bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Cell S Phase Restricts
Legionella pneumophila
Intracellular Replication by Destabilizing the Membrane-Bound Replication Compartment
Authors: de Jesús-Díaz Dennise A. , Murphy Connor , Sol Asaf , Dorer Marion , Isberg Ralph R.
Published: August 2017

Legionella pneumophila
grows within cells ranging from environmental amoebae to human macrophages. In spite of this conserved strategy of pathogenesis, identification of host factors that restrict
L. pneumophila
intracellular replication has not been extended outside components of the mammalian innate immune response. We performed a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) screen against more than 50% of the
Drosophila melanogaster
annotated open reading frames (ORFs) to identify host cell factors that restrict
L. pneumophila
. The majority of analyzed dsRNAs that stimulated
L. pneumophila
intracellular replication were directed against host proteins involved in protein synthesis or cell cycle control. Consistent with disruption of the cell cycle stimulating intracellular replication, proteins involved in translation initiation also resulted in G
1
arrest. Stimulation of replication was dependent on the stage of cell cycle arrest, as dsRNAs causing arrest during S phase had an inhibitory effect on intracellular replication. The inhibitory effects of S phase arrest could be recapitulated in a human cell line, indicating that cell cycle control of
L. pneumophila
replication is evolutionarily conserved. Synchronized HeLa cell populations in S phase and challenged with
L. pneumophila
failed to progress through the cell cycle and were depressed for supporting intracellular replication. Poor bacterial replication in S phase was associated with loss of the vacuole membrane barrier, resulting in exposure of bacteria to the cytosol and their eventual degradation. These results are consistent with the model that S phase is inhibitory for
L. pneumophila
intracellular survival as a consequence of failure to maintain the integrity of the membrane surrounding intracellular bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Legionella pneumophila
has the ability to replicate within human macrophages and amoebal hosts. Here, we report that the host cell cycle influences
L. pneumophila
intracellular replication. Our data demonstrate that the G
1
and G
2
/M phases of the host cell cycle are permissive for bacterial replication, while S phase is toxic for the bacterium.
L. pneumophila
replicates poorly within host cells present in S phase. The inability of
L. pneumophila
to replicate relies on its failure to control the integrity of its vacuole, leading to cytosolic exposure of the bacteria and eventual degradation. The data presented here argue that growth-arrested host cells that are encountered by
L. pneumophila
in either the environment or within human hosts are ideal targets for intracellular replication because their transit through S phase is blocked.
Excess mortality due to indirect health effects of the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Morita Tomohiro , Nomura Shuhei , Tsubokura Masaharu , Leppold Claire , Gilmour Stuart , Ochi Sae , Ozaki Akihiko , Shimada Yuki , Yamamoto Kana , Inoue Manami , Kato Shigeaki , Shibuya Kenji , Kami Masahiro
Published: August 2017

Background

Evidence on the indirect health impacts of disasters is limited. We assessed the excess mortality risk associated with the indirect health impacts of the 2011 triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster) in Fukushima, Japan.

Methods

The mortality rates in Soma and Minamisoma cities in Fukushima from 2006 to 2015 were calculated using vital statistics and resident registrations. We investigated the excess mortality risk, defined as the increased mortality risk between postdisaster and predisaster after excluding direct deaths attributed to the physical force of the disaster. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of mortality after adjusting for city, age and year.

Results

There were 6163 and 6125 predisaster and postdisaster deaths, respectively. The postdisaster mortality risk was significantly higher in the first month following the disaster (March 2011) than in the same month during the predisaster period (March 2006–2010). RRs among men and women were 2.64 (95% CI 2.16 to 3.24) and 2.46 (95% CI 1.99 to 3.03), respectively, demonstrating excess mortality risk due to the indirect health effects of the disaster. Age-specific subgroup analyses revealed a significantly higher mortality risk in women aged ≥85 years in the third month of the disaster compared with predisaster baseline, with an RR (95% CI) of 1.73 (1.23 to 2.44).

Conclusions

Indirect health impacts are most severe in the first month of the disaster. Early public health support, especially for the elderly, can be an important factor for reducing the indirect health effects of a disaster.
Examining school-day dietary intakes among Canadian children
Authors: Tugault-Lafleur Claire N. , Black Jennifer L. , Barr Susan I.
Published: August 2017

Understanding how dietary intakes vary over the course of the school day can help inform targeted school-based interventions, but little is known about the distribution or determinants of school-day dietary intakes in Canada. This study examined differences between school-hour and non–school-hour dietary intakes and assessed demographic and socioeconomic correlates of school-hour diet quality among Canadian children. Nationally representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey were analyzed using 24-h dietary recalls falling on school days in 2004 (n = 4827). Differences in nutrient and food-group densities during and outside of school hours and differences in School Heathy Eating Index (School-HEI) scores across sociodemographic characteristics were examined using survey-weighted, linear regression models. Children reported consuming, on average, 746 kcal during school hours (one-third of their daily energy intakes). Vitamins A, D, B12, calcium, and dairy products densities were at least 20% lower during school hours compared with non-school hours. Differences in School-HEI scores were poorly explained by sociodemographic factors, although age and province of residence emerged as significant correlates. The school context provides an important opportunity to promote healthy eating, particularly among adolescents who have the poorest school-hour dietary practices. The nutritional profile of foods consumed at school could be potentially improved with increased intake of dairy products, thereby increasing intakes of protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
Outer synchronization of complex networks with internal delay and coupling delay via aperiodically intermittent pinning control
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Wang Xingyuan , Wang Chunpeng , Xia Zhiqiu
Published: August 2017

