bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure of on- and off-center hydrogenic impurities in quantum dots and quantum nanowires: energies and dipole polarizability
Authors: Melono R.L.M. , Dobgima D. , Motapon O.
Published: February 2018

The energy levels, ground state binding energies, and electric dipole polarizabilities of hydrogenic impurities in quantum dots and quantum nanowires have been investigated using a non-relativistic B-spline based variational method. Firstly, we have worked on the characterization of those impurities (donor/electron) in quantum dots and quantum nanowires, considering the two cases where the impurity is centered or off-centered in the nanostructure. Secondly, the electric dipole polarizabilities have been computed and their sensitivity with confinement parameters investigated. So the energies, binding energies, and dipole polarizabilities were reported for the centered and the off-centered donor and electron impurities as a function of the cavity radius and the off-center displacement. We found that the polarization of the studied system greatly depends on the model potential form, the off-center displacement, and the cavity radius. In the case of quantum dots and for the parabolic potential, the convergence of the polarizability for large values of the quantum size is shown. For the quantum nanowire case, we have shown that the polarizability is greater in the case of the z axis displacement than that of the transversal one. This leads to the fact that the system is more polarizable when the impurity is moved along the z axis than the transversal one.
Accelerating Shor’s factorization algorithm on GPUs
Authors: Savran I. , Demirci M. , Yılmaz A.H.
Published: February 2018

Shor’s quantum algorithm is very important for cryptography, because it can factor large numbers much faster than classical algorithms. In this study, we implement a simulator for Shor’s quantum algorithm on graphic processor units (GPU) and compare our results with Liquid, which is a Microsoft quantum simulation platform, and two classical CPU implementations. We evaluate 10 benchmarks for comparing our GPU implementation with Liquid and single-core implementation. The analysis shows that GPU vector operations are more suitable for Shor’s quantum algorithm. Our GPU kernel function is compute-bound, due to all threads in a block reaching the same element of the state vector. Our implementation has 52.5× speedup over single-core algorithm and 20.5× speedup over Liquid.
Effect of pseudogap and van Hove singularity density of state on the isotope effect coefficient of superconductor
Authors: Chanpoom Thaipanya
Published: February 2018

This research was to study the isotope effect coefficient of high temperature superconductors taking into account the pseudogap. We used the BCS-like model including the effect of the vHs density of state and pseudogap. The isotope effect coefficient was derived to the analytical and the approximation form. For the effect of vHs density of state, we found that the isotope effect coefficient increased as the critical temperature increased. For the pseudogap effect, as the critical temperature increased, the isotope effect coefficient decreased to the BCS value, 0.5. For the effect of the vHs density of state and pseudogap, we found that when the critical temperature increased, the isotope effect coefficient decreased. Finally, we showed our numerical results that can fit well with the experimental data of YBa[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text]Cu3O[Formula: see text] and Y[Formula: see text]Pr[Formula: see text]Ba2Cu3O[Formula: see text] superconductors.
Higher order stability in the coefficients of the colored Jones polynomial
Authors: Hall Katherine Walsh
Published: February 2018

We discuss the higher order stabilization of the coefficients of the colored Jones polynomial. In particular, we find an expression for the second stable sequence of the colored Jones polynomial of a certain class of knots. We also determine which knots have the same higher order stability.
A Novel ReRAM-Based Processing-in-Memory Architecture for Graph Traversal
Authors: Han Lei , Shen Zhaoyan , Liu Duo , Shao Zili , Huang H. Howie , Li Tao
Published: February 2018

Graph algorithms such as graph traversal have been gaining ever-increasing importance in the era of big data. However, graph processing on traditional architectures issues many random and irregular memory accesses, leading to a huge number of data movements and the consumption of very large amounts of energy. To minimize the waste of memory bandwidth, we investigate utilizing processing-in-memory (PIM), combined with non-volatile metal-oxide resistive random access memory (ReRAM), to improve both computation and I/O performance.

We propose a new ReRAM-based processing-in-memory architecture called RPBFS, in which graph data can be persistently stored and processed in place. We study the problem of graph traversal, and we design an efficient graph traversal algorithm in RPBFS. Benefiting from low data movement overhead and high bank-level parallel computation, RPBFS shows a significant performance improvement compared with both the CPU-based and the GPU-based BFS implementations. On a suite of real-world graphs, our architecture yields a speedup in graph traversal performance of up to 33.8×, and achieves a reduction in energy over conventional systems of up to 142.8×.
Markers of Oral Lichen Planus Malignant Transformation
Authors: Tampa Mircea , Caruntu Constantin , Mitran Madalina , Mitran Cristina , Sarbu Isabela , Rusu Laura-Cristina , Matei Clara , Constantin Carolina , Neagu Monica , Georgescu Simona-Roxana
Published: February 2018

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered as one of the most serious complications of the disease; nevertheless, controversy still persists. Various factors seem to be involved in the progression of malignant transformation; however, the mechanism of this process is not fully understood yet. Molecular alterations detected in OLP samples might represent useful biomarkers for predicting and monitoring the malignant progression. In this review, we discuss various studies which highlight different molecules as ominous predictors of OLP malignant transformation.
Cancer Patients Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Clinical Trial: Characteristics and Correlates of Smoking Rate and Nicotine Dependence
Authors: Miele Andrew , Thompson Morgan , Jao Nancy C. , Kalhan Ravi , Leone Frank , Hogarth Lee , Hitsman Brian , Schnoll Robert
Published: February 2018

