bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal Primers for Detection and Sequencing of Hepatitis B Virus Genomes across Genotypes A to G
Authors: Chook Jack Bee , Teo Woon Li , Ngeow Yun Fong , Tee Kok Keng , Ng Kee Peng , Mohamed Rosmawati
Published: March 2015

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been divided into 10 genotypes, A to J, based on an 8% nucleotide sequence divergence between genotypes. The conventional practice of using a single set of primers to amplify a near-complete HBV genome is hampered by its low analytical sensitivity. The current practice of using overlapping conserved primer sets to amplify a complete HBV genome in a clinical sample is limited by the lack of pan-primers to detect all HBV genotypes. In this study, we designed six highly conserved, overlapping primer sets to cover the complete HBV genome. We based our design on the sequences of 5,154 HBV genomes of genotypes A to I downloaded from the GenBank nucleotide database. These primer sets were tested on 126 plasma samples from Malaysia, containing genotypes A to D and with viral loads ranging from 20 to >79,780,000 IU/ml. The overall success rates for PCR amplification and sequencing were >96% and >94%, respectively. Similarly, there was 100% amplification and sequencing success when the primer sets were tested on an HBV reference panel of genotypes A to G. Thus, we have established primer sets that gave a high analytical sensitivity for PCR-based detection of HBV and a high rate of sequencing success for HBV genomes in most of the viral genotypes, if not all, without prior known sequence data for the particular genotype/genome.
Borrelia burgdorferi Not Confirmed in Human-Biting Amblyomma americanum Ticks from the Southeastern United States
Authors: Stromdahl Ellen Y. , Nadolny Robyn M. , Gibbons Jennifer A. , Auckland Lisa D. , Vince Mary A. , Elkins Chad E. , Murphy Michael P. , Hickling Graham J. , Eshoo Mark W. , Carolan Heather E. , Crowder Chris D. , Pilgard Mark A. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: March 2015

The predominant human-biting tick throughout the southeastern United States is
Amblyomma americanum
. Its ability to transmit pathogens causing Lyme disease-like illnesses is a subject of ongoing controversy. Results of previous testing by the Department of Defense Human Tick Test Kit Program and other laboratories indicated that it is highly unlikely that
A. americanum
transmits any pathogen that causes Lyme disease. In contrast, a recent publication by Clark and colleagues (K. L. Clark, B. Leydet, and S. Hartman, Int. J. Med. Sci. 10:915–931, 2013) reported detection of Lyme group
Borrelia
in
A. americanum
using a nested-flagellin-gene PCR. We evaluated this assay by using it and other assays to test 1,097
A. americanum
ticks collected from humans. Using the Clark assay, in most samples we observed nonspecific amplification and nonrepeatability of results on subsequent testing of samples. Lack of reaction specificity and repeatability is consistent with mispriming, likely due to high primer concentrations and low annealing temperatures in this protocol. In six suspect-positive samples,
Borrelia lonestari
was identified by sequencing of an independent gene region; this is not a Lyme group spirochete and is not considered zoonotic.
B. burgdorferi
was weakly amplified from one pool using some assays, but not others, and attempts to sequence the amplicon of this pool failed, as did attempts to amplify and sequence
B. burgdorferi
from the five individual samples comprising this pool. Therefore,
B. burgdorferi
was not confirmed in any sample. Our results do not support the hypothesis that
A. americanum
ticks are a vector for Lyme group
Borrelia
infections.
Pan-Serotype Diagnostic for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Using the Consensus Antigen of Nonstructural Protein 3B
Authors: Van Dreumel Alyssa K. , Michalski Wojtek P. , McNabb Leanne M. , Shiell Brian J. , Singanallur Nagendrakumar B. , Peck Grantley R.
Published: March 2015

An amino acid consensus sequence for the seven serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) nonstructural protein 3B, including all three contiguous repeats, and its use in the development of a pan-serotype diagnostic test for all seven FMDV serotypes are described. The amino acid consensus sequence of the 3B protein was determined from a multiple-sequence alignment of 125 sequences of 3B. The consensus 3B (c3B) protein was expressed as a soluble recombinant fusion protein with maltose-binding protein (MBP) using a bacterial expression system and was affinity purified using amylose resin. The MBP-c3B protein was used as the antigen in the development of a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for detection of anti-3B antibodies in bovine sera. The comparative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity at 47% inhibition were estimated to be 87.22% and 93.15%, respectively. Reactivity of c3B with bovine sera representing the seven FMDV serotypes demonstrated the pan-serotype diagnostic capability of this bioreagent. The consensus antigen and competition ELISA are described here as candidates for a pan-serotype diagnostic test for FMDV infection.
SLAM- and Nectin-4-Independent Noncytolytic Spread of Canine Distemper Virus in Astrocytes
Authors: Alves Lisa , Khosravi Mojtaba , Avila Mislay , Ader-Ebert Nadine , Bringolf Fanny , Zurbriggen Andreas , Vandevelde Marc , Plattet Philippe
Published: March 2015

