bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Circulating Current Controllers for Modular Multilevel Converters
Authors: Moranchel Miguel , Bueno Emilio , Sanz Inés , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: January 2017

In the next years, modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are going to be a next generation multilevel converters for medium to high voltage conversion applications, such as medium voltage motor drives, medium voltage flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and high voltage direct current transmission. They provide advantages such as high modularity, availability, low generation of harmonics, etc. However, the circulating current distorts the leg currents and increases the rated current of power devices, which further increases system cost. This paper focuses on analysis and suppression of these currents in a MMC using two algorithms for tracking of harmonics. For this work resonant controllers and repetitive controllers have been selected. Both controllers are analyzed and simulations results are presented. Moreover, the controllers have been tested and validated for a three phase MMC operating as an inverter using a real processing platform based on Zynq by Xilinx and designed to control large multilevel converters and in a real MMC prototype. These results are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Structural Identifiability of Equivalent Circuit Models for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Grandjean Thomas , McGordon Andrew , Jennings Paul
Published: January 2017

Structural identifiability is a critical aspect of modelling that has been overlooked in the vast majority of Li-ion battery modelling studies. It considers whether it is possible to obtain a unique solution for the unknown model parameters from experimental data. This is a fundamental prerequisite of the modelling process, especially when the parameters represent physical battery attributes and the proposed model is utilised to estimate them. Numerical estimates for unidentifiable parameters are effectively meaningless since unidentifiable parameters have an infinite number of possible numerical solutions. It is demonstrated that the physical phenomena assignment to a two-RC (resistor–capacitor) network equivalent circuit model (ECM) is not possible without additional information. Established methods to ascertain structural identifiability are applied to 12 ECMs covering the majority of model templates used previously. Seven ECMs are shown not to be uniquely identifiable, reducing the confidence in the accuracy of the parameter values obtained and highlighting the relevance of structural identifiability even for relatively simple models. Suggestions are proposed to make the models identifiable and, therefore, more valuable in battery management system applications. The detailed analyses illustrate the importance of structural identifiability prior to performing parameter estimation experiments, and the algebraic complications encountered even for simple models.
A States of Matter Search-Based Approach for Solving the Problem of Intelligent Power Allocation in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Valdivia-Gonzalez Arturo , Zaldívar Daniel , Fausto Fernando , Camarena Octavio , Cuevas Erik , Perez-Cisneros Marco
Published: January 2017

Recently, many researchers have proved that the electrification of the transport sector is a key for reducing both the emissions of green-house pollutants and the dependence on oil for transportation. As a result, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (or PHEVs) are receiving never before seen increased attention. Consequently, large-scale penetration of PHEVs into the market is expected to take place in the near future, however, an unattended increase in the PHEVs needs may cause several technical problems which could potentially compromise the stability of power systems. As a result of the growing necessity for addressing such issues, topics related to the optimization of PHEVs’ charging infrastructures have captured the attention of many researchers. Related to this, several state-of-the-art swarm optimization methods (such as the well-known Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) or the recently proposed Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) approach) have been successfully applied in the optimization of the average State of Charge (SoC), which represents one of the most important performance indicators in the context of PHEVs’ intelligent power allocation. Many of these swarm optimization methods, however, are known to be subject to several critical flaws, including premature convergence and a lack of balance between the exploration and exploitation of solutions. Such problems are usually related to the evolutionary operators employed by each of the methods on the exploration and exploitation of new solutions. In this paper, the recently proposed States of Matter Search (SMS) swarm optimization method is proposed for maximizing the average State of Charge of PHEVs within a charging station. In our experiments, several different scenarios consisting on different numbers of PHEVs were considered. To test the feasibility of the proposed approach, comparative experiments were performed against other popular PHEVs’ State of Charge maximization approaches based on swarm optimization methods. The results obtained on our experimental setup show that the proposed SMS-based SoC maximization approach has an outstanding performance in comparison to that of the other compared methods, and as such, proves to be superior for tackling the challenging problem of PHEVs’ smart charging.
Dynamic Exergy Analysis for the Thermal Storage Optimization of the Building Envelope
Authors: Bonetti Valentina , Kokogiannakis Georgios
Published: January 2017

As a measure of energy “quality”, exergy is meaningful for comparing the potential for thermal storage. Systems containing the same amount of energy could have considerably different capabilities in matching a demand profile, and exergy measures this difference. Exergy stored in the envelope of buildings is central in sustainability because the environment could be an unlimited source of energy if its interaction with the envelope is optimised for maintaining the indoor conditions within comfort ranges. Since the occurring phenomena are highly fluctuating, a dynamic exergy analysis is required; however, dynamic exergy modelling is complex and has not hitherto been implemented in building simulation tools. Simplified energy and exergy assessments are presented for a case study in which thermal storage determines the performance of seven different wall types for utilising nocturnal ventilation as a passive cooling strategy. Hourly temperatures within the walls are obtained with the ESP-r software in free-floating operation and are used to assess the envelope exergy storage capacity. The results for the most suitable wall types were different between the exergy analysis and the more traditional energy performance indicators. The exergy method is an effective technique for selecting the construction type that results in the most favourable free-floating conditions through the analysed passive strategy.
Implications of Changing Temperatures on the Growth, Fecundity and Survival of Intermediate Host Snails of Schistosomiasis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kalinda Chester , Chimbari Moses , Mukaratirwa Samson
Published: January 2017

