bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distinct role of STIM1 and STIM2 in the regulation of store‐operated Ca2+ entry and cellular function
Authors: Chen Yih‐Fung , Chen Li‐Hsien , Shen Meng‐Ru
Published: October 2018

Stromal interaction molecules STIM1 and STIM2 are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensors that initiate store‐operated Ca
2+ entry (SOCE). The roles of STIM1‐mediated SOCE in cancer biology have been highlighted in different types of cancer, but that of STIM2 is unknown. By the model of cervical cancer, here we focus on the cooperative regulation of SOCE by STIM proteins and their distinct roles in cellular function. Immunofluorescent stainings of surgical specimens of cervical cancer show that STIM1 and STIM2 are abundant in tumor tissues, but STIM1 is the major ER Ca
2+ sensor identified in the invasive front of cancer tissues. STIM1 or STIM2 overexpression in cervical cancer SiHa cells induces an upregulated SOCE. Regarding cellular function, STIM1 and STIM2 are necessary for cell proliferation, whereas STIM1 is the dominant ER Ca
2+ sensor involved in cell migration. During SOCE, STIM1 is aggregated and translocated towards the Orai1‐containing plasma membrane in association with the microtubule plus‐end binding protein EB1. In contrast, STIM2 is constitutively aggregated without significant trafficking or association with microtubules. These results show the distinct role of STIM1 and STIM2 in SOCE and cellular function of cervical cancer cells.
Androgen receptor transcriptional activity and chromatin modifications on the ABCB1/MDR gene are critical for taxol resistance in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Sun Nian‐Kang , Kohli Abhidha , Huang Shang‐Lang , Chang Ting‐Chang , Chao Chuck C.‐K.
Published: October 2018

We report here that the androgen receptor (AR) and ABCB1 are upregulated in a model of acquired taxol resistance (txr) in ovarian carcinoma cells. AR silencing sensitizes txr cells to taxol threefold, whereas ectopic AR expression in AR‐null HEK293 cells induces resistance to taxol by 1.7‐fold. AR activation using the agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or sublethal taxol treatment upregulates ABCB1 expression in both txr cells and AR‐expressing HEK293 cells. In contrast, AR inactivation using the antagonist bicalutamide downregulates ABCB1 expression and enhances cytotoxicity to taxol. A functional ABCB1 promoter containing five predicted androgen‐response elements (AREs) is cloned. Deletion assays reveal a taxol‐responsive promoter segment which harbors ARE4. Notably, DHT‐ or taxol‐activated AR potentiates binding of the AR to ARE4 as revealed by the chromatin immunoprecipitation. On the other hand, txr cells display an increase in chromatin remodeling. AR/H3K9ac and AR/H3K14ac complexes bind specifically to ARE4 in response to taxol. Furthermore, acetyltransferase protein levels (p300 and GCN5) are upregulated in txr cells. Silencing of p300 or GCN5 reduces chromatin modification and enhances cytotoxicity in both parental and txr SKOV3 cells. While the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT) pathway is significantly activated by taxol, taxol‐induced ABCB1 expression, histone posttranslational modifications, and p300 binding to ARE4 are suppressed following inhibition of the PI3K/AKT cellular pathway. These results demonstrate that the AKT/p300/AR axis can be activated to target ABCB1 gene expression in response to taxol, thus revealing a new treatment target to counter taxol resistance.
Punicic acid: A potential compound of pomegranate seed oil in Type 2 diabetes mellitus management
Authors: Khajebishak Yaser , Payahoo Laleh , Alivand Mohammadreza , Alipour Beitollah
Published: October 2018

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the most common form of the disease, has become a serious threat to public health and is a growing burden on global economies. Due to the unexpected adverse effects of antidiabetic medicines, the use of nutraceuticals as a complementary therapy has drawn extensive attention by investigators. In this issue, a novel nutraceutical, Punicic acid (PA)—the main ingredient of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) that has potential therapeutic effects in T2DM—has been investigated. PA is a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma agonist, and unlike synthetic ligands, such as thiazolidinediones, it has no side effects. PA exerts antidiabetic effects via various mechanisms, such as reducing inflammatory cytokines, modulating glucose homeostasis, and antioxidant properties. In this review, we discussed the potential therapeutic effects of PSO and PA and represented the related mechanisms involved in the management of T2DM.
Diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potency of microRNA 21 in the pathogenesis of colon cancer, current status and prospective
Authors: Bahreyni Amirhossein , Rezaei Melika , Bahrami Afsane , Khazaei Majid , Fiuji Hamid , Ryzhikov Mikhail , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi
Published: October 2018

Aberrant microRNA (miR) expression is implicated in multiple human malignancies. miR‐21, acting as a proto‐oncogene, is involved in a variety of cellular processes and tumorigenesis and is frequently overexpressed in some cancer types. Several tumor suppressors, metastatic, and apoptotic genes have been identified as miR‐21 targets, including Ras homolog gene family member B, PTEN, Sprouty2, programmed cell death 4, Integrin‐β4, and E‐cadherin thereby regulating tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. There is a growing evidence that miR‐21 expression is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review, we summarize the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic values of miR‐21 in CRC progression for a better understanding and hence a better management of this disease.
Therapeutic use of curcumin‐encapsulated and curcumin‐primed exosomes
Authors: Oskouie Mohammad N. , Aghili Moghaddam Nazanin S , Butler Alexandra E. , Zamani Parvin , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2018

