bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The autonomic nervous system regulates pancreatic β-cell proliferation in adult male rats
Authors: Moullé Valentine S. , Tremblay Caroline , Castell Anne-Laure , Vivot Kevin , Ethier Mélanie , Fergusson Grace , Alquier Thierry , Ghislain Julien , Poitout Vincent
Published: April 2019

The pancreatic β-cell responds to changes in the nutrient environment to maintain glucose homeostasis by adapting its function and mass. Nutrients can act directly on the β-cell and also indirectly through the brain via autonomic nerves innervating islets. Despite the importance of the brain-islet axis in insulin secretion, relatively little is known regarding its involvement in β-cell proliferation. We previously demonstrated that prolonged infusions of nutrients in rats provoke a dramatic increase in β-cell proliferation in part because of the direct action of nutrients. Here, we addressed the contribution of the autonomic nervous system. In isolated islets, muscarinic stimulation increased, whereas adrenergic stimulation decreased, glucose-induced β-cell proliferation. Blocking α-adrenergic receptors reversed the effect of epinephrine on glucose + nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA)-induced β-cell proliferation, whereas activation of β-adrenergic receptors was without effect. Infusion of glucose + NEFA toward the brain stimulated β-cell proliferation, and this effect was abrogated following celiac vagotomy. The increase in β-cell proliferation following peripheral infusions of glucose + NEFA was not inhibited by vagotomy or atropine treatment but was blocked by coinfusion of epinephrine. We conclude that β-cell proliferation is stimulated by parasympathetic and inhibited by sympathetic signals. Whereas glucose + NEFA in the brain stimulates β-cell proliferation through the vagus nerve, β-cell proliferation in response to systemic nutrient excess does not involve parasympathetic signals but may be associated with decreased sympathetic tone.
The Analysis and Modeling of the Synthetical Meshing Stiffness of Inner Gearing considering the Flexible Inner Ring Gear
Authors: Hu Shengyang , Fang Zongde
Published: April 2019

As a key part of vibration generation and transmission of planetary gear transmissions, thin‐walled inner ring gear deforms under the influence of meshing excitation and seriously affects the reliability and fatigue life of the transmission system. The effect of the flexibility of the inner ring gear on the transmission system is ignored in the calculation of making the inner ring gear as a rigid body in the lumped parameter model, while the calculation amount of the finite element model is too large. Therefore, it is very important to establish an accurate and reasonable model to solve the flexibility of the inner ring gear. In this paper, according to the supporting mode, supporting quantity, thickness, and sectional shape of the inner ring gear, the inner ring gear is reasonably separated into the form of multisection curved beam. The displacement of the gear teeth in the meshing line caused by the flexibility of the inner ring gear is obtained rapidly and accurately. It lays an important theoretical foundation for the dynamic analysis of planetary gear transmission.
Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Standard Precaution against Blood Borne Pathogens among Doctors and Nurses at Adult Emergency Room in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Asmr Yohanis , Beza Lemlem , Engida Hywot , Bekelcho Tariku , Tsegaye Netsanet , Aschale Yibeltal
Published: April 2019

Background. Standard precautions are infection control techniques against pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. Objective. This study aims to assess knowledge and practice of standard precautions against blood borne pathogens among doctors and nurses in adult emergency room, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from February to March 2018. A total of 128 study participants selected from four public hospitals were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using standardized pretested questionnaire and thencoded, entered, checked for completeness, and analyzed using SPSS version-23 statisticalsoftware. Chi-square test was used to measure the association between variables. P values <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Result. The mean knowledge score of standard precaution measures was 10.3 out of 14 knowledge items. Out of 32 doctors, 93.8% (n=30) have good knowledge and out of 91 nurses, 86.8% (n=79) have good knowledge. The mean practice level of the study subjects was 8.5 out of 12 practice items. Majority (73.6%) of nurses have good practice level than doctors (21.8%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with the presence of infection control officer, infection control guideline, and washing hands before touching patients. Profession, training, and the presence of infection control guideline in emergency room were significantly associated with practice level of respondents (P<0.05). Conclusion. Both nurses and doctors have good knowledge of standard precaution measures. However, nurses have better practice level than doctors. Orientation during employment and continuous training programs should be provided for the newly employed health workers. In addition sustainable supply systems should be available in each hospital management.
N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Photoreceptor Degeneration Is Inhibited by Nicotinamide via the Blockade of Upstream Events before the Phosphorylation of Signalling Proteins
Authors: Sugano Eriko , Tabata Kitako , Takezawa Tsubasa , Shiraiwa Raki , Muraoka Hiroki , Metoki Tomomi , Kudo Asaka , Iwama Yuki , Nakazawa Mitsuru , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), a known carcinogen, is generally used in animal models to chemically induce photoreceptor degeneration. It has been reported that nicotinamide (NAM) exerts a protective effect on MNU-induced photoreceptor degeneration. We investigated the molecular mechanisms on MNU-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Intraperitoneal MNU injection (75 mg/kg) in rats induced selective photoreceptor degeneration in 7 days. NAM administration completely inhibited photoreceptor degeneration. Photoreceptor layer abnormality was observed within 6 hours after MNU injection, whereas it was restored in the NAM-treated retina, as detected by optical coherence tomography. One day following MNU administration, phosphorylation of the cell death-associated signalling proteins c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) increased, while the apoptosis-related proteins, full-length poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), were depleted. These changes were not observed in the NAM-treated retinas. Cell survival signalling, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, increased in the MNU- but not in the NAM-treated rat retinas. Increased phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) levels were observed within 6 hours after MNU administration, suggestive of cell survival signalling activation. This did not occur in NAM-treated retinas. These results indicate that NAM regulates upstream cellular events prior to the activation of cell death-related signalling events, such as JNK and p38 phosphorylation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Salmonella Evaluation of Pectin Extracts and Hydrolysates from “Cas Mango” (Spondias dulcis)
Authors: Zofou Denis , Shu Golda Lum , Foba-Tendo Josepha , Tabouguia Merveille Octavie , Assob Jules-Clement N.
Published: April 2019