Measles and canine distemper viruses (MeV and CDV, respectively) first replicate in lymphatic and epithelial tissues by using SLAM and nectin-4 as entry receptors, respectively. The viruses may also invade the brain to establish persistent infections, triggering fatal complications, such as subacute sclerosis pan-encephalitis (SSPE) in MeV infection or chronic, multiple sclerosis-like, multifocal demyelinating lesions in the case of CDV infection. In both diseases, persistence is mediated by viral nucleocapsids that do not require packaging into particles for infectivity but are directly transmitted from cell to cell (neurons in SSPE or astrocytes in distemper encephalitis), presumably by relying on restricted microfusion events. Indeed, although morphological evidence of fusion remained undetectable, viral fusion machineries and, thus, a putative cellular receptor, were shown to contribute to persistent infections. Here, we first showed that nectin-4-dependent cell-cell fusion in Vero cells, triggered by a demyelinating CDV strain, remained extremely limited, thereby supporting a potential role of nectin-4 in mediating persistent infections in astrocytes. However, nectin-4 could not be detected in either primary cultured astrocytes or the white matter of tissue sections. In addition, a bioengineered “nectin-4-blind” recombinant CDV retained full cell-to-cell transmission efficacy in primary astrocytes. Combined with our previous report demonstrating the absence of SLAM expression in astrocytes, these findings are suggestive for the existence of a hitherto unrecognized third CDV receptor expressed by glial cells that contributes to the induction of noncytolytic cell-to-cell viral transmission in astrocytes.

IMPORTANCE
While persistent measles virus (MeV) infection induces SSPE in humans, persistent canine distemper virus (CDV) infection causes chronic progressive or relapsing demyelination in carnivores. Common to both central nervous system (CNS) infections is that persistence is based on noncytolytic cell-to-cell spread, which, in the case of CDV, was demonstrated to rely on functional membrane fusion machinery complexes. This inferred a mechanism where nucleocapsids are transmitted through macroscopically invisible microfusion events between infected and target cells. Here, we provide evidence that CDV induces such microfusions in a SLAM- and nectin-4-independent manner, thereby strongly suggesting the existence of a third receptor expressed in glial cells (referred to as GliaR). We propose that GliaR governs intercellular transfer of nucleocapsids and hence contributes to viral persistence in the brain and ensuing demyelinating lesions.
Mechanism of HIV-1 Resistance to Short-Peptide Fusion Inhibitors Targeting the Gp41 Pocket
Authors: Su Yang , Chong Huihiui , Qiu Zonglin , Xiong Shengwen , He Yuxian
Published: March 2015

The deep hydrophobic pocket on the N trimer of HIV-1 gp41 has been considered an ideal drug target. On the basis of the M-T hook structure, we recently developed short-peptide-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitors (MTSC22 and HP23), which mainly target the pocket site and possess highly potent antiviral activity. In this study, we focused on investigating their resistance pathways and mechanisms by escape HIV-1 mutants to SC22EK, a template peptide for MTSC22 and HP23. Two substitutions, E49K and N126K, located, respectively, at the N- and C-heptad repeat regions of gp41, were identified as conferring high resistance to the inhibitors targeting the pocket and cross-resistance to enfuvirtide (T20) and sifuvirtide (SFT). The underlying mechanisms of SC22EK-induced resistance include the following: (i) significantly reduced binding affinity of the inhibitors, (ii) dramatically enhanced interaction of the viral six-helix bundle, and (iii)severely damaged functionality of the viral Env complex. Our data have provided important information for the structure-function relationship of gp41 and the structure-activity relationship of viral fusion inhibitors.

IMPORTANCE
Enfuvirtide (T20) is the only HIV-1 fusion inhibitor in clinical use, but the problem of resistance significantly limits its use, calling for new strategies or concepts to develop next-generation drugs. On the basis of the M-T hook structure, short-peptide HIV-1 fusion inhibitors specifically targeting the gp41 pocket site exhibit high binding and antiviral activities. Here, we investigated the molecular pathway of HIV-1 resistance to the short inhibitors by selecting and mapping the escape mutants. The key substitutions for resistance and the underlying mechanisms have been finely characterized. The data provide important information for the structure-function relationship of gp41 and its inhibitors and will definitely help our future development of novel drugs that block gp41-dependent fusion.
Highly Divergent Hepaciviruses from African Cattle
Authors: Corman Victor Max , Grundhoff Adam , Baechlein Christine , Fischer Nicole , Gmyl Anatoly , Wollny Robert , Dei Dickson , Ritz Daniel , Binger Tabea , Adankwah Ernest , Marfo Kwadwo Sarfo , Annison Lawrence , Annan Augustina , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Oppong Samuel , Becher Paul , Drosten Christian , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: March 2015

