bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in gene regulation in a tephritid model of prezygotic reproductive isolation
Authors: Raphael K. A. , Sved J. A. , Pearce S. , Oakeshott J. G. , Gilchrist A. S. , Sherwin W. B. , Frommer M.
Published: April 2019

The two tephritid fruit fly pests, Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis, are unusually well suited to the study of the genetics of reproductive isolating mechanisms. Sequence difference between the species is no greater than between a pair of conspecific Drosophila melanogaster populations. The two species exist in close sympatry, yet do not hybridize in the field, apparently kept separate by a strong premating isolation mechanism involving the time of day at which mating occurs. This spurred us to search for key genes for which time of day expression is regulated differently between the species. Using replicated, quantitative transcriptomes from head tissues of males of the two species, sampled in the day and night, we identified 141 transcripts whose abundance showed a significant interaction between species and time of day, indicating a difference in gene regulation. The brain transcripts showing this interaction were enriched for genes with a neurone function and 90% of these were more abundant at night than day in B. tryoni. Features of the expression patterns suggest that there may be a difference in the regulation of sleep–wake cycles between the species. In particular several genes, which in D. melanogaster are expressed in circadian pacemaker cells, are promising candidates to further explore the genetic differentiation involved in this prezygotic reproductive isolation mechanism.
Vacuolar protein sorting 4 is required for silkworm metamorphosis
Authors: Xia H. , Chen L. , Shao D. , Liu X. , Wang Q. , Zhu F. , Guo Z. , Gao L. , Chen K.
Published: April 2019

Vacuolar protein sorting 4 (Vps4) not only functions with its positive regulator vacuolar protein sorting 20‐associated 1 (Vta1) in the multivesicular body (MVB) pathway but also participates alone in MVB‐unrelated cellular processes. However, its physiological roles at the organism level remain rarely explored. We previously identified their respective homologues Bombyx mori Vps4 (BmVps4) and BmVta1 from the silkworm, a model organism for insect research. In this study, we performed fluorescence quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot to globally characterize the transcription and protein expression profiles of BmVps4 and BmVta1 during silkworm development and in different silkworm tissues and organs. The results showed that they were significantly up‐regulated in metamorphosis, adulthood and embryogenesis relative to larval stages, and displayed a roughly similar tissue‐and‐organ specificity for transcriptions in silkworm larvae. Importantly, BmVps4 was down‐regulated during the early period of the fifth instar, reaching the lowest level of transcription on Day 6, then up‐regulated from Day 7 to the wandering, spinning and pupal stages, and down‐regulated again in adulthood. Moreover, knocking down BmVps4 by RNA interference significantly inhibited silk gland growth, shortened spinning time, prolonged pupation, reduced pupal size and weight, and increased moth wing defects. Together, our data demonstrate the critical and broad requirements for BmVps4 in silkworm metamorphosis.
Transportation assessment in artificial curved canals after instrumentation with Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, and XP‐endo Shaper Systems
Authors: Pacheco‐Yanes Juan , Gazzaneo Isbelia , Pérez Alejandro R. , Armada Luciana , Neves Mônica A. S.
Published: April 2019

Aim

In the present study, we compared the transportation of three different instrumentation systems in different levels of standardized artificial curved canals.

Methods

Sixty epoxy resin blocks containing simulated canals were divided into three groups (n = 20) according to the instrument used for canal preparation: Reciproc (REC), Reciproc Blue (REC Blue), and XP‐endo Shaper (XPS). Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation digital images of each specimen were superimposed by Photoshop software to evaluate the different amount of transportation. The Kruskal‐Wallis and Wilcoxon were the non‐parametric tests applied for the intergroup and intragroup analyses, respectively. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

The XPS showed significantly less canal transportation than REC Blue at five levels (P < 0.05) and significantly less canal transportation at seven evaluated levels when compared with the REC (P < 0.05). REC Blue showed significant less canal transportation than REC at four of the eight evaluated levels (P < 0.05). All evaluated instruments showed a significantly higher amount of resin removal toward the inner wall compared to the outer wall of the curvature (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although the XPS showed significantly less canal transportation than REC and REC Blue, all systems produced transportation from the original canal anatomy.
Neural stimulations regulate the infiltration of immune cells into the CNS
Authors: Kamimura D. , Murakami M.
Published: April 2019

