bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for neural control of prosthetic limbs: from electrode interfacing to 3D printing
Authors: Ngan Catherine G.Y. , Kapsa Rob M.I. , Choong Peter F.M.
Published: June 2019

Limb amputation is a major cause of disability in our community, for which motorised prosthetic devices offer a return to function and independence. With the commercialisation and increasing availability of advanced motorised prosthetic technologies, there is a consumer need and clinical drive for intuitive user control. In this context, rapid additive fabrication/prototyping capacities and biofabrication protocols embrace a highly-personalised medicine doctrine that marries specific patient biology and anatomy to high-end prosthetic design, manufacture and functionality. Commercially-available prosthetic models utilise surface electrodes that are limited by their disconnect between mind and device. As such, alternative strategies of mind–prosthetic interfacing have been explored to purposefully drive the prosthetic limb. This review investigates mind to machine interfacing strategies, with a focus on the biological challenges of long-term harnessing of the user’s cerebral commands to drive actuation/movement in electronic prostheses. It covers the limitations of skin, peripheral nerve and brain interfacing electrodes, and in particular the challenges of minimising the foreign-body response, as well as a new strategy of grafting muscle onto residual peripheral nerves. In conjunction, this review also investigates the applicability of additive tissue engineering at the nerve-electrode boundary, which has led to pioneering work in neural regeneration and bioelectrode development for applications at the neuroprosthetic interface.
Fracture Behavior and Energy Analysis of 3D Concrete Mesostructure under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Huang Yiqun , Hu Shaowei , Gu Zi , Sun Yueyang
Published: June 2019

In order to investigate the fracture behavior of concrete mesostructure and reveal the inner failure mechanisms which are hard to obtain from experiments, we develop a 3D numerical model based on the Voronoi tessellation and cohesive elements. Specifically, the Voronoi tessellation is used to generate the aggregates, and the cohesive elements are applied to the interface transition zone (ITZ) and the potential fracture surfaces in the cement matrix. Meanwhile, the mechanical behavior of the fracture surfaces is described by a modified constitutive which considers the slips and friction between fracture surfaces. Through comparing with the experiments, the simulated results show that our model can accurately characterize the fracture pattern, fracture propagation path, and mechanical behaviors of concrete. In addition, we found that the friction on the loading surfaces has a significant effect on the fracture pattern and the strength of concrete. The specimens with low-friction loading surfaces are crushed into separate fragments whereas those with high-friction loading surfaces still remain relatively complete. Also, the strength of concrete decreases with the increase of the specimen height in the high friction-loading surfaces condition. Further, the energy analysis was applied to estimate the restraint impact of loading surfaces restraint on the compressive strength of concrete. It shows that the proportion of the friction work increases with the increase of the restraint degree of loading surfaces, which finally causes a higher compressive strength. Generally, based on the proposed model, we can characterize the complicated fracture behavior of concrete mesostructure, and estimate the inner fracture mode through extracting and analyzing the energies inside the cohesive elements.
Effect of Sonic Application of Self-Adhesive Resin Cements on Push-Out Bond Strength of Glass Fiber Posts to Root Dentin
Authors: Lima Darlon Martins , Linhares Thátyla Silva , Lima Suellen Nogueira Linares , Carvalho Edilausson Moreno , Loguercio Alessandro Dourado , Bauer José , Carvalho Ceci Nunes
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a sonic application of self-adhesive resin cements on the bond strength of glass fiber posts to root dentin. Eighty bovine incisors were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10). Four self-adhesive resin cements were used—RelyX U200 (3M/ESPE), Bifix SE (Voco), seT PP (SDI), and Panavia SA (Kuraray). The cements were inserted into the root canal in two different modes—Centrix syringe (control) or with a sonic device (Sonic Smart). The roots were sectioned and taken to a universal test machine (Instron 3342) to perform the push-out test. The fracture pattern was evaluated by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The bond strength data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). The interaction between the main factors was significant (p = 0.002). The sonic application increased the bond strength in comparison with the conventional application for the RelyX U200 (p < 0.001) and Bifix SE (p < 0.017) cements. However, for the seT PP and Panavia SA cements, the bond strength values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The fracture pattern showed adhesive at the interface between the luting cement and the dentin. Using a sonic device in the application of self-adhesive resin cement helpedpromote an increase in the bond strength for RelyX U200 and Bifix SE.
Basic Fuzzy Event Space and Probability Distribution of Probability Fuzzy Space
Authors: Wang Guixiang , Xu Yifeng , Qin Sen
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the problems of basic fuzzy event space and of probability fuzzy space are studied. Firstly, the concepts of basic fuzzy event, fuzzy event and basic fuzzy event space are defined, related properties are investigated, and some results that will be used in the next study of probability fuzzy space are obtained. Then, the definitions of the probability function for fuzzy events and probability fuzzy space are given, some properties of the defined probability function are obtained. In addition, some models of probability distribution of probability fuzzy space based on a known probability space are proposed, and some examples are given to show the usability of the proposed models of probability distribution.
Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Immunosensors
Authors: Zhang Zhenguo , Cong Yulin , Huang Yichun , Du Xin
Published: June 2019

