bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognose und Bewertung von Karstrisiken am Tunnel Albabstieg
Authors: Butscher Christoph , Wunderle Maximilian , Künemund Luisa , Blum Philipp
Published: January 2018

Um karstbedingten Risiken im Tunnelbau begegnen zu können, sollten Karsterscheinungen frühzeitig erkannt werden. Dabei sind Karstphänomene sowohl in ihrer Häufigkeit als auch in ihrer Intensität in Karstgebieten sehr heterogen verteilt. Die KarstALEA‐Methode geht davon aus, dass Karstrisiken in Karstgebieten jedoch nicht zufällig verteilt sind, sondern sich aus der Entwicklungsgeschichte des Karstsystems ergeben und durch eine Analyse der Faktoren, die die Karstbildung steuern, prognostiziert werden können. Dabei werden die Wahrscheinlichkeit, in verschiedenen Tunnelabschnitten auf einen Karsthohlraum zu stoßen, sowie die Eigenschaften der zu erwartenden Hohlräume beschrieben. Die KarstALEA‐Methode ist iterativ und gliedert sich in mehrere Etappen. Die vorliegende Arbeit konzentriert sich auf die zweite Etappe, die KarstALEA‐Erkundung. Sie zeigt eine Prognose von Karsterscheinungen anhand der Auswertung der Ausschreibungsunterlagen und die Bewertung der Karstrisiken, basierend auf der KarstALEA‐Methode am Beispiel des Tunnels Albabstieg auf der Neubaustrecke Wendlingen–Ulm der Deutschen Bahn. Die Ergebnisse der KarstALEA‐Methode werden mit den während des Baufortschritts angetroffenen Karsterscheinungen verglichen, die durch vortriebsbegleitende Erkundungsbohrungen und eine Kartierung der Ortsbrust ermittelt wurden. Die KarstALEA‐Methode erlaubte in diesem Fallbeispiel eine verbesserte und detailliertere Abschätzung der zu erwartenden Karstrisiken gegenüber einer Analyse der vor Baubeginn durchgeführten Erkundungsbohrungen und einer daraus erstellten stratigrafiebezogenen Prognose. Für einzelne Abschnitte wurde bspw. eine hohe Karströhrendichte richtig vorhergesagt, und die mit der Verkarstung einhergehenden Gefahrenbilder wurden überwiegend zutreffend charakterisiert. Die durch die KarstALEA‐Methode gewonnenen Erkenntnisse können somit die Planung des Bauvorhabens hinsichtlich einer Gefährdung durch Karsterscheinungen verbessern, indem z. B. verschiedene Varianten des Tunnelverlaufs hinsichtlich der zu erwartenden karstspezifischen Risiken miteinander verglichen werden können. Außerdem kann die Methode eine konventionelle Karsterkundung durch Bohrungen im Tunnel optimieren.
Accumulation conditions and prospective areas of shale gas in the Middle Jurassic Dameigou Formation, northern Qaidam Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Guo Tianxu , Ren Shoumai , Luo Xiaorong , Bao Shujing , Wang Shengjian , Zhou Zhi , Chen Xianglin , Li Haohan , Xu Qiufeng
Published: January 2018

The Qaidam Basin is one of the most resource‐rich onshore petroliferous basins in Northwest China. The Middle Jurassic Dameigou Formation crops out along the northern margin of the basin and consists of a sequence of lacustrine sedimentary units, including sets of thick, black shale unit. The shale gas exploration well CY1 had shown significant logging anomalies that have been interpreted to indicate the presence of shale gas. This gas signature well provides valuable shale rock and shale gas parameters that enabled the identification of three areas for future shale gas exploration in this region, namely, to the south‐east of Lenghu, in the area around Yuqia, and to the south‐east of Huaitoutala. This study presents new data for organic‐rich shale samples of the Dameigou Formation that were collected from boreholes and outcrops that enable the determination of some of the conditions of shale gas accumulation. The black shale unit within seventh interval of the Dameigou Formation is about 20 to 80 m thick. Its total organic carbon content is high (average of 2.62%), kerogen types are II1 and II2, and thermal maturity is mid to high (average Ro of 0.89%). It contains low abundances of brittle minerals and high abundances of clay minerals, micrometre to nanometre pore sizes, and high gas contents (average of 1.11 m3/t). These shale properties favour both shale gas generation and accumulation within the northern Qaidam Basin and are comparable to the properties of shales within shale gas fields in North America and elsewhere in China.
Petrogenesis of basalt from the middle Okinawa Trough: New insights from olivine‐hosted melt inclusions
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Zeng Zhigang , Wang Xiaoyuan , Chen Shuai , Ma Yao , Yang Huixin , Zhang Yuxiang , Chen Zuxing
Published: January 2018

