bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Suppresses Rotenone‐induced Neurotoxicity Through Activation of SIRT1/Akt1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Hui , Dong Xiaoguang , Liu Zengxun , Zhu Shaowei , Liu Haili , Fan Wenchuang , Hu Yanlai , Hu Tao , Yu Yonghui , Li Yizhao , Liu Tianwei , Xie Chengjia , Gao Qing , Li Guibao , Zhang Jing , Ding Zhaoxi , Sun Jinhao
Published: January 2018

Rotenone is a common pesticide and has been reported as one of the risk factors for Parkinson disease. Rotenone can cause neuronal death or apoptosis through inducing oxidative injury and inhibiting mitochondrial function. As a natural polyphenolic compound, resveratrol possesses the antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective effect. However, the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against rotenone‐induced neurotoxicity remains elusive. Here, we treated PC12 cells with rotenone to induce neurotoxicity, and the neurotoxic cells were subjected to resveratrol treatment. The CCK8 and LDH activity assays demonstrated that resveratrol could suppress neurotoxicity induced by rotenone (P < 0.01). The DCFH‐DA assay indicated that resveratrol reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). JC‐1 and Hoechst 33342/PI staining revealed that resveratrol attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis. Moreover, resveratrol reversed rotenone‐induced decrease in SIRT1 expression and Akt1 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, when the SIRT1 and Akt1 activity was inhibited by niacinamide and LY294002, respectively, the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol was remarkably attenuated, which implied that SIRT1 and Akt1 could mediate this process and may be potential molecular targets for intervening rotenone‐induced neurotoxicity. In summary, our study demonstrated that resveratrol reduced rotenone‐induced oxidative damage, which was partly mediated through activation of the SIRT1/Akt1 signaling pathway. Our study launched a promising avenue for the potential application of resveratrol as a neuroprotective therapeutic agent in Parkinson disease. Anat Rec, 301:1115–1125, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amorphous Materials for Enhanced Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances
Authors: Zhu Chuanhui , Xu Qun
Published: January 2018

The discovery of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in semiconductor nanocrystals has initiated a new field in plasmonics. Plasmonic nanocrystals in particular have seen rapid development in recent years because they are a class of materials with unique photoelectronic properties. At present, a growing number of amorphous plasmonic materials has been steadily capturing scientific interest, though only a few of these are well characterized. Here we focus on recent developments in state‐of‐the art experiments and explore the vast library of plasmonic properties in amorphous materials, including their application fields and optical spectral range. Taken together, the growing regime of amorphous material plasmonics offers enticing avenues for harnessing light–matter interactions from the visible to the terahertz region, with new potential for optical manipulation beyond what can be accomplished using traditional crystal materials.
Experimental Investigation of Passive Fault Tolerant Control for Induction Machine Using Sliding Mode Approach
Authors: Guezmil Amal , Berriri Hanen , Pusca Remus , Sakly Anis , Romary Raphael , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a passive fault tolerant control approach dedicated to stator inter‐turn short‐circuit fault of an induction machine. This control is based on sliding mode strategy and is implemented for validation on real‐time data acquisition and control platform. The proposed work highlights the integral sliding mode controller benefits during healthy and faulty operations. It can make the induction machine outputs to track their desired reference signals in finite‐time and allows to obtain a better dynamic response performances even in presence of fault. Moreover to avoid the use of a flux sensor, a second order sliding mode observer is used to estimate the rotor flux. Since the used observer converges in finite time, the closed‐loop stability of the proposed system (controller+observer) is proved using the Lyapunov stability theorem. Experimental results are conducted for squirrel cage induction machine to highlight the efficiency and applicability of the proposed fault tolerant control.
Chronic exposure to high doses of selenium in the first trimester of pregnancy: Case report and brief literature review
Authors: D'Oria Luisa , Apicella Massimo , De Luca Carmen , Licameli Angelo , Neri Caterina , Pellegrino Marcella , Simeone Daniela , De Santis Marco
Published: January 2018

Background

Obstetricians usually prescribe supplements during pregnancy without actual indication. The use of selenium during pregnancy has increased, due to its function in several antioxidant mechanisms.

Case

A pregnant woman received 200,000 micrograms (μg) per day of a selenium galenic formulation, since gestational week (g.w.) 7 to 12, due to a prescription error. The patient experienced nausea, vomiting, hand and foot paresthesia, followed by fatigue, loss of fingernails and hair. The woman was referred to our Fetal and Maternal Medicine Unit for surveillance. The mother's blood selenium levels went back to normal 13 weeks after arrest and the baby was born at term, without complications. Clinical evaluation and imaging studies were normal at one month of age.