This paper concerns the outer synchronization problem between two complex delayed networks via the method of aperiodically intermittent pinning control. Apart from previous works, internal delay and coupling delay are both involved in this model, and the designed intermittent controllers can be aperiodic. The main work in this paper can be summarized as follows: First, two cases of aperiodically intermittent control with constant gain and adaptive gain are implemented, respectively. The intermittent control and pinning control are combined to reduce consumptions further. Then, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, synchronization protocols are given by strict derivation. Especially, the designed controllers are indeed simple and valid in application of theory to practice. Finally, numerical examples put the proposed control methods to the test.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunostimulatory Activities of Astragalosides
Authors: Qi Yan , Gao Feng , Hou Lifei , Wan Chunping
Published: August 2017

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge (Huang-Qi) is a well-known herbal medicine with tonic property and has been widely used to treat cancer and other immune disorders in China and Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Accumulating evidence suggests that Huang-Qi possesses both immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory/immune-regulatory effects clinically, leaving the mechanism elusive. Recently, we discovered that Astragaloside (ASI), a major active component of Huang-Qi, is able to increase CD45 phosphatase activity. In this paper, we reviewed the recent progress of ASIs in immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, including the induction of T-cell activation, regulation of effector/regulatory T-cell balance, enhancement of CD45 phosphatase activity, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and, NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway. Finally, we hypothesized that inducing interferon-[Formula: see text] (IFN-[Formula: see text]) activity by activating CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) may be involved in the protective role of ASI in two contrary immune-associated diseases. These pharmacological properties highlight the traditional uses of Astragalus and provide a new direction for subsequent research and the clinical application of this traditional herbal.
Sulforaphane Reduces HMGB1-Mediated Septic Responses and Improves Survival Rate in Septic Mice
Authors: Lee In-Chul , Kim Dae Yong , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: August 2017

Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, is effective in preventing carcinogenesis, diabetes, and inflammatory responses. Inhibition of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and restoration of endothelial integrity is emerging as an attractive therapeutic strategy in the management of severe sepsis or septic shock. In this study, we examined the effects of SFN on HMGB1-mediated septic responses and survival rate in a mouse sepsis model. The anti-inflammatory activities of SFN were monitored based on its effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1. The antiseptic activities of SFN were determined by measuring permeability, leukocyte adhesion and migration, and the activation of pro-inflammatory proteins in HMGB1-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice. SFN inhibited the release of HMGB1 and downregulated HMGB1-dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. SFN also inhibited HMGB1-mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. In addition, treatment with SFN reduced CLP-induced release of HMGB1 and sepsis-related mortality and pulmonary injury in vivo. Our results indicate that SFN is a possible therapeutic agent that can be used to treat various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.
A Hard C-Means Clustering Algorithm Incorporating Membership KL Divergence and Local Data Information for Noisy Image Segmentation
Authors: Gharieb R. R. , Gendy G. , Selim H.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the standard hard C-means (HCM) clustering approach to image segmentation is modified by incorporating weighted membership Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence and local data information into the HCM objective function. The membership KL divergence, used for fuzzification, measures the proximity between each cluster membership function of a pixel and the locally-smoothed value of the membership in the pixel vicinity. The fuzzification weight is a function of the pixel to cluster-centers distances. The used pixel to a cluster-center distance is composed of the original pixel data distance plus a fraction of the distance generated from the locally-smoothed pixel data. It is shown that the obtained membership function of a pixel is proportional to the locally-smoothed membership function of this pixel multiplied by an exponentially distributed function of the minus pixel distance relative to the minimum distance provided by the nearest cluster-center to the pixel. Therefore, since incorporating the locally-smoothed membership and data information in addition to the relative distance, which is more tolerant to additive noise than the absolute distance, the proposed algorithm has a threefold noise-handling process. The presented algorithm, named local data and membership KL divergence based fuzzy C-means (LDMKLFCM), is tested by synthetic and real-world noisy images and its results are compared with those of several FCM-based clustering algorithms.
Denoising and 3D Reconstruction of CT Images in Extracted Tooth via Wavelet and Bilateral Filtering
Authors: Wang Cuizhen , Chen Zhenxue , Wang Yan , Wang Zhifeng
Published: August 2017

