bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Disruption in the Preclinical Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: From Subjective Cognitive Decline to Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: López-Sanz David , Garcés Pilar , Álvarez Blanca , Delgado-Losada María Luisa , López-Higes Ramón , Maestú Fernando
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is a largely unknown state thought to represent a preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) previous to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the course of network disruption in these stages is scarcely characterized. Methods: We employed resting state magnetoencephalography in the source space to calculate network smallworldness, clustering, modularity and transitivity. Nodal measures (clustering and node degree) as well as modular partitions were compared between groups. Results: The MCI group exhibited decreased smallworldness, clustering and transitivity and increased modularity in theta and beta bands. SCD showed similar but smaller changes in clustering and transitivity, while exhibiting alterations in the alpha band in opposite direction to those showed by MCI for modularity and transitivity. At the node level, MCI disrupted both clustering and nodal degree while SCD showed minor changes in the latter. Additionally, we observed an increase in modular partition variability in both SCD and MCI in theta and beta bands. Conclusion: SCD elders exhibit a significant network disruption, showing intermediate values between HC and MCI groups in multiple parameters. These results highlight the relevance of cognitive concerns in the clinical setting and suggest that network disorganization in AD could start in the preclinical stages before the onset of cognitive symptoms.
Application of lattice kinetic models with Tsallis entropy in simulating fluid flow through porous media
Authors: Hosseini Amir , Iranmanesh Masoud , Javaran Ebrahim Jahanshahi , Zadehgol Abed
Published: August 2017

In this work, application of the recently introduced constant speed kinetic model (CSKM) [A. Zadehgol and M. Ashrafizaadeh, J. Comp. Phys. 274 803, (2014); A. Zadehgol, Phys. Rev. E 91, 063311 (2015)] in simulating fluid flow through porous media is explored. Discrete forms of Tsallis and Burg entropy functions were first introduced by Boghosian et al. [Phys. Rev. E [Formula: see text], 025103, (2003)], in the context of lattice Boltzmann model (LBM). In the CSKM, the virtual particles are concentrated on n-dimensional (nD-) spheres centered at the computational nodes. Using continuous forms of the unconventional entropies of Burg, [Formula: see text] (for 2D), and Tsallis, [Formula: see text] (for nD with [Formula: see text]), the CSKM extends the work of Boghosian et al., in the limit of fixed speed continuous velocities. In this work, the second-order accuracy, efficiency, and thermodynamic consistency of the 2D- and 3D-projections of the 4D-CSKM are explored and numerically verified.
An Image Interpolation Method Based on Weighted Subdivision
Authors: Liu Cheng-ming , Pang Hai-bo , Ren Liang-pin , Zhao Zhe , Zhang Shu-yan
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we propose a new image interpolation algorithm by using geometric subdivision. Similar to image upsampling, the geometric subdivision can supplement unknown data according to a certain rule, but it can only generate smooth data. To preserve the sharp edges of the high-resolution image, we adopt a rational subdivision scheme. By adjusting the weight coefficients of the rational subdivision, we can control the mesh shape near sharp edges. Hence, the image edges are preserved.
Thompson’s conjecture on conjugacy class sizes for the simple group PSUn(q)
Authors: Ahanjideh Neda
Published: August 2017

We show that if [Formula: see text] is a finite centerless group with the same conjugacy class sizes as [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] and so verify a conjecture attributed to John G. Thompson.
Constructing crosscap number two surfaces from low-complexity handcuff graphs
Authors: Kerian A.
Published: August 2017

We introduce a method of constructing crosscap number two surfaces from low-complexity handcuff diagrams. This construction is then used to verify the known crosscap number two knots with crossing number twelve or less and find explicit crosscap minimizing surfaces for these knots. The collection of surfaces provides evidence that all crosscap number two knots with crossing number less than 13 have been identified, and further suggests an expansion of the satellite conjecture.
Development of the Standardization System in an Organization
Authors: Klochkov Yury , Papic Ljubisa , Butkevich Ruslan
Published: August 2017

This paper discusses the issue of standardization. It has been stated that the present theoretical state of standardization studies does not meet the requirements of the companies operating in innovative market sectors. To solve this problem, it is necessary to form a balanced standardization system. As a basis for such a system, it is proposed to develop standards which can be edited and improved not only by the top management of a company but also by staff members involved in performing the tasks specified in these standards. Furthermore, balancing the system implies detecting and eliminating conflicts between different standards. The authors describe the types of requirement interaction. Finally, the methods for standardization system quality are developed.
Bi-Criterion Problem to Determine Optimal Vulnerability Discovery and Patching Time
Authors: Narang Swati , Kapur P. K. , Damodaran D. , Shrivastava A. K.
Published: August 2017

