bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary and Serum Antibody Response Against Neisseria meningitidis After Vaccination With Conjugate Polysaccharide Vaccines in Ethiopian Volunteers
Authors: Bårnes G. K. , Workalemahu B. , Kristiansen P. A. , Beyene D. , Merdekios B. , Fissiha P. , Aseffa A. , Caugant D. A. , Næss L. M.
Published: May 2016

Meningococcal conjugate vaccines induce serum antibodies crucial for protection against invasive disease. Salivary antibodies are believed to be important for hindering meningococcal acquisition and/or clearance of established carriage. In this study, we measured salivary IgA and IgG antibodies induced by vaccination with a monovalent serogroup A conjugate vaccine or a tetravalent A, C, W and Y conjugate vaccine, in comparison with antibody levels in serum. Saliva and serum samples from Ethiopian volunteers (1–29 years) collected before and eight times on a weekly basis after receiving the serogroup A conjugate vaccine, the tetravalent serogroup A, C, W and Y conjugate vaccine, or no vaccine (control group), were analysed using a multiplex microsphere immunoassay for antibody detection. Serogroup‐specific IgG antibody levels in saliva increased significantly after vaccination with both vaccines. The monovalent serogroup A vaccine also induced an increase in salivary IgA antibodies. A strong correlation between serogroup‐specific IgG antibodies in saliva and serum, and a somewhat lower correlation for IgA, was observed for all serogroups. There was also a strong correlation between specific secretory IgA and IgA antibodies in saliva for all serogroups. Meningococcal conjugate vaccines are able to elicit salivary antibodies against serogroup A, C, W and Y correlating with antibody levels in serum. The strong correlation between saliva and serum antibody levels indicates that saliva may be used as a surrogate of systemic antibody responses.
E74‐like factor 3 and nuclear factor‐κB regulate lipocalin‐2 expression in chondrocytes
Authors: Conde Javier , Otero Miguel , Scotece Morena , Abella Vanessa , López Verónica , Pino Jesús , Gómez Rodolfo , Lago Francisca , Goldring Mary B. , Gualillo Oreste
Published: May 2016

Key points

E74‐like factor 3 (ELF3) is a transcription factor regulated by inflammation in different physio‐pathological situations. Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) emerged as a relevant adipokine involved in the regulation of inflammation. In this study we showed for the first time the involvement of ELF3 in the control of LCN2 expression and its cooperation with nuclear factor‐κB (NFκB).

Our results will help to better understand of the role of ELF3, NFκB and LCN2 in the pathophysiology of articular cartilage.

E74‐like factor 3 (ELF3) is a transcription factor induced by inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes that increases gene expression of catabolic and inflammatory mediators. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a novel adipokine that negatively impacts articular cartilage, triggering catabolic and inflammatory responses in chondrocytes. Here, we investigated the control of LCN2 gene expression by ELF3 in the context of interleukin 1 (IL‐1)‐driven inflammatory responses in chondrocytes. The interaction of ELF3 and nuclear factor‐κB (NFκB) in modulating LCN2 levels was also explored. LCN2 mRNA and protein levels, as well those of several other ELF3 target genes, were determined by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. Human primary chondrocytes, primary chondrocytes from wild‐type and Elf3 knockout mice, and immortalized human T/C‐28a2 and murine ATDC5 cell lines were used in in vitro assays. The activities of various gene reporter constructs were evaluated by luciferase assays. Gene overexpression and knockdown were performed using specific expression vectors and siRNA technology, respectively. ELF3 overexpression transactivated the LCN2 promoter and increased the IL‐1‐induced mRNA and protein levels of LCN2, as well as the mRNA expression of other pro‐inflammatory mediators, in human and mouse chondrocytes. We also identified a collaborative loop between ELF3 and NFκB that amplifies the induction of LCN2. Our findings show a novel role for ELF3 and NFκB in the induction of the pro‐inflammatory adipokine LCN2, providing additional evidence of the interaction between ELF3 and NFκB in modulating inflammatory responses, and a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ELF3 in chondrocytes.
Adsorption-Induced Surface Effects on the Dynamical Characteristics of Micromechanical Resonant Sensors for In Situ Real-Time Detection
Authors: Hu Kai-Ming , Zhang Wen-Ming , Shi Xi , Yan Han , Peng Zhi-Ke , Meng Guang
Published: May 2016

