bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance disrupts cell integrity, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory signaling in lymphatic endothelium
Authors: Lee Yang , Chakraborty Sanjukta , Meininger Cynthia J. , Muthuchamy Mariappan
Published: July 2018

Objective

Lymphatic vessel dysfunction and increased lymph leakage have been directly associated with several metabolic diseases. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms causing lymphatic dysfunction have not been determined. Aberrant insulin signaling affects the metabolic function of cells and consequently impairs tissue function. We hypothesized that insulin resistance in LECs decreases eNOS activity, disrupts barrier integrity increases permeability, and activates mitochondrial dysfunction and pro‐inflammatory signaling pathways.

Methods

LECs were treated with insulin and/or glucose to determine the mechanisms leading to insulin resistance.

Results

Acute insulin treatment increased eNOS phosphorylation and NO production in LECs via activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Prolonged hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induced insulin resistance in LECs. Insulin‐resistant LECs produced less NO due to a decrease in eNOS phosphorylation and showed a significant decrease in impedance across an LEC monolayer that was associated with disruption in the adherence junctional proteins. Additionally, insulin resistance in LECs impaired mitochondrial function by decreasing basal‐, maximal‐, and ATP‐linked OCRs and activated NF‐κB nuclear translocation coupled with increased pro‐inflammatory signaling.

Conclusion

Our data provide the first evidence that insulin resistance disrupts endothelial barrier integrity, decreases eNOS phosphorylation and mitochondrial function, and activates inflammation in LECs.
A new phylogenetic hypothesis of turtles with implications for the timing and number of evolutionary transitions to marine lifestyles in the group
Authors: Evers Serjoscha W. , Benson Roger B. J.
Published: July 2018

Evolutionary transitions to marine habitats occurred frequently among Mesozoic reptiles. Only one such clade survives to the present: sea turtles (Chelonioidea). Other marine turtles originated during the Mesozoic, but uncertain affinities of key fossils have obscured the number of transitions to marine life, and the timing of the origin of marine adaptation in chelonioids. Phylogenetic studies support either a highly‐inclusive chelonioid total‐group including fossil marine clades from the Jurassic and Cretaceous (e.g. protostegids, thalassochelydians, sandownids) or a less inclusive chelonioid total‐group excluding those clades. Under this paradigm, these clades belong outside Cryptodira, and represent at least one additional evolutionary transition to marine life in turtles. We present a new phylogenetic hypothesis informed by high resolution computed tomographic data of living and fossil taxa. Besides a well‐supported Chelonioidea, which includes protostegids, we recover a previously unknown clade of stem‐group turtles, Angolachelonia, which includes the Late Jurassic thalassochelydians, and the Cretaceous–Palaeogene sandownids. Accounting for the Triassic Odontochelys, our results indicate three independent evolutionary transitions to marine life in non‐pleurodiran turtles (plus an additional two‐three in pleurodires). Among all independent origins of marine habits, a pelagic ecology only evolved once, among chelonioids. All turtle groups that independently invaded marine habitats in the Jurassic–Cretaceous (chelonioids, angolachelonians, bothremydid pleurodires) survived the Cretaceous–Palaeogene mass extinction event. This highlights extensive survival of marine turtles compared to other marine reptiles. Furthermore, deeply‐nested clades such as chelonioids are found by the middle Early Cretaceous, suggesting a rapid diversification of crown‐group turtles during the Early Cretaceous.
Retrospective review of screening for Sturge‐Weber syndrome with brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography in infants with high‐risk port‐wine stains
Authors: Zallmann Michaela , Mackay Mark T. , Leventer Richard J. , Ditchfield Michael , Bekhor Philip S. , Su John C.
Published: July 2018

Background

There is a lack of consensus regarding how best to screen children with facial port‐wine stains for Sturge‐Weber syndrome. Many favor brain magnetic resonance imaging, and adjunctive electroencephalography is increasingly used. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography and whether screening improves seizure recognition is unclear.

Methods

A retrospective review of children with high‐risk port‐wine stains presenting consecutively to the outpatient laser clinic of a tertiary pediatric hospital between December 2015 and November 2016 was undertaken. Primary outcome measures were yield, accuracy, age of and protocols for screening magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography, type of and age at presenting seizure, and percentage referred to neurology.

Results

Of 126 patients with facial port‐wine stains, 25.4% (32/126) were at high risk of Sturge‐Weber syndrome (hemifacial, median, and forehead PWS phenotypes); 43.7% of these (14/32) underwent screening magnetic resonance imaging. Sturge‐Weber syndrome was detected in 7.1% (1/14). Magnetic resonance imaging had false‐negative results in 23.1% (3/13) of those screened. Screening magnetic resonance imaging had sensitivity of 25%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 76.9% for the detection of Sturge‐Weber syndrome (hemifacial, median and forehead PWS phenotypes). Only one‐third of those with false‐negative magnetic resonance imaging were referred to neurology. Mean age of first seizure in those with false‐negative screening magnetic resonance imaging was 28 months, vs 14 months in those not screened. Abnormal electroencephalographic signs were detected in the two infants who underwent presymptomatic electroencephalography.

