bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective study on the incidence, prevalence and 5-year pancreatic-related mortality of pancreatic cysts in a population-based study
Authors: Kromrey Marie-Luise , Bülow Robin , Hübner Jenny , Paperlein Christin , Lerch Markus M , Ittermann Till , Völzke Henry , Mayerle Julia , Kühn Jens-Peter
Published: September 2017

Objective

To analyse the prevalence, incidence and clinical relevance of pancreatic cysts detected as incidental finding in a population-based longitudinal study.

Design

A total of 1077 participants (521 men, mean age 55.8±12.8 years) of 2333 participants from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) at baseline (2008–2012). MRCP was analysed for pancreatic cysts with a diameter ≥2 mm. 676/1077 subjects received a 5-year follow-up (2014–2016). The prevalence and incidence of pancreatic cysts (weighted for study participation) were assessed in association to age, gender and suspected epidemiological risk factors. Mortality follow-up was performed in 2015 for all SHIP participants (mean follow-up period 5.9 years, range 3.2–7.5 years).

Results

At baseline pancreatic cysts had a weighted prevalence of 49.1%, with an average number of 3.9 (95% CI 3.2 to 4.5) cysts per subject in the subgroup harbouring cysts. Cyst size ranged from 2 to 29 mm. Prevalence (p<0.001), number (p=0.001) and maximum size (p<0.001) increased significantly with age. The 5-year follow-up revealed a weighted incidence of 12.9% newly detected pancreatic cysts. 57.1% of the subjects initially harbouring pancreatic cysts showed an increase in number and/or maximum cyst size. Of all subjects undergoing MRCP, no participant died of pancreatic diseases within mortality follow-up.

Conclusion

The prevalence of pancreatic cysts in the general population is unexpectedly high, and their number and size increase with age. Overall, no pancreatic cancer was observed in this collective during a 5-year follow-up. Nevertheless, prospective follow-up imaging showed minimal progress in more than 50%. Only about 6% of cysts and 2.5% of the study group initially presented with cysts of more than 1 cm and thus might be clinically meaningful.
Fatty acids promote fatty liver disease via the dysregulation of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase/hydrogen sulfide pathway
Authors: Li Meng , Xu Chengfu , Shi Junping , Ding Jiexia , Wan Xingyong , Chen Dahua , Gao Jianguo , Li Chunxiao , Zhang Jie , Lin Yiming , Tu Zhenhua , Kong Xiaoni , Li Youming , Yu Chaohui
Published: September 2017

Objective

Accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs) in hepatocytes induces lipotoxicity, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which FFA contributes to the pathogenesis of NAFLD via the regulation of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST), a key enzyme that regulates endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis.

Design

Hepatic MPST expression was evaluated in mice and patients with NAFLD. A variety of molecular approaches were used to study the effects of MPST regulation on hepatic steatosis in vivo and in vitro.

Results

In vitro treatment of hepatocytes with FFAs upregulated MPST expression, which was partially dependent on NF-κB/p65. Hepatic MPST expression was markedly increased in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and patients with NAFLD. Partial knockdown of MPST via adenovirus delivery of MPST short hairpin RNA or heterozygous deletion of the Mpst gene significantly ameliorated hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. Consistently, inhibition of MPST also reduced FFA-induced fat accumulation in L02 cells. Intriguingly, inhibition of MPST significantly enhanced rather than decreased H2S production, whereas MPST overexpression markedly inhibited H2S production. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that MPST directly interacted with and negatively regulated cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), a major source of H2S production in the liver. Mechanistically, MPST promoted steatosis via inhibition of CSE/H2S and subsequent upregulation of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c pathway, C-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and hepatic oxidative stress.

Conclusions

FFAs upregulate hepatic expression of MPST and subsequently inhibit the CSE/H2S pathway, leading to NAFLD. MPST may be a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
Efficient scheme for remote preparation of an arbitrary tripartite four-particle entangled state
Authors: Ma Peng-Cheng , Chen Gui-Bin , Li Xiao-Wei , Zhan You-Bang
Published: September 2017

We propose a novel scheme to realize remote preparation of an arbitrary tripartite four-particle entangled state via two three-particle GHZ states as the quantum channel. In this scheme, the sender should employ several novel two-particle projective measurements on her particles. According to the sender’s measurement outcome, the receiver will carry out local unitary operations and suitable C-NOT gates on his particles to recover the desired state. It is shown that, in our scheme, the total successful probability of the RSP can reach 1.
Natural properties of the trunk of a knot
Authors: Davies Derek , Zupan Alexander
Published: September 2017

The trunk of a knot in [Formula: see text], defined by Makoto Ozawa, is a measure of geometric complexity similar to the bridge number or width of a knot. We prove that for any two knots [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text], confirming a conjecture of Ozawa. Another conjecture of Ozawa asserts that any width-minimizing embedding of a knot [Formula: see text] also minimizes the trunk of [Formula: see text]. We produce several families of probable counterexamples to this conjecture.
New conformal invariants in absolute parallelism geometry
Authors: Youssef Nabil L. , Soleiman A. , Taha Ebtsam H.
Published: September 2017