Three-dimensional reconstruction of teeth plays an important role in the operation of living dental implants. However, the tissue around teeth and the noise generated in the process of image acquisition bring a serious impact on the reconstruction results, which must be reduced or eliminated. Combined with the advantages of wavelet transform and bilateral filtering, this paper proposes an image denoising method based on the above methods. The method proposed in this paper not only removes the noise but also preserves the image edge details. The noise in high frequency subbands is denoised using a locally adaptive thresholding and the noise in low frequency subbands is filtered by the bilateral filtering. Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and 3D reconstruction using the iso-surface extraction method are used to evaluate the denoising effect. The experimental results show that the proposed method is better than the wavelet denoising and bilateral filtering, and the reconstruction results meet the requirements of clinical diagnosis.
CUBot: Computer Vision on the Eye–Hand Coordination with a Computer-Using Robot and its Implementation
Authors: Chen Yung-Sheng , Lin Kun-Li
Published: August 2017

Eye–hand coordination (EHC) is of great importance in the research areas of human visual perception, computer vision and robotic vision. A computer-using robot (CUBot) is designed for investigating the EHC mechanism and its implementation is presented in this paper. The CUBot possesses the ability of operating a computer with a mouse like a human being. Based on the three phases of people using computer with a mouse, i.e. watching the screen, recognizing the graphical objects on the screen as well as controlling the mouse to let the cursor approach to the target, our CUBot can also perceive information merely through its vision and control the mouse by its robotic hand without any physical data communication connected to the operated computer. The CUBot is mainly composed of “Mouse-Hand” for operating the mouse, “mind” for realizing the object perception, cursor tracking, and EHC. Two experiments used for testing the ability of our EHC algorithm and the perception of CUBot confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.
The X(3) model for the modified Davidson potential in a variational approach
Authors: Alimohammadi M. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: August 2017

In this work, we investigate the [Formula: see text]-rigid version of Bohr–Hamiltonian for the modified Davidson potential. Since the corresponding wave equation cannot be solved analytically, we apply the variational method. The related wave function, energy spectra and transition rates are determined. In order to evaluate our results, we fit the formula for the energy spectra to the available experimental data for some nuclei and compare the obtained standard error with the corresponding one in other similar work. Moreover, we study the collective behavior of these nuclei through the evolution of two quantities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in terms of number of valence nucleons.
Improved Performance-Based Plastic Design for RC Moment Resisting Frames: Development and a Comparative Case Study
Authors: Bai Jiulin , Yang T. Y. , Ou Jinping
Published: August 2017

The performance-based plastic design (PBPD) method employs the global yield mechanism and target drift to design reinforced concrete moment resisting frames (RC-MRFs), which satisfies both the drift and strength limits without iterations. However, different structural systems have different hysteretic behaviors and the influence on the energy balance equation has not been dealt with in a quantitative manner. Moreover, the gravity loads are not considered in the plastic design procedure, which makes the beam design not within the safe margin for low and moderate seismic regions. In this paper, an improved PBPD method for RC-MRF is developed. Furthermore, a case study of seven-story RC-MRF is designed using both the improved PBPD and conventional equivalent static force design (ESFD) approaches. Comprehensive comparative analyses are performed in terms of nonlinear static pushover analysis, nonlinear dynamic analysis and seismic loss estimation. The results illustrate that the PBPD procedure can reduce the seismic losses. Hence, it is proved that PBPD is a viable and more robust design procedure as compared to the conventional ESFD procedure.
Bruhat order and nil-Hecke algebras for Weyl groupoids
Authors: Angiono Iván , Yamane Hiroyuki
Published: August 2017

We introduce nil-Hecke algebras for Weyl groupoids. We describe a basis and some properties of these algebras which lead to a notion of Bruhat order for Weyl groupoids.
When is the Jacobson graph projective?
Authors: Parsapour Atossa , Ahmadjavaheri Khadijeh
Published: August 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with nonzero identity and [Formula: see text] be the Jacobson radical of [Formula: see text]. The Jacobson graph of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is a graph with vertex-set [Formula: see text], such that two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] is not a unit of [Formula: see text]. The goal in this paper is to list every finite commutative ring [Formula: see text] with nonzero identity (up to isomorphism) such that the graph [Formula: see text] is projective.
Mixed cobinary trees
Authors: Igusa Kiyoshi , Ostroff Jonah
Published: August 2017

We develop basic cluster theory from an elementary point of view using a variation of binary trees which we call mixed cobinary trees (MCTs). We show that the number of isomorphism classes of such trees is given by the Catalan number [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the number of internal nodes. We also consider the corresponding quiver [Formula: see text] of type [Formula: see text]. As a special case of more general known results about the relation between [Formula: see text]-vectors, representations of quivers and their semi-invariants, we explain the bijection between MCTs and the vertices of the generalized associahedron corresponding to the quiver [Formula: see text]. These results are extended to [Formula: see text]-clusters in the next paper. We give one application: a new short proof of a conjecture of Reineke using MCTs.
On the possibility of singularities on the ambient boundary
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos
Published: August 2017

