bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spread of
bla
CTX-M-15
-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and OXA-23-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Sequence Type 2 in Tunisian Seafood
Authors: Mani Yosra , Mansour Wejdene , Lupo Agnese , Saras Estelle , Bouallègue Olfa , Madec Jean-Yves , Haenni Marisa
Published: July 2018

Bivalves are filter-feeding animals and markers of bacterial pollution. We report a massive spread of
bla
CTX-M-15
through dominant
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
lineages and/or plasmid subtypes (F31:A4:B1) as well as the presence of OXA-23-producing
Acinetobacter baumannii
sequence type 2 (ST2) in seafood, highlighting a direct risk for the consumer.
iTRAQ-Based Global Proteomic Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Response to Desiccation, Low Water Activity, and Thermal Treatment
Authors: Maserati Alice , Lourenco Antonio , Diez-Gonzalez Francisco , Fink Ryan C.
Published: July 2018

Salmonella enterica
is able to survive in dry environments for very long periods. While it is well known that the initial exposure to desiccation is fundamental to trigger thermal tolerance in this organism, the specific physiological and molecular processes involved in this cross-protection phenomenon have not been fully characterized. Several studies have focused on the low-a
w
transcriptome of this pathogen when inoculated in different food matrices or on abiotic surfaces, but proteomic analyses have not been reported in the literature. Our study investigated the changes in proteomic expression in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium during desiccation, exposure to low a
w
, and thermal treatment. A better knowledge of the systems involved in the response to desiccation and thermal tolerance, as well as a better understanding of their interplay, is fundamental to identify the most effective combination of interventions to prevent
Salmonella
's contamination of foods.
Towards the Response Threshold for
p
-Hydroxyacetophenone in the Denitrifying Bacterium “Aromatoleum aromaticum” EbN1
Authors: Vagts Jannes , Scheve Sabine , Kant Mirjam , Wöhlbrand Lars , Rabus Ralf
Published: July 2018

Aromatic compounds are widespread microbial growth substrates with natural as well as anthropogenic sources, albeit with their
in situ
concentrations and their bioavailabilities varying over several orders of magnitude. Even though degradation pathways and underlying regulatory systems have long been studied with aerobic and, to a lesser extent, with anaerobic bacteria, comparatively little is known about the effector concentration-dependent responsiveness.
A. aromaticum
EbN1 is a model organism for the anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds with the architecture of the catabolic network and its substrate-specific regulation having been intensively studied by means of differential proteogenomics. The present study aims at unraveling the minimal concentration of an aromatic growth substrate (
p
-hydroxyacetophenone here) required to initiate gene expression for its degradation pathway and to learn in principle about the lower limit of catabolic responsiveness of an anaerobic degradation specialist.
Regulatory Bc200 Rna in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Iacoangeli Anna , Adzovic Linda , Chen Emily Q , Latif Cattie Rabia , Soff Gerald A , Tiedge Henri
Published: July 2018

Regulatory brain cytoplasmic 200 RNA (BC200 RNA) is highly expressed in human mammary carcinoma cells. Here, we ask whether BC200 RNA becomes detectable in peripheral blood of patients with invasive breast cancer. Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) methodology, we observed that BC200 RNA blood levels were significantly elevated, in comparison with healthy subjects, in patients with invasive breast cancer prior to tumorectomy (p=0.001) and in patients with metastatic breast cancer (p=0.003). In patients with invasive breast cancer who had recently undergone tumorectomy, BC200 RNA blood levels were not distinguishable from levels in healthy subjects. However, normality analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of patients in this group, including a subgroup of individuals with high residual BC200 RNA blood levels. In blood from patients with invasive breast cancer, BC200 RNA was specifically detected in the mononuclear leukocyte fraction. The qRT-PCR approach is sensitive enough to detect as few as three BC200 RNA-expressing tumor cells. Our work establishes the potential of BC200 RNA detection in blood to serve as a molecular indicator of invasive breast malignancy.
Modeling framework to estimate spawning and hatching locations of pelagically spawned eggs
Authors: Embke Holly S. , Kocovsky Patrick M. , Garcia Tatiana , Mayer Christine M. , Qian Song S.
Published: July 2018

Identifying spawning and hatching locations is vital to controlling invasive fish and conserving imperiled fish, which can be difficult for pelagically spawning species with semi-buoyant eggs. In freshwater systems, this reproductive strategy is common among cyprinid species, such as Chinese carp species currently threatening the Great Lakes. Following the confirmation that one of these species, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), was spawning in a Great Lakes tributary, we developed a modeling framework to combine field data with hydraulic models to calculate the most probable spawning and hatching locations for collected eggs. Our results indicate that the estimated spawning location encompassed habitat consistent with spawning sites in grass carp’s native range. Additionally, all eggs were identified to have hatched in the river, increasing the likelihood of successful recruitment. This modeling framework can be used to estimate spawning and hatching locations for Chinese carp species, as well as all pelagic, riverine spawners. Spawning and hatching locations provide key information to researchers about the reproductive requirements of species and to agencies about how best to manage populations for control or restoration.
Assessment of mercury uptake routes at the soil-plant-atmosphere interface
Authors: Naharro Rocío , Esbrí José María , Amorós José Ángel , García-Navarro Francisco J. , Higueras Pablo
Published: July 2018