Curcumin, the bioactive pigment of turmeric which has polyphenolic‐hydrophobic components, has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, due to its insignificant intestinal‐liver metabolism, low stability, quick systemic elimination and its hydrophobic property with low solubility, curcumin has limited bioavailability. Exosomes are nanovesicles (30–100 nm) released from diverse cell types into extracellular and, ultimately, into bio‐fluids in a tightly regulated manner. Exosomes are capable of transferring lipids, proteins, RNAs and DNAs, both with and without direct cell‐to‐cell contact. Curcumin‐encapsulated exosomes are highly bioavailable, soluble and safe, and can reach high concentrations in the blood; they, therefore, have therapeutic potential without toxic effects and immune stimulation. Thus, curcumin‐encapsulated exosomes could be superior to other synthetic nanoparticles as a carrier of curcumin. The aim of the current review is to offer an overview of the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies pertaining to the role of curcumin‐primed and curcumin‐encapsulated exosomes in the treatment of cancer, oxidative stress, brain disorders, cholesterol, and endothelial dysfunction.
Altered bone microarchitecture in a type 1 diabetes mouse model Ins2Akita
Authors: Carvalho Filipe R. , Calado Sofia M. , Silva Gabriela A. , Diogo Gabriela S. , Moreira da Silva Joana , Reis Rui L. , Cancela M. Leonor , Gavaia Paulo J.
Published: October 2018

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been associated to several cartilage and bone alterations including growth retardation, increased fracture risk, and bone loss. To determine the effect of long term diabetes on bone we used adult and aging Ins2
Akita mice that developed T1DM around 3–4 weeks after birth. Both
Ins2
Akita and wild‐type (WT) mice were analyzed at 4, 6, and 12 months to assess bone parameters such as femur length, growth plate thickness and number of mature and preapoptotic chondrocytes. In addition, bone microarchitecture of the cortical and trabecular regions was measured by microcomputed tomography and gene expression of
Adamst‐5, Col2, Igf1, Runx2, Acp5, and
Oc was quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.
Ins2
Akita mice showed a decreased longitudinal growth of the femur that was related to decreased growth plate thickness, lower number of chondrocytes and to a higher number of preapoptotic cells. These changes were associated with higher expression of
Adamst‐5, suggesting higher cartilage degradation, and with low expression levels of
Igf1 and
Col2 that reflect the decreased growth ability of diabetic mice.
Ins2
Akita bone morphology was characterized by low cortical bone area (Ct.Ar) but higher trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and expression analysis showed a downregulation of bone markers
Acp5,
Oc, and
Runx2. Serum levels of insulin and leptin were found to be reduced at all‐time points
Ins2
Akita. We suggest that
Ins2
Akita mice bone phenotype is caused by lower bone formation and even lower bone resorption due to insulin deficiency and to a possible relation with low leptin signaling.
Myo‐inositol and D‐chiro‐inositol (40:1) reverse histological and functional features of polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model
Authors: Bevilacqua Arturo , Dragotto Jessica , Giuliani Alessandro , Bizzarri Mariano
Published: October 2018

Mice exposed to continuous light undergo functional and histological changes that mimic those of human Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). We herein induced the syndrome by exposing 30‐day‐old females to 10 weeks of permanent light. Ovarian morphology and histology, as well as reproductive parameters (time of observed pregnancy/delivery) were investigated. Ovaries of PCOS‐modeled mice showed lack of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea, altered ovarian architecture, and increased thickness of the theca layer. When mice were returned to a normal light‐dark regimen for 10 days, a slight, spontaneous improvement occurred, whereas a quick and almost complete recovery from PCOS signs and symptoms was obtained by treating animals with a daily supplementation of 420 mg/kg myo‐inositol and D‐chiro‐inositol (MyoIns/DCIns) in a 40:1 molar ratio. Namely, ovaries from mice treated by this protocol recovered normal histological features and a proper ratio of theca/granulosa cell layer thickness (TGR), suggesting that the androgenic phenotype was efficiently reversed. Indeed, we identified TGR as a useful index of PCOS, as its increase in PCOS‐modeled mice correlated linearly with reduced reproductive capability (
r = 0.75,
p < 0.0001). Mice treated with a 40:1 formula regained low TGR values and faster recovery of their fertility, with a physiological delivery time after mating. On the other hand, a higher D‐chiro‐inositol treatment formula, such as MyoIns versus DCIns 5:1, was ineffective or even had a negative effect on clinical‐pathological outcomes.
Risk factors and therapies in vascular diseases: An umbrella review of updated systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Hong Xing‐yu , Lin Jie , Gu Wei‐wei
Published: October 2018

