bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation-Dependent LMP1 Expression Is Required for Efficient Lytic Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nawandar Dhananjay M. , Ohashi Makoto , Djavadian Reza , Barlow Elizabeth , Makielski Kathleen , Ali Ahmed , Lee Denis , Lambert Paul F. , Johannsen Eric , Kenney Shannon C.
Published: February 2017

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated diseases of epithelial cells, including tumors that have latent infection, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) lesions that have lytic infection, frequently express the viral latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). In lytically infected cells, LMP1 expression is activated by the BRLF1 (R) immediate early (IE) protein. However, the mechanisms by which LMP1 expression is normally regulated in epithelial cells remain poorly understood, and its potential roles in regulating lytic reactivation in epithelial cells are as yet unexplored. We previously showed that the differentiation-dependent cellular transcription factors KLF4 and BLIMP1 induce lytic EBV reactivation in epithelial cells by synergistically activating the two EBV immediate early promoters (Zp and Rp). Here we show that epithelial cell differentiation also induces LMP1 expression. We demonstrate that KLF4 and BLIMP1 cooperatively induce the expression of LMP1, even in the absence of the EBV IE proteins BZLF1 (Z) and R, via activation of the two LMP1 promoters. Furthermore, we found that differentiation of NOKs-Akata cells by either methylcellulose suspension or organotypic culture induces LMP1 expression prior to Z and R expression. We show that LMP1 enhances the lytic infection-inducing effects of epithelial cell differentiation, as well as 12-
O
-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate treatment, in EBV-infected epithelial cells by increasing expression of the Z and R proteins. Our results suggest that differentiation of epithelial cells activates a feed-forward loop in which KLF4 and BLIMP1 first activate LMP1 expression and then cooperate with LMP1 to activate Z and R expression.

IMPORTANCE
The EBV protein LMP1 is expressed in EBV-associated epithelial cell diseases, regardless of whether these diseases are due to lytic infection (such as oral hairy leukoplakia) or latent infection (such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma). However, surprisingly little is known about how LMP1 expression is regulated in epithelial cells, and there are conflicting reports about whether it plays any role in regulating viral lytic reactivation. In this study, we show that epithelial cell differentiation induces LMP1 expression by increasing expression of two cellular transcription factors (KLF4 and BLIMP1) which cooperatively activate the two LMP1 promoters. We also demonstrate that LMP1 promotes efficient lytic reactivation in EBV-infected epithelial cells by enhancing expression of the Z and R proteins. Thus, in EBV-infected epithelial cells, LMP1 expression is promoted by differentiation and positively regulates lytic viral reactivation.
A Murine Herpesvirus Closely Related to Ubiquitous Human Herpesviruses Causes T-Cell Depletion
Authors: Patel Swapneel J. , Zhao Guoyan , Penna Vinay R. , Park Eugene , Lauron Elvin J. , Harvey Ian B. , Beatty Wandy L. , Plougastel-Douglas Beatrice , Poursine-Laurent Jennifer , Fremont Daved H. , Wang David , Yokoyama Wayne M.
Published: February 2017

The human roseoloviruses human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), HHV-6B, and HHV-7 comprise theRoseolovirusgenus of the humanBetaherpesvirinaesubfamily. Infections with these viruses have been implicated in many diseases; however, it has been challenging to establish infections with roseoloviruses as direct drivers of pathology, because they are nearly ubiquitous and display species-specific tropism. Furthermore, controlled study of infection has been hampered by the lack of experimental models, and until now, a mouse roseolovirus has not been identified. Herein we describe a virus that causes severe thymic necrosis in neonatal mice, characterized by a loss of CD4+T cells. These phenotypes resemble those caused by the previously described mouse thymic virus (MTV), a putative herpesvirus that has not been molecularly characterized. By next-generation sequencing of infected tissue homogenates, we assembled a contiguous 174-kb genome sequence containing 128 unique predicted open reading frames (ORFs), many of which were most closely related to herpesvirus genes. Moreover, the structure of the virus genome and phylogenetic analysis of multiple genes strongly suggested that this virus is a betaherpesvirus more closely related to the roseoloviruses, HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7, than to another murine betaherpesvirus, mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV). As such, we have named this virus murine roseolovirus (MRV) because these data strongly suggest that MRV is a mouse homolog of HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7.