The order horismos induces the Zeeman [Formula: see text] topology, which is coarser than the Fine Zeeman Topology [Formula: see text]. The causal curves in a spacetime under [Formula: see text] are piecewise null. [Formula: see text] is considered to be the most physical topology in a spacetime manifold [Formula: see text], as the group of homeomorphisms of [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the group of homothetic transformations of [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] was used in the a ambient boundary-ambient space cosmological model, in order to show that there is no possibility of formation of spacetime singularities. In this paper, we question this result, by reviewing the corresponding papers, and we propose new questions toward the improvement of this model.
Solvent and substituent effects on UV-vis spectra and redox properties of zinc p-hydroxylphenylporphyrins
Authors: Lu Guifen , Jiang Xiaoqin , Ou Zhongping , Yan Sen , Kadish Karl M.
Published: August 2017

A series of zinc[Formula: see text]-hydroxylphenylporphyrins was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods in four different nonaqueous solvents. The investigated compounds are represented as [([Formula: see text]-HOPh)[Formula: see text](ptBuPh)[Formula: see text]P]Zn, where P represents the dianion of a porphyrin, Ph represents a phenyl group, HO and [Formula: see text]Bu are para substituents on the meso-phenyl rings of the macrocycle and [Formula: see text] = 0–4. The four utilized nonaqueous solvents were dichloromethane (CH[Formula: see text]Cl[Formula: see text], NN-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and pyridine (Py) which were selected on the basis of their coordinating capabilities. The UV-visible spectra and redox potentials of each porphyrin were analyzed both as a function of Hammett substituent constants for groups at the para-positions of the meso-phenyl rings and as a function of the Gutmann solvent donor number which is related to the coordinating ability of the solvent. Each porphyrin exhibits two reductions in CH[Formula: see text]Cl[Formula: see text], DMSO and Py while three reductions are observed in DMF, the additional reaction being due to a phlorin product generated in solution after formation of the porphyrin dianion. Two or three reversible oxidations were seen in CH[Formula: see text]Cl[Formula: see text], the exact number depending upon the specific porphyrin and the presence of [Formula: see text]-OH substituents at the meso-phenyl rings of the compound. The first two oxidations were assigned as involving the conjugated macrocycle and the third is associated with oxidation of the meso-HOPh group(s).
Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide supported cobalt (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine as an efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for mercaptans oxidation from gasoline
Authors: Motahari Kazem , Ahmadi Hojatollah
Published: August 2017

In the present study, graphene oxide-supported cobalt (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine (CoTsPc-GO) was synthesized using the incipient wetness impregnation assisted [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] assembling method. Applications for this material were investigated for ethyl mercaptan, [Formula: see text]-propyl mercaptan and [Formula: see text]-butyl mercaptan oxidation from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline in a fixed bed reactor. The synthesized CoTsPc-GO catalysts were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of cobalt (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine (CoTsPc) content (0–0.34 g), catalyst dosage (0.02–0.12 g) and temperature (30–40∘ C) on the performance of CoTsPc-GO catalysts were investigated during the Merox process. The stability and reusability of CoTsPc-GO catalyst for mercaptans oxidation were also tested. The obtained results revealed that the maximum mercaptan oxidation during the Merox process was obtained in CoTsPc-GO of 0.34 g, catalyst content of 0.1 g and a temperature of 40∘ C with ethyl mercaptan, [Formula: see text]-propyl mercaptan and [Formula: see text]-butyl mercaptan conversions of 99.9, 98.5 and 97.0%, respectively. The potential of CoTsPc-GO catalyst was investigated for further mercaptans oxidation. The results were compared to those obtained with an industrial impregnated active charcoal catalyst and a CoPc catalyst. The obtained results demonstrated the higher capability of CoTsPc-GO catalyst for mercaptans oxidation from FCC gasoline.
Fabrication of Robust Superhydrophobic Te@C-TiO2 Nanocomposites Coating for Application in Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Wang Tao , Yan Aili , Zhong Longgang , Wang Sheng
Published: August 2017

The main issue limiting the widespread application of superhydrophobic coatings is their low surface robustness, which is closely related to surface roughness on the micro- or nanoscale, and is mechanically weak and easily gets abraded. This work uses Te nanowires as templates to support a carbon layer substrate for the growth of titanium dioxide nanoparticles; this forms hierarchical structures (Te@C-TiO2 nanocomposites). Modification with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroalkyltriethoxysilane created a free-standing superhydrophobic coating. The optimal preparation conditions for the coating were identified after a systematic investigation of the reaction time of the carbon precursor and concentration of TiOSO4. The best anti-wetting performance was attained with 200[Formula: see text]nm diameter Te@C and 15[Formula: see text]mL concentration of TiOSO4. Furthermore, due to their free-standing performance, the nanocomposites were easily loaded onto a polyester fabric to generate a robust superhydrophobic fabric. This fabric shows excellent mechanical durability and strong resistance to knife scratching, sandpaper abrasion, washing, as well as exposure to acid and alkali solutions. Moreover, the robust fabric is able to separate oil/water mixtures with high separation efficiency.
In situ measurement of ECM rheology and microheterogeneity in embedded and overlaid 3D pancreatic tumor stroma co-cultures via passive particle tracking
Authors: Jones Dustin P. , Hanna William , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Celli Jonathan P.
Published: August 2017