Conclusion

This is the first case of severe chronic selenium intoxication during the first trimester of pregnancy. In the present case, no consequences of congenital defects or pregnancy complications occurred. However, since vitamins, minerals, and food supplements may be harmful and prescription errors occur, obstetricians should avoid prescribing supplements in the absence of maternal deficiency.
Calibration and non‐orthogonality correction of three‐axis Hall sensors for the monitoring of MRI workers' exposure to static magnetic fields
Authors: Delmas Antoine , Belguerras Lamia , Weber Nicolas , Odille Freddy , Pasquier Cédric , Felblinger Jacques , Vuissoz Pierre‐André
Published: January 2018

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner uses three different electromagnetic fields (EMF) to produce body images: a static permanent magnetic field (MF), several pulsed magnetic gradients, and a radiofrequency pulse. As a result, any occupation that includes an MRI exposes workers to a strong MF. The World Health Organization has now given the monitoring of occupational EMF exposure a high priority. One design for a low‐cost, compact MF exposure monitor (« MR exposimeter ») uses a set of three orthogonally assembled Hall sensors. However, at such a strong EMF exposure intensity, the non‐linearity and non‐orthogonality (misalignment between the three Hall sensors) have an impact on the accuracy of EMF measurement. Therefore, a sensor characterization was performed in order to link Hall‐effect output voltage to MF intensity. The sensor was then calibrated using an orthogonalization matrix and an offset vector. For each sensor configuration, the matrix and vector parameters were optimized with a calibration set generated by the movement of a three‐axis sensor inside homogeneous MF areas. Once calibrated, the sensor was tested at different MF intensities and returned accuracy improvements. This calibration procedure was tested on synthetic data and performed on experimental data. The calibration parameters can be easily reused by the user, and their stability could be used as a quality control sensor. Finally, real‐time monitoring test for static MF exposure was completed and validated on an MRI worker during a typical working day. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:108–119, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and Chemical Diversity in Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. (Lamiaceae) Populations Based on ISSRs Markers and Essential Oils Profile
Authors: Pourhosseini Seyyed Hossein , Hadian Javad , Sonboli Ali , Nejad Ebrahimi Samad , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2018

Genetic and the essential oil composition variability among twelve Perovskia abrotanoides populations (PAbPs) growing wild in Iran were assessed by ISSR markers, GC‐FID and GC/MS, respectively. Nine selected ISSR primers produced 119 discernible bands, of them 96 (80.7%) being polymorphic. Genetic similarity values among populations ranged between 0.07 and 0.79 which indicated a high level of genetic variation. Polymorphic information content, resolving power and marker index generated by ISSR primers were, 0.31, 6.14, and 3.32, respectively. UPGMA grouped PAbPs into four main clusters. Altogether, 38 chemical compounds were identified in the oils, and a relatively high variation in their contents was found. Camphor (11.9 – 27.5%), 1,8‐cineole (11.3 – 21.3%), α‐bisabolol (0.0 – 13.1%), α‐pinene (5.9 – 10.8%), and δ‐3‐carene (0.1 – 10.5%) were the major compounds. Oxygenated monoterpenes (32.1 – 35.8%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (25.7 – 30.4%) were the main groups of compounds in the oils studied. Cluster analysis and principal‐component analysis were used to characterize the samples according to oil components. Four main chemotypes were found to be Chemotype I (camphor/1,8‐cineol), Chemotype II (1,8‐cineole/camphor), Chemotype III (camphor/1,8‐cineol/α‐bisabolol), and Chemotype IV (camphor/δ‐3‐carene/α‐bisabolol). The information, provided here on P. abrotanoides populations, will be useful to introduce this plant into agricultural systems.
Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a koji brewer
Authors: Ishiguro Takashi , Kawai Shoko , Kojima Ayako , Shimizu Yoshihiko , Kamei Katsuhiko , Takayanagi Noboru
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Koji is a fermenting agent used in many traditional Japanese foods, and Aspergillus oryzae is the most frequently used microorganism in koji production. Few cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to A. oryzae have been reported. However, physicians should recognize the disease because of the increasing globalization of food production.
CYP2D6 Protein Level Is the Major Contributor to Interindividual Variability in CYP2D6‐Mediated Drug Metabolism in Healthy Human Liver Tissue
Authors: Ning Miaoran , Duarte Julio D. , Rubin Leah H. , Jeong Hyunyoung
Published: January 2018

CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms are considered a major contributor to the large interindividual variability in CYP2D6‐mediated drug metabolism, but fail to explain a significant portion of the variability. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the CYP2D6 activity score (AS) estimated from CYP2D6 genotype to predict CYP2D6 expression and enzyme activity. The CYP2D6 gene region was sequenced in 115 healthy human liver tissue samples to determine their CYP2D6 AS. Additionally, CYP2D6 enzyme activity, protein, and mRNA levels were estimated. CYP2D6 AS explained 23% of the interindividual variability in CYP2D6 activity, but only 7.5% in tissues assigned AS 1–2. The CYP2D6 protein level was found to be the major determinant of CYP2D6 activity, explaining 59% of variability. These findings suggest that while CYP2D6 AS is a good predictor of poor metabolizer phenotype, additional nongenetic factors may govern the rate of CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism in those without the poor metabolizer phenotype.
Short communication: Persistent socio‐economic inequality in frequent headache among Danish adolescents from 1991 to 2014
Authors: Holstein B.E. , Andersen A. , Denbæk A.M. , Johansen A. , Michelsen S.I. , Due P.
Published: January 2018

Background

The association between socio‐economic status (SES) and headache among adolescents is an understudied issue, and no study has examined whether such an association changes over time. The aim was to examine trends in socio‐economic inequality in frequent headache among 11‐ to 15‐year‐olds in Denmark from 1991 to 2014, using occupational social class (OSC) as indicator of SES.

