bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency Using CRISPR-Cas9 To Edit the Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen Gene
Authors: Tso For Yue , West John T. , Wood Charles
Published: January 2019

The ability for Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the causative agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), to establish and maintain latency has been a major challenge to clearing infection and preventing KS development. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of using a KSHV LANA-targeted CRISPR-Cas9 and adenoviral delivery system to disrupt KSHV latency in infected epithelial and endothelial cell lines. Our system significantly reduced the KSHV episomal burden over time. Given the safety record of adenovirus as vaccine or delivery vectors, this approach to limit KSHV latency may also represent a viable strategy against other tumorigenic viruses and may have potential benefits in developing countries where the viral cancer burden is high.
Cryo-electron Microscopy Structures of Novel Viruses from Mud Crab
Scylla paramamosain
with Multiple Infections
Authors: Gao Yuanzhu , Liu Shanshan , Huang Jiamiao , Wang Qianqian , Li Kunpeng , He Jian , He Jianguo , Weng Shaoping , Zhang Qinfen
Published: January 2019

Pathogen identification is vital for unknown infectious outbreaks, especially for dual or multiple infections. Sleeping disease (SD) in crabs causes great economic losses to aquaculture worldwide. Here we report the discovery and identification of a novel virus in mud crabs with multiple infections that was not previously detected by molecular, immune, or traditional electron microscopy (EM) methods. High-resolution structures of pathogenic viruses are essential for a molecular understanding and developing new disease prevention methods. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the mud crab tombus-like virus (MCTV) and mud crab dicistrovirus (MCDV) determined in this study could assist the development of antiviral inhibitors. The identification of a novel virus in multiple infections previously missed using other methods demonstrates the usefulness of this strategy for investigating multiple infectious outbreaks, even in humans and other animals.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Bradyrhizobium
sp. Strain ORS3257, an Efficient Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Isolated from Cowpea in Senegal
Authors: Le Quéré Antoine , Gully Djamel , Teulet Albin , Navarro Elisabeth , Gargani Daniel , Fardoux Joël , Cruveiller Stéphane , Neyra Marc , Giraud Eric , Krasova Wade Tatiana
Published: January 2019

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Bradyrhizobium
sp. strain ORS3257, which forms efficient symbioses with cowpea, peanut, or groundnut.
Genome Sequencing of an Escherichia coli Sequence Type 617 Strain Isolated from Beach Ghost Shrimp (Callichirus major) from a Heavily Polluted Ecosystem Reveals a Wider Resistome against Heavy Metals and Antibiotics
Authors: Monte Daniel F. , Sellera Fábio P. , Fernandes Miriam R. , Moura Quézia , Landgraf Mariza , Lincopan Nilton
Published: January 2019

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Escherichia coli
strain belonging to sequence type 617 (ST617), isolated from beach ghost shrimp from polluted coastal waters in Brazil. These data provide valuable information for comparative genomic analysis, related to the dissemination of MDR
E. coli
in marine ecosystems.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infections
Authors: Bernardy Eryn E. , Petit Robert A. , Moller Abraham G. , Blumenthal Jennifer A. , McAdam Alexander J. , Priebe Gregory P. , Chande Aroon T. , Rishishwar Lavanya , Jordan I. King , Read Timothy D. , Goldberg Joanna B.
Published: January 2019

Staphylococcus aureus
is an early colonizer in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), but surprisingly, only a limited number of genomes from CF-associated
S. aureus
isolates have been sequenced. Here, we present the whole-genome sequences of 65
S. aureus
isolates obtained from 50 individuals with CF.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio mediterranei 117-T6, a Potentially Pathogenic Bacterium Isolated from the Conchocelis of Pyropia spp
Authors: Liu Qiqin , Xu Mengya , He Yingyun , Tao Zhen , Yang Rui , Chen Haimin
Published: January 2019

Vibrio mediterranei
is a Gram-negative bacterium of the family
Vibrionaceae
.
Vibri
o mediterrane
i
strain 117-T6 was pathogenic to
Pyropia yezoensis
, a red seaweed cultivated in China, by causing death to its conchocelis.
Maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy and lactation increases blood pressure and disrupts cardiorespiratory and glucose hemostasis in female rat offspring
Authors: de Araújo Emmanuel Veríssimo , Guimarães Keyth Sulamitta de Lima , Magnani Marciane , Cruz Josiane Campos , Vidal Hubert , Braga Valdir de Andrade , de Brito Alves José Luiz
Published: January 2019