Silicate melt inclusions (SMIs) in basalt from the middle Okinawa Trough are investigated in detail to understand the source geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of the basalt. The middle Okinawa Trough basalts contain abundant SMIs within olivine phenocrysts. The major element compositions of the SMIs are analysed using an electron microprobe. After correcting for olivine postentrapment crystallization, the major element compositions of the SMIs are more variable in terms of SiO2 (49.7–54.8 wt%) and MgO (5.1–7.2 wt%) than those of the host basalt (SiO2, 52.4 wt%; MgO, 5.7 wt%), which could indicate the existence of more primitive melts than erupted bulk rock. The major element compositions of the SMIs indicate that the SMI‐recorded melt evolution process was mainly dominated by the fractional crystallization of olivine. According to laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometer analyses, the trace element compositions of the SMIs are similar to those of the host bulk rock and feature obvious enrichment in Pb and large‐ion lithophile elements relative to high field strength elements, rare earth elements, and highly negative Nb and Ta anomalies. The low Ce/Pb ratios, high Pb contents, and trace element distribution patterns in the SMIs are related to contributions from subducted sedimentary components in the magma source. Based on the electron microprobe analyses, the chemical composition of the olivine suggests that the lithology of the basalt source may be pyroxenite. The basalts may have been generated by the partial melting of pyroxenite during interactions between mantle‐wedge peridotite and Si‐rich melts that were released from the subducted slab.
Infant sleeping arrangements, social criticism, and maternal distress in the first year
Authors: Shimizu Mina , Teti Douglas M.
Published: January 2018

The present study examined differences in social criticism and maternal distress and in household, maternal, and infant characteristics between families who co‐slept with their infants beyond 6 months and those who moved their infants to a separate room by 6 months. Data for infant sleeping arrangements, preferences for their sleeping arrangement choices, criticism, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and worries about infant sleep were collected from 103 European American mothers during the infant's first year. Mothers who co‐slept with their infants beyond 6 months (persistent co‐sleepers) were more likely than mothers who moved their infants to solitary sleep by 6 months to receive criticism and report depression and worry about infants' sleep behaviour, even after controlling for preference for the sleep arrangement they used. Interestingly, criticism was associated with maternal depression and worries only for persistent co‐sleeping mothers. Further, these mothers had lower income, reported greater space constraints; were younger, single, or unemployed; were less likely to have a Bachelor's degree; and were more likely to have infants with greater negative affectivity or problematic night waking, compared to mothers of solitary sleeping infants. Adherence to cultural norms regarding infant sleeping arrangements may be a strong predictor of social criticism and maternal well‐being.

Highlights

The present study examined differences in levels of criticism and maternal distress and in sample characteristics by infant sleep arrangements.

The covariance pattern models revealed that persistent co‐sleeping mothers reported greater social criticism, depressive symptoms, and worry about infants' sleep behaviour than mothers of solitary sleeping infants. Social criticism was associated with maternal depressive symptoms and worries only for mothers in the former group, consistent with the cultural model of sleep.

Co‐sleepers' household and maternal characteristics reported by past work may be most applicable to European American families. The European American families who persistently co‐slept with their infants in our study may be reactive co‐sleepers.
Biofluid spectroscopic disease diagnostics: A review on the processes and spectral impact of drying
Authors: Cameron James M. , Butler Holly J. , Palmer David S. , Baker Matthew J.
Published: January 2018

The complex patterns observed from evaporated liquid drops have been examined extensively over the last 20 years. Complete understanding of drop deposition is vital in many medical processes, and one which is essential to the translation of biofluid spectroscopic disease diagnostics. The promising use of spectroscopy in disease diagnosis has been hindered by the complicated patterns left by dried biological fluids which may inhibit the clinical translation of this technology. Coffee‐ring formation, cracking and gelation patterns have all been observed in biofluid drops, and with surface homogeneity being a key element to many spectroscopic techniques, experimental issues have been found to arise. A better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in a drying droplet could allow efficient progression in this research field, and ultimately benefit the population with the development of a reliable cancer diagnostic.
Regulatory effect of resveratrol and prednisolone on MDR1 gene expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (CCRF‐CEM): An epigenetic perspective
Authors: Zadi Heydarabad Milad , Nikasa Mina , Vatanmakanian Mousa , Azimi Ako , Farshdousti Hagh Majid
Published: January 2018

Chemotherapy is the most common method to treat leukemia as well as other types of human cancers. However, drug resistance has remained as the main challenge against the efficacy of treatments. Furthermore, having various adverse effects, chemotherapy drugs are becoming replaced by natural modalities for cancer therapy. In this regard, herbal components such as resveratrol and prednisolone have been identified to sensitize the leukemic cells to programmed cell death through a set of complex processes. In this study, we have examined DNA methylation on the human multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) as a well‐known marker for cellular drug resistance. We evaluated the effect of resveratrol and prednisolone on DNA methylation patterns of MDR1 gene promoter in the CCRF‐CEM cell line as a representative for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study was aimed to clarify whether the MDR1 gene expression is regulated via DNA promoter methylation as a potential underlying mechanism, following exposure to resveratrol and prednisolone. Our data revealed that despite a strong influence to down‐regulate the MDR1 expression, Resveratrol and Prednisolone did not alter the methylation pattern, suggesting other regulatory mechanisms in controlling the MDR1 expression in CCRF‐CEM cell line. Unchanged status of DNA methylation of MDR1 gene may suggest that Resveratrol and Prednisolone causes the gene expression changes through a distinct mechanism which requires further studies to be understood. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms beyond the regulation of the genes involved in cancer formation will help to design novel therapeutic strategies to fight the human cancers.
HMGB1‐induced inflammatory response promotes bone healing in murine tooth extraction socket
Authors: Aoyagi Hiroaki , Yamashiro Keisuke , Hirata‐Yoshihara Chiaki , Ideguchi Hidetaka , Yamasaki Mutsuyo , Kawamura Mari , Yamamoto Tadashi , Kochi Shinsuke , Wake Hidenori , Nishibori Masahiro , Takashiba Shogo
Published: January 2018

