bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XYZ-SU3 breakings from Laplace sum rules at higher orders
Authors: Albuquerque R. , Narison S. , Rabetiarivony D. , Randriamanatrika G.
Published: May 2018

We present new compact integrated expressions of SU3 breaking corrections to QCD spectral functions of heavy–light molecules and four-quark [Formula: see text]-like states at lowest order (LO) of perturbative (PT) QCD and up to [Formula: see text] condensates of the Operator Product Expansion (OPE). Including next-to-next-to-leading order (N2LO) PT corrections in the chiral limit and next-to-leading order (NLO) SU3 PT corrections, which we have estimated by assuming the factorization of the four-quark spectral functions, we improve previous LO results for the [Formula: see text]-like masses and decay constants from QCD spectral sum rules (QSSR). Systematic errors are estimated from a geometric growth of the higher order PT corrections and from some partially known [Formula: see text] nonperturbative contributions. Our optimal results, based on stability criteria, are summarized in Tables 18–21 while the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] channels are compared with some existing LO results in Table 22. One can note that, in most channels, the SU3 corrections on the meson masses are tiny: [Formula: see text] (respectively [Formula: see text]) for the [Formula: see text] (respectively [Formula: see text])-quark channel but can be large for the couplings ([Formula: see text]). Within the lowest dimension currents, most of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states are below the physical thresholds while our predictions cannot discriminate a molecule from a four-quark state. A comparison with the masses of some experimental candidates indicates that the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] might have a large [Formula: see text] molecule component while an interpretation of the [Formula: see text] candidates as four-quark ground states is not supported by our findings. The [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are compatible with the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] molecules and/or with the axial-vector [Formula: see text] four-quark ground state. Our results for the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and for different beauty states can be tested in the future data. Finally, we revisit our previous estimates1 for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and present new results for the [Formula: see text].
Circuit presentation and lattice stick number with exactly four z-sticks
Authors: Kim Hyoungjun , No Sungjong
Published: May 2018

The lattice stick number [Formula: see text] of a link [Formula: see text] is defined to be the minimal number of straight line segments required to construct a stick presentation of [Formula: see text] in the cubic lattice. Hong, No and Oh [Upper bound on lattice stick number of knots, Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 155 (2013) 173–179] found a general upper bound [Formula: see text]. A rational link can be represented by a lattice presentation with exactly 4 [Formula: see text]-sticks.

An [Formula: see text]-circuit is the disjoint union of [Formula: see text] arcs in the lattice plane [Formula: see text]. An [Formula: see text]-circuit presentation is an embedding obtained from the [Formula: see text]-circuit by connecting each [Formula: see text] pair of vertices with one line segment above the circuit. By using a two-circuit presentation, we can easily find the lattice presentation with exactly four [Formula: see text]-sticks.

In this paper, we show that an upper bound for the lattice stick number of rational [Formula: see text]-links realized with exactly four [Formula: see text]-sticks is [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, it is [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a two-component link.
ADAPTIVE SIS EPIDEMIC MODELS ON HETEROGENEOUS NETWORKS WITH DEMOGRAPHICS AND RISK PERCEPTION
Authors: JING WENJUN , JIN ZHEN , PENG XIAO-LONG
Published: May 2018

In the context of epidemic spreading on networks, there are at least three concerns that should be considered. Firstly, the demographic process can change the underlying network structure and thus affect the disease spreading; secondly, the attachment probability of newcomers (namely, newborn or immigrated nodes) to other nodes depends on the degrees and states of existing nodes in the network; and thirdly, newcomers may remove some dangerous contacts once they perceive the risk of disease. In view of these facts, we propose two high-dimensional susceptible-infectious-susceptible (SIS) epidemic models on heterogeneous networks with demographics and risk perception — one that neglects both the degree and state correlations among nodes and the other that reserves the state correlation. Then the log-normal moment closure is adopted to reduce the dimensions of models. The basic reproduction numbers of the two corresponding low-dimensional models are derived. It is found that the basic reproduction numbers of the two models are different. In spite of this, both of them show that increasing recruitment will help to inhibit the disease spreading. In addition, numerical results demonstrate that the extent to which newcomers avoid contacting with infectious nodes can affect both the epidemic threshold and the equilibrium prevalence. Finally, comparisons between numerical and stochastic simulations indicate that the model with state correlation is more accurate.
Interval Methods in Knowledge Representation
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: May 2018

Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Asymptotic analysis and homogenization of invariant measures
Authors: Misiats Oleksandr , Stanzhytskyi Oleksandr , Yip Nung Kwan
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study limiting behavior of the invariant measures for reaction–diffusion equations in the whole space [Formula: see text] with regular and singular perturbations. In the regular case, we show the convergence of the unique stationary solution of [Formula: see text] to a stationary solution of the limiting equation [Formula: see text]. We also consider the asymptotic behavior of the stationary solution under the perturbations of spectrum. Finally, for the singular perturbation of homogenization type, we show the weak convergence of invariant measure to its homogenized limit.
Finite groups in which the centralizer of every noncentral element of odd order is abelian
Authors: Amiri Seyyed Majid Jafarian , Rostami Hojjat
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider the influence of the number of centralizers of noncentral elements of odd order on the solvability of finite groups. Also, we characterize some finite groups in which the centralizer of every noncentral element of odd order is abelian.
The finiteness of the Gorenstein dimension for Artin algebras
Authors: Marczinzik René
Published: May 2018

