bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Pyrite and Arsenopyrite from the Zaozigou Gold Deposit in West Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China: Implications for Ore Genesis
Authors: Tang Qingyan , Di Pengfei , Yu Man , Bao Jian , Zhao Ying , Liu Dongxiao , Wang Yuxi
Published: April 2019

The Zaozigou gold deposit lies in the West Qinling orogenic belt, Gansu Province, China. It is one of the largest gold deposits, and the orebodies are hosted in fine‐grained slates intercalated with limestone of the Middle‐Triassic Gulangdi Formation and varied dykes. The gold orebodies are strictly controlled by the NE‐, NW‐, and SN‐trending tensional and shearing faults with high dipping angle. The mineralogy and geochemistry of pyrite and arsenopyrite are measured by electron microprobe. Pyrite has up to 0.12 wt.% Au, and arsenopyrite contains up to 0.17 wt.% Au. The antithetic correlation between S and As indicates the substitution of As for S in pyrite, and arsenic occurs in anionic As1− state in the pyrite structure under the reduced conditions. Pyrite has relatively high Co (~364–2248 ppm) but relatively low Ni (~109–497 ppm) contents, with Co/Ni ratios ranging from ~1.63 to 10.50, indicating that the deposit originated from a volcanogenic fluid and remobilized by hydrothermal fluid. Au in arsenopyrite occurs as cationic Au in solid solution, whereas Au in pyrite is in solid solution and metal nanoparticles (Au0). The texture characteristics and trace element geochemistry among cores, transition zones, and rims of pyrites demonstrate that there are at least four pulses of fluid participating in the generation of pyrite in the deposit. The calculated formation temperatures of the Zaozigou deposit vary from 148°C to 304°C, with an average temperature of 213°C based on Au contents in pyrite. The Pb isotopic compositions of pyrite samples suggest that the metallogenic materials of the Zaozigou deposit were derived from the mantle and upper crust. All the characteristics above lead us to draw the conclusion that the Zaozigou gold deposit is classified as an epithermal deposit.
Regulatory quality, financial integration and equity cost of capital
Authors: Nagaraj Priya , Zhang Chuanqian
Published: April 2019

We study the impact of international financial integration on firm‐level equity cost of capital in the presence of regulatory differences. International financial integration reduces the domestic cost of capital in the presence of well‐defined regulations that make it easier for foreign firms to overcome information asymmetry. We study this relationship for 55 countries for the period 2002 to 2014. Using multilevel mixed estimations, we find a negative relationship between cost of capital and both financial openness and regulatory quality. However, economies with better regulatory quality have a positive relationship between financial openness and cost of capital. Our results inform policy on the cost of higher level of regulations on firms’ equity cost of capital, especially when an economy has a high level of financial openness.
Inequality, leverage and crises: Theory and evidence revisited
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Tam Pui Sun , Zhang Yang , Lei Chun Kwok
Published: April 2019

Rajan points to rising income inequality as a root cause of the recent financial crisis through high household leverage. The Rajan hypothesis has ignited debate over the relationship between inequality, leverage and crises. Kumhof, Ranciere, and Winant prove the validity of this hypothesis with a theoretical formulation, but empirical studies provide mixed evidence using different samples and estimators. To clarify this controversy, we re‐examine the issue by using the same data as in the literature and provide additional evidence after taking into account the role of asset bubbles and policy interventions. Our regression is based on a new tractable theoretical model that is supported by key stylised facts, and all our analyses confirm the existence of the inequality–leverage–crisis nexus.
Peripheral artery endothelial function responses to altered shear stress patterns in humans
Authors: Cheng Jem L. , Au Jason S. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: April 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of altered shear stress pattern, with or without concurrent neurohumoral and metabolic activation, on the acute endothelial function response assessed via brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Despite generating distinctive shear stress patterns (i.e. increases in anterograde only, anterograde only with neurohumoral and metabolic activation, and both anterograde and retrograde), similar acute improvements were observed in the brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation response in all conditions, indicating that anterograde and/or turbulent shear stress might be the essential element to induce acute increases in endothelial function.

Endothelial function is influenced by both the direction and the magnitude of shear stress. Acute improvements in endothelial function have mostly been attributed to increased anterograde shear, whereas results from many interventional models in humans suggest that enhancing shear stress in an oscillatory manner (anterograde and retrograde) might be optimal. Here, we determined the acute brachial artery shear stress (SS) and flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) responses to three shear‐altering interventions [passive heat stress (HEAT), mechanical forearm compression (CUFF) and handgrip exercise (HGEX)] and examined the relationship between changes in oscillatory shear index (OSI) and changes in FMD. During separate visits, 10 young healthy men (22 ± 3 years old) underwent 10 min of HEAT, CUFF or HGEX in their left forearm. Anterograde and retrograde SS, Reynolds number, OSI and FMD were assessed at rest and during/after each intervention. Anterograde SS increased during all interventions in a stepwise manner (P < 0.05 between interventions), with the change in HGEX (∆37.7 ± 12.2 dyn cm−2, P < 0.05) > CUFF (∆25.1 ± 11.9 dyn cm−2, P < 0.05) > HEAT (∆14.5 ± 7.9 dyn cm−2, P < 0.05). Retrograde SS increased during CUFF (∆−19.6 ± 4.3 dyn cm−2, P < 0.05). Anterograde blood flow was turbulent (i.e. Reynolds number ≥ |2000|) during all interventions (P < 0.05). The relative FMD improved after all interventions (P = 0.01), and there was no relationship between ∆OSI and ∆FMD. We elicited changes in SS profiles including increased anterograde SS (HEAT and HGEX) and both increased anterograde and retrograde SS (CUFF); regardless of the SS pattern, FMD improved to the same extent. These findings suggest that the presence of anterograde and/or turbulent SS might be the key to optimizing endothelial function in acute assessment protocols.
Generating cognitive maps using echo features from a biomimetic audible sonar
Authors: Kuc Roman
Published: April 2019

