bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Association of Sindbis Virion Proteins with Different Membrane Fractions of Infected Cells
Authors: Bose H. R. , Brundige M. A.
Published: January 2020

Plasma and smooth membranes obtained from chicken embryo cells infected with Sindbis virus were solubilized and subjected to electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. The electrophoretic patterns showed that (i) the major proteins synthesized and associated with plasma membranes from infected cells are virion proteins and (ii) at 4 hr after infection virion proteins are not present at detectable levels in the smooth membranes of the cell.
Virus-Specific Ribonucleic Acid in Cells Producing Rous Sarcoma Virus: Detection and Characterization
Authors: Leong Jo-Ann , Garapin Axel-Claude , Jackson Nola , Fanshier Lois , Levinson Warren , Bishop J. Michael
Published: January 2020

Cells producing Rous sarcoma virus contain virus-specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) which can be identified by hybridization to single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesized with RNA-directed DNA polymerase. Hybridization was detected by either fractionation on hydroxyapatite or hydrolysis with single strand-specific nucleases. Similar results were obtained with both procedures. The hybrids formed between enzymatically synthesized DNA and viral RNA have a high order of thermal stability, with only minor evidence of mismatched nucleotide sequences. Virus-specific RNA is present in both nuclei and cytoplasm of infected cells. This RNA is remarkably heterogeneous in size, including molecules which are probably restricted to the nucleus and which sediment in their native state more rapidly than the viral genome. The nature of the RNA found in cytoplasmic fractions varies from preparation to preparation, but heterogeneous RNA (ca. 4-50
S
), smaller than the viral genome, is always present in substantial amounts.
Gene Regulation in
N
Mutants of Bacteriophage λ
Authors: Court Donald , Campbell Allan
Published: January 2020

Mutants (
N
−
nin
) of bacteriophage λ in which the
N
gene product is not required for growth on wild-type
Escherichia coli
do not plate on
recA
bacterial mutants. Secondary mutants, selected for growth on
recA
, lie within the immunity region to the right of gene
c
I and appear identical to the
cro
mutants of Eisen et al. In an
N
+
phage, a
cro
mutation causes enhanced and prolonged production of λ exonuclease.
N
−
cro
phages make no detectable exonuclease, but show an increased rate of specific excision from lysogens and are excluded by P2 prophage. These properties, together with the ability to plate on
recA
, suggest that
N
−
cro
phages express genes to the left of
N
at a rate that is very low but higher than that for
N
−
cro
+
phages.
N
−
nin
phages can integrate at the normal site on the bacterial chromosome, but specific excision from lysogens is immeasurably low.
Genome Homology of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Defective T Particles and Evidence for the Sequential Transcription of the Virion Ribonucleic Acid
Authors: Roy Polly , Bishop D. H. L.
Published: January 2020

The small defective T particle of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-111) has no detectable enzyme activity when assayed at 31 C, although qualitatively it possesses all the virion proteins found in complete VSV-1 virions. With VSV-1 transcription product ribonucleic acid (RNA), it is shown that the VSV-111 RNA is identical to part of the VSV-1 genome. Evidence is also presented to support the idea that in vitro VSV-1 transcription is sequential.
Collective Viral Spread Mediated by Virion Aggregates Promotes the Evolution of Defective Interfering Particles
Authors: Andreu-Moreno Iván , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: January 2020

Recent insights have revealed that viruses use a highly diverse set of strategies to release multiple viral genomes into the same target cells, allowing the emergence of beneficial, but also detrimental, interactions among viruses inside infected cells. This has prompted interest among microbial ecologists and evolutionary biologists in studying how collective dispersal impacts the outcome of viral infections. Here, we have used vesicular stomatitis virus as a model system to study the evolutionary implications of collective dissemination mediated by viral aggregates, since this virus can spontaneously aggregate in the presence of saliva. We find that saliva-driven aggregation has a dual effect on viral fitness; whereas aggregation tends to increase infectivity in the very short term, virion aggregates are highly susceptible to invasion by noncooperative defective variants after a few viral generations.
RNA-Binding Protein Rnc1 Regulates Cell Length at Division and Acute Stress Response in Fission Yeast through Negative Feedback Modulation of the Stress-Activated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Prieto-Ruiz Francisco , Vicente-Soler Jero , Franco Alejandro , Gómez-Gil Elisa , Sánchez-Marinas Marta , Vázquez-Marín Beatriz , Aligué Rosa , Madrid Marisa , Moreno Sergio , Soto Teresa , Cansado José
Published: January 2020