In the last decade, we have seen enormous growth in software security related problems. This is due to the presence of bad guys who keep eye on the software vulnerabilities and create the security breach. Because of which software firms face huge loss. The problems of the software firms is two folded. One is to decide the optimal discovery time of the software vulnerability and another one is to determine the optimal patching time of those discovered vulnerability. Optimal discovery time of vulnerability is necessary as not disclosing the vulnerability on time may cause serious loss in the coming future. On the other hand, after discovering the vulnerabilities, it is more important to fix them too. Fixing of vulnerabilities is done by patching. But when to patch the vulnerabilities is also a great concern for the software firms. As delay in patch may cause more breaches in security and disadoption of the software and early patching early may reduce the risk but bad patching may increase the risk of security breach even after remedial patch release. In the current work, we have proposed a bi-criterion framework to minimizing cost and risk together under risk and budgetary constraints to determine the optimal vulnerability discovery and patching time. The proposed model is validated using real life data set.
A Reliability-Based Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Method with Evidence Theory and Probability Theory
Authors: Guoqiang Chen , Jianping Tan , Yourui Tao
Published: August 2017

Uncertainties, including aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, always exist in multidisciplinary system. Due to the discontinuous nature of epistemic uncertainty and the complex coupled relation among subsystems, the computational efficiency of reliability-based multidisciplinary design optimization (RBMDO) with mixed aleatory and epistemic uncertainties is extremely low. A novel RBMDO procedure is presented in this paper based on combined probability theory and evidence theory (ET) to deal with hybrid-uncertainties and improve the computational efficiency. Firstly, based on Bayes method, a novel method to define the probability density function of the aleatory variables is proposed. Secondly, the conventional equivalent normal method (J-C method) is modified to reliability analysis with hybrid-uncertainties. Finally, a novel RBMDO procedure is suggested by integrating the modified J-C method into the frame of sequence optimization and reliability analysis (SORA). Numerical examples and engineering example are applied to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The examples show the excellence of the RBMDO method both in computational efficiency and accuracy. The proposed method provides a practical and effective reliability design method for multidisciplinary system.
Diagonal-preserving graded isomorphisms of Steinberg algebras
Authors: Carlsen Toke Meier , Rout James
Published: August 2017

We study Steinberg algebras constructed from ample Hausdorff groupoids over commutative integral domains with identity. We reconstruct (graded) groupoids from (graded) Steinberg algebras and use this to characterize when there is a diagonal-preserving (graded) isomorphism between two (graded) Steinberg algebras. We apply this characterization to groupoids of directed graphs in order to study diagonal-preserving (graded) isomorphisms of Leavitt path algebras and ∗-isomorphisms of graph [Formula: see text]-algebras.
The Noether–Lefschetz locus of surfaces in toric threefolds
Authors: Bruzzo Ugo , Grassi Antonella
Published: August 2017

The Noether–Lefschetz theorem asserts that any curve in a very general surface [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] of degree [Formula: see text] is a restriction of a surface in the ambient space, that is, the Picard number of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. We proved previously that under some conditions, which replace the condition [Formula: see text], a very general surface in a simplicial toric threefold [Formula: see text] (with orbifold singularities) has the same Picard number as [Formula: see text]. Here we define the Noether–Lefschetz loci of quasi-smooth surfaces in [Formula: see text] in a linear system of a Cartier ample divisor with respect to a [Formula: see text]-regular, respectively 0-regular, ample Cartier divisor, and give bounds on their codimensions. We also study the components of the Noether–Lefschetz loci which contain a line, defined as a rational curve which is minimal in a suitable sense.
Higher order Adams’ inequality with the exact growth condition
Authors: Masmoudi Nader , Sani Federica
Published: August 2017

Adams’ inequality is the complete generalization of the Trudinger–Moser inequality to the case of Sobolev spaces involving higher order derivatives. The failure of the original form of the sharp inequality when the problem is considered on the whole space [Formula: see text] served as a motivation to investigate in the direction of a refined sharp inequality, the so-called Adams’ inequality with the exact growth condition. Due to the difficulties arising in the higher order case from the lack of direct symmetrization techniques, this refined result is known to hold on first- and second-order Sobolev spaces only. We extend the validity of Adams’ inequality with the exact growth to higher order Sobolev spaces.
Cosmological models constructed by van der Waals fluid approximation and volumetric expansion
Authors: Samanta G. C. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: August 2017

