bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Target Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth by SiRNA Cocktails and 5-Fluorouracil Using Effective Piperidine-Terminated Phosphorus Dendrimers
Authors: Ihnatsyeu-Kachan Aliaksei , Dzmitruk Volha , Apartsin Evgeny , Krasheninina Olga , Ionov Maksim , Loznikova Svetlana , Venyaminova Alya , Miłowska Katarzyna , Shcharbin Dzmitry , Mignani Serge , Muñoz-Fernández Maria , Majoral Jean-Pierre , Bryszewska Maria
Published: November 2017

Currently, RNAi based approaches for cancer treatment involving short double stranded RNA molecules (siRNA) are under vigorous scrutinization. Due to numerous biological obstacles, siRNA delivery into target cells requires protective escort. On the other hand, combining of siRNA-mediated gene silencing and action of conventional chemotherapeutics can propose additional enhancement of anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated a siRNA cocktail able to downregulate anti-apoptotic genes (BCL-xL, BCL-2, MCL-1) and the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to evaluate multi-target cytotoxic effect on human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa cell line). Novel phosphorus containing dendrimers of 3rd and 4th generations (namely AE2G3 and AE2G4) with voluminous piperidine terminal cationic groups were designed and tested as siRNA carriers. Dendrimers of both generations showed remarkable ability to bind pro-apoptotic siRNAs and provided 80–100% siRNA uptake by HeLa cells in the serum containing medium, while the widespread transfection agent Lipofectamine showed only ~40% uptake. SiRNA cocktail (in low concentrations 50 and 100 nM) delivered by AE2G3 dendrimer caused almost complete elimination of cancer cells. We have discovered considerable increase of 5-FU cytotoxic effect by addition of AE2G3/siRNA cocktail complexes in low doses. Thus, we demonstrated the effectiveness of combined multi-target siRNA anticancer approach and described new highly effective serum stable nanomaterial vehicle for gene-based drugs.
Large Melanosome Complex Is Increased in Keratinocytes of Solar Lentigo
Authors: Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: November 2017

Solar lentigo (SL) is characterized by macular lesions exhibiting epidermal hyperplasia combined with hyperpigmentation along with irregular elongation of epidermal rete ridges. This study was conducted to assess the melanosomes in keratinocytes and the activation state of melanocytes in SL lesions on the backs of healthy Japanese individuals. Large melanosome complexes were increased in keratinocytes, and tyrosinase (TYR) activity, as well as immunohistochemical reactivity, for premelanosome protein 17 (Pmel17) in the SL lesions increased compared to the perilesions of five volunteers with SL. The levels of TYR, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and KIT mRNAs, but not stem cell factor (SCF) mRNA, were significantly increased in the SL lesions compared to the perilesions for all samples. Additionally, keratinocytes became immunoreactive to KIT in the rete ridge hyperplasia and basal layers of the SL lesions. These results suggested that the hyperpigmentation of SL arises primarily from increased melanogenesis of existing melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, as well as increased large melanosome complexes in keratinocytes, which probably arise via an increase in KIT signaling in the epidermis.
Aggregation Methods for Modelling Hydropower and Its Implications for a Highly Decarbonised Energy System in Europe
Authors: Härtel Philipp , Korpås Magnus
Published: November 2017

Given the pursuit of long-term decarbonisation targets, future power systems face the task of integrating the renewable power and providing flexible backup production capacity. Due to its general ability to be dispatched, hydropower offers unique features and a backup production option not to be neglected, especially when taking the flexibility potential of multireservoir systems into account. Adequate hydropower representations are a necessity when analysing future power markets and aggregation methods are crucial for overcoming computational challenges. However, a major issue is that the aggregation must not be a too flexible representation. In a first step, a novel equivalent hydro system model implementation including a possibility to integrate pumping capacity and appropriate handling of multiple water paths (hydraulic coupling) by making use of an ex-ante optimisation is proposed. In a second step, a clustered equivalent hydro system model implementation employing k-means clustering is presented. A comparison of both aggregation approaches against the detailed reference system shows that both aggregated model variants yield significant reductions in computation time while keeping an adequate level of accuracy for a highly decarbonised power system scenario in Europe. The aggregation methods can easily be applied in different model types and may also be helpful in the stochastic case.
Study on Quantitative Correlations between the Ageing Condition of Transformer Cellulose Insulation and the Large Time Constant Obtained from the Extended Debye Model
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Liu Jiefeng , Zheng Hanbo , Wei Hua , Liao Ruijin
Published: November 2017

