bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrotyrosine impairs mitochondrial function in fetal lamb pulmonary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Teng Ru-Jeng , Wu Tzong-Jin , Afolayan Adeleye J. , Konduri Girija G.
Published: October 2015

Nitration of both protein-bound and free tyrosine by reactive nitrogen species results in the formation of nitrotyrosine (NT). We previously reported that free NT impairs microtubule polymerization and uncouples endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). Because microtubules modulate mitochondrial function, we hypothesized that increased NT levels during inflammation and oxidative stress will lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in PAEC. PAEC isolated from fetal lambs were exposed to varying concentrations of free NT. At low concentrations (1–10 μM), NT increased nitration of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) protein subunit complexes I–V and state III oxygen consumption. Higher concentrations of NT (50 μM) caused decreased microtubule acetylation, impaired eNOS interactions with mitochondria, and decreased ETC protein levels. We also observed increases in heat shock protein-90 nitration, mitochondrial superoxide formation, and fragmentation of mitochondria in PAEC. Our data suggest that free NT accumulation may impair microtubule polymerization and exacerbate reactive oxygen species-induced cell damage by causing mitochondrial dysfunction.
CUGBP1 and HuR regulate E-cadherin translation by altering recruitment of E-cadherin mRNA to processing bodies and modulate epithelial barrier function
Authors: Yu Ting-Xi , Gu Bei-Lin , Yan Jun-Kai , Zhu Jie , Yan Wei-Hui , Chen Jie , Qian Lin-Xi , Cai Wei
Published: October 2015

The effectiveness and stability of epithelial barrier depend on apical junctional complexes, which consist of tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs). E-cadherin is the primary component of AJs, and it is essential for maintenance of cell-to-cell interactions and regulates the epithelial barrier. However, the exact mechanism underlying E-cadherin expression, particularly at the posttranscriptional level, remains largely unknown. RNA-binding proteins CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) and HU antigen R (HuR) are highly expressed in the intestinal epithelial tissues and modulate the stability and translation of target mRNAs. Here, we present evidence that CUGBP1 and HuR interact directly with the 3′-untranslated region of E-cadherin mRNA and regulate E-cadherin translation. CUGBP1 overexpression in Caco-2 cells inhibited E-cadherin translation by increasing the recruitment of E-cadherin mRNA to processing bodies (PBs), thus resulting in an increase in paracellular permeability. Overexpression of HuR exhibited an opposite effect on E-cadherin expression by preventing the translocation of E-cadherin mRNA to PBs and therefore prevented CUGBP1-induced repression of E-cadherin expression. Elevation of HuR also abolished the CUGBP1-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction. These findings indicate that CUGBP1 and HuR negate each other's effects in regulating E-cadherin translation by altering the recruitment of E-cadherin mRNA to PBs and play an important role in the regulation of intestinal barrier integrity under various pathophysiological conditions.
Agonist binding to β-adrenergic receptors on human airway epithelial cells inhibits migration and wound repair
Authors: Peitzman Elizabeth R. , Zaidman Nathan A. , Maniak Peter J. , O'Grady Scott M.
Published: October 2015

Human airway epithelial cells express β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), which regulate mucociliary clearance by stimulating transepithelial anion transport and ciliary beat frequency. Previous studies using airway epithelial cells showed that stimulation with isoproterenol increased cell migration and wound repair by a cAMP-dependent mechanism. In the present study, impedance-sensing arrays were used to measure cell migration and epithelial restitution following wounding of confluent normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) and Calu-3 cells by electroporation. Stimulation with epinephrine or the β2-AR-selective agonist salbutamol significantly delayed wound closure and reduced the mean surface area of lamellipodia protruding into the wound. Treatment with the β-AR bias agonist carvedilol or isoetharine also produced a delay in epithelial restitution similar in magnitude to epinephrine and salbutamol. Measurements of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation following salbutamol or carvedilol stimulation showed no significant change in the level of phosphorylation compared with untreated control cells. However, inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A activity completely blocked the delay in wound closure produced by β-AR agonists. In Calu-3 cells, where CFTR expression was inhibited by RNAi, salbutamol did not inhibit wound repair, suggesting that β-AR agonist stimulation and loss of CFTR function share a common pathway leading to inhibition of epithelial repair. Confocal images of the basal membrane of Calu-3 cells labeled with anti-β1-integrin (clone HUTS-4) antibody showed that treatment with epinephrine or carvedilol reduced the level of activated integrin in the membrane. These findings suggest that treatment with β-AR agonists delays airway epithelial repair by a G protein- and cAMP-independent mechanism involving protein phosphatase 2A and a reduction in β1-integrin activation in the basal membrane.
Activation of placental insulin and mTOR signaling in a mouse model of maternal obesity associated with fetal overgrowth
Authors: Rosario Fredrick J. , Powell Theresa L. , Jansson Thomas
Published: October 2015

