bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron sulphides and their effect on the XRF measurement of the bulk chemical composition of badland soils near the Karabash copper smelter, Southern Urals, Russia
Authors: Vodyanitskii Yury N. , Minkina Tatiana M. , Kubrin Stanislav P. , Linnik Vitaly G.
Published: June 2018

The determination of the bulk chemical composition of sulphide-containing soils and badland soils causes difficulties by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis: the content of sulphur is underestimated. The inability to determine the main element, oxygen, is the reason for errors in the XRF bulk chemical analysis of the badland soil. A procedure is proposed for the adjustment of oxygen content in the solid phase of the badland soils using Mössbauer spectrometry data on the content of Fe minerals. The contents of total iron, sulphur, and oxygen in the soils can be corrected in the case of simple iron mineralogy. After correction, the total content of sulphur measured by XRF significantly increases and that of oxygen decreases. The clarified oxygen content of the solid phase of badlands soil can be used to characterize the degree of their degradation.
Record of the Carnian wet episode in strata of the Chinle Group, western USA
Authors: Lucas Spencer G. , Tanner Lawrence H.
Published: June 2018

The Late Triassic Carnian wet episode was an interval of humid climate evident in the lowermost strata of the Upper Triassic Chinle Group in the western USA. Chinle deposition began with the development of major river systems of the Shinarump Formation and equivalents, laterally equivalent to and/or overlain by floodplain deposits containing kaolinitic gleyed to spodic palaeosols and local coal beds. The Chinle strata immediately above these wet episode strata are deposits of smaller rivers that lack coal or carbonaceous strata and contain non-kaolinitic palaeosols that are locally calcareous and vertic, indicative of drier but strongly seasonal climates. The lowermost Chinle strata contain fossil tetrapods, palynomorphs and conchostracans that are consistent with other data that indicate that the basal Chinle strata are of Julian age and immediately overlying lower Chinle strata are early Tuvalian, so these strata are the age of the Carnian wet episode. Identification of a ‘long Norian’ Stage places the Norian base in the Chinle Group near the top of the strata of the wet episode, which means that Norian strata sit directly on early Carnian strata, but there is no unconformity at this level to support recognition of such a long Norian in the Chinle section.
Conodont size reduction and diversity losses during the Carnian Humid Episode in SW China
Authors: Zhang Z. T. , Sun Y. D. , Wignall P. B. , Fu J. L. , Li H. X. , Wang M. Y. , Lai X. L.
Published: June 2018

The enigmatic biotic and environmental changes during the Carnian Humid Episode (CHE) have been investigated in South China. The body size of conodonts, assessed as length of P1 elements, and their diversity show substantial changes in the mid-Carnian. The well-dated Long Chang, Yongyue and Caizitang sections in southwestern China record a change of palaeoenvironments from shallow-marine carbonate platforms to deeper, euxinic basins. All sections show a major loss of conodont diversity and abundance late in the Julian 1 at a time of rapid warming and marine anoxia. Conodont size saw a reduction in maximum, mean and minimum size during the Julian 2 to Tuvalian 2 interval caused by the short-lived appearance of small species and a size decrease of the survivors. Conodont mean size reduction coincided with marine euxinia or anoxia and temperature fluctuations during the Julian 2 to Tuvalian 2 interval. Carnian conodonts thus follow Bergmann's Rule: element size is inversely correlated to the temperature. Climate warming with the consequential development of marine anoxia or euxinia is probably directly responsible for biotic changes at this time.

Supplementary material:
Conodont length data from the Long Chang (LC), Yongyue (NR) and Caizitang (CZ) sections and data for the cross plot between estimated temperature and conodont mean size in the Long Chang section are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4114424
Deep Geothermal Single Well heat production: critical appraisal under UK conditions
Authors: Westaway Rob
Published: June 2018

The idea of Deep Geothermal Single Well (DGSW) heat production has existed for many years, but with no consensus regarding its potential applicability: proponents have made claims regarding thermal outputs that appear exaggerated, whereas detractors have stated that the concept can never be economic unless the capital cost of drilling has already been discounted. However, because this technology offers the potential of delivering geothermal heat projects ‘off the shelf’ with a minimum of site-dependent research, the possibility exists of achieving cost-effective solutions. The present study sets out to investigate this topic subject to environmental and subsidy regimes applicable in the UK; the results might also be useful for other jurisdictions. Under these conditions, the variant of the technology with greatest potential for cost-effectiveness is the hcDGSW, or conductive DGSW with heat production via heat pump. Analytical modelling enables the physics of the heat-exchange processes within a hcDGSW to be approximated. It is thus established that this option can indeed be cost-effective under the current UK subsidy regime for deep geothermal heat, provided boreholes are deep enough and in localities where the geothermal gradient is high enough. The environmentally optimum operational mode (optimizing savings in CO
2
e emissions) involves heat production at a lower rate than the economically optimum mode (maximizing profit). If such projects are subsidized from public funds, a particular operational mode might be specified, maybe as a compromise between these optima. After the 20-year duration of the subsidy, the technology might well no longer be economic, but the infrastructure might be easily repurposed for seasonal heat storage, thus offering the potential of making a significant long-term contribution to sustainable future heat supply. These preliminary results indicate that more detailed appraisal of this technology variant is warranted.
New insights into the building of the Variscan Belt in Eastern Europe (Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria)
Authors: Plissart Gaëlle , Diot Hervé , Monnier Christophe , Mărunţiu Marcel
Published: June 2018

