bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WT and A53T α-synuclein systems: Melting Diagram and its new interpretation
Authors: Bokor M. , Tantos Á. , Tompa P. , Han K.-H. , Tompa K.
Published: August 2019

Parkinson’s disease is connected with abnormal α-synuclein (αS) aggregation. Energetics of potential barriers governing motions of hydration water is examined. Information about the distributions and heights of potential barriers is gained by a thermodynamical approach. The ratios of the heterogeneous water-binding interfaces measure proteins’ structural disorder. All αS forms possess secondary structural elements though they are intrinsically disordered. Monomers are functional at the lowest potential barriers, where mobile hydration water exists, with monolayer coverage of mobile hydration. The αS monomer contains 33% secondary structure and is more compact than a random coil. A53T αS monomer has a more open structure than the wild type. Monomers realize all possible hydrogen bonds. Half of the mobile hydration water amount for monomers is missing in αS oligomers and αS amyloids. Oligomers are ordered by 66%. Mobile water molecules in the first hydration shell of amyloids are the weakest bound compared to other forms. Wild type and A53T amyloids show identical, low-level hydration, and are considered as disordered to 75%.

Statement of Significance

Aggregation of α-synuclein into oligomers, amyloid fibrils is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. A thermodynamic approach provides information on the heterogeneity of protein-water bonds in the wild type and A53T mutant monomers, oligomers, amyloids. This information can be related to ratios of heterogeneous water-binding interfaces, which measure the proteins’ structural disorder. Both α-synuclein monomers are intrinsically disordered. The monomers nevertheless have 33% secondary structure. They are functional as long as mobile water molecules surround them. They realize every possible H-bonds with water. Oligomers are like globular proteins with 66% ordered structure. Amyloids are disordered to 75% and are poorly hydrated with loosely bound water. Their hydration is identical. Oligomers, amyloids have only half as much hydrating mobile water as monomers.
Exploring endocytic compartment morphology with systematic genetics and single cell image analysis
Authors: Usaj Mojca Mattiazzi , Sahin Nil , Friesen Helena , Pons Carles , Usaj Matej , Masinas Myra Paz , Shuteriqi Ermira , Shkurin Aleksei , Aloy Patrick , Morris Quaid , Boone Charles , Andrews Brenda J.
Published: August 2019

Endocytosis is a conserved process that mediates the internalization of nutrients and plasma membrane components, including receptors, for sorting to endosomes and the vacuole (lysosome). We combined systematic yeast genetics, high-content screening, and neural network-based image analysis of single cells to screen for genes that influence the morphology of four main endocytic compartments: coat proteins, actin patches, late endosome, and vacuole. This unbiased approach identified 17 mutant phenotypes and ∼1600 genes whose perturbation affected at least one of the four compartments. Numerous mutants were associated with multiple phenotypes, indicating that morphological pleiotropy is often seen within the endocytic pathway. Morphological profiles based on the 17 aberrant phenotypes were highly correlated for functionally related genes, enabling prediction of gene function. Incomplete penetrance was prevalent, and single-cell analysis enabled exploration of the mechanisms underlying cellular heterogeneity, which include replicative age, organelle inheritance, and stress response.
Effective design and development of hybrid ABC-CSO-based capacitor placement with load forecasting based on artificial neural network
Authors: Sharma Sarika , Ghosh Smarajit
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a capacitor position in radial distribution networks with a specific end goal to enhance the voltage profile, diminish the genuine power misfortune and accomplish temperate sparing. The issue of the capacitor situation in electric appropriation systems incorporates augmenting vitality and peak power loss by technique for capacitor establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel strategy using rough thinking to pick reasonable applicant hubs in a dissemination structure for capacitor situation. Voltages and power loss reduction indices of distribution networks hubs are shown by fuzzy enrollment capacities.

Findings

A fuzzy expert system containing a course of action of heuristic rules is then used to ascertain the capacitor position appropriateness of each hub in the circulation structure. The sizing of capacitor is solved by using hybrid artificial bee colony–cuckoo search optimization.

Practical implications

Finally, a short-term load forecasting based on artificial neural network is evaluated for predicting the size of the capacitor for future loads. The proposed capacitor allocation is implemented on 69-node radial distribution network as well as 34-node radial distribution network and the results are evaluated.