The systemic regulation of immune reactions by the nervous system is well studied and depends on the release of hormones. Some regional regulations of immune reactions, on the other hand, depend on specific neural pathways. Better understanding of these regulations will expand therapeutic applications for neuroimmune and organ‐to‐organ functional interactions. Here, we discuss one regional neuroimmune interaction, the gateway reflex, which converts specific neural inputs into local inflammatory outputs in the CNS. Neurotransmitters released by the inputs stimulate specific blood vessels to express chemokines, which serve as a gateway for immune cells to extravasate into the target organ such as the brain or spinal cord. Several types of gateway reflexes have been reported, and each controls distinct CNS blood vessels to form gateways that elicit local inflammation, particularly in the presence of autoreactive immune cells. For example, neural stimulation by gravity creates the initial entry point to the CNS by CNS‐reactive pathogenic CD4+ T cells at the dorsal vessels of fifth lumbar spinal cord, while pain opens the gateway at the ventral side of blood vessels in the spinal cord. In addition, it was recently found that local inflammation by the gateway reflex in the brain triggers the activation of otherwise resting neural circuits to dysregulate organ functions in the periphery including the upper gastrointestinal tract and heart. Therefore, the gateway reflex represents a novel bidirectional neuroimmune interaction that regulates organ functions and could be a promising target for bioelectric medicine.
High expression of FMNL3 associates with cancer cell migration, invasion, and unfavorable prognosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jiameng , Chen Shan , Chen Yang , Geng Ningbo , Feng Chongjin
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to ascertain the expression and role of FMNL3 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) tissues.

Materials and Methods

Immunohistochemistry, qRT‐PCR, and western blot were used to study the expression of FMNL3 in TSCC tissues and its adjacent normal tissues. The relationship between FMNL3 overexpression and various clinicopathological parameters and patients’ survival were further assessed. Next, we applied SCC25 and UM1 cell lines to study the effect of FMNL3 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by silencing FMNL3.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that FMNL3 expression was notably upregulated in TSCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. The Cox regression survival analyses identified FMNL3 as an important independent predictor for patients’ overall survival. We found that FMNL3 silencing by siRNA inhibited SCC25 and UM1 cell migration an invasion.

Conclusion

FMNL3 overexpression is related to the metastasis of TSCC and poor prognosis. High expression of FMNL3 may become a new potential prognostic biomarker for patients with TSCC.
Drought resistance is mediated by divergent strategies in closely related Brassicaceae
Authors: Marín‐de la Rosa Nora , Lin Chung‐Wen , Kang Yang Jae , Dhondt Stijn , Gonzalez Nathalie , Inzé Dirk , Falter‐Braun Pascal
Published: April 2019

Droughts cause severe crop losses worldwide and climate change is projected to increase their prevalence in the future. Similar to the situation for many crops, the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Ath) is considered drought‐sensitive, whereas, as we demonstrate, its close relatives Arabidopsis lyrata (Aly) and Eutrema salsugineum (Esa) are drought‐resistant.

To understand the molecular basis for this plasticity we conducted a deep phenotypic, biochemical and transcriptomic comparison using developmentally matched plants.

We demonstrate that Aly responds most sensitively to decreasing water availability with early growth reduction, metabolic adaptations and signaling network rewiring. By contrast, Esa is in a constantly prepared mode as evidenced by high basal proline levels, ABA signaling transcripts and late growth responses. The stress‐sensitive Ath responds later than Aly and earlier than Esa, although its responses tend to be more extreme. All species detect water scarcity with similar sensitivity; response differences are encoded in downstream signaling and response networks. Moreover, several signaling genes expressed at higher basal levels in both Aly and Esa have been shown to increase water‐use efficiency and drought resistance when overexpressed in Ath.

Our data demonstrate contrasting strategies of closely related Brassicaceae to achieve drought resistance.
Anatomical Adaptation of Fibula and its Mechanism of Proximal Partial Fibulectomy Associated with Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Juan , Lv Hong‐zhi , Chen Wei , Fan Meng‐ke , Li Ming , Zhang Ying‐ze
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To reveal the anatomical adaptation of the fibula and its relations to age and settlement of the medial tibial plateau, and to explore the mechanism of proximal partial fibulectomy in treating medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Weight‐bearing full‐leg anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of 280 adults (560 knees) obtained from 1 January 2018 to 31 October 2018 were enrolled according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 157 men and 123 women, with an average age of 50.3 ± 14.8 years (range, 19–80 years). Radiographic severity of knee OA was assessed using Kellgren and Lawrence (K–L) grading. The settlement of the medial tibial plateau was evaluated using the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). Curvatures of the tibia and the fibula were measured as proximal tibial curvature (PTC), distal tibial curvature (DTC), proximal fibular curvature (PFC), and distal fibular curvature (DFC). Two orthopaedic surgeons performed all the radiological measurements for 30 randomly selected patients, and repeated the measurements 1 week later. Based on the satisfactory intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliabilities (ICC > 0.9), each parameter was analyzed in this study. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine relations between radiological measurements and age.

