bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypical heterogeneity in responder and nonresponder male ApoE*3Leiden.CETP mice
Authors: Tarasco Erika , Pellegrini Giovanni , Whiting Lynda , Lutz Thomas A.
Published: July 2018

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health issue worldwide and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia. Several animal models were used to describe the MetS; however, many of them do not mimic well the MetS pathophysiology in humans. The ApoE*3Leiden.CETP mouse model overcomes part of this limitation, since they have a humanised lipoprotein metabolism and a heterogeneous response to MetS, similar to humans. The reported heterogeneity among them and their common classification refer to responder (R) and nonresponder (NR) mice; R mice show increased body weight, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, whereas NR mice do not show this expected phenotype when fed a Western type diet. To define better the differences between R and NR mice, we focused on feeding behavior, body weight gain, glucose tolerance, and lipid parameters, and on an extensive pathological examination along with liver histology analysis. Our data confirmed that R mice resemble the pathological features of the human MetS: obesity, dysplipidemia, and glucose intolerance. NR mice do not develop the full dysmetabolic phenotype because of a severe inflammatory hepatic condition, which may heavily affect liver function. We conclude that R and NR mice are metabolically different and that NR mice have indications of severely impaired liver function. Hence, it is critical to identify and separate the respective mice to decrease data heterogeneity. Clinical chemistry and histological analysis should be used to confirm retrospectively the animals’ classification. Moreover, we point out that NR mice may not be an appropriate control for studies involving ApoE*3Leiden.CETP R mice.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY When compared with some other animal models, ApoE*3Leiden.CETP mice are better models to describe the metabolic syndrome. However, there is phenotypic heterogeneity between “responder” and “nonresponder” mice, the latter showing some evidence of hepatic pathology. A full phenotypic characterization and eventually postmortem analysis of the liver are warranted.
CTLA-4 and PD-1 Ligand Gene Expression in Epithelial Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Tuccilli Chiara , Baldini Enke , Sorrenti Salvatore , Catania Antonio , Antonelli Alessandro , Fallahi Poupak , Tartaglia Francesco , Barollo Susi , Mian Caterina , Palmieri Andrea , Carbotta Giovanni , Arcieri Stefano , Pironi Daniele , Vergine Massimo , Monti Massimo , Ulisse Salvatore
Published: July 2018

The dysregulation of PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) and CTLA-4 ligands (CD80 and CD86) represents a tumor strategy to escape the immune surveillance. Here, the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, and CD86 was evaluated at the mRNA level in 94 patients affected by papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 11 patients affected by anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Variations in the mRNAs in PTC patients were then correlated with clinicopathological features. The expression of all genes was deregulated in PTC and ATC tissues compared to normal tissues. In particular, the downregulation of CD80 was observed above all in ATC. In addition, the increased expression of CD80 associated with longer disease-free survival in PTC. Higher expression of PD-L1 associated with the classical histological variant and with the presence of BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. The increased PD-L2 expression correlated with BRAFV600E mutation and lymph node metastasis, while its lower expression correlated with the follicular PTC variant. The latter was also associated with the CD80 downregulation, which was also related to the absence of lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, we documented the overall dysregulation of PD-1 and CTLA-4 ligands in PTC and ATC tissues and a possible prognostic value for CD80 gene expression in PTC.
Clinical Presentation, Outcomes, and Treatment of Membranous Nephropathy after Transplantation
Authors: Silva Artur Q. B. da , Sandes-Freitas Taina V. de , Mansur Juliana B. , Medicina-Pestana Jose Osmar , Mastroianni-Kirsztajn Gianna
Published: July 2018

There are scarce data about clinical presentation and outcomes of posttransplant membranous nephropathy (MN), and few reports include a large number of patients. This was a retrospective cohort including adult patients with posttransplant MN transplanted between 1983 and 2015 in a single center (n=41). Only patients with histological diagnosis of MN in kidney grafts were included. Clinical and laboratory presentation, histological findings, treatment, and outcomes were detailed. Patients were predominantly male (58.5%), with a mean age of 49.4 ± 13.2 years; 15 were considered as recurrent primary MN; 3 were class V lupus nephritis; 14 were considered as de novo cases, 7 secondary and 7 primary MN; and 9 cases were considered primary but it was not possible to distinguish between de novo MN and recurrence. Main clinical presentations were proteinuria (75.6%) and graft dysfunction (34.1%). Most patients with primary recurrent and de novo primary MN were submitted to changes in maintenance immunosuppressive regimen, but no standard strategy was identified; 31 patients presented partial or complete remission, and glomerulopathy appeared not to impact graft and patient survival.
Two-Dimensional Thin Layer Chromatography-Bioautography Designed to Separate and Locate Metabolites with Antioxidant Activity Contained on Spirulina platensis
Authors: Cid-Hernández Margarita , López Dellamary-Toral Fernando Antonio , González-Ortiz Luis Javier , Sánchez-Peña María Judith , Pacheco-Moisés Fermín Paul
Published: July 2018