Background. The threat to human health posed by multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and Salmonella paratyphi (S. paratyphi) is of growing concern. Generally, there has been increasing resistance and even multidrug resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics. This has rendered treatment with antibiotics difficult and costly. The present study investigated the bioactivity of pectin and pectin hydrolysates derived from a local fruit, Spondias dulcis, against four strains of Salmonellae. Methods. Pectin was extracted from alcohol extractives-free peel by acidic hydrolysis at a temperature of 80°C for one hour at pH 2 and 4. The pectin was precipitated with 95% alcohol at an extract to alcohol ratio of 1:10 v/v. Antimicrobial activity was determined using agar well diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined using the broth dilution technique. An in vivo study was then carried out with the bioactive extracts against the most resistant bacteria strain, to fully establish the therapeutic effect of these extracts. Balb/C mice were used, and ciprofloxacin was the positive control antibiotic. The extracts were administered to mice at two doses, 5mg/Kg and 10mg/Kg. The efficacy of extracts in the treatment of typhoid was evaluated based on survival rate, change in body weight, and change in bacteria load. Results. Only one of the extracts (crude pectin pH 2.5) was active against all the Salmonellae by well diffusion, and the growth inhibition varied from 12mm to 15mm at100 μg/ml. Three of the extracts (crude pectin pH 2.5, pH 4, 12h hydrolysate, and pH 4, 1h hydrolysate) had MIC and MBC against all four Salmonellae strains with MIC ranging from 5.68 to 44.45 μg/ml and MBC from 11.36 to 44.45 μg/mL. Three treatments, namely, the pH4-12 hr, hydrolysate at 10mg/Kg and 5mg/Kg, and the pH4-1hr, hydrolysate at 10mg/Kg, had therapeutic effects against Salmonella infection in mice. Conclusion. The present study highlights the potential of pectin oligosaccharides as new source of anti-Salmonella drugs. Further investigations including exploration of mechanism of action of the most active pectin extracts/hydrolysates are envisaged.
Initial Evaluation of Computer-Assisted Radiologic Assessment for Renal Mass Edge Detection as an Indication of Tumor Roughness to Predict Renal Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Rajendran Rahul , Iffrig Kevan , Pruthi Deepak K , Wheeler Allison , Neuman Brian , Kaushik Dharam , Mansour Ahmed M , Panetta Karen , Agaian Sos , Liss Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Objective. To develop software to assess the potential aggressiveness of an incidentally detected renal mass using images. Methods. Thirty randomly selected patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) had their images independently reviewed by engineers. Tumor “Roughness” was based on image algorithm of tumor topographic features visualized on computed tomography (CT) scans. Univariant and multivariant statistical analyses are utilized for analysis. Results. We investigated 30 subjects that underwent partial or radical nephrectomy. After excluding poor image-rendered images, 27 patients remained (benign cyst = 1, oncocytoma = 2, clear cell RCC = 15, papillary RCC = 7, and chromophobe RCC = 2). The mean roughness score for each mass is 1.18, 1.16, 1.27, 1.52, and 1.56 units, respectively (p<0.004). Renal masses were correlated with tumor roughness (Pearson’s, p=0.02). However, tumor size itself was larger in benign tumors (p=0.1). Linear regression analysis noted that the roughness score is the most influential on the model with all other demographics being equal including tumor size (p=0.003). Conclusion. Using basic CT imaging software, tumor topography (“roughness”) can be quantified and correlated with histologies such as RCC subtype and could lead to determining aggressiveness of small renal masses.
Comparison of Presplit and Smooth Blasting Methods for Excavation of Rock Wells
Authors: Zhou Zilong , Cheng Ruishan , Cai Xin , Jia Jinlong , Wang Weihua
Published: April 2019