IMPORTANCEHerein we describe the complete genome sequence of a novel murine herpesvirus. By sequence and phylogenetic analyses, we show that it is a betaherpesvirus most closely related to the roseoloviruses, human herpesviruses 6A, 6B, and 7. These data combined with physiological similarities with human roseoloviruses collectively suggest that this virus is a murine roseolovirus (MRV), the first definitively described rodent roseolovirus, to our knowledge. Many biological and clinical ramifications of roseolovirus infection in humans have been hypothesized, but studies showing definitive causative relationships between infection and disease susceptibility are lacking. Here we show that MRV infects the thymus and causes T-cell depletion, suggesting that other roseoloviruses may have similar properties.
Density-Dependent Recycling Promotes the Long-Term Survival of Bacterial Populations during Periods of Starvation
Authors: Takano Sotaro , Pawlowska Bogna J. , Gudelj Ivana , Yomo Tetsuya , Tsuru Saburo
Published: February 2017

The amount of natural resources in the Earth’s environment is in flux, which can trigger catastrophic collapses of ecosystems. How populations survive under nutrient-poor conditions is a central question in ecology. Curiously, some bacteria persist for a long time in nutrient-poor environments. Although this survival may be accomplished through cell death and the recycling of dead cells, the importance of these processes and the mechanisms underlying the survival of the populations have not been quantitated. Here, we use microbial laboratory experiments and mathematical models to demonstrate that death and recycling are essential activities for the maintenance of cell survival. We also show that the behavior of the survivors is governed by population density feedback, wherein growth is limited not only by the available resources but also by the population density. The numerical simulations suggest that population density-dependent recycling could be an advantageous behavior under starvation conditions.

IMPORTANCE
How organisms survive after exhaustion of resources is a central question in ecology. Starving
Escherichia coli
constitute a model system to understand survival mechanisms during long-term starvation. Although death and the recycling of dead cells might play a key role in the maintenance of long-term survival, their mechanisms and importance have not been quantitated. Here, we verified the significance of social recycling of dead cells for long-term survival. We also show that the survivors restrained their recycling and did not use all available nutrients released from dead cells, which may be advantageous under starvation conditions. These results indicate that not only the utilization of dead cells but also restrained recycling coordinate the effective utilization of limited resources for long-term survival under starvation.
The Antigenic Structure of Zika Virus and Its Relation to Other Flaviviruses: Implications for Infection and Immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Heinz Franz X. , Stiasny Karin
Published: February 2017

Zika virus was discovered ∼70 years ago in Uganda and maintained a low profile as a human disease agent in Africa and Asia. Only recently has it caused explosive outbreaks in previously unaffected regions, first in Oceania and then in the Americas since 2015. Of special concern is the newly identified link between congenital malformations (especially microcephaly) and Zika virus infections during pregnancy. At present, it is unclear whether Zika virus changed its pathogenicity or whether the huge number of infections allowed the recognition of a previously cryptic pathogenic property. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent data on the molecular antigenic structure of Zika virus in the context of antibody-mediated neutralization and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, a phenomenon that has been implicated in the development of severe disease caused by the related dengue viruses. Emphasis is given to epitopes of antibodies that potently neutralize Zika virus and also to epitopes that provide antigenic links to other important human-pathogenic flaviviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. The antigenic cross talk between Zika and dengue viruses appears to be of special importance, since they cocirculate in many regions of endemicity and sequential infections are likely to occur frequently. New insights into the molecular antigenic structure of Zika virus and flaviviruses in general have provided the foundation for great progress made in developing Zika virus vaccines and antibodies for passive immunization.
Flow diverter implantation in a rat model of sidewall aneurysm: a feasibility study
Authors: Aquarius René , Smits Debby , Gounis Matthew J , Leenders William P J , de Vries Joost
Published: February 2017

Background

More challenging animal models are needed to elucidate the efficacy of flow diverter (FD) designs and the mechanisms behind observed complications. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of implanting a FD in a sidewall aneurysm rat model.

Methods

An end-to-side anastomosis was created in the abdominal aorta of 36 rats using a decellularized donor pouch. A FD was subsequently implanted.

Results

After up to 3 months of follow-up, we observed that rats displayed normal growth and behavior. Mortality within the groups was low (2 rats, 5.6%). All aneurysms thrombosed after FD implantation and showed progressive soft tissue replacement of the thrombus during follow-up. The abdominal aortas remained patent.

Conclusions

This model can be used to test the effects of FDs in future studies.
Accessing pyrrolones and pyridinones: controlling 5-exo and 6-endo ring closures in heterocyclic alkynylamides
Authors: Infante Genesis , Eisler Sara
Published: February 2017

Competitive 5-exo and 6-endo anionic intramolecular cyclization reactions in heterocyclic alkynylamides were explored via experimental and computational analysis. The 5-exo-dig cyclization pathway is usually disfavoured in heterocyclic systems, and 6-endo products are often both the kinetic and thermodynamic products. However, we’ve found that it is possible to shift selectivity toward the 5-exo-dig pyrrolone products away from the less strained pyridinone products that are produced via the 6-endo-dig cyclization. Parameters such as identity of heteroatom, heteroatom positioning within the heterocycle, and functionality on the alkyne were investigated and, in many cases, were found to strongly influence product ratios. A series of computational studies was performed to provide further insight into the 5-exo-dig and 6-endo-dig pathways in these heterocyclic systems. Theoretical predictions were found to reproduce experimental results, highlighting the predictive capabilities of the computations in determining preferred products.
Landau’s theorem for slice regular functions on the quaternionic unit ball
Authors: Bisi Cinzia , Stoppato Caterina
Published: February 2017

