bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic analysis of a fractional order system
Authors: Javidi M. , Nyamoradi N.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behavior of a fractional order phytoplankton–zooplankton system. In this paper, stability analysis of the phytoplankton–zooplankton model (PZM) is studied by using the fractional Routh–Hurwitz stability conditions. We have studied the local stability of the equilibrium points of PZM. We applied an efficient numerical method based on converting the fractional derivative to integer derivative to solve the PZM.
tert-Butylhydroquinone mobilizes intracellular-bound zinc to stabilize Nrf2 through inhibiting phosphatase activity
Authors: Chen Yunfang , Wang Sheng , Fu Xin , Zhou Wenqu , Hong Wei , Zou Dongting , Li Xichong , Liu Jinbao , Ran Pixin , Li Bing
Published: May 2015

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is required to combat increases in oxidative stress. The chemical compound tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) can downregulate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a repressor of Nrf2, thus maintaining the stability of Nrf2. tBHQ can also increase intracellular “free” zinc in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. We aim to investigate whether the intracellular free zinc change plays a role in Nrf2 activation. tBHQ exposure dose-dependently increases intracellular free zinc concentrations within 30 min in 16HBE cells by mobilizing intracellular zinc pools. Active Nrf2 and the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) increase at 3 h after tBHQ treatment. Chelating intracellular free zinc with tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) during tBHQ exposure partially abrogates the tBHQ-induced activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression, while Keap1 is further decreased. These results indicate that tBHQ-induced stability of Nrf2 is associated with the intracellular free zinc level. Because the activated Nrf2 is phosphorylated, the serine/threonine protein phosphatase activity, which is known to be inhibited by zinc, is assayed. The results showed that tBHQ treatment can suppress cellular protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase-2C (PP2C) activity, which can be abrogated by adding TPEN. This finding is verified in a cell-free protein extract experiment by supplying zinc or by chelating zinc with TPEN. These results provide a novel mechanistic insight into Nrf2 activation in antioxidant enzyme induction involving zinc signaling. The increase of intracellular free zinc may be one mechanism for Nrf2 activation. The inhibition of PP2A and PP2C activity may be involved in Nrf2 phosphorylation modulation.
Cardiac glycosides induced toxicity in human cells expressing α1-, α2-, or α3-isoforms of Na-K-ATPase
Authors: Cherniavsky Lev Marina , Karlish Steven J. D. , Garty Haim
Published: May 2015

The Na+-K+-ATPase is specifically inhibited by cardiac glycosides, some of which may also function as endogenous mammalian hormones. Previous studies using Xenopus oocytes, yeast cells, or purified isoforms demonstrated that affinities of various cardiac glycosides for three isoforms of the Na+-K+-ATPase (α1-α3β1) may differ, a finding with potential clinical implication. The present study investigates isoform selectivity and effects of cardiac glycosides on cultured mammalian cells under more physiological conditions. H1299 cells (non-small cell lung carcinoma) were engineered to express only one α-isoform (α1, α2, or α3) by combining stable transfection of isoforms and silencing endogenous α1. Cardiac glycoside binding was measured by displacement of bound 3H-ouabain. The experiments confirm moderate α1/α3:α2 selectivity of ouabain, moderate α2:α1 selectivity of digoxin, and enhanced α2:α1 selectivity of synthetic derivatives (Katz A, Tal DM, Heller D, Haviv H, Rabah B, Barkana Y, Marcovich AL, Karlish SJD. J Biol Chem 289: 21153–21162, 2014). Relative α2:α1 selectivity of digoxin vs. ouabain was also manifested by enhanced internalization of α2 in response to digoxin. Cellular proliferation assays of H1299 cells confirmed the patterns of α2:α1 selectivity for ouabain, digoxin, and a synthetic derivative and reveal a crucial role of surface pump density on sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. Because cardiac glycosides are being considered as drugs for treatment of cancer, effects of ouabain on proliferation of 12 cancer and noncancer cell lines, with variable plasma membrane expression of α1, have been tested. These demonstrated that sensitivity to ouabain indeed depends linearly on the plasma membrane surface density of Na+-K+-ATPase irrespective of status, malignant or nonmalignant.
Role of Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor 1 in forward trafficking of the type IIa Na+-Picotransporter
Authors: Ketchem Corey J. , Khundmiri Syed J. , Gaweda Adam E. , Murray Rebecca , Clark Barbara J. , Weinman Edward J. , Lederer Eleanor D.
Published: May 2015

Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF1) plays a critical role in the renal transport of phosphate by binding to Na+-Picotransporter (NpT2a) in the proximal tubule. While the association between NpT2a and NHERF1 in the apical membrane is known, the role of NHERF1 to regulate the trafficking of NpT2a has not been studied. To address this question, we performed cell fractionation by sucrose gradient centrifugation in opossum kidney (OK) cells placed in low-Pimedium to stimulate forward trafficking of NpT2a. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated expression of NpT2a and NHERF1 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated a NpT2a-NHERF1 interaction in the ER/Golgi. Low-Pimedium for 4 and 8 h triggered a decrease in NHERF1 in the plasma membrane with a corresponding increase in the ER/Golgi. Time-lapse total internal reflection fluorescence imaging of OK cells placed in low-Pimedium, paired with particle tracking and mean square displacement analysis, indicated active directed movement of NHERF1 at early and late time points, whereas NpT2a showed active movement only at later times. Silence of NHERF1 in OK cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-NpT2a resulted in an intracellular accumulation of GFP-NpT2a. Transfection with GFP-labeled COOH-terminal (TRL) PDZ-binding motif deleted or wild-type NpT2a in OK cells followed by cell fractionation and immunoprecipitation confirmed that the interaction between NpT2a and NHERF1 was dependent on the TRL motif of NpT2a. We conclude that appropriate trafficking of NpT2a to the plasma membrane is dependent on the initial association between NpT2a and NHERF1 through the COOH-terminal TRL motif of NpT2a in the ER/Golgi and requires redistribution of NHERF1 to the ER/Golgi.
Circulating inflammatory miRNA signature in response to different doses of aerobic exercise
Authors: de Gonzalo-Calvo David , Dávalos Alberto , Montero Ana , García-González Ángela , Tyshkovska Iryna , González-Medina Antonio , Soares Sara M. A. , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Casas-Agustench Patricia , Rabadán Manuel , Díaz-Martínez Ángel E. , Úbeda Natalia , Iglesias-Gutiérrez Eduardo
Published: May 2015

While moderate acute exercise has been associated with strong anti-inflammatory mechanisms, strenuous exercise has been linked to deleterious inflammatory perturbations. It is therefore fundamental to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade. Information on novel regulators such as circulating inflammatory microRNAs (c-inflammamiRs) is incomplete. In this study, we evaluated the response of a panel of c-inflammamiRs to different doses of acute aerobic exercise. We first studied the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade in serum samples of nine active middle-aged males immediately before and after (0 h, 24 h, 72 h) 10-km, half-marathon, and marathon races. Next, we analyzed the circulating profile of 106 specific c-inflammamiRs immediately before) and after (0 h, 24 h) 10-km (low inflammatory response) and marathon (high inflammatory response) races. Analysis of classical inflammatory parameters revealed a dose-dependent effect of aerobic exercise on systemic inflammation, with higher levels detected after marathon. We observed an increase in miR-150-5p immediately after the 10-km race. Levels of 12 c-inflammamiRs were increased immediately after the marathon (let-7d-3p, let-7f-2-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-223-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-424-3p, and miR-424-5p). c-inflammamiRs returned to basal levels after 24 h. Correlation and in silico analyses supported a close association between the observed c-inflammamiR pattern and regulation of the inflammatory process. In conclusion, we found that different doses of acute aerobic exercise induced a distinct and specific c-inflammamiR response, which may be associated with control of the exercise-induced inflammatory cascade. Our findings point to c-inflammamiRs as potential biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation, and hence, exercise dose.
Intermittent hypoxia and neurorehabilitation
Authors: Gonzalez-Rothi Elisa J. , Lee Kun-Ze , Dale Erica A. , Reier Paul J. , Mitchell Gordon S. , Fuller David D.
Published: May 2015

In recent years, it has become clear that brief, repeated presentations of hypoxia [i.e., acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH)] can boost the efficacy of more traditional therapeutic strategies in certain cases of neurologic dysfunction. This hypothesis derives from a series of studies in animal models and human subjects performed over the past 35 yr. In 1980, Millhorn et al. (Millhorn DE, Eldridge FL, Waldrop TG. Respir Physiol 41: 87-103, 1980) showed that electrical stimulation of carotid chemoafferent neurons produced a persistent, serotonin-dependent increase in phrenic motor output that outlasts the stimulus for more than 90 min (i.e., a “respiratory memory”). AIH elicits similar phrenic “long-term facilitation” (LTF) by a mechanism that requires cervical spinal serotonin receptor activation and de novo protein synthesis. From 2003 to present, a series of studies demonstrated that AIH can induce neuroplasticity in the injured spinal cord, causing functional recovery of breathing capacity after cervical spinal injury. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that repeated AIH (rAIH) can induce recovery of limb function, and the functional benefits of rAIH are greatest when paired with task-specific training. Since uncontrolled and/or prolonged intermittent hypoxia can elicit pathophysiology, a challenge of intermittent hypoxia research is to ensure that therapeutic protocols are well below the threshold for pathogenesis. This is possible since many low dose rAIH protocols have induced functional benefits without evidence of pathology. We propose that carefully controlled rAIH is a safe and noninvasive modality that can be paired with other neurorehabilitative strategies including traditional activity-based physical therapy or cell-based therapies such as intraspinal transplantation of neural progenitors.
Brain stem activity changes associated with restored sympathetic drive following CPAP treatment in OSA subjects: a longitudinal investigation
Authors: Lundblad Linda C. , Fatouleh Rania H. , McKenzie David K. , Macefield Vaughan G. , Henderson Luke A.
Published: May 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with significantly elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), leading to hypertension and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Although little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the sympathoexcitation, we have recently shown that the elevated MSNA in OSA is associated with altered neural processing in various brain stem sites, including the dorsolateral pons, rostral ventrolateral medulla, medullary raphe, and midbrain. Given the risk associated with elevated MSNA, we aimed to determine if treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would reduce the elevated MSNA and reverse the brain stem functional changes associated with the elevated MSNA. We performed concurrent recordings of MSNA and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity of the brain stem, using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging, in 15 controls and 13 subjects with OSA, before and after 6 mo CPAP treatment. As expected, 6 mo of CPAP treatment significantly reduced MSNA in subjects with OSA, from 54 ± 4 to 23 ± 3 bursts/min and from 77 ± 7 to 36 ± 3 bursts/100 heart beats. Importantly, we found that MSNA-coupled changes in BOLD signal intensity within the dorsolateral pons, medullary raphe, and rostral ventrolateral medulla returned to control levels. That is, CPAP treatment completely reversed brain stem functional changes associated with elevated MSNA in untreated OSA subjects. These data highlight the effectiveness of CPAP treatment in reducing one of the most significant health issues associated with OSA, that is, elevated MSNA and its associated elevated morbidity.
Posttetanic enhancement of striato-pallidal synaptic transmission
Authors: Kim Juhyon , Kita Hitoshi
Published: May 2015