Tumor growth is regulated by a diverse set of extracellular influences, including paracrine crosstalk with stromal partners, and biophysical interactions with surrounding cells and tissues.Studies elucidating the role of physical force and the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) itself as regulators of tumor growth and invasion have been greatly catalyzed by the use of in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tumor models. These systems provide the ability to systematically isolate, manipulate, and evaluate impact of stromal components and extracellular mechanics in a platform that is both conducive to imaging and biologically relevant. However, recognizing that mechanoregulatory crosstalk is bi-directional and fully utilizing these models requires complementary methods for in situ measurements of the local mechanical environment. Here, in 3D tumor/fibroblast co-culture models of pancreatic cancer, a disease characterized by its prominent stromal involvement, we evaluate the use of particle-tracking microrheology to probe dynamic mechanical changes. Using videos of fluorescently labeled polystyrene microspheres embedded in collagen I ECM, we measure spatiotemporal changes in the Brownian motion of probes to report local ECM shear modulus and microheterogeneity. This approach reveals stiffening of collagen in fibroblast co-cultures relative to cultures with cancer cells only, which exhibit degraded ECM with heterogeneous microstructure. We further show that these effects are dependent on culture geometry with contrasting behavior for embedded and overlay cultures. In addition to potential application to screening stroma-targeted therapeutics, this work also provides insight into how the composition and plating geometry impact the mechanical properties of 3D cell cultures that are increasingly widely used in cancer biology.
Investigation of facets-dependent photoactivity of anatase TiO2 nanobelt with high percentage of {100} facets
Authors: Dong Wenhao , Pan Feng , Wang Hailong
Published: August 2017

Recently, semiconductor nanomaterials with exposed high percentage of reactive facets have attracted great attention due to their excellent photocatalytic performances. In this report, anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanobelts with dominant {100} facets were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The percentage of desired {100} facets were as high as up to 74.8%, and the photoactivity of anatase TiO2 {100} and {001} facets were evaluated and compared by methylene blue and rhodamine B photodegradation. The {100} facets show higher photocatalytic activity than {001} facets, which could be ascribed to the superior electronic band structure and higher surface active sites density of {100} facets than that of {001} facets.
A Scenario-Based Framework for Assessing the Economic Impacts of Potential Droughts
Authors: Freire-González Jaume , Decker Christopher A. , Hall Jim W.
Published: August 2017

Estimating the potential economic impacts of drought is increasingly prominent in policy discussions on resilience to future population and climate changes. We develop a scenario-based analytical framework for estimating the economic impacts of droughts under a range of assumed climate and policy conditions. The scenarios modeled take account of different assumptions regarding a drought event, including: the source of the drought (green or blue water), temporality, and critically, long-term and short-term policy-making choices. Applying the framework to the UK economy we estimate that, depending on the severity of the drought event and short-term policy choices, the impacts could range from 0.35% to 4.3% of total output in terms of total production. Different long-term policy choices could mitigate the impacts for drought events with similar severity and duration.
Fluorescence quenching by metal centered porphyrins and poryphyrin enzymes
Authors: Olson Kenneth R. , Gao Yan , Arif Faihaan , Arora Kanika , Patel Shivali , DeLeon Eric , Straub Karl D.
Published: August 2017

Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy have been used extensively to monitor biomolecules, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, more recently, reactive sulfide (RSS) species. Nearly all fluorophores are either excited by or emit light between 450 and 550 nm, which is similar to the absorbance of heme proteins and metal-centered porphyrins. Here we examined the effects of catalase (Cat), reduced and oxidized hemoglobin (Hb and metHb), albumin (alb), manganese (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP), iron protoporphyrin IX (hemin), and copper protoporphyrin IX (CuPPIX) on the fluorescence properties of fluorescein. We also examined the effects of catalase and MnTBAP on fluorophores for ROS (dichlorofluorescein, DCF), polysulfides (3′,6′-di( O-thiosalicyl)fluorescein, SSP4), and H2S (7-azido-4-methylcoumarin, AzMC) previously activated by H2O2, a mixed polysulfide (H2Sn, n = 1–7) and H2S, respectively. All except albumin concentration dependently inhibited fluorophore fluorescence and absorbed light between 450 and 550 nm, suggesting that the inhibitory effect was physical not catalytic. Catalase inhibition of fluorescein fluorescence was unaffected by sodium azide, dithiothreitol, diamide, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP), or iodoacetate, supporting a physical inhibitory mechanism. Catalase and TBAP augmented, then inhibited DCF fluorescence, but only inhibited SSP4 and AzMC fluorescence indicative of a substrate-specific catalytic oxidation of DCF and nonspecific fluorescence inhibition of all three fluorophores. These results suggest caution must be exercised when using any fluorescent tracers in the vicinity of metal-centered porphyrins.
Obesity-induced vascular inflammation involves elevated arginase activity
Authors: Yao Lin , Bhatta Anil , Xu Zhimin , Chen Jijun , Toque Haroldo A. , Chen Yongjun , Xu Yimin , Bagi Zsolt , Lucas Rudolf , Huo Yuqing , Caldwell Ruth B. , Caldwell R. William
Published: August 2017

