bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlobular hyaline arteriopathy reflects severe arteriolopathy in renal allografts
Authors: Oguchi Hideyo , Sakai Ken , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Mikami Tetuo , Nemoto Tetsuo , Ohashi Yasushi , Kawamura Takeshi , Muramatsu Masaki , Itabashi Yoshihiro , Shinoda Kazunobu , Hyodo Yoji , Takahashi Yusuke , Kawaguchi Yuki , Onishi Hiroka , Hamasaki Yuko , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Shishido Seiichiro
Published: July 2018

Aim

The present study was performed to examine the clinicopathological significance of hyaline deposits in the smooth muscle of the interlobular artery (interlobular hyaline arteriopathy [IHA]) in renal allografts.

Methods

Tissue specimens that included the interlobular artery from biopsies performed from January 2012 to December 2015, as well as specimens from biopsies performed ≥1 year after living kidney transplantation were analyzed. Biopsies of recipients with new‐onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation were excluded, as well as those of recipients who had undergone transplantation because of diabetic nephropathy. Arteriolopathy was evaluated using the aah score determined by the Banff 2007 classification.

Results

In total, 51 specimens with IHA lesions were identified among 381 biopsies obtained from 243 recipients performed ≥1 year after kidney transplantation. Among these 51 biopsies, 18 specimens had a score of aah3, 29 had a score of aah2, and four had a score of aah1. The incidence of IHA lesions was 3.6% at ≥1 to <4 years, 18.5% at ≥4 to <8 years, and 54.1% at ≥8 years. Older kidney grafts exhibited more IHA lesions. Among the biopsy specimens obtained ≥8 years after transplantation, no significant differences in the recipient or donor age, duration after transplantation, or prevalence of hypertension were observed between the IHA and non‐IHA groups. The aah scores were significantly higher in the IHA group ≥8 years after transplantation as determined by the mean score test (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

IHA in renal allografts is associated with severe arteriolopathy.
Viral infections directly involved in kidney allograft function
Authors: Masutani Kosuke
Published: July 2018

Modern immunosuppressive therapy has dramatically reduced the incidence of acute rejection and improved graft survival in kidney transplant patients. However, infectious complications remain an important issue. Amongst the various pathogens, viruses such as adenovirus and polyomavirus BK can directly cause acute or chronic graft dysfunction. Adenovirus mainly causes haemorrhagic cystitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis in kidney transplant patients. While patients show apparent clinical symptoms such as fever, dysuria, gross haematuria, frequency and urgency of urination, and most patients show acute graft dysfunction, these symptoms and graft dysfunction are reversible. Polyomavirus BK infection, however, is asymptomatic but graft outcome is poor if the patient develops tissue‐invasive nephropathy confirmed by graft biopsy. Recently, an attempt to create a pathological classification for predicting the clinical course has been made by the Banff Working Group on Polyomavirus Nephropathy. With regards to treatment, the basic strategy is a reduction of calcineurin inhibitor and/or antimetabolites, and the effectiveness of several adjunct treatments has been investigated in several clinical trials. There are other unresolved issues, such as the diagnosis of subsequent acute rejection, the definition of remission, methods of resuming immunosuppression and long‐term follow‐up. Most of all, development of effective vaccines and novel drug discovery are necessary to prevent the development and progression of BKV‐associated nephropathy.
Antibiotics alter the window of competence for natural transformation in streptococci
Authors: Sturød K. , Salvadori G. , Junges R. , Petersen F.C.
Published: July 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae transformation occurs within a short competence window, during which the alternative sigma factor X (SigX) is activated to orchestrate the expression of genes allowing extracellular DNA uptake and recombination. Importantly, antibiotic stress promotes transcriptional changes that may affect more than 20% of the S. pneumoniae genome, including competence genes. These can be activated or repressed, depending on the antibiotic agent. For most antibiotics, however, it remains unknown whether transcriptional effects on competence translate into altered transformability. Here we investigate the effect of antibiotic subinhibitory concentrations on sigX expression using a luciferase reporter, and correlate for the first time with transformation kinetics. Induction of sigX expression by ciprofloxacin and novobiocin correlated with increased and prolonged transformability in S. pneumoniae. The prolonged effect of ciprofloxacin on competence and transformation was also observed in the streptococcal relatives Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus mutans. In contrast, tetracycline and erythromycin, which induced S. pneumoniae sigX expression, had either an inhibitory or a nonsignificant effect on transformation, whereas streptomycin and the β‐lactam ampicillin, inhibited both sigX expression and transformation. Thus, the results show that antibiotics may vary in their effects on competence, ranging from inhibitory to stimulatory effects, and that responses affecting transcription of sigX do not always correlate with the transformation outcomes. Antibiotics that increase or decrease transformation are of particular clinical relevance, as they may alter the ability of S. pneumoniae to escape vaccines and antibiotics.
Inflammation Due to Voriconazole‐induced Photosensitivity Enhanced Skin Phototumorigenesis in Xpa‐knockout Mice
Authors: Kunisada Makoto , Yamano Nozomi , Hosaka Chieko , Takemori Chihiro , Nishigori Chikako
Published: July 2018