The aim of the present paper is to investigate conformal changes in absolute parallelism geometry. We find out some new conformal invariants in terms of the Weitzenböck connection and the Levi-Civita connection of an absolute parallelism space.
An Architecture for Integrated Near-Data Processors
Authors: Vermij Erik , Fiorin Leandro , Jongerius Rik , Hagleitner Christoph , Lunteren Jan Van , Bertels Koen
Published: September 2017

To increase the performance of data-intensive applications, we present an extension to a CPU architecture that enables arbitrary near-data processing capabilities close to the main memory. This is realized by introducing a component attached to the CPU system-bus and a component at the memory side. Together they support hardware-managed coherence and virtual memory support to integrate the near-data processors in a shared-memory environment. We present an implementation of the components, as well as a system-simulator, providing detailed performance estimations. With a variety of synthetic workloads we demonstrate the performance of the memory accesses, the mixed fine- and coarse-grained coherence mechanisms, and the near-data processor communication mechanism. Furthermore, we quantify the inevitable start-up penalty regarding coherence and data writeback, and argue that near-data processing workloads should access data several times to offset this penalty. A case study based on the Graph500 benchmark confirms the small overhead for the proposed coherence mechanisms and shows the ability to outperform a real CPU by a factor of two.
The July 2017 issue
Authors: Bonaventure Olivier
Published: September 2017

Summary of the contents of the July 2017 issue of CCR.
Forming Planets via Pebble Accretion
Authors: Johansen Anders , Lambrechts Michiel
Published: September 2017

The detection and characterization of large populations of pebbles in protoplanetary disks have motivated the study of pebble accretion as a driver of planetary growth. This review covers all aspects of planet formation by pebble accretion, from dust growth over planetesimal formation to the accretion of protoplanets and fully grown planets with gaseous envelopes. Pebbles are accreted at a very high rate—orders of magnitude higher than planetesimal accretion—and the rate decreases only slowly with distance from the central star. This allows planetary cores to start their growth in much more distant positions than their final orbits. The giant planets orbiting our Sun and other stars, including systems of wide-orbit exoplanets, can therefore be formed in complete consistency with planetary migration. We demonstrate how growth tracks of planetary mass versus semimajor axis can be obtained for all the major classes of planets by integrating a relatively simple set of governing equations.
Shape, Internal Structure, Zonal Winds, and Gravitational Field of Rapidly Rotating Jupiter-Like Planets
Authors: Zhang Keke , Kong Dali , Schubert Gerald
Published: September 2017

High-precision gravitational measurements by orbiting spacecraft provide a means of probing the structures, fluid motions, and convective dynamos in the interiors of the rapidly rotating outer planets. Here, the classical theory of rotating homogeneous planets is briefly reviewed. Emphasis is placed on recent developments in theories and methods that relate internal structure and processes to their gravitational signatures. Whereas early theories usually treated the effects of interior density stratification and rotational distortion as perturbations to a spherical state, recent research is marked by a self-consistent perturbation approach in which the leading-order problem accounts exactly for rotational distortion, thereby determining the basic shape, internal structure, and gravitational field of the planet. The next-order problem, which is mathematically and physically coupled with the leading-order problem, describes the modifications caused by internal fluid motions. Although the theories and methods have general applicability, advances have been spurred by the need to have a basis for interpretation of the gravitational data for Jupiter and Saturn expected from the Juno and Cassini missions.
Seismic and Electrical Signatures of the Lithosphere–Asthenosphere System of the Normal Oceanic Mantle
Authors: Kawakatsu Hitoshi , Utada Hisashi
Published: September 2017

Although plate tectonics started as a theory of the ocean basins nearly 50 years ago, the mechanical details of how it works are still poorly known. Our understanding of these details has been hampered partly by our inability to characterize the physical nature of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system (LAS) beneath the ocean. We review the existing observational constraints on the seismic and electrical properties of the LAS, particularly for normal oceanic regions away from mid-oceanic ridges, hot spots, and subduction zones, where plate tectonics is expected to present its simplest form. Whereas a growing volume of seismic data on land has provided remarkable advances in large-scale pictures, seafloor observations have been shedding new light on essential details. By combing through these observational constraints, researchers are unveiling the nature of the enigmatic LAS. Future directions for large-scale seafloor observations are also discussed.
Opsin 3 and 4 mediate light-induced pulmonary vasorelaxation that is potentiated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 inhibition
Authors: Barreto Ortiz Sebastian , Hori Daijiro , Nomura Yohei , Yun Xin , Jiang Haiyang , Yong Hwanmee , Chen James , Paek Sam , Pandey Deepesh , Sikka Gautam , Bhatta Anil , Gillard Andrew , Steppan Jochen , Kim Jae Hyung , Adachi Hideo , Barodka Viachaslau M. , Romer Lewis , An Steven S. , Shimoda Larissa A. , Santhanam Lakshmi , Berkowitz Dan E.
Published: September 2017

