bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Behavior of Fault Slip Induced by Stress Waves
Authors: Zhu Guang-an , Dou Lin-ming , Liu Yang , Su Zhen-guo , Li Hui , Kong Yong , Li Zhen-lei
Published: December 2015

Fault slip burst is a serious dynamic hazard in coal mining. A static and dynamic analysis for fault slip was performed to assess the risk of rock burst. A numerical model FLAC3D was established to understand the stress state and mechanical responses of fault rock system. The results obtained from the analysis show that the dynamic behavior of fault slip induced by stress waves is significantly affected by mining depth, as well as dynamic disturbance intensity and the distance between the stope and the fault. The isolation effect of the fault is also discussed based on the numerical results with the fault angle appearing to have the strongest influence on peak vertical stress and velocity induced by dynamic disturbance. By taking these risks into account, a stress-relief technology using break-tip blast was used for fault slip burst control. This technique is able to reduce the stress concentration and increase the attenuation of dynamic load by fracturing the structure of coal and rock. The adoption of this stress-relief method leads to an effective reduction of fault slip induced rock burst (FSIRB) occurrence.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood‐Derived Serum for Culturing the Supportive Feeder Cells of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines
Authors: Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Ingrungruanglert Praewphan , Numchaisrika Pranee , Virutamasen Pramuan , Phermthai Tatsanee , Pruksananonda Kamthorn
Published: December 2015

Although human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can proliferate robustly on the feeder‐free culture system, genetic instability of hPSCs has been reported in such environment. Alternatively, feeder cells enable hPSCs to maintain their pluripotency. The feeder cells are usually grown in a culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) prior to coculture with hPSCs. The use of FBS might limit the clinical application of hPSCs. Recently, human cord blood‐derived serum (hUCS) showed a positive effect on culture of mesenchymal stem cells. It is interesting to test whether hUCS can be used for culture of feeder cells of hPSCs. This study was aimed to replace FBS with hUCS for culturing the human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) prior to feeder cell preparation. The results showed that HFFs cultured in hUCS‐containing medium (HFF‐hUCS) displayed fibroblastic features, high proliferation rates, short population doubling times, and normal karyotypes after prolonged culture. Inactivated HFF‐hUCS expressed important genes, including Activin A, FGF2, and TGFβ1, which have been implicated in the maintenance of hPSC pluripotency. Moreover, hPSC lines maintained pluripotency, differentiation capacities, and karyotypic stability after being cocultured for extended period with inactivated HFF‐hUCS. Therefore, the results demonstrated the benefit of hUCS for hPSCs culture system.
Improved Ant Colony Clustering Algorithm and Its Performance Study
Authors: Gao Wei
Published: December 2015

Clustering analysis is used in many disciplines and applications; it is an important tool that descriptively identifies homogeneous groups of objects based on attribute values. The ant colony clustering algorithm is a swarm-intelligent method used for clustering problems that is inspired by the behavior of ant colonies that cluster their corpses and sort their larvae. A new abstraction ant colony clustering algorithm using a data combination mechanism is proposed to improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of the ant colony clustering algorithm. The abstraction ant colony clustering algorithm is used to cluster benchmark problems, and its performance is compared with the ant colony clustering algorithm and other methods used in existing literature. Based on similar computational difficulties and complexities, the results show that the abstraction ant colony clustering algorithm produces results that are not only more accurate but also more efficiently determined than the ant colony clustering algorithm and the other methods. Thus, the abstraction ant colony clustering algorithm can be used for efficient multivariate data clustering.
Interventional Treatment of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome during Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Current Status and Historical Perspective
Authors: Radenkovic Dejan V. , Johnson Colin D. , Milic Natasa , Gregoric Pavle , Ivancevic Nenad , Bezmarevic Mihailo , Bilanovic Dragoljub , Cijan Vladimir , Antic Andrija , Bajec Djordje
Published: December 2015

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a marker of severe disease. It occurs as combination of inflammation of retroperitoneum, visceral edema, ascites, acute peripancreatic fluid collections, paralytic ileus, and aggressive fluid resuscitation. The frequency of ACS in SAP may be rising due to more aggressive fluid resuscitation, a trend towards conservative treatment, and attempts to use a minimally invasive approach. There remains uncertainty about the most appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of ACS in SAP. Some unresolved questions remain including medical treatment, indications, timing, and interventional techniques. This review will focus on interventional treatment of this serious condition. First line therapy is conservative treatment aiming to decrease IAP and to restore organ dysfunction. If nonoperative measures are not effective, early abdominal decompression is mandatory. Midline laparostomy seems to be method of choice. Since it carries significant morbidity we need randomized studies to establish firm advantages over other described techniques. After ACS resolves efforts should be made to achieve early primary fascia closure. Additional data are necessary to resolve uncertainties regarding ideal timing and indication for operative treatment.
Biocompatibility Assessment of PLCL‐Sericin Copolymer Membranes Using Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Inthanon Kewalin , Daranarong Donraporn , Techaikool Pimwalan , Punyodom Winita , Khaniyao Vorathep , Bernstein Audrey M. , Wongkham Weerah
Published: December 2015

