bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Antibiotics in Modulating Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hodille Elisabeth , Rose Warren , Diep Binh An , Goutelle Sylvain , Lina Gerard , Dumitrescu Oana
Published: July 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
is often involved in severe infections, in which the effects of bacterial virulence factors have great importance. Antistaphylococcal regimens should take into account the different effects of antibacterial agents on the expression of virulence factors and on the host's immune response. A PubMed literature search was performed to select relevant articles on the effects of antibiotics on staphylococcal toxin production and on the host immune response. Information was sorted according to the methods used for data acquisition (bacterial strains, growth models, and antibiotic concentrations) and the assays used for readout generation. The reported mechanisms underlying
S. aureus
virulence modulation by antibiotics were reviewed. The relevance of
in vitro
observations is discussed in relation to animal model data and to clinical evidence extracted from case reports and recommendations on the management of toxin-related staphylococcal diseases. Most
in vitro
data point to a decreased level of virulence expression upon treatment with ribosomally active antibiotics (linezolid and clindamycin), while cell wall-active antibiotics (beta-lactams) mainly increase exotoxin production.
In vivo
studies confirmed the suppressive effect of clindamycin and linezolid on virulence expression, supporting their utilization as a valuable management strategy to improve patient outcomes in cases of toxin-associated staphylococcal disease.
Identification of Leishmania by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry Using a Free Web-Based Application and a Dedicated Mass-Spectral Library
Authors: Lachaud Laurence , Fernández-Arévalo Anna , Normand Anne-Cécile , Lami Patrick , Nabet Cécile , Donnadieu Jean Luc , Piarroux Martine , Djenad Farid , Cassagne Carole , Ravel Christophe , Tebar Silvia , Llovet Teresa , Blanchet Denis , Demar Magalie , Harrat Zoubir , Aoun Karim , Bastien Patrick , Muñoz Carmen , Gállego Montserrat , Piarroux Renaud
Published: July 2017

Human leishmaniases are widespread diseases with different clinical forms caused by about 20 species within the
Leishmania
genus.
Leishmania
species identification is relevant for therapeutic management and prognosis, especially for cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms. Several methods are available to identify
Leishmania
species from culture, but they have not been standardized for the majority of the currently described species, with the exception of multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Moreover, these techniques are expensive, time-consuming, and not available in all laboratories. Within the last decade, mass spectrometry (MS) has been adapted for the identification of microorganisms, including
Leishmania
. However, no commercial reference mass-spectral database is available. In this study, a reference mass-spectral library (MSL) for
Leishmania
isolates, accessible through a free Web-based application (mass-spectral identification [MSI]), was constructed and tested. It includes mass-spectral data for 33 different
Leishmania
species, including species that infect humans, animals, and phlebotomine vectors. Four laboratories on two continents evaluated the performance of MSI using 268 samples, 231 of which were
Leishmania
strains. All
Leishmania
strains, but one, were correctly identified at least to the complex level. A risk of species misidentification within the
Leishmania donovani
,
L. guyanensis
, and
L. braziliensis
complexes was observed, as previously reported for other techniques. The tested application was reliable, with identification results being comparable to those obtained with reference methods but with a more favorable cost-efficiency ratio. This free online identification system relies on a scalable database and can be implemented directly in users' computers.
Arthroscopic excision of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma in the elbow joint
Authors: Akpinar Sercan , Circi Esra
Published: July 2017

An osteoid osteoma is a rare, small, benign and painful tumour occurring in the extra-articular portion of long bones seen most commonly in the lower extremities. This is a case report of a 23-year-old female patient who underwent arthroscopic resection of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma. The nidus was completely removed by arthroscopic excision. The diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative histopathological analysis. In the case presented we have shown that intra-articular arthroscopy can be successful in the surgical management of benign bony lesions involving the elbow joint. We also present a review of the literature which reports on similar cases or intra-articular disease, preferred methods of surgical management and limitations in histopathological specimen acquisition for diagnosis.
Insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant obese and non-obese phenotypes: role in prediction of incident pre-diabetes in a longitudinal biracial cohort
Authors: Owei Ibiye , Umekwe Nkiru , Provo Casey , Wan Jim , Dagogo-Jack Samuel
Published: July 2017

Objective

We measured insulin sensitivity with euglycemic clamp (Si-clamp) in initially normoglycemic African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA), to probe the existence of subphenotypes of obesity and leanness, and their impact on incident dysglycemia during longitudinal follow-up.

Research design and methods

320 healthy subjects (176 AA, 144 EA; mean age 44.2±10.6 years) underwent baseline assessments, including Si-clamp and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and were stratified into: insulin-resistant obese (IRO) (body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m2, Si-clamp <0.1, HOMA-IR>2.5); insulin-sensitive obesity (ISO) (BMI>30 kg/m2, Si-clamp>0.1, HOMA-IR <2.5); insulin-resistant non-obese (IRN) (BMI <28 kg/m2, Si-clamp <0.1, HOMA-IR>2.5); insulin-sensitive non-obese (ISN) (BMI <28 kg/m2, Si-clamp>0.1, HOMA-IR <2.5). Outcome measures were cardiometabolic risks and incident pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes (T2D) during 5.5 years.

