bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allopolyploid origin and genome differentiation of the parasitic speciesCuscuta veatchii(Convolvulaceae) revealed by genomic in situ hybridization
Authors: Ibiapino Amália , García Miguel A. , Ferraz Maria Eduarda , Costea Mihai , Stefanović Saša , Guerra Marcelo
Published: May 2019

Interspecific hybridization and genome duplication to form allopolyploids are major evolutionary events in angiosperms. In the parasitic genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae), molecular data suggested the existence of species of hybrid origin. One of them, C. veatchii, has been proposed as a hybrid between C. denticulata and C. nevadensis, both included in sect. Denticulatae. To test this hypothesis, a cytogenetic analysis was performed with CMA/DAPI staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization using 5S and 35S rDNA and genomic probes. Chromosomes of C. denticulata were small with a well-defined centromeric region, whereas C. nevadensis had larger, densely stained chromosomes, and less CMA+heterochromatic bands. Cuscuta veatchii had 2n = 60 chromosomes, about 30 of them similar to those of C. denticulata and the remaining to C. nevadensis. GISH analysis confirmed the presence of both subgenomes in the allotetraploid C. veatchii. However, the number of rDNA sites and the haploid karyotype length in C. veatchii were not additive. The diploid parentals had already diverged in their chromosomes structure, whereas the reduction in the number of rDNA sites more probably occurred after hybridization. As phylogenetic data suggested a recent divergence of the progenitors, these species should have a high rate of karyotype evolution.
Controlled self-assembly of polymer semiconductors in solution using a solvent-vapor approach
Authors: Jo Gyounglyul , Choi Solip , Jeong Jae Won , Lim Gyun Taek , Jung Jaehan , Chang Mincheol
Published: May 2019

A facile solution treatment strategy for controlling the microstructure of conjugated polymers using a non-solvent vapor is introduced. The content of well-ordered poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) aggregates in solution was precisely controlled by varying the non-solvent vapor exposure time. P3HT chains were self-assembled upon exposure to the non-solvent vapor to minimize the unfavorable interactions with the non-solvent molecules. The effect of solvent vapor on the molecular ordering and morphologies of P3HT films was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy. These studies reveal that the self-assembled P3HT aggregates have well-ordered nanofibrillar structures formed via [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking. This strategy paves the way toward fabricating well-ordered polymeric structures, especially in the field of opto-electronic applications including FETs, LEDs, and lasers, where proper alignment or molecular assembly is in great demand.
Instance-Based Cost-Sensitive Boosting
Authors: Sharifnia Ensieh , Boostani Reza
Published: May 2019

Many classification algorithms aim to minimize just their training error count; however, it is often desirable to minimize a more general cost metric, where distinct instances have different costs. In this paper, an instance-based cost-sensitive Bayesian consistent version of exponential loss function is proposed. Using the modified loss function, the derivation of instance-based cost-sensitive extensions of AdaBoost, RealBoost and GentleBoost are developed which are termed as ICSAdaBoost, ICSRealBoost and ICSGentleBoost, respectively. In this research, a new instance-based cost generation method is proposed instead of doing this expensive process by experts. Thus, each sample takes two cost values; a class cost and a sample cost. The first cost is equally assigned to all samples of each class while the second cost is generated according to the probability of each sample within its class probability density function. Experimental results of the proposed schemes imply 12% enhancement in terms of [Formula: see text]-measure and 13% on cost-per-sample over a variety of UCI datasets, compared to the state-of-the-art methods. The significant priority of the proposed method is supported by applying the pair of [Formula: see text]-tests to the results.
Improved Control Schemes for Projective Synchronization of Delayed Neural Networks with Unmatched Coefficients
Authors: Abdurahman Abdujelil , Jiang Haijun
Published: May 2019

Projective synchronization (PS) is a type of chaos synchronization where the states of slave system are scaled replicas of the states of master system. This paper studies the asymptotic projective synchronization (APS) between master–slave chaotic neural networks (NNs) with mixed time-delays and unmatched coefficients. Based on useful inequality techniques and constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, some simple criteria are derived to ensure the APS of considered networks via designing a novel adaptive feedback controller. In addition, a numerical example and its MATLAB simulations are provided to check the feasibility of the obtained results. The main innovation of our work is that we dealt with the APS problem between two different chaotic NNs, while most of the existing works only concerned with the PS of chaotic systems with the same topologies. In addition, compared with the controllers introduced in the existing papers, the designed controller in this paper does not require any knowledge about the activation functions, which can be seen as another novelty of the paper.
Measurement and analysis of 10B +12C elastic scattering at energy of 41.3MeV
Authors: Burtebayev N. , Nassurlla M. , Sabidolda A. , Sakuta S. B. , Karakhodjaev A. A. , Ergashev F. X. , Rusek K. , Piasecki E. , Trzcińska A. , Wolińska-Cichocka M. , Kowalczyk Michal , Mauyey B. , Janseitov D. , Zalewski B. , Hamada Sh. , Kemper K. W. , Ibraheem Awad A.
Published: May 2019

