bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fundamental class of smooth Kuranishi atlases with trivial isotropy
Authors: McDuff Dusa , Wehrheim Katrin
Published: November 2016

Kuranishi structures were introduced in the 1990s by Fukaya and Ono for the purpose of assigning a virtual cycle to moduli spaces of pseudoholomorphic curves that cannot be regularized by geometric methods. Their core idea was to build such a cycle by patching local finite dimensional reductions. The first sections of this paper discuss topological, algebraic and analytic challenges that arise in this program.

We then develop a theory of Kuranishi atlases and cobordisms that transparently resolves these challenges, for simplicity concentrating on the case of trivial isotropy. In this case, we assign to a cobordism class of additive weak Kuranishi atlases both a virtual moduli cycle (VMC — a cobordism class of smooth manifolds) and a virtual fundamental class (VFC — a Cech homology class). We, moreover, show that such Kuranishi atlases exist on simple Gromov–Witten moduli spaces and develop the technical results in a manner that easily transfers to more general settings.
Do high-salt microenvironments drive hypertensive inflammation?
Authors: Foss Jason D. , Kirabo Annet , Harrison David G.
Published: November 2016

Hypertension is a global epidemic affecting over one billion people worldwide. Despite this, the etiology of most cases of human hypertension remains obscure, and treatment remains suboptimal. Excessive dietary salt and inflammation are known contributors to the pathogenesis of this disease. Recently, it has been recognized that salt can accumulate in the skin and skeletal muscle, producing concentrations of sodium greater than the plasma in hypertensive animals and humans. Such elevated levels of sodium have been shown to alter immune cell function. Here, we propose a model in which tissue salt accumulation causes an immune response leading to renal and vascular inflammation and hypertension.
Metabolic abnormalities and obesity’s impact on the risk for developing preeclampsia
Authors: Spradley Frank T.
Published: November 2016

Preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, is increasing as a major contributor to perinatal and long-term morbidity of mother and offspring. PE is thought to originate from ischemic insults in the placenta driving the release of prohypertensive anti-angiogenic [soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)] and proinflammatory [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] factors into the maternal circulation. Whereas the increased incidence of PE is hypothesized to be largely due to the obesity pandemic, the mechanisms whereby obesity increases this risk are unknown. The maternal endothelium is targeted by placental and adipose tissue-derived factors like sFlt-1 and TNF-α that promote hypertension during pregnancy, resulting in vascular dysfunction and hypertension. Interestingly, not all obese pregnant women develop PE. Data suggest that obese pregnant women with the greatest metabolic abnormalities have the highest incidence of PE. Identifying obesity-related mechanisms driving hypertension in some obese pregnant women and pathways that protect normotensive obese pregnant women, may uncover novel protocols to treat PE. Metabolic abnormalities, such as increased circulating leptin, glucose, insulin, and lipids, are likely to increase the risk for PE in obese women. It is not only important to understand whether each of these metabolic factors contribute to the increased risk for PE in obesity, but also their cumulative effects. This is particularly relevant to obese pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) where all of these factors are increased and the risk for PE is highest. It is speculated that these factors potentiate the anti-angiogenic and proinflammatory mechanisms of placental ischemia-induced vascular dysfunction thereby contributing to the increasing incidence of PE.
Body sway adaptation to addition but not withdrawal of stabilizing visual information is delayed by a concurrent cognitive task
Authors: Honeine Jean-Louis , Crisafulli Oscar , Schieppati Marco
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to test the effects of a concurrent cognitive task on the promptness of the sensorimotor integration and reweighting processes following addition and withdrawal of vision. Fourteen subjects stood in tandem while vision was passively added and removed. Subjects performed a cognitive task, consisting of counting backward in steps of three, or were “mentally idle.” We estimated the time intervals following addition and withdrawal of vision at which body sway began to change. We also estimated the time constant of the exponential change in body oscillation until the new level of sway was reached, consistent with the current visual state. Under the mentally idle condition, mean latency was 0.67 and 0.46 s and the mean time constant was 1.27 and 0.59 s for vision addition and withdrawal, respectively. Following addition of vision, counting backward delayed the latency by about 300 ms, without affecting the time constant. Following withdrawal, counting backward had no significant effect on either latency or time constant. The extension by counting backward of the time interval to stabilization onset on addition of vision suggests a competition for allocation of cortical resources. Conversely, the absence of cognitive task effect on the rapid onset of destabilization on vision withdrawal, and on the relevant reweighting time course, advocates the intervention of a subcortical process. Diverting attention from a challenging standing task discloses a cortical supervision on the process of sensorimotor integration of new balance-stabilizing information. A subcortical process would instead organize the response to removal of the stabilizing sensory input.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to test the effect of an arithmetic task on the time course of balance readjustment following visual withdrawal or addition. Performing such a cognitive task increases the time delay following addition of vision but has no effect on withdrawal dynamics. This suggests that sensorimotor integration following addition of a stabilizing signal is performed at a cortical level, whereas the response to its withdrawal is “automatic” and accomplished at a subcortical level.
Perceived Body Image, Eating Behavior, and Sedentary Activities and Body Mass Index Categories in Kuwaiti Female Adolescents
Authors: Shaban Lemia H. , Vaccaro Joan A. , Sukhram Shiryn D. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: November 2016