Conclusions

Findings from this small cohort of individuals with port‐wine stains that put them at high risk of Sturge‐Weber syndrome suggest that children with positive screening magnetic resonance imaging will almost certainly develop Sturge‐Weber syndrome but that negative screening magnetic resonance imaging cannot exclude Sturge‐Weber syndrome (in up to 23.1% of cases). False‐negative magnetic resonance imaging may delay seizure recognition. Seizure education, monitoring, and consideration of adjunctive electroencephalography are important irrespective of magnetic resonance imaging findings.
Ligulate inflorescence of Helianthus × multiflorus, cv. Soleil d'Or, correlates with a mis‐regulation of a CYCLOIDEA gene characterised by insertion of a transposable element
Authors: Fambrini M. , Bellanca M. , Costa Muñoz M. , Usai G. , Cavallini A. , Pugliesi C.
Published: July 2018

Members of CYCLOIDEA (CYC)/TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (TB1) transcription factor family are essential to control flower symmetry and inflorescence architecture. In the Helianthus annuus genome, ten CYC/TB1 genes have been identified. Studies performed on mutants recognised HaCYC2c as one of the key players controlling zygomorphism in sunflower.

We identified CYC2c genes in the diploid Helianthus decapetalus (HdCYC2c) and in the interspecific hybrid Helianthus × multiflorus (H × mCYC2cA and H × mCYC2cB), a triploid (2n = 3× = 51), originated from unreduced eggs of H. decapetalus fertilised by reduced H. annuus male gametes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HdCYC2c and H × mCYC2c were placed within a CYC2 subclade together with HaCYC2c but distinct from it. The present data showed that in H. × multiflorus the allele derived from H. annuus is deleted or highly modified.

The H. × multiflorus taxon exists as radiate and ligulate inflorescence types. We analysed CYC2c expression in H. decapetalus and in the cultivar ‘Soleil d'Or’ of H. × multiflorus, a ligulate inflorescence type with actinomorphic corolla of disk flowers transformed into a zygomorphic ray‐like corolla.

In H. decapetalus, the HdCYC2c gene showed differential expression between developing flower types, being up‐regulated in the corolla of ray flowers in comparison to the disk flower corolla. In H. × multiflorus, an insertion of 865 bp, which is part of a CACTA transposable element, was found in the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of H × mCYC2cB. This insertion could promote, even with epigenetic mechanisms, ectopic expression of the gene throughout the inflorescence, resulting in the observed loss of actinomorphy and originating a ligulate head.
miR‐26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene
Authors: Ran Maoliang , Weng Bo , Cao Rong , Li Zhi , Peng Fuzhi , Luo Hui , Gao Hu , Chen Bin
Published: July 2018

Contents

Accumulating reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating the complex processes of animal testis development and spermatogenesis; yet, the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate spermatogenesis are poorly understood. miR‐26a was identified as a miRNA that is differentially expressed among different pig testicular tissue developmental stages in our previous study. In this study, p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) gene was determined as one target gene of miR‐26a by luciferase reporter assay, and miR‐26a repressed the PAK2 mRNA abundance in porcine Sertoli cells. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8) assay, 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and annexin V‐FITC/PI staining assay results showed that miR‐26a overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells. These phenomena were similar to the siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the PAK2 gene. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR‐26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene, which may be a regulator of porcine spermatogenesis.
Repurposing metformin to prevent and treat tuberculosis
Authors: Leung Chi Chiu
Published: July 2018

See related Article
Structures and Implications for Fluid Migration in the Jiadi Carlin‐Type Gold Deposit, Guizhou Province, Southwest China
Authors: Zeng Guoping , Luo Diwei , Gong Yongjun , Hu Xinlu , Li Hang
Published: July 2018

The Jiadi gold deposit is a newly discovered Carlin‐type gold deposit in the Guizhou Province, Southwest China. This deposit is structurally controlled by a shallow fold–fault superimposed system along the Lianhuashan trend. Field geological investigations, structural analysis, and mathematical research are conducted to study its structures and hydrothermal fluid flow process. Geological investigations (i.e. sections, stope, and drill hole) indicate that the structures are dominated by NE‐trending folds, NWW‐trending folds, and faults. A trend‐surface analysis of the low interformational fracture zone suggests that the overall distribution of the Lianhuashan trend is controlled by the NE‐trending Lianhuashan anticline. Nearly all primary Carlin‐type gold deposits are distributed along the southeastern flank where the fold axis changes from NE to EW. Gold orebodies are hosted by the interformational fracture zones and primarily situated at the transitions from the high‐value areas to the low‐value areas of the interformational fracture zones. A stress analysis on the hydrothermal veins indicates that they are of tenso‐shear properties. The ore‐forming elements (Au, As, Sb, Hg, and Tl) of the hydrothermal veins from the interformational fracture zones and intrusive breccia body present strong positive anomalies compared with those from the adjacent wall rocks. According to the development patterns of the ore‐forming elements and hydrothermal veins, a migration process of the ore‐forming fluids is proposed: the deeply sourced ore‐forming fluids migrated vertically to shallow crust along an intrusive breccia body, subsequently flowed horizontally along the interformational fracture zones accompanied by gold precipitation in the early stage, and finally migrated outward along steep micro‐fractures during following stages.
The use of biologically based phosphorus fractions to evaluate soil P availability in reduced P‐input paddy soils
Authors: Yuan J. , Wang L. , Wang S. , Wang Y. , Wang H. , Chen H. , Zhu W.
Published: July 2018