Spirulina platensis contains several biologically active compounds, some of them with antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, not all of these compounds have been identified to date. As a first step to achieving such identification, a methodology to perform two-dimensional thin layer chromatography bioautographies on silica gel thin layer chromatography plates was proposed. Starting with a reference binary system, 5 other binary systems were tested, in which the relative polarity was systematically increased. To further improve the separation behavior, a phase modifier (NH4OH) was used. The best separation results were obtained with the isopropyl alcohol/ethyl acetate/NH4OH ternary system. This experimental system allowed four well-resolved spots showing antioxidant activity as well as two additional areas with mixtures containing antioxidant compounds. Although the proposed methodology was designed with a specific application, it would be predictable that its field of use could be considerably greater, making the convenient modifications on the solvent polarity and “masking level” produced by the ammonium derivatives.
Unilateral Upper Cervical Posterior Spinal Cord Infarction after a Neuroendovascular Intervention: A Case Report
Authors: Elzamly Kareem , Nobleza Christa , Parker Ellen , Sugg Rebecca
Published: July 2018

Context. We describe a case of unilateral posterior upper cervical spinal cord infarction and propose a pathophysiologic mechanism causing this lesion after vertebral artery endovascular intervention. Findings. A 70-year-old male presented with subacute onset of left hemibody sensory changes and gait instability following a left vertebral angioplasty procedure. MRI cervical spine revealed upper posterior cervical spinal cord infarction (PSCI). After 3 months patient had substantial improvement of his symptoms. Conclusion. PSCI is rare but can present as a complication from vertebral artery angioplasty procedure. Early diagnosis of PSCI can be achieved with adequate understanding of its clinical signs and the blood supply of the spinal cord.
Gel Point Determination of TEOS-Based Polymeric Materials with Application on Conservation of Cultural Heritage Buildings
Authors: Angulo-Olais R. , Illescas Juan F. , Aguilar-Pliego J. , Vargas C. A. , Haro-Pérez C.
Published: July 2018

Here we present measurements on the gel time of inorganic-organic materials used for stone preservation by means of rheology and dynamic light scattering. Our hybrid material is composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using a nonionic surfactant (n-octylamine) as a template. Moreover, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are dispersed in the medium with the aim of obtaining a nanocomposite with potential biocide properties. In our case, we use the ZnO particles as tracers to infer from their scattered intensity mechanical information of the suspending medium. We have found that dynamic light scattering experiments provide similar information on the gelling time, about 30 hours, to that obtained from rotational rheology and oscillatory rheology. This result confirms the validity of light scattering, which is a noninvasive technique, to characterize mechanical properties of time evolving hybrid materials through nonperturbative and well-controlled experiments.
Nanoparticle-Enabled Ion Trapping and Ion Generation in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Garbovskiy Yuriy
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, nanomaterials in liquid crystals and their possible applications in the design of tunable, responsive, and wearable devices are among the most promising research directions. In the majority of cases, all liquid crystal based devices have one thing in common; namely, they are driven by electric fields. This type of device driving can be altered by minor amounts of ions typically present in liquid crystal materials. Therefore, it is very important to understand how nanodopants can affect ions in liquid crystals. In this paper, a recently developed model of contaminated nanoparticles is applied to existing experimental data. The presented analysis unambiguously indicates that, in general, nanomaterials in liquid crystals can behave as a source of ions or as ion traps. Physical factors determining the type of the nanoparticle behaviour and their effects on the concentration of ions in liquid crystals are discussed.
Circulating PIWI-Interacting RNAs piR-5937 and piR-28876 Are Promising Diagnostic Biomarkers of Colon Cancer
Authors: Vychytilova-Faltejskova Petra , Stitkovcova Karolina , Radova Lenka , Sachlova Milana , Kosarova Zdenka , Slaba Katerina , Kala Zdenek , Svoboda Marek , Kiss Igor , Vyzula Rostislav , Cho William C. , Slaby Ondrej
Published: July 2018

Background: The early detection of colon cancer is one of the main prerequisites for successful treatment and mortality reduction. Circulating PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA) were recently identified as novel promising biomarkers. The purpose of the study was to assess the profiles of piRNAs in blood serum of colon cancer patients with the aim to identify those with high diagnostic potential.

Methods: Blood serum samples from 403 colon cancer patients and 276 healthy donors were included in this 3-phase biomarker study. Large-scale piRNA expression profiling was performed using Illumina small RNA sequencing. The diagnostic potential of selected piRNAs was further validated on independent training and validation sets of samples using RT-qPCR.

Results: In total, 31 piRNAs were found to be significantly deregulated in serum of cancer patients compared with healthy donors. Based on the levels of piR-5937 and piR-28876, it was possible to differentiate between cancer patients and healthy donors with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, both piRNAs exhibited satisfactory diagnostic performance also in patients with stage I disease and enabled detection of colon cancer with higher sensitivity than currently used biomarkers CEA and CA19-9. Finally, the expression of analyzed piRNAs in blood restored significantly 1 month after the surgical resection.

