bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxazole-Benzenesulfonamide Derivatives Inhibit HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Interaction with Cellular eEF1A and Reduce Viral Replication
Authors: Rawle Daniel J. , Li Dongsheng , Wu Zhonglan , Wang Lu , Choong Marcus , Lor Mary , Reid Robert C. , Fairlie David P. , Harris Jonathan , Tachedjian Gilda , Poulsen Sally-Ann , Harrich David
Published: March 2019

Antiretroviral drugs protect many HIV-positive people, but their success can be compromised by drug-resistant strains. To combat these strains, the development of new classes of HIV-1 inhibitors is essential and a priority in the field. In this study, we identified small molecules that bind directly to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and inhibit its interaction with cellular eEF1A, an interaction which we have previously identified as crucial for HIV-1 replication. These compounds inhibit intracellular HIV-1 reverse transcription and replication of WT HIV-1, as well as HIV-1 mutants that are resistant to current RT inhibitors. A novel mechanism of action involving inhibition of the HIV-1 RT-eEF1A interaction is an important finding and a potential new way to combat drug-resistant HIV-1 strains in infected people.
Identification and Characterization of a Human Coronavirus 229E Nonstructural Protein 8-Associated RNA 3′-Terminal Adenylyltransferase Activity
Authors: Tvarogová Jana , Madhugiri Ramakanth , Bylapudi Ganesh , Ferguson Lyndsey J. , Karl Nadja , Ziebuhr John
Published: March 2019

Previously, coronavirus nsp8 proteins were suggested to have template-dependent RNA polymerase activities resembling those of RNA primases or even canonical RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, while more recent studies have suggested an essential cofactor function of nsp8 (plus nsp7) for nsp12-mediated RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. In an effort to reconcile conflicting data from earlier studies, the study revisits coronavirus nsp8-associated activities using additional controls and proteins. The data obtained for three coronavirus nsp8 proteins provide evidence that the proteins share metal ion-dependent RNA 3′ polyadenylation activities that are greatly stimulated by a short oligo(U) stretch in the template strand. In contrast, nsp8 was found to be unable to select and incorporate appropriate (matching) nucleotides to produce cRNA products from heteropolymeric and other homooligomeric templates. While confirming the critical role of nsp8 in coronavirus replication, the study amends the list of activities mediated by coronavirus nsp8 proteins in the absence of other proteins.
Development of heart failure in young patients with congenital heart disease: a nation-wide cohort study
Authors: Gilljam Thomas , Mandalenakis Zacharias , Dellborg Mikael , Lappas Georgios , Eriksson Peter , Skoglund Kristofer , Rosengren Annika
Published: March 2019

Objective

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of hospitalisation and death in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, the risk of HF in young patients with CHD has not been determined.

Methods

By linkage of national patient registers in Sweden, we identified 21 982 patients with CHD born between 1970 and 1993, and compared these with 10 controls per case. Follow-up data were collected from birth until 2011 or death.

Results

Over a mean follow-up of 26.6 years in patients with CHD and 28.5 years in controls, 729 (3.3%) and 75 (0.03%) developed HF, respectively. The cumulative incidence of HF in all CHD was 6.5% and in complex CHD 14.8% up to age 42 years. Thus, one patient in 15 with CHD runs the risk of developing HF before age 42 years, a risk that is 105.7 times higher (95 % CI 83.2 to 134.8) compared with controls. For patients with complex CHD (such as conotruncal defects, univentricular hearts, endocardial cushion defects), one in seven will develop HF, a HR of 401.5; 95% CI 298 to 601 as compared with controls. The cumulative probability of death in patients with CHD, after HF diagnosis, was 63.4% (95% CI 57.5 to 69.3).

Conclusions

An extremely high risk of developing HF (more than 100-fold) was found in patients with CHD, compared with matched controls, up to the age of 42 years. Patients with complex congenital heart malformations carried the highest risk and have to be considered as the main risk group for developing HF.
Life-history variability and conservation status of landlocked Atlantic salmon: an overview
Authors: Hutchings Jeffrey A. , Ardren William R. , Barlaup Bjørn T. , Bergman Eva , Clarke Keith D. , Greenberg Larry A. , Lake Colin , Piironen Jorma , Sirois Pascal , Sundt-Hansen Line E. , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: March 2019

Nonanadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exhibit a combination of variation in life history, habitat, and species co-existence matched by few vertebrates. Distributed in eastern North America and northern Europe, habitat ranges from hundreds of metres of river to Europe’s largest lakes. As juveniles, those with access to a lake usually migrate to feed and grow prior to reproduction. Prey such as smelt (Osmerus mordax, Osmerus eperlanus) and vendace (Coregonus albula) facilitate large body size (50–85 cm at maturity) and persistence in high-diversity (>20 fish species) environments; small-bodied salmon (10–30 cm at maturity), relying on insects as prey, coexist with few (fewer than five) other fishes. At maturity, weight varies more than 400-fold (17 to 7200 g) among populations, fecundity more than 150-fold (33 to 5600), and longevity almost fivefold (3 to 14 years). Landlocked salmon are managed to support sustainable fishing, achieve conservation and restoration targets, and mitigate threats; successes are evident but multiple challenges persist. Extraordinary variability in life history coupled with extensive breadth of habitat and species co-existence render landlocked Atlantic salmon singularly impressive from a biodiversity perspective.
Neurons with Multiplicative Interactions of Nonlinear Synapses
Authors: Todo Yuki , Tang Zheng , Todo Hiroyoshi , Ji Junkai , Yamashita Kazuya
Published: March 2019

Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system. Developing a good modeling of human neurons is very important not only to neurobiology but also to computer science and many other fields. The McCulloch and Pitts neuron model is the most widely used neuron model, but has long been criticized as being oversimplified in view of properties of real neuron and the computations they perform. On the other hand, it has become widely accepted that dendrites play a key role in the overall computation performed by a neuron. However, the modeling of the dendritic computations and the assignment of the right synapses to the right dendrite remain open problems in the field. Here, we propose a novel dendritic neural model (DNM) that mimics the essence of known nonlinear interaction among inputs to the dendrites. In the model, each input is connected to branches through a distance-dependent nonlinear synapse, and each branch performs a simple multiplication on the inputs. The soma then sums the weighted products from all branches and produces the neuron’s output signal. We show that the rich nonlinear dendritic response and the powerful nonlinear neural computational capability, as well as many known neurobiological phenomena of neurons and dendrites, may be understood and explained by the DNM. Furthermore, we show that the model is capable of learning and developing an internal structure, such as the location of synapses in the dendritic branch and the type of synapses, that is appropriate for a particular task — for example, the linearly nonseparable problem, a real-world benchmark problem — Glass classification and the directional selectivity problem.
Quantum-memory-assisted entropic uncertainty in fluctuating electromagnetic field with a boundary
Authors: Huang Zhiming , Wang Xiaobin , Ye Yiyong , Sheng Xiaokui , Rong Zhenbang , Ling Dequan
Published: March 2019

In this work, we investigate the dynamics of quantum-memory-assisted entropic uncertainty relation for a two-level atom coupled with fluctuating electromagnetic field in the presence of a perfectly reflecting plane boundary. The solution of the master equation that governs the system evolution is derived. We find that entropic uncertainty and mixedness increase to a stable value with evolution time, but quantum correlation reduces to zero with evolution time. That is, the mixedness is positively associated with entropic uncertainty, however, increasing quantum correlation can cause the decrease of the uncertainty. The tightness of entropic uncertainty grows at first and then declines to zero with evolution time. In addition, entropic uncertainty fluctuates to relatively stable values with increasing the atom’s distance from the boundary, especially for short evolution time, which suggests a possible way of testing the vacuum fluctuating and boundary effect. Finally, we propose an effective method to control the uncertainty via quantum weak measurement reversal.
Thermal corrections for gravitational Möller scattering
Authors: Santos A. F. , Khanna Faqir C.
Published: March 2019

A Lagrangian formulation of Gravitoelectromagnetism (GEM) theory is considered. GEM is a gravitational theory that emerges from a formal analogy between electromagnetism and gravity. Using this, the differential cross-section of the gravitational Möller scattering at finite temperature is calculated. The temperature effects are introduced using the Thermo Field Dynamics (TFD) formalism.
Influence of partial substitution of Cu atoms by Zn and Cd atoms on polymorphic transformation in the Cu1.75Te crystal
Authors: Aliyev Y. I. , Asadov Y. G. , Aliyeva R. D. , Naghiyev T. G. , Jabarov S. H.
Published: March 2019

The [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compounds have been synthesized and low-temperature modification single crystals obtained from the high temperature modification by polymorphic transformation. The method of high temperature X-ray diffractometer has been used to study [Formula: see text] (x = 0.05 Zn and Cd) layered single crystal. It was established that such a substitution has a significant impact on the number and temperature of polymorphic transformations. Crystallgraphic parameters were determined for each phase. Temperature dependence of lattice parameters were obtained and determined change mechanism of lattice parameters by influence of temperature.
Einstein–Born–Infeld gravastar models, dark matter and accretion mechanisms
Authors: Cirilo-Lombardo D. J. , Vigh C. D.
Published: March 2019

Gravastar models have recently been proposed as an alternative to black holes, mainly to avoid the problematic issues associated with event horizons and singularities. In this work, a regular variety of gravastar models within the context of Einstein–Born–Infeld (EBI) nonlinear electrodynamics are builded. These models presented here are truly regular in the sense that both the metric and its derivatives are continuous throughout spacetime, contrary to other cases in the literature where matching conditions are necessary in the interior and exterior regions of the event horizon. We investigated the accretion process for spherically symmetric spacetime geometries generated for a nonlinear electromagnetic field where the energy–momentum tensor has the same form that an anisotropic fluid that is the general EBI case. We analyze this procedure using the most general static spherically symmetric metric ansatz. In this theoretical context, we examined the accretion process for specific spherically symmetric compact configuration obtaining the accretion rates and the accretion velocities during the process and the flow of the fluid around the black hole. In addition, we study the behavior of the rate of change of the mass for each chosen metric.
Asymptotic inequalities for alternating harmonics
Authors: Lampret Vito
Published: March 2019

