bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software‐defined networking approach for enhanced evolved packet core network
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf , Abo Naser Ahmad , Abu‐Amara Marwan , Sheltami Tarek , Nasser Nidal
Published: July 2017

The evolved packet core (EPC) network is the mobile network standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project and represents the recent evolution of mobile networks providing high‐speed data rates and on‐demand connectivity services. Software‐defined networking (SDN) is recently gaining momentum in network research as a new generation networking technique. An SDN‐based EPC is expected to introduce gains to the EPC control plane architecture in terms of simplified, and perhaps even software‐based, vendor independent infrastructure nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel SDN‐based EPC architecture along with the protocol‐level detailed implementation and provide a mechanism for identifying information fields exchanged between SDN‐EPC entities that maintains correct functionality with minimal impact on the conventional design. Furthermore, we present the first comprehensive network performance evaluation for the SDN‐based EPC versus the conventional EPC and provide a comparative analysis of 2 networks performances identifying potential bottlenecks and performance issues. The evaluation focuses on 2 network control operations, namely, the S1‐handover and registration operations, taking into account several factors, and assessing performance metrics such as end‐to‐end delay (E2ED) for completion of the respective control operation, and EPC nodes utilization figures.
Comparing threshold definition techniques for rainfall‐induced landslides: A national assessment using radar rainfall
Authors: Postance Benjamin , Hillier John , Dijkstra Tom , Dixon Neil
Published: July 2017

Translational landslides and debris flows are often initiated during intense or prolonged rainfall. Empirical thresholds aim to classify the rain conditions that are commonly associated with landslide occurrence and therefore improve understating of these hazards and predictive ability. Objective techniques that are used to determine these thresholds are likely to be affected by the length of the rain record used, yet this is not routinely considered. Moreover, remotely sensed spatially continuous rainfall observations are under‐exploited. This study compares and evaluates the effect of rain record length on two objective threshold selection techniques in a national assessment of Scotland using weather radar data. Thresholds selected by ‘threat score’ are sensitive to rain record length whereas, in a first application to landslides, ‘optimal point’ (OP) thresholds prove relatively consistent. OP thresholds increase landslide detection and may therefore be applicable in early‐warning systems. Thresholds combining 1‐ and 12‐day antecedence variables best distinguish landslide initiation conditions and indicate that Scottish landslides may be initiated by lower rain accumulation and intensities than previously thought. © 2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Increased Investment Needed in Integrated Resource Planning
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: July 2017

Integrated resource planning (IRP) by electric utilities in the United States is getting increasingly complex.
Conflicts – Oil Exploration and Water
Authors: Zabbey Nenibarini , Olsson Gustaf
Published: July 2017

Water resources and water quality are closely related to oil exploration, refining and distribution. Since oil products provide over 90% of transport energy in almost all countries it is apparent that any oil operation is an inherent risk for water resources. Since water supplies will be increasingly stressed as a consequence of climate change and population increase the environmental risks associated with oil exploration may intensify. Thus, there are more reasons than CO2 emissions and climate change to cut down on oil production and consumption. In this paper water related risks are discussed from two aspects: (1) water use and water pollution as a result of normal exploration, refining and distribution, (2) water and marine life contamination caused by accidents. It will be exemplified by some major oil accidents, too often caused by human errors or negligence. Ecological effects of oil contamination for seawaters and freshwaters are discussed. Some aspects of social and economic consequences are examined. Some possibilities for mitigating oil leakage risks are highlighted.
On trend detection
Authors: Bürger Gerd
Published: July 2017

A main obstacle to trend detection in time series occurs when they are autocorrelated. By reducing the effective sample size of a series, autocorrelation leads to decreased trend significance. Numerous recipes attempt to mitigate the effect of autocorrelation, either by adjusting for the reduced effective sample size or by removing the autocorrelated components of a series. This short note deals with the latter, also called prewhitening (PW). It is known that removal of autocorrelation also removes part of the trend, which may affect the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Two popular methods have dealt with this problem, the trend‐free prewhitening (TFPW) and the iterative prewhitening. Although it is generally accepted that both methods reduce the adverse effects of PW on the trend magnitude, corresponding effects on statistical significance have not been clearly stated for TFPW. Using a Monte Carlo approach, it is demonstrated that both methods entail quite different Type‐I error rates. The iterative prewhitening produces rates that are generally close to the nominal significance level. The TFPW, however, shows very high Type‐I error rates with increasing autocorrelation. The corresponding rate of false trend detections is unacceptable for applications, so that published trends based on TFPW need to be reassessed.
Relationship between collectivism and corruption in American and Chinese books: A historical perspective
Authors: Li Yongshuai , Tan Xuyun , Huang Zhenwei , Liu Li
Published: July 2017