In [A. Skowronski, S. Smalø and D. Zacharia, On the finiteness of the global dimension for Artinian rings, J. Algebra 251(1) (2002) 475–478], the authors proved that an Artin algebra [Formula: see text] with infinite global dimension has an indecomposable module with infinite projective and infinite injective dimension, giving a new characterization of algebras with finite global dimension. We prove in this paper that an Artin algebra [Formula: see text] that is not Gorenstein has an indecomposable [Formula: see text]-module with infinite Gorenstein projective dimension and infinite Gorenstein injective dimension, which gives a new characterization of algebras with finite Gorenstein dimension. We show that this gives a proper generalization of the result in [A. Skowronski, S. Smalø and D. Zacharia, On the finiteness of the global dimension for Artinian rings, J. Algebra 251(1) (2002) 475–478] for Artin algebras.
Deep Learning Technique-Based Steering of Autonomous Car
Authors: Yang Yiqin , Wu Zhe , Xu Qingyang , Yan Fabao
Published: May 2018

Deep neural network (DNN) has many advantages. Autonomous driving has become a popular topic now. In this paper, an improved stack autoencoder based on the deep learning techniques is proposed to learn the driving characteristics of an autonomous car. These techniques realize the input data adjustment and solving diffusion gradient problem. A Raspberry Pi and a camera module are mounted on the top of the car. The camera module provides the images needed for training the DNN. There are two stages in the training. In the pre-training process, an improved autoencoder is trained by the unsupervised learning mechanism, and the characterization of the track is extracted. In the fine-tuning stage, the whole network is trained according to the labeled data, and then this model learns the driving characteristics better according to the samples. In the experimental stage, the car will predict the action of the car by the trained model in the autonomous mode. The experiment exhibits the effectiveness of the proposed model. Compared with the traditional neural network, the improved stack autoencoder has a better generalization ability and faster convergence speed.
The Athabasca Granulite Terrane and Evidence for Dynamic Behavior of Lower Continental Crust
Authors: Dumond Gregory , Williams Michael L. , Regan Sean P.
Published: May 2018

Deeply exhumed granulite terranes have long been considered nonrepresentative of lower continental crust largely because their bulk compositions do not match the lower crustal xenolith record. A paradigm shift in our understanding of deep crust has since occurred with new evidence for a more felsic and compositionally heterogeneous lower crust than previously recognized. The >20,000-km2 Athabasca granulite terrane locally provides a >700-Myr-old window into this type of lower crust, prior to being exhumed and uplifted to the surface between 1.9 and 1.7 Ga. We review over 20 years of research on this terrane with an emphasis on what these findings may tell us about the origin and behavior of lower continental crust, in general, in addition to placing constraints on the tectonic evolution of the western Canadian Shield between 2.6 and 1.7 Ga. The results reveal a dynamic lower continental crust that evolved compositionally and rheologically with time.
Research On Degrowth
Authors: Kallis Giorgos , Kostakis Vasilis , Lange Steffen , Muraca Barbara , Paulson Susan , Schmelzer Matthias
Published: May 2018

Scholars and activists mobilize increasingly the term degrowth when producing knowledge critical of the ideology and costs of growth-based development. Degrowth signals a radical political and economic reorganization leading to reduced resource and energy use. The degrowth hypothesis posits that such a trajectory of social transformation is necessary, desirable, and possible; the conditions of its realization require additional study. Research on degrowth has reinvigorated the limits to growth debate with critical examination of the historical, cultural, social, and political forces that have made economic growth a dominant objective. Here we review studies of economic stability in the absence of growth and of societies that have managed well without growth. We reflect on forms of technology and democracy com-patible with degrowth and discuss plausible openings for a degrowth transition. This dynamic and productive research agenda asks inconvenient questions that sustainability sciences can no longer afford to ignore.
Scenario Development and Foresight Analysis: Exploring Options to Inform Choices
Authors: Wiebe Keith , Zurek Monika , Lord Steven , Brzezina Natalia , Gabrielyan Gnel , Libertini Jessica , Loch Adam , Thapa-Parajuli Resham , Vervoort Joost , Westhoek Henk
Published: May 2018

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, where social and environmental change occur ever more rapidly, careful futures-oriented thinking becomes crucial for effective decision making. Foresight activities, including scenario development, quantitative modeling, and scenario-guided design of policies and programs, play a key role in exploring options to address socioeconomic and environmental challenges across many sectors and decision-making levels. We take stock of recent methodological developments in scenario and foresight exercises, seek to provide greater clarity on the many diverse approaches employed, and examine their use by decision makers in different fields and at different geographic, administrative, and temporal scales. Experience shows the importance of clearly formulated questions, structured dialog, carefully designed scenarios, sophisticated biophysical and socioeconomic analysis, and iteration as needed to more effectively link the growing scenarios and foresight community with today's decision makers and to better address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of tomorrow.
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation: A Few Problems That Need Solving
Authors: Lee Cindy
Published: May 2018

