bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Advanced Injection Timing and Fuel Additive on Combustion, Performance, and Emission Characteristics of a DI Diesel Engine Running on Plastic Pyrolysis Oil
Authors: Kalargaris Ioannis , Tian Guohong , Gu Sai
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the investigation of engine optimisation when plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) is used as the primary fuel of a direct injection diesel engine. Our previous investigation revealed that PPO is a promising fuel; however the results suggested that control parameters should be optimised in order to obtain a better engine performance. In the present work, the injection timing was advanced, and fuel additives were utilised to overcome the issues experienced in the previous work. In addition, spray characteristics of PPO were investigated in comparison with diesel to provide in-depth understanding of the engine behaviour. The experimental results on advanced injection timing (AIT) showed reduced brake thermal efficiency and increased carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides emissions in comparison to standard injection timing. On the other hand, the addition of fuel additive resulted in higher engine efficiency and lower exhaust emissions. Finally, the spray tests revealed that the spray tip penetration for PPO is faster than diesel. The results suggested that AIT is not a preferable option while fuel additive is a promising solution for long-term use of PPO in diesel engines.
Boundedness of Fractional Oscillatory Integral Operators and Their Commutators in Vanishing Generalized Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Çekiç Bilal , Alabalık Ayşegül Çelik
Published: February 2017

In this article, we give the boundedness conditions in terms of Zygmund-type integral inequalities for oscillatory integral operators and fractional oscillatory integral operators on the vanishing generalized weighted Morrey spaces. Moreover, we investigate corresponding commutators.
Gravitational Quasinormal Modes of Regular Phantom Black Hole
Authors: Li Jin , Lin Kai , Wen Hao , Qian Wei-Liang
Published: February 2017

We investigate the gravitational quasinormal modes (QNMs) for a type of regular black hole (BH) known as phantom BH, which is a static self-gravitating solution of a minimally coupled phantom scalar field with a potential. The studies are carried out for three different spacetimes: asymptotically flat, de Sitter (dS), and anti-de Sitter (AdS). In order to consider the standard odd parity and even parity of gravitational perturbations, the corresponding master equations are derived. The QNMs are discussed by evaluating the temporal evolution of the perturbation field which, in turn, provides direct information on the stability of BH spacetime. It is found that in asymptotically flat, dS, and AdS spacetimes the gravitational perturbations have similar characteristics for both odd and even parities. The decay rate of perturbation is strongly dependent on the scale parameterb, which measures the coupling strength between phantom scalar field and the gravity. Furthermore, through the analysis of Hawking radiation, it is shown that the thermodynamics of such regular phantom BH is also influenced byb. The obtained results might shed some light on the quantum interpretation of QNM perturbation.
One-Electron Conical Nanotube in External Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Garcia L. F. , Gutiérrez W. , Mikhailov I. D.
Published: February 2017

The effects of variation of the aperture angle on spectral and magnetic properties of one-electron nanotube of the axially symmetrical conical shape in the presence of the electric and magnetic fields have been investigated based on a numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation in the effective mass approximation. We show that the energy spectrum and the magnetic dipole moment of the structure are changed dramatically with increase of the cone’s aperture angle due to the interplay between the diamagnetic and centrifugal forces, which push the electron at opposite directions. Particularly, the energy levels close to the ground state become quasi-degenerate, owing to a change of the hidden symmetry, induced by the magnetic field in this structure, when its morphology is converted from the cylindrical type to the conical one and the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations of the ground state energy and of the magnetic dipole moment are quenched. We found additionally that any weak electric field breaks this hidden symmetry, splits quasi-degenerate state, and restores the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations.
Control Strategy for Power Loss Reduction considering Load Variation with Large Penetration of Distributed Generation
Authors: Liu Chang , Lv Xiangyu , Guo Li , Cai Lixia , Su Kuo
Published: February 2017

With the increase of penetration of distribution in distribution systems, the problems of power loss increase and short-circuit capacity beyond the rated capacity of the circuit breaker will become more serious. In this paper, a methodology (modified BPSO) is presented for network reconfiguration which is based on the hybrid approach of Tabu search and BPSO algorithms to prevent the local convergence and to decrease the calculation time using double fitness to consider the constraints. Moreover, an average load simulated method (ALS method) considering load variation is proposed such that the average load value is used instead of the actual load for calculation. Finally, from a case study, the results of simulation certify that the approaches will decrease drastically the losses and improve the voltage profiles obviously; at the same time, the short-circuit capacity is also decreased into smaller shut-off capacity of the circuit breaker. The power losses will not be increased too much even if the short-circuit capacity constraint is considered; voltage profiles are better with the constraint of short-circuit capacity considered. The ALS method is simple and the calculation time is fast.
Proteomic Analysis of HDAC3 Selective Inhibitor in the Regulation of Inflammatory Response of Primary Microglia
Authors: Xia Mingxu , Zhao Qiuchen , Zhang He , Chen Yanting , Yuan Zengqiang , Xu Yun , Zhang Meijuan
Published: February 2017