Fetal overgrowth is common in obese women and is associated with perinatal complications and increased risk for the child to develop metabolic syndrome later in life. Placental nutrient transport capacity has been reported to be increased in obese women giving birth to large infants; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well established. Obesity in pregnancy is characterized by elevated maternal serum insulin and leptin, hormones that stimulate placental amino acid transporters in vitro. We hypothesized that maternal obesity activates placental insulin/IGF-I/mTOR and leptin signaling pathways. We tested this hypothesis in a mouse model of obesity in pregnancy that is associated with fetal overgrowth. C57BL/6J female mice were fed a control (C) or a high-fat/high-sugar (HF/HS) pelleted diet supplemented by ad libitum access to sucrose (20% ) solution. Placentas were collected at embryonic day 18.5. Using Western blot analysis, placental mTOR activity was determined along with energy, inflammatory, leptin, and insulin signaling pathways (upstream modulators of mTOR). Phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein (S-235/236), 4E-BP1 (T-37/46), Insulin receptor substrate 1 (Y-608), Akt (T-308), and STAT-3 (Y-705) was increased in obese dams. In contrast, expression of placental caspase-1, IкBα, IL-1β, and phosphorylated-JNKp46/54-T183/Y185was unaltered. Fetal amino acid availability is a key determinant of fetal growth. We propose that activation of placental insulin/IGF-I/mTOR and leptin signaling pathways in obese mice stimulates placental amino acid transport and contributes to increased fetal growth.
Parallel updating and weighting of multiple spatial maps for visual stability during whole body motion
Authors: Tramper J. J. , Medendorp W. P.
Published: October 2015

It is known that the brain uses multiple reference frames to code spatial information, including eye-centered and body-centered frames. When we move our body in space, these internal representations are no longer in register with external space, unless they are actively updated. Whether the brain updates multiple spatial representations in parallel, or whether it restricts its updating mechanisms to a single reference frame from which other representations are constructed, remains an open question. We developed an optimal integration model to simulate the updating of visual space across body motion in multiple or single reference frames. To test this model, we designed an experiment in which participants had to remember the location of a briefly presented target while being translated sideways. The behavioral responses were in agreement with a model that uses a combination of eye- and body-centered representations, weighted according to the reliability in which the target location is stored and updated in each reference frame. Our findings suggest that the brain simultaneously updates multiple spatial representations across body motion. Because both representations are kept in sync, they can be optimally combined to provide a more precise estimate of visual locations in space than based on single-frame updating mechanisms.
Triptans disrupt brain networks and promote stress-induced CSD-like responses in cortical and subcortical areas
Authors: Becerra L. , Bishop J. , Barmettler G. , Xie Y. , Navratilova E. , Porreca F. , Borsook D.
Published: October 2015

A number of drugs, including triptans, promote migraine chronification in susceptible individuals. In rats, a period of triptan administration over 7 days can produce “latent sensitization” (14 days after discontinuation of drug) demonstrated as enhanced sensitivity to presumed migraine triggers such as environmental stress and lowered threshold for electrically induced cortical spreading depression (CSD). Here we have used fMRI to evaluate the early changes in brain networks at day 7 of sumatriptan administration that may induce latent sensitization as well as the potential response to stress. After continuous infusion of sumatriptan, rats were scanned to measure changes in resting state networks and the response to bright light environmental stress. Rats receiving sumatriptan, but not saline infusion, showed significant differences in default mode, autonomic, basal ganglia, salience, and sensorimotor networks. Bright light stress produced CSD-like responses in sumatriptan-treated but not control rats. Our data show the first brain-related changes in a rat model of medication overuse headache and suggest that this approach could be used to evaluate the multiple brain networks involved that may promote this condition.
Equilibrium Positions for UAV Flight by Dynamic Soaring
Authors: Zhu Bingjie , Hou Zhongxi , Shan Shangqiu , Wang Xinzhu
Published: October 2015

Dynamic soaring is a special flying technique designed to allow UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to extract energy from wind gradient field and enable UAVs to increase the endurance. In order to figure out the energy-extraction mechanisms in dynamic soaring, a noninertial wind relative reference frame of aircraft is built. In the noninertial frame, there is an inertial force which is created by gradient wind field. When the wind gradient(GW)and the components of airspeed(vzvx)are positive, inertial force(F)makes positive work to the aircraft. In the meantime, an equilibrium position theory of dynamic soaring is proposed. At the equilibrium positions, the increased potential energy is greater than the wasted kinetic energy when the aircraft is flying upwards. The mechanical energy is increased in this way, and the aircraft can store energy for flight. According to the extreme value theory, contour line figures of the maximum function and the component of airspeed(vz)are obtained to find out the aircraft’s lifting balance allowance in dynamic soaring. Moreover, this equilibrium position theory can also help to conduct an aircraft to acquire energy from the environment constantly.
Sexy Mouth Odour? Male Oral Gland Pheromone in the Grain Beetle ParasitoidLariophagus distinguendus(Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: König Kerstin , Seeger Lucy , Steidle Johannes L. M.
Published: October 2015