Climate change has been predicted to increase the global mean temperature and to alter the ecological interactions among organisms. These changes may play critical roles in influencing the life history traits of the intermediate hosts (IHs). This review focused on studies and disease models that evaluate the potential effect of temperature rise on the ecology of IH snails and the development of parasites within them. The main focus was on IH snails of schistosome parasites that cause schistosomiasis in humans. A literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, EBSCOhost and PubMed databases using predefined medical subject heading terms, Boolean operators and truncation symbols in combinations with direct key words. The final synthesis included nineteen published articles. The studies reviewed indicated that temperature rise may alter the distribution, optimal conditions for breeding, growth and survival of IH snails which may eventually increase the spread and/or transmission of schistosomiasis. The literature also confirmed that the life history traits of IH snails and their interaction with the schistosome parasites are affected by temperature and hence a change in climate may have profound outcomes on the population size of snails, parasite density and disease epidemiology. We concluded that understanding the impact of temperature on the growth, fecundity and survival of IH snails may broaden the knowledge on the possible effects of climate change and hence inform schistosomiasis control programmes.
Exopolysaccharides Isolated from Milk Fermented with Lactic Acid Bacteria Prevent Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice
Authors: Morifuji Masashi , Kitade Masami , Fukasawa Tomoyuki , Yamaji Taketo , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: January 2017

Background: We studied the mechanism by which fermented milk ameliorates UV-B-induced skin damage and determined the active components in milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria by evaluating erythema formation, dryness, epidermal proliferation, DNA damage and cytokine mRNA levels in hairless mice exposed to acute UV-B irradiation. Methods: Nine week-old hairless mice were given fermented milk (1.3 g/kg BW/day) or exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentrate (70 mg/kg BW/day) orally for ten days. Seven days after fermented milk or EPS administration began, the dorsal skin of the mice was exposed to a single dose of UV-B (20 mJ/cm2). Results: Ingestion of either fermented milk or EPS significantly attenuated UV-B-induced erythema formation, dryness and epidermal proliferation in mouse skin. Both fermented milk and EPS were associated with a significant decrease in cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and upregulated mRNA levels of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA), which is involved in DNA repair. Furthermore, administration of either fermented milk or EPS significantly suppressed increases in the ratio of interleukin (IL)-10/IL-12a and IL-10/interferon-gamma mRNA levels. Conclusion: Together, these results indicate that EPS isolated from milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria enhanced DNA repair mechanisms and modulated skin immunity to protect skin against UV damage.
Autocrine and Paracrine Mechanisms Promoting Chemoresistance in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Cadamuro Massimiliano , Brivio Simone , Spirli Carlo , Joplin Ruth , Strazzabosco Mario , Fabris Luca
Published: January 2017

Resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, a typical feature of cholangiocarcinoma, prevents the efficacy of the therapeutic arsenal usually used to combat malignancy in humans. Mechanisms of chemoresistance by neoplastic cholangiocytes include evasion of drug-induced apoptosis mediated by autocrine and paracrine cues released in the tumor microenvironment. Here, recent evidence regarding molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance is reviewed, as well as associations between well-developed chemoresistance and activation of the cancer stem cell compartment. It is concluded that improved understanding of the complex interplay between apoptosis signaling and the promotion of cell survival represent potentially productive areas for active investigation, with the ultimate aim of encouraging future studies to unveil new, effective strategies able to overcome current limitations on treatment.
IQGAP1 in Podosomes/Invadosomes Is Involved in the Progression of Glioblastoma Multiforme Depending on the Tumor Status
Authors: Rotoli Deborah , Pérez-Rodríguez Natalia , Morales Manuel , Maeso María , Ávila Julio , Mobasheri Ali , Martín-Vasallo Pablo
Published: January 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor. GBM is formed by a very heterogeneous astrocyte population, neurons, neovascularization and infiltrating myeloid cells (microglia and monocyte derived macrophages). The IQGAP1 scaffold protein interacts with components of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules, and several signaling molecules to regulate cell morphology and motility, cell cycle and other cellular functions. IQGAP1 overexpression and delocalization has been observed in several tumors, suggesting a role for this protein in cell proliferation, transformation and invasion. IQGAP1 has been identified as a marker of amplifying cancer cells in GBMs. To determine the involvement of IQGAP1 in the onco-biology of GBM, we performed immunohistochemical confocal microscopic analysis of the IQGAP1 protein in human GBM tissue samples using cell type-specific markers. IQGAP1 immunostaining and subcellular localization was heterogeneous; the protein was located in the plasma membrane and, at variable levels, in nucleus and/or cytosol. Moreover, IQGAP1 positive staining was found in podosome/invadopodia-like structures. IQGAP1+ staining was observed in neurons (Map2+ cells), in cancer stem cells (CSC; nestin+) and in several macrophages (CD31+ or Iba1+). Our results indicate that the IQGAP1 protein is involved in normal cell physiology as well as oncologic processes.
Marine Antibody–Drug Conjugates: Design Strategies and Research Progress
Authors: Wang Yu-Jie , Li Yu-Yan , Liu Xiao-Yu , Lu Xiao-Ling , Cao Xin , Jiao Bing-Hua
Published: January 2017