Stem cells based tissue engineering requires biocompatible materials, which allow the cells to adhere, expand, and differentiate in a large scale. An ideal biomaterial for clinical application should be free from mammalian products which cause immune reactivities and pathogen infections. We invented a novel biodegradable poly(L‐lactic‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)‐sericin (PLCL‐SC) copolymer membrane which was fabricated by electrospinning. Membranes with concentrations of 2.5 or 5% (w/v) SC exhibited qualified texture characteristics with a noncytotoxic release profile. The hydrophilic properties of the membranes were 35–40% higher than those of a standard PLCL and commercial polystyrene (PS). The improved characteristics of the membranes were due to an addition of new functional amide groups, C=O, N–H, and C–N, onto their surfaces. Degradation of the membranes was controllable, depending on the content proportion of SC. Results of thermogram indicated the superior stability and crystallinity of the membranes. These membranes enhanced human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSC) proliferation by increasing cyclin A and also promoted cell adhesion by upregulating focal adhesion kinase (FAK). On the membranes, hWJMSC differentiated into a neuronal lineage with the occurrence of nestin. These data suggest that PLCL‐SC electrospun membrane represents some properties which will be useful for tissue engineering and medical applications.
CCL2 Serum Levels and Adiposity Are Associated with the Polymorphic Phenotypes -2518A on CCL2 and 64ILE on CCR2 in a Mexican Population with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Guzmán-Ornelas Milton-Omar , Petri Marcelo Heron , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Chavarría-Ávila Efraín , Corona-Meraz Fernanda-Isadora , Ruíz-Quezada Sandra-Luz , Madrigal-Ruíz Perla-Monserrat , Castro-Albarrán Jorge , Sandoval-García Flavio , Navarro-Hernández Rosa-Elena
Published: December 2015

Genetic susceptibility has been described in insulin resistance (IR). Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2) is overexpressed in white adipose tissue and is the ligand of C-C motif receptor-2 (CCR2). TheCCL2G-2518A polymorphism is known to regulate gene expression, whereas the physiological effects of theCCR2Val64Ile polymorphism are unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between these polymorphisms with soluble CCL2 levels (sCCL2), metabolic markers, and adiposity. In a cross-sectional study we included 380 Mexican-Mestizo individuals, classified with IR according to Stern criteria. Polymorphism was identified using PCR-RFLP/sequence-specific primers. Anthropometrics and metabolic markers were measured by routine methods and adipokines and sCCL2 by ELISA. The CCL2 polymorphism was associated with IR (polymorphicA+phenotype frequencies were 70.9%, 82.6%, in individuals with and without IR, resp.). Phenotype carriers CCL2 (A+) displayed lower body mass and fat indexes, insulin and HOMA-IR, and higher adiponectin levels. Individuals with IR presented higher sCCL2 compared to individuals without IR and was associated with CCR2 (Ile+) phenotype. The double-polymorphic phenotype carriers (A+/Ile+) exhibited higher sCCL2 than double-wild-type phenotype carriers (A−/Ile−). The present findings suggest that sCCL2 production possibly will be associated with the adiposity and polymorphic phenotypes ofCCL2andCCR2, in Mexican-Mestizos with IR.
Impact of Continuous Cropping on the Diurnal Range of Dew Point Temperature during the Foliar Expansion Period of Annual Crops on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Shrestha Bharat M. , Raddatz Richard L. , Desjardins Raymond L. , Worth Devon E.
Published: December 2015

It is important to increase our knowledge of the role of land use in changing the regional climate. This study asked, “Has the increase in continuous cropping over the past 50 years on the Canadian Prairies influenced the daily mean and range of morning dew point temperatures(Td)during the foliar expansion period (from mid-June to mid-July) of annual field crops?” We found that there has been a general increase in the decadal average of mean dailyTdand in the range of morningTdfrom the 1960s to the 2000s. The increase in the observed range ofTdbetween the daily minimum value, which typically occurs near sunrise, and the late morning peak was found to be related to the increase in annual crop acreage and consequent decrease in summerfallow area. The relationship was more significant in the subhumid climatic zone than in the semiarid climatic zone, and it was influenced by whether the region was experiencing either wet, normal, or dry conditions.
Cellular Origins of Regenerating Nodules and Malignancy in the FAH Model of Liver Injury after Bone Marrow Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Pei-Rong , Li Yi
Published: December 2015

In previous reports, we and other groups have shown that proliferating hepatocytes are formed by the fusion of donor hematopoietic cells with host hepatocytes in the Fah−/− model. Thus, it would be interesting to determine whether cell fusion occurs during malignancy. However, it is difficult to demonstrate such processes using this model. Therefore, we established a new strain to study the processes of regenerating nodules and malignancy and their origins. The FAH−/− mouse model was crossed with the ROSAnZ strain and their offspring was genotyped for FAH−/− and ROSAnZ mutations to create a new strain (Fah−/−‐ROSAnZ). Using this strain as recipients, we performed bone marrow transplantation experiments. As a result, we could not demonstrate the presence of any epithelial cells except hepatocytes that were of donor origin in regenerating tissue, and no evidence of cell fusion was found in tumors. The hepatic malignancy was of host origin in these mice. There was higher expression of extracellular matrix proteins and more inflammatory cells in liver tumor nodules than in regenerating normal liver nodules. Hepatocytes generated by fusion with bone marrow cells did not form malignant tumors. Extracellular matrix and inflammatory cells had significantly accumulated in liver tumors.
Finite Element Model Fractional Steps Updating Strategy for Spatial Lattice Structures Based on Generalized Regression Neural Network
Authors: Liu Caiwei , Miao Jijun , Zhao Changyong
Published: December 2015