A sonar cognitive map displays target components that are specified by signal features extracted from a single binaural echo pair. A biomimetic audible sonar probes targets configured using posts connected by tangential planes. Echo envelopes are processed to extract values of eight parameters that govern the mapping process. Being tuned to recognize posts and planes, a cognitive map is composed of these two components using the posts' centers and radii as landmarks. A platform with translational and rotational degrees of freedom implements a landmark-centric scanning trajectory whose step size adaptively changes with echo information. The sonar tracks the target surface by maintaining a constant first-echo arrival time and by equalizing binaural echo times to form singular echoes that identify landmarks. The mapping process employs five states from detection to termination that pass through the singular echo state. Separate states process echo interference caused by two posts and echoes from planar surfaces. Sonar scanning stops when the current landmark parameters match those of the first landmark. Two targets configured with three posts and an added plane illustrate the procedure. Cognitive maps exhibit landmark locations that are accurate to ±5% with post radius estimates accurate to ±20%.
Genomic Islands in the Full-Genome Sequence of an NAD-Hemin-Independent Avibacterium paragallinarum Strain Isolated from Peru
Authors: Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Montalván Ángela , Montesinos Ricardo , Morales-Erasto Vladimir , Zimic-Peralta Mirko , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo , Fernández-Díaz Manolo
Published: April 2019

Here, we report the full-genome sequence of an NAD-hemin-independent
Avibacterium paragallinarum
serovar C-2 strain, FARPER-174, isolated from layer hens in Peru. This genome contained 12 potential genomic islands that include ribosomal protein-coding genes, a
nadR
gene, hemocin-coding genes, sequences of fagos, an
rtx
operon, and drug resistance genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Paraburkholderia sp. UYCP14C, a Rhizobium Strain Isolated from Root Nodules of Calliandra parvifolia
Authors: Langleib Mauricio , Beracochea Martín , Zabaleta María , Battistoni Federico , Sotelo-Silveira José , Fabiano Elena , Iriarte Andrés , Platero Raúl
Published: April 2019

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of strain UYCP14C, a rhizobium isolated from
Calliandra parvifolia
nodules. The assembled genome size was around 9.8 million bp, containing 9,031 predicted protein-coding sequences, including several symbiotic and nitrogen fixation genes.
Genome Sequences of Microviruses Associated with
Coptotermes formosanus
Authors: Schmidlin Kara , Kraberger Simona , Fontenele Rafaela S. , De Martini Francesca , Chouvenc Thomas , Gile Gillian H. , Varsani Arvind
Published: April 2019

Termites have a unique ability to effectively digest lignocellulose with the help of mutualistic symbionts. While gut bacteria and protozoa have been relatively well characterized in termites, the virome remains largely unexplored.
Resequencing the Genome of
Malassezia restricta
Strain KCTC 27527
Authors: Cho Yong-Joon , Park Minji , Jung Won Hee
Published: April 2019

The draft genome sequence of
Malassezia restricta
KCTC 27527, a clinical isolate from a patient with dandruff, was previously reported. Using the PacBio Sequel platform, we completed and reannotated the genome of
M. restricta
KCTC 27527 for a better understanding of the genome of this fungus.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Human Enterovirus C99 Strain Isolated from a Healthy Child in Yunnan, China, in 2013
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Hongbo , Huang Xiaoqin , Sun Hao , Yang Zhaoqing , Ma Shaohui
Published: April 2019

The complete genome sequence of a human enterovirus C99 strain isolated from a healthy child in Yunnan, China, in 2013 was determined. The isolate belonged to genotype C, according to phylogenetic and homogeneity analyses.
Severe rhabdomyolysis related to oxaliplatin adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Pissarra Ana , Malheiro Mariana , Matos Leonor Vasconcelos , Plácido Ana Neto
Published: April 2019

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. The standard chemotherapy regiment in stage III colon cancer is based in oxaliplatin. The most common side effects include neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rhabdomyolysis due to oxaliplatin is rare, and there are no established guidelines for managing this adverse event. This report describes a case of a 52-year-old man, with a resected stage III colon cancer that started postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin. After the second cycle, the patient developed distal muscle pain and weakness, with a total inability to walk. Blood tests showed an elevated creatine kinase and renal injury. Severe drug-related rhabdomyolysis was diagnosed. The goal of this case report is to discuss the side effect of adjuvant chemotherapy, given its rarity and severity.
Myopathy in a 61-year-old Hispanic man
Authors: Parizher Gary , Brown Timothy J , Hon Mary , Joerns Elena K , Zuo Yu
Published: April 2019

