bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding Modulates O‐H Photodissociation in Molecular Aggregates of a Catechol Derivative
Authors: Grieco Christopher , Kohl Forrest R. , Zhang Yuyuan , Natarajan Sangeetha , Blancafort Lluís , Kohler Bern
Published: October 2018

The catechol functional group plays a major role in the chemistry of a wide variety of molecules important in biology and technology. In eumelanin, intermolecular hydrogen bonding between these functional groups is thought to contribute to UV photoprotective and radical buffering properties, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, aggregates of 4‐t‐butylcatechol are used as model systems to study how intermolecular hydrogen bonding influences photochemical pathways that may occur in eumelanin. Ultrafast UV‐visible and mid‐IR transient absorption measurements are used to identify the photochemical processes of 4‐t‐butylcatechol monomers and their hydrogen‐bonded aggregates in cyclohexane solution. Monomer photoexcitation results in hydrogen atom ejection to the solvent via homolytic O‐H bond dissociation with a time constant of 12 ps, producing a neutral semiquinone radical with a lifetime greater than 1 ns. In contrast, intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions within aggregates retard O‐H bond photodissociation by over an order of magnitude in time. Excited state structural relaxation is proposed to slow O‐H dissociation, allowing internal conversion to the ground state to occur in hundreds of picoseconds in competition with this channel. The semiquinone radicals formed in the aggregates exhibit spectral broadening of both their electronic and vibrational transitions.
Breakdown of species boundaries inMandevilla: floral morphological intermediacy, novel fragrances and asymmetric pollen flow
Authors: Rubini Pisano A. , Moré M. , Cisternas M. A. , Raguso R. A. , Benitez‐Vieyra S.
Published: October 2018

Phenotypic intermediacy is an indicator of putative hybrid origin and has provided the main clues to discovering hybrid plants in nature.Mandevilla pentlandianaandM. laxa(Apocynaceae) are sister species with clear differences in floral phenotype and associated pollinator guilds: diurnal Hymenoptera and nocturnal hawkmoths, respectively. The presence of individuals with intermediate phenotypes in a wild population raises questions about the roles of visual and olfactory signals (i.e. corolla morphology and floral fragrances) as barriers to interbreeding, and how the breakdown of floral isolation occurs.

We examined phenotypic variation in a mixedMandevillapopulation, analysing the chemical composition of floral fragrances, characterising floral shape through geometric morphometrics and assessing individual grouping through taxonomically relevant traits and an unsupervised learning algorithm. We quantified the visitation frequencies of floral visitors and tracked their foraging movements using pollen analogues.

The presence of morphologically intermediate individuals and pollen analogue movement suggested extensive hybridisation betweenM. laxaandM. pentlandiana, along with asymmetrical rates of backcrossing between these putative hybrids andM. laxa. Floral volatiles from putative hybrid individuals showed a transgressive phenotype, with additional compounds not emitted by either parental species.

Our results suggest the presence of a hybrid swarm between sympatricM. pentlandianaandM. laxaand indicate that initial hybridisation events between these parental species are rare, but once they occur, visits between putative hybrids andM. laxaare common and facilitate continued introgression.
THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE NEW VENTURES AND INCUMBENTS DURING THE NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Authors: ZARJ MOHAMMAD ALI BAHREINI , DEHKORDI ALI MOBINI , HEIRATI NIMA , MEIGOUNPOORY MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: October 2018

This study investigates how technology-intensive new ventures shape and manage their relationships with incumbents to successfully develop new products. We undertake the dynamic views of business relationship to reveal under what conditions new ventures should emphasises more on transactional contract or alliance approach to develop their relationships with incumbents. Using longitudinal multiple case analysis, we show that transactional contract is less effective during discovery and development stages to facilitate knowledge share and collaborative learning between new ventures and incumbents. However, adopting transactional contract is essential during commercialisation to strengthen the relationship, minimise the drawbacks of social bonds, and motivate both parties to engage in new projects. The results show that tensions between exchange partners are likely to increase when the incumbent is flexible to re-negotiate and share the fair benefits during the commercialisation stage. Our findings provide new insights about the evolution of new ventures’ relationships with incumbents across NPD stages.
Vulcan XC-72 treated by nitric acid and its electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Zejie , Zhou Debi , Bao Xinjun , Zhang Zhao , Huang Boyun
Published: October 2018

