bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Software Maintenance via Early Prediction of Fault-Prone Object-Oriented Classes
Authors: Bassey Isong
Published: May 2017

Object-oriented software (OOS) is dominating the software development world today and thus, has to be of high quality and maintainable. However, their recent size and complexity affects the delivering of software products with high quality as well as their maintenance. In the perspective of software maintenance, software change impact analysis (SCIA) is used to avoid performing change in the “dark”. Unfortunately, OOS classes are not without faults and the existing SCIA techniques only predict impact set. The intuition is that, if a class is faulty and change is implemented on it, it will increase the risk of software failure. To balance these, maintenance should incorporate both impact and fault-proneness (FP) predictions. Therefore, this paper propose an extended approach of SCIA that incorporates both activities. The goal is to provide important information that can be used to focus verification and validation efforts on the high risk classes that would probably cause severe failures when changes are made. This will in turn increase maintenance, testing efficiency and preserve software quality. This study constructed a prediction model using software metrics and faults data from NASA data set in the public domain. The results obtained were analyzed and presented. Additionally, a tool called Class Change Recommender (CCRecommender) was developed to assist software engineers compute the risks associated with making change to any OOS class in the impact set.
WKB analysis of generalized derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations without hyperbolicity
Authors: Carles Rémi , Gallo Clément
Published: May 2017

We consider the semi-classical limit of nonlinear Schrödinger equations in the presence of both a polynomial nonlinearity and the derivative in space of a polynomial nonlinearity. By working in a class of analytic initial data, we do not have to assume any hyperbolic structure on the (limiting) phase/amplitude system. The solution, its approximation, and the error estimates are considered in time-dependent analytic regularity.
Convergence of alternate minimization schemes for phase-field fracture and damage
Authors: Knees Dorothee , Negri Matteo
Published: May 2017

We consider time-discrete evolutions for a phase-field model (for fracture and damage) obtained by alternate minimization schemes. First, we characterize their time-continuous limit in terms of parametrized [Formula: see text]-evolutions, introducing a suitable family of “intrinsic energy norms”. Further, we show that the limit evolution satisfies Griffith’s criterion, for a phase-field energy release, and that the irreversibility constraint is thermodynamically consistent.
IMPACT OF N DOPING ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO THIN FILMS
Authors: NARAYANAN NRIPASREE , DEEPAK N. K.
Published: May 2017

Structural, optical and electrical properties of bare and N monodoped ZnO thin films were investigated. The samples were prepared on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique. N doping resulted in p type electrical conductivity as evident from the Hall measurement results. XRD analysis confirmed the structural purity of all the films and compositional analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified the inclusion of N in doped films in addition to Zn and O. Doping resulted in deterioration in crystallinity. Optical transmittance got diminished with doping due to the degradation in crystallinity as well as due to the presence of deep N related defects as evident from the photoluminescence spectra. Optical energy gap red-shifted with doping percentage due to the introduction of impurity levels near the valence band edge within the forbidden gap with acceptor doping.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CORROSION BEHAVIOR FOR PLASMA NITRIDED 1045 CARBON STEEL WITH AND WITHOUT PRETREATMENT OF SAND BLASTING
Authors: LU SHIJING , ZHAO XIAOBING , MIAO BIN , SONG LU , WEI KUNXIA , HU JING
Published: May 2017

A pretreatment of sand blasting with the duration of 15[Formula: see text]min was carried out prior to plasma nitriding for 1045 carbon steel in this study. The corrosion behavior was evaluated by means of electrochemical polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and soaking test, and compared with that without pretreatment of sand blasting. The results show that the pretreatment of sand blasting can significantly enhance the corrosion resistance, the corrosion potential shift to the noble direction, with higher corrosion potential of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mV and lower corrosion current of 0.0853[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A/cm2, and exhibit larger diameter, higher phase angle and wider frequency region, there exists no corrosion pit after soaking test, and the corrosion rate is decreased from 0.0387[Formula: see text]g/mm2 to 0.01341[Formula: see text]g/mm2, only 1/3 comparing with that of sample without pretreatment of sand blasting. The enhancement mechanism of corrosion behavior is mainly ascribed to the excellent protection from the thicker and denser compound layer with higher amount of [Formula: see text]-Fe[Formula: see text]N.
STUDY ON PROPERTIES OF CoNi FILMS WITH Mn DOPING PREPARED BY MAGNETIC FIELDS INDUCED CODEPOSITION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: GANG LIANG , YU YUNDAN , GE HONGLIANG , WEI GUOYING , JIANG LI , SUN LIXIA
Published: May 2017

Magnetic field parallel to electric field was induced during plating process to prepare CoNiMn alloy films on copper substrate. Electrochemistry mechanism and properties of CoNiMn alloy films were investigated in this paper. Micro magnetohydrodynamic convection phenomenon caused by vertical component of current density and parallel magnetic field due to deformation of current distribution contributed directly to the improvement of cathode current and deposition rate. Cathode current of the CoNiMn plating system increased about 30% with 1[Formula: see text]T magnetic field induced. It was found that CoNiMn films electrodeposited with magnetic fields basically belonged to a kind of progressive nucleation mode. Higher magnetic intensity intended to obtain CoNiMn films with good crystal structures and highly preferred orientations. With the increase of magnetic intensities, surface morphology of CoNiMn alloy films changed from typically nodular to needle-like structures. Compared with coatings electrodeposited without magnetic field, CoNiMn alloy films prepared with magnetic fields possessed better magnetic properties. Coercivity, remanence and saturation magnetization of samples increased sharply when 1[Formula: see text]T magnetic field was induced during plating process.
HARDNESS AND ELASTIC MODULUS OF TITANIUM NITRIDE COATINGS PREPARED BY PIRAC METHOD
Authors: WU SIYUAN , WU SHOUJUN , ZHANG GUOYUN , ZHANG WEIGUO
Published: May 2017