Conclusions: Based on our findings, piRNAs are abundant in human blood serum. Furthermore, their levels in colon cancer have been observed to be significantly deregulated. However, their involvement in carcinogenesis must be further established.

Impact: piRNAs could serve as promising noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of colon cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(9); 1019–28. ©2018 AACR.
Characterization of Pattern Recognition Receptor Expression and Functionality in Liver Primary Cells and Derived Cell Lines
Authors: Faure-Dupuy Suzanne , Vegna Serena , Aillot Ludovic , Dimier Laura , Esser Knud , Broxtermann Mathias , Bonnin Marc , Bendriss-Vermare Nathalie , Rivoire Michel , Passot Guillaume , Lesurtel Mickaël , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Ducerf Christian , Salvetti Anna , Protzer Ulrike , Zoulim Fabien , Durantel David , Lucifora Julie
Published: July 2018

Different liver cell types are endowed with immunological properties, including cell-intrinsic innate immune functions that are important to initially control pathogen infections. However, a full landscape of expression and functionality of the innate immune signaling pathways in the major human liver cells is still missing. In order to comparatively characterize these pathways, we purified primary human hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), and Kupffer cells (KC) from human liver resections. We assessed mRNA and protein expression level of the major innate immune sensors, as well as checkpoint-inhibitor ligands in the purified cells, and found Toll-like receptors (TLR), RIG-I-like receptors, as well as several DNA cytosolic sensors to be expressed in the liver microenvironment. Amongst the cells tested, KC were shown to be most broadly active upon stimulation with PRR ligands emphasizing their predominant role in innate immune sensing the liver microenvironment. By KC immortalization, we generated a cell line that retained higher innate immune functionality as compared to THP1 cells, which are routinely used to study monocyte/macrophages functions. Our findings and the establishment of the KC line will help to understand immune mechanisms behind antiviral effects of TLR agonists or checkpoint inhibitors, which are in current preclinical or clinical development.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita: A Case Report
Authors: Magliah Tahani , Alghamdi Faiza
Published: July 2018

Background: Aplasia cutis congenita is characterized by congenital focal absence of skin in a newborn. Case Report: A 45-day-old boy presented to the outpatient clinic of dermatology at King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a flat scalp lesion on the space of the anterior fontanel. There was a positive family history of such condition in his older brother’s scalp, which resolved spontaneously within 3 weeks after labor, without any medical intervention. There were no associated hemangiomata or other congenital defects in his body. The case was admitted to the hospital. Ultrasound of the head showed bullae over the anterior fontanel, well-defined complex cyst, and an isolated subcutaneous lesion, with no evidence of intracranial extension. The baby was started on intravenous infusion of vancomycin (67 mg in dextrose 5% in water) for 3 days, but no improvement occurred to the scalp cyst. The baby started to receive 15 g of 2% mupirocin ointment, topically three times daily. After 2 days, the scalp cyst gradually decreased in size and became dry within 1 week. Follow-up after 3 months showed that the scalp lesion completely healed, leaving a very small atrophic scar and no further management of the lesion was needed. Conclusions: Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare condition of uncertain etiology, but consanguinity may play a role. Its management depends on its pattern, location, underlying causes, and associated anomalies.
miR-100 Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in Breast Cancer by Suppressing HAX-1
Authors: Wu Guojun , Zhou Wenhong , Pan Xiaohua , Sun Yongjie , Xu Hao , Shi Peng , Li Jiyu , Gao Ling , Tian Xingsong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Despite great advancements in cancer therapy in recent years, surgery and chemotherapy are still the mainstays of BC treatment. However, cancer cells usually develop mechanisms to evade cell death induced by chemotherapy. Thus, strategies are needed to reverse the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Methods: We established cisplatin-resistant BC models in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 BC cell lines through long-term exposure to cisplatin. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to examine the expression of microRNA (miR)-100. MTT cell viability assays were performed to determine cell viability. Regulation of hematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-l (HAX-1) targeted by miR-100 was confirmed by western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. The mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, HAX-1 expression, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were detected by western blotting. Results: A clear decrease in miR-100 expression was observed in cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells (MDA-MB-231/R and MCF-7/R). Overexpression of miR-100 increased the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231/R and MCF-7/R cells to cisplatin treatment and promoted cisplatin-induced mitochondrial apoptosis by targeting HAX-1 gene. Conclusions: MiR-100 targeted HAX-1 to increase the chemosensitivity of BC by mediating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
Plastrum Testudinis Extracts Promote BMSC Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation by Regulating Let-7f-5p and the TNFR2/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shen Geng-Yang , Ren Hui , Huang Jin-Jing , Zhang Zhi-Da , Zhao Wen-Hua , Yu Xiang , Shang Qi , Qiu Ting , Zhang Yu-Zhuo , Tang Jing-Jing , Liang De , Yang Zhi-Dong , Jiang Xiao-bing
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Plastrum testudinis extracts (PTE) show osteoprotective effects on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in vivo and in vitro. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of PTE in promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is unclear. Methods: BMSC proliferation was investigated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. BMSC differentiation and osteogenic mineralization were assayed using alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red staining, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of Let-7f-5p, Tnfr2, Traf2, Pi3k, Akt, β-catenin, Gsk3β, Runx2, and Ocn were measured using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of TNFR2, TRAF2, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-β-CATENIN, and p-GSK3β were analyzed by western blotting. The functional relationship of Let-7f-5p and Tnfr2 was determined by luciferase reporter assays. Results: The optimum concentration for PTE was 30 μg/ml. PTE significantly promoted BMSC osteogenic differentiation and mineralization after 7 and 14 days in culture, respectively. The combination of PTE and osteogenic induction exhibited significant synergy. PTE upregulated Let-7f-5p, β-catenin, Runx2, and Ocn mRNA expression, and downregulated Tnfr2, Traf2, Pi3k, Akt, and Gsk3β mRNA expression. PTE inhibited TNFR2, TRAF2, and p-β-CATENIN protein expression, and promoted p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-GSK3β protein expression. In addition, Tnfr2 was a functional target of Let-7f-5p in 293T cells. Conclusions: Our results suggested that PTE may promote BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation via a mechanism associated with the regulation of Let-7f-5p and the TNFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Lefort e a questão da igualdade
Authors: Pancera Carlo Gabriel Kszan
Published: July 2018