Voriconazole is an antifungal agent and used as a prophylactic measure, especially in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been several reports of its adverse reactions, namely photosensitivity with intense inflammatory rashes and subsequent skin cancer development. To assess the effects of photosensitizing drugs voriconazole and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on the enhancement of UV‐induced inflammatory responses and UV‐induced tumorigenesis, we utilized Xpa‐knockout mice, which is DNA repair‐deficient and more susceptible to UV‐induced inflammation and tumor development than wild‐type mice. Administration of voriconazole prior to broadband UVB exposure significantly upregulated multiple inflammatory cytokines compared with the vehicle‐ or HCTZ‐administered groups. Voriconazole administration along with chronic UVB exposure produced significantly higher number of skin tumors than HCTZ or vehicle in Xpa‐knockout mice. Furthermore, the investigation of UVB‐induced DNA damage using embryonic fibroblasts of Xpa‐knockout mice revealed a significantly higher 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine level in cells treated with voriconazole N‐oxide, a voriconazole‐metabolite during UV exposure. The data suggest that voriconazole plus UVB‐induced inflammatory response may be related to voriconazole‐induced skin phototumorigenesis.
Soil erosion alters soil chemical properties and limits grassland plant establishment on an oceanic island even after goat eradication
Authors: Hata Kenji , Osawa Takeshi , Hiradate Syuntaro , Kachi Naoki
Published: July 2018

Soil erosion after vegetation degradation induced by disturbance by feral goats, an invasive mammal, can lead to loss or accumulation of soil at a local scale and can alter soil chemical properties. This alteration of soil properties can in turn affect the establishment of plant species. We evaluated relationships among the extent of soil erosion, soil chemical properties, and the distribution of plant species in grassland ecosystems after goat eradication on Nakodo‐jima Island in the northwestern Pacific. In 105 1 × 1–m quadrats, changes were measured in the position of topsoil over 2 years. Surface soils were sampled for analysis of chemical properties, and plant species in the quadrat were recorded. Changes in the position of topsoil were related to the area of bare ground. Soil loss occurred at sites where areas of bare ground were extremely large. Significantly higher values of soil exchange acidity and smaller amounts of available phosphorus, total carbon, and total nitrogen were detected in soils at sites with large soil losses. Most of the 11 dominant plant species were absent from sites with large losses of soil. The presence of eight species was significantly negatively related to soil exchange acidity, and three species were significantly positively related to available phosphorus. Our results indicated that exposure of subsoils at the soil surface after vegetation degradation can increase soil loss, which can alter soil chemical properties, and this alteration can continue to limit the establishment of plant species, even long after goat eradication.
Effects of Interval Aerobic Training Program with Recovery bouts on cardiorespiratory and endurance fitness in seniors
Authors: Bouaziz Walid , Schmitt Elise , Vogel Thomas , Lefebvre François , Remetter Romain , Lonsdorfer Evelyne , Leprêtre Pierre‐Marie , Kaltenbach Georges , Geny Bernard , Lang Pierre‐Olivier
Published: July 2018

Interval aerobic training programs (IATP) improve cardiorespiratory and endurance parameters. They are, however, unsuitable to seniors as frequently associated with occurrence of exhaustion and muscle pain. The purpose of this study was to measure the benefits of an IATP designed with recovery bouts (IATP‐R) in terms of cardiorespiratory and endurance parameters and its acceptability among seniors (≥70 years). Sedentary healthy volunteers were randomly assigned either to IATP‐R or sedentary lifestyle. All participants performed an incremental cycle exercise and 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) at baseline and 9.5 weeks later. The first ventilatory threshold (VT1); maximal tolerated power (MTP); peak of oxygen uptake (VO2peak); maximal heart rate (HRmax); and distance walked at 6‐MWT were thus measured. IATP‐R consisted of 19 sessions of 30‐minute (6 × 4‐min at VT1 + 1‐minute at 40% of VT1) cycling exercise over 9.5 weeks. With an adherence rate of 94.7% without any significant adverse events, 9.5 weeks of IATP‐R, compared to controls, enhanced endurance (VT1: +18.3 vs −4.6%; HR at baseline VT1: −5.9 vs +0.2%) and cardiorespiratory parameters (VO2peak: +14.1 vs −2.7%; HRmax: +1.6 vs −1.7%; MTP: +19.2 vs −2.3%). The walk distance at the 6‐MWT was also significantly lengthened (+11.6 vs. −3.1%). While these findings resulted from an interim analysis planned when 30 volunteers were enrolled in both groups, IATP‐R appeared as effective, safe, and applicable among sedentary healthy seniors. These characteristics are decisive for exercise training prescription and adherence.
Left ventricular function during exercise in trained pre‐adolescent soccer players
Authors: Unnithan Viswanath B. , Rowland Thomas W. , George Keith , Lord Rachel , Oxborough David
Published: July 2018