Introduction. A substantial proportion of cancer patients continue to smoke after their diagnosis but few studies have evaluated correlates of nicotine dependence and smoking rate in this population, which could help guide smoking cessation interventions. Aim. This study evaluated correlates of smoking rate and nicotine dependence among 207 cancer patients. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis using multiple linear regression evaluated disease, demographic, affective, and tobacco-seeking correlates of smoking rate and nicotine dependence. Smoking rate was assessed using a timeline follow-back method. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence measured levels of nicotine dependence. Results. A multiple linear regression predicting nicotine dependence showed an association with smoking to alleviate a sense of addiction from the Reasons for Smoking scale and tobacco-seeking behavior from the concurrent choice task (p<.05), but not with affect measured by the HADS and PANAS (p>.05). Multiple linear regression predicting prequit showed an association with smoking to alleviate addiction (p<.05). ANOVA showed that Caucasian participants reported greater rates of smoking compared to other races. Conclusions. The results suggest that behavioral smoking cessation interventions that focus on helping patients to manage tobacco-seeking behavior, rather than mood management interventions, could help cancer patients quit smoking.
Effect of Semelil, an Herbal Selenium-Based Medicine, on New Bone Formation in Calvarium of Rabbits
Authors: Rasouli-Ghahroudi Amir Alireza , Rokn Amirreza , Abdollahi Mohammad , Mashhadi-Abbas Fatemeh , Yaghobee Siamak
Published: February 2018

Background. This study aims to analyze the effect of Semelil, an herbal selenium-based medicine, on osteogenesis in rabbit calvarium defects. Methods. Four identical bony defects (8 mm) were created in the calvarium of 16 New Zealand male rabbits and filled randomly with xenogenic bone substitute material (Bio-Oss®) and semelil herbal drug (ANGIPARS™). One site was filled with Bio-Oss (B); the second site was treated with ANGIPARS (A); the third site was treated with ANGIPARS + Bio-Oss (AB); and the fourth site was left as untreated control (C) and defects were left unfilled. Rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (n=8) and sacrificed at four and eight weeks. Percentage of new bone formation, type of the newly formed bone, percentage of the remaining xenograft biomaterial, and foreign body reaction (FBR) were evaluated via histological and histomorphometric analyses. Results. The percentage of new bone formation was significantly different among four groups. The highest effect was observed in AB, followed by A, B, and C groups, respectively. The difference in the mean percentage of new bone formation between four and eight weeks was significant for all four groups (P<0.001). Regarding bone formation, the interaction effect of A and B was significant at four (P<0.001) and eight weeks (P=0.002). ANGIPARS alone and in presence of Bio-Oss enhanced new bone formation at both four and eight weeks (P<0.001). The mean amount of new bone formation was significantly different at four and eight weeks in groups C (P=0.008), A (P<0.001), B (P<0.001), and AB (P=0.003). FBR was not observed in any group. Conclusion. Semelil may be useful as an adjunct to conventional osteoconductive materials in order to enhance osteogenesis.
The Effects of Tooth Brushing on Whole Salivary Flow Rate in Older Adults
Authors: Affoo R. H. , Trottier K. , Garrick R. , Mascarenhas T. , Jang Y. , Martin R. E.
Published: February 2018

Objectives. (1) To determine whether manual (MTB), or electric, tooth brushing (ETB) modulates whole salivary flow rate in older adults who are free of systemic disease. (2) To determine the duration of the brushing-related modulation of salivary flow rate. (3) To compare salivary flow rate modulation associated with MTB and ETB.Method. Twenty-one adults aged 60 years and older participated in two experimental sessions during which they used a manual, or electric, toothbrush to brush their teeth, tongue, and palate. Whole salivary flow rates were determined using the draining method before, during, and after brushing. Differences in salivary flow rates across time periods, and between conditions, were examined using paired samplest-tests applying a Holm-Bonferroni sequential procedure (pcorr<0.0045). The relationship between tooth brushing and age with respect to maximum salivary flow rate increase was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p<0.05).Results/Conclusion. Whole salivary flow rates increased during, and for up to 5 minutes following, tooth brushing in adults aged 60 years and older who were free of systemic disease. The salivary effects of MTB and ETB were not significantly different. A moderate, positive correlation was observed between tooth-brushing-related maximum salivary flow rate increase and age.
A Case of Prostatic Carcinoma Manifesting as Cutaneous Facial Nodule
Authors: Esquivel-Pinto Israel Antonio , Torres-Alvarez Bertha , Gómez-Villa Ramiro Jetzabel , Castanedo-Cázares Juan Pablo
Published: February 2018

