bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 Gene Amplification and Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Clinicopathologic Analysis
Authors: Park Soonchan , Lee Miji , Cho Kyung-Ja , Kim Sung Bae , Roh Jong-Lyel , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon , Song Joon Seon
Published: March 2018

Amplification of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 ( FGFR1) has been reported in many squamous cell carcinomas, and human papillomavirus (HPV)–related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has been characterized as a distinct subset with favorable prognosis. Here, we investigated the FGFR1 amplification and HPV status in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and analyzed the clinical characteristics. HPV in situ hybridization (HPV ISH) and FGFR1 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed using tissue microarray from 89 cases of TSCC. Fourteen of 89 (15.7%) TSCC cases had FGFR1 amplification, and HPV was detected in 59 of 89 (66.3%) cases. FGFR1 amplification status was not associated with HPV positivity ( p=0.765). Outcomes were not significantly different between FGFR1 amplified and non-amplified patients. Although FGFR1 amplified patients ( n=4) in the HPV ISH–negative group ( n=30) had a tendency for poorer overall survival, no statistical significance was identified ( p=0.150, log-rank). FGFR1 protein overexpression showed better disease-free survival ( p=0.031, log-rank) in HPV-negative TSCC. This study suggests FGFR1 amplification may be important in the pathogenesis of TSCC regardless of HPV status.
Neprilysin Deficiency Is Associated With Expansion of Islet β-Cell Mass in High Fat-Fed Mice
Authors: Parilla Jacqueline H. , Hull Rebecca L. , Zraika Sakeneh
Published: March 2018

Neprilysin (NEP) is an endopeptidase known to modulate nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems via inactivation of regulatory peptides. In addition, it may also contribute to impaired glucose homeostasis as observed in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Specifically, we and others have shown that NEP is upregulated under conditions associated with T2D, whereas NEP deficiency and/or inhibition improves glucose homeostasis via enhanced glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic β-cell function. Whether increased β-cell mass also occurs with lack of NEP activity is unknown. We sought to determine whether NEP deficiency confers beneficial effects on β- and α-cell mass in a mouse model of impaired glucose homeostasis. Wild-type and NEP−/− mice were fed low- or high-fat diet for 16 weeks, after which pancreatic β- and α-cell mass were assessed by immunostaining for insulin and glucagon, respectively. Following low-fat feeding, NEP−/− mice exhibited lower β- and α-cell mass compared with wild-type controls. A high-fat diet had no effect on these parameters in wild-type mice, but in NEP−/− mice, it resulted in the expansion of β-cell mass. Our findings support a role for NEP in modulating β-cell mass, making it an attractive T2D drug target that acts via multiple mechanisms to affect glucose homeostasis.
Environmental management practices for the sustainable development of a new city in Mozambique
Authors: Bettencourt Coutinho Pedro , Silva Nuno , Fulgêncio Cláudia , Canas Ângela , Alcobia Sónia
Published: March 2018

Careful urban planning is of extreme importance in Mozambique, a developing country with a fast-growing population. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) are environmental management tools that can greatly benefit the planning process of sustainable urban spaces. This paper presents the contribution of SEA and ESIA to the environmental management of a new city in Mozambique, south of the Capital, Maputo, in the Katembe District. Katembe City’s environmental impact assessment process highlighted the particularities of this territory and identified the critical constraints for urban development and the requirements for minimization and monitorization of adverse impacts. The assessment process was developed sequentially, from a regional level to a local urban section level. In the preliminary assessment, major potential negative impacts were avoided and specific environmental and social detailed studies were defined, to be addressed in detailed urban plans. Following this, the detailed plans included all the necessary environmental requirements to avoid and mitigate several negative impacts, such as flooding, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. This case study emphasized the importance of SEA and ESIA in the planning process of the new city, resulting in a more sound and sustainable urban project.
Application of the sustainable logistics plan in the public administration
Authors: Sales Moreira Andréa Cristiane
Published: March 2018

The Public Administration, when it consumes the natural resources in a conscious way, contributes to diminishing the negative repercussions of its activities on the environment. It is important to highlight the relevance of sustainable decisions of public managers, contributing to the achievement of positive results for the planet and the quality of life of people in the next fifteen years, supported by Agenda 2030. It is the primary objective of this study, of the constitutional principle of sustainable development - foreseen in Article 225, Brazilian Federal Constitution - and how it has been applied in the socio-environmental management of the Judicial Branch of the State of Rio de Janeiro, consistent with the assumptions of Agenda 2030, evaluating the main initiatives underway regarding the incorporation of the Goals of Sustainable Development (SDG). To this end, the stages of implementation of the Sustainable Logistics Plan (PLS) of the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Justice (TJERJ) are presented, based on exploratory and documentary research, in search for theoretical and legal support. The importance of establishing monitoring and evaluation processes was also verified, guiding the public manager in the construction of a new institutional culture in public bodies.
Waste remanufacturing modeling originated from household equipment
Authors: De Oliveira Simonetto Eugênio , D. Putnik Goran , Butala Peter , Caetano Monteiro António Alberto
Published: March 2018