Angular distribution of the [Formula: see text] elastic scattering was measured at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV. Experimental data showed a significant increase in differential cross-sections at backward angles. The optical model with phenomenological potentials reproduces well the experimental cross-sections in the region of the angles of the forward hemisphere, but is not able to explain the increase in cross-sections at large angles. The distorted wave Born approximation method was used to reproduce the experimental data at large angles [Formula: see text] by taking into consideration a deuteron transfer. Spectroscopic amplitude has been extracted for the configuration [Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]B + [Formula: see text] from the analysis.
Seismic Control of Structures Using Sloped Bottom Tuned Liquid Damper
Authors: Pandit Amiya Ranjan , Biswal Kishore Chandra
Published: May 2019

Tuned liquid damper (TLD) as an economical passive damper has gained importance because of its efficiency in suppressing the undesirable motion of a structure due to devastating earthquakes when it is rigidly attached to the structure. This phenomenon has been studied previously, but mostly limited to rectangular- or cylindrical-shaped TLD. The present study is aimed at determining the potential of the sloped bottom tuned liquid damper to suppress the unwanted vibration of the structure subjected to earthquake ground motion. Three different earthquake ground motions characterized by low-, intermediate- and high-frequency contents are selected for the dynamic analysis of the TLD–structure coupled system. A parametric study on the sloped bottom TLD and its interaction with the sustaining structural system is conducted. The structural equations, which are coupled with fluid equations, are solved by the Newmark-[Formula: see text] method with average acceleration, while the fluid equations are solved using velocity potential-based finite element method. The liquid domain in the TLD is comprised of a combination of three-node triangular and four-node quadrilateral elements. The result shows the reduction in structure response is significant with less amount of water in sloped bottom TLD rather than rectangular TLD.
Yang–Mills instanton sheaves with higher topological charges
Authors: Lai Sheng-Hong , Lee Jen-Chi , Tsai I-Hsun
Published: May 2019

We explicitly construct [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text] complex) Yang–Mills (YM) (weakly) three and four instanton sheaves on [Formula: see text]. These results extend the previous construction of YM (weakly) instanton sheaves with topological charge two [S. H. Lai, J. C. Lee and I. H. Tsai, Yang–Mills instanton sheaves, Ann. Phys. 377 (2017) 446, arXiv:1603.02860 ].
An Improved Quick Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Portfolio Selection
Authors: Suthiwong Dit , Sodanil Maleerat , Quirchmayr Gerald
Published: May 2019

Computation Intelligence has inspired many researchers to develop the capability of computers to learn and solve a complex task in real-world problems. In this work, we propose an Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) to deal with the Stock Selection problem. We apply a Sigmoid-based Discrete-Continuous model with ABC to select appropriate features for stock scoring. The empirical study tests the performance of ABC compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm by using data from the Stock Exchange Thailand. The empirical results show that the novel model stock selection significantly outperforms in terms of both investment return, diversity and model robustness.
Cathodic electrodeposition of porous MnO2 film as binder-free cathode for high performance rechargeable Zinc-ion battery
Authors: Fan Xiaoyong , Ni Kefan , Han Jiaxing , Wang Shan , Gou Lei , Li Dong-Lin
Published: May 2019

Rechargeable aqueous Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are highly desirable for meeting ever-growing demands from large-scale energy storage fields due to their high energy density, high safety, low cost and environmental friendliness. Here, we report a binder-free porous MnO2 film achieved by cathodic electrodeposition coupled with subsequent high temperature heat treatment as cathode for aqueous ZIBs. Benefiting from the binder-free and porous structure, this electrode exhibits a stable capacity of about 94[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 1.8[Formula: see text]A g[Formula: see text] over 1500 cycles. The capacity at 6.0[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] remains 61[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], which is 36% of that at 0.3[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicate the MnO2 film after heat treatment has minor charge transfer impedance and high ions diffusion coefficient. The morphology revolution upon cycling suggests that the MnO2 film after heat treatment is easily transformed into nanosheet arrays with abundant voids facilitating ions transport and possess better structure stability. This work may offer an efficient pathway to explore a promising cathode for aqueous ZIBs.
Multidecompositions of line graphs of complete graphs
Authors: Ganesamurthy S. , Paulraja P. , Srimathi R.
Published: May 2019

By a [Formula: see text]-decomposition of a graph [Formula: see text] we mean a decomposition of [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text] copies of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] copies of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] copies of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are non-negative integers. In this paper, it is proved that the necessary conditions for the existence of a [Formula: see text]-decomposition of [Formula: see text] are sufficient, where B, the bowtie, is the graph with two triangles having exactly one common vertex. Further, it is shown that the line graph of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] has a [Formula: see text]-decomposition except for [Formula: see text].
SUSTAINABLE COMPENSATION AND PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN BANKS
Authors: D’APOLITO ELISABETTA , IANNUZZI ANTONIA P. , LABINI STEFANIA SYLOS , SICA EDGARDO
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the financial and non-financial impacts of the use of sustainability criteria in banks’ executive compensation plans. The sample covers all the globally and systemically important European banks over the period 2013–2017. Panel data-fixed effect estimations are employed to mitigate endogeneity concerns and to control for within-firm dynamics. The implementation of sustainable criteria in the banks’ remuneration contracts was found to (i) negatively impact economic performance, (ii) negatively impact the riskiness profile, and (iii) positively impact sustainability performance. These findings have important implications for investors as well as banks. Indeed, these results are encouraging for the use of sustainability targets in executive compensation for restricting excessive risk-taking behaviors and improving sustainability performance.
Does Diversity Affect User Satisfaction in Image Search
Authors: Wu Zhijing , Zhou Ke , Liu Yiqun , Zhang Min , Ma Shaoping
Published: May 2019

