bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polynomial splittings of correction terms and doubly slice knots
Authors: Kim Se-Goo , Kim Taehee
Published: December 2017

We show that if the connected sum of two knots with coprime Alexander polynomials is doubly slice, then the Ozsváth–Szabó correction terms, as smooth double sliceness obstructions, vanish for both knots. Recently, Meier gave smoothly slice knots that are topologically doubly slice, but not smoothly doubly slice. As an application, we give a new example of such a knot that is distinct from Meier’s knots modulo doubly slice knots.
On independence of iterated Whitehead doubles in the knot concordance group
Authors: Park Kyungbae
Published: December 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the positively clasped untwisted Whitehead double of a knot [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text] torus knot. We show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are linearly independent in the smooth knot concordance group [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text]. Further, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] generate a [Formula: see text] summand in the subgroup of [Formula: see text] generated by topologically slice knots. We use the concordance invariant [Formula: see text] of Manolescu and Owens, using Heegaard Floer correction term. Interestingly, these results are not easily shown using other concordance invariants such as the [Formula: see text]-invariant of knot Floer theory and the [Formula: see text]-invariant of Khovanov homology. We also determine the infinity version of the knot Floer complex of [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text] generalizing a result for [Formula: see text] of Hedden, Kim and Livingston.
Embeddability of right-angled Artin groups on the complements of linear forests
Authors: Katayama Takuya
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we prove that embeddings of right-angled Artin group [Formula: see text] on the complement of a linear forest into another right-angled Artin group [Formula: see text] can be reduced to full embeddings of the defining graph of [Formula: see text] into the extension graph of the defining graph of [Formula: see text].
Hunting Stability of High-Speed Railway Vehicles Under Steady Aerodynamic Loads
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Hui , Lai Jiang , Wu Han
Published: December 2017

With the rising speed of high-speed trains, the aerodynamic loads become more significant and their influences on the hunting stability of railway vehicles deserve to be considered. Such an effect cannot be properly considered by the conventional model of hunting stability analysis. To this end, the linear hunting stability of high-speed railway vehicles running on tangent tracks is studied. A model considering the steady aerodynamic loads due to the joint action of the airflow facing the moving train and the crosswind, is proposed for the hunting stability analysis of a railway vehicle with 17 degrees of freedom (DOF). The key factors considered include: variations of the wheel–rail normal forces, creep coefficients, gravitational stiffness and angular stiffness due to the actions of the aerodynamic load, which affects the characteristics of hunting stability. Using the computer program developed, numerical calculations were carried out for studying the behavior of the linear hunting stability of vehicles under steady aerodynamic loads. The results show that the aerodynamic loads have an obvious effect on the linear critical speeds and instability modes. The linear critical speed decreases monotonously as the crosswind velocity increases, and the influences of pitch moment and lift force on the linear critical speed are larger than the other components of the aerodynamic loads.
Some remarks on protolocalizations and protoadditive reflections
Authors: Clementino Maria Manuel , Gran Marino , Janelidze George
Published: December 2017

We investigate additional properties of protolocalizations, introduced and studied by Borceux, Clementino, Gran, and Sousa, and of protoadditive reflections, introduced and studied by Everaert and Gran. Among other things, we show that there are no non-trivial (protolocalizations and) protoadditive reflections of the category of groups, and establish a connection between protolocalizations and Kurosh–Amitsur radicals of groups with multiple operators whose semisimple classes form subvarieties.
J-Boolean group rings and skew group rings
Authors: Udar Dinesh , Sharma R. K. , Srivastava J. B.
Published: December 2017

A ring [Formula: see text] is called semiboolean if [Formula: see text] is boolean and idempotents lift modulo [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the Jacobson radical of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we define [Formula: see text]-boolean rings as a generalization of semiboolean rings. A ring [Formula: see text] is said to be J-boolean if [Formula: see text] is boolean. Various basic properties of these rings are obtained. The [Formula: see text]-boolean group rings and skew group rings have been studied. It is investigated whether the results obtained for [Formula: see text]-boolean group rings also hold for the skew group rings.
Derived class of m-cluster tilted algebras of type 𝔸̃
Authors: Gubitosi Viviana
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we characterize all the finite-dimensional algebras that are derived equivalent to an [Formula: see text]-cluster tilted algebras of type [Formula: see text]. This generalizes a result of Bobiński and Buan [The algebras derived equivalent to gentle cluster tilted algebras, J. Algebra Appl. 11(1) (2012), Article ID:1250012, 26 pp.].
Split t-structures and torsion pairs in hereditary categories
Authors: Assem Ibrahim , Souto-Salorio María José , Trepode Sonia
Published: December 2017

We construct a bijection between split torsion pairs in the module category of a tilted algebra having a complete slice in the preinjective component with corresponding [Formula: see text]-structures. We also classify split [Formula: see text]-structures in the derived category of a hereditary algebra.
Magnetotransport Study on Iron Doped Novel 2D Nanoribbons via Electron – Acoustical Phonon Interactions
Authors: Pandya Ankur , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: December 2017