With the development of nanomaterials and sensor technology, nanomaterials-based electrochemical immunosensors have been widely employed in various fields. Nanomaterials for electrode modification are emerging one after another in order to improve the performance of electrochemical immunosensors. When compared with traditional detection methods, electrochemical immunosensors have the advantages of simplicity, real-time analysis, high sensitivity, miniaturization, rapid detection time, and low cost. Here, we summarize recent developments in electrochemical immunosensors based on nanomaterials, including carbon nanomaterials, metal nanomaterials, and quantum dots. Additionally, we discuss research challenges and future prospects for this field of study.
Cryogenic Raman Spectroscopic Studies on Common Ore-forming Fluid Systems
Authors: Yang Dan , Xiong Xin , Chen Weishi
Published: June 2019

The composition and properties of ore-forming fluids are key to understanding the mechanisms of mineralization in ore deposits. These characteristics can be understood by studying fluid inclusions. Hydrates in fluid inclusions containing NaCl–H2O and MgCl2–H2O were studied using cryogenic Raman spectroscopy. The intensity ratio of peaks at 3401, 3464, 3514, and 3090 cm−1 shows a positive correlation with the concentration of hydrates in the inclusions, as does the ratio of the total integrated area of the MgCl2 hydrate peak (3514 cm−1) to the 3090 cm−1 peak with the concentration of MgCl2 (correlation coefficient >0.90). These correlations are important in the quantitative analysis of MgCl2 in synthetic and natural NaCl–MgCl2–CaCl2–H2O-bearing fluid inclusions. Semi-quantitative analysis of NaCl–MgCl2–H2O solutions indicates that peaks at 3437 and 3537 cm−1 reflect the presence of NaCl in the solution. Further, a peak at 3514 cm−1 is indicative of the presence of MgCl2. The relative intensities of these peaks may be related to the relative abundances of NaCl and MgCl2. A quantitative attempt was made on NaCl–MgCl2–CaCl2–H2O system, but it was found that quantifying NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 separately in NaCl–MgCl2–CaCl2–H2O system by the secondary freezing method is difficult.
Optimization of Alkali Extraction and Properties of Polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Residue
Authors: He Zongxing , Zhu Yulian , Bao Xingyu , Zhang Liuxin , Li Nan , Jiang Gonglingxia , Peng Qiang
Published: June 2019

Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao is a plant widely cultivated in the Yellow River Basin of China. It has nutritional and healthcare functions, in which polysaccharides are the main components of its bio-functions. In order to make effective use of Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao residue resources and explore new functional food ingredients, the polysaccharide (ZJRP) from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Muzao residues were extracted by sodium hydroxide, and the optimal extraction conditions of ZJRP were obtained by the response surface method. The basic composition and antioxidant effects of ZJRP were determined. The results showed that ZJRP has significant antioxidant activity, mainly reflected in the high DPPH radical scavenging rate, which may be related to their high content of galacturonic acid and the extraction method. In addition, the rheological and thermal properties of ZJRP were respectively determined by a rheometer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), indicating that they have shear thinning properties and good thermal stability. Results showed that the alkaline extraction method can be used as a potential technique for extracting ZJRP with high antioxidant activity, and ZJRP can be further explored as a functional food ingredient.
Identification of a Heat-Inducible Element of Cysteine Desulfurase Gene Promoter in Lentinula edodes
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Lei Xiaoyu , Feng Xi , Gao Shuangshuang , Wang Gangzheng , Bian Yinbing , Huang Wen , Liu Ying
Published: June 2019

Volatile organosulfur compounds are the main components that contribute to the unique aroma of dried Lentinula edodes. They are mainly generated during the hot-air drying process, and cysteine desulfurase is the key enzyme in this process. Temperature may be an essential factor of volatile organosulfur compound production by influencing the expression of the cysteine desulfurase gene. In this study, the promoter sequence of the cysteine desulfurase gene (pCS) was cloned and analyzed using bioinformatics tools. A series of 5′deletion fragments and site-directed mutations of pCS were constructed to identify the element that responds to heat stress. Six heat shock transcription factor (HSTF) binding sites were predicted by SCPD (The Promoter Database of Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and three of the binding sites were predicted by Yeastract (Yeast Search for Transcriptional Regulators and Consensus Tracking) in pCS. The results indicated that pCS was able to drive the expression of the EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) gene in L. edodes. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity increased after heat stress. The changes in fluorescence intensity of different 5′deletion fragments showed that the heat response region was located between −500 bp and −400 bp in pCS. The site-directed mutation analysis further showed that the heat-inducible element was between −490 bp and −500 bp (TTTCTAGAAT) in pCS. Our results provide molecular insight for studying the formation of volatile organosulfur compounds in dried L. edodes.
Design, Synthesis and Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition Evaluation of New Aminoquinone Hybrid Molecules
Authors: Defant Andrea , Mancini Ines
Published: June 2019

