bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DFA‐based approach for the deployment of BPaaS fragments in the cloud
Authors: Hedhli Ameni , Mezni Haithem
Published: November 2018

Cloud computing is an emerging technology that is largely adopted by the current computing industry. With the growing number of Cloud services, Cloud providers' main focus is how to best offer efficient services (eg, SaaS, BPaaS, mobile services, etc) in order to hook the eventual customers. To meet this goal, services arrangement and placement in the cloud is becoming a serious problem because an optimal placement of these applications and their related data in accordance with the available resources can increase companies' benefits. Since there is a widespread deployment of business processes in the cloud, the hereinafter conducted research works aim to enhance the business processes' outsourcing by providing an optimized placement scheme that would attract cloud customers. In the light of these facts, the purpose of this paper is to deal with the BPaaS placement problem while optimizing both the total execution time and cloud resources' usage. To do so, we first determine the redundant BPaaS fragments using a DNA Fragment Assembly technique. We apply a variant of the Genetic Algorithm to resolve it. Then, we propose a placement algorithm, which produces an optimized placement scheme on the basis of the determined fragments relations. We follow that by an implementation of the whole placement process and a set of experimental results that have shown the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach.
A user‐assisted thread‐level vulnerability assessment tool
Authors: Oz Isil , Topcuoglu Haluk Rahmi , Tosun Oguz
Published: November 2018

The system reliability becomes a critical concern in modern architectures with the scale down of circuits. To deal with soft errors, the replication of system resources has been used at both hardware and software levels. Since the redundancy causes performance degradation, it is required to explore partial redundancy techniques that replicate the most vulnerable parts of the code. The redundancy level of user applications depends on user preferences and may be different for the users with different requirements. In this work, we propose a user‐assisted reliability assessment tool based on critical thread analysis for redundancy in parallel architectures. Our analysis evaluates the application threads of a parallel program by considering their criticality in the execution and selects the most critical thread or threads to be replicated. Moreover, we extend our analysis by exploring critical regions of individual threads and execute redundantly only those regions to reduce redundancy overhead. Our experimental evaluation indicates that the replication of the most critical thread improves the system reliability more (up to 10% for blackscholes application) than the replication of any other thread. The partial thread replication based on critical region analysis also reduces the vulnerability of the system by considering a fine‐grained approach.
Pediatric Anthracycline‐Induced Cardiotoxicity: Mechanisms, Pharmacogenomics, and Pluripotent Stem‐Cell Modeling
Authors: Tripaydonis Anne , Conyers Rachel , Elliott David A.
Published: November 2018

Anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) is a severe adverse drug reaction for a subset of children treated with anthracyclines as part of chemotherapy protocols. The identification of genetic markers associated with increased ACT susceptibility has clinical significance toward improving patient care and our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in ACT. Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes represent a novel approach to determine the pharmacogenomics of ACT and guide the development of genetic screening tests.
Investigating the ability of the microbial model Cunninghamella elegans for the metabolism of synthetic tryptamines
Authors: Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Wilke Andreas , König Stefan , Weinmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

Tryptamines can occur naturally in plants, mushrooms, microbes, and amphibians. Synthetic tryptamines are sold as new psychoactive substances (NPS) because of their hallucinogenic effects. When it comes to NPS, metabolism studies are of crucial importance, due to the lack of pharmacological and toxicological data. Different approaches can be taken to study in vitro and in vivo metabolism of xenobiotica. The zygomycete fungus Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) can be used as a microbial model for the study of drug metabolism. The current study investigated the biotransformation of four naturally occurring and synthetic tryptamines [N,N‐Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 4‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐ethyltryptamine (4‐HO‐MET), N,N‐di allyl‐5‐methoxy tryptamine (5‐MeO‐DALT) and 5‐methoxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐isoporpoyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐MiPT)] in C. elegans after incubation for 72 hours. Metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography–high resolution–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HR–MS/MS) with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QqTOF) instrument. Results were compared to already published data on these substances. C. elegans was capable of producing all major biotransformation steps: hydroxylation, N‐oxide formation, carboxylation, deamination, and demethylation. On average 63% of phase I metabolites found in the literature could also be detected in C. elegans. Additionally, metabolites specific for C. elegans were identified. Therefore, C. elegans is a suitable complementary model to other in vitro or in vivo methods to study the metabolism of naturally occurring or synthetic tryptamines.
Counter Cation Dependent and Stimuli Responsive Supramolecular Polymers Constructed by Calix[4]pyrrole Based Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Yuvayapan Samet , Aydogan Abdullah
Published: November 2018

