bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Surface Temperature and Emissivity Separation from Cross-Track Infrared Sounder Data with Atmospheric Reanalysis Data and ISSTES Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yu-Ze , Jiang Xiao-Guang , Wu Hua , Jiang Ya-Zhen , Liu Zhao-Xia , Huang Cheng
Published: August 2017

The Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) is one of the most advanced hyperspectral instruments and has been used for various atmospheric applications such as atmospheric retrievals and weather forecast modeling. However, because of the specific design purpose of CrIS, little attention has been paid to retrieving land surface parameters from CrIS data. To take full advantage of the rich spectral information in CrIS data to improve the land surface retrievals, particularly the acquisition of a continuous Land Surface Emissivity (LSE) spectrum, this paper attempts to simultaneously retrieve a continuous LSE spectrum and the Land Surface Temperature (LST) from CrIS data with the atmospheric reanalysis data and the Iterative Spectrally Smooth Temperature and Emissivity Separation (ISSTES) algorithm. The results show that the accuracy of the retrieved LSEs and LST is comparable with the current land products. The overall differences of the LST and LSE retrievals are approximately 1.3 K and 1.48%, respectively. However, the LSEs in our study can be provided as a continuum spectrum instead of the single-channel values in traditional products. The retrieved LST and LSEs now can be better used to further analyze the surface properties or improve the retrieval of atmospheric parameters.
Mechanical Impedance Matching Using a Magnetic Linear Gear
Authors: Valiente-Blanco Ignacio , Cristache Cristian , Sanchez-Garcia-Casarrubios Juan , Rodriguez-Celis Fernando , Perez-Diaz Jose-Luis
Published: August 2017

As part of the Fp7 Clean Sky Project, a linear magnetic gear prototype, called Z-transmitter, for aerospace application was designed, built, and tested. It demonstrates a maximum force capacity of 4700 N at 25°C and 4500 N at 90°C. Force ratio between slow and fast stages remains constant and equal to the design value: 7.0. The behavior of the real Z-transmitter as a mechanical impedance matching device when any stiffness is attached to the fast stage including the limit cases of a blocked fast stage or a free to move fast stage is experimentally explored. Although the real Z-transmitter deviates from the ideal, frictionless and massless, device, it still provides an impedance matching effect large enough to potentially become an extremely useful technology for vibration control when combined with other elements such as dampers, springs, or active elements.
Knowledge, Practice, and Associated Factors of Home-Based Management of Diarrhea among Caregivers of Children Attending Under-Five Clinic in Fagita Lekoma District, Awi Zone, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016
Authors: Desta Bogale Kassahun , Assimamaw Nega Tezera , Ashenafi Tesfaye Demeke
Published: August 2017

Introduction. In Ethiopia, it is the second cause for clinical presentation among under five-year child population. Objective. The main aim of this study was to assess knowledge, practice, and associated factors of home-based management of diarrhea among caregivers of children attending the under-five clinic. Methods. Institution based quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out from March 1, 2016, to April 22, 2016. Results. Two hundred eight (56.2%) of them had good knowledge and one hundred thirty-nine (37.6%) of them had the good practice of home management of diarrhea, specifically, primary education (AOR: 5.384, 95% CI: 2.008, 14.438), secondary and above education (AOR: 11.769, 95% CI: 3.527, 39.275), daily laborer (AOR: 0.208, 95% CI: 0.054, 0.810), and no information about diarrhea (AOR: 0.139, 95% CI: 0.054, 0.354). Moreover, age range of 25–35 (AOR: 4.091, 95% CI: 1.741, 9.616) and 36–45 (AOR: 3.639, 95% CI: 1.155, 11.460), being single (AOR: 0.111, 95% CI: 0.013, 0.938), being divorced (AOR: 0.120, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.598), illiteracy (AOR: 0.052, 95% CI: 0.017, 0.518), primary education (AOR: 0.143, CI: 0.046, 0.440), and no information about diarrhea (AOR: 0.197, 95% CI: 0.057, 0.685) were significantly associated variables with the outcome variables in multivariate regression. Conclusion. Caregivers had slightly adequate knowledge but poor practice.
System Dynamics Modelling of Remanufacturing and Recycling Mode Based on Closed-Loop Across-Chain Competition
Authors: Miao Shidi , Chen Deyun , Wang Tengfei
Published: August 2017

To face the reality of resources exhaustion, the significance of recycling and remanufacturing in the closed-loop chain has become quite evident. This paper constructs a competitive recycling and remanufacturing model of the closed-loop supply chain through a case study of Midea Corp. and Gree Corp. and explores the impact of two recycling modes on total revenue of the supply chain and market share. The simulation results show that the total revenue of the supply chain will benefit from the increasing coverage points by the third party and the increasing environmental awareness of certain regions. The retailers show more enthusiasm of recycling through certain amendment of the contract between manufacturers and retailers. The time of payment could be shortened in closed loop. Moreover, the improvement of recycling mechanism of the retailers can enlarge the share of supply chain market. Guiding role of the proposed model and the simulation results played in establishing a better supply chain mode is presented.
Effects ofBacillusSerine Proteases on the Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Mitrofanova Olga , Mardanova Ayslu , Evtugyn Vladimir , Bogomolnaya Lydia , Sharipova Margarita
Published: August 2017