Polarization-depolarization current (PDC) measurements are now being used as a diagnosis tool to predict the ageing condition of transformer oil-paper insulation. Unfortunately, it is somewhat difficult to obtain the ageing condition of transformer cellulose insulation using the PDC technique due to the variation in transformer insulation geometry. In this literature, to quantify the ageing condition of transformer cellulose insulation using the PDC technique, we firstly designed a series of experiments under controlled laboratory conditions, and then obtained the branch parameters of an extended Debye model using the technique of curve fitting the PDC data. Finally, the ageing effect and water effect on the parameters of large time constant branches were systematically investigated. In the present paper, it is observed that there is a good exponential correlation between large time constants and degree of polymerization (DP). Therefore, the authors believe that the large time constants may be regard as a sensitive ageing indicator and the nice correlations might be utilized for the quantitative assessment of ageing condition in transformer cellulose insulation in the future due to the geometry independence of large time constants. In addition, it is found that the water in cellulose pressboards has a predominant effect on large time constants.
Design and Control of a Buck–Boost Charger-Discharger for DC-Bus Regulation in Microgrids
Authors: Ramos-Paja Carlos Andrés , Bastidas-Rodríguez Juan David , González Daniel , Acevedo Santiago , Peláez-Restrepo Julián
Published: November 2017

In DC and hybrid microgrids (MG), the DC-bus regulation using Energy Storage Devices (ESD) is important for the stable operation of both the generators and loads. There are multiple commercial voltage levels for both ESD and DC-bus; therefore, the ESD voltage may be higher, equal or lower than the DC-bus voltage depending on the application. Moreover, most of the ESD converter controllers are linear-based, hence they ensure stability in a limited operation range. This paper proposes a system to regulate the DC-bus voltage of an MG accounting for any voltage relation between the ESD and the DC-bus voltage. The proposed system is formed by an ESD connected to a DC-bus through a bidirectional Buck–Boost converter, which is regulated by a Sliding-Mode Controller (SMC) to ensure the system stability in the entire operation range. The SMC drives the Buck–Boost charger–discharger to regulate the DC-bus voltage, at the desired reference value, by charging or discharging the ESD. This paper also provides detailed procedures to design the parameters of both the SMC and the charger–dischager. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the proposed solution and illustrate its performance.
Combining Life Cycle Environmental and Economic Assessments in Building Energy Renovation Projects
Authors: Moschetti Roberta , Brattebø Helge
Published: November 2017

Buildings currently play a fundamental role for the achievement of the sustainable development goals as they are responsible for several environmental, social, and economic impacts. Energy renovation projects of existing buildings can support the reduction of environmental impacts by leading, at the same time, to economic and social advantages. In this paper, the life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies were used in a combined performance assessment applied to a case study, i.e., the energy renovation project of a single-family house in Norway. Several scenarios based on alternative energy efficiency measures were analyzed, and life cycle environmental and economic indicators were computed, i.e., global warming potential (GWP), cumulative energy demand (CED), and net present cost (NPC). The results demonstrated the close to negative linear regression between the environmental and economic indicators computed. However, the values of CED and GWP for the best scenarios in environmental terms were respectively 50% and 32% lower than the values of the worst scenarios, while their NPC was around 6% higher than the lowest values. The findings can be helpful in the decision-making context towards a meaningful combination of environmental and economic assessments in building energy renovation projects for selecting the most sustainable scenario.
Online Area Load Modeling in Power Systems Using Enhanced Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shang Xiaoya , Li Zhigang , Ji Tianyao , Wu P. , Wu Qinghua
Published: November 2017

The accuracy of load modeling directly influences power system operation and control. Previous modeling studies have mainly concentrated on the loads connected to a single boundary bus, without thoroughly considering the static load characteristics of the voltage. To remedy this oversight, this paper proposes an accurate modeling approach for area loads with multiple boundary buses and ZIP loads (a combination of constant-impedance, constant-current and constant-power loads) based on Ward equivalence. Furthermore, to satisfy the requirements for real-time monitoring, the model parameters are identified in an online manner using an enhanced reinforcement learning (ERL) algorithm. Parallel tables of value functions are implemented in the ERL algorithm to improve its tracking performance. Three simulation cases are addressed, the first involving a single ZIP load and the second and third involving area loads in the IEEE 57-bus system and in a real 1209-bus power system in China, respectively. The results demonstrate that the ERL algorithm outperforms an existing reinforcement learning algorithm and the improved least-squares method in terms of convergence and the ability to track both step-changing and time-varying loads. Additionally, the results obtained on test cases confirm that the proposed area load model is more accurate than a previously introduced model.
Forest Type and Tree Characteristics Determine the Vertical Distribution of Epiphytic Lichen Biomass in Subtropical Forests
Authors: Li Su , Liu Shuai , Shi Xian-Meng , Liu Wen-Yao , Song Liang , Lu Hua-Zheng , Chen Xi , Wu Chuan-Sheng
Published: November 2017

Epiphytic lichens are an important component in subtropical forests and contribute greatly to forest biodiversity and biomass. However, information on epiphytic lichens still remains scarce in forest conservation owing to the difficulty of accessing all canopy layers for direct observation. Here, epiphytic lichens were quantified on 73 whole trees in five forest types in Southwest China to clarify the vertical stratification of their biomass in subtropical forests. Lichen biomass was significantly influenced by forest type and host attributes, varying from 187.11 to 8.55 g∙tree−1 among forest types and from 289.81 to <0.01 g∙tree−1 among tree species. The vertical stratification of lichen biomass was also determined by forest type, which peaked at the top in primary Lithocarpus forest and middle-aged oak secondary forest and in the middle upper heights in other forests. Overall, the proportion of lichen biomass accounted for 73.17–100.00% of total lichen biomass on branches and 0.00–26.83% on trunks in five forests, and 64.53–100.00% and 0.00–35.47% on eight host species. Seven functional groups showed marked and various responses to tree height between and among forest types. This information improves our understanding of the distribution of epiphytic lichens in forest ecosystems and the promotion of forest management in subtropical China.
Planting Waterscapes: Green Infrastructures, Landscape and Hydrological Modeling for the Future of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Authors: Castelli Giulio , Foderi Cristiano , Guzman Boris , Ossoli Lorenzo , Kempff Yandery , Bresci Elena , Salbitano Fabio
Published: November 2017