Neste artigo, pretendemos tratar do tema da igualdade em dois momentos do pensamento de Lefort, aqui designados respectivamente de momento republicano e momento democrático. Buscaremos circunscrever os significados que a igualdade adquire em cada um deles. Nossa hipótese é de que não há propriamente discrepância, mas a diferença é derivada do problema que determina a investigação, que é determinada, ora pela questão dos fundamentos do poder, ora pelos rumos da democracia.
Influence of a Coronary Artery Disease–Associated Genetic Variant on
FURIN
Expression and Effect of Furin on Macrophage Behavior
Authors: Zhao Guojun , Yang Wei , Wu Jingchun , Chen Bairu , Yang Xu , Chen Junhui , McVey David G. , Andreadi Catherine , Gong Peng , Webb Tom R. , Samani Nilesh J. , Ye Shu
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Genome-wide association studies have revealed a robust association between genetic variation on chromosome 15q26.1 and coronary artery disease (CAD) susceptibility; however, the underlying biological mechanism is still unknown. The lead CAD-associated genetic variant (rs17514846) at this locus resides in the
FURIN
gene. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, furin is expressed primarily in macrophages. We investigated whether this CAD-associated variant alters
FURIN
expression and whether furin affects monocyte/macrophage behavior.

Approach and Results—

A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that leukocytes from individuals carrying the CAD risk allele (A) of rs17514846 had increased
FURIN
expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed higher RNA polymerase II occupancy in the
FURIN
gene in mononuclear cells of individuals carrying this allele. A reporter gene assay in transiently transfected monocytes/macrophages indicated that the CAD risk allele had higher transcriptional activity than the nonrisk allele (C). An analysis of isogenic monocyte cell lines created by CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-mediated genome editing showed that isogenic cells with the A/A genotype for rs17514846 had higher
FURIN
expression levels than the isogenic cells with the C/C genotype. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay exhibited preferential binding of a nuclear protein to the risk allele. Studies of monocytes/macrophages with lentivirus-mediated furin overexpression or shRNA (short hairpin RNA)-induced furin knockdown showed that furin overexpression promoted monocyte/macrophage migration, increased proliferation, and reduced apoptosis whereas furin knockdown had the opposite effects.

Conclusions—

Our study shows that the CAD-associated genetic variant increases
FURIN
expression and that furin promotes monocyte/macrophage migration and proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, providing a biological mechanism for the association between variation at the chromosome 15q26.1 locus and CAD risk.
CRISPR-Cas9–Mediated Epitope Tagging Provides Accurate and Versatile Assessment of Myocardin—Brief Report
Authors: Lyu Qing , Dhagia Vidhi , Han Yu , Guo Bing , Wines-Samuelson Mary E. , Christie Christine K. , Yin Qiangzong , Slivano Orazio J. , Herring Paul , Long Xiaochun , Gupte Sachin A. , Miano Joseph M.
Published: July 2018

Objective—

Unreliable antibodies often hinder the accurate detection of an endogenous protein, and this is particularly true for the cardiac and smooth muscle cofactor, MYOCD (myocardin). Accordingly, the mouse
Myocd
locus was targeted with 2 independent epitope tags for the unambiguous expression, localization, and activity of MYOCD protein.

