bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term influence of stand thinning and repeated fertilization on forage production in young lodgepole pine forests
Authors: Lindgren Pontus M.F. , Sullivan Thomas P. , Ransome Douglas B. , Sullivan Druscilla S. , Zabek Lisa
Published: May 2017

Integration of trees with forage and livestock production as silvopastoralism is another potential component of intensive forest management. Stand thinning and fertilization may enhance growth of crop trees and understory forage for livestock. We tested the hypothesis that large-scale precommercial thinning (PCT) (particularly heavy thinning to ≤1000 stems·ha−1) and repeated fertilization, up to 20 years after the onset of treatments, would enhance production of graminoids, forbs, and shrubs as cattle (Bos taurus L.) forage. Results are from two long-term studies: (1) PCT (1988–2013) and (2) PCT with fertilization (PCT–FERT) (1993–2013) of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Mean biomass estimates of graminoids, forbs, total herbs, and shrubs were not affected by stand density. However, fertilization enhanced mean biomass estimates of graminoids, forbs, and total herbs, but not shrubs. Thus, the density part of our hypothesis was not supported, but the nutrient addition part was supported at least for the herbaceous components. Biomass of the herbaceous understory was maintained as a silvopasture component for up to 20 years (stand age 13 to 33 years) in fertilized heavily thinned stands prior to canopy closure.
Cinnamyl Alcohol, the Bioactive Component of Chestnut Flower Absolute, Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells by Downregulating Adipogenic Transcription Factors
Authors: Hwang Dae Il , Won Kyung-Jong , Kim Do-Yoon , Kim Bokyung , Lee Hwan Myung
Published: May 2017

The extract of chestnut (Castanea crenata var. dulcis) flower (CCDF) has antioxidant and antimelanogenic properties, but its anti-obesity properties have not been previously examined. In this study, we tested the effect of CCDF absolute on adipocyte differentiation by using 3T3-L1 cells and determining the bioactive component of CCDF absolute in 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. CCDF absolute (0.1–100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL) did not change 3T3-L1 cell viability. At 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL, the absolute significantly reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 cells that were induced by culture in medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/dexamethasone/insulin (MDI). GC/MS analysis showed that CCDF absolute contains 10 compounds. Among these compounds, cinnamyl alcohol (3-phenyl-2-propene-1-ol) dose-dependently inhibited the increased accumulation of lipid droplets in MDI-contained medium-cultured 3T3-L1 cells at a concentration range of 0.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL to 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL that did not cause cytotoxicity in 3T3-L1 cells. The inhibitory effect was significant at 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL ([Formula: see text] of response in MDI alone-treated state, [Formula: see text]) and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL ([Formula: see text] of response in MDI alone-treated state, [Formula: see text]). Moreover, the enhanced expression of obesity-related proteins (PPAR[Formula: see text], C/EBP[Formula: see text], SREBP-1c, and FAS) in MDI medium-cultivated 3T3-L1 cells was significantly attenuated by the addition of cinnamyl alcohol at 5[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL. These findings demonstrate that cinnamyl alcohol suppresses 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by inhibiting anti-adipogenesis-related proteins, and it may be a main bioactive component of CCDF absolute, exerting antidifferentiation action in 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, cinnamyl alcohol, as well as CCDF absolute, may be potential candidates for the prevention or treatment of obesity.
Coherent interaction of single molecules and plasmonic nanowires
Authors: Gerhardt Ilja , Grotz Bernhard , Siyushev Petr , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: May 2017

Quantum plasmonics opens the option to integrate complex quantum optical circuitry onto chip scale devices. In the past, often external light sources were used and nonclassical light was coupled in and out of plasmonic structures, such as hole arrays or waveguide structures. Another option to launch single plasmonic excitations is the coupling of single emitters in the direct proximity of, e.g., a silver or gold nanostructure. Here, we present our attempts to integrate the research of single emitters with wet-chemically grown silver nanowires. The emitters of choice are single organic dye molecules under cryogenic conditions, which are known to act as high-brightness and extremely narrow-band single photon sources. Another advantage is their high optical nonlinearity, such that they might mediate photon–photon interactions on the nanoscale. We report on the coupling of a single molecule fluorescence emission through the wire over the length of several wavelengths. The transmission of coherently emitted photons is proven by an extinction type experiment. As for influencing the spectral properties of a single emitter, we are able to show a remote change of the line-width of a single terrylene molecule, which is in close proximity to the nanowire.
A Complete Embedded System Design of Breakout Game
Authors: Tural-Polat Sadiye Nergis
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we synthesize a Breakout game code which runs on an FPGA development and education board. For this purpose, an original Breakout game code that runs exclusively on the FPGA board is designed in VHDL hardware description language. The strength of this design is that the code does not require any SRAM modules for storage which eliminates the memory requirements and results in faster operation. Altera DE0 development and education board is used for the implementation. However, since only the standard VHDL functions is used in the code, it can run on any other FPGA boards.
Post-Buckling, Limit Point, and Bifurcation Analyses of Shallow Nano-Arches by Generalized Displacement Control and Finite Difference Considering Small-Scale Effects
Authors: Mortazavi Parvaneh , Mirdamadi Hamid Reza , Shahidi Ali Reza
Published: May 2017