During the development of the theory of slice regular functions over the real algebra of quaternions [Formula: see text] in the last decade, some natural questions arose about slice regular functions on the open unit ball [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. This work establishes several new results in this context. Along with some useful estimates for slice regular self-maps of [Formula: see text] fixing the origin, it establishes two variants of the quaternionic Schwarz–Pick lemma, specialized to maps [Formula: see text] that are not injective. These results allow a full generalization to quaternions of two theorems proven by Landau for holomorphic self-maps [Formula: see text] of the complex unit disk with [Formula: see text]. Landau had computed, in terms of [Formula: see text], a radius [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is injective at least in the disk [Formula: see text] and such that the inclusion [Formula: see text] holds. The analogous result proven here for slice regular functions [Formula: see text] allows a new approach to the study of Bloch–Landau-type properties of slice regular functions [Formula: see text].
EVALUATION OF COMPLEMENTARITY EFFECT OF INNOVATION POLICIES: VENTURE CERTIFICATION AND INNO-BIZ CERTIFICATION IN KOREA
Authors: OH SEUNGHWAN , SHIM DONGNYOK , LEE DAEHO
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we analyze effects of overlapping policy support. Specifically, we examine two Korean policies related to innovative SMEs, Venture certification and Inno-Biz certification, which have similar goals, targets and benefits. Methodologically, we use the difference in difference method with the propensity score matching method to reduce the selection bias that can occur in policy impact assessment studies. Our results show that in this case of overlapping homogeneous policies, Venture certification and Inno-Biz certification, the complementarity effect is negative. That is, simultaneously supporting these two policies produces no synergy. This result implies that rather than offering multiple supports through double certification of a single firm, offering Inno-Bizcertification to non-supported firms could better increase performance. In other words, policy makers have to consider overlapping policy support before implementing any new policies, and they should not support homogeneous policies for a single group of firms.
Self-interacting dark matter with naturally light mediator
Authors: Ma Ernest
Published: February 2017

A promising proposal for resolving the cusp–core anomaly in the density profile of dwarf galaxies is to allow dark matter to interact with itself through a light mediator of mass much less than a GeV. The theoretical challenge is to have a complete renormalizable theory where this happens naturally even though dark matter itself may be of the electroweak scale, i.e. 100 GeV to 1 TeV. I propose here such a model with just two neutral complex scalar singlets under a softly broken dark global U(1) symmetry.
Structural and magnetic properties of nanostructured Li–Ni–Co ferrite prepared by sol–gel method
Authors: Nilima Nandeibam , Maisnam Mamata , Phanjoubam Sumitra
Published: February 2017

Li–Ni–Co ferrite samples with compositional formula Li[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]O4 with [Formula: see text] ranging from 0.00 to 0.1 in steps of 0.02 were prepared by sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of single phase with spinel structure in all the samples. The lattice constant evaluated from XRD data was found to increase with increase of Co[Formula: see text] substitution and crystallite size was observed in the range of 30–59 nm. The microstructure of the samples was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nanocrystalline nature of ferrites was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measurements were made using a vibrating sample magnetometer and hysteresis parameters such as saturation magnetization and coercivity were obtained for all compositions. The frequency variations of initial permeability and permeability loss showed a dispersive behavior for all compositions and an increase in initial permeability is observed with increase of Co[Formula: see text] substitution. The results obtained and mechanisms involved are discussed in the paper.
PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN A PATIENT WITH SEVERE HYPERTHYROIDISM: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Mishima Sayaka , Takahashi Katsu , Hori Marika , Komatani Toru , Yamada Junko , Bessho Kazuhisa
Published: February 2017

Purpose: In this report, we had managed to perioperative of mandibular fractures in a patient with severe hyperthyroidism. Methods: A 26-year-old man required emergency admission to the hospital after having a fall and losing consciousness. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a fracture line in the mental region and both sides of the condyle. He had a previous history of hyperthyroidism and was prescribed thiamazole, propranolol hydrochloride, and potassium iodide, but he did not take medicine by self-judgement. His laboratory findings were as follows: FT3, 7.53[Formula: see text]pg/mL; FT4, 4.26[Formula: see text]ng/mL; and TSH, undetectable. Therefore, we planned for surgery immediately after his condition improved. We also postponed his maxilla-mandibular fixation (MMF) procedure because there was a probability that MMF procedure caused thyroid crisis. Result: Seventeen days after his injury, he had greatly reduced his risk of having thyroid crisis, he underwent open reduction of his mandibular fractures under general anesthesia. As perioperative management, the patient underwent an opening training and oral care before and after surgery in addition to thyroidal treatment. Conclusion: The procedures prevented adhesion of temporomandibular joint and recovered aperture size. Moreover, we diagnosed agranulocytosis from intraoral lesion and obtained good course in response to early.
Histone modifications influence skipped exons inclusion
Authors: Hou Yue , Huang Huan , Hu Wenqiao , Liu Hongde , Sun Xiao
Published: February 2017