By incorporating modified Langmuir kinetic model, a novel slowly time-varying dynamical model of in situ micromechanical sensors is proposed to real-time monitor atomic or molecular adsorptions on the solid surface in a viscous fluid. First, Langmuir kinetic model is modified by the introduction of time-varying concentrations of analytes. Second, van der Waals (vdW), Coulomb, and biomolecular interactions for uncharged adsorbates, charged ones, and double-stranded DNAs (dsDNAs) are adopted, respectively, to develop the governing equation of time-varying vibrational systems with Hamilton's principle. It can be found that the adsorption-induced surface effects are incorporated into the dynamical equation of sensors due to real-time adsorptions. Third, the dynamical model is validated with the theoretical results of O atoms on Si (100) surface and the experimental data of dsDNAs interactions. The results show that the dynamical behavior is adsorption-induced slowly time-varying vibration due to the time-varying effective mass, stiffness, damping, and equilibrium positions of the microcantilevers. Moreover, comparing the modified Langmuir kinetic model with the unmodified model, the amplitude and phase hysteresis phenomena of frequency shift for resonant sensors can result in huge detection errors. In addition, the fluid effect can dramatically degrade the sensitivity and precision of real-time detection by several orders, which can provide a theoretical foundation to improve the detection sensitivity by reducing the fluid effect. The work demonstrates that it is essential to develop a time-varying dynamical model for in situ real-time label-free detection technique.
Neurotensin makes us fat
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2016

An evolutionarily conserved mechanism for stimulating the absorption of dietary fats may contribute to metabolic disease caused by modern high-fat diets.
Choosing between interferon and death
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2016

The ubiquitylation state of the transcription factor IRF3 determines whether a virally infected cell produces interferon or dies.
Nothing but a hound dog
Authors: Greene Casey S.
Published: May 2016

A deep learning algorithm sniffs out chromatin accessibility marks.
Nanoparticle gets the worm
Authors: Thomas Susan Napier
Published: May 2016

Delivery of antifilarial drug to lymphatic tissues using nanoparticles eliminates filarial worm infections.
Patterns and predictors of violence against children in Uganda: a latent class analysis
Authors: Clarke Kelly , Patalay Praveetha , Allen Elizabeth , Knight Louise , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen
Published: May 2016

Objective

To explore patterns of physical, emotional and sexual violence against Ugandan children.

Design

Latent class and multinomial logistic regression analysis of cross-sectional data.

Setting

Luwero District, Uganda.

Participants

In all, 3706 primary 5, 6 and 7 students attending 42 primary schools.

Main outcome and measure

To measure violence, we used the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tool—Child Institutional. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess mental health and administered reading, spelling and maths tests.

Results

We identified three violence classes. Class 1 (N=696 18.8%) was characterised by emotional and physical violence by parents and relatives, and sexual and emotional abuse by boyfriends, girlfriends and unrelated adults outside school. Class 2 (N=975 26.3%) was characterised by physical, emotional and sexual violence by peers (male and female students). Children in Classes 1 and 2 also had a high probability of exposure to emotional and physical violence by school staff. Class 3 (N=2035 54.9%) was characterised by physical violence by school staff and a lower probability of all other forms of violence compared to Classes 1 and 2. Children in Classes 1 and 2 were more likely to have worked for money (Class 1 Relative Risk Ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.51; Class 2 1.55, 1.29 to 1.86), been absent from school in the previous week (Class 1 1.31, 1.02 to 1.67; Class 2 1.34, 1.10 to 1.63) and to have more mental health difficulties (Class 1 1.09, 1.07 to 1.11; Class 2 1.11, 1.09 to 1.13) compared to children in Class 3. Female sex (3.44, 2.48 to 4.78) and number of children sharing a sleeping area predicted being in Class 1.

Conclusions

Childhood violence in Uganda forms distinct patterns, clustered by perpetrator and setting. Research is needed to understand experiences of victimised children, and to develop mental health interventions for those with severe violence exposures.

Trial registration number

NCT01678846; Results.
Ultrasound assessment for grading structural tendon changes in supraspinatus tendinopathy: an inter-rater reliability study
Authors: Ingwersen Kim Gordon , Hjarbaek John , Eshoej Henrik , Larsen Camilla Marie , Vobbe Jette , Juul-Kristensen Birgit
Published: May 2016

Aim

To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of measuring structural changes in the tendon of patients, clinically diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy (cases) and healthy participants (controls), on ultrasound (US) images captured by standardised procedures.

Methods

A total of 40 participants (24 patients) were included for assessing inter-rater reliability of measurements of fibrillar disruption, neovascularity, as well as the number and total length of calcifications and tendon thickness. Linear weighted κ, intraclass correlation (ICC), SEM, limits of agreement (LOA) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were used to evaluate reliability.

Results

‘Moderate—almost perfect’ κ was found for grading fibrillar disruption, neovascularity and number of calcifications (k 0.60–0.96). For total length of calcifications and tendon thickness, ICC was ‘excellent’ (0.85–0.90), with SEM(Agreement)ranging from 0.63 to 2.94 mm and MDC(group)ranging from 0.28 to 1.29 mm. In general, SEM, LOA and MDC showed larger variation for calcifications than for tendon thickness.

Conclusions

Inter-rater reliability was moderate to almost perfect when a standardised procedure was applied for measuring structural changes on captured US images and movie sequences of relevance for patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Future studies should test intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the method in vivo for use in clinical practice, in addition to validation against a gold standard, such as MRI.

