bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of prophylactic antibiotics in women with previable prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Dotters-Katz S.K. , Myrick O. , Smid M. , Manuck T.A. , Boggess K.A. , Goodnight W.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To measure the effect of prophylactic antibiotics given at time of previable prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) on latency.

METHODS:

Single center, retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with previable (<23 0/7weeks) PROM. Antibiotics were given at clinician discretion. The primary outcome was latency, defined as duration of time between previable PROM and delivery. Secondary outcomes included delivery at ≥ 23weeks, infant survival, and maternal morbidity. Bivariate analysis compared maternal covariates between women who did and did not receive antibiotics. Antibiotic effect on latency was modeled using a Cox proportional hazards ratio.

RESULTS:

213 women with previable PROM were identified; 77 (36%) remained pregnant and thus were included in this analysis. Forty (52%) of 77 received antibiotics. Compared to women who did not receive antibiotics, those who did had PROM at a later median (IQR) estimated gestational age, EGA, (22.2weeks [20.7, 22.5] vs. 19.3weeks [18, 20.7], p < 0.01). Median (IQR) latency was not different between women who did and did not receive antibiotics (2.2 [0.7, 3.9] vs. 1.5 [0.5, 4.6] weeks, p = 0.49). More infants survived to discharge among women who received antibiotics compared to those who did not [17(43%) vs. 3(8%), p < 0.01]. When adjusted for EGA at PROM, antibiotics were associated with longer latency (HR 0.57 [95% CI 0.33, 0.97], p = 0.01). Antibiotic use was not associated with differences in maternal morbidity.

CONCLUSION:

After adjusting for EGA at PROM, antibiotic receipt was associated with longer latency. Larger prospective studies are needed to define the utility of prophylactic antibiotics in previable PROM.
Hemoperitoneum in peripartum: A case-series
Authors: Lemaire A. , Bonnin M. , Storme B. , Fournet-Fayard A. , Rosano G. , Vernis L. , Cayot S. , Accocebery M. , Dechelotte P. , Boyer L. , Gallot D. , Futier E. , Constantin J.M. , Bazin J.E.
Published: December 2017

Hemorrhages are the first cause of perinatal deaths in French women. Thirteen percent of these deaths are not linked to obstetrical problems but rather to hemoperitoneum. These incidents are under-diagnosed and as a result, treatment is delayed and fetal and maternal mortality increases. We report three cases of patients, all White female in their last trimester of a non-problematic pregnancy presenting with hemoperitoneum and resulting in different outcomes. The analysis of published materials and of our cases leads us to infer that a diagnosis of hemoperitoneum must be considered in pregnant women when abdominal pain, symptoms of shock and a decrease in hemoglobin are associated. An immediate response and intensive care followed by hemostatic surgery give these patients the best chance to survive.
The relationship between body weight, cystatin C and serum creatinine in neonates
Authors: Kandasamy Y. , Rudd D. , Smith R.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND:

Serum creatinine (SCr) measurement to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in neonates has many pitfalls. Cystatin C (CysC) appears to be a more reliable biomarker.

METHODS:

We investigated the effect of birth weight on SCr and CysC measurements in a cohort of 74 infants, consisting of both term and ex-premature infants at term postmenstrual age. SCr and Cys C measurements were carried out at the same time.

RESULTS:

Eighty six infants were recruited into this study out of which complete data were available in 80 infants. The cohort consists of both term and premature infants at term PMA (31 terms and 49 preterms). The median SCr level was 17 [12–26] umol/L and mean CysC level was 1.64 [0.27] mg/L. SCr had a significant correlation with weight ( r = 0.3; P = 0.011), whereas serum CysC had no correlation with the infant’s weight ( r = 0.01; P = 0.95). There were no statistically significant difference in SCr and CysC between male and female infants.

CONCLUSION:

Unlike CysC, SCr had a significant correlation with birth weight. SCr based GFR measurement may cause a delay in diagnosis of acute kidney injury in smaller neonates.
Integration of chemical and manual control methods for sustainable weed management in inbred and hybrid rice
Authors: Popy Fahima Sultana , Islam AKM Mominul , Hasan Ahmed Khairul , Anwar Md Parvez
Published: December 2017

Herbicidal weed control is gaining popularity in the developing countries but its efficacy still remains unclear. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to find out appropriate weed management practices for inbred and hybrid rice. The experiment comprised of inbred and hybrid varieties (two of each), and eight weed control treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Hybrid varieties performed better in terms of yield attributes and yield than inbred varieties. The highest grain yield (5.3 t ha−1) was obtained from the hybrid Agrodhan-12 and the lowest one (4.3 t ha−1) was from inbred Binadhan-7. Weed free treatment resulted in the highest grain yield (6.1 t ha−1) and the lowest one was with weedy treatment (1.96 t ha−1). The highest grain yield was obtained from Agrodhan-12 in weed free condition (6.9 t ha-1), while the lowest value was in inbred BRRI dhan49 under weedy condition (1.73 t ha−1). Weed-free treatment and the treatments of Pretilachlor fb Penoxsolum, Pretilachlor fb hand weeding, and Pendimethalin fb hand weeding showed similar performances in reducing weed density and eventually resulted in similar and the highest grain yield. Based on these results it may conclude that Pretilachlor applied at 2 days after transplanting (DAT) fb Penoxsolum at 21 DAT is the best weed management option. But from sustainability viewpoint, Pretilachlor or Pendimethalin applied at 2 DAT along with one hand weeding at 35 DAT may be recommended for effective weed management in inbred and hybrid rice during monsoon season.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(2): 158-166, December 2017
Compatibility of selected biorational pesticides with the predatory arthropods in brinjal ecosystem
Authors: Islam T , Das G
Published: December 2017