We recently demonstrated that blue light induces vasorelaxation in the systemic mouse circulation, a phenomenon mediated by the nonvisual G protein-coupled receptor melanopsin (Opsin 4; Opn4). Here we tested the hypothesis that nonvisual opsins mediate photorelaxation in the pulmonary circulation. We discovered Opsin 3 (Opn3), Opn4, and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in rat pulmonary arteries (PAs) and in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), where the opsins interact directly with GRK2, as demonstrated with a proximity ligation assay. Light elicited an intensity-dependent relaxation of PAs preconstricted with phenylephrine (PE), with a maximum response between 400 and 460 nm (blue light). Wavelength-specific photorelaxation was attenuated in PAs from Opn4−/− mice and further reduced following shRNA-mediated knockdown of Opn3. Inhibition of GRK2 amplified the response and prevented physiological desensitization to repeated light exposure. Blue light also prevented PE-induced constriction in isolated PAs, decreased basal tone, ablated PE-induced single-cell contraction of PASMCs, and reversed PE-induced depolarization in PASMCs when GRK2 was inhibited. The photorelaxation response was modulated by soluble guanylyl cyclase but not by protein kinase G or nitric oxide. Most importantly, blue light induced significant vasorelaxation of PAs from rats with chronic pulmonary hypertension and effectively lowered pulmonary arterial pressure in isolated intact perfused rat lungs subjected to acute hypoxia. These findings show that functional Opn3 and Opn4 in PAs represent an endogenous “optogenetic system” that mediates photorelaxation in the pulmonary vasculature. Phototherapy in conjunction with GRK2 inhibition could therefore provide an alternative treatment strategy for pulmonary vasoconstrictive disorders.
Angiotensin II type 1a receptor-deficient mice develop angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage without blood pressure increase
Authors: Zimnol Anna , Amann Kerstin , Mandel Philipp , Hartmann Christina , Schupp Nicole
Published: September 2017

Hypertensive patients have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. We have shown in vivo that besides elevating blood pressure, angiotensin II causes DNA damage dose dependently. Here, the role of blood pressure in the formation of DNA damage is studied. Mice lacking one of the two murine angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) subtypes, AT1aR, were equipped with osmotic minipumps, delivering angiotensin II during 28 days. Parameters of oxidative stress and DNA damage of kidneys and hearts of AT1aR-knockout mice were compared with wild-type (C57BL/6) mice receiving angiotensin II, and additionally, with wild-type mice treated with candesartan, an antagonist of both AT1R subtypes. In wild-type mice, angiotensin II induced hypertension, reduced kidney function, and led to a significant formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, genomic damage was markedly increased in this group. All these responses to angiotensin II could be attenuated by concurrent administration of candesartan. In AT1aR-deficient mice treated with angiotensin II, systolic pressure was not increased, and renal function was not affected. However, angiotensin II still led to an increase of ROS in kidneys and hearts of these animals. Additionally, genomic damage in the form of double-strand breaks was significantly induced in kidneys of AT1aR-deficient mice. Our results show that angiotensin II induced ROS production and DNA damage even without the presence of AT1aR and independently of blood pressure changes.
Aberrant Smad3 phosphoisoforms in cyst-lining epithelial cells in thecpkmouse, a model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Hama Taketsugu , Nakanishi Koichi , Sato Masashi , Mukaiyama Hironobu , Togawa Hiroko , Shima Yuko , Miyajima Masayasu , Nozu Kandai , Nagao Shizuko , Takahashi Hisahide , Sako Mayumi , Iijima Kazumoto , Yoshikawa Norishige , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: September 2017

Cystic epithelia acquire mesenchymal-like features in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In this phenotypic alteration, it is well known that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad3 signaling is involved; however, there is emerging new data on Smad3 phosphoisoforms: Smad3 phosphorylated at linker regions (pSmad3L), COOH-terminal regions (pSmad3C), and both (pSmad3L/C). pSmad3L/C has a pathological role in colorectal cancer. Mesenchymal phenotype-specific cell responses in the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway are implicated in carcinomas. In this study, we confirmed mesenchymal features and examined Smad3 phosphoisoforms in the cpk mouse, a model of autosomal recessive PKD. Kidney sections were stained with antibodies against mesenchymal markers and domain-specific phospho-Smad3. TGF-β, pSmad3L, pSmad3C, JNK, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, and c-Myc were evaluated by Western blotting. Cophosphorylation of pSmad3L/C was assessed by immunoprecipitation. α-Smooth muscle actin, which indicates mesenchymal features, was expressed higher in cpk mice. pSmad3L expression was increased in cpk mice and was predominantly localized in the nuclei of tubular epithelial cells in cysts; however, pSmad3C was equally expressed in both cpk and control mice. Levels of pSmad3L, JNK, CDK4, and c-Myc protein in nuclei were significantly higher in cpk mice than in controls. Immunoprecipitation showed that Smad3 was cophosphorylated (pSmad3L/C) in cpk mice. Smad3 knockout/ cpk double-mutant mice revealed amelioration of cpk abnormalities. These findings suggest that upregulating c-Myc through the JNK/CDK4-dependent pSmad3L pathway may be key to the pathophysiology in cpk mice. In conclusion, a qualitative rather than a quantitative abnormality of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway is involved in PKD and may be a target for disease-specific intervention.
Constitutive activity of 5-HT2C receptors is present after incomplete spinal cord injury but is not modified after chronic SSRI or baclofen treatment
Authors: Tysseling V. M. , Klein D. A. , Imhoff-Manuel R. , Manuel M. , Heckman C. J. , Tresch M. C.
Published: September 2017

