bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of intersegmental dynamics in coordination of the forelimb joints during unperturbed and perturbed skilled locomotion
Authors: Zubair Humza N. , Stout Erik E. , Dounskaia Natalia , Beloozerova Irina N.
Published: July 2018

Joint coordination during locomotion and how this coordination changes in response to perturbations remains poorly understood. We investigated coordination among forelimb joints during the swing phase of skilled locomotion in the cat. While cats walked on a horizontal ladder, one of the cross-pieces moved before the cat reached it, requiring the cat to alter step size. Direction and timing of the cross-piece displacement were manipulated. We found that the paw was transported in space through body translation and shoulder and elbow rotations, whereas the wrist provided paw orientation required to step on cross-pieces. Kinetic analysis revealed a consistent joint control pattern in all conditions. Although passive interaction and gravitational torques were the main sources of shoulder and elbow motions for most of the movement time, shoulder muscle torque influenced movement of the entire limb at the end of the swing phase, accelerating the shoulder and causing interaction torque that determined elbow motion. At the wrist, muscle and passive torques predominantly compensated for each other. In all perturbed conditions, although all joints and the body slightly contributed to changes in the step length throughout the entire movement, the major adjustment was produced by the shoulder at the movement end. We conclude that joint coordination during the swing phase is produced mainly passively, by exploiting gravity and the limb’s intersegmental dynamics, which may simplify the neural control of locomotion. The use of shoulder musculature at the movement end enables flexible responses to environmental disturbances.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate joint control during the swing phase of skilled, accuracy-dependent locomotion in the cat and how this control is altered to adapt to known and unexpected perturbations. We demonstrate that a pattern of joint control that exploits gravitational and interaction torques is used in all conditions and that movement modifications are produced mainly by shoulder muscle torque during the last portion of the movement.
Securing ZigBee Commercial Communications Using Constellation Based Distinct Native Attribute Fingerprinting
Authors: Rondeau Christopher M. , Betances J. Addison , Temple Michael A.
Published: July 2018

This work provides development of Constellation Based DNA (CB-DNA) Fingerprinting for use in systems employing quadrature modulations and includes network protection demonstrations for ZigBee offset quadrature phase shift keying modulation. Results are based on 120 unique networks comprised of seven authorized ZigBee RZSUBSTICK devices, with three additional like-model devices serving as unauthorized rogue devices. Authorized network device fingerprints are used to train a Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) classifier and Rogue Rejection Rate (RRR) estimated for 2520 attacks involving rogue devices presenting themselves as authorized devices. With MDA training thresholds set to achieve a True Verification Rate (TVR) of TVR = 95% for authorized network devices, the collective rogue device detection results for SNR ≥ 12 dB include average burst-by-burst RRR ≈ 94% across all 2520 attack scenarios with individual rogue device attack performance spanning 83.32% < RRR < 99.81%.
Fair Resource Allocation with QoS Guarantee in Secure Multiuser TDMA Networks
Authors: Bai Zhiquan , Wang Tongtong , Ma Piming , Ma Yanbo , Kwak Kyungsup
Published: July 2018

We investigate a secure multiuser time division multiple access (TDMA) system with statistical delay quality of service (QoS) guarantee in terms of secure effective capacity. An optimal resource allocation policy is proposed to minimize the β‐fair cost function of the average user power under the individual QoS constraint, which also balances the energy efficiency and fairness among the users. First, convex optimization problems associated with the resource allocation policy are formulated. Then, a subgradient iteration algorithm based on the Lagrangian duality theory and the dual decomposition theory is employed to approach the global optimal solutions. Furthermore, considering the practical channel conditions, we develop a stochastic subgradient iteration algorithm which is capable of dynamically learning the intended wireless channels and acquiring the global optimal solution. It is shown that the proposed optimal resource allocation policy depends on the delay QoS requirement and the channel conditions. The optimal policy can save more power and achieve the balance of the energy efficiency and the fairness compared with the other resource allocation policies.
Association of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease with Anti-GAD Antibody ELISA Test Positivity and Risk for Insulin Deficiency in Slowly Progressive Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Katahira Masahito , Ogata Hidetada , Ito Takahiro , Miwata Tsutomu , Goto Megumi , Nakamura Shizuka , Takashima Hiromi
Published: July 2018

The presence of antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) is required for the diagnosis of slowly progressive type 1 diabetes (SPT1D). We examined the factors influencing GADA determination by radioimmunoassay (GADA-RIA) and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GADA-ELISA). Sixty patients with SPT1D and 154 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined by both GADA-RIA and GADA-ELISA and for the presence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). We compared the clinical characteristics of these patients based on the positivity or negativity of GADA-RIA and GADA-ELISA, and the existence or nonexistence of AITD. Thirty of 60 (50.0%) GADA-RIA-positive patients were GADA-ELISA negative, whereas none of the 154 GADA-RIA-negative patients were GADA-ELISA positive. Concomitant AITD was significantly less in patients with GADA-RIA and without GADA-ELISA and was significantly more in patients with GADA-RIA and GADA-ELISA. In GADA-RIA-positive patients, there was no significant difference in the GADA-RIA titer among the GADA-ELISA-negative patients with and without AITD, and the GADA-ELISA-positive patients without AITD; whereas the frequency of insulin deficiency was significantly higher in the patients with AITD and/or GADA-ELISA than in those without AITD and GADA-ELISA. Examination of GADA-ELISA and AITD in GADA-RIA-positive patients might be useful in predicting insulin deficiency in these patients.
An Application of Interval Arithmetic for Solving Fully Fuzzy Linear Systems with Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Siahlooei Esmaeil , Shahzadeh Fazeli Seyed Abolfazl
Published: July 2018