A 61-year-old Hispanic man presented to a county hospital for subacute progressive weakness, heliotrope rash and dysphagia. There was initial suspicion for dermatomyositis (DM) given the history; however, the physical exam was not consistent. An MRI followed by a muscle biopsy revealed necrotising autoimmune myositis and anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-coenzyme A-reductase antibody titers returned positive; the patient was diagnosed with necrotising autoimmune myositis. He was treated with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, which resulted in improvement in his weakness and functional status. This case represents a unique instance in which a cardinal feature of DM, the heliotrope rash, prompted an erroneous initial diagnosis. It highlights the necessity of developing abroad differential diagnosis and subsequent thorough investigation into patients presenting with suspected idiopathic immune-mediated myopathies.
Haematological profile in foals during the first year of life
Authors: Faramarzi Babak , Rich Lon
Published: April 2019

Foals’ haematological values change constantly during their first year of life. The use of updated age‐based reference intervals (RIs) is imperative for providing accurate diagnosis and optimum care for sick foals. The authors' objective was to provide updated RIs for 13 haematological values in 2, 7, 14, 30, 90, 180 and 365‐day‐old foals and to investigate the changes over time in each measured value. Venous blood was collected at those ages from clinically healthy foals. Thirteen haematological values were analysed. The 95% RIs were reported using a bootstrapping method. Differences over time were examined using Friedman test. RIs for each of the measured values were calculated. Results showed noticeable trends in changes over time in several values. Nevertheless, white blood cell counts significantly increased between day 2 and day 90 (P=0.011) while lymphocyte counts increased from day 2 up to day 180 (P=0.033). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (P=0.011) significantly decreased between day 2 and day 90. Normal haematological values in foals not only differ from those in adult horses but also change throughout the first year of life; thus, it is critical that clinicians use age‐based RIs when treating sick foals.
Rhodococcus equi‐specific hyperimmune plasma administration decreases faecal shedding of pathogenic R. equi in foals
Authors: Sanz Macarena G , Bradway Daniel S , Horohov David W , Baszler Timothy V
Published: April 2019

Rhodococcus equi is the most common cause of pneumonia in young foals. Pneumonic foals are an important source of environmental contamination as they shed higher amounts of R. equi in their faeces than unaffected foals. As R. equi‐specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) lessens clinical pneumonia, we hypothesise that its use would result in decreased faecal shedding of R. equi by foals. Neonatal foals were either given HIP (n=12) or nothing (n=9, control) shortly after birth and were then experimentally infected with R. equi. Faeces were collected before and on weeks 2, 3, 5 and 7 after infection. Presence of virulent R. equi was tested using qPCR. There was strong evidence of an association between HIP administration and a decrease in faecal shedding of virulent R. equi (P=0.031 by Pearson chi‐squared test). Foals in the control shed significantly more R. equi (colony‐forming units/ml) than foals that received HIP (P=0.008 by Mann‐Whitney rank‐sum test). While our study is the first to report this additional benefit of HIP administration, future studies are needed to evaluate the implications of its use under field conditions.
Multiscale modeling of mechanotransduction in the utricle
Authors: Nam Jong-Hoon , Grant J. W. , Rowe M. H. , Peterson E. H.
Published: April 2019

We review recent progress in using numerical models to relate utricular hair bundle and otoconial membrane (OM) structure to the functional requirements imposed by natural behavior in turtles. The head movements section reviews the evolution of experimental attempts to understand vestibular system function with emphasis on turtles, including data showing that accelerations occurring during natural head movements achieve higher magnitudes and frequencies than previously assumed. The structure section reviews quantitative anatomical data documenting topographical variation in the structures underlying macromechanical and micromechanical responses of the turtle utricle to head movement: hair bundles, OM, and bundle-OM coupling. The macromechanics section reviews macromechanical models that incorporate realistic anatomical and mechanical parameters and reveal that the system is significantly underdamped, contrary to previous assumptions. The micromechanics: hair bundle motion and met currents section reviews work based on micromechanical models, which demonstrates that topographical variation in the structure of hair bundles and OM, and their mode of coupling, result in regional specializations for signaling of low frequency (or static) head position and high frequency head accelerations. We conclude that computational models based on empirical data are especially promising for investigating mechanotransduction in this challenging sensorimotor system.
Receptor dependence of BDNF actions in superficial dorsal horn: relation to central sensitization and actions of macrophage colony stimulating factor 1
Authors: Boakye Paul A. , Rancic Vladimir , Whitlock Kerri H. , Simmons Danielle , Longo Frank M. , Ballanyi Klaus , Smith Peter A.
Published: April 2019

