bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedimentary basin exploration with receiver functions: Seismic structure and anisotropy of the Dublin Basin (Ireland)
Authors: Licciardi Andrea , Piana Agostinetti Nicola
Published: March 2017

Teleseismic receiver functions (RFs) were used to investigate the seismic structure of the southern margin of the Dublin Basin, a potential geothermal site. Through an inversion-based approach, the elastic properties and seismic anisotropy of sedimentary basin units were examined, using data from a linear array of closely spaced seismic stations. Our results were compared with sonic logs and lithostratigraphies from two nearby boreholes, NGE1 and NGE2 and colocated active seismic data. Including a high-frequency RF (up to 8 Hz) allowed us to compute S-wave velocity models with a vertical resolution [Formula: see text]. The results indicated the presence of a subvertical lateral discontinuity in [Formula: see text], in correspondence with the main basin-bounding fault (Blackrock-Newcastle Fault [BNF]). North of this discontinuity, a shallow low-velocity layer thickens (from 0.7 to 1.0 km thick) toward the inner basin, in agreement with the geometry of the shallowest reflector found by active seismics. A good correlation was also found between the sonic log at NGE1 and our velocity model. Station DB02 showed an increase in [Formula: see text] at a depth of approximately 0.7 km and a decrease in [Formula: see text] at approximately 1.4 km in depth. Two velocity jumps with matching polarities were also observed in the NGE1 sonic log at the contact between the Upper and Lower Calp formations (positive jump, 688 m deep), and between a calcarenite and a sandstone layers (negative jump, 1337 m deep). Moreover, the main velocity contrasts in our model agree with the major lithostratigraphic boundaries inferred from borehole-drilled samples. Two juxtaposed anisotropic layers are identified close to the BNF. Directions of the slow axis of anisotropy are consistent with the borehole structural data. From these observations, the presence of aligned open cracks within the sandstones, possibly fluid-filled, was inferred up to a depth of 2.3 km in the vicinity of the BNF.
Efficient anisotropic dip filtering via inverse correlation functions
Authors: Wellington Paul , Brossier Romain , Hamitou Okba , Trinh Phuong-Thu , Virieux Jean
Published: March 2017

We have developed a computational framework that allows an efficient, spatially variant correlation filter for anisotropic dip filtering. The approach is based on the Laplace correlation function, for which there exists analytical expressions for the correlation kernel and its inverse kernel in the 1D case. An extension to higher dimensions by adding orthogonal 1D inverse functions provides a linear equation whose solution is identical to applying a Bessel filter. We have found that a good approximation of the Laplace filter function is obtained by applying a cascade of Bessel filters. We implement such an inverse operator on regular grids with a finite-difference stencil, giving a sparse matrix for the linear equation, which can be solved efficiently through a conjugate-gradient algorithm. Computing such a correlation operation by solving the linear system involving the inverse operator is significantly faster than applying the correlation function via convolution or windowed convolution: Solving the linear system is as fast as applying often-used tensorized 1D convolutions.
An efficient coupled acoustic-elastic local solver applied to phase inversion
Authors: Willemsen Bram , Malcolm Alison
Published: March 2017

In characterizing reservoirs, we are often interested in retrieving detailed elastic parameters for only a very limited part of the subsurface. One way of doing so involves studying the seismic reflection response within the region of interest. To that end, we introduce a local solver that uses an acoustic solver to propagate the wavefield to a subdomain on which we use a local elastic solver. This avoids the use of an expensive full-domain elastic solver while still incorporating elastic physics in the region where it is most important. We then study whether this modeled phase is sufficiently accurate for recovering important subsurface reservoir properties in an inversion procedure.
Finite-element analysis for model parameters distributed on a hierarchy of geometric simplices
Authors: Weiss Chester J.
Published: March 2017

A resurgence of interest in the problem of electrical or electromagnetic scattering from thin conductors, either on a line or in a plane, has been motivated in recent years by time-lapse fracture monitoring in the near surface, enhanced geothermal reservoirs, and unconventional hydrocarbon plays. However, finite-element modeling of small electrical features in large computational domains results in a disproportionately large number of elements concentrated in a volumetrically insignificant fraction of the mesh, and it focuses computational resources away from areas of interest elsewhere, such as receiver locations. We have developed a novel hierarchical electrical model is proposed for unstructured tetrahedral finite-element meshes, in which the usual volume-based conductivity on tetrahedra is augmented by facet- and edge-based conductivity on the infinitesimally thin regions between elements. Doing so allows a slender borehole casing of arbitrary shape to be coarsely approximated by set of connected edges on which a conductivity-area product is explicitly defined. Similarly, conductive fractures are approximated by a small number of connected facets that, together, may warp and bend with the mesh topology at no added cost of localized mesh refinement. Benchmarking tests of the direct current (DC) resistivity problem indicate excellent agreement between the facet/edge representations and independent analytic solutions. Consistency tests are also favorable between the facet/edge and volume representations. Building on prior work in DC modeling of a single horizontal well, a multilateral well casing and fracture set is simulated, yielding estimates of borehole casing voltage and surface electric fields measurable with existing sensor technology. Finally, the implications on broadband electromagnetic simulation with the proposed hierarchical conductivity model are discussed — in particular, its utility for describing variations in the magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity.
The role of fluid migration in the occurrence of shallow gas and gas hydrates in the south of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Jinxiu , Wang Xiujuan , Jin Jiapeng , Li Yuanping , Li Jie , Qian Jin , Shi Hesheng , Zhang Guangxu
Published: March 2017