Results

Compared with IRO, subjects with ISO had lower abdominal fat, triglycerides and high-sensitivity C reactive protein and higher adiponectin (p=0.015 to <0.0001). IRN subjects had higher cardiometabolic risk markers than ISN (p=0.03 to <0.0001). During 5.5-year follow-up, incident pre-diabetes/T2D was lower in ISO (31.3% vs 48.7%) among obese subjects and higher in IRN (47.1% vs. 26.0%) among non-obese subjects (p=0.0024). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly different pre-diabetes/T2D survival probabilities across insulin sensitivity/adiposity phenotypes (p=0.0001).

Conclusions

Insulin sensitivity predicts ~40% decrease in the relative risk of incident pre-diabetes/T2D among obese persons, whereas insulin resistance predicts ~80% increased risk among non-obese persons. This is the first documentation of healthy and unhealthy phenotypes of obesity and leanness in a prospective biracial cohort, using rigorous measurement of insulin sensitivity.
Phytohormone and genome variations in Vitis amurensis resistant to downy mildew
Authors: Yin Ling , Qu Junjie , Deng Shuhan , Liu Shaoli , Lu Jiang , Zhang Yali
Published: July 2017

Downy mildew (DM) resistance is a highly desirable agronomic trait in grape breeding. High variation in Plasmopara viticola resistance was found in Vitis cultivars. Some accessions show high P. viticola resistance even under conditions highly conducive to DM. Here, leaf disc inoculation experiments revealed that Vitis amurensis ‘Zuoshaner’ exhibited DM resistance with necrotic spots, whereas the V. amurensis × V. vinifera hybrid cultivar ‘Zuoyouhong’ was susceptible. Changes in plant hormones accumulation profiles differed between the cultivars. To investigate the genetic mechanisms related to DM resistance, we performed genome-wide sequencing of ‘Zuoshaner’ and ‘Zuoyouhong’ and identified cultivar-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions/deletions (indels), structural variations (SVs), and copy number variations (CNVs), identifying 5399 SVs and 191 CNVs specific for ‘Zuoshaner’. Genes affected by these genetic variations were enriched in biological processes, including defense response and response to stress and stimulation, and were associated with sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and phenylalanine metabolism pathways. Additionally, indels and SVs were detected in six NBS-LRR disease resistance genes, and a CNV was mapped to the Rpv8 locus responsible for downy mildew resistance. These findings further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying grape mildew resistance, and will facilitate genomic marker-assisted breeding for improved V. amurensis cultivars.
Destroying charged black holes in higher dimensions with test particles
Authors: Wu Bin , Liu Weiyang , Tang Hao , Yue Rui-Hong
Published: July 2017

A possible way to destroy the Tangherlini Reissner–Nordström black hole is discussed in the spirit of Wald’s gedanken experiment. By neglecting radiation and self force effects, the absorbing condition and destruction condition of the test point particle which is capable of destroying the black hole are obtained. We find that it is impossible to challenge the weak cosmic censorship for an initially extremal black hole in all dimensions. Instead, it is shown that the near extremal black hole will turn into a naked singularity in this particular process, in which case the allowed range of the particle’s energy is very narrow. The result indicates that the self-force effects may well change the outcome of the calculation.
Causes of and Solutions to Overcapacity in the New Energy Industry: Taking Wind Energy and Solar Energy as Examples
Authors: WANG Lei
Published: July 2017

Although overcapacity in equipment manufacturing link of the new energy industry represented by solar and wind energies has been improved in recent years, overcapacity in the power generation and utilization links is still serious. Many policies have been issued to solve this problem, yet their outcomes hardly met the expectations. The low utilization rate of power generation equipment and high curtailment of wind and photovoltaic power further hamper the healthy development of the new energy industry. The author holds that the overcapacity is an inevitable result of the thinking mode and investment mechanism based on the traditional fossil fuel system. Constrained by such an inappropriate development model, many policies failed to thoroughly solve the problems emerging in the development of the new energy industry. Thus, it is necessary to focus on the characteristics of new energies, transform the development path, establish a suitable development and utilization model and an electric system that favors new energy, and break down the institutional and organizational barriers for the healthy development of the new energy industry.
Integrating petrogenesis and weathering to understand regolith chemistry: examples from the Palaeoproterozoic Carson Volcanics, north Kimberley, Western Australia
Authors: Morris Paul
Published: July 2017

