bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term low-calorie diet remodels skeletal muscle lipid profile and metabolic gene expression in obese adults
Authors: Nylén Carolina , Lundell Leonidas S. , Massart Julie , Zierath Juleen R. , Näslund Erik
Published: November 2018

Diet intervention in obese adults is the first strategy to induce weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that improvements in insulin sensitivity after weight loss from a short-term dietary intervention tracks with alterations in expression of metabolic genes and abundance of specific lipid species. Eight obese, insulin-resistant, nondiabetic adults were recruited to participate in a 3-wk low-calorie diet intervention cohort study (1,000 kcal/day). Fasting blood samples and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the dietary intervention. Clinical chemistry and measures of insulin sensitivity were determined. Unbiased microarray gene expression and targeted lipidomic analysis of skeletal muscle was performed. Body weight was reduced, insulin sensitivity [measured by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, (HOMA-IR)] was enhanced, and serum insulin concentration and blood lipid (triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) levels were improved after dietary intervention. Gene set enrichment analysis of skeletal muscle revealed that biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid was among the most enriched pathways identified after dietary intervention. mRNA expression of PDK4 and MLYCD increased, while SCD1 decreased in skeletal muscle after dietary intervention. Dietary intervention altered the intramuscular lipid profile of skeletal muscle, with changes in content of phosphatidylcholine and triglyceride species among the pronounced. Short-term diet intervention and weight loss in obese adults alters metabolic gene expression and reduces specific phosphatidylcholine and triglyceride species in skeletal muscle, concomitant with improvements in clinical outcomes and enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Dual Number-Based Relative Position and Attitude Coordinated Control for Multi-Rigid-Body System
Authors: Li Jing
Published: November 2018

The paper focuses on finding a dual number solution to position and attitude coordinated control for a multi-rigid-body system. First, a relative motion coupling model of a multi-rigid-body system is established under the framework of dual number and dual quaternion theory. Then, a coordinated control strategy that uses graph theory based on a derived new type of dual quaternion is proposed to simultaneously control the position and attitude of a multi-rigid-body system. Finally, the resulting Lyapunov function is proved to be almost globally asymptotically stable. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm not only achieves unified control of position and attitude but also exhibits better tracking control performance.
Multi-Field-Coupled Model and Solution of Active Electronically Scanned Array Antenna Based on Model Reconstruction
Authors: Han Dan , Huang Jin , Zhou Jinzhu , Wang Mei , Xu Sen , Li Haitao , Li Shen
Published: November 2018

Active electronically scanned array antenna (AESA antenna) is capable of controlling the radiation pattern by controlling the feeding phase of the radiating elements. It has good performance and plays an important role in radar systems. With the development of AESA antenna towards high-frequency bands and high-density arrays, the structural-electromagnetic-thermal (SET) coupling becomes increasingly significant. It seriously restricts the realization of high performances of AESA antennas. However, the previously reported theoretical multi-field-coupled model for the coupling problem ignores the effect of the deformations of the feed system and array elements on the electrical performance. It only considers the positional deviations of the array elements in the coupling field. As a result, the accuracy of the numerical solution by the theoretical model is reduced. To overcome the above problems, this paper first establishes the field-circuit coupling model by introducing the deformation errors of the feed system into the existing theoretical model. Secondly, this paper proposes a new numerical solution for the multi-field-coupled problem of AESA antennas based on model reconstruction. And the model reconstruction includes the following: the NURBS (nonuniform rational B-spline) surface fitting algorithm that completes the mapping from finite element models to geometric models by the surface equations established by the node information and the local model reconstruction algorithm that determines the local geometric models by the positions and the directions. The NURBS surface fitting algorithm guarantees the accuracy of both the positions and shapes of array elements. The local model reconstruction algorithm ensures the accuracy of the amplitudes and phases of feed connectors. Finally, the numerical solution was applied to the 32-element AESA antenna and the simulations are close to the measurements.
Soluble HLA-I and HLA-II Molecules Are Potential Prognostic Markers of Progression of Systemic and Local Inflammation in Patients with COPD
Authors: Kubysheva Nailya , Soodaeva Svetlana , Novikov Viktor , Eliseeva Tatyana , Li Timur , Klimanov Igor , Kuzmina Elena , Baez-Medina Héctor , Solovyev Valery , Ovsyannikov Dmitry Yu. , Batyrshin Ildar
Published: November 2018