The expansion of cities is an emerging and critical issue for the future of the planet. Water is one of the most important resources provided by urban and peri-urban landscapes, as it is directly or indirectly connected with the quality of the environment and life. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the leading city in Bolivia (and the second in Latin America) in regard to population growth and soil sealing. Water is available to the city mostly from the Piraí River basin, and is expected to be totally inadequate to support such powerful urban development. The project Aguacruz, which is financed by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, aimed to (1) restructure and harmonize existing data on the landscape ecology, hydrological features, and functional aspects of the Piraí River; (2) build hydrological scenarios for the future of the basin by introducing a landscape ecology approach, and (3) involve stakeholders and local actors in decision-making processes oriented to increase the resilience of the urban–rural landscape of the Piraì River and the city of Santa Cruz. SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tools) tested five scenarios through simulating different landscape settings, from the current previsions for urban expansion to a sound implementation of green infrastructures, agroforestry, and regreening. The results indicate that integrated actions in rural–urban systems can lead to a substantial reversal of the trend toward a decline in water supply for the city. From a governance and planning perspective, the proposed actions have been configured as to induce (i) integrated waterscape ecological planning; and (ii) the preparation and approval of departmental regulations for the incorporation of green infrastructures in the municipalities.
Gravitational Lens Time Delays Using Polarization Monitoring
Authors: Biggs Andrew , Browne Ian
Published: November 2017

Gravitational lens time delays provide a means of measuring the expansion of the Universe at high redshift (and therefore in the ‘Hubble flow’) that is independent of local calibrations. It was hoped that many of the radio lenses found in the JVAS/CLASS survey would yield time delays as these were selected to have flat spectra and are dominated by multiple compact components. However, despite extensive monitoring with the Very Large Array (VLA), time delays have only been measured for three of these systems (out of 22). We have begun a programme to reanalyse the existing VLA monitoring data with the goal of producing light curves in polarized flux and polarization position angle, either to improve delay measurements or to find delays for new sources. Here, we present preliminary results on the lens system B1600+434 which demonstrate the presence of correlated and substantial polarization variability in each image.
Coordinated Micro-Variability CIRCE Polarimetry and SARA JKT Multi-Frequency Photometry Observations of the Blazar S5 0716+71
Authors: Webb James , Eikenberry Stephen , Dalliar Yigit , Meng Nankun , Laurence Douglas
Published: November 2017

A critical observation for testing the KRM jet model, in development at FIU, is to observe high time resolution, high accuracy photometry and polarimetry over a wide range of frequencies in the optically thin portion of the synchrotron spectrum. The detection of micro-variability during these observations would be ideal so the background and flaring components could be separated. Target of opportunity H-band photometry and polarimetry observations on the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) 10.4-m with the Canarias InfraRed Camera Experiment (CIRCE) instrument were made in conjunction with the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA) JKT observing in the optical VRI bands in order to test the model. Here we present simultaneous micro-variability observations of Blazar S5 0716+71 made on 14 April 2017, with the CIRCE instrument on the GTC 10.4-m telescope and optical observations made with the 1.0-m SARA JKT in La Palma. The CIRCE observations consisted of high time resolution polarimetric observations in the H band over a period of 2.4 h on source, measuring both the H-band flux and the polarization degree and angle. Simultaneous observations with the SARA JKT 1.0-m yielded VRI light curves with about three minute time resolution over ∼4 h. 0716+71 showed only small amounts of variability during the observation. We present here the resulting data and a comparison to previous observations.
Comprehensive Profiling of lincRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma of Never Smokers Reveals Their Roles in Cancer Development and Prognosis
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Zheng , Nair Asha , Song Wei , Yang Ping , Zhang Xiaoju , Sun Zhifu
Published: November 2017