High-amplitude anomalies (HAAs), bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs), vertical acoustic blanking features, polygonal faults, and mass transport complexes are observed in high-resolution 3D seismic data from the south of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea. We have focused on the role of fluid migration in the occurrence of shallow gas and gas hydrates. HAAs are interpreted to be shallow gas accumulations or gas hydrates, depending on their polarity and the presence of BSRs. Acoustic blanking features are probably caused by the presence of gas chimneys and overlying free gas due to features including chaotic and weak seismic reflections, pull-downs, and long distances of vertical extension. These gas chimneys root into the underlying late Oligocene gas reservoir. There is a close spatial relationship among the gas reservoir, gas chimneys, shallow gas accumulations, and BSRs, suggesting a genetic link. We have developed a schematic model to explain the processes of fluid migration, which supplied gas to the shallow gas accumulations and the gas hydrate system. When the gas reservoir was critically pressured, the focused fluid migration pathways may be formed or be reactivated, and gas was transported vertically along these conduits to the shallow strata. Then, there were two destinies for the migrated gas at shallow depths. One is that gas was trapped below low-permeability seals, such as mudstone or gas hydrates, forming shallow gas accumulations or free gas zones. The other one is that gas entered the gas hydrate stability zone and formed gas hydrates. In addition, this research indicates that the shallow hydrocarbon resource in this area may not be very prolific probably due to limited fluid migration.
Propulsive efficiency of frog swimming with different feet and swimming patterns
Authors: Jizhuang Fan , Wei Zhang , Bowen Yuan , Gangfeng Liu
Published: March 2017

Aquatic and terrestrial animals have different swimming performances and mechanical efficiencies based on their different swimming methods. To explore propulsion in swimming frogs, this paper calculated mechanical efficiencies based on data describing aquatic and terrestrial webbed foot shapes and swimming patterns. First, a simplified frog model and dynamic equation were established, and hydrodynamic forces on the foot were computed according to computational fluid dynamic calculations. Then, a two-link mechanism was used to stand in for the diverse and complicated hind legs found in different frog species, in order to simplify the input work calculation. Joint torques were derived based on the virtual work principle to compute the efficiency of foot propulsion. Finally, two feet and swimming patterns were combined to compute propulsive efficiency. The aquatic frog demonstrated a propulsive efficiency (43.11%) between those of drag-based and lift-based propulsions, while the terrestrial frog efficiency (29.58%) fell within the range of drag-based propulsion. The results illustrate the main factor of swimming patterns for swimming performance and efficiency.
Sulphated glycosaminoglycans support an assortment of planarian rhabdite structures
Authors: Hayes Matthew J.
Published: March 2017

Planaria are soft-bodied, bilateral flatworms of the phylum Playhelminthes. They are covered in cilia and use ciliary-gliding to traverse the substratum while hunting. Their body surface is covered in a layer of viscous slime primarily derived from specialised secretory granules known as rhabdites. The slime must somehow stay associated with the surface of the animal in aqueous environments whilst also lubricating the interface of the animal and the surfaces over which the animal moves. The slime prevents damage to the animal's soft body and also contributes to adhesion to the substratum. In order to gain insight into how it might achieve these diverse functions, we performed electron microscopic examination of the slime's structure. Analysis of two freshwater flatworms from the UK Schmidtea polychroa (Schmidt, 1861) and Polycelis tenuis (Ijima, 1884) revealed a high level of organisation of the slime layer and a variety of ejected slime structures. We show that these structures are rich in sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs). Most of these (269 of 285 examined) appear to be topologically-closed spheroids that we name ball-GAGs. Another class appears to burst to release flower- and star-like clusters which adhere to motile cilia. We also observe fibrous nets that are associated with entrapped bacteria. Examination of the structure of rhabdites ejected onto a porous surface suggests a mechanism by which their structure allows them to both bind to the porous surface and provide a smooth layer over which the animal could glide. Such sGAG-based structures might provide models for the design of artificial biomimetic replacements for tears, saliva, bio-compatible lubricants or drug-delivery vehicles.
Modelling pulmonary microthrombosis coupled to metastasis: distinct effects of thrombogenesis on tumorigenesis
Authors: Evans Colin E. , Palazon Asis , Sim Jingwei , Tyrakis Petros A. , Prodger Alice , Lu Xiao , Chan Saria , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Belting Mattias , Von Euler Love , Rundqvist Helene , Johnson Randall S. , Branco Cristina
Published: March 2017