Vulcan XC-72 treated by nitric acid is employed as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The carbon catalyst exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity and stability in 6[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] KOH electrolyte. The current density for oxygen reduction is 45[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V (vs. HgO/Hg). A zinc–air battery using XC-72 carbon electrode was assembled, the discharge voltage could reach up to 0.6[Formula: see text]V under a high current density of 80[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text].
Measurement and Analysis of the Comprehensive Development Levels of Large Cities in China: Based on the New Development Concept
Authors: NI Pengfei , WANG Yufei , DING Ruxi
Published: October 2018

The measurement of a city’s comprehensive development is very important. In view of the new development concept and relevant measurement principles, the authors establish an indicator system that covers six dimensions — innovation, economic development, social harmony, eco-friendliness, openness and connectivity, and infrastructure — to measure the comprehensive development of 69 sample cities, which have more than one million permanent residents in the city proper according to the latest national standards for the classification of cities. The results show that large cities nationwide are seriously polarized in comprehensive development. The sample cities are roughly divided into four echelons. Those in the top echelon are more developed than average cities in the country and there is strong competition among cities in this echelon. In regional terms, cities in the east obviously fare better than those in the west. Separate examinations of the six dimensions show that innovation is the key engine for growth and a main indicator of transformation and upgrading, but it also contributes to the polarization of cities and is where the cities in the second, third and fourth echelons fall short of. In the new era, efforts need to be made to promote transformation and development, not only in cities of the first echelon, but also in those of other echelons, so as to realize balanced and full development. The cities, on the other hand, need to build their strengths, fix their weaknesses, and focus on their key areas, thus enhancing their comprehensive development levels as required by the new development concept.
Real-Time Evaluation of the Signal Processing of sEMG Used in Limb Exoskeleton Rehabilitation System
Authors: Gao Baofeng , Wei Chao , Ma Hongdao , Yang Shu , Ma Xu , Zhang Songyuan
Published: October 2018

As an important branch of medical robotics, a rehabilitation training robot for the hemiplegic upper limbs is a research hotspot of rehabilitation training. Based on the motion relearning program, rehabilitation technology, human anatomy, mechanics, computer science, robotics, and other fields of technology are covered. Based on an sEMG real-time training system for rehabilitation, the exoskeleton robot still has some problems that need to be solved in this field. Most of the existing rehabilitation exoskeleton robotic systems are heavy, and it is difficult to ensure the accuracy and real-time performance of sEMG signals. In this paper, we design a real-time training system for the upper limb exoskeleton robot based on the EMG signal. It has four main characteristics: light weight, portability, high precision, and low delay. This work includes the structure of the rehabilitation robotic system and the method of signal processing of the sEMG. An experiment on the accuracy and time delay of the sEMG signal processing has been done. In the experimental results, the recognition accuracy of the sEMG is 94%, and the average delay time is 300 ms, which meets the accuracy and real-time requirements.
Determination of a Suitable Renewable Energy Source for Mini-Grid Business: A Risk-Based Multicriteria Approach
Authors: Ighravwe Desmond Eseoghene , Babatunde Moses Olubayo
Published: October 2018

The mini-grid proliferation has helped to improve the current state of electricity supply in several rural areas in developing countries. This is due to the innovations in renewable energy technologies. The impact of this development is the establishment of mini-grid business. There is a need for mini-grid business owners to identify the most suitable energy source for a particular area. To achieve this, proper analysis of risks that impact mini-grid business operations is required for optimal energy source selection. The current study addresses this problem by proposing a conceptual framework that considered risk factors. The conceptual framework analysed scenarios where expected risk values are specified and not specified by decision-makers. This was achieved using fuzzy axiomatic design (FAD), intuitionistic entropy method, and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods. The TOPSIS and FAD results were combined using WASPAS (weighted aggregated sum product assessment) method. The proposed conceptual framework was applied in sub-Sahara Africa, Lagos, Nigeria. During the application of the proposed framework, five renewable energy sources and thirteen types of risks were considered. Information from four decision-makers was used to demonstrate the applicability of the framework. The results obtained showed that unpredictable electricity demand and construction completion risks were identified as the least and most important risks for the selection of renewable energy sources for mini-grid, respectively. The FAD and TOPSIS methods identified wind and biomass energy as the best-ranked energy source for mini-grid business, respectively. The WASPAS method and the FAD results were the same.
Durability of Wearable Antennas Based on Nonwoven Conductive Fabrics: Experimental Study on Resistance to Washing and Ironing
Authors: Corchia Laura , Monti Giuseppina , Tarricone Luciano
Published: October 2018