Long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) is a family of gene transcripts, the functions of which are largely unknown. Although cigarette smoking is the main cause for lung cancer, lung cancer in non-smokers is a separate entity and its underlying cause is little known. Growing evidence suggests lincRNAs play a significant role in cancer development and progression; however, such data is lacking for lung cancer in non-smokers, or those who have never smoked. This study conducted comprehensive profiling of lincRNAs from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of non-smoker patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Both known and novel lincRNAs distinctly segregated tumors from normal tissues. Approximately one third of lincRNAs were differentially expressed between tumors and normal samples and most of them were coordinated with their putative protein gene targets. More importantly, lincRNAs defined two clusters of tumors that were associated with tumor aggressiveness and patient survival. We identified a subset of lincRNAs that were differentially expressed and also associated with patient survival. Very high concordance (R2 = 0.9) was observed for the differentially expressed lincRNAs in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) validation set of 85 transcriptomes and the lincRNAs associated with survival from the discovery set were similarly predictive in the validation set. These lincRNAs warrant further investigation as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Transmission Dynamics of HIV-1 Drug Resistance among Treatment-Naïve Individuals in Greece: The Added Value of Molecular Epidemiology to Public Health
Authors: Paraskevis Dimitrios , Kostaki Evangelia , Gargalianos Panagiotis , Xylomenos Georgios , Lazanas Marios , Chini Maria , Skoutelis Athanasios , Papastamopoulos Vasileios , Paraskeva Dimitra , Antoniadou Anastasia , Papadopoulos Antonios , Psichogiou Mina , Daikos Georgios , Chrysos Georgios , Paparizos Vasileios , Kourkounti Sofia , Sambatakou Helen , Sipsas Nikolaos , Lada Malvina , Panagopoulos Periklis , Maltezos Efstratios , Drimis Stylianos , Hatzakis Angelos
Published: November 2017

The presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance among drug-naïve patients remains stable, although the proportion of patients with virological failure to therapy is decreasing. The dynamics of transmitted resistance among drug-naïve patients remains largely unknown. The prevalence of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) resistance was 16.9% among treatment-naïve individuals in Greece. We aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics and the effective reproductive number (Re) of the locally transmitted NNRTI resistance. We analyzed sequences with dominant NNRTI resistance mutations (E138A and K103N) found within monophyletic clusters (local transmission networks (LTNs)) from patients in Greece. For the K103N LTN, the Re was >1 between 2008 and the first half of 2013. For all E138A LTNs, the Re was >1 between 1998 and 2015, except the most recent one (E138A_4), where the Re was >1 between 2006 and 2011 and approximately equal to 1 thereafter. K103N and E138A_4 showed similar characteristics with a more recent origin, higher Re during the first years of the sub-epidemics, and a declining trend in the number of transmissions during the last two years. In the remaining LTNs the epidemic was still expanding. Our study highlights the added value of molecular epidemiology to public health.
Whiteout: Animal Traces in Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man and Encounters at the End of the World
Authors: Völker Oliver
Published: November 2017

Literary animal studies are confronted with a systematic question: How can writing, as a human-made sign system, represent the nonhuman animal as an autonomous agent without falling back into the pitfalls of anthropomorphism? Against the backdrop of this problem, this paper asks how the medium of film allows for a different representation of the animal and analyzes two of Werner Herzog’s later documentary films. Although the depiction of animals and landscapes has always played a significant part in Herzog’s films, critical assessments of his work—including those of Herzog himself—tended to view the role of nature imagery as purely allegorical: it expresses the inner nature, the inner landscapes of the film’s human protagonists. This paper tries to open up a different view. It argues that both Grizzly Man and Encounters at the End of the World develop an aesthetic that depicts nonhuman nature as an autonomous and lively presence. In the close proximity amongst camera, human, and nonhuman agents, a clear distinction between nature and culture is increasingly blurred.
Association between Small Fetuses and Puberty Timing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deng Xu , Li Wenyan , Luo Yan , Liu Shudan , Wen Yi , Liu Qin
Published: November 2017

Background: Epidemiological studies reporting the effect of small fetuses (SF) on puberty development have shown inconsistent results. Objective: To examine current study evidence and determine the strength and direction of the association between SF and puberty timing. Methods: PubMed, OVID, Web of Science, EBSCO, and four Chinese databases were searched from their date of inception to February 2016. All cohort studies that examined the association between SF and puberty timing in children were identified. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted the data. The quality of the included cohort studies was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Risk ratio (RR), Weighted Mean Difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled by RevMan5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Results: A total of 10 cohort studies involving 2366 subjects was included in the final analysis. The pooled estimates showed that SF did not significantly increase the number of pubertal children in boys (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.15), or in girls (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.04). Compared with the control group, the SF group had an earlier onset of puberty in girls (WMD: −0.64; 95% CI: −1.21 to −0.06), and in precocious pubarche (PP) girls (WMD: −0.10; 95% CI: −0.13 to −0.07). There was no difference in the onset of puberty in boys (WMD: −0.48; 95% CI: −1.45 to 0.50) between SF and control groups. The pooled result indicated an earlier age at menarche in girls born small for gestational age (WMD: −0.30; 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.03), but no difference in the age at menarche in the SF group of PP girls. Conclusions: SF may be associated with an earlier age of onset of puberty, especially among girls, as well as earlier age at menarche for girls. Well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up among different countries and ethnicities are needed.
A Post-Rectification Approach of Depth Images of Kinect v2 for 3D Reconstruction of Indoor Scenes
Authors: Jiao Jichao , Yuan Libin , Tang Weihua , Deng Zhongliang , Wu Qi
Published: November 2017