Hypertension and metabolic disorders evidenced in adults who have been exposed to nutritional insults during early life may be sex-dependent. We evaluated if blood pressure (BP), cardiorespiratory control, and metabolic parameters are affected in female offspring (FO) from dams fed a dyslipidaemic diet during pregnancy and lactation. FO was obtained from dams who received control (CTL) or dyslipidaemic diets during pregnancy and lactation. The effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic diet on BP, cardiorespiratory control, and biochemical parameters were assessed at 30 and 90 days of age. The experimental protocol based on a dyslipidaemic diet intervention was effective in developing maternal dyslipidemia. At 30 days of age, the FO from dyslipidaemic dams displayed disordered respiratory pattern, enhanced ventilatory response to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), and increased serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides (P < 0.05) when compared with CTL female offspring. At 90 days of age, FO from dyslipidaemic dams had augmented BP (P < 0.05), exacerbated cardiorespiratory responses to hypercapnia (P < 0.05), enhanced pressor responses to peripheral chemoreflex activation (P < 0.05), impaired baroreflex (P < 0.05), and larger delta variations in arterial pressure after ganglionic blockade (P < 0.05). Furthermore, during oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests, FO from dyslipidaemic dams exhibited altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) when compared with FO from CTL dams. Altered breathing linked to enhanced central and peripheral chemosensitivity, impaired baroreflex, and augmented sympathetic tone may be predisposing factors for increased BP and metabolic disorders in female offspring from dyslipidaemic dams.
Two natural scenarios for dark matter particles coexisting with supersymmetry
Authors: Throm Maxwell , Thornberry Reagan , Killough John , Sun Brian , Abdulla Gentill , Allen Roland E.
Published: January 2019

We describe two natural scenarios in which both dark matter, weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and a variety of supersymmetric partners should be discovered in the foreseeable future. In the first scenario, the WIMPs are neutralinos, but they are only one component of the dark matter, which is dominantly composed of other relic particles such as axions. (This is the multicomponent model of Baer, Barger, Sengupta and Tata.) In the second scenario, the WIMPs result from an extended Higgs sector and may be the only dark matter component. In either scenario, both the dark matter WIMP and a plethora of other neutral and charged particles await discovery at many experimental facilities. The new particles in the second scenario have far weaker cross-sections for direct and indirect detection via their gauge interactions, which are either momentum-dependent or second-order. However, as we point out here, they should have much stronger interactions via the Higgs. We estimate that their interactions with fermions will then be comparable to (although not equal to) those of neutralinos with a corresponding Higgs interaction. It follows that these newly proposed dark matter particles should be within the reach of emerging and proposed facilities for direct, indirect and collider-based detection.
Fuzzy-NN approach with statistical features for description and classification of efficient image retrieval
Authors: Garg Meenakshi , Singh Harpal , Malhotra Manisha
Published: January 2019

Image retrieval based on content not only relies heavily upon the type of descriptors, but on the steps taken further. This has been an extensively utilized methodology for finding and fetching out images from the big database of images. Nowadays, a number of methodologies have been organized to increase the CBIR performance. This has an ability to recover pictures relying upon their graphical information. In the proposed method, Neuro-Fuzzy classifier and Deep Neural Network classifier are used to classify the pictures from a given dataset. The proposed approach obtained the highest accuracy in terms of Precision, Recall, and F-measure. To show the efficiency and effectiveness of proposed approach, statistical testing is used in terms of standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. The results reveal that the proposed algorithm outperforms other approaches using low computational efforts.
Non-Hermitian inverted harmonic oscillator-type Hamiltonians generated from supersymmetry with reflections
Authors: Mota R. D. , Ojeda-Guillén D. , Salazar-Ramírez M. , Granados V. D.
Published: January 2019

By modifying and generalizing known supersymmetric models, we are able to find four different sets of one-dimensional Hamiltonians for the inverted harmonic oscillator. The first set of Hamiltonians is derived by extending the supersymmetric quantum mechanics with reflections to non-Hermitian supercharges. The second set is obtained by generalizing the supersymmetric quantum mechanics valid for non-Hermitian supercharges with the Dunkl derivative instead of [Formula: see text]. Also, by changing the derivative [Formula: see text] by the Dunkl derivative in the creation and annihilation-type operators of the standard inverted harmonic oscillator [Formula: see text], we generate the third set of Hamiltonians. The fourth set of Hamiltonians emerges by allowing a parameter of the supersymmetric two-body Calogero-type model to take imaginary values. The eigensolutions of definite parity for each set of Hamiltonians are given.
A flower pollination algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling with fuzzy processing time
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Ji Zhicheng , Wang Yan
Published: January 2019

Considering the uncertainty in real manufacturing workshops, the fuzzy flexible job shop scheduling problem (fFJSP) is addressed, in which the triangular fuzzy number is used to represent the processing time. A discrete flower pollination algorithm (DFPA) is proposed in this paper to minimize the maximum fuzzy completion time. Flower pollination algorithm (FPA) is inspired by the pollination process of flowering plants, which realizes global search and local search by means of cross-pollination and self-pollination of flowers in nature. DFPA extends to FPA by introducing discrete operator during iterations. Simulation results on instances validate the effectiveness and feasibility of this algorithm compared with particle swarm optimization.
Photoacoustic spectroscopy telemetry of airport dangerous goods
Authors: Zhang Zhouqiang , Jia Shuhai , Xu Guangshen , Cao Yabin
Published: January 2019