This is a personal account of some of the people and factors that were important in my career in chemical oceanography. I also discuss two areas of oceanographic research and training that I think need more attention. The first is how the difficulty in getting appropriate samples hampers our ability to fully understand biogeochemical processes in the sea. I have worked on dissolved materials, suspended and sinking particles, and sediments in lakes, oceans, rivers, and aerosols. Sample collection problems affect all those areas, although to different degrees. Second, I discuss a few of the issues that I most worry about with regard to graduate education in oceanography, among them an apparent decrease over the past several decades in the ability of many beginning students to write clearly and think logically.
Crossing the Iron Gate: Why and How Transferrin Receptors Mediate Viral Entry
Authors: Wessling-Resnick Marianne
Published: May 2018

Because both the host and pathogen require iron, the innate immune response carefully orchestrates control over iron metabolism to limit its availability during times of infection. Nutritional iron deficiency can impair host immunity, while iron overload can cause oxidative stress to propagate harmful viral mutations. An emerging enigma is that many viruses use the primary gatekeeper of iron metabolism, the transferrin receptor, as a means to enter cells. Why and how this iron gate is a viral target for infection are the focus of this review.
Emerging role of circadian clock disruption in alcohol-induced liver disease
Authors: Bailey Shannon M.
Published: May 2018

The detrimental health effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well documented. Alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of death from chronic alcohol use. As with many diseases, the etiology of ALD is influenced by how the liver responds to other secondary insults. The molecular circadian clock is an intrinsic cellular timing system that helps organisms adapt and synchronize metabolism to changes in their environment. The clock also influences how tissues respond to toxic, environmental, and metabolic stressors, like alcohol. Consistent with the essential role for clocks in maintaining health, genetic and environmental disruption of the circadian clock contributes to disease. While a large amount of rich literature is available showing that alcohol disrupts circadian-driven behaviors and that circadian clock disruption increases alcohol drinking and preference, very little is known about the role circadian clocks play in alcohol-induced tissue injuries. In this review, recent studies examining the effect alcohol has on the circadian clock in peripheral tissues (liver and intestine) and the impact circadian clock disruption has on development of ALD are presented. This review also highlights some of the rhythmic metabolic processes in the liver that are disrupted by alcohol and potential mechanisms through which alcohol disrupts the liver clock. Improved understanding of the mechanistic links between the circadian clock and alcohol will hopefully lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for treating ALD and other alcohol-related organ pathologies.
Manganese transport and toxicity in polarized WIF-B hepatocytes
Authors: Thompson Khristy J. , Hein Jennifer , Baez Andrew , Sosa Jose Carlo , Wessling-Resnick Marianne
Published: May 2018

Manganese (Mn) toxicity arises from nutritional problems, community and occupational exposures, and genetic risks. Mn blood levels are controlled by hepatobiliary clearance. The goals of this study were to determine the cellular distribution of Mn transporters in polarized hepatocytes, to establish an in vitro assay for hepatocyte Mn efflux, and to examine possible roles the Mn transporters would play in metal import and export. For these experiments, hepatocytoma WIF-B cells were grown for 12–14 days to achieve maximal polarity. Immunoblots showed that Mn transporters ZIP8, ZnT10, ferroportin (Fpn), and ZIP14 were present. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy localized Fpn and ZIP14 to WIF-B cell basolateral domains whereas ZnT10 and ZIP8 associated with intracellular vesicular compartments. ZIP8-positive structures were distributed uniformly throughout the cytoplasm, but ZnT10-positive vesicles were adjacent to apical bile compartments. WIF-B cells were sensitive to Mn toxicity, showing decreased viability after 16 h exposure to >250 μM MnCl2. However, the hepatocytes were resistant to 4-h exposures of up to 500 μM MnCl2despite 50-fold increased Mn content. Washout experiments showed time-dependent efflux with 80% Mn released after a 4 h chase period. Hepcidin reduced levels of Fpn in WIF-B cells, clearing Fpn from the cell surface, but Mn efflux was unaffected. The secretory inhibitor, brefeldin A, did block release of Mn from WIF-B cells, suggesting vesicle fusion may be involved in export. These results point to a possible role of ZnT10 to import Mn into vesicles that subsequently fuse with the apical membrane and empty their contents into bile.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Polarized WIF-B hepatocytes express manganese (Mn) transporters ZIP8, ZnT10, ferroportin (Fpn), and ZIP14. Fpn and ZIP14 localize to basolateral domains. ZnT10-positive vesicles were adjacent to apical bile compartments, and ZIP8-positive vesicles were distributed uniformly throughout the cytoplasm. WIF-B hepatocyte Mn export was resistant to hepcidin but inhibited by brefeldin A, pointing to an efflux mechanism involving ZnT10-mediated uptake of Mn into vesicles that subsequently fuse with and empty their contents across the apical bile canalicular membrane.
Cell division cycle 7 kinase is a negative regulator of cell-mediated collagen degradation
Authors: Podolsky Michael J. , Gupta Deepti , Ha Arnold , Ta Ryan , Khalifeh-Soltani Amin , McKleroy William , Datta Ritwik , Sheppard Dean , Atabai Kamran
Published: May 2018