Trial registration number

NCT01984203; Pre-results.
Gastric adenocarcinoma: the role ofHelicobacter pyloriin pathogenesis and prevention efforts
Authors: Laird-Fick Heather S , Saini Shivani , Hillard James Randolph
Published: May 2016

Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the world, prompting high-risk countries like South Korea and Japan to establish nationwide screening programmes. Helicobacter pylori is linked to the majority of gastric adenocarcinoma cases and to the vast majority of non-cardia gastric adenocarcinomas. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ‘test-and-treat’ programmes for H. pylori infection to prevent gastric cancer in high-risk populations. While this strategy has gained momentum, providers in low-risk developed countries may be unaware of the risk individual patients face, particularly those who have emigrated from high-risk regions and members of economically disadvantaged minority groups. Rapidly evolving science in recent years has made it difficult for clinicians to keep up with the current best practices. This article reviews the epidemiology of H. pylori and gastric cancer, screening and diagnostic tests and the current treatment regimens for clinicians.
Degradation of soft subgrade soil from slow, large, cyclic heavy-haul road loads: a review
Authors: Krechowiecki-Shaw C.J. , Jefferson I. , Royal A. , Ghataora G.S. , Alobaidi I.M.
Published: May 2016

Extraction of resources in remote locations can require temporary haul roads to transport extremely large, slow-moving, indivisible loads (e.g., plant, oil–gas production modules, and reactors, weighing in excess of 1000 t) without interruptions. Poor subgrade soils may experience larger cyclic strains and greater cyclic degradation under these conditions than under conventional roads, yet the short engineering life precludes many foundation-strengthening options due to cost. As there is little research into this unique situation, this paper synthesizes research from a broad range of applications to discuss implications on expected soil response. Reference is made to critical state theory and discrete element method (DEM) modelling to develop fundamental concepts considering particle-scale interactions. Cyclic failure is proposed to be a kinematically unstable process, triggered by shear banding on the Hvorslev surface, tensile liquefaction or fabric-governed meta-stable liquefaction; the latter is particularly influenced by stress history and anisotropy. This paper finds pore-water pressure accumulation under load and dissipation between loads are key to cyclic degradation and furthermore to be dependent upon load duration, principal stress rotation, and repetition frequency. For meta-stable, liquefiable soils in particular, inclination of principal stresses is at least as important in assessing failure risk as magnitude of stresses.
Impact of a large cylindrical roughness on tidal bore propagation
Authors: Yeow S.C. , Chanson H. , Wang H.
Published: May 2016

A tidal bore is a hydrodynamic shock, surging upstream in some shallow-water bays and estuaries during the flood tide under large tidal range. This study investigates experimentally the propagation of tidal bores over a large cylindrical roughness element, representative of damaged bridge pier foundation. In the initially steady flow, the large cylindrical element generated a wake region, with extents comparable to steady flow literature. During the tidal bore propagation, the presence of the element had negligible effect on the free-surface properties, but a significant impact in terms of the instantaneous velocity and Reynolds stresses. This resulted in longer transient recirculation both upstream and downstream of the element and larger maximum velocity recirculation magnitudes, as well as enhanced turbulent stress levels and potential bed erosion around the large element, within two diameters from the element centre. The results showed the potential development of a large scour hole around the cylindrical element.
Salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) development times, body size, and reproductive outputs follow universal models of temperature dependence
Authors: Samsing Francisca , Oppedal Frode , Dalvin Sussie , Johnsen Ingrid , Vågseth Tone , Dempster Tim
Published: May 2016

Temperatures regulate metabolism of marine ectotherms and thereby influence development, reproduction, and, as a consequence, dispersal. Despite the importance of water temperatures in the epidemiology of marine diseases, for the parasitic copepod Lepeophtheirus salmonis, the effect of high and low temperatures has not been methodically investigated. Here, we examined the effects of a wide temperature range (3–20 °C) on L. salmonis larval development, adult body size, reproductive outputs, and infestation success. Further, we tested if dispersal of salmon lice differed with two temperature-dependent development times to the infective stage (30 and 60 degree-days) using an individual-based dispersal model. Development times followed universal models of temperature dependence described for other marine ectotherms. Water temperatures had a negative relationship with development times, adult body size, and reproductive outputs, except at 3 °C, where larvae failed to reach the infective stage and all parameters were decreased, indicating low temperatures are more detrimental than high temperatures. The predictable effect of temperatures on lice development and reproduction will have important applications, such as predicting dispersal and population connectivity, to assist in controlling lice epidemics.
Seventy years of forest growth and community dynamics in an undisturbed northern hardwood forest
Authors: Pontius Jennifer , Halman Joshua M. , Schaberg Paul G.
Published: May 2016

Long-term forest inventories provide a unique opportunity to quantify changes in forest structure and evaluate how changes compare with current stand development models. An examination of a 70 year record at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, indicated that although species abundances have primarily changed as expected under natural succession, some unexpected results were also detected. This included a significant decline in sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) abundance driven by reduced regeneration and increases in red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) at the expense of sympatric balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and hardwoods at upper elevations. In contrast with accepted stand development models, biomass continues to accrue on these mid- to late-successional forests. Importantly, biomass accumulated at even greater rates in recent decades compared with historical norms. These results support evidence that the anthropogenic influences of a changing climate and the legacy of acid deposition may be altering stand dynamics in northeastern forests.
Screening of Intestinal Bacterial Metabolites of Platycodin D Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qian Shi-Hui , Qian Da-Wei , Li Song-Lin
Published: May 2016