A novel photoacoustic spectroscopy telemetry method of detecting trace acetylene gas using a quartz tuning fork is reported. A 1532-nm CW-DFB, fiber-coupled diode laser with power of 12 mW was used as the excitation source while an astronomical telescope was used to collect laser light scattered on the surface of the detected object at a distance of 6 m and the photoacoustic spectroscopy of acetylene was performed. The detection results are consistent with the standard near-infrared absorption coefficient of acetylene. This study provides a new direction for research in photoacoustic spectroscopy telemetry. Future work will quantitatively analyze acetylene gas.
Three-party quantum secret sharing based on d-dimensional Bell state
Authors: Qin Huawang , Tang Wallace K. S. , Tso Raylin
Published: January 2019

A three-party quantum secret sharing scheme is proposed, in which the dealer uses the d-dimensional Bell state to distribute the secret, the participants perform the single-particle measurements to get their shares, and the dealer performs the Bell-basis measurements to check the eavesdropping. The main merit of our scheme is that the participants only need to measure the particles in one basis. Compared to the existing schemes in which the participants need to measure the particles in two bases, our scheme will be more practical.
Coexisting attractors, circuit realization and impulsive synchronization of a new four-dimensional chaotic system
Authors: Zhou Chengqun , Yang Chunhua , Xu Degang , Chen Chaoyang
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a new four-dimensional chaotic system with three nonlinearities and two equilibria. The most striking feature of the new system is that it has different types of asymmetric coexisting attractors. Simulation experiments are used to study the complex dynamic behaviors of the system. The chaos, period-doubling bifurcation, coexisting attractors with respect to system parameters and initial values are found in the system. It shows that the system has coexisting chaotic attractors, coexisting periodic attractors, coexisting chaotic and periodic attractors. The electronic circuit is applied to implement the chaotic attractor and coexisting attractors for studying the physical significance of the system. In addition, we consider the synchronization of the system by using the impulsive control method. Some synchronization criteria are established via theoretical analysis and simulation example.
Decomposing the Toda hierarchy by an implicit symmetry constraint
Authors: Xu Xi-Xiang , Guo Min , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2019

An implicit symmetry constraint of the famous Toda lattice hierarchy is presented. Using this symmetry constraint, every lattice equation in the Toda hierarchy is decomposed by an integrable symplectic map and a completely integrable finite-dimensional Hamiltonian system.
Deposition of ZnS thin films by electron beam evaporation technique, effect of thickness on the crystallographic and optical properties
Authors: Abdallah Bassam , Alnama Koutayba , Nasrallah Fareza
Published: January 2019

Deposition of Zinc sulfide (ZnS) thin films on Si (100) and glass substrates has been performed using electron beam evaporation (EBE) method without annealing. Film structure has been analyzed by XRD, while SEM and AFM have been used to explore the films morphology. Raman spectroscopy has been used to confirm film composition. The stoichiometry has been verified by EDX and XPS techniques. XRD patterns indicated that the films possess a polycrystalline cubic structure with orientations along (111) and (220) planes. The crystallinity has been better with film thickness in the 350–1700 nm range while the RMS roughness increases. Optical properties of the grown films were characterized by optical transmittance measurements (UV–Vis). The deduced energy band gap of the films shows a clear reduction from 3.45 eV to 3.36 eV with increasing film thickness. The evolution of refractive index, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constants with thickness has been investigated from transmittance spectra in the 500–1000 nm wavelength range.
Generation of magnetic skyrmions through pinning effect
Authors: Yang Ji-Chong , Mao Qing-Qing , Shi Yu
Published: January 2019

Based on analytical estimation and lattice simulation, a proposal is made that magnetic skyrmions can be generated through the pinning effect in 2D chiral magnetic materials, in the absence of an external magnetic field or magnetic anisotropy. In our simulation, stable magnetic skyrmions can be generated in the pinning areas. The properties of the skyrmions are studied for various values of ferromagnetic exchange strength and the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction strength.
Theoretical study on nonlinear optical properties ofN-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5-nitroazophenyl carbazole
Authors: Zhong Quanjie , Zheng Jian , Zhang Lin , Luo Xuan
Published: January 2019