Methods

The study applies data from the Danish part of the international Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study. HBSC includes nationally representative samples of 11‐, 13‐ and 15‐year‐olds. This study combines data from seven data survey years from 1991 to 2014, participation rate 88.6%, n = 31,102. We report absolute inequality as per cent difference in frequent headache between high and low OSC and relative inequality as odds ratio for frequent headache by OSC.

Results

In the entire study population, 10.4% reported frequent headache. There was a significant increase in frequent headache from 8.0% in 1991 to 12.9% in 2014, test for trend, p < 0.0001. This increasing trend was significant in all OSCs. The prevalence of frequent headache was significantly higher in low than high OSC, OR = 1.50 (95% CI: 1.34–1.67). This socio‐economic inequality in frequent headache was persistent from 1991 to 2014.

Conclusion

There was a significant and persistent socio‐economic inequality, i.e. increasing prevalence of frequent headache with decreasing OSC. The association between socio‐economic position and headache did not significantly change over time, i.e. the statistical interaction between OSC and survey year was insignificant.

Significance

The prevalence of frequent headache among adolescents increases with decreasing SES. This socio‐economic inequality has been persistent among adolescents in Denmark from 1991 to 2014. Clinicians should be aware of this social inequality.
Focus on student needs when considering credit documentation
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

When Cathy Punchello‐Cobos started working in the Registrar's Office at Thomas Edison State University 23 years ago, the university had approximately 100 employees total. Now TESU serves more than 18,000 adult students worldwide, having more than tripled in size.
Impact cassava residue on ammonia emission and microbial communities during sewage sludge cocomposting process
Authors: Su Chengyuan , Liao Liming , Zhao Lijian , Lu Yuxiang , Xie Lian , Zheng Peng
Published: January 2018

In this study, the impacts of cassava residue as a bulking agent and carbon source on sewage sludge composting were evaluated in lab‐scale reactors. Three composting experiments were carried out with different ratios of sewage sludge and cassava residues: R1 (400 g sewage sludge), R2 (375 g sewage sludge, 25 g cassava residue), and R3 (350 g sewage sludge, 50 g cassava residue). Compared to the R1 reactor, the temperature of R2 and R3 increased rapidly. The cumulative ammonia emission of R1 was 597.14 mg L−1, while R2 and R3 were 347.59 and 451.06 mg L−1, respectively. Therefore, cassava residue could be used to reduce NH3 emission during sludge composting. Furthermore, the maximum protease activates (observed on day 10) for R1, R2, and R3 were 24.61, 31.78, and 36.12 U g−1, respectively. The maximum urease activities for R1, R2, and R3 was recorded as 20.05 U g−1 (day 5), 12.53 U g−1 (day 5), and 15.93 U g−1 (day 10). Addition of cassava residue also contributed to positive shifts in the bacterial community. High‐throughput sequencing analysis showed that in the R2 reactor, Actinobacteria was present in relatively high abundance. Actinobacteria positively correlates with TN and has the effect of biological nitrogen fixation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Aniba subbullata (Lauraceae), a new species from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil with notes on the leaf epidermis of congeneric species
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique Lauand , Coan Alessandra Ike , de Moraes Pedro Luís Rodrigues
Published: January 2018

A new plant species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, Aniba subbullata, is described and illustrated. Its putative relationships within the genus are discussed, and an identification key is provided for distinguishing it from previously known species in that state. We also provide illustrations and comments on micromorphological features of leaves of this new species, particularly of the abaxial surface, comparing them to those of congeneric species and showing that they are useful for its recognition.
The correlation between crushed coal porosity and permeability under various methane pressure gradients: a case study using Jincheng anthracite
Authors: Li Zhen , Feng Guorui , Jiang Haina , Hu Shengyong , Cui Jiaqing , Song Cheng , Gao Qiang , Qi Tingye , Guo Xiangqian , Li Chao , Kang Lixun
Published: January 2018

As a greenhouse gas (GHG), methane (CH4) emitted from underground mines contributes 17% to total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Gas drainage is the main measure to resolve this problem, and knowledge of methane flow in surrounding coal and rocks greatly influences our thinking and handling strategies for reducing CH4 emissions. However, due to the lack of matched testing systems, current studies are generally confined to considering methane flow properties in porous and fractured coal and rocks, whereas methane flow behaviors in crushed coal have not been extensively studied and understood yet. In this study, the relationships between crushed coal porosity and permeability under various methane pressures are investigated using a self‐designed gas permeation testing system, and continuous measurements of methane pressure and flow rate have been conducted. The results show that the permeability properties of crushed coal are closely related to the coal porosity, methane pressure, and axial stress. Darcy flow transfers to slip flow in crushed coal in the latter stage of coal‐mine methane drainage in crushed coal, and the permeability of crushed coal has a magnitude of 10−12–10−11 m2, which is rather larger than that of porous and fractured coals. The pseudo‐threshold pressure gradient (TPG) decreases with the growth of porosity, and it is rather smaller than that of lower permeability reservoirs (LPR). With an increase in methane pressure, the permeability of crushed coal presents a logarithmic growth trend; by contrast, it displays an exponential growth trend with an increase in porosity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of physical‐chemical properties modification of coal after CO2 sequestration in deep unmineable coal seams
Authors: Zhao Ningning , Xu Tianfu , Wang Kairan , Tian Hailong , Wang Fugang
Published: January 2018

