bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On quantum codes obtained from cyclic codes over 𝔽2 + u𝔽2 + u2𝔽2
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Pattanayak Sukhamoy , Kumar Pratyush , Shum Kar Ping
Published: February 2017

In the paper, we consider a finite non-chain commutative ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. We mainly study the construction of quantum codes from cyclic codes over [Formula: see text]. For this, we obtained self-orthogonal codes over [Formula: see text] as gray images of linear and cyclic codes over [Formula: see text], then these codes over [Formula: see text] correspond to a cyclic code over [Formula: see text] of odd length [Formula: see text] used to determine the parameters of the quantum codes.
Fixed point results for generalized α − ψ-Suzuki-contractions in quasi-b-metric-like spaces
Authors: Afshari Hojjat , Kalantari Sabileh , Aydi Hassen
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized [Formula: see text]-Suzuki-contractions in the context of quasi [Formula: see text]-metric-like spaces and we establish some related fixed point theorems. As consequences, we obtain some known fixed point results in the literature. Some concrete examples are also provided illustrating the obtained results.
Secure vertex cover of a graph
Authors: Pushpam P. Roushini Leely , Suseendran Chitra
Published: February 2017

We study the problem of using mobile guards to defend the vertices of a graph [Formula: see text] against a single attack on its vertices. A vertex cover of a graph [Formula: see text] is a set [Formula: see text] such that for each edge [Formula: see text], at least one of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is in [Formula: see text]. The minimum cardinality of a vertex cover is termed the vertex covering number and it is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this context, we introduce a new protection strategy called the secure vertex cover[Formula: see text]SVC[Formula: see text] problem, where the guards are placed at the vertices of a graph, in order to protect the graph against a single attack on its vertices. We are concerned with the protection of [Formula: see text] against a single attack, using at most one guard per vertex and require the set of guarded vertices to be a vertex cover. In addition, if any guard moves along an edge to deal with an attack to an unguarded vertex, then the resulting placement of guards must also form a vertex cover. Formally, this protection strategy defends the vertices of a graph against a single attack and simultaneously protects the edges. We define a SVC to be a set [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a vertex cover and for each [Formula: see text], there exists a [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a vertex cover. The minimum cardinality of an SVC is called the secure vertex covering number and it is denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, a few properties of SVC of a graph are studied and specific values of [Formula: see text] for few classes of well-known graphs are evaluated.
A characterization of some graphs with metric dimension two
Authors: Behtoei Ali , Davoodi Akbar , Jannesari Mohsen , Omoomi Behnaz
Published: February 2017

A set [Formula: see text] is called a resolving set, if for each pair of distinct vertices [Formula: see text] there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the distance between vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The cardinality of a minimum resolving set for [Formula: see text] is called the metric dimension of [Formula: see text] and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. A [Formula: see text]-tree is a chordal graph all of whose maximal cliques are the same size [Formula: see text] and all of whose minimal clique separators are also all the same size [Formula: see text]. A [Formula: see text]-path is a [Formula: see text]-tree with maximum degree [Formula: see text], where for each integer [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], there exists a unique pair of vertices, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-path, then [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we provide a characterization of all [Formula: see text]-trees with metric dimension two.
On the strongly annihilating-ideal graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Tohidi N. Kh. , Nikmehr M. J. , Nikandish R.
Published: February 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity and [Formula: see text] be the set of ideals with nonzero annihilator. The strongly annihilating-ideal graph of [Formula: see text] is defined as the graph [Formula: see text] with the vertex set [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It is proved that [Formula: see text] is connected with diameter at most two and with girth at most four, if it contains a cycle. Moreover, we characterize all rings whose strongly annihilating-ideal graphs are complete or star. Furthermore, we study the affinity between strongly annihilating-ideal graph and annihilating-ideal graph (a well-known graph with the same vertices and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text]) associated with a commutative ring.
Integrated studies of soil, termites, vegetation and groundwater to understand metal migration at the Kintyre U deposits, Western Australia
Authors: Noble R. R. P. , Stewart A. D. , Pinchand G. T. , Robson T. C. , Anand R. R.
Published: February 2017

Transported cover is a persistent problem for mineral exploration in Australia and elsewhere in the world. Explorers are not confident in the current understanding of where, when, and how geochemical anomalies form (or don't form) in the cover and how to make the critical interpretive link to buried mineral deposits. Understanding how elements move through transported cover and their link to buried mineralization is increasingly important for exploration success in many regions of the world. At the Kintyre U deposits, groundwater, regolith, soil,
Triodia basedowii
(spinifex),
Acacia ancistrocarpa
foliage and litter, and termite (
Nasutitermes triodiae
) mound materials were sampled and analysed to test if near surface methods can detect mineralization through <1 to 80 m of cover. Near surface soil geochemistry, biogeochemistry and hydrogeochemistry weak anomalies did not correlate with primary mineralization through cover except in residual subcropping zones and the thin (<5 m) cover adjacent to these sites. Termite mounds, and to a lesser degree,
A. ancistocarpa
appear to reflect the mineralized signature in shallow cover (<10 m). A postulated metal migration model for this site links mechanical and chemical weathering and surface colluvial/alluvial down-slope dispersion, with U migration from the Kintyre Hill outcrop to the near surface environment. Plants, soils and groundwater are most likely cycling (near-background levels of) U in the cover at Kintyre. In shallow cover, plants and termite mounds are potential viable sample media. However, for exploration on sites with deep heterogeneous cover, geophysical responses or other new techniques will need to be developed to provide a traceable surface signature.
Challenges of future exploration within the UK Rockall Basin
Authors: Schofield Nick , Jolley David , Holford Simon , Archer Stuart , Watson Douglas , Hartley Adrian , Howell John , Muirhead David , Underhill John , Green Paul
Published: February 2017