In order to get a more accurate finite element model of a spatial lattice structure with bolt-ball joints for health monitoring, a method of modifying the bolt-ball joint stiffness coefficient was proposed. Firstly, the beam element with adjustable stiffness was used in the joint zone in this paper to reveal the semirigid characteristic of the joint. Secondly, the value of stiffness reduction factor (ar) was limited in the range of[0.2,0.8]and the reference value (ar0) of it was suggested to be 0.5 based on referenced literatures. Finally, the finite element model fractional steps updating strategy based on neural network technique was applied and the limited measuring point information was used to form the network input parameter. A single-layer latticed cylindrical shell model with 157 joints and 414 tubes was used in a shaking TABLE test. Based on the measured modal data, the presented method was verified. The results show that this model updating technique can reflect the true dynamic characters of the shell structure better. Moreover, the neural network can be simplified considerably by using this algorithm. The method can be used for model updating of a latticed shell with bolt-ball joints and has great value in engineering practice.
Dynamic Error Analysis Method for Vibration Shape Reconstruction of Smart FBG Plate Structure
Authors: Zhang Hesheng , Zhu Xiaojin , Gao Zhiyuan , Liu Kaining , Li Zhaowen
Published: December 2015

Shape reconstruction of aerospace plate structure is an important issue for safe operation of aerospace vehicles. One way to achieve such reconstruction is by constructing smart fiber Bragg grating (FBG) plate structure with discrete distributed FBG sensor arrays using reconstruction algorithms in which error analysis of reconstruction algorithm is a key link. Considering that traditional error analysis methods can only deal with static data, a new dynamic data error analysis method are proposed based on LMS algorithm for shape reconstruction of smart FBG plate structure. Firstly, smart FBG structure and orthogonal curved network based reconstruction method is introduced. Then, a dynamic error analysis model is proposed for dynamic reconstruction error analysis. Thirdly, the parameter identification is done for the proposed dynamic error analysis model based on least mean square (LMS) algorithm. Finally, an experimental verification platform is constructed and experimental dynamic reconstruction analysis is done. Experimental results show that the dynamic characteristics of the reconstruction performance for plate structure can be obtained accurately based on the proposed dynamic error analysis method. The proposed method can also be used for other data acquisition systems and data processing systems as a general error analysis method.
Functional versus Nonfunctional Rehabilitation in Chronic Ischemic Stroke: Evidences from a Randomized Functional MRI Study
Authors: Pelicioni Maristela C. X. , Novaes Morgana M. , Peres Andre S. C. , Lino de Souza Altay A. , Minelli Cesar , Fabio Soraia R. C. , Pontes-Neto Octavio M. , Santos Antonio C. , de Araujo Draulio B.
Published: December 2015

Motor rehabilitation of stroke survivors may include functional and/or nonfunctional strategy. The present study aimed to compare the effect of these two rehabilitation strategies by means of clinical scales and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Twelve hemiparetic chronic stroke patients were selected. Patients were randomly assigned a nonfunctional (NFS) or functional (FS) rehabilitation scheme. Clinical scales (Fugl-Meyer, ARA test, and modified Barthel) and fMRI were applied at four moments: before rehabilitation (P1) and immediately after (P2), 1 month after (P3), and three months after (P4) the end of rehabilitation. The NFS group improved significantly and exclusively their Fugl-Meyer scores at P2, P3, and P4, when compared to P1. On the other hand, the FS group increased significantly in Fugl-Meyer at P2, when compared to P1, and also in their ARA and Barthel scores. fMRI inspection at the individual level revealed that both rehabilitation schemes most often led to decreased activation sparseness, decreased activity of contralesional M1, increased asymmetry of M1 activity to the ipsilesional side, decreased perilesional activity, and decreased SMA activity. Increased M1 asymmetry with rehabilitation was also confirmed by Lateralization Indexes. Our clinical analysis revealed subtle differences between FS and NFS.
Feature Extraction Using Discrete Wavelet Transform for Gear Fault Diagnosis of Wind Turbine Gearbox
Authors: Bajric Rusmir , Zuber Ninoslav , Skrimpas Georgios Alexandros , Mijatovic Nenad
Published: December 2015