Background.The State of Kuwait has a growing obesity epidemic in both genders and all age groups; however, obesity rates in the young seem to be rising.Methods.We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 169 Kuwaiti female adolescents attending both private and public schools spanning the six governorates in the State of Kuwait in order to explore female adolescents’ self-image, body dissatisfaction, type of school (private versus public), TV viewing, and computer games and their relationship to body mass index.Results.Approximately half the students classified as obese perceived their body image to lie in the normal range. Females in the obese category were the most dissatisfied with their body image, followed by those in the overweight category. Eating behavior, level of physical activity, school type, television viewing, computer/video usage, and desired BMI were not significantly associated with level of obesity.Conclusion.This study was one of the few studies to assess adolescent females’ body image dissatisfaction in relation to obesity in the State of Kuwait. The results suggest that including body image dissatisfaction awareness into obesity prevention programs would be of value.
Capturing the Data Uncertainty Change in the Cocaine Consumption in Spain Using an Epidemiologically Based Model
Authors: Anaya Christopher , Burgos Clara , Cortés Juan-Carlos , Villanueva Rafael-J.
Published: November 2016

A probabilistic model is proposed to study the transmission dynamics of the cocaine consumption in Spain during the period of 1995–2011. Using the so-called probabilistic fitting technique, we study if the model is able to capture the data uncertainty coming from surveys. The proposed model is formulated through a nonlinear system of difference equations whose coefficients are treated as stochastic processes. A discussion regarding the usefulness and limitations of probabilistic fitting technique in order to capture the data uncertainty of the proposed model is presented.
Identifying the Determinants of CO2 Emission Change in China’s Power Sector
Authors: Zhang Caiqing , Zhang Mi , Zhang Nan
Published: November 2016

Power sector is significantly important for China to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets. In this study, we analyze the features of CO2 emissions and environment effect in China’s power sector, investigate the driving factors of CO2 emission change based on the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method, and evaluate the mitigation potential of CO2 emissions in China’s power sector. Results show that CO2 emissions in China’s power sector increased rapidly from 492.00 Mt in 1990 to 3049.88 Mt in 2014 while CO2 emission intensity experienced an unsteady downward trend during the study period. Industrial scale effect is the key contributor to CO2 emission growth in China’s power sector, and its contribution degree reaches 123.97%. Energy intensity effect contributes most to the decrease in CO2 emissions, with a contribution degree of −20.01%. Capital productivity effect is another important factor leading to CO2 emissions increase. The aggregate CO2 emission reduction would reach 17973.86 million tons (Mt) during 2015–2030 in the ideal emission reduction scenario. Finally, policy recommendations are made for future energy-saving and CO2 emission reduction in China’s power sector.
Doxycycline Inhibits IL-17-Stimulated MMP-9 Expression by Downregulating ERK1/2 Activation: Implications in Myogenic Differentiation
Authors: Obradović Hristina , Krstić Jelena , Kukolj Tamara , Trivanović Drenka , Đorđević Ivana Okić , Mojsilović Slavko , Jauković Aleksandra , Jovčić Gordana , Bugarski Diana , Santibañez Juan Francisco
Published: November 2016

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects associated with several inflammatory diseases. Although elevated levels of IL-17 have been described in inflammatory myopathies, its role in muscle remodeling and regeneration is still unknown. Excessive extracellular matrix degradation in skeletal muscle is an important pathological consequence of many diseases involving muscle wasting. In this study, the role of IL-17 on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 9 in myoblast cells was investigated. The expression of MMP-9 after IL-17 treatment was analyzed in mouse myoblasts C2C12 cell line. The increase in MMP-9 production by IL-17 was concomitant with its capacity to inhibit myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. Doxycycline (Doxy) treatment protected the myogenic capacity of myoblasts from IL-17 inhibition and, moreover, increased myotubes hypertrophy. Doxy blocked the capacity of IL-17 to stimulate MMP-9 production by regulating IL-17-induced ERK1/2 MAPK activation. Our results imply that MMP-9 mediates IL-17’s capacity to inhibit myoblast differentiation during inflammatory diseases and indicate that Doxy can modulate myoblast response to inflammatory induction by IL-17.
Adiponectin Protects against Glutamate‐Induced Excitotoxicity via Activating SIRT1‐Dependent PGC‐1α Expression in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Yue Liang , Zhao Lei , Liu Haixiao , Li Xia , Wang Bodong , Guo Hao , Gao Li , Feng Dayun , Qu Yan
Published: November 2016