Thrombosis can cause localized ischemia and tissue hypoxia, and both of these are linked to cancer metastasis. Vascular micro-occlusion can occur as a result of arrest of circulating tumor cells in small capillaries, giving rise to microthrombotic events that affect flow, creating localized hypoxic regions. To better understand the association between metastasis and thrombotic events, we generated an experimental strategy whereby we model the effect of microvascular occlusion in metastatic efficiency, by using inert microbeads to obstruct lung microvasculature before, during and after intravenous tumor cell injection. We found that controlled induction of a specific number of these microthrombotic insults in the lungs caused an increase in expression of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs), a pro-angiogenic and pro-tumorigenic environment, as well as an increase in myeloid cell infiltration. Induction of pulmonary microthrombosis prior to introduction of tumor cells to the lungs had no effect on tumorigenic success, but thrombosis at the time of tumor cell seeding increased number and size of tumors in the lung, and this effect was strikingly more pronounced when the micro-occlusion occurred on the day following introduction of tumor cells. The tumorigenic effect of microbead treatment was seen even when thrombosis was induced five days after tumor cell injection. We also found positive correlations between thrombotic factors and expression of HIF2α in human tumors. The model system described here demonstrates the importance of thrombotic insult in metastatic success and can be used to improve understanding of thrombosis-associated tumorigenesis and its treatment.
Glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and regulates dorsal organizer formation in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Rong Xiaozhi , Zhou Yumei , Liu Yunzhang , Zhao Beibei , Wang Bo , Wang Caixia , Gong Xiaoxia , Tang Peipei , Lu Ling , Li Yun , Zhao Chengtian , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: March 2017

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays pivotal roles in axis formation during embryogenesis and in adult tissue homeostasis. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is a selenoenzyme and participates in the reduction of peroxides. Its synthesis depends on the availability of the element selenium. However, the roles of GPx4 in vertebrate embryonic development and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that maternal loss of zebrafish gpx4b promotes embryonic dorsal organizer formation, whereas overexpression of GPx4b inhibits the development of the dorsal organizer. Depletion of GPx4/GPx4b increases, while GPx4/GPx4b overexpression decreases, Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vivo and in vitro. Functional and epistatic studies showed that GPx4 functions at the Tcf/Lef level, independently of selenocysteine activation. Mechanistically, GPx4 interacts with Tcf/Lefs and inhibits Wnt activity by preventing the binding of Tcf/Lefs to the promoters of Wnt target genes, resulting in inhibitory action in the presence of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our findings unravel GPx4 as a suppressor of Wnt/β-catenin signals, suggesting a possible relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and selenium via the association of Tcf/Lef family proteins with GPx4.
Real-time insights into regulated exocytosis
Authors: Tran Duy T. , Ten Hagen Kelly G.
Published: March 2017

Real-time imaging of regulated exocytosis in secreting organs can provide unprecedented temporal and spatial detail. Here, we highlight recent advances in 3D time-lapse imaging in Drosophila salivary glands at single-granule resolution. Using fluorescently labeled proteins expressed in the fly, it is now possible to image the dynamics of vesicle biogenesis and the cytoskeletal factors involved in secretion. 3D imaging over time allows one to visualize and define the temporal sequence of events, including clearance of cortical actin, fusion pore formation, mixing of the vesicular and plasma membranes and recruitment of components of the cytoskeleton. We will also discuss the genetic tools available in the fly that allow one to interrogate the essential factors involved in secretory vesicle formation, cargo secretion and the ultimate integration of the vesicular and plasma membranes. We argue that the combination of high-resolution real-time imaging and powerful genetics provides a platform to investigate the role of any factor in regulated secretion.
SKIP controls lysosome positioning using a composite kinesin-1 heavy and light chain-binding domain
Authors: Sanger Anneri , Yip Yan Y. , Randall Thomas S. , Pernigo Stefano , Steiner Roberto A. , Dodding Mark P.
Published: March 2017

The molecular interplay between cargo recognition and regulation of the activity of the kinesin-1 microtubule motor is not well understood. Using the lysosome adaptor SKIP (also known as PLEKHM2) as model cargo, we show that the kinesin heavy chains (KHCs), in addition to the kinesin light chains (KLCs), can recognize tryptophan-acidic-binding determinants on the cargo when presented in the context of an extended KHC-interacting domain. Mutational separation of KHC and KLC binding shows that both interactions are important for SKIP–kinesin-1 interaction in vitro and that KHC binding is important for lysosome transport in vivo. However, in the absence of KLCs, SKIP can only bind to KHC when autoinhibition is relieved, suggesting that the KLCs gate access to the KHCs. We propose a model whereby tryptophan-acidic cargo is first recognized by KLCs, resulting in destabilization of KHC autoinhibition. This primary event then makes accessible a second SKIP-binding site on the KHC C-terminal tail that is adjacent to the autoinhibitory IAK region. Thus, cargo recognition and concurrent activation of kinesin-1 proceed in hierarchical stepwise fashion driven by a dynamic network of inter- and intra-molecular interactions.
Intraflagellar transport protein IFT52 recruits IFT46 to the basal body and flagella
Authors: Lv Bo , Wan Lei , Taschner Michael , Cheng Xi , Lorentzen Esben , Huang Kaiyao
Published: March 2017