Originality/value

Simulation results show that the proposed method has reduced the overall losses of the system compared with existing approaches.
Impact of nonthermal processing on different milk enzymes
Authors: Ahmad Talha , Butt Muhammad Zubair , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Inam‐ur‐Raheem Muhammad , Abdullah  , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din , Guimarães Jonas T , Balthazar Celso F , Rocha Ramom S , Esmerino Erick A , Freitas Mônica Q , Silva Márcia C , Sameen Aysha , Cruz Adriano G
Published: August 2019

Milk is highly perishable and deteriorates rapidly during storage. Although the thermal processing technologies successfully inactivate many enzymes and microorganisms up to a required level, they can negatively affect the natural flavour of dairy foods and decrease their nutritional value. Alternative nonthermal technologies have been established as an interesting approach to produce safe and healthy dairy products, without compromising their nutritional quality. These techniques have the ability to inactivate milk enzymes without affecting the milk quality. In addition, the combination of two different nonthermal techniques and mild heating has proven to be more effective to provide safety to milk when compared to the treatments alone. This review aims to evaluate the impact of nonthermal technologies, in particular, ultrasound, pulsed electric field, high‐pressure processing and ultraviolet irradiation on milk enzymes.
Diversity and functional characteristics of lactic acid bacteria from traditional kefir grains
Authors: Purutoğlu Kübra , İspirli Hümeyra , Yüzer Mustafa Onur , Serencam Hüseyin , Dertli Enes
Published: August 2019

Traditional kefir grains were collected from distinct parts of Turkey, and their microbial profile was determined. A wide bacterial biota was observed formed by distinct lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in which Lactococcus lactis strains appeared to be dominant. Yeast species were also identified in kefir grains. Significant levels of antifungal and antibacterial activities were monitored in kefir isolates. All tested LAB produced an exopolysaccharide (EPS) containing glucose and galactose, and some strains formed a fructan‐type EPS. Importantly, low levels of antibiotic resistance were observed among the kefir isolates.
The income diversification strategies of smallholders in the hills of Nepal
Authors: Sharma Govinda P. , Pandit Ram , White Ben , Polyakov Maksym
Published: August 2019

Motivation

There is an ongoing debate in development economics about whether resources aiming to improve household welfare should be allocated to general development programmes, such as providing education, or to specific income enhancing programmes, such as promoting certain commodities or practices.

Purpose

This article contributes to this debate by analysing income levels and income diversification strategies of households that were engaged in growing organic coffee in the hills of Nepal. Engaging in organic coffee production is hypothesized to be an important income enhancing activity for asset‐poor subsistence farmers.

Approach and Methods

We conducted a structured household survey of 441 coffee growers from Gulmi and Lalitpur districts in Nepal with a focus on the sources of income. The household income diversification was measured using the mean of the household share of each type of income and the share of a given source of income over a given group of households. We modelled the determinants of household income using Ordinary Least Squares and Tobit regressions.

Findings

We found that most households derive a higher proportion of income from off‐farm sources. The main finding is that education increases household off‐farm income by improving access to domestic and international labour markets, and this reduces dependence on farming. Low‐income households have a higher proportion of income from farming. Across all households, non‐certified coffee production is financially more attractive to farmers than organic production.

Policy Implications

Our findings suggest that investing in general development, especially education, is more effective than a scheme to promote cash crops as it allows asset‐poor subsistence farmers to engage in regional and international labour markets.
Evidence of a direct chemical plant defense role for maltol against spruce budworm
Authors: Williams Martin , Eveleigh Eldon , Forbes Glen , Lamb Rosanna , Roscoe Lucas , Silk Peter
Published: August 2019

This study examines the direct chemical defensive role of maltol, a previously identified secondary metabolite found in balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. (Pinaceae), that was detected during herbivory of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Although used extensively in many industries, in addition to being found in multiple plant species, its functional role in plants remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to quantify the amount of free maltol and its potential conjugated form, maltol glucoside, in various foliage age classes and to evaluate whether constitutive foliage levels of maltol have an impact on spruce budworm fitness in maltol supplementation assays. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of balsam fir foliage showed that maltol is produced in all foliage age classes tested; however, concentrations were significantly higher in older foliage. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS‐MS) analysis showed that maltol also exists in balsam fir in its glucosylated form, a unique discovery in conifers. Similar to maltol, maltol glucoside is also present in current and 1‐year‐old balsam fir foliage and in significantly higher concentration in older foliage. We investigated the impact of maltol‐treated diet on spruce budworm fitness. Maltol additions that reflected constitutive foliage concentrations caused a significant reduction in larval development rate and pupal mass, whereas higher concentrations were required to cause significant mortality. These results suggest that maltol may be an important component of a direct defense strategy in balsam fir against spruce budworm herbivory.
Diffuse, mottled hyperpigmentation and mutations in LMNA gene in a 5‐year‐old boy, his mother, and his grandmother: Atypical progeroid syndrome
Authors: Schultz Brittney , Miller Daniel D. , Maguiness Sheilagh
Published: August 2019

We present a multigenerational family with a phenotypic spectrum of skin dyspigmentation, lipodystrophy, bony anomalies, and progeroid facies. All were found to be heterozygous for a c.11C>G (p.Pro4Arg) (P4R) mutation in the lamin A/C gene consistent with atypical progeroid syndrome. Various phenotypic associations have been reported with specific mutations in atypical progeroid syndrome, but the strength of each phenotype‐genotype relationship is unknown. This report adds to the literature of patients with atypical progeroid syndrome and highlights an unusual diagnosis that may present to dermatologists.
Recent experimental work on “ought” implies “can”
Authors: Semler Jen , Henne Paul
Published: August 2019