Susceptibility of three predatory arthropods namely Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), lynx spider, Lycosa pseudoannulata (Boescriberg and Strand), and wolf spider, Oxyopes javanus (Thorell) to four commonly used biorational molecules viz. buprofezin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and abamectin were determined in a brinjal ecosystem. Biorational pesticides were applied singly and in some selected combinations and their toxicity on the predators was recorded up to three sprayings in a confined habitat. Buprofezin caused no significant mortality of predators (2.87%, 0.32%, 0.96% mean mortality per spray of Asian lady beetle, lynx spider, and wolf spider respectively) and was found most compatible among the biorational molecules. However, other three tested molecules were found highly toxic for all predatory natural enemies when applied singly or in combination with buprofezin. Spinosad was most toxic for Asian lady beetles (21.84% mean mortality per spray) and lynx spiders (15.32 % mean mortality per spray) whereas abamectin (17.78% mean mortality per spray) for wolf spiders. It was observed that the number of spraying was very crucial and had a proportionate relationship with the mortality percentage of predators. Based on this study it is suggested that buprofezin could be considered to incorporate safely in the IPM program for brinjal pest management.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(2): 234-238, December 2017
Socio-economic condition, cattle production and management system in a community at Pabna district of Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Md Azharul Islam , Shahjahan Md , Haque Md Najmul , Islam Mohammed Sirajul , Rahman Seikh Masudur , Yeasmin Mst Nilufa , Munira Sirazum , Habib Md Rezwanul , Salahuddin Md , Billah Md Mostain , Miah Md Abu Haris
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to clarify the inside of socio-economic condition and cattle production scenario in few areas of Pabna district. Data of socio-economic condition of farmers, cattle population, genotype and overall management were collected from three villages at Bera upazila of Pabna district during August to September in 2017. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed following one-way ANOVA including descriptive statistics. It was observed that the age of farmers were average 42 years with 19 years of average farming experiences. Agriculture was found as primary occupation (47.37%) followed by house wife (15.79%) and animal husbandry (10.53%). Among the total livestock population, 52% (n=286) was cattle with different genotypes but the frequency of local Pabna cattle was highest (70%). About 79% cattle were reared intensively at home because the areas were surrounded by water. The average peak day milk yield (4.56 liters) of local Pabna cattle was significantly (p <0.001) lower than Holstein crossbred (7.43 liters). The cattle feeding system was mostly intensive (77%) followed by semi-extensive (23%) with 60%, 49% and 98% restricted feeding for straw, green grass and concentrate feeds in the studied households. The capacity building training of farmers including different farm oriented facilities would enhance a dairy development programme in those areas from local Pabna cattle which could contribute their socio-economic condition as well.Res. Agric. Livest. Fish.4(3): 181-185, December 2017
Efficacy of Tylosin and Tiamulin against Mycoplasmosis in poultry
Authors: Habib Ashadul , Mahdy Md Sadik Al , Islam Md Faridul , Paul Torun Kumar , Hossain Md Sulaiman , Hasan Md Nakibul , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan
Published: December 2017

Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is one of the most important veterinary diseases in Bangladesh and all over the world. Mortality, reducing of weight gain and increasing of feed conversion ratio (FCR) are caused by CRD. Several drugs are used for prevention and control of Mycoplasmosis. It is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Tylosin and Tiamulin are effective on M. gallisepticum. By considering generating resistance against antibiotics that is effective on MG, studying the effect of these drugs in the treatment and prevention of Mycoplasmosis in birds were the purpose of this research. In this study, 36 layer birds (MG positive) of 25 weeks aged divided in three similar groups (A, B and C) contain 12 birds in each group. In group A; Tylosin was administered after mixing with 2.5 gm in 1 L drinking water, for Group B; Tiamulin was administered after mixing with feed @ 0.45gm/kg feed and Group C; Control (No antibiotic was given, only common feeding). The Serum Plate Agglutination (SPA) test was conducted; in positive cases granules were formed slowly which could be seen during rocking. In the negative case, no such granules were formed. Overall 6 and 9 serums shown negative SPA test in Group A and Group B, respectively. Therefore, the efficacy of Tylosin was 50.00% and the Tiamulin was 75.00% which resemble statistically significant (P<0.05). In control group, 5 birds were died during experiment. It can be concluded that usage of these antibiotics especially Tiamulin can be essential in the treatment and prevention of Mycoplasmosis in birds.Res. Agric. Livest. Fish.4(3): 187-191, December 2017
Selenoprotein K Increases Efficiency of DHHC6 Catalyzed Protein Palmitoylation by Stabilizing the Acyl-DHHC6 Intermediate
Authors: Fredericks Gregory , Hoffmann FuKun , Hondal Robert , Rozovsky Sharon , Urschitz Johann , Hoffmann Peter
Published: December 2017