Vibration diagnosis is one of the most common techniques in condition evaluation of wind turbine equipped with gearbox. On the other side, gearbox is one of the key components of wind turbine drivetrain. Due to the stochastic operation of wind turbines, the gearbox shaft rotating speed changes with high percentage, which limits the application of traditional vibration signal processing techniques, such as fast Fourier transform. This paper investigates a new approach for wind turbine high speed shaft gear fault diagnosis using discrete wavelet transform and time synchronous averaging. First, the vibration signals are decomposed into a series of subbands signals with the use of a multiresolution analytical property of the discrete wavelet transform. Then, 22 condition indicators are extracted from the TSA signal, residual signal, and difference signal. Through the case study analysis, a new approach reveals the most relevant condition indicators based on vibrations that can be used for high speed shaft gear spalling fault diagnosis and their tracking abilities for fault degradation progression. It is also shown that the proposed approach enhances the gearbox fault diagnosis ability in wind turbines. The approach presented in this paper was programmed in Matlab environment using data acquired on a 2 MW wind turbine.
Characteristics of Pediatric Crohn’s Disease in Saudi Children: A Multicenter National Study
Authors: Saadah Omar I. , El Mouzan Mohammad , Al Mofarreh Mohammad , Al Mehaidib Ali , Al Edreesi Mohammad , Hasosah Mohammed , Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman , AlSaleem Khalid
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims. Crohn’s disease (CD) is an evolving disease in KSA. Little is known about its characteristics in the Saudi population. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of Saudi children with CD and to determine whether the characteristics of CD in KSA are different from those seen in Western countries.Methods. In this study, children younger than eighteen years of age diagnosed with CD between January 2003 and December 2012 were included.Results. Of 330 patients identified, 186 (56.4%) were males. The median age at diagnosis was 15.8 years. A positive family history for IBD in first-degree relatives occurred in 13.6% of patients. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (84.2%), weight loss (75.2%), and diarrhea (71.8%). The main disease location was ileocolonic (42.1%) and the main disease behavior was nonstricturing and nonpenetrating (63.6%). Perianal involvement was seen in 60 (18.2%) patients. Laboratory findings revealed anemia in 57.9% of patients, low albumin in 34.5%, and high CRP in 39.4%.Conclusions. Saudi children with CD have lower frequency of first-degree relatives with IBD, lower prevalence of early onset disease, longer diagnostic delay, higher prevalence of growth failure, and greater frequency of stricturing and penetrating disease behavior compared to Western patients.
Nurse Participation in Colonoscopy Observation versus the Colonoscopist Alone for Polyp and Adenoma Detection: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Yu , Song Haojun , Wang Weihong , Zhang Sijie , Ding Xiaoyun
Published: December 2015

The role of nurse participation (NP) in colonoscopy observation for polyp and adenoma detection is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether nurse participation can improve polyp and adenoma detection.Patients and Methods. The PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. The outcome measurements included (1) the polyp and adenoma detection rate (PDR and ADR); (2) the advanced lesions detection rate; and (3) the mean polyp and adenoma detection rate per colonoscopy.Results. Three RCTs with a total of 1676 patients were included. The pooled data showed a significantly higher ADR in the NP group than colonoscopist alone (CA) (45.7% versus 39.3%; RR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04–1.30). And it showed no significant difference in the PDR and advanced lesions detection rate between the two groups (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95–1.37; RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.91–2.00; resp.).Conclusions. Nurse participation during a colonoscopy can improve the ADR, whereas no benefit for the PDR and advanced lesions detection rate was observed. All RCTs included in the meta-analysis had high risk of bias. Thus, there is a need for new research that uses sound methodology to definitively address the research question under study.
Targeting TRPM2 Channels Impairs Radiation‐Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Fosters Cell Death of T Cell Leukemia Cells in a Bcl‐2‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Klumpp Dominik , Misovic Milan , Szteyn Kalina , Shumilina Ekaterina , Rudner Justine , Huber Stephan M.
Published: December 2015

Messenger RNA data of lymphohematopoietic cancer lines suggest a correlation between expression of the cation channel TRPM2 and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. The latter is overexpressed in various tumor entities and mediates therapy resistance. Here, we analyzed the crosstalk between Bcl‐2 and TRPM2 channels in T cell leukemia cells during oxidative stress as conferred by ionizing radiation (IR). To this end, the effects of TRPM2 inhibition or knock‐down on plasma membrane currents, Ca2+ signaling, mitochondrial superoxide anion formation, and cell cycle progression were compared between irradiated (0–10 Gy) Bcl‐2‐overexpressing and empty vector‐transfected Jurkat cells. As a result, IR stimulated a TRPM2‐mediated Ca2+‐entry, which was higher in Bcl‐2‐overexpressing than in control cells and which contributed to IR‐induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. TRPM2 inhibition induced a release from G2/M arrest resulting in cell death. Collectively, this data suggests a pivotal function of TRPM2 in the DNA damage response of T cell leukemia cells. Apoptosis‐resistant Bcl‐2‐overexpressing cells even can afford higher TRPM2 activity without risking a hazardous Ca2+‐overload‐induced mitochondrial superoxide anion formation.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Aragona Caterina Oriana , Imbalzano Egidio , Mamone Federica , Cairo Valentina , Lo Gullo Alberto , D’Ascola Angela , Sardo Maria Adriana , Scuruchi Michele , Basile Giorgio , Saitta Antonino , Mandraffino Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

