bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CREATION OF A 3D STRUCTURE BASED ON THE HIGH STRENGTH METALLURGICAL GRAPHENE®
Authors: KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ , KULA PIOTR , WARGA TOMASZ , KOŁODZIEJCZYK ŁUKASZ , LOUDA PETR , BORŮVKOVÁ KAROLÍNA , NIEDZIELSKI PIOTR , SZYMAŃSKI WITOLD , VOLESKÝ LUKÁŠ , PAWŁOWSKI WITOLD , ZAWADZKI PIOTR
Published: May 2018

Herein, the results of a study focused on graphene in activation and cross-linking reactions with hydrazine are reported. The method provides an approach to the preparation of graphene-based materials, in this case, with a preset distance between individual layer and a relatively low ratio between the Raman [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] bands — [Formula: see text] peak intensity/[Formula: see text] peak intensity ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]), ca. 1.81 (for unmodified High Strength Metallurgical Graphene[Formula: see text] (HSMG[Formula: see text] [Trade mark number: 013391669; Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market]), this ratio is 0.16). A 3D structure was created without a substrate (e.g. Si, SiO2 or polymer). This method allows for the preparation of a 3D graphene structure without the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] interactions between individual layers.
Comparative Analysis of Magneto Rheological Fluid Assisted Electrical Discharge Machining at Stationary and Rotating Conditions of Tool
Authors: Upadhyay Lokesh , Aggarwal M. L. , Pandey Pulak M.
Published: May 2018

A lot of research has been done to improve electric discharge machining (EDM) process to overcome the difficulties of lower material removal and surface finish. In the current study, magneto rheological (MR) fluid was used in place of conventional dielectric to develop a new variant of EDM process. A comparative study of MR fluid assisted EDM at the stationary and rotary conditions of the tool with M2 grade high-speed steel as workpiece has been presented. Investigations have been done to evaluate the effect of various process parameters such as percentage volume Al2O3, pulse on time, duty cycle and discharge current on material removal rate and surface roughness with surface morphology. Higher material removal rate and lower surface finish was obtained in rotary magneto rheological fluid assisted EDM as compared to magneto rheological fluid assisted EDM without rotation under the same processing condition at optimum process parameters.
Coverage Reduction: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Obredor-Baldovino Thalía , Barcasnegras-Moreno Evis , Mercado-Caruso Nohora , Salas-Navarro Katherinne , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with a mathematical model for reduction of the lack of coverage (LC) involving multiple coverage in presence of partial covering. The model proposes a new structure of assignment of facilities in a facility location system to cover in greater proportion of the demand territory, avoiding assignment of several facilities in the same space of the territory. A comparison between the engendered solution and its representation is carried out through known indicators to measure the improvement of the solution. The results of our proposed model are contrast and better compared to defined referred models in order to evaluate the reduction of LC.
Energy Efficient Disassembly Sequence Generation Using Subassembly Detection Method with Environmental and Economic Parts Selection
Authors: Deepak B. B. V. L. , Murali G. Bala , Pandey Sandeep Kumar
Published: May 2018

Supply chains have been more serious for environmental issues for not only the reduction of CO2 emission but also for material starvation. To enhance a closed loop supply chain for assembled product, a disassembly system is required. At end-of-life, the assembly products at recycling organization should be disassembled environmentally and economically for not only low carbonization but also of material circulation. This recycling and reusing of product enables to reduce CO2 release because the virgin materials which release CO2 volumes caused by production and logistics can be saved by the usage of the recovered materials. Parts with higher recycling and CO2 saving rates ought to be chosen and physically disassembled, but the manual disassembly brings a higher cost, rather than discarding the parts. Therefore, material recovery value is also to be considered for parts selection during the assembly operation. Parts information like material recovery value, CO2 release, weight, precedence relationships are required for environmental and economic parts selection. This study proposes a CAD based approach for environmental and economic parts selection for disassembly using solid works sustainability. It considers higher CO2 saving rate, higher recycling rate and higher material recovery value as environmental and economic criteria for parts selection.
Evaluation of Micro-EDM (μEDM) Characteristics of Conductive Silicon Carbide Using a Coupled Thermo-Structural Process Model
Authors: Saxena Krishna Kumar , Agarwal Sanjay , Das Raj
Published: May 2018

In this work, micro-EDM ([Formula: see text]EDM) characteristics of conductive SiC have been evaluated using the knowledge of existing coupled thermo-structural model. A simplified thermo-structural model of [Formula: see text]EDM process on conductive SiC has been used to simulate the [Formula: see text]EDM process on conductive SiC. So far, the studies have used traditional melting and evaporation removal mechanism during EDM simulation which is suitable for metals. In case of ceramics, material removal occurs by various phenomenon such as spalling, melting, evaporation and it depends on [Formula: see text]EDM energy and type of ceramic. Thus, we aim here to evaluate the characteristics of a SiC ceramic using the thermo-structural model. To make the model more realistic, Gaussian heat flux distribution has been used and transient study has been performed. The model uses process parameters (voltage, capacitance and time) and material properties as input to predict the transient temperature distribution, crater dimensions, volume of material removed and thermal residual stresses. To simulate the material removal, element death has been performed. The element death is purely based on attainment of certain temperature suitable for material removal irrespective of material removal mechanism. The transient thermal analysis was carried out in heating phase and the structural analysis was carried out in cooling phase. Observatory experiments were performed to add value to the model predictions.
Compound property enhancement by virtual compound synthesis
Authors: Arai Naoki , Yoshikawa Shunsuke , Yasuo Nobuaki , Yoshino Ryunosuke , Sekijima Masakazu
Published: May 2018