Post-buckling of shallow nano-arches is examined numerically in this study. The small-scale effect is taken into account by using the nonlocal theory. The variational formulation is employed to derive the equilibrium equations of the arch based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam hypothesis. Moderate rotations are considered by including the von Karman nonlinear strains. The governing equations are discretized by the finite difference method and are solved iteratively by the generalized displacement control algorithm. In the buckling analysis, the effects of different factors, such as load distribution, initial height, arch span, and nonlocal parameter, on the buckling loads are investigated. The behavioral analysis of the arch with respect to its initial height follows and detailed analyses for the limit point and bifurcation buckling are presented. It is concluded that the value of nonlocal parameters can influence the arch model in two ways: apparently changing its initial rise and switching its buckling mechanism. There is also a comparison between the use of secant and tangent stiffness moduli for tracing the equilibrium paths.
Automatic Video Event Detection for Imbalance Data Using Enhanced Ensemble Deep Learning
Authors: Pouyanfar Samira , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: May 2017

With the explosion of multimedia data, semantic event detection from videos has become a demanding and challenging topic. In addition, when the data has a skewed data distribution, interesting event detection also needs to address the data imbalance problem. The recent proliferation of deep learning has made it an essential part of many Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Till now, various deep learning architectures have been proposed for numerous applications such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and image processing. Nonetheless, it is still impracticable for a single model to work well for different applications. Hence, in this paper, a new ensemble deep learning framework is proposed which can be utilized in various scenarios and datasets. The proposed framework is able to handle the over-fitting issue as well as the information losses caused by single models. Moreover, it alleviates the imbalanced data problem in real-world multimedia data. The whole framework includes a suite of deep learning feature extractors integrated with an enhanced ensemble algorithm based on the performance metrics for the imbalanced data. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is utilized as the last layer of each deep learning component and also as the weak learners in the ensemble module. The framework is evaluated on two large-scale and imbalanced video datasets (namely, disaster and TRECVID). The extensive experimental results illustrate the advantage and effectiveness of the proposed framework. It also demonstrates that the proposed framework outperforms several well-known deep learning methods, as well as the conventional features integrated with different classifiers.
The Perfect Getaway
Authors: Stilkerich Isabella , Lang Clemens , Erhardt Christoph , Bay Christian , Stilkerich Michael
Published: May 2017

The use of a managed, type-safe language such as Java in real-time and embedded systems offers productivity and, in particular, safety and dependability benefits at a reasonable cost. It has been shown for commodity systems that Escape Analysis (EA) enables a set of useful optimizations, and benefits from the properties of a type-safe language. In this article, we explore the application of escape analysis in KESO [Stilkerich et al. 2012], a Java ahead-of-time compiler targeting embedded real-time systems. We present specific applications of EA for embedded programs that go beyond the widely known stack-allocation and synchronization optimizations such as extended remote-procedure-call (RPC) support for software-isolated applications, automated inference of immutable data, or improved upper space and time bounds for worst-case estimations.
Lightweight Architectures for Reliable and Fault Detection Simon and Speck Cryptographic Algorithms on FPGA
Authors: Ahir Prashant , Mozaffari-Kermani Mehran , Azarderakhsh Reza
Published: May 2017

The widespread use of sensitive and constrained applications necessitates lightweight (low-power and low-area) algorithms developed for constrained nano-devices. However, nearly all of such algorithms are optimized for platform-based performance and may not be useful for diverse and flexible applications. The National Security Agency (NSA) has proposed two relatively recent families of lightweight ciphers, that is, Simon and Speck, designed as efficient ciphers on both hardware and software platforms. This article proposes concurrent error detection schemes to provide reliable architectures for these two families of lightweight block ciphers. The research work on analyzing the reliability of these algorithms and providing fault diagnosis approaches has not been undertaken to date to the best of our knowledge. The main aim of the proposed reliable architectures is to provide high error coverage while maintaining acceptable area and power consumption overheads. To achieve this, we propose a variant of recomputing with encoded operands. These low-complexity schemes are suited for low-resource applications such as sensitive, constrained implantable and wearable medical devices. We perform fault simulations for the proposed architectures by developing a fault model framework. The architectures are simulated and analyzed on recent field-programmable grate array (FPGA) platforms, and it is shown that the proposed schemes provide high error coverage. The proposed low-complexity concurrent error detection schemes are a step forward toward more reliable architectures for Simon and Speck algorithms in lightweight, secure applications.
WCET-Aware Function-Level Dynamic Code Management on Scratchpad Memory
Authors: Kim Yooseong , Broman David , Shrivastava Aviral
Published: May 2017