Glutamate‐ (Glu‐) induced excitotoxicity plays a critical role in stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of APN on Glu‐induced injury in HT22 neurons. HT22 neurons were treated with Glu in the absence or the presence of an APN peptide. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining. Levels of LDH, MDA, SOD, and GSH‐Px were detected using the respective kits, and ROS levels were detected using dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α), cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2. In addition to the western blot, immunofluorescence was used to investigate the expression levels of SIRT1 and PGC‐1α. Our results suggest that APN peptide increased cell viability, SOD, and GSH‐Px levels and decreased LDH release, ROS and MDA levels, and cell apoptosis. APN peptide upregulated the expression of SIRT1, PGC‐1α, and Bcl‐2 and downregulated the expression of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax. Furthermore, the protective effects of the APN peptide were abolished by SIRT1 siRNA. Our findings suggest that APN peptide protects HT22 neurons against Glu‐induced injury by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and activating SIRT1‐dependent PGC‐1α signaling.
Numerical Simulation on Structure Optimization of Liquid-Gas Cylindrical Cyclone Separator
Authors: Chang Peng , Hu Tian , Wang Li , Chang Sen , Wang Tianjing , Wang Yueshe
Published: November 2016

With the further development of oilfield, liquid-gas separation has become an essential problem. Cylindrical cyclone separators are popular in the industrial process due to the advantage that they are simple, compact, and inexpensive to manufacture. In this paper, a three-dimensional turbulence model including Reynolds stress model was established to describe the mixture flow field in the separator. Through the numerical simulation, the separation efficiency was investigated under different parameter cases such as separator length, gas phase outlet diameter, and inlet shape. It can be indicated from the simulation results that the separation efficiency decreases with the increase of the separator length, and the separation efficiency increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of the gas phase outlet diameter as well as the liquid phase outlet. Furthermore, the rectangular inlet is more suitable than the circular inlet with the separation efficiency changing from 66.45% to 79.04%. In the end, the optimal geometrical structure was presented with separation efficiency of 86.15%.
PTEN Activation by DNA Damage Induces Protective Autophagy in Response to Cucurbitacin B in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Niu Yanan , Sun Wen , Lu Jin-Jian , Ma Dik-Lung , Leung Chung-Hang , Pei Lixia , Chen Xiuping
Published: November 2016

Cucurbitacin B (Cuc B), a natural product, induced both protective autophagy and DNA damage mediated by ROS while the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored the mechanism of Cuc B‐induced DNA damage and autophagy. Cuc B decreased cell viability in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners. Cuc B caused long comet tails and increased expression of γ‐H2AX, phosphorylation of ATM/ATR, and Chk1/Chk2. Cuc B induced autophagy as evidenced by monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining, increased expression of LC3II, phosphorylated ULK1, and decreased expression of phosphorylated AKT, mTOR. Cuc B induced apoptosis mediated by Bcl‐2 family proteins and caspase activation. Furthermore, Cuc B induced ROS formation, which was inhibited by N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). NAC pretreatment dramatically reversed Cuc B‐induced DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis. Cuc B‐induced apoptosis was reversed by NAC but enhanced by 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), chloroquine (CQ), and silencing phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). 3‐MA and CQ showed no effect on Cuc B‐induced DNA damage. In addition, Cuc B increased PTEN phosphorylation and silence PTEN restored Cuc B‐induced autophagic protein expressions without affecting DNA damage. In summary, Cuc B induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and protective autophagy mediated by ROS. PTEN activation in response to DNA damage bridged DNA damage and prosurvival autophagy.
Overview of Pregnancy in Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Shah Silvi , Verma Prasoon
Published: November 2016

Kidney transplantation offers best hope to women with end-stage renal disease who wish to become pregnant. Pregnancy in a kidney transplant recipient continues to remain challenging due to side effects of immunosuppressive medication, risk of deterioration of allograft function, risk of adverse maternal complications of preeclampsia and hypertension, and risk of adverse fetal outcomes of premature birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age infants. The factors associated with poor pregnancy outcomes include presence of hypertension, serum creatinine greater than 1.4 mg/dL, and proteinuria. The recommended maintenance immunosuppression in pregnant women is calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus/cyclosporine), azathioprine, and low dose prednisone; and it is considered safe. Sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil should be stopped 6 weeks prior to conception. The optimal time to conception continues to remain an area of contention. It is important that counseling for childbearing should start as early as prior to getting a kidney transplant and should be done at every clinic visit after transplant. Breast-feeding is not contraindicated and should not be discouraged. This review will help the physicians in medical optimization and counseling of renal transplant recipients of childbearing age.
Modeling Sampling in Tensor Products of Unitary Invariant Subspaces
Authors: García Antonio G. , Ibort Alberto , Muñoz-Bouzo María J.
Published: November 2016

The use of unitary invariant subspaces of a Hilbert spaceHis nowadays a recognized fact in the treatment of sampling problems. Indeed, shift-invariant subspaces ofL2(R)and also periodic extensions of finite signals are remarkable examples where this occurs. As a consequence, the availability of an abstract unitary sampling theory becomes a useful tool to handle these problems. In this paper we derive a sampling theory for tensor products of unitary invariant subspaces. This allows merging the cases of finitely/infinitely generated unitary invariant subspaces formerly studied in the mathematical literature; it also allows introducing the several variables case. As the involved samples are identified as frame coefficients in suitable tensor product spaces, the relevant mathematical technique is that of frame theory, involving both finite/infinite dimensional cases.
Nutrigenomic Functions of PPARs in Obesogenic Environments
Authors: Chung Soonkyu , Kim Young Jun , Yang Soo Jin , Lee Yunkyoung , Lee Myoungsook
Published: November 2016