Alternative splicing (AS), by which individual genes can produce multiple mRNA, associates with genomic complexity, disease, and development. Histone modifications show important roles in both transcription initiation and mRNA splicing. Here, we intended to find the link between AS and histone modifications in flanking regions through analyzing publicly available data in two human cell lines, GM12878 and K562 cell lines. According to exon inclusion levels, exons were classified into three types, included skipped exons, excluded skipped exons and expressed constitutive exons. We revealed that the inclusion levels of skipped exons (SEs) were negatively correlated with the enrichment of active histone marks in SEs, indicating a role of histone modifications in AS. We also found that active histone modifications were enriched in the upstream exons of SEs, especially around 5[Formula: see text] splicing sites. We inferred that the histone modifications around the 5[Formula: see text] splicing sites in upstream exon of the SEs could help RNA Polymerase II complex to recruit the effector proteins and facilitate AS. It was indicated that nucleosome occupancy had little influence on the inclusion levels of SEs. At last, we proposed an integrated model that describe how histone modifications affected the pre-mRNA splicing.
Cell counting for in vivo flow cytometry signals with baseline drift
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Suo Yuanzhen , Wei Dan , He Hao , Wu Fan , Wei Xunbin
Published: February 2017

In biomedical research fields, the in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) is a widely used technology which is able to monitor target cells dynamically in living animals. Although the setup of IVFC system has been well established, baseline drift is still a challenge in the process of quantifying circulating cells. Previous methods, i.e., the dynamic peak picking method, counted cells by setting a static threshold without considering the baseline drift, leading to an inaccurate cell quantification. Here, we developed a method of cell counting for IVFC data with baseline drift by interpolation fitting, automatic segmentation and wavelet-based denoising. We demonstrated its performance for IVFC signals with three types of representative baseline drift. Compared with non-baseline-correction methods, this method showed a higher sensitivity and specificity, as well as a better result in the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the mean-squared error (MSE).
Dynamic Visual Servoing for a Quadrotor Using a Virtual Camera
Authors: Fink Geoff , Xie Hui , Lynch Alan F. , Jagersand Martin
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a dynamic image-based visual servoing (IBVS) control law for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a single fixed on-board camera. The motion control problem is to regulate the relative position and yaw of the vehicle to a moving planar target located within the camera’s field of view. The control law is termed dynamic as it’s based on the dynamics of the vehicle. To simplify the kinematics and dynamics, the control law relies on the notion of a virtual camera and image moments as visual features. The convergence of the closed-loop is proven to be globally asymptotically stable for a horizontal target. In the case of nonhorizontal targets, we modify the control using a homography decomposition. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate the control law’s performance.
Recent advances in nonbiofouling PDMS surface modification strategies applicable to microfluidic technology
Authors: Gokaltun Aslihan , Yarmush Martin L. , Asatekin Ayse , Usta O. Berk
Published: February 2017

In the last decade microfabrication processes including rapid prototyping techniques have advanced rapidly and achieved a fairly mature stage. These advances have encouraged and enabled the use of microfluidic devices by a wider range of users with applications in biological separations and cell and organoid cultures. Accordingly, a significant current challenge in the field is controlling biomolecular interactions at interfaces and the development of novel biomaterials to satisfy the unique needs of the biomedical applications. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is one of the most widely used materials in the fabrication of microfluidic devices. The popularity of this material is the result of its low cost, simple fabrication allowing rapid prototyping, high optical transparency, and gas permeability. However, a major drawback of PDMS is its hydrophobicity and fast hydrophobic recovery after surface hydrophilization. This results in significant nonspecific adsorption of proteins as well as small hydrophobic molecules such as therapeutic drugs limiting the utility of PDMS in biomedical microfluidic circuitry. Accordingly, here, we focus on recent advances in surface molecular treatments to prevent fouling of PDMS surfaces towards improving its utility and expanding its use cases in biomedical applications.
Advancing Climate Change Adaptation: Borrowing from the Natural Hazard Research (NHR) Tradition in Geography
Authors: Chatterjee Monalisa
Published: February 2017

Extreme events have widespread impact on human and natural systems, and the response to such extreme events is examined by several academic and practicing communities. For decades, the Natural Hazard Research (NHR) tradition in geography, led by White and expanded by scholars like Mitchell, have looked at possibilities of blending and applying technological fixes and societal adjustments to reduce the risk of losses from extreme events. While knowledge about potential impacts of climate change related to extreme events has grown substantially, the consolidation of knowledge to plan for and respond to extreme climate events in the short and long terms has only begun in the past few years. These scholars have emphasized the importance of context, understanding and including the broader range of options, and systematic study of past experiences to elicit knowledge pertaining to effective societal responses to extreme events. Such lessons from the NHR tradition and the works of Mitchell are key to finding the way forward with climate change adaptation.
A mathematical model of the rat kidney: K+-induced natriuresis
Authors: Weinstein Alan M.
Published: February 2017