The rugged topography of the Kimberley area of northern Western Australia preserves examples of the complete weathering cycle to produce regolith. With increasing weathering intensity, Palaeoproterozoic mafic volcanic rocks of the Carson Volcanics are progressively depleted in low field strength element (LFSE) and rare earth elements (REE), and enriched in high-field strength elements (HFSE), Th, Cr and chalcophile elements. This reflects the breakdown of the main rock-forming minerals, the concentration of resistate phases such as zircon, chromite, monazite and rutile, and the development of secondary clay minerals, oxides and oxyhydroxides. Some regolith samples at the base of the volcanic succession have high Cr, As and detectable Au and Pd. This regolith chemistry reflects not only the intensity of weathering, but also the less fractionated and weakly mineralized nature of flow units erupted early in the volcanic cycle. Elsewhere in the Carson Volcanics, two regolith samples with unusually high concentrations of Ba, REE and Zn are located close to regional structures, which acted as conduits along which hydrothermal fluids migrated resulting in surface alteration, probably after regolith formation. Both examples show that regolith chemistry should be interpreted in the context of both weathering and petrogenetic processes that affect bedrock composition.
A novel mouse model of radiation-induced cancer survivorship diseases of the gut
Authors: Bull Cecilia , Malipatlolla Dilip , Kalm Marie , Sjöberg Fei , Alevronta Eleftheria , Grandér Rita , Sultanian Pedram , Persson Linda , Boström Martina , Eriksson Yohanna , Swanpalmer John , Wold Agnes E. , Blomgren Klas , Björk-Eriksson Thomas , Steineck Gunnar
Published: July 2017

A deeper understanding of the radiation-induced pathophysiological processes that develop in the gut is imperative to prevent, alleviate, or eliminate cancer survivorship diseases after radiotherapy to the pelvic area. Most rodent models of high-dose gastrointestinal radiation injury are limited by high mortality. We therefore established a model that allows for the delivering of radiation in fractions at high doses while maintaining long-term survival. Adult male C57/BL6 mice were exposed to small-field irradiation, restricted to 1.5 cm of the colorectum using a linear accelerator. Each mouse received 6 or 8 Gy, two times daily in 12-h intervals in two, three, or four fractions. Acute cell death was examined at 4.5 h postirradiation and histological changes at 6 wk postirradiation. Another group was given four fractions of 8 Gy and followed over time for development of visible symptoms. Irradiation caused immediate cell death, mainly limited to the colorectum. At 6 wk postirradiation, several crypts displayed signs of radiation-induced degeneration. The degenerating crypts were seen alongside crypts that appeared perfectly healthy. Crypt survival was reduced after the fourth fraction regardless of dose, whereas the number of macrophages increased. Angiogenesis was induced, likely as a compensatory mechanism for hypoxia. Four months postirradiation, mice began to show radiation-induced symptoms, and histological examination revealed an extensive crypt loss and fibrosis. Our model is uniquely suitable for studying the long-term trajectory and underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel mouse model for studying the long-term trajectory of radiation-induced gut injury. The method allows for the use of high doses and multiple fractions, with minor impact on animal health for at least 3 mo. Crypt loss and a slow progression of fibrosis is observed. Crypt degeneration is a process restricted to isolated crypts. Crypt degeneration is presented as a convenient proxy endpoint for long-term radiation-induced gut injury.
Regulation of PDZ domain-containing 1 (PDZK1) expression by hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α) in human kidney
Authors: Prestin Katharina , Hussner Janine , Ferreira Celio , Seibert Isabell , Breitung Vivien , Zimmermann Uwe , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E.
Published: July 2017

In the renal proximal tubule the secretion and reabsorption of glomerularly filtrated compounds is realized by a functional network of uptake and efflux transporters. The activity and localization of several transporters expressed at the apical tubular membrane are regulated by the membrane-associated protein PDZ domain-containing 1 (PDZK1). We aimed to characterize the transcriptional regulation of this modulator of renal transport. Coexpression analyses of PDZK1 and putative regulators were performed using human kidney samples. Protein and mRNA expression of PDZK1 in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells after adenoviral transfer and siRNA knockdown of transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF1α) was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Transactivation of the PDZK1 promoter was quantified in cell-based reporter gene assays. Subsequently, the binding of HNF1α to the PDZK1 promoter was verified by in silico analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. HNF1α positively regulated the promoter activity of PDZK1. Adenoviral overexpression of HNF1α in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) increased PDZK1 mRNA and protein expression, whereas siRNA knockdown of HNF1α resulted in decreased expression of PDZK1. Our results show that HNF1α, which has previously been described as a modulator of several transporters of the renal transportosome, is also a key determinant of PDZK1 transcription.
Leg blood flow is impaired during small muscle mass exercise in patients with COPD
Authors: Iepsen U. W. , Munch G. W. , Rugbjerg M. , Ryrsø C. K. , Secher N. H. , Hellsten Y. , Lange P. , Pedersen B. K. , Thaning P. , Mortensen S. P.
Published: July 2017

