bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Studies of Malaria: a Paradigm for Investigation of Systemic Host-Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Lee Hyun Jae , Georgiadou Athina , Otto Thomas D. , Levin Michael , Coin Lachlan J. , Conway David J. , Cunnington Aubrey J.
Published: April 2018

Transcriptomics, the analysis of genome-wide RNA expression, is a common approach to investigate host and pathogen processes in infectious diseases. Technical and bioinformatic advances have permitted increasingly thorough analyses of the association of RNA expression with fundamental biology, immunity, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis. Transcriptomic approaches can now be used to realize a previously unattainable goal, the simultaneous study of RNA expression in host and pathogen, in order to better understand their interactions. This exciting prospect is not without challenges, especially as focus moves from interactionsin vitrounder tightly controlled conditions to tissue- and systems-level interactions in animal models and natural and experimental infections in humans. Here we review the contribution of transcriptomic studies to the understanding of malaria, a parasitic disease which has exerted a major influence on human evolution and continues to cause a huge global burden of disease. We consider malaria a paradigm for the transcriptomic assessment of systemic host-pathogen interactions in humans, because much of the direct host-pathogen interaction occurs within the blood, a readily sampled compartment of the body. We illustrate lessons learned from transcriptomic studies of malaria and how these lessons may guide studies of host-pathogen interactions in other infectious diseases. We propose that the potential of transcriptomic studies to improve the understanding of malaria as a disease remains partly untapped because of limitations in study design rather than as a consequence of technological constraints. Further advances will require the integration of transcriptomic data with analytical approaches from other scientific disciplines, including epidemiology and mathematical modeling.
A Predicted Mannoprotein Participates in Cryptococcus gattii Capsular Structure
Authors: Reuwsaat Julia Catarina Vieira , Motta Heryk , Garcia Ane Wichine Acosta , Vasconcelos Carolina Bettker , Marques Bárbara Machado , Oliveira Natália Kronbauer , Rodrigues Jéssica , Ferrareze Patrícia Aline Gröhns , Frases Susana , Lopes William , Barcellos Vanessa Abreu , Squizani Eamim Daidrê , Horta Jorge André , Schrank Augusto , Rodrigues Marcio Lourenço , Staats Charley Christian , Vainstein Marilene Henning , Kmetzsch Lívia
Published: April 2018

Cryptococcus gattii
has the ability to escape from the host’s immune system through poorly understood mechanisms and can lead to the death of healthy individuals. The role of mannoproteins in
C. gattii
pathogenicity is not completely understood. The present work characterized a protein, Kpr1, that is essential for the maintenance of
C. gattii
main virulence factor, the polysaccharide capsule. Our data contribute to the understanding of the role of Kpr1 in capsule structuring, mainly by modulating the distribution of glucans in
C. gattii
cell wall.
Beaver Fever: Whole-Genome Characterization of Waterborne Outbreak and Sporadic Isolates To Study the Zoonotic Transmission of Giardiasis
Authors: Tsui Clement K.-M. , Miller Ruth , Uyaguari-Diaz Miguel , Tang Patrick , Chauve Cedric , Hsiao William , Isaac-Renton Judith , Prystajecky Natalie
Published: April 2018

Giardia duodenalis
causes large numbers of gastrointestinal illness in humans. Its transmission through the contaminated surface water/wildlife intersect is significant, and the water-dwelling rodents beavers have been implicated as one important reservoir. To trace human infections to their source, we used genome techniques to characterize genetic relationships among 89
Giardia
isolates from surface water, humans, and animals. Our study showed the presence of two previously described genetic assemblages, A and B, with mixed infections detected from isolates collected during outbreaks. Study findings also showed that while assemblage A could be divided into A1 and A2, A1 showed little genetic variation among animal and human hosts in isolates collected from across the globe. Assemblage B, the most common type found in the study surface water samples, was shown to be highly variable. Our study demonstrates that the beaver is a possible source of human infections from contaminated surface water, while acknowledging that theirs is only one role in the complex cycle of zoonotic spread. Mixes of parasite groups have been detected in waterborne outbreaks. More information on
Giardia
diversity and its evolution using genomics will further the understanding of the epidemiology of spread of this disease-causing protozoan.
Rapid Gene Concatenation for Genetic Rescue of Multigene Mutants in Candida albicans
Authors: Huang Manning Y. , Woolford Carol A. , Mitchell Aaron P.
Published: April 2018

Our understanding of new genes is often built upon the knowledge of well-characterized genes. One avenue toward revealing such connections involves creation of strains with mutations in two or more defined genes to permit genetic interaction analysis. Strain manipulations can yield unexpected mutations at loci outside the defined targeted genes. In this report, we describe a method for rapid validation of multigene mutants, thus allowing an appraisal of the contribution of the defined targeted genes to the strain’s phenotype.
Hip and groin time-loss injuries decreased slightly but injury burden remained constant in men’s professional football: the 15-year prospective UEFA Elite Club Injury Study
Authors: Werner Jonas , Hägglund Martin , Ekstrand Jan , Waldén Markus
Published: April 2018

Background

Hip and groin injuries are common in men’s professional football, but the time-trend of these injuries is not known.

