bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic exercise training-induced irisin secretion is associated with the reduction of arterial stiffness via nitric oxide production in adults with obesity
Authors: Inoue Kenichiro , Fujie Shumpei , Hasegawa Natsuki , Horii Naoki , Uchida Masataka , Iemitsu Keiko , Sanada Kiyoshi , Hamaoka Takafumi , Iemitsu Motoyuki
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to clarify whether muscle-derived irisin secretion induced by aerobic exercise training is involved in reduction of arterial stiffness via arterial nitric oxide (NO) productivity in obesity. In animal study, 16 Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats with obesity were randomly divided into 2 groups: sedentary control (OLETF-CON) and 8-week aerobic treadmill training (OLETF-EX) groups. In human study, 15 subjects with obesity completed 8-week aerobic exercise training for 45 min at 60%–70% peak oxygen uptake intensity for 3 days/week. As a result of animal study, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was decreased, and arterial phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase B (Akt), and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), circulating levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and irisin, and muscle messenger RNA expression of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (Fndc5) were increased in the OLETF-EX group compared with OLETF-CON group. In a human study, regular aerobic exercise reduced cfPWV and elevated circulating levels of NOx and irisin. Furthermore, change in circulating irisin levels by regular exercise was positively correlated with circulating NOx levels and was negatively correlated with cfPWV. Thus, aerobic exercise training-induced increase in irisin secretion may be related to reduction of arterial stiffness achieved by NO production via activated arterial AMPK–Akt–eNOS signaling pathway in obesity.

Novelty Aerobic exercise training promoted irisin secretion with upregulation of muscle Fndc5 gene expression in rats with obesity. Irisin affected the activation of arterial AMPK–Akt–eNOS signaling by aerobic exercise training. Increased serum irisin level by aerobic exercise training was associated with reduction of arterial stiffness in obese adults.
Quintessence compact stars with Vaidya–Tikekar type grr for anisotropic fluid
Authors: Abbas G. , Shahzad M.R.
Published: December 2019

The present study provides a new solution to the Einstein field equations for anisotropic matter configuration in static and spherically symmetric space–time. By taking benefit from the conformal Killing vector (CKV) technique and quintessence field specified by a parameter ωq as –1 < ωq < –1/3, we generate an exact solution to the field equations. For this investigation, we have used a specific form of metric potential taken fromVaidya–Tikekar (J. Astrophys. Astron. 3, 325 (1982)) geometry. To canvass the physical plausibility of the presented solution, we explored some analytical expressions such as energy conditions, the TOV equation, stability analysis, and equation of state parameters. We present graphical analysis of the necessary analytical expressions that revealed that our solution satisfies the necessary physical conditions.
Local large deviation principle for Wiener process with random resetting
Authors: Logachov A. , Logachova O. , Yambartsev A.
Published: December 2019

We consider a class of Markov processes with resettings, where at random times, the Markov processes are restarted from a predetermined point or a region. These processes are frequently applied in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and in population dynamics. In this paper, we establish the local large deviation principle (LLDP) for the Wiener processes with random resettings, where the resettings occur at the arrival time of a Poisson process. Here, at each resetting time, a new resetting point is selected at random, according to a conditional distribution.
Insights into the inhibitory mechanism and molecular interaction of novel alkaloids fromBeilschmiedia glabrawith lipoxygenase and acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Wan Salleh Wan Mohd Nuzul Hakimi , Ogunwa Tomisin Happy
Published: December 2019

In this study, the mechanism underlying acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition by two novel alkaloids, beilschglabrine A and beilschglabrine B, as well as their interaction footprints on the binding pockets were investigated. The results showed that beilschglabrine A and beilschglabrine B inhibit both AChE and LOX in a competitive manner by binding to their active sites thereby interfering with substrate access. The interaction of the alkaloids with the enzymes was favorable and stable with low binding energy values which correlate well with their IC[Formula: see text]. The depicted molecular interaction, structure-energetic pattern and binding conformations confirmed that beilschglabrine A is more potent than beilschglabrine B. The differences in the binding pose and potency of the alkaloids is occasioned by an extra methyl moiety on beilschglabrine B. The chemical scaffold of the alkaloids respected Lipinski’s rule of five and may be relevant in the development of new anti-inflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative disease drugs acting via AChE and LOX inhibition.
THE ROLE OF EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES AND MOTIVATION ON ORGANISATIONAL INNOVATIVENESS IN DIFFERENT ORGANISATIONAL CULTURES
Authors: RITALA PAAVO , VANHALA MIKA , JÄRVELÄINEN KATJA
Published: December 2019