To understand differences of smooth and presplit blasting for the excavation of rock wells, two field experiments using these two techniques are implemented at the same test site, respectively. The ground vibrations induced by them have been monitored with the different distances through the corresponding devices. The vibration results illustrate that at the same monitoring distance and direction, peak particle velocities and dominant frequencies of vibration signals based on presplit blasting are both apparently lower than that based on smooth blasting. Meanwhile, with the increase of distance, the principle and mean frequencies based on smooth blasting always decrease, but these two frequencies based on presplit blasting might firstly decrease and then rise. In addition, frequency bands of energy distributions based on smooth blasting are more dispersive than that based on the presplit blasting at the same distance and direction. Lastly, the excavation qualities of rock wells with two techniques are also measured. The excavation results demonstrate that the contour quality and flatness of well bottom based on smooth blasting are better than that based on presplit blasting. Nevertheless, well depth based on presplit blasting is larger than that based on smooth blasting.
Analysis of Fracture Roughness Control on Permeability Using SfM and Fluid Flow Simulations: Implications for Carbonate Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Zambrano Miller , Pitts Alan D. , Salama Ali , Volatili Tiziano , Giorgioni Maurizio , Tondi Emanuele
Published: April 2019

Fluid flow through a single fracture is traditionally described by the cubic law, which is derived from the Navier-Stokes equation for the flow of an incompressible fluid between two smooth-parallel plates. Thus, the permeability of a single fracture depends only on the so-called hydraulic aperture which differs from the mechanical aperture (separation between the two fracture wall surfaces). This difference is mainly related to the roughness of the fracture walls, which has been evaluated in previous works by including a friction factor in the permeability equation or directly deriving the hydraulic aperture. However, these methodologies may lack adequate precision to provide valid results. This work presents a complete protocol for fracture surface mapping, roughness evaluation, fracture modeling, fluid flow simulation, and permeability estimation of individual fracture (open or sheared joint/pressure solution seam). The methodology includes laboratory-based high-resolution structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry of fracture surfaces, power spectral density (PSD) surface evaluation, synthetic fracture modeling, and fluid flow simulation using the Lattice-Boltzmann method. This work evaluates the respective controls on permeability exerted by the fracture displacement (perpendicular and parallel to the fracture walls), surface roughness, and surface pair mismatch. The results may contribute to defining a more accurate equation of hydraulic aperture and permeability of single fractures, which represents a pillar for the modeling and upscaling of the hydraulic properties of a geofluid reservoir.
CFD Analysis of the Sideslip Angle Effect around a BWB Type Configuration
Authors: Ko Arim , Chang Kyoungsik , Sheen Dong-Jin , Jo Young-Hee , Shim Ho Joon
Published: April 2019

In this study, we conducted numerical simulations for a nonslender BWB type planform with a rounded leading edge and span of 2.0 m to analyze the effect of the sideslip angle on the planform at a freestream velocity of 60 m/s. The Reynolds number based on the mean chord length was 2.9×106, and we considered the angle of attack ranging from -4° to 16° and sideslip angles up to 20°. We used an unstructured mesh with a prism layer for the boundary layer with 1.11×107 grid points, and the k−ω SST turbulence model. We analyzed force and moment coefficients with respect to variation of angle of attack and sideslip angles. Side force and rolling/yawing moment coefficients had highly nonlinear relationships with the sideslip angle while lift and drag coefficients were not significantly affected. We interpreted the mechanism of these aerodynamic characteristics based on pressure and skin friction contours. Suction pressure near the leading edge had a marked effect on the pitching and rolling moment. We identified five flow types on the blunt leading edge swept wing by skin friction lines and off-body streamlines at a high angle of attack and sideslip angles.
Fatal Infection Caused by Chromobacterium violaceum: A Case Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Sadia , Jahan Aflatun Akter , Kamal S. M. Mostofa , Sarker Protim
Published: April 2019

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram-negative bacterium, found in tropical and subtropical regions. C. violaceum infection rarely occurs, but once occurs, it is associated with significant mortality due to severe systemic infection. Since the first human case from Malaysia in 1927, >150 cases of C. violaceum infection have been reported worldwide. We have described here a fatal case of C. violaceum infection in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of C. violaceum infection in Bangladesh.
Expanding GÉANT Testbeds Service to Support Pan-European 5G Network Slices for Research in the EuWireless Project
Authors: Rios Álvaro , Valera-Muros Barbara , Merino-Gomez Pedro , Sobieski Jerry
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the design options for creating a Pan-European mobile network for research in the context of the European Horizon 2020 EuWireless project. The most likely direction is a platform that makes it easier to create network slices for research. In this context, we identify one promising technology to implement network slicing in 5G networks: the framework GÉANT Testbeds Service (GTS). GTS is currently a production service by GÉANT that offers remote construction and use of virtual testbeds for wired networks mapped to the real GÉANT infrastructure. These GTS-virtualized testbed environments conform to Software Define Networks (SDNs) principles and offer compute, storage, and switching resources, at scale and with line rate performance. In this paper, we explain how the current (wired oriented) GTS can be extended with the 5G components, such as radio access nodes (gNBs), transport networks, user devices, etc., in order to implement 5G network slices. Our first conclusion is that using GTS for EuWireless implementation is feasible, dramatically increasing the potential impact of this service in the research community.
Histological, Biochemical, and Hematological Effects of Goniothalamin on Selective Internal Organs of Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Kaid Fahmi , Alabsi A. M. , Alafifi Nashwan , Ali-Saeed Rola , Ameen Al-koshab May , Ramanathan Anand , Ali A. M.
Published: April 2019