We present a method for solving fully fuzzy linear systems using interval aspects of fuzzy numbers. This new method uses a decomposition technique to convert a fully fuzzy linear system into two types of decomposition in the form of interval matrices. It finds the solution of a fully fuzzy linear system by using interval operations. This new method uses interval arithmetic and two new interval operations ⊖ and ⊘. These new operations, which are inverses of basic interval operations + and ×, will be presented in the middle of this paper. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the ability of proposed methods.
Development of Human Mast Cells from Hematopoietic Stem Cells within a 3D Collagen Matrix: Effect of Stem Cell Media on Mast Cell Generation
Authors: Derakhshan Tahereh , Bhowmick Rudra , Ritchey Jerry W. , Gappa-Fahlenkamp Heather
Published: July 2018

Mast cells (MCs) arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that mature within vascularized tissues. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells (ECs) play a role in the maturation of HSCs in the tissues. Due to difficulties in isolating MCs from tissues, large numbers of committed MC precursors can be generated in 2D culture systems with the use of differentiation factors. Since MCs are tissue-resident cells, the development of a 3D tissue-engineered model with ancillary cells that more closely mimics the 3Din vivomicroenvironment has greater relevance for MC studies. The goals of this study were to show that MCs can be derived from HSCs within a 3D matrix and to determine a media to support MCs, fibroblasts, and ECs. The results show that HSCs within a collagen matrix cultured in StemSpan media with serum added at the last week yielded a greater number of c-kit+cells and a greater amount of histamine granules compared to other media tested. Media supplemented with serum were necessary for EC survival, while fibroblasts survived irrespective of serum with higher cell yields in StemSpan. This work demonstrates the development of functional MCs within a 3D collagen matrix using a stem cell media that supports fibroblast and ECs.
Effect of Different Coloring Procedures on the Aging Behavior of Dental Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Agingu Check , Jiang Neng-wu , Cheng Hui , Yu Hao
Published: July 2018

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different coloring procedures on the aging behavior of dental monolithic zirconia. Methods. Two types of translucent zirconia (SuperfectZir HTS, Aidite; Katana HT, Kuraray) were tested. Bar-shaped specimens with dimensions of 22 × 4 × 2 mm were prepared from uncolored and precolored blocks. Before being sintered, specimens made from uncolored blocks were colored by dipping them into a coloring liquid, whereas the precolored specimens were not treated. The specimens were then divided into 4 subgroups (n = 13) according to the aging conditions (no aging, 134°C/0.2 MPa for 5 h, 134°C/0.2 MPa for 10 h, and 134°C/0.2 MPa for 20 h). The flexural strength of the specimens was tested with the 4-point flexure. The crystalline phase composition of the specimens was analyzed by XRD. The subsurface microstructure of the fractured specimens was examined by using a SEM. The data were statistically analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results. Significant differences were found in the flexural strength between the two zirconia materials tested (P<0.001). Aging and coloring procedures showed no significant effect on the flexural strength of the zirconia. Aging and coloring procedures significantly affected the t→m transformation of the zirconia. The monoclinic phase increased with the aging time. After aging, the precolored specimens showed a significantly higher t→m transformation than the specimens that were dipped in the coloring liquids. After aging for 20 h, the depth of the transformed zone with an irregular surface was approximately 6 µm for SuperfectZir HTS, whereas no detectable transformation zone was observed for Katana HT. Conclusion. Aging and coloring procedures had no significant effects on the flexural strength of the zirconia tested. The coloring procedure had a significant effect on the phase transformation of the zirconia subjected to hydrothermal aging.
Levels of Resistance to Pyrethroid among DistinctkdrAlleles inAedes aegyptiLaboratory Lines and Frequency ofkdrAlleles in 27 Natural Populations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Brito Luiz Paulo , Carrara Luana , Freitas Rafael Maciel de , Lima José Bento Pereira , Martins Ademir J.
Published: July 2018