Diversity has been taken into consideration by existing Web image search engines in ranking search results. However, there is no thorough investigation of how diversity affects user satisfaction in image search. In this article, we address the following questions: (1) How do different factors, such as content and visual presentations, affect users’ perception of diversity? (2) How does search result diversity affect user satisfaction with different search intents? To answer those questions, we conduct a set of laboratory user studies to collect users’ perceived diversity annotations and search satisfaction. We find that the existence of nearly duplicated image results has the largest impact on users’ perceived diversity, followed by the similarity in content and visual presentations. Besides these findings, we also investigate the relationship between diversity and satisfaction in image search. Specifically, we find that users’ preference for diversity varies across different search intents. When users want to collect information or save images for further usage (the
Locate
search tasks), more diversified result lists lead to higher satisfaction levels. The insights may help commercial image search engines to design better result ranking strategies and evaluation metrics.
Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in trained breath-hold divers
Authors: Moir M. Erin , Klassen Stephen A. , Al-Khazraji Baraa K. , Woehrle Emilie , Smith Sydney O. , Matushewski Brad J. , Kozić Duško , Dujić Željko , Barak Otto F. , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: May 2019

Breath-hold divers (BHD) experience repeated bouts of severe hypoxia and hypercapnia with large increases in blood pressure. However, the impact of long-term breath-hold diving on cerebrovascular control remains poorly understood. The ability of cerebral blood vessels to respond rapidly to changes in blood pressure represents the property of dynamic autoregulation. The current investigation tested the hypothesis that breath-hold diving impairs dynamic autoregulation to a transient hypotensive stimulus. Seventeen BHD (3 women, 11 ± 9 yr of diving) and 15 healthy controls (2 women) completed two or three repeated sit-to-stand trials during spontaneous breathing and poikilocapnic conditions. Heart rate (HR), finger arterial blood pressure (BP), and cerebral blood flow velocity (BFV) from the right middle cerebral artery were measured continuously with three-lead electrocardiography, finger photoplethysmography, and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure was measured with a gas analyzer. Offline, an index of cerebrovascular resistance (CVRi) was calculated as the quotient of mean BP and BFV. The rate of the drop in CVRi relative to the change in BP provided the rate of regulation [RoR; (∆CVRi/∆T)/∆BP]. The BHD demonstrated slower RoR than controls ( P ≤ 0.001, d = 1.4). Underlying the reduced RoR in BHD was a longer time to reach nadir CVRi compared with controls ( P = 0.004, d = 1.1). In concert with the longer CVRi response, the time to reach peak BFV following standing was longer in BHD than controls ( P = 0.01, d = 0.9). The data suggest impaired dynamic autoregulatory mechanisms to hypotension in BHD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Impairments in dynamic cerebral autoregulation to hypotension are associated with breath-hold diving. Although weakened autoregulation was observed acutely in this group during apneic stress, we are the first to report on chronic adaptations in cerebral autoregulation. Impaired vasomotor responses underlie the reduced rate of regulation, wherein breath-hold divers demonstrate a prolonged dilatory response to transient hypotension. The slower cerebral vasodilation produces a longer perturbation in cerebral blood flow velocity, increasing the risk of cerebral ischemia.
Effects of high PEEP and fluid administration on systemic circulation, pulmonary microcirculation, and alveoli in a canine model
Authors: He Huaiwu , Hu Qinhe , Long Yun , Wang Xu , Zhang Rui , Su Longxiang , Liu Dawei , Ince Can
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to determine the response of systemic circulation, pulmonary microcirculation, and alveoli to high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a canine model. This study was conducted in nine mixed-breed dogs on mechanical ventilation under anesthesia. The PEEP was initially set at 5 cmH2O (PEEP5), the PEEP was then increased to 25 cmH2O (PEEP25), and then saline was used for fluid loading. Data were obtained at the following time points: PEEP5; PEEP25 prefluid loading; and PEEP25 postfluid loading. The images of subpleural lung microcirculation were assessed by sidestream dark-field microscopy, and the hemodynamic data were collected from pulse contour waveform-derived measurements. Compared with PEEP5, the lung microvascular flow index (MFI, 2.3 ± 0.8 versus 0.9 ± 0.8, P = 0.001), lung perfused vessel density (PVD, 4.2 ± 2 versus 1.5 ± 1.8, P = 0.004), lung proportion of perfused vessel (PPV, 93 ± 14 versus 40 ± 4, P = 0.003), cardiac output (2.5 ± 0.6 versus 1.4 ± 0.5, P = 0.001), and mean blood pressure (116 ± 24 versus 91 ± 31, P = 0.012) were significantly lower at PEEP25 prefluid loading. After fluid loading, there were no significant differences in cardiac output or mean arterial pressure between the PEEP5 and PEEP25 postfluid loading levels. However, the lung microcirculatory MFI, PVD, and PPV at PEEP25 postfluid loading remain lower than at PEEP5. A significant increase in septal thickness was found at PEEP25 postfluid loading relative to septal thickness at PEEP25 prefluid loading (25.98 ± 5.31 versus 40.76 ± 7.9, P = 0.001). Under high PEEP, systemic circulation was restored after fluid loading, but lung microcirculation was not. Moreover, the septal thickness of alveoli significantly increased after fluid loading.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY An excessively high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can impair the systemic circulation and alveolar microcirculation. In the high-PEEP condition, fluid loading restored the systemic circulation but did not affect the impaired lung microcirculation. The septal thickness of the alveoli significantly increased after fluid loading in the high-PEEP condition.
Weighted lp Norm Sparse Error Constraint Based ADMM for Image Denoising
Authors: Xu Jiucheng , Wang Nan , Xu Zhanwei , Xu Keqiang
Published: May 2019

