bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANXA10 induction by interaction with tumor‐associated macrophages promotes the growth of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kodaira Himiko , Koma Yu‐ichiro , Hosono Masayoshi , Higashino Nobuhide , Suemune Kazuki , Nishio Mari , Shigeoka Manabu , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) have important roles in the growth, angiogenesis and progression of various tumors. Although we have demonstrated the association of an increased number of infiltrating CD204+ TAMs with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs), the roles of TAMs in ESCC remain unclear. Here, to study the effects of TAMs on the tumor microenvironment of ESCCs, we established a co‐culture assay using a human ESCC cell line and TAM‐like peripheral blood monocyte‐derived macrophages and performed a cDNA microarray analysis between monocultured and co‐cultured ESCC cell lines. Our qRT‐PCR confirmed that in the co‐cultured ESCC cell lines, CYP1A1, DHRS3, ANXA10, KLK6 and CYP1B1 mRNA were highly up‐regulated; AMTN and IGFL1 mRNA were down‐regulated. We observed that the high expression of a calcium‐dependent phospholipid‐binding protein ANXA10 was closely associated with the depth of invasion and high numbers of infiltrating CD68+ and CD204+ TAMs and poor disease‐free survival (P = 0.0216). We also found ANXA10 promoted the cell growth of ESCC cell lines via the phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 pathways in vitro. These results suggest that ANXA10 induced by the interaction with TAMs in the tumor microenvironment is associated with cell growth and poor prognosis in human ESCC tissues.
Lipid loses and barrier function modifications of the brown‐to‐white hair transition
Authors: Oliver Marc A. , Marti Meritxell , Coderch Luisa , Carrer Victor , Kreuzer Martin , Barba Clara
Published: February 2019

Background

The main objective of this study was to determine the lipid profile of brown and white Caucasian hair fibres and the effects of lipids on the properties of fibres.

Materials and Methods

To determine the structures of white and brown hair lipid bilayers, cross sections of fibres of both hair types were examined using synchrotron‐based μ‐FTIR mapping. Dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) analyses were also performed to determine the differences in the barrier function of both fibres.

Results

Spatial identification of lipids showed that a great amount of lipids was present in the medulla of fibres of both hair types, but important differences were also observed between cuticles of the different fibres. The cuticle of a white hair fibre showed a significant decrease in its lipid content, but did not show differences in the lateral packing order with respect to the cuticle of a brown hair fibre. The cortex and medulla of the white hair fibre also exhibited a significant decrease in its lipid content but with a higher lateral packing order than brown hair. Using DVS analysis, it was found that the water dynamics of white hair fibres differed from those of brown hair fibres, showing a decrease in their total capacity to absorb water and an increase in the velocity of the exchange of water with the environment.

Conclusion

The results of both techniques demonstrated a high correlation between the characteristics of the lipids located in the cuticle and the water dynamics of the fibres.
Red blood cell alloimmunization and minor red blood cell antigen phenotypes in transfused Ghanaian patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Boateng Lilian A. , Campbell Andrew D. , Davenport Robertson D. , Osei‐Akoto Alex , Hugan Sheri , Asamoah Akwasi , Schonewille Henk
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The routine pretransfusion investigations in Southern Ghana involve only ABO‐D blood group typing and ABO compatibility testing without screening for irregular red blood cell (RBC) antibodies. The prevalence and specificities of RBC antibodies and frequencies of most minor blood group antigens in transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Ghana are not known and are the objectives of this study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross‐sectional study that investigated transfused patients with SCD for the presence of irregular RBC antibodies and Rhesus, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, and Ss antigens.

RESULTS

From a total of 154 patients (median age, 9 years), 10 patients (6.5%) possessed 13 antibodies, predominantly against D, C, and E antigens. In three patients, the antibodies (anti‐D, anti‐D + C, and anti‐C + e) were against antigens they possessed by serology. Genotyping showed that two of these patients had variant RHCE genes that encode for weak and partial e antigens and one patient had a partial RHC gene. Frequencies of most RBC antigens were comparable with frequencies established among the African American population; however, K–k– and Jk(a–b–) phenotypes were more frequent and were present in 21% and 17% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of RBC alloimmunization in transfused Ghanaian patients with SCD was 6.5% and the majority of antibodies were against antigens of the Rh system. Our findings stress the need to include pretransfusion testing for RBC antibodies in patients with SCD, to improve transfusion safety.
Oil price Fluctuation, Gold Returns and Inflationary Pressure: An Empirical Analysis Using Cointegration Approach
Authors: Naser Hanan
Published: February 2019

