bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of a locally adaptive shift in allocation among growth, reproduction, and herbivore resistance inMimulus guttatus
Authors: Lowry David B. , Popovic Damian , Brennan Darlene J. , Holeski Liza M.
Published: August 2018

Environmental gradients can drive adaptive evolutionary shifts in plant resource allocation among growth, reproduction, and herbivore resistance. However, few studies have attempted to connect these adaptations to underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms. Here, we evaluate potential mechanisms responsible for a coordinated locally adaptive shift between growth, reproduction, and herbivore defense in the yellow monkeyflower,Mimulus guttatus.Through manipulative laboratory experiments we found that gibberellin (GA) growth hormones may play a role in the developmental divergence between perennial and annual ecotypes ofM. guttatus. Further, we detected an interaction between a locally adaptive chromosomal inversion,DIV1, and GA addition. This finding is consistent with the inversion contributing to the evolutionary divergence between inland annual and coastal perennial ecotypes by reducing GA biosynthesis/activity in perennials. Finally, we found evidence that theDIV1inversion is partially responsible for a coordinated shift in the divergence of growth, reproduction, and herbivore resistance traits between coastal perennial and inland annualM. guttatus. The inversion has already been established to have a substantial impact on the life-history shift between long-term growth and rapid reproduction. Here, we demonstrate that theDIV1inversion also has sizable impacts on both the total abundance and composition of phytochemical compounds involved in herbivore resistance.
DSCAM-AS1 promotes tumor growth of breast cancer by reducing miR-204-5p and upregulatingRRM2
Authors: Liang Wen-Hui , Li Na , Yuan Zhi-Qing , Qian Xin-Lai , Wang Zhi-Hui
Published: August 2018

We intended to analyze the effects of DSCAM-AS1, miR-204-5p andRRM2on breast cancer (BC) cells growth. Microarray analysis and qRT-PCR were employed to determine DSCAM-AS1 and miR-204-5p expression in BC. Luciferase reporter assay and cell transfection assay were applied to examine the target relationship between DSCAM-AS1, miR-204-5p and MMR2. CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. The expression of DSCAM-AS1, miR-204-5p and MMR2 were confirmed by Western Blot. We also conductedIn vivoassay to verify the effect of DSCAM-AS1 on tumor formation.DSCAM-AS1 was up-regulated, while miR-204-5p was down-regulated in BC tissues and cells. Meanwhile, DSCAM-AS1 directly targeted miR-204-5p. DSCAM-AS1 promoted the proliferation and invasion of BC cells and restrained cell apoptosis by reducing miR-204-5p and inhibiting miR-204-5p expression.RRM2was up-regulated in BC cells, and miR-204-5p inhibitedRRM2expression by targetingRRM2. Overexpression ofRRM2stimulated proliferation and cell invasion and impeded apoptosis of BC cells.In vivoexperiments showed that knockdown of DSCAM-AS1 decreased the tumorigenesis of BC cells, increased the expression of miR-204-5p while inhibitedRRM2expression.DSCAM-AS1 promoted proliferation and impaired apoptosis of BC cells by reducing miR-204-5p and enhancingRRM2expression. DSCAM-AS1/miR-204-5p/RRM2may serve as novel therapeutic targets for BC.

Summary statement

Microarray analysis and qRT-PCR were employed to determine DSCAM-AS1 and miR-204-5p expression in BC. DSCAM-AS1 promoted proliferation and impaired apoptosis of BC cells by reducing miR-204-5p and enhancingRRM2expression.
Protect TUDCA stimulated CKD-derived hMSCs against the CKD-Ischemic disease via
upregulation of PrPC
Authors: Yoon Yeo Min , Kim SangMin , Han Yong-Seok , Yun Chul Won , Lee Jun Hee , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Sang Hun
Published: August 2018

Although autologous human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a promising source for regenerative stem cell therapy, the barriers associated with pathophysiological conditions in this disease limit therapeutic applicability to patients. We proved treatment of CKD-hMSCs with TUDCA enhanced the mitochondrial function of these cells and increased complex I & IV enzymatic activity, increasing PINK1 expression and decreasing mitochondrial O2•− and mitochondrial fusion in a PrPC-dependent pathway. Moreover, TH-1 cells enhanced viability when co-cultured in vitro with TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSC. In vivo, tail vein injection of TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs into the mouse model of CKD associated with hindlimb ischemia enhanced kidney recovery, the blood perfusion ratio, vessel formation, and prevented limb loss, and foot necrosis along with restored expression of PrPC in the blood serum of the mice. These data suggest that TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs are a promising new autologous stem cell therapeutic intervention that dually treats cardiovascular problems and CKD in patients.
The Signaling Pathways Project: an integrated ‘omics knowledgebase for mammalian cellular signaling pathways
Authors: Ochsner Scott , Abraham David , Martin Kirt , Ding Wei , McOwiti Apollo , Kankanamge Wasula , Wang Zichen , Andreano Kaitlyn , Hamilton Ross A. , Chen Yue , Hamilton Angelica , Gantner Marin L. , Dehart Michael , Qu Shijing , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Becnel Lauren B. , Bridges Dave , Ma’ayan Avi , Huss Janice M. , Stossi Fabio , Foulds Charles E. , Kralli Anastasia , McDonnell Donald P. , McKenna Neil J.
Published: August 2018