Control of mRNA localization, stability, turnover, and translation by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) influences essential processes in all eukaryotes, including signaling by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We describe that in the fission yeast
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
the RBP Rnc1 negatively regulates cell length at division during unperturbed growth and recovery after acute stress by reducing the activity of the MAPK Sty1, which regulates cell growth and differentiation during environmental cues. This mechanism relies on Rnc1 binding to specific mRNAs encoding both enhancers and negative regulators of Sty1 activity. Remarkably, multiple phosphorylation of Rnc1 by Sty1 favors RBP binding and destabilization of the above mRNAs. Thus, posttranscriptional modulation of MAP kinase signaling by RNA-binding proteins emerges as a major regulatory mechanism that dictates the growth cycle and cellular adaptation in response to the changing environment in eukaryotic organisms.
Spatial Variation in Soil Fungal Communities across Paddy Fields in Subtropical China
Authors: Li Pengfa , Li Weitao , Dumbrell Alex J. , Liu Ming , Li Guilong , Wu Meng , Jiang Chunyu , Li Zhongpei
Published: January 2020

In this work, Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing of the ITS region was used to investigate the spatial variation and assembly mechanisms of fungal communities from different soil layers across paddy fields in subtropical China, and the results demonstrate the decreasing importance of environmental filtering and an increase in the importance of dispersal limitation in structuring fungal communities from shallower to deeper soils. Therefore, the results of this study highlight that perceived drivers of fungal community assembly are dependent on sampling depth and suggest that caution is required when interpreting diversity patterns from samples that integrate across depths. This is the first study focusing on assemblages of fungal communities in different soil layers on a relatively large scale, and we thus believe that this study is of great importance to researchers and readers in microbial ecology, especially in microbial biogeography, because the results can provide sampling guidance in future studies of microbial biogeography.
Growth to early adulthood following extremely preterm birth: the EPICure study
Authors: Ni Yanyan , Beckmann Joanne , Gandhi Rashmi , Hurst John R , Morris Joan K , Marlow Neil
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate growth trajectories from age 2.5 to 19 years in individuals born before 26 weeks of gestation (extremely preterm; EP) compared with term-born controls.

Methods

Multilevel modelling of growth data from the EPICure study, a prospective 1995 birth cohort of 315 EP participants born in the UK and Ireland and 160 term-born controls recruited at school age. Height, weight, head circumference and body mass index (BMI) z-scores were derived from UK standards at ages 2.5, 6, 11 and 19 years.

Results

129 (42%) EP children were assessed at 19 years. EP individuals were on average 4.0 cm shorter and 6.8 kg lighter with a 1.5 cm smaller head circumference relative to controls at 19 years. Relative to controls, EP participants grew faster in weight by 0.06 SD per year (95% CI 0.05 to 0.07), in head circumference by 0.04 SD (95% CI 0.03 to 0.05), but with no catch-up in height. For the EP group, because of weight catch-up between 6 and 19 years, BMI was significantly elevated at 19 years to +0.32 SD; 23.4% had BMI >25 kg/m2and 6.3% >30 kg/m2but these proportions were similar to those in control subjects. EP and control participants showed similar pubertal development in early adolescence, which was not associated with height at 19 years in either study group. Growth through childhood was related to birth characteristics and to neonatal feeding practices.

Conclusions

EP participants remained shorter and lighter and had smaller head circumferences than reference data or controls in adulthood but had elevated BMI.
The epidemiology of hepatitis delta virus infection in Cameroon
Authors: Besombes Camille , Njouom Richard , Paireau Juliette , Lachenal Guillaume , Texier Gaëtan , Tejiokem Mathurin , Cauchemez Simon , Pépin Jacques , Fontanet Arnaud
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate the distribution and risk factors of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in Cameroon.

Design

We tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HDV antibody 14 150 samples collected during a survey whose participants were representative of the Cameroonian adult population. The samples had already been tested for hepatitis C virus and HIV antibodies.

Results

Overall, 1621/14 150 (weighted prevalence=11.9%) participants were HBsAg positive, among whom 224/1621 (10.6%) were anti-HDV positive. In 2011, the estimated numbers of HBsAg positive and HDV seropositives were 1 160 799 and 122 910 in the 15–49 years age group, respectively. There were substantial regional variations in prevalence of chronic HBV infection, but even more so for HDV (from 1% to 54%). In multivariable analysis, HDV seropositivity was independently associated with living with an HDV-seropositive person (OR=8.80; 95% CI: 3.23 to 24.0), being HIV infected (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 1.32 to 6.02) and living in the South (latitude <4°N) while having rural/outdoor work (OR=15.2; 95% CI: 8.35 to 27.6, when compared with living on latitude ≥4°N and not having rural/outdoor work).

Conclusion

We found evidence for effective intra-household transmission of HDV in Cameroon. We also identified large differences in prevalence between regions, with cases concentrated in forested areas close to the Equator, as described in other tropical areas. The reasons underlying these geographical variations in HDV prevalence deserve further investigation.
Pulmonary embolism rule out: positivity and factors affecting the yield of CT angiography
Authors: Aggarwal Tanya , Eskandari Ali , Priya Sarv , Mullan Aidan , Garg Ishan , Siembida Jakub , Mullan Brian , Nagpal Prashant
Published: January 2020