While philosophers generally accept some version of the principle “ought” implies “can,” recent work in experimental philosophy and cognitive science provides evidence against a presupposition or a conceptual entailment from “ought” to “can.” Here, we review some of this evidence, its effect on particular formulations of the principle, and future directions for cognitive scientists and philosophers.
Gender differences in aggression: The role of displaying facial emotional cues in a competitive situation
Authors: Arriaga Patrícia , Aguiar Cecília
Published: August 2019

Prior studies have shown that facial emotion displays communicate emotional states and interpersonal intentions. This study addressed gender differences in aggression based on the facial emotional cues expressed from a fictional opponent. A modified version of the competitive reaction time task (CRTT) was used to measure aggression. Participants (N = 251), between 18 and 35 years of age, were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions of the fictional opponents’ facial emotional cue displayed during the CRTT: anger, sadness, neutral, or the absence of facial expression. After each trial, participants were asked to report their own feelings and to choose a level of noise to administer to their opponent. Finally, motives for aggression were assessed. Results showed that women were less aggressive than men when receiving emotional cues of sadness and anger from the sender. In contrast, no gender differences occurred when a neutral expression was displayed or in the absence of any expression. In addition, men displayed similar levels of aggression across the four conditions, whereas women were more aggressive in both neutral and no feedback conditions than in the sad and anger conditions. Instrumental motives contributed to explaining the overall gender differences in aggression. These results suggest important moderator and mediator factors of gender differences in aggressive behavior.
Recovering Tradition in Globalising Rural China: Handicraft Birdcages in Da’ou village
Authors: Fois Francesca , Woods Michael , Yang Yuanyuan , Zheng Xiaoyu
Published: August 2019

This article explores a historic rural craft tradition as the focus of economic development through the valorisation of the local cultural heritage, or culture economy. The case‐study traces the revival of bamboo birdcage making in Da’ou village in Shandong Province, where the craft knowledge of making birdcages once prized by the Chinese imperial court has been passed on through generations and protected from outsiders. Since economic reforms in the 1980s, the birdcage craft has again become the major activity in Da’ou village, responding to new urban market demands, and bringing prosperity. Yet, through a conceptualisation of cultural heritage as a ‘prosaic third space’, the article reveals the dynamics and tensions involved in the incorporation of the birdcage tradition in local economic development strategies and the promotion of e‐commerce and tourism, and the processes of abstraction initiated. As such, it raises questions about the relationship between craft, knowledge and place that resonate beyond China. The research is based on semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2016 with respondents including local leaders, craftspeople, suppliers, and sellers.
Development of an emergency medical system model for resource‐constrained settings
Authors: Nakahara Shinji , Hoang Bui Hai , Mayxay Mayfong , Pattanarattanamolee Ratrawee , Jayatilleke Achala Upendra , Ichikawa Masao , Sakamoto Tetsuya
Published: August 2019

Objectives

An emergency care system is an important aspect for healthcare organisations in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) with a growing burden from emergency disease conditions. Evaluations of emergency care systems in LMICs in broader contexts are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to develop a comprehensive emergency medical system model appropriate for resource‐constrained settings, based on expert opinions.

Methods

We used the Delphi method, in which questionnaire surveys were administered three times to an expert panel (both emergency medical care providers and healthcare service researchers), from which opinions on the model's components were compiled. The panel members were mostly from Asian countries. In the first round, the questionnaire drew a list of model components developed through a literature review; the panel members then proposed new components to create a more comprehensive list. In the second and third rounds, the panel members rated the listed components to achieve consensus, as well as to remove components with low ratings. Finally, we rearranged the list to improve its usability.

Results

In total, 32 experts from 12 countries participated. The final model totalled 177 components, categorised into 8 domains (leadership, community‐based actions, emergency medical services, upward referral, definitive care, rehabilitation, downward referral, and evaluation and research). No components needed removal.

Conclusions

We developed a comprehensive emergency care system model, which could provide a basis to evaluate emergency care systems in resource‐constrained LMICs; however, field‐testing and validation of this system model remain to be done.
On a Class of Generalized Gompertz-Bateman Growth-decay Models
Authors: Markov Svetoslav Marinov
Published: August 2019

A recently proposed reaction network induces the classical Gompertz equations. The network consist of two reactions, one reaction for a decaying species $S$ and another reaction for a sigmoidally growing species $X$ which is catalyzed by species S. The proposed reaction network provides for a separation of the dynamical evolutions of the two species inherently present in the Gompertz reaction network. More specifically, the reaction equation for the decaying species S is totally independent on (uncoupled from) the growing species X, while the species X uses species S simultaneously both as a catalyst and as a resource (food). Based on the idea of such a separation, in this work we propose a class of growth-decay models formulated in terms of reaction networks that includes the Bateman exponential decay chain for the evolution of the catalist/resource species. An important advantage of the new class of models is the presence of a prolonged lag time of the sigmoidal solutions of the growing species. In this note we show that the Gompertz-type reaction network can be generalized into a class of Gompertzian-type growth-decay models by replacing the first species from the Bateman exponential decay chain by the second species in the chain, that now can play the role of a catalyst/resource for the growing species. A further generalization would be to use the third species (or the k-th species) in the Bateman decay chain as a catalyst/resource for the growing species.
Advancement of Nikolay M. Yanev to the Rank of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Extremadura, Spain
Authors: Molina Manuel
Published: August 2019