Although extensive work has delineated many of the mechanisms of extracellular matrix (ECM) production, far less is known about pathways that regulate ECM degradation. This is particularly true of cellular internalization and degradation of matrix, which play an underappreciated role in ECM metabolism and lung fibrosis. For example, genetic perturbation of this pathway leads to exacerbated fibrosis in experimental animal models. In this work, we present the results of an unbiased screen of Drosophila phagocytes that yielded multiple genes that, when silenced, led to increased collagen uptake. We further describe the function of cell division cycle 7 kinase (CDC7) as a specific suppressor of collagen uptake. We show that the genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CDC7 results in increased expression of the collagen endocytic receptor Endo180. Chromobox 5 (CBX5) is a putative target of CDC7, and genetic silencing of CBX5 also results in increased Endo180 and collagen uptake. Finally, CRISPR-mediated activation of Endo180 expression results in increased collagen uptake, suggesting that CDC7 regulates collagen internalization through increased Endo180 expression. Targeting the regulatory elements of the collagen degradative machinery may be a useful therapeutic approach in diseases of fibrosis or malignancy.
Physiological hyperinsulinemia caused by acute hyperglycemia minimizes renal sodium loss by direct action on kidneys
Authors: Irsik Debra L. , Brands Michael W.
Published: May 2018

This study used acute, renal artery insulin infusion in conscious rats to test the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia attenuates glucose-induced natriuresis by a direct renal mechanism. We reported previously that hyperinsulinemia was required to prevent ad libitum eating or an acute glucose bolus from causing excessive renal sodium loss. Rats were instrumented with renal artery, aortic, and femoral vein catheters and Data Sciences International blood pressure telemeters and were housed in metabolic cages. Insulin was clamped chronically at normal levels in two groups [vehicle infused (irV) and insulin infused (irI)] by administering streptozotocin and then infusing insulin intravenously 24 h/day to maintain normal blood glucose. Bolus glucose administration was used as a meal substitute to produce hyperglycemia that was not different between groups, and urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) was measured over the next 4 h. In the irV and control (C) rats, vehicle was infused in the renal artery during that period, whereas insulin was infused in the renal artery of the irI rats. Plasma insulin increased significantly in C rats but not in either of the clamped groups. UNaV in the irV rats, which could not increase circulating insulin levels, was approximately threefold greater than in C rats, similar to our previous report. However, allowing the kidney of irI rats to experience hyperinsulinemia via the renal artery insulin infusion completely prevented this, with no blood pressure differences. These data support our hypothesis that meal-induced increases in plasma insulin are a major component of normal sodium homeostasis, and that this occurs by direct action of insulin on the kidney.
Perinatal and long-term effects of maternal uterine artery adenoviral VEGF-A165 gene therapy in the growth-restricted guinea pig fetus
Authors: Vaughan O. R. , Rossi C. A. , Ginsberg Y. , White A. , Hristova M. , Sebire N. J. , Martin J. , Zachary I. C. , Peebles D. M. , David A. L.
Published: May 2018

Uterine artery application of adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor A165 (Ad.VEGF-A165) gene therapy increases uterine blood flow and fetal growth in experimental animals with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Whether Ad.VEGF-A165 reduces lifelong cardiovascular disease risk imposed by FGR remains unknown. Here, pregnant guinea pigs fed 70% normal food intake to induce FGR received Ad.VEGF-A165 (1×1010 viral particles, n = 15) or vehicle ( n = 10), delivered to the external surface of the uterine arteries, in midpregnancy. Ad libitum-fed controls received vehicle only ( n = 14). Litter size, gestation length, and perinatal mortality were similar in control, untreated FGR, and FGR+Ad.VEGF-A165 animals. When compared with controls, birth weight was lower in male but higher in female pups following maternal nutrient restriction, whereas both male and female FGR+Ad.VEGF-A165 pups were heavier than untreated FGR pups ( P < 0.05, ANOVA). Postnatal weight gain was 10–20% greater in female FGR+Ad.VEGF-A165 than in untreated FGR pups, depending on age, although neither group differed from controls. Maternal nutrient restriction reduced heart weight in adult female offspring irrespective of Ad.VEGF-A165 treatment but did not alter ventricular wall thickness. In males, postnatal weight gain and heart morphology were not affected by maternal treatment. Neither systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, adrenal weight, nor basal or challenged plasma cortisol were affected by maternal undernutrition or Ad.VEGF-A165 in either sex. Therefore, increased fetal growth conferred by maternal uterine artery Ad.VEGF-A165 is sustained postnatally in FGR female guinea pigs. In this study, we did not find evidence for an effect of maternal nutrient restriction or Ad.VEGF-A165 therapy on adult offspring blood pressure.
Role of (pro)renin receptor in albumin overload-induced nephropathy in rats
Authors: Fang Hui , Deng Mokan , Zhang Linlin , Lu Aihua , Su Jiahui , Xu Chuanming , Zhou Li , Wang Lei , Ou Jing-Song , Wang Weidong , Yang Tianxin
Published: May 2018