The hepatitis C virus (HCV; genus
Hepacivirus
) is a highly relevant human pathogen. Unique hepaciviruses (HV) were discovered recently in animal hosts. The direct ancestor of HCV has not been found, but the genetically most closely related animal HVs exist in horses. To investigate whether other peridomestic animals also carry HVs, we analyzed sera from Ghanaian cattle for HVs by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Nine of 106 specimens from different sampling sites contained HV RNA (8.5%) at median viral loads of 1.6 × 10
5
copies/ml. Infection seemed unrelated to cattle age and gender. Near-full-genome sequencing of five representative viruses confirmed taxonomic classifications. Cattle HVs formed two distinct phylogenetic lineages that differed by up to 17.7% on the nucleotide level in the polyprotein-encoding region, suggesting cocirculation of different virus subtypes. A conserved microRNA122-binding site in the 5′ internal ribosomal entry site suggested liver tropism of cattle HVs. Phylogenetic analyses suggested the circulation of HVs in cattle for several centuries. Cattle HVs were genetically highly divergent from all other HVs, including HCV. HVs from genetically related equine and bovine hosts were not monophyletic, corroborating host shifts during the evolution of the genus
Hepacivirus
. Similar to equine HVs, the genetic diversity of cattle HVs was low compared to that of HCV genotypes. This suggests an influence of the human-modified ecology of peridomestic animals on virus diversity. Further studies should investigate the occurrence of cattle HVs in other geographic areas and breeds, virus pathogenicity in cattle, and the potential exposure of human risk groups, such as farmers, butchers, and abattoir workers.

IMPORTANCE
HCV (genus
Hepacivirus
) is a major human pathogen, causing liver failure and cancer. Unique hepaciviruses (HVs) were discovered over the last few years in animals, but the direct ancestor of HCV has not been found. The animal HV most closely related to HCV so far originated from horses, suggesting that other livestock animals also harbor HVs. Therefore, we investigated African cattle and discovered previously unknown HVs at high prevalence and viral loads. Because of the agricultural importance of cattle, it may be relevant to investigate HV pathogenicity. The frequent exposure of humans to cattle also may warrant investigations of the zoonotic potential of these viruses. Evolutionary analyses suggested that cattle HVs have existed for centuries. Despite the genetic relatedness of their animal hosts, HVs from cattle and horses were not phylogenetically related, corroborating frequent host shifts during the evolution of the genus
Hepacivirus
.
When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses but do not forget the zebras
Authors: Stochholm Anders , Løgstrup Brian Bridal
Published: March 2015

We report a case of a 68-year-old man who was admitted to the department of cardiology with increasing abdominal and chest pain during the day. The prehospital ECG showed clear ST segment elevation in inferior leads. The patient was routed directly to the catheterisation laboratory with acute myocardial infarction as a tentative diagnosis. The coronary angiography showed an occluded right coronary artery that was reopened with a plain old balloon angioplasty procedure. After the procedure, the patient was expected to feel better, but the abdominal pain worsened. The following bedside ultrasound examination was quite surprising.
Diary of a poultry intern
Authors: Garton William
Published: March 2015

William Garton, intern at Minster Vets, has been on an intensive two‐week poultry health course where he gained lots of new knowledge as well as a sense of direction and purpose.
Aharonov–Bohm effect revisited
Authors: Eskin Gregory
Published: March 2015

Aharonov–Bohm effect is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that attracted the attention of many physicists and mathematicians since the publication of the seminal paper of Aharonov and Bohm [1] in 1959.

We consider different types of Aharonov–Bohm effects such as the magnetic AB effect, electric AB effect, combined electromagnetic AB effect, AB effect for the Schrödinger equations with Yang–Mills potentials, and the gravitational analog of AB effect.

We shall describe different approaches to prove the AB effect based on the inverse scattering problems, the inverse boundary value problems in the presence of obstacles, spectral asymptotics, and the direct proofs of the AB effect.
Effects of the Total Saponins fromDioscorea nipponicaon Immunoregulation in Aplastic Anemia Mice
Authors: Wang Yuliang , Yan Tiangai , Ma Lin , Liu Baoshan
Published: March 2015

Dioscorea nipponica Makino, a popular folk medicine, exerts anti-inflammation properties. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of the total saponins from Dioscorea nipponica Makino (TSDN) on aplastic anemia (AA) and possible immune regulation mechanisms. Using a mouse model of AA, three different doses of TSDN were orally administrated for 14 consecutive days. We first demonstrated that TSDN was found to be effective in alleviating pancytopenia with a hypocellular bone marrow as compared with AA model group. Moreover, gastrogavage administration of a medium dose of TSDN was found to dramatically increase the percentage of CD4+cells in bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) and restore the CD4+/CD8+ratio. The pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was significantly increased in culture supernatant of BMNC. Further investigations showed that TSDN obviously inhibited Fas–FasL-induced BMNC apoptosis as well as effectively suppressed intracellular apoptosis protein of caspase-3 and -8 expressions. Taken together, these findings suggested that TSDN could alleviate AA by elevating the CD4+/CD8+T-cell ratio, inhibiting inflammatory Th1-cytokines, and exerting anti-apoptosis effects.
A Hybrid Algorithm Based on Bat-Inspired Algorithm and Differential Evolution for Constrained Optimization Problems
Authors: Pei Shengyu , Ouyang Aijia , Tong Lang
Published: March 2015