Organisational innovativeness is known to be affected by employee incentives and motivation, but the evidence is inconclusive regarding the organisational contexts and contingencies where this phenomenon takes place. To examine this issue, we adopt the Competing Value Framework of four types of organisational cultures, and hypothesise differences in the incentives–motivation–innovativeness relationships. Using an empirical study of 425 Finnish firms in technology industries, we found in general that intangible and tangible incentives facilitate both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, but only intrinsic motivation leads to improved organisational innovativeness. Testing our model for subsamples that included clan, adhocracy, market, and hierarchy cultures, we found that results vary considerably between those. First, incentives have different implications to motivation under different organizational cultures. Further, intrinsic motivation leads to innovativeness under adhocracy, clan, and market culture, but not under hierarchy culture, and extrinsic motivation does not lead to innovativeness under any culture.
Photoacoustic reporter genes for noninvasive molecular imaging and theranostics
Authors: Lei Zhao , Zeng Yun , Zhang Xiaofen , Wang Xiaoyong , Liu Gang
Published: December 2019

Noninvasive molecular imaging makes the observation and comprehensive understanding of complex biological processes possible. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a fast evolving hybrid imaging technology enabling in vivo imaging with high sensitivity and spatial resolution in deep tissue. Among the various probes developed for PAI, genetically encoded reporters attracted increasing attention of researchers, which provide improved performance by acquiring images of a PAI reporter gene’s expression driven by disease-specific enhancers/promoters. Here, we present a brief overview of recent studies about the existing photoacoustic reporter genes (RGs) for noninvasive molecular imaging, such as the pigment enzyme reporters, fluorescent proteins and chromoproteins, photoswitchable proteins, including their properties and potential applications in theranostics. Furthermore, the challenges that PAI RGs face when applied to the clinical studies are also examined.
Techniques for interpretable machine learning
Authors: Du Mengnan , Liu Ninghao , Hu Xia
Published: December 2019

Uncovering the mysterious ways machine learning models make decisions.
Blockchain technology
Authors: Ruoti Scott , Kaiser Ben , Yerukhimovich Arkady , Clark Jeremy , Cunningham Robert
Published: December 2019

Industry's dreams and fears for this new technology.
Deductive verification with ghost monitors
Authors: Clochard Martin , Marché Claude , Paskevich Andrei
Published: December 2019

We present a new approach to deductive program verification based on auxiliary programs called
ghost monitors
. This technique is useful when the syntactic structure of the target program is not well suited for verification, for example, when an essentially recursive algorithm is implemented in an iterative fashion. Our approach consists in implementing, specifying, and verifying an auxiliary program that monitors the execution of the target program, in such a way that the correctness of the monitor entails the correctness of the target. The ghost monitor maintains the necessary data and invariants to facilitate the proof. It can be implemented and verified in any suitable framework, which does not have to be related to the language of the target programs. This technique is also applicable when we want to establish relational properties between two target programs written in different languages and having different syntactic structure.

We then show how ghost monitors can be used to specify and prove fine-grained properties about the
infinite behaviors
of target programs. Since this cannot be easily done using existing verification frameworks, we introduce a dedicated language for ghost monitors, with an original construction to
catch
and handle divergent executions. The soundness of the underlying program logic is established using a particular flavor of transfinite games. This language and its soundness are formalized and mechanically checked.
Reductions for safety proofs
Authors: Farzan Azadeh , Vandikas Anthony
Published: December 2019

Program reductions are used widely to simplify reasoning about the correctness of concurrent and distributed programs. In this paper, we propose a general approach to proof simplification of concurrent programs based on exploring generic classes of reductions. We introduce two classes of sound program reductions, study their theoretical properties, show how they can be effectively used in algorithmic verification, and demonstrate that they are very effective in producing proofs of a diverse class of programs without targeting specific syntactic properties of these programs. The most novel contribution of this paper is the introduction of the concept of context in the definition of program reductions. We demonstrate how commutativity of program steps in some program contexts can be used to define a generic class of sound reductions which can be used to automatically produce proofs for programs whose complete Floyd-Hoare style proofs are theoretically beyond the reach of automated verification technology of today.
What is decidable about gradual types?
Authors: Migeed Zeina , Palsberg Jens
Published: December 2019

Programmers can use gradual types to migrate programs to have more precise type annotations and thereby improve their readability, efficiency, and safety. Such migration requires an exploration of the migration space and can benefit from tool support, as shown in previous work. Our goal is to provide a foundation for better tool support by settling decidability questions about migration with gradual types. We present three algorithms and a hardness result for deciding key properties and we explain how they can be useful during an exploration. In particular, we show how to decide whether the migration space is finite, whether it has a top element, and whether it is a singleton. We also show that deciding whether it has a maximal element is NP-hard. Our implementation of our algorithms worked as expected on a suite of microbenchmarks.
Multiplication hits the speed limit
Authors: Klarreich Erica
Published: December 2019

A problem "around since antiquity" may have been resolved by a new algorithm.
Investigating Searchers’ Mental Models to Inform Search Explanations
Authors: Thomas Paul , Billerbeck Bodo , Craswell Nick , White Ryen W.
Published: December 2019

