bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flipping and Blending—An Action Research Project on Improving a Functional Programming Course
Authors: Isomöttönen Ville , Tirronen Ville
Published: September 2016

This article reports on an action research project on improving a functional programming course by moving toward a practical and flexible study environment—flipped and blended classroom. Teaching the topic of functional programming was found to be troublesome using a traditional lectured course format. The need to increase students’ amount of practice emerged while subsequent challenges relating to students’ independent practical coursework were observed. Particular concerns relating to group work, learning materials, and the attribute of flexibility were investigated during the third action research cycle. The research cycle was analyzed using a qualitative survey on students’ views, teacher narrative, and students’ study activity data. By this third research cycle, we found that (i) the “call for explanation” is an apt conceptualization for supporting independent work, and in particular for the design of learning materials; (ii) use of student-selected groups that can be flexibly resized or even disbanded enables spontaneous peer support and can avoid frustration about group work; and (iii) students greatly appreciate the high degree of flexibility in the course arrangements but find that it causes them to slip from their goals. The project has improved our understanding of a successful implementation of the target course based on group work and learning materials in the context of independent study, while the attribute of flexibility revealed a contradiction that indicates the need for further action.
A Flexible SoC and Its Methodology for Parser-Based Applications
Authors: Gal Bertrand Le , Bromberg Yérom-David , Réveillère Laurent , Solanki Jigar
Published: September 2016

Embedded systems are being increasingly network interconnected. They are required to interact with their environment through text-based protocol messages. Parsing such messages is control dominated. The work presented in this article attempts to accelerate message parsers using a codesign-based approach. We propose a generic architecture associated with an automated design methodology that enables SoC/SoPC system generation from high-level specifications of message protocols. Experimental results obtained on a Xilinx ML605 board show acceleration factors ranging from four to 11. Both static and dynamic reconfigurations of coprocessors are discussed and then evaluated so as to reduce the system hardware complexity.
N-glycosylation critically regulates function of oxalate transporter SLC26A6
Authors: Thomson R. Brent , Thomson Claire L. , Aronson Peter S.
Published: September 2016

The brush border Cl−-oxalate exchanger SLC26A6 plays an essential role in mediating intestinal secretion of oxalate and is crucial for the maintenance of oxalate homeostasis and the prevention of hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Previous in vitro studies have suggested that SLC26A6 is heavily N-glycosylated. N-linked glycosylation is known to critically affect folding, trafficking, and function in a wide variety of integral membrane proteins and could therefore potentially have a critical impact on SLC26A6 function and subsequent oxalate homeostasis. Through a series of enzymatic deglycosylation studies we confirmed that endogenously expressed mouse and human SLC26A6 are indeed glycosylated, that the oligosaccharides are principally attached via N-glycosidic linkage, and that there are tissue-specific differences in glycosylation. In vitro cell culture experiments were then used to elucidate the functional significance of the addition of the carbohydrate moieties. Biotinylation studies of SLC26A6 glycosylation mutants indicated that glycosylation is not essential for cell surface delivery of SLC26A6 but suggested that it may affect the efficacy with which it is trafficked and maintained in the plasma membrane. Functional studies of transfected SLC26A6 demonstrated that glycosylation at two sites in the putative second extracellular loop of SLC26A6 is critically important for chloride-dependent oxalate transport and that enzymatic deglycosylation of SLC26A6 expressed on the plasma membrane of intact cells strongly reduced oxalate transport activity. Taken together, these studies indicated that oxalate transport function of SLC26A6 is critically dependent on glycosylation and that exoglycosidase-mediated deglycosylation of SLC26A6 has the capacity to profoundly modulate SLC26A6 function.
Expression of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in cardiac myocytes improves impaired mitochondrial calcium handling and metabolism in simulated hyperglycemia
Authors: Diaz-Juarez Julieta , Suarez Jorge , Cividini Federico , Scott Brian T. , Diemer Tanja , Dai Anzhi , Dillmann Wolfgang H.
Published: September 2016

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with metabolic changes, including decreased glucose oxidation (Gox) and increased fatty acid oxidation (FAox), which result in cardiac energetic deficiency. Diabetic hyperglycemia is a pathophysiological mechanism that triggers multiple maladaptive phenomena. The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) is the channel responsible for Ca2+ uptake in mitochondria, and free mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) regulates mitochondrial metabolism. Experiments with cardiac myocytes (CM) exposed to simulated hyperglycemia revealed reduced [Ca2+]m and MCU protein levels. Therefore, we investigated whether returning [Ca2+]m to normal levels in CM by MCU expression could lead to normalization of Gox and FAox with no detrimental effects. Mouse neonatal CM were exposed for 72 h to normal glucose [5.5 mM glucose + 19.5 mM mannitol (NG)], high glucose [25 mM glucose (HG)], or HG + adenoviral MCU expression. Gox and FAox, [Ca2+]m, MCU levels, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis were assessed. [Ca2+]m and MCU protein levels were reduced after 72 h of HG. Gox was decreased and FAox was increased in HG, PDH activity was decreased, phosphorylated PDH levels were increased, and mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced. MCU expression returned these parameters toward NG levels. Moreover, increased oxidative stress and apoptosis were reduced in HG by MCU expression. We also observed reduced MCU protein levels and [Ca2+]m in hearts from type 1 diabetic mice. Thus we conclude that HG-induced metabolic alterations can be reversed by restoration of MCU levels, resulting in return of [Ca2+]m to normal levels.
The response of the vestibulosympathetic reflex to linear acceleration in the rat
Authors: Yakushin S. B. , Martinelli G. P. , Raphan T. , Cohen B.
Published: September 2016