The universe modeled with van der Waals fluid approximation, where the van der Waals fluid equation of state contains a single parameter [Formula: see text]. Analytical solutions to the Einstein’s field equations are obtained by assuming the mean scale factor of the metric follows volumetric exponential and power-law expansions. The model describes a rapid expansion where the acceleration grows in an exponential way and the van der Waals fluid behaves like an inflation for an initial epoch of the universe. Also, the model describes that when time goes away the acceleration is positive, but it decreases to zero and the van der Waals fluid approximation behaves like a present accelerated phase of the universe. Finally, it is observed that the model contains a type-III future singularity for volumetric power-law expansion.
A Facile and TGA Free Hydrothermal Synthesis of SnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Gurubhaskar M. , Thota Narayana , Raghavender M. , Venkata Subbaiah Y. P. , Hema Chandra G. , Ramakrishna Reddy K. T.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we employed a simple and cost-effective thioglycolic acid (TGA) free hydrothermal method, based on thiourea hydrolysis of stannous chloride dihydrate [SnCl2.2H2O] at 160[Formula: see text]C–190[Formula: see text]C for 6[Formula: see text]h, for the synthesis of SnS nanoparticles. The effect of hydrothermal autoclave reaction temperature on various properties of SnS nanoparticles have been examined at length using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy attached with EDAX (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The results suggest that the crystallization of orthorhombic SnS nanoparticles, with size varying from 3[Formula: see text]nm to 5[Formula: see text]nm, formed at R[Formula: see text]C. Further, the formation of SnS phase was confirmed by an IR Sn-S characteristic bands around 2350[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], 1041[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and 570[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], and four distinguished Raman peaks at 95[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], 160[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], 189[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and 220[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. The mechanism for the formation of SnS nanoparticles have been proposed and discussed. The SnS nanoparticles have exhibited reaction temperature dependent morphological features like nanoflowers, nanoflakes, spherical nanoparticles and nanogranules. The absorbance studies indicated both strong direct and weak indirect allowed transitions for SnS nanoparticles and the associated band gaps were found to be 1.5[Formula: see text]eV and 1.19[Formula: see text]eV, respectively. The dual band gap combination of SnS would favor strong direct absorption of carriers and improved minority carrier life time due to indirect nature, which means the grown particles are suitable for ideal absorber material for solar cell applications.
Characterization of cerebral blood flow dynamics with multiscale entropy
Authors: Pavlov Alexey N. , Abdurashitov Arkady S. , Pavlova Olga N. , Ulanova Maria V. , Bodrova Anastasia A. , Shushunova Natalia A. , Khorovodov Alexander P. , Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana V.
Published: August 2017

Based on the laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and the multiscale entropy (MSE), we study in this work the blood flow dynamics at the levels of cerebral veins and the surrounding network of microcerebral vessels. We discuss how the phenylephrine-related acute peripheral hypertension is reflected in the cerebral circulation and show that the observed changes are scale-dependent, and they are significantly more pronounced in microcerebral vessels, while the macrocerebral dynamics does not demonstrate authentic inter-group distinctions. We also consider the permeability of blood–brain barrier (BBB) and study its opening caused by sound exposure. We show that alterations associated with the BBB opening can be revealed by the analysis of blood flow at the level of macrocerebral vessels.
Identifying camellia oil adulteration with selected vegetable oils by characteristic near-infrared spectral regions
Authors: Chu Xuan , Wang Wei , Li Chunyang , Zhao Xin , Jiang Hongzhe
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a methodology based on characteristic spectral bands of near infrared spectroscopy (1000–2500[Formula: see text]nm) and multivariate analysis was proposed to identify camellia oil adulteration with vegetable oils. Sunflower, peanut and corn oils were selected to conduct the test. Pure camellia oil and that adulterated with varying concentrations (1–10% with the gradient of 1%, 10–40% with the gradient of 5%, 40–100% with the gradient of 10%) of each type of the three vegetable oils were prepared, respectively. For each type of adulterated oil, full-spectrum partial least squares partial least squares (PLS) models and synergy interval partial least squares (SI-PLS) models were developed. Parameters of these models were optimized simultaneously by cross-validation. The SI-PLS models were proved to be better than the full-spectrum PLS models. In SI-PLS models, the correlation coefficients of predition set (Rp) were 0.9992, 0.9998 and 0.9999 for adulteration with sunflower oil, peanut oil and corn oil seperately; the corresponding root mean square errors of prediction set (RMSEP) were 1.23, 0.66 and 0.37. Furthermore, a new generic PLS model was built based on the characteristic spectral regions selected from the intervals of the three SI-PLS models to identify the oil adulterants, regardless of the adultrated oil types. The model achieved with Rp[Formula: see text] 0.9988 and RMSEP [Formula: see text] 1.52. These results indicated that the characteristic near infrared spectral regions could determine the level of adulteration in the camellia oil.
Equipment remaining useful life prediction oriented symbiotic simulation driven by real-time degradation data
Authors: Ge Chenglong , Zhu Yuanchang , Di Yanqiang
Published: August 2017

