bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A BUTTERFLY DIAGRAM AND CARRINGTON MAPS FOR CENTURY-LONG Ca ii K SPECTROHELIOGRAMS FROM THE KODAIKANAL OBSERVATORY
Authors: Chatterjee Subhamoy , Banerjee Dipankar , Ravindra B.
Published: August 2016

The century-long (1907–2007) Ca ii K spectroheliograms from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) are calibrated, processed, and analyzed to follow the evolution of the bright on-disc structures called plages, possible representatives of magnetic activity on the Sun. This is the longest data set studied in Ca ii K to date, covering about 9.5 cycles of 11 yr periods. Plages are segmented with area

≥
1

arcmin

2

using global thresholds for individual full disc images and subsequent application of a morphological closing operation. The plage index is calculated and is seen to have a close positive correlation with the fractional disc area covered by plages. The newly generated plage area cycle (from KSO) was compared with the same from the Mount Wilson Observatory (correlation 95.6%) for the overlapping years, i.e., 1915–2000. This study illustrates the time–latitude distribution of plage centroids by rendering a butterfly diagram (as observed for sunspots). The 3D visualization of the diagram shows one-to-one mapping between plage location, time, and area. This work further delineates the positional correlation between magnetic patches and plage regions through the comparison of synoptic maps derived from both KSO Ca ii K images and space-based full disc line-of-sight magnetograms. Regular synoptic magnetograms from ground-based observatories are available only after 1970s. Thus the long term Ca ii K data from KSO can be used as a proxy for estimating magnetic activity locations and their strengths at earlier times.
LITHIUM INVENTORY OF 2 M⊙ RED CLUMP STARS IN OPEN CLUSTERS: A TEST OF THE HELIUM FLASH MECHANISM
Authors: Carlberg Joleen K. , Cunha Katia , Smith Verne V.
Published: August 2016

The temperature distribution of field Li-rich red giants suggests the presence of a population of Li-rich red clump (RC) stars. One proposed explanation for this population is that all stars with masses near 2 M
⊙ experience a short-lived phase of Li-richness at the onset of core He-burning. Many of these stars have low 12C/13C, a signature of deep mixing that is presumably associated with the Li regeneration. To test this purported mechanism of Li enrichment, we measured abundances in 38 RC stars and 6 red giant branch (RGB) stars in four open clusters selected to have RC masses near 2 M
⊙. We find six Li-rich stars (A(Li) ≥ 1.50 dex) of which only two may be RC stars. None of the RC stars have Li exceeding the levels observed in the RGB stars, but given the brevity of the suggested Li-rich phase and the modest sample size, it is probable that stars with larger Li-enrichments were missed simply by chance. However, we find very few stars in our sample with low 12C/13C. Such low 12C/13C, seen in many field Li-rich stars, should persist even after lithium has returned to normal low levels. Thus, if Li synthesis during the He flash occurs, it is a rare, but potentially long-lived occurrence rather than a short-lived phase for all stars. We estimate a conservative upper limit of the fraction of stars going through a Li-rich phase to be

, based on stars that have low 12C/13C for their observed A(Li).
STAR FORMATION AND FEEDBACK: A MOLECULAR OUTFLOW–PRESTELLAR CORE INTERACTION IN L1689N
Authors: Lis D. C. , Wootten H. A. , Gerin M. , Pagani L. , Roueff E. , Tak F. F. S van der , Vastel C. , Walmsley C. M.
Published: August 2016

We present Herschel,11
ALMA Compact Array (ACA), and Caltech Submillimeter Observatory observations of the prestellar core in L1689N, which has been suggested to be interacting with a molecular outflow driven by the nearby solar-type protostar IRAS 16293-2422. This source is characterized by some of the highest deuteration levels observed in the interstellar medium. The change in the NH2D line velocity and width across the core provides clear evidence of an interaction with the outflow, traced by the high-velocity water emission. Quiescent, cold gas characterized by narrow line widths is seen in the NE part of the core, while broader, more disturbed line profiles are seen in the W/SW part. Strong N2D+ and ND3 emission is detected with ACA extending S/SW from the peak of the single-dish NH2D emission. The ACA data also reveal the presence a compact dust continuum source with a mean size of ∼1100 au, a central density of (1–2) × 107 cm−3, and a mass of 0.2–0.4 M
⊙. The dust emission peak is displaced ∼5″ to the south with respect to the N2D+ and ND3 emission, as well as the single-dish dust continuum peak, suggesting that the northern, quiescent part of the core is characterized by spatially extended continuum emission, which is resolved out by the interferometer. We see no clear evidence of fragmentation in this quiescent part of the core, which could lead to a second generation of star formation, although a weak dust continuum source is detected in this region in the ACA data.
A HIGH-VELOCITY CLOUD IMPACT FORMING A SUPERSHELL IN THE MILKY WAY
Authors: Park Geumsook , Koo Bon-Chul , Kang Ji-hyun , Gibson Steven J. , Peek J. E. G. , Douglas Kevin A. , Korpela Eric J. , Heiles Carl E.
Published: August 2016

Neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) gas in interstellar space is largely organized into filaments, loops, and shells, the most prominent of which are “supershells.” These gigantic structures, which require

erg to form, are generally thought to be produced by either the explosion of multiple supernovae (SNe) in OB associations or, alternatively, by the impact of high-velocity clouds (HVCs) falling into the Galactic disk. Here, we report the detection of a kiloparsec (kpc)-size supershell in the outskirts of the Milky Way with the compact HVC 040 + 01−282 (hereafter, CHVC040) at its geometrical center using the “Inner-Galaxy Arecibo L-band Feed Array” H i 21 cm survey data. The morphological and physical properties of both objects suggest that CHVC040, which is either a fragment of a nearby disrupted galaxy or a cloud that originated from an intergalactic accreting flow, collided with the disk ∼5 Myr ago to form the supershell. Our results show that some compact HVCs can survive their trip through the Galactic halo and inject energy and momentum into the Milky Way disk.
THE DYNAMICAL GENERATION OF CURRENT SHEETS IN ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA TURBULENCE
Authors: Howes Gregory G.
Published: August 2016

Turbulence profoundly affects particle transport and plasma heating in many astrophysical plasma environments, from galaxy clusters to the solar corona and solar wind to Earth's magnetosphere. Both fluid and kinetic simulations of plasma turbulence ubiquitously generate coherent structures, in the form of current sheets, at small scales, and the locations of these current sheets appear to be associated with enhanced rates of dissipation of the turbulent energy. Therefore, illuminating the origin and nature of these current sheets is critical to identifying the dominant physical mechanisms of dissipation, a primary aim at the forefront of plasma turbulence research. Here, we present evidence from nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations that strong nonlinear interactions between counterpropagating Alfvén waves, or strong Alfvén wave collisions, are a natural mechanism for the generation of current sheets in plasma turbulence. Furthermore, we conceptually explain this current sheet development in terms of the nonlinear dynamics of Alfvén wave collisions, showing that these current sheets arise through constructive interference among the initial Alfvén waves and nonlinearly generated modes. The properties of current sheets generated by strong Alfvén wave collisions are compared to published observations of current sheets in the Earth's magnetosheath and the solar wind, and the nature of these current sheets leads to the expectation that Landau damping of the constituent Alfvén waves plays a dominant role in the damping of turbulently generated current sheets.
MERGERS OF CHARGED BLACK HOLES: GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE EVENTS, SHORT GAMMA-RAY BURSTS, AND FAST RADIO BURSTS
Authors: Zhang Bing
Published: August 2016

The discoveries of GW150914, GW151226, and LVT151012 suggest that double black hole (BH–BH) mergers are common in the universe. If at least one of the two merging black holes (BHs) carries a certain amount of charge, possibly retained by a rotating magnetosphere, the inspiral of a BH–BH system would drive a global magnetic dipole normal to the orbital plane. The rapidly evolving magnetic moment during the merging process would drive a Poynting flux with an increasing wind power. The magnetospheric activities during the final phase of the merger would make a fast radio burst (FRB) if the BH charge can be as large as a factor of

q

ˆ

∼
(

10

−
9

–

10

−
8

)

of the critical charge Q

c
of the BH. At large radii, dissipation of the Poynting flux energy in the outflow would power a short-duration high-energy transient, which would appear as a detectable short-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) if the charge can be as large as

q

ˆ

∼
(

10

−
5

–

10

−
4

)

. The putative short GRB coincident with GW150914 recorded by Fermi GBM may be interpreted with this model. Future joint GW/GRB/FRB searches would lead to a measurement or place a constraint on the charges carried by isolate BHs.
Multiobserver Reliability of Ultrasound Assessment of Salivary Glands in Patients with Established Primary Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Damjanov Nemanja , Milic Vera , Nieto-González Juan Carlos , Janta Iustina , Martínez-Estupiñan Lina , Serrano Belén , Mata Carmen , Montoro María , Stanciu Denisa , Marinković-Erić Jelena , López-Longo Francisco Javier , Carreño Luis , Naredo Esperanza
Published: August 2016

Objective.

To evaluate the multiobserver reliability of salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) for scoring greyscale (GS) parenchymal inhomogeneity and parenchymal color Doppler (CD) signal in patients with established primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS).

Methods.

The study comprised 2 multiobserver reliability assessments in patients with pSS in 2 European centers. The first reliability exercise was performed on 24 patients with pSS and 8 controls who were independently evaluated with GS and CD US by 5 observers at the Institute of Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia. The second reliability exercise was carried out on 10 patients with pSS who were independently assessed with GS and CD US by 8 observers at the Hospital G.U. Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. SGUS parenchymal inhomogeneity and parenchymal CD signal were semiquantitatively scored using a 4-grade scoring system. The multiobserver agreement was calculated by the overall agreement and Light’s κ statistics.

Results.

A total of 640 SGUS examinations were performed in the first reliability exercise and a total of 320 examinations in the second reliability exercise. Multiobserver reliability was good (κ = 0.71–0.79) to excellent (κ = 0.81–0.82) for GS parenchymal inhomogeneity in both exercises. There was a moderate (κ = 0.53–0.58) to good (κ = 0.70) multiobserver reliability for parenchymal CD signal in the first exercise. However, there was no agreement or only a fair agreement (κ = 0.03–0.29) for parenchymal CD signal in the second exercise.