The vestibulosympathetic reflex (VSR) increases blood pressure (BP) upon arising to maintain blood flow to the brain. The optimal directions of VSR activation and whether changes in heart rate (HR) are associated with changes in BP are still not clear. We used manually activated pulses and oscillatory linear accelerations of 0.2–2.5 g along the naso-occipital, interaural, and dorsoventral axes in isoflurane-anesthetized, male Long-Evans rats. BP and HR were recorded with an intra-aortic sensor and acceleration with a three-dimensional accelerometer. Linear regressions of BP changes in accelerations along the upward, downward, and forward axes had slopes of ≈3–6 mmHg · g−1( P < 0.05). Lateral and backward accelerations did not produce consistent changes in BP. Thus upward, downward, and forward translations were the directions that significantly altered BP. HR was unaffected by these translations. The VSR sensitivity to oscillatory forward-backward translations was ≈6–10 mmHg · g−1at frequencies of ≈0.1 Hz (0.2 g), decreasing to zero at frequencies above 2 Hz (1.8 g). Upward, 70° tilts of an alert rat increased BP by 9 mmHg · g−1without changes in HR, indicating that anesthesia had not reduced the VSR sensitivity. The similarity in BP induced in alert and anesthetized rats indicates that the VSR is relatively insensitive to levels of alertness and that the VSR is likely to cause changes in BP through modification of peripheral vascular resistance. Thus the VSR, which is directed toward the cardiovascular system, is in contrast to the responses in the alert state that can produce sweating, alterations in BP and HR, and motion sickness.
Optimal Revascularization Strategy on Medina 0,1,0 Left Main Bifurcation Lesions in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Xuwei , Peng Hongyu , Zhao Donghui , Ma Qin , Fu Kun , Chen Guo , Fan Qian , Liu Jinghua
Published: September 2016

Aim. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The implications of a diagnosis of DM are as severe as the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. For many patients with complex coronary artery disease, optimal revascularization strategy selection and optimal medical therapy are equally important. In this study, we compared the hemodynamic results of different stenting techniques for Medina 0,1,0 left main bifurcation lesions.Methods. We use idealized left main bifurcation models and computational fluid dynamics analysis to evaluate hemodynamic parameters which are known to affect the risk of restenosis and thrombosis at stented bifurcation. The surface integrals of time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) at bifurcation site were quantified.Results. Crossover stenting without final kissing balloon angioplasty provided the most favorable hemodynamic results (integrated values of TAWSS = 2.96 × 10−4 N, OSI = 4.75 × 10−6 m2) with bifurcation area subjected to OSI values >0.25, >0.35, and >0.45 calculated as 0.39 mm2, 0.06 mm2, and 0 mm2, respectively.Conclusion. Crossover stenting only offers hemodynamic advantages over other stenting techniques for Medina 0,1,0 left main bifurcation lesions and large bifurcation angle is associated with unfavorable flow profiles.
Inorganic Antiflaming Wood Caused by aTiO2-Decorated ZnO Nanorod Arrays Coating Prepared by a Facile Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Weigang , Jin Chunde , Li Song
Published: September 2016

Wood materials with antiflaming capability were successfully fabricated by depositing a TiO2-decorated ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) film on wood surface using a facile and one-pot hydrothermal method. The prepared specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). To explore the antiflaming properties, the combustion parameters of the wood treated by TiO2-decorated ZNAs were measured using the cone calorimetry technique compared with the untreated wood. For treated wood, the burning duration was prolonged for 55 s; smoke production rate (SPR) and total smoke production (TSP) were obviously reduced, especially for the production of CO was almost zero. As a result, thin inorganic film of TiO2-decorated ZNAs had desirable fire resistance, and one-pot hydrothermal method was a feasible method to fabricate nonflammable wood materials.
Soshiho‐Tang Aqueous Extract Exerts Antiobesity Effects in High Fat Diet‐Fed Mice and Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Yoo Sae-Rom , Lee Mee-young , Kang Byoung-Kab , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Jeong Soo-Jin
Published: September 2016