Aim

To investigate hip and groin injury rates, especially time-trends, in men’s professional football over 15 consecutive seasons.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Men’s professional football.

Methods

47 European teams were followed prospectively for a varying number of seasons between 2001/2002 and 2015/2016, totalling 268 team seasons. Time-loss injuries and individual player exposure during training and matches were recorded. Injury rate was defined as the number ofinjuries/1000 hours and injury burden as the number oflay-off days/1000 hours. Time-trends for total hip and groin injuries and adductor-related injury rates were analysed using Poisson regression, and injury burden was analysed using a negative binomial regression model.

Results

Hip and groin injuries contributed 1812 out of 12 736 injuries (14%), with adductor-related injury as the most common of hip and groin injuries (n=1139, 63%). The rates of hip and groin injury and adductor-related injury were 1.0/1000 hours and 0.6/1000 hours, and these rates decreased significantly with on average 2% (Exp(b)=0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99, P=0.003) and 3% (Exp(b)=0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, P<0.001) per season (year on year), respectively. The seasonal trend of hip and groin injury burden did not improve (Exp(b)=0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.01, P=0.40).

Conclusions

Hip and groin injuries constitute a considerable part of all time-loss injuries in men’s professional football. Although there was a promising slight decreasing trend in the rates of hip and groin injury (as a category) and adductor-related injury (as a specific diagnosis), the injury burden remained at a consistent level over the study period.
Role and prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in ambulance service attendances to people who have had a severe hypoglycaemic emergency: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Duncan Edward A S , Fitzpatrick David , Ikegwuonu Theresa , Evans Josie , Maxwell Margaret
Published: April 2018

Objectives

(1) To compare the experiences of people who are affected by diabetes-related hypoglycaemia and either do or do not require an emergency attendance and (2) to measure the prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in patients who are attended by an ambulance service due to a severe hypoglycaemic event.

Design

A sequential mixed-methods study.

Setting

A qualitative interview study was undertaken with 31 people with diabetes (types 1 and 2) resident in the central belt of Scotland. A national prevalence survey of 590 Scottish Ambulance Service patients who had recently experienced a severe hypoglycaemic emergency requiring ambulance clinicians attendance. Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia was measured using two standardised measures.

Results

Considerable differences in impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia were found in the experiences of participants who did or did not require the ambulance service to treat their severe hypoglycaemic events. Those who required an ambulance reported fewer warning signs and symptoms. The prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in ambulance service call-outs as assessed by two standardised measures was 53% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia among those who require an ambulance following a hypoglycaemic event is more than twice that found in the general population of people with diabetes. This may be because the experiences of impaired awareness in people who require an ambulance following a severe hypoglycaemic event differ to those who do not. This study provides important information to guide future prehospital clinical practice, and to develop and evaluate theoretically informed interventions. Improvements in prehospital care for this patient population could lead to global improvements in health outcomes and decreased service costs.
Exploring the potential and limitations of genotyping-by-sequencing for SNP discovery and genotyping in tetraploid potato
Authors: Bastien Maxime , Boudhrioua Chiheb , Fortin Gabrielle , Belzile François
Published: April 2018

Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) potentially offers a cost-effective alternative for SNP discovery and genotyping. Here, we report the exploration of GBS in tetraploid potato. Both ApeKI and PstI/MspI enzymes were used for library preparation on eight diverse potato genotypes. ApeKI yielded more markers than PstI/MspI but provided a lower read coverage per marker, resulting in more missing data and limiting effective genotyping to the tetraploid mode. We then assessed the accuracy of these SNPs by comparison with SolCAP data (5824 data points in diploid mode and 3243 data points in tetraploid mode) and found the match rates between genotype calls was 90.4% and 81.3%, respectively. Imputation of missing data did not prove very accurate because of incomplete haplotype discovery, suggesting caution in setting the allowance for missing data. To further assess the quality of GBS-derived data, a genome-wide association analysis was performed for flower color on 318 clones (with ApeKI). A strong association signal on chromosome 2 was obtained with the most significant SNP located in the middle of the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) gene. We conclude that an appropriate choice of enzyme for GBS library preparation makes it possible to obtain high-quality SNPs in potato and will be helpful for marker-assisted genomics.
Static strength of molybdenum to 92 GPa under radial X-ray diffraction
Authors: Xiong L. , Tu P. , Li B. , Wu S. Y. , Hao J. B. , Bai L. G. , Li X. D. , Liu J.
Published: April 2018

The high-pressure strength of molybdenum (Mo) to 92 GPa has been studied by radial X-ray diffraction (RXRD) technique. The ratio of t/G is found to decrease above [Formula: see text]24 GPa, showing the yield of Mo which is caused by plastic deformation at this pressure. Combined with high-pressure shear modulus, it was found that the differential stress corresponding to the yield of Mo at 24 GPa due to plastic deformation is 1.73 GPa. The second increase of t values occurs after [Formula: see text]66 GPa, suggesting the strength of Mo with a differential stress of [Formula: see text]1.93 GPa. In addition, the maximum difference stress of molybdenum at 87 GPa is 3.01 GPa.
A multi-hop teleportation protocol of arbitrary four-qubit states through intermediate nodes
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Samanta Soumen
Published: April 2018