The ceremony that awarded Professor Nikolay M. Yanev with a Doctor Honoris Causa granted by the University of Extremadura took place in Badajoz on April 4, 2019. It was my greatest privilege to serve as Dr. Yanev's Godfather in this solemn recognition and to receive the opportunity to summarize his exceptional academic career, relationship and involvement with the University of Extremadura, and human qualities.
Evaluation of the effect of computer aided diagnosis system on breast ultrasound for inexperienced radiologists in describing and determining breast lesions
Authors: Lee Jeongmin , Kim Sanghee , Kang Bong Joo , Kim Sung Hun , Park Ga Eun
Published: August 2019

Aim: To investigate the effect of a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system on breast ultrasound (US) for inexperienced radiologists in describing and determining breast lesions.Materials and methods: Between October 2015 to January 2017, 500 suspicious or probable benign lesions in 413 patients were reviewed. Five experienced readers retrospectively reviewed for each of 100 lesions according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon and category, with CAD system (S-detectTM). The readers then made final decisions by combining CAD results to their US results. Using the nested experiment design, five inexperienced readers were asked to select the appropriate BI-RADS lexicons, categories, CAD results, and combination results for each of the 100 lesions, retrospectively. Diagnostic performance of experienced and inexperienced radiologists and CAD were assessed. For each case, agreements in the lexicons and categories were analyzed among the experienced reader, inexperienced reader and CAD.Results: Indicators of the diagnostic performance for breast malignancy of the experienced group (AUC=0.83, 95%CI [0.80, 0.86]) were similar or higher than those of CAD (AUC = 0.79, 95%CI[0.74, 0.83], p=0.101), except for specificity. Conversely, indicators of diagnostic performance of inexperienced group (AUC=0.65, 95%CI[0.58, 0.71]) did not differ from or were lower than those of CAD(AUC=0.73, 95%CI[0.67, 0.78], p=0.013). Also, the diagnostic performance of the inexperienced group after combination with the CAD result was significantly improved (0.71, 95% CI [0.65, 0.77], p=0.001), whereas that of the experienced group did not change after combination with the CAD result, except for specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). Kappa values for the agreement of the categorization between CAD and each radiologist group were increased after applying the CAD result to their result of general US. Especially, the increase of the Kappa value was higher in the inexperienced group than in the experienced group. Also, for all the lexicons, the Kappa values between the experienced group and CAD were higher than those between the inexperienced group and CAD.Conclusion: By using the CAD system for classification of breast lesions, diagnostic performance of the inexperienced radiologists for malignancy was significantly improved, and better agreement was observed in lexicons between the experienced group and CAD than between the inexperienced group and CAD. CAD may be beneficial and educational for the inexperienced group.
Reference ranges for left, right and interventricular septum indices at 20 to 36+6 weeks of gestation derived using spectral myocardial tissue Doppler on Voluson ultrasound machines
Authors: Peixoto Alberto Borges , Bravo-valenzuela Nathalie Jeanne , Martins Wellington P , Mattar Rosiane , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: August 2019

Aim: To establish reference range values for peak myocardial tissue Doppler velocity (MTD) and myocardial performance index (MPI) of the left ventricle (LV), the right ventricle (RV), and the interventricular septum (IVS) at 20 to 36+6 weeks of gestation using spectral tissue Doppler.Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 lowrisk singleton pregnancies. MTD during systole (S’), and early (E’) and late diastole (A’), and MPI’ were assessed by placing sample volume at the basal segment of the LV free wall, the RV free wall, and the IVS, respectively. Polynomial regression was used to obtain the best-fit curves for MTD and MPI’ measurements as a function of gestational age (GA), and adjustments were made using the determination coefficient (R2). Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).Results: All MTD velocities (cm/s) progressively increased with advancing GA (p<0.0001). Mean LV MTD values were 4.19 to 6.86 for S’, 3.52 to 7.22 for E’, and 6.85 to 9.19 for A’; mean RV MTD were 4.85 to 7.97 for S’, 4.49 to 8.66 for E’, and 8.44 to 11.20 for A’; and mean IVS MTD values were 3.75 to 5.78 for S’, 3.34 to 5.79 for E’, and 5.88 to 7.98 for A’. LV MPI’, RV MPI’, and IVS MPI’ did not significantly change with advancing GA. The CCC values for MTD were predominantly greater than 0.70, while those for MPI’ were <0.70.Conclusions: Reference values for the fetal MTD and MPI’ of RV, LV and IVS using tissue Doppler between 20 and 36+6 weeks of gestation were described.
Percutaneous ultrasound guided radiofrequency and microwave ablation in the treatment of hepatic metastases. A monocentric initial experience.
Authors: Sparchez Zeno , Mocan Tudor , Hajjar Nadim All , Bartos Adrian , Hagiu Claudia , Matei Daniela , Craciun Rares , Mocan Lavinia Patricia , Sparchez Mihaela , Leucuta Daniel Corneliu
Published: August 2019