The growing generation of solid waste is one of the environmental problems that have most affected the world population in recent years. The solid waste generated from home appliances and information technology devices are one of the classes that concern the international community, since they have high toxicity and high potential of environmental pollution. This article presents the design, implementation and testing of a model aimed to evaluate the possibility of their remanufacturingfrom the waste originated from household equipment. In the case developed for the article the waste of printers (inkjet and laser), scanners and computerswere evaluated forthe development of a three dimensional printer (3D Printer). The System Dynamics methodology was used to implement the model, and to verify and validate it.There experiments using three scenarios were developed: an uncertainty scenario with a random rate between 25% and 75% of waste reuse; thegrowth scenario with a rate from 25% to 75% of waste reuse (growth of 5% per year) and; static scenario with a rate of 50% of waste reuse during the simulated time.Results generated by the simulation modelshow that the remanufacturing is a viable alternative for the reutilization of the discarded household equipment.
Thermomechanical Analysis of Vibrations of Silent Block
Authors: Szüle Veronika Etelka , Pere Balázs
Published: March 2018

Vehicle components made of rubber or rubber like polymers usually exhibit large deformations.Cyclic deformations may induce increasing in temperature in elastic materials. In this paper after the summary of the basic physical laws and the description of basement of continuummechanics, taking into account the Neo-Hooke material law,an example will be presented which allows to calculate strain-and temperature changes
Series of Experiments with Thermal Insulation Coatings Consisted of Vacuum-Hollow Nano-Ceramic Microspheres
Authors: Bozsaky David
Published: March 2018

Because of the rigorous regulations in the 21st century it has become a serious task for designers to find more effective ways for thermal insulation. One of these options is the application of nanotechnology-based materials. Among nano-scale structured materials the most uncertainties are found about the thermal insulating quality of thermal insulation coatings consisted of vacuum-hollow nano-ceramic microspheres. Complete agreement had not been already found about the mechanism of their insulating effect. In order to explore and describe the thermodynamic process inside nano-ceramic coatings (NCC) 6 series of heat transfer resistance experiments were performed in 2014-2017. Several building structure configurations with 12 different orders of layers were tested with a standard heat flow meter. On basis of these results it could be concluded that in case of nano-structured materials convective heat transfer coefficient might be taken account in different way than in case of traditional macro-structured thermal insulation materials.
Determination of Safety Factors for Mango Fruit Paperboard Transport Crates under Refrigerated Conditions
Authors: Sadlowsky Bernd , Köstner Viktoria , Mazur Margot , Thun Sina-Kristin , Böröcz Péter
Published: March 2018

The use of corrugated board packaging is very popular in most industry sectors, but the food industry is one of the main consumers. Special requirements are placed on corrugated board in the food industry since the level of humidity necessary may be as high as 85-90% rH and this can greatly influence on the performance of the packaging. This influencing circumstance is taken into account in this paper when estimating a safety factor aimed at reducing risk. Knowing the safety factor can save transport and material costs, and can also prevent serious damage during the distribution of goods. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of humidity, pre-compression and load carriers on the stability of corrugated board mango fruit crates and thus to determine the safety factor. The results show that it is possible to calculate the safety factor by measuring realistic static stresses. Further researches into determining the dynamic stresses are required so as completing the calculation of the safety factor.
Active Packaging Techniques to Reduce Post-Harvest Loss in Perishables with Special Reference to Mango (cv. Dushari)
Authors: Singh Ranjeet , Giri S. K.
Published: March 2018

All horticultural produce continue their metabolic activities soon after harvest and during storage period. Modified
atmospheric packaging is a common practice to minimize postharvest losses and extend shelf life of the produce. Even
under modified atmosphere the control of respiration rate of the produce is limited. Optimal packaging micro
environment can be adversely affected by dynamic changes in temperature and relative humidity throughout the
storage period and under transportation. As an alternative, active packaging technologies provide interactive
controls between the produce, package and surrounding environment to achieve and retain optimal atmospheric
conditions inside the packages. Various active packaging technologies have been developed and are commercially
available for a range of food products including horticultural produce and the combination of these with other
postharvest management strategies offers benefits to extend shelf life. This paper reviews the recent active packaging
technologies and their applications focused on horticultural produce such as Mango.
Role of the 5-HT2AReceptor in Self- and Other-Initiated Social Interaction in Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-Induced States: A Pharmacological fMRI Study
Authors: Preller Katrin H. , Schilbach Leonhard , Pokorny Thomas , Flemming Jan , Seifritz Erich , Vollenweider Franz X.
Published: March 2018