Chemical soil phosphorus (P) extraction has been widely used to characterize and understand changes in soil P fractions; however, it does not adequately capture rhizosphere processes. In this study, we used the biologically based phosphorus (BBP) grading method to evaluate the availability and influencing factors of soil P under four P fertilizer regimes in a typical rice–wheat cropping rotation paddy field. Soil P was assessed after seven rice‐growth seasons at multiple growth stages: the seedling, the booting and the harvest stage. Soil CaCl2‐P, citrate‐P and HCl‐P (inorganic P, Pi) as well as enzyme‐P (organic P, Po) were not significantly different between soil treated with P fertilizer during the wheat season only (PW) and during the rice season only (PR) compared with soil treated during both the rice and the wheat seasons (PR+W) at all three rice‐growth stages. No P fertilizer application during either season (Pzero) significantly reduced the concentration of soil citrate‐P and HCl‐P at the rice‐seedling and harvest stages. Significant correlations were observed between the HCl extraction and Olsen‐P (R2 = 0.823, P < 0.001), followed by enzyme‐P (R2 = 0.712, P < 0.001), citrate‐P (R2 = 0.591, P < 0.001) and CaCl2‐P (R2 = 0.133, P < 0.05). Further redundancy analysis (RDA) suggested that soil alkaline phosphatase (S‐ALP) activity played a role in soil P speciation changes and was significantly correlated with enzyme‐P, citrate‐P and HCl‐P. These results may improve our ability to characterize and understand changes in soil P status while minimizing the overapplication of P fertilizer.
Impact of nurse staffing on patient and nurse workforce outcomes in acute care settings in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Assaye Ashagre Molla , Wiechula Richard , Schultz Timothy J. , Feo Rebecca Rosamaria
Published: July 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to demonstrate the effect of nurse staffing on patient and nurse workforce outcomes in acute care settings in low- and middle-income countries.
Evaluation of Platelet Activation Models With Dynamic Shear Stress In Vitro Experiments
Authors: Sheriff Jawaad , Xenos Michalis , Soares João S. , Jesty Jolyon , Bluestein Danny
Published: July 2018

Blood recirculating devices, which include ventricular assist devices and prosthetic heart valves, are necessary for some patients suffering from end-stage heart failure and valvular diseases. However, disturbed flow patterns in these devices cause shear-induced platelet activation and aggregation. Thromboembolic complications resulting from this platelet behavior necessitates lifelong anticoagulant therapy for patients implanted with such devices. In addition, blood recirculating device manufacturers mostly test and optimize their products for hemolysis, which occurs at shear stresses ten-fold higher than required for platelet activation. The relative paucity of optimization for flow-induced thrombogenicity is further exacerbated by the fact that there are few predictive shear-induced platelet activation models.
Proposal of Reaction Kinetic Model for Cell Differentiation With Cell Growth
Authors: Uemura Makoto , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Mathematical description of biological processes, including cell growth, cell differentiation, cell response to stress, and cell damage and death, could be beneficial to the characterization, quantitative evaluation, design, and optimization of the relevant processes. Phenomenological modeling based on experiments would be a promising method for the abovementioned description, although modeling should ideally be based on the outcome of system biological studies. Mathematical models have been developed for characterizing cell damage and death by hyperthermic stress and hypertonic electrolyte solution stress in relation to the medical application of bioheat transfer [1,2].
Considerations in Modeling Cell Death Processes
Authors: Pearce John A.
Published: July 2018

Traditional single-reaction Arrhenius models have been successfully used for many years in burn studies[1–3] and have been adapted and used to predict quantitative histologic results in laser, RF and microwave heating at high temperatures.[4–6] The single reaction kinetics model also forms the basis for the time scaling ratio as is currently used in calculating the cumulative equivalent minutes (CEM) assessment of tumor hyperthermia treatments.[7] Recently, it has been clearly demonstrated that these models are not acceptably accurate predictors of the early stages of cell death processes in hyperthermic heating — moderate temperature rises (< ∼15 C) for times from several minutes to hours.[8, 9] A typical ensemble of cell survival curves has an initial slowly-developing shoulder region, a constant-rate region and, often, a “foot’, as it were, which has a much slower death rate. Simple first-order Arrhenius predictions are constant-rate models, only, and substantially over-estimate population cell death in the early stages of heating.
Measurement of Flow Through Hypodermic Needles With Modified Entrances for Reduced Hemolysis
Authors: Kent Timothy L. , Sharp M. Keith
Published: July 2018