The first-, second- and third-order nonlinear optical properties of N-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5-nitroazophenyl carbazole in gas phase employing sum-over-states (SOS) method have been calculated for the first time. The ground state molecular structure of N-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5-nitroazophenyl carbazole was obtained by the geometrical optimizations based on the B3LYP/6-31[Formula: see text]G(d) level. The energy of excited states and transition dipole moments between different excited states were obtained by using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) based on the CAM-B3LYP/Sadlej POL level. Charge transfer during electron excitation was analyzed based on hole and electron distributions. Our calculations showed that the N-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5-nitroazophenyl carbazole has good nonlinear optical properties and its nonlinear optical properties arise from charge-transfer excitation and local excitation but charge transfer plays the leading role.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNAL KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND EXTERNAL KNOWLEDGE SOURCING FOR SME INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM IRELAND
Authors: DORAN JUSTIN , McCARTHY NOIRIN , O’CONNOR MARIE
Published: January 2019

This paper analyses the knowledge sourcing, transformation, and exploitation stages of the innovation value chain for a sample of Irish small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) using Community Innovation Survey data. It explores the role of internal research and development (R&D) and external knowledge on SMEs’ innovation and performance. The open innovation paradigm, which stresses the importance of external linkages, is used to examine the impact of different external knowledge sources on SMEs’ innovation. The consideration of external linkages in the innovation performance of SMEs is crucial as these firms may be constrained in their ability to perform R&D due to their size. The analysis expands the traditional CDM methodology beyond the consideration of research and development as the sole source of knowledge for innovation by also considering a range of potential external knowledge sources. The findings indicate that SMEs generate knowledge internally through the performance of R&D, while also exploiting linkages to external agents. However, the impact of external sources of knowledge is not uniform. The results suggest that backward linkages have a positive impact on SME product innovation, but negatively affect SME process innovation, while public knowledge sources are positively related to the probability of product innovation occurring. This may have important policy implications. Finally, process innovation is also found to be a key determinant of SME productivity, while product innovation has no impact on SME performance.
Repeating Earthquakes
Authors: Uchida Naoki , Bürgmann Roland
Published: January 2019

Repeating earthquakes, or repeaters, are identical in location and geometry but occur at different times. They appear to represent recurring seismic energy release from distinct structures such as slip on a fault patch. Repeaters are most commonly found on creeping plate boundary faults, where seismic patches are loaded by surrounding slow slip, and they can be used to track fault creep at depth. Their hosting environments also include volcanoes, subducted slabs, mining-induced fault structures, glaciers, and landslides. While true repeaters should have identical seismic waveforms, small differences in their seismograms can be used to examine subtle changes in source properties or in material properties of the rocks through which the waves propagate. Source studies have documented the presence of smaller slip patches within the rupture areas of larger repeaters, illuminated earthquake triggering mechanisms, and revealed systematic changes in rupture characteristics as a function of loading rate. ▪ Repeating earthquakes are observed in diverse tectonic and nontectonic settings. ▪ Their occurrence patterns provide quantitative information about fault creep, earthquake cycle dynamics, triggering, and predictability. ▪ Their seismic waveform characteristics provide important insights on earthquake source variability and temporal Earth structure changes.
Food Proteins: Technological, Nutritional, and Sustainability Attributes of Traditional and Emerging Proteins
Authors: Loveday Simon M.
Published: January 2019

Protein is an essential macronutrient and a key structural component of many foods. The nutritional and technological properties of food protein ingredients depend on their source, extraction and purification, modification during food manufacture, and interactions with other food components. In addition to covering these elements, this review seeks to highlight underappreciated aspects of protein environmental sustainability and explores the potential of cultured meat and insect-derived proteins.
What Defines Language Dominance in Bilinguals?
Authors: Treffers-Daller Jeanine
Published: January 2019

This article focuses on the construct of language dominance in bilinguals and the ways in which this construct has been operationalized. Language dominance is often seen as relative proficiency in two languages, but it can also be analyzed in terms of language use—that is, how frequently bilinguals use their languages and how these are divided across domains. Assessing language dominance is important because it has become clear that the level of bilinguals’ proficiency in each language and the relative strength of each language affect performance on tasks. A key distinction is made between direct measures of language dominance, which assess an aspect of language proficiency (e.g., vocabulary or grammar), and indirect ones, which measure variability in exposure to different languages and bilinguals’ use of them. The article includes an evaluation of the extent to which the latter can be interpreted as a proxy for the former.
Kinetic studies of K-Cl cotransport in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lauf Peter K , Sharma Neelima , Adragna Norma C.
Published: January 2019