During drug discovery, drug candidates are narrowed down over several steps to develop pharmaceutical products. The theoretical chemical space in such steps is estimated to be [Formula: see text]. To cover that space, extensive virtual compound libraries have been developed; however, the compilation of extensive libraries comes at large computational cost. Thus, to reduce the computational cost, researchers have constructed custom-made virtual compound libraries that focus on target diseases. In this study, we develop a system that generates virtual compound libraries from input compounds. When a user inputs a compound, the system recursively applies virtual synthetic reaction rules to the compound to improve its properties. The synthetic pathway can also be traced by the user because the reaction rules in this system are based on real organic synthesis reactions. This system has useful functions for effective drug design, such as structural preservation, allowing the substructures necessary for potency to be maintained. In this paper, to confirm the effect of directional reaction sets, we applied the reaction sets to 100 compounds. Moreover, to confirm that the system can reproduce real synthetic pathways, the synthetic pathways of Ibuprofen and Ofloxacin were explored by inputting isobutyl benzene and 7,8-difluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-4H-benzoxazine. This application is available at the following URL: http://enh.sekijima-lab.org .
Measuring Elastic Properties of the Constituent Multilayer Coatings for Different Modulation Periods
Authors: Chakroun Nadia , Tekaya Aymen , Belhadjsalah Hedi , Benameur Tarek
Published: May 2018

This paper is developed to characterize mechanical properties of multilayer coatings for different modulation periods. To that end, Dimensional Analysis Method (DAM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) are applied. Based on these methodologies, two dimensionless forms for the new model are expressed. Numerical nanoindentation tests are carried out for different set properties of multilayer coatings in order to validate the proposed model. Therefore, the mechanical properties of multilayer thin films are identified according to the reverse analysis algorithm. Hence, the input and the identified properties are consistent which ensure the effectiveness and the reliability of the proposed model. Moreover, a case study of Ti-TiN multilayer coating deposited on Zr-based metallic glasses was considered. As a result, the new model is useful for multilayer coatings for different modulation periods and can be used for technological applications.
The resistive switching effects in BaTiO3/ZnO/BaTiO3/Carbon film
Authors: Wang Junshuai , Liang Dandan , Li Xiaoping , Wu Liangchen , Lu Yu , Tang Yuanyuan , Chen Peng
Published: May 2018

An obvious unipolar resistance switching is observed in BaTiO3/ZnO/BaTiO3/Carbon films. The resistance switching effect and the set voltage can be modulated by light irradiation. The RS ratio increases with light intensity. These phenomena are explained using trap/detrap mechanism.
Evaluation of Cooling Performance of Ultrafine Cryoprobes: Effect of Probe Structure on Thermodynamic Properties of Refrigerant
Authors: Okajima Junnosuke , Jeong Sangkwon , Maruyama Shigenao
Published: May 2018

In this study, the effect of the structure of an ultrafine cryoprobe on its cooling performance was evaluated experimentally and numerically. To clarify the thermodynamic characteristics of the refrigerant in the ultrafine cryoprobe, three ultrafine cryoprobes with different dimensions were manufactured. Additionally, a phase change flow model was developed to estimate the refrigerant condition in a microchannel and evaluate the cooling characteristics of an ultrafine cryoprobe. For validating the numerical model, the results were compared with experimental data and a suitable empirical correlation for a two-phase pressure drop was determined. By calculating the refrigerant condition in an ultrafine cryoprobe, it is clarified that large pressure drops occur in the inner tubes and the refrigerant becomes subcooled owing to heat exchange between the flows in the inner and outer tubes. The temperature differences for three different cryoprobes are reproduced by the developed model. By changing the dimensions of the tubes comprising the ultrafine cryoprobes in the calculation, the lowest temperature can be determined. Additionally, freezing experiments are conducted, and the importance of temperature and vapor quality in ultrafine cryoprobes is represented in the time variation of the frozen region.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative Revisited: Challenges and Ways Forward
Authors: Shichor Yitzhak
Published: May 2018

Compared with other Chinese-proposed multilateral institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is not yet fully institutionalized. Still, it has been enthusiastically welcomed by many Asian and African countries, though less so by Western ones, Japan, and Russia. This is not only because of the expected economic benefits being Asian- and African-centric, but perhaps more importantly, because of the BRI having potential to be an exceptional Eastern model that may become universal. Up to the recent times, the flow of religions, doctrines, ideas and ideologies has mainly been from the West to the East, often accompanied by Western colonialism. Now, if the BRI is successfully implemented, for the first time in history a model of Eastern origin may affect the West and the rest of world. Unlike national liberation movements which had achieved political but not economic independence, China’s BRI could facilitate an international liberation movement that helps Asian and African countries to achieve growth and development, and thereby become economically independent as well. The innovation of the BRI does not only lie in its direction of influence (from the East to the West), but also in that it will be accomplished in Chinese rather than Western ways. That, more than particular economic benefits, explains the BRI’s attraction.
Role of the blood coagulation cascade in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Pant Asmita , Kopec Anna K. , Luyendyk James P.
Published: May 2018