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among men. Cutaneous metastasis is an uncommon phenomenon in prostatic cancer, occurring in 0.06–0.3% of cases.Case Presentation.A 56-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic with a one-month history of a 1.5 cm in diameter, solitary, asymptomatic, purple nodule located on his upper right cheek. After biopsy, prostatic cancer metastasis was diagnosed.Discussion.A literature review revealed 59 articles documenting 71 cases of this diagnosis. The review recorded epidemiological data, including age, duration, morphology, location, and outcome of patients.Conclusions.The skin is an uncommon site for metastasis of prostate cancer, and the review showed that its presence is associated with a poor prognosis (approximately 10 months from diagnosis).
Electric Stimulation of Ear Reduces the Effect of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway on Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures in Rats
Authors: Liao En-Tzu , Lin Yi-Wen , Huang Chun-Ping , Tang Nou-Ying , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: February 2018

Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in the temporal lobe, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. Clinical antiepileptic medicines are often ineffective or of little benefit in 30% of epileptic patients and usually cause severe side effects. Emerging evidence indicates the crucial role of inflammatory mediators in epilepsy. The current study investigates the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its underlying mechanisms in kainic acid- (KA-) induced epileptic seizures in rats. Experimental KA injection successfully initiated an epileptic seizure accompanied by increased expression of TLR4 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. In addition, calcium-sensitive phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKIIα) increased after the initiation of the epileptic seizure. Furthermore, downstream-phosphorylated signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase simultaneously increased in these brain areas. Moreover, the transcriptional factor phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (pNF-κB) increased, suggesting that nucleus transcription was affected. Furthermore, the aforementioned molecules decreased by an electric stimulation (ES) of either 2 Hz or 15 Hz of the ear in the three brain areas. Accordingly, we suggest that ES of the ear can successfully control epileptic seizures by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway and has a therapeutic benefit in reducing epileptic seizures.
Glomerular Filtration Rate and/or Ratio of Urine Albumin to Creatinine as Markers for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Romero-Aroca Pedro , Baget-Bernaldiz Marc , Navarro-Gil Raul , Moreno-Ribas Antonio , Valls-Mateu Aida , Sagarra-Alamo Ramon , Barrot-De La Puente Joan F. , Mundet-Tuduri Xavier
Published: February 2018

Aims. To determine the relationship between diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy on a population of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods. A prospective ten-year follow-up population-based study. We determined differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation and urine albumin to creatinine ratio. Results. Annual incidence of any-DR was 8.21 ± 0.60% (7.06%–8.92%), sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) was 2.65 ± 0.14% (2.48%–2.88%), and diabetic macular edema (DME) was 2.21 ± 0.18% (2%–2.49%). Renal study results were as follows: UACR > 30 mg/g had an annual incidence of 7.02 ± 0.05% (6.97%–7.09%), eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 incidence was 5.89 ± 0.12% (5.70%–6.13%). Cox’s proportional regression analysis of DR incidence shows that renal function studied by eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was less significant (p=0.04, HR 1.223, 1.098–1.201) than UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p<0.001, HR 1.485, 1.103–1.548). The study of STDR shows that eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was significant (p=0.02, HR 1.890, 1.267–2.820), UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p<0.001, HR 2.448, 1.595–3.757), and DME shows that eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was significant (p=0.02, HR 1.920, 1.287–2.864) and UACR ≥ 300 mg/g (p<0.001, HR 2.432, 1.584–3.732). Conclusions. The UACR has a better association with diabetic retinopathy than the eGFR, although both are important risk factors for diabetic retinopathy.
Altered Structural and Functional Connectivity of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: An fMRI Study
Authors: Zhong Chengqing , Liu Rong , Luo Cheng , Jiang Sisi , Dong Li , Peng Rui , Guo Fuqiang , Wang Pu
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the structural and functional connectivity (FC) of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rs-fMRI data were collected in 25 patients with JME and in 24 control subjects. A FC analysis was subsequently performed, with seeding at the regions that demonstrated between-group differences in gray matter volume (GMV). Then, the observed structural and FCs were associated with the clinical manifestations. The decreased GMV regions were found in the bilateral anterior cerebellum, the right orbital superior frontal gyrus, the left middle temporal gyrus, the left putamen, the right hippocampus, the bilateral caudate, and the right thalamus. The changed FCs were mainly observed in the motor-related areas and the cognitive-related areas. The significant findings of this study revealed an important role for the cerebellum in motor control and cognitive regulation in JME patients, which also have an effect on the activity of the occipital lobe. In addition, the changed FCs were related to the clinical features of JME patients. The current observations may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of JME.
Representative Stress‐Strain Curve by Spherical Indentation on Elastic‐Plastic Materials
Authors: Chang Chao , Garrido M. A. , Ruiz-Hervias J. , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Le-le
Published: February 2018