As an emerging simulation technology in the field of system modeling and simulation, the equipment symbiotic simulation has become research emphasis. In the field of equipment maintenance support, the outstanding problem of equipment remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is analyzed, i.e., the stable model parameters without self-evolution ability, which has become the primary factor that hinders self-adaptive prediction of equipment RUL. Combined with parallel systems theory, the equipment RUL prediction oriented symbiotic simulation framework is proposed on the basis of modeling analysis and Wiener state space model (SSM) is taken as the basic simulation model in the framework. Driven by the dynamic injected equipment degradation observation data, the model parameters are updated online by using expectation maximum (EM) algorithm and the data assimilation between simulation outputs and observation data is executed by using Kalman filter, so as to realize dynamic evolution of the simulation model. The simulation model evolution which makes the simulation outputs close to equipment real degradation state provides high fidelity model and data for predicting equipment RUL accurately. The framework is verified by the performance degradation data of a bearing. The simulation results show that the symbiotic simulation method can accurately simulate the equipment performance degradation process and the self-adaptive prediction of equipment RUL is realized on the basis of improving prediction accuracy, proving the feasibility and effectiveness of symbiotic simulation method.
Designing and implementing a physiology course for a new doctoral occupational therapy program with student feedback
Authors: Goodman Barbara E. , Ikiugu Moses N.
Published: August 2017

Recently, the Occupational Therapy Department requested a custom-designed medical physiology course for the students in the new occupational therapy doctoral program. The first author, a physiologist with extensive experience in teaching both undergraduate preprofessional and medical students in human physiology, was recruited to design and implement the course. The course was designed to be consistent with the constructivist philosophy that guides the occupational therapy curriculum. The course was offered for the first time during fall/spring 2015/2016 and included both first- and second-year occupational therapy doctoral students. A number of anonymous assessment tools were used to evaluate students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of various pedagogies used in the course in enhancing their learning. A summative course assessment survey with comments was used at the end of the course. This paper describes the model of course design and the student feedback, which generated some suggestions for improvement of the course. This approach in designing a new course for a new disciplinary group of students should be helpful to other faculty involved in developing courses for health career programs populated by students with variable physiology backgrounds and different educational needs. The final relevant feedback from the course would be to have the students evaluate the usefulness of the course to their future careers immediately following their certification examinations in a year or two and during their subsequent clinical experiences; however, that information will likely be more difficult to obtain.
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced microparticles promote endothelial monocyte adhesion via intercellular adhesion molecule 1
Authors: Fu Zhiwei , Zhou Enchen , Wang Xu , Tian Mingda , Kong Jian , Li Jizhao , Ji Liang , Niu Chenguang , Shen Haitao , Dong Shuying , Liu Changjie , Vermorken Alphons , Willard Belinda , Zu Lingyun , Zheng Lemin
Published: August 2017

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) accumulates early in atherosclerotic lesions and plays an important role in the progressive formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Endothelial derived microparticles (EMPs) form a heterogeneous population of <1-μm particles that shed from endothelial membranes upon activation. While EMPs are shown to be involved in atherosclerotic pathophysiology and progression, there is no report regarding the relationship between oxLDL and EMPs. In this study, we aim to determine the influence of oxLDL on endothelial microparticle release and the subsequent regulation of the endothelial activation. EMPs were collected from the medium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with oxLDL or PBS as control. We find that oxLDL increases the release of EMPs containing intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) but not vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Confocal microscopy analysis further demonstrates that these EMPs interact with endothelial cells and increase the expression of ICAM-1 in HUVECs. The fact that injecting oxLDL-induced EMPs via the tail vein of ICR mice augments ICAM-1 expression on aortic endothelial cells confirms our results in vivo. Finally, oxLDL-induced EMPs from HUVECs increase the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells as determined by the adhesion assay. Our study suggests that oxLDL may augment the release of EMPs harboring increased levels of ICAM-1 that can be transferred to endothelial cells elsewhere. This leads to increased monocyte recruitment in other regions where oxLDL accumulation was initially more limited. EMPs may therefore serve as the mediator that propagates oxLDL-induced endothelial inflammation.
Sexual dimorphism of the pulmonary transcriptome in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury: identification of angiogenesis as a key pathway
Authors: Coarfa Cristian , Zhang Yuhao , Maity Suman , Perera Dimuthu N. , Jiang Weiwu , Wang Lihua , Couroucli Xanthi , Moorthy Bhagavatula , Lingappan Krithika
Published: August 2017