3D reconstruction of indoor scenes is a hot research topic in computer vision. Reconstructing fast, low-cost, and accurate dense 3D maps of indoor scenes have applications in indoor robot positioning, navigation, and semantic mapping. In other studies, the Microsoft Kinect for Windows v2 (Kinect v2) is utilized to complete this task, however, the accuracy and precision of depth information and the accuracy of correspondence between the RGB and depth (RGB-D) images still remain to be improved. In this paper, we propose a post-rectification approach of the depth images to improve the accuracy and precision of depth information. Firstly, we calibrate the Kinect v2 with a planar checkerboard pattern. Secondly, we propose a post-rectification approach of the depth images according to the reflectivity-related depth error. Finally, we conduct tests to evaluate this post-rectification approach from the perspectives of accuracy and precision. In order to validate the effect of our post-rectification approach, we apply it to RGB-D simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) in an indoor environment. Experimental results show that once our post-rectification approach is employed, the RGB-D SLAM system can perform a more accurate and better visual effect 3D reconstruction of indoor scenes than other state-of-the-art methods.
Aspidosperma pyrifolium Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An Experimental Study in Mice with Peritonitis Induced by Tityus serrulatus Venom or Carrageenan
Authors: Souza Lima Maíra , Oliveira Bitencourt Mariana , Furtado Allanny , Torres-Rêgo Manoela , Siqueira Emerson , Oliveira Ruth , Oliveira Rocha Hugo , Ferreira Rocha Keyla , Silva-Júnior Arnóbio , Zucolotto Silvana , Fernandes-Pedrosa Matheus
Published: November 2017

Scorpions of the genus Tityus are responsible for the majority of envenomation in Brazil, the Tityus serrulatus species being the most common and dangerous in South America. In this approach, we have investigated the ability of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Aspidosperma pyrifolium in reducing carrageenan-induced inflammation and the inflammation induced by T. serrulatus envenomation in mice. We also evaluated the cytotoxic effects of this extract, using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) assay and the results revealed that the extract is safe. Analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry with Diode Array Detection (LC-DAD-MS) showed one major chemical component, the flavonoid rutin and phenolics compounds. For in vivo studies in carrageenan-induced peritonitis model, mice received extracts, dexamethasone, rutin or saline, before administration of carrageenan. For venom-induced inflammation model, animals received T. serrulatus venom and were, simultaneously, treated with extracts, antivenom, rutin or saline. The extract and rutin showed a reduction in the cell migration into the peritoneal cavity, and in the same way the envenomated animals also showed reduction of edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and vasodilation in lungs. This is an original study revealing the potential action of A. pyrifolium against inflammation caused by Tityus serrulatus venom and carrageenan, revealing that this extract and its bioactive molecules, specifically rutin, may present potential anti-inflammatory application.
Deduction of Novel Genes Potentially Involved in Osteoblasts of Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatic Approaches
Authors: Chen Yi-Jen , Chang Wei-An , Hsu Ya-Ling , Chen Chia-Hsin , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: November 2017

The role of osteoblasts in peri-articular bone loss and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has gained much attention, and microRNAs are hypothesized to play critical roles in the regulation of osteoblast function in RA. The aim of this study is to explore novel microRNAs differentially expressed in RA osteoblasts and to identify genes potentially involved in the dysregulated bone homeostasis in RA. RNAs were extracted from cultured normal and RA osteoblasts for sequencing. Using the next generation sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, we identified 35 differentially expressed microRNAs and 13 differentially expressed genes with potential microRNA–mRNA interactions in RA osteoblasts. The 13 candidate genes were involved mainly in cell–matrix adhesion, as classified by the Gene Ontology. Two genes of interest identified from RA osteoblasts, A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) and leucin rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15), were found to express more consistently in the related RA synovial tissue arrays in the Gene Expression Omnibus database, with the predicted interactions with miR-183-5p and miR-146a-5p, respectively. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified AKAP12 as one of the genes involved in protein kinase A signaling and the function of chemotaxis, interconnecting with molecules related to neovascularization. The findings indicate new candidate genes as the potential indicators in evaluating therapies targeting chemotaxis and neovascularization to control joint destruction in RA.
Lactobacillus plantarum Enhanced IL-22 Production in Natural Killer (NK) Cells That Protect the Integrity of Intestinal Epithelial Cell Barrier Damaged by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Qiu Yueqin , Jiang Zongyong , Hu Shenglan , Wang Li , Ma Xianyong , Yang Xuefen
Published: November 2017

