bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Reproducible Network Environments with INSALATA
Authors: Herold Nadine , Wachs Matthias , Dorfhuber Marko , Rudolf Christoph , Liebald Stefan , Carle Georg
Published: June 2017

Analyzing network environments for security flaws and assessing new service and infrastructure configurations in general are dangerous and error-prone when done in operational networks. Therefore, cloning such networks into a dedicated test environment is beneficial for comprehensive testing and analysis without impacting the operational network. To automate this reproduction of a network environment in a physical or virtualized testbed, several key features are required: (a) a suitable network model to describe network environments, (b) an automated acquisition process to instantiate this model for the respective network environment, and (c) an automated setup process to deploy the instance to the testbed.

With this work, we present INSALATA, an automated and extensible framework to reproduce physical or virtualized network environments in network testbeds. INSALATA employs a modular approach for data acquisition and deployment, resolves interdependencies in the setup process, and supports just-in-time reproduction of network environments. INSALATA is open source and available on Github. To highlight its applicability, we present a real world case study utilizing INSALATA.
Towards Internet Scale Quality-of-Experience Measurement with Twitter
Authors: Kergl Dennis , Roedler Robert , Rodosek Gabi Dreo
Published: June 2017

At present, Quality of Experience (QoE) measurements are accomplished by interrogating users for the perceived quality of a service they just have used. Influenced by many factors and often limited by domain or geographical region, this technique has several drawbacks when a general state of QoE for the internet as a whole is prospected. To achieve such a general metric, we leverage user complaints that we observe in real-time in social media. Such approaches have been successfully applied for the monitoring of specific and single services. We aim to extend existing methods in order to create an overall metric, define an internet wide QoE baseline, monitor changes and hence, provide a context for assessing smaller scale findings against a ground truth. The contribution of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using social media analysis for generating a meaningful value for quantifying the actual QoE of the internet.
Preparation of Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide nanosheet with Cationic Surfactant and its Dye Adsorption Ability from Colored Wastewater
Authors: Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Maroofi Seyyed Mohammad , Mazarji Mahmoud , Nabi‐Bidhendi Gholamreza
Published: June 2017

In this paper, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheet from graphite was synthesized using the top‐down approach. The surface of rGO was modified by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to prepare rGO/CTAB adsorbent for anionic dye removal. The prepared rGO/CTAB was characterized by XRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM and TGA. The operation parameters (surfactant concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and initial concentration of dye solution) affecting the batch adsorption process to remove direct red 80 (DR80) and direct red 23 (DR23) were studied in detail. The dye adsorption capacity of rGO/CTAB was 213 and 79 mg/g for DR80 and DR23, respectively. In addition, dye removal followed the Langmuir isotherm with pseudo‐second order reaction kinetics.
Hypotonicity-induced cell swelling activates TRPA1
Authors: Fujita Fumitaka , Uchida Kunitoshi , Takayama Yasunori , Suzuki Yoshiro , Takaishi Masayuki , Tominaga Makoto
Published: June 2017

Hypotonic solutions can cause painful sensations in nasal and ocular mucosa through molecular mechanisms that are not entirely understood. We clarified the ability of human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) to respond to physical stimulus, and evaluated the response of hTRPA1 to cell swelling under hypotonic conditions. Using a Ca2+-imaging method, we found that modulation of AITC-induced hTRPA1 activity occurred under hypotonic conditions. Moreover, cell swelling in hypotonic conditions evoked single-channel activation of hTRPA1 in a cell-attached mode when the patch pipette was attached after cell swelling under hypotonic conditions, but not before swelling. Single-channel currents activated by cell swelling were also inhibited by a known hTRPA1 blocker. Since pre-application of thapsigargin or pretreatment with the calcium chelator BAPTA did not affect the single-channel activation induced by cell swelling, changes in intracellular calcium concentrations are likely not related to hTRPA1 activation induced by physical stimuli.
Efficacy of Fenugreek-based bionanocomposite on renal dysfunction and endogenous intoxication in high-calorie diet-induced obesity rat model—comparative study
Authors: Konopelniuk Victoria V. , Goloborodko Ievgenii I. , Ishchuk Tetyana V. , Synelnyk Tetyana B. , Ostapchenko Ludmila I. , Spivak Mykola Ya. , Bubnov Rostyslav V.
Published: June 2017

Background

Worldwide obesity spread is a global health problem and needs to be further studied. Co-morbidities of obesity include insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, and dyslipidemia, which are the most frequent contributing factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease. The aim was to study renal function and endogenous intoxication panel on high-calorie diet-induced obesity rat model and perform comparative study of the treatment efficacy of Fenugreek-based bionanocomposite vs antiobesogenic drugs (Orlistat).