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that mediate the effects of several nutrients or drugs through transcriptional regulation of their target genes in obesogenic environments. This review consists of three parts. First, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of PPARs in governing the development of white and brown/beige adipocytes from uncommitted progenitor cells. Next, we discuss the interactions of dietary bioactive molecules, such as fatty acids and phytochemicals, with PPARs for the modulation of PPAR-dependent transcriptional activities and metabolic consequences. Lastly, the effects of PPAR polymorphism on obesity and metabolic outcomes are discussed. In this review, we aim to highlight the critical role of PPARs in the modulation of adiposity and subsequent metabolic adaptation in response to dietary challenges and genetic modifications. Understanding the changes in obesogenic environments as a consequence of PPARs/nutrient interactions may help expand the field of individualized nutrition to prevent obesity and obesity-associated metabolic comorbidities.
STLIS: A Scalable Two-Level Index Scheme for Big Data in IoT
Authors: Leng Yonglin , Chen Zhikui , Hu Yueming
Published: November 2016

The rapid development of the Internet of Things causes the dramatic growth of data, which poses an important challenge on the storage and quick retrieval of big data. As an effective representation model, RDF receives the most attention. More and more storage and index schemes have been developed for RDF model. For the large-scale RDF data, most of them suffer from a large number of self-joins, high storage cost, and many intermediate results. In this paper, we propose a scalable two-level index scheme (STLIS) for RDF data. In the first level, we devise a compressed path template tree (CPTT) index based on S-tree to retrieve the candidate sets of full path. In the second level, we create a hierarchical edge index (HEI) and a node-predicate (NP) index to accelerate the match. Extensive experiments are executed on two representative RDF benchmarks and one real RDF dataset in IoT by comparison with three representative index schemes, that is, RDF-3X, Bitmat, and TripleBit. Results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can respond to the complex query in real time and save much storage space compared with RDF-3X and Bitmat.
Variations of the Physicochemical Parameters and Metal Levels and Their Risk Assessment in Urbanized Bagmati River, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Paudyal Rukumesh , Kang Shichang , Sharma Chhatra Mani , Tripathee Lekhendra , Sillanpää Mika
Published: November 2016

During post-monsoon 2013, surface water samples were collected form 34 sites from the Bagmati River and its tributaries within the Kathmandu Valley to assess the river water quality. The physical parameters were measured on site and major ions (Na+,NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−,SO42-, andNO3-) and 17 elements in water were analyzed in the laboratory. Conductivity ranged from 21.92 to 846 μS/cm, while turbidity ranged from 2.52 to 223 NTU and dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 0.04 to 8.98 mg/L. The ionic and elemental concentrations were higher in the lower section where the population density is high compared to the headwaters. The large input of wastewater and organic load created anoxic condition by consuming dissolved oxygen along the lower belt of the river. The concentration of the elements was found to be in the order of Mn > Zn > Ti > Rb > Cr > Cu > Sc > Ni > V > Li > Co > Mo > Cd > Y > Ga > Be > Nb. The concentration of Mn, Cd, Cr, Co, and Zn was particularly higher in urban and semiurban sections. Enrichment factor (EF) calculations for Cd, Co, and Zn showed their highly enriched values indicating that these elements originated from anthropogenic sources. Preliminary risk assessments were determined by the hazard quotient (HQ) calculations in order to evaluate the health risk of the metals. TheHQingestionvalues of elements were found to be in the order Sb > Mn > Cr > V > Co > Cd > Cu > Zn > Ni > Li > Mo with all averaged HQ values less than 1, indicating no or limited health risk of metals from the river to the local residence. However the values of Sb in some parts of the Bagmati were close to unity indicating its possible threat. Anthropogenic activities like industrial activities, municipal waste water, and road construction besides the river appear to control the chemical constituent of the river water. Overall the river was highly polluted with elevated concentrations of major ions and elements and there is a need for restoration projects.
Antigen-Specific IFN-γ Responses Correlate with the Activity of M. tuberculosis Infection but Are Not Associated with the Severity of Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Nikitina Irina Yu. , Panteleev Alexander V. , Sosunova Ekaterina V. , Karpina Natalya L. , Bagdasarian Tatef R. , Burmistrova Irina A. , Andreevskaya Sofia N. , Chernousova Larisa N. , Vasilyeva Irina A. , Lyadova Irina V.
Published: November 2016