Hemolysis during phlebotomy with hypodermic needles and other cannulae interferes with the assays of a number of metabolites, electrolytes and enzymes, notably potassium, glucose, creatinine, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, leading to inaccurate test results [Sharp & Mohammad 1998]. Hemolysis in cannulae can also cause pain and discomfort during dialysis sessions [Dhaene 1989]. Released from red cells, high concentration of plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) is toxic, resulting in renal dysfunction and other organ failure. Therefore, low hemolysis is an important and widely measured performance criterion for a wide range of devices, including artificial hearts [Westaby, et al. 1998], centrifugal blood pumps [Ahmed, et al. 1999], cardiopulmonary bypass pumps [Xiao, et al. 2000], prosthetic valves [Steegers, et al. 1999], blood oxygenators [Skogby, et al. 1998], central venous catheters [Boswald, et al. 1999], heparin anticoagulation bioreactors [Ameer, et al. 1999], visceral perfusion systems [Leijdekkers, et al. 1999], shock wave lithotripsy [Lokhandwalla, et al. 2001a & b], balloon angioplasty [Muhlestein, et al. 1992], and hemodialysers [Yang & Lin 2001]. Models for predicting flow-induced hemolysis promise to reduce the time and expense required to develop such devices [Chen & Sharp 2011]. Several models have been compared with respect to their fit with experimental hemolysis results in needles with modified entrance geometry to reduce fluid stresses on erythrocytes flowing through them [Chen & Sharp 2006]. This paper describes an experiment constructed to validate flows through the needles predicted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
The Hemodynamic Influence due to the Inclusion of the Full Aorta on a Patient Specific Stent Graft (SG) Device
Authors: Stefanov Florian , Delassus Patrick , McGloughlin Tim , Morris Liam
Published: July 2018

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) is one of the major cardiovascular diseases that can lead to death if left untreated. An AAA is defined as a permanent and irreversible localised dilation of the infrarenal aorta. Aneurysms can result from accidents, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure or as a congenital disease. There are currently two surgical treatments for acute AAA, open surgery or minimally invasive repair (also known as the endovascular repair procedure). The objective of both methods is to isolate the aneurysm sac from the systemic blood pressure and flow to minimise the risk of arterial wall rupture [1]. Preliminary results for endovascular procedures have been promising with short-term results comparable with conventional surgical repair. This is especially the case for patients with small and medium sized AAAs. Long-term results are not so encouraging with stent graft migration, endoleaks, material failure and aneurysm rupture all being reported [2]. A well known complication with this endovascular procedure is the late migration of the graft in which most of the migrations are diagnosed after the first 12 months after the procedure. Multi-factors, including iliac bifurcation angle, stent graft size, blood pressure, stent graft wall compliance, iliac branch curvature, and neck length have been reported to influence device migration. The drag force acting on the bifurcated stent grafts (SG) is one of the main reasons for stent graft migration [3].
Lipid Mictrotubes as a Nutrient Reservoir or Enzyme Delivery Vehicle in Engineered Cartilage
Authors: O’Connell Grace D. , Gollnick Clare , Ateshian Gerard A. , Bellamkonda Ravi V. , Hung Clark T.
Published: July 2018

Tissue-engineered cartilage using a hydrogel scaffold is capable of achieving native compressive properties and glycosaminglycan (GAG) content [1]. However, these tissues are limited in their collagen production and closer inspection of the localized mechanical properties demonstrates that mature constructs consist of a stiffer periphery region surrounding a softer core [1, 2]. Nutrient diffusion becomes increasingly more challenging as the cells in the construct periphery deposit extracellular matrix. Altering the scaffold porosity by adding microscopic porogens can improve the nutrient diffusion into the center of the construct [3]. Furthermore, chondroitinase ABC (chABC) has been shown to improve collagen production of mature engineered cartilage (i.e. tissue cultured for 2–4 weeks before chABC digestion). Lipid microtubes, designed to slowly release chABC for spinal chord injury repair can be incorporated into our agarose hydrogel scaffold in a chABC-loaded or unloaded form. The objective of this study was to explore the use of lipid microtubes in our scaffold as a tubular porogen and as a vehicle to deliver chABC throughout the scaffold to improve nutrient diffusion and collagen production into our engineered constructs.
A Public Repository of Image-Based Computational Models for Patient-Specific Blood Flow Simulation
Authors: Wilson Nathan M. , Ortiz Ana K. , Johnson Allison B. , Arko Frank R. , Feinstein Jeffrey A. , LaDisa John F. , Marsden Alison
Published: July 2018

Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made on increasing the realism and fidelity of image-based patient-specific blood flow simulation. A clear example of this progress is the first-of-a-kind multi-center clinical trial under way by Heartflow, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) attempting to utilize blood flow simulation in clinical decision making for coronary arterial disease. While recent applications of patient-specific blood flow simulation are impressive, numerous opportunities still exist for its application in advanced research in disease progression, design of better medical devices, and additional clinical applications for patient-specific interventional planning. Three core challenges face researchers in this space. First, state-of-the art techniques for patient-specific anatomic model construction and hemodynamic simulation require specialized, complex software. In recent years, open-source initiatives such as SimVascular and VMTK have addressed this need. Second, the access to clinical data has traditionally been limited to those with strong ties to research hospitals. Finally, public data for verification and validation of computational models for blood flow has also been limited.
Domain-focused CRISPR screen identifies HRI as a fetal hemoglobin regulator in human erythroid cells
Authors: Grevet Jeremy D. , Lan Xianjiang , Hamagami Nicole , Edwards Christopher R. , Sankaranarayanan Laavanya , Ji Xinjun , Bhardwaj Saurabh K. , Face Carolyne J. , Posocco David F. , Abdulmalik Osheiza , Keller Cheryl A. , Giardine Belinda , Sidoli Simone , Garcia Ben A. , Chou Stella T. , Liebhaber Stephen A. , Hardison Ross C. , Shi Junwei , Blobel Gerd A.
Published: July 2018

A CRISPR screen for RBC regulators

Hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs) carries oxygen to the tissues. Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that involves abnormal hemoglobin. Current treatments entail modulating the level of fetal hemoglobin expression. Grevet
et al.
performed a CRISPR-Cas9 screen for regulators of fetal hemoglobin in RBCs and identified heme-regulated eIF2α kinase (HRI). Depleting the kinase in RBCs led to an increase in fetal hemoglobin levels and reduced sickling of cultured human RBCs. Thus, HRI may be a therapeutic target for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders.

Science
, this issue p.
285
Abrupt cloud clearing of marine stratocumulus in the subtropical southeast Atlantic
Authors: Yuter Sandra E. , Hader John D. , Miller Matthew A. , Mechem David B.
Published: July 2018

A shrinking marine refrigerator

Low subtropical marine clouds scatter solar radiation back to space and thereby cool the climate system. Most work on understanding changes in the coverage of these types of clouds has focused on the effects of sea surface temperatures or on aerosols. Yuter
et al.
show that dynamic effects due to atmospheric gravity waves are responsible for the rapid clearing of large areas of these clouds. This phenomenon also has implications for marine ecology and biogeochemistry.

Science
, this issue p.
697
Human influence on the seasonal cycle of tropospheric temperature
Authors: Santer Benjamin D. , Po-Chedley Stephen , Zelinka Mark D. , Cvijanovic Ivana , Bonfils Céline , Durack Paul J. , Fu Qiang , Kiehl Jeffrey , Mears Carl , Painter Jeffrey , Pallotta Giuliana , Solomon Susan , Wentz Frank J. , Zou Cheng-Zhi
Published: July 2018

'Tis the seasonal

Anthropogenic climate change has become clearly observable through many metrics. These include an increase in global annual temperatures, growing heat content of the oceans, and sea level rise owing to the melting of the polar ice sheets and glaciers. Now, Santer
et al.
report that a human-caused signal in the seasonal cycle of tropospheric temperature can also be measured (see the Perspective by Randel). They use satellite data and the anthropogenic “fingerprint” predicted by climate models to show the extent of the effects and discuss how these changes have been caused.

Science
, this issue p.
eaas8806
; see also p.
227
Exploring cytoskeletal diversity in neurons
Authors: Tas Roderick P. , Kapitein Lukas C.
Published: July 2018

Cytoskeletal architecture underlies the diversity and function of neuronal compartments
Engage research institutions on research regulatory reform
Authors: Nichols Lisa , Wynes David
Published: July 2018

Agencies should consult researchers and administrators on how to cut bureaucratic red tape
Space, still the final frontier
Authors: Baker Daniel N. , Chandran Amal
Published: July 2018

This week in Pasadena, California, the International Council for Science will convene its Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly to promote the exchange of results, information, and opinions in space research. Since its creation 60 years ago, on the heels of the 1957 launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union and of Explorer 1 by the United States in early 1958—events that marked the dawn of the space age—COSPAR has nurtured partnerships between nations pursuing space science. There is a new space age now—one with many more players and exciting technologies to harness. New capacity-building endeavors at universities worldwide are providing opportunities for involvement in space missions, both great and small.
EspH Suppresses Erk by Spatial Segregation from CD81 Tetraspanin Microdomains
Authors: Ramachandran Rachana Pattani , Vences-Catalán Felipe , Wiseman Dan , Zlotkin-Rivkin Efrat , Shteyer Eyal , Melamed-Book Naomi , Rosenshine Ilan , Levy Shoshana , Aroeti Benjamin
Published: July 2018

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) belongs to a group of enteric human pathogens known as attaching-and-effacing (A/E) pathogens, which utilize a type III secretion system (T3SS) to translocate a battery of effector proteins from their own cytoplasm into host intestinal epithelial cells. Here we identified EspH to be an effector that prompts the recruitment of the tetraspanin CD81 to infection sites.
Relationship between baseline physical activity assessed by pedometer count and new-onset diabetes in the NAVIGATOR trial
Authors: Kraus William E , Yates Thomas , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Sun Jie-Lena , Thomas Laine , McMurray John J V , Bethel M Angelyn , Holman Rury R
Published: July 2018

Objective

Physical activity is related to clinical outcomes, even after adjusting for body mass, but is rarely assessed in randomized clinical trials.