In the present work, hardness and elastic modulus of a titanium nitride coatings prepared on Ti6Al4V by powder immersion reaction-assisted coating (PIRAC) are tested and comparatively studied with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) TiN coating. Surface hardness of the PIRAC coatings is about 11[Formula: see text]GPa, much lower than that of PVD coating of 22[Formula: see text]GPa. The hardness distribution profile from surface to substrate of the PVD coatings is steeply decreased from [Formula: see text]22[Formula: see text]GPa to [Formula: see text]4.5[Formula: see text]GPa of the Ti6Al4V substrate. The PIRAC coatings show a gradually decreasing hardness distribution profile. Elastic modulus of the PVD coating is about 426[Formula: see text]GPa. The PIRAC coatings show adjustable elastic modulus. Elastic modulus of the PIRAC coatings prepared at 750[Formula: see text]C for 24[Formula: see text]h and that at 800[Formula: see text]C for 8[Formula: see text]h is about 234 and 293[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively.
An Efficient Optimization Approach for Top-k Queries on Uncertain Data
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Wei Xiaoyan , Xie Xiaoqin , Pan Haiwei , Miao Yu
Published: May 2017

Uncertain data is inherent in various important applications and Top-[Formula: see text] query on uncertain data is an important query type for many applications. To tackle the performance issue of evaluating Top-[Formula: see text] query on uncertain data, an efficient optimization approach was proposed in this paper. This method can anticipate the tuples most likely to become Top-[Formula: see text] result based on dominant relationship analysis, greatly reducing the amount of data in query processing. When the database is updated, this method could determine whether the change affects the current query result, and help us to avoid unnecessary re-query. The experimental results prove the feasibility and effectiveness of this method.
Purity over Prüfer v-multiplication domains
Authors: Xing Shiqi , Wang Fanggui
Published: May 2017

It is well known that a domain [Formula: see text] is a Prüfer domain if and only if for [Formula: see text]-modules, relative divisibility implies purity. In this paper, we extend this result to Prüfer [Formula: see text]-multiplication domains (P[Formula: see text]MDs). To do this, we introduce the concept of [Formula: see text]-pure exact sequences over commutative rings with zero divisors, and we prove that a domain [Formula: see text] is a P[Formula: see text]MD if and only if for [Formula: see text]-modules, relative divisibility implies [Formula: see text]-purity. Also, we compare [Formula: see text]-purity with purity and relative divisibility by giving examples.
A useful result related with zeros of continuous compactly supported mother wavelets
Authors: Ayache Antoine , Esser Céline
Published: May 2017

In the last two decades, wavelet bases and associated methodologies have become quite important in many domains, such as signal and image processing, harmonic analysis, statistics, and so on. More recently, they also turn out to be quite useful in the probabilistic framework of stochastic processes, in which, among other things, they allow to obtain fine results concerning erratic sample paths behavior. The goal of our paper is to derive a result, related with zeros of continuous compactly supported mother wavelets, which is useful in this probabilistic framework. More precisely, let [Formula: see text] be any arbitrary such wavelet; we show that being given an arbitrary point [Formula: see text] there always exists at least one integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text].
Large-scale parallel genome assembler over cloud computing environment
Authors: Das Arghya Kusum , Koppa Praveen Kumar , Goswami Sayan , Platania Richard , Park Seung-Jong
Published: May 2017

The size of high throughput DNA sequencing data has already reached the terabyte scale. To manage this huge volume of data, many downstream sequencing applications started using locality-based computing over different cloud infrastructures to take advantage of elastic (pay as you go) resources at a lower cost. However, the locality-based programming model (e.g. MapReduce) is relatively new. Consequently, developing scalable data-intensive bioinformatics applications using this model and understanding the hardware environment that these applications require for good performance, both require further research.

In this paper, we present a de Bruijn graph oriented Parallel Giraph-based Genome Assembler (GiGA), as well as the hardware platform required for its optimal performance. GiGA uses the power of Hadoop (MapReduce) and Giraph (large-scale graph analysis) to achieve high scalability over hundreds of compute nodes by collocating the computation and data. GiGA achieves significantly higher scalability with competitive assembly quality compared to contemporary parallel assemblers (e.g. ABySS and Contrail) over traditional HPC cluster. Moreover, we show that the performance of GiGA is significantly improved by using an SSD-based private cloud infrastructure over traditional HPC cluster. We observe that the performance of GiGA on 256 cores of this SSD-based cloud infrastructure closely matches that of 512 cores of traditional HPC cluster.
Products of cyclotomic polynomials on unit circle
Authors: Bzdȩga Bartłomiej
Published: May 2017