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), constructed with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), linkers, and natural cytotoxins, are innovative drugs developed for oncotherapy. Owing to the distinctive advantages of both chemotherapy drugs and antibody drugs, ADCs have obtained enormous success during the past several years. The development of highly specific antibodies, novel marine toxins’ applications, and innovative linker technologies all accelerate the rapid R&D of ADCs. Meanwhile, some challenges remain to be solved for future ADCs. For instance, varieties of site-specific conjugation have been proposed for solving the inhomogeneity of DARs (Drug Antibody Ratios). In this review, the usages of various natural toxins, especially marine cytotoxins, and the development strategies for ADCs in the past decade are summarized. Representative ADCs with marine cytotoxins in the pipeline are introduced and characterized with their new features, while perspective comments for future ADCs are proposed.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Medical Sciences in 2016
Authors:   Medical Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2017

The editors of Medical Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2016.[...]
GADD45a Regulates Olaquindox-Induced DNA Damage and S-Phase Arrest in Human Hepatoma G2 Cells via JNK/p38 Pathways
Authors: Li Daowen , Dai Chongshan , Yang Xiayun , Li Bin , Xiao Xilong , Tang Shusheng
Published: January 2017

Olaquindox, a quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivative, is widely used as a feed additive in many countries. The potential genotoxicity of olaquindox, hence, is of concern. However, the proper mechanism of toxicity was unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of growth arrest and DNA damage 45 alpha (GADD45a) on olaquindox-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. The results showed that olaquindox could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated DNA damage and S-phase arrest, where increases of GADD45a, cyclin A, Cdk 2, p21 and p53 protein expression, decrease of cyclin D1 and the activation of phosphorylation-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), phosphorylation-p38 (p-p38) and phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK) were involved. However, GADD45a knockdown cells treated with olaquindox could significantly decrease cell viability, exacerbate DNA damage and increase S-phase arrest, associated with the marked activation of p-JNK, p-p38, but not p-ERK. Furthermore, SP600125 and SB203580 aggravated olaquindox-induced DNA damage and S-phase arrest, suppressed the expression of GADD45a. Taken together, these findings revealed that GADD45a played a protective role in olaquindox treatment and JNK/p38 pathways may partly contribute to GADD45a regulated olaquindox-induced DNA damage and S-phase arrest. Our findings increase the understanding on the molecular mechanisms of olaquindox.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Drops and Spray Containing Propolis—An EPR Examination
Authors: Olczyk Pawel , Komosinska-Vassev Katarzyna , Ramos Pawel , Mencner Lukasz , Olczyk Krystyna , Pilawa Barbara
Published: January 2017

The influence of heating at a temperature of 50 °C and UV-irradiation of propolis drops and spray on their free radical scavenging activity was determined. The kinetics of interactions of the propolis samples with DPPH free radicals was analyzed. Interactions of propolis drops and propolis spray with free radicals were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. A spectrometer generating microwaves of 9.3 GHz frequency was used. The EPR spectra of the model DPPH free radicals were compared with the EPR spectra of DPPH in contact with the tested propolis samples. The antioxidative activity of propolis drops and propolis spray decreased after heating at the temperature of 50 °C. A UV-irradiated sample of propolis drops more weakly scavenged free radicals than an untreated sample. The antioxidative activity of propolis spray increased after UV-irradiation. The sample of propolis drops heated at the temperature of 50 °C quenched free radicals faster than the unheated sample. UV-irradiation weakly changed the kinetics of propolis drops or spray interactions with free radicals. EPR analysis indicated that propolis drops and spray should not be stored at a temperature of 50 °C. Propolis drops should not be exposed to UV-irradiation.
Retinoic Acid and Its Role in Modulating Intestinal Innate Immunity
Authors: Czarnewski Paulo , Das Srustidhar , Parigi Sara , Villablanca Eduardo
Published: January 2017

Vitamin A (VA) is amongst the most well characterized food-derived nutrients with diverse immune modulatory roles. Deficiency in dietary VA has not only been associated with immune dysfunctions in the gut, but also with several systemic immune disorders. In particular, VA metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been shown to be crucial in inducing gut tropism in lymphocytes and modulating T helper differentiation. In addition to the widely recognized role in adaptive immunity, increasing evidence identifies atRA as an important modulator of innate immune cells, such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Here, we focus on the role of retinoic acid in differentiation, trafficking and the functions of innate immune cells in health and inflammation associated disorders. Lastly, we discuss the potential involvement of atRA during the plausible crosstalk between DCs and ILCs.
Spectral–Spatial Classification of Hyperspectral Imagery with 3D Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Haokui , Shen Qiang
Published: January 2017