In the process of image denoising, the accurate prior knowledge cannot be learned due to the influence of noise. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain better sparse coefficients. Based on this consideration, a weighted lp norm sparse error constraint (WPNSEC) model is proposed. Firstly, the suitable setting of power p in the lp norm is made a detailed analysis. Secondly, the proposed model is extended to color image denoising. Since the noise of RGB channels has different intensities, a weight matrix is introduced to measure the noise levels of different channels, and a multichannel weighted lp norm sparse error constraint algorithm is proposed. Thirdly, in order to ensure that the proposed algorithm is tractable, the multichannel WPNSEC model is converted into an equality constraint problem solved via alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm. Experimental results on gray image and color image datasets show that the proposed algorithms not only have higher peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and feature similarity index (FSIM) but also produce better visual quality than competing image denoising algorithms.
Exploring Nunavut Public Health System’s Readiness to Implement Obesity Prevention Policies and Programs in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Akande Victor O. , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Kremers Stef P. J.
Published: May 2019

Background. Rapid changes in the food and built environments in the Canadian Arctic have contributed to a dramatic increase in the prevalence rates of obesity. The objective of this study was to explore the determinants of Nunavut public health system’s commitment to implement obesity prevention policies and programs in the territory to reduce the burden of obesity-related diseases.Methods. In total, 93 program managers, program officers, and policy analysts who are responsible for program and policy development and implementation within the Nunavut Department of Health (NDH) were asked to complete the validated Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) questionnaire. Organization-level readiness (commitment) was determined based on aggregated individual-level data using bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses.Results. Of the 93 questionnaires that were distributed only 67 (72%) were returned fully completed. Organization-level commitment to implement obesity prevention policies and programs was low. Only 2.9% of respondents strongly agreed that NDH was committed to implementing obesity prevention policies and programs. The study showed a strong positive correlation between NDH’s commitment and perceived value (r = .73), perceived efficacy (r = .50), and resource availability (r = .25). There was no correlation between commitment and knowledge. In the multivariate linear regression model, perceived value was the only significant predictor of NDH’s commitment to implement obesity prevention policies and programs (β= 0.66).Conclusions. Successful adoption and implementation of obesity prevention policies and programs in the Canadian Arctic largely depend on the perception of value and benefits of and belief in the change efforts among employees of the Nunavut Department of Health. Convincing policy makers of the value of preventive policies and programs is an important and necessary first step towards decreasing the prevalence of obesity in the Inuit population.
Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From a Mitochondrial Point of View
Authors: Cenini Giovanna , Lloret Ana , Cascella Roberta
Published: May 2019

Age is the main risk factor for a number of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which increasing numbers of elderly individuals suffer. These pathological conditions are characterized by progressive loss of neuron cells, compromised motor or cognitive functions, and accumulation of abnormally aggregated proteins. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main features of the aging process, particularly in organs requiring a high-energy source such as the heart, muscles, brain, or liver. Neurons rely almost exclusively on the mitochondria, which produce the energy required for most of the cellular processes, including synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter synthesis. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage, because of its high oxygen consumption, low antioxidant defenses, and high content of polyunsaturated fats very prone to be oxidized. Thus, it is not surprising the importance of protecting systems, including antioxidant defenses, to maintain neuronal integrity and survival. Here, we review the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the aging process, with a specific focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involving mitochondria and oxidative stress in the aging and neurodegeneration may help to identify new strategies for improving the health and extending lifespan.
Numerical Simulation Research of Smooth Wall Blasting Using the Timing Sequence Control Method under Different Primary Blast Hole Shapes
Authors: Li XinPing , Lv JunLin , Huang JunHong , Luo Yi , Liu TingTing
Published: May 2019