The striato (Str)-globus pallidus external segment (GPe) projection plays major roles in the control of neuronal activity in the basal ganglia under both normal and pathological conditions. The present study used rat brain slice preparations to characterize the enhancement of Str-GPe synapses observed after repetitive conditioning stimuli (CS) of Str with the whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. The results show that 1) the Str-GPe synapses have a posttetanic enhancement (PTE) mechanism, which is considered to be a combination of an augmentation and a posttetanic potentiation; 2) the degree of PTE observed in GPe neurons had a wide range and was positively correlated with a wide range of paired-pulse ratios assessed before application of CS; 3) a wide range of CS, from frequencies as low as 2 Hz with as few as 5 pulses to as high as 100 Hz with 100 pulses, could induce PTE; 4) the decay time constant of PTE was dependent on the strength of CS and was prolonged greatly, up to 120 s, when strong CS were applied; and 5) the level of postsynaptic Cl−became a limiting factor for the degree of PTE when strong CS were applied. These results imply that Str-GPe synapses transmit inhibitions in a nonlinear activity-weighted manner, which may be suited for scaling timing and force of repeated or sequential body movements. Other possible factors controlling the induction of PTE and functional implications are also discussed.
Changes in visual and sensory-motor resting-state functional connectivity support motor learning by observing
Authors: McGregor Heather R. , Gribble Paul L.
Published: May 2015

Motor learning occurs not only through direct first-hand experience but also through observation (Mattar AA, Gribble PL. Neuron 46: 153–160, 2005). When observing the actions of others, we activate many of the same brain regions involved in performing those actions ourselves (Malfait N, Valyear KF, Culham JC, Anton JL, Brown LE, Gribble PL. J Cogn Neurosci 22: 1493–1503, 2010). Links between neural systems for vision and action have been reported in neurophysiological (Strafella AP, Paus T. Neuroreport 11: 2289–2292, 2000; Watkins KE, Strafella AP, Paus T. Neuropsychologia 41: 989–994, 2003), brain imaging (Buccino G, Binkofski F, Fink GR, Fadiga L, Fogassi L, Gallese V, Seitz RJ, Zilles K, Rizzolatti G, Freund HJ. Eur J Neurosci 13: 400–404, 2001; Iacoboni M, Woods RP, Brass M, Bekkering H, Mazziotta JC, Rizzolatti G. Science 286: 2526–2528, 1999), and eye tracking (Flanagan JR, Johansson RS. Nature 424: 769–771, 2003) studies. Here we used a force field learning paradigm coupled with resting-state fMRI to investigate the brain areas involved in motor learning by observing. We examined changes in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) after an observational learning task and found a network consisting of V5/MT, cerebellum, and primary motor and somatosensory cortices in which changes in FC were correlated with the amount of motor learning achieved through observation, as assessed behaviorally after resting-state fMRI scans. The observed FC changes in this network are not due to visual attention to motion or observation of movement errors but rather are specifically linked to motor learning. These results support the idea that brain networks linking action observation and motor control also facilitate motor learning.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Lanthanide Stannates Pyrochlore Nanocrystals for Catalytic Combustion of Soot Particulates
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Liu Xuhui , Lu Peng , Wang Liguo , Zhang Zhaoliang , Wang Xiuju , Wang Zhongpeng
Published: May 2015

Nanocrystalline La2Sn2O7 and La2Sn1.8Co0.2O7 with a phase‐pure pyrochlore structure were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and their catalytic activity was investigated for soot combustion. The as‐synthesized catalysts presented relatively larger surface area, and pore volume, which was benefit to the gas molecule diffusion in the reaction. A uniform spherical structure with particle size of 200–500 nm was found in SEM. The samples via hydrothermal route are more active for catalytic soot combustion, ascribing to the spherical morphology, high surface area and improved oxygen mobility. After Co, the reducibility was improved and surface oxygen vacancy was produced, resulting in the enhanced activity and selectivity to CO2 formation.
Inhibition of G9a Histone Methyltransferase Converts Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Cardiac Competent Progenitors
Authors: Yang Jinpu , Kaur Keerat , Ong Li Lin , Eisenberg Carol A. , Eisenberg Leonard M.
Published: May 2015