The UK Rockall Basin is one of the most underexplored areas of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), with only 12 exploration wells drilled since 1980. With only one discovery made in 2000 (Benbecula (154/1-1) gas discovery), the general view of the basin from an exploration viewpoint is not positive. However, over the last 15 years, our knowledge of the petroleum systems of the Atlantic Margin has substantially increased. With the recent acquisition of new seismic data by the UK Government as part of the OGA's Frontiers Basin Research Programme, it is a pertinent time to re-examine the prospectivity of the UK Rockall Basin.

This paper presents a history of exploration within the UK Rockall Basin, from the first well drilled in the basin in 1980, to the last well, drilled in 2006. We then present new insights into the lack of success during exploration within the basin, in particular by focusing on the extensive Early Cenozoic volcanic rocks within Rockall, to illustrate the wide range of potential interactions with the petroleum system. We also present evidence that points to the potential of a viable intra-basaltic (Rosebank) type play along the eastern flank of the Rockall Basin.
Deoxyribonuclease partially ameliorates thioacetamide-induced hepatorenal injury
Authors: Vokálová Lenka , Lauková Lucia , Čonka Jozef , Melišková Veronika , Borbélyová Veronika , Bábíčková Janka , Tóthová L’ubomíra , Hodosy Július , Vlková Barbora , Celec Peter
Published: February 2017

Several recent studies have shown that liver injury is associated with the release of DNA from hepatocytes. This DNA stimulates innate immunity and induces sterile inflammation, exacerbating liver damage. Similar mechanisms have been described for acute renal injury. Deoxyribonuclease degrades cell-free DNA and can potentially prevent some of the induced tissue damage. This study analyzed the effects of thioacetamide-induced hepatorenal injury on plasma DNA in rats. Plasma DNA of both nuclear and mitochondrial origin was higher in thioacetamide-treated animals. Administration of deoxyribonuclease resulted in a mild, nonsignificant decrease in total plasma DNA and plasma DNA of mitochondrial origin but not of nuclear origin. This was accompanied by a decrease in bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen as markers of renal function. In conclusion, the study confirmed the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effect of thioacetamide. The associated increase in cell-free DNA seems to be involved in hepatorenal pathogenesis because treatment with deoxyribonuclease resulted in a partial prevention of hepatorenal injury. Further experiments will focus on the effects of long-term treatment with deoxyribonuclease in other clinically more relevant models. Clinical studies should test endogenous deoxyribonuclease activity as a potential risk determinant for kidney or liver failure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Thioacetamide-induced hepatorenal injury resulted in higher plasma cell-free DNA. Deoxyribonuclease decreased average cell-free DNA of mitochondrial origin but not nuclear origin. Deoxyribonuclease partially prevented hepatorenal injury in rats.
Inhibition of the mTOR pathway in abdominal aortic aneurysm: implications of smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype, inflammation, and aneurysm expansion
Authors: Li Guangxin , Qin Lingfeng , Wang Lei , Li Xuan , Caulk Alexander W. , Zhang Jian , Chen Pei-Yu , Xin Shijie
Published: February 2017

The development of effective pharmacological treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) potentially offers great benefit to patients with preaneurysmal aortic dilation by slowing the expansion of aneurysms and reducing the need for surgery. To date, therapeutic targets for slowing aortic dilation have had low efficacy. Thus, in this study, we aim to elucidate possible mechanisms driving aneurysm progression to identify potential targets for pharmacological intervention. We demonstrate that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is overactivated in aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which contributes to murine AAA. Rapamycin, a typical mTOR pathway inhibitor, dramatically limits the expansion of the abdominal aorta following intraluminal elastase perfusion. Furthermore, reduction of aortic diameter is achieved by inhibition of the mTOR pathway, which preserves and/or restores the contractile phenotype of SMCs and downregulates macrophage infiltration, matrix metalloproteinase expression, and inflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, these results highlight the important role of the mTOR cascade in aneurysm progression and the potential application of rapamycin as a therapeutic candidate for AAA.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel observations that mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is overactivated in aortic smooth muscle cells and contributes to mouse abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and that rapamycin protects against aneurysm development. Our data highlight the importance of preservation and/or restoration of the smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype and reduction of inflammation by mTOR inhibition in AAA.
Microencapsulation of Lefty-secreting engineered cells for pulmonary fibrosis therapy in mice
Authors: Ma Hongge , Qiao Shupei , Wang Zeli , Geng Shuai , Zhao Yufang , Hou Xiaolu , Tian Weiming , Chen Xiongbiao , Yao Lifen
Published: February 2017