Background. Several mutations in voltage gated sodium channel (NaV) have been identified inAedes aegyptipopulations worldwide. However, only few are related to knockdown resistance to pyrethroids, most of which with variations in the 1016 and 1534NaVsites. In Brazil, at least twoNaValleles are known:NaVR1, with a substitution in the 1534 (1016 Val++ 1534 Ilekdr) andNaVR2, with substitutions in both 1016 and sites (1016Ilekdr+ 1534Cyskdr). There is also the duplication in theNaVgene, with one copy carrying the substitution Ile1011Met, although its effects on pyrethroid resistance remain to be clarified. Our goals in this study were (1) to determine the role of eachkdrNaVallele and the duplication on pyrethroid resistance and (2) to screen the frequency of thekdralleles in 27 several naturalAe. aegyptipopulations from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.Methods. Pyrethroid resistance was evaluated by a knockdown time (KdT) assay, an adaptation of the WHO test tubes with paper impregnated with deltamethrin. We used laboratory-selectedAe. aegyptilineages: R1R1 and R2R2 (homozygous for thekdrNaVR1 andNaVR2 alleles, respectively), Dup (with duplication in theNaVgene), Rockefeller (the susceptibility reference control), and F1 hybrids among them. Genotyping of both 1016 and 1534NaVsites was performed in 811Ae. aegyptisampled from 27 localities from Rio de Janeiro (17), Niterói (6) and Nova Iguaçu (4) cities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, with a TaqMan real time PCR approach.Results. The laboratory lineages R1R1, R2R2, and R1R2 were the only ones that needed more than 60 minutes toknock downall the insects exposed to the pyrethroid, being theKdT R2R2 > R1R2 > R1R1, corroborating the recessive nature of thekdrmutations. Frequency ofkdrallelesNaVR1 andNaVR2 in field-caught mosquitoes varied from 0 to 52% and 43 to 86%, respectively, evidencing high levels of “resistant genotypes” (R1R1, R1R2, and R2R2), which together summed 60 to 100% inAe. aegyptipopulations from Rio de Janeiro.Conclusions. TheNaVR1 andNaVR2kdralleles confer resistance to the pyrethroid deltamethrin in homozygotes and R1R2 heterozygotes, being the R2R2 most resistant genotype. The allele containing duplication in theNaVgene, with a mutation in the 1011 site, did not confer resistance under the tested conditions. The frequencies of the “resistant genotypes” are elevated inAe. aegyptinatural populations from Rio de Janeiro.
Certain Geometric Properties of Generalized Dini Functions
Authors: Din Muhey U. , Raza Mohsan , Hussain Saqib , Darus Maslina
Published: July 2018

We are mainly interested in some geometric properties for the combinations of generalized Bessel functions of the first kind and their derivatives known as Dini functions. In particular, we study the starlikeness of order α, convexity of order α, and close-to-convexity of order ((1+α)/2) for normalized Dini function. We also study close-to-convexity with respect to certain star-like functions. Further, we obtain conditions on generalized Dini function to belong to the Hardy space Hp.
“CLUPS”: A New Culture Medium for the Axenic Growth ofEntamoeba histolytica
Authors: Gonzalez-Salazar F. , Meester I. , Guzmán De La Garza F. J. , De La Garza-Salinas L. H. , Sampayo-Reyes A. , Garza-Gonzalez J. N. , Monsivais-Diaz O. , Barba-Dávila B. A. , Hernández-García M. E. , Vargas-Villarreal J.
Published: July 2018

Amebiasis remains a major health problem in Mexico. Therefore, the search for better culture media and low-cost diagnostic and therapeutic tools is fundamental. We present a new culture medium forEntamoeba histolyticawhich allows the microbe to preserve its virulence factors and ability to induce hepatic abscesses in animal models. The novel CLUPS medium is an improved version of the PEHPS medium, previously designed in our laboratory. The main difference is the substitution of raw beef liver in PEHPS by raw beef lung in the CLUPS medium. To compare the performance of three-culture media (traditional TYI-S-33, PEHPS, and CLUPS),E. histolyticatrophozoites were cultured in quintuplicate, followed by the evaluation of phospholipase activity and the induction of liver abscesses in golden hamsters.E. histolyticatrophozoites grew significantly better in CLUPS medium than in TYI-S-33. Likewise, CLUPS-cultured trophozoites produced significantly more phospholipases than TYI-S-33-cultured trophozoites. Finally, trophozoites grown in any of the three tested media had similar potential to induce liver abscesses.
Meta-Analysis of Visual Evoked Potential and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: He Song-bin , Liu Chun-yan , Chen Lin-di , Ye Zhi-nan , Zhang Ya-ping , Tang Wei-guo , Wang Bin-da , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2018

Background. Previous studies suggested that visual evoked potential (VEP) was impaired in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the results were inconsistent. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore whether the VEP was significantly different between PD patients and healthy controls. Case-control studies of PD were selected through an electronic search of the databases PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We calculated the pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between individuals with PD and controls using the random-effects model. Results. Twenty case-control studies which met our inclusion criteria were included in the final meta-analysis. We found that the P100 latency in PD was significantly higher compared with healthy controls (pooled WMD = 6.04, 95% CI: 2.73 to 9.35, P=0.0003, n=20). However, the difference in the mean amplitude of P100 was not significant between the two groups (pooled WMD = 0.64, 95% CI: −0.06 to 1.33, P=0.07) based on 10 studies with the P100 amplitude values available. Conclusions. The higher P100 latency of VEP was observed in PD patients, relative to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that electrophysiological changes and functional defect in the visual pathway of PD patients are important to our understanding of the pathophysiology of visual involvement in PD.
Significance of Preoperative Systemic Immune Score for Stage I Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Lu Jun , Cao Long-long , Li Ping , Xie Jian-wei , Wang Jia-bin , Lin Jian-xian , Chen Qi-yue , Lin Mi , Tu Ru-hong , Huang Chang-ming , Zheng Chao-hui
Published: July 2018