The electron transport parameters such as electron energy relaxation rate and phonon limited electron resistivity for iron (transition metal) doped 2D nanoribbons of armchair graphene nanoribbon (aGNR) and h-boron nitride nanoribbon (h-BNNR) have been calculated via hot electron acoustical phonon interactions on the basis of acoustical deformation potential (ADP) coupling mechanism. We have performed the investigation for the lower concentration ([Formula: see text]%) of iron doping under the influence of externally applied magnetic field at low temperature to room temperature regime. The hot electron acoustical phonon relaxation rates are observed with electric field and under constant applied magnetic field. The doping of iron increases the electron energy relaxation rate with respect to their pristine counter parts. Moreover, the pristine h-BNNR exhibits less electron energy relaxation rate with respect to pristine aGNR. Upon applying magnetic field on Fe doped armchair GNR as well as Fe-doped h-BNNR the electron energy relaxation rate reduces down to a considerable extent with respect to their pristine counterparts. Moreover, under the impact of magnetic field, the acoustical phonon restricted electrical resistivity of Fe-doped GNR is considerably low compared to pristine GNR.
Substrate and DLARC Layers Selection for High Efficiency Solar Cell
Authors: Ismail Fathima M. , Joseph Wilson K. S.
Published: December 2017

Optical losses are one of the important parameters that affect the efficiency of solar cell. Various light-trapping techniques are used to reduce the optical losses, especially reflectivity loss. Antireflective coating (ARC) is used to reduce the reflectivity losses in the solar cell. In this paper, we have analyzed the reflectivity of double layer ARC (DLARC) in the solar cell using transfer matrix method. The reflectivity of various combinations of DLARC materials with a suitable substrate material is analyzed in the visible and near IR region. It is found that ZnS/Ge DLARC on Si substrate solar cell provides minimum reflectance in the range of wavelength 550–950[Formula: see text]nm. It is also found that zero reflectance occurs at 550[Formula: see text]nm. This minimum reflectance also depends on the angle of incidence. Here it is continuously maintained up to the angle of incidence from 0[Formula: see text] to 20[Formula: see text]. From these investigations, it is concluded that ZnS/Ge DLARC is one of the suitable DLARCs on Si substrate in 550–950[Formula: see text]nm range of wavelength.
An Analysis of the Optimal Customer Clusters Using Dynamic Multi-Objective Decision
Authors: Wang Shen-Tsu
Published: December 2017

The M-type society has emerged in recent years, under which the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry is facing more intense competition. Product innovation and development capabilities, competition, increasing raw material costs, and the rising awareness of consumers pose even further challenges. This study used a project portfolio as the decision subject to identify customer clusters, with the research purposes: (1) to identify the optimal customer clusters by minimizing inter-cluster relationships and (2) to maximize the intra-cluster relationships. The findings help address the problem of a dispersed optimal intra-group structure caused by clustering in the inter-group relationships. Computerized management of that is conducive in accounting and information analysis. Thus, dynamic multi-objective service decisions can provide the related industries with development strategies when facing uncertainties.
Quantum chemical insight into the molecular structure of L-chemosensor 1,3-dimethyl-5-(thien-2-ylmethylene)-pyrimidine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione: Naked-eye colorimetric detection of copper(II) anions
Authors: Barakat Assem , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Atef Saleh , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Warad Ismail
Published: December 2017

A sensitive colorimetric L-chemosensor 1,3-dimethyl-5-(thien-2-ylmethylene)-pyrimidine-2,4,6-(1[Formula: see text]-trione was developed by Knoevenagel combination of barbituric acid with thiophene aldehyde chelating moiety. The sensor displayed a high colorimetric Cu(II)X2 response; a dramatic methanol color change was recorded depending on anion type ([Formula: see text], Cl[Formula: see text], ClO[Formula: see text], NO[Formula: see text], OAc[Formula: see text], and SO[Formula: see text]. Off-on-off decolorized halochromism of the L-chemosensor/CuBr2 was recorded in an acidic medium. The structure of the L-chemosensor was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and molecular spectroscopic tools such as UV–Vis, Fourier transform infra-red, 1H, and [Formula: see text]C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the L-chemosensor was experimentally evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The structural optimized parameters of the ligand matched the crystallographic data, and the intermolecular forces were computed by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Electronic absorption in several solvents and 1H NMR were correlated with the computed spectra in the gaseous state. The HOMO/LUMO, global reactivity descriptor quantum parameters, Mulliken charge population, and molecular electrostatic potential of the L-chemosensor were also computed.
Improving the 3D Finite-Discrete Element Method and Its Application in the Simulation of Wheel–Sand Interactions
Authors: Zhao Chunlai , Zang Mengyan , Chen Shunhua , Zheng Zumei
Published: December 2017