Integrated mining of public transcriptomic and ChIP-Seq datasets has the potential to illuminate facets of mammalian cellular signaling pathways not yet explored in the research literature. Here, we designed a web knowledgebase, the Signaling Pathways Project (SPP), which incorporates stable community classifications of the four major categories of signaling pathway node (receptors, enzymes, transcription factors and co-nodes) and their cognate bioactive small molecules (BSMs). We then mapped over 10,000 public transcriptomic or cistromic experiments to their relevant signaling pathway node, BSM or biosample of study. To provide for prediction of pathway node-target transcriptional regulatory relationships, we generated consensus ‘omics signatures, or consensomes, based on measures of significant differential expression of genomic targets across all underlying transcriptomic experiments. To expose the SPP knowledgebase to researchers, a web browser interface accommodates a variety of routine data mining strategies. Consensomes were validated using alignment with literature-based knowledge, gene target-level integration of transcriptomic and ChIP-Seq data points, and in bench experiments that confirmed previously uncharacterized node-gene target regulatory relationships. SPP is freely accessible at https://beta.signalingpathways.org.
A comparison of absorption and phase contrast for X-ray imaging of biological cells
Authors: Nave Colin
Published: August 2018

X-ray imaging allows biological cells to be examined at a higher resolution than possible with visible light and without some of the preparation difficulties associated with electron microscopy of thick samples. The most used and developed technique is absorption contrast imaging in the water window which exploits the contrast between carbon and oxygen at an energy of around 500 eV. A variety of phase contrast techniques are also being developed. In general these operate at a higher energy, enabling thicker cells to be examined and, in some cases, can be combined with X-ray fluorescence imaging to locate specific metals. The various methods are based on the differences between the complex refractive indices of the cellular components and the surrounding cytosol or nucleosol, the fluids present in the cellular cytoplasm and nucleus. The refractive indices can be calculated from the atomic composition and density of the components. These in turn can be obtained from published measurements using techniques such as chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray imaging at selected energies. As examples, the refractive indices of heterochromatin, inner mitochondrial membranes, the neutral core of lipid droplets, starch granules, cytosol and nucleosol are calculated. The refractive index calculations enable the required doses and fluences to be obtained to provide images with sufficient statistical significance, for X-ray energies between 200 and 4000 eV. The statistical significance (e.g. the Rose criterion) for various requirements is discussed. The calculations reveal why some cellular components are more visible by absorption contrast and why much greater exposure times are required to see some cellular components. A comparison of phase contrast as a function of photon energy with absorption contrast in the water window is provided and it is shown that much higher doses are generally required for the phase contrast measurements. This particularly applies to those components with a high carbon content but with a mass density similar to the surrounding cytosol or nucleosol. The results provide guidance for the most appropriate conditions for X-ray imaging of individual cellular components within cells of various thicknesses.
Relationship of Target-Based Orientation and Competitive Anxiety With Female Basketball Players’ Performance
Authors: Burmaoglu Gul Eda
Published: August 2018

The main purpose of this research was to determine relationship of the target-based orientation and the Competitive anxiety with the young Basketball players’ performance in Erzurum province championship tournaments. So the whole young Basketball players’ of Erzurum Province participating in the championship tournaments in 2014 were selected as the statistical technique. The questionnaire of the target-based orientation at sport and the questionnaire of the competitive anxiety and the study of the Basketball players’' results were applied in order to gather the related data. This study was an applied and a descriptive-correlation type. The results showed there is a significant relationship between the target-based orientation and sport performance of Basketball players’ participated in Erzurum championship tournaments. There is also significant relationship between the task-based element and sport performance of the young Basketball players’. There is no observed a significant relationship between the target-based orientation and sport performance of the Basketball players’. There is a significant relationship between the competitive anxiety and the sport performance of the young Basketball players’ in the championship tournaments of Erzurum.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in Children from a Tertiary Care Center in China
Authors: Hu Lin , Dai Ting-ting , Zou Le , Li Tao-ming , Ding Xuan-sheng , Yin Tao
Published: August 2018

Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal and the first-line treatment for invasive aspergillosis (IA). The aim of this research was to study the dose adjustments of voriconazole as well as the affecting factors influencing voriconazole trough concentrations in Asian children to optimize its daily administration.
Reliable and Easy-To-Use Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Quantification of Olorofim (F901318), a Novel Antifungal Drug, in Human Plasma and Serum
Authors: Müller Carsten , Fietz Cornelia , Koehler Philipp , Sibley Graham , Nforbugwe Achu Che Awah , Streichert Thomas , Wiesen Martin H. J.
Published: August 2018

A fast and easy-to-use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of a novel antifungal drug, olorofim (F901318), a member of the novel class of orotomides, in human plasma and serum was developed and validated. Sample preparation was based on protein precipitation with acetonitrile and subsequent centrifugation.
Immunization with Recombinant Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 CIDRα1 Domains Induces Domain Subtype Inhibitory Antibodies
Authors: Turner Louise , Theander Thor G. , Lavstsen Thomas
Published: August 2018