Soshiho‐tang (SST; sho‐saiko‐to in Japanese; xiaochaihu‐tang in Chinese) has generally been used to improve liver fibrosis‐ and cirrhosis‐related symptoms in traditional Korean medicine. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of SST, its antiobesity effect has not been elucidated. Thus, our present study was carried out to evaluate the antiobesity effect of SST using a high fat diet‐ (HFD) induced obese mouse model and 3T3‐L1 adipose cells. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/group), normal diet (ND), HFD‐fed group, and HFD‐ and SST‐fed groups (S200: 200 mg/kg of SST; S600: 600 mg/kg of SST) and given HFD with or without SST extract for 8 weeks. 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes for 8 days with or without SST. In the HFD‐fed obese mice, body weight and fat accumulation in adipose tissue were significantly reduced by SST administration. Compared with control‐differentiated adipocytes, SST significantly inhibited lipid accumulation by decreasing the triglyceride (TG) content and leptin concentration in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. SST also decreased the expression of adipogenesis‐related genes including lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐alpha (C/EBP‐α), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ). Our findings suggest that SST has potential as a nontoxic antiobesity medication.
Homogenized Model of Two-Phase Flow with Local Nonequilibrium in Double Porosity Media
Authors: Amaziane Brahim , Panfilov Mikhail , Pankratov Leonid
Published: September 2016

We consider two-phase flow in a heterogeneous porous medium with highly permeable fractures and low permeable periodic blocks. The flow in the blocks is assumed to be in local capillary disequilibrium and described by Barenblatt’s relaxation relationships for the relative permeability and capillary pressure. It is shown that the homogenization of such equations leads to a new macroscopic model that includes two kinds of long-memory effects: the mass transfer between the blocks and fractures and the memory caused by the microscopic Barenblatt disequilibrium. We have obtained a general relationship for the double nonequilibrium capillary pressure which represents great interest for applications. Due to the nonlinear coupling and the nonlocality in time, the macroscopic model remains incompletely homogenized in general case. The completely homogenized model was obtained for two different regimes. The first case corresponds to a linearized flow in the blocks. In the second case, we assume a low contrast in the block-fracture permeability. Numerical results for the two-dimensional problem are presented for two test cases to demonstrate the effectiveness of the methodology.
Process Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis for Piercing Production of Seamless Tube
Authors: Xiao Dong , Jiang Jinhong , Mao Yachun , Liu Xiaobo
Published: September 2016

With the development of modernization, the application of seamless tube becomes widespread. As the first process of seamless tube, piercing is vital for the quality of the tube. The solid round billet will be transformed into a hollow shell after the piercing process. The defects of hollow shell cannot be cleared in the following process, so a monitoring model for the quality of the hollow shell is important. But the piercing process is very complicated, and a mechanism model is difficult to build between the qualities of the hollow shell and measurement variables. Furthermore, an intelligent model is needed. We established two piercing process monitoring and fault diagnosis models based on the multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) model and the multistage MPCA model, respectively, and furthermore we made a comparison between these two concepts. We took three ways to divide the period based on process,K-means, and GA, respectively. Simulation experiments have shown that the multistate MPCA method has advantage over the MPCA method and the model based on the genetic algorithm (GA) can monitor the process effectively and detect the faults.
On a Special Form of(h)  hν-Torsion TensorPijkin Finsler Space
Authors: Tripathi Brijesh Kumar , Pandey K. B.
Published: September 2016

A special form of (h)hν-torsion tensor was introduced which may be considered generalization ofP⁎-Finsler space andP-reducible Finsler space and then some properties of this space were studied. We also introduce connection and give some case and condition of torsion tensorTjki.
Changes of Regulatory T Cells and of Proinflammatory and Immunosuppressive Cytokines in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Yong-chao , Shen Jian , He Lan , Hong Xue-zhi , Tian Fang , Pan Yan-hong , Liang Ling , Zhang Xiao-xi , Zhao Hai-lu
Published: September 2016

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of regulatory T cells (Treg), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods. We performed a comprehensive search up to July 2016 for all clinical studies about the changes of Treg, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β, and TNF-αin T2DM patients versus healthy controls.Results. A total of 91 articles (5642 cases and 7378 controls) were included for this meta-analysis. Compared with the controls (allp<0.001), the patients had increased serum levels of IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-αbut decreased the percentage of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg and serum IL-10 level. Furthermore, the percentage of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg (p<0.001) and serum IL-10 level (p=0.033) were significantly lower in the patients with complication and in the patients without complication, respectively. No significant changes about the percentage of CD4+CD25+Treg (p=0.360) and serum IL-17 level (p=0.459) were found in T2DM patients.Conclusions. T2DM patients have decreased the percentage of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg and levels of serum IL-10 but elevated serum levels of IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-α. Presence of diabetic complications further lowers the peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg number.
Adaptability and Stability Study of Selected Sweet Sorghum Genotypes for Ethanol Production under Different Environments Using AMMI Analysis and GGE Biplots
Authors: Rono Justice Kipkorir , Cheruiyot Erick Kimutai , Othira Jacktone Odongo , Njuguna Virginia Wanjiku , Macharia Joseph Kinyoro , Owuoche James , Oyier Moses , Kange Alex Machio
Published: September 2016