Modern web search engines use many signals to select and rank results in response to queries. However, searchers’ mental models of search are relatively unsophisticated, hindering their ability to use search engines efficiently and effectively. Annotating results with more in-depth explanations could help, but search engine providers need to know what to explain. To this end, we report on a study of searchers’ mental models of web selection and ranking, with more than 400 respondents to an online survey and 11 face-to-face interviews. Participants volunteered a range of factors and showed good understanding of important concepts such as popularity, wording, and personalization. However, they showed little understanding of recency or diversity and incorrect ideas of payment for ranking. Where there are already explanatory annotations on the results page—such as “ad” markers and keyword highlighting—participants were familiar with ranking concepts. This suggests that further explanatory annotations may be useful.
Richard Hipp Speaks Out on SQLite
Authors: Winslett Marianne , Braganholo Vanessa
Published: December 2019

Welcome to ACM SIGMOD Record Series of interviews with distinguished members of the database community. I'm Marianne Winslett, and today we are at the 2017 SIGMOD and PODS Conference in Chicago. I have here with me, Richard Hipp, who won the 2017 SIGMOD Systems Award and the 2005 Google O'Reilly Open Source Award for SQLite. Richard has his own consulting firm, Hwaci, and his Ph.D. is from Duke University.
Cost-Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery versus Medication Therapy for Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in China: A Markov Analysis
Authors: Wan Bin , Fang Nan , Guan Wei , Ding Haixia , Wang Ying , Ge Xin , Liang Hui , Li Xin , Zhan Yiyang
Published: December 2019

Aims/Introduction. The present study estimated the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery versus medication therapy for the management of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese patients from a Chinese health insurance payer perspective. Materials and Methods. A Markov model was established to compare the 40-year time costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between bariatric surgery and medication therapy. The health-care costs in the bariatric surgery group, proportion of patients in each group with remission of diabetes, and state transition probabilities were calculated based on observed resource utilization from the hospital information system (HIS). The corresponding costs in the medication therapy group were derived from the medical insurance database. QALYs were estimated from previous literature. Costs and outcomes were discounted 5% annually. Results. In the base case analysis, bariatric surgery was more effective and less costly than medication therapy. Over a 40-year time horizon, the mean discounted costs were 86,366.55 RMB per surgical therapy patient and 113,235.94 CNY per medication therapy patient. The surgical and medication therapy patients lived 13.46 and 10.95 discounted QALYs, respectively. Bariatric surgery was associated with a mean health-care savings of 26,869.39 CNY and 2.51 additional QALYs per patient compared to medication therapy. Uncertainty around the parameter values was tested comprehensively in sensitivity analyses, and the results were robust. Conclusions. Bariatric surgery is a dominant intervention over a 40-year time horizon, which leads to significant cost savings to the health insurance payer and increases in health benefits for the management of recently diagnosed T2DM in obese patients in China.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Potential Key Genes in Trastuzumab-Resistant Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Guangda , Jian Liumeng , Lin Xiangan , Zhu Aiyu , Wen Guohua
Published: December 2019

Background. This study was performed to identify genes related to acquired trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer (GC) and to analyze their prognostic value. Methods. The gene expression profile GSE77346 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by using GEO2R. Functional and pathway enrichment was analyzed by using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), Cytoscape, and MCODE were then used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identify hub genes. Finally, the relationship between hub genes and overall survival (OS) was analyzed by using the online Kaplan-Meier plotter tool. Results. A total of 327 DEGs were screened and were mainly enriched in terms related to pathways in cancer, signaling pathways regulating stem cell pluripotency, HTLV-I infection, and ECM-receptor interactions. A PPI network was constructed, and 18 hub genes (including one upregulated gene and seventeen downregulated genes) were identified based on the degrees and MCODE scores of the PPI network. Finally, the expression of four hub genes (ERBB2, VIM, EGR1, and PSMB8) was found to be related to the prognosis of HER2-positive (HER2+) gastric cancer. However, the prognostic value of the other hub genes was controversial; interestingly, most of these genes were interferon- (IFN-) stimulated genes (ISGs). Conclusions. Overall, we propose that the four hub genes may be potential targets in trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer and that ISGs may play a key role in promoting trastuzumab resistance in GC.
Inhibition of HMGB1 Promotes Osseointegration under Hyperglycemic Condition through Improvement of BMSC Dysfunction
Authors: Liu Beilei , Gan Xueqi , Zhao Yuwei , Yu Hongdou , Gao Jing , Yu Haiyang
Published: December 2019