Background. Determining preferences regarding the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for stage I GC is critical. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 1069 patients with pathologically confirmed stage I GC who underwent R0 gastrectomy between 2006 and 2014. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted. Systemic inflammation factors were used to develop a scoring system for predicting AC benefits. Results. With a median follow-up of 47 months (range 3–113 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.5%. The patient score was 1 for either a pretreatment hypoalbuminemia or elevated derived neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and was 0 otherwise. The SIS served as an independent prognostic factor for reduced OS. AC was delivered to 13.5% (144/1069) of all patients. Compared to surgery alone, AC had no significant effect on survival in both the entire cohort and the IA/IB subgroup. However, in the high-risk group (SIS = 2), patients with AC had a significantly better OS than those undergoing surgery alone. Conclusions. Patients with SIS = 2 may benefit from AC and thus may be considered candidates for adjuvant treatment. However, to confirm our findings, future prospective studies are warranted.
Experimental Study on the Stress Sensitivity and Influence Factors of Shale under Varying Stress
Authors: Wu Zhonghu , Zuo Yujun , Wang Shanyong , Sunwen Jibin , Liu Leilei
Published: July 2018

Shale reservoirs are characterized by extremely low permeability and high clay content. To further study the stress sensitivity of a shale reservoir, the Lower Cambrian shale in north Guizhou was utilized. Through laboratory testing, the relationships between the shale porosity and permeability and the effective stress were established, and the stress sensitivity of shale was analysed. The mechanical properties and mineral composition of this shale were studied by rock mechanics testing and X‐ray diffraction. The main factors affecting the stress sensitivity were analysed. The results show that the porosity and permeability of this shale decrease with increasing effective stress; the shale reservoir permeability damage rate is 61.44 ~ 73.93%, with an average of 69.92%; the permeability stress sensitivity coefficient is 0.04867 ~ 0.05485 MPa−1, with an average of 0.05312 MPa−1; and the shale reservoir stress sensitivity is strong. Shale stress sensitivity is related to the rock mineral composition and rock mechanical properties. The higher the clay content in the mineral composition, the lower the elastic modulus of shale, the higher the compressibility, and the greater the stress sensitivity coefficient.
Isolated Perfused Rat Livers to Quantify the Pharmacokinetics and Concentrations of Gd-BOPTA
Authors: Pastor Catherine M.
Published: July 2018

With recent advances in liver imaging, the estimation of liver concentrations is now possible following the injection of hepatobiliary contrast agents and radiotracers. However, how these images are generated remains partially unknown. Most experiments that would be helpful to increase this understanding cannot be performed in vivo. For these reasons, we investigated the liver distribution of the magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA, MultiHance®, Bracco Imaging) in isolated perfused rat livers (IPRLs). In IPRL, we developed a new set up that quantifies simultaneously the Gd-BOPTA compartment concentrations and the transfer rates between these compartments. Concentrations were measured either by MR signal intensity or by count rates when the contrast agent was labelled by [153Gd]. With this experimental model, we show how the Gd-BOPTA hepatocyte concentrations are modified by temperature and liver flow rates. We define new pharmacokinetic parameters to quantify the canalicular transport of Gd-BOPTA. Finally, we present how transfer rates generate Gd-BOPTA concentrations in rat liver compartments. These findings better explain how liver imaging with hepatobiliary radiotracers and contrast agents is generated and improve the image interpretation by clinicians.
A New Approach for the Characterization of Nonstationary Oscillators Using the Wigner-Ville Distribution
Authors: Levy Chagai , Pinchas Monika , Pinhasi Yosef
Published: July 2018

Oscillators and clocks are affected by physical mechanisms causing amplitude fluctuations, phase noise, and frequency instabilities. The physical properties of the elements composing the oscillator as well as external environmental conditions play a role in the characteristics of the oscillatory signal produced by the device. Such instabilities demonstrate frequency drifts and modulation and spectrum broadening and are observed to be nonstationary processes in nature. Most of tools which are being used to measure and characterize oscillator stability are based on signal processing techniques, assuming time invariance during a temporal window, during which the signal is assumed to be stationary. This paper proposes a new time-frequency metric for the characterization of frequency sources. Our technique is based on the Wigner-Ville distribution, which extends the spectral measures to consist of the temporal nonstationary behavior of the processes affecting the accuracy of the clock. We demonstrate the use of the technique in the characterization of phase errors, frequency offsets, and frequency drift of oscillators.
Stress Uniformity Analyses on Nonparallel End‐Surface Rock Specimen during Loading Process in SHPB Tests
Authors: Yuan Pu , Ma Qin-yong , Ma Dong-dong
Published: July 2018