How to solve constrained optimization problems (COPs) is a significant research issue and we combine the bat-inspired algorithm (BA) with differential evolution (DE) into a new hybrid algorithm called BA-DE for solving the COPs. Traditional BAs are prone to sink into stagnation or local optima when no bat individual founds a better location than the past locations for several generations. DE is adopted for updating the past location of bat individuals to force BA to jump out of stagnation or local optima, since it has a great local searching capability. The performance of BA-DE algorithm is improved by the proposed hybrid mechanism. We use 24 well-known benchmark functions to verify the overall performance of our proposed algorithm. Comparisons show that BA-DE outperforms most advanced methods in terms of the final solution's quality.
On surjunctive monoids
Authors: Ceccherini-Silberstein Tullio , Coornaert Michel
Published: March 2015

A monoid M is called surjunctive if every injective cellular automata with finite alphabet over M is surjective. We show that all finite monoids, all finitely generated commutative monoids, all cancellative commutative monoids, all residually finite monoids, all finitely generated linear monoids, and all cancellative one-sided amenable monoids are surjunctive. We also prove that every limit of marked surjunctive monoids is itself surjunctive. On the other hand, we show that the bicyclic monoid and, more generally, all monoids containing a submonoid isomorphic to the bicyclic monoid are non-surjunctive.
BUCKLING MORPHOLOGIES AND INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES OF SILICON NITRIDE FILMS DEPOSITED ON FLOAT GLASS SUBSTRATES
Authors: SUN YA-DONG , CHEN QI-XIANG , FENG YU-FEI , CHEN JUN , YU SEN-JIANG
Published: March 2015

We report on the buckling morphologies and interfacial properties of silicon nitride films deposited on float glass substrates. The coexistence of straight-sided and telephone cord buckles can be observed in the silicon nitride films after annealing at a high temperature. The straight-sided structure is metastable and can spontaneously evolve into the telephone cord structure accompanied by the increase in the buckle width and height. The geometric parameters of various buckling structures (including the straight blister, telephone cord and their transition state) have been measured by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The internal stress and interfacial adhesion of the films are evaluated and analyzed based on the continuum elastic theory. It is valid to measure the interfacial properties of thin films by simplifying the telephone cord buckle as a straight-sided structure. This measurement technique is suitable for all the film systems provided that the buckles can form in the film.
Multistep reactions of water with small Pdn clusters: A first principles study
Authors: Liang Yanhua , Ma Li , Wang Jianguang , Wang Guanghou
Published: March 2015

Multistep dissociative chemisorption reactions of water with Pd 4 and Pd 7 clusters were studied using density functional theory. The adsorption energies and referred adsorption sites from water molecule ( H 2 O ) to partially dissociative ( H 2+ O and OH + H ), then to fully dissociative ( O + H + H ) configurations are carefully determined. It is found that the adsorption energies of three dissociative reactions are 5–6 times larger than that of water molecule. Atop sites of Pd 4 and Pd 7 clusters are found to be the most stable sites for the adsorbed H 2 O molecule. For the coadsorption cases of partially and fully dissociated products, H 2 and OH molecules preferably tend to bind at the low coordination (atop or bridge) sites, and O and H atoms prefer to adsorb on the high coordination (hollow) sites. It is also found that the most favorable adsorption sites for the molecular adsorbates ( H 2 O , H 2 and OH ) are adjacent to the Pd atoms with the largest site-specific polarizabilities. Therefore, site-specific polarizability is a good predictor of the favorable adsorption sites for the weakly bound molecules. The different directions of charge transfer between the Pd clusters and the adsorbate(s) is observed. Furthermore, the processes of the adsorption, dissociation, and the dissociative products diffusion of H 2 O are analyzed.
Investigation on the photodriven catalytic coupling reaction mechanism of p-aminothiophenol on the silver cluster
Authors: Li Lai-Cai , Wang Wei , Peng Dan , Pan Rui , Tian An-Min
Published: March 2015

The catalytic coupling reaction mechanism for the transformation from p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (4,4′-DMAB) on silver cluster was studied by the density functional theory. All the reactants, intermediates, transition states and products were optimized with B3LYP method at 6-311+G (d, p) basis set (the LanL2DZ basis set was used for Ag atom). Transition states and intermediates have been confirmed by the corresponding vibration analysis and intrinsic reactions coordinate (IRC). In addition, nature bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecules (AIM) theories have been used to analyze orbital interactions and bond natures. Consistent with the conclusions reported in the literature, the core of obtaining the production of azobenzene according to the coupling reaction of PATP absorbed on Ag 5 clusters is the elimination of two H atoms. Meanwhile, we find that the effect of illumination in that reaction matters a lot. We also found in PATP molecular that the synergistic catalytic effect of S end absorbed on the catalyzer draws dramatically evident under no illumination conditions, while it draws less obvious under light. According to the paper's conclusion, PATP absorbed on the surface of Ag 5 tends to generate azobenzene easily.
A Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for five-dimensional manifolds with boundary
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Yong
Published: March 2015

The Kastler–Kalau–Walze theorem, announced by A. Connes, shows that the Wodzicki residue of the inverse square of the Dirac operator is proportional to the Einstein–Hilbert action of general relativity. In this paper, we prove a Kastler–Kalau–Walze type theorem for five-dimensional manifolds with boundary.
Performance Estimation of the Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer Aboard SPICA
Authors: Kataza Hirokazu , Sakon Itsuki , Wada Takehiko , Sarugaku Yuki , Fujishiro Naofumi , Ikeda Yuji , Mitani Shinji , Ohyama Youichi , Kobayashi Naoto
Published: March 2015

The Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA) is an astronomical mission optimized for mid- and far-infrared astronomy, envisioned for launch in the 2020s. The Mid-infrared Camera and Spectrometer (MCS) is a model instrument that covers the 5–38[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m wavelength range and enables imaging and spectroscopic observations via four modules named WFC-S, WFC-L, HRS, and MRS. Both of the wide field camera (WFC) modules have a 5-arcmin square field of view (FOV) but cover different wavelength ranges; WFC for the short wavelength region (WFC-S) covers 5 to 24[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, whereas WFC for the long wavelength region (WFC-L) covers 18 to 38[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The High Resolution Spectrometer (HRS) covers the 12–18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m range with a resolving power of 22,000–30,000, and the Mid Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) performs integral filed units spectroscopy with a 12[Formula: see text] by 8[Formula: see text] FOV. MRS simultaneously covers the 12–38[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m range with a moderate resolving power of 720–2000. Here, we report sensitivity estimates from a detailed modeling process involving the instrument itself, the telescope, environmental conditions, and the system error budgets. We show that the WFC-S and HRS modules require an adaptive system to correct for telescope pointing error. In particular, band pass filters (BPFs) longer than 26[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m should be developed.
User Activity Patterns During Information Search
Authors: Cole Michael J. , Hendahewa Chathra , Belkin Nicholas J. , Shah Chirag
Published: March 2015

Personalization of support for information seeking depends crucially on the information retrieval system's knowledge of the task that led the person to engage in information seeking. Users work during information search sessions to satisfy their task goals, and their activity is not random. To what degree are there patterns in the user activity during information search sessions? Do activity patterns reflect the user's situation as the user moves through the search task under the influence of his or her task goal? Do these patterns reflect aspects of different types of information-seeking tasks? Could such activity patterns identify contexts within which information seeking takes place? To investigate these questions, we model sequences of user behaviors in two independent user studies of information search sessions (N = 32 users, 128 sessions, and N = 40 users, 160 sessions). Two representations of user activity patterns are used. One is based on the sequences of page use; the other is based on a cognitive representation of information acquisition derived from eye movement patterns in service of the reading process. One of the user studies considered journalism work tasks; the other concerned background research in genomics using search tasks taken from the TREC Genomics Track. The search tasks differed in basic dimensions of complexity, specificity, and the type of information product (intellectual or factual) needed to achieve the overall task goal. The results show that similar patterns of user activity are observed at both the cognitive and page use levels. The activity patterns at both representation layers are able to distinguish between task types in similar ways and, to some degree, between tasks of different levels of difficulty. We explore relationships between the results and task difficulty and discuss the use of activity patterns to explore events within a search session. User activity patterns can be at least partially observed in server-side search logs. A focus on patterns of user activity sequences may contribute to the development of information systems that better personalize the user's search experience.
JunD enhances miR-29b levels transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally to inhibit proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Zou Tongtong , Rao Jaladanki N. , Liu Lan , Xiao Lan , Chung Hee Kyoung , Li Yanwu , Chen Gang , Gorospe Myriam , Wang Jian-Ying
Published: March 2015

Through its actions as component of the activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, JunD potently represses cell proliferation. Here we report a novel function of JunD in the regulation of microRNA expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Ectopically expressed JunD specifically increased the expression of primary and mature forms of miR-29b, whereas JunD silencing inhibited miR-29b expression. JunD directly interacted with the miR-29b1 promoter via AP-1-binding sites, whereas mutation of AP-1 sites from the miR-29b1 promoter prevented JunD-mediated transcriptional activation of the miR-29b1 gene. JunD also enhanced formation of the Drosha microprocessor complex, thus further promoting miR-29b biogenesis. Cellular polyamines were found to regulate miR-29b expression by altering JunD abundance, since the increase in miR-29b expression levels in polyamine-deficient cells was abolished by JunD silencing. In addition, miR-29b silencing prevented JunD-induced repression of IEC proliferation. Our findings indicate that JunD activates miR-29b by enhancing its transcription and processing, which contribute to the inhibitory effect of JunD on IEC growth and maintenance of gut epithelium homeostasis.
A physical sciences network characterization of circulating tumor cell aggregate transport
Authors: King Michael R. , Phillips Kevin G. , Mitrugno Annachiara , Lee Tae-Rin , de Guillebon Adelaide M. E. , Chandrasekaran Siddarth , McGuire Matthew J. , Carr Russell T. , Baker-Groberg Sandra M. , Rigg Rachel A. , Kolatkar Anand , Luttgen Madelyn , Bethel Kelly , Kuhn Peter , Decuzzi Paolo , McCarty Owen J. T.
Published: March 2015