HDAC3 has been shown to regulate inflammation. However, the role of HDAC3 in primary microglia is largely unknown. RGFP966 is a newly discovered selective HDAC3 inhibitor. In this study, we used protein mass spectrometry to analyze protein alterations in LPS-treated primary microglia with the application of RGFP966. Generally, about 2000 proteins were studied. 168 of 444 (37.8%) LPS-induced proteins were significantly reduced with the treatment of RGFP966, which mainly concentrated on Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. In this regard, we selected Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR3, TLR6, MAPK p38, CD36, and spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) for further validation and found that they were all significantly upregulated after LPS stimulation and downregulated in the presence of RGFP966. Additionally, RGFP966 inhibited supernatant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations. Activation of STAT3 and STAT5 was partially blocked by RGFP966 at 2 h after LPS-stimulation. The fluorescence intensity of CD16/32 was significantly decreased in LPS + RGFP966-treated group. In conclusion, our data provided a hint that RGFP966 may be a potential therapeutic medication combating microglia activation and inflammatory response in central nervous system, which was probably related to its repressive impacts on TLR signaling pathways and STAT3/STAT5 pathways.
Visual Motor and Perceptual Task Performance in Astigmatic Students
Authors: Harvey Erin M. , Twelker J. Daniel , Miller Joseph M. , Leonard-Green Tina K. , Mohan Kathleen M. , Davis Amy L. , Campus Irene
Published: February 2017

Purpose. To determine if spectacle corrected and uncorrected astigmats show reduced performance on visual motor and perceptual tasks.Methods. Third through 8th grade students were assigned to the low refractive error control group (astigmatism < 1.00 D, myopia < 0.75 D, hyperopia < 2.50 D, and anisometropia < 1.50 D) or bilateral astigmatism group (right and left eye ≥ 1.00 D) based on cycloplegic refraction. Students completed the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI) and Visual Perception (VMIp). Astigmats were randomly assigned to testing with/without correction and control group was tested uncorrected. Analyses compared VMI and VMIp scores for corrected and uncorrected astigmats to the control group.Results. The sample included 333 students (control group 170, astigmats tested with correction 75, and astigmats tested uncorrected 88). Mean VMI score in corrected astigmats did not differ from the control group (p=0.829). Uncorrected astigmats had lower VMI scores than the control group (p=0.038) and corrected astigmats (p=0.007). Mean VMIp scores for uncorrected (p=0.209) and corrected astigmats (p=0.124) did not differ from the control group. Uncorrected astigmats had lower mean scores than the corrected astigmats (p=0.003).Conclusions. Uncorrected astigmatism influences visual motor and perceptual task performance. Previously spectacle treated astigmats do not show developmental deficits on visual motor or perceptual tasks when tested with correction.
Decision Tree-Based Maneuver Prediction for Driver Rear-End Risk-Avoidance Behaviors in Cut-In Scenarios
Authors: Hu Manjiang , Liao Yuan , Wang Wenjun , Li Guofa , Cheng Bo , Chen Fang
Published: February 2017

Predicting driver rear-end risk-avoidance maneuvers in cut-in scenarios, especially dangerous precrash scenarios, benefits the customization of automatic driving, particularly automatic steering. This paper studies driver rear-end risk-avoidance behaviors in cut-in scenarios on a straight three-lane highway. Data from 24 participants in 1326 valid trials were collected using a motion-based driving simulator. An Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (revised for Chinese participants) was used to obtain the personality traits of the participants. Based on a statistical analysis, the candidate features used in the driver maneuver prediction were determined as a combination of objective risk indicators and driver characteristics. A decision tree-based model was constructed for maneuver prediction in cut-in scenarios. The prediction accuracy of the extracted classification rules was 79.2% for the training data set and 80.3% for the test data set. The most powerful predictive variables were extracted, and their effects on maneuver decisions were analyzed. The results show that driver characteristics strongly influence the prediction of maneuver decisions.
Adherence to All Steps of a Pain Management Protocol in Intensive Care Patients after Cardiac Surgery Is Hard to Achieve
Authors: van Gulik L. , Ahlers S. J. G. M. , Bruins P. , Tibboel D. , Knibbe C. A. J. , van Dijk M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose.To investigate adherence to our pain protocol considering analgesics administration, number and timing of pain assessments, and adjustment of analgesics upon unacceptably high (NRS ≥ 4) and low (NRS ≤ 1) pain scores.Material and Methods.The pain protocol for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery consisted of automated prescriptions for paracetamol and morphine, automated reminders for pain assessments, a flowchart to guide interventions upon high and low pain scores, and reassessments after unacceptable pain.Results.Paracetamol and morphine were prescribed in all 124 patients. Morphine infusion was stopped earlier than protocolized in 40 patients (32%). During the median stay of 47 hours [IQR 26 to 74 hours], 702/706 (99%) scheduled pain assessments and 218 extra pain scores were recorded. Unacceptably high pain scores accounted for 96/920 (10%) and low pain scores for 546/920 (59%) of all assessments. Upon unacceptable pain additional morphine was administered in 65% (62/96) and reassessment took place in 15% (14/96). Morphine was not tapered in 273 of 303 (90%) eligible cases of low pain scores.Conclusions.Adherence to automated prescribed analgesics and pain assessments was good. Adherence to nonscheduled, flowchart-guided interventions was poor. Improving adherence may refine pain management and reduce side effects.
Precision Imaging of Frequency Stepped SAR with Frequency Domain Extracted HRRP and Fast Factorized Back Projection Algorithm
Authors: Yin Can-bin , Ran Da
Published: February 2017