IFN-γ is a key cytokine in antituberculosis (TB) defense. However, how the levels of its secretion affect M. tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is not clear. We have analyzed associations between IFN-γ responses measured in QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-tube (QFT) assay, TB disease severity, and Mtb infection activity. TB severity was evaluated based on the results of radiological, microbiological, and clinical examinations. Antigen-driven IFN-γ secretion did not correlate with TB severity. Mitogen-induced IFN-γ secretion correlated inversely with the form of pulmonary pathology and the area of affected pulmonary tissue; the levels of spontaneous IFN-γ secretion correlated with patients’ age (r = 0.395, p = 0.001). Mtb infection activity was evaluated based on radiological data of lung tissue infiltration, destruction, dissemination or calcification, and condensation. The rate of positive QFT results and the levels of antigen-driven IFN-γ secretion increased in a row: patients with residual TB lesions < patients with low TB activity < patients with high TB activity. Thus, antigen-driven IFN-γ secretion and QFT results did not associate with TB severity but associated with the infection activity. The results suggest that quantitative parameters of IFN-γ secretion play a minor role in determining the course of TB disease but mirror the activity of the infectious process.
Investigation of Coagulation Activity of Cactus Powder in Water Treatment
Authors: Beyene Hayelom Dargo , Hailegebrial Tessema Derbe , Dirersa Worku Batu
Published: November 2016

This paper is focused on the comparative study of cactus powder, Alum, and their combination of physiochemical analyses of water sample such as TDS, pH, conductivity, salinity, and turbidity using jar test. The result indicated that percentage removal of turbidity from turbid water sample increased from 23.9% to 54% and 28.46% to 58.2% as dose increased from 0.50 to 3.50 g for both cactus powder and Alum, respectively. Cactus powder also has a marginal effect on pH value (7.33 at 0.50 g, 7.49 at 1.50 g, 7.57 at 2.50 g, and 7.57 at 3.50 g) as compared to the usage of chemical coagulants (Alum). The salinity was increased from 0.4% to 0.69 % and 0.39% to 0.98% as the dose of cactus powder and Alum increased from 0.50 g to 3.50 g, respectively. The result revealed that cactus powder is more effective in pH upholding, TDS maintenance, and salinity removal than Alum, but their combination is the most effective in terms of turbidity removal, reduction of salinity, reduction of conductivity, and reduction of TDS and has a marginal effect on dissolved oxygen (DO) value. In conclusion, the combination of Alum and cactus powder is more effective for turbidity removal, salinity removal, and pH and conductivity upholding than either of them used individually.
Gender Differences in Risks of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome in China
Authors: Yao Mei-Fang , He Jie , Sun Xue , Ji Xiao-Li , Ding Yue , Zhao Yi-Ming , Lou Han-Yu , Song Xiao-Xiao , Shan Li-Zhen , Kang Ying-Xiu , Zhang Song-Zhao , Shan Peng-Fei
Published: November 2016

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to explore the differences in the risks of CHD and stroke between Chinese women and men with T2DM and their association with metabolic syndrome (MS). This study included 1514 patients with T2DM. The Asian Guidelines of ATPIII (2005) were used for MS diagnosis, and the UKPDS risk engine was used to evaluate the 10-year CHD and stroke risks. Women had lower CHD risk (15.3% versus 26.3%), fatal CHD risk (11.8% versus 19.0%), stroke risk (8.4% versus 10.3%), and fatal stroke risk (1.4% versus 1.6%) compared with men with T2DM (p<0.05–0.001). The CHD risk (28.4% versus 22.6%, p<0.001) was significantly higher in men with MS than in those without MS. The CHD (16.2% versus 11.0%, p<0.001) and stroke risks (8.9% versus 5.8%, p<0.001) were higher in women with MS than in those without MS. In conclusion, our findings indicated that Chinese women with T2DM are less susceptible to CHD and stroke than men. Further, MS increases the risk of both these events, highlighting the need for comprehensive metabolic control in T2DM.
Experimental Investigation of Wave-Induced Hydroelastic Vibrations of Trimaran in Oblique Irregular Waves
Authors: Tang Haoyun , Ren Huilong , Li Hui , Zhong Qi
Published: November 2016

The irregular wave condition, especially the oblique irregular wave condition, is the actual circumstances when trimaran is sailing in sea. In order to identify the characteristic of the wave-induced hydroelastic vibration in irregular waves, as well as investigate the change of vibration in different oblique irregular wave conditions, trimaran model tests were conducted to measure vibrations, wave impact, and motion under different azimuth and wave height. The vibration on main hull, side hull, and cross-desk is measured and analyzed separately to observe the influence of irregular wave in different structural parts. The longitudinal vibration, transverse vibration, and torsion are also included in the model tests measurement to investigate the relationship between these vibration deformation components and parameters of the irregular waves. The wave-induced hydroelastic vibrations and whipping effect is extracted and analyzed to find influence of whipping and springing on the total vibration. Based on the analysis, the dangerous positions and the critical waves condition is introduced to ensure that the subsequent structural strength assessment is more reliable.
Assessment of Cytotoxic Activity of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalisL.), Turmeric (Curcuma longaL.), and Ginger (Zingiber officinaleR.) Essential Oils in Cervical Cancer Cells (HeLa)
Authors: Santos P. A. S. R. , Avanço G. B. , Nerilo S. B. , Marcelino R. I. A. , Janeiro V. , Valadares M. C. , Machinski Miguel
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of rosemary (REO,Rosmarinus officinalisL.), turmeric (CEO,Curcuma longaL.), and ginger (GEO,Zingiber officinaleR.) essential oils in HeLa cells. Cytotoxicity tests were performedin vitro, using tetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red assays for evaluation of antiproliferative activity by different mechanisms, trypan blue assay to assess cell viability and evaluation of cell morphology for Giemsa to observe the cell damage, and Annexin V to evaluate cell death by apoptosis. CEO and GEO exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells. IC50obtained was 36.6 μg/mL for CEO and 129.9 μg/mL for GEO. The morphology of HeLa cells showed condensation of chromatin, loss of cell membrane integrity with protrusions (blebs), and cell content leakage for cells treated with CEO and GEO, from the lowest concentrations studied, 32.81 μg/mL of CEO and 32.12 μg/mL of GEO. The Annexin V assay revealed a profile of cell death by apoptosis for both CEO and GEO. The results indicate cytotoxic activityin vitrofor CEO and GEO, suggesting potential use as anticancer agents for cervical cancer cells.
Comparative Study of Ag Nanostructures: Molecular Simulations, Electrochemical Behavior, and Antibacterial Effect
Authors: Ruíz-Baltazar Álvaro de Jesús , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny , Larrañaga D. , Pérez R.
Published: November 2016