Goniothalamin (GTN) is an isolated compound from several plants of the genus Goniothalamus, and its anticancer effect against several cancers was reported. However, there is no scientific data about effects of its higher doses on internal organs. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute effects of higher doses of GTN on the hematology, biochemistry, and histology of selected internal organs of male Sprague-Dawley rats. In acute study, 35 rats were distributed in 5 groups (n=7) which were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with a single dose of either 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg/kg of GTN, while extra 7 rats serve as a normal control. In subacute study, 7 rats were IP-injected with a daily dose of 42 mg/kg of GTN for 14 days, while another 7 rats serve as a normal control group. The normal controls in both studies were IP-injected simultaneously with 2 ml/kg of 10% DMSO in PBS. At the end of both tests, rats were sacrificed to collect blood for hematology and biochemistry and harvest livers, kidneys, lungs, hearts, spleens, and brains for histology. During acute and subacute exposure, no abnormal changes were observed in the hematology, biochemistry, and histology of the internal organs. However, the 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg of GTN during acute exposure were associated with morbidities and mortalities. Ultimately, GTN could be safe up to the dose of 200 mg/kg, and the dose of 42 mg/kg of GTN was tolerated well.
Constructing the Mandarin Phonological Network: Novel Syllable Inventory Used to Identify Schematic Segmentation
Authors: Neergaard Karl D. , Huang Chu-Ren
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to construct, measure, and identify a schematic representation of phonological processing in the tonal language Mandarin Chinese through the combination of network science and psycholinguistic tasks. Two phonological association tasks were performed with native Mandarin speakers to identify an optimal phonological annotation system. The first task served to compare two existing syllable inventories and to construct a novel system where either performed poorly. The second task validated the novel syllable inventory. In both tasks, participants were found to manipulate lexical items at each possible syllable location, but preferring to maintain whole syllables while manipulating lexical tone in their search through the mental lexicon. The optimal syllable inventory was then used as the basis of a Mandarin phonological network. Phonological edit distance was used to construct sixteen versions of the same network, which we titled phonological segmentation neighborhoods (PSNs). The sixteen PSNs were representative of every proposal to date of syllable segmentation. Syllable segmentation and whether or not lexical tone was treated as a unit both affected the PSNs’ topologies. Finally, reaction times from the second task were analyzed through a model selection procedure with the goal of identifying which of the sixteen PSNs best accounted for the mental target during the task. The identification of the tonal complex‐vowel segmented PSN (C_V_C_T) was indicative of the stimuli characteristics and the choices participants made while searching through the mental lexicon. The analysis revealed that participants were inhibited by greater clustering coefficient (interconnectedness of words according to phonological similarity) and facilitated by lexical frequency. This study illustrates how network science methods add to those of psycholinguistics to give insight into language processing that was not previously attainable.
Online Modal Identification of Concrete Dams Using the Subspace Tracking‐Based Method
Authors: Cheng Lin , Tong Fei , Yang Jie , Zheng Dongjian
Published: April 2019

To investigate the time‐varying dynamic characteristics of concrete dams under the excitation of large earthquakes for online structural health monitoring and damage evaluation, an online modal identification procedure based on strong‐motion records is proposed. The online modal identification of concrete dams is expressed as a subspace tracking problem, and a newly developed recursive stochastic subspace identification (RSSI) method based on the generalized yet another subspace tracker (GYAST) algorithm, which exploits both the accuracy of the subspace identification and fast computational capability, is used to extract the time‐varying modal parameters of concrete dams during earthquakes. With the simulated vibration response records, a numerical example is used to verify the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of the proposed GYAST‐based, time‐varying modal identification method. Then, the realistic strong‐motion records of the Pacoima arch dam are analysed using the proposed modal identification procedure, and the time‐varying characteristics of the concrete arch dam during three different earthquakes are analysed.
Soluble CD14 Enhances the Response of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells to Toll-Like Receptor 2 Agonists
Authors: Behm Christian , Blufstein Alice , Gahn Johannes , Noroozkhan Nazanin , Moritz Andreas , Rausch-Fan Xiaohui , Andrukhov Oleh
Published: April 2019