Teleportation processes over long distances become affected by the almost inevitable existence of noise which interferes with the entangled quantum channels. In view of this, intermediate nodes are introduced in the scheme. These nodes are connected in series through quantum entanglement. In this paper, we present a protocol for transferring an entangled four-particle cluster-type state in an integrated manner through the intermediate nodes. Its efficiency and advantage over the corresponding part by part teleportation process is discussed.
Cell- and Node-Based Smoothing MITC3-Finite Elements for Static and Free Vibration Analysis of Laminated Composite and Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Nguyen Trung-Kien , Nguyen Van-Hau , Chau-Dinh Thanh
Published: April 2018

Cell- and node-based smoothing MITC3-finite elements for static and free vibration analysis of laminated composite and functionally graded plates are proposed in this paper. It is based on a higher-order shear deformation theory which accounts for a higher-order variation of in-plane displacements and traction-free boundary conditions on top and bottom surfaces of transverse shear stresses. Novel CS-MITC3 and NS-MITC3 finite elements are proposed in which an MITC3 three-node triangle element with seven degrees-of-freedom per nodes that only requires the [Formula: see text]-type continuity is developed, and then cell- and node-based smoothing techniques are applied. Numerical results for the laminated composite and functionally graded plates are proposed to validate the accuracy of developed theory and to investigate the effects of material distribution and side-to-thickness ratio on the deflection, stresses and natural frequencies of the plates.
Preface: Advances in computational aerospace materials science and engineering
Authors: Liu Zhen , Ng Teng Yong , Liu Zishun
Published: April 2018

In the last two decades, with the rapid development of Chinese Aerospace Engineering, many emerging new technologies and methodologies have been proposed and developed in the aerospace engineering discipline. This special topic issue will offer our valued readers insights into the current development of aerospace engineering related computational aerospace materials science and engineering research now being undertaken in China. These 11 research papers include the latest research into the vibration and strength of aerospace structures, aerodynamics of aerospace shuttles and satellite structures, and aeroacoustic noise of aerospace structures. We trust this series papers will provide an overview of aerospace engineering activities in China, focussing in the most advanced computational techniques and powerful numerical methodologies being developed and employed to advance this field.
Human-drone interaction
Authors: Funk Markus
Published: April 2018

Envisioning, designing, and implementing the user interface require a comprehensive understanding of interaction technologies. In this forum we scout trends and discuss new technologies with the potential to influence interaction design.
--- Albrecht Schmidt, Editor
An intersectional approach to designing in the margins
Authors: Erete Sheena , Israni Aarti , Dillahunt Tawanna
Published: April 2018

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for communities marginalized by economics, social status, infrastructure, or policies. It will discuss design methods, theoretical and conceptual contributions, and methodological engagements for underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Reprot from ACM Multimedia 2017
Authors: Keighrey Conor
Published: April 2018

My name is Conor Keighrey, I'm a PhD. candidate at the Athlone Institute Technology in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland. The focus of my research is to understand the key influencing factors that affect Quality of Experience (QoE) in emerging immersive multimedia experiences, with a specific focus on applications in the speech and language therapy domain. I am funded for this research by the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. I'm delighted to have been asked to present this report to the SIGMM community as a result of my social media activity at ACM Multimedia Conference.
Monitoring multicopters energy consumption
Authors: Fronza Ilenia , Ioini Nabil El , Corral Luis , Moroder Matthias , Moroder Moritz
Published: April 2018

Multicopters are small, typically unmanned helicopters having more than two rotors. The wide range of possible applications of multicopters, spanning from environmental research to recreation, has raised the need to come up with innovative solutions to reduce the power demand of these platforms, with the goal of guaranteeing safe completion of missions. To this end, it is of paramount importance to understand the way in which the energy is invested and spent. The goal of this work is to provide reliable means to monitor multicopters energy consumption. We developed a monitoring platform to keep track of the energy consumption of multicopters. The platform relies on a set of sensors to collect the energy consumption data at different points of interest; data are then visualized in a monitoring dashboard. The monitoring system allows further analysis of the recorded data, which could be used to optimize multicopters energy consumption.
46,XY Disorder of Sex Development Caused by 17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-Lyase Deficiency due to Homozygous Mutation ofCYP17A1Gene: Consequences of Late Diagnosis
Authors: Papi Giampaolo , Paragliola Rosa Maria , Concolino Paola , Di Donato Carlo , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Corsello Salvatore Maria
Published: April 2018