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) participates actively in oxidative stress damage and the latter relates closely to diabetic complications, including poor implant osseointegration. This article is aimed at investigating the effects of HMGB1 on dysfunction of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and impaired osseointegration under diabetic environment. In vitro, BMSCs were treated with normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG), and HG+glycyrrhizin (HMGB1 inhibitor, HG+GL). Cell proliferation, osteogenic behaviors, and oxidative stress were determined. In vivo, 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized to control, streptozotocin-induced diabetic, and diabetic-GL groups. Rats received GL (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle treatment daily after titanium implants were planted into the tibiae. After 4 and 8 weeks, plasma lipoperoxide detection, μCT analysis, and histomorphometric evaluation were conducted. By these approaches, we demonstrated that inhibiting HMGB1 by GL significantly attenuated HG-induced upregulation of HMGB1, HMGB1 ligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and their interaction, relieved oxidative stress, and reversed the downregulation of osteogenic markers, resulting in improved osteogenic differentiation. In diabetic rats, GL administration suppressed the upregulation of HMGB1, attenuated the lipoperoxide, and ameliorated the impaired trabecular structure and osseointegration. Taken together, inhibiting HMGB1 can be an effective approach to relieve BMSC dysfunction and enhance osseointegration under diabetic environment.
The Application of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogels in Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Li Hongru , Qi Zhiping , Zheng Shuang , Chang Yuxin , Kong Weijian , Fu Chuan , Yu Ziyuan , Yang Xiaoyu , Pan Su
Published: December 2019

At present, the healing of osteopathy, especially the healing of cartilage, has been proven to be difficult. Commonly used treatment methods are autogenous bone grafts and allogeneic bone grafts, but grafts cannot fully meet the clinical treatment requirements due to problems related to the source, price, immunity, and other concerns. Thus, the combination of biomaterials and tissue engineering technology has become a new direction in research. Among studies on tissue engineering bone and cartilage materials, hydrogels that show biological activity, absorbability after degradability, plasticity, and easy preparation have become the focus. Hydrogels are used as extracellular matrix mimics. Although various materials are able to form hydrogels, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives are prominently used. Hyaluronic acid hydrogels have many advantages, such as promoting cell adhesion and proliferation and wound healing. They also demonstrate sufficient biological activity for stimulating a microenvironment for cell survival. However, their disadvantages require further modification and include a poor degradation rate and insufficient mechanical performance. In this paper, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels, their modifications, applications, and mechanisms, as well as new techniques for processing hyaluronic acid hydrogels in bone and cartilage tissue engineering, are briefly reviewed, and their future prospects and directions for future work are discussed.
Shrinkage Points of Golden Rectangle, Fibonacci Spirals, and Golden Spirals
Authors: Duan Jun-Sheng
Published: December 2019

We investigated the golden rectangle and the related Fibonacci spiral and golden spiral. The coordinates of the shrinkage points of a golden rectangle were derived. Properties of shrinkage points were discussed. Based on these properties, we conduct a comparison study for the Fibonacci spiral and golden spiral. Their similarities and differences were looked into by examining their polar coordinate equations, polar radii, arm-radius angles, and curvatures. The golden spiral has constant arm-radius angle and continuous curvature, while the Fibonacci spiral has cyclic varying arm-radius angle and discontinuous curvature.
The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinura edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease: Reviews on Human and Animal Studies
Authors: Shin Min Sun , Park Hong-Jai , Maeda Takahiro , Nishioka Hiroshi , Fujii Hajime , Kang Insoo
Published: December 2019

Mushrooms have been used for various health conditions for many years by traditional medicines practiced in different regions of the world although the exact effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system are not fully understood. AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (ECLM) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture. AHCC® is reported to modulate the numbers and functions of immune cells including natural killer (NK) and T cells which play important roles in host defense, suggesting the possible implication of its supplementation in defending the host against infections and malignancies via modulating the immune system. Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.
Nonlinear Numerical Simulation for Oscillating Pressure in Cavity and Passive Control Research
Authors: Chen Binqi , Wang Yiding
Published: December 2019

Prediction of oscillating pressure is a key technology for cavity research. Nonlinear Acoustic Solver (NLAS) is applied to analyze aeroacoustics recently. A nonlinear numerical solver is combined with the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method. RANS is applied to solving the flow field around a cavity, and average solution of initial turbulent statistics is obtained which contains the basic characteristics of the average flow field and statistic description of turbulence fluctuation. The source of acoustic generation is reconstructed, and the spreading of oscillating pressure is simulated precisely. According to the comparison of the cavity noise calculation and experimental results under Mach numbers 0.6, 0.85, and 1.35, it indicates that NLAS is capable to predict oscillating pressure of cavity flow from subsonic to supersonic with acceptable deviation. On this basis, the contribution to oscillating pressure suppression made by passive control such as rectangular fence (RF) and square tooth spoiler (STS) is investigated. It is found that these two passive control methods can lessen the total noise.
Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials-Based Polymer Composites: Fabrication and Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Liu Wei , Ullah Bakhtar , Kuo Ching-Ching , Cai Xingke
Published: December 2019