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) do not express membrane-bound CD14, and their responsiveness to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is drastically enhanced by soluble CD14 (sCD14), which is due to the facilitation of the interaction between LPS and Toll-like receptor- (TLR-) 4. Several studies also show that sCD14 enhances the responsiveness of different immune cells to TLR-2, but such effect in hPDLSCs has not been studied so far. In the present study, we investigated for the first time the potential effect of sCD14 on the hPDLSC response to two different TLR-2 agonists,in vitro. Primary hPDLSCs were stimulated with synthetic lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 or lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in concentrations 1-1000 ng/ml in the presence/absence of sCD14 (250 ng/ml). Additionally, the effect of different sCD14 concentrations (2.5-250 ng/ml) on the TLR-2 response was determined in Pam3CSK4- or LTA-triggered hPDLSCs. The resulting expression of interleukin- (IL-) 6, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), and chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) was measured by qPCR and ELISA. The production of IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL2 was gradually increased by both TLR-2 agonists and was significantly enhanced by sCD14. The response of hPDLSCs to low and submaximal concentrations of TLR-2 agonists (1-100 ng/ml) was most effectively enhanced by sCD14. The effect of sCD14 on TLR-2 response in hPDLSCs was concentration-dependent and was already detectable at low sCD14 levels. Our data showed that exogenous sCD14 significantly enhanced the responsiveness of hPDLSCs to TLR-2 agonists and enabled the detection of their small amounts. This effect was already detectable at low sCD14 levels, which are comparable to those in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Changes in the local sCD14 level may be considered as a crucial factor influencing the susceptibility of hPDLSCs to different pathogens and thus may contribute to the progression of periodontitis.
Depression Episodes Detection in Unipolar and Bipolar Patients: A Methodology with Feature Extraction and Feature Selection with Genetic Algorithms Using Activity Motion Signal as Information Source
Authors: Galván-Tejada Carlos E. , Zanella-Calzada Laura A. , Gamboa-Rosales Hamurabi , Galván-Tejada Jorge I. , Chávez-Lamas Nubia M. , Gracia-Cortés Ma. del Carmen , Magallanes-Quintanar Rafael , Celaya-Padilla José M.
Published: April 2019

Depression is a mental disorder which typically includes recurrent sadness and loss of interest in the enjoyment of the positive aspects of life, and in severe cases fatigue, causing inability to perform daily activities, leading to a progressive loss of quality of life. Monitoring depression (unipolar and bipolar patients) stats relays on traditional method reports from patients; however, bias is commonly present, given the patients’ interpretation of the experiences. Nevertheless, to overcome this problem, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) reports have been proposed and widely used. These reports includes data of the behaviour, feelings, and other type of activities recorded almost in real time using different types of portable devices, which nowadays include smartphones and other wearables such as smartwatches. In this study is proposed a methodology to detect depressive patients with the motion data generated by patient activity, recorded with a smartband, obtained from the “Depresjon” database. Using this signal as information source, a feature extraction approach of statistical features, in time and spectral evolution of the signal, is done. Subsequently, a clever feature selection with a genetic algorithm approach is done to reduce the amount of information required to give a fast noninvasive diagnostic. Results show that the feature extraction approach can achieve a value of 0.734 of area under the curve (AUC), and after applying feature selection approach, a model comprised by two features from the motion signal can achieve a 0.647 AUC. These results allow us to conclude that using the activity signal from a smartband, it is possible to distinguish between depressive states, providing a preliminary and automated tool to specialists for the diagnosis of depression almost in real time.
High-Yield Synthesis of Long Silver Nanowires via Chromic Chloride and a Stable Reaction Environment
Authors: Zhang Bosheng , Dang Rui , Cao Qigao , Zhao Panchao , Chen Kunkun , Meng Hanqi
Published: April 2019

The search for suitable synthesis methods and parameters capable of controlling the length, diameter, and yield of silver nanowires (AgNWs) is still an emerging strategy today. Therefore, a method for high-yield synthesis of long AgNWs via chromic chloride and a stable reaction environment was proposed. The results show that Cr3+ could restore the adsorbed atomic oxygen quickly and provide a high efficiency in the prevention of the oxidative etching, for the ion of Cr2+ oxidized to Cr3+ has a lower standard electrode potential, and a more stable reaction environment provided by the coupling method could avoid disturbing the growth of the {111} reactive sites of the wires; then, the yield and length of the AgNWs were improved. The length of the AgNWs was over 75 μm and even 160 μm; the yield of the AgNWs was over 90%, which provides the referable basis for the synthesis of ultralong AgNWs.
Yunnan Baiyao Conditioned Medium Promotes the Odonto/Osteogenic Capacity of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla via Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pang Xiyao , Wang Yanqiu , Wu Jintao , Zhou Zhou , Xu Tao , Jin Lin , Yu Yan , Li Zehan , Gobin Romila , Xue Changao , Yu Jinhua
Published: April 2019

Yunnan Baiyao is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy that has long been used for its characteristics of wound healing, bone regeneration, and anti-inflammation. However, the effects of Yunnan Baiyao on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and the potential mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the odonto/osteogenic differentiation effects of Yunnan Baiyao on SCAPs and the underlying mechanisms involved. SCAPs were isolated and cocultured with Yunnan Baiyao conditioned media. The proliferation ability was determined by cell counting kit 8 and flow cytometry. The differentiation capacity and the involvement of NF-κB pathway were investigated by alkaline phosphatase assay, alizarin red staining, immunofluorescence assay, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot analyses. Yunnan Baiyao conditioned medium at the concentration of 50 μg/mL upregulated alkaline phosphatase activity, induced more mineralized nodules, and increased the expression of odonto/osteogenic genes/proteins (e.g., OCN/OCN, OPN/OPN, OSX/OSX, RUNX2/RUNX2, ALP/ALP, COL-I/COL-I, DMP1, DSP/DSPP) of SCAPs. In addition, the expression of cytoplasmic phos-IκBα, phos-P65, and nuclear P65 was significantly increased in Yunnan Baiyao conditioned medium treated SCAPs in a time-dependent manner. Conversely, the differentiation of Yunnan Baiyao conditioned medium treated SCAPs was obviously inhibited when these stem cells were cocultured with the specific NF-κB inhibitor BMS345541. Yunnan Baiyao can promote the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
A New Approach for Wi-Fi-Based People Localization in a Long Narrow Space
Authors: Gao Longshi , Tang Shuangxia , Bai Yuntian Brian
Published: April 2019