Molecular hybridization has proven to be a successful multi-target strategy in the design and development of new antitumor agents. Based on this rational approach, we have planned hybrid molecules containing covalently linked pharmacophoric units, present individually in compounds acting as inhibitors of the cancer protein targets tubulin, human topoisomerase II and ROCK1. Seven new molecules, selected by docking calculation of the complexes with each of the proteins taken into consideration, have been efficiently synthesized starting from 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphtoquinone or 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinquinone. By screening the full National Cancer Institute (NCI) panel, including 60 human cancer cell lines, four molecules displayed good and sometimes better growth inhibition GI50 than the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, the Topo II inhibitor podophyllotoxin and the tubulin inhibitor combretastatin A-4. The relative position of N,N heteroatoms in the structures of the tested compounds was crucial in affecting bioactivity and selectivity. Furthermore, compound 3 (2-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenoxy)naphthalene-1,4-dione) emerged as the most active in the series, showing a potent and selective inhibition of breast cancer BT-549 cells (GI50 < 10 nM).
Gas-Phase Fragmentation of Cyclic Oligosaccharides in Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chizhov Alexander O. , Tsvetkov Yury E. , Nifantiev Nikolay E.
Published: June 2019

Modern mass spectrometry, including electrospray and MALDI, is applied for analysis and structure elucidation of carbohydrates. Cyclic oligosaccharides isolated from different sources (bacteria and plants) have been known for decades and some of them (cyclodextrins and their derivatives) are widely used in drug design, as food additives, in the construction of nanomaterials, etc. The peculiarities of the first- and second-order mass spectra of cyclic oligosaccharides (natural, synthetic and their derivatives and modifications: cyclodextrins, cycloglucans, cyclofructans, cyclooligoglucosamines, etc.) are discussed in this minireview.
Rapid and Nondestructive Measurement of Rice Seed Vitality of Different Years Using Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: He Xiantao , Feng Xuping , Sun Dawei , Liu Fei , Bao Yidan , He Yong
Published: June 2019

Seed vitality is one of the primary determinants of high yield that directly affects the performance of seedling emergence and plant growth. However, seed vitality may be lost during storage because of unfavorable conditions, such as high moisture content and temperatures. It is therefore vital for seed companies as well as farmers to test and determine seed vitality to avoid losses of any kind before sowing. In this study, near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) combined with multiple data preprocessing methods and classification models was applied to identify the vitality of rice seeds. A total of 2400 seeds of three different years: 2015, 2016 and 2017, were evaluated. The experimental results show that the NIR-HSI technique has great potential for identifying vitality and vigor of rice seeds. When detecting the seed vitality of the three different years, the extreme learning machine model with Savitzky–Golay preprocessing could achieve a high classification accuracy of 93.67% by spectral data from only eight wavebands (992, 1012, 1119, 1167, 1305, 1402, 1629 and 1649 nm), which could be developed for a fast and cost-effective seed-sorting system for industrial online application. When identifying non-viable seeds from viable seeds of different years, the least squares support vector machine model coupled with raw data and selected wavelengths of 968, 988, 1204, 1301, 1409, 1463, 1629, 1646 and 1659 nm achieved better classification performance (94.38% accuracy), and could be adopted as an optimal combination to identify non-viable seeds from viable seeds.
Anti-Migraine Effect of the Herbal Combination of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Cyperi Rhizoma and UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of the Active Constituents in Rat Serum and Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Wu Sha , Guo Li , Qiu Feng , Gong Muxin
Published: June 2019

Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Cyperi Rhizoma (CRCR), an ancient and classic formula comprised of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Cyperi Rhizoma in a weight ratio of 1:2, has long been used for curing migraine. This study aimed to explore their anti-migraine effect and active constituents. A nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine model in rats was established to evaluate pharmacological effects. Cerebral blood flow was detected by a laser Doppler perfusion monitor. The levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydoxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CGRP and c-Fos mRNA expression were quantified with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of active constituents in rat serum and cerebral cortex. CRCR significantly increased cerebral blood flow, decreased the levels of ET-1, GABA and NOS, and increased the levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and β-EP in NTG-induced migraine rats. CGRP levels and CGRP mRNA expression, as well as c-Fos mRNA expression in the brainstem were markedly down-regulated with the treatment of CRCR. After oral administration of CRCR, ferulic acid (FA), senkyunolide A (SA), 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), Z-ligustilide (LIG), Z-3-butylidenephthalide (BDPH), cyperotundone (CYT), nookatone (NKT) and α-cyperone (CYP) were qualified in rat serum and cerebral cortex. The above results suggested that CRCR showed powerfully therapeutic effects on migraine via increasing the cerebral blood flow, decreasing the expression of CGRP and c-Fos mRNA, and regulating the releasing of ET-1, GABA, NOS, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, CGRP and β-EP in the serum and brainstem, consequently relieving neurogenic inflammation. The active constituents in CRCR for treating migraine were FA, SA, NBP, LIG, BDPH, CYT, NKT and CYP. These findings contributed for the further use of CRCR as a combinational and complementary phytomedicine for migraine treatment.
Formation of Polyethylene Glycol Particles Using a Low-Temperature Supercritical Assisted Atomization Process
Authors: Wu Hsien-Tsung , Tsai Hong-Ming , Li Tsung-Hsuan
Published: June 2019