Obesity-induced vascular dysfunction involves pathological remodeling of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and increased inflammation. Our previous studies showed that arginase 1 (A1) in endothelial cells (ECs) is critically involved in obesity-induced vascular dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis that EC-A1 activity also drives obesity-related VAT remodeling and inflammation. Our studies utilized wild-type and EC-A1 knockout (KO) mice made obese by high-fat/high-sucrose (HFHS) diet. HFHS diet induced increases in body weight, fasting blood glucose, and VAT expansion. This was accompanied by increased arginase activity and A1 expression in vascular ECs and increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and protein in both VAT and ECs. HFHS also markedly increased circulating inflammatory monocytes and VAT infiltration by inflammatory macrophages, while reducing reparative macrophages. Additionally, adipocyte size and fibrosis increased and capillary density decreased in VAT. These effects of HFHS, except for weight gain and hyperglycemia, were prevented or reduced in mice lacking EC-A1 or treated with the arginase inhibitor 2-( S)-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid (ABH). In mouse aortic ECs, exposure to high glucose (25 mM) and Na palmitate (200 μM) reduced nitric oxide production and increased A1, TNF-α, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 mRNA, and monocyte adhesion. Knockout of EC-A1 or ABH prevented these effects. HFHS diet-induced VAT inflammation is mediated by EC-A1 expression/activity. Limiting arginase activity is a possible therapeutic means of controlling obesity-induced vascular and VAT inflammation.
Functional and molecular plasticity of γ and α1 GABAA receptor subunits in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus after experimentally induced diabetes
Authors: Boychuk Carie R. , Smith Katalin C. , Smith Bret N.
Published: August 2017

Chronic experimentally induced hyperglycemia augments subunit-specific γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor-mediated inhibition of parasympathetic preganglionic motor neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). However, the contribution of α1 or γ GABAA receptor subunits, which are ubiquitously expressed on central nervous system neurons, to this elevation in inhibitory tone have not been determined. This study investigated the effect of chronic hyperglycemia/hypoinsulinemia on α1- and γ-subunit-specific GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition using electrophysiological recordings in vitro and quantitative RT-PCR. DMV neurons from streptozotocin-treated mice demonstrated enhancement of both phasic and tonic inhibitory currents in response to application of the α1-subunit-selective GABAA receptor-positive allosteric modulator zolpidem. Responses to low concentrations of the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine suggested an additional increased contribution of γ-subunit-containing receptors to tonic currents in DMV neurons. Consistent with the functional elevation in α1- and γ-subunit-dependent activity, transcription of both the α1- and γ2-subunits was increased in the dorsal vagal complex of streptozotocin-treated mice. Overall, these findings suggest an increased sensitivity to both zolpidem and gabazine after several days of hyperglycemia/hypoinsulinemia, which could contribute to altered parasympathetic output from DMV neurons in diabetes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glutamate and GABA signaling in the dorsal vagal complex is elevated after several days of chronic hyperglycemia in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. We report persistently enhanced GABAA receptor-mediated responses to the somnolescent zolpidem in preganglionic vagal motor neurons. These results imply a broader impact of chronic hyperglycemia on central vagal function than previously appreciated and reinforce the hypothesis that diabetes effects in the brain can impact regulation of metabolic homeostasis.
Role of digit placement control in sensorimotor transformations for dexterous manipulation
Authors: Shibata Daisuke , Santello Marco
Published: August 2017

Dexterous manipulation relies on the ability to modulate grasp forces to variable digit position. However, the sensorimotor mechanisms underlying such critical ability are not well understood. The present study addressed whether digit force-to-position modulation relies entirely on feedback of digit placement and force, or on the integration of such feedback with motor commands responsible for digit positioning. In two experiments, we asked 25 subjects to estimate the index fingertip position relative to the thumb (perception test) or to grasp and lift an object with an asymmetrical mass distribution while preventing object roll (action test). Both tests were performed after subjects’ digits were placed actively or passively at different distances (active and passive condition, respectively) and without visual feedback. Because motor commands for digit positioning would be integrated with position and force feedback in the active condition, we hypothesized this condition to be characterized by greater accuracy of digit position estimation and digit force-to-position modulation. Surprisingly, discrimination of digit position and force-to-position modulation was statistically indistinguishable in the active and passive conditions. We conclude that voluntary commands for digit positioning are not essential for accurate estimation of finger position or modulation of digit forces to variable digit position. Thus digit force-to-position modulation can be implemented by integrating sensory feedback of digit position and voluntary commands of digit force production following contact.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study was designed to understand the sensorimotor mechanisms underlying digit force-to-position modulation required for manipulation. Surprisingly, estimation of relative digit position and force-to-position modulation was accurate regardless of whether the digits were passively or actively positioned. Therefore, accurate estimation of digit position does not require an efference copy of active digit positioning, and the hypothesized advantage of active over passive movement on estimation of end-point position appears to be task and effector dependent.
Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases and Schistosomiasis in Preschool Age Children in Mwea Division, Kirinyaga South District, Kirinyaga County, and Their Potential Effect on Physical Growth
Authors: Sakari Stephen Sifuna Wefwafwa , Mbugua Amos K. , Mkoji Gerald M.
Published: August 2017