Peripheral nerve injury elicits an enduring increase in the excitability of the spinal dorsal horn. This change, which contributes to the development of neuropathic pain, is a consequence of release and prolonged exposure of dorsal horn neurons to various neurotrophins and cytokines. We have shown in rats that nerve injury increases excitatory synaptic drive to excitatory neurons but decreases drive to inhibitory neurons. Both effects, which contribute to an increase in dorsal horn excitability, appear to be mediated by microglia-derived BDNF. We have used multiphoton Ca2+ imaging and whole cell recording of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in defined-medium organotypic cultures of GAD67-GFP+ mice spinal cord to determine the receptor dependence of these opposing actions of BDNF. In mice, as in rats, BDNF enhances excitatory transmission onto excitatory neurons. This is mediated via presynaptic TrkB and p75 neurotrophin receptors and exclusively by postsynaptic TrkB. By contrast with findings from rats, in mice BDNF does not decrease excitation of inhibitory neurons. The cytokine macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) has also been implicated in the onset of neuropathic pain. Nerve injury provokes its de novo synthesis in primary afferents, its release in spinal cord, and activation of microglia. We now show that CSF-1 increases excitatory drive to excitatory neurons via a BDNF-dependent mechanism and decreases excitatory drive to inhibitory neurons via BDNF-independent processes. Our findings complete missing steps in the cascade of events whereby peripheral nerve injury instigates increased dorsal horn excitability in the context of central sensitization and the onset of neuropathic pain.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Nerve injury provokes synthesis of macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) in primary afferents and its release in the dorsal horn. We show that CSF-1 increases excitatory drive to excitatory dorsal horn neurons via BDNF activation of postsynaptic TrkB and presynaptic TrkB and p75 neurotrophin receptors. CSF-1 decreases excitatory drive to inhibitory neurons via a BDNF-independent processes. This completes missing steps in understanding how peripheral injury instigates central sensitization and the onset of neuropathic pain.
An Approach to Analysing Erosive Characteristics of Two-Channel Combustion Chambers
Authors: Ma Yanjie , Bao Futing , Hui Weihua , Liu Yang , Wei Ran
Published: April 2019

To acquire the erosive characteristics of two-channel combustion chambers, a quasi-one-dimensional internal ballistics model is proposed. Combining the model with two different erosive burning models, the modified L-R expression, and the Mukunda-Paul expression, the flow parameters and the internal ballistics performance of a test solid rocket motor are computed. The results show good agreement with experimental data. According to the results, the more severe the erosion is, the earlier, longer, and gentler the tail-off stage becomes. During the tail-off stage, the dramatic drop of pressure leads to a low normal burning rate and makes it easier for erosion burning to occur. For this reason, notable erosive burning might appear during tail-off if the case-to-throat area ratio is extremely low. The results also show that flows in the inner channel and the outer channel are similar but not identical. This leads to different erosive burning behaviours in the two channels. Also, the two erosive burning rate models involved in this paper are compared. It seems that the M-P expression provides better results than the modified L-R expression does, since it reveals the threshold phenomena. Besides, the M-P expression has great advantages for its universality for most propellants and different SRM geometries.
A Case of Acute Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease Presenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome and Fournier´s Gangrene
Authors: Paone Rosalba , Romsi Pekka
Published: April 2019

Aortoiliac occlusive disease presents itself more frequently as chronic claudication, erectile dysfunction, and absent femoral pulses. Its acute manifestation is less frequently encountered in a clinical practice; hence, it presents sometimes as a diagnostic challenge. We illustrate a case of acute aortoiliac occlusive disease presenting with spinal cord ischemia and gluteal and scrotal necroses, which was initially diagnosed and treated as spinal cord compression. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, careful examination of peripheral pulses of both lower limbs should always be part of the initial evaluation of cauda syndrome and paraplegia and when Fournier’s gangrene is suspected.
Prophylactic Repetitive Treatment with the Herbal Medicine Kei-kyoh-zoh-soh-oh-shin-bu-toh Attenuates Oxaliplatin-Induced Mechanical Allodynia by Decreasing Spinal Astrocytes
Authors: Andoh Tsugunobu , Fukutomi Daisuke , Uta Daisuke , Kuraishi Yasushi
Published: April 2019

Chemotherapeutic drugs typically induce peripheral neuropathy, which is a major dose-limiting side effect of these drugs and is difficult to manage. In this study, we examined whether the traditional herbal formulation Kei-kyoh-zoh-soh-oh-shin-bu-toh (KSOT) could relieve the mechanical allodynia induced by chemotherapeutic drugs (oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, vincristine, and bortezomib) in mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, vincristine, and bortezomib was used to induce mechanical allodynia, which peaked on days 10, 14, 14, and 12 after the injection, respectively. A single oral administration of KSOT did not inhibit mechanical allodynia after any of the treatments. However, prophylactic repetitive oral administrations of KSOT inhibited the exacerbation of mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin but were not effective for allodynia induced by the other drugs. A single intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin did not alter the mRNA expression of the NMDA receptor NR2B in the spinal cord and that of neuregulin-1 in the sciatic nerve. In addition, the number of microglia in spinal dorsal horn did not increase in oxaliplatin-treated mice. However, the number of reactivated astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn increased, which could be inhibited by repetitive administration of KSOT. These results suggest that prophylactic repetitive treatment of KSOT attenuates oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia by decreasing the number of spinal astrocytes.
A Compact Dual-Band CPW-Fed MIMO Antenna for Indoor Applications
Authors: Morsy Mohamed M.
Published: April 2019