Carboxylate tethered calix[4]pyrroles in the form of their tetrabutylammonium (TBA) and cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) salts were synthesized via an acid base reaction between the corresponding carboxylic acid functionalized calix[4]pyrrole and tetrabutyl‐ or cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide. The host–guest recognition motif based on these calix[4]pyrrole macrocycles and tethered carboxylate units was employed to construct novel A–B type supramolecular polymers from low molecular weight monomers in chloroform. These supramolecular polymers were found to be dependent on the counter cation in terms of the properties of supramolecular polymers. 1H‐, DOSY‐, NOESY‐NMR spectroscopic analyses, viscosity measurements, and SEM results were used to characterize supramolecular polymers and revealed that the CTA cation becomes a direct part of supramolecular polymer via cation–π interactions between the ammonium part of CTA and carboxylate‐bound calix[4]pyrrole, effecting the overall properties of supramolecular polymers such as viscosity, gel formation, and drawing fibers. Additionally, reversible pH‐ and thermo‐responsiveness of the supramolecular polymers were demonstrated for the first time for an anion recognition induced calix[4]pyrrole based supramolecular polymer.
High‐order ghost‐point immersed boundary method for viscous compressible flows based on summation‐by‐parts operators
Authors: Khalili M. Ehsan , Larsson Martin , Müller Bernhard
Published: November 2018

A high‐order immersed boundary method is devised for the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations by employing high‐order summation‐by‐parts difference operators. The immersed boundaries are treated as sharp interfaces by enforcing the solid wall boundary conditions via flow variables at ghost points. Two different interpolation schemes are tested to compute values at the ghost points and a hybrid treatment is used. The first method provides the bilinearly interpolated flow variables at the image points of the corresponding ghost points and the second method applies the boundary condition at the immersed boundary by using the weighted least squares method with high‐order polynomials. The approach is verified and validated for compressible flow past a circular cylinder at moderate Reynolds numbers. The tonal sound generated by vortex shedding from a circular cylinder is also investigated. In order to demonstrate the capability of the solver to handle complex geometries in practical cases, flow in a cross‐section of a human upper airway is simulated.
Long noncoding RNA expression profiling in cancer: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Lorenzi Lucía , Avila Cobos Francisco , Decock Anneleen , Everaert Celine , Helsmoortel Hetty , Lefever Steve , Verboom Karen , Volders Pieter‐Jan , Speleman Frank , Vandesompele Jo , Mestdagh Pieter
Published: November 2018

In recent years, technological advances in transcriptome profiling revealed that the repertoire of human RNA molecules is more diverse and extended than originally thought. This diversity and complexity mainly derive from a large ensemble of noncoding RNAs. Because of their key roles in cellular processes important for normal development and physiology, disruption of noncoding RNA expression is intrinsically linked to human disease, including cancer. Therefore, studying the noncoding portion of the transcriptome offers the prospect of identifying novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Although evidence of the relevance of noncoding RNAs in cancer is accumulating, we still face many challenges when it comes to accurately profiling their expression levels. Some of these challenges are inherent to the technologies employed, whereas others are associated with characteristics of the noncoding RNAs themselves. In this review, we discuss the challenges related to long noncoding RNA expression profiling, highlight how cancer long noncoding RNAs provide new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and reflect on future developments.
Quantitative Bestimmung des Verklebungspotenzials feinkörniger Böden auf Basis von Adhäsionsspannung
Authors: Budach Christoph , Placzek Dietmar , Kleen Eugen
Published: November 2018

Bei Vortrieben mit Tunnelvortriebsmaschinen (TVM) kann es in Abhängigkeit von den Eigenschaften des Baugrunds, insbesondere in feinkörnigen Böden, zu Verklebungen an Teilen der TVM kommen. Diese können einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Vortriebsleistung ausüben und damit die Wirtschaftlichkeit eines Projekts maßgeblich beeinflussen. Bei bisher durchgeführten Untersuchungen zum Verklebungspotenzial wurden u. a. die bodenspezifischen Eigenschaften berücksichtigt und das Verklebungspotenzial unterschiedlicher Böden qualitativ abgeschätzt.

Die im Rahmen des Beitrags präsentierten Ergebnisse der eigenen Untersuchungen zur Bestimmung der Adhäsionsspannungen lassen sich sehr gut kategorisieren, sodass neben einer qualitativen auch eine quantitative Einteilung möglich ist. Zudem wurden systematische Untersuchungen mit verklebungsmindernden Additiven durchgeführt, deren Ergebnisse präsentiert werden. Die quantitative Einteilung soll helfen, das Verklebungspotenzial bei Schildvortrieben zukünftig besser zu bewerten und insbesondere Vortriebe mit Schildmaschinen mit Flüssigkeitsstützung in feinkörnigen Böden möglichst wirtschaftlich umzusetzen.
Piperazine‐modified activated alumina as a novel promising candidate for CO2 capture: experimental and modeling
Authors: Fashi Fatemeh , Ghaemi Ahad , Moradi Peyman
Published: November 2018