The genotype and environment interaction influences the selection criteria of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes. Eight sweet sorghum genotypes were evaluated at five different locations in two growing seasons of 2014. The aim was to determine the interaction between genotype and environment on cane, juice, and ethanol yield and to identify best genotypes for bioethanol production in Kenya. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Sorghum canes were harvested at hard dough stage of grain development and passed through rollers to obtain juice that was then fermented to obtain ethanol. Cane, juice, and ethanol yield was analyzed using the additive main effect and multiplication interaction model (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot. The combined analysis of variance of cane and juice yield of sorghum genotypes showed that sweet sorghum genotypes were significantly (P<0.05) affected by environments (E), genotypes (G) and genotype by environment interaction (GEI). GGE biplot showed high yielding genotypes EUSS10, ACFC003/12, SS14, and EUSS11 for cane yield; EUSS10, EUSS11, and SS14 for juice yield; and EUSS10, SS04, SS14, and ACFC003/12 for ethanol yield. Genotype SS14 showed high general adaptability for cane, juice, and ethanol yield.
Two Cases of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type I-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis Caused by Living-Donor Renal Transplantation
Authors: Tajima Yasutaka , Matsumura Mariko , Yaguchi Hiroaki , Mito Yasunori
Published: September 2016

In rare instances, recipients of organ transplants from human T-lymphotropic virus type I- (HTLV-I-) positive donors reportedly developed neurologic symptoms due to HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM). We present herein two cases of HAM associated with renal transplantation from HTLV-I seropositive living-donors. The first patient was a 42-year-old woman with chronic renal failure for twelve years and seronegative for HTLV-I. She underwent renal transplantation with her HTLV-I seropositive mother as the donor, and she developed HAM three years after the transplantation. The second patient was a 65-year-old man who had been suffering from diabetic nephropathy. He was seronegative for HTLV-I and underwent renal transplantation one year previously, with his HTLV-I seropositive wife as the donor. He developed HAM eight months after renal transplantation. Both cases showed neurological improvements after the immunomodulating therapies. We tried to shed some light on the understanding of immunological mechanisms of transplantation-associated HAM, focusing on therapeutic strategies based on the immunopathogenesis of the condition.
Durability to Chemical Attack by Acids of Epoxy Microconcretes by Comparison to Cementitious Ones
Authors: Ghorbel Elhem , Haidar Murhaf
Published: September 2016

This research deals with the durability of micropolymer concrete (MPC) obtained by mixing an epoxy resin with fine and coarse sand particles. In particular the resistance of the micropolymer concrete to chemical solutions (citric acid C6H8O7, sulfuric acid H2SO4, and hydrochloric acid HCl) is investigated and compared to this of Portland cement microconcrete. Two MPC are tested. The first is formulated with 9% mass fraction of epoxy polymer whereas calcareous fillers have been incorporated in the second formulation in order to reduce the percentage of the epoxy binder. It is shown that a microconcrete designed with 7% of epoxy, 10% of fillers, and 83% of aggregates is characterized by higher physical and mechanical properties than those of the MPC formulated with 9% of epoxy binder. The mechanical properties of the resulting materials after their exposure to the three selected acid solutions at different durations were studied through compressive, three points bending and ultrasonic wave propagation tests. The obtained results are compared to those of microcement concretes (MCC) tested under the same conditions as MPC. The results show that both microepoxy polymer concretes exhibit better mechanical properties and highest resistance to chemical attack than the microcement concrete.
TheType 2 Deiodinase Thr92Ala PolymorphismIs Associated with Worse Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Sun Jie , Han Wenqing , Jiang Yaqiu , Peng Shiqiao , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping
Published: September 2016

Objective. Type 2 deiodinase (Dio2) is an enzyme responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3. The Thr92Ala polymorphism has been shown related to an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to assess the association between this polymorphism and glycemic control in T2DM patients as marked by the HbA1C levels.Design and Methods.The terms “rs225014,” “thr92ala,” “T92A,” or “dio2 a/g” were used to search for eligible studies in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including both polymorphism testing and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) assays were performed.Results. Four studies were selected, totaling 2190 subjects. The pooled mean difference of the studies was 0.48% (95% CI, 0.18–0.77%), indicating that type 2 diabetics homozygous for the Dio2 Thr92Ala polymorphism had higher HbA1C levels.Conclusions. Homozygosity for the Dio2 Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with higher HbA1C levels in T2DM patients. To confirm this conclusion, more studies of larger populations are needed.
The Effects of Yoga on Pain, Mobility, and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kan Laidi , Zhang Jiaqi , Yang Yonghong , Wang Pu
Published: September 2016

Objective. To systematically assess the effects of yoga on pain, mobility, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and other sources were searched systematically in this study. Two reviewers identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. Downs and Black’s Quality Index were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Results. A total of 9 articles (6 studies) involving 372 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria. The most common yoga protocol is 40~90 minutes/session, lasting for at least 8 weeks. The effect of yoga on pain relief and function improvement could be seen after two‐week intervention. Conclusion. This systematic review showed that yoga might have positive effects in relieving pain and mobility on patients with KOA, but the effects on quality of life (QOL) are unclear. Besides, more outcome measure related to mental health of yoga effects on people with KOA should be conducted.
Copula-Based Slope Reliability Analysis Using the Failure Domain Defined by theg-Line
Authors: Xu Xiaoliang , Li Jianlin , Gong Jiawei , Deng Huafeng , Wan Liangpeng
Published: September 2016