Aberrant blood vessel functioning and systemic circulation are key causes for vascular disorders; cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal artery stenosis, and peripheral artery diseases. Epidemiological and basic science evidence supported genetic reasons, compounded by obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking as risk factors. This is an umbrella review of risk factors and therapies in vascular disorders, exploring systematic reviews and meta‐analyses studies in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Central published in January 2000–May 2018. We made qualitative eligibility gradation of the articles based on inclusion criteria, and independently extracted descriptive and methodologic data to compile their outcomes. We considered 95% confidence interval and the between‐study heterogeneity, designated by I
2. Overall, we extracted 217 studies of impressive quality and at low risk of bias, including 124, 30, 23, 32, and 8, respectively, for the search terms “cardiovascular,” “renal,” “cerebral,” and “limb ischemia” each in combination with “risk factors” and “therapeutics.” Our search on genome‐wide analyses revealed genes associated with HDL‐cholesterol, matrix metalloproteases, angiogenesis, notch3, renin‐angiotensin, apolipoprotein E, insulin, and cytokine levels as critical participants in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Hypertension and endothelial growth factor‐linked polymorphisms were found to contribute to vascular damage. The studies reinforced that lifestyle and dietary patterns influenced susceptibility of circulatory system diseases. Additionally, endovascular medicines, surgical vascularization, angioplasty, and renal artery stenting appeared as major therapeutic approaches in vascular patients. Altogether, our review offers up‐to‐date information on pathophysiology of vascular diseases and provides insight into existing research, clinical management and clinical gaps in the field.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor alleviates the oxidative stress induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in an ex vivo brain slice model
Authors: González‐Rodríguez Paloma , Ugidos Irene F. , Pérez‐Rodríguez Diego , Anuncibay‐Soto Berta , Santos‐Galdiano María , Font‐Belmonte Enrique , Gonzalo‐Orden José Manuel , Fernández‐López Arsenio
Published: October 2018

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered as a putative therapeutic agent against stroke. Since BDNF role on oxidative stress is uncertain, we have studied this role in a rat brain slice ischemia model, which allows BDNF reaching the neural parenchyma. Hippocampal and cerebral cortex slices were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and then returned to normoxic conditions (reperfusion‐like, RL). OGD/RL increased a number of parameters mirroring oxidative stress in the hippocampus that were reduced by the BDNF presence. BDNF also reduced the OGD/RL‐increased activity in a number of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus but no effects were observed in the cerebral cortex. In general, we conclude that alleviation of oxidative stress by BDNF in OGD/RL‐exposed slices relies on decreasing cPLA2 activity, rather than modifying antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, a role for the oxidative stress in the differential ischemic vulnerability of cerebral cortex and hippocampus is also supported.
Comparing phasic dopamine dynamics in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Holloway Zade R. , Freels Timothy G. , Comstock Josiah F. , Nolen Hunter G. , Sable Helen J. , Lester Deranda B.
Published: October 2018

Midbrain dopaminergic neurons project to and modulate multiple highly interconnected modules of the basal ganglia, limbic system, and frontal cortex. Dopamine regulates behaviors associated with action selection in the striatum, reward in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), emotional processing in the amygdala, and executive functioning in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The multifunctionality of dopamine likely occurs at the individual synapses, with varied levels of phasic dopamine release acting on different receptor populations. This study aimed to characterize specific aspects of stimulation‐evoked phasic dopamine transmission, beyond simple dopamine release, using in vivo fixed potential amperometry with carbon fiber recording microelectrodes positioned in either the dorsal striatum, NAc, amygdala, or mPFC of anesthetized mice. To summarize results, the present study found that the striatum and NAc had increased stimulation‐evoked phasic dopamine release, faster dopamine uptake (leading to restricted dopamine diffusion), weaker autoreceptor functioning, greater supply levels of available dopamine, and increased dopaminergic responses to DAT blockade compared to the amygdala and mPFC. Overall, these findings indicate that phasic dopamine may have different modes of communication between striatal and corticolimbic regions, with the first being profuse in concentration, rapid, and synaptically confined and the second being more limited in concentration but longer lasting and spatially dispersed. An improved understanding of regional differences in dopamine transmission can lead to more efficient treatments for disorders related to dopamine dysfunction.
Adsorption of PtCl62− from Hydrochloric Acid Solution by Chemically Modified Lignin Based on Rice Straw
Authors: Zhang Baoping , Shen Bowen , Guo Meichen , Liu Yun
Published: October 2018

A novel adsorbent with the properties of selective adsorption based on rice straw was used to adsorb PtCl62− from hydrochloric acid solution by batch sorption. Many influencing factors for PtCl62− adsorption, such as initial concentration of PtCl62−, adsorption time, and concentration of hydrochloric acid, were optimized. The results suggested that the saturation adsorption capacity of PtCl62− was 218.8mgg−1 and the equilibrium adsorption time was 120min. The adsorbent had excellent selectivity on PtCl62− when the concentration of hydrochloric acid was lower than 0.5molL−1. The adsorption fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and it indicated that PtIV was reduced to PtII by hydroxy groups and then coordinated with N through ion exchange between Cl− and PtCl42−.
Partisan Media, Polarized Audiences? A Qualitative Analysis of Online Political News and Responses in the United States, U.K., and The Netherlands
Authors: Hameleers Michael
Published: October 2018