An initial investigation into the impacts of CO2 storage in unmineable coal seams, with or without enhanced coal‐bed methane recovery (CO2‐ECBM), was conducted, focusing on changes in the chemical and physical properties of coal. A high metamorphic grade anthracite was obtained from Qinshui Basin in China. Powdered coal was reacted with deionized water and carbon dioxide at temperatures of 25–35 °C and pressures of 5–11 MPa, in seven custom‐built batch reactors – conditions similar to the in situ formation conditions for the coal samples. An experiment with N2 saturated‐water to compare CO2‐free‐water mobilization with CO2‐water was also performed. It was observed that the supercritical CO2‐H2O‐coal reaction had a more significant influence on the micropores than mesopores. The micropore increase was reflected directly in the specific surface area and pore volume, which increased sharply. The true density also increased accordingly. The changes to the pore structure in the coal may affect the storage capacity of CO2 and can modify the fluid flow pattern in the process of CO2‐ECBM. Meanwhile, after exposing the coal samples to supercritical CO2, most of the trace‐element content in the reaction solutions was very low; only the Se and Mn content was beyond acceptable drinking water quality, but not enough to produce a serious influence on shallow aquifers. Nonetheless, the potential for mobilizing toxic trace elements from the coalbed is an important factor to be considered when evaluating CO2 sequestration in deep unmineable coal seams. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Art of Organic Synthesis in the Age of Automation
Authors: Milo Anat
Published: January 2018

Recent progress in the automation of chemical synthesis is part of a broad ongoing trend that is based on incorporating machine learning algorithms to improve automated performance in different tasks. However, what are the implications on the art of organic synthesis? Will robotic chemists replace us in the next 50–100 years? Will they be able to outperform a master organic chemist in the study of mechanisms, the development of new reactions, the optimization of reaction conditions, catalysts, or synthetic routes? What would be our role as human chemists in this automation revolution? In this essay, these questions will be reflected upon through the progress in the synthesis of strychnine since 1954.
Fatal necrotizing myositis from fulminant Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) infection: A case report of autopsy images
Authors: Izumi Manabu , Hiraiwa Taku , Tomioka Hideto , Komura Masayoshi , Hayashi Yasushi
Published: January 2018

Over the past few decades, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) have been considered as weak pathogenicity compared with S. pyogenes (GAS). Some recent reports argue that SDSE may bring severe soft tissue infection as same as GAS. No reports have been tried to reveal the clinical characteristics and autopsy images of fulminant SDSE infection. In this case report, we aimed to present a case of fatal necrotizing myositis from fulminant SDSE infection at iliopsoas, including autopsy appearance.
TCR modifications that enhance chain pairing in gene-modified T cells can augment cross-reactivity and alleviate CD8 dependence
Authors: Spear Timothy T , Foley Kendra C , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Nishimura Michael I
Published: January 2018

T cell receptor (TCR) gene-modified T cells are a promising immunotherapy but require refinement to improve clinical responses and limit off-target toxicities. A variety of TCR and gene-delivery vector modifications have been developed to enhance introduced TCR expression and limit introduced/endogenous TCR chain mispairing, improving target antigen recognition and minimizing mispairing-induced cross-reactivity. Using our well-characterized HCV1406 TCR, we previously compared the impact of various chain pairing enhancing modifications on TCR expression and cognate antigen recognition. HCV1406 TCR is also natively cross-reactive against naturally occurring altered peptide ligands (APLs), which was shown to be dependent on high TCR surface density. In this report, we observed in a Jurkat model that absent TCR chain pairing competition alleviated CD8-dependent APL recognition and induced novel cross-reactivity of HCV1406 TCR. We then compared chain pairing enhancing modifications’ effects on TCR cross-reactivity in Jurkat and T cells, showing C-terminal leucine zippers and constant region murinization alleviated CD8 dependence and induced novel APL recognition. While modifications enhancing TCR chain pairing intend to avoid cross-reactivity by limiting mispairing with the endogenous TCR, these data suggest they may also enhance natural cross-reactivity and reduce dependence on CD8. These observations have significant implications on the design/implementation of TCR gene-modified T cells.
Diversification of human NK cells: Lessons from deep profiling
Authors: Wilk Aaron J , Blish Catherine A
Published: January 2018

NK cells are innate lymphocytes with important roles in immunoregulation, immunosurveillance, and cytokine production. Originally defined on the functional basis of their “natural” ability to lyse tumor targets and thought to be a relatively homogeneous group of lymphocytes, NK cells possess a remarkable degree of phenotypic and functional diversity due to the combinatorial expression of an array of activating and inhibitory receptors. Diversification of NK cells is multifaceted: mechanisms of NK cell education that promote self-tolerance result in a heterogeneous repertoire that further diversifies upon encounters with viral pathogens. Here, we review the genetic, developmental, and environmental sources of NK cell diversity with a particular focus on deep profiling and single-cell technologies that will enable a more thorough and accurate dissection of this intricate and poorly understood lymphocyte lineage.
Hepatitis C virus core protein induces dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell by down‐regulation of silent information regulator 1
Authors: Sun Li‐Jie , Yu Jian‐Wu , Shi Yu‐Guang , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Shu Meng‐Ni , Chen Mo‐Yang
Published: January 2018