It is unclear, what the underlying cardiovascular mechanisms are that give rise to the high level of aerobic fitness seen in youth soccer players. The aim of the study was to evaluate global and regional markers of systolic and diastolic function in a group of pre‐adolescent soccer players during an incremental exercise test. Twenty‐two, male soccer players (SP) from two professional soccer clubs (age: 12.0 ± 0.3 years) volunteered for the study. Fifteen recreationally active boys (CON), of similar age (age: 11.7 ± 0.2 years) were also recruited. All boys underwent a cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Cardiac dimensions were determined using M‐mode echocardiography. During submaximal and maximal exercise, continuous‐wave Doppler ultrasound techniques were used to derive stroke volume (SVIndex). Tissue‐Doppler imaging was used to quantify systolic (S′adj) and diastolic function (E; E′adj and E/E′) at rest and both submaximal and maximal exercise intensities. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to determine peak longitudinal ε at submaximal exercise intensities. SP demonstrated significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater peak VO2 values than CON (SP: 48.0 ± 5.0 vs CON: 40.1 ± 7.5 mL/kg/min). Allometrically scaled to body surface area left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) was larger (P ≤ 0.05) in the SP (51.3 ± 9.0) compared to CON (44.6 ± 5.8 mL·BSA1.5). At the same relative, submaximal exercise intensities, the SP demonstrated greater SVIndex, cardiac output (QIndex), and E. No differences were noted for peak longitudinal ε during submaximal exercise. Factors that augment pre‐load and LV volume appear to determine the superior aerobic fitness seen in the soccer players.
Ultrasound-based cell sorting with microbubbles: A feasibility study
Authors: Matula Thomas J. , Sapozhnikov Oleg A. , Ostrovsky Lev A. , Brayman Andrew A. , Kucewicz John , MacConaghy Brian E. , De Raad Dino
Published: July 2018

The isolation and sorting of cells is an important process in research and hospital labs. Most large research and commercial labs incorporate fluorescently or magnetically labeled antibodies adherent to cell surface antigens for cell identification and separation. In this paper, a process is described that merges biochemical labeling with ultrasound-based separation. Instead of lasers and fluorophore tags, or magnets and magnetic particle tags, the technique uses ultrasound and microbubble tags. Streptavidin-labeled microbubbles were mixed with a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, CCL 119, conjugated with biotinylated anti-CD7 antibodies. Tagged cells were forced under ultrasound, and their displacement and velocity quantified. Differential displacement in a flow stream was quantified against erythrocytes, which showed almost no displacement under ultrasound. A model for the acoustic radiation force on the conjugated pairs compares favorably with observations. This technology may improve on current time-consuming and costly purification procedures.
Tomosyn functions as a PKCδ-regulated fusion clamp in mast cell degranulation
Authors: Madera-Salcedo Iris K. , Danelli Luca , Tiwari Neeraj , Dema Bárbara , Pacreau Emeline , Vibhushan Shamila , Birnbaum Joëlle , Agabriel Chantal , Liabeuf Valérie , Klingebiel Caroline , Menasche Gaël , Macias-Silva Marina , Benhamou Marc , Charles Nicolas , González-Espinosa Claudia , Vitte Joana , Blank Ulrich
Published: July 2018

PKCδ-dependent phosphorylation of the SNARE inhibitor tomosyn reduces mast cell degranulation.
Gene Regulation by Redox-Sensitive Burkholderia thailandensis OhrR and Its Role in Bacterial Killing of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pande Anuja , Veale Todd C. , Grove Anne
Published: July 2018

Fatty acid hydroperoxides are involved in host-pathogen interactions. In both plants and mammals, polyunsaturated fatty acids are liberated during infection and enzymatically oxidized to the corresponding toxic hydroperoxides during the defensive oxidative burst that is designed to thwart the infection.
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter Isolates: a Focus on Aminoglycoside Resistance Determinants
Authors: Fabre Adrien , Oleastro Monica , Nunes Alexandra , Santos Andrea , Sifré Elodie , Ducournau Astrid , Bénéjat Lucie , Buissonnière Alice , Floch Pauline , Mégraud Francis , Dubois Véronique , Lehours Philippe
Published: July 2018

A whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach was conducted in order to identify the molecular determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance in 12 multidrug-resistant
Campylobacter jejuni
and
Campylobacter coli
isolates, with a focus on aminoglycoside resistance determinants. Two variants of a new aminoglycoside phosphotransferase gene [
aph
(
2
″)-

Ii
1

and
aph
(
2
″)-

Ii
2

] putatively associated with gentamicin resistance were found.
Promoting Quantitative Skills in Introductory Classes Using Optimal Foraging Theory and a Model-Assisted Activity
Authors: Lombardi Sara A.
Published: July 2018

TMathematical models help students identify and understand underlying scientific patterns, while improving and reinforcing quantitative skills. However, they are often omitted from introductory undergraduate science classes. As a result, math-heavy theories, like optimal foraging theory, are often omitted from these classes. While optimal foraging easily fits into the curriculum of any class discussing food webs and energy transfer, this theory is often not explained until the graduate level. In this article, I describe a quantitative-rich lesson paired with a hands-on active learning module (or alternatively, a demonstration). This lesson was used in an introductory-level environmental science course but is suited for a range of biology and environmental science classes or laboratories.
Context Determines Strategies for ‘Activating’ the Inclusive Classroom
Authors: Dewsbury Bryan M.
Published: July 2018