Materials

We included 60 male rats and equally divided them to 6 groups of 10 animals in each group: the experimental groups were firstly assigned as controls and high caloric diet (HCD)-fed groups, and each group further was subdivided to remain untreated, Fenugreek bionanocomposite (BNC)-treated, and Orlistat-treated. Normal control rats (groups 1, 2, 3) were fed by a standard chow, while the others (groups 4, 5, 6) were fed with HCD ad libitum during 98 days. From days 77 to 98, groups 2 and 5 were treated with BNC based on Fenugreek (150 mg/kg body weight, orally) and groups 3 and 6 were treated with antiobesogenic drug Orlistat (10 mg/kg body weight, orally). Food and water consumptions were measured daily and body weights were measured once a week. On day 99, blood was collected; the creatinine, urea, and uric acid were estimated in serum according to the standard protocols. Levels of low and middle molecules (MMs) were measured; the quantity of oligopeptides was estimated by Bradford method. We performed the liver and kidney ultrasonography in rats.

Results

We revealed an increase in the levels of endogenous intoxication syndrome markers (MM and oligopeptides) in all animals with experimental obesity. Ultrasound data showed injury of the liver and kidneys in obese rats. We observed significant decreasing of MM levels after Orlistat treatment vs controls (p < 0.05). However, this effect was more pronounced in Fenugreek BNC-treated group vs both Orlistat-treated and controls (p < 0.05). Orlistat treatment evoked rising of serum creatinine and oligopeptides in control animals and failed to normalize these markers in experimental group. Fenugreek-based BNC treatment did not evoke signs of kidney failure and changes in the studied indices in control group. We noticed normalization levels of uric acid and urea in the blood under the use of BNC and Orlistat.

Conclusion

High-calorie diet-induced obesity evokes endogenous intoxication syndrome and kidney dysfunction in rats. Application of Orlistat- and Fenugreek-based BNC decreases MM content to the normal level. Orlistat induces increasing levels of oligopeptides in both groups, likely due to adverse side effects on renal function and its pro-oxidant activity.
Enzymatic saccharification of pretreated rice straw by cellulases from Aspergillus niger BK01
Authors: Aggarwal Neeraj Kumar , Goyal Varsha , Saini Anita , Yadav Anita , Gupta Ranjan
Published: June 2017

Alkali-assisted acid pretreated rice straw was saccharified using cellulase from Aspergillus niger BK01. The cellulase production by the fungus was enhanced by parametric optimization using solid-state fermentation conditions. Maximum cellulase production (12.0 U/gds of carboxymethyl cellulase, CMCase) was achieved in 96 h, using 6.0% substrate concentration, 7.5% inoculum concentration, 1:2 solid to liquid ratio, at pH 5.5, and temperature 28 °C, by supplementation of the fermentation medium with 0.1% carboxymethylcellulose and 0.1% ammonium nitrate. Characterization of crude cellulases showed that highest CMCase activity was observed at pH 4.8 and temperature 40 °C. The CMCase was stable from pH 4.8–5.5 and at a temperature range of 35–50 °C. The pretreated biomass was subjected to hydrolysis with the fungal cellulases. The saccharification optimization studies showed that 2% (v/v) enzyme concentration and hydrolysis time of 2.5 h were optimum for maximum yield, i.e, 23.78% sugars and 35.96% saccharification value.
An efficient process for the transformation of betulin to betulinic acid by a strain of Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Dubey Kashyap Kumar
Published: June 2017

Betulinic acid as a derivative of betulin is widely reported for its anti-HIV and antitumor activities. Betulin has three most significant positions, i.e., primary hydroxyl group at position C-28, secondary hydroxyl group at position C-3, and alkene moiety at position C-20, where chemical modifications were performed to yield pharmacologically more active derivatives. Bioconversion optimization was performed for the enhancement in the percentage of conversion using statistical approach by opting temperature, pH and betulin concentration as independent variables. Three hundred fifty isolates were screened from natural sources under selective medium containing up to 3 g/l of betulin for their tolerance and bioconversion efficiency. Isolate KD235 was found to grow in 3 g/l betulin with 23.34 ± 0.57 g/l biomass and 0.67 ± 0.06 g/l betulinic acid production. New isolate KD235 was characterized by molecular analysis and named as Bacillus megaterium KD235. Molecular characterization of a potentially active isolate for the transformation of betulin to betulinic acid was suggested as isolate Bacillus megaterium KD235. Maximum bioconversion (22 ± 1.5%) was found at optimized conditions, i.e., pH 6.5, temperature 30 °C and at 3 g/l betulin. Validations of experiments as ~11% more bioconversion i.e., 1 ± 0.1 g/l betulinic acid were obtained using 5 l lab fermenter as compared to shake flask.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adult patients
Authors: El Fakih Riad , Ahmed Syed , Alfraih Feras , Hanbali Amr
Published: June 2017

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) consists of precursor B ALL or T ALL phenotypes. In the pediatric population, ALL patients enjoy an 80% long-term survival with the current pediatric chemotherapy protocols as compared with 50% long-term survival in the adult population. In adults, complete remission rates are similar to those of pediatric patients; however, longterm survival is much lower with the majority of deaths attributable to relapsed disease. Postremission consolidation strategies in adults include chemotherapy, autologous, or allogeneic transplant. Pediatric-inspired chemotherapy protocols are being explored as a consolidation modality in adults. Assigning patients to either modality depends on patient and disease characteristics. Here, we review the literature on the use of hematopoietic cell transplantation as a consolidation modality in the treatment of adult ALL.
Study of platelet activation, hypercoagulable state, and the association with pulmonary hypertension in children with b-thalassemia
Authors: Fayed Mahmoud Alhosiny , El-Sayed Abdel-Hady Hesham , Mohammed Hafez Mona , Saad Salama Osama , Abdelhalim Al-Tonbary Youssef
Published: June 2017

Background:

The increased survival rate of thalassemic patients has led to unmasking of management related complications which were infrequently encountered.

