bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financing of Firms, Labor Reallocation, and the Distributional Role of Monetary Policy*
Authors: Abo‐Zaid Salem , Zervou Anastasia
Published: March 2019

We analyze monetary policy in a model with heterogeneous firms, where constrained firms finance operations through external financing and unconstrained firms use internal funds. We show that expansionary monetary policy increases the relative employment of constrained firms, while positive productivity shocks increase that of unconstrained firms. Our results agree with recent empirical findings, emphasizing the role of the monetary authority in reallocating resources across sectors with different financing capabilities. We also show that if the relative productivity of constrained firms is low, then expansionary monetary policy tilts resources towards less productive firms, which decreases the effectiveness of the policy in stimulating aggregate output.
Surgically induced astigmatism in canines following sutured dorsonasal vs dorsotemporal clear corneal incisions
Authors: Pederson Samantha L. , Cleymaet Allison M. , Hess Ann M. , Wotman Kathryn L. , Freeman Kate S.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To investigate use of the Pentacam® HR for evaluation of surgically induced corneal astigmatism (SIA) in canines undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification and determine differences between dorsonasal and dorsotemporal clear corneal incisions.

Animals

Client‐owned canines undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification.

Procedures

Patients received anterior segment imaging pre‐operatively, immediately post‐operatively, and 2‐4 months post‐operatively (follow‐up). Total corneal refractive power was used to determine SIA. Surgically induced astigmatism was compared between right and left eyes, representing dorsotemporal and dorsonasal incisions, respectively. Repeated measures analyses were used between time points and paired t test compared SIA between eyes.

Results

Complete imaging series were obtained for seven patients. Follow‐up imaging occurred at a median of 112 days (range 60‐132 days) post‐operatively. For repeated measures analyses, significant differences were found between pre‐ and immediate post‐operative values (P < 0.01), and between immediate post‐operative and follow‐up values (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between pre‐operative and follow‐up values. Surgically induced astigmatism was significantly different between right and left eyes, with values of 2.01 ± 1.24 D and 3.05 ± 1.58 D at 3 mm radius (P < 0.05), and 2.04 ± 1.18 D and 3.06 ± 1.27 D at 4 mm radius (P < 0.05) for dorsotemporal and dorsonasal incisions, respectively.

Conclusions

Preliminary investigation revealed improvement of corneal SIA 2‐4 months post‐operatively, but development of significantly more SIA in dorsonasal vs dorsotemporal incisions. This prompts consideration of patient or microscope rotation to create a more dorsotemporal incision when possible.
The Effect of Teacher Burnout on Organizational Commitment in Turkish Context
Authors: Akdemir Öznur Ataş
Published: March 2019

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of teachers’ burnout on their organizational commitment. The model of this research is correlational survey model. The participants of the study are 173 teachers working at elementary and secondary schools in Turkey. Maslach Burnout Inventory and Organizational Commitment Scale are used as data collection instruments. For data analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and basic and multiple regression analysis are applied with SPSS. The findings of the study showed that emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout and compliance dimension of organizational commitment in terms of teachers’ perceptions were found at high level in comparison with other dimensions of burnout and organizational commitment. Also, it is determined that there is a negative, moderate and significant relationship between teachers’ burnout and their organizational commitment. Besides, teachers’ organizational commitment significantly predict their burnout. The findings of this research are discussed with related studies and some implications are presented.
Constructibilité et modération uniformes en cohomologie étale
Authors: Orgogozo Fabrice
Published: March 2019

Soient$S$un schéma nœthérien et$f:X\rightarrow S$un morphisme propre. D’après SGA 4 XIV, pour tout faisceau constructible$\mathscr{F}$de$\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z}$-modules sur$X$, les faisceaux de$\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z}$-modules$\mathtt{R}^{i}f_{\star }\mathscr{F}$, obtenus par image directe (pour la topologie étale), sont également constructibles : il existe une stratification$\mathfrak{S}$de$S$telle que ces faisceaux soient localement constants constructibles sur les strates. À la suite de travaux de N. Katz et G. Laumon, ou L. Illusie, dans le cas particulier où$S$est génériquement de caractéristique nulle ou bien les faisceaux$\mathscr{F}$sont constants (de torsion inversible sur$S$), on étudie ici la dépendance de$\mathfrak{S}$en$\mathscr{F}$. On montre qu’une condition naturelle de constructibilité et modération « uniforme » satisfaite par les faisceaux constants, introduite par O. Gabber, est stable par les foncteurs$\mathtt{R}^{i}f_{\star }$. Si$f$n’est pas supposé propre, ce résultat subsiste sous réserve de modération à l’infini, relativement à$S$. On démontre aussi l’existence de bornes uniformes sur les nombres de Betti, qui s’appliquent notamment pour les fibres des faisceaux$\mathtt{R}^{i}f_{\star }\mathbb{F}_{\ell }$, où$\ell$parcourt les nombres premiers inversibles sur$S$.
A 0.58 mm2 CMOS reconfigurable sigma delta ADC for mobile WiMAX receiver
Authors: Mallek Jihene , Daoud Houda , Aloulou Rahma , Mnif Hassene , Loulou Mourad
Published: March 2019