Nanoparticles of Ag with different sizes and structures were obtained and studied. Two methods for reductions of Ag ions were employed, chemical reduction by sodium borohydride and ethylene glycol. Cuboctahedral and icosahedral structures were obtained. Molecular simulations were carried out in order to evaluate the reactivity of both structures. On the other hand, the electrochemical activity and antibacterial effect (E. coli) of the cuboctahedral and icosahedral structures were measured experimentally. The results obtained by molecular simulation, cyclic voltammetry, and antibacterial effect were compared and discussed in this work.
A Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Decreasing Salivary Gland Damage following Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Nakayama Michihiro , Okizaki Atsutaka , Takahashi Koji
Published: November 2016

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of aromatherapy in decreasing salivary gland damage for patients undergoing radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Materials and Methods. The subjects were 71 patients with DTC. They were divided into aromatherapy group (group A, n=35) and a control group (group B, n=36). We blended 1.0 mL of lemon and 0.5 mL of ginger essential oils. The patients in the inhalation aromatherapy group inhaled this blend oil and those in the control group inhaled distilled water as placebo for 10 min during admission. We statistically compared salivary gland function before and after treatment between groups A and B. Results. In comparison with group B, the rate of change of the accumulation rate was significantly higher in the parotid glands and submandibular glands of group A (P<0.05). In comparison with group B, a significant increase in rate of secretion change before and after treatment was noted in the bilateral parotid glands in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion. Because an amelioration of salivary gland function was observed in the present study, our results suggest the efficacy of aromatherapy in the prevention of treatment-related salivary gland disorder. This trial is registered with UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000013968.
Banana Blossom (Musa acuminate Colla) Incorporated Experimental Diets Modulate Serum Cholesterol and Serum Glucose Level in Wistar Rats Fed with Cholesterol
Authors: Liyanage Ruvini , Gunasegaram Saranya , Visvanathan Rizliya , Jayathilake Chathuni , Weththasinghe Pabodha , Jayawardana Barana Chaminda , Vidanarachchi Janak Kamil
Published: November 2016

Hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic effect of banana blossom were studied in high-cholesterol fed rats. Experimental groups were fed for 4 weeks, with casein as the basal diet (CN), in comparison with two diets containing 0.5% cholesterol (CD) and 0.5% cholesterol + 21% banana blossom powder (CDB). Serum total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol level, and serum glucose concentrations were lower in CDB fed group compared with CD fed group. Lower serum cholesterol and glucose level (P<0.05) in CDB fed group were followed by higher faecal weight, caecal weight, caecal Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria population in CDB fed group compared to CD diet fed group. Lower serum AST level in banana blossom fed rats showed the reduction in oxidative stress induced by high cholesterol diet. Based on these data, it could be speculated that banana blossom incorporated experimental diets may modulate the hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic responses in Wistar rats.
Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer Is Mediated by the Kinase NEK6
Authors: Choudhury Atish D. , Schinzel Anna C. , Cotter Maura B. , Lis Rosina T. , Labella Katherine , Lock Ying Jie , Izzo Francesca , Guney Isil , Bowden Michaela , Li Yvonne Y. , Patel Jinal , Hartman Emily , Carr Steven A. , Schenone Monica , Jaffe Jacob D. , Kantoff Philip W. , Hammerman Peter S. , Hahn William C.
Published: November 2016