Objective:

Study the increased coagulation and platelet activation in children with β-thalassemia, to analyze the factors that lead to such hypercoagulable state and to study pulmonary hypertension (PH) in conjunction with platelet activation and hypercoagulable state in children with β-thalassemia.

Methods:

36 Egyptian children with β-thalassemia with a mean age of 9.9 years (±4.7 SD). In addition, 20 healthy Egyptian children matched for age and sex were enrolled as a control group. Both were subjected to clinical and laboratory assessments. Echocardiography was done to the patient group and PH was diagnosed based on calculated mean pulmonary artery pressure [MPAP] >25 mmHg.

Results:

We found that, mean ± SD serum P-selectin level (platelet activator marker) was significantly higher in thalassemic patients (2337 ± 566 pg/ml) in comparison to controls (1467 ± 247 pg/ml) (P < 0.001). Mean serum protein-C and antithrombin-IN levels were significantly lower in thalassemic patients (1.2 ±1.3 μg/ml, 27.3 ± 7.5 mg/dl) in comparison to controls (2.3 ±1.3 μg/ml, 35.1 ±4.1 mg/dl) (P = 0.003 and <0.001) respectively. PH was detected in 17 (47.2%) patients and it was significantly associated with splenectomy (P = 0.01) and nontransfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) (P = 0.04). PH was positively correlated with serum levels of P-selectin (r = 0.38, P = 0.02), fibrinogen (r = 0.41, P = 0.01) and negatively correlated with serum protein-C level (r = -0.48, P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

A chronic hypercoagulable state and platelet activation is present in children with β-thalassemia. Splenectomy and transfusion infrequency are the main risk factors noted to be associated with such hypercoagulable state and platelet activation and consequently the PH among our thalassemic patients.
Hematological parameters and red blood cell morphological abnormality of Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency co-inherited with thalassemia
Authors: Pengon Jutharat , Svasti Saovaros , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Vattanaviboon Phantip
Published: June 2017

Objective/Background:

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency and thalassemia are genetically independent hemolytic disorders. Co-inheritance of both disorders may affect red blood cell pathology to a greater extent than normally seen in either disorder alone. This study determines the prevalence and evaluates hematological changes of G-6-PD deficiency and thalassemia co-inheritance.

Methods:

G-6-PD deficiency was screened from 200 male thalassemia blood samples using a fluorescent spot test. Hematological parameters and red blood cell morphology were evaluated among G-6-PD deficiency/thalassemia co-inheritance, G-6-PD deficiency alone, thalassemia alone, and normal individuals.

Results:

G-6-PD deficiency was detected together with hemoglobin (Hb) E heterozygote, Hb E homozygote, β-thalassemia trait, and β-thalassemia/Hb E, α-thalassemia-2 trait, and Hb H disease. Hb level, hematocrit, mean cell volume, and mean cell Hb of G-6-PD deficiency co-inherited with asymptomatic thalassemia carriers show significantly lower mean values compared to carriers with only the same thalassemia genotypes. Higher mean red blood cell distribution width was observed in G-6-PD deficiency co-inherited with Hb E heterozygote, as with numbers of hemighost cells in G-6-PD deficiency/thalassemia co-inheritance compared to those with either disorder. Apart from Hb level, hematological parameters of co-inheritance disorders were not different from individuals with a single thalassemia disease.

Conclusion:

G-6-PD deficiency co-inherited with thalassemia in males was present in 10% of the participants, resulting in worsening of red blood cell pathology compared with inheritance of thalassemia alone.
Giant-cell tumor of bone with pathological evidence of blood vessel invasion
Authors: Khalil Shadi , Yendala Rachana , D’Cunha Nicholas , Hardwicke Fred , Shanshal Mohamed
Published: June 2017

Giant cell tumor of bone is a rare but aggressive benign tumor that arises at the end of long tubular bones. The tumor rarely metastasizes; however, we report a case in which a giant cell tumor of bone presented with progressive pulmonary metastases. There has been no clear pathologic evidence of the definitive cause or route of metastasis. In our case, the primary tumor site was located in the left femur with pathological evidence of blood vessel invasion. The histological and pathological features of this entity are discussed in this letter to the editor.
Graphical Models for Categorical Data
Authors: Roverato Alberto
Published: June 2017

For advanced students of network data science, this compact account covers both well-established methodology and the theory of models recently introduced in the graphical model literature. It focuses on the discrete case where all variables involved are categorical and, in this context, it achieves a unified presentation of classical and recent results.
‘No Coughing for Me, but I'm Okay!’: A Human Service Worker's Narrative Exploration of Her Own and Other Workers’ Body Stories Told in a Domestic Violence Service
Authors: Mensinga Jo
Published: June 2017

