bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation-Based Computational Design Synthesis Using Automated Generation of Simulation Models From Concept Model Graphs
Authors: Muenzer Clemens , Shea Kristina
Published: April 2017

Current approaches in computational design synthesis (CDS) enable the human designer to explore large solution spaces for engineering design problems. To extend this to support designers in embodiment and detail design, not only the generation of solution spaces is needed but also the automated evaluation of engineering performance. Here, simulation methods can be used effectively to predict the behavior of a product. This paper builds on a general approach to automatically generate solution spaces for energy and signal-based engineering design tasks using first-order logic and Boolean satisfiability. The generated concept model graphs (CMGs) are now in this paper automatically transformed into corresponding bond-graph-based simulation models. To do this, guidelines for creating partial simulation models for the available synthesis building blocks are presented. The guidelines ensure valid causality in the final simulation model. Considering the connections in the concept model graphs, the simulation models are automatically generated and simulated. The simulation results are then used to calculate different objectives, constraints, and performance metrics. The method is validated using automotive powertrains as a case study. One hundred and sixty-two different powertrain concepts are generated and evaluated, showing the advantages of electric powertrains with respect to CO2 emissions and the importance of considering intelligent control strategies in the future for hybrid ones.
Antimalarial efficacy of MMV390048, an inhibitor of
Plasmodium
phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase
Authors: Paquet Tanya , Le Manach Claire , Cabrera Diego González , Younis Yassir , Henrich Philipp P. , Abraham Tara S. , Lee Marcus C. S. , Basak Rajshekhar , Ghidelli-Disse Sonja , Lafuente-Monasterio María José , Bantscheff Marcus , Ruecker Andrea , Blagborough Andrew M. , Zakutansky Sara E. , Zeeman Anne-Marie , White Karen L. , Shackleford David M. , Mannila Janne , Morizzi Julia , Scheurer Christian , Angulo-Barturen Iñigo , Martínez María Santos , Ferrer Santiago , Sanz Laura María , Gamo Francisco Javier , Reader Janette , Botha Mariette , Dechering Koen J. , Sauerwein Robert W. , Tungtaeng Anchalee , Vanachayangkul Pattaraporn , Lim Chek Shik , Burrows Jeremy , Witty Michael J. , Marsh Kennan C. , Bodenreider Christophe , Rochford Rosemary , Solapure Suresh M. , Jiménez-Díaz María Belén , Wittlin Sergio , Charman Susan A. , Donini Cristina , Campo Brice , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie , Hanson Kirsten K. , Drewes Gerard , Kocken Clemens H. M. , Delves Michael J. , Leroy Didier , Fidock David A. , Waterson David , Street Leslie J. , Chibale Kelly
Published: April 2017

MMV390048, a member of a new class of inhibitors of the
Plasmodium
phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, shows potential for both treatment and prophylaxis.
Defeating Zika
Authors: Miner Jonathan J.
Published: April 2017

A live attenuated Zika virus vaccine produces sterilizing immunity in mice.
The antisocial side of antibiotics
Authors: Novarino Gaia
Published: April 2017

Perinatal exposure to penicillin may result in long-lasting gut and behavioral changes.
Aspergillus fumigatus
Trehalose-Regulatory Subunit Homolog Moonlights To Mediate Cell Wall Homeostasis through Modulation of Chitin Synthase Activity
Authors: Thammahong Arsa , Caffrey-Card Alayna K. , Dhingra Sourabh , Obar Joshua J. , Cramer Robert A.
Published: April 2017

Trehalose biosynthesis is found in fungi but not humans. Proteins involved in trehalose biosynthesis are essential for fungal pathogen virulence in humans and plants through multiple mechanisms. Loss of canonical trehalose biosynthesis genes in the human pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
significantly alters cell wall structure and integrity, though the mechanistic link between these virulence-associated pathways remains enigmatic. Here we characterize genes, called
tslA
and
tslB
, which encode proteins that contain domains similar to those corresponding to trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase but lack critical catalytic residues for phosphatase activity. Loss of
tslA
reduces trehalose content in both conidia and mycelia, impairs cell wall integrity, and significantly alters cell wall structure. To gain mechanistic insights into the role that TslA plays in cell wall homeostasis, immunoprecipitation assays coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to reveal a direct interaction between TslA and CsmA, a type V chitin synthase enzyme. TslA regulates not only chitin synthase activity but also CsmA sub-cellular localization. Loss of TslA impacts the immunopathogenesis of murine invasive pulmonary aspergillosis through altering cytokine production and immune cell recruitment. In conclusion, our data provide a novel model whereby proteins in the trehalose pathway play a direct role in fungal cell wall homeostasis and consequently impact fungus-host interactions.