Tensile stress‐strain curve of metallic materials can be determined by the representative stress‐strain curve from the spherical indentation. Tabor empirically determined the stress constraint factor (stress CF), ψ, and strain constraint factor (strain CF), β, but the choice of value for ψ and β is still under discussion. In this study, a new insight into the relationship between constraint factors of stress and strain is analytically described based on the formation of Tabor’s equation. Experiment tests were performed to evaluate these constraint factors. From the results, representative stress‐strain curves using a proposed strain constraint factor can fit better with nominal stress‐strain curve than those using Tabor’s constraint factors.
Urinary Clusterin Is Upregulated in Nephropathia Epidemica
Authors: Martynova Ekaterina V. , Maksudova Adelya N. , Shakirova Venera G. , Abdulkhakov Sayar R. , Khaertynova Ilsiyar M. , Anokhin Vladimir A. , Ivanova Vilena V. , Abiola Ilesanmi M. , Garanina Ekaterina E. , Tazetdinova Leisan G. , Valiullina Aigul H. , Khaiboullina Svetlana F.
Published: February 2018

Kidney insufficiency is a hallmark of nephropathia epidemica (NE). Little is known about the mechanisms of the NE kidney pathology, with current knowledge mainly based on findings in postmortem tissue. We have analyzed kidney damage biomarkers in urine collected from early- and late-phase NE using Bio-Plex kidney toxicity panels 1 and 2. To determine the disease specificity, kidney damage biomarkers were also analyzed in urine samples from patients diagnosed with gout, type 2 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and chronic kidney insufficiency. Analysis of 12 biomarkers suggests damage to the kidney proximal tubule at the onset of NE. Also, upregulation of biomarkers of inflammation and leukocyte chemotaxis were detected in NE urine. Furthermore, increased clusterin levels were found in early- and late-phase NE urine. Comparative analysis revealed that clusterin is a biomarker, upregulated in NE urine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Heart Rate Variability in Obese Children
Authors: Baumann Christoph , Rakowski Ulla , Buchhorn Reiner
Published: February 2018

Obese children and adolescents are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. We hypothesized that cardiovascular prophylaxis with omega-3 fatty acids could benefit them. In our study, 20 children and adolescents (mean body mass index percentile: 99.1; mean age: 11.0 years) underwent two ambulatory 24 h Holter electrocardiography (ECG) recordings (before and after at least 3 months of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation). Time domain heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) were examined for these patients. As a control, we used 24 h Holter ECG recordings of 94 nonobese children and adolescents. Time domain HRV parameters, which are indicators of vagal stimulation, were significantly lower in obese patients than in healthy controls, but HR was higher (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal [SDNN] interbeat intervals: −34.02%; root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD] between normal heartbeats: −40.66%; percentage of consecutive RR intervals [pNN50]: −60.24%; HR: +13.37%). After omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, time domain HRV parameters and HR of obese patients were similar to the values of healthy controls (SDNN interbeat intervals: −21.73%; RMSSD: −19.56%; pNN50: −25.59%; HR: +3.94%). Therefore, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be used for cardiovascular prophylaxis in obese children and adolescents.
Baseline Predictors of Visual Acuity Outcome in Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Lai Timothy Y. Y.
Published: February 2018

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of severe vision loss in people over 60 years. Wet AMD (wAMD) causes more severe visual acuity (VA) loss compared with the dry form due to formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents such as ranibizumab and aflibercept are now the standard of care treatment for wAMD. Unfortunately, up to a quarter of anti-VEGF-treated wAMD patients might not fully benefit from intravitreal injections and CNV activity may not respond to the treatment and these patients are called anti-VEGF nonresponders. This article aims to discuss the baseline factors associated with VA outcome such as age, initial VA, lesion types, disease duration, optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, fundus autofluorescence findings, and the presence of particular genotype risk alleles in patients with wAMD. Recommendations are provided regarding when to consider discontinuation of therapy because of either success or futility. Understanding the predictive factors associated with VA outcome and treatment frequency response to anti-VEGF therapy may help retina specialists to manage patients’ expectations and guide treatment decisions from the beginning of treatment on the basis of “personalized medicine.”
Robust Switching Control and Subspace Identification for Flutter of Flexible Wing
Authors: Wang Yizhe , Xu Zhiwei , Li Wei
Published: February 2018

Active flutter suppression and subspace identification for a flexible wing model using micro fiber composite actuator were experimentally studied in a low speed wind tunnel. NACA0006 thin airfoil model was used for the experimental object to verify the performance of identification algorithm and designed controller. The equation of the fluid, vibration, and piezoelectric coupled motion was theoretically analyzed and experimentally identified under the open‐loop and closed‐loop condition by subspace method for controller design. A robust pole placement algorithm in terms of linear matrix inequality that accommodates the model uncertainty caused by identification deviation and flow speed variation was utilized to stabilize the divergent aeroelastic system. For further enlarging the flutter envelope, additional controllers were designed subject to the models beyond the flutter speed. Wind speed was measured online as the decision parameter of switching between the controllers. To ensure the stability of arbitrary switching, Common Lyapunov function method was applied to design the robust pole placement controllers for different models to ensure that the closed‐loop system shared a common Lyapunov function. Wind tunnel result showed that the designed controllers could stabilize the time varying aeroelastic system over a wide range under arbitrary switching.
Swirling Flow and Wall Shear: Evaluating the BioMimics 3D Helical Centerline Stent for the Femoropopliteal Segment
Authors: Sullivan Timothy M. , Zeller Thomas , Nakamura Masato , Caro Colin G. , Lichtenberg Michael
Published: February 2018