Throughout the animal kingdom, sexual pheromones are used for the attraction of mates and as courtship signals but also enable sexual isolation between species. In the parasitic waspLariophagus distinguendus, male courtship behaviour consisting of wing fanning, antennal stroking of the female antenna, and head nodding stimulates female receptivity leading to copulation. RecentlyL. distinguenduswas reported to consist of two different lineages, which are sexually isolated because males fail to elicit receptivity in foreign females. It is unclear, however, which part of the courtship behaviour triggers female receptivity and therefore could be a mechanism causing sexual isolation. Here we show that inL. distinguendusa nonvolatile male oral pheromone is essential to release the female receptivity signal. In contrast, male wing fanning and antennal contact play a minor role. Additionally, the composition of the oral pheromone depends on the developmental host and females learn the composition upon emergence from the host substrate. These results will enable more detailed work on oral sexual pheromones to answer the question of how they are involved in the speciation process ofL. distinguendusand other parasitoid species, for a better understanding of the huge biodiversity in this group.
Antioxidant Peptide Derived fromSpirulina maximaSuppresses HIF1α-Induced Invasive Migration of HT1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kim Won Suk , Jung Won Kyo , Park Sun Joo
Published: October 2015

Hypoxia causes the malignant progression of tumor cells; hence, it has been considered a central issue that must be addressed for effective cancer therapy. The initiation of tumor metastasis requires invasive cell migration. Here, we show that an antioxidant peptide derived fromSpirulina maximasuppresses hypoxia-induced invasive migration of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. HT1080 cells treated with a hypoxia-inducing agent, CoCl2, exhibited an increase in invasive migration and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is associated with an increase in the expression of hypoxia-induced factor 1α(HIF1α) accompanied by the activation of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2. The inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 with specific inhibitors diminished the CoCl2-induced increase in HIF1αexpression and invasive cell migration. Moreover, CoCl2-induced HIF1αexpression was associated with an increase in the expression of molecules downstream ofβ-integrin, such as N-cadherin, vimentin, andβ-catenin. Therefore, theS. maximapeptide effectively attenuated the CoCl2-induced ROS generation and downregulated the HIF1αsignaling pathway involving PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, andβ-integrin in cells. These results suggest that theS. maximaantioxidant peptide downregulates the HIF1αsignaling pathway necessary for hypoxia-induced invasive migration of HT1080 cells by attenuating intracellular ROS.S. maximapeptide may be an effective constituent in antitumor progression products.
Model Predictive Control for Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yu Kaijiang , Xu Xiaozhuo , Liang Qing , Hu Zhiguo , Yang Junqi , Guo Yanan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a new model predictive control system for connected hybrid electric vehicles to improve fuel economy. The new features of this study are as follows. First, the battery charge and discharge profile and the driving velocity profile are simultaneously optimized. One is energy management for HEV forPbatt; the other is for the energy consumption minimizing problem of acc control of two vehicles. Second, a system for connected hybrid electric vehicles has been developed considering varying drag coefficients and the road gradients. Third, the fuel model of a typical hybrid electric vehicle is developed using the maps of the engine efficiency characteristics. Fourth, simulations and analysis (under different parameters, i.e., road conditions, vehicle state of charge, etc.) are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the method to achieve higher fuel efficiency. The model predictive control problem is solved using numerical computation method: continuation and generalized minimum residual method. Computer simulation results reveal improvements in fuel economy using the proposed control method.
Bond Yield Characteristics of Undisturbed Completely Decomposed Granite
Authors: Liu Pan , Zhou Xiaowen , He Yongbin
Published: October 2015

To investigate the bond yield characteristics of undisturbed completely decomposed granite (CDG) which is widely distributed in Southern China, a series of conventional drained tests were conducted. From the test data, some insights are obtained as follows: for undisturbed CDG soils, the bond yield point during shearing could be identified on the curve of the normalized tangential stiffnessEtan/p′versus axial strain on log-log scale. The consolidation pressureP0′has a significant influence on the bond yield characteristics of undisturbed CDG during shearing, the bonds inside undisturbed CDG tend to be damaged relatively more seriously asP0′is higher, accordingly the initial normalized stiffnessEitan/p′will be smaller at the beginning of the shearing process, and the axial strain at the bond yield point will also be smaller. Once consolidation pressureP0′excesses a critical value such as 475 kPa for this studied CDG, the bonds inside soil will be damaged totally at the consolidation compression stage. In this case, there will be no bond yield occurring during shearing and theEtan/p′-εacurves will coincide with the ones of reconstituted CDG soil. For reconstituted soils, no bond yielding was observed during shearing; theEtan/p′-εacurves are tightly consistent with no dependence of the value ofP0′.
Wind Characteristics of Three Meteorological Stations in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Gang Yao , Rong Wang , Hengyu Wang
Published: October 2015