IMPORTANCE
Human fungal infections are increasing globally due to HIV infections and increased use of immunosuppressive therapies for many diseases. Therefore, new antifungal drugs with reduced side effects and increased efficacy are needed to improve treatment outcomes. Trehalose biosynthesis exists in pathogenic fungi and is absent in humans. Components of the trehalose biosynthesis pathway are important for the virulence of human-pathogenic fungi, including
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Consequently, it has been proposed that components of this pathway are potential targets for antifungal drug development. However, how trehalose biosynthesis influences the fungus-host interaction remains enigmatic. One phenotype associated with fungal trehalose biosynthesis mutants that remains enigmatic is cell wall perturbation. Here we discovered a novel moonlighting role for a regulatory-like subunit of the trehalose biosynthesis pathway in
A. fumigatus
that regulates cell wall homeostasis through modulation of chitin synthase localization and activity. As the cell wall is a current and promising therapeutic target for fungal infections, understanding the role of trehalose biosynthesis in cell wall homeostasis and virulence is expected to help define new therapeutic opportunities.
Unusual cause for testicular swelling in a child
Authors: Rajasekaran Jayashree , Tripathy Jigisa , Vij Mukul , Scott Julius Xavier
Published: April 2017

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare solid tumour composed of primitive precursors of granulocytic series of white blood cells involving extramedullary anatomic site. Here we report the case of a 10-month-old with testicular swelling, who was finally diagnosed with granulocytic sarcoma. This case demonstrates that Granulocytic sarcoma should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis for testicular swelling in spite of having normal peripheral counts and absence of hepatosplenomegaly.
Secondary parkinsonism in a patient of psychogenic polydipsia
Authors: Pal Rimesh , Das Liza , Dutta Pinaki , Bhansali Anil
Published: April 2017

A 44-year-old man presented with history of slurring of speech, slowness in activities, abnormal posturing of the upper limbs and drooling of saliva from the mouth. He had a 5-yearlong history of compulsive water drinking, consuming 12–15 L of water every day. He was earlier evaluated for the same and found to have low serum sodium (126 mEq/L). Presently, he was admitted at a primary care facility with fever and altered sensorium. He was found to have serum sodium of 94 mEq/L. His sensorium improved with hypertonic saline infusion; however, after a lucid interval of 48 hours, he developed florid extrapyramidal symptoms. Contrast-enhanced MRI brain revealed bilaterally symmetric T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity in caudate and lentiform nuclei. A diagnosis of extrapontine myelinolysis with secondary parkinsonism was made. He improved significantly with levodopa therapy.

Psychogenic polydipsia is an important cause of hyponatraemia. Overzealous correction of hyponatraemia can be counterproductive.
Delayed diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a 13-year-old Malawian boy
Authors: Johnston Niall , Sandys Nichola
Published: April 2017

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health burden. There are more than 1 million new cases of childhood TB annually. Despite this, many national TB control programs largely focus on identification and treatment of smear positive adults. Early case detection is essential if childhood TB is to be controlled and eradicated.

Delayed diagnosis of TB is associated with more advanced disease and worse treatment outcomes. Younger children who go undiagnosed for long periods are at risk of developing severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease, such as meningitis. Additionally, advanced childhood TB is a common respiratory cause of death in TB-endemic areas. Undoubtedly, delayed diagnosis contributes significantly to TB-related morbidity and mortality.

Diagnostic delay may be divided into patient delay, the duration between development of symptoms and presentation to healthcare provider, and healthcare provider delay, the duration between presentation and initiation of appropriate treatment.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis as a consequence of untreated B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Bailey Chris , Dearden Claire , Ardeshna Kirit
Published: April 2017

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening syndrome characterised by defective cytotoxic function and hypercytokinaemia leading to macrophage expansion and haemophagocytosis. Patients often present with unexplained fevers, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia, with elevation in serum ferritin and triglyceride. Acquired forms are triggered by infection, malignancy or rheumatological disorders. HLH in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rarely reported, however, and is usually associated with infection or as a consequence of chemotherapy. We present a case of HLH in a 64-year-old Caucasian woman with the only identified trigger being her hitherto untreated CLL.
Revisiting propafenone toxicity
Authors: Alsaad Ali A , Ortiz Gonzalez Yahaira , Austin Christopher O , Kusumoto Fred
Published: April 2017

Propafenone is a Vaughan Williams class 1c antiarrhythmic medication widely used for treatment of arrhythmias. Although the long-term safety of propafenone use has not been established, it is commonly used for treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with no structural heart disease. Propafenone is well known aspill-in-the-pockettreatment for its effect in terminating paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation. Herein, we discuss an unusual adverse reaction to propafenone in a patient who presented with symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension. The aim of this article is to increase physician awareness for propafenone toxicity and its management, with a focused literature review on propafenone pharmacotherapy.
Complicated acute cerebellitis with obstructive hydrocephalus and tonsillar herniation in a child
Authors: Venkatesh Manchikanti , Chakkalakkoombil Sunitha Vellathussery , Duraipandi Manju Bashini , Gulati Reena
Published: April 2017