In this research, the CO2 adsorption process was studied using modified activated alumina with a piperazine solution as a novel sorbent. Activated alumina was modified with a piperazine solution concentration in the range of 1–4 wt%. Adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the operating parameters, including CO2 pressure in the range of 2–8 bar, adsorbent dosage in the range of 0.5–2 g, temperature in the range of 25–85°C and adsorbent mesh in the range of 200–800 micron. Maximum adsorption capacity (222.01 mg CO2/g modified activated alumina) was determined at a temperature of 25°C, pressure of 8 bar, and adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g, with a piperazine solution of 2 wt%. The results of the experiments showed that the rate of CO2 adsorption increases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. The Freundlich isotherm model with correlation coefficient of 0.999 was found to be the best for fitting the CO2 adsorption isotherm data. The kinetic study also indicated that the Elovich model fits the experimental kinetic data well. The negative values of Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) and enthalpy change (ΔH°) show that the reaction is spontaneous in nature and exothermic. The negative value of entropy change (ΔS°) shows a reduction in the irregularity of the adsorption process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VEGF‐A regulates angiogenesis during osseointegration of Ti implants via paracrine/autocrine regulation of osteoblast response to hierarchical microstructure of the surface
Authors: Raines Andrew L. , Berger Michael B. , Patel Nehal , Hyzy Sharon L. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: November 2018

Establishment of a patent vasculature at the bone–implant interface plays a significant role in determining overall success of orthopedic and dental implants. Osteoblasts produce vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A), an important regulator of angiogenesis during bone formation and healing, and the amount secreted is sensitive to titanium (Ti) surface microtopography and surface energy. The purpose of this study was to determine if surface properties modulate cellular response to VEGF‐A. MG63 osteoblast‐like cells were transfected with shRNA targeting VEGF‐A at >80% knockdown. Cells stably silenced for VEGF‐A secreted reduced levels of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, FGF‐2, and angiopoietin‐1 when cultured on grit‐blasted/acid‐etched (SLA) and hydrophilic SLA (modSLA) Ti surfaces and conditioned media from these cultures caused reduced angiogenesis in an endothelial tubule formation assay. Treatment of MG63 cells with 20 ng/mL rhVEGF‐A165 rescued production in silenced cells and increased production of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, FGF‐2, and angiopoietin‐1, with greatest effects on control cells cultured on modSLA. Addition of a neutralization antibody against VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2; Flk‐1) resulted in a significant increase in VEGF‐A production. Overall, this study indicates that VEGF‐A has two roles in osseointegration: enhanced angiogenesis and an autocrine/paracrine role in maturation of osteoblast‐like cells in response to Ti surface properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 423–433, 2019.
Kanamycin induces free radicals formation in melanocytes: An important factor for aminoglycosides ototoxicity
Authors: Wrześniok Dorota , Rok Jakub , Beberok Artur , Rzepka Zuzanna , Respondek Michalina , Pilawa Barbara , Zdybel Magdalena , Delijewski Marcin , Buszman Ewa
Published: November 2018

Ototoxicity is well‐documented but not fully understood undesirable side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotic, kanamycin. Kanamycin is capable of binding to melanin biopolymers—natural pigments of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin‐producing cells, melanocytes, are also present in the inner ear and are known to be necessary for normal hearing. It was considered that melanin content in the inner ear may influence aminoglycoside‐induced ototoxic effect. The impact of kanamycin on melanocytes homeostasis may thus play role in the antibiotic‐induced ototoxic effect. Previously, we demonstrated that kanamycin disturbs homeostasis in light‐pigmented melanocytes. To investigate if/how melanization contributes to this phenomenon, the study using in vitro model of dark‐pigmented melanocytes is required. Spectrophotometric measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis were performed. Kanamycin induced a concentration‐dependent loss in HEMn‐DP melanocytes viability. The value of IC
50 was estimated to be 5.0 mM. Modulation of the activity of analyzed antioxidant enzymes and increased production of free radicals as well as the decrease of the melanin content were observed. Our results confirmed that kanamycin generates oxidative stress in melanocytes. The increased level of free radicals caused by kanamycin may be responsible for the imbalance of antioxidant defense and the reduction of melanin content in melanocytes. The role of melanin in the mechanism of kanamycin‐induced hearing impairment was discussed and the obtained results were compared with the previously demonstrated data concerning light‐pigmented melanocytes.
Polycystins in disease mechanobiology
Authors: Gargalionis Antonios N. , Basdra Efthimia K. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: November 2018

Distorted mechanotransduction represents the molecular hallmark of disease mechanobiology and is displayed with common features during the development of various pathophysiologies. Polycystins constitute a family of mechanosensitive proteins that facilitate pathogenic signal transduction mechanisms. The main representatives of the family are polycystin‐1 (PC1) and polycystin‐2 (PC2), which function as a mechano‐induced membrane receptor and a calcium‐permeable ion channel, respectively. PC1 and PC2 mediate extracellular mechanical stimulation, induce intracellular molecular signaling and evoke corresponding gene transcription. Recent reports reveal that polycystin‐mediated signaling does not occur in polycystic kidney disease only, where it is most prominently studied. It is also present during the development of clinical entities such as endothelial dysfunction and atheromatosis, deregulation of osteoblast differentiation, cancer development, and psoriasis. In this study, we highlight emerging data that support the overall contribution of polycystins to disease mechanobiology and suggest further exploration of this protein family in diseases generated from force‐bearing tissue structures.
The relationship between platelet indices and ABO blood groups in healthy adults
Authors: Celik Hakim , Duzenli Ufuk , Aslan Mehmet , Altiparmak Ibrahim Halil , Kirmit Adnan , Kara Erdal , Karakilcik Ali Ziya
Published: November 2018