Previous research on the relationship between collectivism and corruption has not investigated their co‐variation over time. In this study, we use Google Ngram Viewer to track the frequency of words related to collectivism and corruption in American books (1800–2000) and in Chinese Books (1970–2008). The results demonstrate that a positive association between the usage of these terms during the periods in both Chinese and American books, with changes in words related to collectivism preceding changes in words related to corruption in American books. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Dosage Optimization of Nemolizumab Using Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacokinetic‐Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Saito Tomohisa , Iida Satofumi , Terao Kimio , Kumagai Yuji
Published: July 2017

Nemolizumab is a humanized anti‐interleukin‐31 receptor A monoclonal antibody for treating atopic dermatitis, and it especially improves pruritus. The objective of the simulation study was to optimize the dose regimen using a flat dose. The serum nemolizumab concentration and pruritus visual analog scale as an efficacy end point were modeled using the population analysis approach in 299 patients with atopic dermatitis who received placebo or doses between 0.1 and 3 mg/kg as a single dose once every 4 weeks or 2 mg/kg once every 8 weeks. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption was employed as the pharmacokinetic model. An indirect turnover model with an inhibition component was employed as the main part of the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model. The models well described the observations. Therefore, simulations with several dose regimens were performed to optimize the dose regimen including a flat dose. The simulated area under the concentration‐time curve at a steady state around 75 mg in the every‐4‐week regimen corresponds to that associated with the dose range of 0.5 to 2 mg/kg in the 4‐week regimen. The simulated pruritus visual analog scale also showed a similar tendency. These simulation results support dose optimization during the clinical development program of nemolizumab.
Behavior of activated sludge systems with an active heterotrophic biomass inflow – a novel perspective for sludge minimization
Authors: Allı Buşra , İnsel Güçlü , Artan Nazik , Orhon Derin , Sözen Seval
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the microbial behavior of activated sludge systems operated with an active heterotrophic biomass inflow. The evaluation focused on the possibility of sludge minimization. Thus, related process stoichiometry was derived on the basis of mass balance for essential parameters.

RESULTS

Stoichiometric relationships showed that the reactor holds a larger amount of biomass without the controlling impact of the sludge age, which decreases the magnitude of microbial growth compared with endogenous decay. Consequently, the observed yield, YOBS becomes much lower than what may be observed in conventional activated sludge systems. This stoichiometry exactly defines the microbial basis of the OSA (oxic/settling/anaerobic) system and identifies the interchange stream connecting the anaerobic reactor to the aerobic main reactor as the source of the active biomass inflow. Therefore, biomass inflow, largely overlooked in related studies, offers a novel microbial perspective for the merit of the OSA process in minimizing sludge generation.

CONCLUSION

The impact of lower YOBS, while explaining lower active biomass production, cannot be extrapolated to cover inert particulate COD fractions, namely a similar reduction in the initial inert COD and the residual particulate microbial products. Future studies should be directed to explore the fate of residual particulate compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative assessment of lung stiffness in patients with interstitial lung disease using MR elastography
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Levin David L. , Vassallo Robert , Carter Rickey E. , Hubmayr Rolf D. , Ehman Richard L. , McGee Kiaran P.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To investigate the use of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in the quantitative assessment of pulmonary fibrosis by comparing quantitative shear stiffness measurements of lung parenchyma in patients diagnosed with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods

A 1.5T spin‐echo, echo planar imaging MRE (SE‐EPI MRE) pulse sequence was utilized to assess absolute lung shear stiffness in 15 patients with diagnosed ILD and in 11 healthy controls. Data were collected at residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC). Spirometry data were obtained immediately prior to scanning. To test for statistical significance between RV and TLC shear stiffness estimates a two‐sample t‐test was performed. To assess variability within individual subject shear stiffness estimates, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Krippendorff's alpha were calculated.

Results

Patients with ILD exhibited an average (±1 standard deviation) shear stiffness of 2.74 (±0.896) kPa at TLC and 1.32 (±0.300) kPa at RV. The corresponding values for healthy individuals were 1.33 (±0.195) kPa and 0.849 (±0.250) kPa, respectively. The difference in shear stiffness between RV and TLC was statistically significant (P < 0.001). At TLC, the ICC and alpha values were 0.909 and 0.887, respectively. At RV, the ICC and alpha values were 0.852 and 0.862, respectively.

Conclusion

In subjects with known fibrotic interstitial lung disease, parenchymal shear stiffness is increased when compared to normal controls at both RV and TLC, with TLC demonstrating the most significant difference. MRE‐derived parenchymal shear stiffness is a promising new noninvasive imaging‐based biomarker of interstitial lung disease.

Level of Evidence:1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:1–1
Ultrasound Morphology of Polycaprolactone Filler
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Quezada Natacha
Published: July 2017

Nowadays, cosmetic fillers are widely used and the reports of complications are rising. Therefore, the possibility to detect and identify noninvasively new fillers can provide a potent tool for managing complications. The objective of this study was to assess the ultrasound morphology of polycaprolactone. First, polycaprolactone was injected into porcine skin and this sonographic morphology was prospectively compared with the one observed in patients injected with this filler. On sonography, polycaprolactone shows as hypoechoic deposits that present multiple bright hyperechoic spots with mini‐comet‐tail artifact. This morphology differs from the ultrasound appearance of other common fillers.
The future of academic publishing: Revolution or evolution?
Authors: Dodds Francis
Published: July 2017

Key points

Concerns about a crisis in monograph publishing date back to at least the 1990s, and for traditional journal publishing at least a decade.