Acute cerebellitis (AC) is a rare inflammatory syndrome presenting as cerebellar dysfunction, seen more frequently in children. AC can have a variable course with features of cerebellar dysfunction, raised intracranial pressure and neurological deficits, and can sometimes even be potentially fatal due to complications such as obstructive hydrocephalus and brainstem compression, warranting surgical intervention. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with raised intracranial pressure and ataxia. Imaging with CT and MRI showed AC with obstructive hydrocephalus and tonsillar herniation. He was managed with medications for raised intracranial pressure and with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and he recovered completely over a period of 2 weeks. Imaging has an important role in the diagnosis of AC and in differentiating it from acute cerebellar ataxia, which has a more benign course. It is crucial to diagnose and promptly manage the rarely occurring but life-threatening complications of AC.
Racial Disparities in Stage-Specific Gastric Cancer: Analysis of Results from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (Seer) Program Database
Authors: Zhang Gang , Zhao Xing , Li Jie , Yuan Yu , Wen Ming , Hao Xin , Li Ping , Zhang Aimin
Published: April 2017

The incidence of gastric cancer is declining in western countries but continues to represent a serious health problem worldwide, especially in Asia and among Asian Americans. This study aimed to investigate ethnic disparities in stage-specific gastric cancer, including differences in incidence, treatment and survival. The cohort study was analyzed using the data set of patients with gastric cancer registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 2004 to 2013. Among 54,165 patients with gastric cancer, 38,308 were whites (70.7%), 7546 were blacks (13.9%), 494 were American Indian/Alaskan Natives (0.9%) and 7817 were Asians/Pacific Islanders (14.4%). Variables were patient demographics, disease characteristics, surgery/radiation treatment, overall survival (OS) and cause specific survival (CSS). Asians/Pacific Islanders demonstrated the highest incidence rates for gastric cancer compared with other groups and had the greatest decline in incidence during the study period (13.03 to 9.28 per 100,000/year), as well as the highest percentage of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) early stage gastric cancer. There were significant differences between groups in treatment across stages I–IV (all p<0.001); Asians/Pacific Islanders had the highest rate of surgery plus radiation (45.1%). Significant differences were found in OS and CSS between groups (p<0.001); OS was highest among Asians/Pacific Islanders. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, race, grade, stage, location, and second primary cancer were valid prognostic factors for survival. Marked ethnic disparities exist in age-adjusted incidence of primary gastric cancer, with significant differences between races in age, gender, histological type, grade, AJCC stage, location, second cancer, treatment and survival.
Automated evaluation of ANA under real-life conditions
Authors: Loock Clemens Dario , Egerer Karl , Feist Eugen , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Visual evaluation of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on human epithelial-2 cells is the routine method for screening for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in connective tissue diseases. Since visual IIF is time-consuming and subjective, automated IIF processors have been developed to offer standardised, valid and cost-efficient IIF assays.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic reliability of 2 widely used IIF processors (Aklides, Medipan GmbH and Helios, Aesku Diagnostics) under real-life laboratory working conditions.

Methods

ANA were determined in samples from patients with suspected autoimmune rheumatic disease (n=1008) using both automated IIF processors and compared with the results obtained by visual interpretation. The performance of IIF processors to discriminate positive from negative samples, pattern recognition and end point titre prediction were evaluated.

Results

The IIF processors showed moderate agreement with visual interpretation in discriminating positive from negative ANA samples (κ values: Aklides 0.494; Helios 0.415). The sensitivity/specificity was 89%/59% for Aklides and 87%/54% for Helios. However, both processors correctly identified 99% of definitely positive samples (titre ≥1:320). Aklides correctly identified 43% of fluorescence patterns and its light intensity values showed good correlation (Spearman's ρ=0.680) with visually obtained titres.

Conclusions

Automated IIF determination under real-life laboratory working conditions remains a challenge. Owing to their high sensitivity at clinically relevant ANA titres, automated IIF processors can already support but not totally replace visual IIF.
Effect of certolizumab pegol over 96 weeks of treatment on inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, as measured by MRI, and the association between clinical and MRI outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Braun Jürgen , Baraliakos Xenofon , Hermann Kay-Geert , Landewé Robert , Machado Pedro M , Maksymowych Walter P , Davies Owen , Hoepken Bengt , Nurminen Tommi , Stach Christian , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: April 2017

Objective

To report MRI outcomes and explore the relationship between clinical remission and MRI inflammation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) from the RAPID-axSpA trial, including radiographic (r-)axSpA and non-radiographic (nr-)axSpA.

Methods

RAPID-axSpA (NCT01087762) was double-blind and placebo-controlled to week 24, dose-blind to week 48 and open-label to week 204. Patients were randomised to certolizumab pegol (CZP) or placebo. Placebo patients entering dose-blind were rerandomised to CZP. MRIs performed at baseline, weeks 12, 48 and 96 were scored by 2 reviewers independently: Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) for sacroiliac (SI) joints; Berlin modification of the Ankylosing Spondylitis spine MRI scoring system for disease activity (Berlin) for spine. Inflammation thresholds: SPARCC≥2; Berlin>2. Remission thresholds: SPARCC<2 (SI joints); Berlin≤2 (spine); Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) inactive disease (<1.3, clinical).