Objective: In this work the design of a fourth-order Reconfigurable Sigma Delta analog-to-digital converter (ΣΔ ADC) for 5MHz, 7MHz or 10MHz channel bandwidths are presented. Materials and methods: Our design technique aims to keep the same ADC architecture in response to multi-band and multi-mode aspects of Mobile WiMAX standard. To this end, we set each sampling frequency corresponding to each channel bandwidth, in order that the same OSR value would be kept for the different channel bandwidths. This technique is intended to optimize the power and area of the ADC that efficiently covers varying channel bandwidths. Moreover, we use the pole placement method to calculate the optimized filter coefficients of Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta (CT ΣΔ) ADC. Results and discussion: Over 5MHz, 7MHz and 10MHz channel bandwidths, the ADC achieved 72.89dB, 67.26dB and 66.47dB peak SNR values, respectively and a dynamic range of 73.5dB, 69.47dB and 66.5dB respectively with only 28mW, 28.2mW and 28.6mW power consumption respectively. Conclusions: The design of the proposed reconfigurable ADC intended for use in the mobile WiMAX standard were achieved. Moreover, the results obtained are satisfactory and are in accordance with theoretical expectations.
A New Calibration Method for Piezoelectric Testing System Based on Orthogonal Calibration Method
Authors: Zhang Jun , Han Yu , Ren Zongjin , Shao Jun , You Chuancun , Jia Zhenyuan
Published: March 2019

The accuracy of piezoelectric test system has a direct influence on the accuracy of the vector force detection. Piezoelectric sensor parameters are obtained by calibration system calibrated through orthogonal calibration method. Accuracy of the application of field test lacks the corresponding theoretical basis, resulting in test system test accuracy is questioned. In this paper, piezoelectric force test system is used as the research object. In order to verify accuracy of piezoelectric test system through calibration of orthogonal calibration method, a variable angle deflection loading device was designed. An incremental calibration method for thrust test is put forward by applying vector force at different angles. Based on vector force coordinate transformation matrix, a deflection load test and analysis model are established. The vector force coordinates transformation matrix is used to calculate the experimental data obtained from the deviation angle test system, and the deviation of the vector force value is obtained. Finally, the accuracy, effectiveness and rationality of piezoelectric test system through the orthogonal calibration method are verified.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Flow Dynamics in a Pipe With an Abrupt Change in Diameter
Authors: Annus Ivar , Kartushinsky Alexander , Vassiljev Anatoli , Kaur Katrin
Published: March 2019

Flow dynamics in a pipe with an abrupt change in diameter was experimentally and numerically analyzed. Two-dimensional stationary Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) k–ε epsilon model was used to describe the development of axial and radial velocity and turbulent kinetic energy in two cases. The theoretical results were compared with experimental findings gained in a transparent pipe test rig. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to analyze the development of flow in a pipe with complex geometry. The measured and modeled velocities and turbulent kinetic energy were found to be in good agreement. The two-dimensional stationary RANS k–ε model is suitable for the analysis of the flow dynamics in real old rough pipes where the pipe wall build-up leads to changes in the actual diameter of the pipe but the flow can still be considered axially symmetrical.
Transmission Line Modeling of Laminar Liquid Wave Propagation in Tapered Tubes
Authors: Wiens Travis , ven der Buhs Jeremy
Published: March 2019

This paper presents an improved method of time-domain modeling of pressure wave propagation through liquid media in rigid tapered pipes. The method is based on the transmission line model (TLM), which uses linear transfer functions and delays to calculate the pressures and/or flows at the pipe inlet and outlet. This method is computationally efficient and allows for variable rate simulation. The proposed form of the model differs from previous TLM models in the literature, allowing it to accurately model both low and high frequency characteristics.
Electron mobility in graphene without invoking the Dirac equation
Authors: Ullal Chaitanya K. , Shi Jian , Sundararaman Ravishankar
Published: March 2019

The Dirac point and linear band structure in graphene bestow it with remarkable electronic and optical properties, a subject of intense ongoing research. Explanations of high electronic mobility in graphene often invoke the masslessness of electrons based on the effective relativistic Dirac-equation behavior, which are inaccessible to most undergraduate students and are not intuitive for non-physics researchers unfamiliar with relativity. Here, we show how to use only basic concepts from semiconductor theory and the linear band structure of graphene to explain its unusual effective mass and mobility, and compare them with conventional metals and semiconductors. We discuss the more intuitive concept of transverse effective mass, which emerges naturally from these basic derivations, and which approaches zero in the limit of undoped graphene at low temperature and is responsible for its extremely high mobility.
CRISPR Interference for Rapid Knockdown of Essential Cell Cycle Genes inLactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Myrbråten Ine Storaker , Wiull Kamilla , Salehian Zhian , Håvarstein Leiv Sigve , Straume Daniel , Mathiesen Geir , Kjos Morten
Published: March 2019