Research design and methods

We conducted an observational analysis of data from the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research trial, in which a total of 9306 people from 40 countries with impaired glucose tolerance and either cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors were randomized to receive nateglinide or placebo, in a 2-by-2 factorial design with valsartan or placebo. All were asked to also participate in a detailed lifestyle modification programme and followed-up for a median of 6.4 years with progression to diabetes as a co-primary end point. Seven-day ambulatory activity was assessed at baseline using research-grade pedometers. We assessed whether the baseline amount of physical activity was related to subsequent development of diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance.

Results

Pedometer data were obtained on 7118 participants and 35.0% developed diabetes. In an unadjusted analysis each 2000-step increment in the average number of daily steps, up to 10 000, was associated with a 5.5% lower risk of progression to diabetes (HR 0.95, 95%CI 0.92 to 0.97), with >6% relative risk reduction after adjustment.

Conclusions

Physical activity should be measured objectively in pharmacologic trials as it is a significant but underappreciated contributor to diabetes outcomes. It should be a regular part of clinical practice as well.
Impact of cystic fibrosis on birthweight: a population based study of children in Denmark and Wales
Authors: Schlüter Daniela K , Griffiths Rowena , Adam Abdulfatah , Akbari Ashley , Heaven Martin L , Paranjothy Shantini , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie , Carr Siobhán B , Pressler Tania , Diggle Peter J , Taylor-Robinson David
Published: July 2018

Background

Poor growth during infancy and childhood is a characteristic feature of cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the impact of CF on intrauterine growth is unclear. We studied the effect of CF on birth weight in Denmark and Wales, and assessed whether any associations are due to differences in gestational age at birth.

Methods

We conducted national registry linkage studies in two countries, using data for 2.2 million singletons born in Denmark (between 1980 and 2010) and Wales (between 1998 and 2015). We used hospital inpatient and outpatient data to identify 852 children with CF. Using causal mediation methods, we estimated the direct and indirect (via gestational age) effect of CF on birth weight after adjustment for sex, parity and socioeconomic background. We tested the robustness of our results by adjusting for additional factors such as maternal smoking during pregnancy in subpopulations where these data were available.

Results

Babies with CF were more likely to be born preterm and with low birth weight than babies with no CF (12.7% vs 5% and 9.4% vs 5.8% preterm; 11.9% vs 4.2% and 11% vs 5.4% low birth weight in Denmark and Wales, respectively). Using causal mediation methods, the total effect of CF on birth weight was estimated to be −178.8 g (95% CI −225.43 to −134.47 g) in the Danish population and −210.08 g (95% CI −281.97 to −141.5 g) in the Welsh population. About 40% of this effect of CF on birth weight was mediated through gestational age.

Conclusions

CF significantly impacts on intrauterine growth and leads to lower birth weight in babies with CF, which is only partially explained by shorter gestation.
Conformal symmetric Bianchi type-I cosmologies in f(R) gravity
Authors: Taṣer Dog̃ukan , Dog̃ru Melis Ulu
Published: July 2018

In this study, we investigate the Bianchi type-I cosmologies with string cloud attached to perfect fluid in f(R) gravity. The field equations and their exact solutions for Bianchi type-I cosmologies with string cloud attached to a perfect fluid are found by using the conformal symmetry properties. The obtained solutions under the varied selection of arbitrary constants indicate three cosmological models. Isotropy conditions for obtained cosmological models are investigated for large value of time. Whether or not the string cloud in conformal symmetric Bianchi type-I universe supports the isotropy condition for the large value of time has been investigated. Also, we examine the contracting and decelerating features of the obtained solutions by using Raychaudhuri equation. Finally, geometrical and physical results of the solutions are discussed.
Effect of room temperature ageing on structure and thermal stability of as-cast and deformed Pd40Ni40P20 metallic glass
Authors: Xu Yuanli , Liang Wei
Published: July 2018

The effect of long-term room temperature ageing on structure and thermal stability of as-cast and inhomogeneously deformed Pd[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] metallic glass has been investigated. It is found that the first crystallization peak temperature decreases and this indicates that the thermal stability decreases after ageing for these as-cast and inhomogeneously deformed metallic glass samples. The high density of shear bands formed after deformation disappears and nanocrystallization has been observed after ageing for the inhomogeneously deformed Pd[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] metallic glass.
Organization of the periodic orbits in the Rössler flow
Authors: Dong Chengwei
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we systematically investigate the periodic solutions of the Rössler equations up to certain topological length. To overcome the difficulties for a return map that is multivalued and non-invertible in the nonlinear system, we propose a new approach that establishes one-dimensional symbolic dynamics based on the topological structure of the orbit. A newly designed variational method is numerically stable for cycle searching, and two-orbit fragments can be used as basic building blocks to initialize the system. The topological classification based on the whole orbit structure seems more effective than partitioning the Poincaré surface of section. The current research supplies an interesting framework for a systematic classification of periodic orbits in a chaotic flow.
Common network characteristics of four bus transport networks in Northeast China based on a perfect space P
Authors: Hu Baoyu , Pei Yulong , Tang Jinjun , Gao Wei
Published: July 2018