Background

ABO blood groups have been suggested to have a high correlation with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It has also been postulated that platelet indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), are very important in the development and progression of CVDs. However, despite these common associations with CVDs, as far as we know, there are no studies investigating platelet indices in ABO blood groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet indices are associated with ABO blood groups.

Methods

The study included 301 healthy volunteers (99 women and 202 men; mean age: 32.59 ± 7.52 years) whose blood groups were determined by the gel column method using agglutination techniques. Platelet indices were studied by an automated blood counter.

Results

No considerable differences in age, gender, or Rh factors were observed among ABO blood groups. MPV was detected to be considerably lower in O and A blood group subjects than in AB and B blood group subjects. Similarly, PDW was significantly lower in O and A blood group subjects than in B blood group subjects. Additionally, MPV in the O blood group subjects was significantly lower than in the non‐O blood group subjects.

Conclusions

Because MPV and PDW are used as markers of CVDs, individuals with O and A blood groups in this study may be considered to have a lower risk of CVDs than AB and B blood group subjects. However, prospective cohort studies involving a greater number of volunteers are needed to elucidate these relationships.
Stigmatized‐Identity Cues in Consumer Spaces
Authors: Chaney Kimberly E. , Sanchez Diana T. , Maimon Melanie R.
Published: November 2018

Consumers with stigmatized identities may be especially attentive to organizational cues that signal to them whether or not they are welcomed and valued consumers. These stigmatized‐identity cues can become a part of a company's brand, influencing the attractiveness of the company and consumer loyalty, and allowing consumers to draw inferences about an organization's ideologies and attitudes toward multiple stigmatized groups. Consumers with stigmatized identities attend to stigmatized‐identity cues that signal inclusion (or exclusion) toward other stigmatized groups, resulting in stigmatized‐identity cue transfers, especially when similarity mindsets are activated, and among consumers who are high in stigma solidarity. Because identity is central in consumer behavior, stigmatized‐identity threat cues can at times result in anti‐consumption, including boycotts, allowing consumers and companies to engage in collective action. This article reviews this growing body of research, demonstrating the important influence of stigmatized‐identity cues on consumer behavior and discussing ways in which companies can better signal their inclusive attitudes and ideologies to attract consumers.
Interruption points in the wing gene regulatory network underlying wing polyphenism evolved independently in male and female morphs in Cardiocondyla ants
Authors: Oettler Jan , Platschek Tobias , Schmidt Christine , Rajakumar Rajendhran , Favé Marie‐Julie , Khila Abderrahman , Heinze Jürgen , Abouheif Ehab
Published: November 2018

Wing polyphenism in ants, which produces a winged female queen caste and a wingless female worker caste, evolved approximately 150 million years ago and has been key to the remarkable success of ants. Approximately 20 million years ago, the myrmicine ant genus Cardiocondyla evolved an additional wing polyphenism among males producing two male morphs: wingless males that fight to enhance mating success and winged males that disperse. Here we show that interruption of rudimentary wing‐disc development in larvae of the ant
Cardiocondyla obscurior occurs further downstream in the network in wingless males as compared with wingless female workers. This pattern is corroborated in
C. kagutsuchi, a species from a different clade within the genus, indicating that late interruption of wing development in males is conserved across
Cardiocondyla. Therefore, our results show that the novel male wing polyphenism was not developmentally constrained by the pre‐existing female wing polyphenism and evolved through independent alteration of interruption points in the wing gene network. Furthermore, a comparison of adult morphological characters in
C. obscurior reveals that developmental trajectories lead to similar morphological trait integration between winged and wingless females, but dramatically different integration between winged and wingless males. This suggests that the alternative sex‐specific developmental routes to achieve winglessness in the genus
Cardiocondyla may have evolved through different selection regimes acting on wingless males and females.
Inhibiting transforming growth factor‐β signaling regulates in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Xin , An Xing‐Lan , Zhu Xian‐Chun , Jiang Yu , Zhai Yan‐Hui , Zhang Sheng , Cai Ning‐Ning , Tang Bo , Li Zi‐Yi , Zhang Xue‐Ming
Published: November 2018

Bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bBMSC) are potential stem cell source which can be used for multipurpose. However, their application is limited because the in vitro maintenance of these cells is usually accompanied by aging and multipotency losing. Considering transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway inhibitor Repsox is beneficial for cell reprogramming, here we investigated its impacts on the maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC. The bBMSC were enriched and characterized by morphology, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and multilineage differentiation. The impacts of Repsox on their proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, multipotency, and differentiation were examined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), real‐time polymerase chain reaction, induced differentiation and specific staining. The results showed that highly purified cluster of diffrentiation 73+ (CD73
+)/CD90
+/CD105
+/CD34
−/CD45
− bBMSC with adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacities were enriched. Repsox treatments (5 μM, 48 hr) enhanced the messenger RNA mRNA levels of the proliferation gene (telomerase reverse transcriptase [
TERT]; basic fibroblast growth factor [
bFGF]), apoptosis‐related gene (
bax and
Bcl2), antiapoptosis ratio (
Bcl2/bax), and pluripotency marker gene (
Oct4, Sox2, and
Nanog), instead of changing the cell cycle, in bBMSC. Repsox treatments also enhanced the osteogenic differentiation but attenuated the chondrogenic differentiation of bBMSC, concomitant with decreased Smad2 and increased Smad3/4 expressions in TGF‐β pathway. Collectively, inhibiting TGF‐β/Smad signaling by Repsox regulates the in vitro maintenance and differentiation of bBMSC.
Upper bounds on the uniquely restricted chromatic index
Authors: Baste Julien , Rautenbach Dieter , Sau Ignasi
Published: November 2018

Golumbic, Hirst, and Lewenstein define a matching in a simple, finite, and undirected graph to be uniquely restricted if no other matching covers exactly the same set of vertices. We consider uniquely restricted edge‐colorings of , defined as partitions of its edge set into uniquely restricted matchings, and study the uniquely restricted chromatic index of , defined as the minimum number of uniquely restricted matchings required for such a partition. For every graph , urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt22429:jgt22429-math-0006 where is the classical chromatic index, the acyclic chromatic index, and the strong chromatic index of . While Vizing's famous theorem states that is either the maximum degree of or , two famous open conjectures due to Alon, Sudakov, and Zaks, and to Erdős and Nešetřil concern upper bounds on and in terms of . Since is sandwiched between these two parameters, studying upper bounds in terms of is a natural problem. We show that with equality if and only if some component of is . If is connected, bipartite, and distinct from , and is at least , then, adapting Lovász's elegant proof of Brooks’ theorem, we show that . Our proofs are constructive and yield efficient algorithms to determine the corresponding edge‐colorings.
Skull variation in a shovel‐headed amphisbaenian genus, inferred from the geometric morphometric analysis of five South American Leposternon species
Authors: Hohl Leandro S. L. , Barros‐Filho José D. , Rocha‐Barbosa Oscar
Published: November 2018

Amphisabenia is a group of squamates adapted for a fossorial lifestyle. The skull is the animal's the main digging tool, and can present one of four principal shapes. The shovel‐headed shape is considered to be the most specialized for digging. The South American genus Leposternon presents a shovel‐headed morphotype, and is widely distributed on this continent. The general shovel‐headed skull pattern may vary considerably, even within the same genus, and we hypothesized that this variation may be influenced primarily by body size and geographical factors. This study investigated the variation in skull size and shape among five Leposternon species, and examined the potential relationship between this variation and the size of the specimens and bioclimatic variables, through a geometric morphometric approach. Significant morphological variation was found among the species, and was also related systematically to body size and the geographical distribution of the specimens. As even subtle differences in the skull size or shape may represent significant modification in bite force and digging capacity and digging speed, the cranial variation found among the Leposternon species and specimens may have a direct influence on their diet and locomotor performance. Our results, together with direct observations of some of these species, suggest that shovel‐headed amphisbaenians may be able to penetrate different soil types under a range of climatic conditions, especially considering the ample, but often sympatric distribution of the species studied here.
T1ρ and T2 mapping for the determination of articular cartilage denaturalization with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A prospective controlled trial
Authors: Han Xiaorui , Hong Guoju , Chen Leilei , Zhao Man , Guo Yuan , Xu Ling , Wu Mei , Leng Xiaoming , Sun Ping
Published: November 2018

Background

In the future, biochemical MRI might provide a valuable noninvasive quantitative analysis of the biochemical composition of cartilage in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic performance of T1ρ and T2 mapping in cartilage denaturalization with ONFH and to determine the correlation between T1ρ and T2 mapping and the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty‐seven patients with ONFH (stage I to III according to the ARCO criteria) and 24 volunteers (control group) were recruited for the prospective study.

Sequence

Conventional MRI, multiple echo recalled gradient echo (MERGE), and T1ρ and T2 mapping sequences.