Serratia marcescensis an emerging opportunistic pathogen responsible for many hospital-acquired infections including catheter-associated bacteremia and urinary tract and respiratory tract infections. Biofilm formation is one of the mechanisms employed byS. marcescensto increase its virulence and pathogenicity. Here, we have investigated the main steps of the biofilm formation byS. marcescensSR 41-8000. It was found that the biofilm growth is stimulated by the nutrient-rich environment. The time-course experiments showed thatS. marcescenscells adhere to the surface of the catheter and start to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the first 2 days of growth. After 7 days,S. marcescensbiofilms maturate and consist of bacterial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix of hydrated EPS. In this study, the effect ofBacillus pumilus3-19 proteolytic enzymes on the structure of 7-day-oldS. marcescensbiofilms was examined. Using quantitative methods and scanning electron microscopy for the detection of biofilm, we demonstrated a high efficacy of subtilisin-like protease and glutamyl endopeptidase in biofilm removal. Enzymatic treatment resulted in the degradation of the EPS components and significant eradication of the biofilms.
Microarray Analysis and Detection of MicroRNAs Associated with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Miao Ran , Wang Ying , Wan Jun , Leng Dong , Gong Juanni , Li Jifeng , Zhang Yunxia , Pang Wenyi , Zhai Zhenguo , Yang Yuanhua
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to understand the importance of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension- (CTEPH-) associated microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs differentially expressed in CTEPH samples compared with control samples were identified, and the target genes were predicted. The target genes of the key differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed, and functional enrichment analyses were carried out. Finally, the miRNAs were detected using RT-PCR. Among the downregulated miRNAs, MiR-3148 regulated the most target genes and was significantly enriched in pathways in cancer, glioma, and ErbB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the number of target genes coregulated by miR-3148 and other miRNAs was the most. AR (androgen receptor), a target gene of hsa-miR-3148, was enriched in pathways in cancer. PRKCA (Protein Kinase C Alpha), also a target gene of hsa-miR-3148, was enriched in 15 of 16 KEGG pathways, such as pathways in cancer, glioma, and ErbB signaling pathway. In addition, the RT-PCR results showed that the expression of hsa-miR-3148 in CTEPH samples was significantly lower than that in control samples (P<0.01). MiR-3148 may play an important role in the development of CTEPH. The key mechanisms for this miRNA may be hsa-miR-3148-AR-pathways in cancer or hsa-miR-3148-PRKCA-pathways in cancer/glioma/ErbB signaling pathway.
Efficient Hybrid Detection of Node Replication Attacks in Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhou Chang , Liu Yiran
Published: August 2017

The node replication attack is one of the notorious attacks that can be easily launched by adversaries in wireless sensor networks. A lot of literatures have studied mitigating the node replication attack in static wireless sensor networks. However, it is more difficult to detect the replicas in mobile sensor networks because of their node mobility. Considering the limitations of centralized detection schemes for static wireless sensor networks, a few distributed solutions have been recently proposed. Some existing schemes identified replicated attacks by sensing mobile nodes with identical ID but different locations. To facilitate the discovery of contradictory conflicts, we propose a hybrid local and global detection method. The local detection is performed in a local area smaller than the whole deployed area to improve the meeting probability of contradictory nodes, while the distant replicated nodes in larger area can also be efficiently detected by the global detection. The complementary two levels of detection achieve quick discovery by searching of the replicas with reasonable overhead.
A Rare Case of Cavitary Lesion of the Lung Caused byMycoplasma pneumoniaein an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Dudekula Rizwan Ahmed , Khaja Misbahuddin
Published: August 2017

Mycoplasma pneumoniaeis an atypical bacterium that most commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections, but it can also cause pneumonia, referred to as “walking pneumonia.” Although cavitary lesions are present in a wide variety of infectious and noninfectious processes, those attributable toM.pneumoniaeare extremely uncommon; thus, to date, epidemiological studies are lacking. Here, we present a rare case of a 20-year-old male, referred to us from a psychiatric facility for evaluation of a cough, who was found to have a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe. An extensive workup for cavitary lesion was negative, but his mycoplasma IgM level was high. A computed tomography (CT) of the chest confirmed the presence of a cavitary lesion. After treatment with levofloxacin antibiotics, a follow-up CT showed complete resolution of the lesion. Our case is a rare presentation of mycoplasma pneumonia as a cavitary lesion in a patient without any known risk factors predisposing to mycoplasma infection. Early recognition and treatment with an appropriate antibiotic may lead to complete resolution of the cavitary lesion.
Misuse of Topical Corticosteroids for Cosmetic Purpose in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Sendrasoa F. A. , Ranaivo I. M. , Andrianarison M. , Raharolahy O. , Razanakoto N. H. , Ramarozatovo L. S. , Rapelanoro Rabenja F.
Published: August 2017