Mercury is easily transformed from the elemental state or numerous other mercury compounds to its gaseous form. The gaseous mercury species remain in the atmosphere for sufficient time to be carried long distances. In many cases, some of these differences produce a bias in experimental research, especially for the understanding of the soil-plant-atmosphere system in polluted sites. The main controversy concerns the preferential uptake route in plants and whether the process is reversible or not. The aims of the work described here were to acquire a better knowledge of the transfer routes in the soil-plant-atmosphere system and to ascertain whether plant mercury uptake is reversible. Factors such as the presence of mercury in the atmosphere and irrigation water were evaluated using two common species in Castilla-La Mancha: vines (
Vitis vinifera,
L.) and olive trees (
Olea europea,
L.). The results provide evidence of three important aspects: plant mercury uptake via roots does occur but it seems minor; plant mercury uptake from the atmosphere involves a continuous exchange at the leaf-atmosphere interface; and plant mercury bioaccumulation seems to be a reversible process. These findings have implications for the use of plants as biomonitors by restricting the exposure times, and in phytoremediation, particularly for polluted soils.
Electrochemical Peroxide Generation for In Situ Disinfection
Authors: Vijapur Santosh , Hall Tim , Taylor Jennings E. , WANG DAN , Inman Maria , Skinn Brian
Published: July 2018

Novel technologies with limited earth support are required to enable energy-efficient maintenance of closed air, water, and waste systems in microgravity spacecraft habitats such as International space station (ISS). One area of need for the interstellar travel community is cleaning/sanitizing supplies to meet personal hygiene requirements, which is currently accomplished through the use of pre-packaged, disposable, wetted wipes, or ion exchange cartridges. These items represent an appreciable carry-along mass and disposal/replacement burden requiring earth based support. Therefore, if a system could be developed to use onboard utilities to create cleaning and disinfecting solutions it would reduce the astronaut’s dependence on earth based supplies.We are addressing this challenge by demonstrating a technology that will use utilities on-board the spacecraft habitat to create sanitizing solutions and eliminate the need for regular delivery of disinfecting wipes. This concept is founded on the electrochemical reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide using readily available on-board supplies of O2 and water. Peroxide is well-established disinfectant with non-toxic decomposition products (viz., O2 and H2O), that is safe enough for human contact to be sold commercially as a 3% w/w solution. Thus, it is an ideal disinfecting solution for closed space environments.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Formation of the Madeng Hot Spring in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhenhua Ren , Xun Zhou , Miaolin Yang , Xiaocui Wang , Yuhui Zheng , Xiaolu Li , Ye Shen
Published: July 2018

The Madeng hot spring emerges in the central river valley in the northeastern Lanping Basin in Jianchuan county of Yunnan Province in China. Quaternary sand and gravel occur in the valley which is underlain by the red beds consisting of sandstone and mudstone. The temperature of the hot spring is 42.1°C. The spring water has a pH value of 6.41, TDS of 3.98 g/L, F contents of 3.08 mg/L, and H2SiO3 of 35.6 mg/L. The hot water is of SO4•Cl-Na•Ca type. There is a slight hydrogen sulfide odor in the spring water. Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes indicate that the hot water is of meteoric origin. It is estimated that the elevation of the recharge area of the hot spring is approximately 3800 m, the age of the hot water is some 140 years, the temperature of the geothermal reservoir is 75°C–80°C, the mixture ratio of cold water is approximately 80%, and the circulation depth of the thermal groundwater is 1870 m. After receiving recharge from infiltration of precipitation in the mountainous recharge areas, the groundwater undergoes a deep circulation, obtains heat from the heat flow, flows upward along the fractured zone, and emerges as an upflow spring through the Quaternary sand and gravel in the central low-lying river valley.
Improvement of Thermal Processes for Using Residues from Bioethanol and Sugar Production in Brazil: Experiments and Proposed Optimization Measures
Authors: Baris D. , Gehrmann H.-J. , Meiller M. , Müller F. , Vodegel S.
Published: July 2018

Within a national funded Brazilian-German cooperation project ASHES, the thermal utilization of bagasse and other residuals from the sugar processing industry was examined. The characterization of the ashes was also performed but it is not in the focus of this paper. To determine the relevant combustion parameters, tests were carried out in a laboratory-scale, fixed bed reactor (KLEAA) at KIT-ITC. Subsequently, Fraunhofer UMSICHT carried out tests in continuously operated combustion plants with different plant sizes of 30 kW, 100 kW, and 440 kW. All relevant compositions were analyzed by CUTEC. The primary objective was to gain knowledge regarding the combustion and emission behavior of the fuels. These findings were used to identify optimization potentials at various points and elaborate concepts for their improvement. In the next steps of the project, optimization of these concepts will be the focus. In cooperation with the Brazilian project partners, several of them should be implemented into practice after the project.
CTLA4Ig Improves Murine iTreg Induction via TGFβ and Suppressor Function In Vitro
Authors: Pilat Nina , Mahr Benedikt , Gattringer Martina , Baranyi Ulrike , Wekerle Thomas
Published: July 2018