Results

Across 163 patients in the MRI set (109 CZP; 54 placebo), week 12 mean changes from baseline in MRI scores were greater for CZP versus placebo: SPARCC: −4.8 (SD 8.6) vs −1.6 (7.8; p<0.001); Berlin: −2.9 (4.2) vs 0.2 (4.8; p<0.001). Improvements were maintained to week 96. Week 12 MRI remission was achieved by 52.6% of patients with baseline MRI inflammation in SI joints, 62.0% in the spine and 37.9% of patients with both. MRI remission rates were sustained to week 96, with similar trends in r-axSpA and nr-axSpA. At week 96, 57.5% vs 65.9% of patients achieving versus not achieving clinical remission had MRI remission.

Conclusions

CZP reduced inflammation in the spine and SI joints in patients with r-axSpA and nr-axSpA, with improvements maintained over 96 weeks. Substantial proportions of patients achieved MRI remission. Concordance between clinical remission and current definitions of absence of MRI inflammation was limited.

Trial registration number

NCT01087762; Post-results.
Influence of debris flow solid fraction on rigid barrier impact
Authors: Song D. , Ng C.W.W. , Choi C.E. , Zhou G.G.D. , Kwan J.S.H. , Koo R.C.H.
Published: April 2017

The dynamics of debris flows are fundamentally governed by the interaction between the solid and fluid phases. However, current approaches used to estimate impact load treat debris flow as an equivalent fluid without considering solid–fluid interaction separately from other factors. In this study, a series of centrifuge tests was carried out to investigate the influence of interaction between solid and fluid phases on single-surge debris flow impact on a rigid barrier. The effect of solid–fluid interaction was studied by varying the solid fraction of the flows. A model rigid barrier was instrumented to capture induced bending moment and impact pressure. Test results demonstrate that the transition from a pile-up mechanism to a run-up mechanism is governed by the solid fraction and thus the grain contact stresses. The rigid barrier design for the impact with a pile-up mechanism is mainly dominated by the static load. Contrary to the hydrodynamic approach, which assumes that the frontal impact is the most critical, the frontal impact of a run-up mechanism contributes less than 25% of the total force impulse. The consideration of static loading leads to the development of a new impact model with a triangular distribution of the impact pressure.
A time and a place for everything: phylogenetic history and geography as joint predictors of oak plastome phylogeny
Authors: Pham Kasey K. , Hipp Andrew L. , Manos Paul S. , Cronn Richard C.
Published: April 2017

Owing to high rates of introgressive hybridization, the plastid genome is poorly suited to fine-scale DNA barcoding and phylogenetic studies of the oak genus (Quercus, Fagaceae). At the tips of the oak plastome phylogeny, recent gene migration and reticulation generally cause topology to reflect geographic structure, while deeper branches reflect lineage divergence. In this study, we quantify the simple and partial effects of geographic proximity and nucleome-inferred phylogenetic history on oak plastome phylogeny at different evolutionary scales. Our study compares pairwise phylogenetic distances based on complete plastome sequences, pairwise phylogenetic distances from nuclear restriction site-associated DNA sequences (RADseq), and pairwise geographic distances for 34 individuals of the white oak clade representing 24 North American and Eurasian species. Within the North American white oak clade alone, phylogenetic history has essentially no effect on plastome variation, while geography explains 11%–21% of plastome phylogenetic variance. However, across multiple continents and clades, phylogeny predicts 30%–41% of plastome variation, geography 3%–41%. Tipwise attenuation of phylogenetic informativeness in the plastome means that in practical terms, plastome data has little use in solving phylogenetic questions, but can still be a useful barcoding or phylogenetic marker for resolving questions among major clades.
Distinct roles of arginases 1 and 2 in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Morris Sidney M. , You Hanning , Gao Ting , Vacher Jean , Cooper Timothy K. , Awad Alaa S.
Published: April 2017

Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, resulting in a significant health care burden and loss of economic productivity by affected individuals. Because current therapies for progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) are only moderately successful, identification of underlying mechanisms of disease is essential to develop more effective therapies. We showed previously that inhibition of arginase using S-(2-boronoethyl)-l-cysteine (BEC) or genetic deficiency of the arginase-2 isozyme was protective against key features of nephropathy in diabetic mouse models. However, those studies did not determine whether all markers of DN were dependent only on arginase-2 expression. The objective of this study was to identify features of DN that are associated specifically with expression of arginase-1 or −2. Elevated urinary albumin excretion rate and plasma urea levels, increases in renal fibronectin mRNA levels, and decreased renal medullary blood flow were associated almost completely and specifically with arginase-2 expression, indicating that arginase-2 selectively mediates major aspects of diabetic renal injury. However, increases in renal macrophage infiltration and renal TNF-α mRNA levels occurred independent of arginase-2 expression but were almost entirely abolished by treatment with BEC, indicating a distinct role for arginase-1. We therefore generated mice with a macrophage-specific deletion of arginase-1 ( CD11bCre/ Arg1fl/fl). CD11bCre/ Arg1fl/fl mice had significantly reduced macrophage infiltration but had no effect on albuminuria compared with Arg1fl/fl mice after 12 wk of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These results indicate that selective inhibition of arginase-2 would be effective in preventing or ameliorating major features of diabetic renal injury.
Cl− channel is required for CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and itch response in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Qu Lintao , Fu Kai , Shimada Steven G. , LaMotte Robert H.
Published: April 2017