Skeletal muscle blood flow is regulated to match the oxygen demand and dysregulation could contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We measured leg hemodynamics and metabolites from vasoactive compounds in muscle interstitial fluid and plasma at rest, during one-legged knee-extensor exercise, and during arterial infusions of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. Ten patients with moderate to severe COPD and eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. During knee-extensor exercise (10 W), leg blood flow was lower in the patients compared with the controls (1.82 ± 0.11 vs. 2.36 ± 0.14 l/min, respectively; P < 0.05), which compromised leg oxygen delivery (372 ± 26 vs. 453 ± 32 ml O2/min, respectively; P < 0.05). At rest, plasma endothelin-1 (vasoconstrictor) was higher in the patients with COPD ( P < 0.05) and also tended to be higher during exercise ( P = 0.07), whereas the formation of interstitial prostacyclin (vasodilator) was only increased in the controls. There was no difference between groups in the nitrite/nitrate levels (vasodilator) in plasma or interstitial fluid during exercise. Moreover, patients and controls showed similar vasodilatory capacity in response to both endothelium-independent (SNP) and endothelium-dependent (ACh) stimulation. The results suggest that leg muscle blood flow is impaired during small muscle mass exercise in patients with COPD possibly due to impaired formation of prostacyclin and increased levels of endothelin-1.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a reduced blood flow to skeletal muscle during small muscle mass exercise. In contrast to healthy individuals, interstitial prostacyclin levels did not increase during exercise and plasma endothelin-1 levels were higher in the patients with COPD.
Effects of acute hypoxia on human cognitive processing: a study using ERPs and SEPs
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Ogoh Shigehiko , Kakigi Ryusuke , Shibasaki Manabu
Published: July 2017

Although hypoxia has the potential to impair the cognitive function, the effects of acute hypoxia on the high-order brain function (executive and/or inhibitory processing) and somatosensory ascending processing remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that acute hypoxia impairs both motor executive and inhibitory processing and somatosensory ascending processing. Fifteen healthy subjects performed two sessions ( sessions 1 and 2), consisting of electroencephalographic event-related potentials with somatosensory Go/No-go paradigms and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) under two conditions (hypoxia and normoxia) on different days. On 1 day, participants breathed room air in the first and second sessions of the experiment; on the other day, participants breathed room air in the first session, and 12% O2 in the second session. Acute hypoxia reduced the peak amplitudes of Go-P300 and No-go-P300, and delayed the peak latency of Go-P300. However, no significant differences were observed in the peak amplitude or latency of N140, behavioral data, or the amplitudes and latencies of individual SEP components between the two conditions. These results suggest that acute hypoxia impaired neural activity in motor executive and inhibitory processing, and delayed higher cognitive processing for motor execution, whereas neural activity in somatosensory processing was not affected by acute hypoxia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hypoxia has the potential to impair the cognitive function, but the effects of acute hypoxia on the cognitive function remain debatable. We investigated the effects of acute hypoxia on human cognitive processing using electroencephalographic event-related potentials and somatosensory-evoked potentials. Acute normobaric hypoxia impaired neural activity in motor executive and inhibitory processing, but no significant differences were observed in neural activity in somatosensory processing.
Eupnea, tachypnea, and autoresuscitation in a closed-loop respiratory control model
Authors: Diekman Casey O. , Thomas Peter J. , Wilson Christopher G.
Published: July 2017

How sensory information influences the dynamics of rhythm generation varies across systems, and general principles for understanding this aspect of motor control are lacking. Determining the origin of respiratory rhythm generation is challenging because the mechanisms in a central circuit considered in isolation may be different from those in the intact organism. We analyze a closed-loop respiratory control model incorporating a central pattern generator (CPG), the Butera-Rinzel-Smith (BRS) model, together with lung mechanics, oxygen handling, and chemosensory components. We show that 1) embedding the BRS model neuron in a control loop creates a bistable system; 2) although closed-loop and open-loop (isolated) CPG systems both support eupnea-like bursting activity, they do so via distinct mechanisms; 3) chemosensory feedback in the closed loop improves robustness to variable metabolic demand; 4) the BRS model conductances provide an autoresuscitation mechanism for recovery from transient interruption of chemosensory feedback; and 5) the in vitro brain stem CPG slice responds to hypoxia with transient bursting that is qualitatively similar to in silico autoresuscitation. Bistability of bursting and tonic spiking in the closed-loop system corresponds to coexistence of eupnea-like breathing, with normal minute ventilation and blood oxygen level and a tachypnea-like state, with pathologically reduced minute ventilation and critically low blood oxygen. Disruption of the normal breathing rhythm, through either imposition of hypoxia or interruption of chemosensory feedback, can push the system from the eupneic state into the tachypneic state. We use geometric singular perturbation theory to analyze the system dynamics at the boundary separating eupnea-like and tachypnea-like outcomes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A common challenge facing rhythmic biological processes is the adaptive regulation of central pattern generator (CPG) activity in response to sensory feedback. We apply dynamical systems tools to understand several properties of a closed-loop respiratory control model, including the coexistence of normal and pathological breathing, robustness to changes in metabolic demand, spontaneous autoresuscitation in response to hypoxia, and the distinct mechanisms that underlie rhythmogenesis in the intact control circuit vs. the isolated, open-loop CPG.
Chronic pain alters spatiotemporal activation patterns of forearm muscle synergies during the development of grip force
Authors: Manickaraj Nagarajan , Bisset Leanne M. , Devanaboyina Venkata S. P. T. , Kavanagh Justin J.
Published: July 2017