For [Formula: see text] the [Formula: see text]th alternating harmonic number [Formula: see text] is given in the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a parameter controlling the magnitude of the error term [Formula: see text] estimated as [Formula: see text]
Foreign Direct Investment Absorption Capacity
Authors: Son Nguyen Hong , Hung Ly Dai
Published: March 2019

We characterize the long-run foreign direct investment (FDI) absorption capacity by both direct and indirect methods on one cross-section data sample covering 180 economies from 1980 to 2013. The capacity is built up on productivity growth rate, savings–investment gap by the first approach and on financial development level by the second one. Two methods together reveal that deeper international financial integration by a higher capital account openness can expand substantially the foreign capital absorption capacity.
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of CoCr2O4 nanoceramics
Authors: Choudhary Pankaj , Saxena P. , Yadav A. , Rai V. N. , Mishra A.
Published: March 2019

CoCr2O4 nanoceramics are prepared by sol–gel auto combustion method. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis affirms the single-phase pristine cubic structure with space group [Formula: see text]. Debye–Scherrer method estimates the crystallite size of main intense peak to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm. Prominent bands obtained in infrared spectra at 448 and 599[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] are due to metal–oxygen stretching bond present at tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Dielectric parameters decrease as frequency increases from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz that can be interpreted by Maxwell–Wagner-type interfacial polarization. Complex impedance spectra (Nyquist plot) reveal arc like behavior, which is mainly due to intergrain (grain boundary) resistance that also exhibits conducting nature of the nanoceramics. Weak ferroelectricity is mainly associated with the partial reversal of the polarization. Leakage current behavior follows the Ohmic and Child square law. Electron conduction process was interpreted by space-charge limited current (SCLC) mechanism. Leakage current behavior observed in cobalt chromite nanoceramics is mainly attributed to the oxygen vacancies.
Chronic fructose renders pancreatic β-cells hyper-responsive to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through extracellular ATP signaling
Authors: Bartley Clarissa , Brun Thierry , Oberhauser Lucie , Grimaldi Mariagrazia , Molica Filippo , Kwak Brenda R. , Bosco Domenico , Chanson Marc , Maechler Pierre
Published: March 2019

Fructose is widely used as a sweetener in processed food and is also associated with metabolic disorders, such as obesity. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear, in particular, regarding the pancreatic β-cell. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to fructose on the function of insulinoma cells and isolated mouse and human pancreatic islets. Although fructose per se did not acutely stimulate insulin exocytosis, our data show that chronic fructose rendered rodent and human β-cells hyper-responsive to intermediate physiological glucose concentrations. Fructose exposure reduced intracellular ATP levels without affecting mitochondrial function, induced AMP-activated protein kinase activation, and favored ATP release from the β-cells upon acute glucose stimulation. The resulting increase in extracellular ATP, mediated by pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, activated the calcium-mobilizer P2Y purinergic receptors. Immunodetection revealed the presence of both Panx1 channels and P2Y1 receptors in β-cells. Addition of an ectonucleotidase inhibitor or P2Y1 agonists to naïve β-cells potentiated insulin secretion stimulated by intermediate glucose, mimicking the fructose treatment. Conversely, the P2Y1 antagonist and Panx1 inhibitor reversed the effects of fructose, as confirmed using Panx1-null islets and by the clearance of extracellular ATP by apyrase. These results reveal an important function of ATP signaling in pancreatic β-cells mediating fructose-induced hyper-responsiveness.
Customer‐Oriented Vehicle Routing Problem with Environment Consideration: Two‐Phase Optimization Approach and Heuristic Solution
Authors: Meng Fanting , Ding Yong , Li Wenjie , Guo Rongge
Published: March 2019

With the fastest consumer demand growth, the increasing customer’s demands trend to multivarieties and small‐batch and the customer requires an efficient distribution planning. How to plan the vehicle route to meet customer satisfaction of mass distribution as well as reduce the fuel consumption and emission has become a hot topic. This paper proposes a two‐phase optimization method to handle the vehicle routing problem, considering the customer demands and time windows coupled with multivehicles. The first phase of the optimization method provides a fuzzy hierarchical clustering method for customer grouping. The second phase formulates the optimization en‐group vehicle routing problem model and a genetic algorithm to account for vehicle routing optimization within each group so that fuel consumption and emissions are minimized. Finally, we provide some numerical examples. Results show that the two‐phase optimization method and the designed algorithm are efficient.
CAMeL: A Self-Adaptive Framework for Enriching Context-Aware Middlewares with Machine Learning Capabilities
Authors: Bicocchi Nicola , Fontana Damiano , Zambonelli Franco
Published: March 2019