Adhesive nonwoven conductive fabrics are appealing materials for fabricating fully textile antennas for wearable wireless systems. Wearable antennas should be flexible, lightweight, and mechanically resistant. Additionally, the antenna performance should be robust to activities related to daily use of garments, such as washing and ironing. Accordingly, in this work, the results of several washing tests performed on fully textile antennas fabricated by exploiting three different adhesive nonwoven conductive fabrics are reported.
Complementary Ventilation Design Method for a Highway Twin-Tunnel Based on the Compensation Concept
Authors: Chai Lunlei , Wang Xing , Han Xingbo , Song Jing , Lei Ping , Xia Yongxu , Wang Yongdong
Published: October 2018

Based on the compensation concept, an improved method for twin-tunnel complementary ventilation design considering differences in key pollutants in the uphill and downhill tunnels was proposed. The results demonstrate that the scheme developed using the improved method is more energy efficient when the energy consumption of the interchange channel is included. Here, a larger design of air volume is allocated to the uphill tunnel, and the admissible pollutant concentration for its exits. The complementary ventilation system of the Qingniling Tunnel, Dabieshan Tunnel, and Lianghekou Tunnel was redesigned for long-term performance using the improved method, and the resulting scheme was compared to that designed using the current method in terms of the total required air volume, interchange air volume, ventilation effects, and energy consumption. The results show that these factors in improved method are significantly smaller than that of the current method with an allowable reduction of ventilation effects. Moreover, the total airflow required in the Qingniling Tunnel was reduced from 889.31 to 796.74 m3/s, with a decrease rate of 10.4%; the interchange air volume was reduced from 203 to 175 m3/s, and the estimated energy consumption was decreased from 2760 to 2065.9 kW. This represents a 26% improvement in energy efficiency. The proposed method can provide a reference for the energy efficient design of ventilation systems in extra-long highway tunnels.
Association between a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the 3′-UTR of ARHGEF18 and the Risk of Nonidiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Chinese Population
Authors: Li Ding , Sun Yan , Kong Xiaochao , Luan Changxing , Yu Youjia , Chen Feng , Chen Peng
Published: October 2018

ARHGEF18 has been identified as upregulated in the lung tissues of rat models of pulmonary artery hypertension introduced by hypoxia or monocrotaline (MCT). We used online SNP function prediction tools to screen the candidate SNPs that might be associated with the regulation of the ARHGEF18 expression. The result suggested that rs3745357 located in the 3′-untranslated region of ARHGEF18 is probably a genetic modifier in the process. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between ARHGEF18 rs3745357 polymorphism and nonidiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension susceptibility (niPAH). A total of 293 participants were included in the case-control study (117 patients and 176 healthy controls). The rs3745357 variant was discriminated by using cleaved amplification polymorphism (CAP) sequence-tagged site technology. Although the overall allele and genotype frequencies of rs3745357 in niPAH patients were close to those of the control group, significant differences have been identified when we further divided the niPAH patients into subgroups with or without coronary heart disease (CHD). Rs3745357 C allele frequency was significantly higher in niPAH patients without CHD history (p=0.001), while the frequency was significantly lower in niPAH patients with CHD history (p=0.017) when compared to control subjects. The distribution of genotype frequencies was also quite different. After adjustment by gender and age, significant differences were found between patients with CHD history and controls. The results suggest that the ARHGEF18 rs3745357 variant may be used as a marker for the genetic susceptibility to niPAH.
Proteasome Activity and C-Reactive Protein Concentration in the Course of Inflammatory Reaction in Relation to the Type of Abdominal Operation and the Surgical Technique Used
Authors: Tylicka Marzena , Matuszczak Ewa , Karpińska Maria , Hermanowicz Adam , Dębek Wojciech , Ostrowska Halina
Published: October 2018