Plasmodium falciparum
malaria pathogenesis is tied to the sequestration of parasites in the microvasculature. Parasite sequestration leading to severe malaria is mediated by
P. falciparum
erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) via its CIDRα1 domains.
Evolution and Sequence Diversity of FhuA in Salmonella and Escherichia
Authors: Wang Yejun , Chen Xiongbin , Hu Yueming , Zhu Guoqiang , White Aaron P. , Köster Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

The
fhuACDB
operon, present in a number of
Enterobacteriaceae
, encodes components essential for the uptake of ferric hydroxamate type siderophores. FhuA acts not only as a transporter for physiologically important chelated ferric iron but also as a receptor for various bacteriophages, toxins, and antibiotics, which are pathogenic to bacterial cells.
Phage Morons Play an Important Role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phenotypes
Authors: Tsao Yu-Fan , Taylor Véronique L. , Kala Smriti , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Khan Alima N. , Bona Diane , Cattoir Vincent , Lory Stephen , Davidson Alan R. , Maxwell Karen L.
Published: August 2018

Environmental and clinical isolates of the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
frequently contain viruses known as prophages. These prophages can alter the virulence of their bacterial hosts through the expression of nonessential genes known as “morons.” In this study, we identified morons in a group of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages and characterized the effects of their expression on bacterial behaviors. We found that many morons confer selective advantages for the bacterial host, some of which correlate with increased bacterial virulence. This work highlights the symbiotic relationship between bacteria and prophages and illustrates how phage morons can help bacteria adapt to different selective pressures and contribute to human diseases.
Long Noncoding RNA SSR42 Controls Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin Transcription in Response to Environmental Stimuli
Authors: Horn Jessica , Klepsch Maximilian , Manger Michelle , Wolz Christiane , Rudel Thomas , Fraunholz Martin
Published: August 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major cause of life-threatening infections. The bacterium expresses alpha-toxin, a hemolysin and cytotoxin responsible for many of the pathologies of
S. aureus
. Alpha-toxin production is enhanced by subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Here, we show that this process is dependent on the long noncoding RNA, SSR42. Further, SSR42 itself is regulated by several global regulators, thereby integrating environmental and nutritional signals that modulate hemolysis of the pathogen.
Acidity/Alkalinity of Japanese Encephalitis Virus E Protein Residue 138 Alters Neurovirulence in Mice
Authors: Zheng Xuchen , Zheng Hao , Tong Wu , Li Guoxin , Wang Tao , Li Liwei , Gao Fei , Shan Tongling , Yu Hai , Zhou Yanjun , Qiu Yafeng , Ma Zhiyong , Tong Guangzhi
Published: August 2018

The E protein is the only glycoprotein in mature JEV, and it plays an important role in viral neurovirulence. E protein mutations attenuate JEV neurovirulence through unclear mechanisms. Here, we discovered that E138 is a predominant determinant of JEV neurovirulence. We demonstrated that the alkalinity/acidity of E138 determines JEV neurovirulence. These data contribute to the characterization of the E protein and the rational development of novel JEV vaccines.
The Metabolic Redox Regime of Pseudomonas putida Tunes Its Evolvability toward Novel Xenobiotic Substrates
Authors: Akkaya Özlem , Pérez-Pantoja Danilo R. , Calles Belén , Nikel Pablo I. , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: August 2018

Some environmental bacteria evolve with new capacities for the aerobic biodegradation of chemical pollutants by adapting preexisting redox reactions to novel compounds. The process typically starts by cooption of enzymes from an available route to act on the chemical structure of the substrate-to-be. The critical bottleneck is generally the first biochemical step, and most of the selective pressure operates on reshaping the initial reaction. The interim uncoupling of the novel substrate to preexisting Rieske nonheme iron oxygenases usually results in formation of highly mutagenic ROS. In this work, we demonstrate that the background metabolic regime of the bacterium that hosts an evolving catabolic pathway (e.g., biodegradation of the xenobiotic 2,4-DNT) determines whether the cells either adopt a genetic diversification regime or a robust ROS-tolerant status. Furthermore, our results offer new perspectives to the rational design of efficient whole-cell biocatalysts, which are pursued in contemporary metabolic engineering.
Limitations of Correlation-Based Inference in Complex Virus-Microbe Communities
Authors: Coenen Ashley R. , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: August 2018

Inferring interactions from population time series is an active and ongoing area of research. It is relevant across many biological systems—particularly in virus-microbe communities, but also in gene regulatory networks, neural networks, and ecological communities broadly. Correlation-based inference—using correlations to predict interactions—is widespread. However, it is well-known that “correlation does not imply causation.” Despite this, many studies apply correlation-based inference methods to experimental time series without first assessing the potential scope for accurate inference. Here, we find that several correlation-based inference methods fail to recover interactions within
in silico
virus-microbe communities, raising questions on their relevance when applied
in situ
.
Hypothalamic relapse of a cardiac large B-cell lymphoma presenting with memory loss, confabulation, alexia–agraphia, apathy, hypersomnia, appetite disturbances and diabetes insipidus
Authors: Ospina-García Natalia , Román Gustavo C , Pascual Belén , Schwartz Mary R , Preti Hector Alejandro
Published: August 2018