Aim: Percutaneous radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are currently the best treatment options forpatients with liver metastases (LM) who cannot undergo a liver resection procedure. Presently, few studies have evaluated theefficacy of tumor ablation in beginner’s hands but none at all in hepatic metastasis. Our aim was to report the initial experiencewith ultrasound as a tool to guide tumor ablation in a low volume center with no experience in tumor ablation.Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, on a series of 61 patients who had undergone percutaneous US-guided ablations for 82 LM between 2010 and 2015. Long term outcome predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: Complete ablation was achieved in 86.9% of cases (53/61). All MWA sessions (20/20) attained ablation margins >5mm, compared to 79% (49/62) for RFA sessions (p=0.031). Ablation time was significantly shorter for MWA, with a median duration of 10 minutes (range: 6-12) vs. 14 minutes (range: 10-19.5, p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in local tumor progression (LTP)-free survival rates between MWA and RFA (p=0.154). On univariate analysis, significant predictors for local recurrence were multiple metastases (p=0.013) and ablation margins <5 mm (p<.001), both retaining significance on multivariate analysis. Significant predictors for distant recurrence on both univariate and multivariate analysis were multiple metastases (p<0.001) and non-colorectal cancer metastases (p<0.05).Conclusion: A larger than 5 mm ablation size is critical for local tumor control. We favor the use of MWA due to its ability to achieve ablation in significantlyshorter times with less incomplete ablations.
The role of imaging techniques in the diagnosis, staging and choice of therapeutic conduct in pregnancy associated breast cancer
Authors: Goidescu Iulian , Nemeti Georgiana , Caracostea Gabriela , Eniu Dan Tudor , Chiorean Angelica , Pintican Roxana , Cruciat Gheorghe , Muresan Daniel
Published: August 2019

Breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is at increasing incidence due to the increased frequency of obesity, the postponement of the first pregnancy to later decades of life and the advances of diagnostic techniques. Clinical and imaging diagnosis is difficult during gestation due to adaptive changes of the maternal organism , the mammary glads in particular. Furthermore, the therapeutic approach is limited both by the possible side effects on the fetus and by the skepticism of the couple over these therapeutic regimens.The present paper aims to review the main diagnostic steps to confirm pregnancy associated breast cancer, as well as the therapeutic possibilities during this period, related to the potential adverse effects concerning pregnancy
Real-Time Elastography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yang , Meng Zheying , Xu Yanjun , Lu Quijie , Hou Rui , Cai Xiaojun , Lin Lizhou , Luo You , Wei Fengxian , Zheng Yuanyi , Hu Bing
Published: August 2019

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time elastography as a method for detecting prostate cancer.Material and methods: Relevant studies applying real-time elastography as the diagnostic modality and biopsy as the reference standard, published by March 1, 2018 were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent reviewers inspected all these articles to confirm the matching of the inclusion criteria. One reviewer with methodological expertise extracted the data from the included studies. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were used to obtain overall estimates. Randomized effect method, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed.Results: Twenty-four studies out of 1156 identified articles met the inclusion criteria. Three groups were set: analysisby patient (Group 1), by core (Group 2), and by image (Group 3) and subgroups set in Group 1. The pooled estimate ofreal-time elastography sensitivity/ specificity/ DOR calculated with the identical P-value 0.00. Within subgroups “Asia” and“PSA>=10 ng/ml”, the pooled sensitivity, specificity and DOR were 0.83, 0.65 (p=0.01, I2=73.40%; p=0.02, I2=69.5%), 0.80, 0.82 (p=0.66, I2=0.00%; p=0.58, I2=0.00%) and 20.2, 8.67 (p=0.09, I2=54.2%; p=0.20, I2=35.5%), respectively. In these three groups, the areas under the SROC curve were 0.7417, 0.9246, and 0.6213 independently.Conclusions: Real-time elastography is a promising, reliable modality for the non-invasive diagnosis of patients with prostate cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of real-time elastography correlates tightly to the presence of higher PSA level and may help avoid unnecessary biopsy. It seems to be a useful tool in systemic biopsy.
Ultrasound evaluation of complications after cardiovascular surgery in pediatric patients: A case series
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Suzuki Sio , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Ko Yoshihiro , Nomura Koji , Oguma Eiji , Yamada Yoshitake
Published: August 2019