The G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 was examined for its ability to expand the cardiac capacity of bone marrow cells. Inhibition of G9a histone methyltransferase by gene specific knockdown or BIX01294 treatment was sufficient to induce expression of precardiac markersMesp1andbrachyuryin bone marrow cells. BIX01294 treatment also allowed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express the cardiac transcription factorsNkx2.5,GATA4, andmyocardinwhen subsequently exposed to the cardiogenic stimulating factor Wnt11. Incubation of BIX01294-treated MSCs with cardiac conditioned media provoked formation of phase bright cells that exhibited a morphology and molecular profile resembling similar cells that normally form from cultured atrial tissue. Subsequent aggregation and differentiation of BIX01294-induced, MSC-derived phase bright cells provoked their cardiomyogenesis. This latter outcome was indicated by their widespread expression of the primary sarcomeric proteins muscleα-actinin and titin. MSC-derived cultures that were not initially treated with BIX01294 exhibited neither a commensurate burst of phase bright cells nor stimulation of sarcomeric protein expression. Collectively, these data indicate that BIX01294 has utility as a pharmacological agent that could enhance the ability of an abundant and accessible stem cell population to regenerate new myocytes for cardiac repair.
Second-Order Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Finite-Time Leader-Follower Consensus with Uncertain Nonlinear Multiagent Systems
Authors: Liu Nan , Ling Rui , Huang Qin , Zhu Zheren
Published: May 2015

Consensus tracking problem of the leader-follower multiagent systems is resolved via second-order super-twisting sliding mode control approach. The followers’ states can keep consistent with the leader’s states on sliding surfaces. The proposed approach can ensure the finite-time consensus if the directed graph of the nonlinear system has a directed path under the condition that leader’s control input is unavailable to any followers. It is proved by using the finite-time Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results verify availability of the proposed approach.
Study on Real-Time Simulation Analysis and Inverse Analysis System for Temperature and Stress of Concrete Dam
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Yi , Li Bingqi , Zhang Guoxin , Zhang Songtao
Published: May 2015

In the concrete dam construction, it is very necessary to strengthen the real-time monitoring and scientific management of concrete temperature control. This paper constructs the analysis and inverse analysis system of temperature stress simulation, which is based on various useful data collected in real time in the process of concrete construction. The system can produce automatically data file of temperature and stress calculation and then achieve the remote real-time simulation calculation of temperature stress by using high performance computing techniques, so the inverse analysis can be carried out based on a basis of monitoring data in the database; it fulfills the automatic feedback calculation according to the error requirement and generates the corresponding curve and chart after the automatic processing and analysis of corresponding results. The system realizes the automation and intellectualization of complex data analysis and preparation work in simulation process and complex data adjustment in the inverse analysis process, which can facilitate the real-time tracking simulation and feedback analysis of concrete temperature stress in construction process and enable you to discover problems timely, take measures timely, and adjust construction scheme and can well instruct you how to ensure project quality.
Unknown Disturbance Estimation for a PMSM with a Hybrid Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhou Yong , Gao TingTing , Zhou Qicai
Published: May 2015

A hybrid sliding mode observer that combines high gain feedback and a high-order sliding mode term is developed to identify the time-varying disturbance for a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Based on the measurable current and the position, the unknown disturbance can be identified from the sliding mode term without digital filter effect. It is then used to enhance the robustness of the speed control dynamics. For ease of implementation in real applications, such as DSP and FPGA, the proposed observer is properly designed to avoid complex mathematical operators. Simulation results are given to illustrate the performance of the proposed observer.
Role of B7-H4 siRNA in Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of LOVO Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Peng Hai-xia , Wu Wei-qi , Yang Da-ming , Jing Rong , Li Ji , Zhou Feng-li , Jin Yun-fei , Wang Sai-yu , Chu Yi-min
Published: May 2015

Objectives. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Recent studies investigated that B7-H4 is highly expressed in various cancers. We aimed at exploring the effect of B7-H4 siRNA on proliferation, invasion, and migration of LOVO cells which expressed B7-H4 notably.Design and Methods. Colon adenocarcinoma dataset was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. 35 colorectal cancer patients admitted to Shanghai Tongren Hospital were enrolled in this study. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were identified by CCK8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to detect the invasion and migration of LOVO cells. CXCL12/CXCR4 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation were determined by real-time PCR and western blot.Results. B7-H4 expressed is elevated in colorectal cancer tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues. B7-H4 siRNA effectively inhibited the proliferation at 24 h and 48 h, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1, and suppressed cell invasion and migration. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that CXCL12/CXCR4 and JAK/STAT were correlative with the B7-H4 expression. Additionally, CXCL12/CXCR4 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation were reduced.Conclusions. B7-H4 siRNA can effectively inhibit proliferation, invasion, and migration of LOVO cells by targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling, which can serve as a new target for colorectal carcinoma treatment.
HighOCT4and Lowp16INK4AExpressions DetermineIn VitroLifespan of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Piccinato Carla A. , Sertie Andrea L. , Torres Natália , Ferretti Mario , Antonioli Eliane
Published: May 2015