Proteinuria is not only a common feature of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) but also an independent risk factor promoting CKD progression to end-stage renal failure. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for protein overload-induced renal injury remain elusive. The present study examined the role of (pro)renin receptor (PRR) in pathogenesis of albumin overload (AO)-induced nephropathy and activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in rats. Wistar rats underwent unilateral nephrectomy and were treated for 7 wk with vehicle, bovine serum albumin (5 g·kg−1·day−1via a single ip injection), alone or in conjunction with the PRR decoy inhibitor PRO20 (500 μg·kg−1·day−1via 3 sc injections). The AO rat model exhibited severe proteinuria, tubular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, accompanied by elevated urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity and urinary β2-microglobulin secretion, all of which were significantly attenuated by PRO20. Urinary and renal levels of renin, angiotensinogen, and ANG II were elevated by AO and suppressed by PRO20, contrasting to largely unaltered plasma levels of the RAS parameters. The AO model also showed increased renal expression of full-length PRR and soluble PRR (sPRR) and urinary excretion of sPRR. Taken together, we conclude that PRR antagonism with PRO20 alleviates AO-induced nephropathy via inhibition of intrarenal RAS.
Interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R1) activation exacerbates toxin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Privratsky Jamie R. , Zhang Jiandong , Lu Xiaohan , Rudemiller Nathan , Wei Qingqing , Yu Yen-Rei , Gunn Michael D. , Crowley Steven D.
Published: May 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Drug-induced/toxic AKI can be caused by a number of therapeutic agents. Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent whose administration is limited by significant nephrotoxicity. Therapies to prevent cisplatin-induced AKI are lacking. Although tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, the innate immune signaling pathways that trigger TNF generation in this context require elucidation. In this regard, sterile injury triggers the release and activation of both isoforms of interleukin(IL)-1, IL-1α and IL-1β. In turn, stimulation of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R1) by these ligands engages a proinflammatory signaling cascade that induces TNF induction. We therefore hypothesized that IL-1R1 activation exacerbates cisplatin-induced AKI by inducing TNF production, thereby augmenting inflammatory signals between kidney parenchymal cells and infiltrating myeloid cells. IL-1R1+/+ (WT) and IL-1R1−/− (KO) mice were subjected to cisplatin-induced AKI. Compared with WT mice, IL-1R1 KO mice had attenuated AKI as measured by serum creatinine and BUN, renal NGAL mRNA levels, and blinded histological analysis of kidney pathology. In the cisplatin-injured kidney, IL-1R1 KO mice had diminished levels of whole kidney TNF, and fewer Ly6G-expressing neutrophils. In addition, an unbiased machine learning analysis of intrarenal immune cells revealed a diminished number of CD11bint/CD11cintmyeloid cells in IL-1R1 KO injured kidneys compared with IL-1R1 WT kidneys. Following cisplatin, IL-1R1 KO kidneys, compared with WTs, had fewer TNF-producing: macrophages, CD11bint/CD11cintcells, and neutrophils, consistent with an effect of IL-1R1 to polarize intrarenal myeloid cells toward a proinflammatory phenotype. Interruption of IL-1-dependent signaling pathways warrants further evaluation to decrease nephrotoxicity during cisplatin therapy.
Unmasking a sustained negative effect of SGLT2 inhibition on body fluid volume in the rat
Authors: Masuda Takahiro , Watanabe Yuko , Fukuda Keiko , Watanabe Minami , Onishi Akira , Ohara Ken , Imai Toshimi , Koepsell Hermann , Muto Shigeaki , Vallon Volker , Nagata Daisuke
Published: May 2018

The chronic intrinsic diuretic and natriuretic tone of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is incompletely understood because their effect on body fluid volume (BFV) has not been fully evaluated and because they often increase food and fluid intake at the same time. Here we first compared the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin (Ipra, 0.01% in diet for 8 wk) and vehicle (Veh) in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rat, a nonobese type 2 diabetic model, and nondiabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. In nondiabetic rats, Ipra increased urinary excretion of Na+ (UNaV) and fluid (UV) associated with increased food and fluid intake. Diabetes increased these four parameters, but Ipra had no further effect, probably because of its antihyperglycemic effect, such that glucosuria and, as a consequence, food and fluid intake were unchanged. Fluid balance and BFV, determined by bioimpedance spectroscopy, were similar among the four groups. To study the impact of food and fluid intake, nondiabetic rats were treated for 7 days with Veh, Ipra, or Ipra+pair feeding+pair drinking (Pair-Ipra). Pair-Ipra maintained a small increase in UV and UNaV versus Veh despite similar food and fluid intake. Pair-Ipra induced a negative fluid balance and decreased BFV, whereas Ipra or Veh had no significant effect compared with basal values. In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibition induces a sustained diuretic and natriuretic tone. Homeostatic mechanisms are activated to stabilize BFV, including compensatory increases in fluid and food intake.
Kidney-specific WNK1 isoform (KS-WNK1) is a potent activator of WNK4 and NCC
Authors: Argaiz Eduardo R. , Chavez-Canales Maria , Ostrosky-Frid Mauricio , Rodríguez-Gama Alejandro , Vázquez Norma , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Xochiquetzal , Garcia-Valdes Jesus , Hadchouel Juliette , Ellison David , Gamba Gerardo
Published: May 2018

Familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt) can be mainly attributed to increased activity of the renal Na+:Cl−cotransporter (NCC), which is caused by altered expression and regulation of the with-no-lysine (K) 1 (WNK1) or WNK4 kinases. The WNK1 gene gives rise to a kidney-specific isoform that lacks the kinase domain (KS-WNK1), the expression of which occurs primarily in the distal convoluted tubule. The role played by KS-WNK1 in the modulation of the WNK/STE20-proline-alanine rich kinase (SPAK)/NCC pathway remains elusive. In the present study, we assessed the effect of human KS-WNK1 on NCC activity and on the WNK4-SPAK pathway. Microinjection of oocytes with human KS-WNK1 cRNA induces remarkable activation and phosphorylation of SPAK and NCC. The effect of KS-WNK1 was abrogated by eliminating a WNK-WNK-interacting domain and by a specific WNK inhibitor, WNK463, indicating that the activation of SPAK/NCC by KS-WNK1 is due to interaction with another WNK kinase. Under control conditions in oocytes, the activating serine 335 of the WNK4 T loop is not phosphorylated. In contrast, this serine becomes phosphorylated when the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl−]i) is reduced or when KS-WNK1 is coexpressed with WNK4. KS-WNK1-mediated activation of WNK4 is not due to a decrease of the [Cl−]i. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis revealed that KS-WNK1 and WNK4 interact with each other and that WNK4 becomes autophosphorylated at serine 335 when it is associated with KS-WNK1. Together, these observations suggest that WNK4 becomes active in the presence of KS-WNK1, despite a constant [Cl−]i.
NaV1.9 channels in muscle afferent neurons and axons
Authors: Marler Tyler L. , Wright Andrew B. , Elmslie Kristina L. , Heier Ankeeta K. , Remily Ethan , Kim-Han Jeong Sook , Ramachandra Renuka , Elmslie Keith S.
Published: May 2018

The exercise pressor reflex (EPR) is activated by muscle contractions to increase heart rate and blood pressure during exercise. While this reflex is beneficial in healthy individuals, the reflex activity is exaggerated in patients with cardiovascular disease, which is associated with increased mortality. Group III and IV afferents mediate the EPR and have been shown to express both tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S, NaV1.6, and NaV1.7) and -resistant (TTX-R, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9) voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, but NaV1.9 current has not yet been demonstrated. Using a F−-containing internal solution, we found a NaVcurrent in muscle afferent neurons that activates at around −70 mV with slow activation and inactivation kinetics, as expected from NaV1.9 current. However, this current ran down with time, which resulted, at least in part, from increased steady-state inactivation since it was slowed by both holding potential hyperpolarization and a depolarized shift of the gating properties. We further show that, following NaV1.9 current rundown (internal F−), application of the NaV1.8 channel blocker A803467 inhibited significantly more TTX-R current than we had previously observed (internal Cl−), which suggests that NaV1.9 current did not rundown with that internal solution. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that the majority of group IV somata and axons were NaV1.9 positive. The majority of small diameter myelinated afferent somata (putative group III) were also NaV1.9 positive, but myelinated muscle afferent axons were rarely labeled. The presence of NaV1.9 channels in muscle afferents supports a role for these channels in activation and maintenance of the EPR.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Small diameter muscle afferents signal pain and muscle activity levels. The muscle activity signals drive the cardiovascular system to increase muscle blood flow, but these signals can become exaggerated in cardiovascular disease to exacerbate cardiac damage. The voltage-dependent sodium channel NaV1.9 plays a unique role in controlling afferent excitability. We show that NaV1.9 channels are expressed in muscle afferents, which supports these channels as a target for drug development to control hyperactivity of these neurons.
Variations of collagen-encoding genes are associated with exercise-induced muscle damage
Authors: Baumert P. ,   G-REX Consortium, Stewart C. E. , Lake M. J. , Drust B. , Erskine R. M.
Published: May 2018

We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within genes encoding the alpha-1 chain of type I ( COL1A1, rs2249492 ; rs1800012 ), type II ( COL2A1, rs2070739 ), and type V (COL5A1, rs12722 ) collagen were associated with the variable response to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Knee extensor muscle strength and soreness were assessed pre-, post-, and 48 h post-EIMD (120 maximal eccentric knee extensor contractions) in 65 young healthy participants, who were genotyped for the aforementioned SNPs. We found that COL1A1 (minor) T-allele carriers ( rs1800012 ) and (major) T-allele homozygotes ( rs2249492 ) were generally weaker ( P ≤ 0.019); and (minor) A-allele carriers of COL2A1 ( P = 0.002) and (major) T-allele carriers of COL5A1 ( P = 0.004) SNPs reported greater muscle soreness, all compared with their respective major ( rs1800012 ; rs2070739 ) and minor ( rs2249492 ; rs12722 ) allele homozygote counterparts. To conclude, the risk alleles of these four SNPs appear to negatively influence muscle strength and post-EIMD recovery, possibly via a dysregulated collagen network affecting the muscle’s mechanical properties.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature for the Last Updates
Authors: Sanei Behnam , Kefayat Amirhosein , Samadi Melika , Goli Parvin , Sanei Mohammad Hossein , Ghahremani Fatemeh , Amouheidari Alireza
Published: May 2018