Media outlets in the United States are frequently accused of articulating partisan biases in political reporting. In Europe, the media and citizens are assumed to interpret reality from polarized and populist mindsets. To date, however, empirical research has not explored how such interpretations are constructed online. Important questions remain unanswered: How are online media constructing partisan biases? How do citizens respond to such news? To answer these questions, this article draws on a comparative qualitative content analysis of online political news and responses in the United States, U.K., and The Netherlands (N = 1,179). Results reveal that citizens respond to partisan news with congruent polarized interpretations. These findings provide important foundational evidence for the congruence between partisan media and polarized interpretations.
DNA damage dependent hypomethylation regulates the pro-angiogenic LncRNA MEG9
Authors: Espinosa-Diez Cristina , Wilson RaeAnna , Mukherjee Rishima , Feltham Marlee , Hudson Clayton , Ruhl Rebecca , Anand Sudarshan
Published: October 2018

Changes in gene expression are key for the cells to adapt and response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimulus. It has been shown that genotoxic stress induces global hypomethylation as a result of decreased expression of DNA methyl transferases (DNMT). We hypothesized that DNA damage suppresses long non-coding RNA expression in the vasculature via DNA methylation leading to more robust DNA repair/survival or cellular senescence/death cell fate decisions. We show here that ionizing radiation reduces the expression of DNMTs in the vascular endothelium and this leads to increased expression of the anti-apoptotic lncRNA MEG9. MEG9 is a lncRNA from the DLK1-DIO3 ncRNA cluster. Loss-of-function studies using RNA gapmers indicate that MEG9 protects endothelial cells from DNA damage induced cell death. Consistent with this phenotype, knockdown of MEG9 decreases growth factor dependent angiogenesis in a 3D fibrin gel angiogenesis assay. Mechanistically, we observed that MEG9 knockdown decreased the expression of cell survival genes including survivin and induced the expression of pro-apoptotic genes such as Bad/Bax. Taken together, our findings illustrate how DNA methylation at selective lncRNA loci can regulate their expression and drive endothelial cell fate decisions.
Optimal evidence accumulation on social networks
Authors: Karamched Bhargav , Stolarczyk Simon , Kilpatrick Zachary , Josić Kresimir
Published: October 2018

A fundamental question in biology is how organisms integrate sensory and social evidence to make decisions. However, few models describe how both these streams of information can be combined to optimize choices. Here we develop a normative model for collective decision making in a network of agents performing a two-alternative forced choice task. We assume that rational (Bayesian) agents in this network make private measurements, and observe the decisions of their neighbors until they accumulate sufficient evidence to make an irreversible choice. As each agent communicates its decision to those observing it, the flow of social information is described by a directed graph. The decision-making process in this setting is intuitive, but can be complex. We describe when and how the absence of a decision of a neighboring agent communicates social information, and how an agent must marginalize over all unobserved decisions. We also show how decision thresholds and network connectivity affect group evidence accumulation, and describe the dynamics of decision making in social cliques. Our model provides a bridge between the abstractions used in the economics literature and the evidence accumulator models used widely in neuroscience and psychology.
Use of and attitudes to the role of medication for acute whiplash injury: A preliminary survey of emergency department doctors
Authors: Nikles Jane , Keijzers Gerben , De Silva Muthuwahandi Ishan Diluka , Khan Subaat , Sterling Michele
Published: October 2018

Objective

Describe current practice of medication prescribing for acute whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) in the ED and explore attitudes towards pregabalin prescription for WAD.

Methods

Questionnaire‐based survey in two EDs collected data on demographics and self‐reported medication prescribing for WAD. Comfort in various scenarios for pregabalin prescribing was rated.

Results

A total of 145/170 (85%) doctors responded; 42.8% were junior doctors. Self‐reported medications prescribed were nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (77.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 70.1–84.2]), paracetamol (75.2% [95% CI 67.2–81.8]), opioids (43.5% [95% CI 35.3–51.9]) and benzodiazepines (11.0% [95% CI 6.6–17.6]). Most were comfortable to prescribe pregabalin in evidence‐based or advised‐by‐specialists scenarios.

Conclusions

Opioids appear to be over‐prescribed. Further research into pregabalin prescription in ED is warranted.
Intracellular Signaling Mechanisms Involved in the Biological Effects of the Xanthophyll Carotenoid Astaxanthin to Prevent the Photo‐aging of the Skin in a Reactive Oxygen Species Depletion‐independent Manner: The Key Role of Mitogen and Stress‐activated Protein Kinase 1
Authors: Imokawa Genji
Published: October 2018