Context-aware middlewares support applications with context management. Current middlewares support both hardware and software sensors providing data in structured forms (e.g., temperature, wind, and smoke sensors). Nevertheless, recent advances in machine learning paved the way for acquiring context from information-rich, loosely structured data such as audio or video signals. This paper describes a framework (CAMeL) enriching context-aware middlewares with machine learning capabilities. The framework is focused on acquiring contextual information from sensors providing loosely structured data without the need for developers of implementing dedicated application code or making use of external libraries. Nevertheless the general goal of context-aware middlewares is to make applications more dynamic and adaptive, and the proposed framework itself can be programmed for dynamically selecting sensors and machine learning algorithms on a contextual basis. We show with experiments and case studies how the CAMeL framework can (i) promote code reuse and reduce the complexity of context-aware applications by natively supporting machine learning capabilities and (ii) self-adapt using the acquired context allowing improvements in classification accuracy while reducing energy consumption on mobile platforms.
Protective Effects of Inorganic and Organic Selenium on Heat Stress in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zou Yixuan , Shao Juanjuan , Li Yongxin , Zhao F.-Q. , Liu Jian-Xin , Liu Hongyun
Published: March 2019

When dairy cows are exposed to high-temperature environment, their antioxidant capacity and productive performance decrease, leading to economic losses. Emerging evidence has shown that selenium (Se) can effectively alleviate heat stress in dairy cows; however, the cellular mechanism underlying this protection is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the protective effects of inorganic Se (sodium selenite, SS) and organic Se (selenite methionine, SM) in MAC-T (mammary alveolar cells-large T antigen, a bovine mammary epithelial cell (BMEC) line) cells during heat stress. MAC-T cells were treated in 4 ways unless otherwise described: (i) cells in the heat treatment (HT) group were cultured at 42.5°C for 1 h and then recovered in 37°C for another 12 h; (ii) the SM group was pretreated with organic Se for 2 h, cultured at 42.5°C for 1 h, and then recovered in 37°C for 12 h; (iii) the SS group was treated similarly to the SM group except that the cells were pretreated with inorganic Se instead of organic Se; and (iv) the control group was continuously cultured in 37°C and received no Se treatment. The results showed that heat shock at 42.5°C for 1 h triggered heat shock response, sabotaged the redox balance, and reduced cell viability in MAC-T cells; and pretreatment of cells with SM or SS effectively alleviated the negative effects of heat shock on the cells. However, the cells were much more sensitive to SS treatment but more tolerant to SM. In addition, two forms of Se appeared to affect the expression of different genes, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the SM group and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) in the SS group in Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) antioxidant pathway and inflammation response. In summary, results showed the mechanistic differences in the protective effects of organic and inorganic Se on heat stress in BMECs.
Myocardial Protection from Ischemia-Reperfusion Damage by the Antioxidant Effect ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeuson Metabolic Syndrome Rats
Authors: Pérez-Torres Israel , Torres-Narváez Juan Carlos , Guarner-Lans Verónica , Díaz-Díaz Eulises , Perezpeña-Diazconti Mario , Palacios Andrea Romero , Manzano-Pech Linaloe
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide, being strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). Oxidative stress (OS) is present in both CVD and MS. Infusions ofHibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus(HSL) have antioxidant properties and could therefore decrease the presence of OS in these diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial protection during ischemia/reperfusion due to the antioxidant effect of HSL infusion (3%) on a MS rat model induced by the administration of 30% sucrose in drinking water. We determined in control, MS, andMS+HSLrat hearts (n=6per group) cardiac mechanical performance (CMP), coronary vascular resistance (CVR), and activities of manganese and copper/zinc superoxide dismutases (Mn and Cu/Zn-SOD), peroxidases, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione s-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione (GSH). We also determined lipoperoxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the nitrate/nitrite ratio (NO3-/NO2-). The treatment with the HSL infusion restored the CMP (p=0.01) and CVR (p=0.04) and increased the Mn- (p=0.02), Cu/Zn-SOD (p=0.05), peroxidases (p=0.04), GST (p=0.02) activity, GHS (p=0.02), TAC (p=0.04), and NO3-/NO2-(p=0.01) and decreased the LPO (p=0.02) in the heart of MS rats undergoing ischemia/reperfusion. The results suggest that the treatment with an infusion from HSL calices protects the cardiac function from damage by ischemia and reperfusion through the antioxidant activities of the substances it possesses. It favors antioxidant enzymatic activities and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity.
Analytical Design and Optimization of an Automotive Rubber Bushing
Authors: Rivas-Torres Jonathan , Tudon-Martinez Juan C. , Lozoya-Santos Jorge de-J. , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Spaggiari Andrea
Published: March 2019