L. plantarumis an important bacterium for applications in food and health. Deep insights into the biology and physiology of this species are therefore necessary for further strain optimization and exploitation; however, the functions of essential genes in the bacterium are mainly unknown due to the lack of accessible genetic tools. The CRISPRi system developed here is ideal to quickly screen for phenotypes of both essential and nonessential genes. Our initial insights into the function of some key cell cycle genes represent the first step toward understanding the cell cycle in this bacterium.
A Novel Protocol for the Isolation of Fungal Extracellular Vesicles Reveals the Participation of a Putative Scramblase in Polysaccharide Export and Capsule Construction in
Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Reis Flavia C. G. , Borges Beatriz S. , Jozefowicz Luísa J. , Sena Bianca A. G. , Garcia Ane W. A. , Medeiros Lia C. , Martins Sharon T. , Honorato Leandro , Schrank Augusto , Vainstein Marilene H. , Kmetzsch Livia , Nimrichter Leonardo , Alves Lysangela R. , Staats Charley C. , Rodrigues Marcio L.
Published: March 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are fundamental components of the physiology of cells from all kingdoms. In pathogenic fungi, they participate in important mechanisms of transfer of antifungal resistance and virulence, as well as in immune stimulation and prion transmission. However, studies on the functions of fungal EVs are still limited by the lack of efficient methods for isolation of these compartments. In this study, we developed an alternative protocol for isolation of fungal EVs and demonstrated an application of this new methodology in the study of the physiology of the fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus gattii
. Our results describe a fast and reliable method for the study of fungal EVs and reveal the participation of scramblase, a phospholipid-translocating enzyme, in secretory processes of
C. gattii
.
Identification of Differentiating Metabolic Pathways between Infant Gut Microbiome Populations Reveals Depletion of Function-Level Adaptation to Human Milk in the Finnish Population
Authors: Majta Jan , Odrzywolek Krzysztof , Milanovic Bozena , Hubar Vladyslav , Wrobel Sonia , Strycharz-Angrecka Emilia , Wojciechowski Szymon , Milanowska Kaja
Published: March 2019

Knowing the limitations of taxonomy-based research, there is an emerging need for the development of higher-resolution techniques. The significance of this research is demonstrated by the novel method used for the analysis of function-level metagenomes. BiomeScout—the presented technology—utilizes proprietary algorithms for the detection of differences between functionalities present in metagenomic samples.
Are fish associations with corals and sponges more than an affinity to structure? Evidence across two widely divergent ecosystems
Authors: Rooper Christopher N. , Goddard Pam , Wilborn Rachel
Published: March 2019

The role of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems as habitat for marine fishes has been widely studied, with many finding significant associations, especially for rockfishes. However, rockfishes also thrive in areas largely devoid of corals and sponges. We compared the use of deep-sea corals and sponges by fish species in two ecosystems. Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) densities were significantly correlated to structured seafloors at the scale of transects across both regions. Regional effects were not significant for most rockfish species and Pacific cod. At smaller scales only Pacific cod and rockfishes had significant associations with structure. The size of the individual fish and the size of the structure both had significant impacts on the distance of fish from structure, with smaller fish closer to structure and closer to smaller structure. Over half of the individual fishes surveyed were associated with sponges. The implication of this research is that the presence of structure increases the density of rockfishes, and removal of deep-sea corals and sponges is likely to reduce the overall density of rockfishes.
Empirical research on the correlation between Real Earnings Management of state-owned enterprises and executive compensation — from the perspective of executive structural power
Authors: Yu Lei , Dai Yuxuan , Zheng Keguang , Zhang Yongjie
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on the impact of the executive compensation of state-owned enterprises and executive power on Real Activity Earnings Management (REM). Furthermore, this paper discusses the differences of impacts mentioned above between the central government holding enterprises and the local government holding enterprises, in order to test the impact of the government compensation regulation and the executive compensation of different types of enterprises on the enterprise accounting behavior. The empirical research shows that executive compensation can induce accountings to implement REM, which is more notable in local state-owned enterprises than in central enterprises.
Introducing the Temporal Dimension to Memory Forensics
Authors: Pagani Fabio , Fedorov Oleksii , Balzarotti Davide
Published: March 2019

Kickstarted by the Digital Forensic Research Workshop (DFRWS) conference in 2005, modern memory analysis is now one of most active areas of computer forensics and it mostly focuses on techniques to locate key operating system data structures and extract high-level information. These techniques work on the assumption that the information inside a memory dump is consistent and the copy of the physical memory was obtained in an atomic operation.

Unfortunately, this is seldom the case in real investigations, where software acquisition tools record information while the rest of the system is running. Thus, since the content of the memory is changing very rapidly, the resulting memory dump may contain inconsistent data. While this problem is known, its consequences are unclear and often overlooked. Unfortunately, errors can be very subtle and can affect the results of an analysis in ways that are difficult to detect.