Novel frequency domain extracted method (FDEM) to obtain high range resolution profile (HRRP) for frequency stepped synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is proposed in this paper, and the mathematical principle and formulas of this new HRRP obtaining idea combined with classical fast Fourier transform (FFT), chirp z transform (CZT), and single point Fourier transform (SPFT) are deduced, analyzed, and compared in detail. Based on the HRRP data, precision imaging processing is completed using a data block partition based fast factorized back projection algorithm. Imaging validations are executed and all results proved that the FDEM has a great capability of antijamming. It is more effective than conventional time domain IFFT method (TDM) and shows a great promise in frequency stepped radar imaging and applications.
Metabolic Disorders in HIV-Infected Adolescents Receiving Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Santiprabhob Jeerunda , Tanchaweng Surapong , Maturapat Sirinoot , Maleesatharn Alan , Lermankul Watcharee , Sricharoenchai Sirintip , Wittawatmongkol Orasri , Lapphra Keswadee , Phongsamart Wanatpreeya , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya
Published: February 2017

Protease inhibitor (PI) may cause abnormal glucose metabolism, abnormal lipid metabolism, and metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected adults but less well studied in Asian adolescents. This cross-sectional study evaluated anthropometric factors, oral glucose tolerance test, and lipid profiles of perinatally HIV-infected Thai adolescents who had received PI-based antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months. Eighty adolescents were enrolled [median (IQR) age 16.7 (14.6–18.0) years, 42 males]. Metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were found in 8 (10%), 17 (22.1%), and 3 (3.8%) adolescents, respectively. Dyslipidemia was found in 56 (70%) adolescents, with hypertriglyceridemia being the most common type. In multivariate analysis, presence of lipohypertrophy (OR: 25.7, 95% CI: 3.2–202.8;p=0.002) and longer duration of PI use (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.08;p=0.023) were associated with metabolic syndrome. Obesity (OR: 7.71, 95% CI: 1.36–43.7;p=0.021), presence of lipohypertrophy (OR: 62.9, 95% CI: 4.97–795.6;p=0.001), and exposure to stavudine for ≥6 months (OR: 8.18, 95% CI: 1.37–48.7;p=0.021) were associated with prediabetes/T2DM, while exposure to tenofovir for ≥6 months reduced the risk (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.78;p=0.022). Metabolic disorders were commonly found in adolescents receiving PI. Careful monitoring and early intervention to modify cardiovascular risk should be systematically implemented in this population particularly those with exposure to stavudine.
Proteomic Analysis of Liver Proteins in a Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Depression
Authors: Li Cong , Guo Zhengguang , Zhao Ronghua , Sun Wei , Xie Ming
Published: February 2017

Depression is a global mental disorder disease and greatly threatened human health and stress is considered to be one of the important factors that lead to depression. In this study, we used newly developed iTRAQ labeling and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrum united analysis technology obtained the 2176 accurate proteins. Successively, we used the GO analysis and IPA software to analyze the 98 differentially expressed proteins of liver in depression rats due to chronic restraint stress, showing a map of proteomics analysis of liver proteins from the aspects of related functions, disease and function analysis, canonical pathway analysis, and associated network. This study provide important information for comprehensively understanding the mechanisms of dysfunction or injury in the liver in depression.
Cone Beam CT in Diagnosis and Surgical Planning of Dentigerous Cyst
Authors: Deana Naira Figueiredo , Alves Nilton
Published: February 2017

Diagnosis and preoperative planning are critical in the execution of any surgical procedure. Panoramic radiography is a routine method used in dentistry to assist clinical diagnosis; however, with this technique 3D anatomical structures are compressed into 2D images, resulting in overlapping of structures which are of interest in the diagnosis. In this study we report the case of a patient who presented with a dentigerous cyst of expressive dimensions in the body of the mandible region. The surgery was planned and executed after observing the margins of the lesion by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). We conclude that CBCT is a precise method to help diagnosis; it provides greater accuracy in surgical treatment planning through 3D image display, allowing more effective results.
Fuzzy Theory Based Security Service Chaining for Sustainable Mobile-Edge Computing
Authors: Li Guanwen , Zhou Huachun , Feng Bohao , Li Guanglei , Li Taixin , Xu Qi , Quan Wei
Published: February 2017