A model of the rat nephron (Weinstein. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 308: F1098–F1118, 2015) has been extended with addition of medullary vasculature. Blood vessels contain solutes from the nephron model, plus additional species from the model of Atherton et al. ( Am J Physiol Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol 247: F61–F72, 1984), representing hemoglobin buffering. In contrast to prior models of the urine-concentrating mechanism, reflection coefficients for DVR are near zero. Model unknowns are initial proximal tubule pressures and flows, connecting tubule pressure, and medullary interstitial pressures and concentrations. The model predicts outer medullary (OM) interstitial gradients for Na+, K+, CO2, and [Formula: see text], such that at OM-IM junction, the respective concentrations relative to plasma are 1.2, 3.0, 2.7, and 8.0; within IM, there is high urea and low [Formula: see text], with concentration ratios of 11 and 0.5 near the papillary tip. Quantitative similarities are noted between K+and urea handling (medullary delivery and permeabilities). The model K+gradient is physiologic, and the urea gradient is steeper due to restriction of urea permeability to distal collecting duct. Nevertheless, the predicted urea gradient is less than expected, suggesting reconsideration of proposals of an unrecognized reabsorptive urea flux. When plasma K+is increased from 5.0 to 5.5 mM, Na+and K+excretion increase 2.3- and 1.3-fold, respectively. The natriuresis derives from a 3.3% decrease in proximal Na+reabsorption and occurs despite delivery-driven increases in Na+reabsorption in distal segments; kaliuresis derives from a 30% increase in connecting tubule Na+delivery. Thus this model favors the importance of proximal over distal events in K+-induced diuresis.
Normalization of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier-201 induced vasoconstriction: targeting nitric oxide and endothelin
Authors: Taverne Yannick J. , de Wijs-Meijler Daphne , te Lintel Hekkert Maaike , Moon-Massat Paula F. , Dubé Gregory P. , Duncker Dirk J. , Merkus Daphne
Published: February 2017

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)-201 is a cell-free modified hemoglobin solution potentially facilitating oxygen uptake and delivery in cardiovascular disorders and hemorrhagic shock. Clinical use has been hampered by vasoconstriction in the systemic and pulmonary beds. Therefore, we aimed to 1) determine the possibility of counteracting HBOC-201-induced pressor effects with either adenosine (ADO) or nitroglycerin (NTG); 2) assess the potential roles of nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and endothelin (ET) in mediating the observed vasoconstriction; and 3) compare these effects in resting and exercising swine. Chronically instrumented swine were studied at rest and during exercise after administration of HBOC-201 alone or in combination with ADO. The role of NO was assessed by supplementation with NTG or administration of the eNOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine. Alternative vasoactive pathways were investigated via intravenous administration of the ETA/ETB receptor blocker tezosentan or a mixture of ROS scavengers. The systemic and to a lesser extent the pulmonary pressor effects of HBOC-201 could be counteracted by ADO; however, dosage titration was very important to avoid systemic hypotension. Similarly, supplementation of NO with NTG negated the pressor effects but also required titration of the dose. The pressor response to HBOC-201 was reduced after eNOS inhibition and abolished by simultaneous ETA/ETB receptor blockade, while ROS scavenging had no effect. In conclusion, the pressor response to HBOC-201 is mediated by vasoconstriction due to NO scavenging and production of ET. Further research should explore the effect of longer-acting ET receptor blockers to counteract the side effect of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)-201 can disrupt hemodynamic homeostasis, mimicking some aspects of endothelial dysfunction, resulting in elevated systemic and pulmonary blood pressures. HBOC-201-induced vasoconstriction is mediated by scavenging nitric oxide (NO) and by upregulating endothelin (ET) production. Pressor effects can be prevented by adjuvant treatment with NO donors or direct vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin or adenosine, but dosages must be carefully monitored to avoid hypotension. However, hemodynamic normalization is more easily achieved via administration of an ET receptor blocker.
Occlusion of blood flow attenuates exercise-induced hypoalgesia in the occluded limb of healthy adults
Authors: Jones Matthew D. , Taylor Janet L. , Barry Benjamin K.
Published: February 2017