In this article, we argue that memory forensics should also consider the time in which each piece of data was acquired. This new
temporal dimension
provides a preliminary way to assess the reliability of a given result and opens the door to new research directions that can minimize the effect of the acquisition time or detect inconsistencies. To support our hypothesis, we conducted several experiments to show that inconsistencies are very frequent and can negatively impact an analysis. We then discuss modifications we made to popular memory forensic tools to make the temporal dimension explicit during the analysis and to minimize its effect by resorting to a
locality-based
acquisition.
Measurement of Polishing Rate as a Function of Pad Independent Abrasive Friction for Chemical Mechanical Polishing
Authors: McGowan Christopher , Levert Joseph A
Published: March 2019

Optimization of Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) on integrated circuits requires an accurate model of material removal. The current model of polishing is two-body abrasion of particles trapped at the pad asperity-substrate junction, however, this is not supported by friction measurements. A modified friction model is applied to data collected from a pin-on-disk experiment preformed on a fused silica wafer with various polymer polishing pads, flooded with a silica nanoparticle slurry. This model indicates that the friction arises predominantly in the swept region preceding the asperity contact. We will add to this model the measurements of the volume of the wear-track, to identify the rate of material removal. Our aim is to develop a Preston-style relationship between friction and the material removal rate that is independent of the pad material. Preliminary data suggests that this pad independent wear coefficient is two orders of magnitude greater than that from a pad dependent example. The long-term goal of this investigation is to aid in the optimization of CMP for structures of decreasing size.
Germline or inducible knockout of p300 or CBP in skeletal muscle does not alter insulin sensitivity
Authors: Martins Vitor F. , Dent Jessica R. , Svensson Kristoffer , Tahvilian Shahriar , Begur Maedha , Lakkaraju Shivani , Buckner Elisa H. , LaBarge Samuel A. , Hetrick Byron , McCurdy Carrie E. , Schenk Simon
Published: March 2019

Akt is a critical mediator of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The acetyltransferases, E1A binding protein p300 (p300) and cAMP response element-binding protein binding protein (CBP) are phosphorylated and activated by Akt, and p300/CBP can acetylate and inactivate Akt, thus giving rise to a possible Akt-p300/CBP axis. Our objective was to determine the importance of p300 and CBP to skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. We used Cre-LoxP methodology to generate mice with germline [muscle creatine kinase promoter (P-MCK and C-MCK)] or inducible [tamoxifen-activated, human skeletal actin promoter (P-iHSA and C-iHSA)] knockout of p300 or CBP. A subset of P-MCK and C-MCK mice were switched to a calorie-restriction diet (60% of ad libitum intake) or high-fat diet at 10 wk of age. For P-iHSA and C-iHSA mice, knockout was induced at 10 wk of age. At 13–15 wk of age, we measured whole-body energy expenditure, oral glucose tolerance, and/or ex vivo skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Although p300 and CBP protein abundance and mRNA expression were reduced 55%–90% in p300 and CBP knockout mice, there were no genotype differences in energy expenditure or fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. Moreover, neither loss of p300 or CBP impacted oral glucose tolerance or skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, nor did their loss impact alterations in these parameters in response to a calorie restriction or high-fat diet. Muscle-specific loss of either p300 or CBP, be it germline or in adulthood, does not impact energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, or skeletal muscle insulin action.
Feature Selection for Longitudinal Data by Using Sign Averages to Summarize Gene Expression Values over Time
Authors: Tian Suyan , Wang Chi
Published: March 2019

With the rapid evolution of high-throughput technologies, time series/longitudinal high-throughput experiments have become possible and affordable. However, the development of statistical methods dealing with gene expression profiles across time points has not kept up with the explosion of such data. The feature selection process is of critical importance for longitudinal microarray data. In this study, we proposed aggregating a gene’s expression values across time into a single value using the sign average method, thereby degrading a longitudinal feature selection process into a classic one. Regularized logistic regression models with pseudogenes (i.e., the sign average of genes across time as predictors) were then optimized by either the coordinate descent method or the threshold gradient descent regularization method. By applying the proposed methods to simulated data and a traumatic injury dataset, we have demonstrated that the proposed methods, especially for the combination of sign average and threshold gradient descent regularization, outperform other competitive algorithms. To conclude, the proposed methods are highly recommended for studies with the objective of carrying out feature selection for longitudinal gene expression data.
Confined van der Waals Epitaxial Growth of Two-Dimensional Large Single-Crystal In2Se3 for Flexible Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: Tang Lei , Teng Changjiu , Luo Yuting , Khan Usman , Pan Haiyang , Cai Zhengyang , Zhao Yue , Liu Bilu , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: March 2019

The controllable growth of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors with large domain sizes and high quality is much needed in order to reduce the detrimental effect of grain boundaries on device performance but has proven to be challenging. Here, we analyze the precursor concentration on the substrate surface which significantly influences nucleation density in a vapor deposition growth process and design a confined micro-reactor to grow 2D In2Se3 with large domain sizes and high quality. The uniqueness of this confined micro-reactor is that its size is ~102-103 times smaller than that of a conventional reactor. Such a remarkably small reactor causes a very low precursor concentration on the substrate surface, which reduces nucleation density and leads to the growth of 2D In2Se3 grains with sizes larger than 200 μm. Our experimental results show large domain sizes of the 2D In2Se3 with high crystallinity. The flexible broadband photodetectors based on the as-grown In2Se3 show rise and decay times of 140 ms and 25 ms, efficient response (5.6 A/W), excellent detectivity (7×1010 Jones), high external quantum efficiency (251%), good flexibility, and high stability. This study, in principle, provides an effective strategy for the controllable growth of high quality 2D materials with few grain boundaries.
Immobilized Microbial Catalytic Oxidation Preparation and Application of Biopolymeric Ferric Sulfate
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Lu Min , Yang Liu , Guan Xiaohui
Published: March 2019