Scratchpad memory (SPM) is a promising on-chip memory choice in real-time and cyber-physical systems where timing is of the utmost importance. SPM has time-predictable characteristics since its data movement between the SPM and the main memory is entirely managed by software. One way of such management is dynamic management. In dynamic management of instruction SPMs, code blocks are dynamically copied from the main memory to the SPM at runtime by executing direct memory access (DMA) instructions. Code management techniques try to minimize the overhead of DMA operations by finding an allocation scheme that leads to efficient utilization. In this article, we present three function-level code management techniques. These techniques perform allocation at the granularity of functions, with the objective of minimizing the impact of DMA overhead to the worst-case execution time (WCET) of a given program. The first technique finds an optimal mapping of each function to a region using integer linear programming (ILP), whereas the second technique is a polynomial-time heuristic that is suboptimal. The third technique maps functions directly to SPM addresses, not using regions, which can further reduce the WCET. Based on ILP, it can also find an optimal mapping. We evaluate our techniques using the Mälardalen WCET suite, MiBench suite, and proprietary automotive applications from industry. The results show that our techniques can significantly reduce the WCET estimates compared to caches with the state-of-the-art cache analysis.
A Comparison of Avionics Open System Architectures
Authors: Tokar Joyce L.
Published: May 2017

Building high-integrity, safety-critical systems is one of the primary activities of the projects within the United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD). Recognizing the need for affordable and effective solutions, the DoD calls for the use of Open System Architecture (OSA) solutions in Better Buying Power (BBP) 3.0 [1], Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 [2], and the Defense Acquisition Guidebook section 4.3.18.15 [3]. The objectives of these documents are to avoid vendor lock, enable affordable capability evolution, and promote innovation. There are several activities underway to define standards that support the development of these systems.

In the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the Unmanned Aerospace Systems (UAS) Command and Control (C2) Standard Initiative (UCI) standard has been defined to address the needs of providing an open architecture specification for unmanned aerial vehicles [4].

The Open Mission Systems (OMS) standard [5] developed by the US Air Force utilizes commercially developed Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) concepts and middleware in its definition along with the UCI standard. The Air Force is looking to extend the capabilities of the OMS standard to facilitate the rapid evolution of avionics systems.

The Open Group has constructed a consortium of government, industry, and academia experts to develop the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE™) [6]. FACE is an open architecture effort that is intended to standardize the development of aviation components.

The paper will present the basic definition of open systems architecture followed by a description of three of the OSA standard activities that are being conducted to address the direction from the DoD. The paper will then examine the similarities and differences between each of these initiatives. Finally, the paper will discuss the usability of OSA.
SafeProver
Authors: Etienne Jean-Frédéric , Juppeaux Eric
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present SAFEPROVER, a formal verification tool based on bounded model checking (BMC) and which uses a set of algorithms derived from the K-Induction principle [1] for invariant satisfaction and lemma generation. The main novelty offered by SAFEPROVER is a set of symmetry detection and latch synthesis rules that are applied on an intermediate representation where the characteristics the models to be analysed are still available. These rules allow to reduce the number of satisfiability checks required to establish the inductiveness of safety properties. On some benchmarks, they have proved to be even more efficient than IC3/PDR and interpolation techniques.
Building Trust in a Model-Based Automatic Code Generator
Authors: Taft S. Tucker , Richa Elie , Toom Andres
Published: May 2017

If we wish to use an automatic code generator for the modelbased development of a safety-critical system, how can we gain sufficient confidence in the correctness of the tool? For a tool like a code generator, which could insert an error into an airborne system, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the highest level of tool qualification [2], Tool Qualification Level 1 (TQL-1), if the tool is going to be used for a Level-A subsystem (one whose failure could be catastrophic). Achieving TQL-1 for such a code generator is analogous to achieving Level A certification for an embedded software component, but the lines of code in the tool can be substantially greater. In this paper we describe approaches to manage the complexity of specification and testing required for Level-1 qualification of a tool like an automatic code generator, a tool which includes multiple phases that transform an input model into optimized generated code.
Politics, Academics, and Africa
Authors: Bates Robert H.
Published: May 2017

The roots of my fascination with politics and Africa run deep; so too does my need for clarity. The combination drove me into the professoriate. My research in Africa convinced me that modernization theory was wrong: The people I came to know in the field were sophisticated in their politics. Additional research convinced me that market-oriented approaches to political economy were wrong and that government intervention could lead to increases in productivity and welfare. Because neoclassical approaches are flexible, I continue to think in terms of strategy and choice and to apply them to the study of development.
Understanding the Political Economy of the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Frieden Jeffry , Walter Stefanie
Published: May 2017