During aging, and development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) transition from healthy contractile to diseased synthetic phenotypes. K-Cl cotransport (KCC) maintains cell volume and ion homeostasis in growth and differentiation, and hence is important for VSMC proliferation and migration. Therefore, KCC activity may play a role in the contractile-to-synthetic VSMC phenotypic transition. Early, medium, and late synthetic passage VSMCs were tested for specific cytoskeletal protein expression. KCC-mediated ouabain- and bumetanide-insensitive Rb+ (a K+ congener) influx was determined as Cl−-dependent Rb+ influx at different external Rb+ and Cl− ion concentrations, [Rb+]o and [Cl−]o. Expressions of the cytoskeletal proteins α-actin, vimentin, and desmin fell from early through late synthetic VSMCs. KCC kinetic parameters, such as maximum velocity ( Vm), and apparent Cl− and Rb+ affinities ( Km), were calculated with Lineweaver-Burk, Hanes-Woolf, and Hill approximations. Vm values of both Rb+- and Cl−-dependent influxes were of equal magnitude, commensurate with a KCC stoichiometry of unity, and rose threefold from early to late synthetic VSMCs. Hill coefficients for Rb+ and Cl− correlated with cell passage number, suggesting increased KCC ligand cooperativity. However, Km values for [Cl−]o were strikingly bimodal with 60–80 mM in early, ~20–30 mM in medium, and 60 mM in late passage cells. In contrast, Km values for [Rb+]o remained steady at ~17 mM. Since total KCC isoform expression was similar with cell passage, structure/function changes of the KCC signalosome may accompany the transition of aortic VSMCs from a healthy to a diseased phenotype.
Altered R-spondin 1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes
Authors: Li Ji-Yao , Wu Xiaoyin , Lee Allen , Zhou Shi-Yi , Owyang Chung
Published: January 2019

Hyperphagia is common in diabetes and may worsen hyperglycemia and diabetic complications. The responsible mechanisms are not well understood. The hypothalamus is a key center for the control of appetite and energy homeostasis. The ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) are two critical nuclei involved in these processes. We have reported that R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) and its receptor leucin-rich repeat and G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) in the VMH and ARC suppressed appetite, but the downstream neuronal pathways are unclear. Here we show that neurons containing cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in ARC express both LGR4 and insulin receptor; intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 induced c-Fos expression in CART neurons of ARC; and silencing CART in ARC attenuated the anorexigenic actions of Rspo1. In diabetic and obese fa/fa rats, Rspo1 mRNA in VMH and CART mRNA in ARC were reduced; this was accompanied by increased food consumption. Insulin treatment restored Rspo1 and CART gene expressions and normalized eating behavior. Chronic intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 inhibited food intake and normalized diabetic hyperphagia; intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 or insulin increased CART mRNA in ARC. In the CART neuron cell line, Rspo1 and insulin potentiated each other on pERK and β-catenin, and in rats, they acted synergistically to inhibit food intake. Silencing Rspo1 in VMH reduced CART expression in ARC and attenuated the inhibitory effect of insulin on food intake. In conclusion, our data indicated that CART works downstream of Rspo1 and Rspo1 mediated the action of insulin centrally. The altered Rspo1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study reports that cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of hypothalamus acted downstream of R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) to inhibit food intake. The Rspo1 mRNA level in ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and CART mRNA level in ARC were reduced in type 1 diabetic rat and obese fa/fa rat. Rspo1 and insulin acted synergistically on phospho-ERK and β-catenin signal pathways and in suppressing food intake. The current results proposed that altered Rspo1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes.
Intrinsic physiological properties underlie auditory response diversity in the avian cochlear nucleus
Authors: Brown David H. , Hyson Richard L.
Published: January 2019

Sensory systems exploit parallel processing of stimulus features to enable rapid, simultaneous extraction of information. Mechanisms that facilitate this differential extraction of stimulus features can be intrinsic or synaptic in origin. A subdivision of the avian cochlear nucleus, nucleus angularis (NA), extracts sound intensity information from the auditory nerve and contains neurons that exhibit diverse responses to sound and current injection. NA neurons project to multiple regions ascending the auditory brain stem including the superior olivary nucleus, lateral lemniscus, and avian inferior colliculus, with functional implications for inhibitory gain control and sound localization. Here we investigated whether the diversity of auditory response patterns in NA can be accounted for by variation in intrinsic physiological features. Modeled sound-evoked auditory nerve input was applied to NA neurons with dynamic clamp during in vitro whole cell recording at room temperature. Temporal responses to auditory nerve input depended on variation in intrinsic properties, and the low-threshold K+ current was implicated as a major contributor to temporal response diversity and neuronal input-output functions. An auditory nerve model of acoustic amplitude modulation produced synchrony coding of modulation frequency that depended on the intrinsic physiology of the individual neuron. In Primary-Like neurons, varying low-threshold K+ conductance with dynamic clamp altered temporal modulation tuning bidirectionally. Taken together, these data suggest that intrinsic physiological properties play a key role in shaping auditory response diversity to both simple and more naturalistic auditory stimuli in the avian cochlear nucleus.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article addresses the question of how the nervous system extracts different information in sounds. Neurons in the cochlear nucleus show diverse responses to acoustic stimuli that may allow for parallel processing of acoustic features. The present studies suggest that diversity in intrinsic physiological features of individual neurons, including levels of a low voltage-activated K+ current, play a major role in regulating the diversity of auditory responses.
Cellular Senescence: Aging, Cancer, and Injury
Authors: Calcinotto Arianna , Kohli Jaskaren , Zagato Elena , Pellegrini Laura , Demaria Marco , Alimonti Andrea
Published: January 2019