A compact dual-band multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna for LTE700, GSM1900, and UMTS applications with high isolation is presented. To enhance impedance matching and multiband operation, two inverted L-shaped monopoles are printed in the circular slot of the ground plane. The single element design is mirrored along the diameter of the circular slot of the ground plane. A strip is employed between the two radiators in order to mitigate the mutual coupling effect and enhance the impedance matching at operating bandwidths. Moreover, two slits are inserted in the ground plane in order to disturb the current distribution between radiating elements, and hence, the isolation between elements is improved. The measured 10 dB return loss bandwidth is 100 MHz (698–798 MHz) and 359 MHz (1765-2124 MHz) over the LTE700, GSM1900, and UMTS bands. The measured isolation between the two ports is less than -13 dB over the LTE700 bands while it is recorded to be less than -17 dB over the GSM1900 and UMTS bands. In addition, parametric studies of the proposed MIMO antenna are performed, and the surface current analysis is discussed to show the effect of the isolation structure. The radiation patterns are measured, and envelope correlation coefficient is calculated. The simulated results are in good agreement with measurements.
Synthesis and Characterization of PVP-Stabilized Palladium Nanoparticles by XRD, SAXS, SP-ICP-MS, and SEM
Authors: Walbrück Katharina , Kuellmer Fabian , Witzleben Steffen , Guenther Klaus
Published: April 2019

Due to increased emissions of palladium nanoparticles in recent years, it is important to develop analytical techniques to characterize these particles. The synthesis of defined and stable particles plays a key role in this process, as there are not many materials commercially available yet which could act as reference materials. Polyvinylpyrrolidone- (PVP-) stabilized palladium nanoparticles were synthesized through the reduction of palladium chloride by tetraethylene glycol (TEG) in the presence of KOH. Four different methods were used for particle size analysis of the palladium nanoparticles. Palladium suspensions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), single-particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Secondary particles between 30 nm and 130 nm were detected in great compliance with SAXS and SP-ICP-MS. SEM analysis showed that the small particulates tend to form agglomerates.
Nanomaterial-Based Carbon Paste Electrodes for Voltammetric Determination of Naproxen in Presence of Its Degradation Products
Authors: Hendawy Hassan A. M. , Salem Waheed M. , Abd-Elmonem Mahmmoud S. , Khaled Elmorsy
Published: April 2019

The present work describes a novel, simple, and fast electroanalytical methodology for naproxen (NAP) determination in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids in the presence of its degradation products. Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with different carbon nanomaterials, namely, glassy carbon powder (GCE), multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), graphene nanosheets (Gr), and graphene oxides (GO) were tested. Comprehensive studies were performed on the electrode matrix composition including the nature of the pasting liquids, pH, carbon nanomaterials, and mode of electrode modification. Two anodic oxidation peaks were recorded at 0.890 and 1.18 V in 1 × 10−1 mol·L−1phosphate buffer solution at pH 6. Oxidation of naproxen (NAP) is an irreversible diffusion-controlled process. Calibration plots were rectilinear in the concentration ranging from 0.067 to 1.0 µg·mL−1with correlation coefficient 0.9979. Photodegradation of NAP resulted in disappearance of the oxidation peak at 1.18 V, allowing simultaneous determination of NAP in presence of its degradation product. The achieved high sensitivity and selectivity suggest the application of the proposed protocol for naproxen determination in pharmaceutical preparations and human blood plasma.
Anticancer Potential of Fruit Extracts from Vatica diospyroides Symington Type SS and Their Effect on Program Cell Death of Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Chothiphirat Atchara , Nittayaboon Kesara , Kanokwiroon Kanyanatt , Srisawat Theera , Navakanitworakul Raphatphorn
Published: April 2019

Vatica diospyroides Symington is locally known as Chan-Ka-Pho in Thailand. Ancient people have used it as therapeutic plant for cardiac and blood tonic cure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential cytotoxicity and selectivity of the extracts from V. diospyroides type SS fruit on cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cell lines and to examine its underlying mechanism of action. MTT assay revealed that the extracts showed inhibition of cell survival in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited highly cytotoxic activity against both HeLa and SiHa cells with IC50 value less than 20 μg/mL along with less toxicity against L929 cells. Acetone cotyledon extract (ACE) showed the best selectivity index value of 4.47 (HeLa) and 3.51 (SiHa). Distinctive morphological changes were observed in ACE-treated cervical cancer cells contributing to apoptosis action. Flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V-FITC and PI staining precisely indicated that ACE induced apoptosis in HeLa and SiHa cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of ACE with half IC50 caused DNA fragmentation and also activated increasing of bax and cleaved caspase-8 protein in HeLa cells after 48 h exposure. The results suggest that ACE has potent and selective cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells and the potential to induce bax and caspase-8-dependent apoptosis. Hence, the ACE could be further exploited as a potential lead in cancer treatment.
The One-Step Preparation of Green-Emissioned Carbon Dots through Hydrothermal Route and Its Application
Authors: Li Jun , Ma Shiyao , Xiao Xincai , Zhao Dan
Published: April 2019