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a non‐histone DNA‐binding protein that is secreted into the extracellular milieu in response to inflammatory stimuli. The secreted HMGB1 has been suggested to mediate various inflammatory diseases. However, it is still unknown whether HMGB1 is involved in a healing process in the tooth extraction socket, the tissue containing gingival epithelium, and alveolar bone that is exposed to oral bacteria. In this study, we constructed a murine tooth extraction model with anti‐HMGB1 neutralization antibody administration and observed the inflammatory response and bone healing process in tooth extraction sockets by molecular imaging of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, histological analysis, and quantitative RT‐PCR. The translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in gingival epithelial cells and inflammatory cells was inhibited by anti‐HMGB1 antibody administration. The MPO activity around the tooth extraction socket was significantly reduced, and the numbers of CD31‐ and CD68‐positive cells were significantly lower in the anti‐HMGB1 antibody treatment samples than in the control samples. The TRAP‐positive cells, osteocalcin positive cells, and the neoplastic bone area were significantly lower in anti‐HMGB1 antibody treatment samples than in control samples. The expression levels of IL‐1β and VEGF‐A were also decreased in anti‐HMGB1 antibody treatment samples compared to that in control samples. Secreted HMGB1 induced initial acute inflammation and inflammatory cells recruitment after tooth extraction. HMGB1 was associated with angiogenesis and bone remodeling by osteoclast and osteoblast activation and promoted bone healing in the tooth extraction socket.
Searching for human oncoviruses: Histories, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Cao Jian , Li Dawei
Published: January 2018

Oncoviruses contribute significantly to cancer burden. A century of tumor virological studies have led to the discovery of seven well‐accepted human oncoviruses, cumulatively responsible for approximately 15% of human cancer cases. Virus‐caused cancers are largely preventable through vaccination. Identifying additional oncoviruses and virus‐caused tumors will advance cancer prevention and precision medicine, benefiting affected individuals, and society as a whole. The historic success of finding human oncoviruses has provided a unique lesson for directing new research efforts in the post‐sequencing era. Combing the experiences from these pioneer studies with emerging high‐throughput techniques will certainly accelerate new discovery and advance our knowledge of the remaining human oncoviruses.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐132 attenuates LPS‐induced inflammatory injury by targeting TRAF6 in neuronal cell line HT‐22
Authors: Ji Yang‐Fei , Wang Dan , Liu Yan‐Ru , Ma Xing‐Rong , Lu Hong , Zhang Bo‐Ai
Published: January 2018

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in the central nervous system. Inflammation disrupts the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), which is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis. This study was aimed to investigate the functional role of microRNA (miR)‐132 in hippocampal HT‐22 cells under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. In vitro cell inflammatory model was constructed by LPS stimulation. Inflammatory cell injury was evaluated according to the alterations of cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of inflammatory cytokines. Then, miR‐132 level after LPS treatment was assessed. Subsequently, miR‐132 was abnormally expressed after cell transfection, and the effects of miR‐132 on LPS‐induced cell inflammatory injury as well as phosphorylated levels of key kinases in the NF‐κB and MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK pathways were determined. The target gene of miR‐132 was virtually screened and verified, and whether miR‐132 affected HT‐22 cells under LPS stimulation through regulating the target gene was verified. The results showed that the level of miR‐132 was down‐regulated by LPS in HT‐22 cells, and the LPS‐induced inflammatory injury could be reduced by miR‐132 overexpression. Then, the phosphorylated levels of kinases in the NF‐κB and MEK/ERK pathways were decreased by miR‐132 overexpression. Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) was predicted and verified to be a target of miR‐132. Moreover, the alterations induced by miR‐132 overexpression in the LPS‐treated HT‐22 cells were abrogated by TRAF6 overexpression. Therefore, we drew the conclusion that LPS down‐regulated miR‐132 and miR‐132 attenuated LPS‐induced inflammatory cell injury by targeting TRAF6, along with the inhibition of the NF‐κB and MEK/ERK pathways.
Neural regulation of bone remodeling: Identifying novel neural molecules and pathways between brain and bone
Authors: Huang Shishu , Li Zhenxia , Liu Yunhui , Gao Dashuang , Zhang Xinzhou , Hao Jin , Yang Fan
Published: January 2018