Persistent itch often accompanies allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We previously demonstrated that CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling activated a subpopulation of cutaneous primary sensory neurons and mediated itch response after contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a murine model of ACD, induced by squaric acid dibutylester. The purpose of this study was to determine the ionic mechanisms underlying CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and allergic itch. In whole cell recordings, CXCL10 triggered a current in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the area of CHS. This current was modulated by intracellular Cl− and blocked by the general Cl− channel inhibitors. Moreover, increasing Ca2+ buffering capacity reduced this current. In addition, blockade of Cl− channels significantly suppressed CXCL10-induced Ca2+ response. In behavioral tests, injection of CXCL10 into CHS site exacerbated itch-related scratching behaviors. Moreover, the potentiating behavioral effects of CXCL10 were attenuated by either of two Cl− channel blockers. Thus we suggest that the Cl− channel acts as a downstream target mediating the excitatory and pruritic behavioral effects of CXCL10. Cl− channels may provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic itch in which CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling may participate.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The ionic mechanisms underlying CXCL10-induced neuronal activation and allergic itch are largely unexplored. This study revealed that CXCL10 evoked an ionic current mainly carried by Cl− channels. We suggest that Cl− channels are likely key molecular candidates responsible for the CXCL10-evoked neuronal activation and itch-like behaviors in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis induced by the antigen squaric acid dibutylester. Cl− channels may emerge as a promising drug target for the treatment of allergic itch in which CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling may participate.
Muscle synergies obtained from comprehensive mapping of the primary motor cortex forelimb representation using high-frequency, long-duration ICMS
Authors: Amundsen Huffmaster Sommer L. , Van Acker Gustaf M. , Luchies Carl W. , Cheney Paul D.
Published: April 2017

Simplifying neuromuscular control for movement has previously been explored by extracting muscle synergies from voluntary movement electromyography (EMG) patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle synergies represented in EMG recordings associated with direct electrical stimulation of single sites in primary motor cortex (M1). We applied single-electrode high-frequency, long-duration intracortical microstimulation (HFLD-ICMS) to the forelimb region of M1 in two rhesus macaques using parameters previously found to produce forelimb movements to stable spatial end points (90–150 Hz, 90–150 μA, 1,000-ms stimulus train lengths). To develop a comprehensive representation of cortical output, stimulation was applied systematically across the full extent of M1. We recorded EMG activity from 24 forelimb muscles together with movement kinematics. Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied to the mean stimulus-evoked EMG, and the weighting coefficients associated with each synergy were mapped to the cortical location of the stimulating electrode. Synergies were found for three data sets including 1) all stimulated sites in the cortex, 2) a subset of sites that produced stable movement end points, and 3) EMG activity associated with voluntary reaching. Two or three synergies accounted for 90% of the overall variation in voluntary movement EMG whereas four or five synergies were needed for HFLD-ICMS-evoked EMG data sets. Maps of the weighting coefficients from the full HFLD-ICMS data set show limited regional areas of higher activation for particular synergies. Our results demonstrate fundamental NMF-based muscle synergies in the collective M1 output, but whether and how the central nervous system might coordinate movements using these synergies remains unclear.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY While muscle synergies have been investigated in various muscle activity sets, it is unclear whether and how synergies may be organized in the cortex. We have investigated muscle synergies resulting from high-frequency, long-duration intracortical microstimulation (HFLD-ICMS) applied throughout M1. We compared HFLD-ICMS synergies to synergies from voluntary movement. While synergies can be identified from M1 stimulation, they are not clearly related to voluntary movement synergies and do not show an orderly topographic organization across M1.
An Elevated Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Poor Prognosis and Clinicopathological Characteristics in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Xuan-zhang , Chen Wen-jun , Zhang Xi , Wu Cong-cong , Zhang Chao-ying , Sun Shuang-shuang , Wu Jian
Published: April 2017

Background.The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic values of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods.The PubMed and Embase databases and the references of relevant studies were systematically searched. This study was performed with hazard ratios (HRs) and odd ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effect measures.Results.Our results indicated that elevated PLR was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.23–1.73), disease-free survival (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.17–2.30), cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12–1.51), and recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09–1.74) in CRC. For the clinicopathological characteristics, our results indicated that there were differences in the rate of elevated PLR between stages III/IV and I/II groups (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.01–1.88), pT3/T4 and pT1/T2 groups (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.03–3.20), and poor differentiation and moderate/well differentiation (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.38–4.84).Conclusions.Our results indicated that elevated PLR predicted poor prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics in CRC and PLR is a convenient and low-cost blood-derived prognostic marker for CRC.
Development of Paper Biosensor for the Detection of Phenol from Industrial Effluents Using Bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps Mediated by Novel IsolateStreptomyces tuirusDBZ39
Authors: Mazhari Bi Bi Zainab , Agsar Dayanand , Prasad M. V. N. Ambika
Published: April 2017