Conclusion.

US may be a reliable technique in the multiobserver scoring of GS parenchymal inhomogeneity of major SG in patients with established pSS. CD scoring of SG needs further standardization to be used in multicenter studies.
Antibacterial Polysulfone Membranes: The Effect of Eugenol and Zinc Oxide as Additives
Authors: Harun Zawati , Yusof Khairul Nazri , Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Shohur Muhamad Fikri , Jamalludin Mohd Riduan
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of eugenol and zinc oxide on antibacterial properties of polysulfone membrane. Polysulfone membranes were prepared by a simple phase inversion technique with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent and polyethylene glycol as pore forming agent with zinc oxide and eugenol as additives. Membrane structure were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe the effect of both additives towards the formation of dense top layer and porous bottom layer of membrane. Disc diffusion test was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E.coli). SEM result showed the formation of thin top and bottom layers with more porous structure for hydrophilic zinc oxide particle, while dense top and bottom layers with slightly smaller porous network for eugenol addition. However, accumulations of particles were found for membrane with zinc oxide at higher concentration. The synergistic effect of combination zinc oxide and eugenol on antibacterial activity against E coli was found in this study. Besides that, the inhibition ring of membrane was improved 200% when both zinc oxide and eugenol were added in polysulfone membrane, Based on the findings, we can conclude that membrane with a combination of zinc oxide and eugenol has a huge potential membrane for bacterial removal.
Experimental Measurement and Prediction of Heating Values of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Chen Xiao Liang , Tian Zuan , Ding Jian Ping
Published: August 2016

The weight percentage of food waste, plastics and rubber, paper, textile, weed and wood, and leather were measured for dry-base municipal solid wastes in a city of west China respectively. The dry higher heating value, wet higher heating value, and wet lower heating value of municipal solid wastes were also measured respectively. Based on the measured physical compositions data of wastes, three models were developed to predict three kinds of heating values respectively by the multiple linear regression method. The prediction results were compared with three predictive models from different regions in the world, and the predictive results of the developed models are the most accurate.
Effect of Boron and Chromium on Hardenability in 0.33% C Cold Heading Steel
Authors: Ruan Shi Peng , Zhao Ai Min , Li Yong Chao , Guo Ming Yi , Song Zhao Yong
Published: August 2016

The effect of B and Cr on hardenability in 0.33% C cold heading steel was studied. The results show that the hardenability enhanced from adding 0.0020% B or 0.28% Cr. The length of high hardness stability region of the Jominy Curve obviously increased with adding B,and the hardness of low hardness stability region of the Jominy Curve increased significantly with adding Cr. The ideal critical diameter DI of the experimental steels was calculated, the DI is 20.0 mm of the base steel with 0.33% C and no other alloying element addition, but the DI becomes 29.5 mm with adding 0.28% Cr and 46.4mm with adding 0.0020% B. The hardenability of the test steels was calculated by the nonlinear equation and compared with the experimental results. The calculated Jominy curve did not reflect characteristics of 2# steel with B and needs to be further optimized.
Mechanical Behavior of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Sheet at Different Strain Rates and Stress States
Authors: Ma Chun Sheng , Fu Hai Long , Li Hao , Luo Xiao , Li Yang , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2016

This Magnesium (Mg) alloys have been increasingly used in the automotive industry due to their superior mechanical properties compared with other metals. While there are some obstacles in the application of Mg alloy, one of that is its complex dynamic response characteristic. Many papers have studied the tensile and compression properties of AZ31B Mg alloys sheet, but lack of shear test. This paper presents experimental study, including the test method and test data analysis, on the AZ31B Mg alloy sheet. Uniaxial tension tests were carried out over a wide range of strain rates from to , which are of interest in vehicle crash CAE. At the same time uniaxial compression and shear tests at strain rates from to were also carried out. The different mechanical behavior of AZ31B Mg alloys sheet between tensile, compression and shear stress states can also be studied in this paper.
The Effect of the Addition of Nano-SiC and Nano-TiN in the ZGMn13Cr2 Alloy on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wu Qiang , Guo Jing Jie , Wu Yu Bin
Published: August 2016

The modifiers of nano-SiC and nano-TiN were added into the melt of ZGMn13Cr2 alloy, respectively. The effect of the additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Results show that the two kinds of nano modifiers both have refining effect and make the improvement of impact toughness and wear resistance.
Effect of Austenite Grain Size on Hardenability and Impact Toughness of SCM435H
Authors: Chen Ji Lin , Ruan Shi Peng , Wang Li Jun , Zhai Jin Po , Liu Chao
Published: August 2016

The effects of austenite grain size on hardenability and impact toughness were investigated. The results show that: Since the beginning of the two-phase region with quenching temperature, the austenite grain size from the initial 4+6 mixed crystal at 740°C, and gradually increased to 10 at 860°C; Austenite grain size and hardenability was directly proportional to the austenite grain size increased from 8μm to 36μm, the biggest change is the hardness 10HRC; Austenite grain size and impact toughness is linear, with the decrease of grain size, the impact energy increases linearly, and the austenite grain size and impact toughness curve fitting. Comprehensive analysis for ensuring the hardenability of cold heading steels should be considered optimal matching of material strength and plasticity.
Effect of Repeated Quenching on Rolling Contact Fatigue Properties of JIS SUJ2 Bearing Steel
Authors: Kamiya Takayuki , Hashizume Yuuki , Mizobe Koshiro , Kida Katsuyuki
Published: August 2016