Two key trends behind concerns over book and journal models are pressures on funding and the emergence of open access.

Despite predictions of a revolution, the academic publishing sector has proved remarkably resilient in adapting to market changes.

Whilst showing some support for ‘open science’, even early career researchers remain committed to traditional publishing models.

The growth in scholarly collaboration networks and in sharing across traditional boundaries is the more likely disrupter of traditional publishing.
Sparse Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Trendafilov Nickolay T. , Fontanella Sara , Adachi Kohei
Published: July 2017

Sparse principal component analysis is a very active research area in the last decade. It produces component loadings with many zero entries which facilitates their interpretation and helps avoid redundant variables. The classic factor analysis is another popular dimension reduction technique which shares similar interpretation problems and could greatly benefit from sparse solutions. Unfortunately, there are very few works considering sparse versions of the classic factor analysis. Our goal is to contribute further in this direction. We revisit the most popular procedures for exploratory factor analysis, maximum likelihood and least squares. Sparse factor loadings are obtained for them by, first, adopting a special reparameterization and, second, by introducing additional <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">ℓ1\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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An Overview of Structural Characteristics in Problematic Video Game Playing
Authors: Griffiths Mark D. , Nuyens Filip
Published: July 2017

Purpose of Review

There are many different factors involved in how and why people develop problems with video game playing. One such set of factors concerns the structural characteristics of video games (i.e., the structure, elements, and components of the video games themselves). Much of the research examining the structural characteristics of video games was initially based on research and theorizing from the gambling studies field. The present review briefly overviews the key papers in the field to date.

Recent Findings

The paper examines a number of areas including (i) similarities in structural characteristics of gambling and video gaming, (ii) structural characteristics in video games, (iii) narrative and flow in video games, (iv) structural characteristic taxonomies for video games, and (v) video game structural characteristics and game design ethics. Many of the studies carried out to date are small-scale, and comprise self-selected convenience samples (typically using self-report surveys or non-ecologically valid laboratory experiments).

Based on the small amount of empirical data, it appears that structural features that take a long time to achieve in-game are the ones most associated with problematic video game play (e.g., earning experience points, managing in-game resources, mastering the video game, getting 100% in-game). The study of video games from a structural characteristic perspective is of benefit to many different stakeholders including academic researchers, video game players, and video game designers, as well as those interested in prevention and policymaking by making the games more socially responsible. It is important that researchers understand and recognize the psycho-social effects and impacts that the structural characteristics of video games can have on players, both positive and negative.
Relationship of the MTHFD1 (rs2236225), eNOS (rs1799983), CBS (rs2850144) and ACE (rs4343) gene polymorphisms in a population of Iranian pediatric patients with congenital heart defects
Authors: Khatami Mehri , Ratki Farzaneh Morteza , Tajfar Saba , Akrami Fatemeh
Published: July 2017