Paper biosensor was developed using Tyr-AuNps bioconjugate produced byStreptomycesfor the detection of phenol from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries. Among three filter papers assessed, Whatman number 2 filter paper was proved to be the best paper base for the development of biosensor. Tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles being produced by a single novel isolateStreptomyces tuirusDBZ39 proved to be efficient bioconjugate for the detection of phenol constituents, due to its biocompatibility. The substrate specific catalytic activity of the tyrosinase and unique Surface Plasmon Resonance attribute of gold nanoparticles are the cause for efficient detection of phenol constituents from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries in 3 min. The different types and quantity of phenolic constituents in various industrial effluents, such as phenol in wine, dopamine in paper, and catechol in plastic effluents, were accurately detected by the bioconjugate. The efficacy of tyrosinase in the detection of phenol constituents was expected to be enhanced by the gold nanoparticles because of their electron, optical, and magnetic properties. This novel paper strip biosensor could be cost-effective and efficient means of future devices for the detection of phenolic pollutants from any environmental samples.
Numerical Investigation of the Role of Volumetric Transformation Strain on the Relaxation Stress and the Corresponding Hydrogen Interstitial Concentration in Niobium Matrix
Authors: Bal Burak
Published: April 2017

The effects of relaxation stress on the hydrogen concentration in Niobium- (Nb-) H media were investigated by iterative numerical modeling approach. To calculate the transformation strain, relaxation stress, and corresponding relaxed hydrogen concentration around an edge dislocation, a new third-order polynomial formulation was utilized in the model. With the aid of this polynomial, hydrogen induced relaxation stress never exceeds the dislocation stress, which indicates that the total stress field never turns to compressive state and diverges the results. The current model calculates the hydrogen concentration not only in the vicinity of an edge dislocation but also far away from the dislocation. Furthermore, the effect of relaxation stress on the interaction energy was also captured in the model. Overall, the current findings shed light on the complicated hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms of metallic materials by demonstrating that hydrogen induced relaxation has a significant effect on the hydrogen atom concentration and the interaction energy between the existing internal stress field and the solute hydrogen atom.
A Web-Based Tool for Automatic Data Collection, Curation, and Visualization of Complex Healthcare Survey Studies including Social Network Analysis
Authors: Benítez José Alberto , Labra José Emilio , Quiroga Enedina , Martín Vicente , García Isaías , Marqués-Sánchez Pilar , Benavides Carmen
Published: April 2017

There is a great concern nowadays regarding alcohol consumption and drug abuse, especially in young people. Analyzing the social environment where these adolescents are immersed, as well as a series of measures determining the alcohol abuse risk or personal situation and perception using a number of questionnaires like AUDIT, FAS, KIDSCREEN, and others, it is possible to gain insight into the current situation of a given individual regarding his/her consumption behavior. But this analysis, in order to be achieved, requires the use of tools that can ease the process of questionnaire creation, data gathering, curation and representation, and later analysis and visualization to the user. This research presents the design and construction of a web-based platform able to facilitate each of the mentioned processes by integrating the different phases into an intuitive system with a graphical user interface that hides the complexity underlying each of the questionnaires and techniques used and presenting the results in a flexible and visual way, avoiding any manual handling of data during the process. Advantages of this approach are shown and compared to the previous situation where some of the tasks were accomplished by time consuming and error prone manipulations of data.
Scaling Mode Shapes in Output-Only Structure by a Mass-Change-Based Method
Authors: Yu Liangliang , Song Hanwen
Published: April 2017

A mass-change-based method based on output-only data for the rescaling of mode shapes in operational modal analysis (OMA) is introduced. The mass distribution matrix, which is defined as a diagonal matrix whose diagonal elements represent the ratios among the diagonal elements of the mass matrix, is calculated using the unscaled mode shapes. Based on the theory of null space, the mass distribution vector or mass distribution matrix is obtained. A small mass with calibrated weight is added to a certain location of the structure, and then the mass distribution vector of the modified structure is estimated. The mass matrix is identified according to the difference of the mass distribution vectors between the original and modified structures. Additionally, the universal set of modes is unnecessary when calculating the mass distribution matrix, indicating that modal truncation is allowed in the proposed method. The mass-scaled mode shapes estimated in OMA according to the proposed method are compared with those obtained by experimental modal analysis. A simulation is employed to validate the feasibility of the method. Finally, the method is tested on output-only data from an experiment on a five-storey structure, and the results confirm the effectiveness of the method.
Biochemical Content of Cambium ofAbies nephrolepisEaten by Bears on the Far East of Russia
Authors: Seryodkin I. V. , Zakharenko A. M. , Dmitrenok P. S. , Golokhvast K. S.
Published: April 2017