Cilia are microtubule-based organelles and perform motile, sensing and signaling functions. The assembly and maintenance of cilia depend on intraflagellar transport (IFT). Besides ciliary localization, most IFT proteins accumulate at basal bodies. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of basal body targeting of IFT proteins. We first identified the possible basal body-targeting sequence in IFT46 by expressing IFT46 truncation constructs in an ift46-1 mutant. The C-terminal sequence between residues 246–321, termed BBTS3, was sufficient to target YFP to basal bodies in the ift46-1 strain. Interestingly, BBTS3 is also responsible for the ciliary targeting of IFT46. BBTS3::YFP moves bidirectionally in flagella and interacts with other IFT complex B (IFT-B) proteins. Using IFT and motor mutants, we show that the basal body localization of IFT46 depends on IFT52, but not on IFT81, IFT88, IFT122, FLA10 or DHC1b. IFT52 interacts with IFT46 through residues L285 and L286 of IFT46 and recruits it to basal bodies. Ectopic expression of the C-terminal domain of IFT52 in the nucleus resulted in accumulation of IFT46 in nuclei. These data suggest that IFT52 and IFT46 can preassemble as a complex in the cytoplasm, which is then targeted to basal bodies.
Ppn2, a novel Zn2+-dependent polyphosphatase in the acidocalcisome-like yeast vacuole
Authors: Gerasimaitė Rūta , Mayer Andreas
Published: March 2017

Acidocalcisome-like organelles are found in all kingdoms of life. Many of their functions, such as the accumulation and storage of metal ions, nitrogen and phosphate, the activation of blood clotting and inflammation, depend on the controlled synthesis and turnover of polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of inorganic phosphate linked by phosphoric anhydride bonds. The exploration of the role of acidocalcisomes in metabolism and physiology requires the manipulation of polyP turnover, yet the complete set of proteins responsible for this turnover is unknown. Here, we identify a novel type of polyphosphatase operating in the acidocalcisome-like vacuoles of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which we called Ppn2. Ppn2 belongs to the PPP-superfamily of metallophosphatases, is activated by Zn2+ ions and exclusively shows endopolyphosphatase activity. It is sorted to vacuoles via the multivesicular body pathway. Together with Ppn1, Ppn2 is responsible for a substantial fraction of polyphosphatase activity that is necessary to mobilize polyP stores, for example in response to phosphate scarcity. This finding opens the way to manipulating polyP metabolism more profoundly and deciphering its roles in phosphate and energy homeostasis, as well as in signaling.
Pharmacological inhibition of the spliceosome subunit SF3b triggers exon junction complex-independent nonsense-mediated decay
Authors: Carvalho Teresa , Martins Sandra , Rino José , Marinho Sérgio , Carmo-Fonseca Maria
Published: March 2017

Spliceostatin A, meayamycin, and pladienolide B are small molecules that target the SF3b subunit of the spliceosomal U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP). These compounds are attracting much attention as tools to manipulate splicing and for use as potential anti-cancer drugs. We investigated the effects of these inhibitors on mRNA transport and stability in human cells. Upon splicing inhibition, unspliced pre-mRNAs accumulated in the nucleus, particularly within enlarged nuclear speckles. However, a small fraction of the pre-mRNA molecules were exported to the cytoplasm. We identified the export adaptor ALYREF as being associated with intron-containing transcripts and show its requirement for the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of unspliced pre-mRNA. In contrast, the exon junction complex (EJC) core protein eIF4AIII failed to form a stable complex with intron-containing transcripts. Despite the absence of EJC, unspliced transcripts in the cytoplasm were degraded by nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), suggesting that unspliced transcripts are degraded by an EJC-independent NMD pathway. Collectively, our results indicate that although blocking the function of SF3b elicits a massive accumulation of unspliced pre-mRNAs in the nucleus, intron-containing transcripts can still bind the ALYREF export factor and be transported to the cytoplasm, where they trigger an alternative NMD pathway.
Oxidative ecology of paternal care in wild smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu
Authors: Elmer Laura K. , O’Connor Constance M. , Philipp David P. , Van Der Kraak Glen , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Willmore William G. , Barthel Brandon L. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: March 2017

Physiologically, oxidative stress is considered a homeostatic imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and absorption. From an ecological perspective, oxidative stress may serve as an important constraint to life history traits such as lifespan, reproduction, and the immune system, and is gaining interest as a potential mechanism underlying life history trade-offs. Of late, there has been much interest in understanding the role of oxidative stress in the ecology of wild animals, particularly during challenging periods such as reproduction. Here, we used a long-term study population of a fish with sole-male parental care, the smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, to examine the associations among oxidative stress indicators and life history variables in nest-guarding males. In addition, we investigated the potential role of oxidative stress as a physiological mediator of the life history trade-off decision of paternal smallmouth bass to stay with or abandon their brood. We found that oxidative stress was significantly related to the life history of paternal smallmouth bass, such that older, larger fish with greater reproductive experience and larger broods nesting in cooler water temperatures had lower levels of oxidative stress. However, we found no significant correlation between oxidative stress and nesting success, suggesting that oxidative stress may not be involved in the decision of male smallmouth bass to abandon their brood. Wild fish have been relatively understudied in the emerging field of oxidative ecology, and the study presented here makes noteworthy contributions by revealing interesting connections between the life histories of paternal smallmouth bass and their oxidative status.
Insight into skin cell-based osteogenesis: a review
Authors: Wang Tingliang , Zhu Lian , Pei Ming
Published: March 2017