Blockade of the CD28:CD80/86 costimulatory pathway has been shown to be potent in blocking T cell activation in vitro and in vivo. The costimulation blocker CTLA4Ig has been approved for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. The therapeutic application of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has recently gained much attention for its potential of improving allograft survival. However, neither costimulation blockade with CTLA4Ig nor Treg therapy induces robust tolerance on its own. Combining CTLA4Ig with Treg therapy would be an attractive approach for minimizing immunosuppression or for possibly achieving tolerance. However, since the CD28 pathway is more complex than initially thought, the question arose whether blocking CD80/86 would inadvertently impact immunological tolerance by interfering with Treg generation and function. We therefore wanted to investigate the compatibility of CTLA4Ig with regulatory T cells by evaluating direct effects of CTLA4Ig on murine Treg generation and function in vitro. For generation of polyclonal-induced Tregs, we utilized an APC-free in vitro system and added titrated doses of CTLA4Ig at different time points. Phenotypical characterization by flow cytometry and functional characterization in suppressor assays did not reveal negative effects by CTLA4Ig. The costimulation blocker CTLA4Ig does not impair but rather improves murine iTreg generation and suppressor function in vitro.
Influence of Chronic Alcohol Use on Osteoblastic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Cells, Bone Properties, and Hepatic and Renal Morphology of Rats
Authors: Cardoso de Sousa Michelle , Vegian Mariana Raquel da Cruz , Biserra Matheus Alves , Costa Bruno César Almeida , Camargo Samira Esteves Afonso , Rode Sigmar de Mello , Ramos Carolina Judica , Dias de Oliveira Luciane , Vasconcellos Luana Marotta Reis de
Published: July 2018

Chronic alcohol exposure can affect the osteoblastic activity and the proliferation and differentiation of cells due to its toxic effect, which can affect negatively bone repair and bone microarchitecture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic use of 20% alcohol on rats regarding osteoblastic differentiation, extrinsic and intrinsic properties of the tibia, and hepatic and renal morphology. Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=9) in accordance with a 24-week diet. After euthanasia, kidneys, liver, and tibias were removed for analysis and femurs mesenchymal cells were collected. The results showed that chronic use of 20% alcohol influenced neither the alkaline phosphatase production nor total protein (p>0.05) in rats, with similar formation of nodules in all groups (p>0.05). However, significant changes in the liver and kidneys and adverse effects on the mechanical properties of the tibia were observed. According to the results, it can be concluded that the chronic use of alcohol for 24 weeks had no negative influence on the activity and differentiation of osteoblasts, but the mechanical properties of the tibia were impaired and the organs responsible for metabolism and excretion were also affected due to the consumption of alcohol.
QiDiTangShen Granules Reduced Diabetic Kidney Injury by Regulating the Phosphorylation Balance of the Tyrosine and Serine Residues of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1
Authors: Gao Xue , Liu Hongfang , An Zhichao , He Qiying
Published: July 2018

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular complication induced by diabetes mellitus (DM), which can affect life quality and long‐term prognosis of patients with DM. Angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are currently recommended for treating DN proteinuria, but patients receiving ACEI/ARB are at risk of elevated serum creatinine or potassium levels. Based on the “yin‐yang” theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the present study explored the effect of QiDiTangShen (QDTS) granules on DN and the phosphorylation balance of tyrosine and serine residues of IRS‐1. Methods. In this experiment, db/db mice were used as an animal model for type 2 diabetic nephropathy. The intervention (QDTS granules and valsartan) started when the mice were 12 weeks old. C57BL/6 mice were used as normal control. The urine albumin excretion ratio (UAER) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after the intervention. The IRS‐1, PI3K, Akt, and MAPK proteins expression and the phosphorylation levels were detected by western blot. Results. QDTS granules reduced the 24‐h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE) in db/db mice with type 2 DM and attenuated the pathological changes of the kidney. QDTS granules also increased the activation level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and reduced insulin resistance. In addition, QDTS granules inhibited the activation of ERK and p38MAPK and decreased the phosphorylation ratio of Ser307/Tyr896 of IRS‐1 in renal tissue. Conclusions. QDTS granules reduced DM‐induced renal injury by improving insulin sensitivity via suppressing MAPK signaling and restoring the phosphorylation balance of tyrosine/serine of IRS‐1.
Fuzzy State Machine Energy Management Strategy for Hybrid Electric UAVs with PV/Fuel Cell/Battery Power System
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Li , Dai Yueling
Published: July 2018

Energy management strategies are the key technology for hybrid electric UAVs. This paper proposes a fuzzy state machine (FSM) energy management strategy with an online potential to control the power flow for the hybrid electric UAV which includes the photovoltaic, fuel cell, and battery power sources. The FSM strategy couples the fuzzy logical strategy with a state machine strategy where the fuzzy logical strategy controls the power split between a fuel cell and a battery and the state machine deals with the power flow of photovoltaics and battery. To evaluate the FSM strategy, a simulation platform integrating the hybrid power system model and UAV model is developed with a Matlab/Simulink tool. An existed online thermostat control strategy for the same type of UAV is employed to compare with the proposed strategy based on the developed platform. The energy management process and the state of each power source are analyzed under a given mission scenario. The comparison of the two strategies about the power and energy contribution rates of each power source, the battery state of charge, and the hydrogen consumption is presented. The results indicate that the FSM strategy can satisfy the demand power effectively during the mission and performs better than the thermostat control strategy on power distribution and fuel consumption.
Exploration of Neural Activity under Cognitive Reappraisal Using Simultaneous EEG-fMRI Data and Kernel Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Yang Biao , Cao Jinmeng , Zhou Tiantong , Dong Li , Zou Ling , Xiang Jianbo
Published: July 2018