To make sure the integrity and stability of surrounding rock structure during blasting excavation of important structural planes in deep underground caverns, two kinds of fine blasting methods, timing sequence control fracture blasting network and notch blast hole, are innovatively combined and the formation of cracks between smooth blasting holes with different delay initiation and different shapes of primary blast holes (PBHs) are compared and analyzed. The results show that when the delay initiation time between the successive explosion holes is greater than or equal to the transverse wave of the PBH propagates to the target blast hole (TBH), the concentrated stress along the connection direction of the hole on the wall of the TBH is larger than the other directions of the hole wall. After the TBH is detonated, cracks will preferentially expand along the connection direction of the blast holes. If the PBH is the notch blast hole, more explosive energy will be directed to the wall of the TBH so that the hole wall along the connection direction of the blast holes will be subjected to greater tension stress before the initiation of the TBH. In this way, the interval between successive holes can be increased and the efficiency of blasting excavation of rock mass can be improved accordingly.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes inEnterococcus faeciumandEnterococcus faecalisfrom Humans and Retail Red Meat
Authors: Golob Majda , Pate Mateja , Kušar Darja , Dermota Urška , Avberšek Jana , Papić Bojan , Zdovc Irena
Published: May 2019

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant and virulent enterococci is a major public health concern. While enterococci are commonly found in food of animal origin, the knowledge on their zoonotic potential is limited. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence traits ofEnterococcus faecalisandEnterococcus faeciumisolates from human clinical specimens and retail red meat in Slovenia. A total of 242 isolates were investigated: 101 from humans (71E. faecalis, 30E. faecium) and 141 from fresh beef and pork (120E. faecalis, 21E. faecium). The susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials was tested using a broth microdilution method, and the presence of seven common virulence genes was investigated using PCR. In both species, the distribution of several resistance phenotypes and virulence genes was disparate for isolates of different origin. All isolates were susceptible to daptomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin. In both species, the susceptibility to antimicrobials was strongly associated with a food origin and the multidrug resistance, observed in 29.6% ofE. faecalisand 73.3%E. faeciumclinical isolates, with a clinical origin (Fisher’s exact test). Among meat isolates, in total 66.0% ofE. faecalisandE. faeciumisolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested and 32.6% were resistant to either one or two antimicrobials. InE. faecalis, several virulence genes were significantly associated with a clinical origin; the most common (31.0%) gene pattern included all the tested genes excepthyl. In meat isolates, the virulence genes were detected inE. faecalisonly and the most common pattern includedace,efaA, andgelE(32.5%), of whichgelEshowed a statistically significant association with a clinical origin. These results emphasize the importance ofE. faecalisin red meat as a reservoir of virulence genes involved in its persistence and human infections with reported severe outcomes.
Lupeol, a Dietary Triterpene, Enhances Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats with Modulatory Effects on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Angiogenesis
Authors: Beserra Fernando Pereira , Vieira Ana Júlia , Gushiken Lucas Fernando Sérgio , de Souza Eduardo Oliveira , Hussni Maria Fernanda , Hussni Carlos Alberto , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , Martinez Emanuel Ricardo Monteiro , Jackson Christopher John , de Azevedo Maia Gabriela Lemos , Rozza Ariane Leite , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena
Published: May 2019

Impaired wound healing is a debilitating complication of diabetes that leads to significant morbidity, particularly foot ulcers. Natural products have shown to be effective in treating skin wounds. Lupeol is known to stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and expressions of cytokines and growth factors involved in wound healing. The study is performed to evaluate the wound healing activity of lupeol in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats by macroscopical, histological, immunohistochemical, immunoenzymatic, and molecular methods. Percentage of wound closure and contraction was increased in the lupeol-treated group when compared to the Lanette group. Histopathological observation revealed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and increased proliferation of fibroblasts, vascularization, and deposition of collagen fibers after lupeol treatment. Immunohistochemical analyses showed decreased intensity of NF-κB and increased intensity of FGF-2, TGF-β1, and collagen III. ELISA results revealed downregulated IL-6 levels and upregulated IL-10 levels in response to lupeol. The mRNA expression levels of Hif-1α, Sod-2, and Ho-1 were significantly increased in response to lupeol as compared to Lanette whereas Nf-κb and Vegf-A levels were decreased in relation to insulin and lupeol treatment. These findings indicate that lupeol possesses wound healing potential in hyperglycemic conditions and may be useful as a treatment for chronic wounds in diabetic patients.
Association between Platelet Parameters and Glaucoma Severity in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Ma Yi , Han Jianping , Li Shengjie , Zhang Aiping , Cao Wenjun , Sun Xinghuai
Published: May 2019