Polymers have been widely used for their low density, low cost, corrosion resistance, easy design, and processing. The addition of nanomaterials into polymer matrices has been studied for a long history due to their enhancement on properties of polymers, such as the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Two-dimensional materials, a new class of nanomaterials, have been intensively studied as a filler for polymer composites in recent years, which can significantly enhance the performance at even extremely small loading. In this review, firstly, the preparing and modifying method of 2D materials, such as graphene, graphene oxide, and hexagonal boron nitride, as a filler for polymer composites are organized. The related dispersion methods of 2D materials in the polymers, surface treatments of 2D materials, interface bonding between 2D materials and polymers are discussed alongside. Secondly, the applications of 2D materials/polymer composites for energy storage in lithium ion battery separators and supercapacitors are summarized. Finally, we have concluded the challenges in preparing 2D materials/polymer composites, and future perspectives for using this class of new composites have also been discussed.
A Novel Dual-Broadband Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna for Precise Satellite Navigation
Authors: Lin Fumin , Zhang Liangxian , Cai Huiping , Liu Mingjian , Li Xiaopeng , Xiao Yujie
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a novel dual-band circularly polarized patch antenna for precise satellite navigation. The radiation elements are composed of the inner cross-shaped patch and the outer annular patch which are printed on the same surface of one substrate. Two patches work in different bands, respectively, and emit dual-band circularly polarized radiation. In order to obtain a more compact antenna to meet the application of precise satellite navigation, we vertically place four metal cylinders under the ends of the cross-shaped patch to form four capacitive loadings to lower the resonant frequency of the inner cross-shaped patch. A capacitive coupling feed structure is used to match the input impedance of a patch antenna and make the antenna compact enough. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna can produce appropriate dual-band circularly polarized radiation patterns for precise satellite navigation. The measured results of the antenna illustrate that maximum RHCP gain of the antenna is 4.72 dBi in the low band and 3.98 dBi in the high band, the 3 dB gain bandwidth is 70 MHz in the low band and 65 MHz in the high band.
An Adaptive Control of Fractional‐Order Nonlinear Uncertain Systems with Input Saturation
Authors: Wang Changhui , Liang Mei , Chai Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

This paper develops a fractional‐order adaptive fuzzy backstepping control scheme for incommensurate fractional‐order nonlinear uncertain systems with external disturbances and input saturation. Based on backstepping algorithm, the fuzzy logic system is used to approximate the unknown nonlinear uncertainties in each step of the backstepping, and the fractional‐order parameters update laws for fuzzy logic system, unknown parameters, and the external disturbances are proposed. With the aids of the frequency distributed model of fractional integrator for the fractional‐order systems in the procedure of controller design, the stability of the closed‐loop system is established. To verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller, two simulation examples are demonstrated at last.
Experimental Evaluation of the Influences of Water on the Fracture Toughness of Mudstones with Bedding
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Li Li , Lian Haojie
Published: December 2019

The effect of water on fracture toughness in various modes of mudstones was investigated using semicircular bend (SCB) specimens exposed to three-point bendings. Natural mudstone specimens are obtained using a special coring method and are then classified into three types (A, B, and C) corresponding to three directions/configurations of bedding planes (divider, arrester, and transverse). The results show that the Type A (divider configuration) specimens possess the largest fracture toughness value for all tested modes and same soaking time, whereas the Type C (transverse configuration) specimens have the smallest one. By increasing soaking time, the fracture toughness in all three modes decreases and the fracture mechanism changes from brittle failure to ductile failure. Among them, the Type C specimens have the highest degree of degradation for each soaking time period. Regarding the fracture modes, the degradation degree ofKIcis higher than that ofKIIcfor all three types of mudstone specimens. In addition,KIIc/KIcratio increases when soaking time is extended. Furthermore, in the initial and short soaking time stages, the experimentalKIIc/KIcresults are consistent with theoretical findings from modified MTS criterion. However, after being soaked 300 minutes for three types of specimens, the test curves deviate from the theoretical curves. Analogously, the mixed-mode I/II ratio ofKefftoKIcis consistent with the theoretical values in the initial stage when the degree of damage is low. With soaking time increasing, the experimental curve is gradually deviated from the theoretical curve. When soaking time reaches 300 minutes, the deviation is substantial. And the test data for the Type-A specimens are observed to provide better agreements with theoretical predictions by modified MTS criterion than those for the other two types of specimens.
mTOR-Mediated Antioxidant Activation in Solid Tumor Radioresistance
Authors: Woo Yunseo , Lee Hyo-Ji , Jung Young Mee , Jung Yu-Jin
Published: December 2019