Selenoprotein K (SELENOK) is a selenocysteine (Sec)-containing protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where it interacts with the DHHC6 (where single letter symbols represent Asp-His-His-Cys amino acids) enzyme to promote protein acyl transferase (PAT) reactions. PAT reactions involve the DHHC enzymatic capture of palmitate via a thioester bond to cysteine (Cys) residues that form an unstable palmitoyl-DHHC intermediate, followed by transfer of palmitate to Cys residues of target proteins. How SELENOK facilitates this reaction has not been determined. Splenocyte microsomal preparations from wild-type mice versus SELENOK knockout mice were used to establish PAT assays and showed decreased PAT activity (~50%) under conditions of SELENOK deficiency. Using recombinant, soluble versions of DHHC6 along with SELENOK containing Sec92, Cys92, or alanine (Ala92), we evaluated the stability of the acyl-DHHC6 intermediate and its capacity to transfer the palmitate residue to Cys residues on target peptides. Versions of SELENOK containing either Ala or Cys residues in place of Sec were equivalently less effective than Sec at stabilizing the acyl-DHHC6 intermediate or promoting PAT activity. These data suggest that Sec92 in SELENOK serves to stabilize the palmitoyl-DHHC6 intermediate by reducing hydrolyzation of the thioester bond until transfer of the palmitoyl group to the Cys residue on the target protein can occur.
An Efficient Numerical Approach for Field Infrared Smoke Transmittance Based on Grayscale Images
Authors: Tang Runze , Zhang Tonglai , Wei Xuebin , Zhou Zunning
Published: December 2017

Infrared smoke screen has been playing an important role in electro-optical countermeasures on the battlefield. Smoke transmittance is one of the most important parameters which can evaluate the obscuration performance of smoke. In this paper, an efficient numerical approach for field infrared smoke transmittance based on grayscale images is presented. Firstly, a field trial experimental setup is introduced. Then a grayscale smoke transmittance mathematical model is deduced and built. In addition, an image processing algorithm is used to extract the gray values of certain pixel points from grayscale images, and the positions of the selected points are discussed. Lastly, a field trial sample calculation is included to illustrate the procedure of the proposed method. The results prove to be of enough precision for engineering applications, and the method has greatly simplified the field trial process, thus improving efficiency.
Resolved-Pore Simulation of CO Oxidation on Rh/Al2O3 in a Catalyst Layer
Authors: Partopour Behnam , Dixon Anthony
Published: December 2017

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is coupled with reaction and transport in a micro-scale pellet simulation to study CO oxidation over Rh/Al2O3 catalyst. The macro-pores are explicitly modeled to study the interaction of these phenomena in both the solid and fluid phases. A catalyst layer is computationally reconstructed using a distribution of alumina particles and a simple force model. The constructed geometry properties are validated using the existing data in the literature. A surface mesh is generated and modified for the geometry using the shrink-wrap method and the surface mesh is used to create a volumetric mesh for the CFD simulation. The local pressure and velocity profiles are studied and it is shown that extreme changes in velocity profile could be observed. Furthermore, the reaction and species contours show how fast reaction on the surface of the solid phase limits the transport of the reactants from the fluid to meso- and micro-porous solid structures and therefore limits the overall efficiency of the porous structure. Finally, the importance of using a bi-modal pore structure in the diffusion methods for reaction engineering models is discussed.
Computer Simulation of Temperature Parameter for Diamond Formation by Using Hot-Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Song Chang , Lee Yong , Heo Si , Hwang Nong-Moon , Choi Sooseok , Kim Kwang
Published: December 2017

To optimize the deposition parameters of diamond films, the temperature, pressure, and distance between the filament and the susceptor need to be considered. However, it is difficult to precisely measure and predict the filament and susceptor temperature in relation to the applied power in a hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HF-CVD) system. In this study, the temperature distribution inside the system was numerically calculated for the applied powers of 12, 14, 16, and 18 kW. The applied power needed to achieve the appropriate temperature at a constant pressure and other conditions was deduced, and applied to actual experimental depositions. The numerical simulation was conducted using the commercial computational fluent dynamics software ANSYS-FLUENT. To account for radiative heat-transfer in the HF-CVD reactor, the discrete ordinate (DO) model was used. The temperatures of the filament surface and the susceptor at different power levels were predicted to be 2512–2802 K and 1076–1198 K, respectively. Based on the numerical calculations, experiments were performed. The simulated temperatures for the filament surface were in good agreement with the experimental temperatures measured using a two-color pyrometer. The results showed that the highest deposition rate and the lowest deposition of non-diamond was obtained at a power of 16 kW.
Synthesis and Characterization of Barium Hexafluoridoosmates
Authors: Ivlev Sergei , Karttunen Antti , Buchner Magnus , Conrad Matthias , Ostvald Roman , Kraus Florian
Published: December 2017

Two barium hexafluoridoosmates, Ba(OsF6)2 and BaOsF6, were synthesized and were characterized for the first time using X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction, IR spectroscopy, as well as NMR spectroscopy in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Ba(OsF6)2 crystallizes in the space group type P21/c with the cell parameters a = 6.4599(4), b = 10.7931(8), c = 14.7476(10) Å, β = 115.195(5)°, V = 930.42(12) Å3, Z = 4 at 293 K. BaOsF6 crystallizes in the space group type R 3 ¯ with the cell parameters a = 7.3286(10), c = 7.2658(15) Å, V = 337.95(12) Å3, Z = 3 at 100 K. Additionally, we have obtained the compounds Ba(OsF6)2∙3BrF3, Ba(OsF6)2∙HF, Ba(OsF6)2∙6H2O from the respective solvents, and Ba(OsF6)2.
Robust Consensus of Networked Evolutionary Games with Attackers and Forbidden Profiles †
Authors: Li Yalu , Ding Xueying , Li Haitao
Published: December 2017