Congenital heart defects are structural cardiovascular malformations that arise from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels during the fetal period. To investigate the association of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MTHFD1, eNOS, CBS and ACE genes, we evaluated their relationship with CHD in Iranian patients. In this case–control study, a total of 102 children with CHD and 98 control children were enrolled. Four SNPs including MTHFD1 G1958A, eNOS G894T, CBS C‐4673G and ACE A2350G were genotyped by PCR‐SSCP, Multiplex ARMS PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods and confirmed by direct sequencing. We genotyped 102 patients and 98 controls for four polymorphisms by statistically analysis. There were three SNPs including MTHFD1 G1958A, eNOS G894T and ACE A2350G which might increase the risk of CHD, but CBS C‐4673G was not significantly different between patients and controls. (P = 0.017, P = 0.048, P = 0.025 and P = 0.081 respectively). The allele frequencies of three SNPs for MTHFD1 G1958A, eNOS G894T and ACE A2350G in CHD are higher than that in control. Our results show that there is a significant relationship between MTHFD1 G1958A, eNOS G894T and ACE A2350G polymorphisms with CHD. Therefore, The AA and GA genotypes of MTHFD1 G1958A, TT and GT genotypes of eNOS G894T and the AA and GA genotypes of ACE A2350G are susceptible factors for CHD and may increase the risk of CHD.
Genetic diversity of multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from tuberculosis patients in Iran using MIRU‐VNTR technique
Authors: Khosravi Azar Dokht , Shahraki Abdolrazagh Hashemi , Dezfuli Soolmaz Khandan , Hashemzadeh Mohammad , Goodarzi Hamed , Mohajeri Parviz
Published: July 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered as one of the most important infectious diseases in the world, and recent rise and spread of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains, have made the matter worsened. Due to the importance of TB prevalence in Iran, this study was designed to investigate the genetic diversity among MDR strains of MTB by MIRU‐VNTR typing scheme. A total of 88 drug resistant M. tuberculosis isolates belong to pulmonary TB cases were collected from several TB reference centers of Iran. Drug susceptibility testing for Isoniazid and Rifampin was performed using the agar proportion method and MDR isolates were underwent genotyping by using 12‐locus‐ based MIRU‐VNTR typing. On performing proportion method, 22 isolates were identified as MDR. By typing of MDR isolates using 12‐loci MIRU‐VNTR technique, high diversity were demonstrated in MDR strains and these were classified into 20 distinct MIRU‐VNTR genotypes. MIRU loci 10 and 26 were the most discriminatory loci with 8 and 7 alleles respectively; while MIRU loci 2, 20, 24 and 39 were found to be the least discriminatory with 1–2 alleles each. We noticed a mixed infection in isolate 53, as this isolate comprised simultaneous two alleles in MIRU loci 40, 10, 16 and 39. In conclusion, this result represents MIRU‐VNTR typing as a useful tool for studying genetic diversity of MDR‐MTB in regional settings, and will help the health sectors to construct a preventive program for MDR‐TB. Additionally, it can detect mixed infection which can facilitate management of treatment.
Selective regulation of IKKβ/NF‐κB pathway involved in proliferation inhibition of HFLS‐RA cells induced by 1,7‐dihydroxyl‐3,4‐dimethoxylxanthone
Authors: Ji Cong‐Lan , Jiang Hui , Tao Meng‐Qing , Wu Wei‐Ting , Jiang Jia , Zuo Jian
Published: July 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease, however, available regimes exert little influence on it's long‐term prognosis. The aim of the current study is to investigate potential effects of 1,7‐dihydroxyl‐3,4‐dimethoxyl‐xanthone (XAN) in HFLS‐RA cells and describe the underlying mechanisms of induction of NF‐κB activity. Viability of cells was measured by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the pro‐apoptotic effects. Modulation on NF‐κB signaling was investigated by RT‐qPCR, Western‐blot and immunofluorescence methods. It was found that XAN induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of HFLS‐RA cells in the concentration‐dependent manner, which were strengthened by pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid but antagonized by IKK16. NF‐κB signaling was abrogated shortly after the treatment of XAN via various means including mRNA expression, phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, which leaded to up‐regulation of p38 and down‐regulation of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Simultaneous suppressions on p‐IKKβ, p‐IκB and p‐p65 suggested the regulation on NF‐κB was IKKβ mediated. Meanwhile, XAN promoted the expression of IKKα, which has a possible connection to pro‐apoptotic effects suggested by the up‐regulated cleaved PARP. These findings indicated IKKβ/NF‐κB mediates the proliferation of HFLS‐RA cells inhibited by XAN, and divergent regulations on IKKs could provide synergic effects on the cells' proliferation.
Spending Levels of Political Parties: An Explanation Based on a Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Smulders Jef , Maddens Bart
Published: July 2017

This article examines the determinants of the annual overall spending levels of political parties from a comparative perspective. On the basis of a dataset with 1,317 observations from 99 parties in nine European parliamentary democracies, we illustrate that the spending levels of parties – calculated on the basis of Nassmacher’s index of political spending – have not systematically increased over the past decade. A multilevel analysis shows that, at the country level, spending levels are higher in countries with a longer tradition of public funding, a higher effective number of parties and a shorter democratic tradition. They are also higher in election years, but this effect is moderated when campaign spending limits apply. At the party level, spending levels increase with party strength and party age. Party ideology and government participation, on the other hand, do not have an effect.
Developing targets for radiation transport experiments at the Omega laser facility
Authors: Capelli D. , Charsley-Groffman C.A. , Randolph R.B. , Schmidt D.W. , Cardenas T. , Fierro F. , Rivera G. , Hamilton C. , Hager J.D. , Johns H. M. , Lanier N. E. , Kline J.L.
Published: July 2017

Targets have been developed to measure supersonic radiation transport in aerogel foams using absorption spectroscopy. The target consists of an aerogel foam uniformly doped with either titanium or scandium inserted into an undoped aerogel foam package. This creates a localized doped foam region to provide spatial resolution for the measurement. Development and characterization of the foams is a key challenge in addition to machining and assembling the two foams so they mate without gaps. The foam package is inserted into a beryllium sleeve and mounted on a gold hohlraum. The target is mounted to a holder created using additive manufacturing and mounted on a stalk. The manufacturing of the components, along with assembly and metrology of the target are described here.
Linear global stability of two incompressible coaxial jets
Authors: Canton J. , Auteri F. , Carini M.
Published: July 2017