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have been implicated in the hematogenous spread of cancer. To investigate the fluid phase of cancer from a physical sciences perspective, the multi-institutional Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (PS-OC) Network performed multidisciplinary biophysical studies of single CTC and CTC aggregates from a patient with breast cancer. CTCs, ranging from single cells to aggregates comprised of 2–5 cells, were isolated using the high-definition CTC assay and biophysically profiled using quantitative phase microscopy. Single CTCs and aggregates were then modeled in an in vitro system comprised of multiple breast cancer cell lines and microfluidic devices used to model E-selectin mediated rolling in the vasculature. Using a numerical model coupling elastic collisions between red blood cells and CTCs, the dependence of CTC vascular margination on single CTCs and CTC aggregate morphology and stiffness was interrogated. These results provide a multifaceted characterization of single CTC and CTC aggregate dynamics in the vasculature and illustrate a framework to integrate clinical, biophysical, and mathematical approaches to enhance our understanding of the fluid phase of cancer.
Close spatio-association of the transient receptor potential canonical 4 (TRPC4) channel with Gαi in TRPC4 activation process
Authors: Myeong JongYun , Kwak Misun , Jeon Jae-Pyo , Hong Chansik , Jeon Ju-hong , So Insuk
Published: March 2015

TPRC channels are Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channels that are activated by a wide variety of stimuli, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). TRPC4 is commonly assumed to be activated by Gq/phospholipase C-coupled receptors. However, the other molecular mechanisms by which Gα proteins regulate TRPC4 remain unclear. Here, we found that Gαi2 regulates TRPC4 activation by direct binding. To investigate this mechanism, we used whole patch clamp and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). We tagged an isoform of mTRPC4 and G protein with CFP and YFP, respectively, and transiently transfected cells with the FRET pair. The FRET efficiency between TRPC4β-CFP and the constitutively active mutant form of Gαi2 was nearly 15% and was greater than that observed with wild-type Gαi2 (nearly 5%). Gβγ and the TRPC4 channel showed a FRET efficiency lower than 6%. In HEK293 cells transfected with the M2 muscarinic receptor, the application of carbachol increased the FRET efficiency between TRPC4β-CFP and Gαi2(WT)-YFP from 4.7 ± 0.4% ( n = 7) to 12.6 ± 1.4% ( n = 7). We also found that the TRPC4 channel directly interacts with Gαi2, but not with Gαq, when the channel is open. We analyzed the calcium levels in HEK293 cells expressing the channels and Gαi2 or Gαq using the calcium indicator YC6.1 (Yellow Cameleon 6.1). In response to the muscarinic agonist carbachol, M2-, Gαi2-, and TRPC4-expressing cells showed a prolonged Ca2+ influx compared with cells expressing only M2. Together, these data suggest that Gαi2 activates the TRPC4 channel by direct binding, which then induces Ca2+ entry.
VHCF Properties of A7075-T651 Al Alloy Depending on Shot Peening and Fatigue Testing Methods
Authors: Suh Min-Soo , Suh Chang Hee , Nahm Seung-Hoon , Suh Chang-Min
Published: March 2015

Fatigue characteristics of A7075-T651 aluminum material were studied with surface treatment of shot peening. The fatigue life was characterized by two fatigue testing methods, ultrasonic fatigue test (UFT, 20 kHz) and the rotary-bending fatigue test (RFT, 53 Hz). The fatigue life improvement was confirmed by rotary bending fatigue tester. However, the surface modification effects were hardly observed by UFT method. The RFT results validate that the fatigue properties of RFT show a fine congruence regardless of the test machine types. The results of hardness, compressive residual stress, fatigue strength, and mechanical properties of specimen were improved by shot peening.
Synthesis of 3-Fourteen Alkoxy-2-hydroxypropyl Triethyl Ammonium Chloride and Inhibiting Corrosion Performance
Authors: Hao Yulan , Wang Zitong , Cui Baochen , Qi Ying , Zhang Rongming
Published: March 2015

3-Fourteen alkoxy-2-hydroxypropyl triethyl ammonium chloride (TPAC) was synthesized by using tetradecyl alcohol, triethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and so on. The surface properties of product such as critical micelle concentration and surface tension were studied. The corrosion inhibition performance of product to A3 carbon steel was tested. Given the conditions of acidic medium, the immersion lasted for 72 h, under 25°C, and the concentration of product is 0.70 m mol/L; the corrosion inhibition rate is 95.21% over A3 steel. The result showed that TPAC has good surface activity and capacity in inhibiting corrosion.
Research on Fault Diagnostic System in CVT Based on UDS
Authors: Wang Jiande , Zhou Yunshan , Li Quan
Published: March 2015

A communication model of diagnostic network and implementation of unified diagnostic services (UDS) based on controller area network (CAN) bus are presented in this paper, and fault diagnostic function of transmission control unit (TCU), USB- (universal serial bus-) CAN hardware and software modules, and fault diagnostic software based on personal computer (PC) are designed. Model diagnostic method is applied on ratio control, and fault diagnostic system is tested in vehicle.
Rotor Mass Eccentricity Vibration Compensation Control in Bearingless Induction Motor
Authors: Yang Zebin , Dong Dawei , Gao Haiyu , Sun Xiaodong , Fan Rong , Zhu Huangqiu
Published: March 2015