Purpose. To evaluate platelet parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and to explore the association between platelet parameters and POAG severity. Methods. A total of 402 consecutive POAG patients and 408 healthy control subjects from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, were consecutively recruited between January 2016 and October 2018. Detailed ophthalmological and systematic examinations were performed. Blood samples for platelet parameters, including platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer in the department of clinical laboratory science of the hospital. The POAG subgroups were classified according to age (<50, ≥50), gender, and visual field mean deviation (MD): mild (MD ≤ 6 dB), moderate (6 dB < MD ≤ 12 dB), and severe (MD > 12 dB). Results. In POAG patients, PLT counts (207.08 ± 54.70 ∗ 109/L) were significantly lower p=0.001 than those of the control group (220.46 ± 55.85 ∗ 109/L). In the POAG group, PDW (13.76 ± 3.16 fL) and MPV (10.46 ± 1.32 fL) values were significantly higher (all p<0.001) than those of the control group (PDW 11.82 ± 2.44 fL, MPV 10.13 ± 1.10 fL). PDW and MPV values were highest in the severe POAG group (PDW 14.49 ± 2.99 fL; MPV 10.74 ± 1.39 fL), followed by the moderate group (PDW 12.50 ± 3.14 fL; MPV 10.02 ± 1.08 fL) and then the mild group (PDW 11.82 ± 2.44 fL; MPV 9.92 ± 0.76 fL), with statistically significant differences observed between mild-severe POAG and moderate-severe POAG groups by LSD post hoc test. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a significant association between PDW and MD (β = 0.430, p<0.001) and MPV and MD (β = 0.363, p=0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that PDW (OR = 1.297, 95% CI = 1.011–1.663) was associated with the severity of POAG. Conclusions. PDW and MPV values were significantly elevated in POAG patients, and PDW was positively associated with disease severity, which suggested the possibility that platelet activation be involved in pathomechanisms of POAG.
Boron Removal from Mining and Synthetic Effluents by Electrocoagulation Using Aluminum Electrodes
Authors: Silva Douglas Mark Lopes da , Carneiro Maria Tereza W. D. , Ribeiro Josimar
Published: May 2019

The efficiency of the electrocoagulation method to remove boron from synthetic and mining effluents was investigated in this study. Different parameters were tested using boric acid solution and effluent collected from a mining company located in the city of Vitória-ES. The results showed a percentage of boron removal of over 60% for the synthetic and mining effluents, using aluminum electrodes, pH 7.5, current density of 14.82 mA cm−2, and supporting electrolyte of 0.200 mol L−1. The electrocoagulation and chemical coagulation methods were also compared, in which the percentage obtained by electrocoagulation was 56.30% higher for the mining effluent. Thus, electrocoagulation was more efficient in boron removal, especially when appropriate parameters are applied.
NADPH Oxidase Hyperactivity Contributes to Cardiac Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Rats with Severe Experimental Pancreatitis through ROS-Mediated MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wen Yi , Liu Ruohong , Lin Ning , Luo Hao , Tang Jiajia , Huang Qilin , Sun Hongyu , Tang Lijun
Published: May 2019

NADPH oxidase (Nox) is considered a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart in normal and pathological conditions. However, the role of Nox in severe acute pancreatitis- (SAP-) associated cardiac injury remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the contribution of Nox to SAP-associated cardiac injury and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Apocynin, a Nox inhibitor, was given at 20 mg/kg for 30 min before SAP induction by a retrograde pancreatic duct injection of 5% sodium taurocholate. Histopathological staining, Nox activity and protein expression, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis and associated proteins, cardiac-related enzyme indexes, and cardiac function were assessed in the myocardium in SAP rats. The redox-sensitive MAPK signaling molecules were also examined by western blotting. SAP rats exhibited significant cardiac impairment along with increased Nox activity and protein expression, ROS production, cell apoptosis, and proapoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels. Notably, Nox inhibition with apocynin prevented SAP-associated cardiac injury evidenced by a decreased histopathologic score, cardiac-related enzymes, and cardiac function through the reduction of ROS production and cell apoptosis. This protective role was further confirmed by a simulation experiment in vitro. Moreover, we found that SAP-induced activation in MAPK signaling molecules in cardiomyocytes was significantly attenuated by Nox inhibition. Our data provide the first evidence that Nox hyperactivation acts as the main source of ROS production in the myocardium, increases oxidative stress, and promotes cell apoptosis via activating the MAPK pathway, which ultimately results in cardiac injury in SAP.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, Cardiomyopathies, and Sudden Cardiac Death in Superinvasive Opisthorchiasis
Authors: Bychkov Vitaly G. , Zolotukhin Vladimir M. , Khadieva Elena D. , Kulikova Svetlana V. , Petrov Ivan M. , Berdinskih Svetlana G. , Lazarev Semen D. , Morozova Lola F. , Morozov Evgeny N.
Published: May 2019

Cardiovascular pathology in patients with superinvasive opisthorchiasis is characterized by severe changes in haemodynamics and myocardial metabolism, impaired automatism, excitability, and conduction of the heart muscle. An analysis of 578 cases (medical and outpatient records and reports of pathoanatomical and forensic autopsies) recorded in healthcare facilities treating opisthorchiasis patients with a hyperendemic focus was carried out. We identified a set of cardiac changes in patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with superinvasive opisthorchiasis infection, classified the pathological processes in accordance with ICD-10, and described their pathogenesis.
The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System on Cardiac Rhythm during the Evolution of Diabetes Mellitus Using Heart Rate Variability as a Biomarker
Authors: Albarado-Ibañez Alondra , Arroyo-Carmona Rosa Elena , Sánchez-Hernández Rommel , Ramos-Ortiz Geovanni , Frank Alejandro , García-Gudiño David , Torres-Jácome Julián
Published: May 2019