A novel inorganic polymer flocculant, biopolymeric ferric sulfate (BPFS), was prepared by immobilization technology of microorganisms and by oxidation of ferrous sulfate using domestic Thiobacillus ferrooxidans (T. f) under acidic condition. T. f was isolated on the agarose single-plate medium, which exhibited an unusual trait on the utilization of low concentration of the nitrogen source and phosphorus as the nutrient substance. Under the optimal conditions, the microorganism could grow and reproduce normally and maintain the strong catalytic oxidation activity to Fe2+. The immobilization of T. f on the polyurethane as the support matrix was investigated. Cycling batch operation was applied to the preparation of 40 kg/m3, 60 kg/m3, and 80 kg/m3 BPFS when the optimal conditions are pH value of 1.8, circulation flow rate of 0.28–0.30 L/h, and reaction temperature of 28 ± 1°C. When the prepared BPFS and SPFS (solid biopolymeric ferric sulfate) were used to dispose Songhua River water, the removal rate of turbidity and CODMn of BPFS was slightly better than that of SPFS. The removal efficiencies of turbidity and CODMn by BPFS could reach 93.9% and 79.7%, respectively. The result suggests that the BPFS has good flocculating activity.
Optimization Research on Thermal Error Compensation of FOG in Deep Mining Using Uniform Mixed‐Data Design Method
Authors: Liu Yimin , Wang Chenghu , Wang Jie , Ji Weifeng
Published: March 2019

Suffered from the unsatisfied time consumption of thermal error compensation, this paper aims to realize a faster and more accurate fibre optic gyroscope (FOG) thermal error compensation plan, so that the deep‐hole inclinometer using in mining which is based on FOG will make accurate measurement under external thermal field. Using uniform mixed‐data design method, it is learned that the temperature compensation experiments only consumed 1/9 the time required for traditional method within the working condition range of 0~120°C. Suffice it to say that our method can markedly enhance the efficiency of FOG temperature compensation. To this end, the finite‐element method (FEM) was also applied to explore the thermal conductivity and simulate the complex boundary conditions of the FOG. Then, the Shupe error of the FOG was calculated and used to derive the FOG error compensation formula, and the factors and their levels affecting the Shupe error in thermal field were considered in error compensation experiments. After that, the optimal design of FOG thermal error compensation experiments was created by FOG error compensation formula and uniform mixed‐data design table, and this plan significantly reduced the number of experiments compared to before. Finally, the design was compared with the full‐scale design and orthogonal design to verify its accuracy and efficiency. The comparison shows that the proposed method can markedly enhance the efficiency of FOG error compensation and elevate the measuring accuracy of FOG. This paper innovatively applies the uniform mixed‐data design method to the field of FOG measurement, and this research offers new insights into the error compensation optimization of FOG measurement.
The Conditioned Medium of Calcined Tooth Powder Promotes the Osteogenic and Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells via MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Jintao , Li Na , Fan Yuan , Wang Yanqiu , Gu Yongchun , Li Zehan , Pan Yin , Romila Gobin , Zhou Zuomin , Yu Jinhua
Published: March 2019

The calcined tooth powder (CTP), a type of allogeneic biomimetic mineralized material, has been confirmed that can promote new bone formation when obtained at high temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the conditioned medium of calcined tooth powder (CTP-CM) on the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and the underlying mechanisms involved. First, ALP activity assay determined that 200 μg/mL was the optimal concentration of CTP-CM for the following experiments. CTP-CM had no significant effect on the proliferation of hDPSCs as indicated by CCK-8 and FCM analysis. Both the gene and protein (DSPP/DSPP, RUNX2/RUNX2, OCN/OCN, OSX/OSX, OPN/OPN, ALP/ALP, and COL-1/COL-1) expression levels increased in the CTP-CM-induced hDPSC group as compared with those in the control group at day 3 or 7, showing the positive regulation of CTP-CM on the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Mechanistically, MAPK signaling pathways were activated after the CTP-CM treatment, and the inhibitors targeting MAPK were identified which weakened the effects of CTM-CM on the committed differentiation of hDPSCs. These findings could lead to the creation of stem cell therapies for dental regeneration.
Syringobulbia in Patients with Chiari Malformation Type I: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shen Jian , Shen Jie , Huang Kaiyuan , Wu Yixin , Pan Jianwei , Zhan Renya
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Chiari malformation type I- (CM-1-) associated syringobulbia. We performed a literature review of CM-1-associated syringobulbia in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Our concerns were the clinical features, radiologic presentations, treatment therapies, and prognoses of CM-1-associated syringobulbia. This review identified 23 articles with 53 cases. Symptoms included headache, neck pain, cranial nerve palsy, limb weakness/dysesthesia, Horner syndrome, ataxia, and respiratory disorders. The most frequently involved area was the medulla. Most of the patients also had syringomyelia. Surgical procedures performed included posterior fossa decompression, foramen magnum decompression, cervical laminectomy, duraplasty, and syringobulbic cavity shunt. Most patients experienced symptom alleviation or resolution postoperatively. A syringobulbic cavity shunt provided good results in refractory cases. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of syringobulbia in CM-1 patients, especially those with symptoms of sudden-onset brain-stem involvement. The diagnosis relies on the disorder’s specific symptomatology and magnetic resonance imaging. Our review suggests that the initial therapy should be posterior fossa decomposition with or without duraplasty. In refractory cases, additional syringobulbic cavity shunt is the preferred option.
Comparative Chloroplast Genomes ofSorghumSpecies: Sequence Divergence and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Song Yun , Chen Yan , Lv Jizhou , Xu Jin , Zhu Shuifang , Li MingFu
Published: March 2019