Background. Neural activity under cognitive reappraisal can be more accurately investigated using simultaneous EEG- (electroencephalography) fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) than using EEG or fMRI only. Complementary spatiotemporal information can be found from simultaneous EEG-fMRI data to study brain function. Method. An effective EEG-fMRI fusion framework is proposed in this work. EEG-fMRI data is simultaneously sampled on fifteen visually stimulated healthy adult participants. Net-station toolbox and empirical mode decomposition are employed for EEG denoising. Sparse spectral clustering is used to construct fMRI masks that are used to constrain fMRI activated regions. A kernel-based canonical correlation analysis is utilized to fuse nonlinear EEG-fMRI data. Results. The experimental results show a distinct late positive potential (LPP, latency 200-700ms) from the correlated EEG components that are reconstructed from nonlinear EEG-fMRI data. Peak value of LPP under reappraisal state is smaller than that under negative state, however, larger than that under neutral state. For correlated fMRI components, obvious activation can be observed in cerebral regions, e.g., the amygdala, temporal lobe, cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and frontal lobe. Meanwhile, in these regions, activated intensity under reappraisal state is obviously smaller than that under negative state and larger than that under neutral state. Conclusions. The proposed EEG-fMRI fusion approach provides an effective way to study the neural activities of cognitive reappraisal with high spatiotemporal resolution. It is also suitable for other neuroimaging technologies using simultaneous EEG-fMRI data.
Pathological Voice Source Analysis System Using a Flow Waveform-Matched Biomechanical Model
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Gu Lingling , Wei Wei , Wu Di , Tao Zhi , Zhao Heming
Published: July 2018

Voice production occurs through vocal cord and vibration coupled to glottal airflow. Vocal cord lesions affect the vocal system and lead to voice disorders. In this paper, a pathological voice source analysis system is designed. This study integrates nonlinear dynamics with an optimized asymmetric two-mass model to explore nonlinear characteristics of vocal cord vibration, and changes in acoustic parameters, such as fundamental frequency, caused by distinct subglottal pressure and varying degrees of vocal cord paralysis are analyzed. Various samples of sustained vowel /a/ of normal and pathological voices were extracted from MEEI (Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary) database. A fitting procedure combining genetic particle swarm optimization and a quasi-Newton method was developed to optimize the biomechanical model parameters and match the targeted voice source. Experimental results validate the applicability of the proposed model to reproduce vocal cord vibration with high accuracy, and show that paralyzed vocal cord increases the model coupling stiffness.
True Random Number Generation from Bioelectrical and Physical Signals
Authors: Arslan Tuncer Seda , Kaya Turgay
Published: July 2018

It is possible to generate personally identifiable random numbers to be used in some particular applications, such as authentication and key generation. This study presents the true random number generation from bioelectrical signals like EEG, EMG, and EOG and physical signals, such as blood volume pulse, GSR (Galvanic Skin Response), and respiration. The signals used in the random number generation were taken from BNCIHORIZON2020 databases. Random number generation was performed from fifteen different signals (four from EEG, EMG, and EOG and one from respiration, GSR, and blood volume pulse datasets). For this purpose, each signal was first normalized and then sampled. The sampling was achieved by using a nonperiodic and chaotic logistic map. Then, XOR postprocessing was applied to improve the statistical properties of the sampled numbers. NIST SP 800-22 was used to observe the statistical properties of the numbers obtained, the scale index was used to determine the degree of nonperiodicity, and the autocorrelation tests were used to monitor the 0-1 variation of numbers. The numbers produced from bioelectrical and physical signals were successful in all tests. As a result, it has been shown that it is possible to generate personally identifiable real random numbers from both bioelectrical and physical signals.
Hybrid Structures of ITO-Nanowire-Embedded ITO Film for the Enhanced Si Photodetectors
Authors: Kim Hyunki , Lee Gyeong-Nam , Kim Joondong
Published: July 2018

A high-performance silicon UV photodetector was achieved by using a hybrid of a film with nanowires. Electrically conductive and optically transparent indium-tin oxide (ITO) was deposited to form an ITO film or ITO nanowire (NW) on a Si substrate, resulting in a heterojunction. The ITO-film device is stable with a low-leakage current. Meanwhile, the ITO NWs demonstrated an excellent capability to collect photogenerated carriers. The hybrid ITO (NWs on a film)/Si photodetector demonstrates a fast UV reactive time of 1.6 ms among Si-based photodetectors. We may find a means of enhancing the photoelectric performance capabilities of devices beyond the limits of conventional Si via the adoption of functional designs. Moreover, the use of a homogeneous material for the structuring of films and nanowires would offer a remarkable advantage by reducing both the number of fabrication steps and the cost.
Comparative Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Intratendinous Prolotherapy Injection with Conventional Treatment to Treat Focal Supraspinatus Tendinosis
Authors: George John , Li Shyan Ch’ng , Jaafar Zulkarnain , Hamid Mohamad Shariff A.
Published: July 2018