In the process of motor rotation, the vibration caused by the rotor mass eccentricity seriously affects the dynamic characteristics and safety operation of system. So rotor mass eccentricity vibration compensation control on rotating machine has great significance, especially for the high speed bearing less induction motor (BIM). A rotor mass eccentricity compensation control strategy was presented to restrain the vibration of suspended rotor for BIM. Firstly, the suspension rotor dynamical model was deduced and unbalanced vibration mechanism was analyzed. Secondly, based on decoupling control between electromagnetic torque and radial force, the obtained vibration signal from the displacement sensor was put into the original radial force control system. Then, a feedforward compensator was set up to increase the same period component of the given radial force signal and enlarge the stiffness of the vibration signal. Finally, the compensation control of rotor vibration was realized by forcing the rotor shaft rotation around its geometric center. The simulation results show that the presented feedforward compensator can suppress the vibration of rotor under different speed and improve the precision of rotor suspension. The further experimental results also show that the control method can obviously reduce the peak-peak value of rotor radial displacement and effectively restrain rotor vibration.
The Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research on Screw Compressor
Authors: Xueming He , Jin Dai , Meiping Wu , Hongyuan Liu , Chenggang Li
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the mathematical model of screw compressors’ working process, in which the internal flow domains are divided into three kinds of fluids—the inlet fluid, the primitive volume fluid, and outlet fluid. Grid interface method and dynamic mesh technique of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) theory were utilized to simulate the suction, compression, and discharge process in order to model the dynamic characteristics of the flow domains in a screw compressor. To verify that the model is numerically accurate and the simulation method is effective, experiments on the pressure-volume changes in screw compressor were carried out. The result has shown that the simulation data is in good agreement with the experimental data. Therefore, the numerical calculation model and the simulation method can be very useful for the screw compressor design and research.
A Hybrid Approach Based on Grey Correlation Analysis and Fuzzy Comprehensive Judgment for Evaluating Service Quality of Passenger Train
Authors: Wang Wanxiang , Zhao Qi , Guo Ruijun
Published: March 2015

The satisfaction of passengers plays an important role in choosing the transportation mode which directly influences train service quality. Based on passengers’ needs, the evaluation index system of train service quality was built. A field example was applied in Chinese high-speed rail, G33 passenger train. The evaluation value of service quality can be calculated by the hybrid method based on grey correlation analysis (GCA) and fuzzy comprehensive judgment (FCJ). The result indicates that the index system and the integration of GCA and FCJ could effectively evaluate passenger train service quality.
A Review on Robot in Prosthodontics and Orthodontics
Authors: Jiang Jin-gang , Zhang Yong-de , Wei Chun-ge , He Tian-hua , Liu Yi
Published: March 2015

Application of robot to prosthodontics and orthodontics is a novel application of robot technology in medical field. This kind of robots can realize the manufacturing of complete or partial denture, dental implantology, and the bending of archwire. We have conducted a critical review on the development of application of robot in prosthodontics and orthodontics to identify the limitations of existing studies and clarify some promising research directions in this field. This paper is presented to summarize our findings and understanding. The main problems in its development are analyzed, the development trend is foreseen, and the future research is discussed.
Psychology-Based Research on Unsafe Behavior by Pedestrians When Crossing the Street
Authors: Ding Tongqiang , Wang Shengli , Xi Jianfeng , Zheng Lili , Wang Quan
Published: March 2015

Pedestrians are some of the worst victims, as one of the weaker groups in road traffic accidents, but, at the same time, their unsafe behaviors are also an important factor in traffic accidents. This paper builds a pedestrian crossing hazard automatic-balance model and waiting-time threshold model by analyzing the process by which pedestrians cross the street. Then, the reasons for pedestrians’ unsafe behavior when crossing the street are analyzed by using traffic psychology. Finally, this paper puts forward some measures, based on aspects of pedestrian psychology, to reduce or alleviate pedestrians’ unsafe behaviors.
Analysis of Skid Steer Loader Steering Characteristic
Authors: Ren Feng , Liu Xin-hui , Chen Jin-shi , Zeng Ping , Jia Xue-feng
Published: March 2015

In order to analyze the steering dynamic characteristic of the skid steer loader, a cosimulation model of steering system based on theoretical analysis of skid steer loader steering process was established by using AMESim software platform and Motion software platform. The dynamic characteristics of unilateral, bilateral steering conditions and the load characteristics of steering process were analyzed through simulation and verified by experiment. The comparison of dynamic model and experimental results shows that the error between simulation data and experimental data is within 10%, and the model can be used in system matching and performance prediction.
Premixed CH4-Air Flame Structure Characteristic and Flow Behavior Induced by Obstacle in an Open Duct
Authors: Li DengKe , Chen XianFeng , Zhang Ying , Rangwala Ali
Published: March 2015

To study the fuel gas combustion hazards, the methane/air flame structure and flow characteristic in an open duct influenced by a rectangular obstacle were explored by experiment and realizable k-∊ model (RKE). In the test, the high-speed schlieren photography technology and dynamic detection technology were applied to record the flame propagation behavior. Meanwhile, the interaction between flame front and flame flow field induced by the obstacle was disclosed. In addition, the laminar-turbulence transition was also taken into consideration. The RKE and eddy dissipation concept (EDC) premixed combustion model were applied to obtain an insight into the phenomenon of flow change and wrinkle appearing, which potently explained the experimental observations. As a result, the obstacle blocked the laminar flame propagation velocity and increased pressure a little in an open duct. Some small-scale vortices began to appear near the obstacle, mainly due to Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI), and gradually grew into large-scale vortices, which led to laminar-turbulent transition directly. The vortices thickened the reaction area and hastened the reaction rate; reversely, the higher reaction rate induced larger vortices. The RKE model result fitted the test data well and explained the wrinkle forming mechanism of two special vortices in the case.
The Wear Analysis Model of Drill Bit Cutting Element with Torsion Vibration
Authors: Tian Jialin , Fu Chuanhong , Yang Lin , Yang Zhi , Pang Xiaolin , Li You , Zhu Yonghao , Liu Gang
Published: March 2015