Sorghum comprises 31 species that exhibit considerable morphological and ecological diversity. The phylogenetic relationships among Sorghumspecies still remain unresolved due to lower information on the traditional DNA markers, which provides a limited resolution for identifyingSorghumspecies. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genomes ofSorghum sudanenseandS. propinquumand analyzed the published chloroplast genomes ofS. bicolorandS. timorenseto retrieve valuable chloroplast molecular resources forSorghum. The chloroplast genomes ranged in length from 140,629 to 140,755 bp, and their gene contents, gene orders, and GC contents were similar to those for other Poaceae species but were slightly different in the number of SSRs. Comparative analyses among the four chloroplast genomes revealed 651 variable sites, 137 indels, and nine small inversions. Four highly divergent DNA regions (rps16-trnQ,trnG-trnM,rbcL-psaI, andrps15-ndhF), which were suitable for phylogenetic and species identification, were detected in theSorghumchloroplast genomes. A phylogenetic analysis strongly supported thatSorghumis a monophyletic group in the tribe Andropogoneae. Overall, the genomic resources in this study could provide potential molecular markers for phylogeny and species identification inSorghum.
Automated and Reproducible Detection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Renal Tissue Sections
Authors: Macedo Nayana Damiani , Buzin Aline Rodrigues , de Araujo Isabela Bastos , Nogueira Breno Valentim , Andrade Tadeu Uggere , Endringer Denise Coutinho , Lenz Dominik
Published: March 2019

Background. Manual analysis of tissue sections, such as for pathological diagnosis, requires an analyst with substantial knowledge and experience. Reproducible image analysis of biological samples is steadily gaining scientific importance. The aim of the present study was to employ image analysis followed by machine learning to identify vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in kidney tissue that had been subjected to hypoxia. Methods. Light microscopy images of renal tissue sections stained for VEGF were analyzed. Subsequently, machine learning classified the cells as VEGF+ and VEGF- cells. Results. VEGF was detected and cells were counted with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. With great clinical, diagnostic, and research potential, automatic image analysis offers a new quantitative capability, thereby adding numerical information to a mostly qualitative diagnostic approach.
Breast Phyllodes Tumors Recruit and Repolarize Tumor-Associated Macrophages via Secreting CCL5 to Promote Malignant Progression, Which Can Be Inhibited by CCR5 Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Nie Yan , Huang Hongyan , Guo Mingyan , Chen Jiewen , Wu Wei , Li Wende , Xu Xiaoding , Lin Xiaorong , Fu Wenkui , Yao Yandan , Zheng Fang , Luo Man-Li , Saw Phei Er , Yao Herui , Song Erwei , Hu Hai
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Malignant phyllodes tumor (PT) is a fast-progression neoplasm derived from periductal stromal cells of the breast, which currently still lack effective treatment strategies. Our previous studies showed that the high density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) plays an important role in the malignant progression of PTs. TAMs secreted large amount of CCL18 to promote myofibroblast differentiation and invasion via binding to its receptor PIPTNM3 on myofibroblasts. Herein, we investigate the mechanism of how TAMs are recruited and repolarized by PTs to drive the malignant progression.

Experimental Design:

The cytokines secreted by PTs were identified by the cytokine array. The clinical and pathologic correlations of the cytokine with PTs were estimated with IHC. The mechanisms of the cytokine that recruited and polarized the macrophage were explored with a coculture model of primary PT cells and macrophages in vitro and in vivo. The patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of malignant PTs were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CCR5 inhibitor.

Results:

A high level of malignant PT-secreted CCL5 correlated with poor outcome of PTs and could be an independent prognostic factor of PTs. CCL5 bound to its receptor, CCR5, on macrophages thus activated AKT signaling to recruit and repolarize TAMs. Subsequently, the TAMs released CCL18 to further promote the aggressive phenotype of malignant PTs by enhancing and maintaining the myofibroblast differentiation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. In a murine PDX model of human malignant PTs, the CCL5–CCR5 axis blocked by maraviroc, an FDA-proved CCR5 inhibitor, prevented recruitment of monocytes to the tumor and dramatically suppressed tumor growth.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that malignant PTs recruit and repolarize TAMs through a CCL5-CCR5–driven signaling cascade. Thus, a positive feedback loop of CCL5-CCR5 and CCL18-PIPTNM3 between myofibroblast and TAMs is constituted to drive the malignant progression of PTs. Furthermore, targeting CCR5 with maraviroc represents a potential clinically available strategy to treat malignant PTs.
Analysis of Protein Expression in Human Cells Cocultured with Porcine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Ma Yuyuan , Zhao Xiong , Jia Junting , Yang Yongxian , Fan Rui , Lv Maomin , Ding Fang , Wu Jianmin , Zhang Jingang
Published: March 2019