Intestinal parasitic infections can significantly contribute to the burden of disease, may cause nutritional and energetic stress, and negatively impact the quality of life in low income countries of the world. This cross-sectional study done in Mwea irrigation scheme, in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, assessed the public health significance of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), schistosomiasis, and other intestinal parasitic infections, among 361 preschool age children (PSAC) through fecal examination, by measuring anthropometric indices, and through their parents/guardians, by obtaining sociodemographic information. Both intestinal helminth and protozoan infections were detected, and, among the soil-transmitted helminth parasites, there were Ascaris lumbricoides (prevalence, 3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (<1%), and Trichuris trichiura (<1%). Other intestinal helminths were Hymenolepis nana (prevalence, 3.6%) and Enterobius vermicularis (<1%). Schistosoma mansoni occurred at a prevalence of 5.5%. Interestingly, the protozoan, Giardia lamblia (prevalence, 14.7%), was the most common among the PSAC. Other protozoans were Entamoeba coli (3.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (<1). Anthropometric indices showed evidence of malnutrition. Intestinal parasites were associated with hand washing behavior, family size, water purification, and home location. These findings suggest that G. lamblia infection and malnutrition may be significant causes of ill health among the PSAC in Mwea, and, therefore, an intervention plan is needed.
The Differential Contribution of the Innate Immune System to a Good Pathological Response in the Breast and Axillary Lymph Nodes Induced by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Large and Locally Advanced Breast Cancers
Authors: Kaewkangsadan Viriya , Verma Chandan , Eremin Jennifer M. , Cowley Gerard , Ilyas Mohammad , Satthaporn Sukchai , Eremin Oleg
Published: August 2017

The tumour microenvironment consists of malignant cells, stroma, and immune cells. The role of adaptive immunity in inducing a pathological complete response (pCR) in breast cancer with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is well studied. The contribution of innate immunity, however, is poorly documented. Breast tumours and axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) from 33 women with large and locally advanced breast cancers (LLABCs) undergoing NAC were immunohistochemically assessed for tumour-infiltrating macrophages (TIMs: M1 and M2), neutrophils (TINs), and dendritic cells (TIDCs) using labelled antibodies and semiquantitative methods. Patients’ blood neutrophils (n=108), DCs (mDC1 and pDC), and their costimulatory molecules (n=30) were also studied. Pathological results were classified as pCR, good (GPR) or poor (PRR). In breast and metastatic ALNs, high levels of CD163+ TIMs were significantly associated with a pCR. In blood, high levels of neutrophils were significantly associated with pCR in metastatic ALNs, whilst the % of mDC1 and pDC and expression of HLA-DR, mDC1 CD40, and CD83 were significantly reduced. NAC significantly reduced tumour DCs but increased blood DCs. PPRs to NAC had significantly reduced HLA-DR, CD40, and CD86 expression. Our study demonstrated novel findings documenting the differential but important contributions of innate immunity to pCRs in patients with LLABCs undergoing NAC.
Brain-Computer Interface for Clinical Purposes: Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation
Authors: Carelli Laura , Solca Federica , Faini Andrea , Meriggi Paolo , Sangalli Davide , Cipresso Pietro , Riva Giuseppe , Ticozzi Nicola , Ciammola Andrea , Silani Vincenzo , Poletti Barbara
Published: August 2017

Alongside the best-known applications of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for restoring communication abilities and controlling external devices, we present the state of the art of BCI use for cognitive assessment and training purposes. We first describe some preliminary attempts to develop verbal-motor free BCI-based tests for evaluating specific or multiple cognitive domains in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, disorders of consciousness, and other neurological diseases. Then we present the more heterogeneous and advanced field of BCI-based cognitive training, which has its roots in the context of neurofeedback therapy and addresses patients with neurological developmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), stroke patients, and elderly subjects. We discuss some advantages of BCI for both assessment and training purposes, the former concerning the possibility of longitudinally and reliably evaluating cognitive functions in patients with severe motor disabilities, the latter regarding the possibility of enhancing patients’ motivation and engagement for improving neural plasticity. Finally, we discuss some present and future challenges in the BCI use for the described purposes.
Performance Evaluation of Cryptographic Algorithms over IoT Platforms and Operating Systems
Authors: Pereira Geovandro C. C. F. , Alves Renan C. A. , Silva Felipe L. da , Azevedo Roberto M. , Albertini Bruno C. , Margi Cíntia B.
Published: August 2017