An efficient sphere-packing algorithm named hierarchical generation method (HGM) is developed. The method is capable of efficiently generating spheres with a specific size distribution in a given geometric domain. Moreover, an improved contact algorithm for contact detection between spherical discrete elements and hexahedron finite elements (INTS) is presented. The algorithm is also suitable for simulating complex wheel–sand interactions. By using the developed algorithm, the running behaviors of a chevron tread-pattern wheel on a sand bed are simulated. The sand bed model is established by HGM and wheel–sand interactions are simulated using INTS. Numerical results validate the feasibility of the proposed method in the simulation of wheel–sand interactions.
Quantum Non-Markovian Piecewise Dynamics from Collision Models
Authors: Lorenzo Salvatore , Ciccarello Francesco , Palma G. Massimo , Vacchini Bassano
Published: December 2017

Recently, a large class of quantum non-Markovian piecewise dynamics for an open quantum system obeying closed evolution equations has been introduced [1]. These dynamics have been defined in terms of a waiting-time distribution between quantum jumps, along with quantum maps describing the effect of jumps and the system evolution between them. Here, we present a quantum collision model with memory, whose reduced dynamics in the continuous-time limit reproduces the above class of non-Markovian piecewise dynamics, thus providing an explicit microscopic realization.
On GKLS Dynamics for Local Operations and Classical Communication
Authors: Diósi Lajos , Tilloy Antoine
Published: December 2017

We define a time continuous version of the concept of “local operations and classical communication” (LOCC), ubiquitous in quantum information theory. It allows us to construct GKLS master equations for particle systems that have (1) an arbitrary pair potential, and (2) local decoherence terms, but that do not entangle the constituents. The local decoherence terms take a particularly simple form if a principle of least decoherence is applied.
Acyclic 4-choosability of planar graphs without intersecting short cycles
Authors: Sun Yingcai , Chen Min , Chen Dong
Published: December 2017

A proper vertex coloring of [Formula: see text] is acyclic if [Formula: see text] contains no bicolored cycle. Namely, every cycle of [Formula: see text] must be colored with at least three colors. [Formula: see text] is acyclically [Formula: see text]-colorable if for a given list assignment [Formula: see text], there exists an acyclic coloring [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is acyclically [Formula: see text]-colorable for any list assignment with [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is acyclically [Formula: see text]-choosable.

In this paper, we prove that planar graphs without intersecting [Formula: see text]-cycles are acyclically [Formula: see text]-choosable. This provides a sufficient condition for planar graphs to be acyclically 4-choosable and also strengthens a result in [M. Montassier, A. Raspaud and W. Wang, Acyclic 4-choosability of planar graphs without cycles of specific lengths, in Topics in Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms and Combinatorics, Vol. 26 (Springer, Berlin, 2006), pp. 473–491] which says that planar graphs without [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-cycles and intersecting 3-cycles are acyclically 4-choosable.
Temporal Reliability of Willingness to Pay for Payments for Environmental Services: Lessons from Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Jaung Wanggi , Putzel Louis , Bull Gary Q. , Diswandi Diswandi , Witardi  , Markum
Published: December 2017

Willingness to pay (WTP) for payments for environmental services (PES) can be temporarily reliable if contingent valuation (CV) studies are embedded in an accurate survey population, yield low measurement errors, and are based on a correct assumption of no change in sociodemographic factors affecting buyer preferences. These pre-conditions are assumed in PES schemes applying temporal reliability of WTP. This study tests these conditions in CV-PES studies from 2001, 2003, and 2011 in Lombok, Indonesia, by comparing them with a new CV-PES study in 2015. Our results show that the CV-PES studies would not meet the pre-conditions due to inclusion of non-PES buyers, potential measurement errors implied by a lack of validating information and high WTP estimate, and/or failure to test the condition of no change of socio-economic factors. Results contribute to identifying pragmatic challenges and lessons for applying temporal reliability of WTP to PES implementation.
Surface Electromyography Analysis of the Lower Extremities of Subjects Participating in Baduanjin Exercises
Authors: Jin Li , Li Ran , Chen Jing , Xue Qinbo , Yang Yueqin
Published: December 2017

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of practicing Baduanjin exercises on the lower extremities of subjects using electromyography analysis. Subjects. 110 healthy adults were randomly assigned as subjects to two groups: SG group who received sixteen weeks of Baduanjin training and CG group who received no training. Methods. The methods used in this study included the use of a sixteen‐channel sEMG system to record and measure activity changes in vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. Results. After 16 weeks of Baduanjin training, the results of this study showed that the SG group had significant increases in RMS (root mean square) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05), in AEMG (average electromyographic activity) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05), and in IEMG (integrated electromyogram) (in vastus lateralis, p > 0.05; in vastus medialis, p < 0.05). No adverse events from treatment were reported during the whole period of this study. Conclusion. This study concludes that performing 16 weeks of Baduanjin training can significantly improve strength and the physical function of the lower extremities among healthy adults.
Groundwater and Subsidence Modeling Combining Geological and Multi-Satellite SAR Data over the Alto Guadalentín Aquifer (SE Spain)
Authors: Ezquerro Pablo , Guardiola-Albert Carolina , Herrera Gerardo , Fernández-Merodo José Antonio , Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Bonì Roberta
Published: December 2017