Approach and Results—

3cCRISPR (3-component clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) was used to engineer a carboxyl-terminal 3×FLAG or 3×HA epitope tag in mouse embryos. Western blotting with antibodies to each tag revealed a MYOCD protein product of ≈150 kDa, a size considerably larger than that reported in virtually all publications. MYOCD protein was most abundant in some adult smooth muscle-containing tissues with surprisingly low-level expression in the heart. Both alleles of
Myocd
are active in aorta because a 2-fold increase in protein was seen in mice homozygous versus heterozygous for FLAG-tagged
Myocd
. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation)–quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies provide proof-of-principle data demonstrating the utility of this mouse line in conducting genome-wide ChIP-seq studies to ascertain the full complement of MYOCD-dependent target genes in vivo. Although FLAG-tagged MYOCD protein was undetectable in sections of adult mouse tissues, low-passaged vascular smooth muscle cells exhibited expected nuclear localization.

Conclusions—

This report validates new mouse models for analyzing MYOCD protein expression, localization, and binding activity in vivo and highlights the need for rigorous authentication of antibodies in biomedical research.
On the Role of Accent in Ancient Greek Poetry
Authors: Abritta Alejandro
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I set out to study the distribution of some accentual types of two different word shapes in the Homeric hexameter: iambs and iambic ending words and dactyls and dactylic ending words. Following Nagy 2000 and 2010 and David 2006, I start from the idea that accent has a role in Ancient Greek poetry, which has been corroborated in Abritta 2015 by studying the distribution of trochaic ending words. In the sections corresponding to each word shape, after a statistical consideration of the distribution, I examine some literary uses of accentual types, which the poet places in the line apparently in order to produce a certain effect on the audience. The article is conceived as a first approximation to the study of accentual distribution in Ancient Greek poetry.
Hydroquinone Sensor Based on Neodymium (Nd) Doped ZnO Hexagonal Nanorods
Authors: Al-Hadeethi Yas , Umar Ahmad , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Kumar Rajesh , Al-Heniti Saleh. H. , Raffah Bahaaudin M.
Published: July 2018

Herein, we report a simple hydrothermal synthesis and detailed characterizations of Nd-doped ZnO pointed hexagonal nanorods by various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) attached with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD),
UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman-scattering spectroscopy. The morphological studies revealed pointed hexagonal nanorods arranged in flower-shaped morphologies and well-crystalline with the wurtzite hexagonal phase. The Nd-doped ZnO nanorods were used as potential scaffold
to fabricate high sensitivity hydroquinone sensor which exhibited sensitivity of ∼7.43 μA·mM–1cm–2 with a linear dynamic range of (LDR) of 0.313 mM–2.5 mM and correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99671. The detection
limit of Nd-doped ZnO pointed hexagonal nanorods based hydroquinone sensor was found to be 0.313 mM.
Design and Application of a High-Throughput Sample Processing Module Based on Magnetic Beads
Authors: Fang Yile , Wu Yanqi , Liao Pei , Chen Zhu , Chen Hui , Yu Jun , Liu Yuan , Li Song , Su Enben , He Nongyue , Elingarami Sauli , Shah Muhammad Ali , Deng Yan
Published: July 2018

One of key challenges in diagnosis of infectious diseases is collecting a large quantity of purified nucleic acids from pathogens immediately. To address this challenge, a high-throughput magnetic separation module and a heating and vibrating module were developed to optimize the operation
of biological sample preparation (like nucleic acid extraction) on our home-built liquid handing system. Both of the two modules have 4 working locations for Biomolecular Screening (BS) standard labware, and three functions (magnetic separation, heating and vibrating) were elaborately integrated
into the two modules. Each module has its own core control circuit and a unique interface port containing a 24 V DC power supply connector and a CAN bus communication connector. When equipping with the two modules, the home-built liquid handing system transformed into an integrated automatic
sample preparation workstation. Performance evaluations were carried out on the two modules and finally a nucleic acid extraction of human's whole blood was carried out on the workstation. Results showed that the two modules could cooperate well with the liquid handing system, and the workstation
exhibited its ability for high-throughput sample preparation.
Multiple-Lump Waves and Their Breaking Properties for a Thermophoretic Motion System in a Graphene Sheet
Authors: Li Bangqing , Sun Jianzhi , Guan Wenyang , Yang Tiemei , Ma Yulan
Published: July 2018