A number of reports have called for the transformation of college science pedagogy. For instructors interested in transforming their own classrooms, the number of approaches, tools, and literature on pedagogical transformation can be overwhelming. The literature is rich with examples of the positive significant effects of active learning, but is lacking on frameworks that can help guide implementation. In this manuscript, I use Fink’s conceptual framework for “creating significant learning experiences” and a conceptual framework for inclusive teaching and learning to focus on how situation-specific drivers inform the choice of active learning strategies. I argue essentially that while, on average, active learning may promote greater academic outcomes, the context of the implementation matters. Using personal examples and evidence from the literature, I provide a Perspective here on why context considerations should be the main drivers of effective pedagogies.
Using a Modified Version of Pictionary to Help Students Review Course Material
Authors: Peterson Stacey N.
Published: July 2018

Many college professors spend the last week or day of classes reviewing course material to help students prepare for the final exam. A productive review session should be engaging and student-centered. Games are fun exercises that work well for reviewing material. Here I describe a modified version of the board game Pictionary to be used as a review exercise. The game serves as a helpful final review exercise in several ways. First of all, it helps students review important concepts in a random order (not in the order taught in class) and ensures a variety of topics will be covered. Second, the modifications encourage students to think deeply about a term/concept, provide examples and make connections with other terms/concepts. Finally, it encourages creativity, teamwork, and active participation by all students. I use this modified Pictionary game as a final exam review in both an introductory biology class for majors and an upper-division microbiology class. It works well for small class sizes (ranging in size from ~10-25 students).
Kinome Expansion in the Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex Driven by Accessory Chromosomes
Authors: DeIulio Gregory A. , Guo Li , Zhang Yong , Goldberg Jonathan M. , Kistler H. Corby , Ma Li-Jun
Published: July 2018

Isolates of
Fusarium oxysporum
are adapted to survive a wide range of host and nonhost conditions. In addition,
F. oxysporum
was recently recognized as the top emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen infecting immunocompromised humans. The sensory and response networks of these fungi undoubtedly play a fundamental role in establishing the adaptability of this group. We have examined the kinomes of 12
F. oxysporum
isolates and highlighted kinase families that distinguish
F. oxysporum
from other fungi, as well as different isolates from one another. The amplification of kinases involved in environmental signal relay and regulating downstream cellular responses clearly sets
Fusarium
apart from other
Ascomycetes
. Although the functions of many of these kinases are still unclear, their specific proliferation highlights them as a result of the evolutionary forces that have shaped this species complex and clearly marks them as targets for exploitation in order to combat disease.
Functional outcome in contemporary children and young adults with tetralogy of Fallot after repair
Authors: Hock Julia , Häcker Anna-Luisa , Reiner Barbara , Oberhoffer Renate , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Müller Jan
Published: July 2018

Objective

Functional outcome measures are of growing importance in the aftercare of patients with congenital heart disease. This study addresses the functional status with regard to exercise capacity, health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and arterial stiffness in a recent cohort of children, adolescents and young adults with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) after repair.

Design

Single-centre, uncontrolled and prospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient department of the German Heart Centre Munich; July 2014–January 2018.

Patients

One hundred and six patients with ToF after repair (13.5±3.7 years, 40 females) were included. Data were compared with a recent cohort of healthy controls (HCs) (n=1700, 12.8±2.6 years, 833 females).

Main outcome measures

Patients underwent a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test, performed an HRPF test (FitnessGram) and had an assessment of their arterial stiffness (Mobil-O-Graph).

Results

Compared with HC, patients with ToF showed lower predicted V.O2 peak (ToF: 80.4% ± 16.8% vs HC: 102.6% ± 18.1%, p<0.001), impaired ventilatory efficiency (ToF: 29.6 ± 3.6 vs HC: 27.4 ± 2.9, p<0.001), chronotropic incompetence (ToF: 167 ± 17 bpm vs HC: 190 ± 17 bpm, p<0.001) and reduced HRPF (ToF z-score: −0.65 ± 0.87 vs HC z-score: 0.03 ± 0.65, p<0.001). Surrogates of arterial stiffness, central and peripheral systolic blood pressure, did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Contemporary children, adolescents and young adults with ToF still have functional limitations. How impaired HRPF and limited exercise capacity interact and how they can be modified needs to be evaluated in further intervention studies.
Comprehensive overview of the pharmacogenetic diversity in Ashkenazi Jews
Authors: Zhou Yitian , Lauschke Volker M
Published: July 2018

Background

Adverse drug reactions are a major concern in drug development and clinical therapy. Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in drug metabolism and transport are major determinants of treatment efficacy and adverse reactions, and constitute important biomarkers for drug dosing, efficacy and safety. Importantly, human populations and subgroups differ substantially in their pharmacogenetic variability profiles, with important consequences for personalised medicine strategies and precision public health approaches. Despite their long migration history, Ashkenazi Jews constitute a rather isolated population with a unique genetic signature that is distinctly different from other populations.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacogenetic profile in Ashkenazim.