Liver is the primary source of numerous proteins that are critical for normal function of the blood coagulation cascade. Because of this, diseases of the liver, particularly when affiliated with severe complications like cirrhosis, are associated with abnormalities of blood clotting. Although conventional interpretation has inferred cirrhosis as a disorder of uniform bleeding risk, it is now increasingly appreciated as a disease wherein the coagulation cascade is precariously rebalanced. Moreover, prothrombotic risk factors are also associated with a more rapid progression of fibrosis in humans, suggesting that coagulation proteases participate in disease pathogenesis. Indeed, strong evidence drawn from experimental animal studies indicates that components of the coagulation cascade, particularly coagulation factor Xa and thrombin, drive profibrogenic events, leading to hepatic fibrosis. Here, we concisely review the evidence supporting a pathologic role for coagulation in the development of liver fibrosis and the potential mechanisms involved. Further, we highlight how studies in experimental animals may shed light on emerging clinical evidence, suggesting that beneficial effects of anticoagulation could extend beyond preventing thrombotic complications to include reducing pathologies like fibrosis.
NMDA receptor activation inhibits the antifibrotic effect of BM-MSCs on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Li Chen , Tang Yiting , Huang Yanhong , Cheng Qingmei , Huang Xiaoting , Zhao Feiyan , Hao Caixia , Feng Dandan , Xu Jianping , Han Jianzhong , Tang Siyuan , Liu Wei , Yue Shaojie , Luo Ziqiang
Published: May 2018

Endogenous glutamate (Glu) release and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) activation are associated with lung injury in different animal models. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), which show potential use for immunomodulation and tissue protection, play a protective role in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) process. Here, we found the increased Glu release from the BM cells of bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF mice in vivo. BLM stimulation also increased the extracellular Glu in BM-MSCs via the antiporter system xc− in vitro. The gene expression of each subunit of NMDAR was detected in BM-MSCs. NMDAR activation inhibited the proliferation, migration, and paracrine function of BM-MSCs in vitro. BM-MSCs were derived from male C57BL/6 mice, transfected with lentiviral vectors carrying the enhanced green fluorescence protein gene, pretreated with NMDA, and transplanted into the female recipient mice that were intratracheally injected with BLM to induce PF. Transplantation of NMDA-pretreated BM-MSCs significantly aggravated PF as compared with that in the normal BM-MSCs transplantation group. The sex determination gene Y chromosome and green fluorescence protein genes of BM-MSCs were detected to observe BM-MSCs homing in the fibrotic lungs. Moreover, NMDAR activation inhibited BM-MSC migration by downregulating the stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 signaling axis. NMDAR activation aggravated the transforming growth factor-β1-induced extracellular matrix production in alveolar epithelial cells and fibroblasts through the paracrine effects of BM-MSCs. In summary, these findings suggested that NMDAR activation-mediated Glu excitotoxicity induced by BLM in BM-MSCs abolished the therapeutic effects of normal BM-MSCs transplantation on BLM-induced PF.
Alveolar epithelial cell processing of nanoparticles activates autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis
Authors: Sipos Arnold , Kim Kwang-Jin , Chow Robert H. , Flodby Per , Borok Zea , Crandall Edward D.
Published: May 2018

Using confocal microscopy, we quantitatively assessed uptake, processing, and egress of near-infrared (NIR)-labeled carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles (PNP) in live alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) during interactions with primary rat AEC monolayers (RAECM). PNP fluorescence intensity (content) and colocalization with intracellular vesicles in a cell were determined over the entire cell volume via z stacking. Isotropic cuvette-based microfluorimetry was used to determine PNP concentration ([PNP]) from anisotropic measurements of PNP content assessed by confocal microscopy. Results showed that PNP uptake kinetics and steady-state intracellular content decreased as diameter increased from 20 to 200 nm. For 20-nm PNP, uptake rate and steady-state intracellular content increased with increased apical [PNP] but were unaffected by inhibition of endocytic pathways. Intracellular PNP increasingly colocalized with autophagosomes and/or lysosomes over time. PNP egress exhibited fast Ca2+ concentration-dependent release and a slower diffusion-like process. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization curtailed rapid PNP egress, resulting in elevated vesicular and intracellular PNP content. Interference with autophagosome formation led to slower PNP uptake and markedly decreased steady-state intracellular content. At steady state, cytosolic [PNP] was higher than apical [PNP], and vesicular [PNP] (~80% of intracellular PNP content) exceeded both cytosolic and intracellular [PNP]. These data are consistent with the following hypotheses: 1) autophagic processing of nanoparticles is essential for maintenance of AEC integrity; 2) altered autophagy and/or lysosomal exocytosis may lead to AEC injury; and 3) intracellular [PNP] in AEC can be regulated, suggesting strategies for enhancement of nanoparticle-driven AEC gene/drug delivery and/or amelioration of AEC nanoparticle-related cellular toxicity.
MMP-12 activates protease-activated receptor-1, upregulates placenta growth factor, and leads to pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Hou Hsin-Han , Wang Hao-Chien , Cheng Shih-Lung , Chen Yen-Fu , Lu Kai-Zen , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: May 2018