Mobile-Edge Computing (MEC) is a novel and sustainable network architecture that enables energy conservation with cloud computing and network services offloading at the edge of mobile cellular networks. However, how to efficiently manage various real-time changing security functions is an essential issue which hinders the future MEC development. To address this problem, we propose a fuzzy security service chaining approach for MEC. In particular, a new architecture is designed to decouple the required security functions with the physical resources. Based on this, we present a security proxy to support compatibility to traditional security functions. Furthermore, to find the optimal order of the required security functions, we establish a fuzzy inference system (FIS) based mechanism to achieve multiple optimal objectives. Much work has been done to implement a prototype, which is used to analyze the performance by comparing with a widely used method. The results prove that the proposed FIS mechanism achieves an improved performance in terms of Inverted Generational Distance (IGD) values and execution time with respect to the compared solution.
Chloride Transport in OPC Concrete Subjected to the Freeze and Thaw Damage
Authors: Ann Ki Yong , Kim Min Jae , Hwang Jun Pil , Cho Chang-geun , Kim Ki Hwan
Published: February 2017

To predict the durability of a concrete structure under the coupling degradation consisting of the frosting and chloride attack, microstructural analysis of the concrete pore structure should be accompanied. In this study, the correlation between the pore structure and chloride migration for OPC concrete was evaluated at the different cement content in the concrete mix accounting for 300, 350, and 400 kg/m3 at 0.45 of a free water cement ratio. The influence of frosting damage on the rate of chloride transport was assessed by testing with concrete specimens subjected to a rapid freezing and thawing cyclic environment. As a result, it was found that chloride transport was accelerated by frost damage, which was more influential at the lower cement content. The microscopic examination of the pore structure showed that the freezing environment increased the volume of the large capillary pore in the concrete matrix.
The Effectiveness of a 5% Retinoic Acid Peel Combined with Microdermabrasion for Facial Photoaging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Faghihi Gita , Fatemi-Tabaei Saghi , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh , Siadat Amir Hossein , Sadeghian Giti , Ali Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad , Mohamadian-shoeili Hamed
Published: February 2017

Background. Tretinoin has been shown to improve photoaged skin. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a 5% retinoic acid peel combined with microdermabrasion for facial photoaging. Materials and Methods. Forty-five patients, aged 35–70, affected by moderate-to-severe photodamage were enrolled in this trial. All patients received 3 sessions of full facial microdermabrasion and 3 sessions of either 5% retinoic acid peel or placebo after the microdermabrasion. Efficacy was measured using the Glogau scale. Patients were assessed at 2 weeks and 1, 2, and 6 months after treatment initiation. Results. The mean ± SD age of participants was 49.55±11.61 years, and the majorities (73.3%) were female. Between 1 month and 2 months, participants reported slight but statistically significant improvements for all parameters (P<0.001). In terms of adverse effects, there were statistically significant differences reported between the 5% retinoic acid peel groups and the control group (P<0.001). The majority of adverse effects reported in the study were described as mild and transient. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that 5% retinoic acid peel cream combined with microdermabrasion was safe and effective in the treatment of photoaging in the Iranian population. This trial is registered with IRCT2015121112782N8.
Value Stream Mapping of Rope Manufacturing: A Case Study
Authors: Yuvamitra Korakot , Lee Jim , Dong Kanjicai
Published: February 2017

In today’s competitive market place, manufacturing companies must apply continuous process improvement in order to maintain a returning customer base. One way of achieving constant process improvement is through value stream mapping. Value stream mapping is used to visualize the current processes for easier understanding and problem identification. A well-defined problem statement will ensure a successful outcome of a project improvement process. This research provides a case study performed on a rope manufacturing process. A current state value stream map is created, and the possible improvements are suggested. The implemented results are shown in the form of future state map. The results show that, after waste elimination and structural revision, a manufacturing process becomes more efficient, enabling the customer to receive an order significantly faster.
Parameter Analysis on Wind-Induced Vibration of UHV Cross-Rope Suspension Tower-Line
Authors: Li Xilai , Yu Dengke , Li Zhengliang
Published: February 2017