Soluble molecules of the major histocompatibility complex play an important role in the development of various immune-mediated diseases. However, there is not much information on the participation of these proteins in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of our work was to determine the content of soluble molecules of the major histocompatibility complex of classes I and II (sHLA-I and sHLA-II) in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in the blood serum in patients with moderate to severe COPD during the exacerbation and stable phase. We investigated 105 patients (male) with COPD aged 46–67 and 21 healthy nonsmoking volunteers (male) comparable in age. The content of sHLA-I and sHLA-II molecules was studied using ELISA. We found an increase in the level of sHLA-I and sHLA-II molecules in EBC, as well as an enhancement in the serum content of sHLA-II in all the examined COPD patients compared to healthy nonsmoking volunteers. The revealed negative correlation between the serum concentration of sHLA-II and values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in all examined patients with COPD gives a possibility to consider the content of these proteins as an additional systemic marker of disease severity. The maximum endobronchial and serum concentrations of sHLA-I and sHLA-II were detected in patients with severe COPD during the exacerbation. The negative associations between the content of these molecules in EBC and serum and the parameters of lung function in patients with severe COPD were established. These findings suggest a pathogenetic role of sHLA-I and sHLA-II molecules in the mechanisms of the development and progression of local and systemic inflammation in COPD.
Clustering, Pathway Enrichment, and Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis of Gene Expression in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Yadav Ruchi , Srivastava Prachi
Published: November 2018

Neuronal developmental disorder is a class of diseases in which there is impairment of the central nervous system and brain function. The brain in its developmental phase undergoes tremendous changes depending upon the stage and environmental factors. Neurodevelopmental disorders include abnormalities associated with cognitive, speech, reading, writing, linguistic, communication, and growth disorders with lifetime effects. Computational methods provide great potential for betterment of research and insight into the molecular mechanism of diseases. In this study, we have used four samples of microarray neuronal developmental data: control, RV (resveratrol), NGF (nerve growth factor), and RV + NGF. By using computational methods, we have identified genes that are expressed in the early stage of neuronal development and also involved in neuronal diseases. We have used MeV application to cluster the raw data using distance metric Pearson correlation coefficient. Finally, 60 genes were selected on the basis of coexpression analysis. Further pathway analysis was done using the Metascape tool, and the biological process was studied using gene ontology database. A total of 13 genes AKT1, BAD, BAX, BCL2, BDNF, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, MYC, PIK3CD, MAPK1, MAPK10, and CYCS were identified that are common in all clusters. These genes are involved in neuronal developmental disorders and cancers like colorectal cancer, apoptosis, tuberculosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuron death, and prostate cancer pathway. A protein-protein interaction study was done to identify proteins that belong to the same pathway. These genes can be used to design potential inhibitors against neurological disorders at the early stage of neuronal development. The microarray samples discussed in this publication are part of the data deposited in NCBI’s Gene Expression Omnibus (Yadav et al., 2018) and are accessible through GEO Series (accession number GSE121261).
Solutions and Painlevé Property for the KdV Equation with Self-Consistent Source
Authors: Shen Yali , Yao Ruoxia
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the polynomial solutions in terms of Jacobi’s elliptic functions of the KdV equation with a self-consistent source (KdV-SCS) are presented. The extended (G′/G)-expansion method is utilized to obtain exact traveling wave solutions of the KdV-SCS, which finally are expressed in terms of the hyperbolic function, the trigonometric function, and the rational function. Meanwhile we find the Lie point symmetry and Lie symmetry group and give several group-invariant solutions for the KdV-SCS. Finally, we supplement the results of the Painlevé property in our previous work and get the Bäcklund transformations of the KdV-SCS.
Discontinuous High-Gain Observer in a Robust Control UAV Quadrotor: Real-Time Application for Watershed Monitoring
Authors: Rodríguez-Mata A. E. , Flores G. , Martínez-Vásquez A. H. , Mora-Felix Z. D. , Castro-Linares R. , Amabilis-Sosa L. E.
Published: November 2018

A control algorithm that is robust with respect to wind disturbances for a quadrotor UAV attitude dynamics is presented. The proposed approach consists of a high-gain observer based on a discontinuous technique. Such an algorithm is embedded on board the quadrotor. The high-gain observer estimates external disturbances such as wind and parameter uncertainties, and a control algorithm is designed to compensate these undesired effects. The observer design is based on Lyapunov stability theory; simulation results and experiments validate the nonlinear observer performance and robustness of the approach under windy conditions. Also, a photogrammetry survey was carried out to develop Digital Elevation Models in order to experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. The accuracy of such models was compared and the performance improvement is demonstrated.
Development of High-Performance Soft Robotic Fish by Numerical Coupling Analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Ming Aiguo , Shimojo Makoto
Published: November 2018