The ride comfort, driving safety, and handling of the vehicle should be designed and tuned to achieve the expectations defined in the company’s design. The ideal method of tuning the characteristics of the vehicle is to modify the bushings and mounts used in the chassis system. To deal with the noise, vibration and harshness on automobiles, elastomeric materials in mounts and bushings are determinant in the automotive components design, particularly those related to the suspension system. For most designs, stiffness is a key design parameter. Determination of stiffness is often necessary in order to ensure that excessive forces or deflections do not occur. Many companies use trial and error method to meet the requirements of stiffness curves. Optimization algorithms are an effective solution to this type of design problems. This paper presents a simulation‐based methodology to design an automotive bushing with specific characteristic curves. Using an optimum design formulation, a mathematical model is proposed to design and then optimize structural parameters using a genetic algorithm. To validate the resulting data, a finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out with the optimized values. At the end, results between optimization, FEA, and characteristic curves are compared and discussed to establish the correlation among them.
State Estimation for Switched Time-Varying Systems with Delay and Nonlinear Disturbance: An Integral Inequality Method
Authors: Meng Fanwei , Sun Yuangong
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on the problem of state estimation for certain switched time-varying systems with time-varying delay and nonlinear disturbance. By using an integral inequality technique and a method used in positive systems, we have established several explicit criteria for state estimation of the system, which reduce to stability criteria for some particular cases. The involved nonlinear disturbance of the system takes more general form including both the internal disturbance and the external disturbance. Three numerical examples are also given to verify the validity of the obtained theoretical results.
Relationship between Microcirculatory Perfusion and Arterial Elastance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bond Ottavia , De Santis Paolo , Iesu Enrica , Franchi Federico , Vincent Jean-Louis , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Scolletta Sabino
Published: March 2019

Background. Arterial elastance (Ea) represents the total afterload imposed on the left ventricle, and it is largely influenced by systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Although one can expect that Ea is influenced by peripheral endothelial function, no data are available to support it in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Ea, SVR, and microvascular perfusion in critically ill patients undergoing the fluid challenge (FC). Methods. A prospective study in patients receiving a fluid challenge. A pulse wave analysis system (MostCare, Vygon, France) was used to estimate Ea and an incident dark field (IDF) handheld device (Braedius Medical BV, The Netherlands) to evaluate the sublingual microcirculation. Microvascular perfusion was assessed using the proportion of small-perfused vessels (PPV). Relative changes in each variable were calculated before and after FC; fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in the cardiac index by at least 10% from baseline. Results. We studied 20 patients requiring a fluid challenge (n=10 for hypotension; n=5 for oliguria; n=3 for lactate values greater than 2 mmol/l; n=2 for tachycardia), including 12 fluid responders. There was a strong correlation between Ea and SVR (r2 = 0.75; p<0.001) and only a weak correlation between Ea and PPV at baseline (r2 = 0.22; p=0.04). Ea decreased from 1.4 [1.2–1.6] to 1.2 [1.1–1.4] mmHg/mL (p=0.01), SVR from 1207 [1006–1373] to 1073 [997–1202] dyn ∗ s/cm5 (p=0.06), and PPV from 56 [51–64] % to 59 [47–73] % (p=0.25) after fluid challenge. Changes in Ea were significantly correlated with changes in SVR, but not with changes in PPV. Conclusions. The correlation between Ea and indexes of microvascular perfusion in the sublingual region is weak. The impact of microcirculatory perfusion on the arterial load is probably limited.
Prevention of Huntington’s Disease-Like Behavioral Deficits in R6/1 Mouse by Tolfenamic Acid Is Associated with Decreases in Mutant Huntingtin and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Yinjie , Yang Wei , Liu Danyang , Ji Xuefei , Chi Tianyan , Guo Zhutao , Li Lin , Zou Libo
Published: March 2019

Tolfenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with neuroprotective properties, and it alleviates learning and memory deficits in the APP transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. However, whether tolfenamic acid can prevent motor and memory dysfunction in transgenic animal models of Huntington’s disease (HD) remains unclear. To this end, tolfenamic acid was orally administered to transgenic R6/1 mice from 10 to 20 weeks of age, followed by several behavioral tests to evaluate motor and memory function. Tolfenamic acid improved motor coordination in R6/1 mice as tested by rotarod, grip strength, and locomotor behavior tests and attenuated memory dysfunction as analyzed using the novel object recognition test and passive avoidance test. Tolfenamic acid decreased the expression of mutant huntingtin in the striatum of 20-week-old R6/1 mice by inhibiting specificity protein 1 expression and enhancing autophagic function. Furthermore, tolfenamic acid exhibited antioxidant effects in both R6/1 mice and PC12 cell models. Collectively, these results suggest that tolfenamic acid has a good therapeutic effect on R6/1 mice, and may be a potentially useful agent in the treatment of HD.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Rock Stratum Movement Characteristics in Longwall Mining
Authors: Liu Wan-rong
Published: March 2019

The roof fracture is the main cause of coal mine roof accidents. To analyze the law of movement and caving of the roof rock stratum, the roof subsidence displacement, rock stratum stress, and the rock stratum movement law were analyzed by using the methods of the particle discrete element and similar material simulation test. The results show that (1) as the working face advances, regular movement and subsidence appears in the roof rock strata, and the roof subsidence curve forms a typical “U” shape. As the coal seam continues to advance, the maximum subsidence displacement remains basically constant, and the subsidence displacement curves present an asymmetric flat‐bottomed distribution. (2) After the coal seam is mined, the overburden forms an arched shape force chain, and the arched strong chain is the path of the overburden transmission force. The farther away from the coal seam, the smaller the stress concentration coefficient is, but it is still in a high stress area, and the stress concentration position moves toward the middle area of the goaf. The stress concentration in front of the coal wall is the source of force that forms the abutment pressure. (3) Above the coal wall towards the goaf, a stepped fracture was formed in the roof rock stratum. The periodic fracture of the rock stratum is the main cause of the periodic weighting of the working face. Understanding the laws of rock movement and stress distribution is of great significance for guiding engineering practice and preventing the roof accidents.
Abdominal Wall Endometrioma: A Diagnostic Enigma—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vagholkar Ketan , Vagholkar Suvarna
Published: March 2019