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease that causes unremitting deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, thus resulting in distortion of the pulmonary architecture and impaired gas exchange. Associated with high morbidity and mortality, IPF is generally refractory to current pharmacological therapies. Lefty A, a potent inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β signaling, has been shown to have promising antifibrotic ability in vitro for the treatment of renal fibrosis and other potential organ fibroses. Here, we determined whether Lefty A can attenuate bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo based on a novel therapeutic strategy where human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells are genetically engineered with the Lefty A-associated GFP gene. The engineered HEK293 cells were encapsulated in alginate microcapsules and then subcutaneously implanted in ICR mice that had 1 wk earlier been intratracheally administered BLM to induce pulmonary fibrosis. The severity of fibrosis in lung tissue was assessed using pathological morphology and collagen expression to examine the effect of Lefty A released from the microencapsulated cells. The engineered HEK293 cells with Lefty A significantly reduced the expression of connective tissue growth factor and collagen type I mRNA, lessened the morphological fibrotic effects induced by BLM, and increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9. This illustrates that engineered HEK293 cells with Lefty A can attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in vivo, thus providing a novel method to treat human pulmonary fibrotic disease and other organ fibroses.
MiR-146a/b: a family with shared seeds and different roots
Authors: Paterson Mark R. , Kriegel Alison J.
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding, RNAs known for their powerful modulation of molecular processes, making them a major focus for studying pathological mechanisms. The human miR-146 family of microRNAs consists of two member genes, MIR146A and MIR146B. These two microRNAs are located on different chromosomes and exhibit differential regulation in many cases. However, they are nearly identical in sequence, sharing a seed region, and are thus predicted to target the same set of genes. A large proportion of the microRNA (miR)-146 literature focuses on its role in regulating the innate immune response in the context of various pathologies by modulating two widely studied target genes in the toll-like receptor signaling cascade. A growing subset of the literature reports a role of miR-146 in cardiovascular and renal disease, and data suggest there is exciting potential for miR-146 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the published literature is confounded by unclear and imprecise language concerning the specific effects of the two miR-146 family members. The present review will compare the genomic origin and regulation of miR-146a and miR-146b, discuss some approaches to overcome analytical and experimental challenges, and summarize findings in major areas of miR-146 research. Moving forward, careful evaluation of miR-146a/b specificity in analytical and experimental approaches will aid researchers in elucidating the functional relevance of differential regulation of the miR-146 family members in health and disease.
The STAT3-miRNA-92-Wnt Signaling Pathway Regulates Spheroid Formation and Malignant Progression in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Chen Min-Wei , Yang Shu-Ting , Chien Ming-Hsien , Hua Kuo-Tai , Wu Chin-Jui , Hsiao S.M. , Lin Hao , Hsiao Michael , Su Jen-Liang , Wei Lin-Hung
Published: February 2017

Ovarian cancer spheroids constitute a metastatic niche for transcoelomic spread that also engenders drug resistance. Spheroid-forming cells express active STAT3 signaling and display stem cell–like properties that may contribute to ovarian tumor progression. In this study, we show that STAT3 is hyperactivated in ovarian cancer spheroids and that STAT3 disruption in this setting is sufficient to relieve chemoresistance. In an NSG murine model of human ovarian cancer, STAT3 signaling regulated spheroid formation and self-renewal properties, whereas STAT3 attenuation reduced tumorigenicity. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Wnt signaling was required for STAT3-mediated spheroid formation. Notably, the Wnt antagonist DKK1 was the most strikingly upregulated gene in response to STAT3 attenuation in ovarian cancer cells. STAT3 signaling maintained stemness and interconnected Wnt/β-catenin signaling via the miR-92a/DKK1–regulatory pathways. Targeting STAT3 in combination with paclitaxel synergistically reduced peritoneal seeding and prolonged survival in a murine model of intraperitoneal ovarian cancer. Overall, our findings define a STAT3–miR-92a–DKK1 pathway in the generation of cancer stem–like cells in ovarian tumors, with potential therapeutic applications in blocking their progression. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1955–67. ©2017 AACR.
Distinct Interactions of EBP1 Isoforms with FBXW7 Elicits Different Functions in Cancer
Authors: Wang Yuli , Zhang Pengju , Wang Yunshan , Zhan Panpan , Liu Chunyan , Mao Jian-Hua , Wei Guangwei
Published: February 2017