Results

The mean MPTA, PTC, DTC, PFC, and DFC were 85.4° ± 2.8°, 176.2° ± 1.9°, 176.8° ± 1.8°, 176.8° ± 1.9°, and 177.0° ± 2.0°, respectively. Ninety‐three knees of K–L grade I were categorized as non‐knee OA, and 467 knees of K–L grades II–IV were categorized as knee OA. The MPTA, PTC, and PFC of the knee OA group were significantly smaller than those of non‐knee OA group (P < 0.05). The K–L grade of knee OA significantly increased with age (χ
2 = 182.169, P < 0.01). The multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that the MPTA and fibular curvatures were negatively correlated with age (the regression equation is age = 561.165–0.945 MPTA‐0.937 PFC‐0.959 DFC, P < 0.05), and the MPTA was negatively correlated with PFC (the regression equation is MPTA = 7.827 + 0.099 DFC, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The proximal curve of the fibula increased in patients with medial compartment knee OA, and this change was positively correlated with age and settlement of the medial tibial plateau. This anatomical adaptation of the fibula was associated with greater fibular axial load and the pulling from the peroneus longus. The proximal partial fibulectomy procedure effected a receptive foot pronation to reduce KAM and rebalance the biceps‐proximal fibula–peroneus longus complex, consequently achieving medial compartment unloading.
Existential fisheries dependence: Remaining on the map through fishing
Authors: Ounanian Kristen
Published: April 2019

This article considers how remoteness, rurality, and local initiatives combine to enable community responses to the threat of fisheries enclosure. Centred on two case studies from a wider portfolio of six cases in Northern Jutland, Denmark and New England, USA, the article presents a narrative of these places based on semi‐structured interviews and participant observation. Thorupstrand, Denmark and Cutler, Maine, USA exemplify communities fighting to retain access to fisheries under enclosure and recognition of this threat. Lacking alternatives due to their geographic and infrastructural isolation, the two cases typify existential fisheries dependence, indicating that they would not be on the map without fishing to sustain them.Their precarious positions compelled many in the communities to act and preserve the fishing industry and culture. Although Thorupstrand and Cutler diverge in their approaches to maintaining fishing access, they collectively speak to the overlooked connection between fisheries management and rural places.
The lizard abides: cold hardiness and winter refuges ofLiolaemus pictus argentinusin Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Cecchetto N.R. , Medina S.M. , Taussig S. , Ibargüengoytía N.R.
Published: April 2019

In environments where the temperature periodically drops below zero, it is remarkable that some lizards can survive. Behaviorally, lizards can find microsites for overwintering where temperatures do not drop as much as the air temperature. Physiologically, they can alter their biochemical balance to tolerate freezing or avoid it by supercooling. We evaluated the cold hardiness of a population of Liolaemus pictus argentinus Müller and Hellmich, 1939 in the mountains of Esquel (Patagonia, Argentina) during autumn. Additionally, we assessed the thermal quality (in degree-days) of potential refuges in a mid-elevation forest (1100 m above sea level (asl)) and in the high Andean steppe (1400 m asl). We analyzed the role of urea, glucose, total proteins, and albumin as possible cryoprotectants, comparing a group of lizards gradually exposed to temperatures lower than 0 °C with a control group maintained at room temperature. However, we found no evidence to support the presence of freeze tolerance or supercooling mechanisms in this species as related to the analyzed metabolites. Instead, the low frequency of degree-days below 0 °C and temperatures never lower than −3 °C in potential refuges suggest that L. p. argentinus might avoid physiological investments (such as supercooling and freeze tolerance) by behaviorally selecting appropriate refuges to overcome cold environmental temperatures.
Interacting agegraphic dark energy model in DGP brane-world cosmology: Dynamical system approach
Authors: Ravanpak A. , Fadakar G. F.
Published: April 2019

A proposal to study the effect of interaction in an agegraphic dark energy model in DGP brane-world cosmology is presented in this paper. After explaining the details, we proceed to apply the dynamical system approach to the model to analyze its stability. We first constrain model parameters with a variety of independent observational data such as cosmic microwave background anisotropies, baryon acoustic oscillation peaks and observational Hubble data. Then, we obtain the critical points related to different cosmological epochs. In particular, we conclude that in the presence of interaction, dark energy dominated era could be a stable point if model parameters n and [Formula: see text], obey a given constraint. Also, big rip singularity is avoidable in this model.
Superstatistics and canonical quantization of the damped harmonic oscillator
Authors: Sargolzaeipor S. , Hassanabadi H. , Chung W. S.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of the energy eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation by using the canonical quantization method. We obtain the Hamiltonian of the Schrödinger equation by the Lagrangian in terms of the new coordinates. Then we calculate the partition function by the eigenvalues and the thermodynamic properties of the system in the superstatistics formalism for the modified Dirac delta and the Gamma distributions. All results in the limiting cases satisfy that of the harmonic oscillator. Furthermore, the effects of the all parameters in the problem of energy eigenvalues and thermodynamic properties are calculated and shown graphically.
Non-perturbative β-functions via Feynman graphons
Authors: Shojaei-Fard Ali
Published: April 2019

We show the existence of a new class of [Formula: see text]-functions which can govern the running of strong coupling constants in gauge field theories.
Effect of electric and magnetic field on impurity binding energy in InGaAsP/InP quantum ring
Authors: Hu Min , Wang Hailong , Gong Qian , Wang Shumin
Published: April 2019