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June to September 2012. We aim to evaluate the misuse of TC on the face for cosmetic purpose and the adverse effects due to its application. A questionnaire-based analysis was done among females who use topical corticosteroids on the face for cosmetic purpose. Of the 770 women questioned, 384 (49,8%) used topical corticosteroids for cosmetic purpose whose mean age was 38 years (range 16–73 years). Two hundred and sixty-one females (68%) used TC combined with handcrafted cosmetics, and 123 (32%) used TC alone. “Pandalao,” which contains salicylic acid, peppermint oil, lanolin, powder of Juanes de Vigo (mercury powder), and Vaseline, is the most handcrafted cosmetic combined with TC in our study (used by 29,4% respondents). Only one (0,26%) had obtained the TC by physician’s prescription, 234 (61%) from cosmetic retailers, 92 (23%) directly from local pharmacies, 49 (12%) from beauticians, and 15 (4%) from unspecified sources. Lightening of skin color was the main reason for using TC in 44,8% of respondents in the absence of any primary dermatosis. Pigmentation disorders (63,2%) and cutaneous atrophy (52,1%) were the most adverse effects noted.
The Russians Are the Fastest in Marathon Cross-Country Skiing: The “Engadin Ski Marathon”
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Heller Jan , Knechtle Beat
Published: August 2017

It is well known that athletes from a specific region or country are dominating certain sports disciplines such as marathon running or Ironman triathlon; however, little relevant information exists on cross-country skiing. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the aspect of region and nationality in one of the largest cross-country skiing marathons in Europe, the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” All athletes (n=197,125) who finished the “Engadin Ski Marathon” between 1998 and 2016 were considered. More than two-thirds of the finishers (72.5% in women and 69.6% in men) were Swiss skiers, followed by German, Italian, and French athletes in both sexes. Most of the Swiss finishers were from Canton of Zurich (20.5%), Grisons (19.2%), and Berne (10.3%). Regarding performance, the Russians were the fastest and the British the slowest. Considering local athletes, finishers from Canton of Uri and Glarus were the fastest and those from Canton of Geneva and Basel the slowest. Based on the findings of the present study, it was concluded that local athletes were not the fastest in the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” Future studies need to investigate other cross-country skiing races in order to find the nationalities and regions of the fastest cross-country skiers.
Correlations of Galectin-3 Gene Polymorphisms with Risk and Prognosis of Cervical Cancer in Chinese Populations: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Fang Shu-Qian , Feng Yi-Min , Li Ming
Published: August 2017

Background: This study explores correlations of galectin-3 gene polymorphisms (rs4644, rs4652, and rs11125) with cervical cancer risk and prognosis in Chinese populations. Methods: A total of 126 patients with cervical cancer were selected to form the case group, and 102 healthy people were selected for the control group following a physical examination. 3 polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The distribution frequencies of the CC+CA genotype of rs4652 and the AT+TT genotype of rs11125 in the case group were remarkably higher than those in the control group. rs4644 only had correlations with tumor diameter, while rs4652 and rs11125 had correlations with tumor diameter, FIGO staging, differentiation grades, clinical staging, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and treatment modality. The 5-years survival rate of patients with CC+CA of rs4652 was lower but the recurrence rate was higher compared to AA type patients. In contrast, AA type patients with rs11125 had a higher 5-year survival rate but a lower recurrence rate than those of AT+TT type. CC+CA genotype of rs4652, AT+TT genotype of rs11125, and treatment modality were independent factors related to overall survival and disease-free survival, and LNM was an independent factor related to OS. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that allele C of rs4652 and allele T of rs11125 in the galectin-3 gene may be risk factors for cervical cancer.
Adjuvant Small Pelvic Radiotherapy in Patients with Cervical Cancer Having Intermediate Risk Factors Only - Is It Sufficient?
Authors: Yuce Sari Sezin , Guler Ozan C. , Gultekin Melis , Onal Huseyin C. , Yildiz Ferah
Published: August 2017

Background: We sought to determine the outcomes of adjuvant small pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and prognostic factors for survival and disease control. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 113 cervical cancer patients treated with postoperative median 50.4-Gy small pelvic EBRT. We treated the surgical bed, bilateral parametria, paravaginal soft tissues, upper third of the vagina, and presacral lymphatics. Results: Median follow-up of all patients and survivors was 58 and 67 months, respectively. The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival rates were 91 and 82%, and 85 and 74%, respectively. The locoregional failure rate was 10%. Age was a significant predictor for OS and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) on univariate analysis. The number of dissected lymph nodes being < 30 negatively affected the pelvic recurrence-free survival. The only independent predictor on multivariate analysis was older age for DMFS. Although no severe acute toxicity was observed, late grade ≥ 3 toxicity developed in 8 patients. Conclusion: Small pelvic EBRT produces satisfactory survival and locoregional control with acceptable toxicity, and can be an alternative to whole pelvic EBRT in selected cervical cancer patients.
Use of Exfoliative Specimens and Fine-Needle Aspiration Smears for Mutation Testing in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jain Deepali , Ramachandrappa Vijayakumar S. , Singh Varsha , Malik Prabhat S. , Madan Karan , Faruq Mohammed , Guleria Randeep
Published: August 2017