After long-term culture, mesenchymal stem cells alter their biological properties and enter into a state of replicative senescence. Although several classical biomarkers have been used for quantitative assessment of cellular senescence, no hallmark has been proven completely unique to the senescent state in cells. We used bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) from different healthy young donors and anin vitromodel with well-defined senescence end points to identify a set of robust markers that could potentially predict the expansion capacity of MSCs preparations before reaching senescence. For each early passage BM-MSC sample (5th or 6th passages), the normalized protein expression levels of senescence-associated markersp16INK4A,p21WAF1, SOD2, andrpS6S240/244; the concentration of IL6 and IL8 in cell culture supernatants; and the normalized gene expression levels of pluripotency markersOCT4,NANOG, andSOX2were correlated with final population doubling (PD) number. We revealed that the low expression ofp16INK4Aprotein and a highOCT4gene expression, rather than other evaluated markers, might be potential hallmarks and predictors of greaterin vitrolifespan and growth potential, factors that can impact the successful therapeutic use of MSCs preparations.
Study on Monitoring Rock Burst through Drill Pipe Torque
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Zhu Liyuan , Yin Wanlei , Song Yanfang
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a new method to identify the danger of rock burst from the response of drill pipe torque during drilling process to overcome many defects of the conventional volume of drilled coal rubble method. It is based on the relationship of rock burst with coal stress and coal strength. Through theoretic analysis, the change mechanism of drill pipe torque and the relationship of drill pipe torque with coal stress, coal strength, and drilling speed are investigated. In light of the analysis, a new device for testing drill pipe torque is developed and a series of experiments is performed under different conditions; the results show that drill pipe torque linearly increases with the increase of coal stress and coal strength; the faster the drilling speed, the larger the drill pipe torque, and vice versa. When monitoring rock burst by drill pipe torque method, the index of rock burst is regarded as a function in which coal stress index and coal strength index are principal variables. The results are important for the forecast of rock burst in coal mine.
Propagation Analysis for Automated Switching of Embedded RFID with GPS in Wireless Sensor Network Platform
Authors: Poad F. A. , Ismail W.
Published: May 2015

A 2.45 GHz active integrated ZigBee RFID system embedded with GPS is developed with an automated switching protocol algorithm utilizing wireless sensor network (WSN) platform to track the physical belongings or people in indoor and outdoor environments within a control area. In addition, to make the system contactless when the tag is not joining the network, the function of global system for mobile (GSM) communication is added to the integration. The communication between RFID reader and RFID tags is via WSN platform that supports mesh network and self-healing mechanism. Energy efficiency, robustness, and reliability are key factors in the design algorithm of the system. Comparisons are made between the existing active RFID system and the proposed active RFID system to study the performance of the proposed RFID system with an automated switching algorithm implemented on it. Based on the experimental study and statistical analysis done for all situations, a conclusion has been made where the proposed embedded RFID tag provided better signal propagation compared to the existing RFID tag and the battery lifetime for embedded RFID tag with switching mechanism is better than without switching mechanism.
Chronic Lipoid Pneumonia in a 9-Year-Old Child Revealed by Recurrent Chest Pain
Authors: Hochart A. , Thumerelle C. , Petyt L. , Mordacq C. , Deschildre A.
Published: May 2015

Lipoid pneumonia in children is a rare disorder due to accumulation of fatty oily material in the alveoli and usually associated with an underlying condition. In absence of obvious context, diagnosis remains difficult with nonspecific clinical and radiological features. We report the first case of voluntary chronic aspiration of olive oil responsible for exogenous lipoid pneumonia, in a previously healthy 9-year-old boy. Clinical presentation was atypical; LP was revealed by isolated chest pain. We discuss radiological and bronchial alveolar lavage characteristics suggestive of lipoid pneumonia.Conclusion. Lipoid pneumonia is a disease to be reminded of in children, which can occur with original findings in terms of etiology and clinical presentation.
Prevention of Polyglycolic Acid-Induced Peritoneal Adhesions Using Alginate in a Rat Model
Authors: Matoba Mari , Hashimoto Ayumi , Tanzawa Ayumi , Orikasa Taichi , Ikeda Junki , Iwame Yoshizumi , Ozamoto Yuki , Abe Rie , Miyamoto Hiroe , Yoshida Chiko , Hashimoto Toru , Torii Hiroko , Takamori Hideki , Morita Shinichiro , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Hagiwara Akeo
Published: May 2015

Postoperative intra-abdominal or intrathoracic adhesions sometimes cause significant morbidity. We have designed three types of alginate-based treatments using strongly cross-linked (SL), weakly cross-linked (WL), and non-cross-linked (NL) alginate with calcium gluconate. In rat experiments, we compared the antiadhesive effects of the three types of alginate-based treatments, fibrin glue treatment (a standard treatment), and no treatment against adhesions caused by polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh (PGA-induced adhesions). The antiadhesive materials were set on the PGA sheet fixed on the parietal peritoneum of the abdomen. Fifty-six days later, the adhesions were evaluated macroscopically by the adhesion scores and microscopically by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunostaining. We also tested the fibroblast growth on the surface of the antiadhesive materialsin vitro. The antiadhesive effects of WL and NL were superior to the no treatment and fibrin glue treatment. A microscopic evaluation confirmed that the PGA sheet was covered by a peritoneal layer constructed of well-differentiated mesothelial cells, and the inflammation was most improved in the NL and WL. The fibroblast growth was inhibited most on the surfaces of the NL and WL. These results suggest that either the WL or NL treatments are suitable for preventing PGA-induced adhesions compared to SL or the conventional treatment.
Exosomes for Intramyocardial Intercellular Communication
Authors: Cervio Elisabetta , Barile Lucio , Moccetti Tiziano , Vassalli Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