It is largely unknown how the CNS regulates multiple muscle systems in the presence of pain. This study used muscle synergy analysis to investigate multiple forearm muscles in individuals with chronic elbow pain during the development of grip force. Eleven individuals with chronic elbow pain and 11 healthy age-matched control subjects developed grip force to 15% and 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Surface electromyography was obtained from six forearm muscles during force development before nonnegative matrix factorization was performed. The relationship between muscle synergies and standard clinical tests of elbow pain were examined by linear regression. During grip force development to 15% MVC the pain group had a lower number of forearm muscle synergies, increased similarity in spatial activation patterns, increased cocontraction of forearm flexors, and a greater magnitude of muscle weightings across the forearm when performing the task. During the 30% MVC grip the numbers of muscle synergies were the same for both groups; however, the pain group had lower activation and reduced variability in the timing of peak activation. The timing of peak activation was delayed in the pain group regardless of the task, and performing the grip in different wrist postures did not affect muscle synergy characteristics in either group. Although localized pain causes direct dysfunction of an affected muscle, this study provides evidence that the timing and amplitude of agonist and antagonist muscle activity are also affected with chronic pain.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle activation patterns of individuals with chronic elbow pain are simplified compared with healthy individuals. This is apparent as individuals with pain exhibit fewer forearm muscle synergies, and increased similarity of activation patterns between forearm muscles, when performing pain-free isometric gripping. As such, even during pain-free tasks it is possible to observe changes in motor control in people with chronic pain.
Muscle disuse caused by botulinum toxin injection leads to increased central gain of the stretch reflex in the rat
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Hultborn Hans , Näslund-Koch Lui , Jensen Dennis B. , Wienecke Jacob , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: July 2017

Botulinum toxin (Btx) is used in children with cerebral palsy and in other neurological patients to diminish spasticity and reduce the risk of development of contractures. We investigated changes in the central gain of the stretch reflex circuitry in response to Btx injection in the triceps surae muscle in rats. Experiments were performed in 21 rats. Eight rats were a control group, and 13 rats were injected with 6 IU of Btx in the left triceps surae muscle. Two weeks after Btx injection, larger monosynaptic reflexes (MSR) were recorded from the left (injected) than the right (noninjected) L4 + L5 ventral roots following stimulation of the corresponding dorsal roots. A similar increase on the left side was observed in response to stimulation of descending motor tracts, suggesting that increased excitability of spinal motor neurons may at least partly explain the increased reflexes. However, significant changes were also observed in postactivation depression of the MSR, suggesting that plastic changes in transmission from Ia afferent to the motor neurons also may be involved. The data demonstrate that muscle paralysis induced by Btx injection is accompanied by plastic adaptations in the central stretch reflex circuitry, which counteract the antispastic effect of Btx.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Injection of botulinum toxin into ankle muscles causes increased gain of stretch reflex. This is caused by adaptive changes in regulation of transmitter release from Ia afferents and increased excitability of spinal motor neurons.
Intra- and intersegmental influences among central pattern generating networks in the walking system of the stick insect
Authors: Mantziaris Charalampos , Bockemühl Till , Holmes Philip , Borgmann Anke , Daun Silvia , Büschges Ansgar
Published: July 2017

To efficiently move around, animals need to coordinate their limbs. Proper, context-dependent coupling among the neural networks underlying leg movement is necessary for generating intersegmental coordination. In the slow-walking stick insect, local sensory information is very important for shaping coordination. However, central coupling mechanisms among segmental central pattern generators (CPGs) may also contribute to this. Here, we analyzed the interactions between contralateral networks that drive the depressor trochanteris muscle of the legs in both isolated and interconnected deafferented thoracic ganglia of the stick insect on application of pilocarpine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. Our results show that depressor CPG activity is only weakly coupled between all segments. Intrasegmental phase relationships differ between the three isolated ganglia, and they are modified and stabilized when ganglia are interconnected. However, the coordination patterns that emerge do not resemble those observed during walking. Our findings are in line with recent studies and highlight the influence of sensory input on coordination in slowly walking insects. Finally, as a direct interaction between depressor CPG networks and contralateral motoneurons could not be observed, we hypothesize that coupling is based on interactions at the level of CPG interneurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maintaining functional interleg coordination is vitally important as animals locomote through changing environments. The relative importance of central mechanisms vs. sensory feedback in this process is not well understood. We analyzed coordination among the neural networks generating leg movements in stick insect preparations lacking phasic sensory feedback. Under these conditions, the networks governing different legs were only weakly coupled. In stick insect, central connections alone are thus insufficient to produce the leg coordination observed behaviorally.
Metamaterials for Microwave Radomes and the Concept of a Metaradome: Review of the Literature
Authors: Öziş E. , Osipov A. V. , Eibert T. F.
Published: July 2017

