bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybridization numerical Greenes function of anisotropic inhomogeneous media with surface integral equation
Authors: Gan Hui H. , Dai Qi I. , Xia Tian , Sun Lin , Chew Weng Cho 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSurface integral equation (SIE) leveraging the analytic homogeneous‐medium Greenes function is only suitable for investigating piecewise homogeneous objects. In this paper, we demonstrate that by taking advantage of numerical Green's function (NGF), SIE methods can be extended to model arbitrarily inhomogeneous and anisotropic media. In our scheme, NGFs of complicated media are computed with differential equation methods where the domain can be truncated by arbitrary boundary conditions. Electromagnetic scatterings of several inhomogeneous and anisotropic geometries are simulated to validate the proposed scheme, where NGFs are obtained by the finite element method.
A practical polynomial chaos Kalman filter implementation using nonlinear error projection on a reduced polynomial chaos expansion
Authors: Slika Wael , Saad George 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe polynomial chaos Kalman filter (PCKF) has been gaining popularity as a computationally efficient and robust alternative to sampling methods in sequential data assimilation settings. The PCKF's sampling free scheme and attractive structure to represent non‐Gaussian uncertainties makes it a promising approach for data filtering techniques in nonlinear and non‐Gaussian frameworks. However, the accuracy of PCKF is dependent on the dimension and order of the polynomial chaos expansion used to represent all sources of uncertainty in the system. Thus, when independent sources of errors, like process noise and time independent sensors' errors are incorporated in the system, the curse of dimensionality hinders the efficiency and the applicability of PCKF. This study sheds light on this issue and presents a practical framework to maintain an acceptable accuracy of PCKF without scarifying the computational efficiency of the filter. The robustness and efficiency of the presented implementation is demonstrated on 3 typical numerical examples to illustrate its ability to achieve considerable accuracy at a low computational tax.
The structural basis for inhibition of the classical and lectin complement pathways by S. aureus extracellular adherence protein
Authors: Woehl Jordan L. , Ramyar Kasra X. , Katz Benjamin B. , Walker John K. , Geisbrecht Brian V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe extracellular adherence protein (Eap) plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and survival of Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting the classical and lectin pathways of complement. We have previously shown that Eap binds with nanomolar affinity to complement C4b and disrupts the initial interaction between C4b and C2, thereby inhibiting formation of the classical and lectin pathway C3 pro‐convertase. Although an underlying mechanism has been identified, the structural basis for Eap binding to C4b is poorly understood. Here, we show that Eap domains 3 and 4 each contain a low‐affinity, but saturable binding site for C4b. Taking advantage of the high lysine content of Eap, we used a zero‐length crosslinking approach to map the Eap binding site to both the α′‐ and γ‐chains of C4b. We also probed the C4b/Eap interface through a chemical footprinting approach involving lysine modification, proteolytic digestion, and mass spectrometry. This identified seven lysines in Eap that undergo changes in solvent exposure upon C4b binding. We found that simultaneous mutation of these lysines to either alanine or glutamate diminished C4b binding and complement inhibition by Eap. Together, our results provide insight into Eap recognition of C4b, and suggest that the repeating domains that comprise Eap are capable of multiple ligand‐binding modes.
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. removal by bank filtration at Beberibe River, Brazil
Authors: Freitas D. A. , Cabral J. J. S. P. , Rocha F. J. S. , Paiva A. L. R. , Sens M. L. , Veras T. B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn bank filtration (BF) technology, a production well is pumped near surface water and induces water flow from the river through a porous medium to the well by percolation into the soil. Several physical, chemical, and biological processes occur, providing a natural water treatment along the river banks. An experimental area was installed on the Beberibe River with 2 production wells and 7 monitoring wells. The BF potential in removing pathogenic intestinal parasites and analysis of physical–chemical and bacteriological parameters was evaluated, according to Standard Methods. River–aquifer interaction was characterized by piezometric levels of production wells. Monitoring of the wells was correlated with the water depth of the river and precipitation. Parasite analysis was performed using Hoffman, Pons, and Janer's methods of spontaneous sedimentation, followed by centrifugation and preparation of slides stained with acetic Lugol. Protozoa oocysts were isolated by a modified Ziehl‐Neelsen method, preceded by sedimentation and centrifugation. The pathogenic protozoa found in samples from Beberibe River were Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex, and Isospora belli. Pathogenic helminths were also detected: Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, and hookworm eggs and larvae, Hymenolepis nana. In water samples from the production wells, no waterborne pathogens were found. The BF pilot project was effective in reducing levels of turbidity and color. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were absent in the production wells. Piezometric levels of production wells and monitoring wells correlated with water depth of Beberibe River show hydraulic connection between the production wells and river, thus featuring a river–aquifer interaction. The BF pilot system showed potential for reduction or elimination of pathogenic intestinal parasites.
Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secreted CXCL1 and CXCL8 Facilitate Breast Tumor Growth By Promoting Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Yuan , Liu Junli , Jiang Qingyuan , Deng Jie , Xu Fen , Chen Xiaolei , Cheng Fuyi , Zhang Yujing , Yao Yunqi , Xia Zhemin , Xu Xia , Su Xiaolan , Huang Meijuan , Dai Lei , Yang Yang , Zhang Shuang , Yu Dechao , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Autologous adipose tissue or adipose tissue with additive adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) is used in the breast reconstruction of breast cancer patients who undergo mastectomy. ADSCs play an important role in the angiogenesis and adipogenesis, which make it much better than other materials. However, ADSCs may promote residual tumor cells to proliferate or metastasize, and the mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that human ADSCs (hADSCs) could facilitate tumor cells growth after co-injection with MCF7 and ZR-75-30 breast cancer cells (BCCs) by promoting angiogenesis, but hADSCs showed limited effect on the growth of MDA-MB-231 BCCs. Intriguingly, compared with ZR-75-30 tumor cells, MCF7 tumor cells were more potentially promoted by hADSCs in the aspects of angiogenesis and proliferation. Consistent with this, cytokine and angiogenesis array analyses showed that after co-injection with hADSCs, the CXCL1 and CXCL8 concentration were significantly increased in MCF7 tumor, but only moderately increased in ZR-75-30 tumor and did not increase in MDA-MB-231 tumor. Furthermore, we found that CXCL1/8 were mainly derived from hADSCs and could increase the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by signaling via their receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. A CXCR1/2-specific antagonist (SCH527123) attenuated the angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that CXCL1/8 secreted by hADSCs could promote breast cancer angiogenesis and therefore provide better understanding of safety concerns regarding the clinical application of hADSCs and suggestion in further novel therapeutic options.
Developmental window of sensorineural deafness in biotinidase‐deficient mice
Authors: Maheras Kathleen June , Pindolia Kirit , Wolf Barry , Gow Alexander 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBiotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder that results in the inability to recycle the vitamin, biotin. If untreated, the disorder can result in a range of neurological and cutaneous symptoms, including sensorineural deficits and deafness. To understand early mechanistic abnormalities that may precede more generalized and nonspecific effects of metabolic deficits such as weight loss and acidosis, we have analyzed auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in biotinidase‐deficient knockout (Btd−/−) mice in the periweaning period with or without dietary biotin supplementation. We find significant increases in the latency of wave V of the ABR elicited by pure tone stimuli at one octave intervals, which precede substantial increases in ABR thresholds. Finer interpeak latency analyses of these changes indicate they are confined to the latter ABR waves associated with the CNS and likely reflect slowed brainstem transmission time. In contrast, peripheral nervous system conduction velocity appears normal. Further, we find that biotin‐supplementation after the onset of symptoms reverses the latency shifts, which has significant relevance for early treatment in patients. Finally, ABR latencies inBtd−/−mice fed a biotin‐supplemented diet for the first month of life appear refractory to transmission time slowing during a subsequent bout of biotin deficiency. These data suggest a transient vulnerability window for biotin deficiency in the auditory brainstem. Finally, we also observe a developmental vulnerability window involving follicular melanosome production or melanocyte survival. Sensorineural deafness precedes peripheral hearing loss in developmental biotinidase deficiency and is transient if rescued by dietary biotin within a short developmental window.
Gilteritinib, a FLT3/AXL inhibitor, shows antileukemic activity in mouse models of FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mori Masamichi , Kaneko Naoki , Ueno Yoko , Yamada Masaki , Tanaka Ruriko , Saito Rika , Shimada Itsuro , Mori Kenichi , Kuromitsu Sadao 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAdvances in the understanding of the molecular basis for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have generated new potential targets for treatment. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in AML and mutations in this gene are associated with poor overall survival. AXL plays a role in the activation of FLT3 and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AML. The studies reported here evaluated the ability of a novel FLT3/AXL inhibitor, gilteritinib, to block mutated FLT3 in cellular and animal models of AML. Initial kinase studies showed that gilteritinib, a type I tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was highly selective for both FLT3 and AXL while having weak activity against c-KIT. Gilteritinib demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against the internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and FLT3-D835Y point mutations in cellular assays using MV4–11 and MOLM-13 cells as well as Ba/F3 cells expressing mutated FLT3. Gilteritinib also inhibited FLT3-F691 mutations, although to a lesser degree, in these assays. Furthermore, gilteritinib decreased the phosphorylation levels of FLT3 and its downstream targets in both cellular and animal models. In vivo, gilteritinib was distributed at high levels in xenografted tumors after oral administration. The decreased FLT3 activity and high intratumor distribution of gilteritinib translated to tumor regression and improved survival in xenograft and intra-bone marrow transplantation models of FLT3-driven AML. No overt toxicity was seen in mouse models treated with gilteritinib. These results indicate that gilteritinib may be an important next-generation FLT3 inhibitor for use in the treatment of FLT3 mutation-positive AML.