The BioMimics 3D self-expanding nitinol stent represents a strategy for femoropopliteal intervention that is alternative or complementary to deployment of drug-coated stents or balloons. Whereas conventional straight stents reduce arterial curvature and disturb blood flow, creating areas of low wall shear, where neointimal hyperplasia predominantly develops, the helical centerline geometry of the BioMimics 3D maintains or imparts arterial curvature, promotes laminar swirling blood flow, and elevates wall shear to protect against atherosclerosis and restenosis. In the multicenter randomized MIMICS trial, treatment of femoropopliteal disease with the BioMimics 3D (n=50) significantly improved 2-year primary patency (log-rank test p=0.05) versus a control straight stent (n=26), with no cases of clinically driven target lesion revascularization between 12 and 24 months (log-rank test p=0.03 versus controls). In geometric X-ray analysis, the BioMimics stent was significantly more effective in imparting a helical shape even when the arterial segment was moderately to severely calcified. Computational fluid dynamics analysis showed that average wall shear was significantly higher with the helical centerline stent (1.13±0.13 Pa versus 1.06±0.12 Pa, p=0.05). A 271-patient multicenter international MIMICS-2 trial and a 500-patient real-world MIMICS-3D registry are underway.
A Soft Microenvironment Protects from Failure of Midbody Abscission and Multinucleation Downstream of the EMT-Promoting Transcription Factor Snail
Authors: Simi Allison K. , Anlaş Alişya A. , Stallings-Mann Melody , Zhang Sherry , Hsia Tiffaney , Cichon Magdalena , Radisky Derek C. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: February 2018

Multinucleation is found in more than one third of tumors and is linked to increased tolerance for mutation, resistance to chemotherapy, and invasive potential. The integrity of the genome depends on proper execution of the cell cycle, which can be altered through mechanotransduction pathways as the tumor microenvironment stiffens during tumorigenesis. Here, we show that signaling downstream of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) or TGFβ, known inducers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), also promotes multinucleation in stiff microenvironments through Snail-dependent expression of the filament-forming protein septin-6, resulting in midbody persistence, abscission failure, and multinucleation. Consistently, we observed elevated expression of Snail and septin-6 as well as multinucleation in a human patient sample of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast, a rare classification characterized by deposition of collagen fibers and active EMT. In contrast, a soft microenvironment protected mammary epithelial cells from becoming multinucleated by preventing Snail-induced upregulation of septin-6. Our data suggest that tissue stiffening during tumorigenesis synergizes with oncogenic signaling to promote genomic abnormalities that drive cancer progression.

Significance: These findings reveal tissue stiffening during tumorigenesis synergizes with oncogenic signaling to promote genomic abnormalities that drive cancer progression. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2277–89. ©2018 AACR.
Type I Diabetic Akita Mouse Model is Characterized by Abnormal Cardiac Deformation During Early Stages of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy with Speckle-Tracking Based Strain Imaging
Authors: Zhou Yingchao , Xiao Hong , Wu Jianfei , Zha Lingfeng , Zhou Mengchen , Li Qianqian , Wang Mengru , Shi Shumei , Li Yanze , Lyu Liangkun , Wang Qing , Tu Xin , Lu Qiulun
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been demonstrated to have a strong association with heart failure. Conventional echocardiographic analysis cannot sensitively monitor cardiac dysfunction in type I diabetic Akita hearts, but the phenotype of heart failure is observed in molecular levels during the early stages. Methods: Male Akita (Ins2WT/C96Y) mice were monitored with echocardiographic imaging at various ages, and then with conventional echocardiographic analysis and speckle-tracking based strain analyses. Results: With speckle-tracking based strain analyses, diabetic Akita mice showed changes in average global radial strain at the age of 12 weeks, as well as decreased longitudinal strain. These changes occurred in the early stage and remained throughout the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy in Akita mice. Speckle-tracking showed that the detailed and precise changes of cardiac deformation in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy in the genetic type I diabetic Akita mice were uncoupled. Conclusions: We monitored early-stage changes in the heart of diabetic Akita mice. We utilize this technique to elucidate the underlying mechanism for heart failure in Akita genetic type I diabetic mice. It will further advance the assessment of cardiac abnormalities, as well as the discovery of new drug treatments using Akita genetic type I diabetic mice.
The Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA 00707 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration by Regulating Cdc42
Authors: Ma Tianshi , Ma Hongwei , Zou Zigui , He Xuezhi , Liu Yanhua , Shuai You , Xie Min , Zhang Zhihong
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Lung cancer (LC) is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have garnered attention because they participate in diverse human disorders, including cancer. Our study examined the long intergenic noncoding RNA 00707 (LINC00707). The effects of LINC00707 on lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) and molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study is aimed to investigate the role of LINC00707 in the malignant processes of LAD. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression level of LINC00707 in tissues and cell lines. The association of LINC00707 expression and postoperative prognosis was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cell proliferation was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration. Cell cycle and apoptosis was determined by flow -cytometric and western blot analyses. Microarray analysis was conducted to screen for the downstream target gene Cdc42 of LINC00707, which was identified by qRT-PCR, functional analysis, and rescue experiment. Results: The expression level of LINC00707 was clearly upregulated in LAD tissues compared to that in corresponding normal tissues. Its overexpression was related to advanced TNM stage, larger tumor size, lymphatic metastasis, and poor prognosis. Functional assays revealed that LINC00707 knockdown repressed LAD cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. This process may involve the inducing of G1 arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, cell migration was impaired after LINC00707 inhibition. Microarray analysis and rescue assays suggested that Cdc42 is an important target gene involved in the carcinogenesis of LINC00707. Conclusions: In summary, LINC00707 is a noncoding oncogene that exerts important regulatory functions in LAD, suggesting its potential as a biomarker in the prognosis and treatment of LAD.
Ein Vorschlag des dialektbasierten Hochdeutschunterrichts für die Wolgadeutschen in Argentinien
Authors: Ladilova Anna
Published: February 2018