Given that oil and gold prices are the major representative for commodity market, they both play a crucial role in determining the level of consumption, industrial production and investment due to the direct effect by the changes in their prices. In addition, both oil and gold prices have inflationary pressure which has a direct impact on countries economic growth. Therefore, it is of crucial practical significance to analyze their cointrgration relationships to understand the co-movement of both prices. To do so, this paper aims to examine the impact of oil price fluctuation on gold prices taking into account the inflationary pressure in the United States (US). Using monthly data from April, 1986 to September, 2018, Johansen multivariate cointegration test procedure and vector error correction model (VECM) have been employed to examine the long-run relationship between the variables in the US. The key findings suggest that there is a significant positive long run relationship between crude oil prices, gold prices and inflation. In the short run, the impact of any changes in crude oil prices will have a delayed effect on the prices of gold, while the impact of inflation in not different from zero. In addition, both gold prices and inflation are found to have no impact on gold prices in the short run. The findings of this research are important for investors, portfolio managers, corporate houses, crude oil traders, the government and policy makers.
A Comparison of the Effects of Balance Training and Technological Games on Balance in Hearing-Impaired Individuals
Authors: Kaya Mustafa , Sarıtaş Nazmi
Published: February 2019

It is aimed to compare the effects of the two different methods as balance training and wii fit balance games based on game technology on the balance functions of hearing-impaired individuals.36 male born deaf individuals between the ages of 18-22 and playing sports actively have participated in the study. The first group consisted of the ones having balance training, the second group consisted of those playing technological games, and the third group (control group) consisted of individuals having no balance training. The first group was given balance training 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The second group was made to play 30-minute wii fit three days a week for 8 weeks.Statistical difference was between the group playing technological games and control group, and between the group having balance training and control group (p<0.01).A statistical difference was found in dynamic balance values after the study. In the after values, a statistical difference occurred between the control group and the group having balance training and the group playing technological games (p<0.05).In dynamic balance values, a statistical difference occurred in before and after values of the group having balance training and the group playing technological games (p<0.01).As a result of the study comparing the effects of the balance training and game technology based wii fit methods on hearing impaired individuals, it is considered that both practices will be efficient for hearing impaired individuals to improve movements and balance values and to increase daily life activities.
Modeling of Mixed Convection Between Vertical Parallel Plates in Electric Equipment Immersed in High-Pr Liquids
Authors: Gradinger Thomas B. , Laneryd T.
Published: February 2019

Natural-convection cooling with oil or other fluids of high Prandtl number plays an important role in many technical applications such as transformers or other electric equipment. For design and optimization, one-dimensional (1D) flow models are of great value. A standard configuration in such models is flow between vertical parallel plates. Accurate modeling of heat transfer, buoyancy, and pressure drop for this configuration is therefore of high importance but gets challenging as the influence of buoyancy rises. For increasing ratio of Grashof to Reynolds number, the accuracy of one-dimensional models based on the locally forced-flow assumption drops. In the present work, buoyancy corrections for use in one-dimensional models are developed and verified. Based on two-dimensional (2D) simulations of buoyant flow using finite-element solver COMSOL Multiphysics, corrections are derived for the local Nusselt number, the local friction coefficient, and a parameter relating velocity-weighted and volumetric mean temperature. The corrections are expressed in terms of the ratio of local Grashof to Reynolds number and a normalized distance from the channel inlet, both readily available in a one-dimensional model. The corrections universally apply to constant wall temperature, constant wall heat flux, and mixed boundary conditions. The developed correlations are tested against two-dimensional simulations for a case of mixed boundary conditions and are found to yield high accuracy in temperature, wall heat flux, and wall shear stress. An application example of a natural-convection loop with two finned heat exchangers shows the influence on mass-flow rate and top-to-bottom temperature difference.
The impact of noise power estimation on speech intelligibility in cochlear-implant speech coding strategies
Authors: Bentsen Thomas , Mauger Stefan J. , Kressner Abigail A. , May Tobias , Dau Torsten
Published: February 2019

The advanced combination encoder (ACE™) is an established speech-coding strategy in cochlear-implant processing that selects a number of frequency channels based on amplitudes. However, speech intelligibility outcomes with this strategy are limited in noisy conditions. To improve speech intelligibility, either noise-dominant channels can be attenuated prior to ACE™ with noise reduction or, alternatively, channels can be selected based on estimated signal-to-noise ratios. A noise power estimation stage is, therefore, required. This study investigated the impact of noise power estimation in noise-reduction and channel-selection strategies. Results imply that estimation with improved noise-tracking capabilities does not necessarily translate into increased speech intelligibility.
Spatial sound intensity vectors in spherical harmonic domain
Authors: Zuo Huanyu , Samarasinghe Prasanga N. , Abhayapala Thushara D. , Dickins Glenn
Published: February 2019