The ErbB3 receptor–binding protein EBP1 encodes two alternatively spliced isoforms P48 and P42. While there is evidence of differential roles for these isoforms in tumorigenesis, little is known about their underlying mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that EBP1 isoforms interact with the SCF-type ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 in distinct ways to exert opposing roles in tumorigenesis. EBP1 P48 bound to the WD domain of FBXW7 as an oncogenic substrate of FBXW7. EBP1 P48 binding sequestered FBXW7α to the cytosol, modulating its role in protein degradation and attenuating its tumor suppressor function. In contrast, EBP1 P42 bound to both the F-box domain of FBXW7 as well as FBXW7 substrates. This adapter function of EBP1 P42 stabilized the interaction of FBXW7 with its substrates and promoted FBXW7-mediated degradation of oncogenic targets, enhancing its overall tumor-suppressing function. Overall, our results establish distinct physical and functional interactions between FBXW7 and EBP1 isoforms, which yield their mechanistically unique isoform-specific functions of EBP1 in cancer. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1983–96. ©2017 AACR.
miRNA-520f Reverses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by TargetingADAM9andTGFBR2
Authors: van Kampen Jasmijn G.M. , van Hooij Onno , Jansen Cornelius F. , Smit Frank P. , van Noort Paula I. , Schultz Iman , Schaapveld Roel Q.J. , Schalken Jack A. , Verhaegh Gerald W.
Published: February 2017

Reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells has been widely considered as an approach to combat cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, but a limited number of broadly comprehensive investigations of miRNAs involved in this process have been conducted. In this study, we screened a library of 1120 miRNA for their ability to transcriptionally activate the E-cadherin gene CDH1 in a promoter reporter assay as a measure of EMT reversal. By this approach, we defined miR-520f as a novel EMT-reversing miRNA. miR-520f expression was sufficient to restore endogenous levels of E-cadherin in cancer cell lines exhibiting strong or intermediate mesenchymal phenotypes. In parallel, miR-520f inhibited invasive behavior in multiple cancer cell systems and reduced metastasis in an experimental mouse model of lung metastasis. Mechanistically, miR-520f inhibited tumor cell invasion by directly targeting ADAM9, the TGFβ receptor TGFBR2 and the EMT inducers ZEB1, ZEB2, and the snail transcriptional repressor SNAI2, each crucial factors in mediating EMT. Collectively, our results show that miR-520f exerts anti-invasive and antimetastatic effects in vitro and in vivo, warranting further study in clinical settings. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2008–17. ©2017 AACR.
The Snail Family in Normal and Malignant Haematopoiesis
Authors: Carmichael Catherine L. , Haigh Jody J.
Published: February 2017

Snail family proteins are key inducers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical process required for normal embryonic development. They have also been strongly implicated in regulating the EMT-like processes required for tumour cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. Whether these proteins also contribute to normal blood cell development, however, remains to be clearly defined. Increasing evidence supports a role for the Snail family in regulating cell survival, migration, and differentiation within the haematopoietic system, as well as potentially an oncogenic role in the malignant transformation of haematopoietic stem cells. This review will provide a broad overview of the Snail family, including key aspects of their involvement in the regulation and development of solid organ cancer, as well as a discussion on our current understanding of Snail family function during normal and malignant haematopoiesis.
Early Development of Parvalbumin-, Somatostatin-, and Cholecystokinin-Expressing Neurons in Rat Brain following Prenatal Immune Activation and Maternal Iron Deficiency
Authors: Boksa Patricia , Zhang Ying , Nouel Dominique , Wong Alice , Wong Tak Pan
Published: February 2017

Prenatal maternal infection and maternal iron deficiency during pregnancy are 2 early environmental insults associated with increased risk for schizophrenia in offspring. Substantial evidence suggests that abnormalities in inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneuron function, especially in the parvalbumin subtype of GABA interneuron, both developmentally and in adulthood, may contribute mechanistically to cognitive deficits and psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. This study used a rat model to test whether prenatal immune activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; at gestation days, GD, 15 and 16) or maternal iron deficiency (from GD2 to postnatal day P7) or the combination of both insults alters major subtypes of GABAergic interneurons (parvalbumin, somatostatin, cholecystokinin) in brain regions relevant to schizophrenia (medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [PFC], hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus, ventral subiculum) in offspring at P14 or P28. Prenatal LPS treatment significantly increased the density of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons at P14 in the medial PFC, dorsolateral PFC, and ventral subiculum of offspring born from iron-sufficient but not iron-deficient dams. Prenatal LPS also increased cholecystokinin neuron density in the medial PFC at P28, under both iron-sufficient and iron-deficient conditions. We observed a large increase in parvalbumin neuron density from P14 to P28 in the medial PFC and subiculum across all birth groups, that was not observed in other brain regions, and significant decreases in somatostatin neuron density from P14 to P28 in all brain regions examined across all birth groups, indicating differential developmental trajectories for parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons in various brain regions during this early postnatal period. Thus, it appears that the medial PFC and ventral subiculum, brain regions involved in circuitry modulating ventral tegmental dopamine and nucleus accumbens activities, may be regions vulnerable to effects of prenatal LPS on specific subpopulations of interneurons. It is known that the timing of maturation and expansion of parvalbumin neurons in early development provides threshold levels of inhibition that trigger critical periods for cortical plasticity, leading to long-term circuit consolidation. Thus, our finding of increased parvalbumin neuron density at early developmental times might suggest a mechanism by which an acute prenatal insult like LPS exposure could produce long-term changes in prefrontal cortical or subicular function.
The Genomic Landscape of PAX5, IKZF1, and CDKN2A/B Alterations in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ou Zhishuo , Sherer Maureen , Casey Jane , Bakos Heather A. , Vitullo Kathleen , Hu Jie , Friehling Erika , Gollin Susanne M. , Surti Urvashi , Yatsenko Svetlana A.
Published: February 2017