In contrast to computed tomography, ultrasound can be performed without radiation exposure, repeatedly performed by the patients’ bedside. Hence, in this case series, we describe the evaluation of complications including hematoma, superficialsurgical site infection, mediastinitis, and pseudoaneurysm associated mediastinitis using ultrasound in pediatric patients after cardiovascular surgery. To our knowledge, no previous reports have evaluated such complications using ultrasound. Ultrasound may be useful for the early diagnosis of these complications, and in the selection of subsequent examinations such as computed tomography, resulting in the early initiation of intervention.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis: a case report
Authors: Miwa Takao , Iwashita Takuji , Aiba Masashi , Kochi Takahiro , Toda Katsuhisa , Nakamura Noriaki , Katsumura Naoki , Shimizu Masahito
Published: August 2019

Bowel endometriosis is a condition caused by endometrial glands and stroma infiltrating the bowel wall and reaching the subserous fat tissue or the adjacent subserous plexus. A 42-year-old woman with changes in stool habits, nausea, and stomach aches experienced complete obstruction in the rectum. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a low echoic lesion outside the rectal mucosa and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis. The clinical characteristics of bowel endometriosis are unspecific and this condition is sometimes misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other colorectal disorder. Our aim is to show that endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration might be helpful for bowel endometriosis diagnosis and exclusion of other malignant disease.
Ankle involvement in rheumatoid arthritis – a comparison of inflammatory signs on musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Enache Luminita , Popescu Claudiu Costinel , Micu Mihaela , Cojocaru Adriana , Suta Victoria-Cristina , Suta Maria , Codreanu Catalin
Published: August 2019

Aim: To evaluate the frequency of tibiotalar and subtalar joints together with extensor, flexor and peroneal tendons inflammatory lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Material and methods. Fifty RA patients and 25 healthy subjects were prospectively included. All patients and controlsunderwent clinical examination (to screen for swollen and/or tender ankles) and ankle US and MRI (to screen for synovialhypertrophy – SH, tenosynovitis and power Doppler – PD signals). The imaging tests were compared using overall agreement, positive agreement, Cohen’s κ, sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio.Results. The subtalar joint had the highest frequency of US-detected SH (30%), as well as positive PD signals (10%). Regarding US joint effusion, the tibiotalar joint recorded the highest frequency (44%). The most frequent US tenosynovitis was detected in the tibialis posterior tendon (40%). Compared to MRI, US evaluation of tibiotalar joints had very good agreement and large effect on detection probability for both SH and effusion (kappa 0.84, positive likelihood ratio 21.1). Compared to MRI, the sensitivity and specificity for US joint involvement ranged between 72.0-88.5% and 82.4-95.8%, and for tenosynovitis were 33.3-78.6% and 85.2-100%,  respectively. Compared to asymptomatic RA patients (n=25), those with at least one symptomatic ankle (n=25) had significantly higher frequencies of both SH and effusion in all the evaluated structures.Conclusion: US has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting RA inflammatory lesions in the ankle and rearfoot, in very good agreement with MRI. The high frequency of ankle inflammatory lesions in RA should result in increased interest in the imaging evaluation of these structures.
General advice in ultrasound based elastography of pediatric patients
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Ferraioli Giovanna , Sirli Roxana , Popescu Alina , Sporea Ioan , Pienar Cristina , Kunze Christian , Taut Heike , Schrading Simone , Bota Simona , Schreiber-Dietrich Dagmar , Fang Cheng , Yi Dong
Published: August 2019

Ultrasound elastography including transient elastography (TE), point shear wave elastography, (pSWE) and two (three)- dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) have been introduced mainly for the evaluation of the liver. All the techniques are also feasible for the examination of spleen, whereas pSWE and 2D-SWE can be used for the assessment of the pancreas, kidney, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Strain elastography also plays a role for non-liver applications. The aim of the current report is to highlight unique features and techniques for the elastographic examinations in children and to report initial results in non-liver applications
Extended-Interval Dosing of Rezafungin against Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Najvar Laura K. , Jaramillo Rosie , Olivo Marcos , Wickes Brian L. , Catano Gabriel , Patterson Thomas F.
Published: August 2019

We evaluated extended-interval dosing of the investigational echinocandin rezafungin (1, 4, and 16 mg/kg on days 1, 4, and 7 postinoculation) for the treatment of disseminated invasive aspergillosis caused by azole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Survival was significantly improved in mice treated with each dose of rezafungin and supratherapeutic posaconazole (20 mg/kg twice daily).
INVESTIGATION ON HIGH-TEMPERATURE CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF INCONEL 600 UNDER SO2-BEARING GAS AT 650°C
Authors: JUNG KWANG-HU , KIM SEONG-JONG
Published: August 2019

The corrosion characteristics of Inconel 600 were investigated at 650∘C in air and 76%[Formula: see text]%[Formula: see text]%[Formula: see text]%SO2 gas environment up to 500[Formula: see text]h. Specimens exposed to each condition were characterized by weight gain, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The oxide structure consisting of the thin Cr2O3 layer and Cr2O3 nodules was observed, which increased the weight gain of specimens. In the SO2-bearing gas, it showed a bigger weight gain due to the coarsening of Cr2O3 nodules. Therefore, it was suggested that the sulfur-accelerated coarsening of Cr2O3 nodules at the high temperature.
Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of isoflavone substituted zinc(II), cobalt(II), and metal-free phthalocyanines
Authors: Orman Efe B. , Arıbal Ahmet , Özkaya Ali R. , Bulut Mustafa , Salan Ümit
Published: August 2019