Interleukin (IL)-22-producing Natural Killer (NK) cells protect the gut epithelial cell barrier from pathogens. A strain of probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum, LP), was previously found by our laboratory to significantly improve the mucosal barrier integrity and function of the small intestine in pigs. However, it was unclear whether LP benefited the intestinal mucosal barrier via interactions with the intestinal NK cells. The present study, therefore, was focused on the therapeutic effect of NK cells that were stimulated by LP on attenuating enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced the damage to the integrity of the epithelial cell barrier. The results showed that LP can efficiently increase protein levels of the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) family, and the expression levels of IL-22 mRNA and protein in NK cells. Transfer of NK cells stimulated by LP conferred protection against ETEC K88-induced intestinal epithelial barrier damage in NCM460 cells. We found that NK cells stimulated by LP could partially offset the reduction in NCM460 cell monolayers transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) caused by ETEC K88, and increase ZO-1 and occludin mRNA and protein expressions by ETEC K88-infected NCM460 cells. Furthermore, adding NK cells that were stimulated by LP to ETEC K88-infected NCM460cells, IL-22R1, p-Stat3, and p-Tyk2 expression by NCM460 cells was increased. Mechanistic experiment showed that NK cells stimulated by LP lost the function of maintaining TEER of NCM460 cells challenged with ETEC K88, when polyclonal anti-IL-22 antibody was used to block IL-22 production. Collectively, our results suggested that LP stimulation of NK could enhance IL-22 production, which might be able to provide defense against ETEC-induced damage to the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier.
Editorial of the Special Issue “Intelligent Transportation Systems”
Authors: Alam Muhammad , Ferreira Joaquim
Published: November 2017

Transportation systems are very important in modern life; therefore, massive research efforts have been devoted to this field of study in the recent past. Effective vehicular connectivity techniques can significantly enhance efficiency of travel, reduce traffic incidents and improve safety, and alleviate the impact of congestion, constituting the so-called Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) experience.[...]
A Low-Power Active Self-Interference Cancellation Technique for SAW-Less FDD and Full-Duplex Receivers
Authors: Tijani Saheed , Manstretta Danilo
Published: November 2017

An active self-interference (SI) cancellation technique for SAW-less receiver linearity improvement is proposed. The active canceler combines programmable gain and phase in a single stage and is co-designed with a highly-linear LNA, achieving low noise and low power. A cross-modulation mechanism of the SI canceler is identified and strongly suppressed thanks to the introduction of an internal resistive feedback, enabling high effective receiver IIP3. TX leakage of up to −4 dBm of power is suppressed by over 30 dB at the input of the LNA, with benefits for the entire receiver in terms of IIP3, IIP2, and reciprocal mixing. The design was done in a 40 nm CMOS technology. The system, including receiver and active SI canceler, consumes less than 25 mW of power. When the canceler is enabled, it has an NF of 3.9–4.6 dB between 1.7 and 2.4 GHz and an effective IIP3 greater than 35 dBm.
Sleep Stage Classification by a Combination of Actigraphic and Heart Rate Signals
Authors: Yuda Emi , Yoshida Yutaka , Sasanabe Ryujiro , Tanaka Haruhito , Shiomi Toshiaki , Hayano Junichiro
Published: November 2017

Although heart rate variability and actigraphic data have been used for sleep-wake or sleep stage classifications, there are few studies on the combined use of them. Recent wearable sensors, however, equip both pulse wave and actigraphic sensors. This paper presents results on the performance of sleep stage classification by a combination of heart rate and actigraphic signals. We studied 40,643 epochs (length 3 min) of polysomnographic data in 289 subjects. A combined model, consisting of autonomic functional indices from heart rate variability and body movement indices derived from actigraphic data, discriminated non-rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep from waking/REM sleep with 76.9% sensitivity, 74.5% specificity, 75.8% accuracy, and a Cohen’s kappa of 0.514. The combination was also useful for discriminating between REM sleep and waking at 77.2% sensitivity, 72.3% specificity, 74.5% accuracy, and a kappa of 0.491.
Tube Forming Using a Reuleaux Triangle
Authors: Seibert Hayden , Petrut Laurentiu , Nikhare Chetan
Published: November 2017

Tube forming is a manufacturing process in which a circular tube is deformed into various shapes. This paper details a novel process in which tubular steel was formed into a square tube using a Reuleaux triangle tool. This triangular section tool translates on its section and rotates on its longitudinal axis to prepare a square geometry. It is hypothesized that the sliding action increases the formability of the part. After comparison with the square tool tube flaring, which only longitudinally translates to form a square tube, it is found that only 11% of the force is required to achieve the shape.
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods in the Mobile Cloud Offloading Paradigm
Authors: Bangui Hind , Ge Mouzhi , Buhnova Barbora , Rakrak Said , Raghay Said , Pitner Tomas
Published: November 2017

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is becoming a popular mobile technology that aims to augment local resources of mobile devices, such as energy, computing, and storage, by using available cloud services and functionalities. The offloading process is one of the techniques used in MCC to enhance the capabilities of mobile devices by moving mobile data and computation-intensive operations to cloud platforms. Several techniques have been proposed to perform and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the offloading process, such as multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). MCDA is a well-known concept that aims to select the best solution among several alternatives by evaluating multiple conflicting criteria, explicitly in decision making. However, as there are a variety of platforms and technologies in mobile cloud computing, it is still challenging for the offloading process to reach a satisfactory quality of service from the perspective of customers’ computational service requests. Thus, in this paper, we conduct a literature review that leads to a better understanding of the usability of the MCDA methods in the offloading operation that is strongly reliant on the mobile environment, network operators, and cloud services. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of these MCDA techniques for offloading research in mobile cloud computing. Finally, we recommend a set of future research directions in MCDA used for the mobile cloud offloading process.
Optically Controllable Linear-Polarization Rotator Using Chiral-Azobenzene-Doped Liquid Crystals
Authors: Liu Cheng-Kai , Chiu Chian-Yu , Morris Stephen , Tsai Min-Cheng , Chen Chii-Chang , Cheng Ko-Ting
Published: November 2017