This paper reports the preparation of green-emissioned CDs by a one-step hydrothermal route with DL-malic acid and ethylenediamine as raw materials and further explored the impacts of the amount of reactants, the reaction time, and temperature upon the optical properties of prepared CDs, to select the optimal preparation parameters. The optical properties, surface groups, and element components of the prepared CDs have been systematically studied by UV-Vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, FTIR, EDS, and XPS. The prepared CDs have been applied to realize the fingerprint development, fluorescence ink, and, specifically, the detection of Fe2+ through an inner filter effect with its detection range at 2.0×10−7−2.3×10−5 mol/L.
De novo Cardiac Valve Calcification after Hemodialysis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Predicts Future Cardiovascular Events: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Fu-Jun , Zhang Xi , Huang Lu-Sheng , Zhou Xin , Ji Gang , Luo Rong , Jiang Geng-Ru , Lu Wei
Published: April 2019

Background: Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) in maintenance hemodialysis patients is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, whether de novo CVC in incident hemodialysis patients predicts future cardiovascular events is unknown. Methods: This study included 174 patients newly receiving hemodialysis without CVC as reflected by echocardiography between January 2005 and December 2014. De novo CVC was determined with echocardiography once every 6 months until December 2016. Results: The median follow-up was 66 months (range, 19–141). De novo CVC developed in 80 out of 174 (45.98%) subjects: 58 developed aortic valve calcification (AVC) alone, 42 developed mitral valve calcification (MVC) alone, and 20 developed both AVC and MVC. The median time from baseline to de novo CVC was 46 months (range, 3–120) for AVC and 50 months (range, 13–127) for MVC. Patients who developed CVC had a higher major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate than those who did not (AVC: 30/58 [51.72%] vs. 23/116 [19.83%]; MVC: 25/42 [59.52%] vs. 28/132 [21.21%]). Multivariate time-dependent Cox regression showed an association between MACE with both de novo AVC and MVC (AVC: hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–6.63; MVC: HR 5.95, 95% CI 2.90–12.20). Conclusions: De novo CVC is an independent risk factor for MACE in hemodialysis patients, and regular CVC screening among hemodialysis patients without preexisting CVC may be helpful to identify patients at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Electrical Stimulation Directs Migration, Enhances and Orients Cell Division and Upregulates the Chemokine Receptors CXCR4 and CXCR2 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cunha Filipa , Rajnicek Ann M. , McCaig Colin D.
Published: April 2019

Natural direct current electric fields (DC EFs) within tissues undergoing angiogenesis have the potential to influence vessel formation, but how they affect endothelial cells is not clear. We therefore quantified behaviours of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human microvasculature endothelial cells (HMEC) stimulated by EFsin vitro. Both cell types migrated faster and toward the cathode; HUVECs responded to fields as low as 50mV/mm, but the HMEC threshold was 100 mV/mm. Mitosis was stimulated at 50 mV/mm for HMEC and at 150 mV/mm for HUVECs, but the cleavage plane was oriented orthogonal to the field vector at 200 mV/mm for both cell types. That different field strengths induced different cell responses suggests distinct underlying cellular mechanisms. A physiological electric field also upregulated expression of CXCR4 and CXCR2 chemokine receptors and upregulated phosphorylation of both chemokines in HUVEC and HMEC cells. Evidence that DC EFs direct endothelial cell migration, proliferation and upregulate chemokines involved in wound healing suggests a key role for electrical control of capillary production during healing. Our data contribute to the molecular mechanisms by which DC EFs direct endothelial cell behaviour and present a novel signalling paradigm in wound healing, tissue regeneration and angiogenesis-related diseases.
Sense of Effort and Articulatory Contact Pressure Associated with Talking by Individuals Using Tracheoesophageal Speech
Authors: Searl Jeff
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: The aims of this study were (1) to determine locations of increased effort in the body when talking using tracheoesophageal speech (TES); (2) to compare talking effort for participants using TES and those using laryngeal speech; (3) to compare tongue-palate contact pressure during talking for TES and laryngeal speech; and (4) to assess the relationship between talking effort and articulatory contact pressure (ACP). Methods: This cohort comparison study included 16 individuals using TES and 10 using laryngeal speech. Participants rated talking effort on a visual analog scale and then rated effort in the lungs, throat, oral cavity, brain (cognitive) and arm/shoulder. ACP for /t/, /d/, and /n/ produced in sentences was measured using a pressure sensor on the alveolar ridge. Results: Factor analysis of effort ratings across body locations by participants using TES revealed two latent variables associated with non-voice production locations and voice production. Ratings of effort and ACP were statistically significantly higher in participants using TES. The correlation between overall talking effort and ACP was strong and statistically significantly. Conclusions: The effort ratings suggest adults with functional TES experience talking as more effortful than adults with a larynx. Some increased effort was focused in the voice production process, but regions outside of voicing were also implicated.
Clinical Experience of Immunotherapy Treatment: Efficacy and Toxicity Analysis of the Compassionate Use Program of Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Squamous Cell Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Krefting Frederik , Basara Nadezda , Schütte Wolfgang , Späth-Schwalbe Ernst , Alt Jürgen , Thiel Sebastian , Kimmich Martin , Fischer Jürgen R. , Kurz Sylke , Griesinger Frank , Christoph Daniel C.
Published: April 2019