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) particles were prepared using low-temperature supercritical assisted atomization (LTSAA) with carbon dioxide as the spraying medium or the co-solute and acetone as the solvent. The effects of several key factors on the particle size were investigated. These factors included the concentration of the PEG solution, precipitator temperature, saturator temperature, ratio of the volumetric flow rate of carbon dioxide to the PEG solution, and the molecular weight of PEG. Spherical and non-aggregated PEG particles, with a mean size of 1.7–3.2 µm, were obtained in this study. The optimal conditions to produce fine particles were found to be a low concentration of the PEG solution, a low precipitator temperature, and low molecular weight of the PEG. The phase behavior of the solution mixture in the saturator presented a qualitative relationship. At the optimized volumetric flow rate ratios, the composition of CO2 in the feed streams was near the bubble points of the saturator temperatures. X-ray and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that LTSAA-treated PEG had a reduced degree of crystallinity, which could be modulated via the precipitator temperature. PEG microparticles prepared by a LTSAA process would be promising carriers for drug-controlled formulations of PEG-drug composite particles.
Ethanol-Quenching Introduced Oxygen Vacancies in Strontium Titanate Surface and the Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Xiao Yang , Chen Shihao , Wang Yinhai , Hu Zhengfa , Zhao Hui , Xie Wei
Published: June 2019

Modification of the surface properties of SrTiO3 crystals by regulating the reaction environment in order to improve the photocatalytic activity has been widely studied. However, the development of a facile, effective, and universal method to improve the photocatalytic activity of these crystals remains an enormous challenge. We have developed a simple method to modify the surface environment of SrTiO3 by ethanol quenching, which results in enhanced UV, visible and infrared light absorption and photocatalytic performance. The SrTiO3 nanocrystals were preheated to 800 °C and immediately quenched by submersion in ethanol. X-ray diffraction patterns, electron paramagnetic resonance spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated that upon rapid ethanol quenching, the interaction between hot SrTiO3 and ethanol led to the introduction of a high concentration of oxygen vacancies on the surface of the SrTiO3 lattice. Consequently, to maintain the regional charge balance of SrTiO3, Sr2+ could be substituted for Ti4+. Moreover, oxygen vacancies induced localized states into the band gap of the modified SrTiO3 and acted as photoinduced charge traps, thus promoting the photocatalytic activity. The improved photocatalytic performance of the modified SrTiO3 was demonstrated by using it for the decomposition of rhodamine B and production of H2 from water under visible or solar light.
Ocular Drug Delivery: A Special Focus on the Thermosensitive Approach
Authors: Sapino Simona , Chirio Daniela , Peira Elena , Abellán Rubio Elena , Brunella Valentina , Jadhav Sushilkumar A. , Chindamo Giulia , Gallarate Marina
Published: June 2019

The bioavailability of ophthalmic therapeutics is reduced because of the presence of physiological barriers whose primary function is to hinder the entry of exogenous agents, therefore also decreasing the bioavailability of locally administered drugs. Consequently, repeated ocular administrations are required. Hence, the development of drug delivery systems that ensure suitable drug concentration for prolonged times in different ocular tissues is certainly of great importance. This objective can be partially achieved using thermosensitive drug delivery systems that, owing to their ability of changing their state in response to temperature variations, from room to body temperature, may increase drug bioavailability. In the case of topical instillation, in situ forming gels increase pre-corneal drug residence time as a consequence of their enhanced adhesion to the corneal surface. Otherwise, in the case of intraocular and periocular, i.e., subconjunctival, retrobulbar, peribulbar administration, among others, they have the undoubted advantage of being easily injectable and, owing to their sudden thickening at body temperature, have the ability to form an in situ drug reservoir. As a result, the frequency of administration can be reduced, also favoring the patient’s adhesion to therapy. In the main section of this review, we discuss some of the most common treatment options for ocular diseases, with a special focus on posterior segment treatments, and summarize the most recent improvement deriving from thermosensitive drug delivery strategies. Aside from this, an additional section describes the most widespread in vitro models employed to evaluate the functionality of novel ophthalmic drug delivery systems.
PMMA-ITO Composite Formation via Electrostatic Assembly Method for Infra-Red Filtering
Authors: Tan Wai Kian , Yokoi Atsushi , Kawamura Go , Matsuda Atsunori , Muto Hiroyuki
Published: June 2019