Because of the expansion of aging and smoking populations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2030. Therefore, it is pertinent to develop effective therapy to improve management for COPD. Cigarette smoke-mediated protease-antiprotease imbalance is a major pathogenic mechanism for COPD and results in massive pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, releasing excessive neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Our previous studies indicated that placenta growth factor (PGF) and PGF-triggered downstream signaling molecules mediate NE-induced lung epithelial cell apoptosis, which is a major pathogenic mechanism for pulmonary emphysema. However, the relationship between MMP-directed COPD and PGF remains elusive. We hypothesize that MMPs may upregulate PGF expression and be involved in MMP-mediated pathogenesis of COPD. In this study, we demonstrate that only MMP-12 can increase the expression of PGF by increasing early-growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) level through the activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). The PGF-mediated downstream signaling molecules drive caspase-3 and caspase-9-dependent apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells. Both the upregulation of PGF by MMP-12 and PGF downstream signaling molecules with pulmonary apoptosis and emphysema were also demonstrated in animals. Given these findings, we suggest that both human COPD-associated elastases, NE, and MMP-12, upregulate PGF expression and promote the progression of emphysema and COPD.
Noninvasive in-ear monitoring of intracranial pressure during microgravity in parabolic flights
Authors: Avan Paul , Normand Hervé , Giraudet Fabrice , Gerenton Grégory , Denise Pierre
Published: May 2018

Among possible causes of visual impairment or headache experienced by astronauts in microgravity or postflight and that hamper their performance, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) has been invoked but never measured for lack of noninvasive methods. The goal of this work was to test two noninvasive methods of ICP monitoring using in-ear detectors of ICP-dependent auditory responses, acoustic and electric, in acute microgravity afforded by parabolic flights. The devices detecting these responses were handheld tablets routinely used in otolaryngology for hearing diagnosis, which were customized for ICP extraction and serviceable by unskilled operators. These methods had been previously validated against invasive ICP measurements in neurosurgery patients. The two methods concurred in their estimation of ICP changes with microgravity, i.e., 11.0 ± 7.7 mmHg for the acoustic method ( n = 7 subjects with valid results out of 30, auditory responses being masked by excessive in-flight noise in 23 subjects) and 11.3 ± 10.6 mmHg for the electric method ( n = 10 subjects with valid results out of 10 tested despite the in-flight noise). These results agree with recent publications using invasive access to cerebrospinal fluid in parabolic flights and suggest that acute microgravity has a moderate average effect on ICP, similar to body tilt from upright to supine, yet with some subjects undergoing large effects whereas others seem immune. The electric in-ear method would be suitable for ICP monitoring in circumstances and with subjects such that invasive measurements are excluded.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In-ear detectors of intracranial pressure-dependent auditory responses allow intracranial pressure to be monitored noninvasively during acute microgravity. The average pressure increase during 20-s long sessions in microgravity is 11 mmHg, comparable with an effect of body tilt. However, intersubject variability is large, with subjects who repeatedly experience from nothing to twice the average effect. A systematic in-flight use would allow the relationship between space adaptation syndrome and ICP to be established or dismissed.
A Review of Outcomes and Technique for the Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Testicular Cancer
Authors: Schwen Zeyad R. , Gupta Mohit , Pierorazio Phillip M.
Published: May 2018

Objectives. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (R-RPLND) represents a new frontier in the surgical management of testicular cancer in the realm of minimally invasive urologic oncology. We aimed to review the early outcomes as compared to the laparoscopic and open approaches as well as describe the operative technique for the R-RPLND. Materials and Methods. We reviewed all the literature related to the R-RPLND based on an electronic PubMed search up until July 2017. Results and Discussion. Encouraged by favorable early oncologic and safety outcomes for treatment of clinical stage (CS) I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT), the R-RPLND affords the same recovery advantages as the laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) while offering greater dexterity, superior visualization, and a theoretically shorter learning curve for the surgeon. While R-RPLND has a promising future in the management of patients with primary and postchemotherapy NSGCT, larger and more vigorous prospective studies are needed before supplanting the open RPLND as the gold standard approach for primary low-stage NSGCT or becoming an equivalent surgical modality in the postchemotherapy setting.
Psychogenic Equinovarus Caused by Dislocation of the Chopart Joint Complex
Authors: Tonogai Ichiro , Sairyo Koichi
Published: May 2018