A 37-year-old Hispanic man with a right atrial intracardiac mass diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy. During 4 years, several total-body positron emission tomography and MRI scans showed no extracardiac lymphoma. On year 5 after the cardiac surgery, patient presented with sleepiness, hyperphagia, memory loss, confabulation, dementia and diabetes insipidus. Brain MRI showed a single hypothalamic recurrence of the original lymphoma that responded to high-dose methotrexate treatment. Correction of diabetes insipidus improved alertness but amnesia and cognitive deficits persisted, including incapacity to read and write. This case illustrates two unusual locations of DLBCL: primary cardiac lymphoma and hypothalamus. We emphasise the importance of third ventricle tumours as causing amnesia, confabulation, behavioural changes, alexia–agraphia, endocrine disorders and alterations of the circadian rhythm of wakefulness–sleep secondary to lesions of specific hypothalamic nuclei and disruption of hypothalamic–thalamic circuits.
Ocular findings and blood flow in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Esen Fehim , Ergelen Rabia , Alibaz-Öner Fatma , Çelik Gülce , Direskeneli Haner , Kazokoğlu Haluk
Published: August 2018

Background/aims

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic granulomatous vasculitis that can lead to ischaemic ocular complications. We aimed to document ocular complications, ocular blood flow and the association of them with systemic clinical findings in TAK.

Material and methods

We included 65 patients with TAK (60 female, 5 male, mean age: 41.8±12.9 years) and 30 healthy subjects (30 female, mean age: 39.0±7.5 years) in this study. All of the patients had a detailed rheumatological and ophthalmological evaluation. Ocular blood flow in ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) was evaluated with colour Doppler ultrasonography.

Results

Hypertensive retinopathy was observed in 33.9%, and Takayasu retinopathy was observed in 6.2% of patients. Posterior subcapsular cataracts or a history of cataract surgery was seen in 15.4% of the cases. None of the patients experienced visual loss due to ischaemic or neovascular complications. Patients with TAK had increased resistivity index (RI) in ophthalmic artery (0.75 vs 0.66, p=0.002) and CRA (0.75 vs 0.67, p=0.001). Patients with hypertensive retinopathy had significantly longer disease duration (p=0.016). Ophthalmic artery RI was significantly higher in patients with ipsilateral radial artery pulselessness compared with patients without (0.77 vs 0.68, p=0.031).

Conclusion

This study reported the lowest prevalence of Takayasu retinopathy and is the only series without permanent visual loss. We documented for the first time that radial artery pulselessness can predict reduction of ipsilateral ocular perfusion. We believe that better management of TAK with current medications reduced ocular complication rates.
Effects and costs of real-time cardiac telerehabilitation: randomised controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Maddison Ralph , Rawstorn Jonathan Charles , Stewart Ralph A H , Benatar Jocelyne , Whittaker Robyn , Rolleston Anna , Jiang Yannan , Gao Lan , Moodie Marj , Warren Ian , Meads Andrew , Gant Nicholas
Published: August 2018

Objective

Compare the effects and costs of remotely monitored exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation (REMOTE-CR) with centre-based programmes (CBexCR) in adults with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Participants were randomised to receive 12 weeks of telerehabilitation or centre-based rehabilitation. REMOTE-CR provided individualised exercise prescription, real-time exercise monitoring/coaching and theory-based behavioural strategies via a bespoke telerehabilitation platform; CBexCR provided individualised exercise prescription and coaching via established rehabilitation clinics. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 12 and/or 24 weeks included maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max, primary) modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, exercise adherence, motivation, health-related quality of life and programme delivery, hospital service utilisation and medication costs. The primary hypothesis was a non-inferior between-group difference in V̇O2max at 12 weeks (inferiority margin=−1.25 mL/kg/min); inferiority margins were not set for secondary outcomes.

Results

162 participants (mean 61±12.7 years, 86% men) were randomised. V̇O2 max was comparable in both groups at 12 weeks and REMOTE-CR was non-inferior to CBexCR (REMOTE-CR-CBexCR adjusted mean difference (AMD)=0.51 (95% CI −0.97 to 1.98) mL/kg/min, p=0.48). REMOTE-CR participants were less sedentary at 24 weeks (AMD=−61.5 (95% CI −117.8 to −5.3) min/day, p=0.03), while CBexCR participants had smaller waist (AMD=1.71 (95% CI 0.09 to 3.34) cm, p=0.04) and hip circumferences (AMD=1.16 (95% CI 0.06 to 2.27) cm, p=0.04) at 12 weeks. No other between-group differences were detected. Per capita programme delivery (NZD1130/GBP573 vs NZD3466/GBP1758) and medication costs (NZD331/GBP168 vs NZD605/GBP307, p=0.02) were lower for REMOTE-CR. Hospital service utilisation costs were not statistically significantly different (NZD3459/GBP1754 vs NZD5464/GBP2771, p=0.20).