Methods

We analysed next-generation sequencing data from 5076 Ashkenazim individuals and used sequence data from 117 425 non-Jewish individuals as reference.

Results

We derived frequencies of 164 alleles in 17 clinically relevant pharmacogenes and derived profiles of putative functional consequences, providing the most comprehensive data set of Jewish pharmacogenetic diversity published to date. Furthermore, we detected 127 variants with an aggregated frequency of 20.7% that were specifically found in Ashkenazim, of which 55 variants were putatively deleterious (aggregated frequency of 9.4%).

Conclusion

The revealed pattern of pharmacogenetic variability in Ashkenazi Jews is distinctly different from other populations and is expected to translate into unique functional consequences, especially for the metabolism of CYP2A6, CYP2C9, NAT2 and VKORC1 substrates. We anticipate that the presented data will serve as a powerful resource for the guidance of pharmacogenetic treatment decisions and the optimisation of population-specific genotyping strategies in the Ashkenazi diaspora.
Horizon meeting on cardiovascular physiology: Dedicated to Dr. Mike Sharratt
Authors: Notarius Catherine F. , Boushel Robert C. , MacDonald Maureen J. , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: July 2018

This perspective document summarizes discussions held at the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Annual Meeting in Winnipeg on October 27, 2017, when an expert panel was assembled to discuss the key questions and challenges for future research in cardiovascular exercise physiology. We were inspired by the example of the late Dr. Mike Sharratt, an accomplished and impactful Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Sharratt had a unique ability to bring experts together and translate theory into action, with a central goal of optimizing the health benefits of exercise, particularly in the fields of cardiac rehabilitation and aging (University of Waterloo Applied Health Science Department 2016; University of Waterloo Health Science Newsletter, 10-1-2017 ( http://uwaterloo.ca/applied-health-sciences/news/remembering-mike-sharratt )).
Bioenergetic and limnological foundations for using degree-days derived from air temperatures to describe fish growth
Authors: Honsey Andrew E. , Venturelli Paul A. , Lester Nigel P.
Published: July 2018

Degree-days (DD) are an effective metric for quantifying the thermal opportunity for ectotherm growth. There is strong empirical evidence to suggest that DD are useful for describing fish growth and that immature growth increases linearly with DD. However, fish ecology lags behind other disciplines in the widespread adoption of DD. We provide (1) a foundation for the observed linear relationship between immature fish growth and DD and (2) justification for using DD derived from air temperatures as a proxy for DD derived from water temperatures in fish science. We use bioenergetics models and both simulated and empirical water temperatures to show that immature annual and interannual fish growth are approximately linear with water DD. We then use simulated and empirical data to show that air and surface water temperatures are often highly correlated and that immature fish growth is also approximately linear with air DD. By connecting the dots among air temperature, water temperature, and fish growth, we lay the foundation for wider adoption of DD in fish science.
Manipulation of optical and electrical properties of ZnO thin films via embedded nano structure
Authors: Zhang Dongyan , Murakami Ri-Ichi
Published: July 2018

The semiconductor ZnO has gained great interest in the past decades because of its wide bandgap and large exciton binding energy. Especially, the doping and embedded metal nano-particles methods could improve the conductivity of ZnO thin films, which made it possible to fabricate transparent conducting oxides based on ZnO. In the present study, Al-doped ZnO thin layer was employed to manipulate the electrical and optical properties. The band engineering in ZnO makes it possible to manipulate the absorption, emission, reflection spectral of ZnO via the embedded quantum well layer. The ZnO thin films with excellent performance in electrical conductivity and optical transmittance are promising to be applied in the devices including the lager flat screen, touch panel, portable digital device and smart windows. In the present study, we summarized the recent progress in ZnO with embedded metal nanoparticles and application in TCOs.
Effects of solvents on the crystal structure of cross-linked lysozyme crystals
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Toyama Shota , Yabutani Tomoki
Published: July 2018

The effects of solvents on the structural stability of cross-linked lysozyme crystals were investigated by an immersion test using alkaline (0.1 M ammonia [NH3] and 0.1 M sodium hydroxide [NaOH]), acidic (0.1 M acetic acid [CH3COOH] and 0.1 M hydrochloric acid [HCl]) and organic (50% [v/v] and undiluted ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) solvents. The morphology and lattice constants were monitored by optical microscopy and X-ray crystallography. The cross-linked crystals exhibited good stability against NH3, CH3COOH, HCl, ethanol, acetone and 2-propanol. However, samples preserved in DMSO and NaOH were severely degraded.
Overdamped non-contact rectifiers
Authors: Moradian A. , Alvand M.
Published: July 2018

We study the dynamics of overdamped systems in a symmetric periodic potential against an external load. Using numerical and analytical methods, we show that a symmetric driving signal cannot rectify these systems while an asymmetric one can rectify them, causing its unidirectional rotation. We consider the case where the driving signal is multiharmonic. We find that the mean velocity of the system increases to get the highest value, by appropriate tuning of parameters.
The Relationship between Hedge Fund Performance and Stock Market Sentiment
Authors: Zheng Yao , Osmer Eric
Published: July 2018

We examine the dynamic effect of aggregate stock market sentiment on the performance of various hedge fund styles. We find that hedge funds typically perform better during periods of optimistic sentiment and that for different hedge fund styles there is a differential response of hedge fund returns to positive and negative sentiment shocks. We also find that changes in aggregate investor sentiment have a larger effect on hedge fund performance during periods of high conditional volatility. Our results suggest there is a strong asymmetry in the relationship between hedge fund performance and investor sentiment.
Effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis and qualitative analysis
Authors: Klokkari Diony , Mamais Ioannis
Published: July 2018

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb. Treatment options include physiotherapy, splinting, steroid injections or surgery.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment for CTS for symptom and functional improvement and improvement of neurophysiological parameters.