The ground state binding energy of hydrogenic donor impurity is calculated using the plane wave basis method in InGaAsP/InP quantum ring under applied electric and magnetic fields. The results show that the binding energy is nonlinear function of ring height and outer radius. The binding energy has a maximum near the center of radial or axial direction. The external electric field changes the probability distribution of electron, and then the difference of binding energies for impurity located at symmetrical positions increases. The binding energy increases with the increase of magnetic field and the effect of magnetic field is more obvious along the direction of magnetic field.
Density functional theory of two-dimensional electron–hole complexes
Authors: Vasilchenko Alexander A.
Published: April 2019

The energy of the two-dimensional electron–hole complex has been calculated in the framework of the density functional theory. We show that the energy of a direct two-dimensional exciton, without taking into consideration the exchange–correlation interaction, is very different from the exact value. We find that the number of particles in the indirect electron–hole complexes decreases with increasing interlayer distance in a strong magnetic field.
Back-stepping stabilization of chaotic systems based on triangular form
Authors: Peng Chenchen
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the stabilization of a class of chaotic systems. On the basis of triangular system, chaotic systems which have triangular structure, can be converted into such structure and can be converted into such structure partly by appropriate coordinate transformations are considered. Different with the previous works, triangular system studied in this work has simpler structure and more applications. Moreover, back-stepping technique is used to obtain the stabilization controllers which are single controllers without judging which state component should be stabilized. It should be emphasized that the triangular structure studied in this paper is feasible not only for the stabilization of chaotic systems but for the other control problems of chaotic systems and other physical models as long as the system satisfies one of the above three cases. Several examples are selected to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the obtained results.
FROM INDIVIDUAL HEALTH TO COMMUNITY HEALTH: TOWARDS MULTISCALE MODELING OF DIRECTLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIOUS DISEASE SYSTEMS
Authors: GARIRA WINSTON , MAFUNDA MARTIN CANAAN
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present a new method for developing a class of nested multiscale models for directly transmitted infectious disease systems that integrates within-host scale and between-host scale using community pathogen load (CPL) as a new public health measure of a community’s level of infectiousness and as an indicator of the effectiveness of health interventions. The approach develops a multiscale modeling science base for directly transmitted infectious disease systems (where the inside-host environment’s biological entities such as cells, tissues, organs, body fluids, whole body are the reservoir of infective pathogen in the community) that is comparable to an existing multiscale modeling science base for environmentally transmitted infectious diseases (where the outside-host geographical environment’s physical entities such as soil, air, formites/contact surfaces, food and water are the reservoir of infective pathogen in the community) where pathogen load in the environment is explicitly incorporated into the model. This is achieved by assuming that infected hosts in the community are homogeneous and unevenly distributed microbial habitats. We illustrate the utility of this multiscale modeling methodology by evaluating the comparative effectiveness of HIV/AIDS preventive and treatment interventions as a case study.
Symmetry and asymmetry nonlinear modes in dual cylinder waveguide shells coupled by a rotating double-well connection
Authors: Luo Weiwen , Chen Ziyan , Zou Zongjun , Fan Zhiwei , Xu Jun , Luo Zhihuan
Published: April 2019

We study the fundamental nonlinear modes in a dual-cylinder waveguide shell, which features a self-focusing Kerr effect, coupled by a double-well connection. This double-well connection is twisted by a pitch rate and creates a spatial dependent linear mixing, which plays the role of an effective rotating double-well potential. Symmetry transition between the waveform and the power distribution of the fundamental nonlinear modes in this system can be induced both by the total power and by the rotation speed of the connection. Four types of modes — wave symmetry and power symmetry (WSPS), wave symmetry and power asymmetry (WSPA), wave asymmetry and power symmetry (WAPS) and wave asymmetry and power asymmetry (WAPA) — are found from the system. The dependence of these modes on the total power of the light field, the rotation speed and the coupling strength of the connection are systematically studied through the paper. The finding of this paper may offer potential applications in fabrication of new types of nonlinear all-optical devices.
Infinitely Many Solutions for a Superlinear Fractional p-Kirchhoff-Type Problem without the (AR) Condition
Authors: Ren Xiangsheng , Zuo Jiabin , Qiao Zhenhua , Zhu Lisa
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the existence of infinitely many solutions to a fractional p-Kirchhoff-type problem satisfying superlinearity with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions as follows: [a+b(∫R2Nux-uypKx-ydxdy)]Lpsu-λ|u|p-2u=gx,u, in  Ω, u=0, in  RN∖Ω, where Lps is a nonlocal integrodifferential operator with a singular kernel K. We only consider the non-Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition to prove our results by using the symmetric mountain pass theorem.
Multiple Criteria Decision Making Based on Probabilistic Interval-Valued Hesitant Fuzzy Sets by Using LP Methodology
Authors: Sindhu M. Sarwar , Rashid Tabasam , Kashif Agha , Guirao Juan Luis García
Published: April 2019