Context.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disease due to specific enzyme deficiencies in the adrenal steroidogenesis pathway.Case Description.A 40-year-old Chinese woman was referred to the Endocrine Unit for the work-up of a syndrome characterized by long-lasting and multidrug resistant high blood pressure, severe hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis, and primary amenorrhea. The patient presented with sexual infantilism, lack of breast development, absence of axillary and pubic hair, tall stature, and slenderness. CT scan revealed enlarged adrenal glands bilaterally and the absence of the uterus, the ovaries, and the Fallopian tubes. Furthermore, diffuse osteopenia and osteoporosis and incomplete ossification of the growth plate cartilages were demonstrated. Chromosomal analysis showed a normal male 46,XY, karyotype, and on molecular analysis of theCYP17A1gene she resulted homozygous for the g.4869T>A; g.4871delC (p.Y329Kfs?) mutation in exon 6. Hydrocortisone and ethinyl-estradiol supplementation therapy led to incomplete withdrawal of antihypertensive drug and breast development progression to Tanner stage B2 and slight height increase, respectively.Conclusions.We describe a late-discovered case of CAH with 46,XY disorder of sex development. Deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase due to a homozygous CYP17A1 gene mutation was the underlying cause. Laboratory, imaging, and genetic features are herein reported and discussed.
Space-Time-Frequency Adaptive Processor for Multiple Interference Suppression in GNSS Applications
Authors: Guo Qiang , Qi Lian-gang , Xiang Jianhong
Published: April 2018

To enhance the multiple interference suppression performance of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers without extra antenna elements, a space-time-frequency adaptive processor (STFAP) is investigated. Firstly, based on the analysis of the autocorrelation function of the multicomponent signal, we propose a common period estimation and data block technique to segment the received signal data into blocks. Secondly, the signal data in each block are short-time Fourier transformed into time-frequency (TF) domain, and the corresponding TF points with similar frequency characteristics are regrouped to structure space-time-frequency (STF) data matrixes. Finally, a space-time-frequency minimum output power- (STF-MOP) based weight calculation method is introduced to suppress multiple interfering signals according to their sparse characteristics in TF and space domains. Simulation results show that the proposed STFAP can effectively combat more wideband periodic frequency-modulated (WBPFM) interferences even some of them arriving from the same direction as GNSS signals without increasing the number of antenna elements.
Analysis Sparse Representation for Nonnegative Signals Based on Determinant Measure by DC Programming
Authors: Li Yujie , Tan Benying , Kanemura Atsunori , Ding Shuxue , Chen Wuhui
Published: April 2018

Analysis sparse representation has recently emerged as an alternative approach to the synthesis sparse model. Most existing algorithms typically employ the ‐norm, which is generally NP‐hard. Other existing algorithms employ the ‐norm to relax the ‐norm, which sometimes cannot promote adequate sparsity. Most of these existing algorithms focus on general signals and are not suitable for nonnegative signals. However, many signals are necessarily nonnegative such as spectral data. In this paper, we present a novel and efficient analysis dictionary learning algorithm for nonnegative signals with the determinant‐type sparsity measure which is convex and differentiable. The analysis sparse representation can be cast in three subproblems, sparse coding, dictionary update, and signal update, because the determinant‐type sparsity measure would result in a complex nonconvex optimization problem, which cannot be easily solved by standard convex optimization methods. Therefore, in the proposed algorithms, we use a difference of convex (DC) programming scheme for solving the nonconvex problem. According to our theoretical analysis and simulation study, the main advantage of the proposed algorithm is its greater dictionary learning efficiency, particularly compared with state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. In addition, our proposed algorithm performs well in image denoising.
Diode Laser-Assisted Surgical Therapy for Early Treatment of Oral Mucocele in a Newborn Patient: Case Report and Procedures Checklist
Authors: Vitale Marina Consuelo , Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Croci Giorgio Alberto , Paulli Marco , Carbone Lorenzo , Gandini Paola , Scribante Andrea
Published: April 2018

Mucocele (also known as ranula or salivary gland mucous cyst) of the newborn is a lesion present on the intraoral cavity, with the potential to interfere with respiration and feeding. In the present report, a case of mucocele in a 4-month female patient has been described. As conventional surgery can be followed by several complications such as intraoperative bleeding, difficulties in wound healing, and maintenance of sterility during surgery, in the present case, the use of diode laser has been planned. A topic anesthesia with lidocaine gel was performed. A diode laser (810 nm wavelength, continuous wave mode, power output of 3 watt, and 0.4 mm diameter fiber optic) was set for excising the lesion. The tip was directed at an angle of 10 to 15°, moving around the base of the lesion with a circular motion. The procedure was completed in 3 minutes. The patient was visited with a follow-up of 2 weeks and 4 months after excision. The intraoral wound healed without complications, and no signs of infection or mass recurrence were noted. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. On the basis of the results of the present case report, the use of diode laser can be easily performed also in a noncompliant newborn patient for successful excision of mucocele lesions, and checklist of clinical procedures has been described.
Self-Dual Effective Compact and True Compacton Configurations in Generalized Abelian Higgs Models
Authors: Casana Rodolfo , Lazar Guillermo , Sourrouille Lucas
Published: April 2018