Objective

CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is one of the most commonly ordered CT imaging tests. It is often believed to be overutilised with few recent studies showing a yield of less than 2%. This study aimed to determine the overall positivity rate of CTPA examinations and understand the factors that affect the yield of the CTPA examination.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 2713 patients who received the CTPA exam between 2016 and 2018. Type of study ordered (CTPA chest or CTPA chest with abdomen and pelvis CT), patient location (emergency department (ED), outpatient, inpatient, intensive care unit (ICU)) and patient characteristics—age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine what factors affect the positivity rate of CT scans for pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results

With 296 positive test results, the overall CTPA positivity was 10.9%. Male sex was associated with higher CTPA positivity, gender difference was maximum in 18-year to 35-year age group. Overweight and obese patients had significantly higher positivity as compared with BMI<25 (p<0.05). Higher positivity rate was seen in the BMI 25–40 group (11.9%) as compared with BMI>40 (10.1%) (p<0.05). Significant difference (p<0.001) was also found in CTPA examination yield from ICU (15.3%) versus inpatients (other than ICU) (12.4%) versus ED (9.6%), and outpatients (8.5%). The difference in CTPA yield based on the type of CT order (CTPA chest vs CTPA chest with CT abdomen and pelvis), patient’s age and sex was not significant.

Conclusion

CTPA yield of 10.9% in this study is comparable to acceptable positivity rate for the USA and is higher than recent studies showing positivity of <2%. Patient characteristics like obesity and ICU or inpatient location are associated with higher rate of CT positivity.
Anti-ulcerogenic activity of Gum Arabic in gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol in male albino rats
Authors: Taha Mervat S. , El-Sherbiny Emad. M. , Osman Hala. F.
Published: January 2020

The present study was performed to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of Acacia senegal (Gum Arabic) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: group 1 served as a control; group 2 consisted of rats that received 15% of gum in drinking water for 2 weeks; group 3 comprised ulcerated animals administered 5 mL of ethanol/kg body weight by gavage; and group 4 consisted of rats received 15% of gum in drinking water for 2 weeks before ethanol administration. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-B1), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin were assayed in addition to histological study. The results revealed that ethanol decreased SOD, GPx, and PGE2in tissue and serum total protein and albumin, while increased MDA in tissue, serum TNF-α, IL-B1, PGE2, ALT, AST, and ALP. Histological findings showed less edema and leucocytes infiltration compared with ulcer group. Furthermore, gum administration elevated PGE2, SOD, and GPx and significantly reduced MDA, TNF-α, and IL-B2. In conclusion, Gum Arabic can enhance gastric protection and sustain the integrity of the gastric mucosa.

Novelty The selected dose of Gum Arabic has the ability to decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and gastric tissue, thus enhancing gastric protection and maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa. Gum Arabic can compensate for the loss of antioxidants.
Erianin Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Yi-Tzu , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chen Pei-Ni , Weng Chia-Jui , Yang Shun-Fa , Lin Chiao-Wen
Published: January 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It has a very poor prognosis with over a 5-year survival rate of only 50%. Thus, it is important to identify effective therapeutic interventions against oral cancer. Apoptosis and autophagy have reported genetically regulated in physiology and diseases, which close relationship. Many natural compound study objects anticancer effect have been studied between apoptosis and autophagy relationship. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of erianin on human oral cancer cell proliferation. Results of the study revealed that treatment with erianin significantly reduced the viability of different OSCC cell lines. Erianin exerted its cytotoxic effect by inducing cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. Both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways were found to be involved in erianin-mediated cell death. In addition, treatment with erianin also increased autophagy in OSCC cells. With further analysis, it was found that erianin induced both apoptosis and autophagy by regulating MAPK signaling pathways. Taken together, our study indicates that erianin plays an important role in reducing oral cancer cell viability, and thus, can be considered as a potential anticancer agent.
Spectral temperature of π− mesons in proton–carbon interactions at 4.2 GeV/c in the framework of UrQMD model
Authors: Khan Imran , Rehman Abdur , Zaman Ali
Published: January 2020

Transverse momentum [Formula: see text] spectra of [Formula: see text] mesons calculated using ultra-relativistic quantum molecular dynamic (UrQMD) model (Latest version 3.3-p2) simulations have been compared with [Formula: see text] spectra of [Formula: see text] mesons, obtained experimentally in interactions of protons beam with carbon nuclei (propane as target) at momentum of 4.2 GeV/c. Spectral temperatures of negative pions obtained in experimental and UrQMD model simulated interactions of protons beam with carbon nuclei have been calculated by fitting both spectra with four different fitting functions, i.e. Hagedorn thermodynamic, Boltzmann distribution, Gaussian and exponential functions. These functions are used commonly for describing hadron spectra and their spectral temperatures. Hagedorn thermodynamic function has been recommended as the most suitable function to extract the temperature of negative pions at above momentum among these four functions.
The Hawking mass for an ellipsoidal surface
Authors: Rahim Rehana , Saifullah Khalid
Published: January 2020