We present a comprehensive comparison of PAX5,IKZF1, and CDKN2A/B abnormalities in 21 B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients studied by aCGH and gene-specific FISH assays. In our cohort of B-ALL patients, alterations of IKZF1, PAX5, and CDKN2A/B were detected by aCGH analysis in 43, 52, and 57% of samples, respectively. Deletions of IKZF1 were present in 9 samples, including 5 cases positive for both PAX5 and IKZF1 deletions, implying digenic impairment. Furthermore, all cases with IKZF1 deletions also had additional genomic alterations, including BCR-ABL1 gene fusions, PAX5 deletions, CDKN2A/B deletions, and FLT3 amplification. Deletions of CDKN2A/B represented the most frequent abnormalities in our group of patients. Our study demonstrates the high incidence of PAX5, IKZF1, and CDKN2A/B alterations in B-ALL detected by aCGH analysis. Due to the small size and variability in the deletion breakpoints, FISH studies showed false-negative results in 10, 40, and 28% of the samples tested for the IKZF1,PAX5, and CDKN2A/B gene deletions, respectively. The PAX5 and IKZF1 abnormalities are highly specific to B-ALL and can be used as diagnostic markers. Moreover, IKZF1 alterations frequently coexist with a BCR-ABL gene fusion. Our study revealed multiple additional B-ALL-specific genomic alterations and showed that aCGH is a more sensitive method than FISH, allowing whole genome profiling and identification of aberrations of diagnostic and prognostic significance in patients with B-ALL.
Self-Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiography
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To present a new concept of self-optical coherence tomography (OCT) and self-OCT angiography. Methods: The operator sits in the patient seat and manipulates the instrument body via the joystick with the dominant hand, while the dominant index is ready to press the capture button and while focusing on the fixation target. One senior ophthalmologist judged various OCT machines for ease of self-scan during a major ophthalmic convention. Separately, self-scans were also captured using a single OCT machine by one senior ophthalmologist and 5 junior optometrists and the scans were analyzed for both centration and image quality value (IQV), and compared to regular scans done by an operator. Results: Ten available OCT machines were tested for their ability to allow self-OCT. Machines that had one or more features of auto-alignment, auto-focus, and auto-shoot were ideal for self-OCT or self-OCT angiography. Self-scans done by the ophthalmologist (total 27 scans of right eye, mean IQV = 32.6, and 24 left eyes, mean IQV = 37.3, done over 9 months) and 5 optometrists (total 24 scans, mean 34.8 done in one session) were comparable to scans (total 11, mean IQV = 38.1) done by an operator for image quality. Decentration was very common in self-scans of the macula (37% right eye and 46% left eye) versus 0% for scans of the right eye done by an operator. Conclusions: Self-OCT scans of the macular region can be done with good image quality but are often decentered. Advantages include privacy, potential use by ophthalmic health professionals, airspace station officers, and possible future home self-imaging of macula.
Activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes in spermatozoa in patients with pathospermia
Authors: Onufrovych O. K. , Fafula R. V. , Nakonechnyi Io. A. , Vorobets D. Z. , Iefremova U. P. , Vorobets Z. D.
Published: February 2017

The results of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity in spermatozoa of patients with different forms pathospermia are presented in the paper. It was shown that glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity in sperm cells of patients is reduced in comparison with healthy men with preserved fertility. However, the most expressed changes in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase are in spermatozoa of infertile men with associated forms patospermia and leucospermia. These changes indicate exhaustion of compensatory mechanisms of glutathione antioxidant system in the sperm cells of infertile men with pahospermia.
Characteristics of influence of 4-[4-oxo-3 h-quinazoline-3-yl] benzoic acid (pc-66) on a course of adrenaline myocardiodystrophy in rats according to biochemical research
Authors: Dzhyhaliuk O. V. , Stepaniuk H. I. , Zaichko N. V. , Kovalenko S. I. , Shabelnyk K. P.
Published: February 2017