Patients with conversion disorder (CD) present with weakness or unexplained movement disorder that may evolve from inciting psychological events, but presentation with rigid deformity is rare. Only one case of CD presenting as foot deformity with atraumatic rigid psychogenic equinovarus has been reported previously. Here we describe a rare case of psychogenic equinovarus in a physically healthy 10-year-old boy. He had noticed left equinovarus deformity upon waking abruptly but had no history of preceding trauma and no relevant medical history. Computed tomography (CT) images revealed dislocation of the left Chopart joint complex, but clinical examination did not suggest an organic neurologic disorder. On further history taking, he reported that he was under psychological stress because of being required to play baseball against his will. When he was given permission to withdraw from this stressful situation, the equinovarus improved without the need for surgical invention. This report highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of psychogenic equinovarus, so that unnecessary surgery can be avoided. This is the first report of psychogenic equinovarus caused by dislocation of the Chopart joint complex that was confirmed with CT.
Impostor Resilient Multimodal Metric Learning for Person Reidentification
Authors: Syed Muhamamd Adnan , Han Zhenjun , Li Zhaoju , Jiao Jianbin
Published: May 2018

In person reidentification distance metric learning suffers a great challenge from impostor persons. Mostly, distance metrics are learned by maximizing the similarity between positive pair against impostors that lie on different transform modals. In addition, these impostors are obtained from Gallery view for query sample only, while the Gallery sample is totally ignored. In real world, a given pair of query and Gallery experience different changes in pose, viewpoint, and lighting. Thus, impostors only from Gallery view can not optimally maximize their similarity. Therefore, to resolve these issues we have proposed an impostor resilient multimodal metric (IRM3). IRM3 is learned for each modal transform in the image space and uses impostors from both Probe and Gallery views to effectively restrict large number of impostors. Learned IRM3 is then evaluated on three benchmark datasets, VIPeR, CUHK01, and CUHK03, and shows significant improvement in performance compared to many previous approaches.
Efficient Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Transparent Silver Electrode and Four-Terminal Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Device Exploration
Authors: Chen Dazheng , Pang Shangzheng , Zhu Weidong , Zhang Hongxiao , Zhou Long , He Fengqin , Chang Jingjing , Lin Zhenhua , Xi He , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: May 2018

Four-terminal tandem solar cells employing a perovskite top cell and crystalline silicon (Si) bottom cell offer a simpler pathway to surpass the efficiency limit of market-leading single-junction silicon solar cells. To obtain cost-effective top cells, it is crucial to develop transparent conductive electrodes with low parasitic absorption and manufacturing cost. The commonly used indium tin oxide (ITO) shows some drawbacks, like the increasing prices and high-energy magnetron sputtering process. Transparent metal electrodes are promising candidates owing to the simple evaporation process, facile process conditions, and high conductivity, and the cheaper silver (Ag) electrode with lower parasitic absorption than gold may be the better choice. In this work, efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were firstly developed by adopting the composite cathode of an ultrathin Ag electrode at its percolation threshold thickness (11 nm), a molybdenum oxide optical coupling layer, and a bathocuproine interfacial layer. The resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) is 13.38% when the PSC is illuminated from the ITO side and the PCE is 8.34% from the Ag side, and no obvious current hysteresis can be observed. Furthermore, by stacking an industrial Si bottom cell (PCE = 14.2%) to build a four-terminal architecture, the overall PCEs of 17.03% (ITO side) and 11.60% (Ag side) can be obtained, which are 27% and 39% higher, respectively, than those of the perovskite top cell. Also, the PCE of the tandem cell has exceeded that of the reference Si solar cell by about 20%. This work provides an outlook to fabricate high-performance solar cells via the cost-effective pathway.
Enhanced Hybrid Differential Evolution for Earth-Moon Low-Energy Transfer Trajectory Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yanyun , Peng Lei , Dai Guangming , Wang Maocai
Published: May 2018

It is known that the optimization of the Earth-Moon low-energy transfer trajectory is extremely sensitive with the initial condition chosen to search. In order to find the proper initial parameter values of Earth-Moon low-energy transfer trajectory faster and obtain more accurate solutions with high stability, in this paper, an efficient hybridized differential evolution (DE) algorithm with a mix reinitialization strategy (DEMR) is presented. The mix reinitialization strategy is implemented based on a set of archived superior solutions to ensure both the search efficiency and the reliability for the optimization problem. And by using DE as the global optimizer, DEMR can optimize the Earth-Moon low-energy transfer trajectory without knowing an exact initial condition. To further validate the performance of DEMR, experiments on benchmark functions have also been done. Compared with peer algorithms on both the Earth-Moon low-energy transfer problem and benchmark functions, DEMR can obtain relatively better results in terms of the quality of the final solutions, robustness, and convergence speed.
Effects of Methanol Fraction from Leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi on Nociception and Spinal‐Cord Oxidative Biomarkers in Rats with Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Scheid Taína , Moraes Maira Silmara , Henriques Thiago Pereira , Riffel Ana Paula Konzen , Belló-Klein Adriane , Poser Gilsane Lino Von , Ethur Eduardo Miranda , Partata Wania Aparecida
Published: May 2018