After spinal cord injury (SCI), reflexes become hyperexcitable, leading to debilitating muscle spasms and compromised motor function. Previous work has described adaptations in spinal systems that might underlie this hyperexcitability, including an increase in constitutively active 5-HT2C receptors in spinal motoneurons. That work, however, examined adaptations following complete transection SCI, whereas SCI in humans is usually anatomically and functionally incomplete. We therefore evaluated whether constitutive activity of 5-HT2C receptors contributes to reflex hyperexcitability in an incomplete compression model of SCI and to spasms in vitro and in vivo. Our results confirm that 5-HT2C receptor constitutive activity contributes to reflex excitability after incomplete SCI. We also evaluated whether constitutive activity could be altered by manipulation of neural activity levels after SCI, testing the hypothesis that it reflects homeostatic processes acting to maintain spinal excitability. We decreased neural activity after SCI by administering baclofen and increased activity by administering the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine. We found that drug administration produced minimal alterations in in vivo locomotor function or reflex excitability. Similarly, we found that neither baclofen nor fluoxetine altered the contribution of constitutively active 5-HT2C receptors to reflexes after SCI, although the contribution of 5-HT2C receptors to reflex activity was altered after SSRIs. These results confirm the importance of constitutive activity in 5-HT2C receptors to spinal hyperexcitability following SCI in the clinically relevant case of incomplete SCI but suggest that this activity is not driven by homeostatic processes that act to maintain overall levels of spinal excitability.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY After spinal cord injury (SCI), most people will develop muscle spasms below their level of injury that can severely impact function. In this work, we examine the adaptations that occur within the spinal cord after SCI that contribute to these motor dysfunctions. We also evaluate one hypothesis about how these adaptations develop, which will potentially lead to intervention strategies to improve functional outcomes in persons with SCI.
Skin-to-Skin Contact in Cesarean Birth and Duration of Breastfeeding: A Cohort Study
Authors: Guala Andrea , Boscardini Luigina , Visentin Raffaella , Angellotti Paola , Grugni Laura , Barbaglia Michelangelo , Chapin Elise , Castelli Eleonora , Finale Enrico
Published: September 2017

Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) after birth is a physiological practice that is internationally recommended and has well-documented importance for the baby and for the mother. This study aims to examine SSC with a cohort of mothers or fathers in the operating room after a Cesarean section (C-section) and its relationship with duration of breastfeeding. From January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, at the Castelli Hospital in Verbania, Italy, a Baby Friendly designated hospital, 252 consecutive women who had a C-section were enrolled in the study and followed for 6 months. The sample was later divided into three groups depending on the real outcomes in the operating room: SSC with the mother (57.5%), SSC with the father (17.5%), and no SSC (25%). Our study showed a statistical association between skin-to-skin contact with the mother and the exclusive breastfeeding rates on discharge. This effect is maintained and statistically significant at three and six months, as compared to the groups that had paternal SSC or no SSC. After a C-section, skin-to-skin contact with the mother can be an important practice for support, promotion, and duration of breastfeeding.
Multi‐UAVs Cooperative Localization Algorithms with Communication Constraints
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Bi Haiyang , Gao Xiaoguang
Published: September 2017

Communication is the basis of multi‐UAVs cooperative localization. There will be some communication delay and packet loss when one UAV communicates with others, and these communication restrictions may have negative influences on multi‐UAV cooperative localization. In this paper, the communication among UAVs is described as Bernoulli random variables, and two kinds of cooperative localization algorithms are proposed. One is centralized algorithm, where a kind of one‐step prediction strategy is designed. The other is distributed algorithm, where a kind of prediction‐compensation strategy is proposed and weighted expectation state estimation method is designed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Expression of C4.4A in an In Vitro Human Tissue-Engineered Skin Model
Authors: Jacobsen Benedikte , Larouche Danielle , Rochette-Drouin Olivier , Ploug Michael , Germain Lucie
Published: September 2017

A multi-LU-domain-containing protein denoted C4.4A exhibits a tightly regulated membrane-associated expression in the suprabasal layers of stratified squamous epithelia such as skin and the esophagus, and the expression of C4.4A is dysregulated in various pathological conditions. However, the biological function of C4.4A remains unknown. To enable further studies, we evaluated the expression of C4.4A in monolayer cultures of normal human keratinocytes and in tissue-engineered skin substitutes (TESs) produced by the self-assembly approach, which allow the formation of a fully differentiated epidermis tissue. Results showed that, in monolayer, C4.4A was highly expressed in the centre of keratinocyte colonies at cell-cell contacts areas, while some cells located at the periphery presented little C4.4A expression. In TES, emergence of C4.4A expression coincided with the formation of thestratum spinosum.After the creation of a wound within the TES, C4.4A expression was observed in the suprabasal keratinocytes of the migrating epithelium, with the exception of the foremost leading keratinocytes, which were negative for C4.4A. Our results are consistent with previous data in mouse embryogenesis and wound healing. Based on these findings, we conclude that this human TES model provides an excellent surrogate for studies of C4.4A and Haldisin expressions in human stratified epithelia.
A Calcium Enterolith in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease and Its In Vitro Dissolubility in Citric Acid
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Urata Haruo , Hiraoka Sakiko , Ohmori Masayasu , Kondo Yoshitaka , Kawahara Yoshiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2017