The basement of the Alpine Upper Danubian/Balkan nappe, dismembered between Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria, contains evidence of the Variscan orogenic evolution (Lower Devonian Balkan–Carpathian ophiolite, Carboniferous granites). Our study presents a new tectono-metamorphic interpretation of this basement and documents two main deformation phases, D
1
and D
2
. D
1
is a right-lateral thrust recorded in the metagabbroic rocks at the base of the ophiolitic nappe that also affects the underlying units. This phase is related to the ophiolite emplacement on a northerly margin with a top-to-the-palaeo-WNW (Variscan coordinates) at
c.
360 Ma. D
2
records a collisional event in a sinistral transpressive regime. In a zone of sheared folds, it juxtaposed low- (Eşelniţa metasediments) to high-grade metamorphic rocks (Corbu rocks: 600°C/ 5.2 kbar). Syntectonic granitic intrusions later heated these rocks locally before their final cooling, still during the D
2
phase, and with localized circulation of fluids. The sinistral transpressive regime would prevail after the docking of the Balkans and the Sredna Gora terranes separating the Balkan–Carpathian oceanic basin and could correspond to left-lateral escape due to large-scale readjustments between both terranes during the Carboniferous. The Upper Danubian/Balkan basement appears to be located more northerly in the Variscan Belt than the other intra-Alpine basements (Getic, Western Carpathians, Eastern Alps, Western Alps).
Variation-Aware Global Placement for Improving Timing-Yield of Carbon-Nanotube Field Effect Transistor Circuit
Authors: Wang Chen , Sun Yanan , Hu Shiyan , Jiang Li , Qian Weikang
Published: June 2018

As the conventional silicon-based CMOS technology marches toward the sub-10nm region, the problem of high power density becomes increasingly serious. Under this circumstance, the carbon-nanotube field effect transistors (CNFETs) emerge as a promising alternative to the conventional silicon-based CMOS devices. However, they experience a much larger variation than the silicon-based CMOS devices, which results in a large circuit delay variation and hence, a significant timing yield loss. One of the main variation sources is the carbon-nanotube (CNT) density variation. However, it shows a special property not existing for silicon-based CMOS devices, namely the asymmetric spatial correlation. In this work, we propose novel global placement algorithms to reduce the timing yield loss caused by the CNT density variation. To effectively reduce the statistical circuit delay, we first develop a statistical delay measure for a segment of gates. Based on this measure, we further develop a segment-based strategy and a path-based placement strategy to reduce the delays of the statistically critical paths. Experimental results demonstrated that both of our approaches effectively improve the timing yield.
A Survey on Routing in Anonymous Communication Protocols
Authors: Shirazi Fatemeh , Simeonovski Milivoj , Asghar Muhammad Rizwan , Backes Michael , Diaz Claudia
Published: June 2018

The Internet has undergone dramatic changes in the past 2 decades and now forms a global communication platform that billions of users rely on for their daily activities. While this transformation has brought tremendous benefits to society, it has also created new threats to online privacy, such as omnipotent governmental surveillance. As a result, public interest in systems for anonymous communication has drastically increased. In this work, we survey previous research on designing, developing, and deploying systems for anonymous communication. Our taxonomy and comparative assessment provide important insights about the differences between the existing classes of anonymous communication protocols.
Relative and Absolute Quantitation in Mass Spectrometry–Based Proteomics
Authors: Ankney J. Astor , Muneer Adil , Chen Xian
Published: June 2018

Mass spectrometry–based quantitative proteomics is a powerful tool for gaining insights into function and dynamics of biological systems. However, peptides with different sequences have different ionization efficiencies, and their intensities in a mass spectrum are not correlated with their abundances. Therefore, various label-free or stable isotope label–based quantitation methods have emerged to assist mass spectrometry to perform comparative proteomic experiments, thus enabling nonbiased identification of thousands of proteins differentially expressed in healthy versus diseased cells. Here, we discuss the most widely used label-free and metabolic-, enzymatic-, and chemical labeling–based proteomic strategies for relative and absolute quantitation. We summarize the specific strengths and weaknesses of each technique in terms of quantification accuracy, proteome coverage, multiplexing capability, and robustness. Applications of each strategy for solving specific biological complexities are also presented.
Insulin resistance is a significant determinant of sarcopenia in advanced kidney disease
Authors: Deger Serpil M. , Hewlett Jennifer R. , Gamboa Jorge , Ellis Charles D. , Hung Adriana M. , Siew Edward D. , Mamnungu Cindy , Sha Feng , Bian Aihua , Stewart Thomas G. , Abumrad Naji N. , Ikizler T. Alp
Published: June 2018