In prostate cancer, the development of castration resistance is pivotal in progression to aggressive disease. However, understanding of the pathways involved remains incomplete. In this study, we performed a high-throughput genetic screen to identify kinases that enable tumor formation by androgen-dependent prostate epithelial (LHSR-AR) cells under androgen-deprived conditions. In addition to the identification of known mediators of castration resistance, which served to validate the screen, we identified a mitotic-related serine/threonine kinase, NEK6, as a mediator of androgen-independent tumor growth. NEK6 was overexpressed in a subset of human prostate cancers. Silencing NEK6 in castration-resistant cancer cells was sufficient to restore sensitivity to castration in a mouse xenograft model system. Tumors in which castration resistance was conferred by NEK6 were predominantly squamous in histology with no evidence of AR signaling. Gene expression profiling suggested that NEK6 overexpression stimulated cytoskeletal, differentiation, and immune signaling pathways and maintained gene expression patterns normally decreased by castration. Phosphoproteome profiling revealed the transcription factor FOXJ2 as a novel NEK6 substrate, with FOXJ2 phosphorylation associated with increased expression of newly identified NEK6 transcriptional targets. Overall, our studies establish NEK6 signaling as a central mechanism mediating castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 77(3); 753–65. ©2016 AACR.
MYC Mediates mRNA Cap Methylation of Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Transcripts By Recruiting CDK7 and RNA Methyltransferase
Authors: Posternak Valeriya , Ung Matthew H. , Cheng Chao , Cole Michael D.
Published: November 2016

MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor that activates and represses a wide range of target genes and is frequently deregulated in human tumors. While much is known about the role of MYC in transcriptional activation and repression, MYC can also regulate mRNA cap methylation through a mechanism that has remained poorly understood. Here, it is reported that MYC enhances mRNA cap methylation of transcripts globally, specifically increasing mRNA cap methylation of genes involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Elevated mRNA cap methylation of Wnt signaling transcripts in response to MYC leads to augmented translational capacity, elevated protein levels, and enhanced Wnt signaling activity. Mechanistic evidence indicates that MYC promotes recruitment of RNA methyltransferase (RNMT) to Wnt signaling gene promoters by enhancing phosphorylation of serine 5 on the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain, mediated in part through an interaction between the TIP60 acetyltransferase complex and TFIIH.

Implications: MYC enhances mRNA cap methylation above and beyond transcriptional induction. Mol Cancer Res; 15(2); 213–24. ©2016 AACR.
Smell and Taste to Improve Nutrition in Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Beker Friederike , Opie Gillian , Noble Elizabeth , Jiang Yannan , Bloomfield Frank H.
Published: November 2016

Background: The perception of smell and taste, though present early in development, is not routinely considered in the care of preterm infants. Smell and taste are known to increase gut motility, insulin secretion, and the release of appetite, digestive and metabolic hormones. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of regular smell and taste on the time from birth to full enteral feeds, and the feasibility of the study protocol in very preterm infants. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, infants <29 weeks' postmenstrual age (PA) were assigned to receive either the smell and taste of milk before each feed or to have no exposure to the smell and taste of milk (control). Results: Infants in the treatment group (n = 28) and control group (n = 23) were born at a mean (SD) PA of 26.7 (1.5) and 27.2 (1.4) weeks, respectively. They reached full enteral feeds at a median (IQR) of 13.5 (10.0-19.0) and 15.5 (11.0-22.0) days, respectively. Survival analysis showed an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.63 (95% confidence interval 0.91-2.91; p = 0.10) for the effect on the time to establish full enteral feeds. Repeated-measures analysis indicated significant group differences in weight z scores at 36 weeks' PA and at discharge in favor of the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These data indicate that the smell and taste of milk may improve milk tolerance and weight in preterm infants. The role of regular smell and taste in promoting enteral nutrition and growth in preterm infants merits a larger trial powered to detect important outcomes.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kirstein Martha M. , Vogel Arndt
Published: November 2016

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer, being characterized by its late diagnosis and fatal outcome. Recent epidemiological reports indicate an increasing worldwide incidence of intrahepatic CCA but a decreasing incidence of extrahepatic CCA. Methods: In this review, we present an overview of the incidence and epidemiology of CCA and possible strategies for screening and surveillance. Results: Efficient strategies for the screening and surveillance of CCA have not been established so far. The vast majority of CCA occur sporadically without any apparent cause; however, several risk factors such as liver flukes, chronic biliary and liver diseases, and lifestyle-related aspects causing chronic inflammation and cholestasis in the liver have been linked to the development of CCA. These risk factors likely contribute to the increased incidence observed in some countries and also explain the wide geographical differences in the incidence of CCA. Conclusion: Several risk factors for CCA have been identified. Given the dismal prognosis of advanced CCA, regular surveillance examinations with a combination of ultrasonography and laboratory tests appear to be useful in patients at risk and need to be explored in prospective trials.
Functional Definition of Progenitors Versus Mature Endothelial Cells Reveals Key SoxF-Dependent Differentiation Process
Authors: Patel Jatin , Seppanen Elke J. , Rodero Mathieu P. , Wong Ho Yi , Donovan Prudence , Neufeld Zoltan , Fisk Nicholas M. , Francois Mathias , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: November 2016

Background:

During adult life, blood vessel formation is thought to occur via angiogenic processes involving branching from existing vessels. An alternate proposal suggests that neovessels form from endothelial progenitors able to assemble the intimal layers. We here aimed to define vessel-resident endothelial progenitors in vivo in a variety of tissues in physiological and pathological situations such as normal aorta, lungs, and wound healing, tumors, and placenta, as well.