With rapid economic development of China, demand for energy is growing rapidly. Many experts have begun to pay attention on exploiting wind energy. Wind characteristics of three meteorological stations in China were analyzed to find out if or not it is possible to build a wind farm in this paper. First of all, studies about the wind characteristics and potential wind energy were summarized. Then ways of collecting and manipulating wind data were introduced. Wind-generation potential was assessed by the method of Weibull distribution. Wind shear exponent, extreme wind speed in 50 years, and turbulence intensity were calculated. The wind characteristics were summarized and assessment of wind-generation potential was given. At last, the wind was simulated with autoregressive method by Matlab software.
Rare Gas Adsorption to Silver-Exchanged Zeolites
Authors: Wang Qian , Wen Shulong , Hao Fanhua , Huang Zheng , Peng Shuming
Published: October 2015

The adsorption of rare gas atoms to silver aluminosilicate has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) with the local density approximation, generalized gradient approximation, and dispersion correction. The adsorption energies of rare gas atoms to the honeycomb lattice of silver aluminosilicate were calculated, and the results are discussed. The relationship between the electric charge density distribution and the adsorption energy is discussed. It indicates that the xenon atom has the most electrons to affect the van der Waals dispersion, so it has the highest minimum charge density, strongest polarization, most spacious spherical scope, and most favorable adsorption on silver zeolites.
Iris from Iridectomy Used as Spacer underneath the Scleral Flap: The Iridenflip Trabeculectomy Technique
Authors: De Groot Veva , Aerts Liselotte , Kiekens Stefan , Coeckelbergh Tanja , Tassignon Marie-José
Published: October 2015

Purpose. We describe a modified trabeculectomy technique in which the iris is used to prevent fibrosis of the scleral flap.Material and Methods. A retrospective case series of patients with medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma underwent trabeculectomy. Instead of performing a classical iridectomy, the iris was used as spacer underneath the scleral flap. Postoperative management was identical to classical trabeculectomy, with suture removal and needling if necessary. Five of the patients underwent simultaneous phacoemulsification through a separate temporal corneal incision. Patients should have two-year follow-up.Results. Data of ten patients were analysed, two had a previous failed trabeculectomy, two had LTP, and one had a corneal transplantation. In 3 patients MMC 0,1 mg/mL was used. After one and two years mean IOP was, respectively, 13,1 and 12,1 mmHg. IOP ≤ 16 mmHg was reached in 90% of patients without pressure lowering medication. No major complications were seen; no abnormal inflammatory reaction and no deformation or dislocation of the pupil occurred.Conclusion. By using the iris from the iridectomy as spacer under the scleral flap, fibrosis of the scleral flap is no longer possible. This iridenflip trabeculectomy technique gives an excellent complete success rate (IOP ≤ 16 mmHg) of 90%. A larger study is currently being done.
Properties of Silicon Dioxide Amorphous Nanopowder Produced by Pulsed Electron Beam Evaporation
Authors: Il’ves Vladislav G. , Zuev Michael G. , Sokovnin Sergey Yu.
Published: October 2015

SiO2amorphous nanopowder (NP) is produced with the specific surface area of 154 m2/g by means of evaporation by a pulsed electron beam aimed at Aerosil 90 pyrogenic amorphous NP (90 m2/g) as a target. SiO2NP nanoparticles showed improved magnetic, thermal, and optical properties in comparison to Aerosil 90 NP. Possible reasons of emergence of d0ferromagnetism at the room temperature in SiO2amorphous NP are discussed. Photoluminescent and cathode luminescent properties of the SiO2NP were investigated.
Second Order Sliding Mode Control Scheme for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle with Dynamic Region Concept
Authors: Ismail Zool H. , Putranti Vina W. E.
Published: October 2015

The main goal in developing closed loop control system for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is to make a robust vehicle from natural and exogenous perturbations such as wind, wave, and ocean currents. However a well-known robust control, for instance, Sliding Mode Controller (SMC), gives a chattering effect and it influences the stability of an AUV. Furthermore, some researchers combined other controls to get better result but it tends to present long computational time and causes large energy consumption. Thus, this paper proposed a Super Twisting Sliding Mode Controller (STSMC) with dynamic region concept for an AUV. STSMC or a second order SMC is adopted as a robust controller which is free from chattering effect. Meanwhile, the implementation of dynamic region is useful to reduce the energy usage. As a result, the proposed controller obtains global asymptotic stability which is validated by using Lyapunov-like function. Moreover, some simulations present the efficiency of proposed controller. In conclusion, STSMC with region based control is effective to be applied for the robust tracking of an AUV. It contributes to give a fast response when handling the perturbations, short computational time, and low energy demand.
Establishment of the MethyLight Assay for Assessing Aging, Cigarette Smoking, and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Endo Kosuke , Li Jiawei , Nakanishi Michio , Asada Takashi , Ikesue Masahiro , Goto Yoichi , Fukushima Yasue , Iwai Naoharu
Published: October 2015