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients display significant nutritional abnormalities. Insulin is an anabolic hormone with direct effects on skeletal muscle (SM). We examined the anabolic actions of insulin, whole-body (WB), and SM protein turnover in 33 MHD patients and 17 participants without kidney disease using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic-euaminoacidemic (dual) clamp. Gluteal muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the dual clamp. At baseline, WB protein synthesis and breakdown rates were similar in MHD patients. During dual clamp, controls had a higher increase in WB protein synthesis and a higher suppression of WB protein breakdown compared with MHD patients, resulting in statistically significantly more positive WB protein net balance [2.02 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.79 and 2.36) vs. 1.68 (IQR: 1.46 and 1.91) mg·kg fat-free mass−1·min−1 for controls vs. for MHD patients, respectively, P < 0.001]. At baseline, SM protein synthesis and breakdown rates were higher in MHD patients versus controls, but SM net protein balance was similar between groups. During dual clamp, SM protein synthesis increased statistically significantly more in controls compared with MHD patients ( P = 0.03), whereas SM protein breakdown decreased comparably between groups. SM net protein balance was statistically significantly more positive in controls compared with MHD patients [67.3 (IQR: 46.4 and 97.1) vs. 15.4 (IQR: −83.7 and 64.7) μg·100 ml−1·min−1 for controls and MHD patients, respectively, P = 0.03]. Human SM biopsy showed a positive correlation between glucose and leucine disposal rates, phosphorylated AKT to AKT ratio, and muscle mitochondrial markers in controls but not in MHD patients. Diminished response to anabolic actions of insulin in the stimulated setting could lead to muscle wasting in MHD patients.
Enhanced Upper Extremity Functions with a Single Session of Action-Observation-Execution and Accelerated Skill Acquisition Program in Subacute Stroke
Authors: Adhikari Shambhu Prasad , Tretriluxana Jarugool , Chaiyawat Pakaratee , Jalayondeja Chutima
Published: June 2018

Background. Action-observation-execution (AOE) primes physical training. We examined the immediate effect of AOE with accelerated skill acquisition program (ASAP) on dexterity in subacute stroke.Methods. Twelve individuals from 1 to 6 months after stroke were allocated into two groups by matching age and side of stroke. After AOE of 30 minutes, the experimental group received ASAP for 60 minutes whereas the control group received dose-equivalent usual care. The movement time (MT) and functional ability (FA) of hand items of the Wolf motor function test (WMFT), hand functions and global recovery of stroke impact scale (SIS), and intrinsic motivation items of stroke rehabilitation motivation scale were assessed at baseline, after training, and during one-week follow-up. Data were analyzed within and between the groups.Results. AOE significantly decreased MT of flipping cards of WMFT and hand functions of SIS. Total MT was markedly reduced. AOE with ASAP demonstrated significant group-by-time interactions on MT of lifting pencil of WMFT, total MT, and global recovery. Grip strength, FA, and hand functions were significantly improved only in the experimental group. Both groups improved motivation significantly.Conclusions. The AOE with ASAP enhanced dexterity, which persisted for at least a week. This intervention might improve dexterity in subacute stroke.Trial Registration Number. This trial is registered withTCTR20161007001.
Identification of Feline Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 as an Efficient Antiviral Factor against the Replication of Feline Calicivirus and Other Feline Viruses
Authors: Liu Yongxiang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Kang Hongtao , Hu Xiaoliang , Liu Jiasen , Tian Jin , Qu Liandong
Published: June 2018

Interferons (IFNs) can inhibit most, if not all, viral infections by eliciting the transcription of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious pathogen of cats and a surrogate for Norwalk virus. Interferon efficiently inhibits the replication of FCV, but the mechanism of the antiviral activity is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the anti-FCV activity of ten ISGs, whose antiviral activities were previously reported. The results showed that interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) can significantly inhibit the replication of FCV, whereas the other ISGs tested in this study failed. Further, we found that IRF1 was localized in the nucleus and efficiently activated IFN-β and the ISRE promoter. IRF1 can trigger the production of endogenous interferon and the expression of ISGs, suggesting that IRF1 can positively regulate IFN signalling. Importantly, the mRNA and protein levels of IRF1 were reduced upon FCV infection, which may be a new strategy for FCV to evade the innate immune system. Finally, the antiviral activity of IRF1 against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus, and feline infectious peritonitis virus was demonstrated. These data indicate that feline IRF1 plays an important role in regulating the host type I IFN response and inhibiting feline viral infections.
Rigorous Solution of Slopes’ Stability considering Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Li Chengchao , Jiang Pengming , Zhou Aizhao
Published: June 2018