Sound intensity is a fundamental quantity describing acoustic wave fields and it contains both energy and directivity information. It is used in a variety of applications such as source localization, reproduction, and power measurement. Until now, intensity is defined at a point in space, however given sound propagates over space, knowing its spatial distribution could be more powerful. This paper formulates spatial sound intensity vectors in spherical harmonic domain such that the vectors contain energy and directivity information over continuous spatial regions. These representations are derived with finite sets of closed form coefficients enabling ease of implementation.
EGFR signaling moves infection
Authors: Williams Erin R.
Published: February 2019

A viral EGF homolog increases the migration of cells infected with vaccinia virus to promote viral spread.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Activities of the Riminophenazine TBI-166 against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Bin , Fu Lei , Zhu Hui , Guo Shaochen , Huang Haihong , Yin Dali , Zhang Ye , Lu Yu
Published: February 2019

The riminophenazine agent clofazimine (CFZ) is repurposed as an important component of the new short-course multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimen and significantly shortens first-line regimen for drug-susceptible tuberculosis in mice. However, CFZ use is hampered by its unwelcome skin discoloration in patients.
The Widely Used Antimicrobial Triclosan Induces High Levels of Antibiotic Tolerance
In Vitro
and Reduces Antibiotic Efficacy up to 100-Fold
In Vivo
Authors: Westfall Corey , Flores-Mireles Ana Lidia , Robinson John Isaac , Lynch Aaron J. L. , Hultgren Scott , Henderson Jeffrey P. , Levin Petra Anne
Published: February 2019

The antimicrobial triclosan is used in a wide range of consumer products ranging from toothpaste, cleansers, socks, and baby toys. A bacteriostatic inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, triclosan is extremely stable and accumulates in the environment.
HIV-1 Subtype C with PYxE Insertion Has Enhanced Binding of Gag-p6 to Host Cell Protein ALIX and Increased Replication Fitness
Authors: van Domselaar Robert , Njenda Duncan T. , Rao Rohit , Sönnerborg Anders , Singh Kamalendra , Neogi Ujjwal
Published: February 2019

Genomic differences within HIV-1 subtypes is associated with various degrees of viral spread, disease progression, and clinical outcome. Viral budding is essential in the HIV-1 life cycle and mainly mediated through the interaction of Gag with host proteins. Two motifs within Gag-p6 mediate binding of host cell proteins and facilitate budding. HIV-1C has a natural deletion of one of these two motifs, resulting in an inability to bind to host cell protein ALIX. Previously, we have identified a tetrapeptide (PYxE) insertion at this deleted motif site in a subset of HIV-1C patients. Here, we report the incidence of PYxE insertions in three different HIV-1C cohorts, and the insertion restores the binding of Gag to ALIX. It also increases viral growth even in the presence of the antiretroviral drugs lopinavir and tenofovir alafenamide. Hence, PYxE insertion in HIV-1C might be biologically relevant for viruses and clinically significant among patients.
Effect of Previous Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection on Murine Immune Responses to F and G Protein-Containing Virus-Like Particles
Authors: McGinnes Cullen Lori , Schmidt Madelyn R. , Morrison Trudy G.
Published: February 2019

Humans may experience repeated infections caused by the same serotype of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in contrast to infections with most other viruses, indicating that immune memory responses to RSV are defective. However, the effects of any residual but nonprotective immunity on responses to RSV vaccines are not clear. This study demonstrates that a VLP vaccine candidate containing a stabilized prefusion F protein can robustly stimulate protective immunity in animals previously infected with RSV, while a second RSV infection or a postfusion F-containing VLP cannot. This result shows that a properly constructed immunogen can be an effective vaccine in animals previously infected with RSV. The results also suggest that the defect in RSV memory is not in the induction of that memory but rather in its activation by a subsequent RSV infection.
Physical vacuum as a dilatant fluid yields exact solutions to Pioneer anomaly and Mercury’s perihelion precession
Authors: Fedi Marco
Published: February 2019

By using the Lorentz factor as a viscosity term in Stokes’ law for objects traveling in a vacuum, Mercury’s perihelion precession and the Pioneer anomaly are directly and exactly solved, demonstrating that physical vacuum is a shear-thickening (dilatant) fluid. The modified Stokes’ equation also correctly indicates that planetary orbits are stable (over trillions of years). This unexpected feature of physical vacuum may help in achieving quantum relativity and implies interesting consequences for various fields of modern physics.
Impact of the running gravitational constant on the extensive thermodynamics of galaxies
Authors: Shalaby Asmaa G.
Published: February 2019

We study the effect of the running gravitational constant on a system of particles (galaxies) interact via gravitational potential. The gravitational potential is derived based on the entropic modified Newtonian force by logarithmic and power correction terms. We derive the partition function for many-body system and the exact equations of state including the thermodynamic properties. A modified parameter B emerged from the thermodynamics derivation. Moreover, an extension of the study is done to determine the distribution function for point mass and extended mass structure galaxies. In particular, the rotation velocity of some galaxies is studied, and the results confronted the observed data which fit well only for short distance with considering the logarithmic correction effect. This leads us to conclude that the logarithmic correction effect explains the rotation velocity data for short and long distances at least qualitatively.
A Novel 3D Fractional-Order Chaotic System with Multifarious Coexisting Attractors
Authors: Zhou Chengyi , Li Zhijun , Zeng Yicheng , Zhang Sen
Published: February 2019