Recent research has shown that using spectral–spatial information can considerably improve the performance of hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. HSI data is typically presented in the format of 3D cubes. Thus, 3D spatial filtering naturally offers a simple and effective method for simultaneously extracting the spectral–spatial features within such images. In this paper, a 3D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) framework is proposed for accurate HSI classification. The proposed method views the HSI cube data altogether without relying on any preprocessing or post-processing, extracting the deep spectral–spatial-combined features effectively. In addition, it requires fewer parameters than other deep learning-based methods. Thus, the model is lighter, less likely to over-fit, and easier to train. For comparison and validation, we test the proposed method along with three other deep learning-based HSI classification methods—namely, stacked autoencoder (SAE), deep brief network (DBN), and 2D-CNN-based methods—on three real-world HSI datasets captured by different sensors. Experimental results demonstrate that our 3D-CNN-based method outperforms these state-of-the-art methods and sets a new record.
Detection of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with a Novel Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Pair Using a Two-Component System
Authors: Wimmer Tobias , Schroeter Eva , Lorenz Birgit , Stieger Knut
Published: January 2017

In this paper we describe a two-component BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer)-based method to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) molecules in unknown samples as the basis for subsequent in vivo use. A luminescent VEGF binding molecule, which binds in the receptor binding motif of VEGF, is used as the energy donor, transferred to a fluorophore-coupled VEGF binding molecule (acceptor), which binds to the neuropilin binding motif of VEGF, thus enabling energy transfer from the donor to the acceptor molecule. This leads to the emission of light at a longer wavelength and thus the generation of an increased BRET signal only when VEGF is bound to both the donor and acceptor molecules. We further describe a novel BRET pair that uses the Renilla reniformis mutant luciferase RLuc8 and the chemically engineered fluorophore PerCP-Cy5.5®, which exhibits superior peak separation of approximately 300 nm. The implantation of capsules consisting of the two BRET components in solution, permeable for VEGF for its in vivo detection, would provide a new and improved method for monitoring VEGF-induced pathologies and thus an adjustment of therapy to patient needs.
Throughput Measurement of a Dual-Band MIMO Rectangular Dielectric Resonator Antenna for LTE Applications
Authors: Nasir Jamal , Jamaluddin Mohd. , Ahmad Khan Aftab , Kamarudin Muhammad , Leow Chee Yen , Owais Owais
Published: January 2017

An L-shaped dual-band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) for long term evolution (LTE) applications is proposed. The presented antenna can transmit and receive information independently using fundamental TE111 and higher order TE121 modes of the DRA. TE111 degenerate mode covers LTE band 2 (1.85–1.99 GHz), 3 (1.71–1.88 GHz), and 9 (1.7499–1.7849 GHz) at fr = 1.8 GHz whereas TE121 covers LTE band 7 (2.5–2.69 GHz) at fr = 2.6 GHz, respectively. An efficient design method has been used to reduce mutual coupling between ports by changing the effective permittivity values of DRA by introducing a cylindrical air-gap at an optimal position in the dielectric resonator. This air-gap along with matching strips at the corners of the dielectric resonator keeps the isolation at a value more than 17 dB at both the bands. The diversity performance has also been evaluated by calculating the envelope correlation coefficient, diversity gain, and mean effective gain of the proposed design. MIMO performance has been evaluated by measuring the throughput of the proposed MIMO antenna. Experimental results successfully validate the presented design methodology in this work.
MicroRNA-200a Suppresses Cell Invasion and Migration by Directly Targeting GAB1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jianlin , Song Wenjie , Shen Weiwei , Yang Xisheng , Sun Wei , Qu Sshibin , Shang Runze , Ma Ben , Pu Meng , Tao Kaishan , Dou Kefeng , Li Haimin
Published: January 2017

MicroRNA-200a (miR-200a) is frequently downregulated in most cancer types and plays an important role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In this study, we determined that miR-200a was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines, consistent with the
results of our previous study. Because a previous study suggested that downregulation of miR-200a is correlated with HCC metastasis, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the role of miR-200a in metastasis in HCC. Here we observed that overexpression of miR-200a resulted in suppression
of HCC metastatic ability, including HCC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis, in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays indicated that GAB1 is a direct target of miR-200a. Inhibition of GAB1 resulted in substantially decreased cell invasion and migration
similar to that observed with overexpression of miR-200a in HCC cell lines, whereas restoration of GAB1 partially rescued the inhibitory effects of miR-200a. Taken together, these data provide novel information for comprehending the tumor-suppressive role of miR-200a in HCC pathogenesis through
inhibition of GAB1 translation.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)--Induced Protein 8-like-2 (TIPE2) Inhibits Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Ke , Ren Yu , Liu Yang , Zhang Jian , He Jian-jun
Published: January 2017

Tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)-induced protein 8-like-2 (TNFAIP8L2 or TIPE2), a member of the tumor necrosis TNFAIP8 family, was found to be involved in the development and progression of several tumors. However, to date, the role of TIPE2 in breast cancer is still unclear. Thus, the
aim of this study is to explore the role of TIPE2 in breast cancer. Our results indicated that TIPE2 expression was significantly decreased in human breast cancer tissue and cell lines. Overexpression of TIPE2 inhibited the proliferation in vitro and tumor xenograft growth in vivo. TIPE2 also
inhibited the migration/invasion of breast cancer cells through preventing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Mechanically, TIPE2 inhibited the expression of -catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings show that TIPE2 may play an
important role in breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Therefore, TIPE2 may be a potential molecular target for the treatment of breast cancer.
MicroRNA-142-5p Overexpression Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis by Regulating FOXO in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lou Kexin , Chen Ning , Li Zhihong , Zhang Bei , Wang Xiuli , Chen Ye , Xu Haining , Wang Dongwei , Wang Hao
Published: January 2017

Abnormal expression of microRNA (miR)-142-5p has been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little information is available regarding the functional role of miR-142-5p in HCC. We aimed to explore the effects of miR-142-5p aberrant expression on HCC cell growth and cell
apoptosis, as well as the underlying mechanism. Human HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with miR-142-5p mimic, inhibitor, or a corresponding negative control. Cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis were then analyzed. In addition, protein expression
of Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) 1 and 3, a Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), procaspase 3, and activated caspase 3 was measured. After transfection with miR-142-5p inhibitor, FOXO1 and FOXO3 were overexpressed, and then the cell viability and cell apoptosis were determined again.
The relative cell viability in both HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells was significantly reduced by miR-142-5p overexpression (p<0.05). miR-142-5p overexpression displayed a significant blockage at the G1/S transition and significantly increased the percentages of G0/G1
phase. Moreover, the results showed that miR-142-5p overexpression significantly induced cell apoptosis and statistically elevated the protein expression levels of FOXO1, FOXO3, Bim, procaspase 3, and activated caspase 3. However, the cells transfected with miR-142-5p inhibitor showed contrary
results. Additionally, the effects of miR-142-5p inhibitor on cell viability and apoptosis were reversed by overexpression of FOXO. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-142-5p overexpression shows an important protective role in HCC by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis.
These effects might be by regulating FOXO expression in HCC cells.
ERRATUM
Authors: Zhao Min , Su Zhiying , Zhang Shiyang , Zhuang Liangjin , Xie Yudi , Li Xiaodong
Published: January 2017

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of OC, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Our study investigated the regulatory role of miR-148a in OC cell proliferation
and invasion. We found that miR-148a was significantly downregulated in OC tissues compared to their matched adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, its expression was also reduced in OC cell lines (SKOV3, ES-2, OVCAR, and A2780) compared to normal ovarian epithelial cells. Overexpression
of miR-148a caused a significant decrease in OC cell proliferation and invasion, as well as reduced MMP9 protein levels. Transforming growth factor--induced 2 (TGFI2) was further identified as a target gene of miR-148a, and its protein expression was downregulated in OC cells after miR-148a
overexpression. Restoration of TGFI2 attenuated the suppressive effects of miR-148a on OC cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, we found that TGFI2 was remarkably upregulated in OC tissues when compared with their matched adjacent nontumor tissues, and observed a reverse correlation between
miR-148a and TGFI2 expression in OC tissues. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that miR-148a inhibits OC cell proliferation and invasion partly through inhibition of TGFI2. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of the miR-148a/TGFI2 axis in the malignant progression of OC.
PROMOTING COMPETITIVENESS IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: CHANGES AND TRENDS OF LITHUANIAN FILM INDUSTRY IN 21ST CENTURY / VERSLUMO SKATINIMAS KŪRYBINĖSE INDUSTRIJOSE: POKYČIAI IR TENDENCIJOS LIETUVOS KINO INDUSTRIJOJE XXI AMŽIUJE
Authors: MITKUS Tomas , NEDZINSKAITĖ-MITKĖ Vaida
Published: January 2017

This article is a continuation of a 2011 publication about the Lithuanian film industry that examined the cultural and economic aspects of the Lithuanian film industry’s national and global situation and developments in the 21st century. The authors review changes in the political, legal, tax, and other circumstances in 2011–2014 that led to qualitative changes in the film industry over the last four years. The authors conducted quantitative research in order to properly evaluate the symbolic and cultural national film industry output level. The survey data is analyzed and compared with survey data from the previous year.
PRESSURE PULSES AT VOYAGER 2: DRIVERS OF INTERSTELLAR TRANSIENTS?
Authors: Richardson J. D. , Wang C. , Liu Y. D. , Šafránková J. , Němeček Z. , Kurth W. S.
Published: January 2017

Voyager 1 (V1) crossed the heliopause into the local interstellar medium (LISM) in 2012. The LISM is a dynamic region periodically disturbed by solar transients with outward-propagating shocks, cosmic-ray intensity changes and anisotropies, and plasma wave oscillations. Voyager 2 (V2) trails V1 and thus may observe the solar transients that are later observed at V1. V2 crossed the termination shock in 2007 and is now in the heliosheath. Starting in 2012, when solar maximum conditions reached V2, five possible merged interaction regions (MIRs) have been observed by V2 in the heliosheath. The timing is consistent with these MIRs driving the transients observed by V1 in the LISM. The largest heliosheath MIR was observed by V2 in late 2015 and should reach V1 in 2018.
MAPPING THE NUCLEAR OUTFLOW OF THE MILKY WAY: STUDYING THE KINEMATICS AND SPATIAL EXTENT OF THE NORTHERN FERMI BUBBLE
Authors: Bordoloi Rongmon , Fox Andrew J. , Lockman Felix J. , Wakker Bart P. , Jenkins Edward B. , Savage Blair D. , Hernandez Svea , Tumlinson Jason , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Kim Tae-Sun
Published: January 2017