The peculiarity of bears behavior of stripping of bark is typical for all species. We have described the damage to trees, by Asiatic black bear(Ursus thibetanus)and brown bear(U. arctos)in Primorsky Krai and by brown bears on the Sakhalin Island during 1998–2015. In this study, we studied the damaged bark of the tree only in cases where it was clear that part of the cambium was eaten by bears. Cambium of speciesAbies nephrolepisis the most preferred for bear consumption in Primorsky Krai. We distinguished very large seasonal fluctuations in the amount of its consumption. The greatest interest of bears in this kind of food is in the summer time. We have analyzed the composition of the cambium ofA. nephrolepis. These results suggest that the important purpose of the use of this kind of food is to restore and maintain the normal functioning of the intestines.
Living with Hepatitis C Virus: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative Literature
Authors: Dowsett Laura E. , Coward Stephanie , Lorenzetti Diane L. , MacKean Gail , Clement Fiona
Published: April 2017

Background and Aims. The lived experience of HCV has not been well documented in the literature. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the experiences of living with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Methods. Five databases were searched from inception until January 19, 2015. Studies were included if they focused on adults diagnosed with HCV; reported experience living with HCV; and described original research. Results. 46 studies were included. Studies found that participants had reduced quality of life due to physical symptoms. Due to physical symptoms and discrimination, many participants switched to part-time work or quit their jobs. Many individuals reported negative experiences with the healthcare system; themes of feeling unsupported, not having adequate information, and not feeling involved in decisions were reported. Stigma significantly impacted those living with HCV. Conclusions. Published literature indicates that those with HCV often feel stigmatized and unsupported in their care, relationships, and work environments, while simultaneously coping with physical and psychological symptoms. This synthesis points to areas where greater education, compassion, and patient-centered healthcare could improve the experience of people living with HCV.
Difficult Management of a Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tube and Difficult Ventilation during Robotic Thymectomy with Carbon Dioxide Insufflation
Authors: Sugiyama Yuki , Mitsuzawa Kunihiro , Yoshiyama Yuki , Shimizu Fumiko , Fuseya Satoshi , Ichino Takashi , Agatsuma Hiroyuki , Shiina Takayuki , Ito Ken-ichi , Kawamata Mikito
Published: April 2017

Robotic surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation to the thorax is frequently performed to gain a better operative field of view, although its intraoperative complications have not yet been discussed in detail. We treated two patients with difficult ventilation caused by distal migration of a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) during robotic thymectomy. In the first case, migration of the DLT during one-lung ventilation (OLV) occurred after CO2 insufflation to the bilateral thoraxes was started. Oxygenation rapidly deteriorated because dependent lung expansion was restricted by CO2 insufflation. In the second case, migration of the DLT during OLV occurred while CO2 insufflation to a unilateral thorax and mediastinum was performed. In both cases, once migration of the DLT during OLV occurred with CO2 insufflation, readjusting the DLT became very difficult because our manipulation of bronchofiberscopy was prevented by the robot arms located above the patient’s head and because deformation of the trachea/bronchus induced by CO2 insufflation caused a poor image of the bronchofiberscopic view. Thus, during robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with CO2 insufflation, since there is a potential risk of difficult ventilation with a DLT and since readjustment of the DLT is very difficult, discontinuing CO2 insufflation and switching to double-lung ventilation are needed in such a situation.
A Class of Optimal Portfolio Liquidation Problems with a Linear Decreasing Impact
Authors: Ma Jiangming , Yin Zheng , Chen Hongjing
Published: April 2017

A problem of an optimal liquidation is investigated by using the Almgren‐Chriss market impact model on the background that the n agents liquidate assets completely. The impact of market is divided into three components: unaffected price process, permanent impact, and temporary impact. The key element is that the variable temporary market impact is analyzed. When the temporary market impact is decreasing linearly, the optimal problem is described by a Nash equilibrium in finite time horizon. The stochastic component of the price process is eliminated from the mean‐variance. Mathematically, the Nash equilibrium is considered as the second‐order linear differential equation with variable coefficients. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the differential equation with two boundaries and find the closed‐form solutions in special situations. The numerical examples and properties of the solution are given. The corresponding finance phenomenon is interpreted.
Density Functional Theory Investigation into the B and Ga Doped Clean and Water Covered γ-Alumina Surfaces
Authors: Cheng Lihong , Xu Tianliang , Li Wenkui , Chen Zhiqin , Ai Jianping , Zhou Zehua , Liu Jianwen
Published: April 2017