Distortions of self-experience are critical symptoms of psychiatric disorders and have detrimental effects on social interactions. In light of the immense need for improved and targeted interventions for social impairments, it is important to better understand the neurochemical substrates of social interaction abilities. We therefore investigated the pharmacological and neural correlates of self- and other-initiated social interaction. In a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study 24 healthy human participants (18 males and 6 females) received either (1) placebo + placebo, (2) placebo + lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD; 100 μg, p.o.), or (3) ketanserin (40 mg, p.o.) + LSD (100 μg, p.o.) on three different occasions. Participants took part in an interactive task using eye-tracking and functional magnetic resonance imaging completing trials of self- and other-initiated joint and non-joint attention. Results demonstrate first, that LSD reduced activity in brain areas important for self-processing, but also social cognition; second, that change in brain activity was linked to subjective experience; and third, that LSD decreased the efficiency of establishing joint attention. Furthermore, LSD-induced effects were blocked by the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) antagonist ketanserin, indicating that effects of LSD are attributable to 5-HT2AR stimulation. The current results demonstrate that activity in areas of the “social brain” can be modulated via the 5-HT2AR thereby pointing toward this system as a potential target for the treatment of social impairments associated with psychiatric disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDistortions of self-representation and, potentially related to this, dysfunctional social cognition are central hallmarks of various psychiatric disorders and critically impact disease development, progression, treatment, as well as real-world functioning. However, these deficits are insufficiently targeted by current treatment approaches. The administration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging and real-time eye-tracking offers the unique opportunity to study alterations in self-experience, their relation to social cognition, and the underlying neuropharmacology. Results demonstrate that LSD alters self-experience as well as basic social cognition processing in areas of the “social brain”. Furthermore, these alterations are attributable to 5-HT2Areceptor stimulation, thereby pinpointing toward this receptor system in the development of pharmacotherapies for sociocognitive deficits in psychiatric disorders.
Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Is Necessary for Normal Associative Inference and Memory Integration
Authors: Spalding Kelsey N. , Schlichting Margaret L. , Zeithamova Dagmar , Preston Alison R. , Tranel Daniel , Duff Melissa C. , Warren David E.
Published: March 2018

The ability to flexibly combine existing knowledge in response to novel circumstances is highly adaptive. However, the neural correlates of flexible associative inference are not well characterized. Laboratory tests of associative inference have measured memory for overlapping pairs of studied items (e.g., AB, BC) and for nonstudied pairs with common associates (i.e., AC). Findings from functional neuroimaging and neuropsychology suggest the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) may be necessary for associative inference. Here, we used a neuropsychological approach to test the necessity of vmPFC for successful memory-guided associative inference in humans using an overlapping pairs associative memory task. We predicted that individuals with focal vmPFC damage (n= 5; 3F, 2M) would show impaired inferential memory but intact non-inferential memory. Performance was compared with normal comparison participants (n= 10; 6F, 4M). Participants studied pairs of visually presented objects including overlapping pairs (AB, BC) and nonoverlapping pairs (XY). Participants later completed a three-alternative forced-choice recognition task for studied pairs (AB, BC, XY) and inference pairs (AC). As predicted, the vmPFC group had intact memory for studied pairs but significantly impaired memory for inferential pairs. These results are consistent with the perspective that the vmPFC is necessary for memory-guided associative inference, indicating that the vmPFC is critical for adaptive abilities that require application of existing knowledge to novel circumstances. Additionally, vmPFC damage was associated with unexpectedly reduced memory for AB pairs post-inference, which could potentially reflect retroactive interference. Together, these results reinforce an emerging understanding of a role for the vmPFC in brain networks supporting associative memory processes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe live in a constantly changing environment, so the ability to adapt our knowledge to support understanding of new circumstances is essential. One important adaptive ability isassociative inferencewhich allows us to extract shared features from distinct experiences and relate them. For example, if we see a woman holding a baby, and later see a man holding the same baby, then we might infer that the two adults are a couple. Despite the importance of associative inference, the brain systems necessary for this ability are not known. Here, we report that damage to human ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) disproportionately impairs associative inference. Our findings show the necessity of the vmPFC for normal associative inference and memory integration.
Targeting of NF-κB to Dendritic Spines Is Required for Synaptic Signaling and Spine Development
Authors: Dresselhaus Erica C. , Boersma Matthew C.H. , Meffert Mollie K.
Published: March 2018