The Eurozone crisis constitutes a grave challenge to European integration. This article presents an overview of the causes of the crisis and analyzes why it has been so difficult to resolve. We focus on how responses to the crisis were shaped by distributive conflicts both among and within countries. On the international level, debtor and creditor countries have fought over the distribution of responsibility for the accumulated debt; countries with current account surpluses and deficits have fought over who should implement the policies necessary to reduce the current account imbalances. Within countries, interest groups have fought to shift the costs of crisis resolution away from themselves. The article emphasizes that the Eurozone crisis shares many features of previous debt and balance-of-payments crises. However, the Eurozone's predicament is unique because it is set within a monetary union that strongly constrains the policy options available to policy makers and vastly increases the interdependence of the euro crisis countries. The outcome of the crisis has also been highly unusual because the costs of crisis resolution have been borne almost exclusively by the debtor countries and taxpayers in the Eurozone.
Flavored e-cigarette liquids and cinnamaldehyde impair respiratory innate immune cell function
Authors: Clapp Phillip W. , Pawlak Erica A. , Lackey Justin T. , Keating James E. , Reeber Steven L. , Glish Gary L. , Jaspers Ilona
Published: May 2017

Innate immune cells of the respiratory tract are the first line of defense against pathogenic and environmental insults. Failure of these cells to perform their immune functions leaves the host susceptible to infection and may contribute to impaired resolution of inflammation. While combustible tobacco cigarettes have been shown to suppress respiratory immune cell function, the effects of flavored electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) and individual flavoring agents on respiratory immune cell responses are unknown. We investigated the effects of seven flavored nicotine-free e-liquids on primary human alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. Cells were challenged with a range of e-liquid dilutions and assayed for their functional responses to pathogenic stimuli. End points included phagocytic capacity (neutrophils and macrophages), neutrophil extracellular trap formation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and cell-mediated cytotoxic response (NK cells). E-liquids were then analyzed via mass spectrometry to identify individual flavoring components. Three cinnamaldehyde-containing e-liquids exhibited dose-dependent broadly immunosuppressive effects. Quantitative mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of cinnamaldehyde in each of the three e-liquids, and cells were subsequently challenged with a range of cinnamaldehyde concentrations. Cinnamaldehyde alone recapitulated the impaired function observed with e-liquid exposures, and cinnamaldehyde-induced suppression of macrophage phagocytosis was reversed by addition of the small-molecule reducing agent 1,4-dithiothreitol. We conclude that cinnamaldehyde has the potential to impair respiratory immune cell function, illustrating an immediate need for further toxicological evaluation of chemical flavoring agents to inform regulation governing their use in e-liquid formulations.
Split-arm swinging: the effect of arm swinging manipulation on interlimb coordination during walking
Authors: Bondi Moshe , Zeilig Gabi , Bloch Ayala , Fasano Alfonso , Plotnik Meir
Published: May 2017

Control mechanisms for four-limb coordination in human locomotion are not fully known. To study the influence of arm swinging (AS) on bilateral coordination of the lower limbs during walking, we introduced a split-AS paradigm in young, healthy adults. AS manipulations caused deterioration in the anti-phased stepping pattern and impacted the AS amplitudes for the contralateral arm, suggesting that lower limb coordination is markedly influenced by the rhythmic AS during walking.
A Blast-Resistant Method Based on Wave Converters with Spring Oscillator for Underground Structures
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Yuanxue , Wu Runze , Zhao Jichang , Hu Ming , Tan Yizhong
Published: May 2017

Researches on blast-resistant measures for underground structures such as tunnels and underground shopping malls are of great importance for their significant role in economic and social development. In this paper, a new blast-resistant method based on wave converters with spring oscillator for underground structures was put forward, so as to convert the shock wave with high frequency and high peak pressure to the periodic stress wave with low frequency and low peak pressure. The conception and calculation process of this new method were introduced. The mechanical characteristics and motion evolution law of wave converters were deduced theoretically. Based on the theoretical deduction results and finite difference software FLAC3D, the dynamic responses of the new blast-resistant structure and the traditional one were both calculated. Results showed that, after the deployment of wave converters, the peak absolute values of the bending moment, shear force, and axial force of the structure decreased generally, which verified the good blast-resistant effect of the new blast-resistant method.
A Comparative Study of Partial Replacement of Wheat Flour with Whey and Soy Protein on Rheological Properties of Dough and Cookie Quality
Authors: Tang Xiaozhi , Liu Junfei
Published: May 2017