Hepatic fibrosis is a frequent feature of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Some evidence has suggested the potential role of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in organ fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HCV core protein on expression of SIRT1 of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) and function of LSEC. LSECs were co‐cultured with HepG2 cells or HepG2 cells expressing HCV core protein and LSECs cultured alone were used as controls. After co‐culture, the activity and expression levels of mRNA and protein of SIRT1 in LSEC were detected by a SIRT1 fluorometric assay kit, real time‐PCR (RT‐PCR), Western blot, respectively. The levels of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by Western blot. Cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), CD14, and von Willebrand factor (vWf) of LSECs was performed by flow cytometry. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assayed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), adiponectin, nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) levels in the co‐culture supernatant were measured. The co‐culture supernatant was then used to cultivate LX‐2 cells. The levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (ASMA) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) protein in LX‐2 cells were measured by Western blot. Compared with LSEC co‐cultured with HepG2 cells group, in LSEC co‐cultured with HepG2‐core cells group, the activity and expression level of mRNA and protein of SIRT1 reduced; the level of adiponectin reduced and the expression level of AdipoR2 protein decreased; ROS levels increased; the expression level of eNOS, VEGF protein decreased; and the expression level of CD14 decreased; the expression level of vWf and CD31 increased; NO and SOD levels decreased; whereas ET‐1 and MDA levels increased; the levels of ASMA and TGF‐β1 protein in LX‐2 cells increased. SIRT1 activator improved the above‐mentioned changes. HCV core protein may down‐regulate the activity and the expression of SIRT1 of LSEC, then decreasing synthesis of adiponectin and the expression of AdipoR2, thus inducing contraction of LSEC and hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and increasing oxidative stress, ultimately cause hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Treatment with SIRT1 activator restored the function of LSEC and inhibited the activation of HSC.
Misidentification of recombinant hepatitis C virus leading to treatment failure with direct acting antivirals
Authors: Mourez Thomas , Decroos Amandine , Goria Odile , Montialoux Hélène , De Oliveira Fabienne , Larrat Sylvie , Plantier Jean‐Christophe , Riachi Ghassan
Published: January 2018

The use of new Direct Acting Antivirals, specific of HCV, has greatly improved the HCV treatment. Most of the DAA are specific of HCV genotypes. Genotyping methods may target different regions of the HCV genome, though only the whole genome sequencing could confirm the correct genotype. The present study describes the virological investigation of a treatment failure due to the false identification of an unusual 2k/1b recombinant HCV form. It describes the sequencing methods, and the similarity analysis of the sequences to different genotype query sequences, to identify the recombination breakpoint.
Nutrient and water uptake by roots of forest trees
Authors: George Eckhard , Marschner Horst
Published: January 2018

Although per growing season nutrient uptake of adequately growing forest trees is less than the nutrient uptake of annual crop species, nutrient uptake per unit root length in trees is considerable. Because of high heterogeneity of soil conditions and root growth in forest soils, modelling of uptake processes is even more difficult for forest than for crop stands. Detailed studies show that white lips of growing tree roots have a high nutrient uptake capacity. However, most root tips are usually colonised by mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi can participate substantially in tree nutrient uptake, in particular in the utilisation of organically‐bound phosphorus and nitrogen in soils. Mycorrhizal hyphae, root tips, and older root zones can all absorb water, but their actual contribution is difficult to assess. In this review, experimental results from our laboratory and literature data are used to describe the potential activity of tree roots and mycorrhizas in nutrient and water uptake. Methodology for in situ measurements must be developed to quantify at different forest sites the actual contribution of mycorrhizas and different root parts.
Ecology, classification and soil pattern of colluvial soils of the bornhoeved lake district (North‐Germany)
Authors: Schleuß Uwe , Blume Hans‐Peter
Published: January 2018

Water erosion causes the accumulation of soil material, especially at the bottom slope and in landscape depressions. According to FAO‐UNESCO (1990) colluvial soils can be classified as Cumuli‐Aric Anthrosols if the minimum thickness of the altered topsoil is 5 dm or more. These soils are characterized by addition of small amounts of soil material that has been incorporated into the underlying material by tillage and/or turbation. As a result of geological factors and land‐use intensities, Cumuli‐Aric Anthrosols differ markedly in their ecological properties. In the study area ‘Bornhoeved Lake District (Schleswig‐Holstein, North‐Germany)’ soil patterns have been investigated showing the interdependence of soil landscapes and their soil units by water erosion and accumulation. Examples of various colluvial soils in catenary sequences in the study area are presented. Colluvial soils in the study area are characterized by a layer thickness between 5 and 14 dm and show significantly higher quantities of organic matter, nitrogen and plant‐available water in comparison with eroded soils.
Infrared single‐pixel video imaging for sea surface targets surveillance
Authors: Zhao Ming , Zhao Meijing , Yang Fan , Wu Houde , Xu Wenhai
Published: January 2018