Objective: Cytology specimens are considered to be a promising alternative for detecting driver mutations in lung cancer patients. We aimed to explore the suitability and utility of various cytology samples of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for mutation testing. In addition to mutation detection, the importance of preanalytic factors was discussed. Design: A total of 116 cytology samples including 32 controls comprising pleural effusions, bronchial washings, and direct fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears were included in the study for the detection of EGFR, KRAS, and Her-2/neu gene mutations. Tumor content was checked by microscopic evaluation. Tumor enrichment was done by scraping direct smears. DNA yield was assessed before selecting the method of mutation detection. Sanger sequencing and real-time PCR-based methods were used. Results: Overall, 20.23% EGFR mutations and 2.74% KRAS mutations were observed in this study. Nondriver genetic polymorphisms were observed in EGFR exon 20 in 37% cases. The coexistence of the EGFR mutation and EGFR polymorphism was seen in 7 cases. DNA yield was better in pleural effusions and bronchial washings. Real-time PCR was used in specimens of low DNA yield. Conclusions: Cytology samples are useful in ascertaining molecular diagnostic information for treatment purposes if they are optimized judiciously in their preanalytic phase.
Quantification of Interstitial Fibrosis in Renal Allografts and Clinical Correlates of Long-Term Graft Function
Authors: Nara Mizuho , Komatsuda Atsushi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Saito Mitsuru , Inoue Takamitsu , Niioka Takenori , Miura Masatomo , Mitobe Yoko , Okuyama Shin , Takahashi Naoto , Habuchi Tomonori , Satoh Shigeru
Published: August 2017

Background: The present study investigated interstitial fibrosis (IF) in 144 kidney recipients 0 h and 1 year post transplantation and assessed relationships with Banff code scores, clinical parameters, and long-term graft function. Methods: A quantitative analysis of IF was performed using the computer-assisted imaging of Sirius red-stained biopsy samples. Percent IF (%IF) in the cortical region was assessed at 0 h and 1 year, and an increase in the ratio of %IF from 0 h to 1 year was calculated. The relationship between %IF and Banff code scores was analyzed. Demographics and trough concentrations of tacrolimus were tested as risk factors in the top 20 patients with increases in %IF. The influence of increases in the ratio of %IF at 1 year on long-term graft function and survival was also assessed in these 20 patients. Results: Median %IF at 0 h and 1 year were 1.55 and 2.80%, respectively. No correlation was found between %IF and Banff code scores. The mean increase in the ratio of %IF from 0 h to 1 year was 4.31-fold. The increase in %IF in the top 20 patients correlated with diabetes mellitus. Graft function, but not graft survival, was lower in the top 20 patients for 10 years post transplantation. Conclusions: A correlation was not found between %IF and Banff code scores. Greater increases in %IF within 1 year post transplantation may influence long-term graft survival. Computer-analyzed increases in %IF at 1 year may be a surrogate marker for long-term graft function.
Long Noncoding RNA H19/miR-675 Axis Promotes Gastric Cancer via FADD/Caspase 8/Caspase 3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yan Jin , Zhang Yifeng , She Qiang , Li Xuan , Peng Lei , Wang Xiaoyong , Liu Shiyu , Shen Xiaoran , Zhang Weifeng , Dong Yu , Lu Jieyu , Zhang Guoxin
Published: August 2017

Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is emerging as a vital regulatory molecule in the progression of different types of cancer and miR-675 is reported to be embedded in H19's first exon. However, their function and specific mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify a novel lncRNA-microRNA-mRNA functional network in gastric cancer. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to assess the relative expression of H19 and miR-675 in normal (GES-1) and gastric cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, SGC-7901/DDP) as well as in tumor tissues. Gain and loss of function approaches were carried out to investigate the potential roles of H19/miR-675 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, Fas associated via death domain (FADD) was validated to be the target of miR-675 via luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression of related signaling pathway. Results: In our study H19 and miR-675 were increased in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. Overexpression of H19 and miR-675 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas knockdown of H19 and miR-675 inhibited these effects. By further examining the underlying mechanism, we showed that H19/miR-675 axis inhibited expression of FADD. FADD downregulation subsequently inhibited the caspase cleavage cascades including caspase 8 and caspase 3. Conclusion: Taken together, our results point to a novel regulatory pathway H19/miR-675/ FADD/caspase 8/caspase 3 in gastric cancer which may be potential target for cancer therapy.
The Protective Effect of Cordycepin On Alcohol-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Chen Yi-Xuan , Zhu Dao-Yu , Xu Zheng-Liang , Yin Jun-Hui , Yu Xiao-Wei , Mei Jiong , Gao You-Shui , Zhang Chang-Qing
Published: August 2017