Heart rate variability (HRV) is highly influenced by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Several illnesses have been associated with changes in the ANS, thus altering the pattern of HRV. However, the variability of the heart rhythm is originated within the Sinus Atrial Node (SAN) which has its own variability. Still, although both oscillators produce HRV, the influence of the SAN on HRV has not yet been exhaustively studied. On the other hand, the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), for instance, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, these complications are diagnosed only when the patient is already suffering from the negative symptoms these complications implicate. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to develop new techniques for early diagnosis prior to any deterioration on healthy patients. HRV has been proved to be a valuable, noninvasive clinical evidence for evaluating diseases and even for describing aging and behavior. In this study, several ECGs were recorded and their RR and PP intervals were analyzed to detect the interpotential interval (ii) of the SAN. Additionally, HRV reduction was quantified to identify alterations in the nervous system within the nodal tissue via measuring the SD1/SD2 ratio in a Poincaré plot. With 15 years of DM development, the data showed an age-dependent increase in HRV due to the axon retraction of ANS neurons from its effectors. In addition, these alterations modify the heart rhythm-producing fatal arrhythmias. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the consequences of DM identifying alterations in SAN previous to its symptomatic appearance. This could be used as an early diagnosis indicator.
Active Constituent in the Ethyl Acetate Extract Fraction of Terminalia bellirica Fruit Exhibits Antioxidation, Antifibrosis, and Proapoptosis Capabilities In Vitro
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Zhou Gao , Ma Bingxin , Tong Jing , Wang Youwei
Published: May 2019

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. fruit (TBF) is a widely planted traditional medicinal herb in Tibet. We aimed to determine the most active substance-enriched extract by comparing the in vitro antioxidant activities of different extract fractions of TBF that were subsequently extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol after initial extraction by 95% ethanol. The main compounds of the ethyl acetate extract fraction (EF) were analyzed via HPLC-MS. Gallic acid (GA) was obtained from EF to determine in vitro antifibrotic activity based on the traditional usage of TBF. After HSC-T6 cells were incubated with GA, extracellular secreted levels of fibrosis-associated cytokines, such as collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and hydroxyproline, were estimated by ELISA. Gene and protein expressions of PDGFR, CTGF, NF-κB, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, α-SMA, and the Bcl-2/Bax family were determined by quantitative PCR and western blot. The proapoptotic effect of GA was further investigated by annexin V-PI and TUNEL staining. These results indicate that EF has prominent in vitro antioxidant activity among four extract fractions, and its main component, GA, manifests antifibrosis activity and its potential mechanism of action includes inhibition of cytokine secretion and collagen synthesis, as well as proapoptosis of HSCs.
Modeling of Loess Soaking Induced Impacts on a Metro Tunnel Using a Water Soaking System in Centrifuge
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Weng Xiaolin , Song Zhanping , Sun Yufeng
Published: May 2019

The collapsibility is one of the key properties for loess. Harmful impacts on the metro tunnels could be obviously subjected to the soaking collapsibility in collapsible loess. However, loess soaking cannot be effectively modeled by the existing centrifugal test equipment (CTE) due to its inherent limitations. In the present paper, a water soaking system (WSS) was improved based on the existing CTE for simulating various loess soaking conditions. The WSS was made of a water storage subsystem and a water distribution subsystem. Some tests were conducted to show the capability of the improved WSS in centrifugal model tests firstly, then it was used to carry out centrifugal model tests on a metro tunnel under full-range and half-range foundation soaking conditions with different soaking depths. The impacts of various soaking conditions on the mechanical properties of the metro tunnel were discussed in detail.
Abnormal Ribosome Biogenesis Partly Induced p53-Dependent Aortic Medial Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wu Qi , Hong Junmou , Wang Zhiwei , Hu Junxia , Chen Ruoshi , Hu Zhipeng , Li Bowen , Hu Xiaoping , Zhang Zhengpei , Ruan Yongle
Published: May 2019

Ribosome biogenesis is a crucial biological process related to cell proliferation, redox balance, and muscle contractility. Aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) show inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis, along with high levels of oxidative stress in aortic dissection (AD). Theoretically, ribosome biogenesis should be enhanced in the ASMCs at its proliferative state but suppressed during apoptosis and oxidative stress. However, the exact status and role of ribosome biogenesis in AD are unknown. We therefore analyzed the expression levels of BOP1, a component of the PeBoW complex which is crucial to ribosome biogenesis, in AD patients and a murine AD model and its influence on the ASMCs. BOP1 was downregulated in the aortic tissues of AD patients compared to healthy donors. In addition, overexpression of BOP1 in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) inhibited apoptosis and accumulation of p53 under hypoxic conditions, while knockdown of BOP1 decreased the protein synthesis rate and motility of HASMCs. The RNA polymerase I inhibitor cx-5461 induced apoptosis, ROS production, and proliferative inhibition in the HASMCs, which was partly attenuated by p53 knockout. Furthermore, cx-5461 aggravated the severity of AD in vivo, but a p53-/- background extended the life-span and lowered AD incidence in the mice. Taken together, decreased ribosome biogenesis in ASMCs resulting in p53-dependent proliferative inhibition, oxidative stress, and apoptosis is one of the underlying mechanisms of AD.
Value of Infrared Thermography Camera Attached to a Smartphone for Evaluation and Follow-up of Patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Minatel Riguetto Cínthia , Minicucci Walter José , Moura Neto Arnaldo , Tambascia Marcos Antonio , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht
Published: May 2019