We have studied the existence of self-dual effective compact and true compacton configurations in Abelian Higgs models with generalized dynamics. We have named an effective compact solution the one whose profile behavior is very similar to the one of a compacton structure but still preserves a tail in its asymptotic decay. In particular, we have investigated the electrically neutral configurations of the Maxwell-Higgs and Born-Infeld-Higgs models and the electrically charged ones of the Chern-Simons-Higgs and Maxwell-Chern-Simons-Higgs models. The generalization of the kinetic terms is performed by means of dielectric functions in gauge and Higgs sectors. The implementation of the BPS formalism without the need to use a specific Ansatz has led us to the explicit determination for the dielectric function associated with the Higgs sector to be proportional to λϕ2λ-2, λ>1. Consequently, the followed procedure allows us to determine explicitly new families of self-dual potential for every model. We have also observed that, for sufficiently large values of λ, every model supports effective compact vortices. The true compacton solutions arising for λ=∞ are analytical. Therefore, these new self-dual structures enhance the space of BPS solutions of the Abelian Higgs models and they probably will imply interesting applications in physics and mathematics.
Fusion Execution of NaCl on Tree-Shaped MSA
Authors: Khobragade S. V. , Nalbalwar S. L. , Nandgaonkar A. B.
Published: April 2018

Fractal tree microstrip antenna utilizing NaCl execution strategy is exhibited in this paper. The fractal tree MSA provides scaling down and multiband operation. NaCl affidavit is a standout amongst the most intriguing method. Trial result on the return loss over the band of 1 to 11 GHz and radiation pattern were exhibited. It is well known that atmospheric corrosion of the metal is accelerated by the sea salt particles near the seashore environment. Objective of the paper is to add NaCl manually on tree-shaped MSA and test the result at different environmental condition. NaCl testimony system unmistakably demonstrates the moving of all resonance frequency bands from high frequencies to low frequencies. VSWR is under 2 for all resonance frequency. Same antenna tried following half year to know the conduct of the MSA and the result is exhibited.
Achievement of Various Widebands: A Design of Wide-Slot Antennas Using Shape Blending
Authors: Wu Aiting , Zhang Zhonghai , Guan Boran , Peng Liang
Published: April 2018

When designing printed wide-slot antennas, the shape or profile of the tuning stub is a key geometric structure that affects the impedance bandwidth of the antenna. This article introduces a new process for designing tuning stub shapes, which are the blended results of a diamond and a circle. By using different geometry shapes, the design could generate a series of bandwidths with a regular trend. Detailed investigations and analysis were conducted on some key geometry parameters to explore their impact on the impedance bandwidth of the antenna. To certify the new design method, several prototypes were simulated, developed, and measured. The experimental and simulated results showed good agreement with each other. The results indicate that by properly selecting various blended shapes, a BW range from 80.1 to 117.3% for a VSWR of less than 2 could be obtained, which provides a convenient model for a wideband antenna design.
The Visualization of the Space Probability Distribution for a Particle Moving in a Double Ring-Shaped Coulomb Potential
Authors: You Yuan , Lu Fa-Lin , Sun Dong-Sheng , Chen Chang-Yuan , Dong Shi-Hai
Published: April 2018

The analytical solutions to a double ring-shaped Coulomb potential (RSCP) are presented. The visualizations of the space probability distribution (SPD) are illustrated for the two- (contour) and three-dimensional (isosurface) cases. The quantum numbers (n,l,m) are mainly relevant for those quasi-quantum numbers (n′,l′,m′) via the double RSCP parameter c. The SPDs are of circular ring shape in spherical coordinates. The properties for the relative probability values (RPVs) P are also discussed. For example, when we consider the special case (n,l,m)=(6,5,0), the SPD moves towards two poles of z-axis when P increases. Finally, we discuss the different cases for the potential parameter b, which is taken as negative and positive values for c>0. Compared with the particular case b=0, the SPDs are shrunk for b=-0.5, while they are spread out for b=0.5.
Protection of Steel Rebar in Salt-Contaminated Cement Mortar Using Epoxy Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Nguyen The Huu , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: April 2018

Epoxy reinforced with two kinds of nanoparticles dealing with nano-SiO2 and nano-Fe2O3 was coated on steel rebar embedded in a chloride contaminated cement mortar. NaCl was added to the fresh Portland cement paste (at 0.3% and 0.5% by weight of cement) to simulate the chloride contamination at the critical level. The effect of incorporating nanoparticles on the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated steel rebar was investigated by linear potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For the 0.3 wt.% chloride mortars, the electrochemical monitoring of the coated steel rebars during immersion for 56 days in 0.1 M NaOH solutions suggested the beneficial role of nano-Fe2O3 particles in significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the epoxy-coated rebar. After 56 days of immersion, the nano-Fe2O3 reduced the corrosion current of epoxy-coated rebar by a factor of 7.9. When the chloride concentration in the cement mortar was 0.5 wt.%, the incorporation of nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix did not enhance the corrosion resistance of epoxy coating for the rebar. At this critical level, chloride ions initiated rebar corrosion through nanoparticles at the epoxy/rebar interface.
Dynamic Importance Analysis of Components with Known Failure Contribution of Complex Systems
Authors: Li Yangfan , Zhang Yingjie , Dai Bochao , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2018