Cellular senescence is a permanent state of cell cycle arrest that occurs in proliferating cells subjected to different stresses. Senescence is, therefore, a cellular defense mechanism that prevents the cells to acquire an unnecessary damage. The senescent state is accompanied by a failure to re-enter the cell cycle in response to mitogenic stimuli, an enhanced secretory phenotype and resistance to cell death. Senescence takes place in several tissues during different physiological and pathological processes such as tissue remodeling, injury, cancer, and aging. Although senescence is one of the causative processes of aging and it is responsible of aging-related disorders, senescent cells can also play a positive role. In embryogenesis and tissue remodeling, senescent cells are required for the proper development of the embryo and tissue repair. In cancer, senescence works as a potent barrier to prevent tumorigenesis. Therefore, the identification and characterization of key features of senescence, the induction of senescence in cancer cells, or the elimination of senescent cells by pharmacological interventions in aging tissues is gaining consideration in several fields of research. Here, we describe the known key features of senescence, the cell-autonomous, and noncell-autonomous regulators of senescence, and we attempt to discuss the functional role of this fundamental process in different contexts in light of the development of novel therapeutic targets.
An Early Diagnosis of an Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor Not Otherwise Specified in a Woman
Authors: Alves Patrícia , Sá Inês , Brito Miguel , Carnide Cátia , Moutinho Osvaldo
Published: January 2019

Steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified is a subtype of steroid ovary tumors. These are a rare subgroup of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. We present a case of a young woman submitted to laparoscopic cystectomy with ovarian steroid cell tumor as histological finding. This represents the second case where laparoscopic cystectomy is performed in this type of tumor. Up to 36 months after surgery, the woman remains under surveillance, without recurrence of the tumor, and attempts to conceive. This case suggests that steroid cell tumors can be asymptomatic, and gynecologists must think about preserving fertility in women of reproductive age.
Relation of Different Components of Climate with Human Pituitary-Thyroid Axis and FT3/FT4 Ratio: A Study on Euthyroid and SCH Subjects in Two Different Seasons
Authors: Mahwi Taha O. , Abdulateef Darya S.
Published: January 2019

Background. Various changes in thyroid hormones (TH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level were observed in different seasons among euthyroid and hypothyroid subjects living in areas with an extreme temperature difference between summer and winter.Objectives. This study aims at finding the effect of temperate climate on the seasonal variations of TSH and TH in euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) subjects and at evaluating if the test season has an effect on the number of subjects diagnosed as SCH. It basically focuses on the relation of different components of climate with TH and TSH.Method.In a prospective study on 152 healthy (euthyroid) volunteers and 25 SCH subjects, the serum hormone levels (TSH, FT4, and FT3) were measured in both the summer and winter seasons and correlated with all the climate components using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The effect of duration of outdoor exposure on hormone levels was compared using a paired samplet-test (P<0.05).Results. Small but statistically significant increased FT3 level and decreased FT4 level were observed during the winter season in euthyroid and SCH subjects, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio with temperature and sunshine duration and a positive correlation with humidity and atmospheric pressure. A positive correlation was found between FT4 and sunshine duration.Conclusion. The climate components contributed to the slight variance in hormone levels in different seasons, and the effect was mostly on peripheral conversion of FT4 to FT3 rather than the pituitary-thyroid axis leading to slightly higher FT3 in winter. Seasonal variation does not affect the diagnosis of SCH cases.
Multimodal Elimination for Intoxication with a Lethal Dose of Organic Mercury
Authors: Napp L. C. , Moelgen C. , Wegner F. , Heitland P. , Koester H. D. , Klintschar M. , Hiss M. , Schaper A. , Schieffer B. , Bauersachs J. , Schäfer A. , Tongers J.
Published: January 2019

We here report on a case of massive organic mercury intoxication in a 40-year-old man that resulted in progressive multiorgan failure. We treated the patient intravenously and enterally with the chelating agent (RS)-2,3-bis(sulfanyl) propane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS) in addition to hemodialysis. The patient was treated for 6 weeks and could successfully be weaned from mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis. He awoke and was sent to rehabilitation, but unfortunately died 7 months later from refractory status epilepticus. Autopsy revealed severe brain atrophy consistent with organ damage from massive mercury intoxication. The present case illustrates that bimodal DMPS application is sufficient for detoxification from lethal mercury levels, with an associated chance for weaning of organ support and survival to discharge. The case further reminds us of intoxication as a cause of multiorgan dysfunction. We propose to immediately initiate combined parenteral and enteral detoxification in cases of methyl mercury intoxication, especially in cases of high doses.
A Hybrid Na//K+-Containing Electrolyte//O2 Battery with High Rechargeability and Cycle Stability
Authors: Zhu Zhuo , Shi Xiaomeng , Zhu Dongdong , Wang Liubin , Lei Kaixiang , Li Fujun
Published: January 2019