A novel three-dimensional fractional-order autonomous chaotic system marked by the ample and complex coexisting attractors is presented. There are a total of seven terms including four nonlinearities in the new system. The evolution of coexisting attractors of the system are numerically investigated by considering both the fractional-order and other system parameters as bifurcation parameters. Numerical simulation results indicate that the system has a huge amount of multifarious coexisting strange attractors for various ranges of parameters, including coexisting point, periodic attractors, multifarious coexisting chaotic, and periodic attractors. Compared with other chaotic systems, the biggest difference and most attractive feature is the capability of the proposed fractional-order system to produce coexisting attractors that undergo a simultaneous displacement phenomenon with variation of a single parameter. Moreover, it is worth noting that constant Lyapunov exponents and the interesting phenomenon of transient coexisting attractors are also observed. Finally, the corresponding implementation circuit is designed. The consistency of the hardware experimental results with numerical simulations verifies the feasibility of the new fractional-order chaotic system.
A Novel Fixed Point Feedback Approach Studying the Dynamical Behaviors of Standard Logistic Map
Authors: Ashish  , Cao Jinde
Published: February 2019

The standard logistic map is one of the oldest and simplest systems which has found a celebrated place in the dynamical systems and in different vital applications of science like image encryption in cryptography, secure communications and traffic control models. Generally, the dynamical systems are characterized by one or more control parameters that determine the dynamical behaviors of the system. Traditionally, the discrete logistic map allows only one parameter [Formula: see text] to determine its complete behavior. This study takes one step forward, using the superior fixed point iterative technique to study the dynamical properties of the discrete logistic map. The proposed technique provides an extra degree of freedom on control parameters that renders superior dynamical properties and may increase the performance of many applications. Analytical analysis as well as numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness, flexibility and efficiency of new method.
Quantifying Interactions in Nonlinear Feedback Dynamics: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Kyrtsou Catherine , Mikropoulou Christina D.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we further study the dynamics of the Kyrtsou model composed of heterogeneous nonlinear feedback rules. For various levels and types of underlying nonlinearity, we analyze the resulting time series by means of the largest Lyapunov exponent. Our results highlight that the observed interaction among feedback mechanisms cannot lead to a univocal interpretation of system complexity.
Accurate Modeling of Complex Antitoxin Effect of Quercetin Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Yang Changju , Bahar Entaz , Yoon Hyonok , Kim Hyongsuk
Published: February 2019

A nonlinear modeling of the protective effect of Quercetin (QCT) against various Mycotoxins (MTXs) has a high complexity and is conducted using artificial neural networks (ANNs). QCT is known to possess strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory activity that can prevent many diseases. MTXs are highly toxic secondary metabolites that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and animals. The protective model of QCT against various MTXs (Citrinin, Patulin and Zearalenol) on HeLa cell is built accurately via learning of sparsely measured experimental data by the ANNs. It has shown that the neuro-model can predict the nonlinear protective effect of QCT against MTX-induced cytotoxicity for the measurement of percentage of inhibition of MTXs.
Torsion-Bar Antenna: A ground-based mid-frequency and low-frequency gravitational wave detector
Authors: Shimoda Tomofumi , Takano Satoru , Ooi Ching Pin , Aritomi Naoki , Michimura Yuta , Ando Masaki , Shoda Ayaka
Published: February 2019

Expanding the observational frequency of gravitational waves is important for the future of astronomy. Torsion-Bar Antenna (TOBA) is a mid-frequency and low-frequency gravitational wave detector using a torsion pendulum. The low resonant frequency of the rotational mode of the torsion pendulum enables ground-based observations. The overview of TOBA, including the past and present status of the prototype development, is summarized in this paper.
Image Segmentation Based Approach for the Purpose of Developing Satellite Image Spatial Information Extraction for Forestation and River Bed Analysis
Authors: Dutta P. K.
Published: February 2019