The environmental factors such as aging, smoking, and alcohol consumption have been reported to influence DNA methylation (DNAm). However, the versatility of DNAm measurement by DNAm array systems is low in clinical use. Thus, we developed the MethyLight assay as a simple method to measure DNAm. In the present study, we isolated peripheral blood DNA from 33 healthy volunteers and selected cg25809905, cg02228185, and cg17861230 as aging, cg23576855 as smoking, and cg02583484 as alcohol consumption biomarkers. The predicted age by methylation rates of cg25809905 and cg17861230 significantly correlated with chronological age. In immortalized B-cells, DNAm rates of two sites showed a younger status than the chronological age of donor. On the other hand, the predicted age of the patients with myocardial infarction (MI) was not accelerated. The methylation rate of cg23576855 was able to discriminate the groups based on the smoking status. The DNAm rate of cg02583484 was reduced in subjects with habitual alcohol consumption compared to that of subjects without habitual alcohol consumption. In conclusion, our MethyLight assay system reconfirms that aging, smoking, and alcohol consumption influenced DNAm in peripheral blood in the Japanese. This MethyLight system will facilitate DNAm measurement in epidemiological and clinical studies.
Cooperative Output Regulation of Nonlinear Multiagent Systems under a General Directed Graph
Authors: Huang Dingcai , Wang Xiangke , Niu Yifeng , Shen Lincheng
Published: October 2015

This paper studies the cooperative output regulation problem for a class of nonlinear multiagent systems modeled by nonlinear dynamics under a general directed communication topology. A type of distributed internal model is introduced to convert the cooperative output regulation problem into a robust stabilization problem of a so-called augmented system. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem andM-matrix theorem, a kind of distributed output feedback controller only using the relative outputs of neighboring agents together with its stability analysis is further proposed with the aid of the backstepping technology, under which the outputs of the followers will asymptotically converge to that of the leader if, for each follower, there exists at least a directed path from the leader to the follower. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the analytic results.
Ecodriving for Reduction of Bus Transit Emission with Vehicle’s Hybrid Dynamic Model
Authors: Zheng Xiuzheng , Zhang Liguo
Published: October 2015

This paper formulates a global ecodriving optimal control to advise the green driving speed for bus transit to minimize the exhaust emission using Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication. Assuming communication between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I) and knowledge of traffic signal timings and waiting passengers at stations are known, an optimal driving speed is proposed to minimize the total vehicle emissions of the bus route. The dwell time of the bus transit at each station which includes two parts is proposed. A traffic lights timing model is employed as constraints to control the formation of the green wave band. Vehicle specific power (VSP) model is further applied to evaluate the exhaust emission level linked with the speed and acceleration of the bus transit. An approximate sixteen-kilometer traffic network including fourteen intersections and fifteen stations of Beijing bus transit line 1 in Chaoyang District, Beijing, is chosen to investigate the performance of the developed ecodriving approach.
Robust Online State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Based on Error Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Zhao Ting , Jiang Jiuchun , Zhang Caiping , Bai Kai , Li Na
Published: October 2015

Accurate and reliable state of charge (SOC) estimation is a key enabling technique for large format lithium-ion battery pack due to its vital role in battery safety and effective management. This paper tries to make three contributions to existing literatures through robust algorithms. (1) Observer based SOC estimation error model is established, where the crucial parameters on SOC estimation accuracy are determined by quantitative analysis, being a basis for parameters update. (2) The estimation method for a battery pack in which the inconsistency of cells is taken into consideration is proposed, ensuring all batteries’ SOC ranging from 0 to 1, effectively avoiding the battery overcharged/overdischarged. Online estimation of the parameters is also presented in this paper. (3) The SOC estimation accuracy of the battery pack is verified using the hardware-in-loop simulation platform. The experimental results at various dynamic test conditions, temperatures, and initial SOC difference between two cells demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Update Review and Clinical Presentation in Congenital Insensitivity to Pain and Anhidrosis
Authors: Pérez-López L. M. , Cabrera-González M. , Gutiérrez-de la Iglesia D. , Ricart S. , Knörr-Giménez G.
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA) or hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV is an extremely rare syndrome. Three clinical findings define the syndrome: insensitivity to pain, impossibility to sweat, and mental retardation. This pathology is caused by a genetic mutation in the NTRK1 gene, which encodes a tyrosine receptor (TrkA) for nerve growth factor (NGF).Methods. The consultation of a child female in our center with CIPA and a tibia fracture in pseudoarthrosis encouraged us to carefully review literature and examine the therapeutic possibilities. A thorough review of literature published in Pubmed was done about CIPA and other connected medical issues mentioned in the paper.Conclusions. The therapeutic approach of CIPA remains unclear. The preventive approach remains the only possible treatment of CIPA. We propose two new important concepts in the therapeutic approach for these patients: (1) early surgical treatment for long bone fractures to prevent pseudoarthrosis and to allow early weight bearing, decreasing the risk of further osteopenia, and (2) bisphosphonates to avoid the progression of osteopenia and to reduce the number of consecutive fractures.
Comparison of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors amongEscherichia coliIsolated from Conventional and Free-Range Poultry
Authors: Koga Vanessa L. , Scandorieiro Sara , Vespero Eliana C. , Oba Alexandre , de Brito Benito G. , de Brito Kelly C. T. , Nakazato Gerson , Kobayashi Renata K. T.
Published: October 2015