To investigate the influence of nonparallel end‐surface on stress uniformity during loading process in rock SHPB test, SHPB numerical simulations have been carried out by LS‐DYNA when end‐face nonparallelism is within 0.40% and Young’s modulus ranges from 14 GPa to 42 GPa. Isotropic linear elastic model is applied for elastic steel pressure bar, and HJC constitutive model is chosen for rock specimen. Numerical simulation results indicate that fluctuation effect exists in both reflected stress waves and transmitted stress waves, and it is enhanced with the increase of end‐surface nonparallelism. The stress nonuniformity coefficient attenuates in a serrated fluctuation. With the increase of end‐surface nonparallelism, the amplitude of transmitted stress wave gradually reduces, while stress nonuniformity coefficient increases. Stress equilibrium time first decreases slightly then increases in a step type. Therefore, nonparallel end‐surface leads to two reverse results for stress uniformity during SHPB loading process, extending stress equilibrium time and shortening stress equilibrium time. And the influence on shortening stress equilibrium time is weak, while the influence on extending stress equilibrium time is great. When end‐surface nonparallelism is 0.10%, stress equilibrium time achieves its lowest value whatever Young’s modulus is. Hence, end‐surface nonparallelism of the rock specimen is suggested to be controlled within 0.10% when conducting SHPB tests.
Fertility Preservation: Current and Future Perspectives for Oncologic Patients at Risk for Iatrogenic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Pinelli Sara , Basile Stefano
Published: July 2018

Progress in recent years in the efficacy of oncologic treatment and early diagnosis of cancer has determined an increase in life expectance in cancer patients. About 10% of all cancer cases affect women younger than 45 years; therefore nowadays approximately 5-6% of the population in childbearing age consists in cancer survivors. A crucial issue is the high risk of premature ovarian insufficiency due to possible gonadotoxic effects of oncologic treatments. Considering combined chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation, this risk can reach 92-100%, depending on the age and ovarian reserve of the patient, as well as the schedule and type of therapy. International guidelines recommend addressing all the patients diagnosed with a neoplasia treatable with potentially gonadotoxic therapies to fertility preservation. Moreover, fertility preservation also seems to reserve fascinating implications for women who want to delay childbearing for social reasons or women affected with endometriosis, who could receive unexpected opportunities. At present, the most widespread techniques to preserve fertility in adult women are embryo or oocyte cryopreservation, depending on the presence of a partner or according to legislative issues, but these procedures require time for ovarian stimulation. In prepubertal patients or when there is no possibility of delaying chemotherapy, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and subsequent transplantation represent the main strategy.
Comparative Studies of Different Extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. against Rheumatoid Arthritis in CIA Rats
Authors: Wang Jian-Ying , Chen Xiao-Jun , Zhang Lei , Pan Ying-Yi , Gu Zu-Xi , He Shi-Min , Song Zhe-Ping , Yuan Ying
Published: July 2018

To compare efficacy of different extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. with both immune inflammation and joint destruction in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. Rats were divided into normal group (Nor), control group (CIA), TG group (treated with tripterygium glycoside), E70 group (treated with 70% ethanol extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.), EA group (treated with ethyl acetate fraction from E70), and EN group (treated with n‐butyl alcohol fraction from E70). All extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. could significantly inhibit ankle swelling, pathological manifestations, and cytokine levels in serum and spleen, by using foot volume measurement, H&E staining, ELISA, and RT‐QPCR methods, respectively. All extracts could significantly inhibit rough joint surface and marginal osteophytes, improve RANKL/OPG ratio, and decrease MMP‐9 expression, by using micro‐CT and immunohistochemical staining. The activation of IKK/NF‐κB signaling pathway was also inhibited by all extracts. In addition, ethyl acetate fraction from E70 presented better effect on RANKL/OPG system. This study identified effective extracts from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. relieving immune inflammation and maintaining structural integrity of joints in CIA rats.
Kinetics of Targeted Phage Rescue in a Mouse Model of SystemicEscherichia coliK1
Authors: Schneider György , Szentes Nikolett , Horváth Marianna , Dorn Ágnes , Cox Alysia , Nagy Gábor , Doffkay Zsolt , Maróti Gergely , Rákhely Gábor , Kovács Tamás
Published: July 2018

Escherichia (E.) coliK1 strains remain common causative agents of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. We have isolated a lytic bacteriophage (ΦIK1) againstE. colistrain IHE3034 and tested its specificityin vitro, as well as distribution and protective efficacyin vivo. The phage was shown to be specific to the K1 capsular polysaccharide. In the lethal murine model, a high level of protection was afforded by the phage with strict kinetics. A single dose of 1 x 108phage particles administered 10 and 60 minutes following the bacterial challenge elicited 100 % and 95 % survival, respectively. No mice could be rescued if phage administration occurred 3 hours postinfection. Tissue distribution surveys in the surviving mice revealed that the spleen was the primary organ in which accumulation of active ΦIK1 phages could be detected two weeks after phage administration. These results suggest that bacteriophages have potential as therapeutic agents in the control of systemic infections.
Task Scheduling for Edge Computing with Agile VNFs On‐Demand Service Model toward 5G and Beyond
Authors: Tseng Chia-Wei , Tseng Fan-Hsun , Yang Yao-Tsung , Liu Chien-Chang , Chou Li-Der
Published: July 2018