Radiotherapy is widely used for the treatment of cancer patients, but tumor radioresistance presents serious therapy challenges. Tumor radioresistance is closely related to high levels of mTOR signaling in tumor tissues. Therefore, targeting the mTOR pathway might be a strategy to promote solid tumor sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Radioresistance is associated with enhanced antioxidant mechanisms in cancer cells. Therefore, examination of the relationship between mTOR signaling and antioxidant mechanism-linked radioresistance is required for effective radiotherapy. In particular, the effect of mTOR signaling on antioxidant glutathione induction by the Keap1-NRF2-xCT pathway is described in this review. This review is expected to assist in the identification of therapeutic adjuvants to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy.
Time‐Domain Topological Energy Imaging Method of Concrete Cavity Defect by Lamb Wave
Authors: Zhu Wen-Fa , Shao Wei , Peng Le-Le , Fan Guo-Peng , Chen Xing-Jie , Zheng Shu-Bin , Zhang Hai-Yan
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an ultrasonic Lamb wave imaging method based on time‐domain topological energy to address artifacts in the results of traditional ultrasound imaging methods. This method is based on topological theory and the calculation of the direct and adjoint sound fields in a defect‐free reference medium. It focuses the direct and adjoint sound fields at the cavity defect using time reversal and their time‐domain topological energy as the pixel values of the image to reduce the artifacts. The physical mechanism of time‐domain topological energy (TDTE) imaging is revealed by finite element simulation and experiment. The feasibility of this method for multilayer concrete cavity defect imaging is verified. Compared with the traditional synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) imaging method, the numerical simulation and experimental results show that the method can overcome the influence of ultrasonic Lamb wave dispersion and locate cavity defects with high accuracy and few artifacts. These features indicate the potential of the method in imaging damage concrete structures.
Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis: A Case Report of a Rare Entity
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , de Silva Lalani , de Silva Chandu , Seneviratne Sanjeewa
Published: December 2019

Scrotal calcinosis is a benign condition where multiple calcified nodules are found within the dermis of the scrotal skin. It is a rare condition which is usually asymptomatic and has no clear aetiology although several theories have been proposed in the aetiopathogenesis. We report a 55-year-old man with extensive scrotal calcinosis. Surgical excision of the affected scrotal skin was curative.
The Potential Role of Cycloastragenol in Promoting Diabetic Wound Repair In Vitro
Authors: Cao Yi , Xu Li , Yang Xiaohong , Dong Yuan , Luo Hongbin , Xing Fengling , Ge Qiongxiang
Published: December 2019

Background. Refractory wound healing is a severe complication of diabetes with a significant socioeconomic burden. Whereas current therapies are insufficient to accelerate repair, stem cell-based therapy is increasingly recognized as an alternative that improves healing outcomes. The aim of the present study is to explore the role of cycloastragenol (CAG), a naturally occurring compound in Astragali Radix, in ameliorating refractory cutaneous wound healing in vitro, which may provide a new insight into therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds. Methods. Human epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) obtained from nine patients were exposed to CAG, with or without DKK1 (a Wnt signaling inhibitor). A lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) system was used to establish the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and β-catenin knockdown cell line. Cell counting kit-8, scratch wound healing, and transwell migration assay were used to determine the effects of CAG in cell growth and migration. The activation of TERT, β-catenin, and c-Myc was determined using real-time qPCR and western blot analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to evaluate the associations among CAG, TERT, and Wnt/β-catenin signals. Results. CAG not only promoted the proliferation and migration ability of EpSCs but also increased the expression levels of TERT, β-catenin, c-Myc. These effects of CAG were most pronounced at a dose of 0.3 μM. Notably, the CAG-promoted proliferative and migratory abilities of EpSCs were abrogated in TERT and β-catenin-silenced cells. In addition, the ChIP results strongly suggested that CAG-modulated TERT was closely associated with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion. Our data indicate that CAG is a TERT activator of EpSCs and is associated with their proliferation and migration, a role it may play through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
A Fractal Model for Characterizing Hydraulic Properties of Fractured Rock Mass under Mining Influence
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Liang Tao , Wang Sijing , Nawnit Kumar
Published: December 2019

In this paper, two basic assumptions are introduced: (1) The number and length distribution of fractures in fractured rock mass are in accordance with the fractal law. (2) Fluid seepage in the fractures satisfies the cubic law. Based on these two assumptions, the fractal model of parallel seepage and radial seepage in fractured rock mass is established, and the seepage tensor of fracture network which reflects the geometric characteristics and fractal characteristics of fracture network under two kinds of seepage is derived. The influence of fracture geometry and fractal characteristics on permeability is analyzed, and the validity and accuracy of the model are verified by comparing the calculated results of the theoretical model and physical model test. The results show that the permeability coefficient K of fracture network is a function of the geometric (maximum crack length Lmax, fractured horizontal projection length L0, diameter calculation section porosity Φ, fracture strike α, and fracture angle θ) and fractal characteristics (fracture network fractal dimension Df and seepage flow fractal dimension DT). With the increase of fractal dimension Df, the permeability coefficient increases. With the increase of DT, the permeability coefficient decreases rapidly. And the larger the Df (Df>1.5), the greater the change of permeability coefficient K with DT.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Rhodococcus equi: An Insight into Genomic Diversity and Genome Evolution
Authors: Ying Jianchao , Ye Jun , Xu Teng , Wang Qian , Bao Qiyu , Li Aifang
Published: December 2019