Microbiological contamination in commercial poultry production has caused concerns for human health because of both the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and the increase in antimicrobial resistance in bacterial strains that can cause treatment failure of human infections. The aim of our study was to analyze the profile of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors ofE. coliisolates from chicken carcasses obtained from different farming systems (conventional and free-range poultry). A total of 156E. colistrains were isolated and characterized for genes encoding virulence factors described in extraintestinal pathogenicE. coli(ExPEC). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 15 antimicrobials, and strains were confirmed as extended spectrum ofβ-lactamases- (ESBLs-) producingE. coliby phenotypic and genotypic tests. The results indicated that strains from free-range poultry have fewer virulence factors than strains from conventional poultry. Strains from conventionally raised chickens had a higher frequency of antimicrobial resistance for all antibiotics tested and also exhibited genes encoding ESBL and AmpC, unlike free-range poultry isolates, which did not. Group 2 CTX-M and CIT were the most prevalent ESBL and AmpC genes, respectively. The farming systems of poultries can be related with the frequency of virulence factors and resistance to antimicrobials in bacteria.
Upregulated Expression of SOX4 Is Associated with Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Si , Cao Xiaolei , Gu Miao , You Bo , Shan Ying , You Yiwen
Published: October 2015

SOX4, which belongs to the sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group (SRY) box family, plays a critical role in embryonic development, cell fate decision, differentiation, and tumor development. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common cancers in China and Southeast Asia. However, the molecular mechanisms of this disease remain unknown. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry to investigate the correlation between the expression of SOX4 with clinicopathologic variables as well as patients prognosis of NPC. We found overexpression of SOX4 was correlated with clinical stages, lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 expression in NPC (P<0.05). Besides, patients who expressed higher levels of SOX4 had poorer survival rate (P<0.05). Then, in vitro studies, we took serum starvation-refeeding experiment and knocked down the expression of SOX4 with siRNA to demonstrate that SOX4 could promote proliferation of NPC nonkeratinizing cell line CNE2. The regulation of SOX4 on cell migration was determined by the transwell migration assay and wounding healing assay. Besides, we also found SOX4 could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CNE2 cells and decrease their cisplatin sensitivity. Our data suggested that SOX4 might play an important role in regulating NPC progression and would provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Synergy and Mode of Action of Ceftazidime plus Quercetin or Luteolin onStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Siriwong Supatcharee , Thumanu Kanjana , Hengpratom Tanaporn , Eumkeb Griangsak
Published: October 2015

Streptococcus pyogenescauses streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The recommended therapy has been often failure through the interfering of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria (BLPB). The present study was to investigate antibacterial activity, synergy, and modes of action of luteolin and quercetin using alone and plus ceftazidime againstS. pyogenes. The MICs of ceftazidime, luteolin, and quercetin against allS. pyogeneswere 0.50, 128, and 128 µg mL−1, respectively. A synergistic effect was exhibited on luteolin and quercetin plus ceftazidime against these strains at fractional inhibitory concentration indices 0.37 and 0.27, respectively, and was confirmed by the viable count. These combinations increased cytoplasmic membrane (CM) permeability, caused irregular cell shape, peptidoglycan, and CM damage, and decreased nucleic acid but increased proteins in bacterial cells. Enzyme assay demonstrated that these flavonoids had an inhibitory activity againstβ-lactamase. In summary, this study provides evidence that the inhibitory mode of action of luteolin and quercetin may be mediated via three mechanisms: (1) inhibiting of peptidoglycan synthesis, (2) increasing CM permeability, and (3) decreasing nucleic acid but increasing the protein contents of bacterial cells. So, luteolin and quercetin propose the high potential to develop adjunct to ceftazidime for the treatment of coexistence of the BLPB andS. pyogenesinfections.
Constant Mean Curvature Spacelike Surfaces in Lorentzian Warped Products
Authors: Aledo Juan A. , Rubio Rafael M.
Published: October 2015

We characterize the spacelike slices of a Lorentzian warped product as the only constant mean curvature spacelike surfaces under suitable geometrical and physical assumptions. As a consequence of our study, we derive a Bernstein-type result which widely improves and extends the state-of-the-art results in this setting.
Robust Leaderless Consensus of Uncertain Multiagent Systems with Fast Switching Topologies
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Shaolei , Yan Shi , Yin Gaoyang
Published: October 2015