The demand for satisfying service requests, effectively allocating computing resources, and providing service on‐demand application continuously increases along with the rapid development of the Internet. Edge computing is used to satisfy the low latency, network connection, and local data processing requirements and to alleviate the workload in the cloud. This paper proposes a gateway‐based edge computing service model to reduce the latency of data transmission and the network bandwidth from and to the cloud. An on‐demand computing resource allocation can be achieved by adjusting the task schedule of the edge gateway via the lightweight virtualization technology, Docker. The edge gateway can also process the service requests in the local network. The proposed edge computing service model not only eliminates the computation burden of the traditional cloud service model but also improves the operation efficiency of the edge computing nodes. This model can also be used for various innovation applications in the cloud‐edge computing environment for 5G and beyond.
Self-Assembly of Diphenylalanine-Based Nanostructures in Water and Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Acuña Sergio M. , Veloso María C. , Toledo Pedro G.
Published: July 2018

Diphenylalanine (FF) is a peptide that can form different nanostructures; this makes it particularly attractive for both biological and technological applications. However, any application using this type of nanostructures requires controlling their size and shape. Information is provided about the various structures formed through the peptide FF self-assembly in different salt solutions (NaCl, CaCl2, and AlCl3), concentrations (50 mM, 100 mM, and 200 mM), and pH (3 to 10). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the nanotubes. Results show that FF nanotube formation through self-assembly is a delicate balance between electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions; any imbalance in these can impede nanotube formation. Our results demonstrate that salts, such as NaCl and CaCl2, along with the studied concentrations promote the formation of very long nanotube agglomerates. This would be due to a combined screening effect and the fact that cations are structure-forming and promote hydrophobic interactions; therefore, nanotube agglomeration occurs and also benefits electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and longer nanotubes. The presence of AlCl3 produces an imbalance in the abovementioned interactions because of excess Cl-, a structure-breaking anion that impedes the nanostructure formation.
Signal Timing Optimization for Transit Priority at Near-Saturated Intersections
Authors: Shu Shijie , Zhao Jing , Han Yin
Published: July 2018

Transit signal priority is a useful way to improve transit operations in urban networks. Most of the existing studies have been conducted in conditions with low saturation to avoid the detrimental effects of vehicles without priority. However, from the public transit point of view, it is more meaningful to assign transit signal priority when the degree of the saturation intersections is high. This study proposes a signal control model for transit signal priority to minimize the overall delay at near-saturated intersection. The delay increment is calculated in three scenarios for buses and private vehicles according to the dissipation time of the vehicular queue. A set of constrains are set up to avoid queue overflows and to ensure the rationalization of the signal timing. The proposed control model is tested based on a case study and numerical experiments. The results show that the proposed model can reduce the total person delay at near-saturated intersections. The length of priority time, degree of saturation, and number of lanes are the three main influencing factors. More than 6% reductions in person delay can be obtained for undersaturated intersections when the priority time is less than 5 s. Moreover, even when the intersection saturation is 0.95, the bus signal priority can be applied if only the priority time is less than 5 s.
A New Approximate Method for Lightning-Radiated ELF/VLF Ground Wave Propagation over Intermediate Ranges
Authors: Hou Wenhao , Zhang Qilin , Zhang Jinbo , Wang Lei , Shen Yuan
Published: July 2018

A new approximate method for lightning-radiated extremely low-frequency (ELF) and very low-frequency (VLF) ground wave propagation over intermediate ranges is presented in this paper. In our approximate method, the original field attenuation function is divided into two factors in frequency domain representing the propagation effect of the ground conductivity and Earth’s curvature, and both of them have clearer formulations and can more easily be calculated rather than solving a complex differential equation related to Airy functions. The comparison results show that our new approximate method can predict the lightning-radiated field peak value over the intermediate range with a satisfactory accuracy within maximum errors of 0.0%, −3.3%, and −8.7% for the earth conductivity of 4 S/m, 0.01 S/m, and 0.001 S/m, respectively. We also find that Earth’s curvature has much more effect on the field propagation at the intermediate ranges than the finite ground conductivity, and the lightning-radiated ELF/VLF electric field peak value (V/m) at the intermediate ranges yields a propagation distance d (km) dependence of d−1.32.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Nonpolar Extracts of Allium stipitatum Regel. against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Karunanidhi Arunkumar , Ghaznavi-Rad Ehsanollah , Hamat Rukman Awang , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Lung Leslie Than Thian , Mohd Fauzi Fazlin , Chigurupati Sridevi , van Belkum Alex , Neela Vasanthakumari
Published: July 2018