Importance analysis deals with the investigation of influence of individual system component on system operation. This paper mainly focuses on dynamic important analysis of components in a multistate system. Assuming that failure probabilities of system components are independent, a new time integral-based importance measure approach (TIIM) is proposed to measure the loss of system performance that is caused by each individual component. Reversely the importance of a component can be evaluated according to the magnitude of performance loss of the system caused by it. Moreover, the dynamic varying curve of importance of a component with time can be described by calculating criticality of the component at each state. On the other hand, in the proposed approach, the importance probability curve of a component is fitted by using the failure data from all components of system excluding that of the component itself so as to solve the problem of inaccurate fitting caused by small sample data. The approach has been verified by probability analysis of failure data of CNC machines.
Undifferentiated Sarcomas in Children Harbor Clinically Relevant Oncogenic Fusions and Gene Copy-Number Alterations: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Laetsch Theodore W. , Roy Angshumoy , Xu Lin , Black Jennifer O. , Coffin Cheryl M. , Chi Yueh-Yun , Tian Jing , Spunt Sheri L. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Bridge Julia A. , Parsons D. Williams , Skapek Stephen X.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: A comprehensive analysis of the genomics of undifferentiated sarcomas (UDS) is lacking. We analyzed copy-number alterations and fusion status in patients with UDS prospectively treated on Children's Oncology Group protocol ARST0332.

Experimental Design: Copy-number alterations were assessed by OncoScan FFPE Express on 32 UDS. Whole-exome and transcriptome libraries from eight tumors with sufficient archived material were sequenced on HiSeq (2 × 100 bp). Targeted RNA-sequencing using Archer chemistry was performed on two additional cases.

Results: Five-year overall survival for patients with UDS was 83% (95% CI, 69%–97%) with risk-adapted therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy). Both focal and arm-level copy-number alterations were common including gain of 1q (8/32, 25%) and loss of 1p (7/32, 22%), both of which occurred more often in clinically defined high-risk tumors. Tumors with both loss of 1p and gain of 1q carried an especially poor prognosis with a 5-year event-free survival of 20%. GISTIC analysis identified recurrent amplification of FGF1 on 5q31.3 (q = 0.03) and loss of CDKN2A and CDKN2B on 9p21.3 (q = 0.07). Known oncogenic fusions were identified in eight of 10 cases analyzed by next-generation sequencing.

Conclusions: Pediatric UDS generally has a good outcome with risk-adapted therapy. A high-risk subset of patients whose tumors have copy-number loss of 1p and gain of 1q was identified with only 20% survival. Oncogenic fusions are common in UDS, and next-generation sequencing should be considered for children with UDS to refine the diagnosis and identify potentially targetable drivers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3888–97. ©2018 AACR.
Evaluation of Biodistribution of Sulforaphane after Administration of Oral Broccoli Sprout Extract in Melanoma Patients with Multiple Atypical Nevi
Authors: Tahata Shawn , Singh Shivendra V. , Lin Yan , Hahm Eun-Ryeong , Beumer Jan H. , Christner Susan M. , Rao Uma N. , Sander Cindy , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tawbi Hussein , Ferris Laura K. , Wilson Melissa , Rose Amy , Dietz Catherine M. , Hughes Ellen , Fahey Jed W. , Leachman Sancy A. , Cassidy Pamela B. , Butterfield Lisa H. , Zarour Hassane M. , Kirkwood John M.
Published: April 2018

Broccoli sprout extract containing sulforaphane (BSE-SFN) has been shown to inhibit ultraviolet radiation–induced damage and tumor progression in skin. This study evaluated the toxicity and potential effects of oral BSE-SFN at three dosages. Seventeen patients who each had at least 2 atypical nevi and a prior history of melanoma were randomly allocated to 50, 100, or 200 μmol oral BSE-SFN daily for 28 days. Atypical nevi were photographed on days 1 and 28, and plasma and nevus samples were taken on days 1, 2, and 28. Endpoints assessed were safety, plasma and skin sulforaphane levels, gross and histologic changes, IHC for phospho-STAT3(Y705), Ki-67, Bcl-2, HMOX1, and TUNEL, plasma cytokine levels, and tissue proteomics. All 17 patients completed 28 days with no dose-limiting toxicities. Plasma sulforaphane levels pooled for days 1, 2, and 28 showed median postadministration increases of 120 ng/mL for 50 μmol, 206 ng/mL for 100 μmol, and 655 ng/mL for 200 μmol. Median skin sulforaphane levels on day 28 were 0.0, 3.1, and 34.1 ng/g for 50, 100, and 200 μmol, respectively. Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines decreased from day 1 to 28. The tumor suppressor decorin was increased from day 1 to 28. Oral BSE-SFN is well tolerated at daily doses up to 200 μmol and achieves dose-dependent levels in plasma and skin. A larger efficacy evaluation of 200 μmol daily for longer intervals is now reasonable to better characterize clinical and biological effects of BSE-SFN as chemoprevention for melanoma. Cancer Prev Res; 11(7); 429–38. ©2018 AACR.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Unknown Underlying Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting with a Cholestatic Pattern of Liver Injury
Authors: Booth A.L. , Osehobo P. , Rodgers-Soriano D. , Lalarukh A. , Eltorky M.A. , Stevenson H.L.
Published: April 2018