Platycodin D (PD), a bioactive triterpenoid saponin isolated from Platycodi Radix (PR), possesses a vast range of biological activities. Although the pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of PD have been well demonstrated, information regarding the intestinal metabolisms of PD is very limited. In this study, human and rat fecal microflora were prepared and anaerobically incubated with PD at 37[Formula: see text]C for 48[Formula: see text]h, respectively. A highly sensitive and specific ultra performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was developed for the analysis of PD and related metabolites in the reaction samples. A Liquid–liquid extraction method was used for sample pretreatment and the chromatographic separation was performed on a 1.7 [Formula: see text]m particle size Syncronis C[Formula: see text] column using gradient elution system. Finally, a total of seven metabolites were detected and tentatively identified, such as the demethylation metabolite (M1), deoxidation metabolites (M3, M7) and hydrolysis at the C-28 oligosaccharide metabolites (M5, M6), which were first discovered in this experiment. The results indicate that hydrolysis, demethylation, dehydroxylation, and acetylation were the major metabolic pathways of PDin vitro. Additionally, four bacterial strains from human feces including Enterococcus sp.41, Bacillus sp.46, Escherichia sp.49 A and Escherichia sp.64 were detected and further identified with 16S rRNA gene sequencing due to their relatively strong metabolic capacity toward PD. The present study provides important information about the metabolism of PD, which will help elucidate the impact of intestinal bacteria on this active component.
Modulation of the Tumor Metastatic Microenvironment and Multiple Signal Pathways byPrunella vulgarisin Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Su Yu-Chieh , Lin I-Hsin , Siao Yu-Miao , Liu Ching-Ju , Yeh Chia-Chou
Published: May 2016

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used clinically for centuries in Asian countries to treat herpetic keratitis. In previous studies, PV was shown to suppress TPA-induced activation of MMP-9 and inhibit cell invasion and migration in hepatoma cell lines. However, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying these effects is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying PV-mediated inhibition of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in human hepatoma cells (Huh-7 and HA22T). PV suppressed VEGF and MMP-9 transcription by inhibiting activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) activity. PV suppressed TPA-induced AP-1 activity by inhibiting phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), downregulating p38 signaling pathways, and suppressing TPA-induced inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]B nuclear translocation through I[Formula: see text]B. PV suppressed TPA-induced activation of ERK/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt upstream of NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1. These data suggest that PV modifies the metastatic microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inhibiting multiple signal transduction pathways. PV thus may have the therapeutic potential to inhibit the migration and invasion of HCC and act as potential agent for systemic therapies.
Solitary and periodic wave solutions of the Majda–Biello system
Authors: Adem Abdullahi Rashid
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we present the exact solutions of the Majda–Biello system. This system describes the nonlinear interaction of long-wavelength equatorial Rossby waves and barotropic Rossby waves with a substantial midlatitude projection, in the presence of suitable horizontally and vertically sheared zonal mean flows. The methods used to construct the exact solutions are the Kudryashov method and Jacobi elliptic function method. These two methods yield solitary wave solutions and periodic wave solutions.
DEVELOPMENTAL SCENARIOS OF THE EPIPHYSIS AND GROWTH PLATE UPON MECHANICAL LOADING: A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL
Authors: GUEVARA JOHANA MARIA , GOMEZ MARIA LUCIA GUTIERREZ , BARRERA LA LUIS ALEJANDRO , GARZÓN-ALVARADO DIEGO ALEXANDER
Published: May 2016

Long bone growth relies on the continuous bone formation from cartilaginous tissue (endochondral ossification). This process starts in the central region (diaphysis) of the forming bone and short before birth, ossification starts in bone extremes (epiphysis). A cartilaginous region known as the growth plate is maintained until adolescence between epiphysis and diaphysis to further contribute to longitudinal growth. Even though there are several biochemical factors controlling this process, there is evidence revealing an important regulatory role of mechanical stimuli. Up to now approaches to understand mechanical effects on ossification have been limited to epiphysis. In this work, based on Carter's mathematical model for epiphyseal ossification, we explored human growth plate response to mechanical loads. We analyzed growth plate stress distribution using finite element method for a generic bone considering different stages of bone development in order to shed light on mechanical contribution to growth plate function. Results obtained revealed that mechanical environment within the growth plate change as epiphyseal ossification progresses. Furthermore, results were compared with physiological behavior, as reported in literature, to analyze the role of mechanical stimulus over development. Our results suggest that mechanical stimuli may play different regulation roles on growth plate behavior through normal long bone development. However, as this approach only took into account mechanical aspects, failed to accurately predict biological behavior in some stages. In order to derive biologically relevant information from computational models it is necessary to consider biological contribution and possible mechanical–biochemical interactions affecting human growth plate physiology. Along these lines, we propose the dilatatorial parameter k used by Carter et al. should assume different values corresponding to the developmental stage in question. Thus, reflecting biochemical contribution changes over time.
EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE IN CARRYING A HEAVY, UNILATERAL LOAD: FOOTPRINT EVIDENCE
Authors: WEBB DAVID , BRATSCH SARA
Published: May 2016