We present a method to deal with the values of polynomials of type [Formula: see text] on the unit circle. We use it to improve the known bounds on various measures of coefficients of cyclotomic and similar polynomials.
Lower bounds for discriminants of polynomials
Authors: Kim Kwang-Seob
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a monic irreducible polynomial of degree [Formula: see text] having exactly [Formula: see text] real roots and [Formula: see text] complex roots with integer coefficients and [Formula: see text] be its polynomial discriminant. Suppose that [Formula: see text] is square-free. In this paper, we will give a lower bound for polynomial discriminants [Formula: see text] for given [Formula: see text].
Power-Dependent Optical Property of Yb/Er: NaGdF4@Yb: NaGdF4@Yb:NaNdF4 Nanocrystals
Authors: Lei Lei , Xu Shiqing , Yang Jingyi , Lee Ho Wai Howard
Published: May 2017

In most of the reports on nanocrystal (NC) luminescent, the power depedence of luminescent intensity is studied using a continuous-wave laser with low power density, and the slopes of those different emission bands keep unchanged. In this paper, the up/down conversion of monodisperse Yb/Er: NaGdF4@Yb: NaGdF4@Yb: NaNdF4 NCs under the excitation of 800[Formula: see text]nm femtosecond laser was detected simultaneously by a home-built optical measurement setup. The power-dependent optical properties under the excitation of femtosecond laser are quite different from the normal situation, which is due to their high peak power and energy transfer processes: Nd[Formula: see text].
On the endomorphism monoids of Clifford semigroups
Authors: Worawiset Somnuek
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study properties of the endomorphism monoids of strong semilattices of groups. In Sec. 2, several properties for endomorphism monoids of finite semilattices are investigated. In Sec. 3, we collect some results on endomorphism monoids of strong semilattices of groups, i.e. Clifford semigroups.
Pulsed magnetic field-induced changes in the meso- and nanostructure of Co49Ni21Ga30 martensite
Authors: Gerstein G. , L’vov Victor , Chumlyakov Yuriy , Niendorf T. , Krooß P. , Dalinger Andrej , Heidenblut Torsten , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: May 2017

A near single-variant martensitic state of Co[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text] alloy was induced by a static axial stress of 66[Formula: see text]MPa. Upon application of a magnetic field pulse, the single-variant state of stressed specimen was transformed into a hierarchic martensitic structure at micron, submicron and nanometer scales. The martensitic structures, which were induced during the magnetic field pulse, did not disappear after the field was switched off. This stability of the field-induced martensitic structure is attributed to the appearance of additional twinning systems with hardly mobile twin boundaries.
Assessment of accuracy of modal parameters of a rotor dynamic system using different types of finite elements
Authors: Ramasubramaniam E. S. , Thyla P. R. , Mahendrakumar N.
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this work is to check the compatibility of Finite element method (FEM) to determine the modal parameters of the rotor system and to compare the results with analytical method. Current work is an attempt to implement different finite element (FE) models for the estimation of modal parameters. Two different order elements from Beam, Axisymmetric and Solid FE models are considered. The analysis is carried out on the rotor system and the accuracy of the results and the computation time of the FE models are estimated. The FE results are compared with the analytical method. It is observed that FE model can be used to simulate even at higher order frequencies, which is a limitation of analytical model. The analysis shows that the FE results closely match with analytical method and also the study summarizes that proper choosing of FE helps in developing rotor models in both a desirable accuracy and efficiency. Finally, a Campbell diagram is generated using the analytical method and FEM. The critical speeds are also calculated from the Campbell diagram. The closeness of the results between the two methods is checked.
A Fast Hierarchical Adaptive Analog Routing Algorithm Based on Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Torabi Mohammad , Zhang Lihong
Published: May 2017

The shrinking design window and high parasitic sensitivity in advanced technologies have imposed special challenges on analog and radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit design. The state-of-the-art analog routing research tends to favor linear programming to achieve various analog constraints, which, although effective, fail to offer high routing efficiency on its own. In this article, we propose a new methodology to address such a deficiency based on integer linear programming (ILP) but without compromising the capability of handling any special constraints for the analog routing problems. Our proposed method supports hierarchical routing, which can divide the entire routing area into multiple small heterogeneous regions where the ILP can efficiently derive routing solutions. Distinct from the conventional methods, our algorithm utilizes adaptive resolutions for various routing regions. For a more congested region, a routing grid with higher resolution is employed, whereas a lower-resolution grid is adopted to a less-crowded routing region. For a large empty space, routing efficiency can be even boosted by creating more routing hierarchy levels. This scheme is especially beneficial to the analog and RF layouts, which are far sparser than their digital counterparts. The experimental results show that our proposed adaptive ILP-based router is much faster than the conventional ones, since it spends much less time in the areas that need no accurate routing anyway. The higher efficiency is demonstrated for large circuits and especially sparse layouts along with promising routing quality in terms of analog constraints.
Presleep dietary protein-derived amino acids are incorporated in myofibrillar protein during postexercise overnight recovery
Authors: Trommelen Jorn , Kouw Imre W. K. , Holwerda Andrew M. , Snijders Tim , Halson Shona L. , Rollo Ian , Verdijk Lex B. , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of ingesting 30 g casein protein with and without 2 g free leucine before sleep on myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during postexercise overnight recovery. Thirty-six healthy young men performed a single bout of resistance-type exercise in the evening (1945) after a full day of dietary standardization. Thirty minutes before sleep (2330), subjects ingested 30 g intrinsically l-[1-13C]phenylalanine-labeled protein with (PRO+leu, n = 12) or without (PRO, n = 12) 2 g free leucine, or a noncaloric placebo (PLA, n = 12). Continuous intravenous l-[ ring-2H5]phenylalanine, l-[1-13C]leucine, and l-[ ring-2H2]tyrosine infusions were applied. Blood and muscle tissue samples were collected to assess whole body protein net balance, myofibrillar protein synthesis rates, and overnight incorporation of dietary protein-derived amino acids into myofibrillar protein. Protein ingestion before sleep improved overnight whole body protein net balance ( P < 0.001). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates did not differ significantly between treatments as assessed by l-[ ring-2H5]phenylalanine (0.057 ± 0.002, 0.055 ± 0.002, and 0.055 ± 0.004%/h for PLA, PRO, and PRO+leu, respectively; means ± SE; P = 0.850) or l-[1-13C]leucine (0.080 ± 0.004, 0.073 ± 0.004, and 0.083 ± 0.006%/h, respectively; P = 0.328). Myofibrillar l-[1-13C]phenylalanine enrichments increased following protein ingestion but did not differ between the PRO and PRO+leu treatments. In conclusion, protein ingestion before sleep improves whole body protein net balance and provides amino acids that are incorporated into myofibrillar protein during sleep. However, the ingestion of 30 g casein protein with or without additional free leucine before sleep does not increase muscle protein synthesis rates during postexercise overnight recovery.
Cerebral oxygenation and regional cerebral perfusion responses with resistance breathing during central hypovolemia
Authors: Kay Victoria L. , Sprick Justin D. , Rickards Caroline A.
Published: May 2017