Formation of functional composite materials with desired properties is important for advanced application development. However, formation of a homogenous composite material via conventional mixing methods still remains a challenge due to agglomeration. Therefore, this work reports and demonstrates the formation of a homogeneous poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA)-indium tin oxide (ITO) composite with high visible light transparency (up to 90%) with an excellent shielding effect of infra-red (IR) via a facile electrostatic assembly method. This PMMA-ITO composite with good transparency and an IR shielding effect has good potential to be used in the automobile industry for vehicle windscreens as well as in heat preservation or preventive technology. The IR shielding rate is demonstrated to be controllable by changing the amount of ITO nanoparticles additive. This finding would provide a platform for development of IR optical related polymeric composite materials.
The Relationship between Social Capital within Its Different Contexts and Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Among Lithuanian Adolescents
Authors: Mieziene Brigita , Emeljanovas Arunas , Novak Dario , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2019

The eating habits of adolescents are a serious current public health problem. Scientists call attention to the availability of social resources for enhancing healthy eating behavior. Social capital defines those resources as trust, reciprocity, social participation, integrity, and coherence, and they are supposed to help people achieve their life goals, in general, and health goals, in particular. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between social capital within its different contexts and adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) among Lithuanian adolescents. The nationally representative cross-sectional study included 1863 students (906 boys and 957 girls). The KIDMED index questionnaire (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents) was used to evaluate the adherence to an MD. Family, neighborhood, and school contexts of social capital were assessed using six items indicating family support, neighborhood trust, social control, vertical trust, horizontal trust, and reciprocity at school. Covariates such as gender, physical activity, parental education, and body mass index were also included in the analysis. Descriptive results showed that only 14% of Lithuanian adolescents followed an MD. Linear regression analysis indicated that family support (β = 0.096) and trust in school teachers (β = 0.074) were related to better rates of adherence, especially regarding the consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, and the use of olive oil as a main source of fat. More adolescents who perceived family support and trust in their teachers used these products regularly and were less likely to skip breakfast. These findings could be used as a base for further developing nutrition education programs aimed at enhancing support and trust among families and schoolteachers.
Low-Fat Diet Designed for Weight Loss But Not Weight Maintenance Improves Nitric Oxide-Dependent Arteriolar Vasodilation in Obese Adults
Authors: Mahmoud Abeer M. , Hwang Chueh-Lung , Szczurek Mary R. , Bian Jing-Tan , Ranieri Christine , Gutterman David D. , Phillips Shane A.
Published: June 2019

Obesity is associated with microvascular dysfunction. While low-fat diet improves cardiovascular risk, its contributions on microvascular function, independent of weight loss, is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation in microvessels is improved by low-fat diets designed for weight loss (LFWL) compared to low-fat weight maintenance (LFWM) diet. Obese adults were randomly assigned to either a LFWL diet (n = 11) or LFWM diet (n = 10) for six weeks. Microvessels were obtained from gluteal subcutaneous fat biopsies before and after the intervention for vascular reactivity measurements to acetylcholine (Ach) and flow, with and without L-NAME or indomethacin. Vascular and serum NO and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. LFWL diet increased flow-induced (FID) and ACh-induced dilation (AChID); an effect that was inhibited by L-NAME. Conversely, LFWM diet did not affect FID or AChID. Indomethacin improved FID and AChID in the baseline and this effect was minimized in response to both diets. Serum NO or CRP did not change in response to either diet. In conclusion, LFWL diet improves microvascular reactivity compared to LFWM diet and increased vascular NO contribution to the improved microvascular dilation. These data suggest that weight reduction on low fat diet is critical for microvascular health.
Melatonin Modulates the Microenvironment of Glioblastoma Multiforme by Targeting Sirtuin 1
Authors: Lai Sheng-Wei , Liu Yu-Shu , Lu Dah-Yuu , Tsai Cheng-Fang
Published: June 2019

Natural products have historically been regarded as an important resource of therapeutic agents. Resveratrol and melatonin have been shown to increase SIRT1 activity and stimulate deacetylation. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest of malignant types of tumor in the central nervous system (CNS) and their biological features make treatment difficult. In the glioma microenvironment, infiltrating immune cells has been shown to possess beneficial effects for tumor progression. We analyzed SIRT1, CCL2, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in human glioma cell lines by immunoblotting. The correlation between those markers and clinico-pathological grade of glioma patients were assessed by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets analysis. We also used monocyte-binding assay to study the effects of melatonin on monocyte adhesion to GBM. Importantly, overexpression of SIRT1 by genetic modification or treatment of melatonin significantly downregulated the adhesion molecular VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in GBM. CCL2-mediated monocyte adhesion and expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were regulated through SIRT1 signaling. SIRT1 is an important modulator of monocytes interaction with GBM that gives the possibility of improved therapies for GBM. Hence, this study provides a novel treatment strategy for the understanding of microenvironment changes in tumor progression.
Innovative Collaboration between a Medical Clinic and a Community Pharmacy: A Case Report
Authors: Doucette William R.
Published: June 2019