We determined the antioxidant potential of fractions obtained from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius, a medicinal plant known in Brazil as aroeira, to select the fraction with the best yield and antioxidant performance. These qualities were found in the methanol fraction (MeF), which was administered intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg/day) for 3 and 10 days to rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. The MeF increased the mechanical and thermal thresholds that had been lowered by CCI. In parallel, the lumbosacral spinal cord showed an increase in superoxide dismutase but a decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities in saline‐ and MeF‐treated CCI rats. Catalase activity decreased only in saline‐treated CCI rats for 10 days. Total thiols decreased in saline‐ and MeF‐treated CCI rats. Ascorbic acid increased in these rats at day 3 but only in saline‐treated CCI rats at day 10. No change was found in hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxide. Open‐field and elevated plus‐maze tests and blood parameters of liver function did not change. Thus, the MeF from leaves of S. terebinthifolius has an antinociceptive action with no toxic effects, and it affects oxidant biomarkers in the spinal cord of rats with CCI.
Prediction of Chemoresistance in Women Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Volumetric Analysis of First-Order Textural Features Extracted from Multiparametric MRI
Authors: Panzeri M. M. , Losio C. , Della Corte A. , Venturini E. , Ambrosi A. , Panizza P. , De Cobelli F.
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To assess correlations between volumetric first-order texture parameters on baseline MRI and pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locally advanced breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods. 69 patients with locally advanced BC candidate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy underwent MRI within 4 weeks from the start of therapeutic regimen. T2, DWI, and DCE sequences were analyzed and maps were generated for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), T2 signal intensity, and the following dynamic parameters: k-trans, peak enhancement, area under curve (AUC), time to maximal enhancement (TME), wash-in rate, and washout rate. Volumetric analysis of these parameters was performed, yielding a histogram analysis including first-order texture kinetics (percentiles, maximum value, minimum value, range, standard deviation, mean, median, mode, skewness, and kurtosis). Finally, correlations between these values and response to NAC (evaluated on the surgical specimen according to RECIST 1.1 criteria) were assessed. Results. Out of 69 tumors, 33 (47.8%) achieved complete pathological response, 26 (37.7%) partial response, and 10 (14.5%) no response. Higher levels of AUCmax (p value = 0.0338), AUCrange (p value = 0.0311), and TME75 (p value = 0.0452) and lower levels of washout10 (p value = 0.0417), washout20 (p value = 0.0138), washout25 (p value = 0.0114), and washout30 (p value = 0.05) were predictive of noncomplete response. Conclusion. Histogram-derived texture analysis of MRI images allows finding quantitative parameters predictive of nonresponse to NAC in women affected by locally advanced BC.
A Chinese Herbal Preparation, Xiao‐Er‐An‐Shen Decoction, Exerts Neuron Protection by Modulation of Differentiation and Antioxidant Activity in Cultured PC12 Cells
Authors: Li Zhonggui , Lam Kelly Y. C. , Liu Xiaoyan , Qi Airong , Yao Ping , Dong Tina T. X. , Yi Tiegang , Tsim Karl W. K. , Chen Jianping
Published: May 2018

Xiao‐Er‐An‐Shen Decoction (XEASD), a Chinese herbal formula, has been used in clinic for treating insomnia and mental excitement in children and adolescents. However, less of scientific data supports its effectiveness in clinic. Here, we aim to study the role of XEASD in regulating neuron differentiation and antioxidant activity. An HPLC‐MS was used to chemically standardize herbal extract of XEASD. The standardized herbal extracts of XEASD (0.3–3.0 mg/mL) were applied onto cultured PC12 cells for 48 hours. The treatment with XEASD extract induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, having the highest response by ~50% of differentiated cells. Application of XEASD extract dose dependently stimulated expressions of NF68, NF160, and NF200 in cultured PC12 cells. Furthermore, XEASD activated the phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element binding protein on PC12 cells, the effect of which was blocked by H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor. Moreover, XEASD showed free radical scavenging activity and stimulated the transcriptional activity of ARE. These results supported the neurobeneficial effects of XEASD in the induction of neurite outgrowth and protection against oxidative stress and could be useful for neurological diseases, in which neurotrophin deficiency and oxidation insult are involved.
Adding a Rate‐1 Third Dimension to Parallel Concatenated Systematic Polar Code: 3D Polar Code
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Niu Kai , Dong Chao , Lin Jiaru
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a three‐dimensional polar code (3D‐PC) scheme is proposed to improve the error floor performance of parallel concatenated systematic polar code (PCSPC). The proposed 3D‐PC is constructed by serially concatenating the PCSPC with a rate‐1 third dimension, where only a fraction λ of parity bits of PCSPC are extracted to participate in the subsequent encoding. It takes full advantage of the characteristics of parallel concatenation and serial concatenation. In addition, the convergence behavior of 3D‐PC is analyzed by the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart. The convergence loss between PCSPC (λ = 0) and different λ provides the reference for choosing the value of λ for 3D‐PC. Finally, the simulation results confirm that the proposed 3D‐PC scheme lowers the error floor.
Chemical Differentiation and Quantitative Analysis of Different Types of Panax Genus Stem-Leaf Based on a UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis Approach
Authors: Li Lele , Wang Yang , Xiu Yang , Liu Shuying
Published: May 2018