Although a significant amount of research has examined the biomechanical effects of carrying a load on human walking, most has focussed on fore and aft loads, or evenly balanced loads. In addition, most research on human walking no longer considers footprint analysis, despite its ease of use and its effectiveness in studies of balance. However, one project, with a small number of subjects, suggested that people carrying a heavy load in one hand (e.g., a suitcase or toolbox) make two sorts of adjustments to the placement of their feet on the substrate. The first and most obvious change is a decrease in foot angle (in-toeing) on the unloaded side. This puts the anterior part of the foot further under the center of mass when carrying a load in the contralateral hand and has been amply documented in subsequent studies. The second and more subtle change is a decrease in step width, a practice which also moves the foot on the unloaded side closer to the center of mass. However, tests subsequent to the original study did not show a consistent or significant use of this technique. This discrepancy between original and subsequent results in step width can be explained by the level of expertise which various subjects have. Experience carrying heavy loads may be required for most subjects to develop ways of accommodating loads. For this project, subjects were tested under two conditions: carrying an empty canvas bag; carrying the same bag with 21% of their body weight in it. All subjects walked on paper runners, wearing paint-soaked socks to leave footprint trails. Subjects were asked to walk once with no weights followed by three more times with weights. They were then given 10–15[Formula: see text]min of practice with the weighted bag, then asked to repeat the protocol, for a total of eight trials (two unweighted and six weighted). Foot angle and step width were measured for all trials. Results show that practice does indeed make a difference in the use of a narrower step when carrying a heavy load. Specifically, the first three weighted trials show a decrease in step width that is nonsignificant, but the last three evince a significant reduction as compared to unweighted trials. In addition, lifetime experience carrying a heavy load led to more immediate changes in foot placement. We conclude that the initial study involved subjects who already had experience carrying a unilateral heavy load and that, as with other activities, mechanically more effective movements are acquired with greater experience and practice.
Waves of destruction in the East Indies: the Wichmann catalogue of earthquakes and tsunami in the Indonesian region from 1538 to 1877
Authors: Harris Ron , Major Jonathan
Published: May 2016

The two volumes of Arthur Wichmann's
Die Erdbeben Des Indischen Archipels
[
The Earthquakes of the Indian Archipelago
] (1918 and 1922) document 61 regional earthquakes and 36 tsunamis between 1538 and 1877 in the Indonesian region. The largest and best documented are the events of 1770 and 1859 in the Molucca Sea region, of 1629, 1774 and 1852 in the Banda Sea region, the 1820 event in Makassar, the 1857 event in Dili, Timor, the 1815 event in Bali and Lombok, the events of 1699, 1771, 1780, 1815, 1848 and 1852 in Java, and the events of 1797, 1818, 1833 and 1861 in Sumatra. Most of these events caused damage over a broad region, and are associated with years of temporal and spatial clustering of earthquakes. The earthquakes left many cities in ‘rubble heaps’. Some events spawned tsunamis with run-up heights >15 m that swept many coastal villages away.

2004 marked the recurrence of some of these events in western Indonesia. However, there has not been a major shallow earthquake (M≥8) in Java and eastern Indonesia for the past 160 years. During this time of relative quiescence, enough tectonic strain energy has accumulated across several active faults to cause major earthquake and tsunami events, such as those documented in the historical records presented here. The disaster potential of these events is much greater now than in the past due to exponential growth in population and urbanization in areas destroyed by past events.

Supplementary material:
Translation of the catalogues into English, scanned PDFs of the original catalogues and geographical locations of most place names found in the catalogue (as a KMZ file) are available at
https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2860405.v1
Mathematical modeling of the circadian dynamics of the neuroendocrine-immune network in experimentally induced arthritis
Authors: Rao R. , DuBois D. , Almon R. , Jusko W. J. , Androulakis I. P.
Published: May 2016

The circadian dynamics of important neuroendocrine-immune mediators have been implicated in progression of rheumatoid arthritis pathophysiology, both clinically as well as in animal models. We present a mathematical model that describes the circadian interactions between mediators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the proinflammatory cytokines. Model predictions demonstrate that chronically elevated cytokine expression results in the development of adrenal insufficiency and circadian variability in paw edema. Notably, our model also predicts that an increase in mean secretion of corticosterone (CST) after the induction of the disease is accompanied by a decrease in the amplitude of the CST oscillation. Furthermore, alterations in the phase of circadian oscillation of both cytokines and HPA axis mediators are observed. Therefore, by incorporating the circadian interactions between the neuroendocrine-immune mediators, our model is able to simulate important features of rheumatoid arthritis pathophysiology.
Liver-derived IGF-I regulates cortical bone mass but is dispensable for the osteogenic response to mechanical loading in female mice
Authors: Svensson Johan , Windahl Sara H. , Saxon Leanne , Sjögren Klara , Koskela Antti , Tuukkanen Juha , Ohlsson Claes
Published: May 2016