Assessment

Pseudocolor images and MERGE images were combined in the AW4.5 workstation. The region of interest (ROI) of the hip cartilage was 4–6 mm². The sagittal T1ρ and T2 mapping values were calculated by the two first authors.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), LSD t‐tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The T1ρ and T2 mapping values of the ONFH group were significantly higher than the values of the control group (P = 0.000). Regarding the assessment of the severity of ARCO staging, both T1ρ (r = 0.66, P = 0.004) and T2 mapping (r = 0.501, P = 0.002) were positively associated with disease severity. The T1ρ values were positively correlated with the T2 mapping values (r = 0.381, P = 0.000). The areas under the curve (AUC) for the T1ρ and T2 mapping values were 0.822 and 0.791, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 72.34% and 70.83% for T1ρ mapping and 72.34% and 58.33%, respectively, for T2 mapping.

Data Conclusion

Both T1ρ and T2 mapping performed well in diagnosing the cartilage denaturalization in ARCO stage I‐III ONFH patients. T1ρ mapping had a higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity than T2 mapping.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:760–767.
Activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway alleviates the cognitive deficits in PS1V97L‐Tg mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease through modulation of oxidative stress
Authors: Tian Yuanruhua , Wang Wei , Xu Lingzhi , Li Haitao , Wei Yiping , Wu Qiaoqi , Jia Jianping
Published: November 2018

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative systems due to environmental factors. Although oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), its precise role is not yet understood. We aimed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of the oxidative stress by using in vitro cultured neurons and in vivo AD models of PS1V97L‐transgenic (Tg) mice. Our results showed that when oxidative stress became increasingly evident, the endogenous protective pathway of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) decreased in 10‐month‐old PS1V97L‐Tg mice. Activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway suppressed oxidative stress, decreased amyloid‐β (Aβ), and improved the cognitive function of the PS1V97L‐Tg mice. In contrast, blocking the Nrf2/ARE pathway augmented oxidative injury and decreased the cell viability of PS1V97L‐Tg neurons. Our results highlight the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in regulating oxidative stress of the PS1V97L‐Tg mice and may indicate a potential therapeutic avenue for AD treatment.
The influence of atmospheric circulation patterns on cold air outbreaks in the eastern United States
Authors: Smith Erik T. , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we build upon previous literature in directly addressing the temporal relationship between the stratospheric and tropospheric polar vortex (PV), sea level pressure (SLP), and resultant cold air outbreaks (CAO). An atmospheric and teleconnection analysis was conducted on 49 predefined CAOs across the eastern United States from 1948 to 2016. Clusters of SLP, 100 and 10‐mb geopotential height anomalies were mapped utilizing self‐organizing maps (SOMs) to understand the surface, tropospheric PV, and stratospheric PV patterns preceding CAOs. The Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnections were used as variables to explain the magnitude and location of mid‐latitude Arctic air displacement. Persistently negative SLP anomalies across the Arctic and North Atlantic were evident 1–2 weeks prior to the CAOs throughout the winter. The tropospheric and stratospheric PV were found to be persistently weak/weakening prior to mid‐winter CAOs and predominantly strong and off‐centred prior to early and late season CAOs. Negative phases of the AO and NAO were favoured prior to CAOs, while the PNA was found to be less applicable. This method of CAO and synoptic pattern characterization benefits from a continuous pattern representation and provides insight as to how specific teleconnections and atmospheric patterns lead to CAOs in the eastern United States.
Precipitation variability and its relation to climate anomalies in the Bolivian Altiplano
Authors: Canedo‐Rosso Claudia , Uvo Cintia B. , Berndtsson Ronny
Published: November 2018

Precipitation variability over the Bolivian Altiplano is strongly affected by local climate and temporal variation of large‐scale atmospheric flow. Precipitation is the main water source for drinking water and agricultural production. For this reason, a better understanding of precipitation variability and its relation with climate phenomena can provide important information for forecasting of droughts and floods, disaster risk reduction, and improvement of water management. We present results of an analysis of the austral summer precipitation variability at six locations in the Bolivian Altiplano and connections to climate variability. For this purpose, the variability of the summer precipitation was related to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Antarctic Meridional Mode (AMM), and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). A statistically significant correlation between climate indices and precipitation was found in various spectral frequencies and power. The variability of the summer precipitation was associated with the climate indices using a band‐pass filter, representing the signal at a particular period of time. For the ENSO, band‐pass filtering was applied for Niño3.4 and Niño3 at band ~2–7 years, for NAO band ~5–8 years, and for AMM band ~10–13 years. The variability of summer precipitation was related to all studied climate modes by negative relationships. The physical explanation for this is first the dry air transported from the Pacific Ocean to the Altiplano during El Niño events. Second, NAO and ENSO are dynamically linked through teleconnections. Third, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) shifts are northwards during the warm phases of AMM. These physical mechanisms lead to a reduced austral summer precipitation associated with positive phases of the ENSO, NAO, and AMM. The results can be used to better forecast precipitation in the Bolivian Altiplano and provide support for the development of policies to improve climate resilience and risk management of water supply.
Significance of keratinized mucosa/gingiva on peri‐implant and adjacent periodontal conditions in erratic maintenance compliers
Authors: Monje Alberto , Blasi Gonzalo
Published: November 2018

Background

Given the fact that most patients are not regular compliers in supportive peri‐implant maintenance programs, it is of interest to examine the significance of the peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics in relationship to the onset of peri‐implant diseases.