Classification of remote sensing spatial information from multi spectral satellite imagery can be used to obtain multiple representation of the image and capture different structure lineaments. Pixels are grouped using clustering and morphology based segmentation for region based spatial information. This is used to calculate the spatial features of the contiguous regions by classifying the region into the statistics of the pixel properties. In the proposed work, analysis of Google Earth images for identification of morphological patterns of the river flow is done for remote sensing image using graph-cuts. Multi-temporal satellite images acquired from Google Earth to identify the digital elevation is used to formulate the energy function from images to compare the displacement in pixel value using similarity measure. A method is proposed to solve non-rigid image transformation via graph-cuts algorithm by modeling the registration process as a discrete labeling problem. A displacement vector associated to each pixel in the source image indicates the corresponding position in the moving image. The transformation matrix produced from change in the intensity of the pixels for a region is then optimized for energy minimization by using the graph-cuts algorithm and demon registration technique. The proposed study enhances the advantages of regional segmentation in order to know homogeneous areas for optimal image segmentation and digital footprints for change in the river bed patterns by identifying the change in LANDSAT data from temporal satellite images. By applying the proposed multi-level registration method, the number of labels used in each level is greatly reduced due to lower image resolution being used in coarser levels. The results demonstrate that the lineament detection for better accuracy compared to traditional sources of lineament identification methods. It has provided better geotectonic understanding of Cudappah rock in Ahobhilam with Quartzite. The imprints of Eastern Ghat orogeny are seen in upper stream section through a graph cut based segmentation approach.
Seismic Response Characteristics of a Piled Raft in Clay
Authors: Varghese Ramon , Boominathan A. , Banerjee Subhadeep
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a study on three-dimensional seismic soil–structure interaction analysis of a piled-raft (PR) foundation in clay by the substructure approach. Two different pile modeling techniques were adopted and compared with centrifuge shaking table test results reported in the literature. The effect of pile spacing on dynamic impedances, kinematic response parameters, axial pile forces and bending moments of PRs is studied. It is found that the presence of a rigid raft on a pile group results in significant variation in vertical and horizontal dynamic stiffness after a dimensionless frequency ([Formula: see text] value of around 0.22. The influence of raft on kinematic response parameters at the top of raft is found to be significantly influenced by pile spacing beyond a dimensionless frequency ([Formula: see text] value of 0.4. The axial forces generated at the pile heads of a PR–structure system during seismic shaking are quantified using a new dimensionless factor, and are found to be significantly influenced by the pile spacing. Pile layout in the PR system is found to play an influential role in seismic response as well as pile bending moment for a structure–PR–soil system studied.
Understanding modern device drivers
Authors: Kadav Asim , Swift Michael M.
Published: February 2019

Device drivers are the single largest contributor to operating-system kernel code with over 5 million lines of code in the Linux kernel, and cause significant complexity, bugs and development costs. Recent years have seen a flurry of research aimed at improving the reliability and simplifying the development of drivers. However, little is known about what constitutes this huge body of code beyond the small set of drivers used for research.

In this paper, we study the source code of Linux drivers to understand what drivers actually do, how current research applies to them and what opportunities exist for future research. We determine whether assumptions made by most driver research, such as that all drivers belong to a class, are indeed true. We also analyze driver code and abstractions to determine whether drivers can benefit from code re-organization or hardware trends. We develop a set of static-analysis tools to analyze driver code across various axes. Broadly, our study looks at three aspects of driver code (i) what are the characteristics of driver code functionality and how applicable is driver research to
all
drivers, (ii) how do drivers interact with the kernel, devices, and buses, and (iii) are there similarities that can be abstracted into libraries to reduce driver size and complexity?

We find that many assumptions made by driver research do not apply to all drivers. At least 44% of drivers have code that is not captured by a class definition, 28% of drivers support more than one device per driver, and 15% of drivers do significant computation over data. From the driver interactions study, we find USB bus offers an efficient bus interface with significant standardized code and coarse-grained access, ideal for executing drivers in isolation. We also find that drivers for different buses and classes have widely varying levels of device interaction, which indicates that the cost of isolation will vary by class. Finally, from our driver similarity study, we find 8% of all driver code is substantially similar to code elsewhere and may be removed with new abstractions or libraries.
Unconventional Editorial Conventions
Authors: Leidner Dorothy E. , Chin Wynne W.
Published: February 2019

As the editors-in-chief of The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems during 2002-2006, Dorothy Leidner and Wynne Chin share their approach for managing the publication. This article explains how Leidner and Chin were creative as they shepherded and supported interesting research that needed a nontraditional outlet.
Human frontoparietal cortex represents behaviorally relevant target status based on abstract object features
Authors: Henderson Margaret , Serences John T.
Published: February 2019