We report new observations from a systematic, spectroscopic, ultraviolet absorption-line survey that maps the spatial and kinematic properties of the high velocity gas in the Galactic Center (GC) region. We examine the hypothesis that this gas traces the biconical nuclear outflow. We use an ultraviolet spectra of 47 background QSOs and halo stars projected inside and outside the northern Fermi Bubble from the Hubble Space Telescope to study the incidence of high velocity absorption around it. We use five lines of sight inside the northern Fermi Bubble to constrain the velocity and column densities of outflowing gas traced by O i, Al ii, C ii, C iv, Si ii, Si iii, Si iv, and other species. We find that all five lines of sight inside the northern Fermi Bubble exhibit blueshifted high velocity absorption components, whereas only 9 out of the 42 lines of sight outside the northern Fermi Bubble exhibit blueshifted high velocity absorption components. The observed outflow velocity profile decreases with Galactic latitude and radial distance (R) from the GC. The observed blueshifted velocities change from

at R ≈ 2.3 kpc to

at R ≈ 6.5 kpc. We derive the metallicity of the entrained gas along the 1H1613-097 sightline, one that passes through the center of the northern Fermi Bubble, finding [O/H] ≳ −0.54 ± 0.15. A simple kinematic model, tuned to match the observed absorption component velocities along the five lines of sight inside the Bubble, constrains the outflow velocities to ≈1000–1300

, and the age of the outflow to be ∼6–9 Myr. We estimate a minimum mass outflow rate for the nuclear outflow to be

. Combining the age and mass outflow rates, we determine a minimum mass of total UV-absorbing cool gas entrained in the Fermi Bubbles to be

.
ON THE NEWTONIAN AND SPIN-INDUCED PERTURBATIONS FELT BY THE STARS ORBITING AROUND THE MASSIVE BLACK HOLE IN THE GALACTIC CENTER
Authors: Zhang Fupeng , Iorio Lorenzo
Published: January 2017

The S-stars discovered in the Galactic center are expected to provide unique dynamical tests of the Kerr metric of the massive black hole (MBH) that they orbit. In order to obtain unbiased measurements of its spin and the related relativistic effects, a comprehensive understanding of the gravitational perturbations of the stars and stellar remnants around the MBH is quite essential. Here, we study the perturbations on the observables of a typical target star, i.e., the apparent orbital motion and the redshift, due to both the spin-induced relativistic effects and the Newtonian attractions of a single object or a cluster of disturbing objects. We find that, in most cases, the Newtonian perturbations on the observables are mainly attributed to the perturbed orbital period of the target star rather than the Newtonian orbital precessions. Looking at the currently detected star S2/S0-2, we find that its spin-induced effects are very likely obscured by the gravitational perturbations from the star S0-102 alone. We also investigate and discuss the Newtonian perturbations on a hypothetical S-star located inside the orbits of those currently detected. By considering a number of possible stellar distributions near the central MBH, we find that the spin-induced effects on the apparent position and redshift dominate over the stellar perturbations for target stars with orbital semimajor axis smaller than 100–400 au if the MBH is maximally spinning. Our results suggest that, in principle, the stellar perturbations can be removed because they have morphologies distinct from those of the relativistic Kerr-type signatures.
ARE FAST RADIO BURSTS THE BIRTHMARK OF MAGNETARS?
Authors: Lieu Richard
Published: January 2017

A model of fast radio bursts, which enlists young, short period extragalactic magnetars satisfying B/P > 2 × 1016 G s−1 (1 G = 1 statvolt cm−1) as the source, is proposed. When the parallel component

of the surface electric field (under the scenario of a vacuum magnetosphere) of such pulsars approaches 5% of the critical field

, in strength, the field can readily decay via the Schwinger mechanism into electron–positron pairs, the back reaction of which causes

to oscillate on a characteristic timescale smaller than the development of a spark gap. Thus, under this scenario, the open field line region of the pulsar magnetosphere is controlled by Schwinger pairs, and their large creation and acceleration rates enable the escaping pairs to coherently emit radio waves directly from the polar cap. The majority of the energy is emitted at frequencies

where the coherent radiation has the highest yield, at a rate large enough to cause the magnetar to lose spin significantly over a timescale

a few

s, the duration of a fast radio burst. Owing to the circumstellar environment of a young magnetar, however, the ≲1 GHz radiation is likely to be absorbed or reflected by the overlying matter. It is shown that the brightness of the remaining (observable) frequencies of

and above are on a par with a typical fast radio burst. Unless some spin-up mechanism is available to recover the original high rotation rate that triggered the Schwinger mechanism, the fast radio burst will not be repeated again in the same magnetar.
SYNTHETIC OBSERVATIONS OF MAGNETIC FIELDS IN PROTOSTELLAR CORES
Authors: Lee Joyce W. Y. , Hull Charles L. H. , Offner Stella S. R.
Published: January 2017