The mass of a system in general relativity cannot be defined locally. Thus, one defines mass at quasilocal level. There are many definitions of quasilocal mass. One of them is the Hawking mass. In this paper, we determine the Hawking mass for ellipsoidal 2-surface for a non-Schwarzschild spacetime. In order to do this, we first determine a null tetrad and then compute the Hawking mass. The results are presented graphically also.
Solid-state tube wakefield accelerator using surface waves in crystals
Authors: Sahai Aakash A. , Tajima Toshiki , Taborek Peter , Shiltsev Vladimir D.
Published: January 2020

Solid-state or crystal acceleration has for long been regarded as an attractive frontier in advanced particle acceleration. However, experimental investigations of solid-state acceleration mechanisms which offer [Formula: see text] acceleration gradients have been hampered by several technological constraints. The primary constraint has been the unavailability of attosecond particle or photon sources suitable for excitation of collective modes in bulk crystals. Secondly, there are significant difficulties with direct high-intensity irradiation of bulk solids, such as beam instabilities due to crystal imperfections and collisions etc.

Recent advances in ultrafast technology with the advent of submicron long electron bunches and thin-film compressed attosecond x-ray pulses have now made accessible ultrafast sources that are nearly the same order of magnitude in dimensions and energy density as the scales of collective electron oscillations in crystals. Moreover, nanotechnology enabled growth of crystal tube structures not only mitigates the direct high-intensity irradiation of materials, with the most intense part of the ultrafast source propagating within the tube but also enables a high degree of control over the crystal properties.

In this work, we model an experimentally practicable solid-state acceleration mechanism using collective electron oscillations in crystals that sustain propagating surface waves. These surface waves are driven in the wake of a submicron long particle beam, ideally also of submicron transverse dimensions, in tube shaped nanostructured crystals with tube wall densities, [Formula: see text]. Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations carried out under experimental constraints demonstrate the possibility of accessing average acceleration gradients of several [Formula: see text] using the solid-state tube wakefield acceleration regime. Furthermore, our modeling demonstrates the possibility that as the surface oscillations and resultantly the surface wave transitions into a nonlinear or “crunch-in” regime under [Formula: see text], not only does the average gradient increase but strong transverse focusing fields extend down to the tube axis. This work thus demonstrates the near-term experimental realizability of Solid-State Tube Wakefield Accelerator (SOTWA).

The ongoing progress in nanoengineering and attosecond source technology thereby now offers the potential to experimentally realize the promise of solid-state or crystal acceleration, opening up unprecedented pathways in miniaturization of accelerators.
MODELING AND INJURY REPAIR ANALYSIS OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE BASED ON FIBER CONTENT
Authors: WANG MONAN , JI YUANXIN , MA YUZHENG , JING JUNTONG
Published: January 2020

It has great guiding significance for the prevention of osteoarthritis and the mechanical state of cartilage after tissue engineering repair to study the relationship between the mechanical properties of cartilage and its structure. This paper considered both the consideration of the solid phase, liquid phase, fiber-reinforced phase in the cartilage and the influence of the contents of major fibers and minor fibers near the cartilage surface. Based on these, a tangential zone of cartilage was established, and a certain improvement and optimization of the fiber-reinforced porous elastic model was performed. The Abaqus software and the Fortran language were used to complete simulation. Simulation results were compared with experiment’s results to verify the validity of the model. Finally, the model was used to perform finite element analysis of different degrees of repairable depth under sliding conditions. Several results were obtained. When the indenter is farther from the interface at the repair site, the mechanical changes in the cartilage are relatively stable. The contact stress of the tangential layer repair and the full-layer repair is small. The volume fraction of the liquid phase in the tangential layer and the full layer repair is lower than that in the other layer regions. The liquid flow rate and the Von Mises stress at the junction of the tangential layer repair are very high. Simulation results were used to explore differences in cartilage mechanical properties of different repairable depths, so as to select the best repairable depth for cartilage.
Mandatory Corporate Governance Rules and Auditor Behavior: The Case of Greece
Authors: Michalopoulou Konstantina
Published: January 2020

This study examines the impact of the first mandatory corporate governance regulation in the Greek environment on audit quality. Audit quality is operationalized with the number of audit qualifications, the monetary amount of audit qualifications, audit hours, and audit fees. It also utilizes the full content of the Greek audit report and constructs new audit quality proxies while it is the first that examines the association between corporate governance and actual audit hours. The findings suggest that following the implementation of the new regulation, auditors became more independent during the audit opinion process. Furthermore, the audit fee increases without audit hours showing a respective increase. It is concluded that the audit fee increase does not reflect differentiation in the delivered audit quality, as auditors do not exert more audit effort. The audit fee increase could reflect a risk premium due to the increase in auditors’ perceived business risk as a result of the increased spending and additional liability of listed companies under the new regulation.
ASEAN amid China’s Vision of the Belt and Road and the US Strategy for the Indo-Pacific: Building a Strategic Bridge to Two Great Power Initiatives
Authors: Bitas Basil C.
Published: January 2020