Relational, body-oriented and brain-based approaches to recovery and change are increasingly popular modalities for working with traumatised children and adults. However, although these approaches encourage the awareness, and the harnessing of workers’ visceral experiences, there is little in the literature to describe how practitioners navigate their own somatic maps. In a research project undertaken from 2008–16, I invited nine human service workers to tell and explore stories about their own experiences of the body that emerged during, and/or in relation to, their own professional practice. A narrative methodology was used to help facilitate a depth of understanding of how the participants used their own bodies as asource of knowledgeand/or as anintervention strategywith those with whom they worked. In this paper, I explore one of many stories told by Coral in which she describes the processes she uses to navigate her own somatic map as she interacts with clients and workers in a domestic violence service. I conclude that creating spaces for workers to explore embodied experience in the professional conversation is important, but is difficult without an acceptable discourse or narrative template. Nonetheless, given the opportunity, including the ‘body as subject’ encourages better outcomes for clients and provides richer accounts of human service workers’ professional experience.
From You and Me to Us and We
Authors: Sideris Julia
Published: June 2017

Drawing on a wide body of theory, including work on trauma and art therapy, this paper calls for art therapy to be considered a seminal player in the healing of childhood trauma across a range of service providers. The paper reflects on a therapeutic relationship between a recently graduated art therapist and a 7-year-old Aboriginal primary school boy living in rural Australia. Written from the therapist's point of view, this paper considers the responses of both the client and the therapist, and the transformative nature of this particular therapeutic relationship. The paper focuses on ‘Jannali’ (pseudonym) who was referred to the art therapy programme in the school, as he was distracted, difficult and disruptive in class. Struggling with his identity, his place in the community, his family and his skin, the relationship between the art therapist and Jannali developed through art and play. Reconciliation, not in terms of black and white, but in terms of relationship was a main theme: therapist and client moved from a state of ‘you and me’ to one of ‘us and we’. The paper shows how, through art making and play in a specific therapeutic context, cross-cultural relationships were forged, opening up liminal spaces in which the client's presenting issues and difficulties were both explored and supported and he was able to begin his journey as a learner where previously he was not. These changes also indicate that breaking the transmission of transgenerational trauma and its effects may be possible through art therapy.
Weaving Trauma into the Everyday – Neuroscience, Evidence and Reflections from Practice
Authors: Tucci Joe , Mitchell Janise
Published: June 2017

Last year, the Australian Childhood Foundation celebrated an important milestone. We turned thirty years old. For more than half of this period, we have sought to translate the richness of ideas that the field of neuroscience has offered to those of us taking care of children, young people and adults who have suffered trauma resulting from violation.
Large-amplitude acoustic solitary waves in a Yukawa chain
Authors: Sheridan T. E. , Gallagher James C.
Published: June 2017

We experimentally study the excitation and propagation of acoustic solitary waves in a one-dimensional dusty plasma (i.e. a Yukawa chain) with $n=65$ particles interacting through a screened Coulomb potential. The lattice constant $a=1.02\pm 0.02$ mm. Waves are launched by applying a 100 mW laser pulse to one end of the chain for laser pulse durations from 0.10 to 2.0 s. We observe damped solitary waves which propagate for distances ${\gtrsim}30a$ with an acoustic speed $c_{s}=11.5\pm 0.2~\text{mm}~\text{s}^{-1}$. The maximum velocity perturbation increases with laser pulse duration for durations ${\leqslant}0.5$ s and then saturates at ${\approx}15\,\%$. The wave speed is found to be independent of the maximum amplitude, indicating that the formation of nonlinear solitons is prevented by neutral-gas damping.
Long-term results of percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty in neonatal critical pulmonary valve stenosis: a 20-year, single-centre experience
Authors: Loureiro Petra , Cardoso Barbara , Gomes Inês B. , Martins José F. , Pinto Fátima F.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is the primary treatment for critical pulmonary valve stenosis in neonates. Thus far, a few studies have reported long-term results of this technique in neonatal critical pulmonary valve stenosis.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of all consecutive newborns with critical pulmonary valve stenosis subjected to percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty at a single centre, between 1994 and 2014, to assess its immediate and long-term safety and efficacy.

Results

A total of 24 neonates presented with critical pulmonary valve stenosis. The mean diameter of the pulmonary annulus was 7 mm (±1.19); 33.3% had a dysplastic pulmonary valve, and 92% were started on prostaglandin E1 treatment. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty was performed at a mean age of 4.0±4.3 days using, on average, a balloon-to-pulmonary annulus ratio of 1.18 mm (with a range from 0.9 to 1.43). Immediate success was achieved in 22/24 patients (92%) with a reduction in the pulmonary transvalvular peak gradient (p<0.05) and in the right ventricle/systemic pressure ratio (p<0.05). There was one death (4%) 6 days after the procedure, and 29.2% of them had transient rhythm complications. For a mean follow-up time of 8.4 years, the re-intervention rate was 42.9%. In total, 14 re-interventions were performed in nine neonates, including surgery in six. Freedom from re-intervention was 50% at 8 years and 43% at 10 and 15 years.