This paper analyzes the influences of important structural design parameters on the wind-induced response of cross-rope suspension tower-line. A finite element model of cross-rope suspension tower-line system is established, and the dynamic time-history analysis with harmonic wave superposition method is conducted. The two important structural design parameters such as initial guy pretension and sag-span ratio of suspension-rope are studied, as well as their influences on the three wind-induced vibration responses such as tensile force on guys, the reaction force on mast supports, and the along-wind displacement of the mast top; the results show that the value of sag-span ratio of suspension-rope should not be less than 1/9 and the value of guy pretension should be less than 30% of its design bearing capacity. On this occasion, the tension in guys and compression in masts would be maintained in smaller values, which can lead to a much more reasonable structure.
SHISA3Promoter Methylation Is a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Zhisen , Zhou Chongchang , Li Jinyun , Ye Dong , Deng Hongxia , Cao Bin , Hao Wenjuan , Lin Lexi , Zhang Yuna
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution ofSHISA3promoter methylation to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).SHISA3promoter methylation status and expression were determined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 93 paired LSCC and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. Furthermore, the regulatory function of theSHISA3promoter fragment was analyzed using a luciferase reporter assay. The results reveal that there is a significant increase inSHISA3methylation in LSCC tissues compared with corresponding nontumor tissuesP=4.58E-12. The qRT-PCR results show a significant association betweenSHISA3methylation and expression in LSCCP=1.67E-03. In addition, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.91. Consequently, a log-rank test and multivariate Cox analysis suggest thatSHISA3promoter hypermethylation is a predictor of poor overall survival for LSCC (log-rankP= 0.024; HR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.024–7.177;P= 0.047). The results indicate thatSHISA3promoter hypermethylation might increase the risk of LSCC through regulation of gene expression and is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for LSCC.
Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Camel Piroplasmosis in Gadarif State, Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Abdalla Mohamed , Kadle Ahmed A. H. , Nyingilili Hamisi Said
Published: February 2017

The socioeconomic importance of camels (Camelus dromedarius) could not be neglected in the Sudan. The present study was planned to confirm the presence of piroplasmosis in camels from the Eastern region of the Sudan (Gedarif State) using microscopical (blood film) and molecular technique (PCR). A total of 55 camels of different sexes (34 females and 21 males) were sampled from four localities of the state between January 2011 and January 2012. The prevalence rates using parasitological and molecular examinations were 43.6% and 74.5%, respectively. The prevalence rates significantly vary between the localities (p=0.011) but not between the different sexes (p=0.515). PCR technique showed higher sensitivity than microscopy. The present paper was to be the first report investigating camel piroplasmosis using both parasitological and molecular methods in the Eastern region of the Sudan. Further studies in the phylogenetic sequencing are to be continued for parasite speciation. Moreover, studies on the clinical and economic consequences of camel piroplasmosis are recommended.
Distinct Levels of Radioresistance in Lgr5+ Colonic Epithelial Stem Cells versus Lgr5+ Small Intestinal Stem Cells
Authors: Hua Guoqiang , Wang Chu , Pan Yan , Zeng Zhaoshi , Lee Sang Gyu , Martin Maria Laura , Haimovitz-Friedman Adriana , Fuks Zvi , Paty Philip B. , Kolesnick Richard
Published: February 2017

Although small and large intestines possess seemingly similar Wnt-driven leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein–coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5)+ adult epithelial stem cells, we report here that the two organs exhibit distinct mechanisms of tissue response to ionizing radiation. Employing Lgr5-lacZ transgenic mice and Lgr5 in situ hybridization, we found colonic epithelial stem cells (CESC) markedly more radioresistant in vivo than small intestinal crypt base columnar stem cells (CBC; D0 = 6.0 ± 0.3 Gy vs. 1.3 ± 0.1, respectively; P < 0.01). Accordingly, CESCs survived 30 Gy exposure, while CBCs were completely depleted after 15 Gy. EdU incorporation studies indicated that after 19 Gy, CBCs exited growth arrest at 12 hours, resuming normal mitotic activity despite 60% of this population displaying residual γH2AX foci, indicative of persistent unrepaired DNA damage. Checkpoint recovery before complete double-strand break (DSB) repair represents the sine qua non of a newly defined potentially lethal pathophysiology termed checkpoint adaptation. In the small intestinal mucosa, checkpoint adaptation resulted in CBCs succumbing to an 8-fold increase in the incidence of highly lethal chromosomal aberrations and mitotic catastrophe by 48 hours postradiation. In contrast, Lgr5+ CESCs displayed delayed checkpoint recovery at 48 hours post-19 Gy, coordinated with complete DSB repair and regeneration of colonic mucosa originating, at least in part, from surviving CESCs. The discovery that small intestinal CBCs succumb to checkpoint adaptation is the first demonstration that this aberrant cell-cycle response may drive mammalian tissue radiosensitivity. Cancer Res; 77(8); 2124–33. ©2017 AACR.
Therapeutic Potential of Bacteria against Solid Tumors
Authors: Hatzikirou Haralampos , López Alfonso Juan Carlos , Leschner Sara , Weiss Siegfried , Meyer-Hermann Michael
Published: February 2017