Low circulating IGF-I is associated with increased fracture risk. Conditional depletion of IGF-I produced in osteoblasts or osteocytes inhibits the bone anabolic effect of mechanical loading. Here, we determined the role of endocrine IGF-I for the osteogenic response to mechanical loading in young adult and old female mice with adult, liver-specific IGF-I inactivation (LI-IGF-I−/−mice, serum IGF-I reduced by ≈70%) and control mice. The right tibia was subjected to short periods of axial cyclic compressive loading three times/wk for 2 wk, and measurements were performed using microcomputed tomography and mechanical testing by three-point bending. In the nonloaded left tibia, the LI-IGF-I−/−mice had lower cortical bone area and increased cortical porosity, resulting in reduced bone mechanical strength compared with the controls. Mechanical loading induced a similar response in LI-IGF-I−/−and control mice in terms of cortical bone area and trabecular bone volume fraction. In fact, mechanical loading produced a more marked increase in cortical bone mechanical strength, which was associated with a less marked increase in cortical porosity, in the LI-IGF-I−/−mice compared with the control mice. In conclusion, liver-derived IGF-I regulates cortical bone mass, cortical porosity, and mechanical strength under normal (nonloaded) conditions. However, despite an ∼70% reduction in circulating IGF-I, the osteogenic response to mechanical loading was not attenuated in the LI-IGF-I−/−mice.
MiR-206 is expressed in pancreatic islets and regulates glucokinase activity
Authors: Vinod Manjula , Patankar Jay V. , Sachdev Vinay , Frank Saša , Graier Wolfgang F. , Kratky Dagmar , Kostner Gerhard M.
Published: May 2016

Glucose homeostasis is a complex indispensable process, and its dysregulation causes hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucokinase (GK) takes a central role in these pathways and is thus rate limiting for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from pancreatic islets. Several reports have described the transcriptional regulation of Gck mRNA, whereas its posttranscriptional mechanisms of regulation, especially those involving microRNAs (miR), are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-206 as a posttranscriptional regulator of Gck. In addition, we examined the effects of miR-206 on glucose tolerance, GSIS, and gene expression in control and germ line miR-206 knockout (KO) mice fed either with chow or high-fat diet (HFD). MiR-206 was found in Gck-expressing tissues and was differentially altered in response to HFD feeding. Pancreatic islets showed the most profound induction in the expression of miR-206 in response to HFD. Chow- and HFD-fed miR-206KO mice have improved glucose tolerance and GSIS but unaltered insulin sensitivity. In silico analysis of Gck mRNA revealed a conserved 8-mer miR-206 binding site. Hence, the predicted regulation of Gck by miR-206 was confirmed in reporter and GK activity assays. Concomitant with increased GK activity, miR-206KO mice had elevated liver glycogen content and plasma lactate concentrations. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation of Gck by miR-206 and underline the crucial role of pancreatic islet miR-206 in the regulation of whole body glucose homeostasis in a murine model that mimics the metabolic syndrome.
Long-lasting bradypnea induced by repeated social defeat
Authors: Brouillard Charly , Carrive Pascal , Camus Françoise , Bénoliel Jean-Jacques , Similowski Thomas , Sévoz-Couche Caroline
Published: May 2016

Repeated social defeat in the rat induces long-lasting cardiovascular changes associated with anxiety. In this study, we investigated the effects of repeated social defeat on breathing. Respiratory rate was extracted from the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) peak frequency of the ECG in rats subjected to social defeat for 4 consecutive days. Respiratory rate was recorded under anesthesia 6 days (D+10) or 26 days (D+30) after social defeat. At D+10, defeated (D) rats spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test, had heavier adrenal glands, and displayed bradypnea, unlike nondefeated animals. At D+30, all signs of anxiety had disappeared. However, one-half of the rats still displayed bradypnea (DL rats, for low respiratory rate indicated by a lower RSA frequency), whereas those with higher respiratory rate (DH rats) had recovered. Acute blockade of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) or nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) 5-HT3 receptors reversed bradypnea in all D rats at D+10 and in DL rats at D+30. Respiratory rate was also recorded in conscious animals implanted with radiotelemetric ECG probes. DH rats recovered between D+10 and D+18, whereas DL rats remained bradypneic until D+30. In conclusion, social stress induces sustained chronic bradypnea mediated by DMH neurons and NTS 5-HT3 receptors. These changes are associated with an anxiety-like state that persists until D+10, followed by recovery. However, bradypnea may persist in one-half of the population up until D+30, despite apparent recovery of the anxiety-like state.
Morphological Analysis of White Cement Clinker Minerals: Discussion on the Crystallization-Related Defects
Authors: Benmohamed Mohamed , Alouani Rabah , Jmayai Amel , Ben Haj Amara Abdesslem , Ben Rhaiem Hafsia
Published: May 2016