Cross-talk between different cell types plays central roles both in cardiac homeostasis and in adaptive responses of the heart to stress. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) send biological messages to the other cell types present in the heart including endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts. In turn, CMs receive messages from these cells. Recent evidence has now established that exosomes, nanosized secreted extracellular vesicles, are crucial mediators of such messages. CMs, ECs, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) release exosomes carrying nonrandom subsets of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids present in their cells of origin. Exosomes secreted from CMs are internalized by fibroblasts and regulate gene expression in these cells as well as in ECs. CPC-derived exosomes protect CMs against apoptosis while also stimulating angiogenesis. They are rich in cardioprotective and proangiogenic microRNAs such as miR-146, miR-210, and miR-132. When injected into infracted heartsin vivo, CPC-derived exosomes reduce infarct size and improve cardiac function. Thus, exosomes are emerging both as key mediators of intercellular communication in the heart and as therapeutic candidates for heart disease.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Auxotrophic Mutants to Develop a Genetic Manipulation System for the HaloarchaeonNatrinemasp. J7-2
Authors: Lv Jie , Wang Shuai , Wang Yuchen , Huang Yuping , Chen Xiangdong
Published: May 2015

Our understanding of the genusNatrinemais presently limited due to the lack of available genetic tools. Auxotrophic markers have been widely used to construct genetic systems in bacteria and eukaryotes and in some archaeal species. Here, we isolated four auxotrophic mutants ofNatrinemasp. J7-2, via 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitroso-guanidin mutagenesis, and designated them as J7-2-1, J7-2-22, J7-2-26, and J7-2-52, respectively. The mutant phenotypes were determined to be auxotrophic for leucine (J7-2-1), arginine (J7-2-22 and J7-2-52), and lysine (J7-2-26). The complete genome and the biosynthetic pathways of amino acids in J7-2 identified that the auxotrophic phenotype of three mutants was due to gene mutations inleuB(J7-2-1),dapD(J7-2-26), andargC(J7-2-52). These auxotrophic phenotypes were employed as selectable makers to establish a transformation method. The transformation efficiencies were determined to be approximately 103transformants perµg DNA. And strains J7-2-1 and J7-2-26 were transformed into prototrophic strains with the wild type genomic DNA, amplified fragments of the corresponding genes, or the integrative plasmids carrying the corresponding genes. Additionally, exogenous genes,bgaHoramyHgene, were expressed successfully in J7-2-1. Thus, we have developed a genetic manipulation system for theNatrinemagenus based on the isolated auxotrophic mutants ofNatrinemasp. J7-2.
Parameter Modeling Analysis and Experimental Verification on Magnetic Shielding Cylinder of All-Optical Atomic Spin Magnetometer
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zou Sheng , Chen Xi-Yuan , Quan Wei
Published: May 2015

The ultrahigh sensitivity atomic spin magnetometer as the magnetic measurement sensor has received much concern. The performance of the magnetic shielding cylinder is one of the key factors constraining the atomic spin magnetometer’s sensitivity. In order to effectively improve the performances of the magnetic shielding, the parameter optimization models of the magnetic shielding cylinder were established in this paper. Under the condition of changing only one parameter while the others keeping constant, the effects of various parameters influencing the axial shielding coefficient were comprehensively analyzed, and the results showed that the smaller the innermost length, the innermost radius, and the radial spacing were, and the greater the axial spacing was, the better the shielding performance could be obtained. According to these results and the actual needs, the magnetic shielding cylinder was optimally designed, and then the shielding effects were simulated via the software Ansoft. The simulation results showed that the optimized magnetic shielding cylinder had the advantages of small size, high shielding performance, and lager uniformity than that of the nonoptimized one. The actual measurement results showed that the residual magnetism in the optimized magnetic shielding cylinder was below 0.1 nT, which was 2~4 times lower than the nonoptimized one.
Mcl-1 Is a Novel Target of miR-26b That Is Associated with the Apoptosis Induced by TRAIL in HCC Cells
Authors: Jiang Chunlin , Long Jianting , Liu Baoxian , Xie Xiaoyan , Kuang Ming
Published: May 2015