The metabolism and homeostasis of the skeletal system have historically been considered to be associated with the endocrine system. However, this view has been expanded with the recognition of several neural pathways playing important roles in the regulation of bone metabolism via central relays. In particular, bone metabolism and homeostasis have been reported to be precisely modulated by the central neural signaling. Initiated by the finding of leptin, the axis of neural regulation on bone expands rapidly. The semaphorin–plexin system plays an important role in the cross‐talk between osteoclasts and osteoblasts; a complex system has also been identified and includes neuropeptide Y and cannabinoids. These findings facilitate our understanding of the central neuropeptides and neural factors in the modulation of bone metabolism and homeostasis, and these neuronal pathways also represent an area of research scenario that identifies the novel regulation between brain and bone. These regulatory mechanisms correlate with other homeostatic networks and demonstrate a more intricate and synergetic bone biology than previously envisioned. As such, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the neural regulation of bone metabolism and homeostasis, as well as its role in skeletal diseases and discusses the emerging challenges presented in this field.
Trauma induced heterotopic ossification patient serum alters mitogen activated protein kinase signaling in adipose stem cells
Authors: Martin Elizabeth C. , Qureshi Ammar T. , Llamas Claire B. , Boos Elaine C. , King Andrew G. , Krause Peter C. , Lee Olivia C. , Dasa Vinod , Freitas Michael A. , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Elster Eric A. , Davis Thomas A. , Gimble J. M.
Published: January 2018

Post‐traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of ectopic bone in non‐osseous structures following injury. The precise mechanism for bone development following trauma is unknown; however, early onset of HO may involve the production of pro‐osteogenic serum factors. Here we evaluated serum from a cohort of civilian and military patients post trauma to determine early induction gene signatures in orthopaedic trauma induced HO. To test this, human adipose derived stromal/stem cells (hASCs) were stimulated with human serum from patients who developed HO following trauma and evaluated for a gene panel with qPCR. Pathway gene analysis ontology revealed that hASCs stimulated with serum from patients who developed HO had altered gene expression in the activator protein 1 (AP1) and AP1 transcriptional targets pathways. Notably, there was a significant repression in FOS gene expression in hASCs treated with serum from individuals with HO. Furthermore, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was activated in hASCs following serum exposure from individuals with HO. Serum from both military and civilian patients with trauma induced HO had elevated downstream genes associated with the MAPK pathways. Stimulation of hASCs with known regulators of osteogenesis (BMP2, IL6, Forskolin, and WNT3A) failed to recapitulate the gene signature observed in hASCs following serum stimulation, suggesting non‐canonical mechanisms for gene regulation in trauma induced HO. These findings provide new insight for the development of HO and support ongoing work linking the systemic response to injury with wound specific outcomes.
Soluble CD14, CD163, and CD27 biomarkers distinguish ART-suppressed youth living with HIV from healthy controls
Authors: Williams Julie C , Zhang Xinrui , Karki Manju , Chi Yueh-Yun , Wallet Shannon M , Rudy Bret J , Nichols Sharon L , Goodenow Maureen M , Sleasman John W
Published: January 2018

Objective

To define inflammatory pathways in youth living with HIV infection (YLWH), assessments of biomarkers associated with lymphocyte and macrophage activation, vascular injury, or bone metabolism were performed in YLWH in comparison with healthy controls (HC).

Design

Longitudinal multicenter study comparing biomarkers in YLWH suppressed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), those with ongoing viral replication, and HC were compared using single blood samples obtained at end of study.

Methods

Twenty-three plasma proteins were measured by ELISA or multiplex assays. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define contributions of individual biomarkers to define outcome groups.

Results

The study cohort included 129 predominantly African American, male participants, 21–25 years old at entry. Nine biomarkers of lymphocyte and macrophage activation and cardiovascular injury differed between HC and YLWH. Significant positive correlations were identified between lymphocyte and macrophage activation biomarkers among HC and YLWH. Correlations distinct to YLWH were predominantly between biomarkers of macrophage and vascular inflammation. PCA of outcome groups showed HC and suppressed YLWH clustering together for lymphocyte activation biomarkers, whereas macrophage activation markers showed all YLWH clustering distinct from HC. Cardiovascular biomarkers were indistinguishable across groups. Averaged variable importance projection to assess single biomarkers that maximally contribute to discriminate among outcome groups identified soluble CD27, CD14, and CD163 as the 3 most important with TNFα and LPS also highly relevant in providing separation.

Conclusions

Soluble inflammatory and lymphocyte biomarkers sufficiently distinguish YLWH from HC. Persistent macrophage activation biomarkers may provide a means to monitor consequences of HIV infection in fully suppressed YLWH.
Understanding fibrosis in eosinophilic esophagitis: Are we there yet?
Authors: Armbruster-Lee Jennifer , Cavender Cary P , Lieberman Jay A , Samarasinghe Amali E
Published: January 2018

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune/antigen-mediated, progressive fibrostenotic disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and abnormal eosinophilic infiltration in the esophagus. Despite current treatment modalities of dietary antigen elimination or topical corticosteroids, a subset of patients do not have clinical or histologic response. Even with resolution of superficial epithelial eosinophilia, patients may still have progressive subepithelial fibrosis, which may lead to esophageal strictures over time. Histologic identification of subepithelial fibrosis requires deep esophageal biopsies, which are not routinely obtained. Herein, we review the challenges in diagnosing and treating fibrosis in EoE. We propose the novel concept of vitamin D supplementation to treat fibrosis in EoE through downregulation of profibrotic mediator, transforming growth factor-beta.