The paper deals with a formation of artificial rock (clinker). Temperature plays the capital role in the manufacturing process. So, it is useful to analyze a poor clinker to identify the different phases and defects associated with their crystallization. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine the clinker’s chemical composition. The amounts of the mineralogical phases are measured by quantitative XRD analysis (Rietveld). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the main phases of white Portland cement clinker and the defects associated with the formation of clinker mineral elements. The results of a study which focused on the identification of white clinker minerals and defects detected in these noncomplying clinkers such as fluctuation of the amount of the main phases (alite (C3S) and belite (C2S)), excess of the free lime, occurrence of C3S polymorphs, and occurrence of moderately-crystallized structures are presented in this paper.
Atomic Structure Calculations for Neutral Oxygen
Authors: Alonizan Norah , Qindeel Rabia , Ben Nessib Nabil
Published: May 2016

Energy levels and oscillator strengths for neutral oxygen have been calculated using the Cowan (CW), SUPERSTRUCTURE (SS), and AUTOSTRUCTURE (AS) atomic structure codes. The results obtained with these atomic codes have been compared with MCHF calculations and experimental values from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database.
Effect of Pore-Scale Heterogeneity and Capillary-Viscous Fingering on Commingled Waterflood Oil Recovery in Stratified Porous Media
Authors: Al-Shalabi Emad W. , Ghosh B.
Published: May 2016

Oil recovery prediction and field pilot implements require basic understanding and estimation of displacement efficiency. Corefloods and glass micromodels are two of the commonly used experimental methods to achieve this. In this paper, waterflood recovery is investigated using layered etched glass micromodel and Berea sandstone core plugs with large permeability contrasts. This study focuses mainly on the effect of permeability (heterogeneity) in stratified porous media with no cross-flow. Three experimental setups were designed to represent uniformly stratified oil reservoir with vertical discontinuity in permeability. Waterflood recovery to residual oil saturation (Sor) is measured through glass micromodel (to aid visual observation), linear coreflood, and forced drainage-imbibition processes by ultracentrifuge. Six oil samples of low-to-medium viscosity and porous media of widely different permeability (darcy and millidarcy ranges) were chosen for the study. The results showed that waterflood displacement efficiencies are consistent in both permeability ranges, namely, glass micromodel and Berea sandstone core plugs. Interestingly, the experimental results show that the low permeability zones resulted in higher ultimate oil recovery compared to high permeability zones. At Sor microheterogeneity and fingering are attributed for this phenomenon. In light of the findings, conformance control is discussed for better sweep efficiency. This paper may be of help to field operators to gain more insight into microheterogeneity and fingering phenomena and their impact on waterflood recovery estimation.
Acupuncture Induces the Proliferation and Differentiation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Jiang Shuting , Chen Weihao , Zhang Yimin , Zhang Yujuan , Chen Ailian , Dai Qiufu , Lin Shujun , Lin Hanyu
Published: May 2016

Purpose. To investigate whether acupuncture induced the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods. 104 Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, model, and acupuncture groups. Each group was subdivided into three‐day (3 d), seven‐day (7 d), and fourteen‐day (14 d) groups. The rat TBI model was established using Feeney’s freefall epidural impact method. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated at acupoints (Baihui, Shuigou, Fengfu, Yamen, and bilateral Hegu). The normal and model groups did not receive acupuncture. The establishment of the rat TBI model and the therapeutic effect of acupuncture were assessed using neurobehavioral scoring and hematoxylin‐eosin staining. The proliferation and differentiation of NSCs in TBI rats were analyzed using immunofluorescence microscopy. Results. The levels of nestin‐expressing cells and bromodeoxyuridine/glial fibrillary acidic protein‐ (BrdU/GFAP‐) and BrdU/S100 calcium‐binding protein B‐positive and BrdU/microtubule‐associated protein 2‐ and BrdU/galactocerebrosidase‐positive cells were more significantly increased at various time points in the acupuncture group than in the model group (P < 0.01), except for a decreased level of BrdU/GFAP‐positive cells at 7 d and 14 d. Conclusion. Acupuncture induced the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs, thereby promoting neural repair in the TBI rats.
Diabetes Risk by Length of Residence among Somali Women in Oslo Area
Authors: Gele Abdi A. , Pettersen Kjell Sverre , Kumar Bernadette , Torheim Liv Elin
Published: May 2016