The microstructure and dissolubility of a calcified enterolith and enterolith pieces removed from a 26-year-old Japanese woman with Crohn’s disease were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The enterolith showed a multilayered structure with fatty acid calcium and magnesium phosphate. The amount of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate decreased after they were immersed in a citric acid solution, suggesting a potential contribution of acidic aqueous solution to elute inorganic substances contained in calcified enteroliths. This is the first study to investigate the in vitro dissolubility of calcified enteroliths induced by citric acid solution.
A Method for Manufacturing Oncological Phantoms for the Quantification of 18F-FDG PET and DW-MRI Studies
Authors: Gallivanone Francesca , Carne Irene , Interlenghi Matteo , D’Ambrosio Daniela , Baldi Maurizia , Fantinato Daniele , Castiglioni Isabella
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work was to develop a method to manufacture oncological phantoms for quantitation purposes in 18F-FDG PET and DW-MRI studies. Radioactive and diffusion materials were prepared using a mixture of agarose and sucrose radioactive gels. T2 relaxation and diffusion properties of gels at different sucrose concentrations were evaluated. Realistic oncological lesions were created using 3D-printed plastic molds filled with the gel mixture. Once solidified, gels were extracted from molds and immersed in a low-radioactivity gel simulating normal background tissue. A breast cancer phantom was manufactured using the proposed method as an exploratory feasibility study, including several realistic oncological configurations in terms of both radioactivity and diffusion. The phantom was acquired in PET with 18F-FDG, immediately after solidification, and in DW-MRI the following day. Functional volumes characterizing the simulated BC lesions were segmented from PET and DW-MRI images. Measured radioactive uptake and ADC values were compared with gold standards. Phantom preparation was straightforward, and the time schedule was compatible with both PET and MRI measurements. Lesions appeared on 18F-FDG PET and DW-MRI images as expected, without visible artifacts. Lesion functional parameters revealed the phantom’s potential for validating quantification methods, in particular for new generation hybrid PET-MRI systems.
Structural Condition Assessment of the Herringbone Middle Pylon of the Taizhou Bridge Using SHM Strain Data
Authors: Ding Huaping , Shen Qinghong , Du Sidan
Published: September 2017

Taizhou Bridge is the world’s first kilometer-scale three-pylon suspension bridge. To minimize the impacts on navigation, a longitudinal herringbone steel pylon was adopted in the middle of the bridge without additional piers. This structure is unique, and little research has focused on its structural condition assessment. In this paper, eighty fiber Bragg grating strain sensors were deployed along the height of the steel tower to collect strain data about the key components and to monitor the pylon’s structural condition. Because temperature-induced strain contributes little to the stress in the pylon, the empirical mode decomposition method was proposed to remove the noise and the temperature-induced strain, leaving the dynamic strain response. The frequency characteristics were obtained from both the dynamic strain and the raw strain, and they show good agreement. A statistical analysis was adopted assuming that the extracted dynamic stress peaks and valleys were normally distributed. The expected maximum values from the statistical analysis were compared with the measured maximum values at different heights, and they agree well with each other. The maximum compression and tension of the key segments of the middle tower exhibited considerable redundancy, which indicates that the middle pylon is in good condition.
FAACOSE: A Fast Adaptive Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Detecting SNP Epistasis
Authors: Yuan Lin , Yuan Chang-An , Huang De-Shuang
Published: September 2017

The epistasis is prevalent in the SNP interactions. Some of the existing methods are focused on constructing models for two SNPs. Other methods only find the SNPs in consideration of one-objective function. In this paper, we present a unified fast framework integrating adaptive ant colony optimization algorithm with multiobjective functions for detecting SNP epistasis in GWAS datasets. We compared our method with other existing methods using synthetic datasets and applied the proposed method to Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease dataset. Our experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in epistasis detection, and the result of real dataset contributes to the research of mechanism underlying the disease.
Thoracic Synovial Cyst at the Th2-3 Level Causing Myelopathy
Authors: Sundskarð Martin M. , Gaini Shahin
Published: September 2017

Intraspinal synovial cyst is a rare cause of myelopathy. These cysts present most often in the lumbar and cervical parts of the spine but are more infrequent in the thoracic spine. We present a case of a 73-year-old man with an intraspinal, extradural synovial cyst at the Th2-3 level causing paraesthesia and weakness in the legs. A laminectomy and excision of the cyst were performed and the patient recovered fully. In the thoracic spine, synovial cysts are almost exclusively found in the lower part. Laminectomy, with excision, is the treatment of choice, although steroid injections have been described.
Multivalent Fusion DNA Vaccine againstBrucella abortus
Authors: Gómez Leonardo , Llanos Javiera , Escalona Emilia , Sáez Darwin , Álvarez Francisco , Molina Raúl , Flores Manuel , Oñate Angel
Published: September 2017