Animal studies have demonstrated an important role of peripheral mechanisms as contributors to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Whether these same mechanisms contribute to EIH in humans is not known. In the current study, pain thresholds were assessed in healthy volunteers ( n = 36) before and after 5 min of high-intensity leg cycling exercise and an equivalent period of quiet rest. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed over the rectus femoris muscle of one leg and first dorsal interosseous muscles (FDIs) of both arms. Blood flow to one arm was occluded by a cuff throughout the 5-min period of exercise (or rest) and postexercise (or rest) assessments. Ratings of pain intensity and pain unpleasantness during occlusion were also measured. Pain ratings during occlusion increased over time (range, 1.5 to 3.5/10, all d > 0.63, P < 0.001) similarly in the rest and exercise conditions ( d < 0.35, P > 0.4). PPTs at all sites were unchanged following rest (range, −1.3% to +0.9%, all d < 0.05, P > 0.51). Consistent with EIH, exercise significantly increased PPT at the leg (+29%, d = 0.69, P < 0.001) and the nonoccluded (+23%, d = 0.56, P < 0.001) and occluded (+8%, d = 0.19, P = 0.003) unexercised arms. However, the increase in the occluded arm was significantly smaller ( d = −1.03, P < 0.001). These findings show that blocking blood flow to a limb during exercise attenuates EIH, suggesting that peripheral factors contribute to EIH in healthy adults.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first demonstration in humans that a factor carried by the circulation and acting at the periphery is important for exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Further understanding of this mechanism may provide new insight to pain relief with exercise as well as potential interactions between analgesic medications and exercise.
Pathophysiology of Migraine: A Disorder of Sensory Processing
Authors: Goadsby Peter J. , Holland Philip R. , Martins-Oliveira Margarida , Hoffmann Jan , Schankin Christoph , Akerman Simon
Published: February 2017

Plaguing humans for more than two millennia, manifest on every continent studied, and with more than one billion patients having an attack in any year, migraine stands as the sixth most common cause of disability on the planet. The pathophysiology of migraine has emerged from a historical consideration of the “humors” through mid-20th century distraction of the now defunct Vascular Theory to a clear place as a neurological disorder. It could be said there are three questions: why, how, and when? Why: migraine is largely accepted to be an inherited tendency for the brain to lose control of its inputs. How: the now classical trigeminal durovascular afferent pathway has been explored in laboratory and clinic; interrogated with immunohistochemistry to functional brain imaging to offer a roadmap of the attack. When: migraine attacks emerge due to a disorder of brain sensory processing that itself likely cycles, influenced by genetics and the environment. In the first, premonitory, phase that precedes headache, brain stem and diencephalic systems modulating afferent signals, light-photophobia or sound-phonophobia, begin to dysfunction and eventually to evolve to the pain phase and with time the resolution or postdromal phase. Understanding the biology of migraine through careful bench-based research has led to major classes of therapeutics being identified: triptans, serotonin 5-HT1B/1Dreceptor agonists; gepants, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists; ditans, 5-HT1Freceptor agonists, CGRP mechanisms monoclonal antibodies; and glurants, mGlu5modulators; with the promise of more to come. Investment in understanding migraine has been very successful and leaves us at a new dawn, able to transform its impact on a global scale, as well as understand fundamental aspects of human biology.
Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features: An Evidence-Based Nomenclature Change
Authors: Jug Rachel , Jiang Xiaoyin
Published: February 2017

A consensus panel recently used clinical evidence and pathologic parameters to rename noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma to noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) to better reflect the indolent course of this tumor. NIFTP has stringent histopathologic diagnostic criteria established by the panel, including papillary-like nuclear features, and submission of the entire tumor capsule to exclude invasion. From a molecular standpoint, NIFTP is often characterized by RAS-type mutations, similar to other follicular-patterned lesions. While there has been prior evidence in the literature for the low malignant potential of these tumors, projects moving forward will help to independently reinforce the reliability of these criteria and nomenclature. With planned inclusion of NIFTP into the latest World Health Organization endocrine tumor classification scheme, this nomenclature shift provides a model for pathology efforts to refine diagnostic classifications to better guide treatment. In this review we discuss this nomenclature change and review the current literature.
A Network Optimization Research for Product Returns Using Modified Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm
Authors: Wang Xuping , Qiu Jian , Li Tong , Ruan Junhu
Published: February 2017

As product returns are eroding Internet retail profit, managers are continuously striving for a more scientific and efficient network layout to arrange the returned goods. Based on a three-echelon product returns network, this paper proposes a mixed integer nonlinear programming model with the aim of minimizing total cost and creates a high-efficiency method, the Modified Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm (MPGSA), to optimize the problem. The algorithm handles the objective function and the constraints, respectively, requiring no extrinsic parameters and provides a guiding search direction generated from the assessment of the current solving state. Above all, MPGSA keeps a great balance between concentrating growth opportunities on the outstanding growth points and expanding the searching scope. The improvements give the revaluating and reselecting chances to all growth points in each iteration, enhancing the optimization efficiency. A case study illustrates the effectiveness and robustness of MPGSA compared to its original version, Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm, and other approaches, namely, Genetic Algorithm, Artificial Immune System, and Simulated Annealing.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients Reveals a Potential Risk of Hypoglycemia in Older Men
Authors: Li Feng-fei , Liu Bing-li , Zhu Hong-hong , Li Ting , Zhang Wen-li , Su Xiao-fei , Wu Jin-dan , Wang Xue-qin , Xu Ning , Yu Wei-Nan , Yuan Qun , Qi Guan-cheng , Ye Lei , Lee Kok-Onn , Ma Jian-hua
Published: February 2017