Background: Anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody nivolumab is an approved therapy option for the treatment of advanced squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer (SQ-NSCLC) patients. Data outside clinical trials about therapy efficacy and safety in later therapy line treatments have rarely been described until now. Methods: We performed a retrospective data analysis of patients who were enrolled into the nivolu­mab Compassionate Use Program (CUP) in Germany. Sufficient clinical data of 40 patients were available for efficacy and safety analysis. Results: Overall, 47.5% of all treated patients were not affected by any adverse events (AEs); 17.5% of patients suffered from severe AEs. The 1-year survival rate was 61.3%. Estimated median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.3 months. Patients who received nivolumab as third or later therapy line treatment (77.5%) achieved similar median PFS and 12-month overall survival rate of 52%. Conclusion: Our findings of immunotherapy treatment outside clinical trials support the results of studies in the past and confirm the efficacy and favorable toxicity profile of nivolumab treatment in advanced SQ-NSCLC patients. In addition, we can present some rarely described information about nivolumab treatment of heavily pretreated patients, which provides some evidence that immunotherapy could also be useful in later therapy lines.
Retroperitoneal Hematoma after Bone Marrow Biopsy: The First Cut Should Not Be the Deepest
Authors: Wojciechowski Andrej , Duckert Martin , Hartmann Jens , Bullinger Lars , Matzdorff Axel
Published: April 2019

Bone marrow biopsies are standard hematology procedures. We report the case of a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who developed retroperitoneal hematoma after the procedure. The bleeding was stopped with endovascular embolization and coiling. This case raises several issues about the standards for bone marrow biopsies and discusses the approach to patients with bleeding risk factors. We also provide a literature review.
Kidney Disease Awareness and Knowledge among Survivors ofAcute Kidney Injury
Authors: Siew Edward D. , Parr Sharidan K. , Wild Marcus G. , Levea Swee-Ling , Mehta Kermaan G. , Umeukeje Ebele M. , Silver Samuel A. , Ikizler T. Alp , Cavanaugh Kerri L.
Published: April 2019

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors are at risk for chronic kidney disease, recurrent AKI, and cardiovascular disease. The transition from hospital to ambulatory care is an opportunity to reduce these sequelae by launching self-care plans through effective patient education. How well AKI survivors are informationally prepared to apply kidney-specific self-care is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify awareness and disease-specific knowledge among AKI survivors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of AKI-related awareness and knowledge in 137 patients with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Stage II or III AKI near the time of hospital discharge. Patients were asked (1) “Did you experience AKI while in the hospital?” and (2) “Do you have a problem with your kidney health?” Objective knowledge of AKI was evaluated with a 15-item adapted version of the validated Kidney Knowledge Survey that included topics such as common causes, risk factors, and how AKI is diagnosed. Results: Median age was 54 (interquartile range 43–63) and 81% were white. Eighty percent of patients were unaware that they had experienced AKI and 53% were both unaware they had experienced AKI or had a “problem with their kidneys.” Multivariable logistic regression identified being male and lack of nephrology consult as predictors of unawareness with ORs of 3.92 (95% CI 1.48–10.33) and 5.10 (95% CI 1.98–13.13), respectively. Less than 50% recognized nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, contrast, or phosphate-based cathartics as risk factors for AKI. Two-thirds of patients did not agree that they knew a lot about AKI and more than 80% desired more information. Conclusions: Most patients with moderate to severe AKI are unaware of their condition, lack understanding of risk factors for recurrent AKI, and desire more information. Patient-centered communication to optimize awareness, understanding, and care will require coordinated educational strategies throughout the continuum of AKI care.
Interactive Design of Random Aesthetic Abstract Textures by Composition Principles
Authors: Alvarez Luis , Monzón Nelson , Morel Jean-Michel
Published: April 2019

The automatic synthesis of abstract textures is, to some extent, feasible. As evidenced by abstract art theoreticians, one can think of an abstract picture as a tree of elementary shapes interacting according to a short list of compositional laws such as occlusion, exclusion and bordering, and by rendering rules such as transparency, tessellation and color selection. Randomizing the shape generator and the composition and rendering laws yields an algorithm generating random abstract textures. We have designed a user-friendly online tool that implements this algorithm.
Is War on the Arts War on Human Psychological Systems? A View from Experimental Psychology and Affective Neuroscience
Authors: Christensen Julia F.
Published: April 2019