In the current context of climate change, improving groundwater monitoring and management is an important issue for human communities in arid environments. The exploitation of groundwater resources can trigger land subsidence producing damage in urban structures and infrastructures. Alto Guadalentín aquifer system in SE Spain has been exploited since 1960 producing an average piezometric level drop of 150 m. This work presents a groundwater model that reproduces groundwater evolution during 52 years with an average error below 10%. The geometry of the model was improved introducing a layer of less permeable and deformable soft soils derived from InSAR deformation and borehole data. The resulting aquifer system history of the piezometric level has been compared with ENVISAT deformation data to calculate a first-order relationship between groundwater changes, soft soil thickness, and surface deformation. This relationship has been validated with the displacement data from ERS and Cosmo-SkyMed satellites. The resulting regression function is then used as an empirical subsidence model to estimate a first approximation of the deformation of the aquifer system since the beginning of the groundwater extraction, reaching 1 to 5.5 m in 52 years. These rough estimations highlight the limitations of the proposed empirical model, requiring the implementation of a coupled hydrogeomechanical model.
Ocean Surface Current Observation with a Dual Monopole-Cross-Loop Antenna Array
Authors: Lai Yeping , Zhou Hao , Zeng Yuming , Wen Biyang
Published: December 2017

The high-frequency radars (HFRs) receiving the sea echoes backscattered from the fluctuating ocean surface to remotely sense ocean surface currents are a popular and powerful tool in oceanic observation. Dominant error source in current measurement for HFR systems has been recognized to be the direction of arrival (DOA) determination of the sea echoes. To eliminate this error and therefore improve the performance of direction-finding HFR system in current measurement, we have investigated a dual monopole-cross-loop (MCL) antenna array in current observation. Simulations indicated that the dual MCL antenna array has a better performance than the conventional single MCL antenna system in current mapping, especially for the complex current profile. And comparisons of radar field data and buoy measurements suggested that the RMSE value was larger than 15 cm/s for the conventional MCL antenna. But it decreased to 12.64 cm/s for the dual MCL antenna array. Moreover, the temporal coverage rate also showed the benefit of using this antenna system in current mapping. The results demonstrated that it is advisable to adopt the dual MCL antenna array in operational applications.
Covariant GUP Deformed Hamilton-Jacobi Method
Authors: Mu Benrong , Wang Peng , Yang Haitang
Published: December 2017

We first briefly revisit the original Hamilton-Jacobi method and show that the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for the action I of tunneling of a fermionic particle from a charged black hole can be written in the same form of that for a scalar particle. On the other hand, various theories of quantum gravity suggest the existence of a minimal length scale, incorporating of which into quantum mechanics implies a modification of the uncertainty principle. In the scenario incorporating the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) into a quantum field theory (QFT) in a covariant way, we derive the deformed model-independent KG/Dirac and Hamilton-Jacobi equations using the methods of effective field theory. For this Lorentz invariant GUP modified QFT, we find that the effect of GUP on the Hamilton-Jacobi equations is simply to “renormalize” the mass of the emitted particles, from m to meff. Therefore, in this scenario, the Hawking temperature of a black hole does not receive any corrections from the GUP effect.
Improving Upper Extremity Function and Quality of Life with a Tongue Driven Exoskeleton: A Pilot Study Quantifying Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Housley Stephen N. , Wu David , Richards Kimberly , Belagaje Samir , Ghovanloo Maysam , Butler Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability around the world. Many survivors experience upper extremity (UE) impairment with few rehabilitation opportunities, secondary to a lack of voluntary muscle control. We developed a novel rehabilitation paradigm (TDS-HM) that uses a Tongue Drive System (TDS) to control a UE robotic device (Hand Mentor: HM) while engaging with an interactive user interface. In this study, six stroke survivors with moderate to severe UE impairment completed 15 two-hour sessions of TDS-HM training over five weeks. Participants were instructed to move their paretic arm, with synchronized tongue commands to track a target waveform while using visual feedback to make accurate movements. Following TDS-HM training, significant improvements in tracking performance translated into improvements in the UE portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, range of motion, and all subscores for the Stroke Impact Scale. Regression modeling found daily training time to be a significant predictor of decreases in tracking error, indicating the presence of a potential dose-response relationship. The results of this pilot study indicate that the TDS-HM system can elicit significant improvements in moderate to severely impaired stroke survivors. This pilot study gives preliminary insight into the volume of treatment time required to improve outcomes.
Efficient Preparation and Performance Characterization of the HMX/F2602 Microspheres by One-Step Granulation Process
Authors: Hou Conghua , Jia Xinlei , Wang Jingyu , Tan Yingxin , Zhang Yuanping , Li Chao
Published: December 2017