This paper presents an infrared single‐pixel video imaging to surveille sea surface. Based on the temporal redundancy of the surveillance video, a two‐step scheme, including low‐scale detection and high‐scale detection, is proposed. For each frame, low‐scale detection performs low‐resolution single‐pixel imaging to obtain a “preview” image of the scene, where the moving target can be located. These targets are further refined in the high‐scale detection where the high‐resolution single‐pixel imagings focusing on these targets are used. The frame is reconstructed by merging these two‐level images. The simulated experiments show that for a video with 128 × 128 pixels and 150 frames, the sampling rate of our scheme is about 17.8%, and the reconstructed video presents a good visual quality.
Modeling variations in soil salinity in the oasis of Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Ma Ligang , Yang Shengtian , Simayi Zibibula , Gu Qing , Li Jiadan , Yang Xiaodong , Ding Jianli
Published: January 2018

Soil salinization leads to a significant degradation for oasis land. Variations in soil salinity are controlled by geologic, geomorphic, climatic, and hydrologic factors that are scale dependent. Many factors characterize soil salinity and its variations. Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and correlation analysis are usually applied to examine the variations of soil salinity at different scales. However, few researches have been conducted on the modeling of these variations among different scales that requires further development and refinement. This paper investigates the potential of assessing scale‐specific variations in soil salinity via EMD using 2 modeling approaches (random forest and linear models). The remotely sensed environmental factors including land surface temperature, evapotranspiration, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation, and digital elevation model products were used as inputs for the models. The Junggar Basin in Xinjiang Province of China was selected as study area because the oasis was quite typical in the whole country and even in mid‐Asia. Soil salinity data and environmental factors were first decomposed using the EMD algorithm. Then, the decomposed components of the remotely sensed environmental factors were evaluated, and the most important components of each factor were selected to model the salinity variations that were represented by the decomposed components of soil salinity. The salinity variations estimated from the environmental factors were favorably consistent with the decomposed components of the soil salinity data, with coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.24–0.52 and 0.73–0.98 for the linear and random forest models, respectively. In addition, land surface temperature and salinity were coupled well at the 326‐ and 334‐km scale. Our results showed that reasonably accurate results can be obtained using the proposed approach.
An approach for providing quasi‐convexity to yield functions and a generalized implicit integration scheme for isotropic constitutive models based on 2 unknowns
Authors: Panteghini Andrea , Lagioia Rocco
Published: January 2018

Yield and plastic potential surfaces are often affected by problems related to convexity. One such problem is encountered when the yield surface that bounds the elastic domain is itself convex; however, convexity is lost when the surface expands to pass through stress points outside the current elastic domain. In this paper, a technique is proposed, which effectively corrects this problem by providing linear homothetic expansion with respect to the centre of the yield surface. A very compact implicit integration scheme is also presented, which is of general applicability for isotropic constitutive models, provided that their yield and plastic potential functions are based on a separate mathematical definition of the meridional and deviatoric sections and that stress invariants are adopted as mechanical quantities. The elastic predictor‐plastic corrector algorithm is based on the solution of a system of 2 equations in 2 unknowns only. This further reduces to a single equation and unknown in the case of yield and plastic potential surfaces with a linear meridional section. The effectiveness of the proposed convexification technique and the efficiency and stability of the integration scheme are investigated by running numerical analyses of a notoriously demanding boundary value problem.
A hypoplastic model for gas hydrate‐bearing sandy sediments
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Lin Jia , Lu Xiaobing , Liu Lele , Liu Changling , Li Mingyao , Su Yewang
Published: January 2018

Gas hydrate‐bearing sediments (GHBSs) have been considered as a potential energy resource. In this paper, the mechanical properties of GHBS are firstly investigated by the integrated test apparatus for synthesis of GHBS using silty sand as skeleton. Triaxial tests indicate an obvious transition of stress‐strain relationship from strain hardening under low hydrate saturation and strain softening under high hydrate saturation. The hypoplastic models coupled with Drucker‐Prager criterion and the Mohr‐Coulomb criterion are proposed to analyze the stress‐strain relationship of GHBS with considering the effective porosity because of the hydrate filling in the pores of GHBS. The strain hardening and softening behaviors are well predicted with less material parameters compared with the classical models. Compared with the test results, the proposed hypoplastic models are verified to be capable of capturing the salient features of the mechanical behaviors of GHBS under the conditions of little temperature change and no hydrate dissociation.
Specific expression of PD‐L1 in RELA‐fusion supratentorial ependymoma: Implications for PD‐1‐targeted therapy
Authors: Witt Davis A. , Donson Andrew M. , Amani Vladimir , Moreira Daniel C. , Sanford Bridget , Hoffman Lindsey M. , Handler Michael H. , Levy Jean M. Mulcahy , Jones Kenneth L. , Nellan Anandani , Foreman Nicholas K. , Griesinger Andrea M.
Published: January 2018

Background

A desperate need for novel therapies in pediatric ependymoma (EPN) exists, as chemotherapy remains ineffective and radiotherapy often fails. EPN have significant infiltration of immune cells, which correlates with outcome. Immune checkpoint inhibitors provide an avenue for new treatments. This study characterizes tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in EPN and aims at predicting candidates for clinical trials using checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD‐L1/PD‐1 (programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1).