Using the algebraic state space representation, this paper studies the robust consensus of networked evolutionary games (NEGs) with attackers and forbidden profiles. Firstly, an algebraic form is established for NEGs with attackers and forbidden profiles. Secondly, based on the algebraic form, a necessary and sufficient condition is presented for the robust constrained reachability of NEGs. Thirdly, a series of robust reachable sets is constructed by using the robust constrained reachability, based on which a constructive procedure is proposed to design state feedback controls for the robust consensus of NEGs with attackers and forbidden profiles. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show that the main results are effective.
Dynamic Power Flow Cascading Failure Analysis of Wind Power Integration with Complex Network Theory
Authors: Sun Yushu , Tang Xisheng , Zhang Guowei , Miao Fufeng , Wang Ping
Published: December 2017

The impact of the rapid development of large-scale centralized wind power farms on the power system is drawing more and more attention. Some topics about grid-connected wind power are discussed from the view of complex network theory in this paper. Firstly, a complex network cascading failure model is established, combined with dynamic AC power flow (DACPF). Then, the IEEE 30 bus system is used to analyze its validity using the simulations of nodes removal, wind power integration, as well as the change of current and voltage boundaries. Furthermore, the influences of wind power before and after smoothing are investigated. Also, different wind power coupling locations are studied. Finally, some significant conclusions are obtained to provide references for large-scale wind power integration.
Kinetics of Supercritical Drying of Gels
Authors: Şahin İbrahim , Özbakır Yaprak , İnönü Zeynep , Ulker Zeynep , Erkey Can
Published: December 2017

Supercritical drying of gels is considered as the most important step of aerogel production since it enables preservation of the three-dimensional pore structure which lead to unique material properties such as high porosity, low density, and large surface area. An understanding of the kinetics of supercritical drying is necessary to provide insight into material development, scale-up, and optimization of the aerogel manufacturing process. Thus, investigation of supercritical drying is gaining increased attention in recent years. This review paper covers the experimental considerations and techniques to study the kinetics of supercritical drying, fundamental mass transfer mechanisms during the drying process and modeling efforts to predict the drying kinetics for varying operating conditions and gel properties. Transport phenomena involving diffusion, convection, spillage by volume expansion, and axial dispersion are discussed by providing the fundamental equations and empirical correlations to predict transfer coefficients. A detailed review of literature covering experimental and theoretical studies on kinetics of supercritical drying is presented.
Swelling, Mechanics, and Thermal/Chemical Stability of Hydrogels Containing Phenylboronic Acid Side Chains
Authors: Kim Arum , Lee Heelim , Jones Clinton , Mujumdar Siddharthya , Gu Yuandong , Siegel Ronald
Published: December 2017

We report here studies of swelling, mechanics, and thermal stability of hydrogels consisting of 20 mol % methacrylamidophenylboronic acid (MPBA) and 80 mol % acrylamide (AAm), lightly crosslinked with methylenebisacrylamide (Bis). Swelling was measured in solutions of fixed ionic strength, but with varying pH values and fructose concentrations. Mechanics was studied by compression and hold. In the absence of sugar or in the presence of fructose, the modulus was mostly maintained during the hold period, while a significant stress relaxation was seen in the presence of glucose, consistent with reversible, dynamic crosslinks provided by glucose, but not fructose. Thermal stability was determined by incubating hydrogels at pH 7.4 at room temperature, and 37, 50, and 65 °C, and monitoring swelling. In PBS (phosphate buffered saline) solutions containing 9 mM fructose, swelling remained essentially complete for 50 days at room temperature, but decreased substantially with time at the higher temperatures, with accelerated reduction of swelling with increasing temperature. Controls indicated that over long time periods, both the MPBA and AAm units were experiencing conversion to different species.
Signaling Pathways Driving Aberrant Splicing in Cancer Cells
Authors: Gonçalves Vânia , Pereira Joana , Jordan Peter
Published: December 2017

Aberrant profiles of pre-mRNA splicing are frequently observed in cancer. At the molecular level, an altered profile results from a complex interplay between chromatin modifications, the transcriptional elongation rate of RNA polymerase, and effective binding of the spliceosome to the generated transcripts. Key players in this interplay are regulatory splicing factors (SFs) that bind to gene-specific splice-regulatory sequence elements. Although mutations in genes of some SFs were described, a major driver of aberrant splicing profiles is oncogenic signal transduction pathways. Signaling can affect either the transcriptional expression levels of SFs or the post-translational modification of SF proteins, and both modulate the ratio of nuclear versus cytoplasmic SFs in a given cell. Here, we will review currently known mechanisms by which cancer cell signaling, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase pathway (PI3K) and wingless (Wnt) pathways but also signals from the tumor microenvironment, modulate the activity or subcellular localization of the Ser/Arg rich (SR) proteins and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) families of SFs.
Toward a Generative Model of Legend: Pizzas, Bridges, Vaccines, and Witches
Authors: Tangherlini Timothy
Published: December 2017