A new one-step granulation process for preparing high melting explosive- (HMX-) based PBX was developed. HMX/F2602 microspheres were successfully prepared by using HMX and F2602 as the main explosive and binder, respectively. The particle morphology, particle size, crystal structure, thermal stability, and impact sensitivity of the as-prepared HMX/F2602 microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and impact sensitivity test, respectively. The SEM analysis indicated successful coating of F2602 on the surface of HMX, and the resulting particles are ellipsoidal or spherical with a median particle size of 940 nm; the XRD analysis did not show any change in the crystal structure after the coating and still has β-HNX crystal structure; according to the DSC analysis, HMX/F2602 prepared by the new method has better thermal stability compared to that prepared by the water suspension process. The impact sensitivity of HMX/F2602 prepared by this one-step granulation process decreased, and its characteristic height H50 increased from 37.62 to 40.13 cm, thus significantly improving the safety performance. More importantly, this method does not need the freeze-drying process after recrystallization, thus increasing the efficiency by 2 to 3 times.
Carbon Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Biosensor Strip for Detection of Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Lai Huat Choi , Chin Suk Fun , Pang Suh Cem , Henry Sum Magdline Sia , Perera David
Published: December 2017

We reported a disposable and sensitive electrochemical biosensor strip based on carbon nanoparticles modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for rapid and sensitive detection of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV). Amino group functionalized carbon nanoparticles were prepared from preformed chitosan nanoparticles. Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) antibody was immobilized onto the surfaces of carbon nanoparticles through amide bonds formation between amino groups of carbon nanoparticles and carboxylic groups of JEV antibody. The analytical performance of SPCE electrochemical biosensor strip was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SPCE electrochemical biosensor strip exhibited a linear detection range of 1–20 ngmL−1 with a low detection limit of 0.36 ngmL−1 (at S/N = 3) for JEV, detection sensitivity was 0.024 ngmL−1 for JEV, and analysis results were obtainable within 10 minutes. The potential clinical application of this SPCE electrochemical biosensor strip was demonstrated by the detection of JEV in human serum.
Pattern and Appropriateness of Medicines Prescribed to Outpatients at a University Hospital in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Belachew Sewunet Admasu , Gebresillassie Begashaw Melaku , Birru Eshetie Melese , Wubishet Befikadu Legesse , Tekleyes Bethelhem Hailu , Yimer Bilal Tessema , Tefera Yonas Getaye
Published: December 2017

The study assessed the pattern and appropriateness of medicines prescribed to outpatients at Gondar University Referral Hospital in northwestern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed, through interviews and prescription reviews, among 346 patients at the outpatient pharmacy, from 2nd to 20th of May 2016. Data on sociodemographic profile of patients and medicines prescribed to them were collected. A mean of 1.72 medicines per encounter was prescribed, over a third of the total being anti-infectives. Patients were able to get about 85% of these medicines. An unskilled government employee would be required to work more than one and a half day to be able to afford the average priced medicine. Among prescriptions with two or more medicines, more than a third had at least one potential drug-drug interaction (PDDI), the commonest pair containing amoxicillin and doxycycline. Being male, being older (50–59 years), and increased number of medicines were associated with higher likelihood of PDDIs. In conclusion, the number of medicines prescribed per encounter was up to accepted standard. However, their availability fell short, together with considerable cost. Regarding appropriateness, a significant proportion of potential drug-drug interactions is identified and associated with patient’s sex, age, and number of medicines prescribed.
Dai‐Huang‐Fu‐Zi‐Tang Alleviates Intestinal Injury Associated with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore of Intestinal Mucosa Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kang Xin , Liang Zhengkai , Lu Xiaoguang , Zhan Libin , Song Jianbo , Wang Yi , Yang Yilun , Fan Zhiwei , Bai Lizhi
Published: December 2017

Objective. The aim of the present study was to examine whether Dai‐Huang‐Fu‐Zi‐Tang (DHFZT) could regulate mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) of intestinal mucosa epithelial cells for alleviating intestinal injury associated with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods. A total of 72 Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (sham group, SAP group, and DHFZT group, n = 24 per group). The rats in each group were divided into 4 subgroups (n = 6 per subgroup) accordingly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 h after the operation. The contents of serum amylase, D‐lactic acid, diamine oxidase activity, and degree of MPTP were measured by dry chemical method and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The change of mitochondria of intestinal epithelial cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results. The present study showed that DHFZT inhibited the openness of MPTP at 3, 6, and 12 h after the operation. Meanwhile, it reduced the contents of serum D‐lactic acid and activity of diamine oxidase activity and also drastically relieved histopathological manifestations and epithelial cells injury of intestine. Conclusion. DHFZT alleviates intestinal injury associated SAP via reducing the openness of MPTP. In addition, DHFZT could also decrease the content of serum diamine oxidase activity and D‐lactic acid after SAP.
Denoising GPS‐Based Structure Monitoring Data Using Hybrid EMD and Wavelet Packet
Authors: Ke Lu
Published: December 2017