Aim. To investigate the role of miR-26b and Mcl-1 in TRAIL-inducing cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods. The expression of miR-26b and Mcl-1 in HCC was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. The regulation of Mcl-1 by miR-26b was determined by luciferase reporter assay. MTT and flow cytometry were employed to detect the cell viability and apoptosis.Results. miR-26b is commonly downregulated in HCC cell lines compared with the LO2 cell line. In contrast, the Mcl-1 expression is upregulated in HCC cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis identified a putative target site in the Mcl-1 mRNA for miR-26b and luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-26b directly targeted the 3′-UTR (3′-Untranslated Regions) of Mcl-1 mRNA. Transfection of miR-26b mimics suppressed Mcl-1 expression in HCC cells and sensitized the cancer cells to TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) cytotoxicity. In addition, transfection of HCC cells with Mcl-1 expression plasmid abolished the sensitization effect of miR-26b to TRAIL-inducing apoptosis.Conclusions. Our study showed that miR-26b was a negative regulator of Mcl-1 gene and sensitized TRAIL-inducing apoptosis in HCC cells, suggesting that the miR-26b-Mcl-1 pathway might be a novel target for the treatment of HCC.
Nature of the Interstitials in Titanium Dioxide and Their Impact on Transmission Coefficient: Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Li Lei , Xia Changfu , Li Wenshi , Ji Aimin , Zhu Canyan , Zhang Lijun , Wang Ziou , Yang Jianfeng , Mao Ling-Feng
Published: May 2015

The ab initio calculations about the properties of the interstitials doping in the rutile TiO2 and their impact on the transport coefficients are reported. As the doping of the Zr or Ti interstitials in the TiO2, the lattice Ti4+ ions acquire the excess electrons so reduced to the Ti3+ or Ti2+ ions. However, the Cu interstitials could not lose enough electrons to reduce the lattice Ti4+ ions. Furthermore, the Ti or Cu interstitials in the ZrO2 also are unable to promote the lattice Zr4+ ions to form the lattice Zr3+ or Zr2+ ions. The high transport coefficients are observed in the defected TiO2 with the Ti or Zr interstitials as the high concentration of the Ti3+ or Ti2+ ions. So, the Zr interstitials are the favorable choice for the extra‐doping to improve the transport properties in the TiO2‐based resistive random access memory.
Evaluation of the Lower Punctum Parameters and Morphology Using Spectral Domain Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Allam Riham S. H. M. , Ahmed Rania A.
Published: May 2015

Purpose. To study features of the lower punctum in normal subjects using spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SD AS-OCT).Methods. Observational cross-sectional study that included 147 punctae (76 subjects). Punctae were evaluated clinically for appearance, position, and size. AS-OCT was used to evaluate the punctal shape, contents, and junction with the vertical canaliculus. Inner and outer diameters as well as depth were measured.Results. 24 males and 52 females (mean age44±14.35 y) were included. Lower punctum was perceived by OCT to be an area with an outer diameter (mean412.16±163 μm), inner diameter (mean233.67±138.73 μm), and depth (mean251.7±126.58 μm). The OCT measured outer punctum diameter was significantly less than that measured clinically (P: 0.000). Seven major shapes were identified. The junction with the vertical canaliculus was detectable in 44%. Fluid was detected in 34%, one of which had an air bubble; however, 63% of punctae showed no contents and 4% had debris.Conclusions. AS-OCT can be a useful tool in understanding the anatomy of the punctum and distal lacrimal system as well as tear drainage physiology. Measuring the punctum size may play a role in plugs fitting.
Multi-Index Monitoring and Evaluation on Rock Burst in Yangcheng Mine
Authors: Tan Yunliang , Yin Yanchun , Gu Shitan , Tian Zhiwei
Published: May 2015

Based on the foreboding information monitoring of the energy released in the developing process of rock burst, prediction system for rock burst can be established. By using microseismic method, electromagnetic radiation method, and drilling bits method, rock burst in Yangcheng Mine was monitored, and a system of multi-index monitoring and evaluation on rock burst was established. Microseismic monitoring and electromagnetic radiation monitoring were early warning method, and drilling bits monitoring was burst region identification method. There were three identifying indexes: silence period in microseismic monitoring, rising period of the intensity, and rising period of pulse count in electromagnetic radiation monitoring. If there is identified burst risk in the workface, drilling bits method was used to ascertain the burst region, and then pressure releasing methods were carried out to eliminate the disaster.
Nonsecretory Multiple Myeloma and AL Amyloidosis Presenting with Nephrotic Range Proteinuria
Authors: Beyler Kilic Ozlem , Oguz Ali Kemal , Ergun Ihsan , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Ayli Meltem
Published: May 2015

Nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is the absence of a detectable monoclonal protein in serum and urine of a multiple myeloma (MM) patient and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a significantly rare complication. A case of NSMM with AL amyloidosis and nephrotic range proteinuria is presented. Sharing clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics with MM, real challenge may be during initial diagnosis of NSMM and assessment of treatment response. In elderly patients with unexplained renal dysfunction, MM should be in the differential diagnosis and the absence of a monoclonal protein should not rule out MM but should remind us of the possibility of NSMM.
Analysis of Linkage Effects among Currency Networks Using REER Data
Authors: Qiao Haishu , Li Ying , Xia Yue
Published: May 2015