One important method to improve the material properties is refinement of the prior austenite grain size. Repeated quenching is used as a grain refinement method. In the present work, samples of SUJ2 steel were furnace quenched once and thrice in order to investigate the effect of repeated quenching on rolling contact fatigue (RCF) strength. After the RCF tests, maicrostructure observations, Vickers hardness and retained austenite measurements, RCF life evaluation using the Weibull distribution were carried out. It was found that the dispersion of the life population was reduced by repeatedly quenching.
Plasma Spraying of Al-Si and Silicon on Magnesium Alloy under Protective Atmosphere
Authors: Kubatík Tomáš , Stoulil Jan , Janata Marek
Published: August 2016

Magnesium alloy AZ 91 is widely used as a structural material, but its use is limited at higher temperatures and high humidity. Plasma spraying technology allows to prepare protective metallic and nonmetallic coatings on magnesium and its alloys. In this study magnesium alloy AZ 91 was coated using plasma spraying method by AlSi30 wt. % and silicon. The Al-Si was applied to provide a bond-coat for topmost layer of silicon. This study focused on feeding distance (FD) on the quality of the prepared layers. The layers were prepared with a thickness of about 100 μm. The layers were observed with a scanning electron microscope with elemental map analysis. The layers were measured by Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Finite Element Modelling of CNT-Filled Magnesium Alloy Matrix Composites under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Akinwekomi Akeem Damilola , Choy Man Tik , Law Wing Cheung , Tang Chak Yin
Published: August 2016

Finite element modelling of a magnesium alloy matrix filled with a 2% volume fraction of carbon nanotubes (CNT) under 2.45 GHz microwave (MW) irradiation is reported. The effective dielectric and permeability data of the simulated compact are evaluated using the effective medium approximation. Subsequently, these values are used to solve Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations followed by the heat conduction equation, thus both the field distribution in the oven cavity and the predicted heating of the model compact are obtained. At an applied power of 1 kW and a 9-minute simulation time, the results show poor coupling between the monolithic metal compact and the MW, resulting in a maximum temperature of ~163 °C. It is in good agreement with earlier studies and theory in which metals did not couple very well with MWs at room temperatures. The model also predicts the temperature in the 2% CNT-filled alloy compact to be 13 °C higher than in the monolithic compact after a similar simulated microwave irradiation duration. Furthermore, the effect of susceptor-assisted microwave heating is investigated by introducing a susceptor kiln into the model. Simulation results predict the temperature of the compact to rise to about 600 °C after 9 minutes, highlighting the importance of susceptor-assisted sintering. The model developed is significant in providing important details for predicting the response of metal compacts and their composites to MW heating as well as further improving the development of MW technology for the production of materials with enhanced properties.
IL-35 Decelerates the Inflammatory Process by Regulating Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion and M1/M2 Macrophage Ratio in Psoriasis
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Lin Yi , Li Chunlei , Zhang Xiaomei , Cheng Lin , Dai Lei , Wang Youcui , Wang Fangfang , Shi Gang , Li Yiming , Yang Qianmei , Cui Xueliang , Liu Yi , Wang Huiling , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yang , Xiang Rong , Li Jiong , Yu Dechao , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: August 2016

IL-35 downregulates Th17 cell development and suppresses certain types of autoimmune inflammation such as collagen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune uveitis. Psoriasis is thought to be initiated by abnormal interactions between cutaneous keratinocytes and systemic immune cells. However, the role of IL-35 in psoriasis remains unclear. In this study, we assessed IL-35 in three well-known psoriasis models: a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), a keratin 14 (K14)-vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)-transgenic (Tg) mouse model, and an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. First, we found that IL-35 suppressed the expression of IL-6, CXCL8, and S100A7, which are highly upregulated by a mixture of five proinflammatory cytokines in HaCaT. Second, a plasmid coding for the human IL-35 sequence coated with cationic liposomes showed potent immunosuppressive effects on K14-VEGF-A-Tg and imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse models. In the K14-VEGF-A-Tg model, our results showed that several types of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced, whereas IL-10 was remarkably induced by IL-35. Compared with pcDNA3.1, there was a small number of CD4+IL-17+ T cells and a large number of CD4+IL-10+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the IL-35 group. Most importantly, we found that IL-35 decreased the total number of macrophages and ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, which has not been reported previously. In addition, compared with dexamethasone, IL-35 showed long-term therapeutic efficacy. In summary, our results strongly indicate that IL-35 plays a potent immunosuppressive role in psoriasis. Thus, IL-35 has potential for development as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic psoriasis and other cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
Soluble IL-6 Receptor and IL-27 Subunit p28 Protein Complex Mediate the Antiviral Response through the Type III IFN Pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaodan , Hao Hua , Xia Zhangchuan , Xu Gang , Cao Zhongying , Chen Xueyuan , Liu Shi , Zhu Ying
Published: August 2016