Probabilistic interval-valued hesitant fuzzy sets (PIVHFSs) are an extension of interval-valued hesitant fuzzy sets (IVHFSs) in which each hesitant interval value is considered along with its occurrence probability. These assigned probabilities give more details about the level of agreeness or disagreeness. PIVHFSs describe the belonging degrees in the form of interval along with probabilities and thereby provide more information and can help the decision makers (DMs) to obtain precise, rational, and consistent decision consequences than IVHFSs, as the correspondence of unpredictability and inaccuracy broadly presents in real life problems due to which experts are confused to assign the weights to the criteria. In order to cope with this problem, we construct the linear programming (LP) methodology to find the exact values of the weights for the criteria. Furthermore these weights are employed in the aggregation operators of PIVHFSs recently developed. Finally, the LP methodology and the actions are then applied on a certain multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problem and a comparative analysis is given at the end.
Developed Mathematical Model for Indeterminate Elements with Variable Inertia and Curved Elements with Constant Cross‐Section
Authors: El Zareef Mohamed A. , El Madawy Mohamed E. , Ghannam Mohamed
Published: April 2019

Issues such as analysis of indeterminate structural elements that have variable inertia as well as a curved shape still have no closed form solution and are considered one of the major problems faced by design engineers. One method to cope with these issues is by using suitable the finite element (FE) software for analyzing these types of elements. Although it saves time, utilization of FE programs still needs professional users and not all engineers are familiar with it. This paper has two main objectives; first, to develop simple mathematical models for analyzing indeterminate structural elements with variable inertia and that have a curved shape with constant cross section, this model is much easier to be used by engineers compared to the FE model. For simplicity and saving time, a MATLAB program is developed based on investigated mathematical models. The force method combined with numerical integration technique is used to develop these models. The developed mathematical models are verified using the suitable FE software; good agreement was observed between the mathematical and the FE model. The second objective is to introduce a mathematical formula to determine the accurate number of divisions that would be used in the mathematical models. The study proves that the accuracy of analysis depends on the number of divisions used in the numerical integration. The optimum number of divisions is obtained by comparing the output results for both FE and developed mathematical models. The developed mathematical models show a good agreement with FE results with faster processing time and easier usage.
The Completeness and Incompleteness of Financial Markets in Economies Driven by Diffusion Processes
Authors: Dou Zheng , Liang Hao
Published: April 2019

We investigate sufficient conditions for the completeness and incompleteness of financial markets with multiple goods and heterogeneous agents in continuous‐time economies driven by diffusion processes. It is demonstrated that, under certain conditions, two types of utility functions lead to the incompleteness of markets, while the invertibility of the Jacobian matrix of dividend rates’ volatility in units of the numeraire good gives rise to the completeness of markets. In particular, it is shown that if a type of special utility functions is adopted, then the change of numeraire good leads to the conversion of completeness of markets.
Potential of Regular Consumption of Cameroonian Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) Oil for Prevention of the 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer in High-Fat/Sucrose-Fed Wistar Rats
Authors: Zingue Stephane , Kamga Silihe Kevine , Fouba Bourfane Innocent , Boukar Ali , Tueche Alain Brice , Njuh Amstrong Nang , Njamen Dieudonné
Published: April 2019

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree from the Meliaceae family native to India, where it is considered as one of the most important plants worldwide. The anticancer effects of neem oil on breast cancer cells have been recently reported; however, its in vivo effects have not been studied. This prompted us to investigate the protective effects of neem oil on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in high-fat/sucrose-fed Wistar rats. Juvenile female Wistar rats were treated either with neem oil at a dose of 3 mL/kg body weight at 3 different frequencies, 2 times/week (Neem 1), 4 times/week (Neem 2), and every day (Neem 3), or with tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg body weight), starting 1 week prior to DMBA treatment and lasting 12 weeks. Incidence, burden, volume, and histological analysis of mammary tumors were measured. Further toxicological parameters have been assessed. No tumors were detected in rats from the normal group, while all the rats from the negative control group (100%) developed mammary tumors. The regular consumption of neem oil at a dose of 3 mL/kg (2 or 4 times/week) significantly (p < 0.01) and in a dose-dependent manner reduced tumor incidence (80%), burden [35.78% (2 times/week) and 36.09% (4 times/week)], and weight. Neem consumption protected rats against DMBA-induced breast hyperplasia, with an optimal effect when taken 4 times weekly. Interestingly, all the animals that received a daily dose of 3 mL/kg died at the third week of the experiment. Further, animals that took the neem oil 4 times per week developed hepatotoxicity, evidenced by an increase of liver wet weight, transaminase (ALT and AST) activity, and histological abnormalities in liver. This study brings insight into the use of neem oil, which is greatly appreciated in traditional medicine. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that the regular consumption of neem oil prevents breast cancer, but its excessive consumption is toxic.
Recurrent Inflammatory Myositis as an Extra-Intestinal Manifestation of Dormant Ulcerative Colitis in a Patient on Long-Term Mesalamine
Authors: Naramala Srikanth , Konala Venu Madhav , Adapa Sreedhar , Amudala Pravallika , Castillo Romeo C. , Agrawal Nikhil , Dhingra Hemant
Published: April 2019