The linear stability of two incompressible coaxial jets, separated by a thick duct wall, is investigated by means of both a modal and a non-modal approach within a global framework. The attention is focused on the range of unitary velocity ratios for which an alternate vortex shedding from the duct wall is known to dominate the flow. In spite of the inherent convective nature of jet flow instabilities, such behaviour is shown to originate from an unstable global mode of the dynamics linearised around the axisymmetric base flow. The corresponding wavemaker is located in the recirculating-flow region formed behind the duct wall. At the same time, the transient-growth analysis reveals that huge amplifications (up to $20$ orders of magnitude) of small flow perturbations at the nozzle exit can occur in the subcritical regime, especially for high ratios between the outer and the inner velocities.
Drops bouncing off macro-textured superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Mazloomi Moqaddam Ali , Chikatamarla Shyam S. , Karlin Iliya V.
Published: July 2017

Recent experiments with droplets impacting macro-textured superhydrophobic surfaces revealed new regimes of bouncing with a remarkable reduction of the contact time. Here we present a comprehensive numerical study that reveals the physics behind these new bouncing regimes and quantifies the roles played by various external and internal forces. For the first time, accurate three-dimensional simulations involving realistic macro-textured surfaces are performed. After demonstrating that simulations reproduce experiments in a quantitative manner, the study is focused on analysing the flow situations beyond current experiments. We show that the experimentally observed reduction of contact time extends to higher Weber numbers, and analyse the role played by the texture density. Moreover, we report a nonlinear behaviour of the contact time with the increase of the Weber number for imperfectly coated textures, and study the impact on tilted surfaces in a wide range of Weber numbers. Finally, we present novel energy analysis techniques that elaborate and quantify the interplay between the kinetic and surface energy, and the role played by the dissipation for various Weber numbers.
Argentine Spanish
Authors: Coloma Germán
Published: July 2017

Although Spanish is a relatively unified language, in the sense that people from very distant locations manage to understand each other well, there are several phonetic phenomena that distinguish geographically separated varieties. The total number of native speakers of Spanish is above 400 million, and roughly 10% of them live in Argentina (Instituto Cervantes 2014). The accent described below corresponds to formal Spanish spoken in Buenos Aires, and the main allophones are indicated by parentheses in the Consonant Table. The recordings are from a 49-year-old college-educated male speaker, who has lived all his life in either the city of Buenos Aires or the province of Buenos Aires.
Goddess in the City: Durga pujas of contemporary Kolkata
Authors: RAY MANAS
Published: July 2017

Durga puja, or the worship of goddess Durga, is the single most important festival in Bengal's rich and diverse religious calendar. It is not just that her temples are strewn all over this part of the world. In fact, goddess Kali, with whom she shares a complementary history, is easily more popular in this regard. But as a one-off festivity, Durga puja outstrips anything that happens in Bengali life in terms of pomp, glamour, and popularity. And with huge diasporic populations spread across the world, she is now also a squarely international phenomenon, with her puja being celebrated wherever there are even a score or so of Hindu Bengali families in one place. This is one Bengali festival that has people participating across religions and languages. In that sense, Durga puja has an unmistakable cosmopolitan hue about it. With more than 10 million people visiting the differentpandals(the temporary, covered pavilions or marquees created for the goddess) in Kolkata alone on any one of the four days of festivity (now effectively extended to a whole week), Durga puja could well be the biggest carnival on earth. Kolkata's image has become synonymous with this grand autumnal festival of the goddess.
Co-variation in biomass and environment at the scale of a forest concession in central Africa
Authors: Mankou Géraud Sidoine , Picard Nicolas , Ngomanda Alfred , Loumeto Jean Joël
Published: July 2017

Drivers of forest structure in central African rain forests are largely unknown. Using forest inventory data (3024 0.4-ha plots) in a forest concession of 154 456 ha in north-eastern Gabon covering an altitudinal gradient (from 485 to 1009 m asl), relationships between above-ground plot biomass and environmental variables (soil type, altitude, slope, aspect) and floristic composition (score given by an ordination method) were tested. After controlling for confounding variables, biomass was significantly related to altitude (with a modal response peaking at 346 Mg ha–1 on western slopes at an altitude of 707 m asl) and to aspect (additional 18.3 Mg ha–1 on eastern slopes) but not to floristic composition. Biomass and basal area responded differentially to the environment. Mean wood density was significantly related to soil, altitude and floristic composition, with a predicted minimum of 0.60 g cm–3 at an altitude of 1009 m asl in stands characterized by Scorodophloeus zenkeri and a maximum of 0.69 g cm–3 at an altitude of 458 m asl in monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei stands. Variation in forest structure in the concession was primarily driven by altitude while floristic composition played a role in differentiating the variation in biomass and basal area.
Identification of promising sources for fodder traits in the world collection of pearl millet at the ICRISAT genebank
Authors: Upadhyaya H. D. , Reddy K. N. , Pattanashetti Santosh K. , Kumar Vinod , Ramachandran Senthil
Published: July 2017