This commentary examines China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the US Indo-Pacific strategy as manifestations of an ongoing geopolitical rivalry in Asia and Southeast Asia and further details ASEAN’s potential to act as a strategic bridge for tamping down tensions and thereby promoting regional development. The Belt and Road Initiative and the Indo-Pacific strategy are cast as “dual-purpose” initiatives, reflecting both an economic and a strategic military dimension. This commentary analyzes these developments as part of an overall matrix and suggests that by virtue of its history, orientation and current economic aspirations, ASEAN can legitimately assume the role of “honest broker” to advance regional stability and commercial connectivity at this critical juncture.
Symphony
Authors: Kurunathan Harrison , Severino Ricardo , Koubaa Anis , Tovar Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Deterministic Synchronous Multichannel Extension (DSME) is a prominent MAC behavior first introduced in IEEE 802.15.4e. It can avail deterministic and best effort Service using its multisuperframe structure. RPL is a routing protocol for wireless networks with low power consumption and generally susceptible to packet loss. These two standards were designed independently but with the common objective to satisfy the requirements of IoT devices in terms of limited energy, reliability and determinism. A combination of these two protocols can integrate
real-time QoS demanding
and
large-scale IoT networks.
In this paper, we propose a new multi-channel, multi-timeslot scheduling algorithm called Symphony that provides QoS efficient schedules in DSME networks. In this paper we provide analytical and simulation based delay analysis for our approach against some state of the art algorithms. In this work, we show that integrating routing with DSME can improve reliability by 40% and by using Symphony, we can reduce the network delay by 10--20% against the state of the art algorithms.
Addition of trans fat and alcohol has divergent effects on atherogenic diet-induced liver injury in rodent models of steatohepatitis
Authors: Daniels Samuel J. , Leeming Diana J. , Detlefsen Sönke , Bruun Maria F. , Hjuler Sara T. , Henriksen Kim , Hein Peter , Krag Aleksander , Karsdal Morten A. , Nielsen Mette Juul , Brockbank Sarah , Cruwys Simon
Published: January 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are common causes of chronic liver disease. The overlap between ALD and NAFLD suggests the existence of metabolic steatohepatitis. Development of in vivo models that reflect various aspects of human steatohepatitis is essential for drug discovery. We aimed to characterize several models of steatohepatitis (SH) and to investigate whether the pathology could be modulated. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 wk, followed by either a high-fat, high-cholesterol and cholate diet (HFC) or a HFC diet containing 13% trans fat (HFC-TF). A subset received 15% ethanol-water twice a week for 12 wk. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and rodent NH2-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (rPRO-C3) were assessed. The liver was weighed and evaluated using modified Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network histological score system criteria. All diets induced hepatomegaly, but only HFC-TF increased the size of visceral adipose tissue. Trans fat augmented HFC-induced dyslipidemia, and cholesterol was higher and HDL was lower in the HFC-TF groups. Alcohol lowered triglycerides in both dietary groups. HFC elevated ALT and AST, which were lowered by trans fat. All diets induced histological SH, addition of trans fat induced more steatosis but less inflammation. Inclusion of alcohol augmented the HFC-induced inflammation. All diets induced mild fibrosis. Inclusion of trans fat and alcohol significantly increased rPRO-C3. The addition of trans fat reduced the HFC-induced inflammation but augmented steatosis and dyslipidemia. Inclusion of alcohol induced a more inflammatory and fibrogenic phenotype.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease share significant overlap, which suggests the existence of metabolic steatohepatitis. Trans fat has been implicated in steatohepatitis development. Here, we show that the addition of trans fat to an atherogenic diet results in a more steatotic but less inflammatory phenotype, whereas the addition of alcohol to an atherogenic diet augments the inflammatory and fibrogenic properties of the diet.
Mechanisms underlying reduced weight gain in intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) null mice
Authors: Lackey Atreju I. , Chen Tina , Zhou Yin X. , Bottasso Arias Natalia M. , Doran Justine M. , Zacharisen Sophia M. , Gajda Angela M. , Jonsson William O. , Córsico Betina , Anthony Tracy G. , Joseph Laurie B. , Storch Judith
Published: January 2020

Intestinal-fatty acid binding protein (IFABP; FABP2) is a 15-kDa intracellular protein abundantly present in the cytosol of the small intestinal (SI) enterocyte. High-fat (HF) feeding of IFABP−/−mice resulted in reduced weight gain and fat mass relative to wild-type (WT) mice. Here, we examined intestinal properties that may underlie the observed lean phenotype of high fat-fed IFABP−/−mice. No alterations in fecal lipid content were found, suggesting that the IFABP−/−mice are not malabsorbing dietary fat. However, the total excreted fecal mass, normalized to food intake, was increased for the IFABP−/−mice relative to WT mice. Moreover, intestinal transit time was more rapid in the IFABP−/−mice. IFABP−/−mice displayed a shortened average villus length, a thinner muscularis layer, reduced goblet cell density, and reduced Paneth cell abundance. The number of proliferating cells in the crypts of IFABP−/−mice did not differ from that of WT mice, suggesting that the blunt villi phenotype is not due to alterations in proliferation. IFABP−/−mice were observed to have altered expression of genes and proteins related to intestinal structure, while immunohistochemical analyses revealed increased staining for markers of inflammation. Taken together, these studies indicate that the ablation of IFABP, coupled with high-fat feeding, leads to changes in gut motility and morphology, which likely contribute to the relatively leaner phenotype occurring at the whole-body level. Thus, IFABP is likely involved in dietary lipid sensing and signaling, influencing intestinal motility, intestinal structure, and nutrient absorption, thereby impacting systemic energy metabolism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) is thought to be essential for the efficient uptake and trafficking of dietary fatty acids. In this study, we demonstrate that high-fat-fed IFABP−/−mice have an increased fecal output and are likely malabsorbing other nutrients in addition to lipid. Furthermore, we observe that the ablation of IFABP leads to marked alterations in intestinal morphology and secretory cell abundance.
Intraperitoneal administration of mesenchymal stem cells is effective at mitigating detrusor deterioration after pBOO
Authors: Wiafe Bridget , Kadam Rutuja , Metcalfe Peter D.
Published: January 2020