Previously, we demonstrated that the soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) plays an important role in the host antiviral response through induction of type I IFN and sIL-6R–mediated antiviral action via the IL-27 subunit p28; however, the mechanism that underlies sIL-6R and p28 antiviral action and whether type III IFN is involved remain unknown. In this study, we constructed a sIL-6R and p28 fusion protein (sIL-6R/p28 FP) and demonstrated that the fusion protein has stronger antiviral activity than sIL-6R alone. Consequently, knockout of sIL-6R inhibited virus-triggered IFN-λ1 expression. In addition, sIL-6R/p28 FP associated with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein and TNFR-associated factor 6, the retinoic acid–inducible gene I adapter complex, and the antiviral activity mediated by sIL-6R/p28 FP was dependent on mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein. Furthermore, significantly reduced binding of p50/p65 and IFN regulatory factor 3 to the IFN-λ1 promoter was observed in sIL-6R knockout cells compared with the control cells. Interestingly, a novel heterodimer of c-Fos and activating transcription factor 1 was identified as a crucial transcriptional activator of IFN-λ1. The sIL-6R/p28 FP upregulated IFN-λ1 expression by increasing the binding abilities of c-Fos and activating transcription factor 1 to the IFN-λ1 promoter via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the important role of sIL-6R/p28 FP in mediating virus-induced type III IFN production.
Opposing Roles of Tyrosine Kinase Receptors Mer and Axl Determine Clinical Outcomes in Experimental Immune-Mediated Nephritis
Authors: Zhen Yuxuan , Priest Stephen O. , Shao Wen-Hai
Published: August 2016

Glomerulonephritis is one of the most severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus, with considerable morbidity and mortality. There remains a major unmet need for successful management of lupus nephritis. TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases (Mer and Axl) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in the kidney. Mer is constitutively expressed in the glomeruli; Axl expression is inducible in glomeruli under inflammatory conditions. To investigate the distinct functions of Axl and Mer in lupus nephritis, we compared the severity of nephrotoxic serum glomerulonephritis in wild-type (WT), Axl-knockout (KO), Mer-KO, and Axl/Mer-KO mice. Mer-KO mice developed severe glomerulonephritis, with significantly decreased survival and increased blood urea nitrogen levels compared with WT mice given the same treatment. However, nephrotoxic serum–treated Axl-KO mice had significantly increased survival rates and improved renal function compared with similarly treated WT, Mer-KO, and Axl/Mer-KO mice. Interestingly, mice lacking both Axl and Mer developed kidney inflammation comparable to WT mice. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased Stat3 phosphorylation and caspase-1 activation in the kidneys of nephritic Mer-KO mice. In contrast, Axl-deficient nephrotoxic serum-injected mice showed decreased Akt phosphorylation and Bcl-xL upregulation. Thus, the reciprocal activation of Axl and Mer receptor tyrosine kinases has a major impact on the outcome of renal inflammation.
Endocytosis of Cytotoxic Granules Is Essential for Multiple Killing of Target Cells by T Lymphocytes
Authors: Chang Hsin-Fang , Bzeih Hawraa , Schirra Claudia , Chitirala Praneeth , Halimani Mahantappa , Cordat Emmanuelle , Krause Elmar , Rettig Jens , Pattu Varsha
Published: August 2016

CTLs are serial killers that kill multiple target cells via exocytosis of cytotoxic granules (CGs). CG exocytosis is tightly regulated and has been investigated in great detail; however, whether CG proteins are endocytosed following exocytosis and contribute to serial killing remains unknown. By using primary CTLs derived from a knock-in mouse of the CG membrane protein Synaptobrevin2, we show that CGs are endocytosed in a clathrin- and dynamin-dependent manner. Following acidification, endocytosed CGs are recycled through early and late, but not recycling endosomes. CGs are refilled with granzyme B at the late endosome stage and polarize to subsequent synapses formed between the CTL and new target cells. Importantly, inhibiting CG endocytosis in CTLs results in a significant reduction of their cytotoxic activity. Thus, our data demonstrate that continuous endocytosis of CG membrane proteins is a prerequisite for efficient serial killing of CTLs and identify key events in this process.
Unconventional Human T Cells Accumulate at the Site of Infection in Response to Microbial Ligands and Induce Local Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Liuzzi Anna Rita , Kift-Morgan Ann , Lopez-Anton Melisa , Friberg Ida M. , Zhang Jingjing , Brook Amy C. , Roberts Gareth W. , Donovan Kieron L. , Colmont Chantal S. , Toleman Mark A. , Bowen Timothy , Johnson David W. , Topley Nicholas , Moser Bernhard , Fraser Donald J. , Eberl Matthias
Published: August 2016