Wie in vielen anderen deutschen Gemeinschaften in Amerika wurde bei den Wolgadeutschen in Argentinien bis heute eine dialektale Varietät des Deutschen aufrechterhalten. Diese wurde i.d.R. nur mündlich weitergegeben, verfügt über covert prestige für die Sprecher und dient als Marker ethnischer Identität. Die Sprache der Mehrheitsgesellschaft (Spanisch im Falle der Wolgadeutschen in Argentinien) verfügt dagegen über overt prestige und objektiven Nutzen für den Alltag. Auch dem Hochdeutschen wird ein objektiver Nutzen, z.B. für die berufliche Zukunft, zugesprochen. Gleichzeitig wird die von der Gemeinschaft gesprochene Varietät meist als inkompatibel mit dem Hochdeutschen wahrgenommen: Die Sprecher des Dialekts sind oft der Meinung, dass die Dialektkenntnisse für sie eher ein Hindernis als eine Hilfe beim Erwerb des Hochdeutschen darstellen. Nichtsdestotrotz gab es bereits Initiativen dialektbasierten Hochdeutschunterricht für die Wolgadeutschen in Argentinien voranzutreiben: So initiierte z.B. Arndt Schmidt ein Programm zur Ausbildung der Lehrer im wolgadeutschen Dorf Santa Maria in der Provinz Buenos Aires. Der vorliegende Artikel geht auf die Frage des Deutschunterrichts für Dialektlerner ein, gibt einen kurzen Überblick über die soziolinguistische Situation der Wolgadeutschen in Argentinien und macht einen Vorschlag eines ursprungsdialektbasierten Hochdeutschunterrichts.
Conserving the newly recorded Hill Arecanut Palm Bentinckia condapanna Berry ex Roxb (Arecaceae) population outside the natural forest as wildlife corridor
Authors: Murukesh M. Divin , Ashokan Ajith
Published: February 2018

Bentinckia condapanna a vulnerable palm distributed along the southern Western Ghats has a sparse distribution in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.  A viable population of this palm is found in Arundel-Priya Estate, an abandoned tea plantation in Kollam District, Kerala.  This population comprises 76 mature palms and is on the verge of being affected with the proposed widening of Kazhuthurutty-Arundel-Achankoil road and may wipe out the whole population.
Two new reports of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from India
Authors: Rachana R. R. , Varatharajan R.
Published: February 2018

Caliothrips punctipennis (Hood) and the male of Western Flower Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) have been recorded for the first time from India.  F. occidentalis was collected on the leaves of Erythrina indica from Ooty in the Nilgiris, the Western Ghats, southern India, whereas C. punctipennis was collected from yellow pan traps laid at Great Nicobar, India.  Considering the quarantine importance of the pest F. occidentalis, the report of the male for the first time in India needs attention and concern.  Males are also known to be more effective vectors of tospoviruses than females.  Xerochrysum bracteatum, the Common Golden Everlasting Daisy, is often taken out of Ooty by tourists to other parts of the country.  This along with other planting materials carried by tourists and farmers could aid in the dispersal of F. occidentalis to the temperate regions of northern and southern India, where it is likely to thrive in the congenial climatic conditions prevalent there.  Under these circumstances, it is imperative that quarantine mechanisms within the country are activated and strengthened, to prevent the spread of this notorious pest to the rest of India from the pockets of its occurrence in southern India - particularly the Nilgiris.  The diagnostic characters of both species are discussed.
Rapid assessment of sacred groves: a biodiversity assessment tool for ground level practitioners
Authors: Trivedi Shivam , Bharucha Erach , Mungikar Rahul
Published: February 2018

Sacred groves in the Western Ghats are culturally preserved patches of forests that are rich in diversity owing to protection by several generations of local people, providing excellent examples of community based conservation.  Sacred groves harbour local populations, preserve genetic resources and serve as reference sites and corridors between protected areas.  They are considered to be cornerstones of biodiversity conservation, but are insufficient in scale and number to significantly address many aspects of the management of landscapes and biodiversity.  We studied 13 sacred groves in Pune District that are at present outside the protected areas of the northern Western Ghats, where we employed a simple and rapid biodiversity assessment technique that can be replicated by frontline foresters, local residents and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).  Integrating these sacred sites into the conservation network through local support can improve the efficiency for the existing protected area network in this ecologically fragile region.
Hunted species and hunting equipment used by rainforest poachers in Ghana
Authors: Wiafe Edward Debrah
Published: February 2018