As value-based payments become more common in healthcare, providers can develop collaborative relationships to support performance. A medical clinic and community pharmacy worked together to deliver collaborative medication management services to targeted patients in an accountable care organization. The community pharmacy was paid by the clinic to conduct comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) for 116 patients. The CMRs initially were delivered to patients taking at least 10 medications and to patients rated as high cost/risk by the clinic. The most common medication-related problem types were Needs additional therapy (38.8%) and Suboptimal therapy (19.0%). The most common pharmacist actions were to Change medication (18.1%) and Initiate new therapy (13.8%). Financial analyses showed net savings in annual patient out-of-pocket expenses just over $15,000 for the cohort of patients, and net annual direct cost savings from a payer perspective of about $70,000. This innovative partnership between a medical clinic system and a regional pharmacy chain built upon initial discussions and planning. The partners were able to address problems that arose with their collaboration, changing their approach as needed. The outcomes were positive for the clinic and pharmacy, their patients and the payer(s). Interested providers are encouraged to pursue similar collaborations, which could be key to success in today’s healthcare environment.
Alignment of Community Pharmacy Foundation Grant Funding and the Evolution of Pharmacy Practice in the United States of America
Authors: Hoffmann-Eubanks Brittany , Kondic Anne Marie , Isetts Brian J.
Published: June 2019

The Community Pharmacy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of community pharmacy practice and patient care delivery through grant funding and resource sharing. Since 2002, CPF has awarded 191 grants and over $9,200,000 (US dollars) in research and project grants. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the evolution of pharmacy practice and pharmacy education in the United States through the presentation of exemplary cases of Community Pharmacy Foundation funding that is aligned with new care delivery models and approaches to the advancement of patient-centered pharmacy care. Pharmacy began in colonial America as the United States of America was just beginning to form with apothecary shops and druggists. Over time, the pharmacy industry would be revolutionized as America became urbanized, and drug products became commercially produced. The role of the pharmacist and their education evolved as direct patient care became a clear expectation of the general public. By the 1990s, the pharmacy profession had carved out a new path that focused on pharmacist-led, patient-centered pharmaceutical care and medication therapy management services. The Community Pharmacy Foundation grant funding has aligned with this evolution since its founding in 2000, and multiple exemplary grants are presented as support. As the role of pharmacists again transitions from a fee-for-service model to a value-based model, the Community Pharmacy Foundation continues to provide grant funding for research and projects that support the advancement of community pharmacy practice, education, and expanded training of pharmacists.
Why You Don’t Have to Choose between Accuracy and Human Officiating (But You Might Want to Anyway)
Authors: Bordner S. Seth
Published: June 2019

Debates about the role of technology in sports officiating assume that technology would, ceteris paribus, improve accuracy over unassisted human officiating. While this is largely true, it also presents a false dilemma: that we can have accurately officiated sports or human officials, but not both. What this alleged dilemma ignores is that the criteria by which we measure accuracy are also up for revision. We could have sports that are so defined as to be easily (or at least more accurately) judged by human officials. A case from the recent history of science provides an instructive example. I argue that if we insist on human officials, we can still aim for maximal accuracy, though there will be tradeoffs. With compelling reasons to want accuracy in officiating, however, these tradeoffs effectively serve as a reductio against the use of human officials unaided by technology.
Compassion for Living Creatures in Indian Law Courts
Authors: Tarabout Gilles
Published: June 2019

The Constitution of India through an amendment of 1976 prescribes a Fundamental Duty ‘to have compassion for living creatures’. The use of this notion in actual legal practice, gathered from various judgments, provides a glimpse of the current debates in India that address the relationships between humans and animals. Judgments explicitly mentioning ‘compassion’ cover diverse issues, concerning stray dogs, trespassing cattle, birds in cages, bull races, cart-horses, animal sacrifice, etc. They often juxtapose a discourse on compassion as an emotional and moral attitude, and a discourse about legal rights, essentially the right not to suffer unnecessary pain at the hands of humans (according to formulae that bear the imprint of British utilitarianism). In these judgments, various religious founding figures such as the Buddha, Mahavira, etc., are paid due tribute, perhaps not so much in reference to their religion, but rather as historical icons—on the same footing as Mahatma Gandhi—of an idealized intrinsic Indian compassion.
Dynamic Harris Hawks Optimization with Mutation Mechanism for Satellite Image Segmentation
Authors: Jia Heming , Lang Chunbo , Oliva Diego , Song Wenlong , Peng Xiaoxu
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a novel satellite image segmentation technique based on dynamic Harris hawks optimization with a mutation mechanism (DHHO/M) is proposed. Compared with the original Harris hawks optimization (HHO), the dynamic control parameter strategy and mutation operator used in DHHO/M can avoid falling into the local optimum and efficiently enhance the search capability. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, a series of experiments are carried out on various satellite images. Eight advanced thresholding approaches are selected for comparison. Three criteria are adopted to determine the segmentation thresholds, namely Kapur’s entropy, Tsallis entropy, and Otsu between-class variance. Furthermore, four oil pollution images are used to further assess the practicality and feasibility of the proposed method on real engineering problem. The experimental results illustrate that the DHHO/M based thresholding technique is superior to others in the following three aspects: fitness function evaluation, image segmentation effect, and statistical tests.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping of Karakorum Highway Combined with the Application of SBAS-InSAR Technology
Authors: Zhao Fumeng , Meng Xingmin , Zhang Yi , Chen Guan , Su Xiaojun , Yue Dongxia
Published: June 2019