A linear-polarization rotator based on the optically tunable pitch of chiral-azobenzene-doped liquid crystals (CAdLCs) has been investigated. It is shown that the orientation of linearly polarized (LP) light can be optically tuned using CAdLCs and that the transmitted light possesses a good degree of linear polarization (DoLP). Experimental and simulation (4 × 4 Berreman matrix) results show that the rotation angle is dependent on the pitch as well as the number of turns of the cholesteric LC helix. Some causes to affect the DoLP of the output LP lights during photoisomerization are also discussed. Moreover, a calibration term, β(t), is also introduced to elucidate the behavior of the discontinuous change of the CAdLC pitch in a fixed cell thickness.
Influence of KMnO4 Concentrationon Infrared Emissivity of Coatings Formed on TC4 Alloys by Micro-Arc Oxidation
Authors: Gao Guangrui , Li Ying , Li Chaozhong , Hu Dan , Li Zhengxian , Xi Zhengping
Published: November 2017

Ceramic coatings with high emissivity were fabricated on TC4 alloys by micro-arc oxidation technique (MAO) in mixed silicate and phosphate electrolytes with varying KMnO4 addition. The microstructure, phase and chemical composition were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the infrared emissivity of the MAO coatings was measured in a waveband of 5–20 μm. The results show that the thickness of the coatings increased with the addition of KMnO4, but the roughness of the coatings first decreased and then increased slightly due to the inhibitory effect of KMnO4 on Na2SiO3 deposition. The main phase composition of the coatings was anatase and rutile TiO2, amorphous form of SiO2 and MnO2. The infrared emissivity value of the coatings strongly depended on KMnO4 concentration, the coating formed at the concentration of 0.8 g/L KMnO4 reached the highest and an average of up to 0.87 was observed.
Three-Dimensional ZnO Hierarchical Nanostructures: Solution Phase Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Ahmad Mashkoor , Sun Hongyu
Published: November 2017

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been studied extensively in the past 20 years due to their novel electronic, photonic, mechanical and electrochemical properties. Recently, more attention has been paid to assemble nanoscale building blocks into three-dimensional (3D) complex hierarchical structures, which not only inherit the excellent properties of the single building blocks but also provide potential applications in the bottom-up fabrication of functional devices. This review article focuses on 3D ZnO hierarchical nanostructures, and summarizes major advances in the solution phase synthesis, applications in environment, and electrical/electrochemical devices. We present the principles and growth mechanisms of ZnO nanostructures via different solution methods, with an emphasis on rational control of the morphology and assembly. We then discuss the applications of 3D ZnO hierarchical nanostructures in photocatalysis, field emission, electrochemical sensor, and lithium ion batteries. Throughout the discussion, the relationship between the device performance and the microstructures of 3D ZnO hierarchical nanostructures will be highlighted. This review concludes with a personal perspective on the current challenges and future research.
Physiological and Biochemical Changes Reveal Differential Patterns of Docosahexaenoic Acid Partitioning in Two Marine Algal Strains of Isochrysis
Authors: Sun Zheng , Chen Yong , Mao Xuemei , Liu Jin
Published: November 2017

The marine microalgae Isochrysis are a good producer of natural docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). To better understand the patterns of DHA accumulation and distribution, two Isochrysis strains, CL153180 and CCMP462, were evaluated in this study. In a batch culture, CL153180 showed a decline in DHA content while CCMP462 exhibited a progressive increase during the late growth period when nitrogen was almost exhausted. In response to nitrogen deficiency (ND), both strains showed a considerable increase in neutral lipids (NL) at the expense of glycolipids (GL) but had little variation in phospholipids (PL). In CL153180, the DHA percentage of NL decreased gradually upon ND, while that in CCMP462 increased progressively to 21.4% after 4 days of ND, which is around 5-fold higher than CL153180. Accordingly, in contrast to CL153180 that stored DHA predominantly in GL, CCMP462 accumulated DHA mainly in NL in late days of ND. Taken together, we proposed a working model for the differential DHA partitioning patterns between two Isochrysis strains: for CCMP462, the degradation of GL released free fatty acids including DHA, which was incorporated into NL upon ND; whereas for CL153180, the released DHA from GL might not be incorporated into NL, and, consequently, might be subject to β-oxidation for degradation.
Effect of Si and Zr on the Microstructure and Properties of Al-Fe-Si-Zr Alloys
Authors: Morozova Anna , Mogucheva Anna , Bukin Dmitriy , Lukianova Olga , Korotkova Natalya , Belov Nikolay , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: November 2017