Objective. To identify, evaluate, and synthesize evidence on the predictive power of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in cardiovascular disease, through a systematic review of quantitative studies.
Data Sources. MEDLINE was searched using keywords related to “endothelial progenitor cells” and “endothelium” and, for the different categories, respectively, “smoking”; “blood pressure”; “diabetes mellitus” or “insulin resistance”; “dyslipidemia”; “aging” or “elderly”; “angina pectoris” or “myocardial infarction”; “stroke” or “cerebrovascular disease”; “homocysteine”; “C‐reactive protein”; “vitamin D”. Study Selection. Database hits were evaluated against explicit inclusion criteria. From 927 database hits, 43 quantitative studies were included. Data Syntheses. EPC count has been suggested for cardiovascular risk estimation in the clinical practice, since it is currently accepted that EPCs can work as proangiogenic support cells, maintaining their importance as regenerative/reparative potential, and also as prognostic markers. Conclusions. EPCs showed an important role in identifying cardiovascular risk conditions, and to suggest their evaluation as predictor of outcomes appears to be reasonable in different defined clinical settings. Due to their capability of proliferation, circulation, and the development of functional progeny, great interest has been directed to therapeutic use of progenitor cells in atherosclerotic diseases. This trial is registered with registration number: Prospero CRD42015023717.
The Actions of Lyophilized Apple Peel on the Electrical Activity and Organization of the Ventricular Syncytium of the Hearts of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Martínez-Ladrón de Guevara Elideth , Pérez-Hernández Nury , Villalobos-López Miguel Ángel , Pérez-Ishiwara David Guillermo , Salas-Benito Juan Santiago , Martínez Martínez Alejandro , Hernández-García Vicente
Published: December 2015

This study was designed to examine the effects of lyophilized red delicious apple peel (RDP) on the action potentials (APs) and the input resistance-threshold current relationship. The experiments were performed on isolated papillary heart muscles from healthy male rats, healthy male rats treated with RDP, diabetic male rats, and diabetic male rats treated with RDP. The preparation was superfused with oxygenated Tyrode’s solution at 37°C. The stimulation and the recording of the APs, the input resistance, and the threshold current were made using conventional electrophysiological methods. The RDP presented no significant effect in normal rats. Equivalent doses in diabetic rats reduced the APD and ARP. The relationship between input resistance and threshold current established an inverse correlation. The results indicate the following: (1) The functional structure of the cardiac ventricular syncytium in healthy rats is heterogeneous, in terms of input resistance and threshold current. Diabetes further accentuates the heterogeneity. (2) As a consequence, conduction block occurs and increases the possibility of reentrant arrhythmias. (3) These modifications in the ventricular syncytium, coupled with the increase in the ARP, are the adequate substrate so that, with diabetes, the heart becomes more arrhythmogenic. (4) RDP decreases the APD, the ARP, and most syncytium irregularity caused by diabetes.
Analysis of the Global Swell and Wind Sea Energy Distribution Using WAVEWATCH III
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Sun Jian , Guan Changlong , Shao Weizeng
Published: December 2015

Over the past several decades, an increasing number of studies have focused on the global view of swell and wind sea climate. However, our understanding of wind sea and swell is still incomplete as is the lack of an integrated description for all the wave components. In this paper, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Era-medium wind data is used to run the WAVEWATCH III model and the global wave fields in 2010 are reproduced. Using the spectra energy partition (SEP) method, two-dimensional wave spectra were separated and detailed information for the components of wind sea and swell was obtained. We found that the highest seasonal mean energy of swell and wind sea are distributed in the respective winter hemispheres. In most seas, swell carries a large part of the wave energy withWsbeing higher than 50%. Compared to swell, the global distribution of wind sea energy is highly affected by the seasons. We also established a link between inverse wave age and the ratio of swell energy to total wave energy. This study aims to improve our understanding of surface wave energy composition and thus the parameterization of global-scale wind-wave interaction and air-sea momentum flux.
Effects of Bauhinia forficata Tea on Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Salgueiro Andréia Caroline Fernandes , Folmer Vanderlei , da Silva Marianne Pires , Mendez Andreas Sebastian Loureiro , Zemolin Ana Paula Pegoraro , Posser Thaís , Franco Jeferson Luis , Puntel Robson Luiz , Puntel Gustavo Orione
Published: December 2015

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bauhinia forficata Link subsp. pruinosa (BF) tea on oxidative stress and liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice. Diabetic male mice have remained 30 days without any treatment. BF treatment started on day 31 and continued for 21 days as a drinking‐water substitute. We evaluated (1) BF chemical composition; (2) glucose levels; (3) liver/body weight ratio and liver transaminases; (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation in liver; (5) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver; (6) δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ‐ALA‐D) and nonprotein thiols (NPSH) in liver; (7) Nrf2, NQO‐1, and HSP70 levels in liver and pancreas. Phytochemical analyses identified four phenols compounds. Diabetic mice present high levels of NQO‐1 in pancreas, increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in liver, and decrease in CAT activity. BF treatment normalized all these parameters. BF did not normalize hyperglycemia, liver/body weight ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, protein carbonyl, NPSH levels, and δ‐ALA‐D activity. The raised oxidative stress seems to be a potential mechanism involved in liver damage in hyperglycemic conditions. Our results indicated that BF protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant capacity, more than a hypoglycemic potential.
Rolling Bearing Diagnosing Method Based on Time Domain Analysis and Adaptive FuzzyC-Means Clustering
Authors: Fu Sheng , Liu Kun , Xu Yonggang , Liu Yi
Published: December 2015