Background. Abdominal wall endometriomas are quite uncommon. They are usually misdiagnosed by both the surgeon and the gynaecologist. Awareness of the details of this rare condition is therefore essential for prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment. Introduction. Endometriosis though a condition commonly seen in the pelvic region can also occur at extrapelvic sites giving rise to a diagnostic dilemma. Abdominal wall endometrioma is one such complex variant of extrapelvic endometriosis with an incidence of less than 2% following gynaecologic operations. Case Report. A case of abdominal wall endometrioma diagnosed clinically and treated by wide surgical resection is presented to highlight the importance of clinical evaluation in the diagnosis of this condition. Discussion. The etiopathogenesis, presentation, investigations, and management are discussed briefly. Conclusion. Clinical evaluation confirmed by supportive imaging is diagnostic. Wide local excision is the mainstay of treatment.
The Role of Mineral Sea Water Bonding Process with Graphite-Aluminum Electrodes as Electric Generator
Authors: Utomo Satryo B. , Winarto  , Widodo Agung S. , Wardana I. N. G.
Published: March 2019

The development of alternative ecofriendly electric energy production technology is very essential. The development of electric generator by using sea water element to boost electron jump in electrode has been studied. The aim of this research is to develop an electrode material composite that can collaborate with sea water to produce electricity. The electrodes tested are copper, aluminum, activated carbon, wood powder, and graphite electrode powder. The result shows that each electrode produces different voltage when interacting with sea water. It is caused by the patterns of the electron movement disrupted by the electron of sea water in producing a new compound. The composite of graphite-aluminum generates high electricity of about 580 mV compared to other materials. The electrical conductivity of graphite material depends on the particle size which is larger at smaller particle size. This research elucidates the role of sea water elements in boosting kinetic energy of delocalized electron on graphite resulting in an electron jump.
A Case Series on Cardiac and Skeletal Involvement in Two Families with PRKAG2 Mutations
Authors: Sri Anita , Daubeney Piers , Prasad Sanjay , Baksi John , Kinali Maria , Voges Inga
Published: March 2019

Background. PRKAG2 is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome that mainly presents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ventricular preexcitation, and conduction abnormalities. This case report demonstrates that the PRKAG2 mutation presents with various phenotypes already in pediatric patients. Case Summary. We describe the clinical and investigative findings in two families with a PRKAG2 mutation from the different variants in the gene on chromosome 7q36.1, emphasising that the variability of phenotypes and that presentation in childhood is common. Furthermore, we highlight that skeletal myopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are significant debilitating characteristics of the PRKAG2 mutation. Conclusion. In our report of adult and pediatric patients, early presentation in childhood with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle involvement was common, demonstrating the challenges of the clinical management of PRKAG2 mutations.
A Numerical Analysis of Ground Vibration Induced by Typical Rail Corrugation of Underground Subway
Authors: Xing Mengting , Zhao Caiyou , Wang Ping , Lu Ju , Yi Qiang
Published: March 2019

A two‐step approach is used to establish a numerical prediction model to study the impact of typical rail corrugation on ground vibration from an underground subway. In the first step, a vehicle‐track‐tunnel rigid‐flexible coupling subsystem is established based on a lumped mass model dynamics and finite element analysis cosimulation method to simulate the generation of vibration. In the second step, a track‐tunnel‐soil three‐dimensional (3D) finite element subsystem is built to simulate the propagation of the vibration. The ground vibration response is obtained by applying the wheel‐rail force calculated from the first step. A section of Chengdu Metro Line 3 is studied, and the accuracy of the numerical prediction model is then verified by comparison with in‐situ measurement. Based on that, the impact of corrugation on wheel‐rail interaction and ground vibration is investigated by taking rail corrugation in typical subway sections and track geometry irregularities as system input excitation. In addition, to further analyze the sensitivity between different wavelength components in the rail corrugation samples and ground vibration, the measured rail corrugation is decomposed into five kinds with different wavelength components by filtering. The results show that the typical rail corrugation has a large impact on ground vibration response, which increases significantly in the range 8–16 Hz and 50–80 Hz, and the impact decreases with the distance from the vibration source. For typical subway rail corrugation with the significant wavelength of 125 mm and the secondary significant wavelength of 63 mm, the ground vibration response is sensitive to two wavelength components at 40–60 mm and 60–100 mm. Rail corrugation with the short wavelength of 60–100 mm significantly affects ground vibration levels.
Comparative Analysis between PI and Linear‐ADRC Control of a Grid Connected Variable Speed Wind Energy Conversion System Based on a Squirrel Cage Induction Generator
Authors: Laghridat Hammadi , Essadki Ahmed , Nasser Tamou
Published: March 2019