According to characteristics of soils in failure, a sliding mechanism of slopes in limit state is divided into five parts, for building a slip line field satisfying all possible boundary conditions. An algorithm is built to obtain the rigorous solution approaching upper and lower bound values simultaneously, which satisfies the static boundary and the kinematical boundary based on the slip line field, while stress discontinuity line and velocity discontinuity line are key points. This algorithm is copared with the Spencer method to prove its feasibility with a special example. The variation of rigorous solution, including an ultimate load and a sliding belt the rigid body sliding along rather than a single slip surface for friction‐type soils, is achieved considering hydrostatic pressure with soil parameters changing.
Generalized Estimating Equation Model Based Recursive Partitioning: Application to Distracted Driving
Authors: Park Hyoshin , Pugh Nigel
Published: June 2018

Traditional statistical methods have used a coarse aggregation of data across subjects that may not be representative of any single individual. Even though Generalized Estimating Equations procedure extends generalized linear model to allow for analysis of repeated measurements or other correlated observations, the nonlinear relationship between independent variables and dependent variable could significantly hinder the model’s performance. In this study, we propose Generalized Estimating Equation based tree model that combines the advantages of both models by separating the data set recursively into subsets with significantly different parameter estimates. For the best application of the proposed model, distracted driving on intersection is analyzed in this study. Previous studies have focused on evaluating the singular effect of individual geometry and human characteristic variables on driving behaviors. Interactions between variables associated with red-light running (e.g., cell phone usage, cell phone interface, and driver age groups) present different levels of distraction on red-light running. As an indicator of the sensitivity to distractions (referring to the distance being an impairment due to a secondary task), the drivers’ distance to the intersection onset of yellow interval is partitioned into two groups (i.e., close and far distance) that maximally differentiate the distraction behavior. Proposed cell phone impact zones produce more significant impacts of distraction on red-light running, compared against dilemma zone. We identify interactions that are sensitive to red-light running and different as a function of the level of the speed and yellow interval duration. Drivers are more vulnerable to cell phone distractions when their location is near the stop line of the intersection at onset of yellow interval.
CD4+CD45RA−FOXP3lowRegulatory T Cells as Potential Biomarkers of Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Brazilian Patients
Authors: Silva-Neta Helena L. , Brelaz-de-Castro Maria C. A. , Chagas Mardonny B. O. , Mariz Henrique A. , Arruda Rodrigo G. de , Vasconcelos Viviane F. de , Pereira Michelly C. , Romano Audrey , Pitta Ivan R. , Marques Claudia D. L. , Duarte Angela L. B. P. , Rêgo Moacyr J. B. M. , Pitta Maira G. R.
Published: June 2018

Heren, we analyzed Treg cells as potential biomarkers of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 SLE patients (15 active: SLEDAI > 6/15 SLE remission: SLEDAI< 6) and 15 healthy volunteers were purified. Treg immunophenotyping was performed using CD4, CD25, CD45, CD127, and FOXP3 markers. CD4+FOXP3+Treg activation state was investigated based on CD45RA and FOXP3 expression. To increase the accuracy of our findings, a multivariate linear regression was performed. We showed a significant increase in the frequency of CD4+FOXP3+Treg cells in SLE patients. However, unlike all other Treg cells phenotypes analyzed, only eTreg (CD4+FOXP3highCD45RA-) (p=0.01) subtype was inversely correlated with disease activity while Foxp3+nontreg (CD4+FOXP3lowCD45RA-) (p=0.003) exerted a direct influence in the outcome of the disease. Foxp3+nontreg cells were the most consistent SLE active indicator, confirmed by multiple linear regression analyses. In summary, our results demonstrate Foxp3+nontreg cells as new biomarkers in the search of an effective therapeutic strategy in SLE.
A Multiple Kernel Learning Approach for Air Quality Prediction
Authors: Zheng Hong , Li Haibin , Lu Xingjian , Ruan Tong
Published: June 2018

Air quality prediction is an important research issue due to the increasing impact of air pollution on the urban environment. However, existing methods often fail to forecast high-polluting air conditions, which is precisely what should be highlighted. In this paper, a novel multiple kernel learning (MKL) model that embodies the characteristics of ensemble learning, kernel learning, and representative learning is proposed to forecast the near future air quality (AQ). The centered alignment approach is used for learning kernels, and a boosting approach is used to determine the proper number of kernels. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed MKL model, its performance is compared to that of classical autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model; widely used parametric models like random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM); popular neural network models like multiple layer perceptron (MLP); and long short-term memory neural network. Datasets acquired from a coastal city Hong Kong and an inland city Beijing are used to train and validate all the models. Experiments show that the MKL model outperforms the other models. Moreover, the MKL model has better forecast ability for high health risk category AQ.
Aspergillus Section Nigri-Associated Calcium Oxalate Crystals in an Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
Authors: Kiser Patti K. , Meritet Danielle M. , Bildfell Robert J.
Published: June 2018

An adult male Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) housed at a wildlife rehabilitation facility in southern Oregon died after a short period of progressive ill-thrift. Radiographs taken prior to death demonstrated abnormal radiopaque material in the coelom and the owl was submitted for postmortem examination. Black pigmented fungus was noted grossly, particularly in the respiratory tissues, with abundant oxalate crystal deposition associated with and without hyphal elements subsequently observed histologically. Aspergillus section Nigri was cultured from the lesions. Although there have been a few reports of aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus niger in avian species, the severity and wide tissue distribution of oxalates in this case are highly unusual.
Survey of Authentication and Authorization for the Internet of Things
Authors: Trnka Michal , Cerny Tomas , Stickney Nathaniel
Published: June 2018