The development of wheat-based foods that are enriched with proteins is increasingly popular. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of partial replacement of wheat flour with whey and soy proteins (0–30%) on the rheological properties of dough and cookie-making quality. The incorporation of whey protein (WP) diluted the concentration of gluten, leading to an increase in dough development time (MDT) and breakdown torque and a decrease in stability time (MST) and minimum torque (MMT). The gelation of WP during the heat treatment increased dough peak torque (MPT), G′, and G′′. As a contrast, the addition of soy protein (SP) increased dough MST, MDT, and MMT. The aggregation of SP helped increase G′ and decrease tan δ of the dough in oscillatory shear tests. The weak gelling effects and higher water absorption of SP decreased MPT, G′, and G′′ of the dough during heat treatment. With SP, the spread ratio of cookies first decreased from 6.39 to 5.66 and then increased to 6.86, and the overall acceptability scores ranged from 6.62 to 7.02, indicating that the formed soy protein network helped maintain the dough structure for obtaining an improvement in the quality of bakery products.
From Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Insulin-Producing Cells: Comparison between Bone Marrow- and Adipose Tissue-Derived Cells
Authors: Gabr Mahmoud M. , Zakaria Mahmoud M. , Refaie Ayman F. , Abdel-Rahman Engy A. , Reda Asmaa M. , Ali Sameh S. , Khater Sherry M. , Ashamallah Sylvia A. , Ismail Amani M. , Ismail Hossam El-Din A. , El-Badri Nagwa , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to compare human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs), for their differentiation potentials to form insulin-producing cells. BM-MSCs were obtained during elective orthotopic surgery and AT-MSCs from fatty aspirates during elective cosmetics procedures. Following their expansion, cells were characterized by phenotyping, trilineage differentiation ability, and basal gene expression of pluripotency genes and for their metabolic characteristics. Cells were differentiated according to a Trichostatin-A based protocol. The differentiated cells were evaluated by immunocytochemistry staining for insulin and c-peptide. In addition the expression of relevant pancreatic endocrine genes was determined. The release of insulin and c-peptide in response to a glucose challenge was also quantitated. There were some differences in basal gene expression and metabolic characteristics. After differentiation the proportion of the resulting insulin-producing cells (IPCs), was comparable among both cell sources. Again, there were no differences neither in the levels of gene expression nor in the amounts of insulin and c-peptide release as a function of glucose challenge. The properties, availability, and abundance of AT-MSCs render them well-suited for applications in regenerative medicine.Conclusion. BM-MSCs and AT-MSCs are comparable regarding their differential potential to form IPCs. The availability and properties of AT-MSCs render them well-suited for applications in regenerative medicine.
Effect of Precursor Concentration on Structural Optical and Electrical Properties of NiO Thin Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Barir Rafia , Benhaoua Boubaker , Benhamida Soufiane , Rahal Achour , Sahraoui Toufik , Gheriani Rachid
Published: May 2017

Undoped nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited on 500°C heated glass substrates using spray pyrolysis method at (0.015–0.1 M) range of precursor. The latter was obtained by decomposition of nickel nitrate hexahydrate in double distilled water. Effect of precursor concentration on structural, optical, and electrical properties of NiO thin films was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the formation of NiO under cubic structure with single diffraction peak along(111)plane at2θ=37.24°. When precursor concentration reaches 0.1 M, an increment in NiO crystallite size over 37.04 nm was obtained indicating the product nano structure. SEM images reveal that beyond 0.04 M as precursor concentration the substrate becomes completely covered with NiO and thin films exhibit formation of nano agglomerations at the top of the sample surface. Ni-O bonds vibrations modes in the product of films were confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Transparency of the films ranged from 57 to 88% and band gap energy of the films decreases from 3.68 to 3.60 eV with increasing precursor concentration. Electrical properties of the elaborated NiO thin films were correlated to the precursor concentration.
Specific Gene- and MicroRNA-Expression Pattern Contributes to the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in a Rat Model of Experimental Colitis
Authors: Boros Éva , Csatári Marianna , Varga Csaba , Bálint Balázs , Nagy István
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the gene- and microRNA-expression profile contributing to epithelial to mesenchymal transition in a rat model of experimental colitis. For this, inflammation was induced by injecting 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid to the colon of male Wistar rats. Samples were taken from both inflamed and uninflamed regions of the same colon, total RNA was isolated, and the mRNA and microRNA expressions were monitored. We have determined that the expression of genes responsible for inducing mesenchymal phenotype, such as Egr1, Fgf2, Fgf7, Jak2, Notch2, Hif1α, Zeb2, Mmp9, Lox, and Vim, was all significantly induced in the inflamed regions of the affected colons while the epithelial marker E-cadherin (Cdh1) was downregulated. In contrast, the expression of microRNAs miR-192, miR-143, miR-375, miR-30a, miR-107, and miR-200b responsible for the regulation of the above mentioned genes was significantly downregulated in inflamed colon. Importantly, we detected moderate induction in the expression of five out of six tested microRNAs in the uninflamed regions. In summary, we identified numerous interacting genes and microRNAs with mutually exclusive expression pattern in inflamed regions of colitis-induced rats. These findings suggest that—among others—an important step in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in experimental colitis is the dysregulated microRNA expression.
Drivability Improvement Control for Vehicle Start-Up Applied to an Automated Manual Transmission
Authors: Jiang Danna , Huang Ying , Zuo Zhe , Li Huan
Published: May 2017