Transforming growth factor-beta, a central mediator in esophageal remodeling in eosinophilic esophagitis, may be downregulated by vitamin D.
HRM bundles and organizational trust
Authors: Ahteela Riikka , Vanhala Mika
Published: January 2018

According to the resource‐based view of the firm, a firm can be competitive only if its resources are unique and valuable. Therefore, the good functioning of the internal organization, including good human resource management (HRM) and high levels of trust, is considered to be a strategic issue and a critical source of competitiveness. It is also said that one of the growing challenges for HRM is to build a positive cycle of trust in the organization. This study aims to show the effects of HRM bundles, also known as HRM clusters, on various dimensions of organizational trust (interpersonal and impersonal). Confirmatory factor analysis, cluster analysis, and analysis of variance are used to analyze data from 14 organizational units in the information and communication technology and forest industries in Finland. The major finding is that among all the dimensions of organizational trust, only trust in other employees' competence and benevolence differs among the three HRM clusters.
Yellowstone Lake Coring Projects: Research with a History
Authors: Spanbauer Trisha L. , Brown Sabrina R. , Cartier Rosine , Conley Daniel J. , Fritz Sherilyn C. , Schiller Christopher M. , Theriot Edward C. , Whitlock Cathy , Zahajská Petra
Published: January 2018

The Yellowstone National Park ecosystem is a product of dynamic earth system processes, which have been of interest to scientists and the public since the park's discovery. Here, we outline the history of two successive generations of scientific collaboration in Yellowstone National Park. Early collaboration was spurred by the discovery of an unknown diatom species found in Yellowstone Lake. This prompted the first coring project in 1992 that described the morphological evolution of that species and the paleoenvironmental conditions during which it evolved. About twenty years later, the group was brought together again, with the addition of early career scientists, for a coring project focused on hydrothermal activity in the Yellowstone Lake basin. We discuss the ongoing research and analyses of core material, and conclude with the benefits of working in multigenerational interdisciplinary research groups.
Local fractional analytical methods for solving wave equations with local fractional derivative
Authors: Hemeda A. A. , Eladdad E. E. , Lairje I. A.
Published: January 2018

In this article, we introduce the local fractional integral iterative method and the local fractional new iterative method for solving the local fractional differential equations. Also, we perform a comparison between the results obtained by these 2 local fractional methods with the results obtained by some other local fractional methods. The obtained results illustrate the significant features of the 2 methods that are both very effective and straightforward for solving the differential equations with local fractional derivative compared with the other local fractional methods.
Energy decay estimates and infinite blow‐up phenomena for a strongly damped semilinear wave equation with logarithmic nonlinear source
Authors: Ma Lingwei , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with the energy decay estimates and infinite blow‐up phenomena for a strongly damped semilinear wave equation with logarithmic nonlinear source term under null Dirichlet boundary condition. By constructing a new family of potential wells, together with logarithmic Sobolev inequality and perturbation energy technique, we establish sufficient conditions to guarantee the solution exists globally or occurs infinite blow‐up and derive the polynomial or exponential energy decay estimates under some appropriate conditions.
BCAA Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity – Dysregulated by Metabolic Status?
Authors: Gannon Nicholas P. , Schnuck Jamie K. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: January 2018

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) appear to influence several synthetic and catabolic cellular signaling cascades leading to altered phenotypes in mammals. BCAAs are most notably known to increase protein synthesis through modulating protein translation, explaining their appeal to resistance and endurance athletes for muscle hypertrophy, expedited recovery, and preservation of lean body mass. In addition to anabolic effects, BCAAs may increase mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle and adipocytes, possibly enhancing oxidative capacity. However, elevated circulating BCAA levels have been correlated with severity of insulin resistance. It is hypothesized that elevated circulating BCAAs observed in insulin resistance may result from dysregulated BCAA degradation. This review summarizes original reports that investigated the ability of BCAAs to alter glucose uptake in consequential cell types and experimental models. The review also discusses the interplay of BCAAs with other metabolic factors, and the role of excess lipid (and possibly energy excess) in the dysregulation of BCAA catabolism. Lastly, this article provides a working hypothesis of the mechanism(s) by which lipids may contribute to altered BCAA catabolism, which often accompanies metabolic disease.
Technical Note: Feasibility study of titanium markers in choroidal melanoma localization for proton beam radiation therapy
Authors: Daftari Inder K. , Quivey Jeanne M. , Chang Jennifer S. , Mishra Kavita K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of the use of titanium fiducial markers to minimize the metallic artifact seen with tantalum markers which causes significant distortion on postoperative orbital CT scans.

Method

We designed and constructed the titanium markers in the shop of Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, UC Davis, CA. The markers were placed on an eyeball phantom. The eyeball was inserted into the Rando phantom in the orbital space. The Rando phantom was imaged with coplanar x rays on Nucletron simulator at UCSF, on digital panel on the eye beam line at CNL eye treatment facility and on CT scanner at UCSF.

Results

The titanium markers can be clearly seen on the hard copy of x rays and on digital panel. The CT scan of an orbit using tantalum markers on the right eye and titanium markers on the left eye shows the metal artifact from tantalum markers. Titanium markers show very little distortion on CT images.