The role of magnetic fields in the early stages of star formation is not well constrained. In order to discriminate between different star formation models, we analyze 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations of low-mass cores and explore the correlation between magnetic field orientation and outflow orientation over time. We produce synthetic observations of dust polarization at resolutions comparable to millimeter-wave dust polarization maps observed by the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy and compare these with 2D visualizations of projected magnetic field and column density. Cumulative distribution functions of the projected angle between the magnetic field and outflow show different degrees of alignment in simulations with differing mass-to-flux ratios. The distribution function for the less magnetized core agrees with observations finding random alignment between outflow and field orientations, while the more magnetized core exhibits stronger alignment. We find that fractional polarization increases when the system is viewed such that the magnetic field is close to the plane of the sky, and the values of fractional polarization are consistent with observational measurements. The simulation outflow, which reflects the underlying angular momentum of the accreted gas, changes direction significantly over over the first ∼0.1 Myr of evolution. This movement could lead to the observed random alignment between outflows and the magnetic fields in protostellar cores.
HCV Intergenotype 2k/1b Recombinant Detected in a DAA-Treated Patient in Italy
Authors: Paolucci Stefania , Premoli Marta , Ludovisi Serena , Mondelli Mario U , Baldanti Fausto
Published: January 2017

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinations are potent and effective drugs currently recommended for treatment of chronic HCV infection. Difficult to treat genotypes are the most important predictors of treatment failure. We report a case of DAA treatment failure in an HCV-infected patient carrying a recombinant genotype 2k/1b. This strain, first isolated from a Russian patient in 2002, has now been observed for the first time in Italy.
La fécondité en Europe occidentale durant l’Entre-deux-guerres. Quels effets des crises sur les comportements démographiques ?
Authors: Brée Sandra , Bourguignon Mélanie , Eggerickx Thierry
Published: January 2017

Les études de démographie historique consacrées à la fécondité ont majoritairement porté sur les premières étapes de la transition et peu d’entre elles se sont penchées sur la période de l’Entre-deux-guerres. Pourtant, la fécondité atteint à cette période des niveaux très bas, souvent en dessous du seuil de renouvellement des générations. Deux hypothèses principales sont généralement avancées pour expliquer ces faibles fécondités. Il s’agirait soit du prolongement du déclin entamé des décennies plus tôt, soit de l’adaptation des comportements aux bouleversements économiques, politiques et sociaux de l’époque et à la dégradation des conditions de vie qui en résulte. Cet article tentera, dans un premier temps, de faire le point sur les principales théories explicatives des basses fécondités. Il mobilisera ensuite les indicateurs utilisés dans les études empiriques pour vérifier (ou non) les explications avancées.
La fécondité au Canada durant le baby-boom . Divergence et convergence des comportements
Authors: Gauvreau Danielle , Laplante Benoît
Published: January 2017

Au Canada, le baby-boom ne s’est pas déroulé de la même manière dans toutes les provinces. En particulier, l’Ontario et le Québec, les deux provinces les plus peuplées, ont connu des baby-booms très différents. En Ontario, le baby-boom s’est déroulé de manière conventionnelle : l’augmentation de la nuptialité et celle de la fécondité des femmes mariées ont contribué toutes deux à l’augmentation des indicateurs de fécondité. Au Québec, le baby-boom a eu lieu alors que la fécondité des femmes mariées diminuait encore, la nuptialité étant le plus important facteur de l’accroissement du nombre des naissances. Nous utilisons deux informations rétrospectives recueillies au recensement de 1981, l’âge au premier mariage et le nombre des enfants mis au monde, pour étudier la descendance finale et estimer les probabilités d’agrandissement de la famille des femmes nées entre 1900 et 1940. Nous utilisons la régression logistique multinomiale pour estimer l’effet de la religion, de l’origine ethnique, de l’éducation et de la province de résidence sur la descendance finale de ces femmes, en tenant compte de l’âge au mariage et de sa durée. Les résultats montrent que 1) la fécondité des catholiques et des protestantes, très éloignées au début du baby-boom , sont très semblables à la fin ; 2) l’avancement de l’âge au mariage et l’allongement de la durée du mariage augmentent la fécondité, mais cet effet de la nuptialité ne suffit pas à expliquer l’accroissement de la fécondité des protestantes ; 3) l’écart entre les niveaux d’éducation se rétrécit du début à la fin du baby-boom , mais ne disparaît pas entièrement. Ces résultats sont dans l’ensemble proches de ceux que des analyses plus fines ont récemment mis au jour dans des pays européens.
Symétries et asymétries de pouvoir dans les relations interculturelles en entreprises multinationales
Authors: Barmeyer Christoph
Published: January 2017