The effects of Si and Zr on the microstructure, microhardness and electrical conductivity of Al-Fe-Si-Zr alloys were studied. An increase in the Zr content over 0.3 wt. % leads to the formation of primary Al3Zr inclusions and also decreases mechanical properties. Therefore, the Zr content should not be more than 0.3 wt. %, although the smaller content is insufficient for the strengthening by the secondary Al3Zr precipitates. The present results indicate that high content of Si significantly affects the hardness and electrical conductivity of the investigated alloys. However, the absence of Si led to the formation of harmful needle-shaped Al3Fe particles in the microstructure of the investigated alloys after annealing. Therefore, the optimum amount of Si was 0.25–0.50 wt. % due to the formation of the Al8Fe2Si phase with the preferable platelet morphology. The maximum microhardness and strengthening effects in Al-1% Fe-0.25% Si-0.3% Zr were observed after annealing at 400–450 °C due to the formation of nanosized coherent Al3Zr (L12) dispersoids. The effect of the increasing of the electrical conductivity can be explained by the decomposition of the solid solution. Thus, Al-1% Fe-0.25% Si-0.3% Zr alloy annealed at 450 °C has been studied in detail as the most attractive with respect to the special focus on transmission line applications.
The Formation of Composite Ti-Al-N Coatings Using Filtered Vacuum Arc Deposition with Separate Cathodes
Authors: Shulepov Ivan , Kashkarov Egor , Stepanov Igor , Syrtanov Maxim , Sutygina Alina , Shanenkov Ivan , Obrosov Aleksei , Weiß Sabine
Published: November 2017

Ti-Al-N coatings were deposited on high-speed steel substrates by filtered vacuum arc deposition (FVAD) during evaporation of aluminum and titanium cathodes. Distribution of elements, phase composition, and mechanical properties of Ti-Al-N coatings were investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoindentation, respectively. Additionally, tribological tests and scratch tests of the coatings were performed. The stoichiometry of the coating changes from Ti0.6Al0.4N to Ti0.48Al0.52N with increasing aluminum arc current from 70 A to 90 A, respectively. XRD and TEM showed only face-centered cubic Ti-Al-N phase with preferred orientation of the crystallites in (220) direction with respect to the sample normal and without precipitates of AlN or intermetallics inside the coatings. Incorporation of Al into the TiN lattice caused shifting of the (220) reflex to a higher 2θ angle with increasing Al content. Low content and size of microdroplets were obtained using coaxial plasma filters, which provides good mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings. The highest value of microhardness (36 GPa) and the best wear-resistance were achieved for the coating with higher Al content, thus for Ti0.48Al0.52N. These coatings exhibit good adhesive properties up to 30 N load in the scratch tests.
Metabolomic Modularity Analysis (MMA) to Quantify Human Liver Perfusion Dynamics
Authors: Sridharan Gautham , Bruinsma Bote , Bale Shyam , Swaminathan Anandh , Saeidi Nima , Yarmush Martin , Uygun Korkut
Published: November 2017

Large-scale -omics data are now ubiquitously utilized to capture and interpret global responses to perturbations in biological systems, such as the impact of disease states on cells, tissues, and whole organs. Metabolomics data, in particular, are difficult to interpret for providing physiological insight because predefined biochemical pathways used for analysis are inherently biased and fail to capture more complex network interactions that span multiple canonical pathways. In this study, we introduce a nov-el approach coined Metabolomic Modularity Analysis (MMA) as a graph-based algorithm to systematically identify metabolic modules of reactions enriched with metabolites flagged to be statistically significant. A defining feature of the algorithm is its ability to determine modularity that highlights interactions between reactions mediated by the production and consumption of cofactors and other hub metabolites. As a case study, we evaluated the metabolic dynamics of discarded human livers using time-course metabolomics data and MMA to identify modules that explain the observed physiological changes leading to liver recovery during subnormothermic machine perfusion (SNMP). MMA was performed on a large scale liver-specific human metabolic network that was weighted based on metabolomics data and identified cofactor-mediated modules that would not have been discovered by traditional metabolic pathway analyses.
Constructing Asymmetric Polyion Complex Vesicles via Template Assembling Strategy: Formulation Control and Tunable Permeability
Authors: Li Junbo , Liang Lijuan , Liang Ju , Wu Wenlan , Zhou Huiyun , Guo Jinwu
Published: November 2017

A strategy for constructing polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) with asymmetric structure is described. Poly(methylacrylic acid)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) modified gold nanoparticles (PMAA-b-PNIPAm-@-Au NPs) were prepared and then assembled with poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly[1-methyl-3-(2-methacryloyloxy propylimidazolium bromine)] (PEG-b-PMMPImB) via polyion complex of PMMA and PMMPImB. After removing the Au NPs template, asymmetric PICsomes composed of a PNIPAm inner-shell, PIC wall, and PEG outer-corona were obtained. These PICsomes have low protein absorption and thermally tunable permeability, provided by the PEG outer-corona and the PNIPAm inner-shell, respectively. Moreover, PICsome size can be tailored by using templates of predetermined sizes. This novel strategy for constructing asymmetric PICsomes with well-defined properties and controllable size is valuable for applications such as drug delivery, catalysis and monitoring of chemical reactions, and biomimetics.