Surgical tissue damage and the accompanying inflammatory response lead to proteasome activation, initiation of damaged protein degradation, and induction of acute-phase inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of change in proteasome chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L) activity and C-reactive protein concentration depending on the degree of tissue damage and their correlation with prealbumin concentrations in children before and after abdominal surgery. This experimental study included children who underwent abdominal surgery between 2015 and 2017. Plasma prealbumin concentrations and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) were determined by standard biochemical laboratory procedures. Proteasome activity was assessed using a Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC peptide substrate. Elevation of plasma proteasome activity was noted in children after laparoscopic and open abdominal surgeries. However, 20S proteasome activity in children undergoing conventional open surgery was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in patients subjected to laparoscopy. At the same time, an increase in the CRP level was observed. However, there was no correlation between C-reactive protein concentrations and the type of abdominal surgery while there was a correlation observed in the case of proteasomes. Proteasome activity correlates with the degree of surgical tissue damage and prealbumin concentrations. More invasive surgery leads to a stronger activation of the proteasome involved in removing proteins that were damaged due to the surgical procedure. Proteasomes are more specific markers because there is a correlation between proteasome activity and the type of abdominal surgery in contrast to C-reactive protein concentrations which are not different in response to surgery performed in regard to ovarian cysts or cholelithiasis.
Ghost Dark Energy in the DGP Braneworld
Authors: Zadeh M. Abdollahi , Sheykhi A.
Published: October 2018

We investigate the ghost model of dark energy in the framework of DGP braneworld. We explore the cosmological consequences of this model by determining the equation of state parameter, ωD, the deceleration, and the density parameters. We also examine the stability of this model by studying the squared of the sound speed in the presence/absence of interaction term between dark energy and dark matter. We find out that in the absence of interaction between two dark sectors of the universe we have ωD→-1 in the late time, while in the presence of interaction ωD can cross the phantom line -1. In both cases the squared of sound speed vs2 does not show any signal of stability. We also determine the statefinder diagnosis of this model as well as the ωD-ωD′ plane and compare the results with the ΛCDM model. We find that ωD-ωD′ plane meets the freezing region in the absence of interaction between two dark sectors, while it meets both the thawing and the freezing regions in the interacting case.
Visual Features in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Overview
Authors: Cerquera-Jaramillo María Alejandra , Nava-Mesa Mauricio O. , González-Reyes Rodrigo E. , Tellez-Conti Carlos , de-la-Torre Alejandra
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It compromises patients’ daily activities owing to progressive cognitive deterioration, which has elevated direct and indirect costs. Although AD has several risk factors, aging is considered the most important. Unfortunately, clinical diagnosis is usually performed at an advanced disease stage when dementia is established, making implementation of successful therapeutic interventions difficult. Current biomarkers tend to be expensive, insufficient, or invasive, raising the need for novel, improved tools aimed at early disease detection. AD is characterized by brain atrophy due to neuronal and synaptic loss, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The visual system and central nervous system share many functional components. Thus, it is plausible that damage induced by Aβ, tau, and neuroinflammation may be observed in visual components such as the retina, even at an early disease stage. This underscores the importance of implementing ophthalmological examinations, less invasive and expensive than other biomarkers, as useful measures to assess disease progression and severity in individuals with or at risk of AD. Here, we review functional and morphological changes of the retina and visual pathway in AD from pathophysiological and clinical perspectives.
The Therapeutic Effect of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder via Reversal of Structural Abnormalities in the Cortex
Authors: Yuan Haixia , Yang Meng , Han Xinmin , Ni Xinqiang
Published: October 2018

Rehmanniae radix preparata is extracted from wine‐steaming the Rehmannia root, a scrophulariaceae plant. It has been used for thousands of years with effects of nourishing kidney‐yin, benefiting essence and filling marrow based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Rehmanniae radix preparata has antioxidant, antisenescence, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It is the most popular Traditional Chinese medicinal compound (TCMC) used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapy. However, few studies have been conducted exploring the effects and potential mechanisms of Rehmanniae radix preparata alone on ADHD. Recent studies have shown that Rehmanniae radix preparata inhibits spontaneous activity in mice, improves learning and memory in rats following thalamic arcuate nucleus injury, and exhibits antidepressant effects. Catalpol, an active component of Rehmanniae radix preparata, elevates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and attenuates neuronal apoptosis and energy metabolism failure. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity‐impulsivity and impairments in learning and memory. Its pathomechanism is closely related to structural abnormalities in the cortex that is mediated by dysfunction in neuronal development, apoptosis, and energy metabolism. We hypothesize that Rehmanniae radix preparata may be effective at treating ADHD by alleviating neurodevelopmental abnormalities, neuronal apoptosis, and energy metabolism failure.
Preconditioning Contractions Suppress Muscle Pain Markers after Damaging Eccentric Contractions
Authors: Nagahisa Hiroshi , Ikezaki Kazumi , Yamada Ryotaro , Yamada Takashi , Miyata Hirofumi
Published: October 2018