Intentional bacterial infections can produce efficacious antitumor responses in mice, rats, dogs, and humans. However, low overall success rates and intense side effects prevent such approaches from being employed clinically. In this work, we titered bacteria and/or the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα in a set of established murine models of cancer. To interpret the experiments conducted, we considered and calibrated a tumor–effector cell recruitment model under the influence of functional tumor-associated vasculature. In this model, bacterial infections and TNFα enhanced immune activity and altered vascularization in the tumor bed. Information to predict bacterial therapy outcomes was provided by pretreatment tumor size and the underlying immune recruitment dynamics. Notably, increasing bacterial loads did not necessarily produce better long-term tumor control, suggesting that tumor sizes affected optimal bacterial loads. Short-term treatment responses were favored by high concentrations of effector cells postinjection, such as induced by higher bacterial loads, but in the longer term did not correlate with an effective restoration of immune surveillance. Overall, our findings suggested that a combination of intermediate bacterial loads with low levels TNFα administration could enable more favorable outcomes elicited by bacterial infections in tumor-bearing subjects. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1553–63. ©2017 AACR.
How Truncating Are ‘Truncating Languages'? Evidence from Russian and German
Authors: Rathcke Tamara V.
Published: February 2017

Russian and German have pr eviously been described as ‘truncating‘, or cutting off target frequencies of the phrase-final pitch trajectories when the time available for voicing is compromised. However, supporting evidence is rare and limited to only a few pitch categories. This paper reports a production study conducted to document pitch adjustments to linguistic materials, in which the amount of voicing available for the realization of a pitch pattern varies from relatively long to extremely short. Productions of nuclear H+L*, H* and L*+H pitch accents followed by a low boundary tone were investigated in the two languages. The results of the study show that speakers of both ‘truncating languages' do not utilize truncation exclusively when accommodating to different segmental environments. On the contrary, they employ several strategies - among them is truncation but also compression and temporal re-alignment - to produce the target pitch categories under increasing time pressure. Given that speakers can systematically apply all three adjustment strategies to produce some pitch patterns (H* L% in German and Russian) while not using truncation in others (H+L* L% particularly in Russian), we question the effectiveness of the typological classification of these two languages as ‘truncating'. Moreover, the phonetic detail of truncation varies considerably, both across and within the two languages, indicating that truncation cannot be easily modeled as a unified phenomenon. The results further suggest that the phrase-final pitch adjustments are sensitive to the phonological composition of the tonal string and the status of a particular tonal event (associated vs. boundary tone), and do not apply to falling vs. rising pitch contours across the board, as previously put forward for German. Implications for the intonational phonology and prosodic typology are addressed in the discussion.
Stability and Variability in Slovak Prosodic Boundaries
Authors: Benuš Štefan , Šimko Juraj
Published: February 2017

Background/Aim: Encoding intended meanings in the type and strength of prosodic boundaries and strategies for communicating these meanings in ambient noise use similar prosodic cues. We analyze how increasing the level of ambient noise affects the realization of Slovak prosodic boundaries. Methods: Five native speakers of Slovak read sentences, manipulating the boundary type (weak, rise, fall) and the location of pre-boundary pitch accent. Ambient noise of several levels was administered via headphones. Acoustic and articulatory data (electromagnetometry) were collected. Results: Under normal condition, boundary strength is signaled with longer pre-boundary rhymes, more frequent pauses, greater crossboundary f0 resets and jaw displacement. The strength of falls is realized in crossboundary features (pauses, f0 reset), and rises in pre-boundary features (rhyme duration, f0 range). Pitch-accented rhymes are strengthened in all features, but f0 range. In noise, the increase in boundary strength is weak, and falls strengthen more than rises. F0 targets for falls and rises are adjusted in addition to noiseinduced global f0 scaling and lengthening. Conclusion: Hyper-articulation of prosodic boundaries in ambient noise is not robust and uniform; rather, durational, f0 and jaw displacement features co-create complex prosodic patterns in a complementary and synergetic manner based on affordances in normal speech.
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (TRPM4) Contributes to High Salt Diet-Mediated Early-Stage Endothelial Injury
Authors: Ding Xiao-Qing , Ban Tao , Liu Zeng-Yan , Lou Jie , Tang Liang-Liang , Wang Jia-Xin , Chu Wen-Feng , Zhao Dan , Song Bin-Lin , Zhang Zhi-Ren
Published: February 2017