A radome is an integral part of almost every antenna system, protecting antennas and antenna electronics from hostile exterior conditions (humidity, heat, cold, etc.) and nearby personnel from rotating mechanical parts of antennas and streamlining antennas to reduce aerodynamic drag and to conceal antennas from public view. Metamaterials are artificial materials with a great potential for antenna design, and many studies explore applications of metamaterials to antennas but just a few to the design of radomes. This paper discusses the possibilities that metamaterials open up in the design of microwave radomes and introduces the concept of metaradomes. The use of metamaterials can improve or correct characteristics (gain, directivity, and bandwidth) of the enclosed antenna and add new features, like band-pass frequency behavior, polarization transformations, the ability to be switched on/off, and so forth. Examples of applications of metamaterials in the design of microwave radomes available in the literature as well as potential applications, advantages, drawbacks, and still open problems are described.
Bifurcation Analysis and Chaos Control of a Fractional Order Portal Frame with Nonideal Loading Using Adaptive Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Anitha , Duraisamy Prakash
Published: July 2017

We investigate the chaotic oscillations in a fractional order model of a portal frame with nonideal loading. The bifurcation of the fractional order portal frame system for parameters and fractional orders are investigated. Bicoherence analysis shows the existence of quadratic nonlinearities. Fractional order adaptive sliding mode controllers are designed to suppress the chaotic oscillations with uncertain parameters. Power efficiency analysis of the FPGA implemented control scheme shows the maximum power utilization in the fractional order showing the largest Lyapunov exponent.
Fast and Straightforward Synthesis of Luminescent Titanium(IV) Dioxide Quantum Dots
Authors: Štengl Václav , Henych Jiří , Šťastný Martin , Kormunda Martin
Published: July 2017

The nucleus of titania was prepared by reaction of solution titanium oxosulphate with hydrazine hydrate. These titania nuclei were used for titania quantum dots synthesis by a simple and fast method. The prepared titanium(IV) dioxide quantum dots were characterized by measurement of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The optical properties were determined by photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The prepared titanium(IV) dioxide quantum dots have the narrow range of UV excitation (365–400 nm) and also a close range of emission maxima (450–500 nm).
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Parathyroid Hormone Secretion
Authors: Zaheer Sarah , Brown Jenifer M. , Connors Molly , Williams Jonathan S. , Adler Gail K. , Vaidya Anand
Published: July 2017

Background. Prior studies suggest that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors decrease parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Objective. To evaluate the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on serum PTH in participants with and without primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT). Methods. An open-label, single-arm, pilot study whereby participants with and without P-HPT had PTH were evaluated before and after 1 week of maximally tolerated lisinopril therapy. Results. A total of 12 participants with, and 15 participants without, P-HPT successfully completed the protocol. Following 1 week of lisinopril, participants with P-HPT had a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (−6.4 mmHg, P<0.01), an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) (+1.50 ng/mL/h, P=0.06), and a decrease in PTH (79.5 (21.6) to 70.9 (19.6) pg/mL, ∆=−8.6 pg/mL, P=0.049); however, serum and urine calcium did not change. In contrast, although 1 week of lisinopril significantly decreased SBP and increased PRA among participants without P-HPT, there were no changes in PTH or calcium. Conclusion. In this short pilot investigation, 1 week of maximally titrated ACEi did not impact PTH in participants without P-HPT, but resulted in a modest and marginally significant reduction of PTH but not calcium, among participants with P-HPT. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01691781.
Writing Field Analysis for Shingled Bit-Patterned Magnetic Recording
Authors: Li X. G. , Liu Z. J. , Kang A. G. , Xie X. Y.
Published: July 2017