In the first review, we summarized the biological effects of the xanthophyll carotenoid astaxanthin (AX) to prevent UV‐induced cutaneous inflammation, abnormal keratinization, pigmentation, and wrinkling in a manner independent of the depletion of reactive oxygen species. In this manuscript, we review what is known about the intracellular signaling mechanisms that are involved in those effects in keratinocytes and in melanocytes. Our research has characterized the intracellular stress signaling mechanism(s) that are involved in the up‐regulated expression of genes encoding cyclooxygenase (COX2), interleukin (IL)‐8, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulatory factor (GM‐CSF), and transglutaminase (TGase)1 in UVB‐exposed keratinocytes as well as in the stimulated transcription and/or translation of melanogenic factors, including microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), in stem cell factor (SCF)‐treated melanocytes. The results reveal that while the expression of COX2, IL‐8, GM‐CSF, and TGase1 stimulated by UVB is due to effects primarily via the NFκB pathway, that stimulation can be abrogated by specifically interrupting the p38/MSK1/NFκBp65Ser276 axis. Further, the stimulation of melanogenesis by SCF can be inhibited by disrupting the phosphorylation of MSK1 via the p38, MSK1, CREB, and MITF axis. The sum of these findings provides new evidence for the interruption of ROS depletion independent‐signaling by antioxidants.
A set theoretical approach for the partial tracing operation in quantum mechanics
Authors: Barkataki Pranay , Ramkarthik M. S.
Published: October 2018

Partial trace is a very important mathematical operation in quantum mechanics. It is not only helpful in studying the subsystems of a composite quantum system but also used in computing a vast majority of quantum entanglement measures. Calculating partial trace becomes computationally very intensive with increasing number of qubits as the Hilbert space dimension increases exponentially. In this paper, we discuss about our new method of partial tracing which is based on set theory and it is more efficient. The proposed method of partial tracing overcomes all the limitations of the other well-known methods such as being computationally intensive and being limited to low dimensional Hilbert spaces. We give a detailed theoretical description of our method and also provide an explicit example of the computation. The merits of the new method and other key ideas are discussed.
A Recursive Formula for the Reliability of a r-Uniform Complete Hypergraph and Its Applications
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhao Haixing , Ye Zhonglin , Dong Lixin
Published: October 2018

The reliability polynomial R(S,p) of a finite graph or hypergraph S=(V,E) gives the probability that the operational edges or hyperedges of S induce a connected spanning subgraph or subhypergraph, respectively, assuming that all (hyper)edges of S fail independently with an identical probability q=1-p. In this paper, we investigate the probability that the hyperedges of a hypergraph with randomly failing hyperedges induce a connected spanning subhypergraph. The computation of the reliability for (hyper)graphs is an NP-hard problem. We provide recurrence relations for the reliability of r-uniform complete hypergraphs with hyperedge failure. Consequently, we determine and calculate the number of connected spanning subhypergraphs with given size in the r-uniform complete hypergraphs.
A New Approach to Modeling and Controlling a Pneumatic Muscle Actuator‐Driven Setup Using Back Propagation Neural Networks
Authors: Zhong Jun , Zhou Xu , Luo Minzhou
Published: October 2018

Pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs) own excellent compliance and a high power‐to‐weight ratio and have been widely used in bionic robots and rehabilitated robots. However, the high nonlinear characteristics of PMAs due to inherent construction and pneumatic driving principle bring great challenges in applications acquired accurately modeling and controlling. To tackle the tricky problem, a single PMA mass setup is constructed, and a back propagation neural network (BPNN) is employed to identify the dynamics of the setup. An offline model is built up using sampled data, and online modifications are performed to further improve the quality of the model. An adaptive controller based on BPNN is designed using gradient descent information of the built‐up model. Experiments of identifying the PMA setup using BPNN and position tracking by adaptive BPNN controller are performed, and results demonstrate the good capacity in accurate controlling of the PMA setup.
A Method to Improve the Imaging Quality in Dual-Wavelength Digital Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Zeng Yanan , Lu Junsheng , Chang Xinyu , Liu Yuan , Hu Xiaodong , Su Kangyan , Chen Xiayu
Published: October 2018

A digital hologram-optimizing method was proposed to improve the imaging quality of dual-wavelength digital holographic microscopy (DDHM) by reducing the phase noise level. In our previous work, phase noise reduction was achieved by dual-wavelength digital image-plane holographic microscopy (DDIPHM). In the optimization method in this paper, the phase noise was further reduced by enhancing the real-image term and suppressing effects of the zero-order term in the frequency spectrum of a digital hologram. Practically, the carrier frequency of the real-image term has the correspondence with interference fringes in the hologram. Mathematically, the first order intrinsic mode function (IMF1) in bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) has similar characteristics to the grayscale values of ideal interference fringes. Therefore, with the combination of DDIPHM and BEMD, by utilizing the characteristics of IMF1, the digital hologram was optimized with purified interference fringes, enhancing the real-image term simultaneously. Finally, the validity of the proposed method was verified by experimental results on a microstep.
A Novel Nonlinear Fault Tolerant Control for Manipulator under Actuator Fault
Authors: Zhao Jing , Jiang Sen , Xie Fei , He Zhen , Fu Jian
Published: October 2018

A fault tolerant control (FTC) scheme based on adaptive sliding mode control technique is proposed for manipulator with actuator fault. Firstly, the dynamic model of manipulator is introduced and its actuator faulty model is established. Secondly, a fault tolerant controller is designed, in which both the parameters of actuator fault and external disturbance are estimated and updated by online adaptive technology. Finally, taking a two-joint manipulator as example, simulation results show that the proposed fault tolerant control scheme is effective in tolerating actuator fault; meanwhile it has strong robustness for external disturbance.
The Permeable Character of CSG Dams and Their Seepage Fields
Authors: Zhao Xin , He Yunlong
Published: October 2018