A total of 326 pearl millet accessions selected for fodder traits from the world collection at ICRISAT genebank, India were evaluated in rainy, postrainy and summer seasons to identify promising sources for fodder yield. In rainy season, majority of accessions grew significantly tall, produced thick stems, long and broad leaves compared with postrainy and summer seasons. Total tillers per plant were significantly more in rainy and summer seasons than in postrainy season. Significant (P = 0.05) positive correlations were observed among all traits in all seasons except total tillers, which showed significant negative correlation with all other traits but for a few cases. Accessions of cluster 1 flowered early and produced more tillers per plant, while those of cluster 3 flowered late, grew tall, produced thick stems, more leaves per plant, which were long and broad. Promising sources identified include IP 11839 and IP 11840 for plant height and number of leaves per plant, IP 15710, IP 15735 and IP 15752 for stem thickness and leaf width, and IP 3628, IP 15285, IP 15288, IP 15302, IP 15342, IP 15351, IP 15290, IP 20347 and IP 20350 for total tillers per plant. Further testing of these sources of fodder traits at different locations will be very useful.
A Self Psychological Analysis of Rorschach Thematic	Content
Authors: Silverstein Marshall L.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. In this discussion of the case of Ms. B., I consider this patient’s Rorschach responses from the theoretical viewpoint of psychoanalytic self psychology ( Kohut, 1971 , 1996 ). Using thematic content and sequence analysis, I demonstrate how the self psychological concept of the forward edge ( Tolpin, 2002 ) may indicate how a selfobject transference emerges as a representation of thwarted legitimate developmental strivings that have been driven underground. I attempt to illustrate how such unrecognized selfobject needs may be reactivated on the Rorschach and how they may be understood as fragile tendrils of remaining healthy needs.
Attachment Theory Applied to Ms. B.’s	Rorschach
Authors: Berant Ety
Published: July 2017

Abstract. This manuscript addresses the case study of Ms. B. through the lens of attachment theory. Her Rorschach reveals her anxiously attached information. Her attachment anxiety contributes to her suicidal attempt, to problems in affect regulation, and to negative self-esteem. Ms. B. has problems in mentalization and low reality testing while being in emotionally charged situations. She needs mentalization-based psychotherapy.
Cytoplasmic fragment of CD147 generated by regulated intramembrane proteolysis contributes to HCC by promoting autophagy
Authors: Wu Bo , Cui Jian , Yang Xiang-Min , Liu Zhen-Yu , Song Fei , Li Ling , Jiang Jian-Li , Chen Zhi-Nan
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers worldwide. CD147 (EMMPRIN or basigin) is a leading gene relating to hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis, and is detected in transmembrane, exosome or circulating forms in HCC patients. The endosome recycling of CD147 further enhances the function of this oncoprotein from a dynamic perspective. However, previous studies about CD147 mainly focused on one separate form, and little attention has been paid to how the different forms of tumor-derived CD147 changes. Moreover, uncovering the roles of the residual C-terminal portion of CD147 after shedding is inevitable to fully understand CD147 promoting tumor progression. In this study, we discovered that under low-cholesterol condition, CD147 endocytosis is inhibited but its shedding mediated by ADAM10 is enhanced. Further procession of residual CD147 in the lysosome produces nuclear-localized CD147-ICD (intracellular domain of CD147), which contributes to autophagy through NF-κB–TRAIL–caspase8–ATG3 axis. As autophagy endows cancer cells with increased adaptability to chemotherapy, and HAb 18 (a specific antibody targeting CD147) inhibits CD147 shedding and sequential CD147-ICD enhances autophagy, we found the combination of HAb 18 and cisplatin exhibited marked antitumor efficiency.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: mTORC2 regulates hedgehog pathway activity by promoting stability to Gli2 protein and its nuclear translocation
Authors: Maiti Samarpan , Mondal Susmita , Satyavarapu Eswara M , Mandal Chitra
Published: July 2017

mTORC2 is aberrantly activated in cancer and therefore is considered to be an important therapeutic target. The hedgehog pathway, which is also often hyperactivated, regulates transcription of several genes associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, cellular proliferation and cancer stem cell (CSC) regeneration. However, the contribution of mTORC2 toward hedgehog pathway activity has not been explored yet. Here we have addressed the molecular cross talk between mTORC2 and hedgehog pathway activities in the context of glioblastoma multiforme, a malignant brain tumor using as a model system. We observed that higher mTORC2 activity enhanced the expression of a few hedgehog pathway molecules (Gli1, Gli2 and Ptch1) and amplified its target genes (Cyclin D1, Cyclin D2, Cyclin E, Snail, Slug and VEGF) both in mRNA and protein levels as corroborated by increased metastasis, angiogenesis, cellular proliferation and stem cell regeneration. Inhibition of mTORC2 formation decreased hedgehog pathway activity and attenuated all these above-mentioned events, suggesting their cross talk with each other. Further investigations revealed that mTORC2 inhibited ubiquitination of Gli2 by inactivating GSK3β, and thus it promotes stability to Gli2 and its nuclear translocation. Moreover, enhanced mTORC2 activity led to the increased clonogenic properties and CD133+ cells, indicating its role in CSC regeneration. mTORC2 inhibitor directed the reduction of hedgehog pathway proteins and also reduced CSCs. Thus, our observations support a role for elevated mTORC2 activity in regulating angiogenesis, metastasis, cellular proliferation and CSC regeneration via hedgehog pathway activity. Taken together, it provides a rationale for including the mTOR2 inhibitor as part of the therapeutic regimen for CSCs.
The EGFR/miR-338-3p/EYA2 axis controls breast tumor growth and lung metastasis
Authors: Liang Yingchun , Xu Xiaojie , Wang Tao , Li Ying , You Wenye , Fu Jing , Liu Yang , Jin Shuai , Ji Quanbo , Zhao Wei , Song Qi , Li Ling , Hong Tian , Huang Junjian , Lyu Zhaohui , Ye Qinong
Published: July 2017

Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) promotes cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. However, its relevant downstream effectors are still limited. Here, we show that EGFR promotes breast tumor growth and metastasis by downregulating the tumor suppressor micoRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) and activating the EYA2 (EYA transcriptional coactivator and phosphatase 2) oncoprotein. EGFR represses miR-338-3p expression largely through HIF1α transcription factor. miR-338-3p inhibits EYA2 expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of EYA2. EGFR increases EYA2 expression via HIF1α repression of miR-338-3p. Through the miR-338-3p/EYA2 pathway, EGFR increases breast cancer cell growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and lung metastasis in vitro and in a allograft tumor mouse model in vivo. In breast cancer patients, miR-338-3p expression negatively correlates with the expression of EGFR and EYA2, EGFR status positively associates with EYA2 expression, and miR-338-3p and EYA2 predict breast cancer lung metastasis when expressed in primary breast cancers. These data suggest that the miR-338-3p/EYA2 axis contributes to EGFR-mediated tumor growth and lung metastasis and that miR-338-3p activation or EYA2 inhibition or combination therapy targeting EGFR/miR-338-3p/EYA2 axis may be a promising way to treat patients with metastatic cancer.
Structural insights into the mycobacteria transcription initiation complex from analysis of X-ray crystal structures
Authors: Hubin Elizabeth A. , Lilic Mirjana , Darst Seth A. , Campbell Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2017

The mycobacteria RNA polymerase (RNAP) is a target for antimicrobials against tuberculosis, motivating structure/function studies. Here we report a 3.2 Å-resolution crystal structure of a Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) open promoter complex (RPo), along with structural analysis of the Msm RPo and a previously reported 2.76 Å-resolution crystal structure of an Msm transcription initiation complex with a promoter DNA fragment. We observe the interaction of the Msm RNAP α-subunit C-terminal domain (αCTD) with DNA, and we provide evidence that the αCTD may play a role in Mtb transcription regulation. Our results reveal the structure of an Actinobacteria-unique insert of the RNAP β′ subunit. Finally, our analysis reveals the disposition of the N-terminal segment of Msm σA, which may comprise an intrinsically disordered protein domain unique to mycobacteria. The clade-specific features of the mycobacteria RNAP provide clues to the profound instability of mycobacteria RPo compared with E. coli.
Baseline value of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA predicts patient’s response to interferon therapy
Authors: Mu Di , Yuan Fang-Chao , Chen Yu , Jiang Xiao-Yan , Yan Liang , Jiang Ling-Yu , Gong Jian-Ping , Zhang Da-Zhi , Ren Hong , Liao Yong
Published: July 2017

Methodology for accurate quantification of intra-hepatic cccDNA has long been a technical challenge, yet it is highly desired in the clinic. Here, we developed a sensitive method for quantification of intrahepatic cccDNA in liver biopsies from patients, which allowed to predict patient’s response to interferon therapy at baseline. Twenty-five patients with HBeAg+ CHB were recruited and liver biopsies were obtained at baseline and 1-year after interferon treatment, respectively. Both intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV DNA were absolutely quantified by a droplet digital PCR amplification system. Patients were categorized as either responder or non-responder group based on their HBeAg status 1-year after interferon therapy. Levels of both intrahepatic HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were significantly reduced after interferon treatment among the responders, but not the non-responders, in comparison with their levels at baseline. Baseline values of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA significantly correlated with patient’s response to PEG-IFN therapy (P = 0.000). In addition, HBeAg seroconversion also correlates with a significant reduction in intrahepatic pgRNA production among the responders after interferon therapy (P = 0.030). In conclusion, our results suggest that baseline value of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA may be a preferable indicator for selecting appropriate patients for IFN-based therapy in the clinic.
Efficient two-step photocarrier generation in bias-controlled InAs/GaAs quantum dot superlattice intermediate-band solar cells
Authors: Kada T. , Asahi S. , Kaizu T. , Harada Y. , Tamaki R. , Okada Y. , Kita T.
Published: July 2017