Searching for items that are useful given current goals, or “target” recognition, requires observers to flexibly attend to certain object properties at the expense of others. This could involve focusing on the identity of an object while ignoring identity-preserving transformations such as changes in viewpoint or focusing on its current viewpoint while ignoring its identity. To effectively filter out variation due to the irrelevant dimension, performing either type of task is likely to require high-level, abstract search templates. Past work has found target recognition signals in areas of ventral visual cortex and in subregions of parietal and frontal cortex. However, target status in these tasks is typically associated with the identity of an object, rather than identity-orthogonal properties such as object viewpoint. In this study, we used a task that required subjects to identify novel object stimuli as targets according to either identity or viewpoint, each of which was not predictable from low-level properties such as shape. We performed functional MRI in human subjects of both sexes and measured the strength of target-match signals in areas of visual, parietal, and frontal cortex. Our multivariate analyses suggest that the multiple-demand (MD) network, including subregions of parietal and frontal cortex, encodes information about an object’s status as a target in the relevant dimension only, across changes in the irrelevant dimension. Furthermore, there was more target-related information in MD regions on correct compared with incorrect trials, suggesting a strong link between MD target signals and behavior.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Real-world target detection tasks, such as searching for a car in a crowded parking lot, require both flexibility and abstraction. We investigated the neural basis of these abilities using a task that required invariant representations of either object identity or viewpoint. Multivariate decoding analyses of our whole brain functional MRI data reveal that invariant target representations are most pronounced in frontal and parietal regions, and the strength of these representations is associated with behavioral performance.
Horizontal Saccadic Velocity in Patients with Exotropia before and after Unilateral Resection and Recession Surgery
Authors: Mihara Miharu , Hayashi Atsushi , Fujita Kazuya , Kakeue Ken , Tamura Ryoi
Published: February 2019

Purpose. The effects of strabismus surgery on eye movement are not known in detail, as few studies have compared saccade velocities before and after strabismus surgery. In this study, horizontal saccades were recorded using an eye-tracker in patients with only exotropia to compare the peak velocities (PVs), before and after undergoing strabismus surgery of the same type (unilateral resection and recession).Methods. Horizontal saccades of monocular vision were recorded using an eye-tracking device in 18 patients with exotropia and 20 normal subjects. All patients were examined using the same method after strabismus surgery.Results. The PVs of adduction and abduction in the patients were higher than those in the normal subjects (in dominant eye,P=0.032for adduction andP=0.049for abduction; in nondominant eye,P=0.016for adduction andP=0.037for abduction). Following the surgery, the PVs of abduction of the surgical eye (nondominant eye) decreased to the level of the normal subjects (P=0.016). However, there were no correlations between changes in the PVs and the extent of surgery (resection and recession).Conclusion. Strabismus surgery normalized the patient’s increased PV in the operated eye for abduction of horizontal saccade. Not only peripheral (extraocular muscle) but also central sensory-motor mechanisms may be involved in the changes in PV of horizontal saccades, both of which could result from the improvement of the primary eye position.
Waveguide Propagation of Light in Polymer Porous Films Filled with Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Kiselev A. D. , Pasechnik S. V. , Shmeliova D. V. , Chopik A. P. , Semerenko D. A. , Dubtsov A. V.
Published: February 2019

We theoretically analyze the waveguide regime of light propagation in a cylindrical pore of a polymer matrix filled with liquid crystals assuming that the effective radial optical anisotropy is biaxial. From numerical analysis of the dispersion relations, the waveguide modes are found to be sensitive to the field-induced changes of the anisotropy. The electrooptic properties of the polymer porous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films filled with the nematic liquid crystal 5CB are studied experimentally and the experimental results are compared with the results of the theoretical investigation.
Functionalization of 3D Polylactic Acid Sponge Using Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma
Authors: Gatti G. , D’Angelo D. , Errahali M. , Biasizzo M. , Marchese L. , Renò F.
Published: February 2019

The deposition of organic functionalities on biomaterials to immobilize biomolecules is a research area of great interest in the medical field. The surface functionalization of a 3D porous scaffolds of PDLLA with carboxyl (-COOH) and amino (-NH2) groups by cold plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure is described in this paper. Two methods of continuous and pulsed plasma deposition were compared to assess the degree of functionalization of the internal porous 3D scaffold. In particular, the pulsed plasma treatment was found to functionalize uniformly not only the sample surface but also inside the open cavities thanks to its permeability and diffusion in the porous 3D scaffold. The species developed in the plasma were studied by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) technique, while the functionalization of the sponges was evaluated by the Diffuse Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-FTIR) technique using also the adsorption of ammonia (NH3) and deuterated water (D2O) probe molecules. The functional groups were deposited only on the front of the sponge, then the structural characterization of both front and back of the sponge has demonstrated the uniform functionalization of the entire scaffold.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis and Prediction of Ground Vibrations Due to Heavy Haul Railway Viaduct
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Luo Yi , Xu Jiayun
Published: February 2019