High‐frequency components are often discarded for data denoising when applying pure wavelet multiscale or empirical mode decomposition (EMD) based approaches. Instead, they may raise the problem of energy leakage in vibration signals. Hybrid EMD and wavelet packet (EMD‐WP) is proposed to denoise Global Positioning System‐ (GPS‐) based structure monitoring data. First, field observables are decomposed into a collection of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with different characteristics. Second, high‐frequency IMFs are denoised using the wavelet packet; then the monitoring data are reconstructed using the denoised IMFs together with the remaining low‐frequency IMFs. Our algorithm is demonstrated on a synthetic displacement response of a 3‐story frame excited by El Centro earthquake along with a set of Gaussian random white noises on different levels added. We find that the hybrid method can effectively weaken the multipath effect with low frequency and can potentially extract vibration feature. However, false modals may still exist by the rest of the noise contained in the high‐frequency IMFs and when the frequency of the noise is located in the same band as that of effective vibration. Finally, real GPS observables are implemented to evaluate the efficiency of EMD‐WP method in mitigating low‐frequency multipath.
Eye Tracking Based Control System for Natural Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Zhang Xuebai , Liu Xiaolong , Yuan Shyan-Ming , Lin Shu-Fan
Published: December 2017

Eye movement can be regarded as a pivotal real-time input medium for human-computer communication, which is especially important for people with physical disability. In order to improve the reliability, mobility, and usability of eye tracking technique in user-computer dialogue, a novel eye control system with integrating both mouse and keyboard functions is proposed in this paper. The proposed system focuses on providing a simple and convenient interactive mode by only using user’s eye. The usage flow of the proposed system is designed to perfectly follow human natural habits. Additionally, a magnifier module is proposed to allow the accurate operation. In the experiment, two interactive tasks with different difficulty (searching article and browsing multimedia web) were done to compare the proposed eye control tool with an existing system. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) measures are used to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of our system. It is demonstrated that the proposed system is very effective with regard to usability and interface design.
Image Enhancement via Subimage Histogram Equalization Based on Mean and Variance
Authors: Zhuang Liyun , Guan Yepeng
Published: December 2017

This paper puts forward a novel image enhancement method via Mean and Variance based Subimage Histogram Equalization (MVSIHE), which effectively increases the contrast of the input image with brightness and details well preserved compared with some other methods based on histogram equalization (HE). Firstly, the histogram of input image is divided into four segments based on the mean and variance of luminance component, and the histogram bins of each segment are modified and equalized, respectively. Secondly, the result is obtained via the concatenation of the processed subhistograms. Lastly, the normalization method is deployed on intensity levels, and the integration of the processed image with the input image is performed. 100 benchmark images from a public image database named CVG-UGR-Database are used for comparison with other state-of-the-art methods. The experiment results show that the algorithm can not only enhance image information effectively but also well preserve brightness and details of the original image.
Rota-Baxter Operators on 3-Dimensional Lie Algebras and the Classical R-Matrices
Authors: Wu Linli , Wang Mengping , Cheng Yongsheng
Published: December 2017

Our aim is to classify the Rota-Baxter operators of weight 0 on the 3-dimensional Lie algebra whose derived algebra’s dimension is 2. We explicitly determine all Rota-Baxter operators (of weight zero) on the 3-dimensional Lie algebras g. Furthermore, we give the corresponding solutions of the classical Yang-Baxter equation in the 6-dimensional Lie algebras g ⋉ad⁎ g⁎ and the induced left-symmetry algebra structures on g.
Proximal Sessile Serrated Adenomas Are More Prevalent in Caucasians, and Gastroenterologists Are Better Than Nongastroenterologists at Their Detection
Authors: Parikh Malav P. , Muthukuru Sujit , Jobanputra Yash , Naha Kushal , Gupta Niyati M. , Wadhwa Vaibhav , Lopez Rocio , Thota Prashanthi N. , Sanaka Madhusudhan R.
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim. Proximal sessile serrated adenomas (PSSA) leading to colorectal cancer (CRC) represent an alternate pathway for CRC development. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of PSSAs and the impact of patient, colonoscopy, and endoscopist-related factors on PSSA detection. Methods. Patients ≥ 50 years of age undergoing a screening colonoscopy between 2012 and 2014 were included. Detection rates based on patient gender, race, colonoscopy timing, fellow participation, bowel preparation quality, and specialty of the endoscopist were calculated. t-tests were used to compare detection rates and a multivariate-adjusted analysis was performed. Results. 140 PSSAs were detected from 4151 colonoscopies, with a prevalence of 3.4%. Detection rate was higher in Caucasians compared to African-Americans (AA) (3.7 ± 4.1 versus 0.96 ± 3.5; p<0.001). Gastroenterologists detected more PSSAs compared to nongastroenterologists (3.9 ± 3.5 versus 2.2 ± 3.0; p=0.028). These findings were still significant after adjusted multivariate analysis. The rest of the factors did not make significant difference in PSSA detection rate. Conclusions. PSSAs are more prevalent in Caucasians compared to AAs. Racial difference in prevalence of PSSAs is intriguing and warrants further investigation. Gastroenterologists have a significantly higher PSSADR compared to nongastroenterologists. Educational measures should be implemented in nongastroenterologists to improve their PSSA detection rates.
Characterization of Ag-Doped p-Type SnO Thin Films Prepared by DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Pham Hoai Phuong , Thuy Thanh Giang Le , Tran Quang Trung , Nguyen Hoang Hung , My Hoa Huynh Tran , Thi Thu Hoang , Cuong Tran Viet
Published: December 2017