Due to some deficiencies in the existing researches of cutting element wear of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit and to reduce the wear rate of cutting element of PDC bit, accurately illustrate the effect of tooth-distributing angle on cutting element, and improve the service life of PDC drill bit, we use the geometry knowledge of PDC drill bit and establish the torsion vibration model of PDC drill bit, solve and analyze the model, and at last analyze the effect of tooth-distributing angle on the rule of cutting element wear by using the wear theory.
Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of Local Fault of Rolling Element Bearing
Authors: Cui Lingli , Chen Xue , Chen Shujun
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a nonlinear vibration model of rolling element bearings with 5 degrees of freedom based on Hertz contact theory and relevant bearing knowledge of kinematics and dynamics. The slipping of ball, oil film stiffness, and the nonlinear time-varying stiffness of the bearing are taken into consideration in the model proposed here. The single-point local fault model of rolling element bearing is introduced into the nonlinear model with 5 degrees of freedom according to the loss of the contact deformation of ball when it rolls into and out of the local fault location. The functions of spall depth corresponding to defects of different shapes are discussed separately in this paper. Then the ode solver in Matlab is adopted to perform a numerical solution on the nonlinear vibration model to simulate the vibration response of the rolling elements bearings with local fault. The simulation signals analysis results show a similar behavior and pattern to that observed in the processed experimental signals of rolling element bearings in both time domain and frequency domain which validated the nonlinear vibration model proposed here to generate typical rolling element bearings local fault signals for possible and effective fault diagnostic algorithms research.
Multiobjective Optimization of CRH3 EMU Wheel Profile
Authors: Lin Fengtao , Dong Xiaoqing , Wang Yueming , Ni Chunshuang
Published: March 2015

The wheel-rail wear problems inherent to railway operation have become increasingly prominent and serious, as they have been proven to be the main factors which affect safety, stability of electric multiple units (EMUs), and wheel-rail maintenance cost. The multiobjective optimization model of CN wheel profile proposed in this study was constructed in effort to reduce the wheel wear of CRH3. Reconstruction of the CN profile based on the nonuniform rational B spline (NURBS) curve theory was designed. Twenty vertical coordinates of the CN profile were selected as design variables, the first wheelset mean wear workand the wheel-rail lateral force were employed as the objective functions, and the wheel geometry, maximal contact pressure, and the derailment coefficient were chosen as the constraint conditions. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) was applied to complete the optimization model combined with the vehicle track coupling dynamics model. Analysis results indicated that the optimized CN-Opti profile possesses more favorable, comprehensive, dynamic, and effective characteristics than the traditional CN profile.
A Lateral Control Method of Intelligent Vehicle Based on Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Li Linhui , Wang Hongxu , Lian Jing , Ding Xinli , Cao Wenping
Published: March 2015

A lateral control method is proposed for intelligent vehicle to track the desired trajectory. Firstly, a lateral control model is established based on the visual preview and dynamic characteristics of intelligent vehicle. Then, the lateral error and orientation error are melded into an integrated error. Considering the system parameter perturbation and the external interference, a sliding model control is introduced in this paper. In order to design a sliding surface, the integrated error is chosen as the parameter of the sliding mode switching function. The sliding mode switching function and its derivative are selected as two inputs of the controller, and the front wheel angle is selected as the output. Next, a fuzzy neural network is established, and the self-learning functions of neural network is utilized to construct the fuzzy rules. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Modeling and Simulation to Muscle Strength Training of Lower Limbs Rehabilitation Robots
Authors: Wang Ke-Yi , Di Cheng-Bao , Tang Xiao-Qiang , Zhang Song
Published: March 2015

Considering the issues of lower limb rehabilitation robots with single control strategies and poor training types, a training method for improving muscle strength was put forward in this paper. Patients’ muscle strength could be achieved by targeted exercises at the end of rehabilitation. This approach could be realized through programming wires’ force. On the one hand, each wires force was measured by tension sensor and force closed loop control was established to control the value of wires’ force which was acted on trainees. On the other hand, the direction of output force was changed by detecting the trainees’ state of motion and the way of putting load to patient was achieved. Finally, the target of enhancing patients’ muscle strength was realized. Dynamic model was built by means of mechanism and training types of robots. Force closed loop control strategy was established based on training pattern. In view of the characteristics of the redundance and economy of wire control, the process for simple wire's load changes was discussed. In order to confirm the characteristics of robot control system, the controller was simulated in Matlab/Simulink. It was verified that command signal could be traced by control system availably and the load during muscle training would be provided effectively.