The ground vibration wave induced by the viaduct section of the heavy freight wagons is transformed into the ground vibration problem under the condition of point source excitation after it is transmitted to soil through pier. When the speed and axle load of wagon become larger and larger, the impact on the surrounding buildings will also increase. In this paper, the ground vibration around Shenshan Village in section of Shuo‐Huang railway line is monitored and numerical analyzed; the 3D numerical model of the Bridge‐Pier‐Field‐House system is established. The relationship between peak vibration velocity (PPV) and the distance to the pier caused by heavy freight wagons at different speeds and different type of wagons is analyzed. The power function relationship between the two when measuring line perpendicular to the centerline of railway is verified. Based on the modified Sodev’s equation, the relationship between PPV of ground points and wagon speed, axle load, and soil properties is proposed, and the value of every parameter in the formula is discussed in detail. The concept of energy index is put forward for the first time in the formula, and the relationship between energy index and wagon speed and wagon weight is analyzed by regression analysis. The accuracy of the calculation model and prediction formula is verified by comparing field test results; an analytical method is proposed to predict the ground vibration induced by viaduct.
A Rare Case of Gastric Lipoma Presenting with Gastric Outlet Obstruction Treated Endoscopically
Authors: Sharayah Ahmad , Unnikrishnan Dileep C. , Perumangote Vasudevan Akhila Arya , Hajjaj Noor , Raj Rishi , Belitsis Kenneth
Published: February 2019

An 85-year-old male referred to the Gastroenterology (GI) clinic with three-month history of failure to thrive and three-week history of nausea, vomiting, and melanotic stools. Ulcerative mass obstructing gastric outlet was found on endoscopy and on follow-up CT abdomen a homogeneous submucosal mass in the gastric antrum was identified. Radiological diagnosis of giant gastric lipoma was established and patient was evaluated for surgery and, however, was rendered unfit for surgery due to his comorbid conditions. Patient was taken for endoscopic resection of the mass. On endoscopy, only partial resection was achieved due to the size of the mass, but endoloops were deployed at the stalk at the end of the procedure in hope of limiting blood supply to the lesion. On six-week follow-up endoscopy, patient's mass had completely disappeared with limited scar tissue at the site.
Counteraction of HCV-Induced Oxidative Stress Concurs to Establish Chronic Infection in Liver Cell Cultures
Authors: Anticoli Simona , Amatore Donatella , Matarrese Paola , De Angelis Marta , Palamara Anna Teresa , Nencioni Lucia , Ruggieri Anna
Published: February 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen causing acute and chronic hepatitis. A significant number of people chronically infected with HCV develop cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of hepatocyte damage associated with chronic HCV infection are not fully understood yet, mainly due to the lack of an in vitro system able to recapitulate the stages of infection in vivo. Several studies underline that HCV virus replication depends on redox-sensitive cellular pathways; in addition, it is known that virus itself induces alterations of the cellular redox state. However, the exact interplay between HCV replication and oxidative stress has not been elucidated. In particular, the role of reduced glutathione (GSH) in HCV replication and infection is still not clear. We set up an in vitro system, based on low m.o.i. of Huh7.5 cell line with a HCV infectious clone (J6/JFH1), that reproduced the acute and persistent phases of HCV infection up to 76 days of culture. We demonstrated that the acute phase of HCV infection is characterized by the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated in part with an increase of NADPH-oxidase transcripts and activity and a depletion of GSH accompanied by high rates of viral replication and apoptotic cell death. Conversely, the chronic phase is characterized by a reestablishment of reduced environment due to a decreased ROS production and increased GSH content in infected cells that might concur to the establishment of viral persistence. Treatment with the prooxidant auranofin of the persistently infected cultures induced the increase of viral RNA titer, suggesting that a prooxidant state could favor the reactivation of HCV viral replication that in turn caused cell damage and death. Our results suggest that targeting the redox-sensitive host-cells pathways essential for viral replication and/or persistence may represent a promising option for contrasting HCV infection.
Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Induced Splenic Infarction in Breast Cancer Patient Treated with Dose-Dense Chemotherapy Regimen
Authors: Alshamrani Majed A. , Al-Foheidi Meteb , Abdulrahim Ahmed H.
Published: February 2019

Introduction. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used for prevention and treatment of febrile neutropenia among solid tumor patients. It is considered an effective and relatively safe supportive care medication; however, it can cause rare and serious side effects such as spleen rupture or infarction. Case Presentation. We are reporting a case of a 27-year-old female with breast cancer who has been treated with dose-dense chemotherapy and received colony-stimulating factor as primary prevention of febrile neutropenia that was complicated halfway through with splenic infarction. This finding was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan and splenic biopsy. Management was conservative without the need of surgical intervention. Conclusion. Although splenic infarction is an extremely rare side effect of G-CSF, it can be a serious complication that should be recognized, monitored, and managed carefully.
Acute Effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy on Post-Stroke Motor Function: A Pilot Study
Authors: Holzapfel Simon D. , Bosch Pamela R. , Lee Chong D. , Pohl Patricia S. , Szeto Monica , Heyer Brittany , Ringenbach Shannon D.
Published: February 2019