The Internet of Things is currently getting significant interest from the scientific community. Academia and industry are both focused on moving ahead in attempts to enhance usability, maintainability, and security through standardization and development of best practices. We focus on security because of its impact as one of the most limiting factors to wider Internet of Things adoption. Numerous research areas exist in the security domain, ranging from cryptography to network security to identity management. This paper provides a survey of existing research applicable to the Internet of Things environment at the application layer in the areas of identity management, authentication, and authorization. We survey and analyze more than 200 articles, categorize them, and present current trends in the Internet of Things security domain.
Effects of Matricaria Recutita (L.) in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis
Authors: Gomes Vânia Thais Silva , Nonato Silva Gomes Raimundo , Gomes Maria Silva , Joaquim Walderez Moreira , Lago Eliana Campêlo , Nicolau Renata Amadei
Published: June 2018

Objective. The objective of this study was to review the effects of the Matricaria recutita (L.) in the treatment of oral mucositis. Methodology. The online search was performed in the period from June 2016 to April 2018 by means of databases LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), and MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online). The consultation was restricted to the years 1991 to 2018 with the aim of elucidating the effects of Matricaria recutita in the treatment of oral mucositis. Results. The final sample consisted of 21 studies, of which 10 were developed in animals and 11 in humans, published from 1991 to 2017, with a total sample of 644 patients. The total number of patients treated with Matricaria included in 11 studies was 364, while in the control groups the total number was 280. In experimental studies, animal models used were rats and the sample size ranged between 36 and 105 animals submitted to the induction of oral mucositis, where 4 studies used an intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil, while 7 induced lesion in the mucosa. From the data collected, it should be noted that both studies with humans and with animals showed significant effects. In this way, there is strong evidence for the discussion on the therapy; however, it should be noted that more studies are developed in order to clarify the most appropriate protocol for the prevention and treatment of injuries. Conclusion. According to the results found in this study, Matricaria recutita appeared to be a promising alternative for the treatment of oral mucositis. However, due to the great variability in the various types of intervention, more controlled double-blind randomized clinical studies are necessary to ensure the best protocol for treating oral mucositis.
Willmore-Like Tori in Killing Submersions
Authors: Barros Manuel , Garay Óscar J. , Pámpano Álvaro
Published: June 2018

The first variation formula and Euler-Lagrange equations for Willmore-like surfaces in Riemannian 3-spaces with potential are computed and, then, applied to the study of invariant Willmore-like tori with invariant potential in the total space of a Killing submersion. A connection with generalized elastica in the base surface of the Killing submersion is found, which is exploited to analyze Willmore tori in Killing submersions and to construct foliations of Killing submersions made up of Willmore tori with constant mean curvature.
Urinary Biochemistry in the Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Lima Camila , Macedo Etienne
Published: June 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication, impacting short- and long-term patient outcomes. Although the application of the classification systems for AKI has improved diagnosis, early clinical recognition of AKI is still challenging, as increments in serum creatinine may be late and low urine output is not always present. The role of urinary biochemistry has remained unclear, especially in critically ill patients. Differentiating between a transient and persistent acute kidney injury is of great need in clinical practice, and despite studies questioning their application in clinical practice, biochemistry indices continue to be used while we wait for a novel early injury biomarker. An ideal marker would provide more detailed information about the type, intensity, and location of the injury. In this review, we will discuss factors affecting the fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) and fractional excretion of urea (FeU). We believe that the frequent assessment of urinary biochemistry and microscopy can be useful in evaluating the likelihood of AKI reversibility. The availability of early injury biomarkers could help guide clinical interventions.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates Diversity as Bioindicator of Water Quality of Some Rivers in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Patang Fatmawati , Soegianto Agoes , Hariyanto Sucipto
Published: June 2018

The objectives of this study were to clarify and evaluate the water quality of a number of rivers in East Kalimantan province of Indonesia. For this purpose, our study successfully utilized the benthic macroinvertebrates diversity as well as physical-chemical parameters of river’s water. For instance, based on the values of Average Score per Taxon (ASPT) and the National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI), Karang Mumus River was categorized as polluted with Chironomus sp. and Melanoides tuberculata as codominant taxa. In addition, Jembayan River exhibited doubtful or moderate quality containing M. tuberculata and A. parvula as codominant taxa. However, Pampang River was found to be the cleanest river with Odonata and Baetidae families as codominant taxa.
Pediatric Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Presenting to the Emergency Department as Refusal to Ambulate
Authors: Schwartz Kevin R. , Hanson Jennifer M. , Friedmann Alison M.
Published: June 2018