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is characterized by impaired alveolar secondary septation and vascular growth. Exposure to high concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) contributes to the development of BPD. The male sex is considered an independent risk factor for the development of BPD. The reasons underlying sexually dimorphic outcomes in premature neonates are not known. We hypothesized that sex-specific modulation of biological processes in the lung under hyperoxic conditions contributes to sex-based differences. Neonatal male and female mice (C57BL/6) were exposed to hyperoxia [95% [Formula: see text], postnatal day (PND) 1–5: saccular stage of lung development] and euthanized on PND 7 or 21. Pulmonary gene expression was studied using RNA-Seq on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Analysis of the pulmonary transcriptome revealed differential sex-specific modulation of crucial pathways such as angiogenesis, response to hypoxia, inflammatory response, and p53 pathway. Candidate genes from these pathways were validated at the mRNA level by qPCR. Analysis also revealed sex-specific differences in the modulation of crucial transcription factors. Focusing on the differential modulation of the angiogenesis pathway, we also showed sex-specific differential activation of Hif-1α-regulated genes using ChIP-qPCR and differences in expression of crucial genes ( Vegf, VegfR2, and Phd2) modulating angiogenesis. We demonstrate the translational relevance of our findings by showing that our murine sex-specific differences in gene expression correlate with those from a preexisting human BPD data set. In conclusion, we provide novel molecular insights into differential sex-specific modulation of the pulmonary transcriptome in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury and highlight angiogenesis as one of the crucial differentially modulated pathways.
Collecting duct prorenin receptor knockout reduces renal function, increases sodium excretion, and mitigates renal responses in ANG II-induced hypertensive mice
Authors: Prieto Minolfa C. , Reverte Virginia , Mamenko Mykola , Kuczeriszka Marta , Veiras Luciana C. , Rosales Carla B. , McLellan Matthew , Gentile Oliver , Jensen V. Behrana , Ichihara Atsuhiro , McDonough Alicia A. , Pochynyuk Oleh M. , Gonzalez Alexis A.
Published: August 2017

Augmented intratubular angiotensin (ANG) II is a key determinant of enhanced distal Na+ reabsorption via activation of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) and other transporters, which leads to the development of high blood pressure (BP). In ANG II-induced hypertension, there is increased expression of the prorenin receptor (PRR) in the collecting duct (CD), which has been implicated in the stimulation of the sodium transporters and resultant hypertension. The impact of PRR deletion along the nephron on BP regulation and Na+ handling remains controversial. In the present study, we investigate the role of PRR in the regulation of renal function and BP by using a mouse model with specific deletion of PRR in the CD (CDPRR-KO). At basal conditions, CDPRR-KO mice had decreased renal function and lower systolic BP associated with higher fractional Na+ excretion and lower ANG II levels in urine. After 14 days of ANG II infusion (400 ng·kg−1·min−1), the increases in systolic BP and diastolic BP were mitigated in CDPRR-KO mice. CDPRR-KO mice had lower abundance of cleaved αENaC and γENaC, as well as lower ANG II and renin content in urine compared with wild-type mice. In isolated CD from CDPRR-KO mice, patch-clamp studies demonstrated that ANG II-dependent stimulation of ENaC activity was reduced because of fewer active channels and lower open probability. These data indicate that CD PRR contributes to renal function and BP responses during chronic ANG II infusion by enhancing renin activity, increasing ANG II, and activating ENaC in the distal nephron segments.
Intermittent apnea elicits inactivity-induced phrenic motor facilitation via a retinoic acid- and protein synthesis-dependent pathway
Authors: Baertsch Nathan A. , Baker Tracy L.
Published: August 2017

Respiratory motoneuron pools must provide rhythmic inspiratory drive that is robust and reliable, yet dynamic enough to respond to respiratory challenges. One form of plasticity that is hypothesized to contribute to motor output stability by sensing and responding to inadequate respiratory neural activity is inactivity-induced phrenic motor facilitation (iPMF), an increase in inspiratory output triggered by a reduction in phrenic synaptic inputs. Evidence suggests that mechanisms giving rise to iPMF differ depending on the pattern of reduced respiratory neural activity (i.e., neural apnea). A prolonged neural apnea elicits iPMF via a spinal TNF-α-induced increase in atypical PKC activity, but little is known regarding mechanisms that elicit iPMF following intermittent neural apnea. We tested the hypothesis that iPMF triggered by intermittent neural apnea requires retinoic acid and protein synthesis. Phrenic nerve activity was recorded in urethane-anesthetized and -ventilated rats treated intrathecally with an inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis (4-diethlyaminobenzaldehyde, DEAB), a protein synthesis inhibitor (emetine), or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) before intermittent (5 episodes, ~1.25 min each) or prolonged (30 min) neural apnea. Both DEAB and emetine abolished iPMF elicited by intermittent neural apnea but had no effect on iPMF elicited by a prolonged neural apnea. Thus different patterns of reduced respiratory neural activity elicit phenotypically similar iPMF via distinct spinal mechanisms. Understanding mechanisms that allow respiratory motoneurons to dynamically tune their output may have important implications in the context of respiratory control disorders that involve varied patterns of reduced respiratory neural activity, such as central sleep apnea and spinal cord injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We identify spinal retinoic acid and protein synthesis as critical components in the cellular cascade whereby repetitive reductions in respiratory neural activity elicit rebound increases in phrenic inspiratory activity.
Asymmetric vestibular stimulation reveals persistent disruption of motion perception in unilateral vestibular lesions
Authors: Panichi R. , Faralli M. , Bruni R. , Kiriakarely A. , Occhigrossi C. , Ferraresi A. , Bronstein A. M. , Pettorossi V. E.
Published: August 2017