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) results in bladder fibrosis that is initiated by an inflammatory cascade and the decompensation after smooth muscle hypertrophy. We have been using an animal model to develop the hypothesis that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to mitigate this cytokine cascade and prevent bladder deterioration. We hypothesized that intraperitoneal administration of MSCs can produce the same effects as intravenously administered cells but may require higher dosing. Intraperitoneal treatment will provide insights into the mechanisms of action and may offer advantages over intravenous administration, as it will permit allow higher doses and potentially reduce systemic exposure. Rats underwent a surgical induction of pBOO and instillation of either 1 × 106 or 5 × 106 commercially acquired MSCs into the peritoneum. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and urodynamics were used to compare treatment groups with controls. pBOO resulted in a marked, statistically significant, upregulation of inflammatory markers in the bladder, including transforming growth factor-β, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor-3α, mammalian target of rapamycin, and collagen types I and III. Moderate but inconsistent levels of downregulation were seen with 1 × 106 MSCs, but excellent and reliable downregulation was seen with 5 × 106 MSCs ( P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry confirmed that protein levels were affected in accordance with mRNA upregulation. Urodynamics demonstrated MSC treatment resulted in whole organ physiological benefits, as they prevented elevations in detrusor pressure. In conclusion, intraperitoneal administration of MSCs resulted in a similar effect as intravenous administration; however, this required a higher dose. This has significant implications for determining the mechanism of action and potential clinical application for human therapy.
Successful Treatment of a Coxofemoral Luxation in a Shetland Pony by Closed Reduction and Prolonged Immobilization Using a Full-Body Animal Rescue Sling
Authors: Sprick Miriam , Koch Christoph
Published: January 2020

A 12-year-old, 170 kg, Shetland pony mare was presented with an acute severe right pelvic limb lameness and concurrent upward fixation of the right patella. The affected limb was rotated externally and adducted with a prominent greater trochanter and the right calcaneal tuber being more proximal than its left counterpart. Radiographic examination revealed complete dislocation of the right femoral head from the acetabular cavity in a dorsal and caudal direction. A closed reduction of the coxofemoral luxation was performed successfully under general anaesthesia. A full-body animal rescue and transportation sling (ARTS) was applied for the recovery. The reduction was followed by a right-sided medial patellar desmotomy. The pony was supported in the ARTS for a total of eight weeks combined with crossties for the first six weeks. Subsequently, the mare was discharged with instructions to slowly increase walking exercise over a period of two months before returning to her intended use. A follow-up after 22 months attested the successful treatment of a coxofemoral luxation by closed reduction and prolonged immobilization resulting in a regularly exercised pony without any residual lameness.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Perfobond Rib Shear Connectors Embedded in Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Yu Zhenxuan , He Shaohua , Mosallam Ayman S. , Jiang Shuo , Feng Wenxian
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) for the upper slabs in steel‐concrete composite beams is proposed. Perfobond rib connector (PBL), a relatively new type of shear connectors, has been widely used to ensure composite action between the steel and concrete elements in composite beams. For the past decades, several studies on assessing the performance of PBLs have been conducted, but very few focused on the PBLs that are embedded in RAC slabs. This paper presents results of an experimental and numerical simulation study that focused on characterizing the behavior of PBL fabricated using RAC. In the experimental program, a total of six standard push‐out specimens, divided into three groups, were fabricated and loaded to failure. Test results indicated that the ductility of the PBLs using RAC materials decreased as the perforated steel plate thickness decreased, while the PBL ultimate strength increased by 4.3% and 12.8% for steel plate thicknesses of 10.0 mm and 12.0 mm, respectively, as compared to specimens with 8.0 mm steel plate thickness. Finite element (FE) models for PBLs embedded in RAC were developed, and numerical results were validated by corresponding experimental results. An extensive parametric numerical analysis was conducted to assess the effects of different parameters such as transverse steel rebar diameter and perforated steel plate strength and thickness on the performance of such connectors. Numerical simulation results showed that the PBL ultimate strength obtained based on the perforated plate fracture failure mode increases linearly as the steel rebar diameter increases. Also, numerical results indicated that as steel plate strength and thickness increase, failure mode changes from steel plate fracture to rupture of reinforced concrete dowels. Furthermore, existing published analytical formulas for predicting behavior of PBLs were assessed via a comparison with experimental and numerical results developed in this study. The outcomes of this study contribute in providing fundamental knowledge in a new sustainable application of PBL in steel‐concrete composite beams with RAC slabs.
Effect of Polypropylene Fiber on Properties of Alkali‐Activated Slag Mortar
Authors: Xu Yangchen , Chen Haiming , Wang Pengju
Published: January 2020