Measurement properties of screening and diagnostic tools for autism spectrum adults of mean normal intelligence: A systematic review
Authors: Baghdadli A. , Russet F. , Mottron L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground:The autism spectrum (AS) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental variant associated with lifelong challenges. Despite the relevant importance of identifying AS in adults for epidemiological, public health, and quality of life issues, the measurement properties of the tools currently used to screen and diagnose adults without intellectual disabilities (ID) have not been assessed.Objectives:This systematic review addresses the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the reported AS screening and diagnostic tools used in adults without ID.Methods:Electronic databases and bibliographies were searched, and identified papers evaluated against inclusion criteria. The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the review. We evaluated the quality of the papers using the COSMIN Checklist for psychometric data, and QUADAS-2 for diagnostic data. For the COSMIN assessment, evidence was considered to be strong when several methodologically good articles, or one excellent article, reported consistent evidence for or against a measurement property. For the QUADAS ratings, evidence was considered to be “satisfactory” if at least one study was rated with a low risk of bias and low concern about applicability.Results:We included 38 articles comprising 32 studies, five reviews, and one book chapter and assessed nine tools (three diagnostic and six screening, including eight of their short versions). Among screening tools, only AQ-50, AQ-S, and RAADS-R and RAADS-14 were found to provide satisfactory or intermediate values for their psychometric properties, supported by strong or moderate evidence. Nevertheless, risks of bias and concerns on the applicability of these tools limit the evidence on their diagnostic properties. We found that none of the gold standard diagnostic tools used for children had satisfactory measurement properties.Conclusion:There is limited evidence for the measurement properties of the screening and diagnostic tools used for AS adults with a mean normal range of measured intelligence. This may lessen the validity of conclusions and public health decisions on an important fraction of the adult autistic population. This not only justifies further validation studies of screening and diagnostic tools for autistic adults, but also supports the parallel use of self-reported information and clinical expertise with these instruments during the diagnostic process.
Driving restrictions for patients with reflex syncope
Authors: Sumiyoshi Masataka 
Published: May 2017

AbstractReflex syncope is the most common form of syncope that occurs while driving. The 2014 revision of Japanese Road Traffic Laws placed stricter driving restrictions, along with some associated legal penalties, on individuals with recurrent syncope. “Recurrent syncope” is defined as the occurrence of more than two episodes of syncope over a period of 5 years. No restrictions are recommended for private drivers unless they experience syncope without a reliable prodrome while driving or sitting. For commercial drivers, a driving restriction is recommended unless the efficacy of treatment can be confirmed. The “risk of harm” (RH) to other road users appears to be particularly high when commercial driving is involved. The RH formula is calculated using the time of driving, the type of vehicle driven, the risk of sudden cardiac incapacitation, and the probability of a fatal or injury‐producing accident. Reducing the driving time or driving a lighter vehicle can reduce the RH. Physicians should talk to their patients about driving and advise their high‐risk patients to refrain from driving.
Measurement and modelling of the turbulent boundary layer near the attachment line of a swept wing
Authors: Gowree E. R. , Atkin C. J. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThis work is motivated by the need for low-order aerodynamic models to predict accurately the effect on profile drag of controlling attachment line transition. Head's entrainment method(1), a rapid integral boundary layer technique used for design studies on swept wings, suffers from the governing swept-tapered turbulent integral boundary layer equations being ill-posed in the vicinity of the attachment line. This singularity has been treated using crude extrapolations of the attachment-line similarity solution for over half a century, but this approach is unlikely to deliver accurate predictions of the effect of changes in the attachment line flow on profile drag. An experimental study has been carried out to explore the nature of the turbulent flow in the vicinity of a highly swept swept attachment line and has revealed a quite complex, non-monotonic development of the momentum thickness in this region. It has also revealed lower levels of twist in the boundary layer velocity profiles than anticipated from the highly curved character of the inviscid flow streamlines. These observations have prompted an alternative approach to the modelling of the flow in this region which not only successfully eliminates the lack of robustness in the swept-tapered equations but which also matches the experimental results to within ±5%.
Future research directions for the insurance hypothesis regarding food insecurity and obesity
Authors: Cardel Michelle I. , Pavela Greg , Dhurandhar Emily , Allison David B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe focus of this commentary is Nettle et al.'s insurance hypothesis linking food insecurity to a high body mass index (BMI). We discuss how the relationship between race/ethnicity and obesity in the United States is consistent with this hypothesis, then present potential ways forward to elucidate the validity of this hypothesis in humans through rigorous controlled trials.