This paper aims at contributing to the modeling and control of a variable speed Wind Energy Conversion System (WEC‐System) based on a Squirrel Cage Induction Generator (SCI‐Generator). The connection between the SCI‐Generator and the main utility grid is achieved by back‐to‐back three phase power converters (Generator and Grid Side Converters). A new control strategy named the Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) is proposed and utilized to control the Wind Energy Conversion (WEC) system based on the SCI‐Generator. The objective is to control both the generator and the grid side converters in order to operate the system and to ensure the connection with the power grid. The first converter is used to control the SCI‐Generator speed and field to extract the available maximum power from the wind turbine by using a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique and, also, to ensure that the extracted power does not exceed its rated value in case of strong wind speeds; in this case a pitch actuator system is used to control the blades pitch angle of the wind turbine. The second converter is used to control the active and reactive powers injected into the utility grid as well as to regulate the DC‐Link Voltage. This control takes into account the rejection of internal disturbances as the variation of electrical parameters (the resistance, the inductance…) and the external disturbances as voltage dips and frequency droops in the main grid. To test and validate the performances of the proposed controller, a series of simulations were developed under MATLAB/Simulink environment, and the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed control under different case of simulations.
Improvement in Physicochemical, Microbial, and Sensory Properties of Common Squid (Todarodes pacificus Steenstrup) by Superheated Steam Roasting in Combination with Smoking Treatment
Authors: Sutikno Lisa Andriani , Bashir Khawaja Muhammad Imran , Kim Hari , Park Yeseul , Won Na Eun , An Jeong Hyeon , Jeon Jong-Hoe , Yoon Sung-Joon , Park Sun-Mee , Sohn Jae Hak , Kim Jin-Soo , Choi Jae-Suk
Published: March 2019

The common squid (Todarodes pacificus) is one of the most widely consumed food ingredients in East Asian countries, especially Korea and Japan. It is generally marketed raw, which leads to inconvenient preparation, less commercial value, and short shelf life. Therefore, in order to handle these problems, superheated steam roasting (260°C heater, 240°C steam for 4 min) in combination with smoking treatment (15 min) using sawdust from the oak tree was used to process squid before mixing with vegetables and special sauce to make a ready-to-eat squid dish in an effective packaging. The processed squid product showed favorable sensory characteristics (appearance, odor, color, flavor, and texture) and physicochemical properties including maintained pH level (pH > 6.4), low microbial activity (4.74 ± 4.27 log CFU/g), low VBN level (18.27 ± 0.52 mg%), and good texture profile during storage for 10 days at 10°C. Results were significant at the significance level of p<0.05. Findings of this study suggest that the superheated steam-roasting treatment was the best method to maintain nutritional value of the common squid. It also showed favorable sensory and physicochemical properties, while smoking treatment prolonged the shelf life through enhancing antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and enriched flavor of the squid product.
Pneumocystis jiroveciiPneumonia during Brentuximab Vedotin Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ferreira Aliana Meneses , Ramos Jessica Fernandes , Fatobene Giancarlo , Rocha Vanderson
Published: March 2019

Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an antibody drug conjugate against CD30, has been increasingly used in clinical practice, and the less common adverse events associated to the drug are not well described. Also, opportunistic infections have been reported, and data on immune reconstitution after use of BV are lacking. The authors describe a case of a 45-year-old man with Hodgkin lymphoma receiving BV as a consolidation therapy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. After nine months of consolidation with BV, the patient developed a respiratory disorder characterized by fever, chills, dyspnea, and hypoxemia, and pneumonia byPneumocystis jirovecii(PJ) was confirmed by bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. In spite of the fact that there are no specific recommendations about infectious prophylaxis in patients using the drug, we would like to draw the attention of professionals who use the medication in relation to the risk of opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia by PJ.
Entropy Generation in MHD Radiative Flow of CNTs Casson Nanofluid in Rotating Channels with Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Kumam Poom , Shah Zahir , Dawar Abdullah , Rasheed Haroon Ur , Islam Saeed
Published: March 2019

We presented the applications of entropy generation for SWCNTs and MWCNTs based on kerosene oil for Casson nanofluid flow by rotating channels. Kerosene oil has advanced thermal conductivity and exclusive features and has a lot of practical uses due to its unique behavior. That is why we have used kerosene oil as a based fluid. For the entropy generation second law of thermodynamics is applied and implemented for the nanofluid transport mechanism. In the presence of magnetic field, the effects of thermal radiations and heat source/sink on the temperature profiles are studied. The fluid flow is supposed in steady state. With the help of suitable similitude parameters, the leading equations have been transformed to a set of differential equations. The solution of the modeled problem has been carried out with the homotopic approach. The physical properties of carbon nanotubes are shown through tables. The effects of the imbedded physical parameters on the velocities, temperature, entropy generation rate, and Bejan number profiles are investigated and presented through graphs. Moreover, the impact of significant parameters on surface drag force and heat transfer rate is tabulated.
Theoretical and Experimental Research on the Floating‐Sleeve Bearing Applied in Roller‐Cone Bit
Authors: Xu Daping , Yang Yingxin , Cheng Qiming
Published: March 2019