Objectives.We performed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to define the features of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) before and after Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) therapy.Methods.This was a retrospective analysis. Newly diagnosed T2D patients (106) were admitted from eight centers in China. They were divided into a younger patient group (<60 years) and an older patient group (≥60 years). Each group was further divided into male and female patients. CSII therapy was maintained for 3 weeks after the glycemic target was reached. CGM was performed 2 times before and after completion of insulin treatment.Results.CGM data showed the expected significant improvement of mean amplitude glycemic excursion (MAGE) with CSII therapy. The older patients had lower hourly glucose concentrations from 0200 to 0700 o’clock compared to the younger patients at baseline. Surprisingly, in the older patient group, the male patients had a potential risk of hypoglycemia after CSII therapy, especially during periods from 2300 to 2400 and 0400 to 0600.Conclusions.Our data suggested that older male patients with newly diagnosed T2D may have lower nocturnal glucose concentrations. This may potentially increase the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia during CSII therapy. This study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, numberCliCTR-TRC-11001218.
Third-Order Conditional Lie–Bäcklund Symmetries of Nonlinear Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Su Keqin , Cao Jie
Published: February 2017

The third-order conditional Lie–Bäcklund symmetries of nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations are constructed due to the method of linear determining equations. As a consequence, the exact solutions of the resulting equations are derived due to the compatibility of the governing equations and the admitted differential constraints, which are resting on the characteristic of the admitted conditional Lie–Bäcklund symmetries to be zero.
Fuzzy Semiactive Vibration Control of Structures Using Magnetorheological Elastomer
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Bao , Komatsuzaki Toshihiko , Iwata Yoshio , Asanuma Haruhiko
Published: February 2017

In this research, a novel variable stiffness vibration isolator that uses magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) accompanied with a fuzzy semiactive vibration control was developed. Firstly, the viscoelastic characteristics of MREs in shear mode were clarified systematically in order to achieve a mathematical basis for the controller development. Secondly, the fuzzy semiactive vibration control with a strategy based on the Lyapunov theory and dynamic characteristic of MREs was proposed for minimizing the movement of the isolator. In the conventional semiactive algorithm, the command applied current of MRE-based isolator is set at either minimum or maximum value which causes high acceleration and jerk peaks periodically, thus leading to the degeneration of the overall system quality. However, the fuzzy semiactive algorithm presented here is able to produce the sufficient applied current and thus viscoelastic force is desirably produced. The effectiveness of the developed isolator was evaluated numerically by MATLAB simulation and experimentally in comparison with the performances of a passive system and a system with on-off type semiactive controller. The results showed that the developed controller was successful in overcoming the disadvantages of conventional on-off semiactive control.
Combination Treatment of Perioperative Rehabilitation and Psychoeducation Undergoing Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiro , Inoue Takayuki , Nagaya Motoki , Ito Satoru , Nakajima Hiroki , Hattori Keiko , Kadono Izumi , Yokoi Kohei , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: February 2017

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a risk associated with thoracic surgery. However, there have been few reports on cases at high risk of postoperative complications. Cancer patients often have negative automatic thoughts about illness, and these negative automatic thoughts are associated with reduced health behavior and physical activity. This case series demonstrates the successful combination treatment of perioperative rehabilitation and psychoeducation for negative automatic thoughts in two cancer patients who underwent thoracic surgery. One patient underwent pneumonectomy with laryngeal recurrent nerve paralysis; the other patient, who had a history of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy and dialysis, underwent S6 segmentectomy. Both patients had negative automatic thoughts about cancer-related stress and postoperative pain. The physical therapists conducted a perioperative rehabilitation program in which the patients were educated to replace their maladaptive thoughts with more adaptive thoughts. After rehabilitation, the patients had improved adaptive thoughts, increased physical activity, and favorable recovery without pulmonary complications. This indicates that the combination treatment of perioperative rehabilitation and psychoeducation was useful in two thoracic cancer surgery patients. The psychoeducational approach should be expanded to perioperative rehabilitation of patients with cancer.
Introducing Weather Factor Modelling into Macro Traffic State Prediction
Authors: Bie Yuwei , Qiu Tony Z. , Zhang Can , Zhang Cunbao
Published: February 2017