Conclusion

This series, to the best of our knowledge, has had the longest follow-up of neonates with critical pulmonary valve stenosis. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is a safe and effective treatment, and in our study 75% of the patients were exclusively treated using this technique.
Mittendrin oder nur dabei? Zum Zusammenhang zwischen sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf und sozialer Partizipation von Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern
Authors: Henke Thorsten , Bosse Stefanie , Lambrecht Jennifer , Jäntsch Christian , Jaeuthe Jessica , Spörer Nadine
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde das Ausmaß der sozialen Partizipation von Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern mit einem und ohne festgestelltem sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf (SPF) untersucht. Insgesamt wurden N = 1436 Schüler der 2. und 3. Jahrgangsstufe mittels Fragebögen zum peerbezogenen Klassenklima, zur Einschätzung der eigenen sozialen Integration, zum Gefühl des Angenommen-Seins durch die Lehrkraft und zur Anzahl ihrer Freundschaften befragt. Mithilfe des Propensity Score Matching-Verfahrens wurden den Schülern mit einem festgestellten SPF in den Bereichen Lernen, emotionale und soziale Entwicklung oder Sprache (N = 91) basierend auf theoretisch und empirisch abgeleiteten Hintergrundvariablen statistische Zwillinge ohne SPF zugeordnet. Zu den Hintergrundvariablen zählten familiäre, leistungs- und verhaltensbezogene Merkmale. Der Vergleich der Schüler mit einem festgestellten SPF mit ihren statistischen Zwillingen ohne SPF lieferte keine Hinweise auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Status eines SPF und der sozialen Partizipation.
Wird sprachlicher Förderbedarf in der Grundschule sicher erkannt? Zur Klassifikationsgüte von diagnostischen Entscheidungen
Authors: Hoffmann Lars , Böhme Katrin
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Additive Sprachfördermaßnahmen basieren auf einer vorgelagerten Entscheidung, ob bei einem Kind ein sprachlicher Förderbedarf besteht. Im vorliegenden Beitrag, in dem die Sprachförderdiagnostik in Grundschulen anhand von Daten der IQB-Ländervergleichsstudie 2011 betrachtet wird, gehen wir der Frage nach, welche diagnostische Güte solche Entscheidungen aufweisen. Darüber hinaus wird untersucht, inwieweit die Entscheidungsgüte mit der Nutzung bestimmter diagnostischer Informationsquellen (u.a. Beobachtungen durch Lehrkräfte, Schulnoten, sprachdiagnostische Verfahren) kovariiert. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in den Schulen nur ein geringer Anteil der Kinder mit sprachlichem Förderbedarf korrekt identifiziert wird (geringe Sensitivität). Hingegen werden Kinder ohne Förderbedarf zumeist zuverlässig erkannt (hohe Spezifität). Positive Zusammenhänge mit der Diagnosegüte wurden lediglich für den Einsatz sprachdiagnostischer Verfahren (z.B. Tests) gefunden, wobei eine maßgebliche Verbesserung der Diagnosegüte offenbar nur dann erzielt wird, wenn sprachliche Kompetenzen nicht nur einmalig, sondern mehrfach erfasst werden.
MicroRNA-26a and -26b inhibit lens fibrosis and cataract by negatively regulating Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Xiao Wei , Chen Weirong , Liu Xialin , Wu Mingxing , Bo Qu , Luo Yan , Ye Shaobi , Cao Yihai , Liu Yizhi
Published: June 2017

Fibrosis is a chronic process involving development and progression of multiple diseases in various organs and is responsible for almost half of all known deaths. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the vital process in organ fibrosis. Lens is an elegant biological tool to investigate the fibrosis process because of its unique biological properties. Using gain- and loss-of-function assays, and different lens fibrosis models, here we demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-26a and miR-26b, members of the miR-26 family have key roles in EMT and fibrosis. They can significantly inhibit proliferation, migration, EMT of lens epithelial cells and lens fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we revealed that the mechanisms of anti-EMT effects of miR-26a and -26b are via directly targeting Jagged-1 and suppressing Jagged-1/Notch signaling. Furthermore, we provided in vitro and in vivo evidence that Jagged-1/Notch signaling is activated in TGFβ2-stimulated EMT, and blockade of Notch signaling can reverse lens epithelial cells (LECs) EMT and lens fibrosis. Given the general involvement of EMT in most fibrotic diseases, cancer metastasis and recurrence, miR-26 family and Notch pathway may have therapeutic uses in treating fibrotic diseases and cancers.
Dependence of the shape of graphene nanobubbles on trapped substance
Authors: Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami H. , Vasu K. S. , Nair R. R. , Peeters François M. , Neek-Amal M.
Published: June 2017

Van der Waals (vdW) interaction between two-dimensional crystals (2D) can trap substances in high pressurized (of order 1 GPa) on nanobubbles. Increasing the adhesion between the 2D crystals further enhances the pressure and can lead to a phase transition of the trapped material. We found that the shape of the nanobubble can depend critically on the properties of the trapped substance. In the absence of any residual strain in the top 2D crystal, flat nanobubbles can be formed by trapped long hydrocarbons (that is, hexadecane). For large nanobubbles with radius 130 nm, our atomic force microscopy measurements show nanobubbles filled with hydrocarbons (water) have a cylindrical symmetry (asymmetric) shape which is in good agreement with our molecular dynamics simulations. This study provides insights into the effects of the specific material and the vdW pressure on the microscopic details of graphene bubbles.
Bending strain engineering in quantum spin hall system for controlling spin currents
Authors: Huang Bing , Jin Kyung-Hwan , Cui Bin , Zhai Feng , Mei Jiawei , Liu Feng
Published: June 2017