A thermophoretic motion system with a variable heat transmission factor is investigated, which describes wrinkling soliton propagation in a substrate-supported graphene sheet. Analytic multiple-lump wave solutions are constructed via the Hirota bilinear method and symbolic computation.
A numerical simulation shows that the system exhibits breaking lump waves. The system parameters control the open width and number of breaking gaps. These results should contribute to a better understanding of the propagation characteristics of wrinkling solitons in a complex graphene thermophoretic
motion system.
Consensus of high-order feed-forward non-linear systems with low gain and communication constraints
Authors: Mei Xuehui , Yu Zhiyong , Jiang Haijun , Hu Cheng
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the consensus problem of high-order multi-agent systems with inherent feed-forward delayed non-linear dynamics is investigated. First, a new kind of aperiodically intermittent communication strategy, which can be regarded as an extension of continuous communication, is proposed. The time-varying delay is considered in the multi-agent systems and the delay is not restricted to less than the communication width. Moreover, in order to reach a consensus, the effect of the feed-forward non-linearity and the time-varying delay is eliminated by designing a low-gain control protocol. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, graph theory and inequality techniques, some sufficient conditions related to the input gain and the communication width are obtained for achieving the consensus. Finally, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Adaptive neural output feedback control for a class of switched non-linear systems with unknown backlash-like hysteresis of the actuator
Authors: Li Chuang , Yang Xuebo
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive neural output feedback control for a class of switched non-linear systems, and the unknown backlash-like hysteresis of the actuator is also taken into consideration. First, neural networks are used to approximate the uncertain functions in the studied system. Second, a state-observer is proposed to estimate the system states. Finally, an adaptive neural output feedback control algorithm based on a backstepping technique is constructed; in addition, dynamic surface control is applied to eliminate the explosion in complexity caused by the backstepping technique. By using Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that all the signals of the switched system are bounded under the proposed control scheme. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is further confirmed by simulation experiments.
Household income predicts trajectories of child internalizing and externalizing behavior in high-, middle-, and low-income countries
Authors: Lansford Jennifer E. , Malone Patrick S. , Tapanya Sombat , Tirado Liliana Maria Uribe , Zelli Arnaldo , Alampay Liane Peña , Al-Hassan Suha M. , Bacchini Dario , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Giunta Laura Di , Dodge Kenneth A. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Steinberg Laurence
Published: July 2018

This study examined longitudinal links between household income and parents’ education and children’s trajectories of internalizing and externalizing behaviors from age 8 to 10 reported by mothers, fathers, and children. Longitudinal data from 1,190 families in 11 cultural groups in eight countries (Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and United States) were included. Multigroup structural equation models revealed that household income, but not maternal or paternal education, was related to trajectories of mother-, father-, and child-reported internalizing and externalizing problems in each of the 11 cultural groups. Our findings highlight that in low-, middle-, and high-income countries, socioeconomic risk is related to children’s internalizing and externalizing problems, extending the international focus beyond children’s physical health to their emotional and behavioral development.
Decentralisation and European identity
Authors: Tselios Vassilis , Tomaney John
Published: July 2018

The European Commission aims to understand the extent of which European citizens feel that they belong to the EU, assume their European identity and think of themselves not only as national citizens but also as citizens of Europe. Using data from the European Commission’s Eurobarometer Surveys to proxy European identity and multinomial logistic regressions, this paper examines whether the transfer of resources to subnational tiers of government (i.e. fiscal decentralisation) and/or the transfer of powers to subnational tiers of government (i.e. political decentralisation) influence a European sense of belonging in comparison with national belonging. The results show that fiscal decentralisation is a powerful promoter of European identity, while there is no strong evidence that political decentralisation has reinforced it. Moreover, men, middle-aged people, highly educated people, single and people who are very satisfied with their life feel more European than others.
Functional Significance of the Excitatory Effects of GABA in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: McNeill John K. , Walton James C. , Albers H. Elliott
Published: July 2018

Over 90% of neurons within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) express γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Although GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in vitro studies suggest that the activation of GABAA receptors (GABAAR) elicits excitation in the adult SCN. The ratio of excitatory to inhibitory responses to GABA depends on the balance of chloride influx by Na+-K+-Cl– cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and chloride efflux by K+-Cl– cotransporters (KCCs). Excitatory responses to GABA can be blocked by inhibition of the inward chloride cotransporter, NKCC1, with the loop diuretic bumetanide. Here we investigated the role of NKCC1 activity in phase shifting the circadian pacemaker in response to photic and nonphotic signals in male Syrian hamsters housed in constant darkness. In the early subjective night (CT 13.5), injection of bumetanide into the SCN reduced light-induced phase delays. However, during the late subjective night (CT 19), bumetanide administration did not alter light-induced phase advances. Injection of bumetanide during the subjective day (CT 6) did not alter the phase of free-running circadian rhythms but attenuated phase advances induced by injection of the GABAAR agonist muscimol into the SCN. These data support the hypothesis that the excitatory effects of endogenously released GABA contribute to the ability of light to induce phase delays, thereby contributing to the most important function of the circadian system, its entrainment with the day-night cycle. Further, the finding that bumetanide inhibits the phase-advancing effects of muscimol during the subjective day supports the hypothesis that the excitatory responses to GABA also contribute to the ability of nonphotic stimuli to phase shift the circadian pacemaker.
Comparison of Community Pharmacy Practice in Japan and US State of Illinois
Authors: Hasumoto Ken-yuh , Thomas Roger K. , Yokoi Masayuki , Arai Kunizo
Published: July 2018