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition primarily involving the large bowel mucosa with relapsing and remitting episodes. It is also associated with multiple extra-intestinal manifestations [EIM], including skeletal muscle involvement which is rare. Review of the literature reported only a few cases of inflammatory myositis in association with UC. We report an unusual presentation of recurrent inflammatory myositis of lower extremities in a 28-year-old male with quiescent UC and on long-term mesalamine therapy.
Effects of Exercise Domain and Intensity on Sleep in Women and Men with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Quist Jonas Salling , Rosenkilde Mads , Gram Anne Sofie , Blond Martin Bæk , Holm-Petersen Daniel , Hjorth Mads Fiil , Stallknecht Bente , Sjödin Anders
Published: April 2019

Inadequate sleep is associated with cardiometabolic risk and adiposity. Exercise has been suggested as an efficient strategy to improve sleep; however, the effects of different types of exercise on sleep in individuals with overweight and obesity are not well understood. We examined effects of active commuting and leisure-time exercise on sleep in individuals with overweight or obesity. 130 physically inactive adults (20–45 years) with overweight or class 1 obesity (body mass index: 25–35 kg/m2) were randomized to 6 months of habitual lifestyle (CON, n = 18), active commuting by bike (BIKE, n = 35), or leisure-time exercise of moderate intensity (MOD, 50% VO2peak-reserve, n = 39) or vigorous intensity (VIG, 70% VO2peak-reserve, n = 38), 5 days/week. Sleep was assessed from 7-day/night accelerometry and questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. 92 participants were included in a per protocol analysis. At 3 months, sleep duration was longer in VIG (29 min/night [3; 55] (mean [95% CI]), p=0.03) but not in BIKE and MOD (p≥0.11) compared with CON and was not different between groups at 6 months (p≥0.36 vs. CON). At 6 months, sleep duration variability was lower in MOD (−31% [−50; −3], p=0.03) and numerically lower in VIG (−28% [−49; 1], p=0.06) relative to CON but was unchanged in BIKE (p=0.17 vs. CON). The effects were, however, primarily attributable to shorter and more irregular sleep in CON over time. Our findings suggest that effects of exercise on sleep in individuals with overweight and obesity may be restricted to leisure-time exercise with a short-term effect on sleep duration after vigorous intensity exercise (3 months) but a more regular sleep pattern after 6 months of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise compared with physically inactive controls. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with ID NCT01962259.
Alphastatin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticle Preparation and Its Antiangiogenic Effect on Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Li , Hu Yaoren
Published: April 2019

Alphastatin is a 24-amino acid peptide and can suppress tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting both the migration and tubule formation of vascular endothelial cells. However, the anticancer effect of Alphastatin is limited due to the short half-life and degradation in the body. In this study, Alphastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AsCs NPs) were prepared with an initial concentration of 2 mg/ml for chitosan and 1 mg/ml for Alphastatin. AsCs NPs presented the encapsulation efficiency of 32.4%, the mean particle size of 387.4 nm, the polydispersity index of 0.223, and the zeta potential of +28.1 mV. AsCs NPs have a sustained release for 6 days and were stable in serum for at least 24 hours. And the NPs could preserve the integrity of encapsulated Alphastatin and released Alphastatin for 24 hours. In a subcutaneous LA975 lung carcinoma xenograft T739 mouse model, AsCs NPs significantly inhibited the tumor growth, tumor volume, and microvessel density (MVD), and the antitumor effect was even stronger than that of Alphastatin. In addition, the VEGF-induced tube formation of HUVEC could be inhibited by AsCs NPs in vitro and the serum containing AsCs NPs, and the protein level of SphK1 in HUVEC was also decreased by AsCs NPs, suggesting an inhibitory effect of AsCs NPs on the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway. Furthermore, hemolysis assay showed a safety on blood compatibility of AsCs NPs. Our study indicated that AsCs NPs inhibited the SphK1-S1P signaling pathway and enhanced the antiangiogenic effect of Alphastatin both in vitro and in vivo.
An Effective Algorithm for Video‐Based Parking and Drop Event Detection
Authors: Li Gang , Song Huansheng , Liao Zheng
Published: April 2019