Resistance breathing improves tolerance to central hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP), but this is not related to protection of anterior cerebral blood flow [indexed by mean middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv)]. We hypothesized that inspiratory resistance breathing improves tolerance to central hypovolemia by maintaining cerebral oxygenation (ScO2), and protecting cerebral blood flow in the posterior cerebral circulation [indexed by posterior cerebral artery velocity (PCAv)]. Eight subjects (4 male/4 female) completed two experimental sessions of a presyncopal-limited LBNP protocol (3 mmHg/min onset rate) with and without (Control) resistance breathing via an impedance threshold device (ITD). ScO2 (via near-infrared spectroscopy), MCAv and PCAv (both via transcranial Doppler ultrasound), and arterial pressure (via finger photoplethysmography) were measured continuously. Hemodynamic responses were analyzed between the Control and ITD condition at baseline (T1) and the time representing 10 s before presyncope in the Control condition (T2). While breathing on the ITD increased LBNP tolerance from 1,506 ± 75 s to 1,704 ± 88 s ( P = 0.003), both mean MCAv and mean PCAv were similar between conditions at T2 ( P ≥ 0.46), and decreased by the same magnitude with and without ITD breathing ( P ≥ 0.53). ScO2 also decreased by ~9% with or without ITD breathing at T2 ( P = 0.97), and there were also no differences in deoxygenated (dHb) or oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) between conditions at T2 ( P ≥ 0.43). There was no evidence that protection of regional cerebral blood velocity (i.e., anterior or posterior cerebral circulation) nor cerebral oxygen extraction played a key role in the determination of tolerance to central hypovolemia with resistance breathing.
Endothelial marker-expressing stromal cells are critical for kidney formation
Authors: Mukherjee Elina , Maringer Katherine , Papke Emily , Bushnell Daniel , Schaefer Caitlin , Kramann Rafael , Ho Jacqueline , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Bates Carlton , Sims-Lucas Sunder
Published: May 2017

Kidneys are highly vascularized and contain many distinct vascular beds. However, the origins of renal endothelial cells and roles of the developing endothelia in the formation of the kidney are unclear. We have shown that the Foxd1-positive renal stroma gives rise to endothelial marker-expressing progenitors that are incorporated within a subset of peritubular capillaries; however, the significance of these cells is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether deletion of Flk1 in the Foxd1 stroma was important for renal development. To that end, we conditionally deleted Flk1 (critical for endothelial cell development) in the renal stroma by breeding-floxed Flk1 mice ( Flk1fl/fl) with Foxd1cre mice to generate Foxd1cre; Flk1fl/fl ( Flk1ST−/−) mice. We then performed FACsorting, histological, morphometric, and metabolic analyses of Flk1ST−/− vs. control mice. We confirmed decreased expression of endothelial markers in the renal stroma of Flk1ST−/− kidneys via flow sorting and immunostaining, and upon interrogation of embryonic and postnatal Flk1ST−/− mice, we found they had dilated peritubular capillaries. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed reduced ureteric branching and fewer nephrons in developing Flk1ST−/− kidneys vs. controls. Juvenile Flk1ST−/− kidneys displayed renal papillary hypoplasia and a paucity of collecting ducts. Twenty-four-hour urine collections revealed that postnatal Flk1ST−/− mice had urinary-concentrating defects. Thus, while lineage-tracing revealed that the renal cortical stroma gave rise to a small subset of endothelial progenitors, these Flk1-expressing stromal cells are critical for patterning the peritubular capillaries. Also, loss of Flk1 in the renal stroma leads to nonautonomous-patterning defects in ureteric lineages.
A Novel Pan-FlavivirusDetection and Identification Assay Based on RT-qPCR and Microarray
Authors: Vina-Rodriguez Ariel , Sachse Konrad , Ziegler Ute , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Keller Markus , Groschup Martin H. , Eiden Martin
Published: May 2017