In 2006, a new 6-year educational system of pharmaceutical sciences was initiated to turn out strong clinical pharmacists in Japan. However, this new attempt is estimated not to fully satisfy the demand of clinical sites and the needs of the society in Japan. The objective of this study is to assess the performance of pharmaceutical services of community pharmacists in Illinois, United States, and Japan with the aim of comparing these services and barriers to pharmacy service delivery. The study designed as a cross-sectional, web-based study among US and Japan pharmacists. The survey asks several questions about demographic data, technical-related information and pharmaceutical services offered to patients, and pharmacy service performance. Almost 50 (92.6%) community pharmacists in United States reported that they dispensed more than 100 prescriptions in 1 day during the study period. In contrast, in Japan, community pharmacists (55.2%) dispensed 10 to 50 prescriptions during the same period. Half of the pharmacists in Japan either strongly agreed or agreed that they lack sufficient interpersonal and management skills. And many pharmacists agreed that lack of appropriate knowledge and insufficient training before graduation are major barriers to optimized pharmacy services in Japan. These findings can be used to promote discussion between Japanese pharmacists and stakeholders about pharmacy education programs in Japan and the future role of the community pharmacists in patient care in Japan.
Exploring the YouTube science communication gender gap: A sentiment analysis
Authors: Amarasekara Inoka , Grant Will J
Published: July 2018

YouTube has become the second most popular web search engine (see Alexa.com ) and the primary website for individuals and organisations to freely distribute video content. Popularity statistics indicate that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics–related content is of significant interest to YouTube audiences, yet analysis of the 391 most popular science, engineering and mathematics–themed channels reveals a conspicuous absence of female communicators, with the hosts of just 32 of these channels presenting as female. To help understand potential causes of this gap, analysis was conducted on popularity indicators and audience sentiments of 450 videos from 90 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics–related channels. Female hosted channels were found to accumulate more comments per view, and significantly higher proportions of appearance, hostile, critical/negative and sexist/sexual commentary.
Smart materials applied in a micro remotely piloted aircraft system with morphing wing
Authors: Barcala-Montejano Miguel A , Rodríguez-Sevillano Ángel A , Bardera-Mora Rafael , García-Ramírez Jaime , de Nova-Trigueros Joaquín , Urcelay-Oca Iñigo , Morillas-Castellano Israel
Published: July 2018

The article presents a research in the field of morphing wings (adaptive wing geometry) developed over a prototype of micro-unmanned air vehicle based on smart materials technology. This morphing wing will optimize the aircraft performance features. Modifying the curvature of the wing, the micro-unmanned air vehicles will adjust its performance in an optimum mode to cruise flight condition as well as in the phases of takeoff and landing. The installation of mechanical elements for control surfaces in small size aircraft means, on some occasions, an extra complexity. In addition, it takes into account an increase in aircraft weight. In this research, the adaptive wing geometry is based on macro-fiber composites, so that its position on the inner surfaces of the wing allows the appropriate modification of the curvature, adapting them to the flight profile. This research will present the conceptual design of the vehicle, computational calculations, experimental results of the wind tunnel testing, validations using non-intrusive techniques (particle image velocimetry) and a theoretical–experimental analysis of the macro-fiber composite effects over the wing. An Arduino board will perform the control parameters of the macro-fiber composite deformation. With these analytical, computational, and experimental results, the most relevant conclusions are presented.
The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Recognition of Ambiguous Emotional Facial Expressions in Individuals With ADHD
Authors: Dan Orrie , Haimov Iris , Asraf Kfir , Nachum Kesem , Cohen Ami
Published: July 2018

Objective: The present study sought to investigate whether young adults with ADHD have more difficulty recognizing emotional facial expressions compared with young adults without ADHD, and whether such a difference worsens following sleep deprivation. Method: Thirty-one young men ( M = 25.6) with ( n = 15) or without ( n = 16) a diagnosis of ADHD were included in this study. The participants were instructed to sleep 7 hr or more each night for one week, and their sleep quality was monitored via actigraph. Subsequently, the participants were kept awake in a controlled environment for 30 hr. The participants completed a visual emotional morph task twice—at the beginning and at the end of this period. The task included presentation of interpolated face stimuli ranging from neutral facial expressions to fully emotional facial expressions of anger, sadness, or happiness, allowing for assessment of the intensity threshold for recognizing these facial emotional expressions. Results: Actigraphy data demonstrated that while the nightly sleep duration of the participants with ADHD was similar to that of participants without ADHD, their sleep efficiency was poorer. At the onset of the experiment, there were no differences in recognition thresholds between the participants with ADHD and those without ADHD. Following sleep deprivation, however, the ADHD group required clearer facial expressions to recognize the presence of angry, sad, and, to a lesser extent, happy faces. Conclusion: Among young adults with ADHD, sleep deprivation may hinder the processing of emotional facial stimuli.
Marijuana Legalization and Crime Clearance Rates: Testing Proponent Assertions in Colorado and Washington State
Authors: Makin David A. , Willits Dale W. , Wu Guangzhen , DuBois Kathryn O. , Lu Ruibin , Stohr Mary K. , Koslicki Wendy , Stanton Duane , Hemmens Craig , Snyder John , Lovrich Nicholas P.
Published: July 2018