As an alternative brucellosis prevention method, we evaluated the immunogenicity induced by new multivalent DNA vaccines in BALB/c mice. We constructed the vaccines by fusion of BAB1_0273 and/or BAB1_0278 open reading frames (ORFs) from genomic island 3 (GI-3) and theBrucella abortus2308sodCgene with a link based on prolines and alanines (pV273-sod, pV278-sod,and pV273-278-sod, resp.). Results show that immunization with all tested multivalent DNA vaccines induced a specific humoral and cellular immune response. These novel multivalent vaccines significantly increased the production of IgM, IgG, and IgG2a antibodies as well as IFN-γlevels and the lymphoproliferative response of splenocytes. Although immunization with these multivalent vaccines induced a typical T-helper 1- (Th1-) dominated immune response, such immunogenicity conferred low protection levels in mice challenged with theB. abortus2308 pathogenic strain. Our results demonstrated that the expression of BAB1_0273 and/or BABl_0278 antigens conjugated to SOD protein can polarize mice immunity to a Th1-type phenotype, conferring low levels of protection.
First-Principles Study on Various Point Defects Formed by Hydrogen and Helium Atoms in Tungsten
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Zhang Zheng , Li Yang , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: September 2017

The different point defects formed by two hydrogen atoms or two helium atoms in tungsten were investigated through first-principles calculation. The energetically favorable site for a hydrogen atom is tetrahedral interstitial site while substitutional site is the most preferred site for a helium atom. The formation energies of two hydrogen or helium atoms are determined by their positions, and they are not simply 2 times the formation energy of a single hydrogen or helium atom’s defect. After relaxation, two adjacent hydrogen atoms are away from each other while helium atoms are close to each other. The reasons for the interaction between two hydrogen or helium atoms are also discussed.
A Variable Impacts Measurement in Random Forest for Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Hur Jae-Hee , Ihm Sun-Young , Park Young-Ho
Published: September 2017

Recently, the importance of mobile cloud computing has increased. Mobile devices can collect personal data from various sensors within a shorter period of time and sensor-based data consists of valuable information from users. Advanced computation power and data analysis technology based on cloud computing provide an opportunity to classify massive sensor data into given labels. Random forest algorithm is known as black box model which is hardly able to interpret the hidden process inside. In this paper, we propose a method that analyzes the variable impact in random forest algorithm to clarify which variable affects classification accuracy the most. We apply Shapley Value with random forest to analyze the variable impact. Under the assumption that every variable cooperates as players in the cooperative game situation, Shapley Value fairly distributes the payoff of variables. Our proposed method calculates the relative contributions of the variables within its classification process. In this paper, we analyze the influence of variables and list the priority of variables that affect classification accuracy result. Our proposed method proves its suitability for data interpretation in black box model like a random forest so that the algorithm is applicable in mobile cloud computing environment.
Nanosized Minicells Generated by Lactic Acid Bacteria for Drug Delivery
Authors: Nguyen Huu Ngoc , Romero Jovel Santa , Nguyen Tu Hoang Khue
Published: September 2017

Nanotechnology has the ability to target specific areas of the body, controlling the drug release and significantly increasing the bioavailability of active compounds. Organic and inorganic nanoparticles have been developed for drug delivery systems. Many delivery systems are through clinical stages for development and market. Minicell, a nanosized cell generated by bacteria, is a potential particle for drug delivery because of its size, safety, and biodegradability. Minicells produced by bacteria could drive therapeutic agents against cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases by targeting. In addition, minicells generated by lactic acid bacteria being probiotics are more interesting than others because of their benefits like safety, immunological improvement, and biodegradation. This review aims to highlight the stages of development of nanoparticle for drug delivery and discuss their advantages and limitations to clarify minicells as a new opportunity for the development of potential nanoparticle for drug delivery.
Intestinal Stem Cell Niche Insights Gathered from BothIn Vivoand NovelIn VitroModels
Authors: Gjorevski Nikolce , Ordóñez-Morán Paloma
Published: September 2017