Type 2 diabetes represents a major health problem worldwide, with immigrants strongly contributing to the increase in diabetes in many countries. Norway is not immune to the process, and immigrants in the country are experiencing an increase in the prevalence of diabetes after arrival. However, the dynamics of these transitions in relation to the duration of residence in the new environment in Norway are not clearly understood. From this background, a cross-sectional quantitative study using a respondent-driven sampling method was conducted among 302 Somali women living in Oslo area. The results show that 41% of the study participants will be at risk for developing diabetes in the coming 10 years, which coincides with 85% of the study participants being abdominally obese. Significant associations were found between years of stay in Norway and the risk for diabetes with those who lived in Norway >10 years, having twofold higher odds of being at risk for developing diabetes compared to those who lived in Norway ≤5 years (OR: 2.16, CI: 1.08–4.32). Understanding the mechanisms through which exposure to the Norwegian environment leads to higher obesity and diabetes risk may aid in prevention efforts for the rapidly growing African immigrant population.
CRPandSAA1Haplotypes Are Associated with Both C-Reactive Protein and Serum Amyloid A Levels: Role of Suppression Effects
Authors: Ko Yu-Lin , Hsu Lung-An , Wu Semon , Teng Ming-Sheng , Chou Hsin-Hua
Published: May 2016

To test the statistical association of theCRPandSAA1locus variants with their corresponding circulating levels and metabolic and inflammatory biomarker levels by using mediation analysis, a sample population of 599 Taiwanese subjects was enrolled and five CRP and four SAA1 variants were genotyped. Correlation analysis revealed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels were significantly associated with multiple metabolic phenotypes and inflammatory marker levels. Our data further revealed a significant association of CRP and SAA1 variants with both CRP and SAA levels. Mediation analysis revealed that SAA levels suppressed the association between SAA1 genotypes/haplotypes and CRP levels and that CRP levels suppressed the association between CRP haplotypes and SAA levels. In conclusion, genetic variants at the CRP and SAA1 loci independently affect both CRP and SAA levels, and their respective circulating levels act as suppressors. These results provided further evidence of the role of the suppression effect in biological science and may partially explain the missing heritability in genetic association studies.
DFT Study on the Carrier Concentration and Temperature-Dependent Thermoelectric Properties of Antimony Selenide
Authors: Jayaraman Aditya , Bhat Kademane Abhijit , Molli Muralikrishna
Published: May 2016

We present the thermoelectric properties of Antimony Selenide (Sb2Se3) obtained using first principles calculations. We investigated the electronic band structure using the FP-LAPW method within the sphere of the density functional theory. Thermoelectric properties were calculated using BoltzTrap code using the constant relaxation time (τ) approximation at three different temperatures 300 K, 600 K, and 800 K. Seebeck coefficient (S) was found to decrease with increasing temperature, electrical conductivity (σ/τ) was almost constant in the entire temperature range, and electronic thermal conductivity (κ/τ) increased with increasing temperature. With increase in temperature S decreased from 1870 μV/K (at 300 K) to 719 μV/K (at 800 K), electronic thermal conductivity increased from 1.56 × 1015 W/m K s (at 300 K) to 3.92 × 1015 W/m K s (at 800 K), and electrical conductivity decreased from 22 × 1019/Ω m s (at 300 K) to 20 × 1019/Ω m s (at 800 K). The thermoelectric properties were also calculated for different hole concentrations and the optimum concentration for a good thermoelectric performance over a large range of temperatures (from 300 K to 1000 K) was found for hole concentration around 1019 cm−3.
Stratification-Based Outlier Detection over the Deep Web
Authors: Xian Xuefeng , Zhao Pengpeng , Sheng Victor S. , Fang Ligang , Gu Caidong , Yang Yuanfeng , Cui Zhiming
Published: May 2016

For many applications, finding rare instances or outliers can be more interesting than finding common patterns. Existing work in outlier detection never considers the context of deep web. In this paper, we argue that, for many scenarios, it is more meaningful to detect outliers over deep web. In the context of deep web, users must submit queries through a query interface to retrieve corresponding data. Therefore, traditional data mining methods cannot be directly applied. The primary contribution of this paper is to develop a new data mining method for outlier detection over deep web. In our approach, the query space of a deep web data source is stratified based on a pilot sample. Neighborhood sampling and uncertainty sampling are developed in this paper with the goal of improving recall and precision based on stratification. Finally, a careful performance evaluation of our algorithm confirms that our approach can effectively detect outliers in deep web.
Neuroinvasion and Inflammation in Viral Central Nervous System Infections
Authors: Dahm Tobias , Rudolph Henriette , Schwerk Christian , Schroten Horst , Tenenbaum Tobias
Published: May 2016

Neurotropic viruses can cause devastating central nervous system (CNS) infections, especially in young children and the elderly. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) have been described as relevant sites of entry for specific viruses as well as for leukocytes, which are recruited during the proinflammatory response in the course of CNS infection. In this review, we illustrate examples of established brain barrier models, in which the specific reaction patterns of different viral families can be analyzed. Furthermore, we highlight the pathogen specific array of cytokines and chemokines involved in immunological responses in viral CNS infections. We discuss in detail the link between specific cytokines and chemokines and leukocyte migration profiles. The thorough understanding of the complex and interrelated inflammatory mechanisms as well as identifying universal mediators promoting CNS inflammation is essential for the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.