Geological conditions along the Karakorum Highway (KKH) promote the occurrence of frequent natural disasters, which pose a serious threat to its normal operation. Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) provides a basis for analyzing and evaluating the degree of landslide susceptibility of an area. However, there has been limited analysis of actual landslide activity processes in real-time. The SBAS-InSAR (Small Baseline Subsets-Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) method can fully consider the current landslide susceptibility situation and, thus, it can be used to optimize the results of LSM. In this study, we compared the results of LSM using logistic regression and Random Forest models along the KKH. Both approaches produced a classification in terms of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high landslide susceptibility. The evaluation results of the two models revealed a high susceptibility of land sliding in the Gaizi Valley and the Tashkurgan Valley. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and historical landslide verification points were used to compare the evaluation accuracy of the two models. The Area under Curve (AUC) value of the Random Forest model was 0.981, and 98.79% of the historical landslide points in the verification points fell within the range of high and very high landslide susceptibility degrees. The Random Forest evaluation results were found to be superior to those of the logistic regression and they were combined with the SBAS-InSAR results to conduct a new LSM. The results showed an increase in the landslide susceptibility degree for 2808 cells. We conclude that this optimized landslide susceptibility mapping can provide valuable decision support for disaster prevention and it also provides theoretical guidance for the maintenance and normal operation of KKH.
Sensitivity of Nematode Community Analysis to Agricultural Management Practices and Inoculation with Local Effective Microorganisms in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Ney Laura , Franklin Dorcas , Mahmud Kishan , Cabrera Miguel , Hancock Dennis , Habteselassie Mussie , Newcomer Quint , Dahal Subash , Subedi Anish
Published: June 2019

In order to ensure a soil system’s sustained ability to carry out ecosystem services, indicators that assess soil health are needed. We examined the capacity of nematode maturity index (MI), structure index (SI), enrichment index (EI), and trophic groups as measures of soil health, by determining soil nematodes’ sensitivity to cropping systems: rotation, perturbation, fertilization, and inoculation with local effective microorganisms (LEM). Plots were managed for two years under different rotations, annual ryegrass/fallow (ARF) and cereal rye/edamame soybean (CRS). In the third year of the study, all of the plots were managed exactly the same as a wheat/edamame rotation. Data were collected in both winter and summer of this year. In all three years, three inoculant treatments (LEM, False-LEM and No inoculate) were applied. In CRS plots, which received the most tillage and fertilization, there were greater SI values in soils that received LEM application. Nematode community structure described by each MI, SI, and EI were sensitive enough to reflect changes due to differences in soil management practices from previous years. Principal components analysis confirmed that nitrogen mineralization is an important measure to include when using nematode community analysis in the development of a soil health index.
Water Environment Policy and Climate Change: A Comparative Study of India and South Korea
Authors: Khan Mohd Danish , Shakya Sonam , Vu Hong Ha Thi , Ahn Ji Whan , Nam Gnu
Published: June 2019

Climate change is considered to be a potential cause of global warming, which leads to a continuous rise in the global atmospheric temperature. This rising temperature also alters precipitation conditions and patterns, thereby causing frequent occurrences of extreme calamity, particularly droughts and floods. Much evidence has been documented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, illustrating fluctuations in precipitation patterns caused by global climate change. Recent studies have also highlighted the adverse impact of climate change on river flow, groundwater recovery, and flora and fauna. The theoretical political approach and scientific progress have generated ample opportunities to employ previously allusive methods against impacts caused by varying climatic parameters. In this study, the current state of India’s water environment policy is compared with that of South Korea. The “3Is”—ideas, institutions, and interests—which are considered pillars in the international field of political science, are used as variables. The concept of “ideas” highlights the degree of awareness regarding climate change while formulating water environment policy. Here, the awareness of India’s management regarding emerging water issues related to climate change are discussed and compared with that of South Korea. The concept of “institutions” illustrates the key differences in water environment policy under the umbrella of climate change between both countries within the associated national administrations. India’s administrations, such as the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change; the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation; the Ministry of Rural Development; and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, are used as a case study in this work. Finally, the concept of “interest” elaborates the prioritization of key issues in the respective water environment policies. Common interests and voids in the policies of both countries are also briefly discussed. A comparison of India’s water environment policies with that of South Korea is made to expose the gaps in India’s policies with respect to climate change, thereby seeking to identify a solution and the optimal direction for the future of the water environment policy of India.
Univariate and Bivariate Models Related to the Generalized Epsilon–Skew–Cauchy Distribution
Authors: Arnold Barry C. , Gómez Héctor W. , Varela Héctor , Vidal Ignacio
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we consider a stochastic representation of the epsilon–skew–Cauchy distribution, viewed as a member of the family of skewed distributions discussed in Arellano-Valle et al. (2005). The stochastic representation facilitates derivation of distributional properties of the model. In addition, we introduce symmetric and asymmetric extensions of the Cauchy distribution, together with an extension of the epsilon–skew–Cauchy distribution. Multivariate versions of these distributions can be envisioned. Bivariate examples are discussed in some detail.
Chikungunya Virus Infections in Military Deployments in Tropical Settings—A Narrative Minireview
Authors: Frickmann Hagen , Herchenröder Ottmar
Published: June 2019