Drivability is the key factor for the automated manual transmission. It includes fast response to the driver’s demand and the driving comfort. This paper deals with a control methodology applied to an automated manual transmission vehicle for drivability enhancement during vehicle start-up phase. Based on a piecewise model of powertrain, a multiple-model predictive controller (mMPC) is designed with the engine speed, clutch disc speed, and wheel speed as the measurable input variables and the engine torque reference and clutch friction torque reference as the controller’s output variables. The model not only includes the clutch dynamic, the flexible shaft dynamic, but also includes the actuators’ delay character. Considering the driver’s intention, a slipping speed trajectory is generated based on the acceleration pedal dynamically. The designed control strategy is verified on a complete powertrain and longitudinal vehicle dynamic model with different driver’s torque demands.
Analyses of Mineral Content and Heavy Metal of Honey Samples from South and East Region of Turkey by Using ICP-MS
Authors: Kılıç Altun Serap , Dinç Hikmet , Paksoy Nilgün , Temamoğulları Füsun Karaçal , Savrunlu Mehmet
Published: May 2017

The substantial of mineral ingredients in honey may symbolize the existence of elements in the plants and soil of the vicinity wherein the honey was taken. The aim of this study was to detect the levels of 13 elements (Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Aluminum (Al), and Selenium (Se)) in unifloral and multifloral honey samples from south and east regions of Turkey. Survey of 71 honey samples from seven different herbal origins, picked up from the south and east region of Turkey, was carried out to determine their mineral contents during 2015-2016. The mineral contents were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The most abundant minerals were K, Na, and Ca ranging within 1.18–268 ppm, 0.57–13.1 ppm, and 0.77–4.5 ppm, respectively. Zn and Cu were the most abundant trace element while Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr were the lowest heavy metals in the honey samples surveyed, with regard to the concentrations of heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr suggested and influence of the botanical origin of element composition. Geochemical and geographical differences are probably related to the variations of the chemical components of honey samples.
c-Kit-Positive Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote the Growth and Angiogenesis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Wenjie , Xu Haiqian , Qian Cheng
Published: May 2017

Background. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) improve the regenerative ability and retention of fat grafts for breast reconstruction in cancer patients following mastectomy. However, ASCs have also been shown to promote breast cancer cell growth and metastasis. For the safety of ASC application, we aimed to identify specific markers for the subpopulation of ASCs that enhance the growth of breast cancer.Methods. ASCs and bone marrow-derived vascular endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were isolated from Balb/c mice. c-Kit-positive (c-Kit+) or c-Kit-negative (c-Kit-) ASCs were cocultured with 4T1 breast cancer cells. Orthotropic murine models of 4T1, EPCs + 4T1, and c-Kit+/-ASCs + 4T1/EPCs were established in Balb/c mice.Results. In coculture, c-Kit+ASCs enhanced the viability and proliferation of 4T1 cells and stimulated c-Kit expression and interleukin-3 (IL-3) release. In mouse models, c-Kit+ASCs + 4T1/EPCs coinjection increased the tumor volume and vessel formation. Moreover, IL-3, stromal cell-derived factor-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A in the c-Kit+ASCs + 4T1/EPCs coinjection group were higher than those in the 4T1, EPCs + 4T1, and c-Kit-ASCs + 4T1/EPCs groups.Conclusions. c-Kit+ASCs may promote breast cancer growth and angiogenesis by a synergistic effect of c-Kit and IL-3. Our findings suggest that c-Kit+subpopulations of ASCs should be eliminated in fat grafts for breast reconstruction of cancer patients following mastectomy.
Active Ingredients of Epimedii Folium and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus Balanced GR/HSP90 to Improve the Sensitivity of Asthmatic Rats to Budesonide
Authors: Tang Xiufeng , Li Xiaoxi , Nian Honglei , Yang Yan , Chen Yuheng , Wang Xiujuan , Xu Liping , Yang Xinwei , Liu Renhui
Published: May 2017

This study aimed to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Epimedii Folium (EF) and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) combined with Budesonide (Bun) in asthmatic rats. Rats were divided into 5 groups, including normal group, asthma model group, Bun group, group of active ingredients of EL and LLF (EL), and group of coadministration of Bun with EL (Bun&EL). The asthmatic model was prepared by ovalbumin sensitizing and challenging. Lymphocyte apoptosis, GR protein and binding, and the protein and mRNA of GRα, GRβ, and HSP90 were tested. The results showed that Bun&EL ① markedly increased lymphocyte apoptosis, GR and HSP90 protein, and GR binding in BALF and ② enhanced the expressions of GRα and HSP90 and the ratio of GRα to GRβ or to HSP90 both in protein and in mRNA levels in lung, ③ while decrease occurred in GRβ mRNA and the mRNA ratio of GRβ to HSP90 compared with asthma or Bun group. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between GRα and GRβ in protein level, or between GRα and HSP90 both in protein and in mRNA levels. EL may effectively enhance the sensitivity of asthmatic rats to Bun via balancing GR/HSP90. And these findings will be beneficial for the treatment of asthma in the future.
Predicting Social Unrest Events with Hidden Markov Models Using GDELT
Authors: Qiao Fengcai , Li Pei , Zhang Xin , Ding Zhaoyun , Cheng Jiajun , Wang Hui
Published: May 2017