The genusFlavivirusincludes arthropod-borne viruses responsible for a large number of infections in humans and economically important animals. While RT-PCR protocols for specific detection of mostFlavivirusspecies are available, there has been also a demand for a broad-rangeFlavivirusassay covering all members of the genus. It is particularly challenging to balance specificity at genus level with equal sensitivity towards each target species. In the present study, a novel assay combining a SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR with a low-density DNA microarray has been developed. Validation experiments confirmed that the RT-qPCR exhibited roughly equal sensitivity of detection and quantification for all flaviviruses tested. These PCR products are subjected to hybridization on a microarray carrying 84 different oligonucleotide probes that represent all knownFlavivirusspecies. This assay has been used as a screening and confirmation tool forFlaviviruspresence in laboratory and field samples, and it performed successfully in international External Quality Assessment of NAT studies. Twenty-sixFlavivirusstrains were tested with the assay, showing equivalent or superior characteristics compared with the original or even with species-specific RT-PCRs. As an example, test results on West Nile virus detection in a panel of 340 mosquito pool samples from Greece are presented.
Compact Broadband Dual ZOR Antenna for Multiband Smart Mobile Phone Applications
Authors: Ji Jeong Keun
Published: May 2017

A compact broadband dual zeroth-order resonator (ZOR) antenna is proposed for multiband smart mobile phone applications. The theory of broadband zeroth-order mode and multimode technique is used to design the proposed antenna covering GSM850 (824–894 MHz), GSM900 (880–960 MHz), DCS1800 (1710–1880 MHz), PCS1900 (1850–1990 MHz), W2100 (1920–2170 MHz), LTE2300 (2300–2400 MHz), LTE2600 (2500–2690 MHz), and Wi-Fi (2400–2500 MHz) bands. In order to achieve broadband operations, the proposed antenna consists of a large ZOR and a small ZOR that can generate and merge resonant frequencies of the negative-order, zeroth-order, and positive-order modes. The overall size of the antenna is 40 mm × 6 mm × 3 mm. The performance of the antenna is verified by both full-wave simulations and experiments. The measured impedance bandwidths of 3 : 1 VSWR in the low and high bands are 210 MHz (0.81–1.02 GHz) and 1170 MHz (1.69–2.86 GHz), respectively. The antenna provides omnidirectional radiation patterns and measured radiation efficiencies exceeding 43.3% and 47.5% for low and high bands, respectively. The antenna performance applied to the commercial smart mobile phone device is also presented. The measured results show that it has the active performance of good total radiated power, total isotropic sensitivity, and specific absorption rate, which can meet the requirement of the smart mobile phone.
Antiglycemic Effect of Water Extractable Arabinoxylan from Wheat Aleurone and Bran
Authors: Malunga Lovemore Nkhata , Izydorczyk Marta , Beta Trust
Published: May 2017

The studies on the effects of arabinoxylan (AX) polysaccharides on postprandial glucose response have resulted in contrasting results owing to the diversity in AX structures. Four water extractable AX (WEAX) extracts obtained from wheat aleurone and bran were used to investigate (a) the effect of AX on activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase, (b) influence of AX chemical composition on their inhibition potency, and (c) kinetics of enzyme inhibition.α-Amylase activity was not significantly affected by the presence WEAX fractions regardless of type or concentration. WEAX inhibitedα-glucosidase activity only when maltose was used as a substrate but not sucrose. The IC50 values of WEAX (4.88±0.3–10.14±0.5 mg/mL) were highly correlated to ferulic acid content (R=-0.89), arabinose to xylose ratio (R=-0.67), and relative proportions of xylose being unsubstituted (R=0.69), disubstituted (R=-0.63), and monosubstituted (R=-0.76). The Lineweaver–Burk plot suggested an uncompetitive enzyme inhibition mode. Thus, our results suggest that antiglycemic properties of WEAX may be derived from direct inhibition ofα-glucosidase activity.
Effects of Combined Heat and Preservative Treatment on Storability of Ponkan Fruit (Citrus reticulataBlanco cv. Ponkan) during Postharvest Storage
Authors: Tang Dandan , Lin Qiong , Lin Juanying , Wang Dengliang , Liu Chunrong , Wu Wenming , Sun Chongde , Chen Kunsong
Published: May 2017

Heat treatment and preservative application have been widely used during postharvest storage of many fresh products, but the effect of their combination on citrus storage has rarely been investigated. In this study, the optimal heat treatment (HT) conditions and HT combined with preservative treatment were investigated for Ponkan fruit (Citrus reticulataBlanco cv. Ponkan) storage. Results indicated that HT at 55°C for 20 s can significantly reduce the decay rate of Ponkan fruit, and a combination of HT and 25% of the preservative dosage used in production of iminoctadine tris (albesilate), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and imazalil significantly reduced the decay rate without affecting fruit quality. In addition, the increased fiber contents in fruit receiving the HT combined with preservative treatments may be a response preventing fungus infection and enhancing fruit storability and resistance. The above results suggested that the combination of HT and 25% of the preservative production dosage was optimal for controlling Ponkan fruit decay during storage.
The Composition-Tunable Polydiacetylenic Complex Films: Conformational Change upon Thermal Stimulation and Preferential Interaction with Specific Small Molecules
Authors: Wang Chao , Park Jin Hyuk , Tan Songwen , Cui Chunzhi , Jin Jing-Yi , Ahn Dong June
Published: May 2017