Methods

Based on an a priori statistical power calculation, a cross‐sectional study was conducted on erratic peri‐implant maintenance compliers (<2 times/year) to examine the significance of keratinized mucosa (KM) and gingival tissue (KT) on peri‐implant and adjacent periodontal conditions in implants restored ≥3 years. Seven clinical parameters were recorded around implants and the adjacent buccal sites. Radiographic assessment was performed using periapical X‐rays. In addition, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the impact of KM upon brushing comfort. The case definition used for peri‐implant diseases was in accordance with the 2017 World Workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri‐implant diseases and conditions.

Results

Overall, 37 patients with 45 edentulous gaps restored with 66 implants and 90 adjacent teeth were analyzed. On comparing a KM band of <2 mm versus ≥2 mm, with the exception of suppuration (P = 0.6), all the clinical and radiographic parameters were significantly increased when the KM band was <2 mm (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between KM and KT (r = 0.55), though a lack of KM did not condition a lack of KT. In the presence of peri‐implantitis, only bleeding on probing at the adjacent dentate sites was identified to be increased.

Conclusions

The presence of <2 mm of KM around dental implants in erratic maintenance compliers seems to be associated with peri‐implant diseases. The lack of KM constitutes a site‐specific phenomenon independent of the keratinized tissue present in the adjacent dentition (NCT03501537).
Interactions of Some Hofmeister Cations with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sharker Komol Kanta , Nazrul Islam Md. , Das Shuvo
Published: November 2018

In this work, we have investigated the influence of some alkali metal ions on the Krafft temperature (TK) and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of a classical ionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), over a wide range of temperature. The alkali metal cations such as Li+, Na+, Cs+, and K+ are found to affect the solubility and hence the TK of the surfactant. It was observed that kosmotropic Li+ lowers the TK of the surfactant. Due to the common ion effect, the solubility of SDS decreases in the presence of Na+, resulting in an increase in the TK. On the other hand, chaotropic K+ and Cs+, capable of forming contact ion pairs with the chaotropic dodecyl sulfate ion, lower the solubility and hence elevate the TK. In terms of decreasing the TK, the ions follow the trend: Li+ > Na+ > Cs+ > K+ except for 0.0025 M CsCl. The added cations screen the charge of the micelle surface and facilitate closer packing of the surfactant with a consequent decrease in the CMC. In terms of the effectiveness in lowering the CMC, the ions follow the order: Cs+ > K+ > Na+ > Li+. In the presence of added electrolytes, the γCMC values are found to be lower than the corresponding values in pure water. The thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes) of micellization were calculated to gain insights into the mechanism of the process.
In vitro fermentation of oligosaccharides obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of Opuntia streptacantha mucilage
Authors: Reyes‐Reyes Mónica , Salazar‐Montoya Juan Alfredo , Rodríguez‐Páez Lorena I , Ramos‐Ramírez Emma Gloria
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Among Cactaceae, the genus Opuntia is widely known for the use of its biomass as cattle fodder and in human nutrition (e.g. species such as Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia streptacantha). In particular, O. streptacantha (OS) produces abundant mucilage and, hence, the characterization of its properties and nutritional value is important. Accordingly, determination of the dietary fiber content of the OS mucilage and the fermentability of its hydrolysis products (oligosaccharides, OLI) is important for developing new uses of the crop as a functional food.

RESULTS

The values for insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber in the mucilage were 204.6 and 371.6 g kg−1, respectively. After hydrolysis of OS mucilage with α‐amylase, three purified fractions of OLI were evaluated (OLI‐A, OLI‐B and OLI‐C). OLI (1% w/v) stimulated the growth of the commercial probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) in vitro, showing behaviors similar to those of commercial inulin. The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the fermentation broth was also determined. The final pH of the fermentation broth as well as the identification and concentrations of SCFA depended on the type of OLI and probiotic used.

CONCLUSION

The OS mucilage is an unconventional fiber source and can be used to produce non‐digestible OLI as functional compounds. This knowledge will be useful for proposing new sustainable ways of processing cacti crops for food and industrial purposes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Accumulation, mobilization, and transformation of selenium in rice grain provided with foliar sodium selenite
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umer , Tang Zhichen , Zeng Rui , Liang Yuanke , Zhang Yujie , Zheng Tengda , Ei Hla H , Ye Xiaoying , Jia Xiaomei , Zhu Jianqing
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an indispensable trace element for humans and its deficiency can lead to serious health complications. Nearly 70% of the area of China faces selenium deficiency. To deal with this problem, selenium‐enriched rice has been increasingly incorporated into everyday diets. However, there is a lack of in‐depth studies of the absorption, translocation, and transformation of selenium in the different parts of the rice plant when sprayed with sodium selenite.