Long-term forms of brain plasticity share a requirement for changes in gene expression induced by neuronal activity. Mechanisms that determine how the distinct and overlapping functions of multiple activity-responsive transcription factors, including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), give rise to stimulus-appropriate neuronal responses remain unclear. We report that the p65/RelA subunit of NF-κB confers subcellular enrichment at neuronal dendritic spines and engineer a p65 mutant that lacks spine enrichment (p65ΔSE) but retains inherent transcriptional activity equivalent to wild-type p65. Wild-type p65 or p65ΔSE both rescue NF-κB-dependent gene expression in p65-deficient murine hippocampal neurons responding to diffuse (PMA/ionomycin) stimulation. In contrast, neurons lacking spine-enriched NF-κB are selectively impaired in NF-κB-dependent gene expression induced by elevated excitatory synaptic stimulation (bicuculline or glycine). We used the setting of excitatory synaptic activity during development that produces NF-κB-dependent growth of dendritic spines to test physiological function of spine-enriched NF-κB in an activity-dependent response. Expression of wild-type p65, but not p65ΔSE, is capable of rescuing spine density to normal levels in p65-deficient pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these data reveal that spatial localization in dendritic spines contributes unique capacities to the NF-κB transcription factor in synaptic activity-dependent responses.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTExtensive research has established a model in which the regulation of neuronal gene expression enables enduring forms of plasticity and learning. However, mechanisms imparting stimulus specificity to gene regulation, ensuring biologically appropriate responses, remain incompletely understood. NF-κB is a potent transcription factor with evolutionarily conserved functions in learning and the growth of excitatory synaptic contacts. Neuronal NF-κB is localized in both synapse and somatic compartments, but whether the synaptic pool of NF-κB has discrete functions is unknown. This study reveals that NF-κB enriched in dendritic spines (the postsynaptic sites of excitatory contacts) is selectively required for NF-κB activation by synaptic stimulation and normal dendritic spine development. These results support spatial localization at synapses as a key variable mediating selective stimulus–response coupling.
Autophagy Enhances Memory Erasure through Synaptic Destabilization
Authors: Shehata Mohammad , Abdou Kareem , Choko Kiriko , Matsuo Mina , Nishizono Hirofumi , Inokuchi Kaoru
Published: March 2018

There is substantial interest in memory reconsolidation as a target for the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. However, its applicability is restricted by reconsolidation-resistant boundary conditions that constrain the initial memory destabilization. In this study, we investigated whether the induction of synaptic protein degradation through autophagy modulation, a major protein degradation pathway, can enhance memory destabilization upon retrieval and whether it can be used to overcome these conditions. Here, using male mice in an auditory fear reconsolidation model, we showed that autophagy contributes to memory destabilization and its induction can be used to enhance erasure of a reconsolidation-resistant auditory fear memory that depended on AMPAR endocytosis. Using male mice in a contextual fear reconsolidation model, autophagy induction in the amygdala or in the hippocampus enhanced fear or contextual memory destabilization, respectively. The latter correlated with AMPAR degradation in the spines of the contextual memory-ensemble cells. Using male rats in anin vivoLTP reconsolidation model, autophagy induction enhanced synaptic destabilization in an NMDAR-dependent manner. These data indicate that induction of synaptic protein degradation can enhance both synaptic and memory destabilization upon reactivation and that autophagy inducers have the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIt has been reported that inhibiting synaptic protein degradation prevents memory destabilization. However, whether the reverse relation is true and whether it can be used to enhance memory destabilization are still unknown. Here we addressed this question on the behavioral, molecular, and synaptic levels, and showed that induction of autophagy, a major protein degradation pathway, can enhance memory and synaptic destabilization upon reactivation. We also show that autophagy induction can be used to overcome a reconsolidation-resistant memory, suggesting autophagy inducers as a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
A guideline update for the practice of echocardiography in the cardiac screening of sports participants: a joint policy statement from the British Society of Echocardiography and Cardiac Risk in the Young
Authors: Oxborough David , Augustine Daniel , Gati Sabiha , George Keith , Harkness Allan , Mathew Thomas , Papadakis Michael , Ring Liam , Robinson Shaun , Sandoval Julie , Sarwar Rizwan , Sharma Sanjay , Sharma Vishal , Sheikh Nabeel , Somauroo John , Stout Martin , Willis James , Zaidi Abbas
Published: March 2018

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in an athlete is a rare but tragic event. In view of this, pre-participation cardiac screening is mandatory across many sporting disciplines to identify those athletes at risk. Echocardiography is a primary investigation utilized in the pre-participation setting and in 2013 the British Society of Echocardiography and Cardiac Risk in the Young produced a joint policy document providing guidance on the role of echocardiography in this setting. Recent developments in our understanding of the athlete’s heart and the application of echocardiography have prompted this 2018 update.
Actions of pituitary hormones beyond traditional targets
Authors: Zaidi Mone , New Maria I , Blair Harry C , Zallone Alberta , Baliram Ramkumarie , Davies Terry F , Cardozo Christopher , Iqbal James , Sun Li , Rosen Clifford J , Yuen Tony
Published: March 2018

Studies over the past decade have challenged the long-held belief that pituitary hormones have singular functions in regulating specific target tissues, including master hormone secretion. Our discovery of the action of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on bone provided the first glimpse into the non-traditional functions of pituitary hormones. Here we discuss evolving experimental and clinical evidence that growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulate bone and other target tissues, such as fat. Notably, genetic and pharmacologic FSH suppression increases bone mass and reduces body fat, laying the framework for targeting the FSH axis for treating obesity and osteoporosis simultaneously with a single agent. Certain ‘pituitary’ hormones, such as TSH and oxytocin, are also expressed in bone cells, providing local paracrine and autocrine networks for the regulation of bone mass. Overall, the continuing identification of new roles for pituitary hormones in biology provides an entirely new layer of physiologic circuitry, while unmasking new therapeutic targets.
Programmable Single and Multiplex Base-Editing in Bombyx mori Using RNA-Guided Cytidine Deaminases
Authors: Li Yufeng , Ma Sanyuan , Sun Le , Zhang Tong , Chang Jiasong , Lu Wei , Chen Xiaoxu , Liu Yue , Wang Xiaogang , Shi Run , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou
Published: March 2018