Methods: Systematic searches of PubMed and EBSCO host were conducted to identify the studies published between 1990 and 2016, comparing any surgical treatment to any conservative treatment. Participants were adults with a diagnosis of CTS, with symptom duration ranging from 8 months to 3 years. A meta-analysis and a qualitative analysis were conducted to summarize the results of the included studies and establish any agreement between the two.

Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the study and 10 were included in the meta-analysis, involving 1787 wrists. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were consistent with the results of both indicating that surgical treatment leads to a greater improvement of symptoms at six months (mean difference: 0.52, 95%CI 0.27 to 0.78) and a greater improvement of neurophysiological parameters [distal motor latency (mean difference: 0.31, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.56), sensory nerve conduction velocity (mean difference: 3.71 m/s, 95%CI 1.94 to 5.49)]. At 3 months and 12 months, the results were not significant in favor of surgery or conservative treatment.

Conclusion: Conservative treatment for CTS should be preferred for mild and short-term CTS. Surgery is more effective than conservative in CTS, and should be considered in persisting symptoms, taking into account the complications, which are more severe after surgery. Further research should focus on the field of manual therapy and compare it to surgical treatment for CTS.
Effects of starvation and short-term refeeding on gastric emptying and postprandial blood glucose regulation in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Heruc Gabriella A. , Little Tanya J. , Kohn Michael R. , Madden Sloane , Clarke Simon D. , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: July 2018

Postprandial glucose is reduced in malnourished patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but the mechanisms and duration for this remain unclear. We examined blood glucose, gastric emptying, and glucoregulatory hormone changes in malnourished patients with AN and during 2 wk of acute refeeding compared with healthy controls (HCs). Twenty-two female adolescents with AN and 17 age-matched female HCs were assessed after a 4-h fast. Patients were commenced on a refeeding protocol of 2,400 kcal/day. Gastric emptying (13C-octanoate breath test), glucose absorption (3-O-methylglucose), blood glucose, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon responses to a mixed-nutrient test meal were measured on admission and 1 and 2 wk after refeeding. HCs were assessed once. On admission, patients had slower gastric emptying, lower postprandial glucose and insulin, and higher glucagon and GLP-1 than HCs ( P < 0.05). In patients with AN, the rise in glucose (0–30 min) correlated with gastric emptying ( P < 0.05). With refeeding, postprandial glucose and 3-O-methylglucose were higher, gastric emptying faster, and baseline insulin and C-peptide less ( P < 0.05), compared with admission. After 2 wk of refeeding, postprandial glucose remained lower, and glucagon and GLP-1 higher, in patients with AN than HCs ( P < 0.05) without differences in gastric emptying, baseline glucagon, or postprandial insulin. Delayed gastric emptying may underlie reduced postprandial glucose in starved patients with AN; however, postprandial glucose and glucoregulatory hormone changes persist after 2 wk of refeeding despite improved gastric emptying. Future research should explore whether reduced postprandial glucose in AN is related to medical risk by examining associated symptoms alongside continuous glucose monitoring during refeeding.
Autodetection of J Wave Based on Random Forest with Synchrosqueezed Wavelet Transform
Authors: Li Dengao , Liu Xinyan , Zhao Jumin , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2018

J wave is the bulge generated in the descending slope of the terminal portion of the QRS complex in the electrocardiogram. The presence of J wave may lead to sudden death. However, the diagnosis of J wave variation only depends on doctor’s clinical experiences at present and missed diagnosis is easy to occur. In this paper, a new method is proposed to realize the automatic detection of J wave. First, the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform is used to obtain the precise time-frequency information of the ECG. Then, the inverse transformation of SST is computed to get the intrinsic mode function of the ECG. At last, the time-frequency features and SST-based and the entropy features based on modes are fed to Random forest to realize the automatic detection of J wave. As the experimental results shown, the proposed method has achieved the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared with existing techniques.
Research on Extended Kalman Filter and Particle Filter Combinational Algorithm in UWB and Foot-Mounted IMU Fusion Positioning
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Yan , Liu Dawei
Published: July 2018