To design a soft robotic fish with high performance by a biomimetic method, we are developing a soft robotic fish using piezoelectric fiber composite (PFC) as a flexible actuator. Compared with the conventional rigid robotic fish, the design and control of a soft robotic fish are difficult due to large deformation of flexible structure and complicated coupling dynamics with fluid. That is why the design and control method of soft robotic fish have not been established and they motivate us to make a further study by considering the interaction between flexible structure and surrounding fluid. In this paper, acoustic fluid-structural coupling analysis is applied to consider the fluid effect and predict the dynamic responses of soft robotic fish in the fluid. Basic governing equations of soft robotic fish in the fluid are firstly described. The numerical coupling analysis is then carried out based on different structural parameters of soft robotic fish. Through the numerical analysis, a new soft robotic fish is finally designed, and experimental evaluation is performed. It is confirmed that the larger swimming velocity and better fish-like swimming performance are obtained from the new soft robotic fish. The new soft robotic fish is developed successfully for high performance.
Earthquake Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings Using NSGA‐II
Authors: Leyva Herian A. , Bojórquez Edén , Bojórquez Juan , Reyes-Salazar Alfredo , Castorena José H. , Fernández Eduardo , Barraza Manuel A.
Published: November 2018

In the present study, the optimal seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is obtained. For this purpose, genetic algorithms (GAs) are used through the technique NSGA‐II (Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm), thus a multiobjective procedure with two objective functions is established. The first objective function is the control of maximum interstory drift which is the most common parameter used in seismic design codes, while the second is to minimize the cost of the structure. For this aim, several RC buildings are designed in accordance with the Mexico City Building Code (MCBC). It is assumed that the structures are constituted by rectangular and square concrete sections for the beams, columns, and slabs which are represented by a binary codification. In conclusion, this study provides complete designed RC buildings which also can be used directly in the structural and civil engineering practice by means of genetic algorithms. Moreover, genetic algorithms are able to find the most adequate structures in terms of seismic performance and economy.
Prediction-Based Compensation for Gate On/Off Latency during Respiratory-Gated Radiotherapy
Authors: Johno Hisashi , Saito Masahide , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

During respiratory-gated radiotherapy (RGRT), gate on and off latencies cause deviations of gating windows, possibly leading to delivery of low- and high-dose radiations to tumors and normal tissues, respectively. Currently, there are no RGRT systems that have definite tools to compensate for the delays. To address the problem, we propose a framework consisting of two steps: (1) multistep-ahead prediction and (2) prediction-based gating. For each step, we have devised a specific algorithm to accomplish the task. Numerical experiments were performed using respiratory signals of a phantom and ten volunteers, and our prediction-based RGRT system exhibited superior performance in more than a few signal samples. In some, however, signal prediction and prediction-based gating did not work well, maybe due to signal irregularity and/or baseline drift. The proposed approach has potential applicability in RGRT, and further studies are needed to verify and refine the constituent algorithms.
S-Wave Heavy Quarkonium Spectra: Mass, Decays, and Transitions
Authors: Mutuk Halil
Published: November 2018

In this paper we revisited phenomenological potentials. We studied S-wave heavy quarkonium spectra by two potential models. The first one is power potential and the second one is logarithmic potential. We calculated spin averaged masses, hyperfine splittings, Regge trajectories of pseudoscalar and vector mesons, decay constants, leptonic decay widths, two-photon and two-gluon decay widths, and some allowed M1 transitions. We studied ground and 4 radially excited S-wave charmonium and bottomonium states via solving nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation. Although the potentials which were studied in this paper are not directly QCD motivated potential, obtained results agree well with experimental data and other theoretical studies.
Matrine Attenuates D‐Galactose‐Induced Aging‐Related Behavior in Mice via Inhibition of Cellular Senescence and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sun Kaiyue , Yang Pengyu , Zhao Rong , Bai Yuting , Guo Zijiao
Published: November 2018

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of matrine (MAT) on D‐galactose‐ (D‐gal‐) induced aging and relative mechanism. Vitamin E at the dose of 100 mg/kg was used as a standard positive control. MAT significantly improved the D‐gal‐induced recognition and spatial memory impairment in novel object recognition and Y maze tests, and exercise endurance decreased in the weight‐loaded swimming test at 2 and 10 mg/kg. We found that D‐gal treatment induced noticeably aging‐related changes such as reducing thymus coefficients, increasing the pathological injury and cellular senescence of liver, spleen, and hippocampus, as well as an increase in cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p16, p19, and p21 gene expression and the interleukin-1β expression in the liver and hippocampus. MAT showed effective protection on such changes. Furthermore, MAT decreased the oxidative stress of the liver, plasma, and brain, as evidenced by increased total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities and decreased the malondialdehyde level. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between swimming time in weight‐loaded swimming time and thymus index. MAT ameliorated aging‐related disorder caused by D‐gal through the inhibition of both cellular senescence and oxidative stress. The study provides further evidence for drug development of MAT for prevention or treatment of the aging‐associated disorder.
A Three-Dimensional Simulation of Particle Distribution in a Separator and Structure Optimization with the Statistical Approach of Taguchi Method
Authors: Liu Jinjin , Liu Kai , Zhao Tong , Xu Zhuofei
Published: November 2018