We propose a generative model of the legend. The model is elaborated based on two case studies, the first of contemporary storytelling related to vaccination on parenting blogs, and the second of historical storytelling related to witchcraft and folk healing in nineteenth century Denmark. The model reveals the interdependent levels of the multiscale model, solving a problem of poor fit related to many two level models of folklore genre structure. The model supports the study of rumor, and the dynamics of storytelling, including the hyperactive transmission state of “viral” stories.
InSiDDe: A Server for Designing Artificial Disordered Proteins
Authors: Schramm Antoine , Lieutaud Philippe , Gianni Stefano , Longhi Sonia , Bignon Christophe
Published: December 2017

InSiDDe (In Silico Disorder Design) is a program for the in silico design of intrinsically disordered proteins of desired length and disorder probability. The latter is assessed using IUPred and spans values ranging from 0.55 to 0.95 with 0.05 increments. One to ten artificial sequences per query, each made of 50 to 200 residues, can be generated by InSiDDe. We describe the rationale used to set up InSiDDe and show that an artificial sequence of 100 residues with an IUPred score of 0.6 designed by InSiDDe could be recombinantly expressed in E. coli at high levels without degradation when fused to a natural molecular recognition element (MoRE). In addition, the artificial fusion protein exhibited the expected behavior in terms of binding modulation of the specific partner recognized by the MoRE. To the best of our knowledge, InSiDDe is the first publicly available software for the design of intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) sequences. InSiDDE is publicly available online.
The Phagocytic Function of Macrophage-Enforcing Innate Immunity and Tissue Homeostasis
Authors: Hirayama Daisuke , Iida Tomoya , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Macrophages are effector cells of the innate immune system that phagocytose bacteria and secrete both pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial mediators. In addition, macrophages play an important role in eliminating diseased and damaged cells through their programmed cell death. Generally, macrophages ingest and degrade dead cells, debris, tumor cells, and foreign materials. They promote homeostasis by responding to internal and external changes within the body, not only as phagocytes, but also through trophic, regulatory, and repair functions. Recent studies demonstrated that macrophages differentiate from hematopoietic stem cell-derived monocytes and embryonic yolk sac macrophages. The latter mainly give rise to tissue macrophages. Macrophages exist in all vertebrate tissues and have dual functions in host protection and tissue injury, which are maintained at a fine balance. Tissue macrophages have heterogeneous phenotypes in different tissue environments. In this review, we focused on the phagocytic function of macrophage-enforcing innate immunity and tissue homeostasis for a better understanding of the role of tissue macrophages in several pathological conditions.
Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Particles in Plasma Using Dextran Sulphate Co-Precipitates Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Wang Jiong-Wei , Zhang Ya-Nan , Sze Siu , Van de Weg Sander , Vernooij Flora , Schoneveld Arjan , Tan Sock-Hwee , Versteeg Henri , Timmers Leo , Lam Carolyn , De Kleijn Dominique
Published: December 2017

Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid membrane vesicles involved in several biological processes including coagulation. Both coagulation and lipid metabolism are strongly associated with cardiovascular events. Lowering very-low- and low-density lipoprotein ((V)LDL) particles via dextran sulphate LDL apheresis also removes coagulation proteins. It remains unknown, however, how coagulation proteins are removed in apheresis. We hypothesize that plasma EVs that contain high levels of coagulation proteins are concomitantly removed with (V)LDL particles by dextran sulphate apheresis. For this, we precipitated (V)LDL particles from human plasma with dextran sulphate and analyzed the abundance of coagulation proteins and EVs in the precipitate. Coagulation pathway proteins, as demonstrated by proteomics and a bead-based immunoassay, were over-represented in the (V)LDL precipitate. In this precipitate, both bilayer EVs and monolayer (V)LDL particles were observed by electron microscopy. Separation of EVs from (V)LDL particles using density gradient centrifugation revealed that almost all coagulation proteins were present in the EVs and not in the (V)LDL particles. These EVs also showed a strong procoagulant activity. Our study suggests that dextran sulphate used in LDL apheresis may remove procoagulant EVs concomitantly with (V)LDL particles, leading to a loss of coagulation proteins from the blood.
Motor, Somatosensory, Viscerosensory and Metabolic Impairments in a Heterozygous Female Rat Model of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aritra , Winter Michelle , Eggimann Linda , Mu Ying , Gunewardena Sumedha , Liao Zhaohui , Christianson Julie , Smith Peter
Published: December 2017

Rett Syndrome (RTT), an autism-related disorder caused by mutation of the X-linked Methyl CpG-binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene, is characterized by severe cognitive and intellectual deficits. While cognitive deficits are well-documented in humans and rodent models, impairments of sensory, motor and metabolic functions also occur but remain poorly understood. To better understand non-cognitive deficits in RTT, we studied female rats heterozygous for Mecp2 mutation (Mecp2−/x); unlike commonly used male Mecp2−/y rodent models, this more closely approximates human RTT where males rarely survive. Mecp2−/x rats showed rapid, progressive decline of motor coordination through six months of age as assessed by rotarod performance, accompanied by deficits in gait and posture. Mecp2−/x rats were hyper-responsive to noxious pressure and cold, but showed visceral hyposensitivity when tested by colorectal distension. Mecp2−/x rats ate less, drank more, and had more body fat resulting in increased weight gain. Our findings reveal an array of progressive non-cognitive deficits in this rat model that are likely to contribute to the compromised quality of life that characterizes RTT.
SLC9A3 Protein Is Critical for Acrosomal Formation in Postmeiotic Male Germ Cells
Authors: Wang Ya-Yun , Chiang Han-Sun , Cheng Chiao-Yin , Wu Yi-No , Lin Yung-Chih , Liu Hsuan-Che , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chen Yen-Lin , Lin Ying-Hung
Published: December 2017