The antimicrobial responsiveness and function of unconventional human T cells are poorly understood, with only limited access to relevant specimens from sites of infection. Peritonitis is a common and serious complication in individuals with end-stage kidney disease receiving peritoneal dialysis. By analyzing local and systemic immune responses in peritoneal dialysis patients presenting with acute bacterial peritonitis and monitoring individuals before and during defined infectious episodes, our data show that Vγ9/Vδ2+ γδ T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells accumulate at the site of infection with organisms producing (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate and vitamin B2, respectively. Such unconventional human T cells are major producers of IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to these ligands that are shared by many microbial pathogens and affect the cells lining the peritoneal cavity by triggering local inflammation and inducing tissue remodeling with consequences for peritoneal membrane integrity. Our data uncover a crucial role for Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in bacterial infection and suggest that they represent a useful predictive marker for important clinical outcomes, which may inform future stratification and patient management. These findings are likely to be applicable to other acute infections where local activation of unconventional T cells contributes to the antimicrobial inflammatory response.
Charon Mediates Immune Deficiency–Driven PARP-1–Dependent Immune Responses in Drosophila
Authors: Ji Yingbiao , Thomas Colin , Tulin Nikita , Lodhi Niraj , Boamah Ernest , Kolenko Vladimir , Tulin Alexei V.
Published: August 2016

Regulation of NF-κB nuclear translocation and stability is central to mounting an effective innate immune response. In this article, we describe a novel molecular mechanism controlling NF-κB–dependent innate immune response. We show that a previously unknown protein, termed as Charon, functions as a regulator of antibacterial and antifungal immune defense in Drosophila. Charon is an ankyrin repeat–containing protein that mediates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1)–dependent transcriptional responses downstream of the innate immune pathway. Our results demonstrate that Charon interacts with the NF-κB ortholog Relish inside perinuclear particles and delivers active Relish to PARP-1–bearing promoters, thus triggering NF-κB/PARP-1–dependent transcription of antimicrobial peptides. Ablating the expression of Charon prevents Relish from targeting promoters of antimicrobial genes and effectively suppresses the innate immune transcriptional response. Taken together, these results implicate Charon as an essential mediator of PARP-1–dependent transcription in the innate immune pathway. Thus, to our knowledge, our results are the first to describe the molecular mechanism regulating translocation of the NF-κB subunit from cytoplasm to chromatin.
Adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid and cellular atypia: a rare case report
Authors: Ottoman Bacem A.E. , Al-Shiaty Rami A.
Published: August 2016

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is always a benign tumor with rare incidence of recurrence while ameloblastoma is the commonest gnathic tumor, which is always aggressive. Although co-occurrence of these lesions has been reported, this paper describes a homogenous combination of atypical AOT and ameloblastomatous proliferation with some malignant microscopic features. To date, A dozen cases or slightly more of this uncommon composite odontogenic tumor have been, quite correctly, reported in the literature under the designation of adenoid ameloblastoma. Of these, neither cellular atypia nor pleomorphism has been revealed. This extremely rare ameloblastomatous variant can pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Moreover, there were some findings of severe nuclear vacuolization, mitotic figures, cellular pleomorphism and nuclear hyperchromatism and chromatin peripheralization. However, the scattered occurrence of these was not sufficient for claiming a malignancy. To confirm, two immunohistochemical markers - Calretinin and p53 - were recruited. Rendering itself to be suspicious, a rapt attention should be paid toward well interrogating this lesion histologically and immunohistochemically.
Fever and erythema: exclude all and then… think of Still’s disease!
Authors: Maset Marta , Garlatti Costa Elena , Carniello Giorgio Siro , Grazioli Silvia , Ghersetti Michela , Casarin Pietro
Published: August 2016

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare disease. Diagnosis of Still’s disease is often difficult to achieve. Herein, we describe our diagnostic approach in a case report regarding an adult patient who presented with fever, erythema, lymphadenopathy and arthralgia.
Giant aneurysm of circumflex coronary artery in asymptomatic patient
Authors: Bosio Angelo , Pallisco Ottavio , Monaco Gabriele , Fornengo Paolo , De Feo Claudia , Corgnier Andrea , Ferretti Guido , Boccuzzi Giacomo , Vaudano Giacomo Paolo , Pascale Claudio
Published: August 2016

We report a case of a 74 years old woman presented to the hospital for fever and uncontrolled hypertension. We found, incidentally, a giant aneurysm of the circumflex coronary artery measuring 6.4 x 5.5 cm. We show suggestive CT scan images and multislice reconstructions and a review of the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea and arterial hypertension
Authors: Pascale Claudio , Pinna Giuliano , Artom Nathan
Published: August 2016

In recent years there is a growing interest regarding the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, there is a large increase in medical literature of papers on the connections between OSA and hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular diseases. In this work, authors review medical knowledge between OSA, arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
A model to improve the appropriateness in the management of acute poly-pathological patients: the acute complex care model
Authors: Orlandini Francesco , Pietrantonio Filomena , Moriconi Luca , La Regina Micaela , Mazzone Antonino , Campanini Mauro
Published: August 2016