Destruction of cultural heritage and artworks e.g. by terrorist groups has significant psychological effects for individuals and communities. This article outlines how the negative psychological effects of iconoclasm and arts destruction may be rooted in the human social brain. The proposed neurocognitive mechanisms include: (1) associative learning mechanisms (memory-reward links), (2) neuroendocrine mechanisms (oxytocin and prolactin reward links) and (3) social touch mechanisms (CT cutaneous mechanoreceptor-reward links). Iconoclasm and arts destruction are a threat to the stability of human psychological systems.
Antimicrobial peptides in silkworm
Authors: Li Zhi , Ma Yan , Liu Xuan , Li Yi , Dai Fangyin
Published: April 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a type of small molecular proteins that play a vital role in the resistance to alien pathogens. AMPs are widespread in bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants and animals. AMPs have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities and they rarely induce bacteria resistance; thus, they are thought to be good candidates for antibiotics in clinical practice. Recently, AMPs are increasingly attracting attention because of their outstanding features and functions. In addition to their known antibacterial properties, some kinds of AMPs have also been reported to have antiviral, anticancer, antiparasitic, and antioxidant activity. In this review, we introduce the diversity of AMPs, including their structure, function and related mechanisms. We focus primarily on recent studies of silkworm AMPs and summarize their classification, activities and possible mechanisms. Finally, based on the review, probable directions and perspectives for studies of the AMPs of silkworm are discussed and proposed.
Carcinization in the Anomura - fact or fiction? I. Evidence from adult morphology
Authors: McLaughlin Patsy A. , Lemaitre Rafael
Published: April 2019

Carcinization, or the process of becoming a crab, has been, and continues to be, a focal point of anomuran evolutionary hypotheses. Traditional examples of carcinization in the Anomura are most celebrated among hermit crabs but certainly are not limited to this group. Carcinization, if it has occurred, has done so independently in all major anomuran taxa.

In this critique, the traditional examples of carcinization in the Anomura are reviewed and more modern variations on the theme assessed. Potential pathways of carcinization are examined from perspectives of adult morphology in the Paguroidea, Galatheoidea, Hippoidea and Lomoidea, with emphasis on the Paguroidea. Specific attention is given to the theoretical transformation of a hermit crab-like body form into a “king crab”- like lithodid crab. Resulting coercive evidence indicates: (1) that while the evolution of a crab-like body form certainly occurs, the traditional applications, based on inadequate and often inaccurate data, are flawed; and (2) that lithodid crabs did not arise from a hermit crab predecessor through the process of carcinization.
The Dakoticancridae (Decapoda, Brachyura) from the Late Cretaceous of North America and Mexico
Authors: Bishop G.A. , Feldmann R.M. , Vega F.
Published: April 2019

The podotrematous crab family Dakoticancridae includes four genera: Dakoticancer Rathbun, Tetracarcinus Weller, Avitelmessus Rathbun, and Seorsus Bishop, all known solely from the Late Cretaceous of North America. Lathelicocarcinus Bishop, originally referred to the family, must be reassigned. Fine details of anatomy, preserved on specimens of D. overanus Rathbun and A. grapsoideus Rathbun, permit description of genital openings and interpretation of functional morphology of appendages. Although one species, D. australis Rathbun, has been found associated with burrow structures, all were probably vagrant epifaunal animals on fine- to medium-grained siliciclastic substrata. Food was probably obtained by generalized low-level predation and scavenging. Results of a cladistic analysis are consistent with the stratigraphic data suggesting that T. subquadrata Weller is nearest the rootstock of the family and that other taxa within the family are derived from it.
Terrestrial planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Terricola) from the Iberian peninsula: first records of the family Rhynchodemidae, with the description of a new Microplana species
Authors: Mateos Eduardo , Giribet Gonzalo , Carranza Salvador
Published: April 2019

The first records of terrestrial planarians belonging to the family Rhynchodemidae are reported for the Iberian Peninsula. A new endemic species from the Spanish Pyrenees, Microplana Nana sp. nov., is described. The characteristic features of this species are: i) small size (8-10 mm) in adult individuals, ii) very long conical penis papilla and iii) absence of seminal vesicle, bursa copulatrix, genito-intestinal duct, and well-developed penial bulb. Moreover, the widespread common European land planarian Microplana terrestris (Müller, 1774) is reported for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. The two species, M. nana sp. nov. and M. terrestris, are described by means of external morphology using histological sections, and have been characterized by the ITS-1 molecular marker. The study of molecular markers such as ITS-1 is proposed as a powerful technique for identification at the species level in terrestrial planarians.
Fitting macroevolutionary models to phylogenies: an example using vertebrate body sizes
Authors: Mooers Arne Ø. , Schluter Dolph
Published: April 2019

How do traits change through time and with speciation? We present a simple and generally applicable method for comparing various models of the macroevolution of traits within a maximum likelihood framework. We illustrate four such models: 1) variance among species accumulates in direct proportion to time separating them (gradual model); 2) variation accumulates with the number of speciation events separating them (speciational model); 3) differences between species are unrelated to phylogenetic relatedness (pitchfork model); and 4) a free model where the trait evolves at its own idiosyncratic rate among lineages. Using species-specific body size, we compare the four models across two data sets: twenty-one clades of vertebrate species, and two clades of bird families. For the twenty-one vertebrate trees, the pitchfork model is most successful, though not significantly, and the most successful by far for the youngest clades. The speciational model seems to be preferred for older clades. For both clades of bird families, the speciational model offers the best fit to family-level body size evolution. However, the pitchfork model does much worse for one clade than for the other, suggesting a difference in the relationship between diversification and body-size evolution in the two groups. These examples highlight some possibilities afforded by this simple approach.