Solute carrier family 9 isoform 3 (SLC9A3), a Na+/H+ exchanger, regulates the transepithelial absorption of Na+ and water and is primarily expressed on the apical membranes of the intestinal epithelium, renal proximal tubule, epididymis, and vas deferens. Loss of the Slc9a3 allele in mice enhances intestinal fluid and causes diarrhoea as a consequence of diminished Na+ and HCO3− absorption. Hence, the loss also causes male infertility and reveals the abnormal dilated lumen of the rete testis and calcification in efferent ductules. However, whether loss of Slc9a3 alleles also disrupts mammalian spermatogenesis remains unknown. First, through immunoblotting, we determined that SLC9A3 is highly expressed in the murine testis compared with the small intestine, epididymis, and vas deferens. During murine spermatogenesis, SLC9A3 is specifically expressed in the acrosome region of round, elongating, and elongated spermatids through immunostaining. Furthermore, SLC9A3 signals are enriched in the acrosome of mature sperm isolated from the vas deferens. In Slc9a3 knockout (KO) mice, compared with the same-aged controls, the number of spermatids on the testicular section of the mice progressively worsened in mice aged 20, 35, and 60 days. Sperm isolated from the epididymis of Slc9a3 KO mice revealed severe acrosomal defects. Our data indicated that SLC9A3 has a vital role in acrosomal formation during spermiogenesis.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Evolution of the Al, C-Containing CoCrFeNiMn-Type High-Entropy Alloy during Cold Rolling
Authors: Klimova Margarita , Stepanov Nikita , Shaysultanov Dmitry , Chernichenko Ruslan , Yurchenko Nikita , Sanin Vladimir , Zherebtsov Sergey
Published: December 2017

The effect of cold rolling on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al- and C-containing CoCrFeNiMn-type high-entropy alloy was reported. The alloy with a chemical composition (at %) of (20–23) Co, Cr, Fe, and Ni; 8.82 Mn; 3.37 Al; and 0.69 C was produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis with subsequent induction. In the initial as-cast condition the alloy had an face centered cubic single-phase coarse-grained structure. Microstructure evolution was mostly associated with either planar dislocation glide at relatively low deformation during rolling (up to 20%) or deformation twinning and shear banding at higher strain. After 80% reduction, a heavily deformed twinned/subgrained structure was observed. A comparison with the equiatomic CoCrFeNiMn alloy revealed higher dislocation density at all stages of cold rolling and later onset of deformation twinning that was attributed to a stacking fault energy increase in the program alloy; this assumption was confirmed by calculations. In the initial as-cast condition the alloy had low yield strength of 210 MPa with yet very high uniform elongation of 74%. After 80% rolling, yield strength approached 1310 MPa while uniform elongation decreased to 1.3%. Substructure strengthening was found to be dominated at low rolling reductions (<40%), while grain (twin) boundary strengthening prevailed at higher strains.
High-Cycle, Push–Pull Fatigue Fracture Behavior of High-C, Si–Al-Rich Nanostructured Bainite Steel
Authors: Zhao Jing , Ji Honghong , Wang Tiansheng
Published: December 2017

The high-cycle, push–pull fatigue fracture behavior of high-C, Si–Al-rich nanostructured bainitic steel was studied through the measurement of fatigue limits, a morphology examination and phase composition analysis of the fatigue fracture surface, as well as fractography of the fatigue crack propagation. The results demonstrated that the push–pull fatigue limits at 107 cycles were estimated as 710–889 MPa, for the samples isothermally transformed at the temperature range of 220–260 °C through data extrapolation, measured under the maximum cycle number of 105. Both the interior inclusion and the sample surface constituted the fatigue crack origins. During the fatigue crack propagation, a high amount of secondary cracks were formed in almost parallel arrangements. The apparent plastic deformation occurred in the fracture surface layer, which induced approximately all retained austenite to transform into martensite.
Dry Sliding Tribological Behavior of TC11 Titanium Alloy Subjected to the Ultrasonic Impacting and Rolling Process
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Xue Guilian , Liu Yu
Published: December 2017

The dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of TC11 titanium alloy subjected to the ultrasonic impacting and rolling process (UIRP) were studied in the present work. The microstructure of the deformation layer and the morphology of the worn surfaces were observed. The results clearly show that the wear performance of TC11 alloy after UIRP is better than that of TC11 alloy before UIRP under the same testing conditions. This can be attributed to the gradient nanostructure, work hardening, and low surface roughness of the treated surface layer. For the untreated samples, wear resistance first decreases and then increases with the increase of the sliding speed. Both the friction coefficient (FC) and wear rate reach a maximum value at a sliding speed of 478 r/min, and the corresponding worn surface is the most serious. While for UIRP treated samples, better friction and wear behaviors are obtained at a sliding speed of 478 r/min. This is because the deformation layer plays a protective role against wear.
Compressional-Puffing Pretreatment Enhances Neuroprotective Effects of Fucoidans from the Brown Seaweed Sargassum hemiphyllum on 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Huang Chun-Yung , Kuo Chia-Hung , Chen Po-Wei
Published: December 2017