Objective: Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV) involved in pig to human xenotransplantation have raised great concerns because of their ubiquitous nature in pigs and their ability of infecting human cells in vitro. Although no significant cytopathic effect attributed to PERV was evident on PERV-infected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, we did proteomic analysis to investigate the differences of protein profile in order to further characterize the effect of PERV infection. Methods: HEK293 cells were cocultured with porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Protein profiles of PERV-infected and -noninfected HEK293 cells were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Protein spots with at least 1.5-fold alteration were identified by high-definition mass spectrometry (HDMS) analysis. Then real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to validate the proteomic results. Results: Differential analysis of PERV-infected and -noninfected HEK293 cells by 2-DE revealed ten differentially regulated proteins. The proteins identified by HDMS were involved in various cellular pathways including signal transduction, cell apoptosis, and protein synthesis. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed differentially expressed proteins in HEK293 cells cocultured with porcine PBMCs and implied that these changes were probably induced by PERV infection. These results provide clues and potential links to understanding the molecular effect of the infection by human-tropic PERV.
Sertoli Cell Number Correlates with Serum Inhibin B in Infant Cryptorchid Boys
Authors: Hildorf Simone , Dong Lihua , Thorup Jorgen , Clasen-Linde Erik , Yding Andersen Claus , Cortes Dina
Published: March 2019

Postnatal maturation of Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the Sertoli cell number per tubule cross-section (SC/T), the serum level of the Sertoli cell-produced inhibin B, and the A-dark spermatogonia number per tubule (Ad/T) in cryptorchid boys. Forty infant cryptorchid boys aged 4-35 months (median: 13 months) were included in the study. During orchiopexy, blood samples for serum inhibin B, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testicular biopsies were obtained. Histological sections were evaluated by quantitative immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis including VASA and SOX9 (Sertoli cell marker) in order to measure the tubular germ cell number (G/T), Ad/T, and SC/T. The SC/T correlated negatively with age (p < 0.0002) and positively with G/T, Ad/T, inhibin B, FSH, and LH (all p < 0.01). Inhibin B correlated with LH (p < 0.0001), but not with FSH (p = 0.2077). The SC/T:G/T ratio positively correlated with age (p < 0.0001). Boys with Ad spermatogonia at surgery had a higher number of Sertoli cells compared to boys without Ad spermatogonia. In conclusion, a correlation between Sertoli cell number and inhibin B was proven, indicating that inhibin B possibly reflects the function of Sertoli cells in infant cryptorchid boys.
CYP21A2 Gene Pathogenic Variants: A Multicenter Study on Genotype–Phenotype Correlation from a Portuguese Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Santos-Silva Rita , Cardoso Rita , Lopes Lurdes , Fonseca Marcelo , Espada Filipa , Sampaio Lurdes , Brandão Carla , Antunes Ana , Bragança Graciete , Coelho Raquel , Bernardo Teresa , Vieira Paula , Morais Rita , Leite Ana Luísa , Ribeiro Luís , Carvalho Berta , Grangeia Ana , Oliveira Renata , Oliveira Maria João , Rey Vicente , Rosmaninho-Salgado Joana , Marques Bernardo , Garcia Ana Margarida , Meireles Andreia , Carvalho Joana , Sequeira Ana  , Mirante Alice , Borges Teresa ,   on behalf of the Portuguese Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology
Published: March 2019

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by 3 overlapping phenotypes: salt-wasting (SW), simple virilizing (SV), and non-classic (NC). We aimed at conducting a nationwide genotype description of the CAH pediatric patients and to establish their genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods: CAH patients were recruited from Portuguese pediatric endocrinology centers and classified as SW, SV, or NC. Genetic analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction (sequence specific primer, restriction fragment length polymorphism) or direct Sanger sequencing. Genotypes were categorized into 4 groups (0, A, B, and C), according to their predicted enzymatic activity. In each group, the expected phenotype was compared to the observed phenotype to assess the genotype–phenotype correlation. Results: Our cohort comprises 212 unrelated pediatric CAH patients (29% SW, 11% SV, 60% NC). The most common pathogenic variant was p.(Val282Leu; 41.3% of the 424 alleles analyzed). The p.(Val282Leu) variant, together with c.293-13A/C>G, p.(Ile173Asn), p.(Leu308Thr), p.(Gln319*), and large deletions/conversions were responsible for 86.4% of the mutated alleles. Patients’ stratification by disease subtype revealed that the most frequent pathogenic variants were c.293-13A/C>G in SW (31.1%), p.(Ile173Asn) in SV (46.9%), and p.(Val282Leu) in NC (69.5%). The most common genotype was homozygosity for p.(Val282Leu; 33.0%). Moreover, we found 2 novel variants: p.(Ile161Thr) and p.(Trp202Arg), in exons 4 and 5, respectively. The global genotype-phenotype correlation was 92.4%. Group B (associated with the SV form) showed the lowest genotype–phenotype correlation (80%). Conclusion: Our cohort has one of the largest NC CAH pediatric populations described. We emphasize the high frequency of the p.(Val282Leu) variant and the very high genotype–phenotype correlation observed.
Giant Stone in Ileal Conduit
Authors: Espinheira Santos Victor , Costa Borges Emilly Virginia , de Oliveira Carneiro Joabe , Rodrigues de Araújo José Luciano , Araújo Andrade Juarez
Published: March 2019