Est-il possible de faire du management interculturel un sujet d’analyse par le biais d’autres formes de représentations que celles des langages écrit ou parlé ? Pourrions-nous privilégier des formes se concentrant essentiellement sur des éléments à forte charge émotionnelle ou en prise avec l’action, tant dans leur processus de réflexion que dans leur résultat final et servant véritablement à travailler sur ces expériences interculturelles ? Les représentations graphiques et les images sont un moyen intéressant pour mettre en lumière les spécificités et contrastes culturels du management. Jusqu’ici, il n’avait cependant pas été question d’avoir recours au dessin émanant véritablement d’acteurs directement impliqués dans des situations interculturelles, rendant ainsi compte de leur expérience. Cet article illustre par des images représentant diverses scènes de coopérations franco-allemandes dessinées par des cadres dirigeants, comment ils perçoivent les situations de management d’une façon ludique et les incitent à la réflexion et au développement des compétences interculturelles.
« Quelque chose de l’inconscient »
Authors: Cupa Dominique
Published: January 2017

En seconde topique, Freud attribue au moi une part inconsciente possédant une fonction de résistance aveugle liée au sentiment de culpabilité et au masochisme inconscients. Cette force négativante signe l’existence d’un troisième inconscient et la présence de la pulsion de mort dans le moi. Ce travail propose l’hypothèse d’associer à cette fonction, une fonction objectalisante signant la présence d’Éros. Elle génère un espace transitionnel interne de réflexivité accueillant et transformant les motions pulsionnelles du ça, permettant « la détachabilité », produisant la matrice du fantasme. Le récit du travail analytique avec un patient soutient cliniquement le propos.
Le travail onirique du moi inconscient ,
Authors: Van Lysebeth-Ledent Michèle
Published: January 2017

Certains rêves de l’analysant mettent en évidence la nécessité de penser-rêver la situation émotionnelle liée à une défaillance de l’analyste. Ils témoignent souvent de l’existence d’un clivage entre un préconscient paralysé et un moi inconscient opérationnel, figurant le vécu. Le clivage souligne l’antagonisme de ces deux fonctionnements. L’auteure élargit la notion de moi inconscient et lui reconnaît une dimension élaboratrice analogue au « travail-alpha-du-rêve » de Bion. Le clivage préconscient/moi inconscient est la règle chez certains analysants comme l’illustre une vignette clinique.
Intriquer traditions et émergence de nouveau
Authors: Pragier Georges
Published: January 2017

La description du moi inconscient élaboratif est analysée au regard des travaux de Freud et de Bion. La dimension heuristique est illustrée par des rêves de patients du rapporteur Michèle Van Lysebeth-Ledent. Ils succèdent à la survenue, chez l’analyste, d’incidents aléa-toires notamment à l’occasion de séparations. Cette recherche s’inscrit dans un courant psy-chanalytique contemporain qui souligne la non-linéarité des processus et les facultés auto-organisatrices de la psyché. Il en résulte une intrication, créatrice de nouveau, entre les découvertes des pionniers et les apports originaux qui s’appuient sur la notion de complexité, inconnue par Freud au moment de l’éclosion de la psychanalyse. Nouveauté et traditions se-raient alors enchevêtrées.
Alice au pays de Peau d’âne
Authors: Picco Michel
Published: January 2017

À partir du récit de la cure d’Alice relatée par Michèle Van Lysebeth-Ledent et du célèbre conte de Perrault Peau d’âne comme métaphore, l’auteur visite le caractère défensif de la notion de moi inconscient, ses mécanismes, le clivage et le déni, ainsi que son inclinaison vers la régressivité pulsionnelle.
Le moi inconscient et les logiques de la transvaluation.
Authors: Chervet Bernard
Published: January 2017

L’inconscience habituelle du moi peut donner lieu à un « moi inconscient » sous l’empire de la régressivité extinctive des pulsions. Face aux puissances réductrices, la générativité se révèle.
Espaces psychiques mis en abyme du moi inconscient
Authors: Bismuth Annie Faure
Published: January 2017

Dans une perspective singulière de l’espace psychique et du moi inconscient de chacun des protagonistes de la relation analytique, dans cette mise en abyme, la théorie et la technique se mettent à l’épreuve, dans un écart qui semble irréductible, pour mettre à l’épreuve les forces négativantes que le moi inconscient contient, afin que l’émergence de la générativité psychique puisse advenir.
Dynamique symboligène et créative du moi inconscient
Authors: Carels Nicole
Published: January 2017

Le moi inconscient est envisagé ici en tant qu’entité dynamique dont les racines hétérogènes s’étendent sur un gradient de symbolisation dans les espaces intra-psychique, vigile et onirique, en lien avec les espaces externe et inter-psychique. Son fonctionnement contribue à créer et organiser le spectre d’altérité entrelacé avec le spectre d’identité, parcourant et investissant des objets animés et inanimés. Différentes hypothèses sont proposées à la réflexion.
Le surmoi-corps
Authors: Smadja Claude
Published: January 2017

Plusieurs observations psychosomatiques nous incitent à une réflexion ¬théorique sur les rapports entre le somatique et le surmoi. Le corps dans ses couches profondes soma-tiques semble être prit dans les mailles du ça et du surmoi dans les phases précoces de son évolution. D’où l’idée d’un surmoi-corps pour figurer ces rapports intimes entre le soma et le surmoi.