Conclusion

REMOTE-CR is an effective, cost-efficient alternative delivery model that could—as a complement to existing services—improve overall utilisation rates by increasing reach and satisfying unique participant preferences.
The type of training program affects appetite-regulating hormones and body weight in overweight sedentary men
Authors: Shakiba Ebrahim , Sheikholeslami-Vatani Dariush , Rostamzadeh Naser , Karim Hosein
Published: August 2018

Exercise-induced weight loss can occur for several reasons, including changes in circulatory levels of appetite-regulating hormones. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of various training programs on fasting serum levels of acylated ghrelin, peptide YY 3-36 (PYY3-36) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), as well as weight and body mass index (BMI) changes. Forty-four overweight men were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 11 individuals, which included (i) endurance group (3 sets of 10 min with 80%–90% of maximum heart rate), (ii) resistance group (4 sets of 8 repetitions with 80% of 1-repetition maximum), (iii) concurrent group (combination of programs of endurance and resistance groups in an alternate manner), and (iv) control group. Training protocols were conducted for 12 weeks for 3 sessions per week. Results showed that all 3 types of training programs resulted in weight loss (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.036 for resistance, concurrent, and endurance groups, respectively), BMI reduction (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.034), decreased serum acylated ghrelin (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.004), and increased PYY hormone levels (p = 0.028, p = 0.035, and p = 0.036). However, the effect of resistance training on these changes was more pronounced. Moreover, none of the exercise programs had any effect on serum levels of GLP-1. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between weight (p = 0.003) and BMI (p = 0.009) changes with ghrelin while a negative correlation was observed between weight (p = 0.003) and BMI (p = 0.03) changes with PYY. The findings suggest that regular exercise training, in particular resistance training, is likely to reduce body weight and improve body composition of overweight inactive people by suppressing orexigenic hormones and stimulating the anorexigenic hormones.
Very-low-load resistance exercise in the upper body with and without blood flow restriction: cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Mouser J. Grant , Mattocks Kevin T. , Dankel Scott J. , Buckner Samuel L. , Jessee Matthew B. , Bell Zachary W. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: August 2018

It is proposed that, at very low loads, greater blood flow restriction (BFR) pressures might be required for muscular adaptation to occur. The cardiovascular and hyperemic response to very low loads combined with relative levels of BFR is unknown. Ninety-seven participants were recruited and assigned to 1 of 4 exercise conditions: 15% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) without BFR (15/00), 15% 1RM with BFR at 40% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) (15/40), 15% of 1RM with BFR at 80% of AOP (15/80), and 70% of 1RM without BFR (70/00). Participants performed 4 sets of unilateral biceps curls. Blood pressure was measured before and after exercise; brachial artery blood flow was measured before exercise, following the second set, and 1 min following exercise. Systolic blood pressure increased following exercise in all conditions (+10 (11) mm Hg, P < 0.0005). Diastolic pressure increased in all but 70/00 (+2 (11) mm Hg, P = 0.107). Brachial artery blood flow increased following the second set of exercise in all but 15/80 (+43.4 (76.8) mL·min−1, P = 0.348). One minute following exercise and cuff deflation, there were no differences in blood flow between conditions (P > 0.05). Similarly, artery diameter was increased in all conditions except 15/80 (+0.002 (0.041) cm, P = 0.853) following the second set, and increased in all conditions by 1 min following exercise (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exercise-induced hyperemia is blunted with increasing pressures of BFR. There is a modest increase in blood pressure at very low loads of resistance exercise in the upper body.
Shear coupling effect of monotonic and cyclic behavior of the interface between steel and gravel
Authors: Rehman Zia ur , Zhang Ga
Published: August 2018

Three-dimensional behavior of the interface between a structure and gravelly soil is of great concern in the design and construction of large-scale projects. A series of three-dimensional tests were conducted to investigate the effect of shear coupling on the monotonic and cyclic behavior of such an interface. In these tests, monotonic shear was applied to the interface first and then the monotonic and cyclic shears were applied in the orthogonal direction while the original shear was maintained. Based on the test observations, the shear strength of the interface was found to be independent of the shear coupling and proportional to the normal stress. Significant tangential displacement is induced by the orthogonal shear application and the deflection direction of the tangential displacement is proportional to the square of the ratio between the orthogonal shear stress and shear strength. The interface exhibits significant dilatancy due to a three-dimensional shear application, which is divided into reversible and irreversible components. Shear coupling remarkably affects the magnitude and transition shear stress of the reversible dilatancy component. There persists a significant aeolotropy of the interface evenly under the shear coupling condition. Particle crushing near the structure was observed to be enhanced due to the shear coupling.
Biomineralisation performance of bacteria isolated from a landfill in China
Authors: Rajasekar Adharsh , Wilkinson Stephen , Sekar Raju , Bridge Jonathan , Medina-Roldán Eduardo , Moy Charles K.S.
Published: August 2018