This study investigated species that are hunted in protected rainforest areas and the methods used to hunt them, using data obtained by recording items in the possession of 17 poachers arrested in Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana over a period of 12 months.  Twelve species were recorded among 69 total animals.  Most were mammals, including primates.  Shotguns and wire snares were the main hunting methods used.  Primates must be given special protection and conservation attention, as they were found to be prominent among the animals poached.
VEGFR (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor) Inhibition Induces Cardiovascular Damage via Redox-Sensitive Processes
Authors: Neves Karla B. , Rios Francisco J. , van der Mey Lucas , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Cameron Alan C. , Volpe Massimo , Montezano Augusto C. , Savoia Carmine , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: February 2018

Although VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitors (VEGFIs), are effective anticancer therapies, they cause hypertension through unknown mechanisms. We questioned whether changes in vascular redox state may be important, because VEGF signaling involves nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. Molecular mechanisms, including NOS, NADPH oxidase (Nox)–derived reactive oxygen species, antioxidant systems, and vasoconstrictor signaling pathways, were probed in human endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle exposed to vatalanib, a VEGFI. Vascular functional effects of VEGFI were assessed ex vivo in mouse arteries. Cardiovascular and renal in vivo effects were studied in vatalanib- or gefitinib (EGFI [epidermal growth factor inhibitor])-treated mice. In endothelial cells, vatalanib decreased eNOS (Ser
1177
) phosphorylation and reduced NO and H
2
O
2
production, responses associated with increased Nox-derived O
2
−
and ONOO
−
formation. Inhibition of Nox1/4 (GKT137831) or Nox1 (NoxA1ds), prevented vatalanib-induced effects. Nrf-2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) nuclear translocation and expression of Nrf-2–regulated antioxidant enzymes were variably downregulated by vatalanib. In human vascular smooth muscles, VEGFI increased Nox activity and stimulated Ca
2+
influx and MLC
20
phosphorylation. Acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation was impaired and U46619-induced vasoconstriction was enhanced by vatalanib, effects normalized by N-acetyl-cysteine and worsened by L-NAME. In vatalanib-, but not gefitinib-treated mice vasorelaxation was reduced and media:lumen ratio of mesenteric arteries was increased with associated increased cardiovascular and renal oxidative stress, decreased Nrf-2 activity and downregulation of antioxidant genes. We demonstrate that inhibition of VEGF signaling induces vascular dysfunction through redox-sensitive processes. Our findings identify Noxs and antioxidant enzymes as novel targets underling VEGFI-induced vascular dysfunction. These molecular processes may contribute to vascular toxicity and hypertension in VEGFI-treated patients.
Girl Talk and Hold Music: On the Sculptural Poetics of Chat
Authors: Dublon Amalle
Published: February 2018

In its persistent indirections, its tendency to both shape and ornament social space, gossip (chatting, girl talk) can be sculptural. Sometimes, coalescing around a particular figure, a Harvey Weinstein or a David France, the power of this chatter becomes partially institutionally “visible,” although often it recedes from display. Works by Carolyn Lazard, Wu Tsang, Jessica Vaughn, and Hannah Black make use of the sculptural power of chat, and its specific evasion of a certain mode of political speech.
The Queer of Color’s Mother: Ryan Rivera, Audre Lorde, Martin Wong, Danh Vō
Authors: Chambers-Letson Joshua
Published: February 2018

A turn to the work of four artists: Danh Vō, Ryan Rivera, Martin Wong, and Audre Lorde, this meditation on the relationship between reproductive labor and performance’s mode of reproduction attempts to describe the complex ways in which women of color and their queer children mobilize performance to sustain queer of color life, both before and after death.
Strike Debt’s Rolling Jubilee: The Promise and the Performativity of Financial Contracts
Authors: Nagler Christian Riley
Published: February 2018

With their Rolling Jubilee campaign of debt forgiveness, the group Strike Debt restored the behavior of finance capitalists to reveal vulnerabilities in the financial system’s continuous exchange of promissory contracts. The Rolling Jubilee transformed debt circulation from invisible, inadmissible market mechanism into a financial performance, and in doing so, raised the question of whether desire for new forms of collectivity are already modeled in financial markets.
A synopsis of Eurycarcinus A. Milne-Edwards, 1867 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Pilumnidae)
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. , Abdelsalam Khaled M. , Mona Mohamed H. , Nour Eldeen Mohamed F.
Published: February 2018

The taxonomy of the intertidal pilumnid crabEurycarcinusA. Milne-Edwards, 1867 is reviewed in the present work. Characters that defineEurycarcinusand distinguish it from the allied generaHeteropanopeStimpson, 1858,PilumnopeusA. Milne-Edwards, 1867, andBenthopanopeDavie, 1989 are discussed.Eurycarcinuscan be distinguished from these genera by the smooth features of the carapace, shape and form of the male pleon, and structure of the male thoracic sternum, notably the shapes of sternites 1-4 and whether sternite 8 is exposed when the pleon is closed. Of the four species ofEurycarcinus,E. bengalensisDeb, 1999, is here assigned toHeteropanope. Furthermore,Eurycarcinusspecies are known for certain only from the western Indian Ocean.
The Legal Framework for Foundations in the Habsburg Monarchy from 1750 to 1918
Authors: Schneider Gabriele
Published: February 2018