A novel method utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) is proposed for effective analysis of the combined influence of writing head geometry and media properties on writing field performance. The method comprises two main modules: (1) a parametric writing head model based on finite element electromagnetic field analysis and (2) an effective writing field gradient model based on RSM. Using the method proposed, the writing performance of an asymmetrically shielded writing head for shingled magnetic recording on bit-patterned media (SMR-BPM) is analyzed. The results show that the shielding trailing gap and medium coercivity primarily impact the effective writing field (EWF) gradient and that the shielding side gap has a secondary impact. More importantly, the analysis shows a strong interaction effect between the influences of writing head geometry and medium coercivity on the EWF gradient, which indicates the need for inclusive design.
Effect of Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) on Acute Streptococcus pneumoniae Murine Sinusitis via Macrophage Activation
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Konishi Toru , Takase Hiroshi , Jiang Zhixia , Arai Tetsuya , Makino Toshiaki
Published: July 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) causes sinusitis. The general treatment of S. pneumonia sinusitis is by using antibiotics; however, one of their serious problems is the attenuation of their effect. Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang), a formula of Japanese traditional Kampo medicine, has been used for the treatment of sinusitis in Japan. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Shin’iseihaito against S. pneumoniae‐caused sinusitis in mice. Oral administration of Shin’iseihaito extract (SSHT) decreased the nasal colonization of S. pneumoniae in both prophylactic and therapeutic treatments, respectively, and the former was more effective than the latter. Histopathological analysis revealed that the epithelial tissue from S. pneumoniae‐infected nose under SSHT treatment recovered the tissue destruction in comparison to infected nose. We also confirmed this result by scanning electron microscopic analysis. Murine peritoneal macrophages from SSHT‐treated mice had significant phagocytic activity in comparison to those from untreated group. We also found that tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 levels and the migration of macrophages from S. pneumoniae‐infected mice with the treatment with SSHT were increased compared to those from untreated group. Our data suggest that Shin’iseihaito may be useful for the treatment of S. pneumoniae‐induced sinusitis.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Translation, and Validation of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score for Extremity Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Patients in Netherlands
Authors: Willeumier Julie J. , van der Wal C. W. P. G. , van der Wal Robert J. P. , Dijkstra P. D. S. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , van de Sande Michiel A. J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) to Dutch and to validate the translated version. Methods. The TESS lower and upper extremity versions (LE and UE) were translated to Dutch according to international guidelines. The translated version was validated in 98 patients with surgically treated bone or soft tissue tumors of the LE or UE. To assess test-retest reliability, participants were asked to fill in a second questionnaire after one week. Construct validity was determined by computing Spearman rank correlations with the Short Form- (SF-) 36. Results. The internal consistency (0.957 and 0.938 for LE and UE, resp.) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.963 and 0.969 for LE and UE, resp.) were good for both questionnaires. The Dutch LE and UE TESS versions correlated most strongly with the SF-36 physical function dimension (r=0.737 for LE, 0.726 for UE) and the physical component summary score (r=0.811 and 0.797 for LE and UE). Interpretation. The Dutch TESS questionnaire for lower and upper extremities is a consistent, reliable, and valid instrument to measure patient-reported physical function in surgically treated patients with a soft tissue or bone tumor.
Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 Promotes the Growth and Invasion of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Ding Shihua , Tang Shaohui , Wang Min , Wu Donghai , Guo Haijian
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims. Acyl-CoA synthetase 5 (ACS5) has been reported to be associated with the development of various cancers, but the role of it in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well understood. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of ACS5 in the development and progression of CRC. Methods. ACS5 expression in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines was examined, and its clinical significance was analyzed. The role of ACS5 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion was examined in vitro. Results. We found that ACS5 expression was upregulated in CRC cells and CRC tissues and that high ACS5 expression was more frequent in CRC patients with excess muscular layer and with poor tumor differentiation. Furthermore, knockdown of ACS5 in HT29 and SW480 cells significantly dampened cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and reduced cell migration and invasion. In contrast, the ectopic overexpression of ACS5 in LOVO and SW620 cells remarkably promoted cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Enhanced cell growth and invasion ability mediated by the gain of ACS5 expression were associated with downregulation of caspase-3 and E-cadherin and upregulation of survivin and CD44. Conclusions. Our data demonstrate that ACS5 can promote the growth and invasion of CRC cells and provide a potential target for CRC gene therapy.
Robust Course Keeping Control of a Fully Submerged Hydrofoil Vessel without Velocity Measurement: An Iterative Learning Approach
Authors: Liu Sheng , Xu Changkui , Zhang Lanyong
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a novel robust output feedback control methodology for the course keeping control of a fully submerged hydrofoil vessel. Based on a sampled‐data iterative learning strategy, an iterative learning observer is established for the estimation of system states and the generalized disturbances. With the state observer, a feedback linearized iterative sliding mode controller is designed for the stabilization of the lateral dynamics of the fully submerged hydrofoil vessel. The stability of the overall closed‐loop system is analyzed based on Lyapunov stability theory. Comparative simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and show the dominance of the disturbance rejection performance.
Low-Cost Mini Radar: Design Prototyping and Tests
Authors: Tarchi Dario , Vespe Michele , Gioia Ciro , Sermi Francesco , Kyovtorov Vladimir , Guglieri Giorgio
Published: July 2017

Radar systems are largely employed for surveillance of wide and remote areas; the recent advent of drones gives the opportunity to exploit radar sensors on board of unmanned aerial platforms. Nevertheless, whereas drone radars are currently available for military applications, their employment in the civilian domain is still limited. The present research focuses on design, prototyping, and testing of an agile, low-cost, mini radar system, to be carried on board of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) or tethered aerostats. In particular, the paper faces the challenge to integrate the in-house developed radar sensor with a low-cost navigation board, which is used to estimate attitude and positioning data. In fact, a suitable synchronization between radar and navigation data is essential to properly reconstruct the radar picture whenever the platform is moving or the radar is scanning different azimuthal sectors. Preliminary results, relative to tests conducted in preoperational conditions, are provided and exploited to assert the suitable consistency of the obtained radar pictures. From the results, there is a high consistency between the radar images and the picture of the current environment emerges; finally, the comparison of radar images obtained in different scans shows the stability of the platform.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Σ5(210)/[001] Tilt Grain Boundary with Self-Interstitial Atoms by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lu Cheng , Pei Linqing , Zhao Xing , Zhang Jie , Tieu Kiet
Published: July 2017