The structures and energies of the B and Ga incorporated γ-alumina surface as well as the adsorption of water are investigated using dispersion corrected density functional theory. The results show that the substitution of surface Al atom by B atom is not so favored as Ga atom. The substitution reaction prefers to occur at the tricoordinated A(4) sites. However, the substitution reaction becomes less thermodynamically favored when more Al atoms are substituted by B and Ga atoms on the surface. Moreover, the substitution of bulk Al atoms is not so favored as the Al atoms by B and Ga on the surface. The γ-alumina surface is found to have stronger adsorption ability for water than the B and Ga incorporated surface. The total adsorption energy increases as water coverage increases, while the stepwise adsorption energy decreases. The studies show the coverage of water at 7.5 H2O/nm2 (five H2O molecules per unit cell) can fully cover the active sites and the further water molecule could only be physically adsorbed on the surface.
Calibrating the Micromechanical Parameters of the PFC2D(3D) Models Using the Improved Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Wang Min , Cao Ping
Published: April 2017

PFC2D(3D) is commercial software, which is commonly used to model the crack initiation of rock and rock‐like materials. For the PFC2D(3D) numerical simulation, a proper set of microparameters need to be determined before the numerical simulation. To obtain a proper set of microparameters for PFC2D(3D) model based on the macroparameters obtained from physical experiments, a novel technique has been carried out in this paper. The improved simulated annealing algorithm was employed to calibrate the microparameters of the numerical simulation model of PFC2D(3D). A Python script completely controls the calibration process, which can terminate automatically based on a termination criterion. The microparameter calibration process is not based on establishing the relationship between microparameters and macroparameters; instead, the microparameters are calibrated according to the improved simulated annealing algorithm. By using the proposed approach, the microparameters of both the contact‐bond model and parallel‐bond model in PFC2D(3D) can be determined. To verify the validity of calibrating the microparameters of PFC2D(3D) via the improved simulated annealing algorithm, some examples were selected from the literature. The corresponding numerical simulations were performed, and the numerical simulation results indicated that the proposed method is reliable for calibrating the microparameters of PFC2D(3D) model.
Diabetic Muscle Infarction Masquerading as Necrotizing Fasciitis
Authors: Janga Kalyana C. , Sinha Ankur , Wengrofsky Perry , Oo Phone , Greenberg Sheldon , Tarkovsky Regina , Sharma Kavita
Published: April 2017

A 43-year-old male patient with past medical history of diabetes mellitus (DM), end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD), congestive heart failure (CHF), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and chronic anemia presented with complaints of left thigh pain. A computerized tomogram (CT) of the thigh revealed evidence of edema with no evidence of a focal collection or gas formation noted. The patient’s clinical symptoms persisted and he underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his thigh which was reported to show small areas of muscle necrosis with fluid collection. These findings in the acute setting concerned necrotizing fasciitis. After careful discussion following a multidisciplinary approach, a decision was made to perform a fasciotomy with tissue debridement. The patient was treated with IV antibiotics and discharged with a vacuum assisted wound drain. The surgical pathology revealed evidence of muscle edema with necrosis. Seven weeks later the patient presented with similar complaints on the other thigh (right thigh). MRI of the thighs revealed worsening edema with features suggestive of myositis and possible muscle infarction. A CT guided biopsy of the right quadriceps muscle revealed fibrotic interstitial connective tissue and no evidence of necrosis. This favored a diagnosis of diabetic muscle infarction. The disease was managed with pain control, strict diabetes management, and aggressive dialysis.
Epidemiological and Clinical Parameters Features of Patients with Clonorchiasis in the Geum River Basin, Republic of Korea
Authors: Shin Hee-Eun , Lee Myoung-Ro , Ju Jung-Won , Jeong Byong-Suk , Park Mi-Yeoun , Lee Keoung-Sook , Cho Shin-Hyeong
Published: April 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the infection rates ofClonorchis sinensisand laboratory findings in infected people. The 3,167 fecal samples, from nine villages in Okcheon-gun, were examined.
The Protective Effect of Lavender Essential Oil and Its Main Component Linalool against the Cognitive Deficits Induced by D‐Galactose and Aluminum Trichloride in Mice
Authors: Xu Pan , Wang Kezhu , Lu Cong , Dong Liming , Gao Li , Yan Ming , Aibai Silafu , Yang Yanyan , Liu Xinmin
Published: April 2017

Lavender essential oil (LO) is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It was extracted from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. This study was designed to investigate the effects of lavender essential oil (LO) and its active component, linalool (LI), against cognitive impairment induced by D‐galactose (D‐gal) and AlCl3 in mice and to explore the related mechanisms. Our results revealed that LO (100 mg/kg) or LI (100 mg/kg) significantly protected the cognitive impairments as assessed by the Morris water maze test and step‐though test. The mechanisms study demonstrated that LO and LI significantly protected the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and protected the increased activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Besides, they protected the suppressed nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression significantly. Moreover, the decreased expression of synapse plasticity‐related proteins, calcium‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), p‐CaMKII, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and TrkB in the hippocampus were increased with drug treatment. In conclusion, LO and its active component LI have protected the oxidative stress, activity of cholinergic function and expression of proteins of Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, and synaptic plasticity. It suggest that LO, especially LI, could be a potential agent for improving cognitive impairment in AD.