For decades, researchers have been fascinated by the strategy of using cell therapy for bone defects; some progress in the field has been made. Owing to its ample supply and easy access, skin, the largest organ in the body, has gained attention as a potential source of stem cells. Despite extensive applications in skin and nerve regeneration, an increasing number of reports indicate its potential use in bone tissue engineering and regeneration. Unfortunately, few review articles are available to outline current research efforts in skin-based osteogenesis. This review first summarizes the latest findings on stem cells or progenitors in skin and their niches and then discusses the strategies of skin cell-based osteogenesis. We hope this article elucidates this topic and generates new ideas for future studies.
Recent Advances in Pediatric Ventilatory Assistance
Authors: Nardi Nicolas , Mortamet Guillaume , Ducharme-Crevier Laurence , Emeriaud Guillaume , Jouvet Philippe
Published: March 2017

In this review on respiratory assistance, we aim to discuss the following recent advances: the optimization and customization of mechanical ventilation, the use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and the role of noninvasive ventilation. The prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury and diaphragmatic dysfunction is now a key aspect in the management of mechanical ventilation, since these complications may lead to higher mortality and prolonged length of stay in intensive care units. Different physiological measurements, such as esophageal pressure, electrical activity of the diaphragm, and volumetric capnography, may be useful objective tools to help guide ventilator assistance. Companies that design medical devices including ventilators and respiratory monitoring platforms play a key role in knowledge application. The creation of a ventilation consortium that includes companies, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders could be a solution to promote much-needed device development and knowledge implementation.
Reframing the science and policy of nicotine, illegal drugs and alcohol – conclusions of the ALICE RAP Project
Authors: Anderson Peter , Berridge Virginia , Conrod Patricia , Dudley Robert , Hellman Matilda , Lachenmeier Dirk , Lingford-Hughes Anne , Miller David , Rehm Jürgen , Room Robin , Schmidt Laura , Sullivan Roger , Ysa Tamyko , Gual Antoni
Published: March 2017

In 2013, illegal drug use was responsible for 1.8% of years of life lost in the European Union, alcohol was responsible for 8.2% and tobacco for 18.2%, imposing economic burdens in excess of 2.5% of GDP. No single European country has optimal governance structures for reducing the harm done by nicotine, illegal drugs and alcohol, and existing ones are poorly designed, fragmented, and sometimes cause harm. Reporting the main science and policy conclusions of a transdisciplinary five-year analysis of the place of addictions in Europe, researchers from 67 scientific institutions addressed these problems by reframing an understanding of addictions.  A new paradigm needs to account for evolutionary evidence which suggests that humans are biologically predisposed to seek out drugs, and that, today, individuals face availability of high drug doses, consequently increasing the risk of harm.  New definitions need to acknowledge that the defining element of addictive drugs is ‘heavy use over time’, a concept that could replace the diagnostic artefact captured by the clinical term ‘substance use disorder’, thus opening the door for new substances to be considered such as sugar. Tools of quantitative risk assessment that recognize drugs as toxins could be further deployed to assess regulatory approaches to reducing harm. Re-designed governance of drugs requires embedding policy within a comprehensive societal well-being frame that encompasses a range of domains of well-being, including quality of life, material living conditions and sustainability over time; such a frame adds arguments to the inappropriateness of policies that criminalize individuals for using drugs and that continue to categorize certain drugs as illegal. A health footprint, modelled on the carbon footprint, and using quantitative measures such as years of life lost due to death or disability, could serve as the accountability tool that apportions responsibility for who and what causes drug-related harm.
Bibliometric analysis of Oropouche research: impact on the surveillance of emerging arboviruses in Latin America
Authors: Culquichicón Carlos , Cardona-Ospina Jaime A. , Patiño-Barbosa Andrés M. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: March 2017

Given the emergence and reemergence of viral diseases, particularly in Latin America, we would like to provide an analysis of the patterns of research and publication on Oropouche virus (OROV). We also discuss the implications of recent epidemics in certain areas of South America, and how more clinical and epidemiological information regarding OROV is urgently needed.
Resistance mechanisms to drug therapy in breast cancer and other solid tumors: An opinion
Authors: Moiseenko Fedor V. , Volkov Nikita , Bogdanov Alexey , Dubina Michael , Moiseyenko Vladimir
Published: March 2017

Cancer is an important contributor to mortality worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common solid tumor in women. Despite numerous drug combinations and regimens, all patients with advanced breast cancer, similarly to other solid tumors, inevitably develop resistance to treatment. Identified mechanisms of resistance could be classified into intra- and extracellular mechanisms. Intracellular mechanisms include drug metabolism and efflux, target modulations and damage restoration. Extracellular mechanisms might be attributed to the crosstalk between tumor cells and environmental factors. However, current knowledge concerning resistance mechanisms cannot completely explain the phenomenon of multi-drug resistance, which occurs in the vast majority of patients treated with chemotherapy. In this opinion article, we investigate the role of these factors in the development of drug-resistance.
Effects of physical activity on the link between PGC-1a and FNDC5 in muscle, circulating Ιrisin and UCP1 of white adipocytes in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Dinas Petros C. , Lahart Ian M. , Timmons James A. , Svensson Per-Arne , Koutedakis Yiannis , Flouris Andreas D. , Metsios George S.
Published: March 2017