Background/Aims: The present study investigated whether the transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channel plays a role in high salt diet (HSD)-induced endothelial injuries. Methods: Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to examine TRPM4 expression in the mesenteric endothelium of Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats fed a HSD. The MTT, TUNEL, and transwell assays were used to evaluate the cell viability, cell apoptosis, and cell migration, respectively, of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin. Carboxy-H2DCFDA, a membrane-permeable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive fluorescent probe, was used to detect intracellular ROS levels. Results: TRPM4 was mainly expressed near the plasma membrane of mesenteric artery endothelial cells, and its expression level increased in SS hypertensive rats fed a HSD. Its protein expression was significantly upregulated upon treatment with exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and aldosterone in cultured HUVECs. Cell viability decreased upon treatment with both agents in a concentration-dependent manner, which could be partially reversed by 9-phenanthrol, a specific TRPM4 inhibitor. Exogenous H2O2 induced apoptosis, enhanced cell migration, and increased the release of adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, all of which were significantly attenuated upon treatment with 9-phenanthrol. Aldosterone and H2O2 induced the accumulation of intracellular ROS, which was significantly inhibited by 9-phenanthrol, suggesting that oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms underlying aldosterone-induced endothelial injury. Conclusions: Given the fact that oxidative stress and high levels of circulating aldosterone are present in hypertensive patients, we suggest that the upregulation of TRPM4 in the vascular endothelium may be involved in endothelial injuries caused by these stimuli.
SGK1 up-regulates Orai1 expression and VSMC migration during neointima formation after arterial injury
Authors: Alesutan Ioana , Voelkl Jakob , Geue Sascha , Münzer Patrick , Rodríguez José , Kuhl Dietmar , Lang Florian , Walker-Allgaier Britta , Schaub Malte , Gawaz Meinrad , Borst Oliver
Published: February 2017

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com
JAM-C maintains VEGR2 expression to promote retinal pigment epithelium cell survival under oxidative stress
Authors: Jia Xin , Zhao Chen , Chen Qishan , Du Yuxiang , Huang Lijuan , Ye Zhimin , Ren Xiangrong , Wang Shasha , Lee Chunsik , Tang Zhongshu , Li Xuri , Ju Rong
Published: February 2017

Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) has been shown to play critical roles during development and in immune responses. However, its role in adult eyes under oxidative stress remains poorly understood. Here, we report that JAM-C is abundantly expressed in adult mouse retinae and choroids in vivo and in cultured retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells in vitro. Importantly, both JAM-C expression and its membrane localisation are downregulated by H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, JAM-C is critically required for the survival of human RPE cells. Indeed, loss of JAM-C by siRNA knockdown decreased RPE cell survival. Mechanistically, we show that JAM-C is required to maintain VEGFR2 expression in RPE cells, and VEGFR2 plays an important role in keeping the RPE cells viable since overexpression of VEGFR2 partially restored impaired RPE survival caused by JAM-C knockdown and increased RPE survival. We further show that JAM-C regulates VEGFR2 expression and, in turn, modulates p38 phosphorylation. Together, our data demonstrate that JAM-C plays an important role in maintaining VEGR2 expression to promote RPE cell survival under oxidative stress. Given the vital importance of RPE in the eye, approaches that can modulate JAM-C expression may have therapeutic values in treating diseases with impaired RPE survival.
Small but mighty: Platelets as central effectors of host defense
Authors: Hellen Ishikawa-Ankerhold , Steffen Massberg , Stocker Thomas , Christian Schulz
Published: February 2017

Platelets actively participate in inflammatory processes and drive diseases such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer metastasis. However, platelets also have anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties, which have received less consideration in the past. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the role of platelets in host defense and describe regulatory pathways modulating immuneresponses. Furthermore, we discuss the role of platelets for the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. These conceptual changes contribute to our understanding of platelet biology in disease.
Foreign invasions and the formation of the State in southern Mozambique
Authors: Guerra Hernandez Hector
Published: February 2017

With a focus on southern Mozambique, this article proposes to examine the process of nation-building and the modernization implicit within it. It begins with questioning the tendency of a certain European historiography to order the African world in its own image, exemplified by the construction of an inaccurate historical identity – “Tsonga” – under a national ideology. Next, the article attempts to establish a relationship between ethnic identity and social conditions, especially considering the first and part of the second half of the nineteenth century, raising some hypotheses. In the first place, this region has been historically characterized by the overlapping coexistence of two economic forms: the foreign-oriented trade and circulation, and domestic forms of reproduction and redistribution. Secondly, it would be possible to suggest that the processes of differentiation and social stratification, derived from this coexistence, predate the occupation of the Portuguese (1895), and therefore were not instigated by it. Third, from the process that we will label “bureaucratization of taxes”, initiated after the effective occupation by the Portuguese colonial administration, these processes of differentiation and social stratification would become processes of social and political exclusion
Deep in Poetry: Visualizing Texts’ Sonic Depths in 3D
Authors: Lein Julie Gonnering , McCurdy Nina , Hurtado Amanda
Published: February 2017