Genome editing using standard tools (ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas9) rely on double strand breaks to edit the genome. A series of new CRISPR tools that convert cytidine to thymine (C to T) without the requirement for DNA double-strand breaks was developed recently and quickly applied in a variety of organisms. Here, we demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-dependent base editor (BE3) converts C to T with a high frequency in the invertebrate Bombyx mori silkworm. Using BE3 as a knock-out tool, we inactivated exogenous and endogenous genes through base-editing-induced nonsense mutations with an efficiency of up to 66.2%. Furthermore, genome-scale analysis showed that 96.5% of B. mori genes have one or more targetable sites that can be edited by BE3 for inactivation, with a median of 11 sites per gene. The editing window of BE3 reached up to 13 bases (from C1 to C13 in the range of gRNA) in B. mori. Notably, up to 14 bases were substituted simultaneously in a single DNA molecule, with a low indel frequency of 0.6%, when 32 gRNAs were co-transfected. Collectively, our data show for the first time that RNA-guided cytidine deaminases are capable of programmable single and multiplex base editing in an invertebrate model.
ANTIDERMATOPHYTIC ACTIVITY OF GREEN SYNTHESISED ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING Cassia alata LEAVES
Authors: Sujatha J. , Asokan S. , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: March 2018

The green techniques are plying a major role in the synthesis of nanoparticles and in this present study we used the herbal plant Cassia alata for the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. This reducing agent generates zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from zinc acetate solution within 15 minutes. The synthesized ZnO NPs was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer shows surface Plasmon resonance band at 335 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showed the size of the crystalline nanoparticles ranging from 30- 50 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) confirms the presence of elemental Zn and O in the synthesized nanoparticles. FTIR revealed that presence of functional molecules like carboxylic acids, amine ant nitro groups associated with synthesized oxide nanoparticles. Atomic force microscope (AFM) shows spherical shape of nanoparticles as well as aggregation also observed. Thus green synthesized nanoparticles were tested for their antidermatophytic potential against Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouinii, and Microsporum canis and recorded percentage of inhibition, MIC and MFC values.
APPLICATION OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS FOR BIOREMEDIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Kumar Mandal Sanjeeb , Das Nilanjana
Published: March 2018

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been demonstrated as a challenging and promising technology towards management of various environmental problems. Bioremediation has been accepted widely as viable option utilizing the naturally inhabited microorganisms, but sometimes the severe low efficiency of the microorganisms and poor controllability limits its application. In this context, MFC technology can be used as a potential means to stimulate bioremediation for effective removal of various pollutants. The special features including energy saving, less sludge and energy production make MFCs as outstanding technology compared to conventional technologies. This article is mainly focused on application of MFCs towards removal of various environmental pollutants viz. antibiotics, synthetic dyes, phenolic compounds, nitrogen based compounds, ethyl acetate, toluene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perchlorate, pesticide, sulphur, emerging contaminants, trace organic compounds etc. from aqueous environment. Although the current applications of MFC technology is still at laboratory level, it will definitely prove a great potential towards commercial applications in near future.
Specific immune responses induced by multi-epitope DNA derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosR antigens
Authors: Moradi Jale , Izad Maryam , Tabrizi Mina , Mosavari Nader , Esmaeili Behnaz , Feizabadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: March 2018

One third of the world population are latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and are at the risk of reactivation of tuberculosis (TB). The most effective strategy for control of TB worldwide is the development of a vaccine that inhibits progression of latent TB to active infection. In this study, two optimized constructs consisting of multi-epitopes DNA derived from three latency antigens Rv2029c, Rv2031c, and Rv2627c fused with or without light chain 3 (LC3) are synthetized. The immunogenicity effectiveness of two DNA constructs was evaluated in the mouse model. LC3-fused multi-epitope DNA construct induced strong specific Th1 immune responses with high increase in IFN-γ+ CD4+ and IL-2+ CD4+ T cell populations (both with p < 0.0001) and IFN-γ+ IL-2+ CD4+ T cell population (p < 0.0001) compared with empty vector, BCG, and multi-epitope DNA construct groups. The LC3-fused construct induced IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cell population (p < 0.0001) compared with empty vector and BCG groups but could not induce the T cell population compared with construct without LC3. Importantly, LC3-fused DNA construct did not induce epitope-specific IL-4 and IL-10 from CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. The results indicated that LC3-fused multi-epitope DNA construct has a potential to be investigated for future development of a new TB vaccine.
Response of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes to rest interval between sets and set-repetition configuration during bouts of eccentric exercise
Authors: Mohammadi Hossein , Afzalpour Mohammad Esmaiel , Ievary Seyed Hossein Abtahi
Published: March 2018

Background and aims

Various studies have demonstrated that different rest intervals and set-repetition have a significant effect on hormonal and metabolic responses. These factors can lead to different muscle damage responses.