As UWB high-precision positioning in NLOS environment has become one of the hot topics in the research of indoor positioning, this paper firstly presents a method for the smoothing of original range data based on the Kalman filter by the analysis of the range error caused by UWB signals in LOS and NLOS environment. Then, it studies a UWB and foot-mounted IMU fusion positioning method with the integration of particle filter with extended Kalman filter. This method adopts EKF algorithm in the kinematic equation of particle filters algorithm to calculate the position of each particle, which is like the way of running N (number of particles) extended Kalman filters, and overcomes the disadvantages of the inconformity between kinematic equation and observation equation as well as the problem of sample degeneration under the nonlinear condition of the standard particle filters algorithm. The comparison with the foot-mounted IMU positioning algorithm, the optimization-based UWB positioning algorithm, the particle filter-based UWB positioning algorithm, and the particle filter-based IMU/UWB fusion positioning algorithm shows that our algorithm works very well in LOS and NLOS environment. Especially in an NLOS environment, our algorithm can better use the foot-mounted IMU positioning trajectory maintained by every particle to weaken the influence of range error caused by signal blockage. It outperforms the other four algorithms described as above in terms of the average and maximum positioning error.
Antistaphylococcal and Antibiotic Resistance Modulatory Activities of Thirteen Cameroonian Edible Plants against Resistant Phenotypes
Authors: Wamba Brice E. N. , Mbaveng Armelle T. , Nayim Paul , Dzotam Joachim K. , Ngalani Ornella J. T. , Kuete Victor
Published: July 2018

Background. In this study, 18 methanol extracts from Cameroonian edible plants were tested for their antibacterial activities against 26 strains ofS. aureus; the role of efflux pumps in the resistance of tested bacteria and the antibiotic resistance-modulating activities against selected multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes were also investigated.Methods. Broth microdilution assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity, the role of efflux pumps, and the antibiotic resistance-modulating effects of plant extracts.Results. Extracts fromDacryodes edulisseeds (DES) andDacryodes edulisbark (DEB) were active against all 26 tested bacterial strains, within the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 256–1024 µg/mL. MIC values varied from 64 to 1024 µg/mL against 96.2% of the 26 tested bacteria forPhaseolus vulgarisleaves (PVL), 92.3% forAzadirachta indicabark (AIB),Dacryodes edulisleaves (DEL), andRicinodendron heudelotiileaves (RHL). The lowest MIC value of 64 µg/mL was obtained with the extract fromCucurbita maximabeans (CMB) against MRSA4 strain and fromUapaca guineensisbark (UGB) against MRSA9 strain. Bacterial efflux pump inhibitor (EPI), carbonyl cyanidem-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), improved the activity of DES and UGB as well as that of extracts fromHibiscus esculentusleaves (HEL) andUapaca guineensisleaves (UGL) against resistantS. aureusstrains. Antibiotic-modulating effects against more than 70% of theS. aureusstrains tested were obtained when RHL (at MIC/2) was combined with CIP, ERY, and KAN (88.89%), CHL (88.89%), TET (77.78%), and STR (88.89%).Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that the 13 tested plants had antistaphylococcal effects and that DES, HEL, UGL, and UGB could be used in combination with EPI to combat resistance toStaphylococcus aureus. Also, it demonstrated that some studied extracts and mostly RHL could be used as antibiotic resistance modulators to fight against resistant strains ofS. aureus.
Emodin, Physcion, and Crude Extract of Rhamnus sphaerosperma var. pubescens Induce Mixed Cell Death, Increase in Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Inhibition of AKT in Cervical and Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Moreira Thais Fernanda , Sorbo Juliana Maria , Souza Felipe de Oliveira , Fernandes Barbara Colatto , Ocampos Fernanda Maria Marins , de Oliveira Daniella Maria Soares , Arcaro Carlos Alberto , Assis Renata Pires , Barison Andersson , Miguel Obdulio Gomes , Baviera Amanda Martins , Soares Christiane Pienna , Brunetti Iguatemy Lourenço
Published: July 2018

There have been few studies on the pharmacological properties of Rhamnus sphaerosperma var. pubescens, a native Brazilian species popularly known as “fruto‐de‐pombo.” The aim of this study was to investigate the scavenging capacity of emodin, physcion, and the ethanolic crude extract of Rhamnus sphaerosperma var. pubescens against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as their role and plausible mechanisms in prompting cell death and changes in AKT phosphorylation after cervical (SiHa and C33A) and oral (HSC‐3) squamous cell carcinoma treatments. Emodin was shown to be the best scavenger of NO• and O2•−, while all samples were equally effective in HOCl/OCl− capture. Emodin, physcion, and the ethanolic extract all exhibited cytotoxic effects on SiHa, C33A, HSC‐3, and HaCaT (immortalized human keratinocytes, nontumorigenic cell line), involving mixed cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) independent of the caspase activation pathway. Emodin, physcion, and the ethanolic extract increased intracellular oxidative stress and DNA damage. Emodin decreased the activation of AKT in all tumor cells, physcion in HSC‐3 and HaCaT cells, and the ethanolic extract in C33A and HaCaT cells, respectively. The induction of cancer cell death by emodin, physcion, and the ethanolic crude extract of Rhamnus sphaerosperma var. pubescens was related to an increase in intracellular oxidative stress and DNA damage and a decrease in AKT activation. These molecules are therefore emerging as interesting candidates for further study as novel options to treat cervical and oral carcinomas.
MTN Optimal Tracking Control of SISO Nonlinear Time-Varying Discrete-Time Systems without Mechanism Models
Authors: Zhang Jiao-Jun , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: July 2018

