2.13 for men; HR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57–1.52 for women], focused on CagA+H. pylori (HR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.44–1.20 forwomen; HR = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.70–2.31 for men) or on the high-risk biomarkers of dual Omp and HP 0305 seropositivity (HR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72–1.30 for women; HR = 1.37; 95% CI, 0.97–1.94 for men).

Conclusions: Prediagnostic H. pylori antigen levels are not associated with gastric cancer survival in East Asian populations.

Impact: Identification of additional factors associated with gastric cancer survival would further our understanding of the high mortality associated with this malignancy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 342–4. ©2017 AACR.