The space P and space L representation models are often adopted together in the empirical analysis of bus transport networks (BTNs). In this paper, we develop a new representation model for BTNs using double edge weights and node weights, namely perfect space P. The model incorporates the number and lengths of directed routes between the two stations and the number of routes that connect to each station. Based on the model, we develop an empirical study on four large BTNs in Northeast China. Some common network characteristics of the BTNs are revealed and discussed in detail. The results show that several empirical distributions follow an exponential law. Moreover, the unweighted path length distributions can be fitted by a Gaussian function, while the weighted path length distributions can be fitted by a composite Gaussian function. Specifically, we introduce the weighted-degree distribution with different lengths and the special edge weight distribution, given the new evidence for the random behavior during the expansion of BTNs, including new stations and routes.
Super Efimovian expansions of superfluid Fermi gases in the BCS–BEC crossover
Authors: Zhang Liang , Wen Wen , Ma XiaoDong , Wang Ying
Published: July 2018

We study the super Efimovian expansions of a superfluid Fermi gas in the crossover from Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) superfluid to a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC), by using superfluid hydrodynamic equations with the equation of state fitting from the experimental data and a scaling approach. We find that in an isotropic trap, the super Efimovian expansion of the Fermi superfluid in the unitary limit is characterized by the double-log periodicity, while for an axially symmetric trap, the double-log periodicity only emerges in the longer direction for a large anisotropy of the trapping frequencies. Away from unitarity where the scale invariance is broken, the super Efimovian expansions of the superfluid Fermi gases deviate from the double-log oscillations. The oscillations in the BCS regime deviate upward from the double-log oscillations, whereas the oscillations in the BEC regime deviate downward and the deviation in the BEC limit is the most significant. This difference can be used to discriminate different superfluid regimes.
The maximal dimension of formal fibers of local rings of an algebraic scheme of finite type
Authors: Cu’ò’ng Đoàn Trung
Published: July 2018

For a scheme [Formula: see text] of finite type over a Noetherian local ring [Formula: see text] with a closed point [Formula: see text] of the special fiber, we show that the maximal dimension of the formal fibers of the local algebra [Formula: see text] equals to [Formula: see text] provided that either [Formula: see text] is complete of dimension one or the dimensions of the formal fibers of [Formula: see text] are less than [Formula: see text]. This extends Matsumura’s theorem for algebraic varieties.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 56: Synthesis of mesogenic phthalocyanine-fullerene dyads and influence of the substitution position of alkoxy chains and the kind of terminal groups on appearance of the helical supramolecular structure
Authors: Ishikawa Kohei , Watarai Ayumi , Yasutake Mikio , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: July 2018

We have synthesized twelve novel discotic columnar liquid crystals based on a phenoxy-group-substituted phthalocyaninato copper(II) complex having the same alkoxy chain of C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]O at different positions in the phenoxy group: the parent compounds {0a~0c-16}and the OH-substituted compounds {3a~3c-16}, the OFBA-substituted compounds {2a~2c-16}and the C[Formula: see text]-substituted dyads {1a~1c-16}. The letters of a, b and c mean substitution positions of C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]O group at [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. We have investigated the influence of both substitution position of the alkoxy chains and the kind of terminal groups (OH, OFBA and C[Formula: see text] on the mesomorphism and the helical supramolecular structure, by using DSC, POM and temperature-variable small angle X-ray diffraction measurements. As a result, an additional big peak (Peak H) tends to appear at around 2[Formula: see text] = 1.1[Formula: see text] in the X-ray diffraction patterns only for the dyads {1a~1c-16}but not for the other compounds, {0a~0c-16}, {3a~3c-16}and {2a~2c-16}, regardless of the substitution positions of the alkoxy group. Moreover, we revealed that both the m-substituted derivative 1a-16 and the m,p-substituted derivative 1c-16 gave Peak H, but that only the p-substituted derivative 1b-16 did not give Peak H among these three dyads {1a~1c-16}. From the temperature-variable small angle X-ray diffraction measurements for the m,p-substituted derivative 1c-16 using two different sample preparation methods, we proved that the Peak H originates from a helical pitch of fullerenes. We also pointed out that the m-substituted long alkoxy chains are at least needed to form the helical supramolecular structure in the present (PhO)[Formula: see text]PcM-C[Formula: see text]-based dyads.
A q-analogue of the (I.2) supercongruence of Van Hamme
Authors: Guo Victor J. W.
Published: July 2018

We give a [Formula: see text]-analogue of the supercongruence (I.2) of Van Hamme. As a conclusion, we confirm a recent conjecture of Swisher. We also give a [Formula: see text]-analogue of the corresponding [Formula: see text] series (I.1) along with some similar results.
Interactive Visual Graph Mining and Learning
Authors: Rossi Ryan A. , Ahmed Nesreen K. , Zhou Rong , Eldardiry Hoda
Published: July 2018