Methods

Forty untrained subjects (25.4 ± 0.068 years, height: 1.74 ± 0.97 cm, and weight: 30.8 ± 8.48 kg) in three sessions of eccentric resistance exercise with 24-h rest between each session participated in this study. Subjects were divided into four groups of 10 subjects who performed 50 eccentric contractions with different number of 5 and 10 sets, 5 and 10 repetitions, and the interset rest interval 1 and 3 min with 85% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were measured immediately before each session, immediately after each session, and 24 h after the last training session. Variance analysis with repeated measurement and Bonferroni post hoc test were used for statistical analysis of data.

Results

There is no significant difference in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase between four groups at different time points (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The repetition of eccentric exercise for three consecutive days causes muscle damage that is independent of manipulating the interset rest intervals and the number of set-repetition.
The effects of branch-chain amino acids on fatigue in the athletes
Authors: Vahid Imanipour , Abdolali Banaiifar , Fatemeh Mahdi , Alireza Naderi , Mehdi Sadeghi
Published: March 2018

Research has shown that injection of a mixture of amino acids into humans led to stimulation of protein synthesis about 30 min after injection, and the synthesis rate remained at a high level for up to 90 min. Various theories have been proposed to justify this effect, such as increasing the availability of amino acids in the body to increase their transmission to muscle, and this increase in transmission can stimulate the synthesis of protein in muscle cells. A total of 30 volunteers with a history of 2–3 years in the field of Athletics were participated in this study. The experimental group (15 subjects) used BCAAs supplement during 6-week athletics training. Control group (15 subjects) participated in athletics training for 6 weeks without any supplementation. Blood was taken before and after 6 weeks supplementary. The findings of the t-test showed that basal levels of lactate and ammonium had not changed significantly after 42 days of supplementation. The results of this study showed that BCAAs supplementation has no effect on the reduction of lactate and ammonium indices as indicators of fatigue.
REDESAIN PARADIGMA PENDIDIKAN ISLAM TOLERAN DAN PLURALIS DI PONDOK PESANTREN (Studi Konstruktivisme Sikap Kiai dan Sistem Nilai di Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid, Paiton, Probolinggo)
Authors: Noorhayati S. Mahmudah
Published: March 2018

 
Bahasa Indonesia:

Sebagaimana telah jamak diketahui bahwa salah satu bagian dari pesantren adalah nilai-nilai atau sikap pendirian dari seorang kiai yang sangat dominan dalam membentuk identitas santrinya. Nilai-nilai tersebut tidaklah cukup disampaikan secara jalur penyampaian pengajaran lisan, tetapi juga harus diaktualisasikan, didesain ulang, dan diimplementasikan dalam ruang proses yang lebih luas. Artikel ini membahas tentang pencapaian dibalik penanaman nilai, pemodelan dan indoktrinasi dalam pesantren, utamanya dalam hal pendirian kiai dalam sikap toleransi dan keberagaman budaya. Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid menjadi subjek dalam penelitian ini. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologi di lapangan, data yang didapatkan dianalisa dalam bingkai kerja teori konstruktivisme Peter L. Berger. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid membangun nilai-nilai toleransi dan penghargaan keberagaman budaya melalui pandangan sufisme dan disampaikan melalui pemodelan pandangan kiai dalam aktifitas sehari-hari dan kejadian-kejadian yang tidak direncanakan.

English:

It is the fact that one of ubiquitous element of pesantren is kiai’s dominant values or stance in developing santri’s identity. Those values is not enough merely delivered in oral transmission, but those have to be actualized, redesigned, and reimplemented in wider social contexts. This article deals with the achievement beyond the cultivation of values, modelling, and indoctrination inside pesantren, specifically in terms of kiai’s stances towards tolerance and multiculturalism. Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid becomes the subject of this research. Approached by phenomenological field work, collected data is analized within Peter L. Berger constructivism framework. This study shows that Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid constructs values of tolerance and multiculturalism through sufism views which is delivered through modelling by kiai in daily routines and accidental cases.
Pendidikan Karakter Peduli Lingkungan Berbasis Adiwiyata pada Mata Pelajaran Fiqih di MTsN Tambakberas Jombang
Authors: Mukani Mukani , Sumarsono Teto
Published: March 2018

Bahasa Indonesia:

Setiap individu memiliki peran dengan lingkungan sekitarnya dan dapat menciptakan perubahan, terutama tentang kebersihan lingkungan. Kepedulian terhadap lingkungan bisa dilakukan dari lingkup terkecil, yaitu keluarga, sekolah dan madrasah. Artikel ini membahas pembelajaran mata pelajaran fiqih berbasis program adiwiyata yang dilaksanakan di MTsN Tambakberas Jombang dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa karakter peserta didik MTsN Tambakberas terhadap kepedulian lingkungan terintegrasi dengan baik melalui pelajaran fiqih dan mata pelajaran lainnya. Sehingga pada mata pelajaran apapun peserta didik akan tetap diingatkan dan dimotivasi untuk selalu peduli dan cinta kepada lingkungannya. Hal ini disebabkan oleh dua usaha, yaitu pembiasaan dan partisipasi. Implementasi pembelajaran fiqih dalam pembentukan karakter peduli lingkungan dilakukan dengan berbagai cara, diantaranya melalui pemberian materi yang terintegrasi dengan mata pelajaran dan juga praktik di lapangan.

English:

Everyone has environmental role to create changes, especially in creating cleanliness. Environmental concerns may begin from the smallest scopes, such as family and school or madrasah. This article deals with Islamic jurisprudence learning with concerns of Adiwiyata achievement in MTsN Tambakberas Jombang. This study is using qualitative approach and is conducted at di MTsN Tambakberas Jombang. The result shows that students’ attitudes toward environmental issues is satisfying through integration of the issues in Islamic jurisprudence class and other classes. Therefore, in any classes, students are always motivated to love and responsible with their environment. This is a result of two efforts, habitual development and participation. Islamic jurisprudence class contributes in the character building of environmental concerns, either through integrating the concerns into the teaching materials and practice in the fields.
Transverse shaking table test of a half-scale geosynthetic reinforced soil bridge abutment
Authors: Zheng Y. , McCartney J. S. , Shing P. B. , Fox P. J.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents an experimental study on the response of a half-scale geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) bridge abutment subjected to shaking in the direction transverse to the bridge beam. The specimen geometry, reinforcement stiffness, soil modulus, applied surcharge stress and characteristics of the earthquake motions were scaled according to established similitude relationships for shaking table tests in a 1g gravitational field. The GRS bridge abutment was constructed using modular facing blocks, well-graded angular sand and uniaxial geogrid reinforcement, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Facing displacements, bridge seat settlements, accelerations, vertical and lateral soil stresses, reinforcement strains, and bridge seat and bridge beam interactions were measured during a series of input motions. The average incremental residual bridge seat settlement was 4.7 mm after the Northridge motion, which corresponds to a vertical strain of 0.22% for the lower GRS fill. After the series of motions, the maximum residual tensile strains occurred near the facing block connections for the lowermost reinforcement layer and under the bridge seat for higher reinforcement layers.
A new fragment for seepage beneath impervious structures
Authors: Robbins B. A. , Griffiths D. V.
Published: March 2018

A new fragment type is developed using finite elements, with results presented in the form of charts for the estimation of seepage beneath levees and other water-retaining structures. The chart solutions are then compared with existing approximate solutions based on blanket theory. The charts are shown to agree well with existing methods, while including the option of anisotropic permeability, levee embedment, narrower levees and finite widths of the seepage zones. The charts are also shown to be useful in finite-element mesh design, by indicating the minimum distance needed in the mesh to model an infinite boundary.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Biomarkers and Imaging for Bone Turnover in Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Salam Syazrah , Gallagher Orla , Gossiel Fatma , Paggiosi Margaret , Khwaja Arif , Eastell Richard
Published: March 2018

Background Renal osteodystrophy is common in advanced CKD, but characterization of bone turnover status can only be achieved by histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsy specimens (gold standard test). We tested whether bone biomarkers and high-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) parameters can predict bone turnover status determined by histomorphometry.

Methods We obtained fasting blood samples from 69 patients with CKD stages 4–5, including patients on dialysis, and 68 controls for biomarker analysis (intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [PINP], bone alkaline phosphatase [bALP], collagen type 1 crosslinked C-telopeptide [CTX], and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRAP5b]) and scanned the distal radius and tibia of participants by HR-pQCT. We used histomorphometry to evaluate bone biopsy specimens from 43 patients with CKD.

Results Levels of all biomarkers tested were significantly higher in CKD samples than control samples. For discriminating low bone turnover, bALP, intact PINP, and TRAP5b had an areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.82, 0.79, and 0.80, respectively, each significantly better than the iPTH AUC of 0.61. Furthermore, radius HR-pQCT total volumetric bone mineral density and cortical bone volume had AUCs of 0.81 and 0.80, respectively. For discriminating high bone turnover, iPTH had an AUC of 0.76, similar to that of all other biomarkers tested.