Wi-Fi-based positioning technology has been recognized as an effective technology for indoor positioning along with the rapid development and application of smartphones. One of its typical applications is localizing people in large public areas such as shopping malls, schools, and airports. A common and critical task from such applications is localizing people in long narrow spaces such as a long corridor which is considered as the most frequent place where people activities take place. Generally, the geographical distribution of Wi-Fi access points (APs) in long spaces is poor for localizing people since normally less than 3 APs are connected to a smartphone. In addition, all these APs are normally mounted along a straight line; hence, it is difficult to track people using traditional positioning algorithms such as trilateration and fingerprinting. To address this issue, a new approach called same-line-dual-connection (SLDC) was developed to estimate user locations with a good positioning accuracy, particularly for long narrow spaces where only limited Wi-Fi connections are available. The SLDC approach integrates geometry principle with positioning theories and machine learning ideas. The test outcome has shown that the SLDC approach produced a promising result, and a mean positioning accuracy of 1.60 m was achieved.
Methylation of C/EBPα by PRMT1 Inhibits Its Tumor-Suppressive Function in Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Li-Ming , Sun Wen-Zheng , Fan Xue-Zhe , Xu Ya-Li , Cheng Mo-Bin , Zhang Ye
Published: April 2019

C/EBPα is an essential transcription factor involved in regulating the expression or function of certain cell-cycle regulators, including in breast cancer cells. Although protein arginine methyltransferases have been shown to play oncogenic roles in a variety of cancers, little is known about the role of arginine methylation in regulating the antiproliferation activity of C/EBPα. Here, we report that the protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is overexpressed in human breast cancer and that elevated PRMT1 correlates with cancer malignancy. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that knockdown of PRMT1 in breast cancer cells is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of pro-proliferative genes, including cyclin D1. Furthermore, tandem affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry identified PRMT1 as a component of the C/EBPα complex. C/EBPα associated with and was methylated by PRMT1 at three arginine residues (R35, R156, and R165). PRMT1-dependent methylation of C/EBPα promoted the expression of cyclin D1 by blocking the interaction between C/EBPα and its corepressor HDAC3, which resulted in rapid growth of tumor cells during the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Inhibition of PRMT1 significantly impeded the growth of cancer cells from patients with triple-negative breast cancer. This evidence that PRMT1 mediates C/EBPα methylation sheds light on a novel pathway and potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Significance:

This study provides novel mechanistic insight of the role of the arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Positron Emission Tomography Detects In Vivo Expression of Disialoganglioside GD2 in Mouse Models of Primary and Metastatic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Butch Elizabeth R. , Mead Paul E. , Amador Diaz Victor , Tillman Heather , Stewart Elizabeth , Mishra Jitendra K. , Kim Jieun , Bahrami Armita , Dearling Jason L.J. , Packard Alan B. , Stoddard Shana V. , Vāvere Amy L. , Han Yuanyuan , Shulkin Barry L. , Snyder Scott E.
Published: April 2019

The cell membrane glycolipid GD2 is expressed by multiple solid tumors, including 88% of osteosarcomas and 98% of neuroblastomas. However, osteosarcomas are highly heterogeneous, with many tumors exhibiting GD2 expression on <50% of the individual cells, while some tumors are essentially GD2-negative. Anti-GD2 immunotherapy is the current standard of care for high-risk neuroblastoma, but its application to recurrent osteosarcomas, for which no effective therapies exist, has been extremely limited. This is, in part, because the standard assays to measure GD2 expression in these heterogeneous tumors are not quantitative and are subject to tissue availability and sampling bias. To address these limitations, we evaluated a novel, sensitive radiotracer [64Cu]Cu-Bn-NOTA-hu14.18K322A to detect GD2 expression in osteosarcomas (six patient-derived xenografts and one cell line) in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET). Tumor uptake of the radiolabeled, humanized anti-GD2 antibody [64Cu]Cu-Bn-NOTA-hu14.18K322A was 7-fold higher in modestly GD2-expressing osteosarcomas (32% GD2-positive cells) than in a GD2-negative tumor (9.8% vs. 1.3% of the injected dose per cc, respectively). This radiotracer also identified lesions as small as 29 mm3 in a 34% GD2-positive model of metastatic osteosarcoma of the lung. Radiolabeled antibody accumulation in patient-derived xenografts correlated with GD2 expression as measured by flow cytometry (Pearson r = 0.88, P = 0.01), distinguishing moderately GD2-expressing osteosarcomas (32%–69% GD2-positive cells) from high GD2 expressors (>99%, P < 0.05). These results support the utility of GD2 imaging with PET to measure GD2 expression in osteosarcoma and thus maximize the clinical impact of anti-GD2 immunotherapy.