Proactive handling of social unrest events which are common happenings in both democracies and authoritarian regimes requires that the risk of upcoming social unrest event is continuously assessed. Most existing approaches comparatively pay little attention to considering the event development stages. In this paper, we use autocoded events dataset GDELT (Global Data on Events, Location, and Tone) to build a Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) based framework to predict indicators associated with country instability. The framework utilizes the temporal burst patterns in GDELT event streams to uncover the underlying event development mechanics and formulates the social unrest event prediction as a sequence classification problem based on Bayes decision. Extensive experiments with data from five countries in Southeast Asia demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework, which outperforms the logistic regression method by 7% to 27% and the baseline method 34% to 62% for various countries.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Elderly: An Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Tika Ram , Shahi Sudha , Bhandari Rajeev , Poudel Rajesh
Published: May 2017

Background. The incidence of gallstone increases with increasing age. No studies have been reported in the elderly population with laparoscopic cholecystectomy from developing nations. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy between the elderly (≥60 years old) and the young (<60 years old).Methods. From July 2015 to June 2016, a retrospective review of medical records of 78 elderly patients (≥60 years old) and 164 young patients (<60 years old) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done. The patients’ demographics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.Results. Median ages were 65 years (range: 60–80) and 45 years (range: 21–59) for the elderly group and the young group. The majority of patients were female (62.8 and 72%). There were no significant differences in the conversion rate (9 and 7.9%,P=0.78), postoperative complications (17.9 and 14.6%,P=0.50), and length of stay in the hospital (4 days for both groups,P=0.35) between the two groups. There was no mortality in either of the groups.Conclusion. Our results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients are comparable with those in young patients. Therefore, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe even in the elderly population.
Perioperative COX-2 and β-Adrenergic Blockade Improves Metastatic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Patients in a Phase-II Randomized Trial
Authors: Shaashua Lee , Shabat-Simon Maytal , Haldar Rita , Matzner Pini , Zmora Oded , Shabtai Moshe , Sharon Eran , Allweis Tanir , Barshack Iris , Hayman Lucile , Arevalo Jesusa , Ma Jeffrey , Horowitz Maya , Cole Steven , Ben-Eliyahu Shamgar
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Translational studies suggest that excess perioperative release of catecholamines and prostaglandins may facilitate metastasis and reduce disease-free survival. This trial tested the combined perioperative blockade of these pathways in breast cancer patients.

Experimental Design: In a randomized placebo-controlled biomarker trial, 38 early-stage breast cancer patients received 11 days of perioperative treatment with a β-adrenergic antagonist (propranolol) and a COX-2 inhibitor (etodolac), beginning 5 days before surgery. Excised tumors and sequential blood samples were assessed for prometastatic biomarkers.

Results: Drugs were well tolerated with adverse event rates comparable with placebo. Transcriptome profiling of the primary tumor tested a priori hypotheses and indicated that drug treatment significantly (i) decreased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, (ii) reduced activity of prometastatic/proinflammatory transcription factors (GATA-1, GATA-2, early-growth-response-3/EGR3, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3/STAT-3), and (iii) decreased tumor-infiltrating monocytes while increasing tumor-infiltrating B cells. Drug treatment also significantly abrogated presurgical increases in serum IL6 and C-reactive protein levels, abrogated perioperative declines in stimulated IL12 and IFNγ production, abrogated postoperative mobilization of CD16− “classical” monocytes, and enhanced expression of CD11a on circulating natural killer cells.

Conclusions: Perioperative inhibition of COX-2 and β-adrenergic signaling provides a safe and effective strategy for inhibiting multiple cellular and molecular pathways related to metastasis and disease recurrence in early-stage breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4651–61. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical Pharmacopsychology: Conceptual Foundations and Emerging Tasks
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Tomba Elena , Bech Per
Published: May 2017

The aim of this critical review was to outline emerging trends and perspectives of clinical pharmacopsychology, an area of clinical psychology that is concerned with the psychological effects of medications. The historical development of clinical pharmacopsychology is outlined, with discussion of its most representative expressions and reference to current challenges of clinical research, with particular reference to clinimetrics. The domains of clinical pharmacopsychology encompass the clinical benefits of psychotropic drugs, the characteristics that predict responsiveness to treatment, the vulnerabilities induced by treatment (side effects, behavioral toxicity, iatrogenic comorbidity), and the interactions between drug treatment and psychological variables. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the clinical important changes that are concerned with (a) wanted and expected treatment effects, (b) treatment-induced unwanted side effects, and (c) the patient's own personal experience of a change in terms of well-being and/or quality of life. Clinical pharmacopsychology offers a unifying framework for the understanding of clinical phenomena in medical and psychiatric settings. Research in this area deserves high priority.
Exogen Hairs in Women with and without Hair Loss
Authors: Guarrera Marcella , Rebora Alfredo
Published: May 2017