A previously healthy 10-year-old girl presented to the emergency department (ED) with a headache and vomiting which resolved with oral NSAIDs. The patient returned two days later unable to ambulate with mental slowing and lower extremity bruising. Labs demonstrated marked leukocytosis, severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Brain MRI showed multiple intracranial hemorrhages. A peripheral blood smear demonstrated blasts with many Auer rods. A diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was made and therapy including all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) was initiated. Neurologic status returned to baseline within 1 week in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Uplink Nonorthogonal Multiple Access Technologies Toward 5G: A Survey
Authors: Ye Neng , Han Hangcheng , Zhao Lu , Wang Ai-hua
Published: June 2018

Owing to the superior performance in spectral efficiency, connectivity, and flexibility, nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is recognized as the promising access protocol and is now undergoing the standardization process in 5G. Specifically, dozens of NOMA schemes have been proposed and discussed as the candidate multiple access technologies for the future radio access networks. This paper aims to make a comprehensive overview about the promising NOMA schemes. First of all, we analyze the state‐of‐the‐art NOMA schemes by comparing the operations applied at the transmitter. Typical multiuser detection algorithms corresponding to these NOMA schemes are then introduced. Next, we focus on grant‐free NOMA, which incorporates the NOMA techniques with uplink uncoordinated access and is expected to address the massive connectivity requirement of 5G. We present the motivation of applying grant‐free NOMA, as well as the typical grant‐free NOMA schemes and the detection techniques. In addition, this paper discusses the implementation issues of NOMA for practical deployment. Finally, we envision the future research challenges deduced from the recently proposed NOMA technologies.
Improvement of Physicomechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Motaleb K. Z. M. Abdul , Shariful Islam Md , Hoque Mohammad B.
Published: June 2018

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by compression molding. The fiber content varied from 25% to 45% by weight. Water uptake percentages of the composites containing various wt% of fiber were measured. All the composites demonstrated lower water uptake percentages and maximum of 1.93% for 45 wt% PALF/PP composite treated with 7(w/v)% NaOH. Tensile Strength (TS), Tensile Modulus (TM), Elongation at Break (Eb %), Bending Strength (BS), Bending Modulus (BM), and Impact Strength (IS) were evaluated for various fiber content. The 45 wt% PALF/PP composite exhibited an increase of 210% TS, 412% TM, 155% BS, 265% BM, and 140% IS compared to PP matrix. Moreover, with the increasing of fiber content, all the mechanical properties increase significantly; for example, 45 wt% fiber loading exhibited the best mechanical property. Fibers were also treated with different concentration of NaOH and the effects of alkali concentrations were observed. The composite treated with 7 (w/v)% NaOH exhibited an increase of 25.35% TS, 43.45% TM, 15.78% BS, and 52% BM but 23.11% decrease of IS compared to untreated composite. Alkali treatment improved the adhesive characteristics of fiber surface by removing natural impurities, hence improving the mechanical properties. However, over 7% NaOH concentration of the tensile strength of the composite reduced slightly due to overexposure of fibers to NaOH.
Experimental Study on Echo Characteristics of Multistatic Large-Scale Underwater Complex Target
Authors: Ling-Guo Zhu , An-Bang Zhao , Wen-zhang Liu , Jing Han , Shu-tao Wang , Zhong-cheng Ma
Published: June 2018

Target acoustic scattering is the primary characteristic of target echo stealth performance, and it is an important sign of the viability of large-scale complex targets underwater. In a test band, owing to the superposition of scattered waves and the elastic echo produced by shells, liquid tanks, partition plates, ribs, etc., a target exhibits an extremely complex echo phenomenon. Accurate measurement and evaluation of the acoustic scattering characteristics of underwater complex targets can be achieved via experimental research on the echo characteristics of large-scale scaled models. In this study, the contribution and regularity of the strong reflection source of underwater complex targets in various azimuths, structures, and locations were analyzed quantitatively as a basis for in-depth research and understanding of the echo characteristics of underwater complex targets.
The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short‐Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly
Authors: Reid Storm N. S. , Ryu Je-kwang , Kim Yunsook , Jeon Byeong Hwan
Published: June 2018

Considering the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of fermented Laminaria japonica A. (FST), the purpose of the present study is to establish whether FST may be considered a viable, efficacious supplement that can be administered in later life to offset neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging. Forty senior subjects participated in a randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study. Two groups were formed, one FST group (n = 32, 72.35 ± 5.54 yrs) and one placebo (CON) (n = 28, 74.57 ± 5.69 yrs), which received 1.5 g/day of FST for 6 weeks. Subjects were asked to abstain from any regular exercise. In order to analyze short‐term memory, a variety of neuropsychological tests were implemented. Body composition, physical fitness evaluations, antioxidant function, and inflammatory markers were also included in the analyses pre‐ and posttest. We demonstrated that FST significantly improved neuropsychological test scores, including higher scores in the K‐MMSE, numerical memory test, Raven test, and iconic memory, compared to the CON group. Shorter test trial times in the 6‐minute walk test were observed in the FST group (p<0.001 and p<0.05, trials 1 and 2, respectively). FST also significantly increased antioxidant activity of GPx, GSR, and SOD, reduced the production of TBARS, and lowered 8‐oxoDG levels. The present study highlights the potential widespread application of FST in protecting against the degenerative effects of aging on short‐term memory and physical function. Neuropsychological evaluation indicates that FST may provide a protective mechanism against cognitive impairment associated with dementia. Neuromuscular integrity and physical function are typically compromised in aging and dementia patients; thus, whether by stimulation of muscle‐related growth factors or an increase in serum BDNF, FST supplementation may act to preserve physical function in the elderly. The bioactive constituents of FST such as GABA and fucoidan acting to provide improvements in antioxidant activity following FST supplementation may protect against progressive degeneration purportedly caused by reactive oxygen species.
In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of the 80% Methanolic Root Bark Extract and Solvent Fractions of Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. & Thonn. (Rubiaceae) against Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Nureye Dejen , Assefa Solomon , Nedi Teshome , Engidawork Ephrem
Published: June 2018