Background: Alcohol abuse is known to be a leading risk factor for atraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), in which the suppression of osteogenesis plays a critical role. Cordycepin benefits bone metabolism; however, there has been no study to determine its effect on osteonecrosis. Methods: Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were identified by multi-lineage differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, RT-PCR, western blots, immunofluorescent assay and Alizarin red staining of BMSCs were evaluated. A rat model of alcohol-induced ONFH was established to investigate the protective role of cordycepin against ethanol. Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining and micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) were performed to observe ONFH. Apoptosis was assessed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemical staining was carried out to detect OCN and COL1. Results: Ethanol significantly suppressed ALP activity, decreased gene expression of OCN and BMP2, lowered levels of RUNX2 protein, and reduced immunofluorescence staining of OCN and COL1 and calcium formation of hBMSCs. However, these inhibitory effects were attenuated by cordycepin co-treatment at concentrations of 1 and 10 µg/mL Moreover, it was revealed that the osteo-protective effect of cordycepin was associated with modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vivo, by micro-CT, TUNEL and immunohistochemical staining of OCN and COL1, we found that cordycepin administration prevented alcohol-induced ONFH. Conclusion: Cordycepin treatment to enhance osteogenesis may be considered a potential therapeutic approach to prevent the development of alcohol-induced ONFH.
Gene Expression, DNA Methylation and Prognostic Significance of DNA Repair Genes in Human Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wojtczyk-Miaskowska Anita , Presler Malgorzata , Michajlowski Jerzy , Matuszewski Marcin , Schlichtholz Beata , Medical University of Gdansk
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: This study investigated the gene expression and DNA methylation of selected DNA repair genes (MBD4, TDG, MLH1, MLH3) and DNMT1 in human bladder cancer in the context of pathophysiological and prognostic significance. Methods: To determine the relationship between the gene expression pattern, global methylation and promoter methylation status, we performed real-time PCR to quantify the mRNA of selected genes in 50 samples of bladder cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissue. The methylation status was analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) or digestion of genomic DNA with a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme and PCR with gene-specific primers (MSRE-PCR). The global DNA methylation level was measured using the antibody-based 5-mC detection method. Results: The relative levels of mRNA for MBD4, MLH3, and MLH1 were decreased in 28% (14/50), 34% (17/50) and 36% (18/50) of tumor samples, respectively. The MBD4 mRNA expression was decreased in 46% of non-muscle invasive tumors (Ta/T1) compared with 11% found in muscle invasive tumors (T2-T4) (P<0.003). Analysis of mRNA expression for TDG did not show any significant differences between Ta/T1 and T2-T4 tumors. The frequency of increased DNMT1 mRNA expression was higher in T2-T4 (52%) comparing to Ta/T1 (16%). The overall methylation rates in tumor tissue were 18% for MBD4, 25% for MLH1 and there was no evidence of MLH3 promoter methylation. High grade tumors had significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation (P=0.04). There was a significant association between shorter survival and increased expression of DNMT1 mRNA (P=0.002), decreased expression of MLH1 mRNA (P=0.032) and the presence of MLH1 promoter methylation (P=0.006). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of DNA repair pathways and provides the first evidence of the role of MBD4 and MLH3 in bladder cancer. In addition, our findings suggest that DNMT1 mRNA and MLH1 mRNA expression, as well as the status of MLH1 promoter methylation, are attractive prognostic markers in this pathology.
Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulates Amino Acid-Mediated Autophagy in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shi Huiying , Zhao Xinyan , Ding Zhen , Han Chaoqun , Jiang Ye , Qian Wei , Lin Rong , Hou Xiaohua
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Dysfunctional autophagy has been reported to be associated with aberrant intestinal metabolism. Amino acids can regulate autophagic activity in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Na+/H+-exchanger 3 (NHE3) has been found to participate in the absorption of amino acids in the intestine, but whether NHE3 is involved in the regulation of autophagy in IECs is unclear. Methods: In the present study, an amino acid starvation-induced autophagic model was established. Then, the effects of alanine and proline with or without the NHE inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) were evaluated. Autophagy was examined based on the microtubule-associated light chain 3 (LC3) levels, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tandem GFP-mCherry-LC3 construct, sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, P62) mRNA and protein levels, and autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5, 7, and 12 expression levels. The autophagic flux was evaluated as the ratio of yellow (autophagosomes) to red (autolysosomes) LC3 puncta. Results: Following amino acid starvation, we found the LC3-II and ATG expression levels were enhanced in the IEC-18 cells. An increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles was concomitantly observed by TEM and confocal microscopy. Based on the results, supplementation with either alanine or proline depressed autophagy in the IEC-18 cells. Consistent with the elevated LC3-II levels, ATG expression increased upon NHE3 inhibition. Moreover, the mCherry-GFP-LC3 autophagic puncta representing both autophagosomes and autolysosomes per cell increased after EIPA treatment. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that NHE (most likely NHE3) may participate in the amino acid regulation of autophagy in IECs, which would aid in the design of better treatments for intestinal inflammation.
Effect of Huaier On the Proliferation of Mesangial Cells in Anti-Thy-1 Nephritis
Authors: Bai Jiuxu , Geng Wenjia , Mei Yan , Wu Lingling , Duan Shuwei , Dong Zheyi , Fu Bo , Wang Yong , Zhu Fei , Cai Guangyan , Feng Zhe , Lin Shupeng , Chen Xiangmei
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: To determine whether an aqueous extract of Trametes robiniophila Murr. (Huaier) suppresses anti-Thy-1 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) in vivo and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB–induced mesangial cell proliferation in vitro. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into 5 groups: Sham, Thy-1, and 3 Huaier-treated groups (low, medium, and high dose). Two weeks after treatment, urinary proteins were quantified and renal pathological changes were examined. MAX interactor 1 (Mxi-1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression levels in isolated glomeruli, rat mesangial cell viability, cell-cycle distribution, and cell-cycle pathways were assessed. Results: Huaier diminished the proliferative damages and urinary protein secretion in Thy-1 rats. PCNA was downregulated, whereas Mxi-1 was upregulated in the isolated glomeruli of Huaier-treated groups compared with the Thy-1 group. Huaier inhibited PDGF-BB– stimulated proliferation of rat mesangial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner (50% inhibitory concentration = 6.19 mg/mL) and induced G2 cell-cycle arrest. Cell-cycle pathway proteins were downregulated, whereas Mxi-1 was upregulated in Huaier-treated mesangial cells compared with PDGF-BB–stimulated cells. Conclusion: Huaier reduces urinary protein excretion and relieves hyperplasia in mesangial cells in anti-Thy-1 MsPGN as well as inhibits PDGF-BB–stimulated proliferation and DNA synthesis of rat mesangial cells in vitro, suggesting its novel therapeutic potential in MsPGN.
Coverage of The United States-Pakistan Relationsin American Newspapers
Authors: Riaz Saqib
Published: August 2017