Quantum spin Hall system can exhibit exotic spin transport phenomena, mediated by its topological edge states. Here the concept of bending strain engineering to tune the spin transport properties of a quantum spin Hall system is demonstrated. We show that bending strain can be used to control the spin orientation of counter-propagating edge states of a quantum spin system to generate a non-zero spin current. This physics mechanism can be applied to effectively tune the spin current and pure spin current decoupled from charge current in a quantum spin Hall system by control of its bending curvature. Furthermore, the curved quantum spin Hall system can be achieved by the concept of topological nanomechanical architecture in a controllable way, as demonstrated by the material example of Bi/Cl/Si(111) nanofilm. This concept of bending strain engineering of spins via topological nanomechanical architecture affords a promising route towards the realization of topological nano-mechanospintronics.
Directed self-assembly of liquid crystalline blue-phases into ideal single-crystals
Authors: Martínez-González Jose A. , Li Xiao , Sadati Monirosadat , Zhou Ye , Zhang Rui , Nealey Paul F. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: June 2017

Chiral nematic liquid crystals are known to form blue phases—liquid states of matter that exhibit ordered cubic arrangements of topological defects. Blue-phase specimens, however, are generally polycrystalline, consisting of randomly oriented domains that limit their performance in applications. A strategy that relies on nano-patterned substrates is presented here for preparation of stable, macroscopic single-crystal blue-phase materials. Different template designs are conceived to exert control over different planes of the blue-phase lattice orientation with respect to the underlying substrate. Experiments are then used to demonstrate that it is indeed possible to create stable single-crystal blue-phase domains with the desired orientation over large regions. These results provide a potential avenue to fully exploit the electro-optical properties of blue phases, which have been hindered by the existence of grain boundaries.
Telomere Length and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Powell Timothy R , Dima Danai , Frangou Sophia , Breen Gerome
Published: June 2017

Variation in telomere length is heritable and is currently considered a promising biomarker of susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly because of its association with memory function and hippocampal morphology. Here, we investigate telomere length in connection to familial risk and disease expression in bipolar disorder (BD). We used quantitative PCRs and a telomere-sequence to single-copy-gene-sequence ratio method to determine telomere length in genomic DNA extracted from buccal smears from 63 patients with BD, 74 first-degree relatives (49 relatives had no lifetime psychopathology and 25 had a non-BD mood disorder), and 80 unrelated healthy individuals. Participants also underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine hippocampal volumes and cognitive assessment to evaluate episodic memory using the verbal paired associates test. Telomere length was shorter in psychiatrically well relatives (p=0.007) compared with unrelated healthy participants. Telomere length was also shorter in relatives (regardless of psychiatric status; p<0.01) and patients with BD not on lithium (p=0.02) compared with lithium-treated patients with BD. In the entire sample, telomere length was positively associated with left and right hippocampal volume and with delayed recall. This study provides evidence that shortened telomere length is associated with familial risk for BD. Lithium may have neuroprotective properties that require further investigation using prospective designs.
Comprehensive analysis and reinterpretation of Cenozoic mesofossils reveals ancient origin of the snapping claw of alpheid shrimps
Authors: Hyžný Matúš , Kroh Andreas , Ziegler Alexander , Anker Arthur , Košťák Martin , Schlögl Ján , Culka Adam , Jagt John W. M. , Fraaije René H. B. , Harzhauser Mathias , van Bakel Barry W. M. , Ruman Andrej
Published: June 2017

Alpheid snapping shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) constitute one of the model groups for inferences aimed at understanding the evolution of complex structural, behavioural, and ecological traits among benthic marine invertebrates. Despite being a super-diverse taxon with a broad geographical distribution, the alpheid fossil record is still poorly known. However, data presented herein show that the strongly calcified fingertips of alpheid snapping claws are not uncommon in the fossil record and should be considered a novel type of mesofossil. The Cenozoic remains analysed here represent a compelling structural match with extant species of Alpheus. Based on the presence of several distinct snapping claw-fingertip morphotypes, the major radiation of Alpheus lineages is estimated to have occurred as early as 18 mya. In addition, the oldest fossil record of alpheids in general can now be confirmed for the Late Oligocene (27–28 mya), thus providing a novel minimum age for the entire group as well as the first reliable calibration point for deep phylogenetic inferences.
Meta-analysis of Soy Consumption and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk
Authors: Lu Demin , Pan Chi , Ye Chenyang , Duan Huijie , Xu Fei , Yin Li , Tian Wei , Zhang Suzhan
Published: June 2017