Chikungunya fever is a vector-borne viral disease in subtropical and tropical areas of endemicity. Apart from the burden on local populations, chikungunya virus infection also poses a risk for travelers and, in particular, soldiers during prolonged deployment-associated outdoor activities. The absence of rapid diagnostic tests makes surveillance challenging during military deployments in war and crisis zones with restricted medical infrastructure. Consequently, both historical and up-to-date surveillance data from battlefields are scarce. From several studies and postdeployment assessments, some information on the epidemiology of chikungunya virus infections in deployed military personnel is nevertheless available. The few published data homogeneously suggest a low infection risk in the endemic setting. During outbreaks, however, the infection risk of military personnel is comparable to that of the local population. Infection clusters of soldiers without pronounced outdoor activity have been reported under such circumstances as well. In spite of efforts focusing on the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine, no licensed product is available so far.
A DNA-Modified Live Vaccine Prime–Boost Strategy Broadens the T-Cell Response and Enhances the Antibody Response against the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Bernelin-Cottet Cindy , Urien Céline , Stubsrud Elisabeth , Jakob Virginie , Bouguyon Edwige , Bordet Elise , Barc Céline , Boulesteix Olivier , Contreras Vanessa , Barnier-Quer Christophe , Collin Nicolas , Trus Ivan , Nauwynck Hans , Bertho Nicolas , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle
Published: June 2019

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) induces reproductive disorders in sows and respiratory illnesses in growing pigs and is considered as one of the main pathogenic agents responsible for economic losses in the porcine industry worldwide. Modified live PRRSV vaccines (MLVs) are very effective vaccine types against homologous strains but they present only partial protection against heterologous viral variants. With the goal to induce broad and cross-protective immunity, we generated DNA vaccines encoding B and T antigens derived from a European subtype 1 strain that include T-cell epitope sequences known to be conserved across strains. These antigens were expressed either in a native form or in the form of vaccibodies targeted to the endocytic receptor XCR1 and CD11c expressed by different types of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). When delivered in skin with cationic nanoparticles and surface electroporation, multiple DNA vaccinations as a stand-alone regimen induced substantial antibody and T-cell responses, which were not promoted by targeting antigens to APCs. Interestingly, a DNA-MLV prime–boost strategy strongly enhanced the antibody response and broadened the T-cell responses over the one induced by MLV or DNA-only. The anti-nucleoprotein antibody response induced by the DNA-MLV prime–boost was clearly promoted by targeting the antigen to CD11c and XCR1, indicating a benefit of APC-targeting on the B-cell response. In conclusion, a DNA-MLV prime–boost strategy, by enhancing the potency and breadth of MLV vaccines, stands as a promising vaccine strategy to improve the control of PRRSV in infected herds.
Viral Strain Determines Disease Symptoms, Pathology, and Immune Response in Neonatal Rats with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection
Authors: Plume Jeffrey M. , Todd Dylan , Bonthius Daniel J.
Published: June 2019

When infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) occurs during pregnancy, the virus can infect the fetus and injure the fetal brain. However, type, location, and severity of neuropathology differ among cases. One possible explanation for this diversity is that fetuses are infected with different viral strains. Using a rat model of congenital LCMV infection, we investigated how differences in LCMV strain (E350, WE2.2, and Clone 13) affect outcome. Rat pups received intracranial inoculations on postnatal day 4. E350 initially targeted glial cells, while WE2.2 and Clone 13 targeted neurons. The E350 strain induced focal destructive lesions, while the other strains induced global microencephaly. E350 attracted large numbers of CD8+ lymphocytes early in the disease course, while Clone 13 attracted CD4+ lymphocytes, and the infiltration occurred late. The E350 and WE2.2 strains induced large increases in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while Clone 13 did not. The animals infected with E350 and WE2.2 became ataxic and performed poorly on the negative geotaxis assay, while the Clone 13 animals had profound growth failure. Thus, in the developing brain, different LCMV strains have different patterns of infection, neuropathology, immune responses and disease symptoms. In humans, different outcomes from congenital LCMV may reflect infection with different strains.