Methods

The transcriptomic profiles of the primary study cohort of EPN and other pediatric brain tumors were interrogated to identify PD‐L1 expression levels. Transcriptomic findings were validated using the western blotting, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

We evaluated PD‐L1 mRNA expression across four intracranial subtypes of EPN in two independent cohorts and found supratentorial RELA fusion (ST‐RELA) tumors to have significantly higher levels. There was a correlation between high gene expression and protein PD‐L1 levels in ST‐RELA tumors by both the western blot and immunohistochemisty. The investigation of EPN cell populations revealed PD‐L1 was expressed on both tumor and myeloid cells in ST‐RELA. Other subtypes had little PD‐L1 in either tumor or myeloid cell compartments. Lastly, we measured PD‐1 levels on tumor‐infiltrating T cells and found ST‐RELA tumors express PD‐1 in both CD4 and CD8 T cells. A functional T‐cell exhaustion assay found ST‐RELA T cells to be exhausted and unable to secrete IFNγ on stimulation.

Conclusions

These findings in ST‐RELA suggest tumor evasion and immunsuppression due to PD‐L1/PD‐1‐mediated T‐cell exhaustion. Trials of checkpoint inhibitors in EPN should be enriched for ST‐RELA tumors.
Reduced HeLa cell viability in methionine‐containing cell culture medium irradiated with microwave‐excited atmospheric‐pressure plasma
Authors: Takahashi Yohei , Taki Yusuke , Takeda Keigo , Hashizume Hiroshi , Tanaka Hiromasa , Ishikawa Kenji , Hori Masaru
Published: January 2018

The mechanism underlying the death of cancer cells incubated in plasma‐activated medium (PAM) prepared by irradiation of culture medium with atmospheric‐pressure plasma is revealed by analyzing changes in the culture medium composition using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The concentration of the essential amino acid methionine declined in microwave‐excited plasma‐irradiated medium, whereas, that of methionine sulfoxide increased due to oxidation of methionine. The decrease in methionine concentration in the cell culture medium rather than the increase in methionine sulfoxide leads to the decline in the survival rate of HeLa cells incubated in PAM. These results provide useful insights into the mechanism of selective cancer cell death in PAM.
Identification of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 as a Novel Host Protein in HBx Augmenting HBV Replication by iTRAQ‐Based Quantitative Comparative Proteomics
Authors: Yan Li‐Bo , Yu You‐Jia , Zhang Qing‐Bo , Tang Xiao‐Qiong , Bai Lang , Huang FeiJun , Tang Hong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to screen for novel host proteins that play a role in HBx augmenting Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication.

Experimental design

Three HepG2 cell lines stably harboring different functional domains of HBx (HBx, HBx‐Cm6, and HBx‐Cm16) were cultured. ITRAQ technology integrated with LC‐MS/MS analysis was applied to identify the proteome differences among these three cell lines.

Results

In brief, a total of 70 different proteins were identified among HepG2‐HBx, HepG2‐HBx‐Cm6, and HepG2‐HBx‐Cm16 by double repetition. Several differentially expressed proteins, including p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), were further validated. RSK2 was expressed at higher levels in HepG2‐HBx and HepG2‐HBx‐Cm6 compared with HepG2‐HBx‐Cm16. Furthermore, levels of HBV replication intermediates were decreased after silencing RSK2 in HepG2.2.15. An HBx‐minus HBV mutant genome led to decreased levels of HBV replication intermediates and these decreases were restored to levels similar to wild‐type HBV by transient ectopic expression of HBx. After silencing RSK2 expression, the levels of HBV replication intermediates synthesized from the HBx‐minus HBV mutant genome were not restored to levels that were observed with wild‐type HBV by transient HBx expression.

Conclusion and clinical Relevance

Based on iTRAQ quantitative comparative proteomics, RSK2 was identified as a novel host protein that plays a role in HBx augmenting HBV replication.
PCR under Low Ionic Concentration Buffer Conditions
Authors: Takei Fumie , Akiyama Misaki , Nobusawa Kazuyuki , Sabani Norhayati Binti , Han Huanwen , Nakatani Kazuhiko , Yamashita Ichiro
Published: January 2018

A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system using a low‐salt concentration buffer was developed, which is suitable for electrical PCR process monitoring. Using Taq polymerase in 10 mM of Tris‐HCl buffer without KCl, the PCR progressed and the target DNA PCR products were produced. As the ionic concentration in PCR buffer solution decreased, the quantity of PCR products decreased, but the PCR products could be detected down to a total ion concentration of 5 mM. Single nucleotide polymorphism typing was also successful under 10 mM of Tris‐HCl without KCl. Both alleles (G or T) were detected clearly.
One‐Step Inkjet Printed Perovskite in Air for Efficient Light Harvesting
Authors: Liang Chao , Li Pengwei , Gu Hao , Zhang Yiqiang , Li Fengyu , Song Yanlin , Shao Guosheng , Mathews Nripan , Xing Guichuan
Published: January 2018