Significance:

In situ assessment of all GD2-positive osteosarcoma sites with a novel PET radiotracer could significantly impact anti-GD2 immunotherapy patient selection and enable noninvasive probing of correlations between target expression and therapeutic response.
The Cancer Editome Atlas: A Resource for Exploratory Analysis of the Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA Editome in Cancer
Authors: Lin Chui-Hsien , Chen Sean Chun-Chang
Published: April 2019

Increasing evidence has suggested a role for adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing in carcinogenesis. However, the clinical utility of RNA editing remains limited because functions of the vast majority of editing events remain largely unexplored. To help the cancer research community investigate functional consequences of individual editing events, we have developed a user-friendly bioinformatic resource, The Cancer Editome Atlas (TCEA; http://tcea.tmu.edu.tw). TCEA characterizes >192 million editing events at >4.6 million editing sites from approximately 11,000 samples across 33 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Clinical information, miRNA expression, and alteration in miRNA targeting modulated through RNA editing are also integrated into TCEA. TCEA supports several modules to search, analyze, and visualize the cancer editome, providing a solid basis for investigating the oncogenic mechanisms of RNA editing and expediting the identification of therapeutic targets in cancer.

Significance:

This user-friendly bioinformatic resource reduces the barrier to analyzing the huge and complex cancer RNA editome that cancer researchers face and facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets in cancer.
LCL161, a SMAC-mimetic, Preferentially Radiosensitizes Human Papillomavirus–negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Linlin , Kumar Bhavna , Shen Changxian , Zhao Songzhu , Blakaj Dukagjin , Li Tianyun , Romito Mitchell , Teknos Theodoros N. , Williams Terence M.
Published: April 2019

Targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) with second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics may promote cancer cell death. We tested whether cIAP1 predicts poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and whether a novel Smac-mimetic, LCL161, could radiosensitize human papillomavirus–positive (HPV+) and -negative (HPV−) HNSCC. The association of BIRC2 (encoding cIAP1) mRNA level with HPV status in HNSCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. cIAP1 was assessed by IHC on an HNSCC tissue microarray (TMA, n = 84) followed by correlation analysis with HPV status and patient outcomes. Human cell culture and animal models of HNSCC were used to analyze the outcome and molecular characteristics following radiotherapy in combination with LCL161. cIAP1 expression is increased in HPV− compared with HPV+HNSCC tumors in the TCGA database. In our TMA, cIAP1 was overexpressed in HNSCC compared with normal tissues (P = 0.0003) and associated with a poor overall survival (P = 0.0402). cIAP1 levels were higher in HPV− than that in HPV+HNSCC tumors (P = 0.004) and patients with cIAP1+/HPV− HNSCC had the worst survival. LCL161 effectively radiosensitized HPV− HNSCC cells, which was accompanied with enhanced apoptosis, but not HPV+ HNSCC cells. Importantly, LCL161 in combination with radiotherapy led to dramatic tumor regression of HPV− HNSCC tumor xenografts, accompanied by cIAP1 degradation and apoptosis activation. These results reveal that cIAP1 is a prognostic and a potential therapeutic biomarker for HNSCC, and targeting cIAP1 with LCL161 preferentially radiosensitizes HPV− HNSCC, providing justification for clinical testing of LCL161 in combination with radiation for patients with HPV− HNSCC.
Comparison of Cerebroplacental Ratio, Intergrowth-21st Standards, Customized Growth, and Local Population References for the Prediction of Fetal Compromise: Which Is the Best Approach?
Authors: Morales-Roselló José , Cañada Martínez Antonio José , Scarinci Elisa , Perales Marín Alfredo
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim of this work was to compare the accuracy of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), Intergrowth 21st standards (IG21), customized growth (CG), and local population references (LPR) in the prediction of intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC). Methods: This was a prospective study of 714 fetuses that underwent an ultrasound examination at 34–41 weeks and were delivered within a 2-week interval. The CPR was converted into multiples of the median and the estimated fetal weight (EFW) transformed into CG, IG21, and LPR centiles. IFC was defined as a composite of abnormal cardiotocogram, intrapartum pH requiring cesarean section, 5-min Apgar score, and admission to pediatric care units. The accuracies of the CPR and the EFW centiles for the prediction of IFC were evaluated alone and in combination with other gestational characteristics using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Individually, the CPR was the parameter that best predicted the existence of IFC (AUC = 0.66). The multivariate analysis showed that the best prediction was again achieved with the CPR, alone or in combination with any of the EFW centiles (AUC = 0.74). No significant differences were seen between the different centile methods. Conclusion: The best prediction of IFC is obtained with CPR. Evaluation of CPR should be encouraged in term and late-preterm fetuses.
Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Lower Limb Spasticity in Patients Following Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Hai-Qiao , Hou Mei , Bao Chun-Ling , Min Liang , Li He
Published: April 2019