The estimation of the cross-correlation of shear strength parameters (i.e., cohesion and internal friction angle) and the subsequent determination of the probability of failure have long been challenges in slope reliability analysis. Here, a copula-based approach is proposed to calculate the probability of failure by integrating the copula-based joint probability density function (PDF) on the slope failure domain delimited with theg-line. Here, copulas are used to construct the joint PDF of shear strength parameters with specific marginal distributions and correlation structure. In the paper a failure (limit state) function approach is applied to investigate a system characterized by a homogeneous slope. The results show that the values obtained by using the failure function approach are similar to those calculated by means of conventional methods, such as the first-order reliability method (FORM) and Monte Carlo simulations (MC). In addition, an entropy weight (EW) copula is proposed to address the discrepancies of the results calculated by different copulas to avoid over- or underestimating the slope reliability.
New Periodic Solutions for a Class of Zakharov Equations
Authors: Sun Cong , Ji Shuguan
Published: September 2016

Through applying the Jacobian elliptic function method, we obtain the periodic solution for a series of nonlinear Zakharov equations, which contain Klein-Gordon Zakharov equations, Zakharov equations, and Zakharov-Rubenchik equations.
miR-1 Inhibits Cell Growth, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting VEGFA in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Niu Junjie , Sun Yibao , Guo Qiaoge , Niu Dongju , Liu Bo
Published: September 2016

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs and have been shown to play a crucial role in the osteosarcoma (OS) tumorigenesis and progression. VEGFA is a key regulator of angiogenesis and plays an important role in regulation of tumor metastasis. The objective of this study was to determine whether VEGFA was involved in miR-1-mediated suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. The expression levels of miR-1 were significantly lower in OS tumor tissues than those in adjacent normal tissues and in SAOS-2 and U2OS cell lines compared to a normal osteoblast (NHOst) cell line. VEGFA was upregulated in OS tumor tissues and SAOS-2 and U2OS cell lines. The results of CCK-8 assay and transwell assay showed that miR-1 acted as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in U2OS cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that VEGFA was a direct and functional target gene of miR-1. miR-1 directly inhibits the protein expression of VEGFA via its 3′-UTR. Knockdown of VEGFA by siRNA inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of U2OS cells. Our study suggested the potential inhibitory function of miR-1 in OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via inhibiting VEGFA.
A Subclass of Harmonic Functions Related to a Convolution Operator
Authors: Hussain Saqib , Rasheed Akhter , Darus Maslina
Published: September 2016

We introduce a new subclass of harmonic functions by using a certain linear operator. For this class we derive coefficient bounds, extreme points, and inclusion results and also show that this class is closed under an integral operator.
An Investigation on the Dynamics of High-Speed Systems Using Nonlinear Analytical Floating Ring Bearing Models
Authors: Chasalevris Athanasios
Published: September 2016

The scope of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of a rotor-bearing system of high-speed under recently developed analytical bearing models. The development of a theory that can yield the dynamic response of a high-speed system without short/long bearing approximation and without time-consuming numerical methods for the finite-length bearing model is the outcome of this work. The rotor system is introduced as a rigid body so that the dynamics of the system are influenced only from the nonlinear bearing forces which are introduced with closed form expressions. The outcome is a system of nonlinear equations and its solution produces the dynamic response of the high-speed system using exact analytical solution for the bearing forces. The transient dynamic response of the system is evaluated through the wide range of rotating speed and under different bearing solutions including short bearing approximation, presenting the subsynchronous components that are developed when instabilities occur. Time-frequency analysis of the resulting response time-series is presented and the outcome is compared with that obtained from numerical solution of the bearing lubrication and with the short bearing approximation model.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Results from a Series of Young Patients
Authors: Sirignano Pasqualino , Speziale Francesco , Montelione Nunzio , Pranteda Chiara , Galzerano Giuseppe , Mansour Wassim , Sbarigia Enrico , Setacci Carlo
Published: September 2016

Objectives.To compare durability and survival after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open repair (OR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in young patients.Material and Methods.A retrospective study was conducted between 2005 and 2014 on all consecutive patients of 60 years of age or younger. Measures considered for analysis were reintervention related to AAA, laparotomy and access vessel injury during EVAR, and all-cause mortality during hospitalization and follow-up.Results.Seventy out of 119 patients were treated by OR (58.8%) and 49 (41.2%) by EVAR, 9 in off-label fashion (18.3%). Technical success was achieved in all cases. No AAA-related death was recorded. Overall in-hospital mortality was zero and the reintervention rate was 2.5% (3/119: 1/70 OR, 2/49 EVAR,p=0.36). There is no death at 30-day or 1-year follow-up. Thirty-day reintervention rate was 1.6% (2/119; 0/70 OR, 2/49 EVAR,p=0.16), while the 1-year rate was 2.5% (3/119; 1/70 OR, 2/49 EVAR,p=0.36). At the mean follow-up of 56.8 ± 42.7 months, mortality and reintervention rates were 5.8% (7/119; 3/70 OR, 4/49 EVAR,p=0.38) and 10% (12/119; 8/70 OR, 4/49 EVAR,p=0.39), respectively. The overall reintervention rate, mortality, and freedom from adverse events did not differ between the two groups. No differences in outcome were recorded between patients treated by EVAR in on-label versus off-label fashion.Conclusion.Our (albeit limited) experience suggests that, in an unselected young patient population undergoing elective AAA repair, OR or EVAR can be performed safely with similar immediate and long term outcomes.
Fully Covered Metallic Stents for the Treatment of Benign Airway Stenosis
Authors: Dahlqvist Caroline , Ocak Sebahat , Gourdin Maximilien , Dincq Anne Sophie , Putz Laurie , d’Odémont Jean-Paul
Published: September 2016