In this study, novel tetrasubstituted metallo- and metal-free phthalocyanines containing 7-hydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavonoxy moieties at peripheral and non-peripheral positions have been prepared by cyclotetramerization of corresponding phthalonitriles. The most obvious feature of these quaternized complexes is their extensive solubility and non-aggregated species (especially non-peripherally substituted) in organic solvents such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide, which makes them candidates for use in many applications in different fields. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-vis, 1H and [Formula: see text]C NMR and MS (Maldi-TOF MS). Voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements have been performed with the aim of characterizing the electron transfer properties of the compounds on Pt in dimethylsulfoxide/tetrabutylammonium perchlorate, compared to those of previously reported corresponding compounds with tetra 6-hydroxyflavonoxy substituents. The effect of aggregation on the redox character of these complexes was also discussed.
Sex difference in kidney electrolyte transport II: impact of K+intake on thiazide-sensitive cation excretion in male and female mice
Authors: Li Jing , Xu Shuhua , Yang Lei , Yang Janey , Wang Claire J. , Weinstein Alan M. , Palmer Lawrence G. , Wang Tong
Published: August 2019

We studied sex differences in response to high K+(HK) intake on thiazide-sensitive cation (Na+and K+) excretion in wild-type (WT) and ANG II receptor subtype 1a (AT1aR) knockout (KO) mice. Renal clearance experiments were performed to examine Na+-Cl−cotransporter (NCC) activity on mice fed with control and HK (5% KCl, 7 days) diets. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)-induced changes in urine volume, glomerular filtration rate, absolute Na+and K+excretion, and fractional excretion were compared. HK-induced changes in NCC, Na+/H+exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), and ENaC expression were examined by Western blot analysis. In WT animals under the control diet, HCTZ-induced cation excretion was greater in female animals, reflecting larger increases in Na+excretion, since there was little sex difference in HCTZ-induced K+excretion. Under the HK diet, the sex difference in HCTZ-induced cation excretion was reduced because of larger increments in K+excretion in male animals. The fraction of K+excretion was 57 ± 5% in male WT animals and 36 ± 4% in female WT animals ( P < 0.05), but this difference was absent in AT1aR KO mice. NCC abundance was higher in female animals than in male animals but decreased by similar fractions on HK diet. NHE3 abundance decreased, whereas cleaved forms of γ-ENaC increased, with HK in all groups; these changes were similar in male and female animals and were not significantly affected by AT1aR ablation. These results indicate that, with the HK diet, male animals display greater distal Na+delivery and greater activation of K+secretion mechanisms, all suggesting a more powerful male adaptation to HK intake.
Circadian variation in the release of small extracellular vesicles can be normalized by vesicle number or TSG101
Authors: Koritzinsky Erik H. , Street Jonathan M. , Chari Rohit R. , Glispie Deonna M. , Bellomo Tiffany R. , Aponte Angel M. , Star Robert A. , Yuen Peter S. T.
Published: August 2019

Numerous candidate biomarkers in urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been described for kidney diseases, but none are yet in clinical use, possibly due to a lack of proper normalization. Proper normalization corrects for normal biological variation in urine flow rate or concentration, which can vary by over one order of magnitude. Here, we observed inter- and intra-animal variation in urine excretion rates of small EVs (<200 nm in diameter) in healthy rats as a series of six 4-h fractions. To visualize intra-animal variation, we normalized a small EV excretion rate to a peak excretion rate, revealing a circadian pattern for each rat. This circadian pattern was distinct from urine volume, urine albumin, urine creatinine, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Furthermore, urine small EV excretion was not significantly altered by sex, food/water deprivation, or ischemic acute kidney injury. Urine excretion of the exosomal/small EV marker protein tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) displayed a similar circadian pattern to urine small EV excretion; both measurements were highly correlated ( R2 = 0.85), with an average stoichiometry of 10.0 molecules of TSG101/vesicle in healthy rats. The observed stoichiometry of TSG101/vesicle in rat urine translated to human spot urine samples (10.2 molecules/vesicle) and cultured kidney-derived cell lines (human embryonic kidney-293 and normal rat kidney 52E cells). Small EV number and its surrogate, TSG101 protein, can normalize for circadian variation when testing candidate biomarkers in small EVs. Just as creatinine has emerged as the customary normalization factor for liquid-phase urine biomarkers, vesicle number and its surrogate, molecules of exosome/small EV-associated TSG101, should be considered as viable, normalizing factors for small EV biomarkers.
A Modified Multiobjective Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm and Its Application on Optimization Design of the Nuclear Power System
Authors: Yang Yunjia , Peng Shinian , Zhu Li , Zhang Dan , Qiu Zhifang , Yuan Hongsheng , Xian Lin
Published: August 2019