Background. Evolution of antimalarial drug resistance makes the development of new drugs a necessity. Important source in search of such drugs is medicinal plants. Gardenia ternifolia plant is used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria and is endowed with in vitro antimalarial activity. Herein, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant was investigated. Methods. Acute toxicity was carried out using a standard procedure. A 4‐day suppressive test was employed to evaluate the antimalarial effect of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of the plant. The curative and prophylactic effect of crude extract was further tested by Ranes’s test and residual infection procedure, respectively, using Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) in Swiss albino mice. Results. The chemosuppressive effect exerted by the crude extract and fractions ranged between 30‐59% and 14‐51%, respectively. Curative and prophylactic effects of the crude extract were in the range of 36‐63% and 24‐37%, respectively. All dose levels of the crude extract prevented loss of weight, reduction in temperature, and anemia on early and established infection. Butanol and chloroform fractions also did reverse reduction in temperature, body weight, and packed cell volume. Conclusions. The results indicated that the plant has a promising antiplasmodial activity and it could be considered as a potential source to develop new antimalarial agents.
Joint Economic Design of CUSUM Control Chart and Age-Based Imperfect Preventive Maintenance Policy
Authors: Li Yaping , Chen Zhen , Pan Ershun
Published: June 2018

The close relationship between statistical process control and maintenance has attracted lots of researchers to focus on the jointly economic design of control chart (a main tool of statistical process control) and preventive maintenance policy, and much progress has been made in this field. However, in the existing literatures, the X- chart is used most, and other charts are rarely considered. In this paper, the economic design of CUSUM chart and age-based imperfect preventive maintenance policy is presented. The process is considered as a multiphase system, and a recursive algorithm is used to model each phase. Besides, a sampling policy under the non-Markovian deterioration assumption is employed, and an age-based imperfect preventive maintenance policy is used. An optimization model with the objective of minimizing the expected cost per unit time is constructed to obtain the near-optimal solution of decision variables: the age of the machine for maintenance, the number of age-based maintenances, sample size, sampling intervals, and the decision interval coefficient and reference value coefficient of CUSUM chart. The solution procedure of the model is provided. Also, sensitivity analysis is performed on the decision variables for each of the various parameters.
A Case of Osteomyelitis after Calcaneal Fracture Treated by Antibiotic-Containing Calcium Phosphate Cements
Authors: Kim Yoohak , Inori Fumiaki , Yamanaka Kiyotaka , Murakami Shouichi , Narita Eri , Yamamura Kazumasa , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Fukuda Makoto , Konishi Sadahiko , Minoda Yukihide
Published: June 2018

Calcaneal osteomyelitis (CO) is considered to be difficult to cure when it turned into a chronic phase. We report one case of calcaneal osteomyelitis which arises after the operation of calcaneal fracture. Remission was obtained by performing curettage of the infected cancellous bone of the calcaneal body and filling antibiotic-containing calcium phosphate cements (CPC) within its bone defect. This one-stage surgery is useful to treat calcaneal osteomyelitis.
Moderate Fluid Shear Stress Could Regulate the Cytoskeleton of Nucleus Pulposus and Surrounding Inflammatory Mediators by Activating the FAK-MEK5-ERK5-cFos-AP1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ye Dongping , Liang Weiguo , Dai Libing , Yao Yicun
Published: June 2018