Intestinal stem cells are located at the base of the crypts and are surrounded by a complex structure called niche. This environment is composed mainly of epithelial cells and stroma which provides signals that govern cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation. Understanding how the niche regulates stem cell fate by controlling developmental signaling pathways will help us to define how stem cells choose between self-renewal and differentiation and how they maintain their undifferentiated state. Tractablein vitroassay systems, which reflect the complexity of thein vivosituation but provide higher level of control, would likely be crucial in identifying new players and mechanisms controlling stem cell function. Knowledge of the intestinal stem cell niche gathered from bothin vivoand novelin vitromodels may help us improve therapies for tumorigenesis and intestinal damage and make autologous intestinal transplants a feasible clinical practice.
Study of Antiultraviolet Asphalt Modifiers and Their Antiageing Effects
Authors: Hu Jinxuan , Wu Shaopeng , Liu Quantao , García Hernández María Inmaculada , Zeng Wenbo , Xie Wenhua
Published: September 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes serious ageing problems on pavement surface. In recent years, different UV blocking materials have been used as modifiers to prevent asphalt ageing during the service life of the pavement. In this study, three different materials have been used as modifiers in base asphalt to test their UV blocking effects: layered double hydroxides (LDHs), organomontmorillonite (OMMT), and carbon black (CB). UV ageing was applied to simulate the ageing process and softening point, penetration, ductility, DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) test, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test were conducted to evaluate the anti-UV ageing effects of the three UV blocking modifiers. Physical property tests show that base asphalt was influenced more seriously by UV radiation compared to the modified asphalt. DSR test results indicate that the complex modulus of asphalt before UV ageing is increased because of modifiers, while the complex modulus of base asphalt after UV ageing is higher than that of the modified asphalt, which shows that the UV blocking modifiers promote the antiageing effects of asphalt. FTIR test reveals that the increment of carbonyl groups and sulfoxide groups of modified asphalt is less than that in base asphalt. Tests indicate the best UV blocking effect results for samples with LDHs and the worst UV blocking effect results for samples with CB.
IL4 Receptor–Targeted Proapoptotic Peptide Blocks Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Enhancing Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Vadevoo Sri Murugan Poongkavithai , Kim Jung-Eun , Gunassekaran Gowri Rangaswamy , Jung Hyun-Kyung , Chi Lianhua , Kim Dong Eon , Lee Seung-Hyo , Im Sin-Hyeog , Lee Byungheon
Published: September 2017

Cellular cross-talk between tumors and M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) favors tumor progression. Upregulation of IL4 receptor (IL4R) is observed in diverse tumors and TAMs. We tested whether an IL4R-targeted proapoptotic peptide could inhibit tumor progression. The IL4R-binding peptide (IL4RPep-1) preferentially bound to IL4R-expressing tumor cells and M2-polarized macrophages both in vitro and in 4T1 breast tumors in vivo. To selectively kill IL4R-expressing cells, we designed an IL4R-targeted proapoptotic peptide, IL4RPep-1-K, by adding the proapoptotic peptide (KLAKLAK)2 to the end of IL4RPep-1. IL4RPep-1-K exerted selective cytotoxicity against diverse IL4R-expressing tumor cells and M2-polarized macrophages. Systemic administration of IL4RPep-1-K inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice. Interestingly, IL4RPep-1-K treatment increased the number of activated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells while reducing the numbers of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and M2-polarized TAMs. No significant systemic side effects were observed. These results suggest that IL4R-targeted proapoptotic peptide has potential for treating diverse IL4R-expressing cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2803–16. ©2017 AACR.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Changes in the Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies
Authors: Yu Ji-guo , Huang Qing , Zhou Xiao-fang , Ding Yi , Li Jing , Xiang Yi
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To evaluate and compare changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with the pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and healthy controls. Methods: Case-control studies were selected through an electronic search of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed, and Embase. Results were reviewed to ensure that the included studies met prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All included studies measured average and 4-quadrant (temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) RNFL thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). For the continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eight case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 225 eyes of PXS patients and 208 eyes of healthy controls in total. Statistical analysis revealed that the average RNFL thickness in PXS patients was significantly reduced compared to healthy controls (WMD = −6.91, 95% CI: −9.99 to −3.82, p < 0.0001). Additionally, differences in RNFL thickness in the superior quadrant (WMD = −10.68, 95% CI: −16.40 to −4.95, p = 0.0003), inferior quadrant (WMD = −8.20, 95% CI: −10.85 to −5.55, p < 0.00001), nasal quadrant (WMD = −3.05, 95% CI: −5.21 to −0.90, p = 0.005), and temporal quadrant (WMD = −6.39, 95% CI: −9.98 to −2.80, p = 0.0005) were all significant between the two groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that it is important to evaluate RNFL thickness and the optic nerve head through OCT in patients with PXS in order to determine early glaucomatous damage and start timely intervention prior to visual field loss.
On the genus Paleonura (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) from the Americas and description of a new species from Puerto Rico
Authors: PALACIOS-VARGAS JOSÉ G. , SOTO-ADAMES FELIPE N.
Published: September 2017

Members of the genus Paleonura Cassagnau, 1982 from the Americas are compared with some from the holarctic region. The new species, P. borincana sp. nov., is described from Puerto Rico. It differs from other species of the genus by the combination of having cephalic setae A, B, C, D, two ocular setae and the lack of setae on the dorso-external tubercle of Abd. IV
Two new goatfishes of the genus Upeneus (Mullidae) from Australia and Indonesia
Authors: UIBLEIN FRANZ , GLEDHILL DANIEL C. , PERISTIWADY TEGUH
Published: September 2017