Improved care for acute diseases has increased mean age and the proportion of people affected by multiple chronic diseases, while mutated socioeconomic conditions augmented the number of elderly and socially frail subjects. Multi-morbid patients who require a global approach not fragmented care interventions and a close connection between health and social services are progressively growing. Acute complex care model (ACCM) is a model of integrated management of the frail patients when they need of acute hospital care. The name of our model - ACCM - just recalls the Chronic Care Model (CCM), designed for the dehospitalization of chronic patients by preventing acute exacerbations, representing the hospital counterpart of the CCM. The target population are acutely ill complex and polypathological patients (AICPPs), admitted to hospital and requiring high technological resources and continuous monitoring; the mission is improving the management of medical admissions through pre-defined intra-hospital tracks and a global, multidisciplinary, patientcentred approach. Nowadays, multiple uncoordinated specialists care for AICPPs who move from one ward to another, with dangerous loss of information and continuity. ACCM tries to overcome these problems by putting the internal medicine specialist as the only referent for that patient and the coordinator of the care team. According to a model of future hospital organized with different intensity settings, the Internal Medicine Wards (IMWs), caring for AICPPS, are organized in High Dependency Areas and Ordinary Areas. For both we present organizational and personnel standards that are lacking in daily practice. The epidemiological transition leading to a progressive increase in AICPPs requiring frequent hospitalization enhances the role of hospital internal medicine specialist in the coordination and delivery of care. The ACCM represents a practical response to this epochal change of roles. Medical and nursing staff standards and competencies has to be reviewed to ensure adequate care for these patients.
Technical meeting on the traffic light protocols (TLP) for induced seismicity: summary and recommendations
Authors: Kao H , Eaton D W , Atkinson G M , Maxwell S , Babaie Mahani A
Published: August 2016

A technical meeting was held on October 6, 2015, at the downtown campus of the University of Calgary to discuss the effectiveness of the traffic light protocol (TLP) approach for management of risks from induced seismicity. The meeting was attended by 64
participants from industry (55%), various government agencies (25%), academia (10%), and professional societies (5%). The role of TLP in the mitigation of seismic hazards from induced seismicity and its challenges were examined. Three major issues with the current magnitude-based
TLPs were identified: (1) possible confusion due to the magnitude uncertainty for an induced seismic event, (2) lack of a link to the impact/consequences of reported seismic event(s), and (3) need to integrate other potential hazard indicators. To improve the effectiveness of existing TLPs, the
following changes are recommended: (1) incorporate ground motion information into TLPs such that decisions can be made based on better assessment of the actual risk, (2) develop a standardized approach for earthquake magnitude calculation, and (3) make the TLPs more adaptive to local hazard
conditions through research and incorporation (as appropriate) of other hazard indicators. A number of action items were brought forward at the workshop: (1) establishing a uniform standard for seismic data collection and assessment, (2) establishing a coherent framework of data sharing for induced
seismicity monitoring and research, (3) sharing other types of data, such as locations of known faults, and (4) taking more proactive approaches to establish best practices and to mitigate seismic risk from induced seismicity. These actions will greatly strengthen the reputation of the hydrocarbon
industry with respect to proactive, sensitive and responsible development of unconventional sources. If these steps can be implemented in a timely and effective manner, Canada has the potential to be a world leader in monitoring, understanding and mitigating hazards and risks from injection-induced
seismicity.
Evaluating effectiveness and constraints of private sector agricultural extension services of the Green River Project in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna Onyinyechi I. , Onwubuya Elizabeth A. , Akinnagbe Oluwole M. , Iwuchukwu Juliana C.
Published: August 2016

Background: Oil exploration operations decreased the cultivable lands of rural people in the study area, leading to the establishment of the Green River Project (GRP). This study assessed the effectiveness and constraints of private sector extension services of GRP in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria. Objectives: To analyse the roles and effectiveness of, as well as constraints to, the GRP in the area. Method: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, chi square and t-test were used to analyse the data. Results: Roles of GRP in farming technologies dissemination included training of farmers on fish pond construction technique and maintenance of good pH levels. There was significant improvement in standard of living (X2 = 15.7; p ≤ 0.05) and size of production (t = 6.398; p ≤ 0.05) of the respondents after participation. In terms of the effectiveness of private sector deliveries on public policies, the programme had effect on beneficiaries’ access to credit, education of wards and poverty reduction. But it is worthy to note that the observed changes may not have been solely caused by the GRP, given that there could be many other factors affecting fish farming, either positively or negatively. Serious implementation constraints to effective performance of GRP included organisational, input and sustainability constraints. Conclusion: It was recommended that there should be timely provision of sufficient inputs to farmers and measures to improve organisation of private sector extension services in the area in order to enhance development.
Experiences of mothers of sexually abused children in North-West province, post disclosure
Authors: Masilo Gaboipolelwe M. , Davhana-Maselesele Mashudu
Published: August 2016

Background: Sexual violence against children is increasing at an alarming rate in South Africa. In 2010 the South African Police Service (SAPS) reported 21 538 rape cases of children under 18 years. In the North-West province (NWP) 5039 incidents of rape cases were reported in 2009. Mothers often experience emotional pain following child sexual abuse disclosure. It is seldom acknowledged that these mothers experience trauma and need support, post disclosure. The researcher has no known evidence of research conducted on the experiences of these mothers in NWP. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of mothers of sexually abused children post disclosure of the abuse. Method: The research design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. Purposive sampling was used to select mothers of sexually abused children aged 23 to 59 years whose children ranged from 0 to 16 years. Permission to conduct the study was sought from the Provincial Department of Health and informed consent was obtained from the mothers. Interviews were conducted with a sample of n = 17 until data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a voice recorder and field notes to enhance triangulation. Tesch’s method of open coding was used to analyse data. Results: Findings indicated that mothers experienced emotional pain post sexual abuse. They expressed shock, anger and guilt for not noticing the abuse. They showed significant depression as a result of lack of support by stakeholders. Conclusion: Mothers experienced secondary trauma that poses social and psychological challenges with far-reaching implications.
Acute Calculous Cholecystitis Missed on Computed Tomography and Ultrasound but Diagnosed with Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Aparici Carina Mari , Win Aung Zaw
Published: August 2016