Conclusions The biomarkers bALP, intact PINP, and TRAP5b and radius HR-pQCT parameters can discriminate low from nonlow bone turnover. Despite poor diagnostic accuracy for low bone turnover, iPTH can discriminate high bone turnover with accuracy similar to that of the other biomarkers, including CTX.
The Most N-Terminal Region of THSD7A Is the Predominant Target for Autoimmunity in THSD7A-Associated Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Seifert Larissa , Hoxha Elion , Eichhoff Anna M. , Zahner Gunther , Dehde Silke , Reinhard Linda , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Stahl Rolf A.K. , Tomas Nicola M.
Published: March 2018

Background Thrombospondin type 1 domain–containing 7A (THSD7A) has been identified as a pathogenic autoantigen in membranous nephropathy (MN). However, the THSD7A epitopes targeted by patient autoantibodies are unknown.

Methods We performed an in silico analysis of the THSD7A multidomain structure, expressed the folded domains in HEK293 cells, and tested for domain reactivity with 31 serum samples from patients with THSD7A-associated MN using Western and native blotting. Immunogenicity of the antigen domains was further investigated by cDNA immunization of rabbits and mice.

Results We characterized the extracellular topology of THSD7A as a tandem string of 21 thrombospondin type 1 domains. Overall, 28 serum samples (90%) recognized multiple epitope domains along the molecule. Detailed epitope mapping revealed that the complex consisting of the first and second N-terminal domains (amino acids 48–192) was recognized by 27 of 31 patient serum samples (87%). Serum recognizing one or two epitope domains showed lower anti-THSD7A antibody levels than serum recognizing three or more epitope domains. During follow-up, a loss of epitope recognition was observed in seven of 16 patients, and it was accompanied by decreasing antibody levels and remission of proteinuria. In four of 16 patients, epitope recognition patterns changed during follow-up. Notably, immunization experiments in rabbits and mice revealed that induced antibodies, like patient autoantibodies, preferentially bound to the most N-terminal domains of THSD7A.

Conclusions Our data show that the immune response in THSD7A-associated MN is polyreactive and that autoantibodies predominantly target the most N-terminal part of THSD7A.
Development of an updated fundamental basic wind speed map for SANS 10160-3
Authors: Kruger A , Retief J , Goliger A
Published: March 2018

This paper evaluates the need for updating the strong wind climate stipulations of South Africa for the design of structures in accordance with SANS 10160-3:2010, as based on the latest information presented by Kruger et al (2013a; 2013b). The primary objective is to provide the geographic distribution of the characteristic gust wind speed by means of the fundamental value of the basic wind speed, stipulated as vb,0in SANS 10160-3. A reassessment of previously published information is made to incorporate additional wind speed modelling results and to investigate identified anomalies. The format of presentation, based on local municipal districts, is subsequently motivated, assessed and implemented. In order to provide for situations requiring the consideration of the dynamic effects of wind loading, similar information on characteristic hourly mean wind speed is provided. It is concluded that the presentation of wind speed on a district basis provides an effective balance between the spatial resolution of the available information and its use in operational standardised design.
An investigation into the evidence of seasonal rainfall pattern shifts in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: du Plessis J , Schloms B
Published: March 2018

Climate change is a highly contentious topic in the modern world. There is much evidence to indicate that climatic shifts and extreme weather anomalies are taking place globally, in some places more than others. This paper presents the findings on research to determine whether shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns are indeed already visible in historical rainfall data in the Western Cape of South Africa. The paper aims to provide some baseline information which can stimulate further research in this field. Different analytical methods were formulated to investigate the relationships between daily rainfall indices over a set timescale. Data was collected from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) in order to accumulate 20 rainfall stations, each with at least 100 years of historical daily rainfall data. Statistical analysis, linear trend line distributions, time lag comparisons, cumulative distributions, moving average plots and autocorrelation relationships were applied to the data. The results of the analysis indicated that (1) the rainfall season undergoes fluctuations of wetter and drier years (approximately 20-year cycles), (2) the South Coast region exhibits a shift towards a longer rainfall season, and in contrast the Mediterranean region is shifting to a shorter rainfall season when linear trend lines were analysed, and (3) the moving average plots showed only isolated seasonal shifts at the boundary months.
Recolección de hongos descomponedores de madera v1
Authors: Federici Fernan , Matute Tamara , Núñez Isaac , Ignacio Fuentes Palacios Aníbal , srdz Rodriguez Sebastian , Castor Jens , Torres Daniela , D.A.N Núñez Daniel
Published: March 2018

Este protocolo describe los pasos parala recolección de hongos descomponedores de madera. Este protocolo fue elaborado bajo la guía de Daniela Torres (Fundación Fungi, http://www.ffungi.org) e información recolectada online.
physiological and biochemical parameters v1
Authors: Slama Amor , Mallek-Maalej Elhem , Ben Mohamed Hatem , Rhim Thouraya , Radhouane Leila , Slama Amor
Published: March 2018

To perform a comparative analysis of the physiological, biochemical and agronomical parameters of durum wheat cultivars (Triticum durum Desf.) under water-deficit conditions, five cultivars were grown under irrigated (control) and rainfall (stressed) conditions. Different agro-physiological and biochemical parameters were studied: electrolyte leakage, relative water content, chlorophyll fluorescence, proline, soluble sugars and specific peroxidase activity