Two new goatfishes of the genus Upeneus (Mullidae) belonging to the putative japonicus species group are described and compared with congeneric species using a large set of meristic, morphometric and colour characters. Upeneus farnis n. sp. Uiblein & Peristiwady is described based on 14 adult specimens (> 65 mm SL) collected at the local fish market of Bitung, NE Sulawesi, Indonesia. Upeneus spottocaudalis n. sp. Uiblein & Gledhill is described based on 16 adult and seven subadult specimens (< 65 mm SL) specimens collected by trawling surveys off NE Australia and one non-type adult specimen collected off southern Indonesia. The new species differ from all other congenerics in the combination of dorsal-fin spine, pectoral-fin ray and gill raker numbers, body and head depth, length of head, snout, barbels and paired fins, height of anal and dorsal fins, eye size, and body, barbel and caudal-fin colour patterns. When compared in detail with the 12 other species of the japonicus group, Upeneus farnis n. sp. can be distinguished by smaller eyes, shallower anal and second dorsal fins, more pectoral-fin rays and gill rakers, and the lower caudal-fin lobe almost completely dark pigmented. Upeneus spottocaudalis n. sp. differs from the other japonicus-group species in larger eyes, higher second dorsal fin, pectoral fin shorter than pelvic fin, and presence of rounded, dark spots on the lower caudal-fin lobe. Subadults differ from adult U. spottocaudalis n. sp. mainly in longer pelvic fins. The high diversity of Upeneus species in relation to divergence in colour patterns and the need of further taxonomic exploration of the genus Upeneus is discussed.
Using Climate Models to Estimate Urban Vulnerability to Flash Floods
Authors: Kermanshah A. , Derrible S. , Berkelhammer M.
Published: September 2017

Climate change will impact urban infrastructure networks by changing precipitation patterns in a region. This study presents a novel vulnerability assessment framework for infrastructure networks against extreme rainfall-induced flash floods, with a specific application to transportation. The framework combines climate models, network science, geographical information systems (GIS), and stochastic modeling to compile a vulnerability surface (VS). Daily precipitation simulations for 2006–2100 from the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4), are used to produce a stochastic simulation of extreme flash flood events in five U.S. cities—that is, Boston, Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—under two different climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). To assess the impact of these events, percentage drops in static (i.e., overall properties and robustness topological indicators) and dynamic (i.e., GIS accessibility and travel demand metrics) network properties are measured before and after simulated extreme events. The results of these metrics are inputs on a radar diagram to form a VS. Overall, the results show that changes in flash flood frequency due to climate change can have a significant impact on road networks, as was demonstrated recently in Houston, Texas. The magnitude of these impacts is chiefly associated with the geographic location of the cities and the size of the networks. The proposed framework can be reproduced in any city around the world, and researchers can use the results as guidelines for infrastructure design and planning purposes. Moreover, sensitivity analysis to varying greenhouse gas concentration trajectories can help local and national authorities to prioritize strategies for adaptation to climate change in more vulnerable regions.
An Accurate Estimate of Monthly Mean Land Surface Temperatures from MODIS Clear-Sky Retrievals
Authors: Chen Xuelong , Su Zhongbo , Ma Yaoming , Cleverly James , Liddell Michael
Published: September 2017

MODIS thermal sensors can provide us with global land surface temperature (LST) several times each day, but have difficulty in obtaining information from the land surface in cloudy situations. As a result, the monthly day or night LST products [Terra monthly day LST (TMD), Terra monthly night LST (TMN), Aqua monthly day LST (AMD), and Aqua monthly night LST (AMN)] are the average LST values calculated over a variable number of clear-sky days in a month. Is it possible to derive an accurate estimate of monthly mean LST based on averaging of the multidaily overpasses of MODIS sensors? In situ ground measurements and ERA-Interim reanalyses data, both of which provide continuous information in either clear or cloudy conditions, have been used to validate the approach. Using LST measurements from 156 ground flux towers, it was found that the three mean values , , and (mean biases of 0.19, 0.59, and 0.40 K, respectively) can all provide a reliable estimate of all-sky monthly mean LST. Of the three means, we recommend the use of for monthly mean LST in climate studies as it provides the most complete coverage. When retrievals from either Terra or Aqua are not available, then either or may be used to fill the gaps. The intrinsic error in the MODIS monthly mean LST cannot be explained from monthly mean view time, view angle, and clear-sky ratio. MODIS monthly LST calculated using this approach (RMSE = 2.65, mean bias < ±1 K) will have wide applicability for climate studies and numerical model evaluation.
The Internal-Wave-Driven Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Kunze Eric
Published: September 2017

The upwelling diapycnal limb of the ocean’s meridional overturning circulation is driven by divergence of diabatic turbulent buoyancy fluxes 〈w′b′〉 across density surfaces. A global assessment of zonally averaged internal-wave-driven turbulent diapycnal buoyancy fluxes from a strain-based finescale parameterization is used to infer mean diapycnal transports in the interior and near the bottom boundary. Bulk interior diabatic transports dominate above 2500-m depth (buoyancies |B| = gγn/ρ0 < 0.267 m s−2, neutral densities γn < 27.9 kg m−3), upwelling at 10–11 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1); 2, 5, and 3–4 Sv in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic, respectively, but are weak in the abyss. Boundary water-mass transformations peak at 18–25 Sv (4–6, 10–14, and 4–5 Sv in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic) near buoyancy |B| ~ 0.268 m s−2 (γn ~ 28.1 kg m−3, 4500-m depth) between bottom and lower deep waters, consistent with published 20–30-Sv global Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) transport estimates. Interior transports above 2500-m depth fall below inverse estimates, consistent with a more adiabatic ocean interior where diapycnal mixing occurs at Southern Hemisphere high-latitude surface density outcrops.