Solution‐processed metal‐halide perovskites have demonstrated immense potential in photovoltaic applications. Inkjet printing is a facile scalable approach to fabricate large‐area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its cost‐effectiveness and near unity material utilization ratio. However, controlling crystallinity of the perovskite during the inkjet printing remains a challenge. The PSCs deposited by inkjet printing typically have much lower power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) than those by spin‐coating. Here, we show that high‐quality perovskite films could be inkjet‐printed with an innovative vacuum‐assisted thermal annealing post‐treatment and optimized solvent composition. High‐performance PSCs based on printed CH3NH3PbI3 with a PCE of 17.04% for 0.04 cm2 (13.27% for 4.0 cm2) and negligible hysteresis (lower than 1.0%) are demonstrated. These efficiencies are much higher than the previously reported ones using inkjet‐printing (≤12.3% for 0.04 cm2). The inkjet printing combined with vacuum‐assisted thermal annealing could be an effective low‐cost approach to fabricate high‐performance perovskite optoelectronic thin film devices (including solar cells, lasers, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes) with high‐volume production.
Mathematical morphology‐based single phase‐to‐ground fault feeder selector for a resonant grounded distribution system
Authors: Han X. L. , Wu Q. H. , Li M. S. , Zhang L. L.
Published: January 2018

In this letter, we present a new single phase‐to‐ground fault feeder selector for a resonant grounded distribution system based on mathematical morphology. A combined morphological filter, which is the average of open–closing and close–opening, is employed to extract the transient component and decaying DC component from the zero‐sequence current signal of each feeder. Afterward, two indices are introduced to measure these components and to distinguish the fault feeder from healthy feeders. Simulation studies are conducted using PSCAD/EMTDC, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In vitro to in vivo benchmark dose comparisons to inform risk assessment of quantum dot nanomaterials
Authors: Weldon Brittany A. , Griffith William C. , Workman Tomomi , Scoville David K. , Kavanagh Terrance J. , Faustman Elaine M.
Published: January 2018

Engineered nanomaterials are currently under review for their potential toxicity; however, their use in consumer/commercial products has continued to outpace risk assessments. In vitro methods may be utilized as tools to improve the efficiency of risk assessment approaches. We propose a framework to compare relationships between previously published in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments of cadmium‐selenium containing quantum dots (QDs) using benchmark dose (BMD) and dosimetric assessment methods. Although data were limited this approach was useful for identifying sensitive assays and strains. In vitro studies assessed effects of QDs in three pulmonary cell types across two mouse strains. Significant dose–response effects were modeled and a standardized method of BMD analysis was performed as a function of both exposure dose and dosimetric dose. In vivo studies assessed pulmonary effects of QD exposure across eight mouse strains. BMD analysis served as a basis for relative comparison with in vitro studies. We found consistent responses in common endpoints between in vitro and in vivo studies. Strain sensitivity was consistent between in vitro and in vivo studies, showing A/J mice more sensitive to QDs. Cell types were found to differentially take up QDs. Dosimetric adjustments identified similar sensitivity among cell types. Thus, BMD analysis can be used as an effective tool to compare the sensitivity of different strains, cell types, and assays to QDs. These methods allow for in vitro assays to be used to predict in vivo responses, improve the efficiency of in vivo studies, and allow for prioritization of nanomaterial assessments.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Hydrothermal Fracture Controlled Vein Type Uranium Mineralization in the Paleoproterozoic Bijawar Group of Rocks, Sonrai Basin, Lalitpur District, U.P. – Fresh Findings from Subsurface Borehole Data
Authors: Rawat T. P. S. , Roy Madhuparna , Joshi G. B.
Published: January 2018

Sonrai basin, located along the southwestern margin of Bundelkhand Granite-Gneiss Complex (BGC) is known for its base metal and phosphorite mineralization. Uranium mineralization of appreciable grade and thickness was reported in Pisnari block in the northern part of this basin during sub-surface exploration activity in 1976-97. This was in the form of uranium-bitumin association within fractures in the carbonate-terrigenous sediments of Gorakalan shale, Rohini carbonate and Bandai sandstone of Sonrai Formation of Bijawar Group. Similar mineralization was also noted within the lower chloritic shale member of Solda Formation of the same Group. During subsequent drilling activity at a later phase (2005-09), uranium rich zones within Rohini carbonate and chloritic shale members were corroborated by the interception of mineralized bands in two boreholes drilled near Pisnari. Petrographic study of radioactive core samples reveal that uranium mineralization is closely associated with globular carbonaceous matter and sulphides along the fractures. Uranium is either adsorbed in carbonaceous matter or occurs as ultrafine inclusions of coffinite within carbonaceous matter. An additional phase of secondary uranium mineral (uranophane) is also noted in one of the boreholes. The uranium minerals, in association with sulphides, fill up moderately dipping fractures (approximately 15° towards North) which are oblique to the core axis of the inclined borehole and thus, the mineralization is characterized as hydrothermal fracture-controlled vein type mineralisation. C-H-N-S analysis of carbonaceous matter occurring in close association with the uranium minerals reveal heterogeneity in composition with respect to carbon and sulfur. The present paper aims at discussing the geological, petrological and radiometric aspects of this mineralization, so as to enhance the understanding of the same.