The relations between the United States of America and Pakistan have a significant impact on the world’s politics as well as in shaping the future of the globe. However, the relations between the two countries have been passing through a lot of ups and downs during the last seven decades. Media have a pivotal role in framing and shaping this ‘love and hate’ relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coverage of the United States-Pakistan relations by the American newspapers because the media coverage shapes the public opinion. Two major newspapers of the United States were content analyzed for a period of one year with the help of Lexis and Nexis and the coverage of Pakistan was measured and analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The results of the study revealed that the American newspapers portrayed a highly negative image of Pakistan and most of the coverage about the bilateral relations was found as negative.
Democracy and the Preservation of Minority Identity: Fragmentation within the European Human Rights Framework
Authors: Berry Stephanie E.
Published: August 2017

The international human rights (ihr) and international minority rights (imr) regimes have very different origins. However, the two regimes converged in the 20th century, and imr are now understood to be a sub-regime of ihr. This article argues that the different historical origins of the two regimes impact how actors within each regime interpret their mission, and have resulted in institutional fragmentation within the Council of Europe. The mission of the European Court of Human Rights is the promotion and protection of democracy, whereas the Advisory Committee to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minority’s mission is the preservation of minority identity. In practice, this has led to conflicting interpretations of multi-sourced equivalent norms. It is suggested that inter-institutional dialogue provides an avenue through which these conflicting interpretations can be mediated.
A revision of Bittacomorphinae with a review of the monophyly of extant subfamilies of Ptychopteridae (Diptera)
Authors: FASBENDER ANDREW , COURTNEY GREGORY W.
Published: August 2017

The phylogenetic relationship between the two extant subfamilies of Ptychopteridae is examined using morphological characters. Bittacomorphinae is supported as a monophyletic group with several synapomorphies. Monophyly of the Ptychopterinae is less certain. Descriptions are provided for the family and subfamilies. The genera and species of Bittacomorphinae are reviewed, and phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily are discussed. While Bittacomorpha is a monophyletic group, Bittacomorphella is probably paraphyletic. Redescriptions of the species of Bittacomorpha and most of Bittacomorphella are presented. Bittacomorphella furcata sp. nov, is described from the central Coast Range of Oregon and Olympic Peninsula of Washington, USA. The range of Bittacomorphinae is found to extend into the Neotropical region with a record of Bittacomorpha clavipes from Costa Rica. A key to the world species of Bittacomorphinae is provided. Printed copy of this book is available from US$25.8 plus postage, Click here to order.
Systematic revision of the Potamotrygon scobina Garman, 1913 species-complex (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae), with the description of three new freshwater stingray species from Brazil and comments on their distribution and biogeography
Authors: FONTENELLE JOÃO PEDRO , DE CARVALHO MARCELO R.
Published: August 2017

Potamotrygon scobina Garman, 1913, described from Cametá, rio Tocantins, lower Amazon basin, is taxonomically reviewed through an extensive morphological study of internal and external features. Specimens identified as P. scobina from different locations of the Amazon basin were also studied. The identity of P. scobina, its morphology, and distribution are redefined. In addition, three new species closely related to P. scobina are described from Brazil: Potamotrygon adamastor, sp. nov., from rio Uraricoera, rio Branco system, upper Amazon basin; Potamotrygon amazona, sp. nov., from rio Juruá, upper Amazon basin; and Potamotrygon garmani, sp. nov., from the mid to upper rio Tocantins. These three new species do not occur sympatrically with P. scobina, as far as known. Together with P. scobina and P. limai Fontenelle, Silva & Carvalho, 2014, the new species have three angular cartilages of different sizes, a condition not seen in any other potamotrygonin (which have either one or two angulars). Diagnostic characters in combination are primarily morphometric proportions, especially tail length and width, dermal denticles and tail thorns (their relative size, number, morphology, and distribution), tooth size and number of rows, and color pattern. Printed copy of this book is available from US$24.6 plus postage, Click here to order.
Upper Extremity Medial Arterial Calcification and Peripheral Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in Predialysis Stage
Authors: Viskovic Klaudija , Aslam Mohammed
Published: August 2017