Current studies regarding the permeable properties, corrosion properties, and seepage characteristics of cemented sand and gravel (CSG) materials are based on laboratory tests. Thus, there is a lack of studies analyzing the permeable character of seepage fields based on monitoring data from real prototypes working under practical operating conditions. In this paper, on the basis of measured data from the Dahuaqiao cofferdam, we establish an inversion analysis method for unsteady seepage fields covering different time periods within a time sequence. The results indicate an effective dynamic change law for the material permeability coefficient and the real dynamic evolution characteristics of seepage fields. The permeability coefficient of CSG exhibits a “self‐healing” phenomenon similar to concrete, with the seepage characteristics of a dam tending to become stable over time. Under the long‐term action of water pressure, the seepage behavior of the dam body shows no obvious deterioration, suggesting that CSG can satisfy the required anticorrosion property expected of dam construction materials. Thus, abnormal CSG might serve as an effective antiseepage layer that can meet the running requirements of cofferdams. The results of this research can provide reference for further improvement in the CSG dam design theory.
A Novel Decision‐Making Approach to Fund Investments Based on Multigranulation Rough Set
Authors: Yue Xima , Su Xiang
Published: October 2018

Fund investment is a hot issue in today’s society. How to choose a project for investment is affected by many factors. In view of this problem, this paper starts from the granular computing point of view and combines the multigranulation rough set decision‐making method to construct a fund investment decision information system; then, the fund investment decision information system is reduced under different thresholds, and the decision rules are extracted through reduction. And from the aspects of decision accuracy and rule accuracy, the rules are analyzed. Finally, decision rules are used to give the decision of the fund investment project. This study provides a new approach to fund management.
A Pythagorean Fuzzy Multigranulation Probabilistic Model for Mine Ventilator Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Deyu , Mu Yimin , Song Dong
Published: October 2018

In coal mining industry, the running state of mine ventilators plays an extremely significant role for the safe and reliable operation of various industrial productions. To guarantee the better reliability, safety, and economy of mine ventilators, in view of early detection and effective fault diagnosis of mechanical faults which could prevent unscheduled downtime and minimize maintenance fees, it is imperative to construct some viable mathematical models for mine ventilator fault diagnosis. In this article, we plan to establish a data‐based mine ventilator fault diagnosis method to handle situations where engineers are absent or they are incapable of coming to a conclusion from multisource data. In the process of building the mine ventilator fault diagnosis model, considering that probabilistic rough sets (PRSs) could reduce the errors triggered by incompleteness, inconsistency, and inaccuracy without needing any additional assumptions and Pythagorean fuzzy multigranulation rough sets (PF MGRSs) over the two universes’ model could effectively handle data representation, fusion, and analysis issues, we generalize the existing PF MGRSs over the two universes’ model to the PRS setting, as well as to further establish a novel model named Pythagorean fuzzy multigranulation probabilistic rough sets (PF MG‐PRSs) over two universes. In the granular computing paradigm, three types of PF MG‐PRSs over two universes based on the risk attitude of engineers are proposed at first. Afterwards, several basic propositions of the newly proposed model are explored. Moreover, a PF multigranulation probabilistic model for mine ventilator fault diagnosis based on PF MG‐PRSs over two universes is investigated. At last, a real‐world case study of dealing with a mine ventilator fault diagnosis problem is given to illustrate the practicality of the presented model, and a validity test, a sensitivity analysis, and a comparison analysis are further explored to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented model.
A New Stability Criterion for Neutral Stochastic Delay Differential Equations with Markovian Switching
Authors: Hu Wei
Published: October 2018

In this short paper, a new stability theorem for neutral stochastic delay differential equations with Markovian switching is investigated by applying stochastic analysis technique and Razumikhin stability approach. A novel criterion of thepth moment exponential stability is derived for the related systems. The feature of the criterion shows that the estimated upper bound for the diffusion operator of Lyapunov function is allowed to be indefinite, even if to be unbounded, which can loosen the constraints of the existing results. Last, an example is provided to illustrate the usefulness and significance of the theoretical results.
Research on the Slurry for Long‐Distance Large‐Diameter Pipe Jacking in Expansive Soil
Authors: Yang Xian , Liu Yang , Yang Chao
Published: October 2018