Background and Purpose: Lower limb spasticity is often a significant problem in stoke rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment on lower limb spasticity in patients following hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: Fifty-nine patients following hemorrhagic stroke were randomized to receive acupuncture treatment combined with conventional treatment (treatment group [TG]) or conventional treatment only (control group [CG]). Acupuncture treatments were given in 24 sessions over 4 weeks. Blinded evaluation was based on Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and Hmax/Mmax ratio as the primary outcomes. In addition, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Barthel Index (BI), motor evoked potential (MEP) and surface integrated electromyogram (IEMG) were employed as the secondary outcomes. All the evaluations were performed at 14 and 28 days after the start of the treatment. Results: Compared with the CG, the TG showed a significantly greater over-time decrease in MAS for knee (p = 0.022) and ankle (p = 0.017), SICI (p = 0.000) and Hmax/Mmax ratio (p = 0.000). In all patients of TG, we found a greater improvement in lower-limb FMA and MEP but not in BI. IEMG show that TG obtained a greater reduction in spastic agonist muscles and a greater enhancement in spastic antagonist muscles. A significant correlation between a greater decrease in ankle MAS and a greater increase in SICI for spastic muscles was found (r = 0.390, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Acupuncture could improve the lower limb spasticity and motor function, thus providing a safe and economical approach for treating stroke patients. The potential mechanism underpinning the greater improvement may be attributed to a reshape of corticospinal plasticity induced by acupuncture.
Relationships of Chronic Kidney Disease and Thyroid Dysfunction in Non-Dialysis Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pan Binbin , Du Xin , Zhang Hao , Hua Xi , Wan Xin , Cao Changchun
Published: April 2019

Context: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually manifest with disorder of thyroid hormone; however, the correlation is unknown. Objective: The study was designed to explore the relationships between CKD and thyroid dysfunction. Design, Setting, and Participants: A total number of 905 non-dialysis participants were collected at Nanjing First Hospital from August 2009 to October 2012 according to the case records system. Patients were grouped via the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to the KDIGO guideline. Levels of thyroid hormone and biomarkers in different CKD groups were compared by ANOVA. Prevalence of different thyroid diseases was calculated by χ2 test. Results: We found that FT3 or T3 became more prevalent with increasing eGFR with the lowest level in CKD5 (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between groups in FT4, T4, or TSH (p > 0.05). Frequency of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in CKD groups was high, especially in CKD stage 5 (69.1%, p < 0.01). eGFR had positive correlation with T3 and FT3 (r = 0.239, p = 0.0001; r = 0.292, p = 0.0001). ESS had correlations with prealbumin, β2-microglobin, eGFR, and C-reactive protein (r = 0.095, p = 0.004; r = –0.12, p = 0.001; r = 0.091, p = 0.007; r = –0.096, p = 0.008; r = 0.154, p = 0.001). After adjustment for prealbumin, uric acid, HbA1c, age, gender, eGFR, and β2-microglobin, binary regression revealed that hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and albumin were independent influence factors of ESS (p = 0.016, r = 1.014; p = 0.023, r = 1.007; p = 0.029, r = 0.996). Conclusion: CKD patients have a high morbidity of ESS, mainly low T3 syndrome. Anemia, inflammation, and malnutrition may contribute to ESS in CKD.
Does the 5-Aminosalicylate Concentration Correlate with the Efficacy of Oral 5-Aminosalicylate and Predict Response in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Systematic Review
Authors: van de Meeberg Maartje M. , Schultheiss Johannes P.D. , Oldenburg Bas , Fidder Herma H. , Huitema Alwin D.R.
Published: April 2019

Background: Oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, mesalazine) is the first choice therapeutic agent for treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). Unfortunately a significant group of patients fail to respond. Therapeutic drug monitoring might help to maintain or induce remission by providing a tool for optimization of 5-ASA therapy. However, plasma and urine concentrations of 5-ASA reflect systemic uptake and are not useful to evaluate therapeutic effect. Objectives: To explore if mucosal and faecal 5-ASA values correlate with disease activity and/or therapeutic effects in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially UC. Method: We identified studies that analysed 5-ASA in faeces or mucosa of humans using an oral 5-ASA formulation, using PubMed and Embase. Results: In total, 39 studies (n = 939) were included, 27 on faecal 5-ASA, 9 on mucosal concentrations, and 3 on both faecal and mucosal values. We included 33 cross-sectional studies, 3 randomised clinical trials, 2 longitudinal cohorts and 1 randomized cross-over study. Mucosal 5-ASA concentrations in healthy subjects and patients on equivalent doses of 5-ASA were not found to differ remarkably. In the sub-analysis of mucosal 5-ASA concentrations in patients with active or quiescent UC, a higher concentration was seen during remission. Faecal concentrations were associated with 5-ASA doses but not with disease activity. Differences in faecal or mucosal 5-ASA values could not be ascribed to different 5-ASA formulations. Conclusions: An increase of the mucosal 5-ASA concentrations was observed during remission in patients with UC. No clear relationship between the faecal 5-ASA excretion and the therapeutic efficacy was identified.