The Logic of Climate and Culture: Evolutionary and Psychological Aspects of CLASH
Authors: Van Lange Paul A. M. , Rinderu Maria I. , Bushman Brad J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA total of 80 authors working in a variety of scientific disciplines commented on the theoretical model of CLimate, Aggression, and Self-control in Humans (CLASH). The commentaries cover a wide range of issues, including the logic and assumptions of CLASH, the evidence in support of CLASH, and other possible causes of aggression and violence (e.g., wealth, income inequality, political circumstances, historic circumstances, pathogen stress). Some commentaries also provide data relevant to CLASH. Here we clarify the logic and assumptions of CLASH and discusses its extensions and boundary conditions. We also offer suggestions for future research. Regardless of whether none, some, or all of CLASH is found to be true, we hope it will stimulate future research on the link between climate and human behavior. Climate is one of the most presing issues of our time.
Influenza detection and prediction algorithms: comparative accuracy trial in Östergötland county, Sweden, 2008–2012
Authors: SPRECO A. , ERIKSSON O. , DAHLSTRÖM Ö. , TIMPKA T. 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYMethods for the detection of influenza epidemics and prediction of their progress have seldom been comparatively evaluated using prospective designs. This study aimed to perform a prospective comparative trial of algorithms for the detection and prediction of increased local influenza activity. Data on clinical influenza diagnoses recorded by physicians and syndromic data from a telenursing service were used. Five detection and three prediction algorithms previously evaluated in public health settings were calibrated and then evaluated over 3 years. When applied on diagnostic data, only detection using the Serfling regression method and prediction using the non-adaptive log-linear regression method showed acceptable performances during winter influenza seasons. For the syndromic data, none of the detection algorithms displayed a satisfactory performance, while non-adaptive log-linear regression was the best performing prediction method. We conclude that evidence was found for that available algorithms for influenza detection and prediction display satisfactory performance when applied on local diagnostic data during winter influenza seasons. When applied on local syndromic data, the evaluated algorithms did not display consistent performance. Further evaluations and research on combination of methods of these types in public health information infrastructures for ‘nowcasting’ (integrated detection and prediction) of influenza activity are warranted.
Similarities and interactions between the ageing process and high chronic intake of added sugars
Authors: Gatineau Eva , Polakof Sergio , Dardevet Dominique , Mosoni Laurent 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn our societies, the proportions of elderly people and of obese individuals are increasing. Both factors are associated with high health-related costs. During obesity, many authors suggest that it is a high chronic intake of added sugars (HCIAS) that triggers the shift towards pathology. However, the majority of studies were performed in young subjects and only a few were interested in the interaction with the ageing process. Our purpose was to discuss the metabolic effects of HCIAS, compare with the effects of ageing, and evaluate how deleterious the combined action of HCIAS and ageing could be. This effect of HCIAS seems mediated by fructose, targeting the liver first, which may lead to all subsequent metabolic alterations. The first basic alterations induced by fructose are increased oxidative stress, protein glycation, inflammation, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. These alterations are also present during the ageing process, and are closely related to each other, one leading to the other. These basic alterations are also involved in more complex syndromes, which are also favoured by HCIAS, and present during ageing. These include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Cumulative effects of ageing and HCIAS have been seldom tested and may not always be strictly additive. Data also suggest that some of the metabolic alterations that are more prevalent during ageing could be related more with nutritional habits than to intrinsic ageing. In conclusion, it is clear that HCIAS interacts with the ageing process, accelerates the accumulation of metabolic alterations, and that it should be avoided.
Dietary nitrate and blood pressure: evolution of a new nutrient?
Authors: Ashworth Ann , Bescos Raul 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDietary nitrate is mainly obtained from vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables and beetroot. As a result of early research, dietary nitrate is currently viewed as a contaminant linked to increased risks of stomach cancer and methaemoglobinaemia. Consequently, nitrate levels are restricted in certain vegetables and in water supplies to ensure exposure levels remain below an acceptable daily intake of 3·7 mg/kg per d. The average nitrate intake in the UK is approximately 70 mg/d, although some population groups, such as vegetarians, may consume three times that amount. However, recent studies in the last decade suggest that dietary nitrate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure via the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway. A small, downward shift in systolic blood pressure across the population could significantly reduce the incidence of hypertension and mortality from CVD such as stroke. Interestingly, vegetarians tend to have lower levels of blood pressure than omnivores and epidemiological studies suggest that vegetarians have lower risks of CVD. Recent evidence is mainly focused on the acute effects of dietary nitrate supplementation and there is a lack of data looking at the chronic effects of high nitrate consumption in humans. Nevertheless, due to potential health benefits, some authors are recommending that nitrate should be considered as a nutrient necessary for health, rather than as a contaminant which needs to be restricted. This review will discuss the emerging role of dietary nitrate in the control of blood pressure and whether there is sufficient evidence to state that nitrate is a ‘new’ nutrient.