Two quantitative methods (−ESI full scan and −ESI PRM MS) were developed to analyze ginsenosides in ginseng stem-leaf by using UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. By means of −ESI PRM MS method, the contents of eighteen ginsenosides in Asian ginseng stem-leaf (ASGSL) and American ginseng stem-leaf (AMGSL) were analyzed. The principal component analysis (PCA) model was built to discriminate Asian ginseng stem-leaf (ASGSL) from American ginseng stem-leaf (AMGSL) based on −ESI PRM MS data, and six ginsenosides (F11, Rf, R2, F1, Rb1, and Rb3) were obtained as the markers. To further explore the differences between cultivated ginseng stem-leaf and forest ginseng stem-leaf, the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model was built based on −ESI full scan data. And twenty-six markers were selected to discriminate cultivated ginseng stem-leaf (CGSL) from forest ginseng stem-leaf (FGSL). This study provides reliable and effective methods to quantify and discriminate among different types of ginseng stem-leaf in the commercial market.
Biomarker Assessment of HR Deficiency, Tumor BRCA1/2 Mutations, and CCNE1 Copy Number in Ovarian Cancer: Associations with Clinical Outcome Following Platinum Monotherapy
Authors: Stronach Euan A. , Paul James , Timms Kirsten M. , Hughes Elisha , Brown Krystal , Neff Christopher , Perry Michael , Gutin Alexander , El-Bahrawy Mona , Steel Jennifer H. , Liu Xinxue , Lewsley Liz-Anne , Siddiqui Nadeem , Gabra Hani , Lanchbury Jerry S. , Brown Robert
Published: May 2018

The current study evaluated three biomarkers [homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), tumor BRCA1/2 (tBRCA) mutations, and CCNE1 copy-number variation (CNV)] in ovarian tumors from patients enrolled on the SCOTROC4 clinical trial for associations with outcome following carboplatin monotherapy. Ovarian tumors (n = 250), with high-grade serous (HGSOC) subgroup analysis (n = 179) were classified as HRD positive (HRD score ≥42 or tBRCA mutation) and as CCNE1 amplification positive (CCNE1 CNV score >2.4). Seventy-four (30%) tumors were HRD positive, including 34 (14%) with tBRCA mutations. Forty-seven (19%) were CCNE1 amplification positive, all of which were tBRCA wild-type. HRD and tBRCA, but not CCNE1 amplification, were significantly associated with CA125 complete response in the entire cohort (HRD, P = 0.00015; tBRCA P = 0.0096), and the HGSOC subgroup (HRD, P = 0.0016; tBRCA P = 0.032). HRD and lack of CCNE1 amplification were associated with improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the full cohort and HGSOC subgroup (HRD, P = 0.00021; CCNE1 status P = 0.038). HRD remained significant for OS and PFS after adjusting for clinical factors, while CCNE1 status only remained significant for PFS. Patients with HRD-positive tumors had greater PFS and OS benefit from platinum dose intensification than HRD-negative tumors (P = 0.049 and P = 0.035, respectively). An alternative exploratory HRD score threshold (≥33 or tBRCA mutation) was also significantly associated with both PFS and OS in the HGSOC subset.

Implications: HRD, tumor BRCA1/2 mutations, and absence of CCNE1 amplification are associated with improved survival of ovarian cancer patients treated with platinum monotherapy and HRD-positive patients may benefit from platinum dose intensification. Mol Cancer Res; 16(7); 1103–11. ©2018 AACR.
High Amount of Organic Matter during Caries Formation Reduces Remineralization and Resin Infiltration of Enamel Caries
Authors: Ferreira Danilo Augusto de Holanda , Aires Carolina Patrícia , De Figueiredo Regina Célia Bressan Queiroz , de Sousa Frederico Barbosa
Published: May 2018

The amount of organic material in the cariogenic environment correlates with the amount of organic material incorporated in carious enamel. The incorporated organic material may be expected to reduce the pore volumes available for remineralization and resin infiltration, but these expected outcomes have not yet been quantified. We tested the effect of the amount of organic content in the cariogenic agent on remineralization and the resin-occluded pore volume in artificial subsurface enamel caries. An acid gel (organic-rich; G1) and an aqueous solution (organic-poor; G2) were used to induce subsurface lesions in human enamel. Undemineralized histological sections were prepared, microradiographed, and then submitted to resin infiltration in vitro. The enamel component volumes (mineral, organic, remineralizable [total water volume], loosely and firmly bound water volumes, and resin-occluded volume) were measured (by microradiography and polarizing microscopy) at histological sites (n = 38, G1; n = 34, G2). The main outcomes were the differences between the experimental and the predicted volumes (Δremineralizable and Δresin-occluded volumes). Resin infiltration was confirmed by confocal scanning laser microscopy. Compared to G2, G1 presented more incorporated organic volume and lower Δremineralizable volume (p = 0.003; Hedges g = 0.66; power = 0.87), a lower increase in loosely bound water volume (p = 0.0013; Hedges g = 0.74; power = 0.93), a lower remineralization volume in the surface layer (p = 0.017; Hedges g = 0.68; power = 0.8), and a lower Δresin-occluded volume (p = 0.0015; Hedges g = 0.73; power = 0.92). In conclusion, the higher amount of organic matter in the cariogenic gel negatively affected remineralization and the resin-occluded volume in subsurface lesions.
Flexural Strength of Glass Carbomer Cement and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement Stored in Different Storage Media over Time
Authors: Faridi Muhammad Ali , Khabeer Abdul , Haroon Saad
Published: May 2018