Urolithiasis is a common complication in Bricker urinary ­diversions. The upper urinary tract and ureters are predominantly involved, and ileal conduit stones are rare. Treatment consists of minimally invasive techniques, and open surgery is considered only when other safe and rapid treatment options are unavailable. We report a case of a 48-year-old patient with a large stone inside of Bricker, measuring 14 cm and weighing 1.03 kg. We discuss the likely etiologies and surgical approaches.
Prenatal Inflammation Dampens Neurogenesis and Enhances Serotonin Transporter Expression in the Hippocampus of Adult Female Rats
Authors: Mouihate Abdeslam , Kalakh Samah , AlMutairi Rawan , Alashqar Abdelrahman
Published: March 2019

Background/Aims: Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dampens hippocampal neurogenesis. This effect is associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in adult offspring. Furthermore, blocking serotonin transporters (SERT) promotes adult neurogenesis. Previous studies were performed largely in males. Therefore, we explored the impact of prenatal LPS on neurogenesis, SERT expression in the hippocampus, and anxiety-like behavior in female rats during prepubertal and adulthood stages. Materials and Methods: Timed pregnant rats were injected with either saline or LPS (100 µg/kg, i.p.) on gestational days 15, 17, and 19. Newly born neurons were monitored by immunohistochemistry, and anxiety-like behavior was monitored using the elevated plus maze and open-field test. SERT expression in the hippocampus was assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: Prenatal LPS led to reduced hippocampal neurogenesis in adult but not in prepubertal female offspring. This reduced neurogenesis was associated with enhanced hippocampal expression of SERT protein. However, there was no significant impact of prenatal LPS on anxiety-like behavior. Conclusions: Prenatal LPS-induced reduction in neurogenesis was dissociated from anxiety-like behavior in adult female rats. Furthermore, the long-lasting impact of prenatal LPS on neurogenesis in female offspring was age-dependent.
The Role of 11β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 in Glucocorticoid Programming of Affective and Cognitive Behaviours
Authors: Shearer Fraser J.G. , Wyrwoll Caitlin S. , Holmes Megan C.
Published: March 2019

Developmental exposure to stress hormones, i.e. glucocorticoids, is central to the process of prenatal programming of later-life health. Glucocorticoid overexposure, through stress or exogenous glucocorticoids, results in a reduced birthweight, as well as affective and neuropsychiatric outcomes in adults, combined with altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. As such, glucocorticoids are tightly regulated during development through the presence of the metabolizing enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2). HSD2 is highly expressed in 2 hubs during development, i.e. the placenta and the fetus itself, protecting the fetus from inappropriate glucocorticoid exposure early in gestation. Through manipulation of HSD2 expression in the mouse placenta and fetal tissues, we are able to determine the relative contribution of glucocorticoid exposure in each compartment. Feto-placental HSD2 deletion resulted in a reduced birthweight and the development of anxiety- and depression-like behaviours in adult mice. The placenta itself is altered by glucocorticoid overexposure, which causes reduced placental weight and vascular arborisation. Furthermore, altered flow and resistance in the umbilical vessels and modification of fetal heart function and development are observed. However, brain-specific HSD2 removal (HSD2BKO) also generated adult phenotypes of depressive-like behaviour and memory deficits, demonstrating the importance of fetal brain HSD2 expression in development. In this review we will discuss potential mechanisms underpinning early-life programming of adult neuropsychiatric disorders and the novel therapeutic potential of statins.
Sex differences in Hippocampal Memory and Learning following Neonatal Brain Injury: Is There a Role for Estrogen Receptor-α?
Authors: Zafer Dila , Aycan Nur , Ozaydin Burak , Kemanli Pinar , Ferrazzano Peter , Levine Jon E. , Cengiz Pelin
Published: March 2019

Neonatal encephalopathy due to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) leads to severe, life-long morbidities in thousands of neonates born in the USA and worldwide each year. Varying capacities of long-term episodic memory, verbal working memory, and learning can present without cerebral palsy and have been associated with the severity of neonatal encephalopathy sustained at birth. Among children who sustain a moderate degree of HI at birth, girls have larger hippocampal volumes compared to boys. Clinical studies indicate that female neonatal brains are more resistant to the effects of neonatal HI, resulting in better long-term cognitive outcomes compared to males with comparable brain injury. Our most recent mechanistic studies have addressed the origins and cellular basis of sex differences in hippocampal neuroprotection following neonatal HI-related brain injury and implicate estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in the neurotrophin receptor-mediated hippocampal neuroprotection in female mice. This review summarizes the recent findings on ERα-dependent, neurotrophin-mediated hippocampal neuroprotection and weighs the evidence that this mechanism plays an important role in preservation of long-term memory and learning following HI in females.