Vibration signal analysis is one of the most effective methods for mechanical fault diagnosis. Available part of the information is always concealed in component noise, which makes it much more difficult to detect the defection, especially at early stage of the development. This paper presents a new approach for mechanical fault diagnosis based on time domain analysis and adaptive fuzzyC-means clustering. By analyzing vibration signal collected, nine common time domain parameters are calculated. This lot of data constitutes data matrix as characteristic vectors to be detected. And using adaptive fuzzyC-means clustering, the optimal clustering number can be gotten then to recognize different fault types. Moreover, five parameters, including variance, RMS, kurtosis, skewness, and crest factor, of the nine are selected as the new eigenvector matrix to be clustered for more optimal clustering performance. The test results demonstrate that the proposed approach has a sensitive reflection towards fault identifications, including slight fault.
CD126 and Targeted Therapy with Tocilizumab in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Liu Feng-Ting , Jia Li , Wang Ping , Farren Timothy , Li Hong , Hao Xishan , Agrawal Samir G.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: IL6 promotes tumor growth and signal transduction via both its membrane-bound (CD126) and soluble receptors (sCD126). We aimed to study whether the levels of CD126 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemic (CLL) cells can predict in vitro and in vivo treatment response.

Experimental Design: The levels of membrane-bound CD126 expression were determined on freshly isolated CLL B cells (n = 58) using flow cytometry. These CLL cells were treated with chlorambucil or fludarabine with or without anti-CD126 antibody tocilizumab for 24 hours and IL6-mediated STAT3 transcriptional activity and cell-cycle alteration were evaluated.

Results: CD126 surface expression was found in all cases and positively correlated with the levels of in vivo constitutive STAT3 activity. The levels of CD126 expression were significantly and positively correlated with the resistance of CLL cells to in vitro treatment with chlorambucil or fludarabine and poor in vivo treatment response of CLL patients. Blocking IL6 signaling with the anti-CD126 antibody, tocilizumab, had profound effects on STAT3-mediated survival and growth signals: decreased Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, favoring an apoptotic profile; and decreased p27 with increased cyclin E and CDK2 expression, leading to cell-cycle shift from G0–G1. These tocilizumab-mediated changes induced chemosensitization in resistant CLL cells, with the greatest effect seen in cells with higher CD126 expression (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: CLL cells with higher CD126 expression are more resistant to treatment in vivo and in vitro via IL6–CD126–STAT3 axis. Blocking CD126 using tocilizumab sensitizes CLL cells to chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2462–9. ©2015 AACR.
Cotargeting Androgen Receptor Splice Variants and mTOR Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kato Minoru , Banuelos Carmen A. , Imamura Yusuke , Leung Jacky K. , Caley Daniel P. , Wang Jun , Mawji Nasrin R. , Sadar Marianne D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated in most castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). Transcriptionally active androgen receptor (AR) plays a role in the majority of CRPCs. Therefore, cotargeting full-length (FL) AR and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling has been proposed as a possible, more effective therapeutic approach for CRPC. However, truncated AR-splice variants (AR-V) that are constitutively active and dominant over FL-AR are associated with tumor progression and resistance mechanisms in CRPC. It is currently unknown how blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway impacts prostate cancer driven by AR-Vs. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of combination therapy to block mTOR activity together with EPI-002, an AR N-terminal domain (NTD) antagonist that blocks the transcriptional activities of FL-AR and AR-Vs in models of CRPC.

Experimental Design: To determine the functional roles of FL-AR, AR-Vs, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, we employed EPI-002 or enzalutamide and BEZ235 (low dose) or everolimus in human prostate cancer cells that express FL-AR or FL-AR and AR-Vs (LNCaP95). Gene expression and efficacy were examined in vitro and in vivo.

Results: EPI-002 had antitumor activity in enzalutamide-resistant LNCaP95 cells that was associated with decreased expression of AR-V target genes (e.g., UBE2C). Inhibition of mTOR provided additional blockade of UBE2C expression. A combination of EPI-002 and BEZ235 decreased the growth of LNCaP95 cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: Cotargeting mTOR and AR-NTD to block transcriptional activities of FL-AR and AR-Vs provided maximum antitumor efficacy in PTEN-null, enzalutamide-resistant CRPC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2744–54. ©2015 AACR.
Systemic Correlates of White Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Iyengar Neil M. , Zhou Xi Kathy , Gucalp Ayca , Morris Patrick G. , Howe Louise R. , Giri Dilip D. , Morrow Monica , Wang Hanhan , Pollak Michael , Jones Lee W. , Hudis Clifford A. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: Obesity, insulin resistance, and elevated levels of circulating proinflammatory mediators are associated with poorer prognosis in early-stage breast cancer. To investigate whether white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation represents a potential unifying mechanism, we examined the relationship between breast WAT inflammation and the metabolic syndrome and its prognostic importance.