Foundations, as permanent funds established by a certain legal act, can serve manifold purposes, but often pursue charitable goals. As such, they play an important role for the public good. Therefore, states always had an interest in fostering foundations by providing a pertinent legal framework. In Austria, this topic has not yet been the focus of scholarship. Through this study some light is shed on the implementation of the law on foundations in the Habsburg Monarchy. It focuses on the role of the state and its legal system regarding the regulation and supervision of foundations from 1750 to 1918. This period is characterized by the sovereigns’ endeavor to regulate the position of foundations via extensive legislation. In particular, a system of oversight for foundations was created in order to guarantee the attainment of their charitable goals. In fact, this system prevailed until the end of the 20thcentury.
A new species of Acarospora (Acarosporaceae, Acarosporales, lichenized Ascomycota) from the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Authors: ØVSTEDAL DAG O. , LINDBLOM LOUISE , KNUDSEN KERRY , FRYDAY ALAN M.
Published: February 2018

Acarospora malouina Øvstedal & K. Knudsen is described from the Falkland Islands. It is morphologically very similar to the Antarctic species A. gwynnii but differs in chemistry, ecology and evidence from molecular data.
On typification of Chenopodium acerifolium (Chenopodiaceae): an update and new epitypification
Authors: MOSYAKIN SERGEI L. , SHUMILOVA ALISA V.
Published: February 2018

Various issues and problems of taxonomy and nomenclature of Chenopodium acerifolium Andrzejowski (1862: 132), including its typification, were recently discussed in detail by Mosyakin (2017). In short, the name C. acerifolium was effectively lectotypified by Dvořák (1987: 562, Fig. 1 on page 563; see also Mosyakin 2017) based on a specimen from KW[1] sent on loan to BRNU in the 1980s. Being probably unaware of that lectotype designation, Sukhorukov (2014: 227) designated as the lectotype another specimen that is currently deposited in LE. That specimen originated from the herbarium of W.S.J.G. Besser and later was part of the herbarium of F.E.L. Fischer (curatorial label: “Herb. Fischer. Chenopodium acerifolium Andrz. In ins. Borystheni Kiioviae. Herb. W. Besser”). The specimen from KW initially designated by Dvořák (1987) as the lectotype of C. acerifolium was reported missing (not found in KW or BRNU until 2017; see details in Mosyakin 2017). Mosyakin (2017: 142) also concluded that “until the specimen selected as the lectotype by Dvořák (1987) is found, the selection of a lectotype by Sukhorukov, unfortunately, should stand”. The specimen from LE lacked fruits and was only flowering (see Uotila & Lomonosova 2016: 235), and because of that Mosyakin (2017: 142) proposed the specimen KW001002780 with well-developed plants and a handwritten original description by Andrzejowski as the epitype supporting the lectotype from LE (standing type) selected by Sukhorukov.
Australian imprisonment 2002–2016: Crime, policing and penal policy
Authors: Weatherburn Don
Published: February 2018

The period between 2002 and 2016 saw substantial reductions in a number of major categories of crime in Australia, including murder, robbery, break and enter, motor vehicle theft and ‘other’ theft. One might expect the Australian imprisonment rate to have fallen too, but it did not. Over the same period, the Australian imprisonment rate grew by 36%. Most commentators assume the growth in imprisonment rates is due to the growth in punitive penal policies. Little attention has been paid to the influence of crime and policing policy. In this article I present evidence that much of the growth in imprisonment rates stems from rising rates of drug use/drug trafficking and changes in policing policy vis-à-vis family violence and child sexual assault.
Children’s Control/Display Stereotypes
Authors: Hoffmann Errol R. , Chan Alan H. S. , Tai Judy P. C.
Published: February 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine control/display stereotypes for children of a range of ages and development of these stereotypes with age.

Background

Little is known about control/display stereotypes for children of different ages and the way in which these stereotypes develop with age. This study is part of a program to determine the need to design differentially for these age groups.

Method

We tested four groups of children with various tasks (age groups 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 16), with about 30 in each group. Examples of common tasks were opening a bottle, turning on taps, and allocating numbers to keypads. More complex tasks involved rotating a control to move a display in a requested direction.

Results

Tasks with which different age groups were familiar showed no effect of age group. Different control/display arrangements generally showed an increase in stereotype strength with age, with dependence on the form of the control/display arrangement. Two-dimensional arrangements, with the control on the same plane as the display, had higher stereotype strength than three-dimensional arrangements for all age groups, suggesting an effect of familiarity with controls and displays with increasing age.

Conclusion

Children’s control/display stereotypes do not differ greatly from those of adults, and hence, design for children older than 5 years of age, for control/display stereotypes, can be the same as that for adult populations.

Application

When designing devices for children, the relationship between controls and displays can be as for adult populations, for which there are considerable experimental data.