Background:Exercise may activate a brown adipose-like phenotype in white adipose tissue. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the effects of physical activity on the link between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a) and fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in muscle, circulating Irisin and uncoupling protein one (UCP1) of white adipocytes in humans.Methods:Two databases (PubMed 1966 to 08/2016 and EMBASE 1974 to 08/2016) were searched using an appropriate algorithm. We included articles that examined physical activity and/or exercise in humans that met the following criteria: a) PGC-1a in conjunction with FNDC5 measurements, and b) FNDC5 and/or circulating Irisin and/or UCP1 levels in white adipocytes.Results:We included 51 studies (12 randomised controlled trials) with 2474 participants. Out of the 51 studies, 16 examined PGC-1a and FNDC5 in response to exercise, and only four found increases in both PGC-1a and FNDC5 mRNA and one showed increased FNDC5 mRNA. In total, 22 out of 45 studies that examined circulating Irisin in response to exercise showed increased concentrations when ELISA techniques were used; two studies also revealed increased Irisin levels measured via mass spectrometry. Three studies showed a positive association of circulating Irisin with physical activity levels. One study found no exercise effects on UCP1 mRNA in white adipocytes.Conclusions:The effects of physical activity on the link between PGC-1a, FNDC5 mRNA in muscle and UCP1 in white human adipocytes has attracted little scientific attention. Current methods for Irisin identification lack precision and, therefore, the existing evidence does not allow for conclusions to be made regarding Irisin responses to physical activity. We found a contrast between standardised review methods and accuracy of the measurements used. This should be considered in future systematic reviews.
Hypnotic drug risks of mortality, infection, depression, and cancer: but lack of benefit
Authors: Kripke Daniel F.
Published: March 2017

This is a review of hypnotic drug risks and benefits, reassessing and updating advice presented to the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (United States FDA). Almost every month, new information appears about the risks of hypnotics (sleeping pills). The most important risks of hypnotics include excess mortality, especially overdose deaths, quiet deaths at night, infections, cancer, depression and suicide, automobile crashes, falls, and other accidents, and hypnotic-withdrawal insomnia. Short-term use of one-two prescriptions is associated with greater risk per dose than long-term use. Hypnotics have usually been prescribed without approved indication, most often with specific contraindications, but even when indicated, there is little or no benefit. The recommended doses objectively increase sleep little if at all, daytime performance is often made worse, not better, and the lack of general health benefits is commonly misrepresented in advertising. Treatments such as the cognitive behavioral treatment of insomnia and bright light treatment of circadian rhythm disorders offer safer and more effective alternative approaches to insomnia.
PATHOGENETIC MARKERS OF ECOLOGICALLY RELATED RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Authors: Виткина Татьяна , Vitkina Tatyana , Веремчук Людмила , Veremchuk Lyudmila , Симонова Ирина , Simonova Irina , Гвозденко Татьяна , Gvozdenko Tatyana , Антонюк Марина , Antonyuk Marina
Published: March 2017

The aim of the research is to examine the relationship between the integral parameters of respiratory function, the values of LPO-AOD system and NO level at bronchopulmonary pathology in individuals living in different ecological areas of the city of Vladivostok. 206 patients living in different ecological conditions (healthy individuals, patients with respiratory disorders) were examined. Lung function and the state of LPO-AOD system were studied; the concentration of NO metabolites was assessed in blood serum. The nature and strength of the impact of environmental factors on respiratory function, the state of LPO-AOD, NO level were studied by the method based on correlation analysis. There was calculated power index (D) which was differentiated into power within the system (Ds) which in its turn reflects the in-system interrelationship tension (LPO-AOD, respiratory) and power between systems (Dm) characterizing the activity of interconnections and response to an external stimulus. Intra-system dependences typical for the unfavorable zone were viewed in relation to the favorable zone. It was found out that in ecologically unfavorable regions in individuals with different bronchopulmonary pathologies the value of Ds increases. This indicates that the pathogenic influence of environmental factors increases. In healthy people living in ecologically unfavourable area physiological adaptive-compensatory reaction of the body was revealed, which was proved by high power interconnections (Dm). In the patients with chronic bronchitis there was maintained an adequate level of functioning of the body systems studied. In patients with COPD living in an unfavourable zone there were found strong links between the indicators of the system of LPO-AOD and of NO, and in patients with bronchial asthma - supplementary relationship between lung function and NO. At the same time pathologic changes in the system of LPO-AOD and NO depend on the general pollution, metal and gas components contained in the air. Thus, the people with respiratory diseases being in environmentally unfavorable conditions have the most negative influence. The analysis of the activity of relationships proved that violations of interaction of LPO-AOD systems and NO in ecologically unfavorable regions may contribute to the occurrence and progression of bronchopulmonary diseases.
STRUCTURE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS AMONG HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN OF KHABAROVSK IN EPIDEMIC SEASON OF 2015-2016
Authors: Сапега Елена , Sapega Elena , Молочный Владимир , Molochnyy Vladimir , Гладких Регина , Gladkikh Regina , Бутакова Людмила , Butakova Lyudmila , Троценко Ольга , Trotsenko Olga , Щеголева Ирина , Shchegoleva Irina
Published: March 2017