When the pipe jacking technology is applied in expansive formation, the soil around the pipe will easily absorb water from the slurry and expand to wrap up the pipe, producing an excessive pipe jacking force. A water‐based slurry formula suitable for pipe jacking in expansive soil layer was proposed in this paper. Firstly, the key design points of pipe jacking slurry in expansive soil were put forward. Secondly, plant glue, potassium humate, Na‐CMC, and graphite powder were chosen as treating agents to improve the slurry performance. The effect of addition levels of different treating agents on the funnel viscosity, filter loss, expansion ratio, friction coefficient and water dissociation rate of the slurry were tested. Thirdly, based on the results of single‐factor tests, a water‐based slurry formula suitable for pipe jacking in expansive soil was obtained. Finally, the slurry formula was applied in a practical pipe jacking project in expansive formation, and the jacking force was controlled well in the whole jacking process. The new water‐based slurry is cheap and practical and has no pollution to environment. Furthermore, a simple and practical calculating method of the pipe jacking force was presented. The comparison of the calculated and measured pipe jacking force shows that the simple calculating method can estimate the jacking force well. Improving slurry performance to reduce jacking force in pipe jacking and predicting pipe jacking force accurately can help reducing the investment for counterforce wall and jacking system in pipe jacking engineering.
Rational Solutions of a Weakly Coupled Nonlocal Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Li Chuanzhong , Lin Yueh-Lung
Published: October 2018

In this article, we investigate an integrable weakly coupled nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger (WCNNLS) equation including its Lax pair. Afterwards, Darboux transformation (DT) of the weakly coupled nonlocal NLS equation is constructed, and then the degenerated Darboux transformation can be got from Darboux transformation. Applying the degenerated Darboux transformation, the new solutions (q[1],r[1]) and self-potential function(V[1])are created from the known solutions (q,r). The (q[1],r[1]) satisfy the parity-time (PT) symmetry condition, and they are rational solutions with two free phase parameters of the weakly coupled nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation. From the plots of solutions, the compression effects of the real refractive index profile and the gain-or-loss distribution are produced.
Research on Slope Deformation Prediction Based on Fractional‐Order Calculus Gray Model
Authors: Li Li , Qiang Yue , Li Shaohong , Yang Zhongchao
Published: October 2018

Slope deformation prediction has important significance for slope prevention and control. Based on historical time series, the trend of displacement variation can be predicted in advance, and according to the development trend, risk warnings and treatment measures are proposed. The use of the mathematical model to predict slope deformation has been proved to be feasible by many studies; therefore, the choice of the predictive model and the practicability of the model are crucial issues in the prediction of slope deformation, and the mathematical prediction model used should be less complicated considering the practicality of the model. In view of slope deformation prediction, a fractional‐order calculus gray model based on the coupling of gray theory and the fractional derivative method is proposed, which takes a deep foundation pit slope in Chongqing, Southwest China, as the study object. The fractional‐order gray model is compared with the traditional gray models; therefore, the results show that the accuracy of slope deformation prediction based on the gray coupling model of cumulative displacement and fractional calculus is significantly higher than that of the conventional gray model, and its error is in the acceptable range compared with the actual monitoring data, which can meet the needs of engineering application. Compared with the traditional gray theory method, the gray coupling model of fractional‐order calculus only increases the fractional derivative order, which is verified to be feasible, and can be used as a reference method for slope deformation prediction. It has a certain theoretical basis and a good application prospect in slope deformation prediction.
Average Clinician‐Measured Blood Pressures and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Ischemic Heart Disease in the EXAMINE Trial
Authors: White William B. , Jalil Fatima , Cushman William C. , Bakris George L. , Bergenstal Richard , Heller Simon R. , Liu Yuyin , Mehta Cyrus , Zannad Faiez , Cannon Christopher P.
Published: October 2018

Background

Blood pressure (
BP
) treatment goals in patients with diabetes mellitus and increased cardiovascular risk remain controversial. Our study objective was to determine cardiovascular outcomes according to achieved
BP
s over the average follow‐up period in the EXAMINE (Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes With Alogliptin Versus Standard of Care) trial.

Methods and Results

EXAMINE
was a cardiovascular outcomes trial in 5380 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and recent acute coronary syndromes. Risks of major adverse cardiac events and cardiovascular death or heart failure were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for baseline covariates in 10‐mm Hg increments of clinician‐measured systolic
BP
from ≤100 to >160 mm Hg and diastolic
BP
from ≤60 to >100 mm Hg averaged during the 24 months after randomization. Based on 2015 guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the American Society of Hypertension and 2017 American Diabetes Association guidelines, systolic
BP
s of 131 to 140 mm Hg and diastolic
BP
s of 81 to 90 mm Hg were the reference groups. A U‐shaped relationship between cardiovascular outcomes and
BP
s was observed. Importantly, compared with the systolic
BP
reference group, adjusted hazard ratios for major adverse cardiac events and cardiovascular death or heart failure were significantly higher in patients with systolic
BP
s <130 mm Hg. Similarly, compared with the diastolic
BP
reference group, adjusted hazard ratios for major adverse cardiac events and for cardiovascular death or heart failure were significantly higher for diastolic
BP
s <80 mm Hg.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and recent acute coronary syndrome, average
BP
s <130/80 mm Hg were associated with worsened cardiovascular outcomes. These data suggest that intensive control of
BP
in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease should be evaluated in a prospective randomized trial.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00968708.
ORTAK MARKALAMADA YENİ PERSPEKTİF: KREDİ KARTLARI ORTAK MARKALAMANIN ALGILANAN FAYDASI İLE MARKA AŞKI İLİŞKİSİ VE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: ÖZYER AKSOY Yağmur
Published: October 2018