According to the literature the leading cause of mortality among the population of Ukraine are cardiovascular diseases, what incidence tripled over the past 25 years and today stands at801.6 in100 000. It necessitates a search for new chemical compounds, suitable for creating manufacturing with a better safety profile and a high degree of efficiency.The aim of the study was to describe the effect of 4-[4-oxo-4N-quinazoline-3- il] benzoic acid (PC-66), compared with kordaron on the processes of free radical oxidation, endothelial nitric oxide production and activity of marker enzymes cytolysis cardiomyocytes adrenaline myocardiodystrophy (AMD) in rats.The study was conducted on 28 nonlinear rats of both sexes (weight – 165–220 grams), divided into four groups: group I (n = 7) – intact rats; group II (n = 7) – rats with untreated AMD (control); group III (n = 7) – rats with AMD treated with entity PC-66 (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i/p)); Group IV (n = 7) – rats with AMD treated with kordaron (10 mg/kg, i/p).Research shown that the development of a pilot AMD in rats was characterized by increased free radical oxidation processes, depletion of antioxidant defense system (with decreased content of G-SH, activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), oppression of endothelial NO production. The most expressive metabolic disturbances were registered in the acute period of AMD (as of 2nd day). The use of 4-[4-oxo-4N-quinazoline-3-il] benzoic acid (PC-66, 10 mg/kg, i/p) provided an expressive cardioprotective effect which was compared with kordaron (10 mg/kg, i/p) at various stages of AMD.The mechanisms of cardioprotective action 4-[4-oxo-4N-quinazoline-3-il] benzoic acid can be realized due to the stabilization of cellular and subcellular membranes (as evidenced by the dynamics of marker enzymes cytolysis cardiomyocytes in serum and reduction of TBA-reactive substances in the myocardium), increasing the efficiency of the antioxidant system and correction of cellular redox buffer (as evidenced by the increasing pool of reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity increased) and anti-ischemic activity associated with increased activity of endothelial NO synthase in cardiac muscle.
Energy indexes in rats in chronic conditions of Tobacco smoke
Authors: Lykhatskyi P. H. , Fira L. S. , Kachur O. I.
Published: February 2017

In an experiment on rats of different age groups affected by tobacco smoke me marked the activation of lipid peroxidation, which is supported by probable increase in serum, liver and lung content of TBA-active products at 30 and 45 days of the study. The intensification of this process lead’s to inhibition of mitochondrial enzymes, including cytochromeoxidase and succinated hydrogenase, which are key markers of energy processes in the organism. It was found that the most sensitive to tobacco smok is for immature animals.
Validation of assay method of nifedipine in tablets by liquid chromatography
Authors: Lohoyda L. S.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was the validation of methods of quantitative determination of nifedipine in  tablets by liquid chromatography. The chromatographic analysis was performed on nifedipine liquid chromatograph Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System. A validation of methods of quantitative determination of nifedipine by high performance liquid chromatography tablets was performed. It was established that the method proves the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine for the main validation parameters: specificity, accuracy, linearity, robasnist. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that the developed HPLC method is fast, economical, simple, accurate and suitable for determination of nifedipine in medicines.
Features endogenous intoxication in rats with galactosamined hepatitis on the background of merkazolil-induced hypothyroidism
Authors: Zarichna O. Y.
Published: February 2017

In the article the changes of markers of endogenous intoxication in rats with liver toxicity on the background of merkazolil galactosamine-induced hypothyroidism, and investigated changes in the activity of lysosomal enzymes. It is concluded that under the experimental galactosamined hepatitis against the background of hypothyroidism is inhibition of lysosomal enzymes, which are characterized by changes in indicators of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D in liver homogenate and enhance markers of endogenous intoxication such as erythrocytic index of intoxication.
The role of hypoxia and proton mechanism of parietal cells in the occurence of stress-induced and peptic ulcers
Authors: Honskyi Ya. I. , Hnativ V. V. , Pereviznyk B. O. , Pidruchna S. R. , Kuzmak I. P. , Yaroshenko T. Y.
Published: February 2017

Based on experimental and clinical research, the authors revealed the preventive and therapeutic effect of continued intragastric delivery of molecular oxygen in case of stress-induced and peptic erosions and ulcers of stomach and duodenum. The hypothesis of possible role of hypoxia in the mechanism of injury of parietal cells is based on a consequence of transfer of protons from matrix of mitochondria and its further accumulation in cytoplasm. In this situation, the H+-dependent processes occur, particularly ATP synthesis and production of hydrochloric acid for which the protons are used.
General characteristics of JNK activation pathways.
Authors: Zahayko A. L. , Krasilnikova O. A. , Kravchenko A. B.
Published: February 2017

c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) – members of motogen-activated proteinkinase (MAP-kinases) families a activate in response to various factors, oxidative, thermal, osmotic stress, the effect on the cells of cytokines and growth factors, and many others are among them. Their activation is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes and related pathologies. This fact is determined the choice of JNK, as a therapeutic target for new drugs design.The aim of this work was the analysis and synthesis of information on the ways of JNK activation, as well as the basic cell metabolites that are also involved in this process.There are basic pathways of JNK activation, including MAP kinase cascade start mediated interaction of ligands with receptors on the plasma membrane, reactive oxygen species formation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The main cellular metabolites involved in activation of JNK are methylglyoxal, lyso- and sphingolipids, fatty acids (FFA).In the cell at the same time, there are several major enzyme activation mechanisms. Some metabolites, particularly FFA and lysolipids have their own activation pathways. There is tissue specificity of JNK activation, it is important to consider in the design of new JNK inhibitors.
Vinexin β Ablation Inhibits Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice by Inactivating the Akt–Nuclear Factor κB Inflammatory Axis
Authors: Guan Hongjing , Cheng Wen‐Lin , Guo Junhong , Chao Meng‐Lin , Zhang Yan , Gong Jun , Zhu Xue‐Yong , She Zhi‐Gang , Huang Zan , Li Hongliang
Published: February 2017

Background

Vinexin β is a novel adaptor protein that regulates cellular adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization, signal transduction, and transcription; however, the exact role that vinexin β plays in atherosclerosis remains unknown.