Contrary to the classical view of the hair cycle, in which telogen is the resting phase that precedes the release of the hair shaft, another phase has been introduced, exogen. Exogen is the phase wherein the processes for the release of the hair shaft are initiated and successfully executed. Exogen ends when the shaft is liberated. Accordingly, human hairs would be preferably released not with telogen but with exogen roots. To better understand this somehow revolutionary point and what occurs in telogen effluvium (TE) and in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), we undertook a morphological study. We examined 25 women of comparable age by collecting shedding hairs by the Modified Wash Test under stringent diagnostic criteria. Eight patients were “normal”, 5 had AGA, 9 TE, and 3 had a TE+AGA overlap. Hair roots were divided into early telogen, full telogen, and exogen. Exogens accounted, in normal women, for 2.6% of all hairs, for 5.2% in AGA, for 6.6% in TE, and for 2.3% in TE+AGA, without any significant difference. Our exogen prevalence (2.6%) did not vary in patients with AGA and TE. Therefore, the pathogenetic role of exogen in AGA and TE seems negligible.
Is the Prophylactic Use of Hepatoprotectants Necessary in Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment?
Authors: Xu Li , Zhang Fei , Xu Chen , Liu Kai-ge , Wu Wei , Tian Ying-xuan
Published: May 2017

Background: Liver injury is one of the serious side effects of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. It is controversial whether hepatoprotectant prophylaxis is efficient and safe in anti-TB treatment, so we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of hepatoprotectant prophylaxis in patients who had received anti-TB treatment. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, Ovid, Springer link, Wiley, Elsevier, Web of Science, and the Karger Online Journal were systematically searched prior to April 2016 for articles related to hepatoprotectant prophylaxis in the treatment of TB. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of hepatoprotective agents on liver function and adverse events (AEs) in patients who had received anti-TB drugs. The primary outcomes were changes in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. The other outcomes were drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and AEs. Results: In our review, 6 trials that involved 1,227 patients were included. Our analysis indicated that hepatoprotective agents exerted protective effects on liver function in patients who had received anti-TB drugs (weighted mean difference, WMD = -7.81, 95% CI [-12.26, -3.37], p = 0.0006 [ALT]; WMD = -7.07, 95% CI [-11.43, -2.72], p = 0.001 [AST]) in any age group. However, in the subgroup analysis of treatment duration, the use of hepatoprotective agents was not associated with significant changes in ALT and AST levels after 2 weeks of treatment and exhibited a positive effect on liver function after 4 weeks of treatment. Moreover, the use of hepatoprotectants significantly decreased the number of DILI cases (risk ratio, RR 0.50, 95% CI [0.34-0.73], p = 0.0004). However, the use of hepatoprotectants led to similar AEs in the control groups (RR 1.07, 95% CI [0.82-1.39], p = 0.62). Conclusions: The use of hepatoprotective drugs may prevent liver injury in patients who are receiving anti-TB drugs without any significant AEs 4 weeks after the initiation of hepatoprotective medication.
Effect of the Serum Inhibited Gene (Si1) on Autophagy and Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yu , Cui Yong , Wang Wenxue , Ma Mingxing , Li Meizhang , Chen Suiyun
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The serum inhibited gene (Si1) was named according to its inhibited expression in response to serum exposure. Si1 has an important relationship with tumors. Autophagy and apoptosis are two types of cell death. However, there are few studies regarding the association between Si1 and autophagy, or apoptosis in tumors. In this, we investigated the effect of Si1 on the proliferation and cell cycle progression of MCF-7 cells and its influence on autophagy and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Methods: To investigate these functions of Si1 in tumor cells, we firstly constructed a pEGFP-Si1 overexpression vector and a pSilencer-Si1 interference vector, and we subsequently tested the proliferation and cell cycle progression of MCF-7 cells using the MTT assay and flow cytometry, and we then detected autophagy by western blotting and MDC (Monodansylcadaverine) staining as well as apoptosis by western blotting and Hoechst 33258 staining. Results: We found that the Si1 gene can significantly inhibit the viability of MCF-7 cells and arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Si1 can induce autophagy through upregulation of LC3-II and Beclin1, it can induce apoptosis through cleavage of PARP in MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Altogether, our study indicated that Si1 can inhibit cell proliferation of MCF-7, and also induces autophagy and apoptosis. This study firstly investigated the effect of Si1 on autophagy and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, it also improves the current understanding of the mechanisms related to the effect of Si1 on tumor cells and also provides a foundation for gene-targeted therapy.