Introduction.We herein report our experience with new fully covered self-expanding metallic stents in the setting of inoperable recurrent benign tracheobronchial stenosis.Methods.Between May 2010 and July 2014, 21 Micro-Tech® FC-SEMS (Nanjing Co., Republic of Korea) were placed in our hospital in 16 patients for inoperable, recurrent (after dilatation), and symptomatic benign airway stenosis. Their medical files were retrospectively reviewed in December 2014, with focus on stent’s tolerance and durability data.Results.Twenty-one stents were inserted: 13 for posttransplant left main bronchus anastomotic stricture, seven for postintubation tracheal stenosis, and one for postlobectomy anastomotic stricture. Positioning was easy for all of them. Stents were in place for a mean duration of 282 days. The most common complications were granulation tissue development (35%), migration (30%), and sputum retention (15%). Fifty-five % of the stents (11/20) had to be removed because of various complications, without difficulty for all of them. None of the patients had life-threatening complications.Conclusion.Micro-Tech FC-SEMS were easy to position and to remove. While the rate of complications requiring stent removal was significant, no life-threatening complication occurred. Further studies are needed to better define their efficacy and safety in the treatment of benign airway disease.
The Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Gualouxiebaibanxia Decoction for the Treatment of Angina Pectoris: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Wei , Xiong Xingjiang , Yang Xiaochen , Chu Fuyong , Liu Hongxu
Published: September 2016

We systematically assess the current clinical evidence of Gualouxiebaibanxia (GLXBBX) decoction for the treatment of angina pectoris (AP). We included RCTs testing GLXBBX against conventional drugs and GLXBBX combined with conventional drugs versus conventional drugs. 19 RCTs involving 1730 patients were finally identified, and the methodological quality was evaluated as generally low. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that GLXBBX alone had significant effect on improving angina symptoms (RR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.35; P < 0.00001), ECG (RR: 1.28 [1.13,1.44]; P < 0.0001), and HDL‐C (MD: 0.56 [0.54,0.58]; P < 0.00001) compared with anti‐arrhythmic drugs. A significant improvement in angina symptoms (RR: 1.17 [1.12,1.22]; P < 0.00001) and ECG (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = [1.14,1.30]; P < 0.00001) was observed for GLXBBX plus conventional drugs when compared with conventional drugs. Eight trials reported adverse events without serious adverse effects. GLXBBX appears to have beneficial effects on improvement of ECG and reduction of angina symptoms in participants with AP. However, the evidence remains weak due to the poor methodological quality of the included studies. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm the results.
Study on Microstructural Evolution and Strength Growth and Fracture Mechanism of Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Fu Jian-Xin , Song Wei-Dong , Tan Yu-Ye
Published: September 2016

The relations among the uniaxial compressive strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB) with solid phase mass fraction, cement sand ratio, and curing age were studied. The UCS of CPB samples increased exponentially with the increase of solid phase mass fraction and curing age but increased linearly with the increase of cement sand ratio. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the strength was determined by the amount of ettringite and C-S-H gelling. With the increase of ettringite and C-S-H gelling, the strength became larger. The triaxial compression test was conducted by selecting four kinds of CPB samples. The results showed that, with the increase of confining pressure, peak and residual strength became larger, but the elastic modulus decreased. When the ratio of confining pressure and uniaxial strength is about 1 : 2, the CPB samples show significant ductility characteristics and the ratio of residual strength and peak strength increased obviously.
An Iterative Learning Control Design Method for Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems with Unknown Iteration-Varying Parameters and Control Direction
Authors: Zhao Duo , Yang Yong
Published: September 2016

An iterative learning control (ILC) scheme is designed for a class of nonlinear discrete-time dynamical systems with unknown iteration-varying parameters and control direction. The iteration-varying parameters are described by a high-order internal model (HOIM) such that the unknown parameters in the current iteration are a linear combination of the counterparts in the previous certain iterations. Under the framework of ILC, the learning convergence condition is derived through rigorous analysis. It is shown that the adaptive ILC law can achieve perfect tracking of system state in presence of iteration-varying parameters and unknown control direction. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by simulations.
Efficiency Investigations of Organic/Inorganic Hybrid ZnO Nanoparticles Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Singh Satbir , Singh Amarpal , Kaur Navneet
Published: September 2016