Polydiacetylenic complex films were prepared using 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) and para-xylenediamine (pXDA) upon acid-base interactions. The thermochromatic reversibility of the complex films was modulated by changing the mixed molar ratio (3 : 1, 2 : 1, and 1 : 1) of the two molecules. The corresponding conformational changes of the complex films were studied by ex situ FTIR analysis upon thermal stimulation for the first time. In addition, the binding specificities of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) with the films were studied, where the α-CDs can induce stronger red fluorescent emission of the films. These fundamental results may be useful for platforms that use these polydiacetylenic complex films as optoelectronic devices or chemical/biological sensors.
Remote Assessment of Platelet Function in Patients with Acute Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Bath Philip M. , May Jane , Flaherty Katie , Woodhouse Lisa J. , Dovlatova Natalia , Fox Sue C. , England Timothy J. , Krishnan Kailash , Robinson Thompson G. , Sprigg Nikola , Heptinstall Stan , Investigators TARDIS
Published: May 2017

Background. The TARDIS trial assessed the safety and efficacy of intensive versus guideline antiplatelet agents given for one month in patients with acute stroke or TIA. The aim of this substudy was to assess the effect of antiplatelet agents taken at baseline on platelet function reactivity and activation.Methods. Platelet function, assessed by remotely measured surface expression of P-selectin, was assessed in patients at their time of randomisation. Data are median fluorescence values.Results. The aspirin P-selectin test demonstrated that platelet expression was lower in 494 patients taking aspirin than in 162 patients not: mean 210 (SD 188) versus 570 (435), difference 360.3 (95% CI 312.2–408.4) (2p<0.001). Aspirin did not suppress P-selectin levels below 500 units in 23 (4.7%) patients. The clopidogrel test showed that platelet reactivity was lower in 97 patients taking clopidogrel than in 585 patients not: 655 (296) versus 969 (315), difference 314.5 (95% CI 247.3–381.7) (2p<0.001). Clopidogrel did not suppress P-selectin level below 860 units in 24 (24.7%) patients.Conclusions. Aspirin and clopidogrel suppress stimulated platelet P-selectin, although one-quarter of patients on clopidogrel have high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Platelet function testing may be performed remotely in the context of a large multicentre trial. Trial registrationISRCTN47823388.
Discriminating Value of Calprotectin in Disease Activity and Progression of Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Huang Jinxian , Yin Zhihua , Song Guoxiang , Cui Shengjin , Jiang Jinzhao , Zhang Lijun
Published: May 2017

It has been controversial whether ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) are separate or different phases of radiographic progression. We determined that serum calprotectin level (ng/ml) was higher in AS (15.30 ± 6.49) and nr-axSpA (17.76 ± 8.59) patients than in healthy individuals (7.40 ± 2.67). No difference was observed in calprotectin level between these two groups. Elevated calprotectin was positively correlated with ESR, CRP, BASDAI, and ASDAS as well as SPARCC scoring and had no correlation with BASFI and mSASSS. No correlation was observed between calprotectin and Wnt/β-catenin pathway markers. Serum calprotectin can be used as a marker for inflammation in both nr-axSpA and AS, while it does not contribute to the discrimination of AS and nr-axSpA. Calprotectin-mediated inflammation was not correlated with principle effectors of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, indicating that inflammation and bone fusion might be separate processes of the disease.
Serum Metabolomics Profiling to Identify Biomarkers for Unstable Angina
Authors: Yao Wei , Gao Yuxia , Wan Zheng
Published: May 2017

Although statistical evidence is clear regarding the dangerousness of unstable angina (UA), a form of coronary heart disease (CHD) characterised by high mortality and morbidity globally, it is important to recognise that diagnostic precision for the condition is unfavourable. In the present research, to gain insight into candidate biomarkers, the author draws on1H NMR-based serum metabolic profiling to analyze the unstable angina pectoris (UAP) metabolic signatures; this constitutes an effective way to produce medical diagnosis. 101 unstable angina pectoris patients and 132 healthy controls were enrolled and 22 serum samples from each group were analyzed. Effective separation was noted regarding the UAP and control groups, and, for the former group considered in relation to their counterpart, the serum concentrations of Lac, m-I, lipid, VLDL, 3-HB, and LDL were higher whereas the concentrations of Thr, Cr, Cho, PC/GPC, Glu, Gln, Lys, HDL, Ile, Leu, and Val were lower. The conclusion drawn in view of the results is that the plasma metabolomics examined by1H NMR displayed promise for biomarker identification for UA. In addition to this, the analysis illuminated the metabolic processes of UA.
Neutrophils in Tuberculosis: Heterogeneity Shapes the Way?
Authors: Lyadova Irina V.
Published: May 2017