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon disease that often presents with nonspecific findings. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make a prompt diagnosis and prevent fatal disease. A 45-year-old man presented with fever, hypotension, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging showed hepatosplenomegaly and laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia, increased ferritin, and a cholestatic pattern of injury with elevated alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Due to a history of Crohn disease, systemic lupus erythematous, and rheumatoid arthritis, the patient was on immunosuppressants, including infliximab. After multiple negative cultures, persistent fever, and days of empiric broad spectrum antibiotics, our differential shifted to fever of unknown origin. A liver wedge biopsy revealed areas of sinusoidal dilatation with enlarged, activated macrophages containing erythrocytes and intracytoplasmic iron, consistent with hemophagocytosis due to HLH. The portal tracts showed mixed lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, a prominent bile ductular reaction, periportal fibrosis, and scattered large cells with occasional binucleation and prominent nucleoli. These cells stained positive for Epstein-Barr virus encoding region in situ hybridization, PAX5, CD15, and CD30, and hepatic involvement by classic Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed and determined to be the cause of the HLH and cholestatic pattern of injury. Simultaneously, a bone marrow biopsy showed diffuse involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma with a similar staining pattern. Aggressive treatment failed and the patient succumbed to multiorgan failure. HLH is a rare, potentially fatal disease, with nonspecific signs and symptoms, and should be considered in any patient presenting with fever and pancytopenia, especially if they are immune compromised.
Decreased Migration of Dendritic Cells into the Jugular-Nodose Ganglia by the CXCL12 Neutraligand Chalcone 4 in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Heck Sebastian , Daubeuf François , Le Duc Dung , Sester Martina , Bonnet Dominique , Bals Robert , Frossard Nelly , Dinh Quoc Thai
Published: April 2018

Objective: The chemokine CXCL12 interacting with the CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been reported to play a role in the development and progression of bronchial asthma, but its mechanism of action is still unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the CXCL12 neutraligand chalcone 4 on the migration of dendritic cells (DCs) in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Methods: A 21-day ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic-airway TH2 inflammation model in BALB/c mice was used. Four groups were sensitized with OVA adsorbed on alum and challenged either with OVA or saline for 4 days. Mice were treated intranasally with chalcone 4 (300 nmol/kg body weight) or solvent 2 h before each OVA or saline challenge; 24 h after the last challenge, CD11c+F4/80– DCs were counted in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Jugular-nodose ganglion complex (JNC) sections were sampled, and for immunofluorescence staining, cryocut sections were prepared. MHC II+F4/80– DCs as well as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and substance P (SP)-positive neuronal cell bodies were analyzed. Results: In OVA-challenged mice, chalcone 4 caused a significantly decreased DC/neuron ratio in the JNC from 51.7% in solvent-treated to 32.6% in chalcone 4-treated mice. In parallel, chalcone 4 also decreased the DC population in BALF from 11.5 × 103 cells in solvent to 4.5 × 103 cells in chalcone 4-treated mice. By contrast, chalcone 4 had no effect on the expression of the neuropeptides CGRP and SP in JNC. Conclusion: This study reported the CXCL12 neutraligand chalcone 4 to affect DC infiltration into the airways and airway ganglia as well as to decrease airway eosinophilic inflammation and, therefore, validated CXCL12 as a new target in allergic disease models of asthma.
Corneal Epithelial Hyperplasia after 5-Fluorouracil Injection
Authors: Bukhari Dania A. , Alessa Sarah K. , Beheiri Safaa I.
Published: April 2018