The present research study focuses upon the synthesis, characterization, and performances of optoelectronic properties of organic-inorganic (hybrid) ZnO based dye sensitized solar cells. Initially, polymer dye A was synthesized using condensation reaction between 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde and polyethylenimine and was capped to ZnO nanoparticles. Size and morphology of polymer dye A capped ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed using DLS, SEM, and XRD analysis. Further, the polymer dye was added to ruthenium metal complex (RuCl3) to form polymer-ruthenium composite dye B. Absorption and emission profiles of polymer dye A and polymer-ruthenium composite dye B capped ZnO nanoparticles were monitored using UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Polymer dye A and polymer-ruthenium composite dye B capped ZnO nanoparticles were further processed to solar cells using wet precipitation method under room temperature. The results of investigations revealed that, after addition of ruthenium chloride (RuCl3) metal complex dye, the light harvesting capacity of ZnO solar cell was enhanced compared to polymer dye A capped ZnO based solar cell. The polymer-ruthenium composite dye B capped ZnO solar cell exhibited good photovoltaic performance with excellent cell parameters, that is, exciting open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.70 V, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 11.6 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.65. A maximum photovoltaic cell efficiency of 5.28% had been recorded under standard air mass (AM 1.5) simulated solar illuminations for polymer-ruthenium composite dye B based hybrid ZnO solar cell. The power conversion efficiency of hybrid ZnO based dye sensitized solar cell was enhanced by 1.78% and 3.88% compared to polymer dye A (concentrated) and polymer dye A (diluted) capped ZnO based dye sensitized solar cells, respectively. The hybrid organic/inorganic ZnO nanostructures can be implemented in a variety of optoelectronic applications in the future of clean and green technology.
Soft Sensor of Vehicle State Estimation Based on the Kernel Principal Component and Improved Neural Network
Authors: Liu Haorui , Yang Juan , Yang Heli , Yi Fengyan
Published: September 2016

In the car control systems, it is hard to measure some key vehicle states directly and accurately when running on the road and the cost of the measurement is high as well. To address these problems, a vehicle state estimation method based on the kernel principal component analysis and the improved Elman neural network is proposed. Combining with nonlinear vehicle model of three degrees of freedom (3 DOF), longitudinal, lateral, and yaw motion, this paper applies the method to the soft sensor of the vehicle states. The simulation results of the double lane change tested by Matlab/SIMULINK cosimulation prove the KPCA-IENN algorithm (kernel principal component algorithm and improved Elman neural network) to be quick and precise when tracking the vehicle states within the nonlinear area. This algorithm method can meet the software performance requirements of the vehicle states estimation in precision, tracking speed, noise suppression, and other aspects.
Bioguided Fraction and Isolation of the Antitumor Components fromPhyllanthus niruriL.
Authors: Zheng Zhi-Zhong , Chen Liang-Hua , Liu Shao-Song , Deng Yuan , Zheng Guo-Hua , Gu Yue , Ming Yan-Lin
Published: September 2016

Phyllanthus niruriL., a well-known medicinal plant, has been used as a folk antitumor remedy in the worldwide scale. However, the antitumor components inP. nirurihave not been reported. In order to verify the antitumor components ofP. niruriand the plants which have the high content of these components, we isolated the antitumor components with bioguided fraction and isolation, by different chromatographic methods from the ethyl acetate fraction ofP. niruri., and identified them as ethyl brevifolincarboxylate and corilagin by1H-NMR,13C-NMR, 2D-NMR, and mass spectrometric analyses. Cell cytotoxicity assays showed that corilagin has broad-spectrum antitumor activity, a better antitumor potential, and lower toxicity in normal cells. Besides, the coefficient of drug interaction (CDI) of 10 μM corilagin and 20 μM cDDP reached up to 0.77, which means corilagin can promote the antitumor activity of cDDP. Furthermore, by the extensive screening among 10 species of plants reported to contain corilagin, we found thatDimocarpus longanLour. has the maximum content of corilagin. In conclusion, corilagin is the major active antitumor composition inP. niruri.L. on HCC cells and has high content inD. longan.
Sequestration and Distribution Characteristics of Cd(II) byMicrocystis aeruginosaand Its Role in Colony Formation
Authors: Bi Xiangdong , Yan Ran , Li Fenxiang , Dai Wei , Jiao Kewei , Zhou Qixing , Liu Qi
Published: September 2016

To investigate the sequestration and distribution characteristics of Cd(II) byMicrocystis aeruginosaand its role inMicrocystiscolony formation,M. aeruginosawas exposed to six different Cd(II) concentrations for 10 days. Cd(II) exposure caused hormesis in the growth ofM. aeruginosa. Low concentrations of Cd(II) significantly induced formation of smallMicrocystiscolonies (P<0.05) and increased the intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and bound extracellular polysaccharide (bEPS) contents ofM. aeruginosasignificantly (P<0.05). There was a linear relationship between the amount of Cd(II) sequestrated by algal cells and the amount added to cultures in the rapid adsorption process that occurred during the first 5 min of exposure. After 10 d,M. aeruginosasequestrated nearly 80% of 0.2 mg L−1added Cd(II), while >93% of Cd(II) was sequestrated in the groups with lower added concentrations of Cd(II). More than 80% of the sequestrated Cd(II) was bioadsorbed by bEPS. The Pearson correlation coefficients of exterior and interior factors related to colony formation ofM. aeruginosarevealed that Cd(II) could stimulate the production of IPS and bEPS via increasing Cd(II) bioaccumulation and bioadsorption. Increased levels of cross-linking between Cd(II) and bEPS stimulated algal cell aggregation, which eventually promoted the formation ofMicrocystiscolonies.
Recurrent Loss of STING Signaling in Melanoma Correlates with Susceptibility to Viral Oncolysis
Authors: Xia Tianli , Konno Hiroyasu , Barber Glen N.
Published: September 2016