Infection withM. tuberculosisremains one of the most common infections in the world. The outcome of the infection depends on host ability to mount effective protection and balance inflammatory responses. Neutrophils are innate immune cells implicated in both processes. Accordingly, duringM. tuberculosisinfection, they play a dual role. Particularly, they contribute to the generation of effector T cells, participate in the formation of granuloma, and are directly involved in tissue necrosis, destruction, and infection dissemination. Neutrophils have a high bactericidal potential. However, data on their ability to eliminateM. tuberculosisare controversial, and the results of neutrophil depletion experiments are not uniform. Thus, the overall roles of neutrophils duringM. tuberculosisinfection and factors that determine these roles are not fully understood. This review analyzes data on neutrophil defensive and pathological functions during tuberculosis and considers hypotheses explaining the dualism of neutrophils duringM. tuberculosisinfection and tuberculosis disease.
Cellular Responses in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Treated with Three Endodontic Materials
Authors: Victoria-Escandell Alejandro , Ibañez-Cabellos José Santiago , de Cutanda Sergio Bañuls-Sánchez , Berenguer-Pascual Ester , Beltrán-García Jesús , García-López Eva , Pallardó Federico V. , García-Giménez José Luis , Pallarés-Sabater Antonio , Zarzosa-López Ignacio , Monterde Manuel
Published: May 2017

Human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) are of special relevance in future regenerative dental therapies. Characterizing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity produced by endodontic materials is required to evaluate the potential for regeneration of injured tissues in future strategies combining regenerative and root canal therapies. This study explores the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress of three endodontic materials that are widely used on HDPSCs: a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA-Angelus white), an epoxy resin sealant (AH-Plus cement), and an MTA-based cement sealer (MTA-Fillapex). Cell viability and cell death rate were assessed by flow cytometry. Oxidative stress was measured by OxyBlot. Levels of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated by Western blot. Genotoxicity was studied by quantifying the expression levels of DNA damage sensors such as ATM and RAD53 genes and DNA damage repair sensors such as RAD51 and PARP-1. Results indicate that AH-Plus increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity markers in HDPSCs. MTA-Fillapex was the most cytotoxic oxidative stress inductor and genotoxic material for HDPSCs at longer times in preincubated cell culture medium, and MTA-Angelus was less cytotoxic and genotoxic than AH-Plus and MTA-Fillapex at all times assayed.
The Effects of Heteroatom Adsorption on the Electronic Properties of Phosphorene
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Wang Zhiyong , Zhao Yayun , Jin Junchao , Xiao Jianrong , Wang Liu
Published: May 2017

A new 2D material, phosphorene, has several remarkable advantages; various superiorities make phosphorene a research hotspot. This paper provides comprehensive information about the structure and electronic and magnetic properties of phosphorene adsorbed with atoms, including alkali and alkaline-earth metal atoms, nonmetallic atoms, noble metal atoms, and transition-metal atoms. Phosphorene adsorbed with alkali and alkaline-earth metal atoms, such as Li and Na adatoms, becomes an n-type semiconductor, while phosphorene adsorbed with Be and Mg atoms becomes a p-type semiconductor. In view of nonmetallic adatoms (B, C, N, and O), the B adatom decorated phosphorene becomes metallic, the band gap of phosphorene adsorbed with C adatom decreases, and the phosphorene is p-type with N adatom, while the electronic property of O adatom adsorption case is affected slightly. Regarding noble metal adatoms adsorption condition, the Ag adatom makes phosphorene a n-type semiconductor, the Au adatom induces phosphorene to have a magnetism of 1 μB, and the electronic property of phosphorene is changed by adsorbing with Pt adatom. Among transition-metal adatoms, such as Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, and Zn adatoms, the band gap is reduced when Fe/Ni adatom adheres to the surface of phosphorene, The Co adsorbed phosphorene turns into a polar-gapless semiconductor and phosphorene is proved to be n-type with Cu adatom, but it is testified that the Zn atom is not suitable to adsorb on the phosphorene.
Liver Metastasis Is Facilitated by the Adherence of Circulating Tumor Cells to Vascular Fibronectin Deposits
Authors: Barbazán Jorge , Alonso-Alconada Lorena , Elkhatib Nadia , Geraldo Sara , Gurchenkov Vasily , Glentis Alexandros , van Niel Guillaume , Palmulli Roberta , Fernández Beatriz , Viaño Patricia , Garcia-Caballero Tomas , López-López Rafael , Abal Miguel , Vignjevic Danijela Matic
Published: May 2017

The interaction between circulating tumor cells (CTC) and endothelial cells during extravasation is a critical process during metastatic colonization, but its mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Here we report that the luminal side of liver blood vessels contains fibronectin deposits that are enriched in mice bearing primary tumors and are also present in vessels from human livers affected with metastases. Cancer cells attached to endothelial fibronectin deposits via talin1, a major component of focal adhesions. Talin1 depletion impaired cancer cell adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, resulting in reduced liver metastasis formation in vivo. Talin1 expression levels in patient CTC's correlated with prognosis and therapy response. Together, our findings uncover a new mechanism for liver metastasis formation involving an active contribution of hepatic vascular fibronectin and talin1 in cancer cells. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3431–41. ©2017 AACR.
Immune Checkpoint Blockade, Immunogenic Chemotherapy or IFN-α Blockade Boost the Local and Abscopal Effects of Oncolytic Virotherapy
Authors: Fend Laetitia , Yamazaki Takahiro , Remy Christelle , Fahrner Catherine , Gantzer Murielle , Nourtier Virginie , Préville Xavier , Quéméneur Eric , Kepp Oliver , Adam Julien , Marabelle Aurélien , Pitt Jonathan M. , Kroemer Guido , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: May 2017