Real‐time and accurate detection of parking and dropping events on the road is important for the avoidance of traffic accidents. The existing algorithms for detection require accurate modeling of the background, and most of them use the characteristics of two‐dimensional images such as area to distinguish the type of the target. However, these algorithms significantly depend on the background and are lack of accuracy on the type of distinction. Therefore, this paper proposes an algorithm for detecting parking and dropping objects that uses real three‐dimensional information to distinguish the type of target. Firstly, an abnormal region is initially defined based on status change, when there is an object that did not exist before in the traffic scene. Secondly, the preliminary determination of the abnormal area is bidirectionally tracked to determine the area of parking and dropping objects, and the eight‐neighbor seed filling algorithm is used to segment the parking and the dropping object area. Finally, a three‐view recognition method based on inverse projection is proposed to distinguish the parking and dropping objects. The method is based on the matching of the three‐dimensional structure of the vehicle body. In addition, the three‐dimensional wireframe of the vehicle extracted by the back‐projection can be used to match the structural model of the vehicle, and the vehicle model can be further identified. The 3D wireframe of the established vehicle is efficient and can meet the needs of real‐time applications. And, based on experimental data collected in tunnels, highways, urban expressways, and rural roads, the proposed algorithm is verified. The results show that the algorithm can effectively detect the parking and dropping objects within different environment, with low miss and false detection rate.
Synchronization of Two Eccentric Rotors Driven by One Motor with Two Flexible Couplings in a Spatial Vibration System
Authors: Li Yujia , Ren Tao , Zhang Jinnan , Zhang Minghong
Published: April 2019

A dynamic model of a vibration system, in which eccentric rotors are driven by one motor with two flexible couplings, is developed in this study. The Lagrange equation is used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the vibration system. Synchronization theory and its motion law are investigated using Hamilton’s principle, and the validity of the theory is proven through numerical simulation and experimentation. Results show that the system has two synchronous motions, namely, 0 and π phases. When the torsional stiffness difference between two flexible couplings on both sides of the motor or the resistance moment difference between two eccentric rotors increases, the eccentric rotors maintain the synchronization and stability of the vibration system by adjusting its phase difference. Synchronization theory and the analysis method of the flexible‐drive vibration system are extended in this study. Moreover, the synchronous motion law of the vibration system based on bilateral flexible drive by one motor is revealed to provide guidance for the development of high‐performance vibrating machines.
BRAF V600E Status and Stimulated Thyroglobulin at Ablation Time Increase Prognostic Value of American Thyroid Association Classification Systems for Persistent Disease in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Repaci Andrea , Vicennati Valentina , Paccapelo Alexandro , Cavicchi Ottavio , Salituro Nicola , Monari Fabio , de Biase Dario , Tallini Giovanni , Altimari Annalisa , Gruppioni Elisa , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Pagotto Uberto
Published: April 2019

Background. Stimulated thyroglobulin levels measured at the time of remnant ablation (A-hTg) and BRAFV600E mutation had shown prognostic value in predicting persistent disease in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of A-hTg combined with the BRAFV600E status in association with the revised American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification. Material and Methods. 620 patients treated for a DTC were included in this study with a median follow-up duration of 6.1 years. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine ablation. Patients with positive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were excluded. The predictive value of A-hTg was calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis. The Cox proportional hazard regression model, including the BRAF status, A-hTg, and ATA classification system, was assessed to evaluate the existing persistent disease risk. Results. Taken together, the BRAF status and A-hTg levels improve the ATA risk classification in all categories. In particular, in the low-risk ATA classification, only the combination of BRAFV600E+A-hTg>8.9ng/ml was associated with persistent disease (P=0.001, HR 60.2, CI 95% 5.28-687). In the intermediate-risk ATA classification, BRAFWT+A-hTg>8.9ng/ml was associated with persistent disease (P=0.029, HR 2.71, CI 95% 1.106-6.670) and BRAFV600E+A-hTg>8.9ng/ml was also associated with persistent disease (P<0.001, HR 5.001, CI 95% 2.318-10.790). In the high-risk ATA classification, both BRAFV600E+A-hTg<8.9ng/ml and BRAFV600E+A-hTg>8.9 ng/ml were associated with persistent disease (P=0.042, HR 5.963, CI 95% 1.069-33.255 and P=0.002, HR 11.564, CI 95% 2.543-52.576, respectively). Conclusions. The BRAF status and stimulated thyroglobulin levels at ablation time improve the ATA risk stratification of differentiated thyroid cancer; therefore, even A-hTg could be included in risk classification factors.
Premature Death of a Schizophrenic Patient due to Evacuation after a Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima
Authors: Sonoda Yuki , Ozaki Akihiko , Hori Arinobu , Higuchi Asaka , Shimada Yuki , Yamamoto Kana , Morita Tomohiro , Sawano Toyoaki , Leppold Claire , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: April 2019