Methods and Results

Immunoblot analysis showed that vinexin β expression is upregulated in the atherosclerotic lesions of both patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipemic apolipoprotein E–deficient mice and is primarily localized in macrophages indicated by immunofluorescence staining. The high‐fat diet–induced double‐knockout mice exhibited lower aortic plaque burdens than apolipoprotein E
−/−
littermates and decreased macrophage content. Vinexin β deficiency improved plaque stability by attenuating lipid accumulation and increasing smooth muscle cell content and collagen. Moreover, the bone marrow transplant experiment demonstrated that vinexin β deficiency exerts atheroprotective effects in hematopoietic cells. Consistent with these changes, the
mRNA
expression of proinflammatory cytokines were downregulated in vinexin β
−/−
apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice, whereas the anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage markers were upregulated. The immunohistochemical staining and in vitro experiments showed that deficiency of vinexin β inhibited the accumulation of monocytes and the migration of macrophages induced by tumor necrosis factor α–stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well as macrophage proliferation. Finally, the inhibitory effects exerted by vinexin β deficiency on foam cell formation, nuclear factor κB activation, and inflammatory cytokine expression were largely reversed by constitutive Akt activation, whereas the increased expression of the nuclear factor κB subset promoted by adenoviral vinexin β was dramatically suppressed by inhibition of
AKT
.

Conclusions

Vinexin β deficiency attenuates atherogenesis primarily by suppressing vascular inflammation and inactivating Akt–nuclear factor κB signaling. Our data suggest that vinexin β could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Osteology, fossil record and palaeodiversity of the European lizards
Authors: Villa Andrea , Tschopp Emanuel , Georgalis Georgios L. , Delfino Massimo
Published: February 2017

The capability of palaeontologists to identify fossil remains of a particular group of vertebrates strongly depends on the knowledge they have of its comparative osteology and on the actual presence of diagnostic differences among the considered taxa. This could have a relevant influence on the study of palaeodiversity, since a low recognisability causes a loss of data when trying to reconstruct the history of taxa that lived on Earth in the past. Currently, more than 6000 extant species of lizards and worm lizards are known, and new ones continue to be discovered, mainly based on molecular data. But are we able to recognise this high diversity using osteology? As far as European taxa are concerned, the osteological recognisability of non-snake squamates is very low: only 31% of the extant European taxa can be identified based on their skeletal morphology. This is balanced partially by the fact that most recognisable taxa have been actually recognised in the fossil record, suggesting that the lost data are mainly due to the scarce knowledge of the comparative osteology of these reptiles and less influenced by other biases, such as taphonomic or collection biases. In this context, specimen-level phylogenetic analysis has proved to be a useful tool to identify diagnostic combinations of osteological features, at least for lacertid species, as evidenced by a case study focused on the genusLacerta.
New genetic lineages within Moroccan day geckos Quedenfeldtia (Sphaerodactylidae) revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data
Authors: Harris David James , Rosado Daniela , Xavier Raquel , Salvi Daniele
Published: February 2017

The genus Quedenfeldtia is composed of two species, Q. moerens and Q. trachyblepharus, both endemic to the Atlas Mountains region of Morocco. Previous studies recovered two main genetic lineages within each Quedenfeldtia species, although sampling did not cover a substantial portion of their known distribution. In this study we collected individuals from previously unsampled localities of Quedenfeldtia and carried out genetic analyses in order to assess the range of previously identified lineages and the occurrence of additional lineages. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on both mitochondrial (12S and ND4 + tRNA) and nuclear (MC1R) markers revealed that while the new individuals of Q. moerens belong to previously described lineages, two new lineages of Q. trachyblepharus were uncovered from the northern and southern parts of the range. Genetic divergence of these new lineages (8-9% ND4 + tRNA p-distance) was higher than values observed between other lizard sister species. In the future a thorough morphological assessment is needed to complement this study and allow a taxonomic revision of these taxa. The results of this study highlight the importance of biodiversity assessments in mountainous regions characterized by high endemicity but which are difficult to access.
Effects of diet quality and stress on interference behaviour of larval ringed salamanders
Authors: Heuring Courtney A. , Heuring Whitney L. , Crane Adam L. , Mathis Alicia
Published: February 2017