Soy consumption has received considerable attention for its potential role in reducing cancer incidence and mortality. However, its effects on gastrointestinal (GI) cancer are controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between soy consumption and gastrointestinal cancer risk by searching for prospective studies in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and the reference lists of the included articles. The study-specific odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using either a fixed-effect or random-effect model. Twenty-two independent prospective studies were eligible for our meta-analysis, including 21 cohort studies and one nested case-control study. Soy product consumption was inversely associated with the incidence of overall GI cancer (0.857; 95% CI: 0.766, 0.959) and the gastric cancer subgroup (0.847; 95% CI: 0.722, 0.994) but not the colorectal cancer subgroup. After stratifying the results according to gender, an inverse association was observed between soy product intake and the incidence of GI cancer for females (0.711; 95% CI: 0.506, 0.999) but not for males.
miR-100-5p inhibition induces apoptosis in dormant prostate cancer cells and prevents the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Nabavi Noushin , Saidy Nur Ridzwan Nur , Venalainen Erik , Haegert Anne , Parolia Abhijit , Xue Hui , Wang Yuwei , Wu Rebecca , Dong Xin , Collins Colin , Crea Francesco , Wang Yuzhuo
Published: June 2017

Carcinoma of the prostate is the most common cancer in men. Treatment of aggressive prostate cancer involves a regiment of radical prostectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Despite significant improvements in the last decade, the treatment of prostate cancer remains unsatisfactory, because a significant fraction of prostate cancers develop resistance to multiple treatments and become incurable. This prompts an urgent need to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of therapy-induced resistance of prostate cancer either in the form of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) or transdifferentiated neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). By analyzing micro-RNA expression profiles in a set of patient-derived prostate cancer xenograft tumor lines, we identified miR-100-5p as one of the key molecular components in the initiation and evolution of androgen ablation therapy resistance in prostate cancer. In vitro results showed that miR-100-5p is required for hormone-independent survival and proliferation of prostate cancer cells post androgen ablation. In Silico target predictions revealed that miR-100-5p target genes are involved in key aspects of cancer progression, and are associated with clinical outcome. Our results suggest that mir-100-5p is a possible therapeutic target involved in prostate cancer progression and relapse post androgen ablation therapy.
Post-exposure treatment of non-human primates lethally infected with Ebola virus with EBOTAb, a purified ovine IgG product
Authors: Dowall Stuart D. , Jacquot Frédéric , Landon John , Rayner Emma , Hall Graham , Carbonnelle Caroline , Raoul Hervé , Pannetier Delphine , Cameron Ian , Coxon Ruth , Al Abdulla Ibrahim , Hewson Roger , Carroll Miles W.
Published: June 2017

Despite sporadic outbreaks of Ebola virus (EBOV) over the last 4 decades and the recent public health emergency in West Africa, there are still no approved vaccines or therapeutics for the treatment of acute EBOV disease (EVD). In response to the 2014 outbreak, an ovine immunoglobulin therapy was developed, termed EBOTAb. After promising results in the guinea pig model of EBOV infection, EBOTAb was tested in the cynomolgus macaque non-human primate model of lethal EBOV infection. To ensure stringent therapeutic testing conditions to replicate likely clinical usage, EBOTAb was first delivered 1, 2 or 3 days post-challenge with a lethal dose of EBOV. Results showed a protective effect of EBOTAb given post-exposurally, with survival rates decreasing with increasing time after challenge. Viremia results demonstrated that EBOTAb resulted in a decreased circulation of EBOV in the bloodstream. Additionally, assay of liver enzymes and histology analysis of local tissues identified differences between EBOTAb-treated and untreated groups. The results presented demonstrate that EBOTAb conferred protection against EBOV when given post-exposure and should be explored and developed further as a potential intervention strategy for future outbreaks, which are likely to occur.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of cyadox against Clostridium perfringens in swine
Authors: Yan Lei , Xie Shuyu , Chen Dongmei , Pan Yuanhu , Tao Yanfei , Qu Wei , Liu ZhenLi , Yuan Zonghui , Huang Lingli
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity of cyadox against Clostridium perfringens in swine and optimize the dosage regimen using ex vivo pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling. After oral administration, the ileum fluid of pigs containing the free cyadox was collected by implanted ultrafiltration probes. The Tmax, AUC24h, and CL/F of free cyadox in the ileum fluid were 1.96 h, 106.40 μg/h/mL, and 0.27 L/kg/h, respectively. Cyadox displayed a concentration-dependent killing action against C. perfrignens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cyadox against 60 clinical isolates ranged from 0.5 to 8 μg/mL, with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 2 and 4 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC was 2 μg/mL against the pathogenic C. perfrignens isolate CPFK122995 in both broth and ileum fluid. According to the inhibitory sigmoid Emax modeling, the AUC24h/MIC ratios of ileum fluid required to achieve the bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and virtual bacterial elimination effects were 26.72, 39.54, and 50.69 h, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations for the 90% target attainment rate (TAR) predicted daily doses of 29.30, 42.56, and 54.50 mg/kg over 24 h to achieve bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and elimination actions, respectively. The results of this study suggest that cyadox is a promising antibacterial agent for the treatment of C. perfringens infections, and can be used to inform its clinical use.
Protecting visual short-term memory during maintenance: Attentional modulation of target and distractor representations
Authors: Vissers Marlies E. , Gulbinaite Rasa , van den Bos Tijl , Slagter Heleen A.
Published: June 2017