Objectives: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is routinely placed as a restorative material in dentistry. However, due to its poor physical properties, its use is limited to cases where the level of stress on restoration is minimal. Improved formulations of GIC have been developed to overcome these drawbacks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate flexural strength of a conventional GIC (Fuji IX) against a newly developed glass carbomer cement (GCP). Materials and Methods: For Fuji IX and GCP, a total of 80 blocks were prepared and divided into 16 groups (n = 5). These groups were further categorized according to the storage medium (artificial saliva and Vaseline) and time intervals (24 h and 1, 2, and 4 weeks). A 3-point bending test was carried out, and statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: Fuji IX showed a mean flexural strength of 25.14 ± 13.02 versus 24.27 ± 12.57 MPa for GCP. There was no significant statistical difference between both materials when compared under storage media. Both materials showed the highest value for flexural strength at 2 weeks of storage and lowest at 4 weeks. Conclusion: The storage media do not affect the flexural strength of the specimens with reference to time. Time is the unique factor with relative influence on mean resistance to fracture. Further testing is required to evaluate the true potential of the newly developed GCP.
Вплив вуглецевих наночастинок на гепатотоксичність тетрахлорметану
Authors: Letniak N. Ya. , Korda M. M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Carbon nanoparticles have unique mechanical, electrical and thermal properties and are widely used in scientific research, industry and medicine. They are a promising nanomaterial for medical use due to their really high biocompatibility with blood, bones, cartilages and soft tissues. The capability of nanotubes to transport medicines and chemicals inside a cell predicts the possibility of the increase of classical substances toxicity in case of their intake into the body together with nanotubes.The aim of the study – to determine how nanoparticles affect the hepatotoxic properties of  tetrachloromethane.Research Methods. The experiments were performed on outbred male rats, which were administered intraperitoneally with 0.5 ml of suspension of single-walled, multi-walled or multi-walled functionalized by COOH nanotubes (60 mg/kg) separately or together with tetrachlormethane (2 ml/kg). The animals were taken out of the experiment in 3, 6 and 48 hours after the administration of the nanotubes and tetrachlormethane. Alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as total protein and urea contents were measured in rat blood plasma.Results and Discussion. It has been shown that only multi-walled carbon nanotubes changed significantly  the studied parameters. The administration of tetrachloromethane to rats caused significant changes of all indices.Maximal changes of all parameters were registered in the group of animals that were coadministered with carbon nanotubes and tetrachloromethane. In this case, activities of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase in blood significantly changed compared to the similar indicators in the group of animals, which were administered with the chemical toxicant only.Conclusion. Carbon nanotubes enhance the negative hepatotoxic effects of tetrachlormethane.
Визначення кількісного вмісту суми фенольних сполукв артишоку суцвіттях, часнику листі та цибулинах
Authors: Fedosov A. I. , Kyslychenko V. S. , Novosel O. M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Phenolic compounds are the most abundant class of biologically active compounds of herbal origin. They possess antioxidant, anti-tumor, antimutagenic, antisclerotic, antibacterial, antiviral, sedative, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activity. Wide distribution of phenolic compounds in the plant world and their usage in medical practice provide the importance of their quantitative determination in prospective plant species, such as artichoke and garlic.The purpose of current work was determination of quantitative content of phenolic compounds in artichoke inflorescences, garlic leaves and bulbs.Methods of research. The content of phenolic compounds was determined using various methods: permanganatometric, spectrophotometric calculated on gallic acid, spectrophotometric according to the SPU method.Results and discussion. The content of the sum of phenolic compounds, determined by permanganatometry, comprised 9,74% in artichoke inflorescences, 8,96% in garlic leaves and 4,85% – in garlic bulbs; determined spectrophotometrically calculated on gallic acid in artichoke inflorescences was 6,58%, in garlic leaves – 6,22%, in garlic bulbs – 2,87%; determined spectrophotometrically according to the SPU method in artichoke inflorescences comprised 4,43%, in garlic leaves – 3,91%, and in garlic bulbs – 2,11%.Conclusions.The quantitative content of phenolic compounds in artichoke, garlic leaves and bulbs was determined using various methods: permanganatometric, spectrophotometric calculated on gallic acid, spectrophotometric according to the SPU method.As a result of the experiment, it was found that phenolic compounds accumulate in the artichoke inflorescences and garlic leaves, and in garlic bulbs their content is lower.The results obtained allow the recommending artichoke inflorescences, garlic leaves and bulbs as the herbal sources of phenolic compounds.