Conclusion

The present study describes these markers and their relative benefit in comparison with tantalum marker, which has been used for localizing ocular tumor for decades.
Upregulation of Foreign Body Response in Obese Mice
Authors: Orellano Laura Alejandra Ariza , de Almeida Simone Aparecida , Pereira Luciana Xavier , Couto Letícia Chinait , de Lazari Marcela Guimarães Takahashi , Viana Celso Tarso Rodrigues , Andrade Silvia Passos , Campos Paula Peixoto
Published: January 2018

Objective

Obesity is a highly prevalent multifactorial metabolic condition in which the need for functional bioengineered substitutes (e.g., scaffolds for tissue engineering) is likely to occur. However, the adverse foreign body response (FBR) that invariably takes place adjacent to implant devices impairing their function is poorly characterized in this condition. This study investigated the influence of obesity on the host response to a synthetic matrix implanted subcutaneously in high‐fat‐fed obese mice.

Methods

Histological analysis of 14‐day‐old implants was performed to identify collagen deposition, capsule thickness, fibroblast‐like cells, foreign body giant cells, and mast cells. In addition, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) levels in the implants and serum were determined.

Results

All fibrogenic markers (and TGF‐β1 levels) increased in the implants of obese mice compared with their nonobese counterparts. Particularly relevant was the fibrous capsule thickness in implants of obese mice (234.2 ± 22.1 µm vs. 109.2 ± 13.4 µm in implants of nonobese animals).

Conclusions

The study results showing that obesity upregulates the main features of the FBR induced by subcutaneous implants in mice may be relevant in understanding biomaterial integration and performance in this condition. This is crucial to the development of strategies to maintain the integrity and function of implantable devices.
The Safety and Efficacy of Low‐Dose Naltrexone in the Management of Chronic Pain and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, and Other Chronic Pain Disorders
Authors: Patten Denise K. , Schultz Bob G. , Berlau Daniel J.
Published: January 2018

Chronic inflammatory diseases are complex to treat and have an impact on a large number of patients. Due to the difficulty of treating these diseases and the great impact on quality of life, patients often seek off‐label, complimentary, or alternative medicines to gain relief from symptoms. Low‐dose naltrexone has been used off‐label for treatment of pain and inflammation in multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and other diseases. Naltrexone is a mu‐opioid receptor antagonist indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for opioid and alcohol dependence. It is hypothesized that lower than standard doses of naltrexone inhibit cellular proliferation of T and B cells and block Toll‐like receptor 4, resulting in an analgesic and antiinflammatory effect. It is the purpose of this review to examine the evidence of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of low‐dose naltrexone for use in chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. Currently, evidence supports the safety and tolerability of low‐dose naltrexone in multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Crohn's disease. Fewer studies support the efficacy of low‐dose naltrexone, with most of these focusing on subjective measures such as quality of life or self‐reported pain. These studies do demonstrate that low‐dose naltrexone has subjective benefits over placebo, but evidence for more objective measures is limited. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the efficacy of low‐dose naltrexone due to insufficient evidence supporting its use in these disease states. This review provides practitioners with the extent of low‐dose naltrexone evidence so that they can be cognizant of situations where it may not be the most appropriate therapy.
Evaluation of pulmonary reexpansion in a porcine model of bronchial foreign body
Authors: Wang Saibin , Tu Junwei , Song Yong
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study was designed to establish a porcine model of reversible obstruction of endobronchial foreign body (FB) and to assess the natural pulmonary reexpansion process using radiology and histopathology after removal of the bronchial FB.

Methods

A metal stent was placed in the right lower lobe bronchial lumen of 15 pigs by bronchoscopy and removed after 2 weeks of stent retention. Animals were divided into two groups (group I and II), based on when they were sacrificed (week 2 or week 4) after stent removal. Pigs underwent computerized tomography scan to document pulmonary radiological changes. The lungs were harvested for electron microscopy examination, and the expression of pulmonary surfactant‐associated protein A (SPA) was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Thirteen (86.7%) animals successfully responded to the intervention. Atelectasis was formed by stent implantation within 2 weeks. The ratio of the residual atelectasis area was smaller in group II compared to that in group I (P < 0.01). The histological manifestations of experimental lungs were significantly improved in group II. Moreover, the expression of SPA in group II was higher compared to that in group I (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

We have established a model of reversible bronchial FB obstruction in pigs that is both feasible and appropriate for evaluating the long‐term process of pulmonary reexpansion after removal of FB. Bronchial metal FB retention for a period of 2 weeks could form atelectasis, and a natural pulmonary recovery process related to atelectasis takes approximately 4 weeks after removal of metal FB.
Large reductions in pesticides made possible by use of an insect‐trapping lamp: a case study in a winter wheat‐summer maize rotation system
Authors: Guo Liyue , Muminov Mahmud Abdimuratovich , Wu Guanglei , Liang Xiaotian , Li Caihong , Meng Jie , Li Lijun , Cheng Da , Song Yanjie , Gu Xian , Zhao Jianshe , Jiang Gaoming
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Increasing attention is being paid to physical methods to control pests such as insect trapping. In order to examine how pesticides can reasonably be combined with the use of an insect‐trapping lamp and by how much this can reduce the amount of pesticide used, five treatments were applied to a winter wheat–summer maize rotation system in eastern China: a treatment in which only pesticides were used; a treatment with only insect‐trapping lamps; insect‐trapping lamps plus one application of pesticides; insect‐trapping lamps plus two applications of pesticides; insect‐trapping lamps plus three applications of pesticides.