A three-dimensional numerical simulation combining discrete phase method (DPM) and porous media based on the theory of Euler-Lagrange has been employed to investigate particles distribution in a separator. The DPM model is applied to monitor the movement of individual particles and calculate the contact force between them in the separator. The simulation results display the migration feature of dust particles over time and the distribution of particles on the surface element in porous region and reveal that the flow field influences the distribution uniformity of the particles in porous area directly. Based on the analysis, the structure of separator is optimized by the Taguchi method. An orthogonal relation motion has been established. The optimal solution is achieved by the calculation of the weight relationship. The calculated optimal structure is evaluated by the signal to noise (SNR). The result reveals that the values of SNR in case are eligible. As a result, the research of the separator points out a useful and improvable method for the parameter optimization of structure design.
Design of a Three-Dimensional Hypersonic Inward-Turning Inlet with Tri-Ducts for Combined Cycle Engines
Authors: Zhu Chengxiang , Zhang Xu , Kong Fan , You Yancheng
Published: November 2018

The operation of a propulsion system in terms of horizontal takeoff/landing and full-speed range serves as one of the main difficulties for hypersonic travelling. In the present work, a three-dimensional inward-turning inlet with tri-ducts for combined cycle engines is designed for the operation of three different modes controlled by a single rotational flap on the compression side, which efficiently simplifies the inlet structure and the flap control mechanism. At high flight speed between Mach 4 and 6, the pure scramjet mode is switched on, whereas both the ejector and the scramjet paths are open for a moderate Mach number between 2 and 4 with a larger throat area guaranteeing the inlet startability. In the low flight speed range with Mach number below 2, the additional turbojet path will be turned on to supply air for the turbine engine, whereas the other two paths remain open for spillage. Numerical simulations under different operation modes have proven the feasibility and good performance of the designed inlet, e.g., a nearly full mass flow ratio and a total pressure recovery around 0.5 can be achieved at the cruise speed. Meanwhile, the inlet works properly at low flight speeds which overcomes the typical starting problem of similar inlet designs. In the near future, wind tunnel experiments will be carried out to validate our inlet design and its performance.
Impact of an Extreme Typhoon Event on Subsequent Sediment Discharges and Rainfall-Driven Landslides in Affected Mountainous Regions of Taiwan
Authors: Hung Ching , Lin Guan-Wei , Kuo Hsien-Li , Zhang Jia-Ming , Chen Chi-Wen , Chen Hongey
Published: November 2018

Fluctuations in the sediment yielding rate within mountainous areas are found after extreme precipitations. These changes are associated with rainfall-driven landslides and can be evaluated through observations of sediment transported in river water. In this study, we assess the differential impact level and duration of an extreme rainfall event caused by the 2009 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan. Using a time series of suspended sediment data and landslide inventories within three affected catchments, our results found that the proportion of the typhoon-generated sediment discharges reached 58% of the 2009 annual sediment discharges, and the annual sediment discharges could be 15-fold higher than the average annual sediment discharges prior to the typhoon. The impact of the typhoon on suspended sediment discharge lasted for around four months. It is further revealed that a significant increase in the number of landslides was attributed to the impact of the extreme typhoon event, and the critical rainfall condition triggering landslides, based on the relationship between rainfall and landslide number and the rainfall intensity-duration thresholds, declined for 4–5 years.
Survival of Coliform Bacteria in Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Zullo Biagi Angelo , Maiuro Lucia , Ciafardini Gino
Published: November 2018

Coliform bacteria consist of both nonpathogen commensal and human opportunistic pathogen species isolated from different habitats like animals, man, vegetables, and water. Olives normally carry natural nonpathogenic epiphytic bacteria, but during growth, harvest, and processing, one of the final products, represented by virgin olive oil, can be contaminated with coliform. Present study showed that coliform bacteria can survive and reproduce in virgin olive oil containing low level of phenolic compounds. The laboratory inoculation trials demonstrated that when the bacteriumEscherichia coli,isolated from the olives carposphere, was transferred in olive oil containing high polar phenols content, equal to 372 mg caffeic acid equivalent per kg, the survival was completely inhibited after 15 days of storage. On the contrary, the bacterium reproduced quickly when it was inoculated in virgin olive oil samples containing lower concentration of polar phenols. The SDS-PAGE analysis of theE. coliproteins showed different electrophoretic patterns when the bacterium was inoculated in the virgin olive oil with high phenolic compounds content, confirming the strong interaction between the olive oil phenols content and the bacterial wall proteins. The SEM ultrastructural observations confirmed the presence of a more higher number of damaged microbial cells in virgin olive oil rich of polar phenols. This finding needs further studies since, in an era of antibiotic resistance, the development of new strategies to fight unwanted food bacteria is promising way for the future.
Steering Acoustic Intensity Estimator Using a Single Acoustic Vector Hydrophone
Authors: Zhang Guang Pu , Zheng Ce , Lin Wang Sheng
Published: November 2018