Self-motion perception was studied in patients with unilateral vestibular lesions (UVL) due to acute vestibular neuritis at 1 wk and 4, 8, and 12 mo after the acute episode. We assessed vestibularly mediated self-motion perception by measuring the error in reproducing the position of a remembered visual target at the end of four cycles of asymmetric whole-body rotation. The oscillatory stimulus consists of a slow (0.09 Hz) and a fast (0.38 Hz) half cycle. A large error was present in UVL patients when the slow half cycle was delivered toward the lesion side, but minimal toward the healthy side. This asymmetry diminished over time, but it remained abnormally large at 12 mo. In contrast, vestibulo-ocular reflex responses showed a large direction-dependent error only initially, then they normalized. Normalization also occurred for conventional reflex vestibular measures (caloric tests, subjective visual vertical, and head shaking nystagmus) and for perceptual function during symmetric rotation. Vestibular-related handicap, measured with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at 12 mo correlated with self-motion perception asymmetry but not with abnormalities in vestibulo-ocular function. We conclude that 1) a persistent self-motion perceptual bias is revealed by asymmetric rotation in UVLs despite vestibulo-ocular function becoming symmetric over time, 2) this dissociation is caused by differential perceptual-reflex adaptation to high- and low-frequency rotations when these are combined as with our asymmetric stimulus, 3) the findings imply differential central compensation for vestibuloperceptual and vestibulo-ocular reflex functions, and 4) self-motion perception disruption may mediate long-term vestibular-related handicap in UVL patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel vestibular stimulus, combining asymmetric slow and fast sinusoidal half cycles, revealed persistent vestibuloperceptual dysfunction in unilateral vestibular lesion (UVL) patients. The compensation of motion perception after UVL was slower than that of vestibulo-ocular reflex. Perceptual but not vestibulo-ocular reflex deficits correlated with dizziness-related handicap.
Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Vascular Interactions
Authors: Tabima Diana M. , Philip Jennifer L. , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: August 2017

Accurate and comprehensive evaluation of right ventricular (RV)-pulmonary vascular (PV) interactions is critical to the assessment of cardiopulmonary function, dysfunction, and failure. Here, we review methods of quantifying RV-PV interactions and experimental results from clinical trials as well as large- and small-animal models based on pressure-volume analysis. We conclude by outlining critical gaps in knowledge that should drive future studies.
Osteoimmunology: The Conceptual Framework Unifying the Immune and Skeletal Systems
Authors: Okamoto Kazuo , Nakashima Tomoki , Shinohara Masahiro , Negishi-Koga Takako , Komatsu Noriko , Terashima Asuka , Sawa Shinichiro , Nitta Takeshi , Takayanagi Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

The immune and skeletal systems share a variety of molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, hormones, receptors, and transcription factors. Bone cells interact with immune cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Osteoimmunology was created as a new interdisciplinary field in large part to highlight the shared molecules and reciprocal interactions between the two systems in both heath and disease. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) plays an essential role not only in the development of immune organs and bones, but also in autoimmune diseases affecting bone, thus effectively comprising the molecule that links the two systems. Here we review the function, gene regulation, and signal transduction of osteoimmune molecules, including RANKL, in the context of osteoclastogenesis as well as multiple other regulatory functions. Osteoimmunology has become indispensable for understanding the pathogenesis of a number of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We review the various osteoimmune pathologies, including the bone destruction in RA, in which pathogenic helper T cell subsets [such as IL-17-expressing helper T (Th17) cells] induce bone erosion through aberrant RANKL expression. We also focus on cellular interactions and the identification of the communication factors in the bone marrow, discussing the contribution of bone cells to the maintenance and regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells. Thus the time has come for a basic reappraisal of the framework for understanding both the immune and bone systems. The concept of a unified osteoimmune system will be absolutely indispensable for basic and translational approaches to diseases related to bone and/or the immune system.
Effect of Antioxidant Water on the Bioactivities of Cells
Authors: Hwang Seong Gu , Lee Ho-Sung , Lee Byung-Cheon , Bahng GunWoong
Published: August 2017

It has been reported that water at the interface of a hydrophilic thin film forms an exclusion zone, which has a higher density than ordinary water. A similar phenomenon was observed for a hydrated hydrophilic ceramic powder, and water turns into a three-dimensional cell-like structure composed of high density water and low density water. This structured water appears to have a stimulative effect on plant growth. This report outlines our study of antioxidant properties of this structured water and its effect on cell bioactivities. Culturing media which were prepared utilizing this antioxidant structured water promoted the viability of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by up to three times. The same tendency was observed for other cells including IEC-6, C2C12, and 3T3-L1. Also, the cytokine expression of the splenocytes taken from a mouse spleen increased in the same manner. The water also appears to suppress the viability of cancer cell, MCF-7. These results strongly suggest that the structured water helps the activities of normal cells while suppressing those of malignant cells.
Sleep Parameters in Short Daily versus Conventional Dialysis: An Actigraphic Study
Authors: Allemand Ludimila D’Avila e Silva , Nóbrega Otávio Toledo , Lauar Juliane Pena , Veiga Joel Paulo Russomano , Camargos Einstein Francisco
Published: August 2017