In this study, a compressional-puffing process (CPP) was used to pretreat Sargassum hemiphyllum (SH) and then fucoidan was extracted from SH by hot water. Three fucoidan extracts, namely SH1 (puffing at 0 kg/cm2); SH2 (puffing at 1.7 kg/cm2); and SH3 (puffing at 10.0 kg/cm2) were obtained, and their compositions and biological activities were evaluated. The results indicate that CPP increased the extraction yield, total sugar content, and molar ratios of sulfate/fucose of fucoidan and decreased molecular weight and impurities of fucoidan. The SH1–SH3 extracts exhibited characteristics of fucoidan as demonstrated by the analyses of composition, FTIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular weight. All SH1–SH3 extracts showed antioxidant activities. The SH1–SH3 extracts protected SH-SY5Y cells from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced apoptosis as illustrated by cell cycle distribution, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3, and DNA fragmentation analyses. Additional experiments revealed that phosphorylation of Akt is involved in the opposing effects of SH1–SH3 on 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity. SH3 exhibited a relatively high extraction yield, the lowest levels of impurities, and was the most effective at reversing the 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells among SH1–SH3, which taken together indicate that it may have potential as a candidate therapeutic agent for the preventive therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
Plant-Based Beverages as Good Sources of Free and Glycosidic Plant Sterols
Authors: Decloedt Anneleen , Van Landschoot Anita , Watson Hellen , Vanderputten Dana , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: December 2017

To address the ever-growing group of health-conscious consumers, more and more nutritional and health claims are being used on food products. Nevertheless, only very few food constituents, including plant sterols, have been appointed an approved health claim (European Commission and Food and Drugs Administration). Plant sterols are part of those limited lists of approved compounds for their cholesterol-lowering properties but have been praised for their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as well. Despite this indisputable reputation, direct quantitative data is still lacking for naturally present (conjugated) plant sterols in beverages. This study aimed to fill this gap by applying a validated extraction and UPLC-MS/MS detection method to a diverse range of everyday plant-based beverages. β-sitosterol-β-d-glucoside (BSSG) showed to be by far the most abundant sterol in all beverages studied, with concentrations up to 60–90 mg per 100 mL in plant-based milk alternatives and fresh fruit juices. Ergosterol (provitamin D2) could be found in beers (0.8–6.1 µg per 100 mL, from the yeast) and occasionally in juices (17–29 µg per 100 mL). Overall, the results demonstrated that the concentrations of water-soluble sterol conjugates have been underestimated significantly and that specific plant-based beverages can be good, low-fat sources of these plant sterols.
Improving Selection of Spectral Variables for Vegetation Classification of East Dongting Lake, China, Using a Gaofen-1 Image
Authors: Song Renfei , Lin Hui , Wang Guangxing , Yan Enping , Ye Zilin
Published: December 2017

There is a large amount of remote sensing data available for land use and land cover (LULC) classification and thus optimizing selection of remote sensing variables is a great challenge. Although many methods such as Jeffreys–Matusita (JM) distance and random forests (RF) have been developed for this purpose, the existing methods ignore correlation and information duplication among remote sensing variables. In this study, a novel approach was proposed to improve the measures of potential class separability for the selection of remote sensing variables by taking into account correlations among the variables. The proposed method was examined with a total of thirteen spectral variables from a Gaofen-1 image, three class separability measures including JM distance, transformed divergence and B-distance and three classifiers including Bayesian discriminant (BD), Mahalanobis distance (MD) and RF for classification of six LULC types at the East Dongting Lake of Hunan, China. The results showed that (1) The proposed approach selected the first three spectral variables and resulted in statistically stable classification accuracies for three improved class separability measures. That is, the classification accuracies using three or more spectral variables statistically did not significantly differ from each other at a significant level of 0.05; (2) The statistically stable classification accuracies obtained by integrating MD and BD classifiers with the improved class separability measures were also statistically not significantly different from those by RF; (3) The numbers of the selected spectral variables using the improved class separability measures to create the statistically stable classification accuracies by MD and BD classifiers were much smaller than those from the original class separability measures and RF; and (4) Three original class separability measures and RF led to similar ranks of importance of the spectral variables, while the ranks achieved by the improved class separability measures were different due to the consideration of correlations among the variables. This indicated that the proposed method more effectively and quickly selected the spectral variables to produce the statistically stable classification accuracies compared with the original class separability measures and RF and thus improved the selection of the spectral variables for the classification.
A Triple-Mode Flexible E-Skin Sensor Interface for Multi-Purpose Wearable Applications
Authors: Kim Sung-Woo , Lee Youngoh , Park Jonghwa , Kim Seungmok , Chae Heeyoung , Ko Hyunhyub , Kim Jae
Published: December 2017