We first applied moderate fluid shear stress to nucleus pulposus cells. The correlation of AP-1 with type II collagen, proteoglycan, Cytokeratin 8 protein, MAP-1, MAP-2, and MAP-4 and the correlation of AP-1 with IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1, MCP-1, and NO were detected. Our results document that moderate fluid shear stress could activate the FAK-MEK5-ERK5-cFos-AP1 signaling pathway. AP1 could downregulate the construct factors of cytoskeleton such as type II collagen, proteoglycan, Cytokeratin 8 protein, MAP-1, MAP-2, and MAP-4 in nucleus pulposus cell after the fluid shear stress was loaded. AP1 could upregulate the inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1, MCP-1, and NO in nucleus pulposus cell after the fluid shear stress was loaded. Taken together, our data suggested that moderate fluid shear stress may play an important role in the cytoskeleton of nucleus pulposus and surrounding inflammatory mediators by activating the FAK-MEK5-ERK5-cFos-AP1 signaling pathway, thereby affecting cell degeneration.
Students’ Motivation for Sport Activity and Participation in University Sports: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Fuchs Anna Katharina , Rathmann Katharina , Hilger-Kolb Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Background. Physical activity among students is essential for complimenting sedentary behavior and for individuals’ future health. This study investigates reasons for sport engagement among students and addresses the utilization of university sports programs (USP) by employing a mixed-methods approach. Methods. The NuPhA-Study consists of a quantitative online survey (n=689) followed by qualitative interviews (n=20). In the survey, we assessed reasons for sport activity using a 24-item battery and USP utilization. Quantitative results were further explored using qualitative data to check for completeness of the predefined items (content validity) and to identify opportunities to improve participating in USP. Results. A factor analysis grouped the 24 items into five factors (life balance/fitness/body image/contact with others/fun). Our qualitative study explained these in more detail and revealed missing aspects. 47.6% of students participated in USP. Potential improvements for USP include program maintenance during the semester break and temporal harmonization with the classes. Discussion. The qualitative component identified additional reasons for sport activity that were not addressed by the item battery, which provides critical implications for developing item batteries for future research. Our results may help to generate a more target-group-oriented approach to increase physical activity among students, which will reduce sedentary behavior and future disease burden.
Mcl-1 Phosphorylation without Degradation Mediates Sensitivity to HDAC Inhibitors by Liberating BH3-Only Proteins
Authors: Tong Jingshan , Zheng Xingnan , Tan Xiao , Fletcher Rochelle , Nikolovska-Coleska Zaneta , Yu Jian , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2018

Mcl-1, a prosurvival Bcl-2 family protein, is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and plays a critical role in therapeutic resistance. It is well known that anticancer agents induce phosphorylation of Mcl-1, which promotes its binding to E3 ubiquitin ligases and subsequent proteasomal degradation and apoptosis. However, other functions of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in cancer cell death have not been well characterized. In this study, we show in colon cancer cells that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) induce GSK3β-dependent Mcl-1 phosphorylation, but not degradation or downregulation. The in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of HDACi were dependent on Mcl-1 phosphorylation and were blocked by genetic knock-in of a Mcl-1 phosphorylation site mutant. Phosphorylation-dead Mcl-1 maintained cell survival by binding and sequestering BH3-only Bcl-2 family proteins PUMA, Bim, and Noxa, which were upregulated and necessary for apoptosis induction by HDACi. Resistance to HDACi mediated by phosphorylation-dead Mcl-1 was reversed by small-molecule Mcl-1 inhibitors that liberated BH3-only proteins. These results demonstrate a critical role of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in mediating HDACi sensitivity through a novel and degradation-independent mechanism. These results provide new mechanistic insights on how Mcl-1 maintains cancer cell survival and suggest that Mcl-1–targeting agents are broadly useful for overcoming therapeutic resistance in cancer cells.

Significance: These findings present a novel degradation–independent function of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in anticancer therapy that could be useful for developing new Mcl-1–targeting agents to overcome therapeutic resistance. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4704–15. ©2018 AACR.
Comprehensive Safety Analysis of Venetoclax Monotherapy for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Davids Matthew S. , Hallek Michael , Wierda William , Roberts Andrew W. , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Jones Jeffrey A. , Gerecitano John F. , Kim Su Young , Potluri Jalaja , Busman Todd , Best Andrea , Verdugo Maria E. , Cerri Elisa , Desai Monali , Hillmen Peter , Seymour John F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The oral BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax is an effective therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including disease with high-risk genomic features such as chromosome 17p deletion [del(17p)] or progressive disease following B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors.

Patients and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the safety of 400 mg daily venetoclax monotherapy in 350 patients with CLL using an integrated dataset from three phase I/II studies.

Results: Median age was 66 years and 60% had del(17p). Patients had received a median of three prior therapies (range: 0–15); 42% previously received ibrutinib or idelalisib. Median duration of exposure to venetoclax was 16 months (0–56). In the pooled analysis, the most common adverse events (AE) of any grade were diarrhea (41%), neutropenia (40%), nausea (39%), anemia (31%), fatigue (28%), and upper respiratory tract infection (25%). The most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (37%), anemia (17%), and thrombocytopenia (14%). With the current 5-week ramp-up dosing, the incidence of laboratory TLS was 1.4% (2/166), none had clinical sequelae, and all of these patients were able to ramp-up to a daily dose of 400 mg. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was manageable with growth factor support and dose adjustments; the incidence of serious infections in these patients was 15%. Ten percent of patients discontinued venetoclax due to AEs and 8% died while on study, with the majority of deaths in the setting of disease progression.

Conclusions: Venetoclax as a long-term continuous therapy is generally well tolerated in patients with R/R CLL when initiated with the current treatment algorithm. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4371–9. ©2018 AACR.