The most prevalent type of soft tissue sarcoma is undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) or previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma. It accounts over 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas and occurs most frequently in the extremities, trunk, and retroperitoneum. However, it has been rarely observed in the digestive system. Pancreas sarcoma represents less than 1% of all pancreatic tumors, and primary UPS of the pancreas is even rarer. It exhibits high recurrence and poor prognosis. In this case, a 72-year-old woman with a UPS tumor which was located in the pancreas head and neck without adhesion to the retroperitoneum will be discussed.
A Complex Cardiac Mass Originating from Interatrial Septum in a Patient with History of Kidney Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Faramarzi Negar , Sohal Sumit , Habibi Roshanak , Akbar Muhammad Sikander
Published: May 2018

Cardiac tumors are a rare phenomenon, and most cases are secondary to metastatic cancers rather than primary tumors. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is notorious for metastasis to cardiac tissue. Tumor thrombus migration to the renal vein and inferior vena cava happens in up to 10% of patients with RCC. Transitional cell carcinomas are another form of renal cancer, which may metastasize to the heart and are associated with widespread metastasis. Here, we report a patient with a past medical history of metastatic transitional cell cancer of renal pelvis under treatment with checkpoint inhibitor therapy presenting with shortness of breath. He had disseminated metastasis to bones, pleural space, lungs, and muscles. A large mass was found in the interatrial septum with invasion to the right and left atrium. The mass had a cystic component protruding into the left atrium. He passed away a few days after presentation.
A New Knowledge Characteristics Weighting Method Based on Rough Set and Knowledge Granulation
Authors: Shi Zhenquan , Chen Shiping
Published: May 2018

The knowledge characteristics weighting plays an extremely important role in effectively and accurately classifying knowledge. Most of the existing characteristics weighting methods always rely heavily on the experts’ a priori knowledge, while rough set weighting method does not rely on experts’ a priori knowledge and can meet the need of objectivity. However, the current rough set weighting methods could not obtain a balanced redundant characteristic set. Too much redundancy might cause inaccuracy, and less redundancy might cause ineffectiveness. In this paper, a new method based on rough set and knowledge granulation theories is proposed to ascertain the characteristics weight. Experimental results on several UCI data sets demonstrate that the weighting method can effectively avoid subjective arbitrariness and avoid taking the nonredundant characteristics as redundant characteristics.
EGFR T790M-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastases to the Pituitary Gland Causing Adrenal Insufficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Adashek Michael L. , Miller Kenneth , Silpasuvan Arit A.
Published: May 2018

A 64-year-old man, with history of micropapillary thyroid cancer and epidermal growth factor receptor-positive lung adenocarcinoma with no evidence of active disease for 3 years after chemotherapy and radiation on erlotinib, presented with fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, and xeroderma. A screening magnetic resonance image of the patient’s head demonstrated a new bilateral pituitary mass. Initial evaluation revealed low morning cortisol, and the patient was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. His symptoms rapidly improved with maintenance glucocorticoids. Soon thereafter, the patient developed an acute visual deficit secondary to enlargement of the pituitary mass, and biopsy revealed EGFR T790M positive metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Hence, we present a rare case of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to the pituitary causing secondary adrenal insufficiency.
A Dynamic Approach to Measuring China’s Provincial Energy Supply Security along “the Belt and Road”
Authors: Li Pin , Zhang Jin-suo , Xu Jian , Wang Ping
Published: May 2018

Using a dynamic model from 2005 to 2015, this study assessed China’s energy supply security in the provinces along “the Belt and Road”. Energy supply security was conceptualized across four dimensions: availability, affordability, acceptability, and energy technology and efficiency. A dynamic model was used to calculate the dynamic weights for each indicator and to examine the variation laws. It was found that the acceptability dimension indicator weights had rapidly increased, indicating that energy supply security had been widely accepted. Smooth weights were found for the availability dimension indicators, indicating that the resources needed to protect basic energy supplies were available. A synthetical energy supply security evaluation index was also analyzed for each “Belt and Road” province using a “quadratic weighting” method, which showed that the index was different in the same provinces in different years and different for different provinces in the same year. For 14 “Belt and Road” provinces, the overall energy supply security was found to have a “V” shape and a general dynamic upward trend, with the trends in the northwest and southeast provinces and along the whole “Belt and Road” found to be consistent. The energy supply security differences between these provinces were analyzed deeply in this paper; it will help us to understand the strengths and weaknesses of energy supply security levels in these provinces. The result will make it easier to cooperate with other provinces or countries along the “Belt and Road” in energy supply.
Extending Shelf Life of Indonesian Soft Milk Cheese (Dangke) by Lactoperoxidase System and Lysozyme
Authors: Al-Baarri Ahmad Ni’matullah , Legowo Anang Mohamad , Arum Septinika Kurnia , Hayakawa Shigeru
Published: May 2018