Background.Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability in the United States (US). Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) at cadences of about 80 rpm has been associated with improvements in motor and clinical function in other clinical populations. The acute effects of ACT on motor function of persons with stroke have not been investigated.Objectives.The primary purpose of this cross-over trial was to compare the effects of ACT, voluntary cycling (VC), and no cycling (NC) on upper (Box and Blocks Test) and lower extremity motor function (Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test) in adults with chronic stroke (age: 60 ± 16 years; months since stroke: 96 ± 85). The secondary purpose was to examine average cycling cadence and ratings of perceived exertion as predictors of change in motor function following the exercise session.Methods.Twenty-two participants (female = 6, male = 16) completed one 20-min session each of ACT (mean cadence = 79.5 rpm, VC (mean cadence = 51.5 rpm), and NC on separate days in quasi-counterbalanced fashion).Results.Main effects of intervention did not differ between ACT and VC. Within-intervention analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) pre- to posttest changes in all outcome measures for ACT but only in the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test on the non-paretic side for VC. Trend analyses revealed a positive relationship between average ACT cadences and improvements in upper and lower extremity motor function (p < 0.05). A positive relationship between average VC cadences and lower extremity function was also revealed (p < 0.05).Conclusion.ACT and VC produced similar acute improvements in paretic and non-paretic lower extremity motor function whereas changes in upper extremity motor function were more limited. Faster cycling cadences seem to be associated with greater acute effects.
The Effect of Mind-Body Therapies on Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiang , Li Peihuan , Pan Chen , Dai Lisha , Wu Yan , Deng Yunlong
Published: February 2019

Background/Purpose. Sleep plays an important role in individuals’ health. The functions of the brain, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and the metabolic system are closely associated with sleep. As a prevalent sleep disorder, insomnia has been closely concerned, and it is necessary to find effective therapies. In recent years, a growing body of studies has shown that mind-body therapies (MBTs) can improve sleep quality and ameliorate insomnia severity. However, a comprehensive and overall systematic review has not been conducted. In order to examine the effect of MBTs on insomnia, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of MBTs on sleep quality in healthy adults and clinical populations.Methods. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and review of references were searched up to July 2018. English language studies of all designs evaluating the effect of MBTs on sleep outcomes in adults with or without diseases were examined. To calculate the SMDs and 95% CIs, we used a fixed effect model when heterogeneity was negligible and a random effect model when heterogeneity was significant.Results. 49 studies covering 4506 participants published between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Interventions included meditation, tai chi, qigong, and yoga which lasted 4 to 24 weeks. The MBTs resulted in statistically significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction on insomnia severity but no significant effects on sleep quantity indices, which were measured by sleep diary or objective measures. We analyzed the effects of tai chi and qigong separately as two different MBTs for the first time and found that qigong had a slight advantage over tai chi in the improvement of sleep quality. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of MBTs on sleep quality in healthy individuals was larger than clinical populations. The effect of MBTs might be influenced by the intervention duration but not the frequency.Conclusions. MBTs can be effective in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality for healthy individuals and clinical patients. More high-quality and well-controlled RCTs are needed to make a better conclusion in further study.
Pain Acceptance and Its Associated Factors among Cancer Patients in Mainland China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Xianghua , Ou Meijun , Xie Chanjuan , Cheng Qinqin , Chen Yongyi
Published: February 2019

Background. Pain acceptance is associated with disability, pain interference, depression, and anxiety. Few studies have been conducted on the acceptance of cancer pain and its correlates. Objectives. The aim of this study was to examine the level and correlates of pain acceptance in cancer patients from mainland China. Setting and Participants. The study comprised 156 cancer patients in a tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province of China. Design. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey design. Subjects and Methods. The 8-item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8) was completed by 156 cancer patients with chronic pain from a tertiary cancer hospital. Demographics, pain, and negative mood assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were explored in relation to the CPAQ-8 scores using descriptive univariate analysis. Results. For the 156 patients, the mean CPAQ-8 score was 25.99 (SD = 8.56; range: 9 to 44). The scores were associated with age, gender, marital status, pain duration, number of pain sites, and duration of taking analgesics. The total scores on the CPAQ-8 and its two subscales (activity engagement and pain willingness) were negatively correlated with the HADS scores. Conclusions. The findings suggest that the prevalence of pain acceptance is relatively low for Chinese cancer patients. The cancer pain acceptance is affected by age, gender, pain duration, number of pain sites, and duration of taking analgesics. The acceptance of cancer pain is negatively correlated with depression and anxiety. Therefore, patients with risk factors for low pain acceptance should receive more attention in Chinese medical settings.
A Rare Case of Localized Argyria on the Face
Authors: Isak Verena , Beerli Tobias , Cozzio Antonio , Flatz Lukas
Published: February 2019

Due to its antibacterial actions, silver sulfadiazine is widely used as a topical agent in the treatment of wounds, including burns. Widespread or prolonged topical application of silver sulfadiazine dressings can lead to argyria including systemic symptoms due to the resorption of silver. Here, we report a patient experiencing localized argyria due to sunlight exposure after topical use of silver sulfadiazine cream on his face.