We report an investigation of microbially induced carbonate precipitation by seven indigenous bacteria isolated from a landfill in China. Bacterial strains were cultured in a medium supplemented with 25 mmol/L calcium chloride and 333 mmol/L urea. The experiments were carried out at 30 °C for 7 days with agitation by a shaking table at 130 r/min. Scanning electron microscopic and X-ray diffraction analyses showed variations in calcium carbonate polymorphs and mineral composition induced by all bacterial strains. The amount of carbonate precipitation was quantified by titration. The amount of carbonate precipitated in the medium varied among isolates, with the lowest being Bacillus aerius rawirorabr15 (LC092833) precipitating around 1.5 times more carbonate per unit volume than the abiotic (blank) solution. Pseudomonas nitroreducens szh_asesj15 (LC090854) was found to be the most efficient, precipitating 3.2 times more carbonate than the abiotic solution. Our results indicate that bacterial carbonate precipitation occurred through ureolysis and suggest that variations in carbonate crystal polymorphs and rates of precipitation were driven by strain-specific differences in urease expression and response to the alkaline environment. These results and the method applied provide benchmarking and screening data for assessing the bioremediation potential of indigenous bacteria for containment of contaminants in landfills.
Asymptotic anti-synchronization of memristor-based BAM neural networks with probabilistic mixed time-varying delays and its application
Authors: Yuan Manman , Wang Weiping , Luo Xiong , Li Lixiang
Published: August 2018

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic anti-synchronization problem of the memristor-based bidirectional associative memory neural networks (MBAMNNs) and its application in network secure communication. First, we propose a new model of MBAMNNs with probabilistic delays. By establishing a Bernoulli distributed stochastic variable, the information of transmittal time-varying delays is studied. Second, in order to provide a more robust and secure system, we develop a new anti-synchronization model based on the MBAMNNs. The adaptive laws are carefully designed to confirm the process of encryption and decryption in networks secure communication system. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of our proposed mechanism.
Cosmological constant in chameleon Brans–Dicke theory
Authors: Bisabr Yousef
Published: August 2018

We consider a generalized Brans–Dicke model in which the scalar field has a self-interacting potential function. The scalar field is also allowed to couple nonminimally with the matter part. We assume that it has a chameleon behavior in the sense that it acquires a density-dependent effective mass. We consider two different types of matter systems which couple with the chameleon, dust and vacuum. In the first case, we find a set of exact solutions when the potential has an exponential form. In the second case, we find a power-law exact solution for the scale factor. In this case, we will show that the vacuum density decays during expansion due to coupling with the chameleon.
Locally compact groups with every isometric action bounded or proper
Authors: Tessera Romain , Valette Alain
Published: August 2018

A locally compact group [Formula: see text] has property PL if every isometric [Formula: see text]-action either has bounded orbits or is (metrically) proper. For [Formula: see text], say that [Formula: see text] has property BPp if the same alternative holds for the smaller class of affine isometric actions on [Formula: see text]-spaces. We explore properties PL and BPp and prove that they are equivalent for some interesting classes of groups: abelian groups, amenable almost connected Lie groups, amenable linear algebraic groups over a local field of characteristic 0. The appendix provides new examples of groups with property PL, including nonlinear ones.
Burghelea conjecture and asymptotic dimension of groups
Authors: Engel Alexander , Marcinkowski Michał
Published: August 2018

We review the Burghelea conjecture, which constitutes a full computation of the periodic cyclic homology of complex group rings, and its relation to the algebraic Baum–Connes conjecture. The Burghelea conjecture implies the Bass conjecture. We state two conjectures about groups of finite asymptotic dimension, which together imply the Burghelea conjecture for such groups. We prove both conjectures for many classes of groups. It is known that the Burghelea conjecture does not hold for all groups, although no finitely presentable counterexample was known. We construct a finitely presentable (even type [Formula: see text]) counterexample based on Thompson’s group [Formula: see text]. We construct as well a finitely generated counterexample with finite decomposition complexity.
Numerical study on ice fragmentation by impact based on non-ordinary state-based peridynamics
Authors: Song Ying , Yu Haicheng , Kang Zhuang
Published: August 2018

Ice-structure interaction is currently one of the hot topics in engineering fields and has not been addressed. Traditional numerical methods derived from classical continuum mechanics have difficulties in solving such discontinuous problems of ice fragmentations. In the present paper, a non-ordinary state-based peridynamics formulation is presented to simulate the behavior of the ice under impact loads applied by a rigid ball. Ice is assumed as a viscoelastic-plastic material and simulated by the modified Drucker–Prager plasticity model. The failure criterion of ice is defined based on fracture toughness. A continuous contact algorithm is adopted to detect the contact between the rigid ball and ice particles. It is shown that numerical results are in good agreement with experimental data from open-literatures, and the non-ordinary state-based peridynamics model can capture the detail fragmentation features of ice under impact loads.
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SCP-light
Authors: Altawy Riham , Rohit Raghvendra , He Morgan , Mandal Kalikinkar , Yang Gangqiang , Gong Guang
Published: August 2018