Athough the clinical efficacy of oncolytic viruses has been demonstrated for local treatment, the ability to induce immune-mediated regression of distant metastases is still poorly documented. We report here that the engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus VVWR-TK−RR−-Fcu1 can induce immunogenic cell death and generate a systemic immune response. Effects on tumor growth and survival was largely driven by CD8+ T cells, and immune cell infiltrate in the tumor could be reprogrammed toward a higher ratio of effector T cells to regulatory CD4+ T cells. The key role of type 1 IFN pathway in oncolytic virotherapy was also highlighted, as we observed a strong abscopal response in Ifnar−/− tumors. In this model, single administration of virus directly into the tumors on one flank led to regression in the contralateral flank. Moreover, these effects were further enhanced when oncolytic treatment was combined with immunogenic chemotherapy or with immune checkpoint blockade. Taken together, our results suggest how to safely improve the efficacy of local oncolytic virotherapy in patients whose tumors are characterized by dysregulated IFNα signaling. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4146–57. ©2017 AACR.
SIRT3-Mediated Dimerization of IDH2 Directs Cancer Cell Metabolism and Tumor Growth
Authors: Zou Xianghui , Zhu Yueming , Park Seong-Hoon , Liu Guoxiang , O'Brien Joseph , Jiang Haiyan , Gius David
Published: May 2017

The isocitrate dehydrogenase IDH2 produces α-ketoglutarate by oxidizing isocitrate, linking glucose metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation. In this study, we report that loss of SIRT3 increases acetylation of IDH2 at lysine 413 (IDH2-K413-Ac), thereby decreasing its enzymatic activity by reducing IDH2 dimer formation. Expressing a genetic acetylation mimetic IDH2 mutant (IDH2K413Q) in cancer cells decreased IDH2 dimerization and enzymatic activity and increased cellular reactive oxygen species and glycolysis, suggesting a shift in mitochondrial metabolism. Concurrently, overexpression of IDH2K413Q promoted cell transformation and tumorigenesis in nude mice, resulting in a tumor-permissive phenotype. IHC staining showed that IDH2 acetylation was elevated in high-risk luminal B patients relative to low-risk luminal A patients. Overall, these results suggest a potential relationship between SIRT3 enzymatic activity, IDH2-K413 acetylation-determined dimerization, and a cancer-permissive phenotype. Cancer Res; 77(15); 3990–9. ©2017 AACR.
3D Mathematical Modeling of Glioblastoma Suggests That Transdifferentiated Vascular Endothelial Cells Mediate Resistance to Current Standard-of-Care Therapy
Authors: Yan Huaming , Romero-López Mónica , Benitez Lesly I. , Di Kaijun , Frieboes Hermann B. , Hughes Christopher C.W. , Bota Daniela A. , Lowengrub John S.
Published: May 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor in human patients, is decidedly heterogeneous and highly vascularized. Glioma stem/initiating cells (GSC) are found to play a crucial role by increasing cancer aggressiveness and promoting resistance to therapy. Recently, cross-talk between GSC and vascular endothelial cells has been shown to significantly promote GSC self-renewal and tumor progression. Furthermore, GSC also transdifferentiate into bona fide vascular endothelial cells (GEC), which inherit mutations present in GSC and are resistant to traditional antiangiogenic therapies. Here we use three-dimensional mathematical modeling to investigate GBM progression and response to therapy. The model predicted that GSCs drive invasive fingering and that GEC spontaneously form a network within the hypoxic core, consistent with published experimental findings. Standard-of-care treatments using DNA-targeted therapy (radiation/chemo) together with antiangiogenic therapies reduced GBM tumor size but increased invasiveness. Anti-GEC treatments blocked the GEC support of GSCs and reduced tumor size but led to increased invasiveness. Anti-GSC therapies that promote differentiation or disturb the stem cell niche effectively reduced tumor invasiveness and size, but were ultimately limited in reducing tumor size because GECs maintain GSCs. Our study suggests that a combinatorial regimen targeting the vasculature, GSCs, and GECs, using drugs already approved by the FDA, can reduce both tumor size and invasiveness and could lead to tumor eradication. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4171–84. ©2017 AACR.
Distinct Roles of HES1 in Normal Stem Cells and Tumor Stem-like Cells of the Intestine
Authors: Goto Norihiro , Ueo Taro , Fukuda Akihisa , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Taketo Makoto Mark , Chiba Tsutomu , Seno Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

Cancer stem cells (CSC) have attracted attention as therapeutic targets; however, CSC-targeting therapy may disrupt normal tissue homeostasis because many CSC molecules are also expressed by normal stem cells (NSC). Here, we demonstrate that NSC-specific and CSC-specific roles of the stem cell transcription factor Hes1 in the intestine enable the feasibility of a specific cancer therapy. Hes1 expression was upregulated in NSCs and intestinal tumors. Lineage-tracing experiments in adult mouse intestine revealed that Hes1 deletion in Lgr5+ or Bmi1+ NSCs resulted in loss of self-renewal but did not perturb homeostasis. Furthermore, in Lgr5+ NSC, deletion of Hes1 and β-catenin stabilization limited tumor formation and prolonged host survival. Notably, in Lgr5+ or Dclk1+ tumor stem cells derived from established intestinal tumors, Hes1 deletion triggered immediate apoptosis, reducing tumor burden. Our results show how Hes1 plays different roles in NSCs and CSCs, in which Hes1 disruption leads to tumor regression without perturbing normal stem cell homeostasis, preclinically validating Hes1 as a cancer therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3442–54. ©2017 AACR.