Crystalline structure and optoelectrical properties of silver-doped tin monoxide thin films with different dopant concentrations prepared by DC magnetron sputtering are investigated. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the tetragonal SnO phase exhibits preferred orientations along (101) and (110) planes. Our results indicate that replacing Sn2+ in the SnO lattice with Ag+ ions produces smaller-sized crystallites, which may lead to enhanced carrier scattering at grain boundaries. This causes a deterioration in the carrier mobility, even though the carrier concentration improves by two orders of magnitude due to doping. In addition, the Ag-doped SnO thin films show a p-type semiconductor behavior, with a direct optical gap and decreasing transmittance with increasing Ag dopant concentration.
Tripterygium wilfordii Glycosides Upregulate the New Anti‐Inflammatory Cytokine IL‐37 through ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK Signal Pathways
Authors: Wang Sen , Li Rumeng , He Suhui , He Lingge , Zhao Hang , Deng Xiaohong , Chen Zhangquan
Published: December 2017

As a Chinese traditional patent medicine, Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides (TWG) have been approved by the China State Food and Drug Administration (Z32021007) for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Application of TWG leads to significant decrease of the inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. However, little is known whether TWG could regulate the anti‐inflammatory cytokines and what the mechanism is. Here, we found that TWG could induce the upregulation of IL‐37 which is a new anti‐inflammatory cytokine. Furthermore, the inhibitors of ERK1/2 and/or p38 MAPK pathways suppressed IL‐37 expression induced by TWG, indicating that the two pathways took part in this process. In conclusion, TWG could upregulate the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐37 and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signal pathways were involved in the upregulation of IL‐37 induced by TWG. The results showed that TWG had a potent activity on promoting the expression of IL‐37, a new anti‐inflammatory cytokine, which help further understanding the anti‐inflammatory mechanism for the clinical application of TWG in therapy of diseases.
miR-503 Is Involved in the Protective Effect of Phase II Enzyme Inducer (CPDT) in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Miao Ying , Wan Qin , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Yu , Luo Yi , Liu Dan , Lin Nengbo , Zhou Honggang , Zhong Jiyuan
Published: December 2017

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common heart disease. The Phase II enzyme inducer (CPDT) is a complex enzyme that promotes the expression of antioxidant enzymes through activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); these compounds have been shown to protect against oxidative stress. However, whether these compounds have similar protective effects in DCM still remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanism of CPDT in diabetic cardiomyopathy. In the results, firstly, compared with control rats, myocardial cell size, left ventricular mass index, and myocardial apoptosis index were increased, miR-503 was increased, and Nrf2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were decreased in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. Furthermore, compared with diabetic cardiomyopathy rats, these above parameters show the opposite change in CPDT treatment rats. In addition, the bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Nrf2 is a direct target of miR-503. Finally, the miR-503 could also regulate Nrf2 in the myocardial cells. Therefore, miR-503 is involved in the protective effect of CPDT in diabetic cardiomyopathy via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway; miR-503 and Nrf2 may be a promising therapeutic target for the management of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
FCM-Type Fuzzy Coclustering for Three-Mode Cooccurrence Data: 3FCCM and 3Fuzzy CoDoK
Authors: Honda Katsuhiro , Suzuki Yurina , Ubukata Seiki , Notsu Akira
Published: December 2017

Cocluster structure analysis is a basic technique for revealing intrinsic structural information from cooccurrence data among objects and items, in which coclusters are composed of mutually familiar pairs of objects and items. In many real applications, it is also the case that we have not only cooccurrence information among objects and items but also intrinsic relation among items and other ingredients. For example, in food preference analysis, users’ preferences on foods should be found considering not only user-food cooccurrences but also the implicit relation among users and cooking ingredients. In this paper, two FCM-type fuzzy coclustering models, that is, FCCM and Fuzzy CoDoK, are extended for revealing intrinsic cocluster structures from three-mode cooccurrence data, where the aggregation degree of three elements in each cocluster is maximized through iterative updating of three types of fuzzy memberships for objects, items, and ingredients. The characteristic features of the proposed methods are demonstrated through a numerical experiment.
Pleiotropic Roles for ZEB1 in Cancer
Authors: Caramel Julie , Ligier Maud , Puisieux Alain
Published: December 2017