The research presents results of the analysis by polymerase chain reaction of clinical material obtained from 170 children hospitalized into an infectious department of the Khabarovsk children’s territorial clinical hospital named after A.K.Piotrovich with a diagnosis of acute viral infection in epidemic season of 2015-2016. The most numerous group consisted of children under 1st year of age – 74 children (43.5%). The overall number of detected respiratory viruses was equal to 179. Most prevalent viruses were human rhinoviruses (25.1%), human adenoviruses (19.6%), and human parainfluenza viruses (16.8%). Among influenza viruses (11.7%) type A(H1N1) pdm09 was predominant. In 92 children (54.1%) the disease was caused by a mono-infection, in 40 cases (23.5%) there was identified mixed-infection. Infections of lower respiratory tract were identified in 100 patients (58.8%), stenosing laryngotracheitis was diagnosed most frequently (20.6%).
ULTRASOUND CHARACTERISTIC OF THYMUS GLAND IN MATURE NEWBORNS FROM MOTHERS WITH INFLUENZA A(H3N2) IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
Authors: Гориков Игорь , Gorikov Igor , Луценко Михаил , Lutsenko Mikhail
Published: March 2017

Ultrasound characteristic of thymus gland was studied in 109 mature newborns at the 3-5th days of life. All the examined patients were divided into 4 groups. The first group (control) included 30 healthy newborns of 38-40 weeks from mothers with physiologic course of pregnancy. The second group had 28 newborns whose mothers at early stages of gestation suffered influenza virus А(Н3N2) with antibody titer 1:4-1:16; in the third group there were 26 children of 38-40 weeks from mothers who suffered in the first trimester of pregnancy influenza virus A(H3N2) with antibody titer 1:8-1:32; the fourth group consisted of 25 newborns from mothers who suffered at early stages of gestation influenza virus A(H3N2) with antibody titer 1:32-1:128. The children in the second and the third group in comparison with the first one did not have any changes of organometric parameters of the immune organ. In the newborns of the fourth group the length of the thymus gland decreased till 3.8±0.11 cm, the width till 2.4±0.06 cm, the mass till 8.6±0.53 g and the volume of the organ till 6.0±0.37 sm3. In the first group these parameters were 4.2±0.09 cm (р<0.05), 2.8±0.05 cm (р<0.001), 10.5±0.37 g (р<0.01), 7.4±0.25 sm3 (р<0.01), respectively. This suggests the suppression of organogenesis of thymus in children with antenatal anamnesis burdened with influenza virus А(Н3N2) with antibody titer 1:32-1:128 in their mothers at early stages of gestation
Children who stutter find their voice onstage and off: The SAY approach to stuttering
Authors: Mareneck Ellen
Published: March 2017

Children who stutter (CWS) face enormous challenges: from bullying and peer rejection to embarrassment, shame and despair. Often these young people shut down and retreat into silence. The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY), a nonprofit organization in New York City, is dedicated to improving the lives of CWS. SAY uses the performing arts, speech therapy and a sleep-away camp to create community, nurture the individual, and advocate for CWS through education and performance. This article examines SAY as a therapeutic model for Children and Adolescents Who Stutter. SAY’s three-pronged approach of empowerment, education, and support provides CWS with a much-needed community in which they find self-acceptance, communicative confidence, and the courage to achieve their goals.
BUDAYA POPULER GAME POKEMON GO SEBAGAI SOFT DIPLOMACY JEPANG
Authors: Iqbal Chadijah Isfariani
Published: March 2017

Pokemon Go is a smartphone game that blends the real and digital worlds, tasking players with exploring their neighborhoods to find creatures and treasure for in-game use. This research describes the ways Japan uses its soft power in international coorporation relations, particulary through Pokemon Go’s game. Based on Joseph S. Nye, Jr, the soft power defined as the ability of country to achieve its goal using cultural attraction rather than coercion and violence. After the World War II, Japan has tried to change its image as war crime through popular culture, such as anime, manga and cosplay. According to Nye, Japan has more potential resources in soft power compared to the other countries. This research is focus on Popular Culture of Pokemon Go’s Game as Japan’s Soft Diplomacy. Pokemon Go is one of  Japan’s cultural diplomacy activities and the other countries uses popular culture to strengthen the positive image of Japan in the international world. The development of popular culture as a soft power and soft diplomacy also a diplomacy tool of development that can be used by Japan in conducting foreign policy in relation to international cooperation.
KOTOWAZA DALAM KAJIAN LINGUISTIK KOGNITIF: PENERAPAN GAYA BAHASA SINEKDOK
Authors: Yohani Adisthi Martha
Published: March 2017