Inexperienced vigorous exercise, including eccentric contraction (ECC), causes muscle pain and damage. Similar prior light exercise suppresses the development of muscle pain (repeated-bout effect), but the molecular mechanisms behind this are not sufficiently understood. In this study, the influence of a nondamaging preconditioning ECC load (Precon) on muscle pain-related molecules and satellite cell-activating factors was investigated at the mRNA expression level. Nine-week-old male Wistar rats (n=36) were divided into 2 groups: a group receiving only a damaging ECC (100 contractions) load (non-Precon) and a group receiving a nondamaging ECC (10 contractions) load 2 days before receiving the damaging ECC load (Precon). ECC was loaded on the left leg, and the right leg was regarded as the intact control (CTL). The medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle from all rats was excised 2 or 4 days after the damaging ECC loading, and the relative mRNA expression levels of muscle pain- and satellite cell-related molecules were quantitated using real-time RT PCR. Precon suppressed increases in MHC-embryonic and MHC-neonatal mRNA expressions. Enhancement of HGF, Pax7, MyoD, and myogenin mRNA expression was also suppressed, suggesting that Precon decreased the degree of muscle damage and no muscle regeneration or satellite cell activation occurred. Similarly, increases in mRNA expression of muscle pain-related molecules (BKB2 receptor, COX-2, and mPGEC-1) were also suppressed. This study clearly demonstrated that at the mRNA level, prior light ECC suppressed muscle damage induced by later damaging ECC and promoted recovery from muscle pain.
Finite Element Analysis and Biomechanical Testing to Analyze Fracture Displacement of Alveolar Ridge Splitting
Authors: Stricker Andres , Widmer Daniel , Gueorguiev Boyko , Wahl Dieter , Varga Peter , Duttenhoefer Fabian
Published: October 2018

The alveolar ridge splitting technique enables reconstruction of atrophied alveolar ridges prior implantation. However, in cases of severe atrophy, there is an unpredictable risk of fracturing the buccal lamella during the expansion. Currently, there is no preoperative assessment to predict the maximum distraction of the lamella. The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanical model to mimic the alveolar ridge splitting and a finite element (FE) model to predict the experimental results. The biomechanical testing was conducted on porcine mandibles. To build the FE model high resolution peripheral quantitative computer tomography scans of one specimen was performed after the osteotomy outline, but before the lamella displacement. A servo-electric testing machine was used for the axial tension test to split the lamellae. Results showed, in line with clinical observations, that the lamellae broke primarily at the base of the splits with a median displacement of 1.27 mm. The FE model could predict fracture force and fracture displacement. Fracture force showed a nonlinear correlation with the height of the bone lamella. In conclusion, good correspondence between mechanical testing and virtual FE analysis showed a clinically relevant approach that may help to predict maximum lamella displacement to prevent fractures in the future.
Biological Activities of Four Adaptogenic Plant Extracts and Their Active Substances on a Rotifer Model
Authors: Mácsai Lilla , Datki Zsolt L. , Csupor Dezső , Horváth Attila , Zomborszki Zoltán P.
Published: October 2018

Rotifers have been widely used as well‐characterized models of aging, since their multiorgan character makes them suitable as in vivo toxicological and lifespan models. Here we report the assessment of four adaptogenic plants and their extracts for the first time in this model. The effects on rotifer viability of extracts and characteristic active markers of Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Leuzea carthamoides, and Rhodiola rosea were tested in vivo. The crude extracts were nontoxic to Philodina acuticornis bdelloid rotifers; however, the pure substances of the plants influenced negatively the viability. Ginsenoside Rb1 and secondary metabolites of Withania somnifera exerted deleterious effect on the animals. The aglycone tyrosol and cinnamyl alcohol (from Rhodiola rosea) were more toxic than their glycosides salidroside and rosavin. Although the 20‐OH‐ecdysone and ajugasterone C (from Leuzea carthamoides) are chemically very similar, the latter was less toxic.
Value of Assessing Autonomic Nervous Function by Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Turbulence in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Yu Yijun , Xu Yanling , Zhang Mingjing , Wang Yuting , Zou Wusong , Gu Ye
Published: October 2018