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy injection for focal supraspinatus rotator cuff tendinosis via outcomes such as functional score, range of movement, and real-time ultrasound parameters. Materials and Methods. 12 adult patients with focal supraspinatus tendinosis recruited after they had less than 30% improvement in functional (DASH) scores after one month of physiotherapy following initial presentation. Seven patients had 0.5–1.0 ml of prolotherapy injection (12.5% dextrose, 0.5% lignocaine) injected into the area of focal tendinosis under ultrasound guidance. Meanwhile, five patients continued standard physiotherapy with no intervention performed. Regional area of echogenicity in decibels, DASH, range of movements of the shoulder, pain, and sleep scores were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results. The prolotherapy group showed significant improvement in shoulder abduction (p=0.030) and an improvement in sleep score (p=0.027). The echogenicity of area of tendinosis significantly increases at the end of treatment (p=0.009). However, there was a nonsignificant reduction in pain score in the injection group (43.5%) and in the control group (25%) at 12 weeks (p>0.005). Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided intratendinous prolotherapy injection significantly improves patient’s range of abduction and improves sleep within 12 weeks of treatment compared to conventional physiotherapy management. Trial Registration. This study was registered under Current Controlled Trials (UK) and given International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) of 43520960.
Isolated Inferior Rectus Muscle Entrapment following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Shapiro Scott , Schaefer Jamie L. , Gupta Sumeet , Nguyen John , Kellermeyer Brian
Published: July 2018

Orbital complications are known risks of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The lamina papyracea and medial rectus muscle are the most commonly injured structures during ESS. Inferior rectus injury is more rare, with only one reported case of isolated inferior rectus injury in the literature. Guidelines for managing ESS-induced inferior rectus injury do not exist, and delayed intervention and management of adjacent sinuses may affect long-term outcomes such as persistent diplopia and disfigurement. In this report, we present a case of a 67-year-old man with diplopia due to isolated left inferior rectus muscle entrapment and injury from violation of the orbital floor during previous ESS. We postulate that an incomplete maxillary antrostomy contributed to scar band formation and entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle after the orbital floor was violated, and advocate early intervention with a wide, complete maxillary antrostomy if the orbital floor is injured during ESS.
A Study on Evaluation of Modular Suppliers and Discussion of Stability
Authors: He Wei
Published: July 2018

Evaluation of modular suppliers is a crucial step towards building an effective modular production network. However, few studies focus on the salient features of modular production and discuss the selection and evaluation of modular suppliers. In this paper, the fuzzy evaluation method is used to make the evaluation. Regarding the method, this paper applies mathematical analysis to further discuss the stability of the method by introducing a dispersion degree and modifying the evaluation vector. Then, based on modularization theory, this paper adopts a factor analysis to identify the criteria for a modular supplier. This paper has two main findings: constructing an index system to evaluate modular suppliers and providing a way to test the stability of the method used. As such, the results of the paper contribute to helping enterprises involved in modular production to identify qualified modular suppliers and make reliable decision with regard to modular supplier evaluation.
Preoperative Anxiety in Greek Children and Their Parents When Presenting for Routine Surgery
Authors: Charana Aikaterini , Tripsianis Gregory , Matziou Vasiliki , Vaos Georgios , Iatrou Christos , Chloropoulou Pelagia
Published: July 2018

Background. A surgical operation in pediatric patients is a rather stressful experience for both children and their parents. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of specific demographic characteristics in parent’s and children’s preoperative anxiety. Methods. The sample was composed of 128 Greek-speaking children (1–14 years of age) who had to undergo minor surgery in a University General Hospital. Before surgical operation, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire and a questionnaire for the social-demographic characteristics were completed by the parents. Children’s preoperative anxiety was evaluated using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS). Results. The independent predictors of increased anxiety levels in parents are child’s age (p=0.024) and gender (girls: p=0.008), living in rural areas (parents: p<0.001; children: p=0.009), being a mother (p=0.046), high or low education level (p=0.031), a no premedicated child (p=0.007), and high baseline parental anxiety (p=0.003). Previous hospitalization (p=0.019), high situational parental anxiety (p<0.001), no premedication (p=0.014), and being the only child in the family (p=0.045) are found to be the main determinants of preoperative anxiety control in children. Conclusions. This study identifies possible risk factors of preoperative anxiety in parents and their children, which are high parental anxiety, child’s age, no premedication, being the only child in the family, living in rural areas, education level, and previous hospitalization.
A Computing Model of Selective Attention for Service Robot Based on Spatial Data Fusion
Authors: Chen Huanzhao , Tian Guohui
Published: July 2018