The present study assessed the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of hexane (ASHE) and dichloromethane (ASDE) extracts of Allium stipitatum (Persian shallot) against planktonic cells and biofilm structures of clinically significant antibiotic resistant pathogens, with a special emphasis on methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and emerging pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Antibacterial activities were determined through disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), time-kill kinetics, and electron microscopy. Antibiofilm activity was assessed by XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction assay and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The zone of inhibition ranged from 13 to 33 mm, while the MICs and MBCs ranged from 16 to 1024 μg mL−1. Both ASHE and ASDE completely eradicated overnight cultures of the test microorganisms, including antibiotic resistant strains. Time-kill studies showed that the extracts were strongly bactericidal against planktonic cultures of S. aureus, MRSA, Acinetobacter baumannii, and S. maltophilia as early as 4 hours postinoculation (hpi). ASHE and ASDE were shown to inhibit preformed biofilms of the four biofilm phenotypes tested. Our results demonstrate the potential therapeutic application of ASHE and ASDE to inhibit the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative biofilms of clinical significance and warrant further investigation of the potential of A. stipitatum bulbs against biofilm-related drug resistance.
Normal Breast-Derived Epithelial Cells with Luminal and Intrinsic Subtype-Enriched Gene Expression Document Interindividual Differences in Their Differentiation Cascade
Authors: Kumar Brijesh , Prasad Mayuri , Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Anjanappa Manjushree , Kalra Maitri , Marino Natascia , Storniolo Anna Maria , Rao Xi , Liu Sheng , Wan Jun , Liu Yunlong , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: July 2018

Cell-type origin is one of the factors that determine molecular features of tumors, but resources to validate this concept are scarce because of technical difficulties in propagating major cell types of adult organs. Previous attempts to generate such resources to study breast cancer have yielded predominantly basal-type cell lines. We have created a panel of immortalized cell lines from core breast biopsies of ancestry-mapped healthy women that form ductal structures similar to normal breast in 3D cultures and expressed markers of major cell types, including the luminal-differentiated cell-enriched ERα–FOXA1–GATA3 transcription factor network. We have also created cell lines from PROCR (CD201)+/EpCAM− cells that are likely the “normal” counterpart of the claudin-low subtype of breast cancers. RNA-seq and PAM50-intrinsic subtype clustering identified these cell lines as the “normal” counterparts of luminal A, basal, and normal-like subtypes and validated via immunostaining with basal-enriched KRT14 and luminal-enriched KRT19. We further characterized these cell lines by flow cytometry for distribution patterns of stem/basal, luminal-progenitor, mature/differentiated, multipotent PROCR+ cells, and organogenesis-enriched epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid cells using CD44/CD24, CD49f/EpCAM, CD271/EpCAM, CD201/EpCAM, and ALDEFLUOR assays and E-cadherin/vimentin double staining. These cell lines showed interindividual heterogeneity in stemness/differentiation capabilities and baseline activity of signaling molecules such as NF-κB, AKT2, pERK, and BRD4. These resources can be used to test the emerging concept that genetic variations in regulatory regions contribute to widespread differences in gene expression in “normal” conditions among the general population and can delineate the impact of cell-type origin on tumor progression.

Significance: In addition to providing a valuable resource for the breast cancer research community to investigate cell-type origin of different subtypes of breast cancer, this study highlights interindividual differences in normal breast, emphasizing the need to use "normal" cells from multiple sources as controls to decipher the effects of cancer-specific genomic aberrations. Cancer Res; 78(17); 5107–23. ©2018 AACR.
Targeted Sequencing of Circulating Tumor DNA to Monitor Genetic Variants and Therapeutic Response in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hsu Hung-Chih , Lapke Nina , Wang Chuang-Wei , Lin Pei-Yi , You Jeng Fu , Yeh Chien Yuh , Tsai Wen-Sy , Hung Hsin Yuan , Chiang Sum-Fu , Chen Hua-Chien , Chen Shu-Jen , Hsu An , Yang Tsai Sheng
Published: July 2018