Adverse weather has significant impacts on road conditions and traffic dynamics. It is observed that adverse weather as a set of exogenous factors lowers the free flow speed, shifts critical density, decreases flow capacity, and makes the freeway more prone to congestion. This paper proposes a weather factor model to be plugged into a macroscopic traffic prediction model, so that under bad weather traffic variables can be more accurately and reasonably estimated and predicted for traffic control use. To be specific, weather-specific fundamental diagrams are built by introducing weather factors to free flow speed, capacity, and critical density. The weather factors are modelled by selected weather measurements. Weather factor parameters are trained by recent historical weather and traffic data and then can be put into real-time macro traffic prediction and control. The traffic prediction model in the case study is METANET model, in which fundamental diagram parameters are one source of input. The weather-specific prediction error and conventional prediction error are compared. Real data collected by loop detectors on Whitemud Drive, Edmonton, Canada, is used for parameter calibration and prediction error evaluation. The results show that the proposed weather models reasonably improved the accuracy of macro traffic state prediction model compared to conventional model.
Is It Necessary to Prepare the Enamel before Dental Bleaching?
Authors: Lago Andréa Dias Neves , de Freitas Patrícia Moreira , Araújo Erika Michele dos Santos , Matos Adriana Bona , Garone-Netto Narciso
Published: February 2017

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of distinct surface treatments on the microhardness and color of enamel that will be bleached. Surface treatments are tested, accordingly: G1, no treatment; G2, 2% sodium fluoride; G3, casein phosphopeptide paste; G4, 2% fluoride+Nd:YAG laser. Forty blocks from bovine teeth composed the sample that were tested in Knoop microhardness (n=10) and in color change (n=10). After 24 h, bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide was performed for 45 min. Microhardness and color changes (using parametersΔE,ΔL,Δa, andΔb) were assessed before and after bleaching. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). Despite all surface treatments, a reduction of enamel microhardness occurred immediately after bleaching in all groups, being greater in G1. Enamel color changed in all groups. Immediately after bleaching, there was a decrease on enamel microhardness. However, after 7 days, some of those specimens previously treated before bleaching significantly recovered their initial microhardness without influencing the esthetic results of bleaching.
Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats
Authors: Kasian Anastasiya , Kolomin Timur , Andreeva Lyudmila , Bondarenko Elena , Myasoedov Nikolay , Slominsky Petr , Shadrina Maria
Published: February 2017

It was shown that the anxiolytic effect of Selank is comparable to that of classical benzodiazepine drugs and that the basis of their mechanism of action may be similar. These data suggest that the presence of Selank may change the action of classical benzodiazepine drugs. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the anxiolytic activity of Selank and diazepam in rats both under conditions of unpredictable chronic mild stress and in its absence, after the individual and combined administration of these compounds using the elevated plus maze test. We found that, even in the absence of chronic stress, the administration of a course of test substances changed anxiety indicators toward their deterioration, but the changes after the administration of a course of Selank were less pronounced. In conditions of chronic stress, anxiety indicator values after the simultaneous use of diazepam and Selank did not differ from the respective values observed before chronic stress exposure. The data obtained indicate that the individual administration of Selank was the most effective in reducing elevated levels of anxiety, induced by the administration of a course of test substances, whereas the combination of diazepam with Selank was the most effective in reducing anxiety in unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions.
Learning Control of Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Fuzzy Neural Networks
Authors: Kayacan Erdal , Khanesar Mojtaba Ahmadieh , Rubio-Hervas Jaime , Reyhanoglu Mahmut
Published: February 2017

A learning control strategy is preferred for the control and guidance of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle to deal with lack of modeling and flight uncertainties. For learning the plant model as well as changing working conditions online, a fuzzy neural network (FNN) is used in parallel with a conventional P (proportional) controller. Among the learning algorithms in the literature, a derivative-free one, sliding mode control (SMC) theory-based learning algorithm, is preferred as it has been proved to be computationally efficient in real-time applications. Its proven robustness and finite time converging nature make the learning algorithm appropriate for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle as the computational power is always limited in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The parameter update rules and stability conditions of the learning are derived, and the proof of the stability of the learning algorithm is shown by using a candidate Lyapunov function. Intensive simulations are performed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed controller which includes the tracking of a three-dimensional trajectory by the UAV subject to time-varying wind conditions. The simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed control algorithm, especially in real-time control systems because of its computational efficiency.
A Fast DCT Algorithm for Watermarking in Digital Signal Processor
Authors: Tsai S. E. , Yang S. M.
Published: February 2017

Discrete cosine transform (DCT) has been an international standard in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format to reduce the blocking effect in digital image compression. This paper proposes a fast discrete cosine transform (FDCT) algorithm that utilizes the energy compactness and matrix sparseness properties in frequency domain to achieve higher computation performance. For a JPEG image of 8 × 8 block size in spatial domain, the algorithm decomposes the two‐dimensional (2D) DCT into one pair of one‐dimensional (1D) DCTs with transform computation in only 24 multiplications. The 2D spatial data is a linear combination of the base image obtained by the outer product of the column and row vectors of cosine functions so that inverse DCT is as efficient. Implementation of the FDCT algorithm shows that embedding a watermark image of 32 × 32 block pixel size in a 256 × 256 digital image can be completed in only 0.24 seconds and the extraction of watermark by inverse transform is within 0.21 seconds. The proposed FDCT algorithm is shown more efficient than many previous works in computation.