Purpose. To explore the relationship between blood pressure control and autonomic nervous function assessing by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in hypertensive patients. Methods. A total of 120 consecutive hypertensive patients and 80 nonhypertensive patients (N-HP group) were enrolled in this study. The hypertensive patients were divided into controlled blood pressure and uncontrolled blood pressure groups according to their blood pressure on admission. All subjects underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring. This study compared HRV and HRT in nonhypertensive and hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure. HRV parameters include square root of mean of the sum of squares of successive NN interval differences (rMSSD), number of successive NN intervals differing by > 50ms divided by the total number of successive NN intervals (pNN50), very low frequency (VLF) at frequency between 0.0033 and 0.04 Hz, low frequency (LF) at frequency between 0.04 and 0.15 Hz, and high frequency (HF) at frequency between 0.15 and 0.4 Hz. Turbulence slope (TS) belongs to HRT parameters. Results. TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were significantly lower in the HP group than in the N-HP group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reduced TS, rMSSD, pNN50, LF, and HF values were risk factors of hypertension. TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were significantly lower in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure than in hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reduced TS, rMSSD, pNN50, VLF, LF, and HF values were risk factors for uncontrolled blood pressure. Conclusions. This study indicates impaired autonomic nervous function in hypertensive patients, especially in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure despite guideline recommended antihypertensive medications.
Opto-Electrical Properties of Composite Materials Based on Two Benzotrithiophene Copolymers and Fullerene Derivatives
Authors: Radychev N. , Keshtov M. L. , Borchert H. , Bondarchuk Y. , Kuklin S. A. , Korotaeva A. , Xie Z. , Godovsky D. , Khokhlov A. R. , Parisi J.
Published: October 2018

Two donor–acceptor copolymers based on a benzotrithiophene acceptor unit and an electron-donor segment of 4,8-didodecyloxybenzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene were investigated in the view of photovoltaic application. We provided the complete synthesis procedure supported with NMR spectra of the monomers obtained. The resulting copolymers, labeled P1 and P2 in this work, exhibit strong absorption in the visible region with a similar band gap of about 2.2 eV. In spite of the chemical similarity of both copolymers, the photovoltaic and carrier transport properties of the P1- and P2-based devices demonstrated a noticeable difference. Applying an optimization procedure, a power conversion efficiency of 4.6% has been achieved for the P2/PC71BM solar cells.
Modal Analysis of a Thick-Disk Rotor with Interference Fit Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Fan Yuhua , Ding Hongchang , Li Maoyuan , Li Jiacheng
Published: October 2018

This paper is concerned with the modal analysis of a thick-disk rotor, which consists of an elastic shaft with a rigid thick disk assembled by interference fit, and the width of the thick disk is not negligible. Firstly, the friction moment on the contact surface of disk and shaft is deduced in terms of elastic theory, and a new enhanced coefficient of bending stiffness of assembly body is proposed and calculated for the first time. Secondly, the effect of the width of thick disk on diametrical moment of inertia, as well as the enhanced coefficient of bending stiffness of interference-fit part between disk and shaft, is included in the motion equations of thick-disk rotor, which are established based on finite element method, and the natural frequencies of rotor are obtained by solving the motion equations. Then the modal analysis is performed to get the natural frequencies in ANSYS Workbench, in which the friction coefficient and interference fit are set to be the same as those of the finite element calculation method. At last the modal experiment is done to verify the accuracy of calculation and simulation. The results show that the calculation values using enhanced stiffness of assembly part are in good agreement with those of ANSYS Workbench and experiment, and the percent errors of the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency are down to about 0.32% and 0.83%, respectively.
Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4-Triazolyl Coumarin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Abu-Melha Hanaa M. , Ibrahim Diaa A.
Published: October 2018