Azimuth angle estimation using a single vector hydrophone is a well-known problem in underwater acoustics. In the presence of multiple sources, a conventional complex acoustic intensity estimator (CAIE) cannot distinguish the azimuth angle of each source. In this paper, we propose a steering acoustic intensity estimator (SAIE) for azimuth angle estimation in the presence of interference. The azimuth angle of the interference is known in advance from the global positioning system (GPS) and compass data. By constructing the steering acoustic energy fluxes in the x and y channels of the acoustic vector hydrophone, the azimuth angle of interest can be obtained when the steering azimuth angle is directed toward the interference. Simulation results show that the SAIE outperforms the CAIE and is insensitive to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-interference ratio (SIR). A sea trial is presented that verifies the validity of the proposed method.
Dexmedetomidine Reduces Diabetic Neuropathy Pain in Rats through the Wnt 10a/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhong Jun-Min , Lu Yue-Cheng , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2018

Diabetic neuropathy pain (DNP), a spontaneous pain with hyperalgesia and allodynia, greatly compromises patients’ quality of life. Our previous study suggested that dexmedetomidine (DEX) can relieve hyperalgesia in rats by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis at the level of the spinal cord. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Wnt 10a/β-catenin signaling in DEX-induced alleviation of DNP in rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly allocated to four groups (n=12/group): control, DNP, DEX, and yohimbine groups. The DNP model was established by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The effects of DEX with or without the α2 adrenergic antagonist yohimbine were assessed by behavior tests (mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency). Spinal cord tissue was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining of astrocytes as well as for Wnt 10a and β-catenin expression, western blot analysis of Wnt 10a and β-catenin expression, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β). Rats with STZ-induced DNP had a decreased pain threshold, activated astrocytes, increased expression of Wnt 10a and β-catenin, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared to the control group, and these effects were ameliorated by treatment with DEX. Yohimbine administration partly abolished the protective effects of DEX in the DNP model rats. In conclusion, DEX alleviated DNP in rats by inhibiting inflammation and astrocyte activation, which may be attributed to downregulation of the Wnt 10a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
A Universal MDO Framework Based on the Adaptive Discipline Surrogate Model
Authors: Su Hua , Gong Chun-lin , Gu Liang-xian
Published: November 2018

High time-consuming computation has become an obvious characteristic of the modern multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) solving procedure. To reduce the computing cost and improve solving environment of the traditional MDO solution method, this article introduces a novel universal MDO framework based on the support of adaptive discipline surrogate model with asymptotical correction by discriminative sampling. The MDO solving procedure is decomposed into three parts: framework level, architecture level, and discipline level. Framework level controls the MDO solving procedure and carries out convergence estimation; architecture level executes the MDO solution method with discipline surrogate models; discipline level analyzes discipline models to establish adaptive discipline surrogate models based on a stochastic asymptotical sampling method. The MDO solving procedure is executed as an iterative way included with discipline surrogate model correcting, MDO solving, and discipline analyzing. These are accomplished by the iteration process control at the framework level, the MDO decomposition at the architecture level, and the discipline surrogate model update at the discipline level. The framework executes these three parts separately in a hierarchical and modularized way. The discipline models and disciplinary design point sampling process are all independent; parallel computing could be used to increase computing efficiency in parallel environment. Several MDO benchmarks are tested in this MDO framework. Results show that the number of discipline evaluations in the framework is half or less of the original MDO solution method and is very useful and suitable for the complex high-fidelity MDO problem.
Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity ofAllium sativumCloves from China and Taşköprü, Turkey
Authors: Yetgin Ali , Canlı Kerem , Altuner Ergin Murat
Published: November 2018

In this study, antimicrobial activities of two different samples ofAllium sativumL. from Turkey (TR) (Taşköprü, Kastamonu, Turkey) and China (CN) were determined. A broad spectrum of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (17 bacteria) including species ofBacillus,Enterobacter,Enterococcus,Escherichia,Klebsiella,Listeria,Pseudomonas,Salmonella, andStaphylococcuswere used for testing antibacterial activity. In addition, antifungal activity againstCandida albicanswas also investigated. Antimicrobial activity was tested by using 3 different processes (chopping, freezing, and slicing by the disk diffusion method). The results showed that TR garlic presented more antimicrobial activity than CN garlic. Mechanism of activity of CN garlic could be proposed to be different from that of TR garlic.
Super-Enhancer–Associated Long Noncoding RNA HCCL5 Is Activated by ZEB1 and Promotes the Malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Li , Jiang Binyuan , Yuan Xiaoqing , Qiu Yuntan , Peng Jiangyun , Huang Yongsheng , Zhang Chaoyang , Zhang Yin , Lin Zhaoyu , Li Jinsong , Yao Weicheng , Deng Weixi , Zhang Yaqin , Meng Meng , Pan Xi , Li Chunquan , Yin Dong , Bi Xinyu , Li Guancheng , Lin De-Chen
Published: November 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most dominant causes of neoplasm-related deaths worldwide. In this study, we identify and characterize HCCL5, a novel cytoplasmic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), as a crucial oncogene in HCC. HCCL5 promoted cell growth, G1–S transition, invasion, and metastasis while inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, HCCL5 was upregulated in TGF-β1-induced classical epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) models, and this lncRNA in turn accelerated the EMT phenotype by upregulating the expression of transcription factors Snail, Slug, ZEB1, and Twist1. HCCL5 was transcriptionally driven by ZEB1 via a super-enhancer and was significantly and frequently overexpressed in human HCC tissues, correlating with worse overall survival of patients with HCC. Together, this study characterizes HCCL5 as a super-enhancer–driven lncRNA promoting HCC cell viability, migration, and EMT. Our data also suggest that HCCL5 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.