Na-O2 and K-O2 batteries have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, the parasitic reactions involving the discharge product of NaO2 or K anode with electrolytes and the severe Na or K dendrites plague their rechargeability and cycle stability. Herein, we report a hybrid Na//K+-containing electrolyte//O2 battery consisting of a Na anode, 1.0 M of potassium triflate in diglyme, and a porous carbon cathode. Upon discharging, KO2 is preferentially produced via oxygen reduction in the cathode with Na+ stripped from the Na anode, and reversely, the KO2 is electrochemically decomposed with Na+ plated back onto the anode. The new reaction pathway can circumvent the parasitic reactions involving instable NaO2 and active K anode, and alternatively, the good stability and conductivity of KO2 and stable Na stripping/plating in the presence of K+ enable the hybrid battery to exhibit an average discharge/charge voltage gap of 0.15 V, high Coulombic efficiency of >96%, and superior cycling stability of 120 cycles. This will pave a new pathway to promote metal-air batteries.
Mathematical Modelling of RF Plasma Flow at Low Pressures with 3D Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Shemakhin A. Yu , Zheltukhin V. S.
Published: January 2019

In this study, a hybrid mathematical model of a low-pressure RF plasma jet in transition mode between continuum and free molecular flow at a Knudsen number of 8·10−3 ≤ Kn ≤ 7·10−2 for a carrying gas is described. The model takes electrons, ions, metastable atoms, and potential and curl electromagnetic fields into account. The model is based on both a statistical approach for the atoms in the ground state and a continuum model for other components. The results of plasma flow calculations in an undisturbed jet are described. The distributions of the electrodynamic and electrostatic parts of the electric field are given. It has been observed that the plasma jet has a layered structure along the stream: a positive charge region is formed at the beginning of the jet, followed by a negative charge region, and then a positive one again. The reason for the formation of a layered structure is the fast flow expansion when the plasma inflows into the vacuum and the difference in electron and ion pulse.
Beyond the Diagnosis: Lived Experiences of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in a Selected Town in Ghana
Authors: Fuseini Abdul-Ganiyu , Aniteye Patience , Alhassan Afizu
Published: January 2019

Background. Although several studies have been conducted on the lived experiences of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in high income countries, there is no published data on such experiences in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of persons with SCI in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. Material and Methods. A qualitative descriptive design involving thirteen participants was conducted at the Tamale Metropolis-Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants, using the Neurosurgical Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital as an outlet for recruitment of the sample. Data was gathered mainly through face-to-face in-depth interviews. The data was analyzed concurrently with data collection, using thematic content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the research unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Results. The three main themes that emerged from the data during analysis were “physical effects,” “psychological effects,” and “social issues.” Conclusion. The findings from the study suggest that SCI is a life threatening condition and that persons with SCI grapple with a myriad of physical symptoms that range from chronic pain and paralysis of lower and/or upper limbs, to bladder and bowel incontinence. These physical symptoms have significant psychological and social effects on the functioning of the affected persons.
Office-Based Physical Assessment in Patients Aged 75 Years and Older with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Matsuzawa Ryota , Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Tanaka Shinya , Maekawa Emi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Masuda Takashi , Ako Junya
Published: January 2019

Background: The detection of impaired physical performance in older adults with cardiovascular disease is essential for clinical management and therapeutic decision-making. There is a requirement for an assessment tool that can be used conveniently, rapidly, and securely in clinical practice for screening decreased physical performance. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the association of office-based physical assessments with decreased physical performance and to compare the prognostic capability of these assessments in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Methods: A total of 1,040 patients aged 75 years and older with cardiovascular disease were included in this analysis. One-leg standing time (OLST) and handgrip strength were measured as office-based physical assessment tools, and short physical performance battery (SPPB), 6-min walk distance, and usual gait speed were also measured at hospital discharge as measurements of physical performance. All-cause mortality was assessed by death registry at the hospital. We examined the association of office-based measures with physical performance and all-cause mortality. Results: The areas under the curve of OLST for SPPB < 10, 6-min walk distance < 300 m, and usual gait speed < 1.0 m/s were 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.91), 0.83 (95% CI 0.80–0.86), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–0.85), respectively. The discrimination abilities of OLST for decreased physical performance were significantly higher than those of handgrip strength. After adjusting for the effects of patient characteristics, the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality in the < 3 s group for OLST was 1.68 (95% CI 1.06–2.67, p = 0.03). Handgrip strength, however, was not significantly associated with mortality risk in these participants. Conclusion: Short OLST, in particular < 3 s, is associated with decreased physical performance and elevated mortality risk in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease. OLST can be conveniently measured in the clinician’s office as a screening tool for impaired physical performance.
No Evidence of Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Mismatch-Repair-Protein Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis
Authors: Stoehr Robert , Wendler Olaf , Giedl Johannes , Gaisa Nadine T. , Richter Georg , Campean Valentina , Burger Maximilian , Wullich Bernd , Bertz Simone , Hartmann Arndt
Published: January 2019