Nonlinear time-varying systems without mechanism models are common in application. They cannot be controlled directly by the traditional control methods based on precise mathematical models. Intelligent control is unsuitable for real-time control due to its computation complexity. For that sake, a multidimensional Taylor network (MTN) based output tracking control scheme, which consists of two MTNs, one as an identifier and the other as a controller, is proposed for SISO nonlinear time-varying discrete-time systems with no mechanism models. A MTN identifier is constructed to build the offline model of the system, and a set of initial parameters for online learning of the identifier is obtained. Then, an ideal output signal is selected relative to the given reference signal. Based on the system identification model, Pontryagin minimum principle is introduced to obtain the numerical solution of the optimal control law for the system relative to the given ideal output signal, with the corresponding optimal output taken as the desired output signal. A MTN controller is generated automatically to fit the numerical solution of the optimal control law using the conjugate gradient (CG) method, and a set of initial parameters for online learning of the controller is obtained. An adaptive back propagation (BP) algorithm is developed to adjust the parameters of the identifier and controller in real time, and the convergence for the proposed learning algorithm is verified. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is valid.
The Exposure of Phosphatidylserine Influences Procoagulant Activity in Retinal Vein Occlusion by Microparticles, Blood Cells, and Endothelium
Authors: Su Ying , Deng Xueqing , Ma Ruishuang , Dong Zengxiang , Wang Feng , Shi Jialan
Published: July 2018

The pathogenesis of hypercoagulability in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is largely unknown. Whether the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and microparticle (MPs) release will affect procoagulant activity (PCA) in RVO needs to be investigated. Objectives. To evaluate PS expression, circulating MPs, and the corresponding PCA in RVO patients. Twenty‐five RVO patients were compared with 25 controls. PS‐positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. Cell‐specific MPs were measured by lactadherin for PS and relevant CD antibody. We explored PCA with coagulation time, purified coagulation complex assays, and fibrin production assays. In RVO, MPs from platelets, erythrocytes, leukocyte, and endothelial cells were increased and the exposure of PS was elevated significantly when compared with controls. In addition, we showed that circulating MPs in RVO patients were mostly derived from platelets, representing about 60–70% of all MPs, followed by erythrocytes and leukocytes. Moreover, PS exposure, ECs, and MPs in RVO lead to shortened clotting time with upregulation of FXa and thrombin formation obviously. Importantly, ECs treated with RVO serum which bounded FVa and FXa explicitly suggested the damage of retinal vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, lactadherin can inhibit the combination between PS and coagulation factors by approximately 70% and then exert an anticoagulant effect. In summary, circulating MPs and exposed PS from different cells may contribute to the increased PCA in patients with RVO. Lactadherin can be used for PS detection and an anticoagulant agent.
Metro Timetabling for Time-Varying Passenger Demand and Congestion at Stations
Authors: Li Keping , Huang Hangfei , Schonfeld Paul
Published: July 2018

For the train timetabling problem (TTP) in a metro system, the operator-oriented and passenger-oriented objectives are both important but partly conflicting. This paper aims to minimize both objectives by considering frequency (in the line planning stage) and train cost (in the vehicle scheduling stage). Time-varying passenger demand and train capacity are considered in a nonsmooth, nonconvex programming model, which is transformed into a mixed integer programming model with a discrete time-space graph (DTSG). A novel dwell time determining process considering congestion at stations is proposed, which turns the dwell times into dependent variables. In the solution approach, we decompose the TTP into a subproblem for optimizing segment travel times (OST) and a subproblem for optimizing departure headways from the shunting yard (OH). Branch-and-bound and frequency determining algorithms are designed to solve OST. A novel rolling optimization algorithm is designed to solve OH. The numerical experiments include case studies on a short metro line and Beijing Metro Line 4, as well as sensitivity analyses. The results demonstrate the predictive ability of the model, verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach, and provide practical insights for different scenarios, which can be used for decision-making support in daily operations.
Transfer Coordination for Metro Networks during the Start- or End-of-Service Period
Authors: Ning Liqiao , Zhao Peng , Xu Wenkai , Qiao Ke
Published: July 2018

When travelling via metro networks during the start- or end-of-service period, transferring passengers may suffer a transfer failure. Accordingly, the synchronization timetabling problem necessitates consideration of transfer waiting time and transfer availability with respect to the first or last train. Hence, transfer train index (TTI) is formulated to identify the transfer train and calculate the transfer waiting time. Furthermore, two types of connection indexes, the last connection train index (LCTI) and the first connection train index (FCTI), are devised to distinguish transfer failure from transfer success, and the penalty constraints are implemented together to reflect the adverse effects of transfer failure. Then, a mixed integer programming model is developed to concurrently reduce transfer waiting time and improve transfer availability, which can be solved by CPLEX. Finally, a case study on Beijing metro network is made to verify the method. Experimental results show that our proposed model can yield synchronization solutions with significant reductions in both the average transfer waiting time and the proportion of transfer failure passengers.