Significance:

These findings identify the lncRNA HCCL5 as a super-enhancer–driven oncogenic factor that promotes the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Inhibition of MERTK Promotes Suppression of Tumor Growth in BRAF Mutant and BRAF Wild-Type Melanoma
Authors: Sinik Lenka , Minson Katherine A. , Tentler John J. , Carrico Jacqueline , Bagby Stacey M. , Robinson William A. , Kami Rotem , Burstyn-Cohen Tal , Eckhardt S. Gail , Wang Xiaodong , Frye Stephen V. , Earp H. Shelton , DeRyckere Deborah , Graham Douglas K.
Published: November 2018

Molecularly-targeted agents have improved outcomes for a subset of patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, but treatment of resistant and BRAF wild-type tumors remains a challenge. The MERTK receptor tyrosine kinase is aberrantly expressed in melanoma and can contribute to oncogenic phenotypes. Here we report the effect of treatment with a MERTK-selective small molecule inhibitor, UNC2025, in preclinical models of melanoma. In melanoma cell lines, treatment with UNC2025 potently inhibited phosphorylation of MERTK and downstream signaling, induced cell death, and decreased colony formation. In patient-derived melanoma xenograft models, treatment with UNC2025 blocked or significantly reduced tumor growth. Importantly, UNC2025 had similar biochemical and functional effects in both BRAF-mutated and BRAF wild-type models and irrespective of NRAS mutational status, implicating MERTK inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy in tumors that are not amenable to BRAF-targeting and for which there are limited treatment options. In BRAF-mutated cell lines, combined treatment with UNC2025 and the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib provided effective inhibition of oncogenic signaling through ERK, AKT, and STAT6, increased induction of cell death, and decreased colony-forming potential. Similarly, in NRAS-mutated cell lines, addition of UNC2025 to cobimetinib therapy increased cell death and decreased colony-forming potential. In a BRAF-mutated patient-derived xenograft, treatment with combined UNC2025 and vemurafenib was well-tolerated and significantly decreased tumor growth compared with vemurafenib alone. These data support the use of UNC2025 for treatment of melanoma, irrespective of BRAF or NRAS mutational status, and suggest a role for MERTK and targeted combination therapy in BRAF and NRAS-mutated melanoma.
Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer with Photodynamic Therapy with Redaporfin: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Santos Lúcio Lara , Oliveira Júlio , Monteiro Eurico , Santos Juliana , Sarmento Cristina
Published: November 2018

Advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, after locoregional treatment and multiple lines of systemic therapies, represents a great challenge to overcome acquired resistance. The present clinical case illustrates a successful treatment option and is the first to describe the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Redaporfin, followed by immune checkpoint inhibition with an anti-PD1 antibody. This patient presented an extensive tumor in the mouth pavement progressing after surgery, radiotherapy, and multiple lines of systemic treatment. PDT with Redaporfin achieved the destruction of all visible tumor, and the sequential use of an immune checkpoint inhibitor allowed a sustained complete response. This case is an example of the effect of this therapeutic combination and may provide the basis for a new treatment modality.
Long Non-Coding RNA Urothelial Carcinoma Associated 1 Promotes Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating microRNA-182
Authors: Li Qiang , Xing Wanying , Gong Xilong , Wang Yueshu
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Previous studies demonstrated the oncogenic roles of lncRNA UCA1 in osteosarcoma. This study aimed to explore the internal molecular mechanism of UCA1 on promoting osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Methods: qRT-PCR was conducted to measure the expression levels of UCA1, miR-182 and TIMP2. Cell transfection was used to change the expression levels of UCA1, miR-182 and TIMP2. Cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis were measured using CCK-8 assay, two-chamber migration (invasion) assay and Guava Nexin assay, respectively. The associations between UCA1, miR-182 and iASPP were analyzed by dual luciferase activity assay. The protein expression levels of key factors involved in cell apoptosis, PI3K/AKT/GSK3β pathway and NF-κB pathway, as well as p53, Rb, RECQ family and iASPP were evaluated by western blotting. Results: UCA1 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma MG63 and OS-732 cells. Knockdown of UCA1 inhibited OS-732 cell viability, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. miR-182 was up-regulated in OS-732 cells after UCA1 knockdown and participated in the effects of UCA1 on OS-732 cells. TIMP2 was downstream factor of miR-182 and involved in the regulatory roles of miR-182 on OS-732 cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, as well as PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and NF-κB pathways. UCA1 knockdown up-regulated p53, Rb and RECQL5 levels in OS-732 cells, while down-regulated the expression of iASPP. TGF-β or TNF-α treatment could enhance the expression of UCA1 in OS-732 cells. Conclusion: Our research verified that UCA1 exerted oncogenic roles in osteosarcoma cells by regulating miR-182 and TIMP2, as well as PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and NF-κB pathways.
Prognostic Value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score or Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score for Patients with Colorectal Cancer Receiving Various Treatments: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Liying , Li Hui , Cai Jianye , Chen Liang , Yao Jia , Zhang Yingcai , Xu Wanfu , Geng Lanlan , Yang Min , Chen Peiyu , Zheng Jun  , Yang Yang , Gong Sitang
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence indicates that the systemic inflammatory response plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. The Glasgow Prognostic Score or modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS/mGPS) is a novel inflammatory indicator which consists of CRP and albumin. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of the GPS/ mGPS in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to assess its consistency in different CRC therapies. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception through December 2017 for the association between the GPS/mGPS and clinical outcomes. Study characteristics and prognostic data were extracted from each relevant study. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were considered the primary outcomes, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The quality of each study was pooled using the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel model. Finally, subgroup analyses were performed to detect the heterogeneity of different CRC treatments. Results: Thirty-four studies, with a combined total of 8834 patients, were eligible for this meta-analysis. Data on OS and CSS were available in 23 and 22 studies, respectively. By comparing the prognostic values of different levels of the GPS in CRC patients, the summary HRs for OS and CSS were 2.18 (95% CI 1.83-2.60) and 1.82 (95% CI 1.57-2.11), respectively. According to the different tumor stages, the subgroup analyses were stratified by different treatments, including curative or palliative therapy. The results robustly confirmed the prognostic role of the GPS/mGPS. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the GPS/mGPS is a novel and effective prognostic indicator for the OS and CSS of patients with CRC.
LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes Cancer Metastasis in Osteosarcoma via Activation of the PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Yong  , Huang Wending , Sun Wei , Zheng Biqiang , Wang Chunmeng , Luo Zhiguo , Wang Jian , Yan Wangjun
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: LncRNAs have been reported to be vital regulators of the progression of osteosarcoma, although the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Methods: The levels of MALAT1 and miR-129-5p expression were measured using qRT-PCR. Cell growth was determined using the CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were detected using the wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Tumor growth was determined with a xenograft model. Results: MALAT1 was significantly up-regulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor soft tissues. Overexpression of MALAT1 promoted osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and enhanced tumor growth in a tumor xenograft mouse model. MALAT1 promoted osteosarcoma progression by modulating stem cell-like properties. Moreover, rescue experiment and luciferase reporter assay results indicated that MALAT1 modulates RET expression by sponging miR-129-5p in osteosarcomas. Furthermore, MALAT1 augmented the expression of downstream proteins of the RET-Akt pathway. MALAT1 was consistently significantly increased in osteosarcoma tissues and MALAT1 expression was positively correlated with tumor size and metastasis. High expression of MALAT1 was significantly associated with poor outcomes in patients with osteosarcomas. MALAT1 expression was positively related to RET and negatively related to miR-129-5p in osteosarcoma samples and xenograft tumors. MALAT1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA in osteosarcomas and was as an independent prognostic indicator. Conclusion: Our data revealed for the first time that MALAT1 increases stem cell-like properties by up-regulating RET via sponging miR-129-5p, and thus activates the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and provides potential therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma treatment.
Retrospective study on epidemiology of snakebites in Sarpang District, southern Bhutan
Authors: Koirala Bal Krishna , Koirala Jaganath , Sapkota Sunil
Published: November 2018

Although snake bite envenomation is considered as a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality, accurate figures on snakebite envenomation remains scarce.  We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the snakebite epidemiology in Sarpang District located in the subtropical zone of southern Bhutan.  In this study, 78 snakebite cases treated in Gelephu Referral Hospital over a period of three years from 2013 to 2015 were evaluated based on the statistical record maintained by the medical administration.  Twenty-eight (35.89%) cases developed signs and symptoms of envenomation and the remaining 50 (64.01%) were found to be cases of non-venomous bites.  Forty-four males and 34 females were found to be affected by snakebites within the period.  While snakebites were observed in all age groups, the large majority (n=51, 65.38%) were in adults aged between 21 and 50 years.  Most of the venomous bites (68%) occurred during the monsoon season, particularly between May and August.  It was found that adults in the economically productive age group were the ones most affected by poisonous bites.  There is an urgent need for development and adoption of snakebite management guidelines and awareness among the vulnerable sections of the population, improvement of medical facilities in referral hospitals and rural health centres, and reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with snakebites.
The pattern of bird distribution along the elevation gradient of the Sutlej River basin, western Himalaya, India
Authors: Santhakumar Balraj , Arun P. Ramachandran , Sony Ramapurath Kozhummal , Murugesan Maruthakutti , Ramesh Chinnasamy
Published: November 2018