Grain boundary (GB) can serve as an efficient sink for radiation-induced defects, and therefore nanocrystalline materials containing a large fraction of grain boundaries have been shown to have improved radiation resistance compared with their polycrystalline counterparts. However, the mechanical properties of grain boundaries containing radiation-induced defects such as interstitials and vacancies are not well understood. In this study, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations with embedded-atom method (EAM) potential to investigate the interaction of Σ5(210)/[001] symmetric tilt GB in Cu with various amounts of self-interstitial atoms. The mechanical properties of the grain boundary were evaluated using a bicrystal model by applying shear deformation and uniaxial tension. Simulation results showed that GB migration and GB sliding were observed under shear deformation depending on the number of interstitial atoms that segregated on the boundary plane. Under uniaxial tension, the grain boundary became a weak place after absorbing self-interstitial atoms where dislocations and cracks were prone to nucleate.
Efficient Approximation of the Labeled Multi‐Bernoulli Filter for Online Multitarget Tracking
Authors: Wang Ping , Ma Liang , Xue Kai
Published: July 2017

Online tracking time‐varying number of targets is a challenging issue due to measurement noise, target birth or death, and association uncertainty, especially when target number is large. In this paper, we propose an efficient approximation of the Labeled Multi‐Bernoulli (LMB) filter to perform online multitarget state estimation and track maintenance efficiently. On the basis of the original LMB filer, we propose a target posterior approximation technique to use a weighted single Gaussian component representing each individual target. Moreover, we present the Gaussian mixture implementation of the proposed efficient approximation of the LMB filter under linear, Gaussian assumptions on the target dynamic model and measurement model. Numerical results verify that our proposed efficient approximation of the LMB filer achieves accurate tracking performance and runs several times faster than the original LMB filer.
Implication of Ceramide Kinase in Adipogenesis
Authors: Ordoñez Marta , Presa Natalia , Trueba Miguel , Gomez-Muñoz Antonio
Published: July 2017

Ceramide kinase (CerK) plays a critical role in the regulation of cell growth and survival and has been implicated in proinflammatory responses. In this work, we demonstrate that CerK regulates adipocyte differentiation, a process associated with obesity, which causes chronic low-grade inflammation. CerK was upregulated during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. Noteworthy, knockdown of CerK using specific siRNA to silence the gene encoding this kinase resulted in substantial decrease of lipid droplet formation and potent depletion in the content of triacylglycerols in the adipocytes. Additionally, CerK knockdown caused blockade of leptin secretion, an adipokine that is crucial for regulation of energy balance in the organism and that is increased in the obese state. Moreover, CerK gene silencing decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which is considered the master regulator of adipogenesis. It can be concluded that CerK is a novel regulator of adipogenesis, an action that may have potential implications in the development of obesity, and that targeting this kinase may be beneficial for treatment of obesity-associated diseases.
Genetic Variants of Cytochrome CYP2D6 in Two Mixed Chilean Populations
Authors: Acuña Mónica , Pinto Eric , Olivares Paulina , Ríos Carolina
Published: July 2017

Objectives: It is known that the interindividual and interethnic variability of the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 plays an important role in the presentation of adverse drug reactions and concerning lack of therapeutic effects in humans. However, there are few data available from mixed populations of Latin America, including the Chilean. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the frequencies of CYP2D6 variants in two samples of hospitals from the northern (Hospital San José, HSJ) and eastern (Clínica Las Condes, CLC) parts of Santiago, Chile, with different degrees of Amerindian admixture (HSJ: 34.5%; CLC: 15.9%). Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease digestion (PCR-RFLP) to genotype 7 CYP2D6 alleles in 250 healthy unrelated individuals of Chilean Mestizo background. The detection of allele CYP2D6*5 and the duplication of this gene was performed by long-PCR. Results: The degrees of Amerindian admixture are reflected in the observed frequencies of the CYP2D6*1 (HSJ: 58.26%; CLC: 41.06%), CYP2D6*2 (HSJ: 28.10%; CLC: 40.65%), and CYP2D6*4 (HSJ: 8.26%; CLC: 12.60%) alleles; the frequencies of CYP2D6*1 (p = 0.0002) and CYP2D6*2 (p = 0.0036) are significantly different between the samples. Four individuals (CLC: 0.41%; HSJ: 1.24%) could not be assigned to a genotype. We identified 3.25% of the genotypes which predict a poor metabolizer phenotype in CLC and 1.65% in HSJ. Conclusion: Our data indicate ethnic group-dependent genetic differences in the vulnerability to treatment with the large variety of drugs metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6.