Objective: Microsatellite instability (MSI) and a defective mismatch repair (MMR) system were described as beneficial tumor features for response to immune checkpoint therapy (PD-1 blockade). Meanwhile, the FDA approved PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition treatment for any solid tumor showing MSI and/or defects in the MMR system. For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis, no data on the frequency of MSI and altered MMR protein expression are available to date. Therefore, we investigated the MSI status and the expression of MMR proteins in a large cohort of penile SCCs. Methods: The MSI status of 105 archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded penile SCCs was analyzed using the 5 markers of the NCI consensus panel for MIS testing (BAT25, 26, D2S123, D17S250, and D5S346), or, in cases without representative nontumorous tissue using a validated panel of 5 quasimonomorphic mononucleotide repeat markers (BAT 25, 26 and NR21, 24, 27). The expression of the MMR proteins MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and a tissue microarray of a subset of penile SCCs from our cohort (n = 75). Results: Overall, in 96/105 cases, at least 4 microsatellite markers gave interpretable results. None of the cases showed MSI. Immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins was analyzable in 70/75 cases. All cases showed a regular expression of the MMR proteins. Conclusion: MSI and defects in MMR protein expression are not regular features of penile SCC and might not act as biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in penile carcinoma.
The Role of Renal Interstitial Cells in Proximal Tubular Regeneration
Authors: Castrop Hayo
Published: January 2019

The healthy kidney is considered to be a relatively stable organ with little baseline cell turnover. Nevertheless, cells are constantly replaced to conserve the structural and functional integrity of the organ. The mechanisms of the baseline regenerative processes may also be relevant in situations of insults to the kidney, when the need for cellular replacement considerable exceeds the baseline cell turnover. This review will focus on the mechanisms of the regeneration of the tubular system, in particular the proximal tubule. Specifically, we will cover new aspects of (i), the regenerative capacity of the proximal tubule in health and disease, (ii) the relevant cell populations of proximal tubular regeneration, and (iii) the supportive role of renal interstitial cells in regenerative processes of the tubular system.
Management of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
Authors: Perri Giampaolo , Marchegiani Giovanni , Frigerio Isabella , Dervenis Christos G. , Conlon Kevin C. , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto
Published: January 2019

Background: The prevalence of undefined pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) is high in the general population, increasing with patient age. PCNs account for different biological entities with different potential for malignant transformation. The clinician must balance his or her practice between the risk of surgical overtreatment and the error of keeping a malignant lesion under surveillance. Methods: We review and discuss the clinical management of PCNs. Specifically, we analyze the main features of PCNs from the surgeon’s point of view, as they present in the outpatient clinic. We also review the different consensus guidelines, address recent controversies in the literature, and present the current clinical practice at 4 different European Centers for pancreatic surgery. Results: The main features of PCNs were analyzed from the surgeon’s point of view as they present in the outpatient clinic. All aspects of surgical management were discussed, from indications for surgery to intraoperative management and surveillance strategies. Conclusions: Management of PCNs requires a selective approach with the aim of minimizing clinically relevant diagnostic mistakes. Through the evaluation of clinical and radiological features of a PCN, the surgeon can elaborate on a diagnostic hypothesis and assess malignancy risk, but the final decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s need.
Serum Vaspin as a Predictor of Adverse Cardiac Events in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Chen Yuqi , Tao Yifei , Zhang Wei , Xu Weiting , Lu Xiang
Published: January 2019

Background

The involvement of vaspin (visceral adipose tissue–derived serpin) in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases has been documented. This study was designed to explore the prognostic value of serum vaspin in patients with acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
).

Methods and Results

We included 1036
AMI
patients in a cohort study and determined the association between serum vaspin and major adverse cardiac events (
MACE
) using Cox regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that serum vaspin could significantly differentiate patients with
MACE
, and the optimal cutoff value was 0.62 ng/mL. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that patients with lower vaspin levels had higher incidence of
MACE
. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low vaspin was an independent predictor of
MACE
(hazard ratio: 0.74; 95%
CI
, 0.48–0.96;
P
=0.029), together with age; previous histories of
AMI
, heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus; Killip class; revascularization; CRP (C‐reactive protein); and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide). Integrated discrimination and net reclassification improvements for
MACE
were significantly improved by addition of vaspin to the model of traditional risk factors. Moreover, low vaspin was a valuable predictor of heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95%
CI
, 0.37–0.89;
P
=0.005) and recurrent
AMI
(hazard ratio: 0.72; 95%
CI
, 0.53–0.95;
P
=0.036) after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that serum vaspin is a significant prognostic marker of
MACE
in
AMI
patients.