The emerging areas in which highly resource constrained devices are interacting wirelessly to accomplish tasks have led manufacturers to embed communication systems in them. Tiny low-end devices such as sensor networks nodes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are of particular importance due to their vulnerability to security attacks, which makes protecting their communication privacy and authenticity an essential matter. In this work, we present a lightweight do-it-all cryptographic design that offers the basic underlying functionalities to secure embedded communication systems in tiny devices. Specifically, we revisit the design approach of the sLiSCP family of lightweight cryptographic permutations, which was proposed in SAC 2017. sLiSCP is designed to be used in a unified duplex sponge construction to provide minimal overhead for multiple cryptographic functionalities within one hardware design. The design of sLiSCP follows a 4-subblock Type-2 Generalized Feistel-like Structure (GFS) with unkeyed round-reduced Simeck as the round function, which are extremely efficient building blocks in terms of their hardware area requirements. In
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L
I
SCP-light, we tweak the GFS design and turn it into an elegant Partial Substitution-Permutation Network construction, which further reduces the hardware areas of the
S
L
I
SCP permutations by around 16% of their original values. The new design also enhances the bit diffusion and algebraic properties of the permutations and enables us to reduce the number of steps, thus achieving a better throughput in both the hashing and authentication modes. We perform a thorough security analysis of the new design with respect to its diffusion, differential and linear, and algebraic properties. For
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SCP-light-192, we report parallel implementation hardware areas of 1,820 (respectively, 1,892)GE in CMOS 65
nm
(respectively, 130
nm
) ASIC. The areas for
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SCP-light-256 are 2,397 and 2,500GE in CMOS 65
nm
and 130
nm
ASIC, respectively. Overall, the unified duplex sponge mode of
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SCP-light-192, which provides (authenticated) encryption and hashing functionalities, satisfies the area (1,958GE), power (3.97μ
W
), and throughput (44.4kbps) requirements of passive RFID tags.
Pathogenesis of Rickettsial Diseases: Pathogenic and Immune Mechanisms of an Endotheliotropic Infection
Authors: Sahni Abha , Fang Rong , Sahni Sanjeev K. , Walker David H.
Published: August 2018

Obligately intracytosolic rickettsiae that cycle between arthropod and vertebrate hosts cause human diseases with a spectrum of severity, primarily by targeting microvascular endothelial cells, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells and mononuclear phagocytes have important roles in the intracellular killing of rickettsiae upon activation by the effector molecules of innate and adaptive immunity. In overwhelming infection, immunosuppressive effects contribute to the severity of illness. Rickettsia–host cell interactions involve host cell receptors for rickettsial ligands that mediate cell adhesion and, in some instances, trigger induced phagocytosis. Rickettsiae interact with host cell actin to effect both cellular entry and intracellular actin-based mobility. The interaction of rickettsiae with the host cell also involves rickettsial evasion of host defense mechanisms and exploitation of the intracellular environment. Signal transduction events exemplify these effects. An intriguing frontier is the array of rickettsial noncoding RNA molecules and their potential effects on the pathogenesis and transmission of rickettsial diseases.
Pathological Issues in Dystrophinopathy in the Age of Genetic Therapies
Authors: Shahnoor Nazima , Siebers Emily M. , Brown Kristy J. , Lawlor Michael W.
Published: August 2018

Dystrophinopathy is a class of genetic skeletal muscle disease characterized by myofiber degeneration and regeneration due to insufficient levels or functioning of dystrophin. Pathological evaluation for dystrophinopathy includes the identification of dystrophic skeletal muscle pathology and the immunohistochemical evaluation of dystrophin epitopes, but biopsies have become rare in recent years. However, the evaluation of dystrophin expression in the research setting has become critically important due to recent advances in genetic therapies, including exon skipping and gene therapy. Given the number of these therapies under evaluation in patients, it is likely that the traditional methods of evaluating dystrophinopathy will need to evolve in the near future. This review discusses current muscle biopsy diagnostic practices in dystrophinopathy and further focuses on how these practices have evolved in the context of therapeutic interventions for dystrophinopathy.
Numerical Calculation Analysis of the Structural Stability of Cemented Fill under Different Cement‐Sand Ratios and Concentration Conditions
Authors: Zhao Kang , Li Qiang , Yan Yajing , Zhou Keping , Gu Shuijie , Zhu Shengtang
Published: August 2018

The effect of lime‐sand ratio and slurry concentration on the mechanical properties of backfills is important. To achieve green and high‐efficiency mining, accurately determining the optimum ratio of cemented tailings for certain tungsten tailings and ensuring the safety and stability of the mine stope structure are important. The cement‐sand ratios used in this research were 1 : 6 and 1 : 8. The mechanical properties were evaluated by using 68%, 72%, and 78% of tailing cemented filling materials. The corresponding physical and mechanical parameters were obtained through uniaxial compression, splitting, and shearing mechanical experiments on the backfill specimens. FLAC3D was used to investigate the mechanical properties of cement‐filled pillars and the stability of supporting surrounding rocks on the basis of the mine’s current room pillar structure size parameters and mining sequence. The key factors that affect the stability of the goaf were analyzed by evaluating the plastic zone area of the stope, maximum and minimum principal stresses, and displacement change. The structural characteristics of stope structures and changes of rock mass damage were obtained under different cement‐tailing ratios and concentrations. A cemented backfill with a cement‐tailing ratio of 1 : 8 and a concentration of 68% was selected as the best solution for the mine in terms of safety and economic considerations.
Protective Effects of Benzoic Acid,BacillusCoagulans, and Oregano Oil on Intestinal Injury Caused by EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliin Weaned Piglets
Authors: Pu Junning , Chen Daiwen , Tian Gang , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Huang Zhiqing , Zhu Ling , Luo Junqiu , Luo Yuheng , Yu Bing
Published: August 2018