RESULTS

Foliar sodium selenite applied at critical growth stages can significantly improve the total and organic selenium content of plants. Application of 10 mg L−1 sodium selenite led to the most organic selenium (0.03 mg kg−1) in polished rice. Correlation studies of sodium selenite applied to leaves and other plant parts showed that total selenium accumulated most in glume, followed by rice bran, then polished rice, and finally embryo. The behavior of organic selenium was different. Organic selenium accumulated most in polished rice, then embryo, then rice bran, and finally glume. Moreover, 75–85% of the Se found in polished rice and embryo was organic in nature.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that 10 mg L−1 sodium selenite can be recommended as appropriate for foliar fertilization in the organic selenium biofortification of Se‐free rice. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Air access liberalization, marketing promotion and tourism development
Authors: Seetanah Boopen , Sannassee Raja Vinesh , Teeroovengadum Viraiyan , Nunkoo Robin
Published: November 2018

This paper in the first place attempts to assess the impact of air access liberalization on tourism development for Mauritius and secondly goes on to analyse the dual impact of the interplay between air access liberalization and marketing promotion efforts as well. Using dynamic time series analysis, namely an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework over the period 1970 to 2015, the results reveal that air access liberalization is an important element for tourism development. The findings also interestingly point to the positive and significant impact of the interplay between air access liberalization and marketing promotion efforts in attracting tourist.
Failure analysis on synergistic effect of erosion and corrosion on failed fittings in specialty chemical plant. Part I: Elbows
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Lei , Fei Jing‐Lu , Wang Sheng‐Hui , Gong Yi , Yang Zhen‐Guo
Published: November 2018

Elbow is widely considered as a vulnerable part in the whole steam pipelines due to the special geometry and complex flow property. In this study, unexpected leakages took place on two elbows utilized in the same steam system of a specialty chemical plant. However, these two failed elbows exhibited completely different morphologies, which indicated that they might have undergone different failure processes. A series of macroscopic and microscopic analysis methods were conducted to identify and differentiate the root causes of the failures. Totally four corrosion mechanisms were involved and the key factor that led to the different morphologies of these two elbows was discussed in detail. The results show that the failure of one elbow resulted from the synergistic effect of uniform corrosion and under‐deposit corrosion, while the failure of the other elbow was caused by the combined effect of pitting corrosion and erosion. Some effective countermeasures were proposed to avoid the similar failure occurring again.
A miniaturized ultra‐high frequency microstrip traveling wave antenna Array for cm‐level two‐dimensional identification and position detection systems
Authors: Jeong Min‐Gyo , Seo Dong‐Geun , Ahn Seong‐Hyeop , Lee Wang‐Sang
Published: November 2018

In this article, a miniaturized ultra‐high frequency (UHF) microstrip traveling wave antenna (TWA) array for cm‐level 2D identification (ID) and position detection systems is proposed. The proposed miniaturized TWA array with nine reading zones for ID and position detection systems has been reduced in size by utilizing LC‐baluns and a microstrip TWA array. It covers the authorized universal UHF radio frequency ID band (840‐960 MHz), has low insertion loss (0.8 dB), and high isolations between TWAs are ≤30 dB. The sensing precision of the proposed TWA array is approximately 1.5 cm and its physical size is 95 × 95 mm2 (~1/4 λ0 at 915 MHz).
High sensitivity strain sensor based on twin hollow microspheres
Authors: Monteiro Catarina S. , Kobelke Jens , Schuster Kay , Bierlich Jörg , Silva Susana O. , Frazão Orlando
Published: November 2018

A sensor based on 2 hollow core microspheres is proposed. Each microsphere was produced separately through fusion splicing and then joined. The resultant structure is a Fabry‐Perot interferometer with multiple interferences that can be approximated to a 4‐wave interferometer. Strain characterization was attained for a maximum of 1350 με, achieving a linear response with a sensitivity of 3.39 ± 0.04 pm/με. The fabrication technique, fast and with no chemical hazards, as opposed to other fabrication techniques, makes the proposed sensor a compelling solution for strain measurements in hash environments.
Going through laparoscopic liver resection in patients with colorectal liver metastases—A qualitative study
Authors: Bøe Camilla , Bondevik Hilde , Wahl Astrid Klopstad , Andersen Marit Helen
Published: November 2018

Aim

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Surgery is seen as the only curative treatment. There are two approaches to liver resection: open or laparoscopic surgery. Knowledge from the patient perspective can illuminate how it is experienced going through laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to study patient perspectives of the experience of undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Design

This study has a qualitative research design. Nine patients participated in semi‐structured interviews 6 months after surgery. Data were analysed according to Kvale's five‐step analysis method.

Results

Though the patients were satisfied with the laparoscopic approach, they expressed unmet informational needs about the new technique, time after discharge and surgery outcomes related to having metastatic cancer. Healthcare professionals should provide information and support that recognizes the needs of patients with cancer undergoing laparoscopic liver resection surgery.