Purpose.Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is the most common extra-thyroid manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD). The Clinical Activity Score (CAS) has been widely used to evaluate GO inflammation severity and response to treatment; however, it is quite subjective. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a portable and low-cost device to evaluate local temperature and assess inflammation. The aim was to evaluate ocular temperature by IRT as an instrument for measuring inflammatory activity in GO and its correlation with CAS.Methods.This is a cross-sectional study involving 136 consecutive GD patients (12 with CAS ≥ 3/7, 62 with CAS < 3 and 62 without apparent GO) with 62 healthy controls. Patients with active ophthalmopathy were prospectively evaluated. Exophthalmometry, CAS, and thermal images from caruncles and upper eyelids were acquired from all subjects.Results.All eye areas of thermal evaluation had higher temperatures in GD patients with active ophthalmopathy (caruncles,p<0.0001; upper eyelids,p<0.0001), and it was positively correlated with CAS (r=0.60 andp<0.0001 at caruncles; r=0.58 andp<0.0001at upper eyelids). No difference in temperature was found between other groups. Patients with active ophthalmopathy were prospectively evaluated after 6 or 12 months of the treatment and a significant difference was found in ophthalmometry (p=0.0188), CAS (p=0.0205), temperature of caruncles (p=0.0120), and upper eyelids (p=0.0066).Conclusions.IRT was an objective and simple tool for evaluation and follow-up of inflammation in GO, allowed evidencing patients with significant inflammatory activity, and had a good correlation with the CAS score.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis in Eggplant Reveals Selection Trends during Eggplant Domestication
Authors: Wei Qingzhen , Du Liming , Wang Wuhong , Hu Tianhua , Hu Haijiao , Wang Jinglei , David Karine , Bao Chonglai
Published: May 2019

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an economically and nutritionally important fruit crop of the Solanaceae family, which was domesticated in India and southern China. However, the genome regions subjected to selective sweeps in eggplant remain unknown. In the present study, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of cultivated and wild eggplant species with emphasis on the selection pattern during domestication. In total, 44,073 (S. sisymbriifolium) to 58,677 (S. melongena cultivar S58) unigenes were generated for the six eggplant accessions with total lengths of 36.6-46 Mb. The orthologous genes were assessed using the ratio of nonsynonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) nucleotide substitutions to characterize selective patterns during eggplant domestication. We identified 19 genes under positive selection across the phylogeny that were classified into four groups. The gene (OG12205) under positive selection was possibly associated with fruit-related traits in eggplant, which may have resulted from human manipulation. Eight positive selected genes were potentially involved in stress tolerance or disease resistance, suggesting that environmental changes and biotic stresses were important selective pressures in eggplant domestication. Taken together, our results shed light on the effects of artificial and natural selection on the transcriptomes of eggplant and its wild relatives. Identification of the selected genes will facilitate the understanding of genetic architecture of domesticated-related traits and provide resources for resistant breeding in eggplant.
Slurry and Technology Optimization for Grouting Fissures in Earthen Sites with Quicklime
Authors: Cui Kai , Feng Fei , Chen Wen-wu , Wang Dong-hua , Wang Xiao-hai
Published: May 2019

Shrinkage differentiation and the need for multiple replenishments of slurry after fissure reinforcement are key problems for the grouting reinforcement of fissures in earthen sites. In this study, quicklime was mixed with 1.5% SH binder, clay, and fly ash in different proportions to prepare nine different mixtures and water-cement ratios of SH-(CaO + C + F) slurry. An expansibility test was performed, and based on the results, four groups of slurry were selected for a fluidity test. Ultimately, three different water-cement ratios were considered, and the mixing ratio of 3 : 2 : 5 was determined to produce the optimum slurry. The curing age was optimized according to the intensity and tensile and flexural strengths of the concretion. The selected slurry and curing age were then applied to testing traditional grouting technology and optimized grouting technology (i.e., microlime piles in the fissure) in fissure grouting field experiments. The acoustic wave, penetration resistance, and infrared thermal imaging results after fissure grouting were used to develop a preliminary explanation for the related mechanisms of slurry swelling, hardening, and lime pile compaction. The results showed that the combination of the preferred slurry and optimized grouting technology help address the problems of shrinkage differentiation on both sides of the fissure and need for multiple replenishments of the slurry after grouting.