ZEB1 is a prime element of a network of transcription factors that controls epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a reversible embryonic transdifferentiation program that allows partial or complete transition from an epithelial to a mesenchymal state. Aberrant expression of ZEB1 has been reported in a variety of human cancers, where it is generally believed to foster migration, invasion, and metastasis. Over the past few years, in vitro and in vivo observations have highlighted unsuspected intrinsic oncogenic functions of ZEB1 that impact tumorigenesis from its earliest stages. Located downstream of regulatory processes that integrate microenvironmental signals and directly implicated in feedback loops controlled by miRNAs, ZEB1 appears to be a central switch that determines cell fate. Its expression fosters malignant transformation through the mitigation of critical oncosuppressive pathways and through the conferment of stemness properties. ZEB1 is also a key determinant of cell plasticity, endowing cells with the capacity to withstand an aberrant mitogenic activity, with a profound impact on the genetic history of tumorigenesis, and to adapt to the multiple constraints encountered over the course of tumor development. Cancer Res; 78(1); 30–35. ©2017 AACR.
Research Strategies for Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Mahabir Somdat , Willett Walter C. , Friedenreich Christine M. , Lai Gabriel Y. , Boushey Carol J. , Matthews Charles E. , Sinha Rashmi , Colditz Graham A. , Rothwell Joseph A. , Reedy Jill , Patel Alpa V. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Fraser Gary E. , Ross Sharon , Hursting Stephen D. , Abnet Christian C. , Kushi Lawrence H. , Taylor Philip R. , Prentice Ross L.
Published: December 2017

Very large international and ethnic differences in cancer rates exist, are minimally explained by genetic factors, and show the huge potential for cancer prevention. A substantial portion of the differences in cancer rates can be explained by modifiable factors, and many important relationships have been documented between diet, physical activity, and obesity, and incidence of important cancers. Other related factors, such as the microbiome and the metabolome, are emerging as important intermediary components in cancer prevention. It is possible with the incorporation of newer technologies and studies including long follow-up and evaluation of effects across the life cycle, additional convincing results will be produced. However, several challenges exist for cancer researchers; for example, measurement of diet and physical activity, and lack of standardization of samples for microbiome collection, and validation of metabolomic studies. The United States National Cancer Institute convened the Research Strategies for Nutritional and Physical Activity Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention Workshop on June 28–29, 2016, in Rockville, Maryland, during which the experts addressed the state of the science and areas of emphasis. This current paper reflects the state of the science and priorities for future research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 233–44. ©2017 AACR.
Escitalopram Impairs Thrombin-Induced Platelet Response, Cytoskeletal Assembly and Activation of Associated Signalling Pathways
Authors: Lopez-Vilchez Irene , Jerez-Dolz Didac , Diaz-Ricart Maribel , Navarro Victor , Zafar M. Urooj , Zamorano-Leon Javier , Lopez-Farre Antonio , Badimon Juan , Gasto Cristobal , Escolar Gines
Published: December 2017

Background Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may impair platelet function. Thrombin is a strong platelet agonist causing irreversible aggregation, release of granules' contents, cytoskeletal rearrangement and activation of signalling pathways. We investigated the effects of the SSRI escitalopram (SCIT) on thrombin-induced platelet response.

Methods Isolated platelets were exposed to SCIT and activated with thrombin. We evaluated (1) platelet response by aggregometry and flow cytometry; (2) modifications in cytoskeleton proteins and signalling pathways by electrophoresis and Western blot; and (3) ultrastructural changes in platelets by electron microscopy.

Results SCIT inhibited platelet response to thrombin, measured as platelet aggregation and expression of activation markers CD62-P and CD63 from platelet granules. Platelet aggregation decreased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching statistical significance with SCIT ≥32 µg/mL (65.4 ± 6.8% vs. 77.7 ± 2.5% for controls; p < 0.05). Expression of activation markers was statistically reduced with SCIT ≥20 µg/mL (p < 0.05). SCIT impaired the polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton and association of contractile proteins during activation with thrombin (p < 0.05 with SCIT ≥50 µg/mL). Resting platelets incubated with SCIT became most spherical, with increased platelet roundness (p < 0.01, SCIT 50 µg/mL vs. control). SCIT interfered with signalling pathways modulated by thrombin (RhoA, PKC, Erk1/2 and PI3K/AKT).

Conclusions Our data indicate that SCIT inhibits thrombin-induced platelet response and interferes with cytoskeletal assembly and related signalling pathways, thus resulting in compromised release of granules' contents, reduced platelet activation and aggregation. These mechanisms may explain the antithrombotic benefits observed in patients treated with this SSRI, and could become new therapeutic targets for future antithrombotic strategies.