Two types of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in asymptomatic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be detected by the use of duplex Doppler: medial arterial calcification (MAC) and occlusive PAD. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate different types of subclinical PAD in upper extremities of patients with CKD. The prevalence of upper extremity MAC and occlusive PAD was investigated in 41 asymptomatic patients with CKD and 18 controls with normal kidney function, using duplex Doppler ultrasound, according to the vascular laboratory protocol. A mild-to-severe MAC was significantly more prevalent in patients with CKD compared to the control group ( P = .015), mostly in radial arteries (RAs; P = .002 and P = .016, respectively). The prevalence of occlusive PAD was not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P = .381). Patients in the CKD group were younger, nonsmokers, and more often had hypertension ( P = .038, P = .038, and P = .034, respectively). A duplex ultrasound screening for upper extremity subclinical PAD in patients with CKD in a predialysis stage may identify patients with mild-to-severe MAC which is important in surgery of hemodialysis access.
Mood stabilizers in pregnancy and child developmental outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Haskey Carolyn , Galbally Megan
Published: August 2017

Background:

Research suggests that maintaining treatment during pregnancy for women with bipolar affective disorder reduces the risk of relapse. However, one of the key questions for women and clinicians during pregnancy is whether there are implications of exposure to mood stabilizers for longer term child development. Despite these concerns, there are few recent systematic reviews comparing the impact on child developmental outcomes for individual mood-stabilizing agents to inform clinical decisions.

Objectives:

To examine the strengths and limitations of the existing data on child developmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to mood stabilizers and to explore whether there are any differences between agents for detrimental effects on child development.

Method:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a rigorous systematic search was carried out of four electronic databases from their respective years of inception to September 2016 to identify studies which examined the effects of mood stabilizers including sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, lithium and second-generation antipsychotics on child developmental outcomes.

Results:

We identified 15 studies for critical review. Of these, 10 examined antiepileptic drugs, 2 studied lithium and 3 studied second-generation antipsychotics. The most consistent finding was a dose–response relationship for valproate with higher doses associated with poorer global cognitive abilities compared to other antiepileptic drugs. The limited data available for lithium found no adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The limited second-generation antipsychotic studies included a report of a transient early neurodevelopmental delay which resolved by 12 months of age.

Conclusion:

This review found higher neurodevelopmental risk with valproate. While the existing data on lithium and second-generation antipsychotics are reassuring, these data are both limited and lower quality, indicating that further research is required. The information from this review is relevant for patients and clinicians to influence choice of mood-stabilizing agent in childbearing women. This must be balanced against the known risks associated with untreated bipolar affective disorder.
Reducing the Number of Anesthetic Exposures in the Early Years of Life: Circumcision and Myringotomy as an Example
Authors: Gonzalez Dani O. , Cooper Jennifer N. , Minneci Peter C. , Deans Katherine J. , McLeod Daryl
Published: August 2017

Evidence suggests multiple anesthetics in early childhood may increase risk for neurodevelopmental injury. We evaluated proportions of children undergoing circumcision and myringotomy, concomitantly with or prior to circumcision, and compared costs between groups. The Pediatric Health Information System was queried for males aged 6 to 36 months who underwent circumcision in 2009-2014. Relative to circumcision, the proportion who underwent myringotomy previously, concomitantly, or both, was calculated. Of 29  789 patients who underwent circumcision, 822 also underwent myringotomy; 342 (41.6%) underwent myringotomy on a previous day, and 480 (58.4%) underwent myringotomy at time of circumcision. Total hospital costs were lower for concomitant procedures (median $2994 vs $4609, P < .001. In total, 58.4% of patients who underwent circumcision and myringotomy did so concomitantly. Combined procedures resulted in significantly reduced costs and potentially minimized neurocognitive risk. Ideally, both referring pediatricians and surgical specialists should inquire about other surgical needs to optimize the availability of concomitant procedures.
Neighborhood Environment Measurements and Anthropometric Indicators of Obesity: Results From the Women and Their Children’s Health (WaTCH) Study
Authors: Sullivan Samaah M. , Peters Edward S. , Trapido Edward J. , Oral Evrim , Scribner Richard A. , Rung Ariane L.
Published: August 2017