Robots and humans are facing the same problem: they all need to face a lot of perceptual information and choose valuable information. Before the robots provide services, they need to complete a robust real-time selective attention process in the domestic environment. Visual attention mechanism is an important part of human perception, which enables humans to select the visual focus on the most potential interesting information. It also could dominate the allocation of computing resource. It also could focus human’s attention on valuable objects in the home environment. Therefore we are trying to transfer visual attention selection mechanism to the scene analysis of service robots. This will greatly improve the robot’s efficiency in perception and processing information. We proposed a computing model of selective attention which is biologically inspired by visual attention mechanism, which aims at predicting focus of attention (FOA) in a domestic environment. Both static features and dynamic features are composed in attention selection computing process. Information from sensor networks is transformed and incorporated into the model. FOA is selected based on a winner-take-all (WTA) network and rotated by inhibition of return (IOR) principle. The experimental results showed that this approach is robust to the partial occlusions, scale-change illumination, and variations. The result demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach with available literature on biological evidence. Some specific domestic service tasks are also tailored to this model.
Graphene-Based Membrane Technology: Reaching Out to the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Castro Carlos , Cocuzza Matteo , Lamberti Andrea , Laurenti Marco , Pedico Alessandro , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Rocca Vera , Borello Eloisa Salina , Scaltrito Luciano , Serazio Cristina , Viberti Dario , Verga Francesca
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a critical review and the state of the art of graphene porous membranes, a brand-new technology and backdrop to discuss its potential application for efficient water desalination in low salinity water injection (LSWI). LSWI technology consists in injecting designed, adequately modified, filtered water to maximize oil production. To this end, desalination technologies already available can be further optimized, for example, via graphene membranes, to achieve greater efficiency in water-oil displacement. Theoretical and experimental applications of graphene porous membranes in water desalination have shown promising results over the last 5-6 years. Needless to say, improvements are still needed before graphene porous membranes become readily available. However, the present work simply sets out to demonstrate, at least in principle, the practical potential graphene membranes would have in hydrocarbon recovery processes.
The Role of Dendritic Cells in the Differentiation of T Follicular Helper Cells
Authors: Zou Xueyang , Sun Guangyu , Huo Feifei , Chang Lu , Yang Wei
Published: July 2018

T follicular helper cells (TFH) are a subset of recently discovered CD4+ T cells. Their major function is to participate in the formation of germinal centres (GCs) and promote B cell proliferation and differentiation to play important roles in the production of antibodies. Currently, the functions of TFH cells are clear. However, the early differentiation of these cells is not clear. Dendritic cells (DCs) participate in the differentiation of TFH cells. Therefore, this article reviewed the research progress regarding the influence of DCs on the differentiation of TFH cells and their major underlying mechanisms.
Loss to Follow-Up among HIV Positive Pregnant and Lactating Mothers on Lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy for PMTCT in Rural Uganda
Authors: Kweyamba Matilda , Buregyeya Esther , Kusiima Joy , Kweyamba Vianney , Mukose Aggrey David
Published: July 2018

Background. Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV accounts for more than 90% of all pediatric HIV infections. However, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV through provision of lifelong ART to HIV positive mothers faces various challenges which affect its success. One of such challenges is the loss to follow-up (LTFU) of mothers. Methodology. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. We were able to trace 279 HIV positive, pregnant, and lactating mothers among mothers who were initiated on lifelong ART for PMTCT in public health facilities in Ntungamo district, Western Uganda. The proportion of those who were lost to follow-up was determined, and Log binomial regression with stepwise backward elimination method was employed to identify factors associated with LTFU. Focus group discussions (FDGs) of women on lifelong ART and key informant interviews (KIIs) of peer educators were also performed. Results. Out of the 279 mothers that were successfully traced and interviewed, 103 (37%) were identified as lost to follow-up. The prevalence of LTFU was higher among those whose transport costs were above $2.75, adj (adjusted) PR (Prevalence Ratio) 1.6 (95% CI; 1.02-2.55); those who waited beyond one hour before being attended to, adj PR 1.74 (95% CI; 1.02-2.96); and those who assumed that their infant was already infected, adj PR 1.76 (95% CI; 1.15-2.70). On interviews, LTFU in these mothers was attributed to fear of swallowing antiretroviral drugs, HIV related stigma and discrimination, inadequate facilitation of the peer educators, long patient waiting time, and transportation to the health facilities. Conclusion. More than one-third of mothers initiated on lifelong ART for PMTCT in Ntungamo district were lost to follow-up over a period of 25 months. Recommendations. Provision of regular and adequate pre-ART and ART adherence counseling and provision of routine health education would reduce LTFU.
Adherence to CRC Screening and Surveillance Guidelines when Using Split-Dose Bowel Preparation
Authors: Menees Stacy B. , Kim H. Myra , Elta Grace H. , Korsnes Sheryl , Schoenfeld Philip
Published: July 2018