Although psychiatric patients are likely to be adversely impacted by disasters, information regarding the processes involved in adverse impacts is limited. In March 2011, Japan experienced an earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. In its aftermath, Takano Hospital, 22 km south of the power plant, underwent forced patient evacuation. A 54-year-old Japanese male with schizophrenia, who had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward for over 20 years, was transferred and experienced a series of hospital relocations. Although his physical status was intact when he left Takano Hospital, his condition gradually worsened, presumably due to incomplete exchange of patient information between institutions and changes in the treatment environment. Having developed ileus a few days prior, he was bedridden when he returned to Takano Hospital in May 2011. Over the course of treatment, he developed aspiration pneumonia and died in August 2011. A review of medical records revealed that all his purgative medicines had been stopped after his evacuation, possibly contributing to the development of ileus. This case highlights the necessity of establishing systems enabling patient information sharing between institutions in disaster settings and the importance of recognizing that long-term evacuation may have fatal impacts for psychiatric patients.
Protection against HEMA-Induced Mitochondrial Injury In Vitro by Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Jiao Yang , Niu Tao , Liu Huan , Tay Franklin R. , Chen Ji-hua
Published: April 2019

Dental resin monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) disturb vital cell functions and induce mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis via generation of oxidative stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the gene expression of antioxidative enzymes and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of cellular redox equilibrium and mitochondrial homeostasis. The present study investigated the functional significance of Nrf2 in cellular response toward HEMA. It was found that HEMA stimulation promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which was further enhanced by Nrf2 activator tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), but suppressed by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Pretreatment of primary human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) with tBHQ protected the cells from HEMA-induced oxidative injury (increased reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis) and mitochondrial impairment (morphological alterations, decreased ATP production, suppressed oxidative phosphorylation activity, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and disrupted electron transport chain). In contrast, pretreatment with ML385 increased cell sensitivity to these injurious processes. This protective effect on mitochondria could be related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α)/nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) pathway. These results contribute to the understanding of the function of Nrf2 and the development of novel therapies to counteract the adverse effects of dental resin monomers.
Experimental Investigation on Fracture Evolution in Sandstone Containing an Intersecting Hole under Compression Using DIC Technique
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhao Guoyan , Liang Weizhang , Wang Enjie , Ma Shaowei
Published: April 2019

Failure of underground structures, especially intersections, becomes more severe as the depth increases, which poses a new challenge for the safe construction and operation of deep rock engineering. To investigate the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of rock with an intersecting hole under compressive loads, a series of uniaxial compression tests was carried out on cuboid red sandstone specimens containing an intersecting hole with three types of shapes by digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The results showed that the existing hole inside specimens leads to almost a 50% reduction of mechanical parameters from that of intact ones, and this weakening effect is associated with the shapes of holes. Failure of specimens is a progressive process in which cracks, i.e., primary tensile cracks, secondary tensile cracks, and shear cracks, initiate from stress concentration zones, propagate along certain direction, and coalesce with each other into macrofractures. Both the real‐time principal strain fields and horizontal displacement fields of specimens under compression could be visually displayed by DIC system, and they were in good consistency in characterizing the fracture behavior. Moreover, the propagation characteristics of primary tensile cracks were studied further by quantitatively analyzing the strain variation during the loading process, and the propagation mechanism of “open‐close‐reopen” of primary tensile cracks was explained in detail.
Surface Subsidence Prediction Method for Coal Mines with Ultrathick and Hard Stratum
Authors: Han Hongkai , Xu Jialin , Wang Xiaozhen , Xie Jianlin , Xing Yantuan
Published: April 2019

Overburden conditions consisting of ultrathick and hard stratum (UTHS) are widespread in China and other countries, but existing surface subsidence prediction methods ignore the strong impact of UTHS on surface subsidence. They are thus not applicable for surface subsidence prediction for coal mining with the presence of UTHS. We conducted actual measurements of surface and UTHS subsidence in the Tingnan Coal Mine. The results showed that under the UTHS mining condition, the required gob dimension is much larger than the empirical value when the surface reaches sufficient mining and that the actual measured maximum value of surface subsidence is much smaller than the empirical value. The UTHS subsidence is approximately equal to the surface subsidence. The movement of UTHS has a strong impact on surface subsidence and has a controlling function for it. It was proposed that surface subsidence could be approximately predicted by calculating the UTHS subsidence. The UTHS movement characteristics were studied using Winkler’s theory of beams on an elastic foundation, the subsidence prediction equation of the main sections in the strike and dip directions was obtained under different mining dimensions, and the subsidence prediction equation of any arbitrary cross section parallel to the two main sections was established. Then, the surface subsidence prediction method for coal mining with the presence of UTHS was developed, and the influences of UTHS thickness, strength, and layer position on the surface subsidence were discussed. The Tingnan Coal Mine was taken as an example, and the subsidence curves of the strike and dip main sections were calculated using different mining dimensions. Subsequently, the surface subsidence after the mining of working faces 204, 205, 206, and 207, respectively, was predicted, and the prediction method was verified by comparing the results with the measured surface subsidence results of working faces 204, 205, and 206.