A modified multiobjective self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm (MMOSADE) is presented in this paper to improve the accuracy of multiobjective optimization design in the nuclear power system. The performance of the MMOSADE is tested by the ZDT test function set and compared with classical evolutionary algorithms. The results indicate that MMOSADE has a better performance in convergence and diversity. Based on the MMOSADE, a multiobjective optimization design platform for the nuclear power system is proposed, and the application of which is carried out. The evaluation program of the PRHR-HX in AP1000 is developed, and its reliability is verified. The optimal design schemes of PHHR-HX are obtained by utilizing the multiobjective optimization design platform. The results show that the optimal design schemes can envelop the prototype design scheme. This conclusion proves that the optimization design platform proposed in this paper is effective and feasible.
Gamma Radiation-Induced Disruption of Cellular Junctions in HUVECs Is Mediated through Affecting MAPK/NF-κB Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Wang H. , Segaran R. Chandra , Chan L. Y. , Aladresi Aref A. M. , Chinnathambi A. , Alharbi S. A. , Sethi G. , Tang F. R.
Published: August 2019

Ionizing radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been well documented. However, the mechanisms of CVD genesis are still not fully understood. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to gamma irradiation at different doses ranging from 0.2 Gy to 5 Gy. Cell viability, migration ability, permeability, oxidative and nitrosative stresses, inflammation, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway activation were evaluated postirradiation. It was found that gamma irradiation at doses ranging from 0.5 Gy to 5 Gy inhibited the migration ability of HUVECs without any significant effects on cell viability at 6 h and 24 h postirradiation. The decreased transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), increased permeability, and disruption of cellular junctions were observed in HUVECs after gamma irradiation accompanied by the lower levels of junction-related proteins such as ZO-1, occludin, vascular endothelial- (VE-) cadherin, and connexin 40. The enhanced oxidative and nitrosative stresses, e.g., ROS and NO2- levels and inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were demonstrated in HUVECs after gamma irradiation. Western blot results showed that protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules p38, p53, p21, and p27 increased after gamma irradiation, which further induced the activation of the NF-κB pathway. BAY 11-7085, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, was demonstrated to partially block the effects of gamma radiation in HUVECs examined by TEER and FITC-dextran permeability assay. We therefore concluded that the gamma irradiation-induced disruption of cellular junctions in HUVECs was through the inflammatory MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Durable Control of Mycosis Fungoides after Sepsis: “Coley’s Toxin?” Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Heyman Benjamin , Kelsey Chris R. , Beaven Anne
Published: August 2019

Mycosis fungoides, along with Sezary syndrome, is the most common subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this report, we present a patient with advanced-stage mycosis fungoides, who after successful treatment of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbacteremia had prolonged disease control off systemic therapy. While this may have been due to single-agent gemcitabine, which can result in long remission, we hypothesize that our patient’s durable response was in part due to the immune response elicited after treatment of her severe infection.
Gene Ontology and Expression Studies of Strigolactone Analogues on a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Nihal , Razvi Syed Shoeb , Choudhry Hani , Hassan Mohammed A. , Moselhy Said Salama , Kumosani Taha Abduallah , Zamzami Mazin A. , Abualnaja Khalid Omer , Halwani Majed A. , Al-Malki Abdulrahman Labeed , Ragoussis Jiannis , Wu Wei , Bronner Christian , Asami Tadao , Alhosin Mahmoud
Published: August 2019

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and recurrent type of primary adult liver cancer without any effective therapy. Plant-derived compounds acting as anticancer agents can induce apoptosis by targeting several signaling pathways. Strigolactone (SL) is a novel class of phytohormone, whose analogues have been reported to possess anticancer properties on a panel of human cancer cell lines through inducing cell cycle arrest, destabilizing microtubular integrity, reducing damaged in the DNA repair machinery, and inducing apoptosis. In our previous study, we reported that a novel SL analogue, TIT3, reduces HepG2 cell proliferation, inhibits cell migration, and induces apoptosis. To decipher the mechanisms of TIT3-induced anticancer activity in HepG2, we performed RNA sequencing and the differential expression of genes was analyzed using different tools. RNA-Seq data showed that the genes responsible for microtubule organization such as TUBB, BUB1B, TUBG2, TUBGCP6, TPX2, and MAP7 were significantly downregulated. Several epigenetic modulators such as UHRF1, HDAC7, and DNMT1 were also considerably downregulated, and this effect was associated with significant upregulation of various proapoptotic genes including CASP3, TNF-α, CASP7, and CDKN1A (p21). Likewise, damaged DNA repair genes such as RAD51, RAD52, and DDB2 were also significantly downregulated. This study indicates that TIT3-induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities on HCC cells could involve several signaling pathways. Our results suggest that TIT3 might be a promising drug to treat HCC.