In oil and gas drilling, the roller‐cone bit and the hybrid bit configured with roller cones are two commonly used rock‐breaking tools; however, service lives of the bits are limited by the sliding bearings therein. In order to improve the performance and reliability of the bearing in the roller cone, a novel bearing with a floating sleeve is researched in this paper. Firstly, motion characteristics of the bearing are researched, and motion relations between the elements in the bearing are analyzed, respectively. Then, on the basis of the motion relations, three motion statuses of the float sleeve are clarified, including the sleeve start to rotate, the sleeve rotates stably with the pushing force exerted by the rollers, and the sleeve rotates stably with the opposing force exerted by the rollers. At last, bearing performances in three different conditions are respectively tested in the experiment. The results, with the specific speed value being in the range of 0.375∼0.833 and the average value in 0.613∼0.618, show that the sleeves with 6∼12 rollers are able to start and rotate stably under 5 kN radial load, indicating that the sleeves can be started to rotate and work stably, whereas, for the sleeve with less than 4 rollers, the specific speed value varies in the large range of 0∼1.176, indicating that this sleeve cannot rotate stably in the bearing. This research revealed that the amount of rollers is an important factor that determines whether the sleeve is able to float stably in the bearing; therefore, roller quantity should be focused in the bearing design to optimize its performance.
The Pseudogene Olfr29-ps1 Promotes the Suppressive Function and Differentiation of Monocytic MDSCs
Authors: Shang Wencong , Gao Yunhuan , Tang Zhenzhen , Zhang Yuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: March 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a critical role in many biological processes, such as cell differentiation and development. However, few studies about lncRNAs regulating the differentiation and development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exist. In this study, we identified a lncRNA pseudogene, Olfr29-ps1, which was expressed in MDSCs and upregulated by the proinflammatory cytokine IL6. The Olfr29-ps1 in vertebrates is conserved, and the similarity between the Olfr29-ps1 and human OR1F2P sequence is 43%. This lncRNA promoted the immunosuppressive function and differentiation of monocytic (Mo-)MDSCs in vitro and in vivo. It directly sponged miR-214-3p to downregulate miR-214-3p, which may target MyD88 to modulate the differentiation and development of MDSCs. The functions of Olfr29-ps1 were dependent on IL6-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which not only enhanced Olfr29-ps1, but also promoted the interaction of Olfr29-ps1 with miR-214-3p. Thus, our results demonstrated that the pseudogene Olfr29-ps1 may regulate the differentiation and function of MDSCs through a m6A-modified Olfr29-ps1/miR-214-3p/MyD88 regulatory network, revealing a mechanism for the regulation of myeloid cells and also providing potential targets for antitumor immunotherapy.
Radiologia intervencionista e estudantes de medicina no Brasil
Authors: Santi Gabriel Franchi de , Iunes Leonardo Rosolen , Tibana Tiago Kojun , Grubert Renata Motta , Klaesener Camila , Fornazari Vinicius Adami Vayego , Nunes Thiago Franchi
Published: March 2019

Objetivos: Avaliar o conhecimento de estudantes de medicina e o interesse em radiologia intervencionista como especialidade e analisar se existe interesse de que este assunto ou especialidade seja inserido no currículo acadêmico. Material e Métodos: Os participantes foram convidados a responder um questionário com diferentes questões relacionadas à radiologia intervencionista e que abordava questões referentes ao nível de conhecimento da especialidade, formação médica necessária, procedimentos realizados e a necessidade de inserção desta especialidade na grade curricular da formação acadêmica médica. Resultados: Cento e oitenta e sete acadêmicos responderam a pesquisa (57 (30,48%) do 1º ou 2º períodos, 110 (58,82%) 3º ou 4º e 20 (10,7%) 5º ou 6º anos). A maioria dos estudantes afirmou conhecer termos relacionados à radiologia intervencionista. Em relação a área de atuação da radiologia intervencionista, 109 (58,29%) sinalizaram o diagnóstico e tratamento. Oitenta e três participantes (44,39%) afirmaram que os procedimentos utilizam todos os métodos de imagem e 70 (37,43%) não souberam responder quais métodos a radiologia intervencionista utiliza. Menos de 50% dos participantes reconhece os procedimentos que podem ser realizados pela especialidade. A grande maioria (95,19%) dos estudantes concordaram que a inserção de mais informações sobre a área durante a graduação seria de grande valia na formação acadêmica. Conclusão: Acadêmicos de medicina têm pouco conhecimento sobre a radiologia intervencionista, no entanto são extremamente positivos em seu desejo de ter esse assunto inserido na grade curricular da faculdade de medicina.
Pollinators of Sikkim Mandarin Orange Citrus reticulata (Sapindales: Rutaceae)
Authors: Pradhan Urbashi , Devy M. Soubadra
Published: March 2019

Sikkim Mandarin Orange is a major cash crop of Sikkim with more than 12,000 farming families dependent upon it directly.  With increasing scientific records of positive contribution of pollinators in crop yield, an understanding of major pollinators of cash crops has become important.  In this paper, we present a comprehensive list of insect pollinators (24 species) for Sikkim Mandarin Orange.