We examined the species richness of birds along the elevation gradient of the Sutlej River basin in Himachal Pradesh in the western Himalaya of India.  Birds were sampled at 318 sites categorized into 16 elevation bands ranging from 498 to 3700 m  between June 2012 and April 2013.  A total of 203 bird species were recorded.  Species richness showed a monotonic decline with increasing elevation, with 27% of species recorded within a narrow  elevation range.  We tested the roles of explanatory variables such as environment (temperature, precipitation, area, & Mid-domain Effect (MDE) richness) and habitat (Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI): July, November & March) on the observed distribution pattern.  The observed species richness pattern was strongly correlated with temperature, while three other variables—precipitation, area, and MDE richness—contributed negligibly to the observed pattern.  The present study indicates that climatic conditions and vegetation are the major contributors for determining species richness along the Sutlej River basin.  Thus, a customized approach is crucial for conservation of species in the  elevation range.
New distribution records of the leopard plants Ligularia amplexicaulis DC. and Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. (Asteraceae) in the Indian Himalaya
Authors: Singh Bikarma , Singh Sumit , Singh Bishander
Published: November 2018

Two leopard plant taxa, Ligularia amplexicaulis DC. and L. sibirica (L.) Cass., are reported for the first time from Bandipora District of Jammu & Kashmir in India and are taxonomically enumerated.  Ligularia amplexicaulis is a new record for the district Bandipora of the Kashmir Himalaya, which was previously reported in the elevation range of 2700–4800 m from the states of Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim in India.  The specimens from Bandipora extends the geographic distribution of L. amplexicaulis in Jammu & Kashmir State, from Paddar Valley of district Kishtwar to the extreme northern range of the western Himalaya.  Ligularia sibirica is reported for the first time from the Kashmir Himalaya of India and its known distribution extended to southeastern Asia.  The specimens from Lidder Valley represents the first report of L. sibirica from the Kashmir Himalaya and extends its distribution range from Europe, Russia, and China to northern India.  The present paper deals with the taxonomic description, phenology, ecological notes, associated vegetation components, and a note on the history of species discovery of these two leopard plant taxa.  This finding also presents an updated distribution map of these two Indian species in the western Himalaya.
First photographic record of tiger presence at higher elevations of the Mishmi Hills in the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Adhikarimayum Aisho Sharma , Gopi G.V.
Published: November 2018

India is home to 70% of the global Tiger Panthera tigris population, resident in five major areas: Shivalik Gangetic Plains, Central & Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, the Sundarbans, and the northeastern Hills and Brahmaputra flood plain.  Information about tiger ecology in temperate forests is limited.  During January–May 2017, two male tigers were photo-captured in the Mishmi Hills at altitudes of 3,246m and 3630m, where vegetation ranges from temperate mixed forest to sub alpine forest.  The landscape with newly-discovered tigers merits priority protection, and other likely tiger habitats in this region should be surveyed for their presence.
Huddling, Then and Now: Simone Forti and the Nonsovereign Collective
Authors: Philbrick Ethan
Published: November 2018

Between the choreographer Simone Forti’s 1960 score Huddle and the call of the 2017 Women’s March to form “huddles,” huddling emerges as both an image of politics and a rehearsal for political practices that continues to resonate today.
New species of Camptophora and Cyphellophora from China, and first report of sexual morphs for these genera
Authors: YANG HUI , HYDE KEVIN D. , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , DENG CHAO , GU CHANG-HUA , YANG SHENG-AO , ZHANG ZHI-CHANG
Published: November 2018

The genus Cyphellophora have been reported from plant materials, mammal’s skins and nails, and food. Previous research studies have only provided morphological characteristics of the asexual morphs of this genus. The genus Camptophora was introduced as a new genus segregated from Cyphellophora based on the sickle-shaped septate conidia and phylogenetic lineages. For the first time, we provide morphological characteristics of a sexual morph of Cyphellophora and Camptophora collected and isolated in Yunnan Province of China. Cyphellophora jingdongensis and Camptophora schima are introduced as new species while Ca. hylomeconis is reported as a new record to China based on both morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis with combined ITS and LSU sequence data, and are compared with related taxa. Full descriptions, illustrations, colour photographs and notes are provided for three species.