RESULTS

The results showed that, when pesticides were reduced by 25–35%, the insect‐trapping lamps controlled the insect population well and yields were not decreased but were actually increased, with pesticides being applied only at 2 days before winter wheat planting, at winter wheat flowering and at the big flare stage of summer maize. Reducing pesticides by 35–65% had no adverse effect on crop yields, and thus had the potential to reduce the costs of pest control and produce the greatest economic benefit. When no pesticides were used in the insect‐trapping lamp control area, the annual yield was still >15 t hm‐2.

CONCLUSION

If pesticides are used in a timely fashion and at the appropriate stage, their use may be greatly reduced with the help of an insect‐trapping lamp. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Comparative Study of GaN‐Based Direct Current and Alternating Current High Voltage Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhou Shengjun , Gao Yilin , Zheng Chenju , Liu Yingce , Hu Hongpo , Lv Jiajiang , Liu Xingtong
Published: January 2018

In this work, one type of direct current high voltage light‐emitting diode (DC‐HV LED) and six types of alternating current high voltage LEDs (AC‐HV LEDs) are demonstrated. Comparative current‐voltage (I–V) and light output power (LOP)‐current (L‐I) characteristics are performed between 24 V DC‐HV LED and 24 V AC‐HV LEDs with eight working cells. The AC‐HV LED has relatively larger wall‐plug efficiency (WPE) than DC‐HV LED over a current density range from 0 to 152 A cm−2. The effect of the layouts on the optical and electrical properties of AC‐HV LEDs is further investigated. Owing to larger heat dissipation area and fewer number of chips, our combined numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the AC‐HV LED I has a more favorable current spreading uniformity compared to other AC‐HV LEDs. In addition, it is found that the LOP of AC‐HV LEDs is dependent on both the number of working cells and the ratio of radiation area to total chip area. Larger ratio of light emission area to total chip area can be obtained by decreasing the area of rectifier cells. Therefore, in order to achieve a much higher LOP, AC‐HV LEDs have to be designed with smaller area of rectifier cells and with more working cells simultaneously.
Paris saponin VII induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by regulating Akt/MAPK pathway and inhibition of P‐glycoprotein in K562/ADR cells
Authors: Yan Ting , Hu Gaosheng , Wang Anhua , Sun Xianduo , Yu Xiangyong , Jia Jingming
Published: January 2018

Paris saponinVII (PSVII) is a steroidal saponin isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. We found that PSVII could inhibit the growth of adriamycin‐resistant human leukemia cells (K562/ADR) in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity and downregulation of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) expression by PSVII was clarified. PSVII significantly suppressed cell proliferation by cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, which was associated with an obvious decrease in cyclin B1/D1 and CDK2/4/6 protein expression. Moreover, PSVII could attenuate mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins, such as Bax and cytochrome c, and decrease the protein expression levels of Bcl‐2, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, PARP‐1, and p‐Akt. We also found that JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 were regulated by PSVII in K562/ADR cells. And further studies indicated that the decrease in the reactive oxygen species level inhibited intrinsic P‐gp expression. Therefore, PSVII‐induced apoptosis in K562/ADR cells was associated with Akt/MAPK and the inhibition of P‐gp. In addition, PSVII induced a robust autophagy in K562/ADR cells as demonstrated by the degradation of LC3‐I. These results provide a biochemical basis for possible clinical applications of PSVII in the treatment of leukemia.
Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Pangesti Krisna N.A. , Abd El Ghany Moataz , Walsh Michael G. , Kesson Alison M. , Hill‐Cawthorne Grant A.
Published: January 2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of viral acute respiratory tract infections in young children. The virus is characterised by distinct seasonality that is dependent upon the latitude and its ability to cause reinfection. Respiratory syncytial virus demonstrates a complex molecular epidemiology pattern as multiple strains and/or genotypes cocirculate during a single epidemic. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between RSV genetic diversity, reinfection, and clinical features. Here, we review the evidence behind this relationship together with the impact that the advancement of whole genome sequencing will have upon our understanding and the need for reconsidering the classification of RSV genotypes.
Modelling upstream fish passage in standard box culverts: Interplay between turbulence, fish kinematics, and energetics
Authors: Wang H. , Chanson H.
Published: January 2018

Box culverts are common hydraulic structures along rivers and streams, in rural and urban water systems. The expertise in fish‐friendly culvert design is limited, sometimes leading to adverse impact on the catchment ecosystem or to uneconomical structures. Basic dimensional considerations highlight a number of key parameters relevant to any laboratory modelling of upstream fish passage, including the ratio of fish speed fluctuations to fluid velocity fluctuations, the ratios of fish dimensions to turbulent length scale, and the fish species. Alternately, the equation of conservation of momentum may be applied to an individual fish, yielding some deterministic estimate of instantaneous thrust and power expended during fish swimming, including the associated energy consumption. The rate of work required by the fish to deliver thrust is proportional to the cube of the local fluid velocity, and the model results demonstrate the key role of slow‐velocity regions in which fish will minimize their energy consumption when swimming upstream.
Synthesis of Porphyrin‐Appended Poly(fluorene‐alt‐triphenylamine)s: Effect of Appending Groups on Optical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Sannasi Veeman , Jeyakumar Duraisamy
Published: January 2018