Previous studies have observed worse sleep quality in patients undergoing conventional dialysis as compared to daily dialysis. Our aim was to compare the sleep parameters of patients undergoing daily or conventional dialysis using an objective measure (actigraphy). This cross-sectional study was performed in three dialysis centers, including a convenience sample (nonprobability sampling) of 73 patients (36 patients on daily hemodialysis and 37 patients on conventional hemodialysis). The following parameters were evaluated: nocturnal total sleep time (NTST), expressed in minutes; wake time after sleep onset (WASO), expressed in minutes; number of nighttime awakenings; daytime total sleep time (DTST), expressed in minutes; number of daytime naps; and nighttime percentage of sleep (% sleep). The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Beck Depression Inventory were also administered. The mean age was 53.4  ±  17.0 years. After adjustment of confounding factors using multiple linear regression analysis, no difference in actigraphy parameters was detected between the groups: NTST (p=0.468), WASO (p=0.88), % sleep (p=0.754), awakenings (p=0.648), naps (p=0.414), and DTST (p=0.805). Different from previous studies employing qualitative analysis, the present assessment did not observe an influence of hemodialysis modality on objective sleep parameters in chronic renal patients.
Modification of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Using Polyethylenimine Combined with Modified TAT Peptide to Enhance BMP-2 Production
Authors: Wang Yufu , You Changcheng , Wei Rongzhi , Zu Jianing , Song Chengchao , Li Jing , Yan Jinglong
Published: August 2017

With the emerging role of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSC) for bone regeneration and delivery of therapeutic proteins, there is an increasing need for effective gene delivery systems to modify such cells. mTAT, a TAT peptide sequence bearing histidine and cysteine residues, has been successfully used for intracellular gene delivery. Using a gWiz-GFP plasmid, we demonstrated that polyethylenimine combined with mTAT (mTAT/PEI) displayed good transfection efficacy in hUCB-MSC. hUCB-MSC transfected with mTAT/PEI were shown to express more BMP-2 protein and mRNA, indicating the feasibility of using the cells as a BMP-2 delivery system. Importantly, compared to PEI25, a “gold standard” nonviral transfection polymer, mTAT/PEI had limited toxicity to the cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated enhanced osteogenic activity in vitro for BMP-2 expressing hUCB-MSC. These results provide encouraging evidence for the potential use of mTAT/PEI to genetically modify hUCB-MSC as an approach to enhance tissue regeneration.
Dental Hygiene and Orthodontics: Effect of Ultrasonic Instrumentation on Bonding Efficacy of Different Lingual Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Scribante Andrea , Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Collesano Vittorio , Tovt Gaia , Bernardinelli Luisa , Gandini Paola
Published: August 2017

Dental hygienists are often faced with patients wearing lingual orthodontic therapy, as ultrasonic instrumentation (UI) is crucial for oral health. As the application of external forces can lead to premature bonding failure, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of UI on shear bond strength (SBS) and on adhesive remnant index (ARI) of different lingual orthodontic brackets. 200 bovine incisors were divided into 10 groups. Four different lingual (STB, Ormco; TTR, Rocky Mountain Orthodontics; Idea, Leone; 2D, Forestadent) and vestibular control (Victory, 3M) brackets were bonded. UI was performed in half of specimens, whereas the other half did not receive any treatment. All groups were tested with a universal testing machine. SBS and ARI values were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed (significance:P=0.05). TTR, Idea, and 2D lingual brackets significantly lowered SBS after UI, whereas for other braces no effect was recorded. Appliances with lower mesh area significantly reduced their adhesion capacity after UI. Moreover groups subjected to UI showed higher ARI scores than controls. UI lowered SBS of lingual appliances of small dimensions so particular care should be posed avoiding prolonged instrumentation around bracket base during plaque removal. Moreover, UI influenced also ARI scores.
Application of the Subtractive Genomics and Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Novel Putative Drug Targets against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Poona
Authors: Hossain Tanvir , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Choudhury Talita Zahin , Mahmood Hamida Nooreen , Nabi A. H. M. Nurun , Hosen Md. Ismail
Published: August 2017

The emergence of novel pathogenic strains with increased antibacterial resistance patterns poses a significant threat to the management of infectious diseases. In this study, we aimed at utilizing the subtractive genomic approach to identify novel drug targets against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Poona strain ATCC BAA-1673. We employed in silico bioinformatics tools to subtract the strain-specific paralogous and host-specific homologous sequences from the bacterial proteome. The sorted proteome was further refined to identify the essential genes in the pathogenic bacterium using the database of essential genes (DEG). We carried out metabolic pathway and subcellular location analysis of the essential proteins of the pathogen to elucidate the involvement of these proteins in important cellular processes. We found 52 unique essential proteins in the target proteome that could be utilized as novel targets to design newer drugs. Further, we investigated these proteins in the DrugBank databases and 11 of the unique essential proteins showed druggability according to the FDA approved drug bank databases with diverse broad-spectrum property. Molecular docking analyses of the novel druggable targets with the drugs were carried out by AutoDock Vina option based on scoring functions. The results showed promising candidates for novel drugs against Salmonella infections.
Monitoring Water Resources over the Kotmale Reservoir in Sri Lanka Using ENSO Phases
Authors: Chandrasekara Sewwandhi , Prasanna Venkatraman , Kwon Hyun-Han
Published: August 2017