In the presence of distraction, attentional filtering is a key predictor of efficient information storage in visual short-term memory (VSTM). Yet, the role of attention in distractor filtering, and the extent to which attentional filtering continues to protect information during post-perceptual stages of VSTM, remains largely unknown. In the current study, we investigated the role of spatial attention in distractor filtering during VSTM encoding and maintenance. Participants performed a change detection task with varying distractor load. Attentional deployment to target and distractor locations was tracked continuously by means of Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs). Analyses revealed that attention strongly modulated the amplitude of the second harmonic SSVEP response, with larger amplitudes at target compared to distractor locations. These attentional modulations commenced during encoding, and remained present during maintenance. Furthermore, the amount of attention paid to distractor locations was directly related to behavioral distractor costs: Individuals who paid more attention to target compared to distractor locations during VSTM maintenance generally suffered less from the presence of distractors. Together, these findings support an important role of spatial attention in distractor filtering at multiple stages of VSTM, and highlight the usefulness of SSVEPs in continuously tracking attention to multiple locations during VSTM.
Resistin promotes the abnormal Type I collagen phenotype of subchondral bone in obese patients with end stage hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Philp Ashleigh M. , Collier Rebecca L. , Grover Liam M. , Davis Edward T. , Jones Simon W.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adiposity on the architecture and composition of hip OA subchondral bone, and to examine the pathological role of adipokines. Femoral heads were collected from normal-weight or over-weight/obese patients with hip OA. Structural parameters of subchondral bone were determined by MicroCT and type I collagenα1/α2 ratio was determined by SDS PAGE and by qRT-PCR inex-vivobone explants. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined by Luminex. The effect of resistin on primary OA osteoblasts was determined by analysis of Wnt pathway signal transduction, bone nodule formation, and osteoblast metabolic activity. Subchondral bone from over-weight/obese hip OA patients exhibited reduced trabecular thickness, increased bone surface/bone volume ratio, and an increase in the Type I collagenα1/α2, compared to normal-weight hip OA patients. The serum concentration of resistin was higher in overweight/obese OA patients, compared to normal-weight OA patients. Stimulation of normal-weight bone explant with recombinant resistin increased the Type I collagenα1/α2 ratio. Stimulation of primary OA osteoblasts with recombinant resistin increased Wnt signalling activation, osteoblast metabolic activity, and bone nodule formation. Increased adiposity in hip OA patients is associated with altered subchondral bone architecture and type I collagen composition.
Replication of Gout/Urate Concentrations GWAS Susceptibility Loci Associated with Gout in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Zhou Zhaowei , Hou Xu , Lu Dajiang , Yuan Xuan , Lu Jie , Wang Can , Han Lin , Cui Lingling , Liu Zhen , Chen Jianhua , Cheng Xiaoyu , Zhang Keke , Ji Jue , Jia Zhaotong , Ma Lidan , Xin Ying , Liu Tian , Yu Qing , Ren Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Li Xinde , Mi Qing-Sheng , Shi Yongyong , Li Changgui
Published: June 2017

Gout is a chronic disease resulting from elevated serum urate (SU). Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified dozens of susceptibility loci for SU/gout, but few have been conducted for Chinese descent. Here, we try to extensively investigate whether these loci contribute to gout risk in Han Chinese. A total of 2255 variants in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with GWAS identified SU/gout associated variants were analyzed in a Han Chinese cohort of 1255 gout patients and 1848 controls. Cumulative genetic risk score analysis was performed to assess the cumulative effect of multiple “risk” variants on gout incidence. 23 variants (41%) of LD pruned variants set (n = 56) showed nominal association with gout in our sample (p < 0.05). Some of the previously reported gout associated loci (except ALDH16A1), including ABCG2, SLC2A9, GCKR, ALDH2 and CNIH2, were replicated. Cumulative genetic risk score analyses showed that the risk of gout increased for individuals with the growing number (≥8) of the risk alleles on gout associated loci. Most of the gout associated loci identified in previous GWAS were confirmed in an independent Chinese cohort, and the SU associated loci also confer susceptibility to gout. These findings provide important information of the genetic association of gout.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Treatment Can Ameliorate Microvascular Leakage Caused by Combined Alcohol Intoxication and Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Doggett Travis M. , Alves Natascha G. , Yuan Sarah Y. , Breslin Jerome W.
Published: June 2017

Fluid resuscitation following hemorrhagic shock is often problematic, with development of prolonged hypotension and edema. In addition, many trauma patients are also intoxicated, which generally worsens outcomes. We directly investigated how alcohol intoxication impacts hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation-induced microvascular leakage using a rat model with intravital microscopic imaging. We also tested the hypothesis that an endothelial barrier-protective bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), could ameliorate the microvascular leakage following alcohol intoxication plus hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Our results show that alcohol intoxication exacerbated hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation-induced hypotension and microvascular leakage. We next found that S1P effectively could reverse alcohol-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction using both cultured endothelial cell monolayer andin vivomodels. Lastly, we observed that S1P administration ameliorated hypotension and microvascular leakage following combined alcohol intoxication and hemorrhagic shock, in a dose-related manner. These findings suggest the viability of using agonists that can improve microvascular barrier function to ameliorate trauma-induced hypotension, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity for potentially improving clinical outcomes in patients with multi-hit injuries.