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Washington state (I-502) and Colorado (A-64) created a natural experiment with ancillary unknowns. Of these unknowns, one of the more heavily debated is that of the potential effects on public health and safety. Specific to public safety, advocates of legalization expected improvements in police effectiveness through the reduction in police time and attention to cannabis offenses, thus allowing them to reallocate resources to more serious offenses. Using 2010 to 2015 Uniform Crime Reports data, the research undertakes interrupted time-series analysis on the offenses known to be cleared by arrest to create monthly counts of violent and property crime clearance rate as well as disaggregated counts by crime type. Findings suggest no negative effects of legalization on crime clearance rates. Moreover, evidence suggests some crime clearance rates have improved. Our findings suggest legalization has resulted in improvements in some clearance rates.
Patient reported outcomes with remote orthopaedic consultations by telemedicine: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Buvik Astrid , Bugge Einar , Knutsen Gunnar , Småbrekke Arvid , Wilsgaard Tom
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Decentralised services through outreach clinics or modern technology reduce patient travel time and cost to society. Telemedicine consultation through videoconference is one such modality. Here, we compared patient-reported health outcomes and satisfaction between video-assisted remote and standard face-to-face orthopaedic consultations.

Methods

This randomised controlled trial included two parallel groups: (1) patients receiving video-assisted remote consultation at a regional medical centre (RMC); and (2) patients receiving standard consultation at the orthopaedic outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN). This study included patients referred to or scheduled for a consultation at the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. After each consultation, patient satisfaction was determined using patient-completed questionnaires containing questions on patient-reported health (three-level European quality of life five-dimension index (EQ-5D-3L)/European quality of life visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS)) and questions from a validated OutPatient Experiences Questionnaire (OPEQ).

Results

This study included 389 patients, of which 199 received remote consultation and 190 received standard consultation (total of 559 consultations). In all, 99% RMC-randomised patients and 99% UNN-randomised patients evaluated the consultation as very satisfactory or satisfactory. Moreover, 86% RMC-randomised patients preferred video-assisted consultation as the next consultation. No difference was observed in patient-reported health after 12 months between the two groups. EQ-5D index scores were 0.77 and 0.75 for RMC- and UNN-randomised patients, respectively ( p = 0.42).

Discussion

We did not observe any difference in patient-reported satisfaction and health (EQ-5D/EQ-VAS) between video-assisted and standard consultations, suggesting that video-assisted remote consultation can be safely offered to some orthopaedic patients. Moreover, a significantly high proportion of patients selected video-assisted remote consultation as their next consultation, thus strengthening the findings of this study. However, economic aspects should be assessed before widely recommending video-assisted consultation.
Meta-analysis investigating post-exertional malaise between patients and controls
Authors: Brown Abigail , Jason Leonard A
Published: July 2018

Post-exertional malaise is either required or included in many previously proposed case definitions of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. A meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs; association between patient status and post-exertional malaise status) and a number of potential moderators (i.e. study-level characteristics) of effect size were conducted. Post-exertional malaise was found to be 10.4 times more likely to be associated with a myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis than with control status. Significant moderators of effect size included patient recruitment strategy and control selection. These findings suggest that post-exertional malaise should be considered a cardinal symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
Rete mirabile of posterior inferior cerebellar artery: A rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Giragani Suresh , Pavunesan Santhosh K , Balasubramaniam Anandh , Agrawal Vikas , Alwala Surendar , Kumar Anjani
Published: July 2018

Rete mirabile is a congenital aberrant arterial collateral network resulting from abnormal embryonic activity during native vessel formation. Even though frequently observed in mammals, this entity is rare in humans except when there is hypoplasia, aplasia or narrowing of native vessels. Rete mirabile is reported involving internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Rete mirabile of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is not described in the literature. We report the clinical presentation, imaging findings and management of PICA rete mirabile formation with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Numerical calculation and experimental research on the ship dynamics of the fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Huang Qianwen , Yan Xinping , Zhang Cong
Published: July 2018

Accurate predictive method for ship dynamic is a keynote precondition for structural design and an important consideration for strength evaluation. A wave-ship coupling model focusing on the estimating of ship dynamics is numerically established to solve the fluid–structure interaction. Numerical calculation based on the presented algorithm is carried out, and the dynamical response for both ship and fluid is thus investigated with MATLAB. The dynamical responses including the structural force, deformation, velocity, and energy with different ship mass and stiffness are obtained. Experiment is conducted in the towing tank to investigate the peak frequency and transient amplitude with different wave speeds. It is found that the ship dynamics is closely related to the quality and stiffness of the structure, as well as the wave velocity of the fluid. An appropriate estimating method for ship dynamics is thus proposed through series of discussion on numerical results and experimental data.