Methods:

Based on protein expression levels of common endothelial markers using flow cytometry, 3 subpopulations of endothelial cells could be identified among VE-Cadherin+ and CD45– cells.

Results:

Lineage tracing by using
Cdh5cre

ERt2

/Rosa-YFP
reporter strategy demonstrated that the CD31–/loVEGFR2lo/intracellular endothelial population was indeed an endovascular progenitor (EVP) of an intermediate CD31intVEGFR2lo/intracellular transit amplifying (TA) and a definitive differentiated (D) CD31hiVEGFR2hi/extracellular population. EVP cells arose from vascular-resident beds that could not be transferred by bone marrow transplantation. Furthermore, EVP displayed progenitor-like status with a high proportion of cells in a quiescent cell cycle phase as assessed in wounds, tumors, and aorta. Only EVP cells and not TA and D cells had self-renewal capacity as demonstrated by colony-forming capacity in limiting dilution and by transplantation in Matrigel plugs in recipient mice. RNA sequencing revealed prominent gene expression differences between EVP and D cells. In particular, EVP cells highly expressed genes related to progenitor function including
Sox9
,
Il33
,
Egfr
, and
Pdfgrα.
Conversely, D cells highly expressed genes related to differentiated endothelium including
Ets1&2
,
Gata2
,
Cd31
,
Vwf
, and
Notch
. The RNA sequencing also pointed to an essential role of the
Sox18
transcription factor. The role of SOX18 in the differentiation process was validated by using lineage-tracing experiments based on S
ox18Cre

ERt2

/Rosa-YFP
mice. Besides, in the absence of functional SOX18/SOXF, EVP progenitors were still present, but TA and D populations were significantly reduced.

Conclusions:

Our findings support an entirely novel endothelial hierarchy, from EVP to TA to D, as defined by self-renewal, differentiation, and molecular profiling of an endothelial progenitor. This paradigm shift in our understanding of vascular-resident endothelial progenitors in tissue regeneration opens new avenues for better understanding of cardiovascular biology.
Ticagrelor in Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Asian Patients
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Minematsu Kazuo , Wong Ka Sing Lawrence , Amarenco Pierre , Albers Gregory W. , Denison Hans , Easton J. Donald , Evans Scott R. , Held Peter , Jonasson Jenny , Molina Carlos A. , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

In the SOCRATES trial (Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Treated With Aspirin or Ticagrelor and Patient Outcomes), ticagrelor was not superior to aspirin. Because of differences in patient demographics and stroke disease pattern in Asia, outcomes of ticagrelor versus aspirin were assessed among Asian patients in a prespecified exploratory analysis.

Methods—

Baseline demographics, treatment effects, and safety of ticagrelor and aspirin were assessed among Asian patients. Differences in outcomes between groups were assessed using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results—

A total of 3858 (29.2%) SOCRATES participants were recruited in Asia. Among the Asian patients, the primary end point event occurred in 186 (9.6%) of the 1933 patients treated with ticagrelor, versus 224 (11.6%) of the 1925 patients treated with aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.99). The exploratory
P
value for treatment-by-region interaction was 0.27. The primary end point event rate in the Asian subgroup was numerically higher than that in the non-Asian group (10.6% versus 5.7%; nominal
P
<0.01). Among the Asian patients, the rate of PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes)–defined major bleeding was similar in the ticagrelor group and the aspirin group (0.6% versus 0.8%; hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–1.61).

Conclusions—

The event rates were numerically higher in the Asian patients. Among the Asian patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attacks, there was a trend toward a lower hazard ratio in reducing risk of the primary end point of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death in the ticagrelor group.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01994720.
Cremanthodium liangshanicum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from southwestern Sichuan, China
Authors: WANG LONG , REN CHEN , Yang Qin-er
Published: November 2016

Cremanthodium liangshanicum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a new species from the Liangshan Mountains region in southwestern Sichuan, China, is illustrated and described. The new species is similar to C. potaninii and C. cyclaminanthum in habit and the relatively smaller leaves, but differs from both of them in the stem pubescence and the shape of the basal leaves. From the former it can be distinguished additionally by the phyllary indumentum, and particularly, by the shape and length of the ray laminae. From the latter it is distinct also in the shape of the involucres and the length of the pappus.
Economic globalization, inequality, and protest movements under capitalist political regimes, 1970–2007
Authors: Kim Wonik
Published: November 2016

This article examines the impacts of globalization on protest movements. Highlighting the nature of capitalist political regimes in which capitalist societies and political institutions are deeply interconnected, I argue that the relationship between globalization and protest is profoundly constrained by two domestic conditions: the distribution of material resources and the type of political regime. Based on time-series, cross-sectional (TSCS) data in a global sample for the period 1970–2007, the findings indicate that globalization is more likely to increase protest in egalitarian democracies; globalization is not systematically associated with protest under dictatorships, except in the case of a highly unequal dictatorship in which globalization appears to revitalize protest, and hyperglobalization radically diminishes the possibility of protest, especially in democracies.