Experimental Design: WAT inflammation was defined by the presence of dead/dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages forming crown-like structures (CLS) of the breast. Two independent groups were examined in cross-sectional (cohort 1) and retrospective (cohort 2) studies. Cohort 1 included 100 women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer risk reduction (n = 10) or treatment (n = 90). Metabolic syndrome–associated circulating factors were compared by CLS-B status. The association between CLS of the breast and the metabolic syndrome was validated in cohort 2, which included 127 women who developed metastatic breast cancer. Distant recurrence-free survival (dRFS) was compared by CLS-B status.

Results: In cohorts 1 and 2, breast WAT inflammation was detected in 52 of 100 (52%) and 52 of 127 (41%) patients, respectively. Patients with breast WAT inflammation had elevated insulin, glucose, leptin, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and IL6 and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin (P < 0.05) in cohort 1. In cohort 2, breast WAT inflammation was associated with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes (P < 0.05). Compared with patients without breast WAT inflammation, the adjusted HR for dRFS was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.07–3.13) for patients with inflammation.

Conclusions: WAT inflammation, a clinically occult process, helps to explain the relationship between metabolic syndrome and worse breast cancer prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2283–9. ©2015 AACR.
Defining the Value of a Comparative Approach to Cancer Drug Development
Authors: LeBlanc Amy K. , Mazcko Christina N. , Khanna Chand
Published: December 2015

Comparative oncology as a tool in drug development requires a deeper examination of the value of the approach and examples of where this approach can satisfy unmet needs. This review seeks to demonstrate types of drug development questions that are best answered by the comparative oncology approach. We believe common perceived risks of the comparative approach relate to uncertainty of how regulatory bodies will prioritize or react to data generated from these unique studies conducted in diseased animals, and how these new data will affect ongoing human clinical trials. We contend that it is reasonable to consider these data as potentially informative and valuable to cancer drug development, but as supplementary to conventional preclinical studies and human clinical trials particularly as they relate to the identification of drug-associated adverse events. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2133–8. ©2015 AACR.
Phase IIB Randomized Study of Topical Difluoromethylornithine and Topical Diclofenac on Sun-Damaged Skin of the Forearm
Authors: Jeter Joanne M. , Curiel-Lewandrowski Clara , Stratton Steven P. , Myrdal Paul B. , Warneke James A. , Einspahr Janine G. , Bartels Hubert G. , Yozwiak Michael , Bermudez Yira , Hu Chengcheng , Bartels Peter , Alberts David S.
Published: December 2015

Prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancers remains a health priority due to high costs associated with this disease. Diclofenac and difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) have demonstrated chemopreventive efficacy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. We designed a randomized study of the combination of DFMO and diclofenac in the treatment of sun-damaged skin. Individuals with visible cutaneous sun damage were eligible. Subjects were randomized to one of the three groups: topical DFMO applied twice daily, topical diclofenac applied daily, or DFMO plus diclofenac. The treatment was limited to an area on the left forearm, and the duration of use was 90 days. We hypothesized that combination therapy would have increased efficacy compared with single-agent therapy. The primary outcome was change in karyometric average nuclear abnormality (ANA) in the treated skin. Individuals assessing the biomarkers were blinded regarding the treatment for each subject. A total of 156 subjects were randomized; 144 had baseline and end-of-study biopsies, and 136 subjects completed the study. The ANA unexpectedly increased for all groups, with higher values correlating with clinical cutaneous inflammation. Nearly all of the adverse events were local cutaneous effects. One subject had cutaneous toxicity that required treatment discontinuation. Significantly more adverse events were seen in the groups taking diclofenac. Overall, the study indicated that the addition of topical DFMO to topical diclofenac did not enhance its activity. Both agents caused inflammation on a cellular and clinical level, which may have confounded the measurement of chemopreventive effects. More significant effects may be observed in subjects with greater baseline cutaneous damage. Cancer Prev Res; 9(2); 128–34. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Tsai and Hawk, p. 125
Individual Cardiac Mitochondria Undergo Rare Transient Permeability Transition Pore Openings
Authors: Lu Xiyuan , Kwong Jennifer Q. , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Bers Donald M.
Published: December 2015

Rationale:

Mitochondria produce ATP, especially critical for survival of highly aerobic cells, such as cardiac myocytes. Conversely, opening of mitochondrial high-conductance and long-lasting permeability transition pores (mPTP) causes respiratory uncoupling, mitochondrial injury, and cell death. However, low conductance and transient mPTP openings (tPTP) might limit mitochondrial Ca
2+
load and be cardioprotective, but direct evidence for tPTP in cells is limited.

Objective:

To directly characterize tPTP occurrence during sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release in adult cardiac myocytes.