We compared geographic information system (GIS)- and Census-based approaches for measuring the physical and social neighborhood environment at the census tract-level versus an audit approach on associations with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Data were used from the 2012-2014 Women and Their Children’s Health (WaTCH) Study ( n = 940). Generalized linear models were used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for BMI (≥30 kg/m2), WC (>88 cm), and WHR (>0.85). Using an audit approach, more adverse neighborhood characteristics were associated with a higher odds of WC (OR: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.05, 1.15]) and WHR (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: [1.05, 1.14]) after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, income, and oil spill exposure. There were no significant associations between GIS- and Census-based measures with obesity in adjusted models. Quality aspects of the neighborhood environment captured by audits at the individual-level may be more relevant to obesity than physical or social aspects at the census tract-level.
Archaeoastronomy and Refraction Near the Earth’s Surface
Authors: McCluskey Stephen C.
Published: August 2017

Empirical studies of refraction based on observations of sunset or sunrise over the ocean or other level1 surface have indicated that refraction is too large and variable to support precise archaeoastronomical observations. On the other hand, ethnoastronomical studies of Puebloan sun-watching over elevated horizon markers have revealed observations near the solstices consistent to 1.2 days or 2–6 arcminutes in azimuth. A comparison of the different geometrical configurations of these two types of observations, of the interactions of these geometries with the strong and changing temperature gradients near the surface and with the specific local topography resolves this paradox by demonstrating that observations over a level horizon obtain near-surface refraction one to two orders of magnitude greater than refraction over elevated horizon markers.
Tabula III: Kepler’s Mysterious Polyhedral Model
Authors: Andrews Noam
Published: August 2017

The article addresses the genesis and visualization of the capstone image to Kepler’s polyhedral hypothesis of the planetary intervals from his first major work, Mysterium Cosmographicum (1596). The contention is that the famous Tabula III was directed less by Kepler than it was an initiative spearheaded by Georg Gruppenbach, the printer of Mysterium, and Kepler’s mentor Michael Mäistlin, who sought to produce a marketable broadsheet that would appeal to the contemporary German fashion for illustrations of polyhedral geometry. More generally, the article seeks to redefine the key role played by the printing workshop and the decorative arts in the theory’s inception and ultimate graphic manifestation.
The Final Date of the Antikythera Mechanism
Authors: Carman Christián C.
Published: August 2017

The Antikythera mechanism is a mechanical astronomical instrument that was discovered in an ancient shipwreck (from about 60 bce) at the beginning of the twentieth century. A consensus does not exist on the question of whether the mechanism was built shortly before the shipwreck or significantly earlier. Nevertheless, there is an emerging consensus among scholars about the epoch of the back dials of the mechanism: the Saros dial would start at 27 April 205 bce and the Metonic dial four synodic months earlier, that is, at 25 August of the same year. Using these two starting dates together with the positions that some pointers still show in the extant fragments of the mechanism I calculate the final date of the mechanism (i.e. the date that it showed when it was last cranked, some time before the shipwreck) as approximately 5 March 193 bce or one anomalistic month earlier.
The Nobel Prize System and the Astronomical Sciences
Authors: Kragh Helge
Published: August 2017

There is no Nobel Prize in astronomy, and perhaps for this reason, historians of science have rarely examined the astronomical sciences from the perspective of the Nobel Prize system. And yet, since the establishment of this system many astronomers and astrophysicists have been nominated for the physics prize and these nominations provide the historian with valuable sources for understanding the dynamical relationship between astronomy and physics during the twentieth century. Apart from giving a general account of the role of astronomy in a Nobel context, this paper investigates a select number of scientists who contributed to astronomy and its allied sciences and were nominated for a Nobel Prize. The focus is on the period from about 1950 to 1966, but earlier nominations of, for example, M. Saha, H. N. Russell, and A. Eddington are also considered.
The Use of Variant Maps to Explore Domain-Specific Mutations of FGFR1
Authors: Lansdon L.A. , Bernabe H.V. , Nidey N. , Standley J. , Schnieders M.J. , Murray J.C.
Published: August 2017

Here we describe the genotype-phenotype correlations of diseases caused by variants in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 ( FGFR1) and report a novel, de novo variant in FGFR1 in an individual with multiple congenital anomalies. The proband presented with bilateral cleft lip and palate, malformed auricles, and bilateral ectrodactyly of his hands and feet at birth. He was later diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, spastic quadriplegia, developmental delay, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and enlargement of the third cerebral ventricle. We noted the substantial phenotypic overlap with individuals with Hartsfield syndrome, the rare combination of holoprosencephaly and ectrodactyly. Sequencing of FGFR1 identified a previously unreported de novo variant in exon 11 (p.Gly487Cys), which we modeled to determine its predicted effect on the protein structure. Although it was not predicted to significantly alter protein folding stability, it is possible this variant leads to the formation of nonnative intra- or intermolecular disulfide bonds. We then mapped this and other disease-associated variants to a 3-dimensional model of FGFR1 to assess which protein domains harbored the highest number of pathogenic changes. We observed the greatest number of variants within the domains involved in FGF binding and FGFR activation. To further explore the contribution of each variant to disease, we recorded the phenotype resulting from each FGFR1 variant to generate a series of phenotype-specific protein maps and compared our results to benign variants appearing in control databases. It is our hope that the use of phenotypic maps such as these will further the understanding of genetic disease in general and diseases caused by variation in FGFR1 specifically.