Poemage is a visualization system designed to support close reading of poems via revelation and exploration of their complex sonic structures. The authors improvised adaptations of this software into 3D interactive environments, experimenting with several ways to visualize “sonic depth” in poetic texts. Not only did this process lead to intensified cross-modal literary experiences, it challenged the authors’ thinking about commonly held values pertaining to poetry, text analysis and information visualization, prompting them to experiment with new practices in each field.
Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate induces defence against Meloidogyne hapla in soybean
Authors: Hu Yanfeng , You Jia , Li Chunjie , Hua Cui , Wang Congli
Published: February 2017

Phytohormones play important roles in plant defence against plant-parasitic nematodes, although the role of jasmonate (JA) in defence against root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) in soybean (Glycine max) was unknown. In this study, two commercial soybean cultivars, cvs DongSheng1 (DS1) and SuiNong14 (SN14), were identified as susceptible and resistant, respectively, to M. hapla. Quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR analysis showed that the expression of genes involved in JA synthesis or signalling was significantly induced in both susceptible and resistant roots at 24 and 48 h after inoculation. Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate induced defence against RKN in susceptible cv. DS1, which might be involved in altered activities of defence-related enzymes (chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase) and pathogenesis-related gene PR5 expression. The results indicate that exogenous application of JA might be an alternative strategy to induce soybean resistance against RKN.
Taxonomy of the Capensibufo rosei group (Anura: Bufonidae) from South Africa
Authors: CHANNING A. , MEASEY G.J. , VILLIERS A.L. DE , TURNER A.A. , TOLLEY K.A.
Published: February 2017

A molecular and morphological study of the Mountain Toadlets, previously included in Capensibufo rosei, showed that there are several previously unrecognised species in this group. We describe three new species from the Hawekwas, Hottentots-Holland, Groenland and Riviersonderend Mountains; the DuToitskloof Mountains, and the Akkedis, Koeël and Kleinriviers Mountains, South Africa. Capensibufo rosei is restricted to the Table Mountain chain of the Cape Peninsula.
A Comparison between the GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar and Ground-Based Radar Precipitation Rate Estimates in the Swiss Alps and Plateau
Authors: Speirs Peter , Gabella Marco , Berne Alexis
Published: February 2017

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) provides a unique set of three-dimensional radar precipitation estimates across much of the globe. Both terrain and climatic conditions can have a strong influence on the reliability of these estimates. Switzerland provides an ideal testbed to evaluate the performance of the DPR in complex terrain: it consists of a mixture of very complex terrain (the Alps) and the far flatter Swiss Plateau. It is also well instrumented, covered with a dense gauge network as well as a network of four dual-polarization C-band weather radars, with the same instrument network used in both the Plateau and the Alps. Here an evaluation of the GPM DPR rainfall rate products against the MeteoSwiss radar rainfall rate product for the first two years of the GPM DPR’s operation is presented. Errors in both detection and estimation are considered, broken down by terrain complexity, season, precipitation phase, precipitation type, and precipitation rate. Errors are considered both integrated across the entire domain and spatially, and consistent underestimation of precipitation by GPM is found. This rises to −51% in complex terrain in the winter, primarily due to the predominance of DPR measurements wholly in the solid phase, where problems are caused by lower reflectivities. The smaller vertical extent of precipitation in winter is also likely a cause. Both detection and estimation performance are found to be significantly better in summer than in winter, in liquid than in solid precipitation, and in flatter terrain than in complex terrain.
GEFS Precipitation Forecasts and the Implications of Statistical Downscaling over the Western United States
Authors: Lewis Wyndam R. , Steenburgh W. James , Alcott Trevor I. , Rutz Jonathan J.
Published: February 2017

Contemporary operational medium-range ensemble modeling systems produce quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) that provide guidance for weather forecasters, yet lack sufficient resolution to adequately resolve orographic influences on precipitation. In this study, cool-season (October–March) Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) QPFs are verified using daily (24 h) Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) observations over the western United States, which tend to be located at upper elevations where the orographic enhancement of precipitation is pronounced. Results indicate widespread dry biases, which reflect the infrequent production of larger 24-h precipitation events (≳22.9 mm in Pacific ranges and ≳10.2 mm in the interior ranges) compared with observed. Performance metrics, such as equitable threat score (ETS), hit rate, and false alarm ratio, generally worsen from the coast toward the interior. Probabilistic QPFs exhibit low reliability, and the ensemble spread captures only ~30% of upper-quartile events at day 5. In an effort to improve QPFs without exacerbating computing demands, statistical downscaling is explored based on high-resolution climatological precipitation analyses from the Parameter-Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), an approach frequently used by operational forecasters. Such downscaling improves model biases, ETSs, and hit rates. However, 47% of downscaled QPFs for upper-quartile events are false alarms at day 1, and the ensemble spread captures only 56% of the upper-quartile events at day 5. These results should help forecasters and hydrologists understand the capabilities and limitations of GEFS forecasts and statistical downscaling over the western United States and other regions of complex terrain.