Goal. To prospectively assess physician recommendations for repeat colonoscopy in an average-risk screening cohort. Background. Endoscopists’ adherence to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance guidelines for repeat colonoscopy have not been well characterized. Furthermore, little is known about patient and colonoscopy factors that are associated with endoscopists’ nonadherence to guideline recommendation. Study. This is a prospective cohort of average-risk patients undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening between August 2011 and January 2013. The primary outcome was assessment of physician recommendations for repeat colonoscopy. Results. 462 participants were prospectively enrolled. 13.6% (62) had guideline-inconsistent recommendations. 89% of the guideline-inconsistent recommendations were for an earlier interval. Endoscopists’ reports cited suboptimal bowel preparation as the most common reason for earlier repeat colonoscopy. On multivariable analysis, patient split-dose preparation noncompliance was significantly associated with guideline-inconsistent recommendation (OR = 2.7) even after adjusting for other patient or bowel preparation-related characteristics. Additionally, increased odds of guideline-inconsistent recommendation were associated with older age (>70 years old), higher BMI, having 3 or more polyps, having had at least two previous colonoscopies, suboptimal bowel preparation, and having taken at least 12 hours till clear bowel movement. Conclusions. Gastroenterologists are adherent to CRC screening and surveillance guidelines. Suboptimal bowel preparation is the most frequently cited factor in endoscopy reports leading to deviation from guidelines. Continued emphasis on optimization of bowel preparation, particularly patient compliance to split-dose regimen, is needed.
Low Frequency of Asymptomatic and Submicroscopic Plasmodial Infections in Urabá Region in Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Vásquez Carolina , Barrera Escobar Sebastián , Tobón-Castaño Alberto
Published: July 2018

Background. A screening for malaria parasites was conducted with asymptomatic residents in Colombia.Methods. A descriptive study was carried out in December 2012 in four municipalities of Urabá region in Colombia. A convenience sample of 400 subjects was selected. Participants responded to a survey regarding epidemiological data and blood samples were taken from capillary blood obtained by finger prick for thick smear, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results. 399 subjects aged 0.2-98 years were studied (median 22; 221 female (55%)). Episodes of malaria in the last year confirmed by thick film were reported by 47 participants (12%). In 399 samples tested by RDT 4 (1%) were positive (1 withP. falciparum, 3 withP. vivax), and 3 were confirmed by PCR. In 399 thick blood smears examined 5 (1.3%) were positive (2 withP. falciparum, 3 withP. vivax), and 3 were confirmed by PCR. In 227 samples, PCR showed 6 (2.6%) positive samples. The parasitaemia was below 1,440 parasites/μL. The best agreement between diagnoses was found between the RDT and thick blood smears (Kappa = 0.75).Conclusion. Plasmodial afebrile infection was found in 2% of the studied population, by three diagnostic methods, in residents from a low endemic malaria region in Colombia.
Synthesis of α-Alumina Nano-Onions by Thermal Decomposition of Aluminum Formate
Authors: Vargas-Martínez Nadia , Ruíz-Baltazar Álvaro de Jesús , Medellín-Castillo Nahúm A. , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny
Published: July 2018

A simplified route to prepare α-Al2O3 nano-onions and alumina powders with an excellent surface area through the thermal decomposition of aluminum formate (Al(O2CH)3) precursor is proposed. The calcined powders were characterized by infrared and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. Coordination numbers and chemical interactions were determined by 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy. The 27Al MAS NMR spectra showed the presence of η-Al2O3 at 1000°C, and the transformation to α-Al2O3 at 1100°C. The spectral data also showed that while the precursor contained 6-coordinated aluminum ions, four-, five-, and six-coordinated aluminum species were present after calcination at 400°C. SEM images and BET measurements of α-Al2O3 revealed aggregated particles with a specific surface area of 118 m2/g. A nano-onion structure of α-Al2O3 was evident from the HRTEM image.
Expression of Long Noncoding RNA YIYA Promotes Glycolysis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xing Zhen , Zhang Yanyan , Liang Ke , Yan Liang , Xiang Yu , Li Chunlai , Hu Qingsong , Jin Feng , Putluri Vasanta , Putluri Nagireddy , Coarfa Cristian , Sreekumar Arun , Park Peter K. , Nguyen Tina K. , Wang Shouyu , Zhou Jianwei , Zhou Yan , Marks Jeffrey R. , Hawke David H. , Hung Mien-Chie , Yang Liuqing , Han Leng , Ying Haoqiang , Lin Chunru
Published: July 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is yet to be linked to cancer metabolism. Here, we report that upregulation of the lncRNA LINC00538 (YIYA) promotes glycolysis, cell proliferation, and tumor growth in breast cancer. YIYA is associated with the cytosolic cyclin-dependent kinase CDK6 and regulated CDK6-dependent phosphorylation of the fructose bisphosphatase PFK2 (PFKFB3) in a cell-cycle–independent manner. In breast cancer cells, these events promoted catalysis of glucose 6-phosphate to fructose-2,6-bisphosphate/fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of YIYA or CDK6 silencing impaired glycolysis and tumor growth in vivo. In clinical specimens of breast cancer, YIYA was expressed in approximately 40% of cases where it correlated with CDK6 expression and unfavorable survival outcomes. Our results define a functional role for lncRNA in metabolic reprogramming in cancer, with potential clinical implications for its therapeutic targeting.