[Kotowaza in Cognitive Linguistic Analysis: The Use of Synecdoche]. This paper analyzes kotowaza using synecdoc through the study of cognitive linguistic. The background of this research is the difficulty of understanding relationships between the meanings of the kotowaza on foreign learners because of cultural differences and lack of dictionaries that support the process of understanding kotowaza deeply. The purpose of this research is to understand kotowaza deeply, determine the connection of these lexical-figurative meaning of Japanese proverbs using synecdoche based on the study of cognitive linguistics. The method used is a qualitative method in approach of cognitive linguistics. At the end of the study, it is concluded that synecdochecan be used to analyze the correlation between the lexical meaning and figurative meaning of kotowaza that contains a word or two which represents wider or smaller meaning such as kotowaza which related to the characteristics of an area or kotowaza that associated with number.
International Tax Avoidance – Introduction
Authors: Avi-Yonah Reuven
Published: March 2017

Tax avoidance and evasion is a hot topic. On the evasion (illegal activity by individuals) front, the various leaks culminating in the Panama Papers have once again revealed the scope of evasion by the global elite. Gabriel Zucman conservatively estimated the annual revenue loss at $200 billion. On the tax avoidance (legal activity by corporations) front, the OECD BEPS project has estimated the scope of avoidance by multinationals at between $100 and $240 billion per year. By comparison, total US corporate tax revenues are about $400 billion per year. The articles in this volume reflect various aspects of these troubling phenomena (from the perspective of citizens who pay their tax bills and bear the burden of budget cuts by governments starved of revenues). Yuri Biondi writes from an accounting perspective about the firm as an Enterprise Entity and the tax avoidance conundrum. Matthias Thiemann and Tim Buettner discuss the political economy of the OECD BEPS project. David Quentin discusses tax avoidance in transnational supply chains of multinationals. Blazej Kuzniacki analyzes tax avoidance in EU law, which has been the focus of a lot of activity recently (e. g., the proposed Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive by the EU Commission). Amir Pichhadze and myself discuss the idea of statutory General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) in the US and Canadian contexts.
Well-posedness and maximum principles for lattice reaction-diffusion equations
Authors: Slavík Antonín , Stehlík Petr , Volek Jonáš
Published: March 2017

Existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence results together with
maximum principles represent key tools in the analysis of lattice reaction-diffusion equations. In this paper, we study these questions in full generality by considering nonautonomous reaction functions, possibly nonsymmetric diffusion and continuous, discrete or mixed time. First, we prove the local existence and global uniqueness of bounded solutions, as well as the continuous dependence of solutions on the underlying time structure and on initial conditions. Next, we obtain the weak maximum principle which enables us to get the global existence of solutions. Finally, we provide the strong maximum principle which exhibits an interesting dependence on the time structure. Our results are illustrated by the autonomous Fisher and Nagumo lattice equations and a nonautonomous logistic population model with a variable carrying capacity.
Interior Estimates for Generalized Forchheimer Flows of Slightly Compressible Fluids
Authors: Hoang Luan T. , Kieu Thinh T.
Published: March 2017

The generalized Forchheimer flows are studied for slightly compressible fluids in porous media with time-dependent Dirichlet boundary data for the pressure. No restrictions are imposed on the degree of the Forchheimer polynomial. We derive, for all time, the interior

L
∞

{L^{\infty}}

-estimates for the pressure, its gradient and time derivative, and the interior

L
2

{L^{2}}

-estimates for its Hessian. The De Giorgi and Ladyzhenskaya–Uraltseva iteration techniques are used taking into account the special structures of the equations for both pressure and its gradient. These are combined with the uniform Gronwall-type bounds in establishing the asymptotic estimates when time tends to infinity.
Effect of Climatic Conditions on Differences in Thermo-Technical Properties of Organic Bedding in Laboratory Testing
Authors: Lendelová Jana , Karandušovská Ingrid , Žitňák Miroslav , Boďo Štefan , Mihina Štefan
Published: March 2017

The aim of this experiment was to analyse the influence of climatic factors on the thermal performance of separated liquid manure. The samples of organic bedding were collected from the lying area of dairy housing and preparatory store. The measurement of properties of recycled manure solids (RMS) was carried out in laboratory conditions. Samples were examined with determining the temperature effect on the thermal conductivity λ of ’dry‘ separated liquid manure (with a dry matter content of 60%) and ’wet‘ liquid manure (with a dry matter content of 26%), in air temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 40 °C. Subsequently, the thermal resistance of three selected types of cows lying structures was calculated for winter and summer boundary values. Based on the results of thermal conductivity and thermal resistance, it was observed that dry separated liquid manure as an alternative bedding has, in low temperature (up to 5 °C), the most suitable thermal performance if it is maintained in a dry condition (with a dry matter content of 60%). With increasing temperature (above 20 °C) and increasing humidity of bedding (below 26%), thermo-technical properties get worse; however, when comparing the thermal resistance of the cow bed structure with sandwich mattresses with a 50 mm layer of organic bedding and the deep cubicle filled with 200 mm of organic bedding, the thermal resistance of floor structure decreases by 7.6% or 18.4%, respectively. With a proper handling of the recycled organic bedding, it is possible to use its economic advantages.