The innate immunoregulator STING stimulates cytokine production in response to the presence of cytosolic DNA, which can arise following DNA damage. Extrinsic STING signaling is also needed for antigen-presenting cells to stimulate antitumor T-cell immunity. Here, we show that STING signaling is recurrently suppressed in melanoma cells, where this event may enable immune escape after DNA damage. Mechanistically, STING signaling was suppressed most frequently by epigenetic silencing of either STING or the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, which generates STING-activating cyclic dinucleotides after binding cytosolic DNA species. Loss of STING function rendered melanoma cells unable to produce type I IFN and other immune cytokines after exposure to cytosolic DNA species. Consequently, such cells were highly susceptible to infection with DNA viruses including HSV1, a variant of which is being developed presently as a therapeutic oncolytic virus [talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC)]. Our findings provide insight into the basis for susceptibility to viral oncolysis by agents such as HSV1. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6747–59. ©2016 AACR.
Oral Bisphosphonates and Improved Survival of Breast Cancer
Authors: Rennert Gad , Pinchev Mila , Gronich Naomi , Saliba Walid , Flugelman Anath , Lavi Idit , Goldberg Hadassah , Fried Georgeta , Steiner Mariana , Bitterman Arie , Landsman Keren , Rennert Hedy S.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Bisphosphonates are used for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis and of bone metastases. The use of oral bisphosphonates was suggested to be associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer, and their positive influence on breast cancer survival was only demonstrated with third-generation bisphosphonates. We studied the association of use of oral bisphosphonates after breast cancer diagnosis on overall and breast cancer survival.

Experimental Design: A nested case–control analysis was performed using data from the population-based Breast Cancer in Northern Israel Study (BCINIS). Participants were postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed breast cancer insured by Clalit. Use of second-generation bisphosphonates (alendronate and/or risedronate) was identified using computerized prescription records. The analysis was restricted to women who did not use bisphosphonates prior to diagnosis.

Results: In a cohort of 3,731 postmenopausal women with breast cancer, followed up for an average of 70 months, there were 799 cases of death which were matched to 15,915 control periods of living breast cancer cases. Use of bisphosphonates after diagnosis for at least 18 months was significantly more common among survivors than among their matched controls who died, adjusted for tumor stage/grade (overall survival: OR = 0.63, 0.41–0.96, P = 0.03; breast cancer–specific survival: OR = 0.28, 0.09–0.91, P = 0.035). A similar advantageous effect, but statistically underpowered, was found in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, ER-negative, and HER2neu-positive tumors.

Conclusions: The use of oral bisphosphonates, by postmenopausal, probably osteoporotic, women initiated after diagnosis of breast cancer was associated with a significant improvement in overall and breast-specific odds of survival. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1684–9. ©2016 AACR.
Patient-Derived Xenograft Establishment from Human Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Wu Licun , Allo Ghassan , John Thomas , Li Ming , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Opitz Isabelle , Anraku Masaki , Yun Zhihong , Pintilie Melania , Pitcher Bethany , Liu Geoffrey , Feld Ron , Johnston Michael R. , de Perrot Marc , Tsao Ming-Sound
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive disease with few therapeutic options. The tumor–stromal interface is important in MPM, but this is lost in cell lines, the main model used for preclinical studies. We sought to characterize MPM patient-derived xenografts (PDX) to determine their suitability as preclinical models and whether tumors that engraft reflect a more aggressive biological phenotype.

Experimental Design: Fresh tumors were harvested from extrapleural pneumonectomy, decortication, or biopsy samples of 50 MPM patients and implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice and serially passaged for up to five generations. We correlated selected mesothelioma biomarkers between PDX and patient tumors, and PDX establishment with the clinical pathologic features of the patients, including their survival. DNA of nine PDXs was profiled using the OncoScan FFPE Express platform. Ten PDXs were treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed.

Results: A PDX was formed in 20 of 50 (40%) tumors implanted. Histologically, PDX models closely resembled the parent tumor. PDX models formed despite preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In multivariable analysis, patients whose tumors formed a PDX had significantly poorer survival when the model was adjusted for preoperative treatment (HR, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–5.52; P = 0.028). Among 10 models treated with cisplatin, seven demonstrated growth inhibition. Genomic abnormalities seen in nine PDX models were similar to that previously reported.

Conclusions: Patients whose tumors form PDX models have poorer clinical outcomes. MPM PDX tumors closely resemble the genotype and phenotype of parent tumors, making them valuable models for preclinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 1060–7. ©2016 AACR.