Rhodococcus equi, a member of the Rhodococcus genus, is a gram-positive pathogenic bacterium. Rhodococcus possesses an open pan-genome that constitutes the basis of its high genomic diversity and allows for adaptation to specific niche conditions and the changing host environments. Our analysis further showed that the core genome of R. equi contributes to the pathogenicity and niche adaptation of R. equi. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genomes of R. equi shared identical collinearity relationship, and heterogeneity was mainly acquired by means of genomic islands and prophages. Moreover, genomic islands in R. equi were always involved in virulence, resistance, or niche adaptation and possibly working with prophages to cause the majority of genome expansion. These findings provide an insight into the genomic diversity, evolution, and structural variation of R. equi and a valuable resource for functional genomic studies.
The Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Aneurysmal Lesions in Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Zhou Jiaxin , Shi Jing , Liu Jinjing , Sun Luxi , Li Lu , Li Chaoran , Wu Xiuhua , Wang Yining , Tian Xinping , Zeng Xiaofeng , Liu Yi , Zheng Wenjie , Zhao Yan
Published: December 2019

Objective. To investigate the clinical features and potential risk factors of aneurysmal lesions in Behcet’s disease (BD). Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of BD patients with aneurysmal lesions in our institute from 1997 to 2017 and compared them with 207 BD patients without aneurysmal lesions. The treatment and outcome of these patients were also analyzed. Results. Sixty-nine patients were included with 117 aneurysmal lesions. The average period between BD onset and diagnosis of aneurysmal lesion was 5.4±5.5 years. Thirty-three patients (47.8%) had multiple aneurysmal lesions. Ten patients developed 20 pulmonary artery aneurysms alone. For the other 97 aortic and/or peripheral artery aneurysms in 59 patients, the most commonly affected vessels were abdominal aorta (27/97, 27.8%), coronary artery (10/97, 10.3%), and superficial femoral artery (8/97, 8.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed pathergy reaction (OR=3.78 (1.70-8.41)), arterial stenosis or occlusion (OR=44.12 (11.56-168.35)), and arterial thrombosis (OR=9.27 (2.33-36.93)) as independent predictors of aneurysmal lesions in BD. With a mean follow-up of 5.5±4.0 years, 40 patients (58.0%) achieved clinical improvements, 15 patients (21.7%) relapsed, and 10 patients (14.5%) died. The respective estimated cumulative 1- and 5-year relapse-free rates were 91.3% and 76.3%, and the respective estimated 1- and 5-year survival rates were 95.0% and 87.2%. Conclusion. Aneurysmal lesions are severe complications in BD. Pathergy reaction, arterial stenosis or occlusion, and arterial thrombosis are the risk factors of aneurysmal lesions in BD. Achieving BD remission and performing surgical or interventional procedures are both important in the treatment of these patients.
Peroxiredoxin 6 Is a Key Antioxidant Enzyme in Modulating the Link between Glycemic and Lipogenic Metabolism
Authors: Arriga Roberto , Pacifici Francesca , Capuani Barbara , Coppola Andrea , Orlandi Augusto , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Pastore Donatella , Andreadi Aikaterini , Sbraccia Paolo , Tesauro Manfredi , Daniele Nicola Di , Sconocchia Giuseppe , Donadel Giulia , Bellia Alfonso , Della-Morte David , Lauro Davide
Published: December 2019

Insulin action and often glucose-stimulated insulin secretion are reduced in obesity. In addition, the excessive intake of lipids increases oxidative stress leading to overt type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among the antioxidative defense systems, peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is able to reduce H2O2 and short chain and phospholipid hydroperoxides. Increasing evidences suggest that PRDX6 is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and T2DM, but its role in the etiopathology of obesity and its complications is still not known. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to investigate this association by using PRDX6 knockout mice (PRDX6-/-). Metabolic parameters, like carbon dioxide (VCO2) production, oxygen consumption (VO2), and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), were determined using metabolic cages. Intraperitoneal insulin and glucose tolerance tests were performed to evaluate insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, respectively. Liver and pancreas histochemical analyses were also evaluated. The expression of enzymes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism was analyzed by real-time PCR. Following 24 weeks of high-fat-diet (HFD), PRDX6-/- mice showed weight gain and higher food and drink intake compared to controls. VO2 consumption and VCO2 production decreased in PRDX6-/- mice, while the RER was lower than 0.7 indicating a prevalent lipid metabolism. PRDX6-/- mice fed with HFD showed a further deterioration on insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, in PRDX6-/- mice, insulin did not suppress adipose tissue lipolysis with consequent hepatic lipid overload and higher serum levels of ALT, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Interestingly, in PRDX6-/- mice, liver and adipose tissue were associated with proinflammatory gene upregulation. Finally, PRDX6-/- mice showed a higher rate of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) compared to control. Our results suggest that PRDX6 may have a functional and protective role in the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders such as liver diseases and T2DM and may be considered a potential therapeutic target against these illnesses.
Accelerated Dose Escalation with Three Injections of an Aluminum Hydroxide-Adsorbed Allergoid Preparation of Six Grasses Is Safe for Patients with Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kopp Matthias Volkmar , Bovermann Xenia , Klimek Ludger
Published: December 2019