In this study, the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase index is used for water management over the Kotmale reservoir in Sri Lanka. Daily rainfall data of 9 stations over the Kotmale catchment during 1960–2005 June-September (JJAS) season is investigated over the Kotmale catchment. The ENSO phases are identified based on the 0.5°C sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly over Nino 3 region. The study has brought out few stations showing increasing and a few decreasing seasonal rainfall trends for JJAS season, while there is no change in the annual rainfall for the catchment. Monthly and seasonal rainfall of all the selected stations showed negative correlation with the sea surface temperature (SST) over the Nino-3 region index during JJAS season with varying magnitudes. During the warm phase of ENSO, below average rainfall is prominent for JJAS season over many stations. The rainfall especially during early September showed a significant below average rainfall during the warm ENSO phase. The seasonal rainfall during neutral and cold ENSO phases does not experience similar significant changes as seen during warm ENSO phase. Inflow of the Kotmale reservoir shows decreasing trend for the period of 1960–2005 in the observation from all stations collectively.
Mobile Ad Hoc Network Energy Cost Algorithm Based on Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Tareq Mustafa , Alsaqour Raed , Abdelhaq Maha , Uddin Mueen
Published: August 2017

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a collection of mobile nodes that dynamically form a temporary network without using any existing network infrastructure. MANET selects a path with minimal number of intermediate nodes to reach the destination node. As the distance between each node increases, the quantity of transmission power increases. The power level of nodes affects the simplicity with which a route is constituted between a couple of nodes. This study utilizes the swarm intelligence technique through the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to optimize the energy consumption in a dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol in MANET. The proposed algorithm is called bee DSR (BEEDSR). The ABC algorithm is used to identify the optimal path from the source to the destination to overcome energy problems. The performance of the BEEDSR algorithm is compared with DSR and bee-inspired protocols (BeeIP). The comparison was conducted based on average energy consumption, average throughput, average end-to-end delay, routing overhead, and packet delivery ratio performance metrics, varying the node speed and packet size. The BEEDSR algorithm is superior in performance than other protocols in terms of energy conservation and delay degradation relating to node speed and packet size.
Beer Polyphenols and Menopause: Effects and Mechanisms—A Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Sandoval-Ramírez Berner Andrée , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M. , Estruch Ramon , Sasot Gemma , Doménech Monica , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna
Published: August 2017

Beer is one of the most frequently consumed fermented beverages in the world, and it has been part of the human diet for thousands of years. Scientific evidence obtained from the development of new techniques of food analysis over the last two decades suggests that polyphenol intake derived from moderate beer consumption may play a positive role in different health outcomes including osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk and the relief of vasomotor symptoms, which are commonly experienced during menopause and are an important reason why women seek medical care during this period; here, we review the current knowledge regarding moderate beer consumption and its possible effects on menopausal symptoms. The effect of polyphenol intake on vasomotor symptoms in menopause may be driven by the direct interaction of the phenolic compounds present in beer, such as 8‐prenylnaringenin, 6‐prenylnaringenin, and isoxanthohumol, with intracellular estrogen receptors that leads to the modulation of gene expression, increase in sex hormone plasma concentrations, and thus modulation of physiological hormone imbalance in menopausal women. Since traditional hormone replacement therapies increase health risks, alternative, safer treatment options are needed to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women. The present work aims to review the current data on this subject.
Latent Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Stafeev I. S. , Vorotnikov A. V. , Ratner E. I. , Menshikov M. Y. , Parfyonova Ye. V.
Published: August 2017

Obesity is a growing problem in modern society and medicine. It closely associates with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hepatic and cardiovascular diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, myocarditis, and hypertension. Obesity is often associated with latent inflammation; however, the link between inflammation, obesity, T2DM, and cardiovascular diseases is still poorly understood. Insulin resistance is the earliest feature of metabolic disorders. It mostly develops as a result of dysregulated insulin signaling in insulin-sensitive cells, as compared to inactivating mutations in insulin receptor or signaling proteins that occur relatively rare. Here, we argue that inflammatory signaling provides a link between latent inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. We further hypothesize that insulin-activated PI3-kinase pathway and inflammatory signaling mediated by several IκB kinases may constitute negative feedback leading to insulin resistance at least in the fat tissue. Finally, we discuss perspectives for anti-inflammatory therapies in treating the metabolic diseases.