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in feed has been fully or partially banned in several countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of benzoic acid (A),bacilluscoagulans (B) and oregano oil (O) combined supplementation on growth performance and intestinal barrier in piglets challenged with enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC). Thirty piglets were randomly assigned to 6 treatments: (1) nonchallenged control (CON); (2) ETEC-challenged control (ETEC); (3) antibiotics + ETEC (AT); (4) A + B + ETEC (AB); (5) A + O + ETEC (AO); (6) A + B + O + ETEC (ABO). On day 22, piglets were orally challenged with ETEC or saline. The trial lasted 26 days. Dietary AO and ABO inhibited the reduction of growth performance and the elevation of diarrhoea incidence in piglets induced by ETEC (P<0.05). AB, AO, and ABO prevented the elevation of serum TNF-αand LPS concentrations in piglets induced by ETEC (P<0.05). ABO alleviated the elevation of TNF-αand IL-1βconcentrations and the reduction of sIgA level in jejunal mucosa induced by ETEC (P<0.05). Furthermore, ABO upregulated mRNA expressions of Claudin-1 and Mucin2 (P<0.05), downregulated mRNA abundances of TLR4 and NOD2 signaling pathways related genes in jejunal mucosa (P<0.05), and improved the microbiota in jejunal and cecal digesta (P<0.05) compared with ETEC group. These results indicated that benzoic acid,bacilluscoagulans, and oregano oil combined supplementation could improve growth performance and alleviate diarrhoea of piglets challenged with ETEC via improving intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, which was possibly associated with the improvement of intestinal microbiota and immune status. The combination of 3000 g/t benzoic acid + 400 g/tbacilluscoagulans + 400 g/t oregano oil showed better effects than other treatments in improving growth performance and intestinal health of piglets, which could be used as a viable substitute for antibiotic.
Numerical Tests Research on Mechanical Parameters of Rockmass considering Structural Plane Combination Characteristics
Authors: Wei Jihong , Men Yan , Sun Shaorui , Wang Yajie , Qian Wei , Shi Wei
Published: August 2018

It is essential to determine rockmass mechanical parameters in stability assessment. The structural z is the main factor in this regard, and we know little about the relationship between mechanical parameters and multiple structure planes. In this paper, we have conducted a series of numerical tests to obtain mechanical parameters for a dam foundation in Southwest China. The biaxial numerical test was performed based on the discrete element method. This numerical test considers the spacing, types, dip angles, and size effect. We established a relationship of mechanical parameters between small size lab samples and large size field samples. We forecasted the strength parameters for a spillway slope in Southwest China. The dip angle has a significant effect on the slope strength and stability. In this case, the rockmass fracture stress‐dip angle curve forms a U‐shaped distribution. The X‐shaped double structure plane demonstrates severe strength weakening relative to a single structure plane. As structure plane spacing reaches a certain level, its influence on rockmass strength diminishes. The elementary volume of the rockmass for dam foundation analysis is about 4 m × 4 m × 4 m.
Prediction of Wind Velocity to Raise Vortex‐Induced Vibration through a Road‐Rail Bridge with Truss‐Shaped Girder
Authors: Oh Seungtaek , Seo Sung-il , Lee Hoyeop , Lee Hak-Eun
Published: August 2018

Vortex‐induced vibration (VIV) of bridges, related to fluid‐structure interaction and maintenance of bridge monitoring system, causes fatigue and serviceability problems due to aerodynamic instability at low wind velocity. Extensive studies on VIV have been performed by directly measuring the vortex shedding frequency and the wind velocity for indicating the largest girder displacement. However, previous studies have not investigated a prediction of wind velocity to raise VIV with a various natural frequency of the structure because most cases have been focused on the estimation of the wind velocity and peeling‐off frequency by the mounting structure at the fixed position. In this paper, the method for predicting wind velocity to raise VIV is suggested with various natural frequencies on a road‐rail bridge with truss‐shaped girder. For this purpose, 12 cases of dynamic wind tunnel test with different natural frequencies are performed by the resonance phenomenon. As a result, it is reasonable to predict wind velocity to raise VIV with maximum RMS displacement due to dynamic wind tunnel tests. Furthermore, it is found that the natural frequency can be used instead of the vortex shedding frequency in order to predict the wind velocity on the dynamic wind tunnel test. Finally, curve fitting is performed to predict the wind velocity of the actual bridge. The result is shown that predicting the wind velocity at which VIV occurs can be appropriately estimated at arbitrary natural frequencies of the dynamic wind tunnel test due to the feature of Strouhal number determined by the shape of the cross section.