The deployment of security services over Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and IoT devices brings significant processing and energy consumption overheads. These overheads are mainly determined by algorithmic efficiency, quality of implementation, and operating system. Benchmarks of symmetric primitives exist in the literature for WSN platforms but they are mostly focused on single platforms or single operating systems. Moreover, they are not up to date with respect to implementations and/or operating systems versions which had significant progress. Herein, we provide time and energy benchmarks of reference implementations for different platforms and operating systems and analyze their impact. Moreover, we not only give the first benchmark results of symmetric cryptography for the Intel Edison IoT platform but also describe a methodology of how to measure energy consumption on that platform.
PET Imaging of FSHR Expression in Tumors with 68Ga-Labeled FSH1 Peptide
Authors: Pan Donghui , Liu Guifeng , Xu Yuping , Wang Yanting , Yue Yuanyuan , Wang Lizhen , Yan Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Runlin , Yang Min
Published: August 2017

FSHR is an appealing target for cancer theranostics. Radiolabeled FSH1 and its derivatives have shown potential to in vivo detect FSHR expression. However, moderate labeling yields (~50% nondecay-corrected) may partially limit their wide use. 68Ga is an excellent PET nuclide due to availability, nearly quantitative reaction, and short physical half-life. In this study, 68Ga labeled FSH1 peptide was developed for imaging of FSHR in cancers. In vitro studies and MicroPET imaging were performed in PC-3 prostate tumor model. [68Ga] Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 can be produced within 20 min with 93.2±2.1% yield and the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%. It showed that [68Ga] Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 possessed FSHR binding affinities. The tracer was stable in PBS and human serum for at least 2 hours. MicroPET imaging revealed that the PC-3 xenografts were clearly visualized and the tumor uptakes were 1.87±0.10, 1.26±0.06, and 0.71±0.10% ID/g at 0.5, 1 h, and 2 h postinjection. The corresponding tumor to blood and tumor to muscle ratios were 1.77±0.70, 7.94±1.35, and 10.37±1.16 and 7.42±0.46, 26.13±2.99, and 36.40±2.54, respectively. FSHR binding specificity was also demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of [68Ga] Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 after coinjecting excess unlabeled FSH1 peptide. The favorable characters of [68Ga] Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 such as convenient synthesis and specific tumor uptake warrant its further investigation for FSHR expression imaging.
Resolution of Periodic Breathing in a Child with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Bin-Hasan Saadoun , Khayat Abdullah , Humpl Tilman , Reyes Janette T. , Al-Saleh Suhail
Published: August 2017

Central sleep apnea (CSA) and periodic breathing are unusual findings described in pediatric patients with congestive heart failure. However, CSA has not been reported in children with pulmonary hypertension. We hereby report on a 10-year-old girl with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension who had frequent central events in a periodic breathing fashion seen in her polysomnography, which was normalized following medical treatment leading to improvement of the pulmonary pressures.
Morphism of m-Polar Fuzzy Graph
Authors: Ramprasad Ch. , Varma P. L. N. , Satyanarayana S. , Srinivasarao N.
Published: August 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of m-polar h-morphism on m-polar fuzzy graphs. The action of m-polar h-morphism on m-polar fuzzy graphs is studied. Some elegant theorems on weak and coweak isomorphism are obtained. Also, some properties of highly irregular, edge regular, and totally edge regular m-polar fuzzy graphs are studied.
Time-Varying Hydraulic Gradient Model of Paste-Like Tailings in Long-Distance Pipeline Transportation
Authors: Yang Li , Li Shuai , Wang Xin-min
Published: August 2017

Paste-like tailings slurry (PTLS) is always simplified as a Bingham plastic fluid, leading to excessive computational errors in the calculation of the hydraulic gradient. In the case of paste-like tailings in long-distance pipeline transportation, to explore a high-precision and reliable hydraulic gradient formula, the rheological behavior of paste-like tailings slurry was analyzed, a time-varying hydraulic gradient model was constructed, and a series of laboratory shear tests were conducted. The results indicate that the PTLS shows noticeable shear-thinning characteristics in constant shear tests; the calculated hydraulic gradient declined by about 56%, from 4.44 MPa·km−1 to 1.95 MPa·km−1 within 253 s, and remained constant for the next four hours during the pipeline transportation. Comparing with the balance hydraulic gradient obtained in a semi-industrial loop test, the computational errors of those calculated by using the time-varying hydraulic gradient model, Jinchuan formula, and Shanxi formula are 15%, 78%, and 130%, respectively. Therefore, our model is a feasible and high-precision solution for the calculation of the hydraulic gradient of paste-like tailings in long-distance pipeline transportation.