Markaların
zenginleştirilmesinde ve genişletilmesinde kullanılan stratejiler arasında yer
alan ortak markalama, havayolu şirketlerinin marka yönetiminde kullandıkları
önemli bir yöntemdir. Havayolu ortak markalı kredi kartlarını kullanan
tüketicilerin geleneksel kredi kartlarına göre algıladıkları faydalar daha
fazladır. Havayolu milleri kazanma, ücretsiz park hizmetleri, havalimanı
ayrıcalıklı hizmet temini gibi birçok alanda avantajlı seyahat kazanmanın bu
ortak markalı ürünler ile tüketicilerin marka bağlılığının artacağı
görülmektedir. Bu çalışma, havayolu ortak markalı kredi kartlarının algılanan
faydası ile marka aşkı ilişkisini tespit etme üzerine temellendirilmiştir. Araştırmada
her iki değişkenin tüm faktörlerinin birbirleri üzerinde pozitif açıklayıcı
etkisi tespit edilmiştir.
ASYA ÜLKELERİNDE CO2 EMİSYONU, DOĞRUDAN YABANCI SERMAYE YATIRIMLARI, EKONOMİK BÜYÜME VE ENERJİ TÜKETİMİ İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: Şahin Dilek
Published: October 2018

Bu çalışmada; 10
Asya ülkesinde 1990-2014 dönemleri arasında CO2 emisyonu, ekonomik büyüme,
enerji tüketimi ve doğrudan yabancı sermaye yatırımları arasındaki ilişki
araştırılmıştır. Analizde yatay kesit bağımlılığını göz önünde bulunduran yeni
nesil panel veri yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Panel eşbütünleşme testi sonucunda,
Asya ülkelerinde CO2 emisyonu, ekonomik büyüme, enerji tüketimi ve doğrudan
yabancı sermaye yatırımları arasında eşbütünleşme ilişkisi olduğu sonucuna
varılmıştır. Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger nedensellik testinde; ekonomik büyüme ve
enerji tüketiminden CO2 emisyonuna doğru tek yönlü nedensellik ilişkisi olduğu
görülmüştür. Doğrudan yabancı sermaye yatırımları ile CO2 emisyonu arasında
herhangi bir nedensellik ilişkisine rastlanılmamıştır.
Peer Tutoring as an Improvement Strategy for School Exploitation
Authors: Flores Denisse Ibeth Guerrero , Ibarra María Elena Urdiales , Treviño María Guadalupe Villarreal , Campos Claudia Castro , Tejeda Alexis Tadeo Loredo
Published: October 2018

To determine the effectiveness of a peer tutorial strategy in the school achievement of English to high school students, whose mother tongue is not English, we made a comparison of two groups; in one, peer tutoring was carried out through the support of high average students and compared with the results of a group that did not receive the intervention. The tutors were 121 students who scored higher than 80 points in the initial exam and accepted to participate in the program. The group of tutees was formed by those who obtained scores lower than 65 and accepted to be tutored (101 formed the experimental group and 112 the control group). The peer tutoring was done in the classroom with the monitoring of the teacher, lasted 11 weeks, and focused on taking class notes and comparing them, giving feedback and clarifying doubts for 30 minutes after the teacher's explanation. The results of the midterm exam and final exam were analyzed through the Student's t-test, showing significant differences in the group that was tutored compared to the low-performing students who did not receive the intervention. The procedure was effective, finding that the use of peer support can improve school performance. It is necessary to monitor the profile of the tutors and systematize the tutorial strategy.
Book Review
Authors: Petrie Kevin
Published: October 2018

Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education – Knowledge, Values and Ambiguity in the Creative Curriculum, Susan Orr and Alison Shreeve (2018) Oxford: Routledge, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-13821-941-0, h/bk, £105
Individuals’ experiences of Insight Improvisation in Korea: Self-discovery, challenges and breakthroughs
Authors: Jung Sooji
Published: October 2018

Insight Improvisation, a form of drama therapy incorporating ideas and practices from mindfulness meditation, has many potential benefits for Koreans. Despite the challenges in introducing a new form, it has been shown to be effective in helping individuals achieve personal insights, increase awareness of their body and feeling state, and support those who tend to be introverted in expressing themselves. This article specifically focuses on the benefits and challenges of applying Insight Improvisation to a Korean historical and cultural context.
The influence of Japanese popular culture on learning Japanese
Authors: Northwood Barbara M.
Published: October 2018

This article presents the case that because students like Japanese popular culture (JPC) it can motivate them to take up Japanese language study, and not only that, but can influence them to continue their study. This stance is supported with findings from a research project undertaken in Sydney Australia. Learner motivational trajectories reveal that a strong interest in JPC is intertwined with the motivation to learn Japanese sometimes to the point of becoming a passion. Consequently, harmonious passion (HP) is examined in regards to Motivation and a striking similarity is found. Learning Japanese can take place effortlessly through engagement in JPC and is described as ‘effortless effort’ (e-e). It is linked to directed motivational current (DMC), an attractor state within complex dynamic systems theory (CDST). Questionnaire outcomes and excerpts from interviews with university learners portray the influence of JPC on learning Japanese and the role it plays in developing language identities.