Methods and Results:

Here, we measured tPTP directly as transient drops in mitochondrial [Ca
2+
] ([Ca
2+
]
mito
) and membrane potential (ΔΨ
m
) in adult cardiac myocytes during cyclic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release, by simultaneous live imaging of 500 to 1000 individual mitochondria. The frequency of tPTPs rose at higher [Ca
2+
]
mito
, [Ca
2+
]
i
, with 1 μmol/L peroxide exposure and in myocyte from failing hearts. The tPTPs were suppressed by preventing mitochondrial Ca
2+
influx, by mPTP inhibitor cyclosporine A, sanglifehrin, and in cyclophilin D knockout mice. These tPTP events were 57±5 s in duration, but were rare (occurring in <0.1% of myocyte mitochondria at any moment) such that the overall energetic cost to the cell is minimal. The tPTP pore size is much smaller than for permanent mPTP, as neither Rhod-2 nor calcein (600 Da) were lost. Thus, proteins and even molecules the size of NADH (663 Da) will be retained during these tPTP.

Conclusions:

We conclude that tPTP openings (MitoWinks) may be molecularly related to pathological mPTP, but are likely to be normal physiological manifestation that benefits mitochondrial (and cell) survival by allowing individual mitochondria to reset themselves with little overall energetic cost.
Impaired Flow-Mediated Dilation Before, During, and After Preeclampsia
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey L. , Milic Natasa M. , Milin-Lazovic Jelena S. , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: December 2015

Endothelial dysfunction is believed to play a critical role in preeclampsia; however, it is unclear whether this dysfunction precedes the pregnancy or is caused by pathophysiological events in early pregnancy. It is also unclear for how long vascular dysfunction may persist postpartum and whether it represents a mechanism linking preeclampsia with future cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to determine whether women with preeclampsia had worse vascular function compared with women who did not have preeclampsia by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined endothelial dysfunction using flow-mediated dilation. We included studies published before May 29, 2015, that examined flow-mediated dilation before, during, or after preeclampsia. Differences in flow-mediated dilation between study groups were evaluated by standardized mean differences. Out of 610 abstracts identified through PubMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science, 37 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. When compared with women who did not have preeclampsia, women who had preeclampsia had lower flow-mediated dilation before the development of preeclampsia (≈20–29 weeks gestation), at the time of preeclampsia, and for 3 years postpartum, with the estimated magnitude of the effect ranging between 0.5 and 3 standard deviations. Similar effects were observed when the analysis was limited to studies that excluded women with chronic hypertension, smokers, or both. Vascular dysfunction predates preeclampsia and may contribute to its pathogenesis. Future studies should address whether vascular changes that persist after preeclamptic pregnancies may represent a mechanistic link with increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.
Tropospheric QBO–ENSO Interactions and Differences between the Atlantic and Pacific
Authors: Hansen Felicitas , Matthes Katja , Wahl Sebastian
Published: December 2015

This study investigates the interaction of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the troposphere separately for the North Pacific and North Atlantic region. Three 145-yr model simulations with NCAR’s Community Earth System Model Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (CESM-WACCM) are analyzed where only natural (no anthropogenic) forcings are considered. These long simulations allow the authors to obtain statistically reliable results from an exceptional large number of cases for each combination of the QBO (westerly and easterly) and ENSO phases (El Niño and La Niña). Two different analysis methods were applied to investigate where nonlinearity might play a role in QBO–ENSO interactions. The analyses reveal that the stratospheric equatorial QBO anomalies extend down to the troposphere over the North Pacific during Northern Hemisphere winter only during La Niña and not during El Niño events. The Aleutian low is deepened during QBO westerly (QBOW) as compared to QBO easterly (QBOE) conditions, and the North Pacific subtropical jet is shifted northward during La Niña. In the North Atlantic, the interaction of QBOW with La Niña conditions (QBOE with El Niño) results in a positive (negative) North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) pattern. For both regions, nonlinear interactions between the QBO and ENSO might play a role. The results provide the potential to enhance the skill of tropospheric seasonal predictions in the North Atlantic and North Pacific region.
Does Humidity’s Seasonal Cycle Affect the Annual-Mean Tropical Precipitation Response to Sulfate Aerosol Forcing?
Authors: Merlis Timothy M.
Published: December 2015

Sulfate aerosol radiative forcing alters the distribution of tropical precipitation in climate model simulations. The annual-mean tropical precipitation change is typically described as arising from an annual-mean change in the mean atmospheric circulation. However, the seasonality of the climatology of tropical humidity may modulate the annual-mean precipitation response. Here, the role of seasonality of tropical humidity is assessed using reanalysis and idealized atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) simulations perturbed by sulfate aerosol radiative forcing. When coupled to an aquaplanet slab ocean with low thermal inertia, the seasonal cycle in GCM simulations of the “continental” regime is large and the annual-mean precipitation change depends on both the seasonally varying perturbation mean meridional circulation and the seasonally varying climatological specific humidity. When coupled to an aquaplanet slab ocean with a higher thermal inertia, the seasonal cycle in GCM simulations of the “oceanic” regime is smaller and the annual-mean precipitation change can be approximated by considering the perturbation convergence of the water vapor flux of the annual-mean perturbation mean meridional circulation and the annual-mean climatological specific humidity. The results of the aquaplanet simulations taken together with the magnitude of the seasonality of humidity in an atmospheric reanalysis suggest that the simplest forms of energetic arguments for the tropical precipitation response to perturbations in the atmospheric energy budget, which neglect an explicit role for the seasonality of the radiative forcing and the climatological specific humidity, are not quantitatively accurate for Earth’s tropical land regions.