This study presents a flexible wireless electronic skin (e-skin) sensor system that includes a multi-functional sensor device, a triple-mode reconfigurable readout integrated circuit (ROIC), and a mobile monitoring interface. The e-skin device’s multi-functionality is achieved by an interlocked micro-dome array structure that uses a polyvinylidene fluoride and reduced graphene oxide (PVDF/RGO) composite material that is inspired by the structure and functions of the human fingertip. For multi-functional implementation, the proposed triple-mode ROIC is reconfigured to support piezoelectric, piezoresistance, and pyroelectric interfaces through single-type e-skin sensor devices. A flexible system prototype was developed and experimentally verified to provide various wireless wearable sensing functions—including pulse wave, voice, chewing/swallowing, breathing, knee movements, and temperature—while their real-time sensed data are displayed on a smartphone.
Wet Deposition of Trace Metals at a Typical Urban Site in Southwestern China: Fluxes, Sources and Contributions to Aquatic Environments
Authors: Zhang Liuyi , Gao Min , Cui Jian , Yang Fumo , Wang Huanbo , Fu Chuan , Huang Yimin
Published: December 2017

In this study, we quantified the atmospheric wet deposition (AWD) of 13 trace metals (TMs) and estimated their potential effects on the surface water of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China. Precipitation was collected in Wanzhou in southwestern China from March 2015 to February 2016. The concentrations and fluxes of the 13 TMs were in the ranges of 0.16–9.44 µg L−1 and 0.18–10.22 mg m−2 yr−1, respectively, in the order Al > Zn > Fe > Ba > Pb > Mn > Ti > Cd > Cu > As > V > Ni ≈ Cr. Using principal component analysis, it was found that Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were mainly derived from a mixture of soil and road dust, As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ti primarily originated from the local industries, and Ni and V were related to diesel and gasoline combustion, including both vehicle exhaust emissions and ship emissions from the nearby Yangtze River. The estimated TM inputs to the Three Gorges Reservoir were 11.1, 11.0, 5.7, 5.3, 4.5, 2.7, 2.5, 1.5, 1.0, 0.7, 0.5, 0.2, and 0.2 t yr−1 for Al, Zn, Fe, Ba, Pb, Mn, Ti, Cd, Cu, As, V, Ni and Cr, respectively. The AWD TM fluxes in Wanzhou were lower than those in metropolises and their inputs were limited for surface water of the Three Gorges Reservoir. However, Cd was strongly enriched in precipitation and rainstorms greatly increased the surface water concentrations of Cd and Pb. Therefore, the behavior of Cd and Pb in southwestern mountain areas of China, including emission, transport, transformation, and their ecological effects, should be given more attention in future studies.
A Single Neonatal Exposure to BMAA in a Rat Model Produces Neuropathology Consistent with Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Scott Laura , Downing Timothy
Published: December 2017

Although cyanobacterial β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), no BMAA animal model has reproduced all the neuropathology typically associated with these neurodegenerative diseases. We present here a neonatal BMAA model that causes β-amyloid deposition, neurofibrillary tangles of hyper-phosphorylated tau, TDP-43 inclusions, Lewy bodies, microbleeds and microgliosis as well as severe neuronal loss in the hippocampus, striatum, substantia nigra pars compacta, and ventral horn of the spinal cord in rats following a single BMAA exposure. We also report here that BMAA exposure on particularly PND3, but also PND4 and 5, the critical period of neurogenesis in the rodent brain, is substantially more toxic than exposure to BMAA on G14, PND6, 7 and 10 which suggests that BMAA could potentially interfere with neonatal neurogenesis in rats. The observed selective toxicity of BMAA during neurogenesis and, in particular, the observed pattern of neuronal loss observed in BMAA-exposed rats suggest that BMAA elicits its effect by altering dopamine and/or serotonin signaling in rats.
Integrated Assessment of Shallow-Aquifer Vulnerability to Multiple Contaminants and Drinking-Water Exposure Pathways in Holliston, Massachusetts
Authors: Claus Henn Birgit , Ogneva-Himmelberger Yelena , Denehy Allegra , Randall Marcie , Cordon Nichole , Basu Bilin , Caccavale Brian , Covino Stefanie , Hanumantha Ravi , Longo Kevin , Maiorano Ariel , Pillsbury Spring , Rigutto Gabrielle , Shields Kelsey , Sarkis Marianne , Downs Timothy
Published: December 2017

Half of U.S. drinking water comes from aquifers, and very shallow ones (<20 feet to water table) are especially vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. We present the case of Holliston, a Boston, Massachusetts suburb that draws its drinking water from very shallow aquifers, and where metals and solvents have been reported in groundwater. Community concerns focus on water discolored by naturally occurring manganese (Mn), despite reports stating regulatory aesthetic compliance. Epidemiologic studies suggest Mn is a potentially toxic element (PTE) for children exposed by the drinking-water pathway at levels near the regulatory aesthetic level. We designed an integrated, community-based project: five sites were profiled for contaminant releases; service areas for wells were modeled; and the capture zone for one vulnerable well was estimated. Manganese, mercury, and trichloroethylene are among 20 contaminants of interest. Findings show that past and/or current exposures to multiple contaminants in drinking water are plausible, satisfying the criteria for complete exposure pathways. This case questions the adequacy of aquifer protection and monitoring regulations, and highlights the need for integrated assessment of multiple contaminants, associated exposures and health risks. It posits that community-researcher partnerships are essential for understanding and solving complex problems.