Alkali‐activated slag (AAS) is becoming an increasingly popular building material due to its excellent engineering properties and low CO2 emissions, but its large shrinkage is an important reason to restrict its application and popularization. This work is aimed to study the possibility of inhibiting the shrinkage of AAS mortar by incorporating polypropylene fiber (PPF). For this, an experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of PPF content on setting time, fluidity, physical properties, mechanical properties, impact resistance, and microstructure of AAS mortar. The volume content of PPF is 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%. The working, physical (porosity, water absorption, and bulk density), mechanical, shrinkage, and impact resistance properties of the AAS mortars were evaluated. The results show that incorporating PPF effectively reduces the shrinkage deformation of AAS mortar, significantly improves its impact resistance, enhances its toughness, and slightly improves its compressive strength in the later stage. At the same time, PPF delays the initial setting time of AAS mortar and reduces the fluidity, density, porosity, and water absorption of AAS mortar. SEM results show that the bridging effect of PPF between AAS mortars can inhibit the generation and propagation of cracks, improve the internal microstructure, and enhance the performance of AAS mortar.
MT-BCS-Based DoA and Bandwidth Estimation of Unknown Signals through Multiple Snapshots Data
Authors: Zhang Shi Hui , Zhang Qing He , Shi Li Ping , Yi Chao , Liu Guang Xu
Published: January 2020

The Direction-of-Arrival (DoA) and bandwidth (BW) estimation strategy impinging on a linear array using multiple snapshots data is addressed within the multitask Bayesian Compressive Sensing (MT-BCS). The DoA estimation is used as the reconstruction of sparse signal constrained by the Laplace prior through multitask Bayesian Compressive Sensing. Receiving wideband signal data through linear array, the space is divided into I parts according to the equal interval. The data of interest are assumed to be represented as I-dimensional vector, and the wideband signal can be reconstructed accurately using only a small number M. The receiving antenna operates in the frequency range fmin,fmax. Starting from the voltages measured at the output of the array elements at a multiple time instants at fp=fmin+Δf,p=1,…,P, the retrieval of the DoAs is addressed by means of a customized strategy based on MT-BCS in order to correlate the solutions obtained over different frequency samples. The bandwidth of the signals is obtained as a byproduct by identifying at which frequencies the MT-BCS estimations include a signal along the ith (i = 1,…, I) sampling direction. From the outputs of different frequencies, we can know the DoA and BW of signals. A preliminary numerical result is reported to show the behavior of the proposed approach in multiple snapshots data.
Microservice-Based Platform for Space Situational Awareness Data Analytics
Authors: Lu Wanjie , Xu Qing , Lan Chaozhen , Lyu Liang , Zhou Yang , Shi Qunshan , Zhao Yinghao
Published: January 2020

The development, deployment, and maintenance of the current space situational awareness (SSA) information system have become increasingly complex. However, researchers cannot flexibly and conveniently apply the research results to practical applications due to the lack of basic research platforms for SSA. Inspired by X as a Service (XaaS), we propose the microservice-based platform for SSA data analytics to provide a scaffold-like platform for researchers. Based on microservice, the architecture for this platform is proposed to meet the requirements of flexible development and loosely coupled deployment. To facilitate the use of the platform, the hybrid data service layer is established to provide basic data for research and the functional service layer is designed to provide services for clients and applications. Due to the massive data processing requirements, the data analysis architecture and processing model, which can easily integrate various user-defined algorithms and significantly improve the computational efficiency, are proposed based on the Lambda architecture. To verify the platform’s effectiveness, two cases are established and implemented. The results show that this platform can provide a convenient, flexible, and efficient platform for the requirements of algorithm integration, experiment, and data display from users and researchers.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
Authors: Shi Tingting , Wu Li , Ma Wenjun , Ju Liping , Bai Minghui , Chen Xiaowei , Liu Shourong , Yang Xingxin , Shi Junping
Published: January 2020

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide and probably destined to become the leading cause of end‐stage liver disease in the coming decades, affecting both adults and children. Faced with the severe challenges for the prevention and control of NAFLD, this article discusses the understanding and mechanism of NAFLD from Chinese and Western medicine. Moreover, the progress regarding its treatment in both Chinese and Western medicine is also summarized. Both Chinese medicine and Western medicine have their own characteristics and clinical efficacy advantages in treating diseases. The purpose of this article is to hope that Chinese and Western medicine have complementary advantages, complementing each other to improve clinical NAFLD therapy prevention and treatment methods to receive more and more attention throughout the global medical community.
Cell Thumb Replaces Writer’s Bump: Changing Times, Changing Callouses
Authors: Lindgren Aleksandra L. , Hui Austin Andrea , Welsh Kathleen M.
Published: January 2020