Significance: These findings offer a first glimpse into how a long-coding RNA influences cancer metabolism to drive tumor growth. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4524–32. ©2018 AACR.
PDSS2Deficiency Induces Hepatocarcinogenesis by Decreasing Mitochondrial Respiration and Reprogramming Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Li Yan , Lin Shuhai , Li Lei , Tang Zhi , Hu Yumin , Ban Xiaojiao , Zeng Tingting , Zhou Ying , Zhu Yinghui , Gao Song , Deng Wen , Zhang Xiaoshi , Xie Dan , Yuan Yunfei , Huang Peng , Li Jinjun , Cai Zongwei , Guan Xin-Yuan
Published: July 2018

Glucose metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis is one of the hallmarks of cancer development. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and for antioxidant defense. Here, we investigated the role of a key factor in CoQ10 synthesis, prenyldiphosphate synthase subunit 2 (PDSS2), in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. PDSS2 was frequently downregulated in HCC tissues and was significantly associated with poorer HCC prognosis (P = 0.027). PDSS2 downregulation was a prognostic factor independent of T status and stage (P = 0.028). Downregulation of CoQ10 was significantly correlated with downregulation of PDSS2 in HCC tumor tissues (R = 0.414; P < 0.001). Of the six different splicing isoforms of PDSS2, the five variants other than full-length PDSS2 showed loss of function in HCC. Reintroduction of full-length PDSS2 into HCC cells increased CoQ10 and mitochondrial electron transport complex I activity and subsequently induced a metabolic shift from aerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration in cells. Reintroduction of PDSS2 also inhibited foci formation, colony formation in soft agar, and tumor formation in nude mice. Knockdown of PDSS2 induced chromosomal instability in the MIHA immortalized human liver cell line. Furthermore, knockdown of PDSS2 in MIHA induced malignant transformation. Overall, our findings indicate that PDSS2 deficiency might be a novel driving factor in HCC development.

Significance: Downregulation of PDSS2 is a driving factor in hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4471–81. ©2018 AACR.
Microenvironmental Cues Determine Tumor Cell Susceptibility to Neutrophil Cytotoxicity
Authors: Gershkovitz Maya , Fainsod-Levi Tanya , Khawaled Saleh , Shaul Merav E. , Sionov Ronit V. , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Aqeilan Rami I. , Shaul Yoav D. , Fridlender Zvi G. , Granot Zvi
Published: July 2018

We have recently shown that neutrophil antitumor cytotoxicity is Ca2+ dependent and is mediated by TRPM2, an H2O2-dependent Ca2+ channel. However, neutrophil antitumor activity is dependent on context and is manifested in the premetastatic niche, but not at the primary site. We therefore hypothesized that expression of TRPM2 and the consequent susceptibility to neutrophil cytotoxicity may be associated with the epithelial/mesenchymal cellular state. We found that TRPM2 expression was upregulated during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal cells were more susceptible to neutrophil cytotoxicity. Conversely, cells undergoing mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) expressed reduced levels of TRPM2, rendering them resistant to neutrophil cytotoxicity. Cells expressing reduced levels of TRPM2 were protected from neutrophil cytotoxicity and seeded more efficiently in the premetastatic lung. These data identify TRPM2 as the link between environmental cues at the primary tumor site, tumor cell susceptibility to neutrophil cytotoxicity, and disease progression. Furthermore, these data identify EMT as a process enhancing tumor-cell immune susceptibility and, by contrast, MET as a novel mode of immune evasion.

Significance: EMT is required for metastatic spread and concomitantly enhances tumor cell susceptibility to neutrophil cytotoxicity. Cancer Res; 78(17); 5050–9. ©2018 AACR.
Transcriptomic Characterization of Endometrioid, Clear Cell, and High-Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Fridley Brooke L. , Dai Junqiang , Raghavan Rama , Li Qian , Winham Stacey J. , Hou Xiaonan , Weroha S. John , Wang Chen , Kalli Kimberly R. , Cunningham Julie M. , Lawrenson Kate , Gayther Simon A. , Goode Ellen L.
Published: July 2018

Background: Endometrioid carcinoma (EC) and clear cell carcinoma (CC) histotypes of epithelial ovarian cancer are understudied compared with the more common high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSC). We therefore sought to characterize EC and CC transcriptomes in relation to HGSC.

Methods: Following bioinformatics processing and gene abundance normalization, differential expression analysis of RNA sequence data collected on fresh-frozen tumors was completed with nonparametric statistical analysis methods (55 ECs, 19 CCs, 112 HGSCs). Association of gene expression with progression-free survival (PFS) was completed with Cox proportional hazards models. Eight additional multi-histotype expression array datasets (N = 852 patients) were used for replication.

Results: In the discovery set, tumors generally clustered together by histotype. Thirty-two protein-coding genes were differentially expressed across histotype (P < 1 × 10−10) and showed similar associations in replication datasets, including MAP2K6, KIAA1324, CDH1, ENTPD5, LAMB1, and DRAM1. Nine genes associated with PFS (P < 0.0001) showed similar associations in replication datasets. In particular, we observed shorter PFS time for CC and EC patients with high gene expression for CCNB2, CORO2A, CSNK1G1, FRMD8, LIN54, LINC00664, PDK1, and PEX6, whereas, the converse was observed for HGSC patients.

Conclusions: The results suggest important histotype differences that may aid in the development of treatment options, particularly those for patients with EC or CC.

Impact: We present replicated findings on transcriptomic differences and how they relate to clinical outcome for two of the rarer ovarian cancer histotypes of EC and CC, along with comparison with the common histotype of HGSC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(9); 1101–9. ©2018 AACR.