Dangke, a type of fresh soft cheese made of bovine and buffalo milk, is a traditional dairy product used in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is prepared from fresh milk using the conventional method, which easily destroys the quality. This study was conducted to assess whether using lactoperoxidase system and lysozyme as preservative agents could suppress the growth of bacteria in dangke. The pH value, total microbial count, and hardness of dangke were determined to measure the quality. Lactoperoxidase and lysozyme were purified from fresh bovine milk, and their purity was confirmed using SDS-PAGE. The combination of lactoperoxidase system and lysozyme was able to remarkably suppress the total microbial count in dangke from7.78±0.67to5.30±0.42 log CFU/ml during 8 h of storage at room temperature. Preserving dangke in this enzyme combination affected its hardness, but there was no remarkable change in the pH value. Results of this study may provide knowledge to utilize a new method to preserve the quality of dangke.
Successful Pregnancy Outcome after Open Strassman Metroplasty for Bicornuate Uterus
Authors: Gulavi Edgar , Kyende Mutiso Steve , Mariara Muriuki Charles , Mukaindo Mwaniki Abraham
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Müllerian duct anomalies represent a group of congenital malformations that result from failure to complete bilateral paramesonephric duct elongation, fusion, canalization, or septal resorption. These anomalies are rare in the general population with a bicornuate or didelphys uterus being among the common ones. Bicornuate uterine malformations are of clinical significance due to their adverse reproductive outcomes. Metroplasty has been shown to improve reproductive outcomes of bicornuate uterine malformations. We document a case of bicornuate uterus that was managed with Strassman metroplasty and a subsequent successful pregnancy outcome. Case. A Black African lady was seen with a history of six prior miscarriages. Her diagnostic workup revealed a bicornuate uterus for which she had a Strassman metroplasty performed. She later conceived and was followed up to term with a successful live birth. Conclusion. Strassman metroplasty is a rare procedure in Sub-Saharan Africa and this case seeks to add to the body of knowledge on surgical management of Müllerian duct anomalies specifically bicornuate uterus in this region. This case report aims to increase the awareness of Müllerian duct abnormalities specifically bicornuate uterus in cases of recurrent miscarriages and highlight the diagnostic strategies to investigate and to demonstrate management options in low resource settings.
Successful Treatment of Actinic Keratosis with Kanuka Honey
Authors: Mane Saras , Singer Joseph , Corin Andrew , Semprini Alex
Published: May 2018

Actinic keratoses form as rough, scaly plaques on sun-exposed areas; they can be an important step in premalignant progression to squamous cell cancer of the skin. Currently, pharmacological treatments consist of topical immunomodulatory agents with poor side effect profiles. Use of honey has been common in both ancient and modern medicine, where it is now a key therapy in the management of wound healing. In vitro studies show the New Zealand native Kanuka honey to have immunomodulatory and antimitotic effects, with recent evidence suggesting efficacy of topical application in a variety of dermatological contexts, including rosacea and psoriasis. Here, we present a case report of a 66-year-old gentleman with an actinic keratosis on his hand, which had been present for years. Regular application of Kanuka honey over three months resulted in remission immediately following the treatment period with no signs of recurrence at nine months.
Minimal Wave Speed in a Predator-Prey System with Distributed Time Delay
Authors: Wu Fuzhen , Li Dongfeng
Published: May 2018

This paper is concerned with the minimal wave speed of traveling wave solutions in a predator-prey system with distributed time delay, which does not satisfy comparison principle due to delayed intraspecific terms. By constructing upper and lower solutions, we obtain the existence of traveling wave solutions when the wave speed is the minimal wave speed. Our results complete the known conclusions and show the precisely asymptotic behavior of traveling wave solutions.
Retained Glass Fragment in the Cervical Spinal Canal in a Patient with Acute Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jesmanas Simonas , Norvainytė Kristina , Gleiznienė Rymantė , Mačionis Algirdas
Published: May 2018

A 50-year-old male presented with a one-day history of right leg weakness, numbness, and urinary retention. Weakness was present for two weeks but worsened significantly during the last 24 hours. On the right there was sensory loss in the leg and below the Th8 dermatome. On the left there was sensory loss below the Th10 dermatome and distal loss of temperature sensation. Past medical history revealed a cervical trauma 30 years ago when a glass chip lodged into the left side of the neck. The patient did not seek medical attention after removing it himself. No neurological symptoms followed the incident. No cervical manipulation or other physical trauma occurred before current symptom onset. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed features consistent with myelitis at the level of C4–Th3. At the level of C6–C7, a T1 and T2 hypointense lesion was noted. On computed tomography, this lesion was hyperdense and occupied the spinal canal and the left intervertebral foramen. It was deemed to be a glass fragment. Surgical removal was withheld because the fragment was clinically silent for 30 years, the risk of surgical removal would outweigh the benefits and the patient did not prefer surgical treatment. Acute demyelinating transverse myelitis was diagnosed and treated with methylprednisolone. 10 months later MR features of myelitis resolved and the patient’s neurological condition improved. Our case shows that foreign bodies in the cervical spinal canal can remain asymptomatic for up to 30 years. In the case of a long asymptomatic retention period the need for surgical removal of a foreign body must be carefully evaluated, taking into account the probability that a foreign body is the cause of current symptoms, risk of a foreign body causing damage in the future, risk of damage to the spinal cord during removal, and probability of therapeutic success.