We modeled the currency networks through the use of REER (real effective exchange rate) instead of a bilateral exchange rate in order to overcome the confusion in selecting base currencies. Based on the MST (minimum spanning tree) approach and the rolling-window method, we constructed time-varying and correlation-based networks with which we investigate the linkage effects among different currencies. In particular, and as the source of empirical data, we chose the monthly REER data for a set of 61 major currencies during the period from 1994 to 2014. The study demonstrated that obvious linkage effects existed among currency networks and the euro (EUR) was confirmed as the predominant world currency. Additionally, we used the rolling-window method to investigate the stability of linkage effects, doing so by calculating the mean correlations and mean distances as well as the normalized tree length and degrees of those currencies. The results showed that financial crises during the study period had a great effect on the currency network’s topology structure and led to more clustered currency networks. Our results suggested that it is more appropriate to estimate the linkage effects among currency networks through the use of REER data.
A Case Study of Damage Energy Analysis and an Early Warning by Microseismic Monitoring for Large Area Roof Caving in Shallow Depth Seams
Authors: Wei Like , Qi Qingxin , Li Hongyan , Zhang Bin , Wang Yongren , Kong Linghai
Published: May 2015

Shallow depth coal seams are widely spread in Shendong mining area, which is located in the Northwestern region of China. When working face is advanced out of concentrated coal pillar in upper room and pillar goaf, strong strata behaviors often cause support crushing accidents, and potentially induce large area residual pillars instability and even wind blast disaster. In order to predict the precise time when the accident happens, guaranteeing life-safety of miner, microseismic monitoring system was for the first time applied in shallow coal seam. Based on damage mechanics correlation theory, the damage energy model is established to describe relationship between damage level and cumulative energy of microseismic events. According to microseismic monitoring data of two support crushing accidents, the damage energy model is verified and an effective early warning method of these accidents is proposed. The field application showed that the early warning method had avoided miners suffering from all support crushing accidents in Shigetai coal mine.
Simulation of a Centrifugal Pump by Using the Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Magagnato Franco , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: May 2015

The harmonic balance method was used for the flow simulation in a centrifugal pump. Independence studies have been done to choose proper number of harmonic modes and inlet eddy viscosity ratio value. The results from harmonic balance method show good agreements with PIV experiments and unsteady calculation results (which is based on the dual time stepping method) for the predicted head and the phase-averaged velocity. A detailed analysis of the flow fields at different flow rates shows that the flow rate has an evident influence on the flow fields. At 0.6Qd, some vortices begin to appear in the impeller, and at 0.4Qdsome vortices have blocked the flow passage. The flow fields at different positions at 0.6Qdand 0.4Qdshow how the complicated flow phenomena are forming, developing, and even disappearing. The harmonic balance method can be used for the flow simulation in pumps, showing the same accuracy as unsteady methods, but is considerably faster.
A New SVM Multiclass Incremental Learning Algorithm
Authors: Qin Yuping , Li Dan , Zhang Aihua
Published: May 2015

A new support vector machine (SVM) multiclass incremental learning algorithm is proposed. To each class training sample, the hyperellipsoidal classifier that includes as many samples as possible and pushes the outlier samples away is trained in the feature space. When the new samples are added to the classification system, the algorithm reuses the old classifiers that have nothing to do with the new sample classes. To be classified sample, the Mahalanobis distances are used to decide the class of classified sample. If the sample point is not surrounded by any hyperellipsoidal or is surrounded by more than one hyperellipsoidal, the membership is used to confirm its class. The experimental results show that the algorithm has higher performance in classification precision and classification speed.
From the Veins to the Heart: A Rare Cause of Varicose Veins
Authors: Dalla Vestra Michele , Grolla Elisabetta , Bonanni Luca , Dorrucci Vittorio , Presotto Fabio , Rigo Fausto
Published: May 2015

The presence of pulsating varicous veins is an uncommon finding, generically attributed to right heart failure. The precise causes of this phenomenon have been poorly defined in the literature. The finding of this infrequent condition is important because it may be a sign of major diseases, often not known. Here we described a 75-year-old woman presented to the Angiology Unit for the presence of bilateral pulsatile swelling in her groin and along both lower limbs. A bedside ultrasound examination showed an arterial like pulsating flow both in the superficial and in the deep veins of the lower limbs due to a severe tricuspid regurgitation not previously known.
Mechanisms of Thymoquinone Hepatorenal Protection in Methotrexate‐Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: El-Sheikh Azza A. K. , Morsy Mohamed A. , Abdalla Ahlam M. , Hamouda Azza H. , Alhaider Ibrahim A.
Published: May 2015

To investigate mechanisms by which thymoquinone (TQ) can prevent methotrexate‐ (MTX‐) induced hepatorenal toxicity, TQ (10 mg/kg) was administered orally for 10 days. In independent rat groups, MTX hepatorenal toxicity was induced via 20 mg/kg i.p. at the end of day 3 of experiment, with or without TQ. MTX caused deterioration in kidney and liver function, namely, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. MTX also caused distortion in renal and hepatic histology, with significant oxidative stress, manifested by decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase, as well as increase in malondialdehyde levels. In addition, MTX caused nitrosative stress manifested by increased nitric oxide, with upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, MTX caused hepatorenal inflammatory effects as shown by increased tumor necrosis factor‐α, besides upregulation of necrosis factor‐κB and cyclooxygenase‐2 expressions. MTX also caused apoptotic effect, as it upregulated caspase 3 in liver and kidney. Using TQ concurrently with MTX restored kidney and liver functions, as well as their normal histology. TQ also reversed oxidative and nitrosative stress, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic signs caused by MTX alone. Thus, TQ may be beneficial adjuvant that confers hepatorenal protection to MTX toxicity via antioxidant, antinitrosative, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.