Series of poly(fluorene‐alt‐triphenylamine)s having 5 and 10% equivalent of porphyrin appended through oxyethylene spacer in carbazole and aldehyde as side chain in triphenylamine unit (P2‐P5 CHO) were synthesized using Suzuki polycondensation. The synthesized polymers were compared with their parent polymer (P1 CHO). The effect of side chains in polymer backbone was studied by using aldehyde and dicyanomethane as side chain in triphenylamine moiety of polymer. Further, the role of spatial arrangement of appended porphyrin group on the polymer's optical and electrochemical properties was also studied. Thermal studies of the polymers showed that, these polymers were thermally stable up to 200 °C. Optical absorption studies of the porphyrin appended polymers showed absorption maxima at around 301 nm, 375 nm, and 421 nm with Q bands of porphyrin. As thin film, photoluminescence emission studies of the polymers showed emission maxima at around 650 and 719 nm. Electrochemical study reveals that m‐phenyloxy trisphenylporphyrin appended polymers showed HOMO energy level at around −5.45 eV and LUMO energy level at around −3.45 eV. While, p‐phenyloxy trisphenylporphyrin appended polymers showed a marginal shift in HOMO and LUMO energy levels. Photovoltaic studies of the porphyrin appended polymer showed up to 0.1% power conversion efficiency with an open circuit voltage of 0.76 V and the details are reported.
Production and Characterization of Bio‐Oil by Pyrolysis of Mahua De‐Oiled Seed Cake
Authors: Mulimani Hanumanth V. , Navindgi Mallinath C.
Published: January 2018

The focus of this paper is to analyse the de‐oiled seed cake of madhuca indica (mahua) to produce bio‐oil by pyrolysis process, carry the characterisation of bio‐oil and use a simple economical method for utilization in diesel engine. The suitability of de‐oiled seed cake is analysed by proximate and ultimate analysis, TGA and FTIR, which reveals that the de‐oiled seed cake could be a viable option of energy source. The maximum yield of bio‐oil obtained was 38.6%, for the particles size of 0.85–1.25 mm at an optimum temperature of 450 °C with the heating rate of 20 °C/min. The characterisation of bio‐oil is done by density, viscosity, calorific value, flash point, moisture and ash content. The characterisation revealed that the bio‐oil obtained by pyrolysis process can′t be directly used in diesel engines as it is immiscible with petroleum products; hence the miscibility study of bio‐oil with diesel is carried out by emulsification. Tween 20 is used as a surfactant and diethylether is used as an cetane improver so that it can be used as an alternative fuel.
Photodegradation of Eosin Yellow Dye in Water under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation Using La–Doped ZnO Nanostructure Decorated on Graphene Oxide as an Advanced Photocatalyst
Authors: Oppong Samuel Osei‐Bonsu , Anku William Wilson , Opoku Francis , Shukla Sudheesh Kumar , Govender Penny Poomani
Published: January 2018

Organic pollutants from the industries and anthropogenic sources pose severe problems to both the environment and human health. Hence, there is the need to eliminate these pollutants from our water bodies, as safe drinking water is a major prerequisite for healthy life and also as precious resources for human civilisation. In this study, a photocatalyst (La‐ZnO‐GO) with improved photocatalytic properties is synthesised using co‐precipitation approach. The photocatalytic activities, morphologies and structures of the photocatalyst are investigated by means of advanced technologies such as Ultraviolet‐Visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy. Under visible light irradiation, Eosin Yellow (EY) dye was used to calculate the photocatalytic behaviour of La‐ZnO‐GO composite. The photocatalytic outcome shows that the 0.3% La‐ZnO‐GO photocatalyst displayed a better photoactivity towards the degradation of organic pollutant. This effective photodegradation of EY dye solution is ascribed to the mutual effect of La and graphene oxide, as well as the improved visible light absorbance and the separation of electron‐hole pairs. The total organic carbon result shows a significant mineralisation of EY dye, which drops the formation of potentially harmful degradation by‐products. The stability results show a recyclability of the 0.3% La‐ZnO‐GO composites with 89% degradation efficiency after the five (5) cycles.
Magnetic Bisphosphonic Acid Nanohybrid Catalyzed Heterogeneous Synthesis of Heterocylcles
Authors: Farrokhi Alireza , Jafarpour Maasoumeh , Feizpour Fahimeh
Published: January 2018

A novel inorganic‐organic hybrid nanocomposite (PBA@SMNP) was synthesized by functionalization of starch‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles with bisposphonic acid. The particles were characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA and VSM. TEM images demonstrate a quasispherical particle shape for the as‐synthesized nanocomposite with an average diameter of 11 nm. The phosphonic acid functionalized nanoparticles catalysed the synthesis of quinoxaline and benzimidazole derivatives in ethanol. This catalytic system has an extensive substrate domain, and is eco‐friendly and cost effective. The heterogeneity of system with simple work‐up procedure that uses a green solvent are the advantages of the present high yielding protocol. More importantly, the catalyst is readily removed from the reaction medium with an external magnet and can be retrieved several times without any loss of efficiency.