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine analogue which selectively inhibits DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and VEGF antibodies. 5-FU is widely used in ophthalmology for inhibition of postoperative corneal scarring and scleral bleb fibrosis. Case Presentation: In this case report, we describe an unusual case of a 65-year-old male who presented to the clinic with progressive decrease of vision after he underwent a revision of scleral bleb with the administration of 0.05 mL 5-FU (2.5 mg) injection and was diagnosed with corneal epithelial hyperplasia. The patient had a history of glaucoma managed by deep sclerotomy and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Conclusion: Our case demonstrates an unusual consequence of corneal epithelial hyperplasia developed after 5-FU injection.
MicroRNA-34a Inhibition of the TLR Signaling Pathway Via CXCL10 Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration
Authors: Xu Min , Li Dong , Yang Chen , Ji Jian-Song
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Breast cancer (BC) starts as a local disease, but it can metastasize to the lymph nodes and distant organs. However, the metastatic process is still poorly understood. The mRNA microarray datasets GSE26910 and GSE33447 show that CXCL10 is up-regulated in BC, and the microRNA microarray dataset GSE38167 and a network meta-analysis of microRNA expression profile studies in human BC suggest that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is down-regulated in BC. CXCL10 was predicted as a target of miR-34a by microRNA.org. In this study, we uncovered a CXCL10-independent mechanism by which miR-34a exerts its antimetastatic activity in BC. Methods: To investigate the clinical significance of miR-34a in BC, we collected cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues from 258 patients with BC. In addition, a series of inhibitors, mimics, and siRNAs was introduced into MCF-7 and T47D cells to validate the regulatory mechanisms by which miR-34a regulates CXCL10. Next, to better understand the pivotal role of TLR signaling pathway inhibition in MCF-7 and T47D cells, we blocked the TLR signaling pathway using OxPAPC, an antagonist of TLR signaling. Results: Among BC patients, miR-34a was down-regulated, CXCL10 was up-regulated, and the TLR signaling pathway was activated. Determination of luciferase activity revealed that CXCL10 was a target of miR-34a. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, miR-34a was demonstrated to negatively regulate CXCL10; inhibit activation of the TLR signaling pathway; significantly suppress in vitro cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and induce apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that functional loss or suppression of the tumor suppressor CXCL10 due to induction of miR-34a leads to inhibition of the TLR signaling pathway during breast tumorigenesis, providing a novel target for the molecular treatment of breast malignancies.
Urinary and Blood MicroRNA-126 and -770 are Potential Noninvasive Biomarker Candidates for Diabetic Nephropathy: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Sungjin , Moon SeongRyeol , Lee Kiyoung , Park Ie Byung , Lee Dae Ho  , Nam Seungyoon
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major diabetic microvascular complication, has a long and growing list of biomarkers, including microRNA biomarkers, which have not been consistent across preclinical and clinical studies. This meta-analysis aims to identify significant blood- and urine-incident microRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarker candidates for DN. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from their earliest records through 12th Dec 2016. Relevant publications for the meta-analysis included (1) human participants; (2) microRNAs in blood and urine; (3) DN studies; and (4) English language. Four reviewers, including two physicians, independently and blindly extracted published data regarding microRNA profiles in blood and/or urine from subjects with diabetic nephropathy. A random-effect model was used to pool the data. Statistical associations between diabetic nephropathy and urinary or blood microRNA expression levels were assessed. Results: Fourteen out of 327 studies (n=2,747 patients) were selected. Blood or urinary microRNA expression data of diabetic nephropathy were pooled for this analysis. The hsa-miR-126 family was significantly (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.44-0.74; p-value < 0.0001) downregulated in blood from patients with diabetic kidney disease, while its urinary level was upregulated (OR: 2931.12; 95% CI: 9.96-862623.21; p-value = 0.0059). The hsa-miR-770 family microRNA were significantly (OR: 10.24; 95% CI: 2.37-44.25; p-value = 0.0018) upregulated in both blood and urine from patients with diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that hsa-miR-126 and hsa-miR-770 family microRNA may have important diagnostic and pathogenetic implications for DN, which warrants further systematic clinical studies.
RBFOX3 Regulates the Chemosensitivity of Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil via the PI3K/AKT, EMT and Cytochrome-C/Caspase Pathways
Authors: Liu Tianze , Wu Xiaojun , Li Yizhuo , Lu Wenjing , Zheng Fufu , Zhang Changlin , Long Qian , Qiu Huijuan , Li Yixin , Ge Qin , Chen Miao , Yu Xinfa , Chen Wangbing , Zhang Hongyang , Huang Wenlin , Luo Meihua , Deng Wuguo , Li Liren
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: RBFOX3, an RNA-binding fox protein, plays an important role in the differentiation of neuronal development, but its role in the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to 5-FU is unknown. Methods: In this study, we examined the biological functions of RBFOX3 and its effect on the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to 5-FU in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model. Results: RBFOX3 was found to have elevated expression in HCC cell lines and tissue samples, and its knockdown inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of RBFOX3 improved the inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and enhanced the apoptosis induced by 5-FU. However, overexpression of RBFOX3 reduced the inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and decreased the apoptosis induced by 5-FU. We further elucidated that RBFOX3 knockdown synergized with 5-FU to inhibit the growth and invasion of HCC cells through PI3K/AKT and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling, and promote apoptosis by activating the cytochrome-c/caspase signaling pathway. Finally, we validated that RBFOX3 regulated 5-FU-mediated cytotoxicity in HCC in mouse xenograft models. Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate that RBFOX3 regulates the chemosensitivity of HCC to 5-FU in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, targeting RBFOX3 may improve the inhibition of HCC growth and progression by 5-FU, and provide a novel potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 22 Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Jiang Shixiong , Song Chenxin , Gu Xinyu , Wang Muhong , Miao Dazhuang , Lv Jiachen , Liu Yanlong
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Two major barriers to the successful treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) are the development of stem cell-like characteristics (stemness) and chemoresistance. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) is a deubiquitinating enzyme and putative CRC marker that has emerged as a potential cause of both phenomena in CRC. There is evidence that USP22 acts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and that downregulation of the latter may reduce chemoresistance. Methods: In this study, we used CRC tissue specimens from human patients as well as human CRC cell lines to evaluate the role of USP22 in CRC stemness and chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. RT-PCR and western blot were used for gene expression analyses. Immunohistochemistry was performed for USP22 expression in clinical samples. CD133 levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. Sphere formation and MTT assays were used for self-renewal and proliferation analysis. Chemoresistance was evaluated by cell viability and sphere formation assays. Results: We found a significant increase of USP22 in recurrent CRC and chemoresistant CRC cells as compared to primary CRC and non-chemoresistant CRC cells, respectively. We then demonstrated that USP22 mediates CRC cell chemoresistance through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and that reducing USP22 in CRC cells diminishes chemoresistance. Conclusions: Having established the crucial role of USP22 in CRC stemness and chemoresistance, this study suggests that USP22 may be an ideal genetic target in the treatment of chemoresistant CRC.