This paper investigates the robust leaderless consensus problem of uncertain multiagent systems with directed fast switching topologies. The topologies are assumed to jointly contain a directed spanning tree. Based on a special property of the graph Laplacian matrix, the consensus problem is converted into a stabilization problem by performing a proper variable transformation. Averaging method is employed for analysis. It is proved that if the topologies switch sufficiently fast and the controllers are properly designed, the robust leaderless consensus can still be achieved even when all the possible topologies are unconnected in the switching time intervals. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
17-Week Delay Surgery after Chemoradiation in Rectal Cancer with Complete Pathological Response
Authors: Santos Marisa D. , Gomes Manuel T. , Moreno Filipa , Rocha Anabela , Lopes Carlos
Published: October 2015

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) followed by curative surgery still remains the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The main purpose of this multimodal treatment is to achieve a complete pathological tumor response (ypCR), with better survival. The surgery delay after CRT completion seems to increase tumor response and ypCR rate. Usually, time intervals range from 8 to 12 weeks, but the maximum tumor regression may not be seen in rectal adenocarcinomas until several months after CRT. About this issue, we report a case of a 52-year-old man with LARC treated with neoadjuvant CRT who developed, one month after RT completion, an acute myocardial infarction. The need to increase the interval between CRT and surgery for 17 weeks allowed a curative surgery without morbidity and an unexpected complete tumor response in the resected specimen (given the parameters presented in pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 11 weeks after radiotherapy completion).
Singularly Perturbation Method Applied To Multivariable PID Controller Design
Authors: Che Razali Mashitah , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , Balaguer P. , Rahmat M. F. , Samsudin Sharatul Izah
Published: October 2015

Proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers are commonly used in process industries due to their simple structure and high reliability. Efficient tuning is one of the relevant issues of PID controller type. The tuning process always becomes a challenging matter especially for multivariable system and to obtain the best control tuning for different time scales system. This motivates the use of singularly perturbation method into the multivariable PID (MPID) controller designs. In this work, wastewater treatment plant and Newell and Lee evaporator were considered as system case studies. Four MPID control strategies, Davison, Penttinen-Koivo, Maciejowski, and Combined methods, were applied into the systems. The singularly perturbation method based on Naidu and Jian Niu algorithms was applied into MPID control design. It was found that the singularly perturbed system obtained by Naidu method was able to maintain the system characteristic and hence was applied into the design of MPID controllers. The closed loop performance and process interactions were analyzed. It is observed that less computation time is required for singularly perturbed MPID controller compared to the conventional MPID controller. The closed loop performance shows good transient responses, low steady state error, and less process interaction when using singularly perturbed MPID controller.
High-Order Feedback Iterative Learning Control Algorithm with Forgetting Factor
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Dong Jian , Wang Yueling
Published: October 2015

A novel iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm is proposed to produce output curves that pass close to the desired trajectory. The key advantage of the proposed algorithm is introducing forgetting factor, which is a function of the number of iterations. Due to the forgetting factor characteristic of ILC, the proposed scheme not only stabilizes the nonlinear system with uncertainties but also weakens interference on the tracking desired trajectory. Simulation examples are included to demonstrate feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Influence of Electric Field in the Adsorption of Atomic Hydrogen on Graphene
Authors: Cab C. , Medina-Esquivel R. , Acosta C. , Mendez-Gamboa J. , Peñuñuri F. , Tapia A.
Published: October 2015

The influence of external electric field (EF) in the adsorption of atomic hydrogen on graphene (H/G) was studied by means of electronic structure calculations based on spin-polarized density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The changes in atomic hydrogen physisorption-chemisorption on graphene owed to EF (which ranged between −1.25 V/Å and 0.75 V/Å) were determined. Analysis of the electronic charge density for an H/G system explained the EF influences on the adsorption properties (analyzing changes in electronic charge density for H/G system). A decrease of more than 100% in the chemisorption barrier for an EF of −1.25 V/Å was found. The changes in the electronic charge density confirm the possibility of manipulating the physical-chemical adsorption of hydrogen on graphene by applying electric fields.
Ocular Blood Flow Autoregulation Mechanisms and Methods
Authors: Luo Xue , Shen Yu-meng , Jiang Meng-nan , Lou Xiang-feng , Shen Yin
Published: October 2015

The main function of ocular blood flow is to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the eye. Local blood vessels resistance regulates overall blood distribution to the eye and can vary rapidly over time depending on ocular need. Under normal conditions, the relation between blood flow and perfusion pressure in the eye is autoregulated. Basically, autoregulation is a capacity to maintain a relatively constant level of blood flow in the presence of changes in ocular perfusion pressure and varied metabolic demand. In addition, ocular blood flow dysregulation has been demonstrated as an independent risk factor to many ocular diseases. For instance, ocular perfusion pressure plays key role in the progression of retinopathy such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In this review, different direct and indirect techniques to measure ocular blood flow and the effect of myogenic and neurogenic mechanisms on ocular blood flow are discussed. Moreover, ocular blood flow regulation in ocular disease will be described.
On the Thermodynamic Properties of the Spinless Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau Oscillator in Noncommutative Plane
Authors: Wang Zhi , Long Zheng-Wen , Long Chao-Yun , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2015

The Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau oscillator for spin 0 particle in noncommutative plane is analyzed and the energy eigenvalue of the system is obtained by employing the functional analysis method. Furthermore, the thermodynamic properties of the noncommutative DKP oscillator are investigated via numerical method and the influence of noncommutative space on thermodynamic functions is also discussed. We show that the energy spectrum and corresponding thermodynamic functions of the considered physical systems depend explicitly on the noncommutative parameterθwhich characterizes the noncommutativity of the space.
Compound Synchronization of Four Chaotic Complex Systems
Authors: Sun Junwei , Shen Yi , Cui Guangzhao
Published: October 2015

The chaotic complex system is designed from the start of the chaotic real system. Dynamical properties of a chaotic complex system in complex space are investigated. In this paper, a compound synchronization scheme is achieved for four chaotic complex systems. According to Lyapunov stability theory and the adaptive control method, four chaotic complex systems are considered and the corresponding controllers are designed to realize the compound synchronization scheme. Four novel design chaotic complex systems are given as an example to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed control scheme.
An Improved Generalized Predictive Control in a Robust Dynamic Partial Least Square Framework
Authors: Xin Jin , Qinghua Chi , Kangling Liu , Jun Liang
Published: October 2015

To tackle the sensitivity to outliers in system identification, a new robust dynamic partial least squares (PLS) model based on an outliers detection method is proposed in this paper. An improved radial basis function network (RBFN) is adopted to construct the predictive model from inputs and outputs dataset, and a hidden Markov model (HMM) is applied to detect the outliers. After outliers are removed away, a more robust dynamic PLS model is obtained. In addition, an improved generalized predictive control (GPC) with the tuning weights under dynamic PLS framework is proposed to deal with the interaction which is caused by the model mismatch. The results of two simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.
Inhibition of Casein Kinase 1 Alpha Prevents Acquired Drug Resistance to Erlotinib in EGFR-Mutant Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lantermann Alexandra B. , Chen Dongshu , McCutcheon Kaitlin , Hoffman Greg , Frias Elizabeth , Ruddy David , Rakiec Daniel , Korn Joshua , McAllister Gregory , Stegmeier Frank , Meyer Matthew J. , Sharma Sreenath V.
Published: October 2015

Patients with lung tumors harboring activating mutations in the EGF receptor (EGFR) show good initial treatment responses to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) erlotinib or gefitinib. However, acquired resistance invariably develops. Applying a focused shRNA screening approach to identify genes whose knockdown can prevent and/or overcome acquired resistance to erlotinib in several EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, we identified casein kinase 1 α (CSNK1A1, CK1α). We found that CK1α suppression inhibits the NF-κB prosurvival signaling pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of NF-κB signaling by approaches independent of CK1α knockdown can also attenuate acquired erlotinib resistance, supporting a role for activated NF-κB signaling in conferring acquired drug resistance. Importantly, CK1α suppression prevented erlotinib resistance in an HCC827 xenograft model in vivo. Our findings suggest that patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC might benefit from a combination of EGFR TKIs and CK1α inhibition to prevent acquired drug resistance and to prolong disease-free survival. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4937–48. ©2015 AACR.
Potential Biases Introduced by Conflating Screening and Diagnostic Testing in Colorectal Cancer Screening Surveillance
Authors: Becker Elizabeth A. , Griffith Derek M. , West Brady T. , Janz Nancy K. , Resnicow Ken , Morris Arden M.
Published: October 2015

Background: Screening and postsymptomatic diagnostic testing are often conflated in cancer screening surveillance research. We examined the error in estimated colorectal cancer screening prevalence due to the conflation of screening and diagnostic testing.

Methods: Using data from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey, we compared weighted prevalence estimates of the use of all testing (screening and diagnostic) and screening in at-risk adults and calculated the overestimation of screening prevalence across sociodemographic groups.

Results: The population screening prevalence was overestimated by 23.3%, and the level of overestimation varied widely across sociodemographic groups (median, 22.6%; mean, 24.8%). The highest levels of overestimation were in non-Hispanic white females (27.4%), adults ages 50–54 years (32.0%), and those with the highest socioeconomic vulnerability [low educational attainment (31.3%), low poverty ratio (32.5%), no usual source of health care (54.4%), and not insured (51.6%); all P < 0.001].

Conclusions: When the impetus for testing was not included, colorectal cancer screening prevalence was overestimated, and patterns of overestimation often aligned with social and economic vulnerability. These results are of concern to researchers who use survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to assess cancer screening behaviors, as it is currently not designed to distinguish diagnostic testing from screening.

Impact: Surveillance research in cancer screening that does not consider the impetus for testing risks measurement error of screening prevalence, impeding progress toward improving population health. Ultimately, to craft relevant screening benchmarks and interventions, we must look beyond “what” and “when” and include “why.” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(12); 1850–4. ©2015 AACR.