We studied the effects of the internal electric field on two-step photocarrier generation in InAs/GaAs quantum dot superlattice (QDSL) intermediate-band solar cells (IBSCs). The external quantum efficiency of QDSL-IBSCs was measured as a function of the internal electric field intensity, and compared with theoretical calculations accounting for interband and intersubband photoexcitations. The extra photocurrent caused by the two-step photoexcitation was maximal for a reversely biased electric field, while the current generated by the interband photoexcitation increased monotonically with increasing electric field intensity. The internal electric field in solar cells separated photogenerated electrons and holes in the superlattice (SL) miniband that played the role of an intermediate band, and the electron lifetime was extended to the microsecond scale, which improved the intersubband transition strength, therefore increasing the two-step photocurrent. There was a trade-off relation between the carrier separation enhancing the two-step photoexcitation and the electric-field-induced carrier escape from QDSLs. These results validate that long-lifetime electrons are key to maximising the two-step photocarrier generation in QDSL-IBSCs.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-elicited effects on bile acid homeostasis: Alterations in biosynthesis, enterohepatic circulation, and microbial metabolism
Authors: Fader Kelly A. , Nault Rance , Zhang Chen , Kumagai Kazuyoshi , Harkema Jack R. , Zacharewski Timothy R.
Published: July 2017

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent environmental contaminant which elicits hepatotoxicity through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Male C57BL/6 mice orally gavaged with TCDD (0.01–30 µg/kg) every 4 days for 28 days exhibited bile duct proliferation and pericholangitis. Mass spectrometry analysis detected a 4.6-fold increase in total hepatic bile acid levels, despite the coordinated repression of genes involved in cholesterol and primary bile acid biosynthesis including Cyp7a1. Specifically, TCDD elicited a >200-fold increase in taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), a potent G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1) agonist associated with bile duct proliferation. Increased levels of microbial bile acid metabolism loci (bsh, baiCD) are consistent with accumulation of TLCA and other secondary bile acids. Fecal bile acids decreased 2.8-fold, suggesting enhanced intestinal reabsorption due to induction of ileal transporters (Slc10a2, Slc51a) and increases in whole gut transit time and intestinal permeability. Moreover, serum bile acids were increased 45.4-fold, consistent with blood-to-hepatocyte transporter repression (Slco1a1, Slc10a1, Slco2b1, Slco1b2, Slco1a4) and hepatocyte-to-blood transporter induction (Abcc4, Abcc3). These results suggest that systemic alterations in enterohepatic circulation, as well as host and microbiota bile acid metabolism, favor bile acid accumulation that contributes to AhR-mediated hepatotoxicity.
Loss of Calreticulin Uncovers a Critical Role for Calcium in Regulating Cellular Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Wang Wen-An , Liu Wen-Xin , Durnaoglu Serpen , Lee Sun-Kyung , Lian Jihong , Lehner Richard , Ahnn Joohong , Agellon Luis B. , Michalak Marek
Published: July 2017

A direct link between Ca2+ and lipid homeostasis has not been definitively demonstrated. In this study, we show that manipulation of ER Ca2+ causes the re-distribution of a portion of the intracellular unesterified cholesterol to a pool that is not available to the SCAP-SREBP complex. The SREBP processing pathway in ER Ca2+ depleted cells remained fully functional and responsive to changes in cellular cholesterol status but differed unexpectedly in basal activity. These findings establish the role of Ca2+ in determining the reference set-point for controlling cellular lipid homeostasis. We propose that ER Ca2+ status is an important determinant of the basal sensitivity of the sterol sensing mechanism inherent to the SREBP processing pathway.
Global deregulation of ginseng products may be a safety hazard to warfarin takers: solid evidence of ginseng-warfarin interaction
Authors: Dong Haiyan , Ma Ji , Li Tao , Xiao Yingying , Zheng Ning , Liu Jian , Gao Yu , Shao Jingwei , Jia Lee
Published: July 2017

Recent global deregulation of ginseng as the table food raises our concern about the possible ginseng-warfarin interaction that could be life-threatening to patients who take warfarin for preventing fatal strokes and thromboembolism while using ginseng products for bioenergy recovery. Here we show that quality-control ginsenosides, extracted from ginseng and containing its major active ingredients, produce dose- and time-dependent antagonism in rats against warfarin’s anti-coagulation assessed by INR and rat thrombosis model. The interactions between ginsenosides and warfarin on thrombosis, pharmacokinetics, activities of coagulation factors and liver cytochrome P450 isomers are determined by using thrombosis analyzer, UPLC/MS/MS, ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. The antagonism correlates well with the related pharmacokinetic interaction showing that the blood plateaus of warfarin reached by one-week warfarin administration are significantly reduced after three-week co-administration of warfarin with ginsenosides while 7-hydroxywarfarin is increased. The one-week warfarin and three-week warfarin-ginsenosides regimen result in restoring the suppressed levels by warfarin of the coagulating factors II, VII and protein Z, and significantly enhance activities of P450 3A4 and 2C9 that metabolize warfarin. The present study, for the first time, provides the solid evidence to demonstrate the warfarin-ginsenoside interaction, and warns the warfarin users and regulation authorities of the dangerous interaction.