Only few data on safety during high-dose, accelerated escalation schedules during subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (AIT) are available. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of an accelerated dose escalation schedule of AIT in adult patients with moderate to severe seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis in a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase II trial. The dose escalation scheme for patients in Group I (1 strength) included 3 injections with 1 strength, B (10,000 TU/mL), whereas the dose escalation scheme for Group II (standard) included 7 injections with 2 strengths, A (1,000 TU/mL) and B (10,000 TU/mL), of an aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed allergoid grass pollen preparation. Overall, 72 of 87 randomized patients (83.7%) reported at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE; 82.2 [Group I] vs. 85.4% [Group II]); 58.8% of all reported TEAEs were assessed as being related to AIT (60.0 vs. 48.8%). The most frequently reported AIT-related TEAEs were swelling (46.7 vs. 34.1%), erythema (28.9 vs. 36.6%), and pruritus (31.1 vs. 17.1%) at the site of the injection. Systemic allergic reactions occurred in 5 (5.8%) patients overall, with more being reported in the 1-strength group (4 [8.9%] vs. 1 [2.4%]). All systemic allergic reactions were classified as World Allergy Organization (WAO) Grade 1 or Grade 2 reactions. Accelerated high-dose escalation with an aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed grass pollen allergoid can be initiated with a safety and tolerability profile comparable to the standard dose escalation schedule in patients with allergic rhinitis with or without asthma.
Clinical Predictors Implicated in the Incidence of Acute Pyelonephritis during the Antepartum Period: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Ko Gang Jee , Ahn Shin Young , Kim Ji Eun , Cho Eun Jung , Lee Kyu-Min , Kim Ho Yeon , Kwon Young Joo , Oh Min-Jeong , Han Sung Won , Cho Geum Joon
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is a common infection during pregnancy that increases the risk of unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes. However, it has not been clearly elucidated which demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with the incidence of APN during pregnancy. Objective: This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the risk factors for APN during pregnancy. Methods: Using the database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of South Korea, we enrolled Korean women who delivered infants between 2010 and 2014 in Korea and had complete health examination records within 1 year of pregnancy. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the risk factors for APN during pregnancy. Results: Of 370,248 women, 2,526 (0.7% of the total participants) were treated for APN while in hospitalization during pregnancy. Younger age, history of previous APN within 1 year of pregnancy, and abnormal results of health examination before pregnancy, such as high fasting glucose level (>100 mg/dL) and proteinuria, were associated with an increased risk of APN during pregnancy. Conclusion: Certain maternal demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with the incidence of APN during pregnancy, and these should be monitored closely during antenatal care.
Role of Imaging in Diagnosis of a Rare Hepatosplenic Gamma Delta T-Cell Lymphoma during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Youssef Reda R.H. , Elmahdy Amr , Kohla Samah , Ibrahim Feryal , Sabry Ahmed Saied , Alobaidly Amal , Saloum Nehal
Published: December 2019

Hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a very rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma characterized by extranodal infiltration of mature malignant post-thymic T-lymphocytes into sinusoids of the liver and spleen without lymphadenopathy and significant cytopenias. It is an aggressive form of lymphoma, resistant to the conventional chemotherapy. We report a case of HSTCL in pregnancy. Because this condition is an extremely aggressive and rare entity, data from these cases can help confirm the most suitable treatment regimen and timing of initiation. The role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis has been discussed. HSTCL is a rare entity of T-cell lymphoma, uncommon in female patients and very rarely reported during pregnancy.
Linking Colony Size with Foraging Behavior and Brain Investment in Odorous Ants (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae)
Authors: Godfrey R. Keating , Gronenberg Wulfila
Published: December 2019

Superorganisms represent a unique level of biological organization in which the phenotype of the reproductive unit, the colony, results from traits expressed at the level of individual workers. Because body size scaling has important consequences for cell diversity and system complexity in solitary organisms, colony size is a trait of particular interest in superorganism evolution. In some instances, division of labor and worker polymorphism scale with colony size, but in general little is known about how colony size drives differences in individual-level behavior or neural traits. Ants represent the greatest diversity of superorganisms and provide a manner of natural experiment to test trends in trait evolution across multiple instances of colony size expansion. In this study, we control for environmental differences and worker size polymorphism to test if colony size correlates with measures of foraging behavior and brain size in dolichoderine ants. We present data from 3 species ranked by colony size. Our results suggest colony size correlates with measures of exploratory behavior and brain investment, with small-colony ants showing higher exploratory drive and faster exploration rate than the larger colony species, and greater relative investment in the primary olfactory brain region, the antennal lobe, than the larger colony species.