This article presents a platform for interactive graph mining and relational machine learning called GraphVis. The platform combines interactive visual representations with state-of-the-art graph mining and relational machine learning techniques to aid in revealing important insights quickly as well as learning an appropriate and highly predictive model for a particular task (e.g., classification, link prediction, discovering the roles of nodes, and finding influential nodes). Visual representations and interaction techniques and tools are developed for simple, fast, and intuitive real-time interactive exploration, mining, and modeling of graph data. In particular, we propose techniques for interactive relational learning (e.g., node/link classification), interactive link prediction and weighting, role discovery and community detection, higher-order network analysis (via graphlets, network motifs), among others. GraphVis also allows for the refinement and tuning of graph mining and relational learning methods for specific application domains and constraints via an end-to-end interactive visual analytic pipeline that learns, infers, and provides rapid interactive visualization with immediate feedback at each change/prediction in real-time. Other key aspects include interactive filtering, querying, ranking, manipulating, exporting, as well as tools for dynamic network analysis and visualization, interactive graph generators (including new block model approaches), and a variety of multi-level network analysis techniques.
Dietary proteins improve hibernation and subsequent reproduction in the European hamster,Cricetus cricetus
Authors: Weitten Mathieu , Tissier Mathilde Louise , Robin Jean-Patrice , Habold Caroline
Published: July 2018

The reproductive success of hibernators depends not only on food quality during reproduction but also on their body condition when emerging after hibernation, which, in turn, is highly dependent on the hibernation pattern. To date, no studies, to our knowledge, have fully investigated the role of macronutrients throughout the annual lifecycle of hibernators and the strong interdependency between its different phases. This study tested the effects of two diets with different lipid and protein composition on the prehibernation body condition, hibernation pattern, and reproduction of captive-reared European hamsters. Hamsters fed the high-lipid diet gained more body mass in the prehibernation period than those eating the high-protein diet, spent less time in torpor, and thus lost more body mass during hibernation. Despite similar body conditions in both groups at the start of reproduction, the group fed the high-protein diet had higher reproductive success, with more numerous and larger pups than in the high-lipid group. This study reveals that the macronutrient content of diets affects the different phases of the annual lifecycle in hamsters, each of which affects the next. Thus, a high-lipid diet induces less torpor use during hibernation because of a better prehibernation body condition and negatively impacts subsequent reproduction.
Transceiver Designs for MIMO Relaying Systems with Imperfect Channel State Information
Authors: Antwi-Boasiako Bridget Durowaa , Song Changick , Lee Kyoung-Jae
Published: July 2018

We focus on imperfect channel state information (ICSI) in closed-loop multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying systems. First, near-optimal closed-form solutions for transceiver designs are provided for the source-to-relay-to-destination link with ICSI at all nodes. Next, considering a nonnegligible direct link with ICSI available only at the relay and destination and no CSI or ICSI at the source, near-optimal designs are proposed. The Wiener or minimum mean square error (MMSE) filter is employed at the destination to estimate the transmitted signal. The effect of CSI mismatch on the performance of the proposed scheme is then shown through simulations.
Backstepping Control for the Schrödinger Equation with an Arbitrary Potential in a Confined Space
Authors: Franco Pedro , Schaum A. , Bernal Jaquez Roberto
Published: July 2018

In this work the control design problem for the Schrödinger equation with an arbitrary potential is addressed. In particular a controller is designed which (i) for a space-dependent potential steers the state probability density function to a prescribed solution and (ii) for a space and state-dependent potential exponentially stabilizes the zero solution. The problem is addressed using a backstepping controller that steers to zero the deviation between the initial probability wave function and the target probability wave function. The exponential convergence property is rigorously established and the convergence behavior is illustrated using numerical simulations for the Morse and the Pöschl-Teller potentials as well as the semilinear Schrödinger equation with cubic potential.
Fault Diagnosis Research on Impact System of Hydraulic Rock Drill Based on Internal Mechanism Testing Method
Authors: Li Yelin , Luo Youxin , Wu Xiao
Published: July 2018

In the production and manufacturing process of hydraulic rock drill, there are small impact energy and low impact frequency, and a fault diagnosis method based on the internal mechanism testing and testing of the hydraulic rock drill is proposed. This method is used to test the change law of hydraulic oil in the rock drill, by retaining the test holes on the cylinder body and other important components of the hydraulic rock drill. At the same time, the mathematical method is used to deal with the test curve, and the influence of pressure pulsation characteristics of the front and rear chambers of the impact piston and the left and right valve chambers of the reversing valve on the impact performance of the rock drill is analyzed. Based on Newton’s law, the model of the impact piston and reversing valve is established. According to the velocity and other parameters of the impact piston, the size of the impact piston switch point is calculated. The coupling between the movement of the impact piston and the movement of the reversing valve is analyzed according to the model established. Comparing the results of the experimental data, the correctness of the fault diagnosis analysis method and model is verified. The effect of the fault rock drill and the improved model is compared, and the theoretical basis is provided for the fault diagnosis of the rock drill and the design of a new type of rock drill.