We present a case of a 69-year-old patient who underwent ascending aortic aneurysm repair with aortic valve replacement. On postsurgical day 12, he developed leukocytosis and low-grade fevers. The chest computed tomography (CT) showed a periaortic hematoma which represents a postsurgical change from aortic aneurysm repair, and a small pericardial effusion. The abdominal ultrasound showed cholelithiasis without any sign of cholecystitis. Finally, a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination was ordered to find the cause of fever of unknown origin, and it showed increased FDG uptake in the gallbladder wall, with no uptake in the lumen. FDG-PET/CT can diagnose acute cholecystitis in patients with nonspecific clinical symptoms and laboratory results.
Disseminated Mycobacterium Bovis Infection Complicating Intravesical BCG Instillation for the Treatment of Superficial Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Elzein Fatehi , Albogami Nada , Saad Mustafa , Tayeb Nazik El , Alghamdi Abdullah , Elyamany Ghaleb
Published: August 2016

Background

Intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) remains a first-line treatment for superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Although its use is relatively safe, severe complications such as granulomatous hepatitis, osteomyelitis, pneumonitis, and sepsis occur in few patients. Complications of intravesical instillation of BCG can be local or systemic, with early or late presentation.

Case Presentation

Here, we report an 88-year-old man who developed fever, rigors, and episodes of syncope following fourth intravesical BCG instillation for the treatment of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Pancytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, ground glass appearance on computerized tomography of the chest scan in addition to multiple bone marrow granulomas, suggested the diagnosis of disseminated BCG infection. All these features recovered on antituberculosis treatment.

Conclusion

Our case study highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of patients with disseminated BCG infection following intravesical instillation. Although isolation of mycobacterium is desirable to make the diagnosis, it is not unusual to have negative smears and cultures and this should not be used to dismiss the possibility of BCG infection.
Characterization of Gene Expression Patterns among Artificially Developed Cancer Stem Cells Using Spherical Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Seno Akimasa , Kasai Tomonari , Ikeda Masashi , Vaidyanath Arun , Masuda Junko , Mizutani Akifumi , Murakami Hiroshi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Seno Masaharu
Published: August 2016

We performed gene expression microarray analysis coupled with spherical self-organizing map (sSOM) for artificially developed cancer stem cells (CSCs). The CSCs were developed from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with the conditioned media of cancer cell lines, whereas the CSCs were induced from primary cell culture of human cancer tissues with defined factors ( OCT3/4, SOX2, and KLF4). These cells commonly expressed human embryonic stem cell (hESC)/hiPSC-specific genes ( POU5F1, SOX2, NANOG, LIN28, and SALL4) at a level equivalent to those of control hiPSC 201B7. The sSOM with unsupervised method demonstrated that the CSCs could be divided into three groups based on their culture conditions and original cancer tissues. Furthermore, with supervised method, sSOM nominated TMED9, RNASE1, NGFR, ST3GAL1, TNS4, BTG2, SLC16A3, CD177, CES1, GDF15, STMN2, FAM20A, NPPB, CD99, MYL7, PRSS23, AHNAK, and LOC152573 genes commonly upregulating among the CSCs compared to hiPSC, suggesting the gene signature of the CSCs.
Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health
Authors: Garavaglia Juliano , Markoski Melissa M. , Oliveira Aline , Marcadenti Aline
Published: August 2016

Grape seed oil is rich in phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and vitamins, with economic importance to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industry. Its use as an edible oil has also been suggested, especially due to its pleasant sensory characteristics. Grape seed oil has beneficial properties for health that are mainly detected by in vitro studies, such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, and may interact with cellular and molecular pathways. These effects have been related to grape seed oil constituents, mainly tocopherol, linolenic acid, resveratrol, quercetin, procyanidins, carotenoids, and phytosterols. The aim of this article was to briefly review the composition and nutritional aspects of grape seed oil, the interactions of its compounds with molecular and cellular pathways, and its possible beneficial effects on health.
Convex-normal (Pairs of) Polytopes
Authors: Haase Christian , Hofmann Jan
Published: August 2016

In 2012, Gubeladze (Adv. Math. 2012) introduced the notion ofk-convex-normal polytopes to show that integral polytopes all of whose edges are longer than 4d(d+ 1) have the integer decomposition property. In the first part of this paper we show that for lattice polytopes there is no diòerence betweenk- and (k+ 1)-convex-normality (fork≥ 3) and improve the bound to 2d(d+ 1). In the second part we extend the definition to pairs of polytopes. Given two rational polytopesPandQ, where the normal fan ofPis a reûnement of the normal fan ofQ, if every edge ePofPis at least d times as long as the corresponding face (edge or vertex) eQofQ, then.