Common callouses are formed by the accumulation of keratinocytes in the stratum corneum in response to excess pressure or friction. We report 2 cases of unusual callous formation and an additional 25 more sequential cases that were due to excessive cell phone grip.
Effect of adiponectin on oxidative stress-apoptotic pathway in podocytes under high glucose conditions
Authors: Fang Xingxing , Ye Zi , Shen Lianglan , Tao Shuo , Chen Dongmei , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2020

To investigate the effect of adiponectin (APN) on the oxidative stress-apoptotic pathway of podocytes under high glucose conditions, podocytes were categorized into a control group (5.5 mmol/L, normal glucose, NG), high glucose group (30 mmol/L, high glucose, HG), and an APN intervention
group (HG+APN). The expression of podocyte cytoskeleton proteins (nephrin/podocin/synaptopodin), p-AMPK activity, and the NADPH oxidase family (NOX1/NOX4) and apoptosis-related proteins p53 and PUMA (p53 up-regulated apoptotic regulator) were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.
The total RNA extracted by nano-magnetic beads was retrieved into DNA by the MagBeads Total RNA Extraction Kit, and cDNA was synthesized through reverse transcription. Podocyte apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. In comparison with the control group, the high glucose group exhibited
the reduced expression of podocyte cytoskeleton proteins, decreased p-AMPK activity, increased expression of NOX1, NOX4, P53, and PUMA, and increased podocyte apoptosis (28.15%±1.38%). APN intervention could significantly restore the expression of cytoskeleton proteins, increase
the activity of p-AMPK, reduce the expression of NOX1, NOX4, P53, and PUMA, and reduce the apoptosis of podocytes (9.15%±1.98%). The protective effect of APN disappeared when AMPK was inhibited. APN may inhibit oxidative stress-apoptosis of podocytes under high glucose conditions
through the activation of AMPK.
Contributions of Convective and Orographic Gravity Waves to the Brewer–Dobson Circulation Estimated from NCEP CFSR
Authors: Kang Min-Jee , Chun Hye-Yeong , Song Byeong-Gwon
Published: January 2020

Contributions of convective gravity waves (CGWs) and orographic gravity waves (OGWs) to the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) are examined and compared to those from resolved waves. OGW drag (OGWD) is provided by NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), while CGW drag (CGWD) is obtained from an offline calculation of a physically based CGW parameterization with convective heating and background data provided by CFSR. CGWD contributes to the shallow branch of the BDC regardless of the season, while OGWD contributes to both the shallow and deep branches except for the summertime, when OGWs hardly propagate into the stratosphere. At 70 hPa, the annual-mean tropical upward mass fluxes from Eliassen–Palm flux divergence (EPD), OGWD, and CGWD are 68%, 7%, and 4% of the total mass flux, respectively. The tropical upward mass flux at 70 hPa shows an increasing trend during the time period from 1979 to 1998, with 28%, 18%, and 6% of the trend driven by EPD, OGWD, and CGWD, respectively. The width of the turnaround latitudes tends to narrow for the streamfunctions induced by OGWD and CGWD but tends to widen for that induced by EPD. The contributions of GWD from MERRA (MERRA-2) to the climatology and long-term trend of the BDC are 7% (7%) and 13% (4%), respectively, somewhat smaller than the contributions of CGWD plus OGWD, which are estimated from CFSR to be 12% and 20%, respectively.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Speed Retrieval from Dual-Polarization Sentinel-1 EW Mode Products
Authors: Gao Yuan , Guan Changlong , Sun Jian , Xie Lian
Published: January 2020

Recent studies indicate that the cross-polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images have the ability of retrieving high wind speed on ocean surface without wind direction input. This study presents a new approach for tropical cyclone (TC) wind speed retrieval utilizing thermal-noise-removed Sentinel-1 dual-polarization (VV + VH) Extra-Wide Swath (EW) Mode products. Based on 20 images of 9 TCs observed in the 2016 and 2018 and SAR-collocated European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) fifth-generation reanalysis (ERA5) data and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Research Division’s (HRD) Real-time Hurricane Wind Analysis System (H*Wind) data, a subswath-based geophysical model function (GMF) Sentinel-1 EW Mode Wind Speed Retrieval Model after Noise Removal (S1EW.NR) is developed and validated statistically. TC wind speed is retrieved by using the proposed GMF and the C-band model 5.N (CMOD5.N). The results show that the wind speeds retrieved by the S1EW.NR model are in good agreement with wind references up to 31 m s−1. The correlation coefficient, bias, and standard deviation between the retrieval results and reference wind speeds are 0.74, −0.11, and 3.54 m s−1, respectively. Comparison of the wind speeds retrieved from both channels suggests that the cross-polarized signal is more suitable for high–wind speed retrieval, indicating the promising capability of cross-polarization SAR for TC monitoring.