Interference behaviour (aggression and cannibalism) can be influenced by both intrinsic factors, such as animal physiology, size, or motivation, and extrinsic factors, such as presence of competitors, predators, or prey. Our experiment examined the effects of differences in diet quality of focal salamanders and their opponents, and levels of handling on biting by pairs of larval ringed salamanders,Ambystoma annulatum, before and after presentation of prey. Diet quality and handling affect the intrinsic qualities of body size/condition and stress, respectively. Presence of prey and diet quality of opponents are extrinsic factors. Unstressed larvae on high-quality diets bit their high-condition opponents more frequently than those that had been on low-quality diets in both the presence and absence of food. Stressed larvae (all on high quality diets) showed low levels of biting when food was absent. However, when food was present, the level of biting depended on the diet quality of their opponents: stressed larvae bit opponents on low-quality diets more than opponents on high-quality diets. Overall, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influenced interference behaviour, with larvae on high-quality diets exhibiting relatively high levels of biting unless they had experienced handling stress, and the effect of handling stress depending on the condition of the opponent in paired interactions.
The Inherent Power of Reconsideration in Recent ICSID Case Law
Authors: Cantelmo Tobia
Published: February 2017

The present article deals with the issue of the power of reconsideration of ICSID tribunals. In 2014, the majority in ConocoPhillips v. Venezuela rejected Respondent’s Request for Reconsideration, ruling that an interim decision had res judicata effect. However, in a powerful dissent in that case, Professor Abi-Saab argued that the tribunal in fact possessed an inherent power of reconsideration. The following year, the ICSID tribunal in Perenco v. Ecuador unanimously endorsed the reasoning of the majority in ConocoPhillips. While judicial economy is potentially undermined if interim decisions can later be revisited, the question is how to strike the proper balance between judicial efficiency and fundamental fairness. As this article shows, the most sensible position, recently taken by the ICSID tribunal in SCB HK v. TANESCO – and one that still promotes judicial economy – is to recognize a limited power of reconsideration during the period until a final judgment has been rendered.
Autobiographical Memory and the Subjective Experience of Time
Authors: Janssen Steve M. J.
Published: February 2017

Many people believe that life appears to speed up as they become older. However, age differences are only found in studies in which participants compare recent with remote time passage. They are not found in studies in which younger participants’ impressions of recent time passage are compared to older participants’ impressions of recent time passage. Approaching the phenomenon as a memory issue allows for the discrepancy between these findings. In this study, two memory accounts for the phenomenon were examined. Whereas the results of the first experiment did not support the account that attributes the phenomenon to the difficulty with which events are retrieved from different lifetime periods, the results of the second experiment supported the account that attributes the phenomenon to the perceived time pressure in different lifetime periods. People are able to recall many recent instances in which they were very busy, had to rush, and did not have time to complete things, but these mundane and everyday events are often forgotten from more remote lifetime periods. People who have the impression that they are currently experiencing more time pressure than they were experiencing in the past will have the feeling that time has recently passed more quickly for them than time had in the past.
The Vowel System of Jewish Bukharan Tajik: With Special Reference to the Tajik Vowel Chain Shift
Authors: Ido Shinji
Published: February 2017

The present article describes the vowel chain shift that occurred in the variety of Tajik spoken by Jewish residents in Bukhara. It identifies the chain shift as constituting of an intermediate stage of the Northern Tajik chain shift and accordingly tentatively concludes that in the Northern Tajik chain shift Early New Persianāshifted beforeōdid, shedding light on the process whereby the present-day Tajik vowel system was established. The article is divided into three parts. The first provides an explanation of the variety of Tajik spoken by Jewish inhabitants of Bukhara. The second section explains the relationship between this particular variety and other varieties that have been used by Jews in Central Asia. The third section deals specifically with the vowel system of the variety and the changes that it has undergone since the late 19th century.
Shallow-water Ascidians from Matua Island (central Kuril Islands, NW Pacific)
Authors: SANAMYAN KAREN , SANAMYAN NADYA
Published: February 2017

Fifteen species of ascidians were identified in the material collected at Matua Island. Two species are new, Botryllus flavus n. sp. and Distaplia matua n. sp. The first species occurs also at Kamchatka waters, while the second is probably an endemic of Kuril Islands. The genus Macrenteron Redikorzev, 1927 is synonymized with Aplidium Savigny, 1816 and a new name Aplidium macrenteron nom. nov. is proposed for its type species.
New genus and species of cavernicolous cockroach (Blattaria, Nocticolidae) from Vietnam
Authors: VIDLIČKA ĽUBOMÍR , VRŠANSKÝ PETER , KÚDELOVÁ TATIANA , KÚDELA MATÚŠ , DEHARVENG LOUIS , HAIN MIROSLAV
Published: February 2017

The new, small cavernicolous species Helmablatta louisrothi gen. et sp. n. (Nocticolidae) from the Tan-Phu cave (Vietnam) is one of the most morphologically interesting cockroaches. The extremely modified upstanding tergal gland composite from three tergites and may serve for gripping the female head during copulation. This presumption is supported by the presence of a central big hook on tergite 8. Furthermore, both wing pairs are uncommonly adapted to help releasing sex pheromones without raising the wings. Histone 3 DNA-based maximum likelihood analyses indicate a recent origin and close phylogenetic relationship between Nocticola spp. and Helmablatta sp.—consistent with the Quaternary age of the source lava tubes.