Substantial improvements have been made in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the last two decades, but disease monitoring remains underdeveloped. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising prognostic and predictive biomarker; however, ctDNA as a marker for mCRC patients is not well established, and there is still no consensus about how to utilize it most cost-effectively. In this study, we aim to investigate plasma ctDNA levels as a biomarker for therapeutic response of mCRC patients. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) by using a 12-gene panel to identify genetic variants in 136 tumor tissue and ctDNA samples from 32 mCRC patients. Genetic variants were detected in approximately 70% of samples, and there was a high concordance (85%) between tumor tissue and plasma ctDNA. We observed ctDNA changes in 18 follow-up patients, including the emergence of new variants. Changes in ctDNA levels significantly correlated with tumor shrinkage (P = 0.041), and patients with a ctDNA decrease >80% after treatment had a longer progression-free survival compared with patients with a ctDNA decrease of <80% (HR, 0.22; P = 0.015). The objective response rate among patients with a ctDNA decrease of >80% was better than those with a ctDNA decrease <80% (OR, 0.026; P = 0.007). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that monitoring of genetic ctDNA variants can serve as a valuable biomarker for therapeutic efficacy in mCRC patients, and that using a moderate-sized 12-gene NGS panel may be suitable for such clinical monitoring. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(10); 2238–47. ©2018 AACR.
Increasing the Sensitivity of Functional Status Assessment in the Preclinical Range (Normal to Mild Cognitive Impairment): Exploring the IADL-Extended Approach
Authors: Fieo Robert , Stern Yaakov
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Dementia exhibits an insidious onset consisting of cognitive, behavioral, and functional impairment. We explored a functional continuum that extends assessment beyond the clinical instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) range and into advanced activities of daily living. Methods: We examined the predictive power (Cox regression; n = 2,471) of a unidimensional IADL-extended (IADL-x) scale for incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We also examined “time to MCI” as an outcome measure. Results: Each additional task endorsed on the IADL-x hierarchy (e.g., endorsing participation in 6 vs. 5 activities) resulted in a 10% reduction in MCI risk (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.94, p < 0.001). For the fully adjusted model the risk reduction dropped to 6%. The odds of incident MCI within 2 years (for those below the median IADL-x total score) was 2.5 times higher (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.52–4.4, p < 0.001) and 2 times higher for incident MCI within the next 5 years (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.76–3.2, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The IADL-x metric appears to be a valid approach for determining the risk of MCI based on one’s position along a formal hierarchy of function.
Leptomeningeal Myelomatosis: A Rare but Devastating Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed Using Cytology, Flow Cytometry, and Fluorescent in situ Hybridization
Authors: Bommer Martin , Kull Miriam , Teleanu Veronica , Schwarzwälder Phyllis , Feuring-Buske Manuela , Kroenke Jan , Bunjes Donald , Langer Christian
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Involvement of the central nervous system in patients with multiple myeloma is a rare event. We evaluated the diagnostic workup and prognosis of patients with leptomeningeal myelomatosis (LMM). Methods: Between April 2005 and April 2016, we identified 16 cases with LMM. The involvement was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology as well as flow cytometry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used in 8/16 cases. In 1 case, genome-wide screening for genetic alterations using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis was performed. Results: The median time from initial diagnosis until the occurrence of LMM was 434 days. At diagnosis, the median age was 60 years. The median cell count was 21/µL (range 1–1,333/µL). All CSF samples showed malignant pleocytosis, confirmed by flow cytometry in 12/16 patients. FISH revealed high-risk features in the majority of samples. Treatment for LMM consisted of intrathecal chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Genome-wide screening assays revealed different subclones. The outcome was dismal with a median overall survival after the diagnosis of LMM of 82 days. Conclusion: By combining several technical procedures, it is possible to identify most patients with LMM. Management of affected patients is challenging and the survival short after a diagnosis of LMM.
No Evidence for an Association between JC Polyomavirus Infection and Gastroduodenal Diseases
Authors: Yazdani Cherati Azadeh , Yahyapour Yousef , Ranaee Mohammad , Rajabnia Mehdi , Shokri Shirvani Javad , Hajiahmadi Mahmoud , Sadeghi Farzin
Published: July 2018

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the hypothesized infectious etiologies of gastric cancer (GC) and other gastroduodenal diseases. It was suggested that other infectious agents, including oncogenic viruses, may increase the risk of gastroduodenal diseases. A number of reports regarding JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) have shown that JCPyV could be implicated in colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Objective: The current investigation aimed to investigate whether JCPyV could have any association with the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases either alone or together with HP. Methods: A total of 237 fresh or formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded gastroduodenal samples were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the JCPyV large tumor antigen (LTag) oncogene, and viral load was determined as viral copy number/cell. Results: In total, 2 out of 237 samples (0.8%) were positive for JCPyV LTag DNA. One positive sample derived from diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma (6.8 × 10–3 copies/cell) and other JCPyV-positive sample obtained from a patient with gastritis (2.5 × 10–3 copies/cell) were recorded. Both JCPyV-positive samples were negative for HP infection. Conclusion: This study suggests no association between JCPyV infection and GC or other gastroduodenal diseases. The very low frequency of JCPyV LTag sequences in GC is an important aspect that weakens the hypothesis of the pathogenic role of JCPyV in gastric tumor induction.
No Protective Effect of Constitutive Activation of AMPK in Endothelial Cells on Vascular Function in Aged Obese Mice but Augmented α1-Adrenergic Contractions in Renal Arteries Reversible by Weight Loss
Authors: Baretella Oliver , Xu Aimin , Vanhoutte Paul M.
Published: July 2018

Background: Aging, obesity, and diabetes favor vascular dysfunction. Endothelial activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has protective effects in diabetes. Methods: Mice with constitutive endothelial activation of AMPK (CA-AMPK) were given a high fat diet to induce obesity or kept on standard chow as lean controls for up to 2 years. A subset of obese animals was changed to standard chow after 30 weeks of high fat feeding. En­dothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent responses were examined by isometric tension recording. Results and Conclusion: Endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO)- and apamin plus charybdotoxin-sensitive relaxations were preserved and similar between aortic or renal arterial preparations of lean and obese CA-AMPK mice and their wild-type littermates. Despite comparable release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids, cyclooxygenase-dependent contractions were enhanced during NO synthase inhibition in carotid arterial rings of obese CA-AMPK mice. Contractions to the α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine were augmented in renal arteries of obese animals, a genotype-independent phenomenon reversible by weight loss. These data indicate a higher α1-adrenergic reactivity in renal arteries of aged mice with obesity. The current results highlight the potential of weight loss to alleviate vascular dysfunction. However, endothelial activation of the AMPK pathway in obesity may not be sufficient to prevent vascular dysfunction without lifestyle changes.