A series of novel coumarin derivatives carrying 1,2,4-triazole or 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole moieties were prepared and evaluatedin vitroas anticancer in the human colon cancer (HCT116) cell line. The derivatives4cand8cexhibited marked anticancer activity with IC50values 4.363 and 2.656 µM, respectively. The molecular docking studies suggested possible interaction with tyrosine kinases (CDK2).
Adaptive Real-Time Energy Management Strategy for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Simplified-ECMS and a Novel Driving Pattern Recognition Method
Authors: Zeng Yuping , Sheng Jing , Li Ming
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes an adaptive real-time energy management strategy for a parallel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Three efforts have been made. First, a novel driving pattern recognition method based on statistical analysis has been proposed. This method classified driving cycles into three driving patterns: low speed cycle, middle speed cycle, and high speed cycle, and then carried statistical analysis on these three driving patterns to obtain rules; the types of real-time driving cycles can be identified according to these rules. Second, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to optimize equivalent factor (EF) and then the EF MAPs, indexed vertically by battery’s State of Charge (SOC) and horizontally by driving distance, under the above three driving cycles, are obtained. Finally, an adaptive real-time energy management strategy based on Simplified-ECMS and the novel driving pattern recognition method has been proposed. Simulation on a test driving cycle is performed. The simulation results show that the adaptive energy management strategy can decrease fuel consumption of PHEV by 17.63% under the testing driving cycle, compared to CD-CS-based strategy. The calculation time of the proposed adaptive strategy is obviously shorter than the time of ECMS-based strategy and close to the time of CD-CS-based strategy, which is a real-time control strategy.
Simultaneous Pheochromocytoma, Paraganglioma, and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma without Known Mutation
Authors: Rasquin Lorena , Prater Janna , Mayrin Jane , Minimo Corrado
Published: October 2018

Background. Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma is a rare tumor from neuroendocrine cells. 1/3rd of cases have germline mutations. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common neoplasm from follicular cells of the thyroid. We report a case of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and PTC with negative testing for common mutations. Case. 32-year-old male with incidental liver mass during laparoscopy for acute appendicitis. His symptoms included abdominal pain and profuse axillary hyperhidrosis. MRI showed an 11x12x14 cm cystic and solid mass in right adrenal gland, and 3.4x2.9x3.8 cm mass in porta hepatis. Urine metanephrines was elevated. After preoperative alpha-blockade, patient underwent total right adrenalectomy. Pathology report confirmed diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. According to the Grading system for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP), tumor’s score was 9, indicating poorly differentiated tumor. Ki67 index 5% and S100 were negative. Postoperatively, plasma free metanephrines normalized but plasma free normetanephrines remained elevated. Based on this biochemical profile, presence of paraganglioma was suspected. CT showed 4.2x3.5 cm round soft tissue mass in porta hepatis which increased in size from previous MRI. Simultaneously, PET scan identified a 1.5 cm thyroid mass. Calcitonin level was normal. Fine-needle aspiration was consistent with PTC. Resection of the mass and total thyroidectomy were performed with confirmation of paraganglioma S100 positive and PTC. Normetanephrines decreased to 283 (<148 pg/mL); free metanephrines remained normal. Gene mutation of EGLN1, FH, KIF1B, MEN1, NF1, RET, SDHAF2, SDHC, SDHD, TMEM127, VHL, and SDHA was negative. Conclusion. Whether paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma/PTC combination is coincidental or resulted from an underlying unknown mutation cannot be excluded.
Kernel Entropy Component Analysis with Nongreedy L1-Norm Maximization
Authors: Ji Haijin , Huang Song
Published: October 2018

Kernel entropy component analysis (KECA) is a newly proposed dimensionality reduction (DR) method, which has showed superiority in many pattern analysis issues previously solved by principal component analysis (PCA). The optimized KECA (OKECA) is a state-of-the-art variant of KECA and can return projections retaining more expressive power than KECA. However, OKECA is sensitive to outliers and accused of its high computational complexities due to its inherent properties of L2-norm. To handle these two problems, we develop a new extension to KECA, namely, KECA-L1, for DR or feature extraction. KECA-L1 aims to find a more robust kernel decomposition matrix such that the extracted features retain information potential as much as possible, which is measured by L1-norm. Accordingly, we design a nongreedy iterative algorithm which has much faster convergence than OKECA’s. Moreover, a general semisupervised classifier is developed for KECA-based methods and employed into the data classification. Extensive experiments on data classification and software defect prediction demonstrate that our new method is superior to most existing KECA- and PCA-based approaches. Code has been also made publicly available.
On the Dual Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in Human Malignancies
Authors: Calinescu Andreea , Turcu Gabriela , Nedelcu Roxana I. , Brinzea Alice , Hodorogea Anastasia , Antohe Mihaela , Diaconu Carmen , Bleotu Coralia , Pirici Daniel , Jilaveanu Lucia B. , Ion Daniela A. , Badarau Ioana A.
Published: October 2018

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a glycoprotein belonging to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family that is expressed on a wide variety of cells and holds a complex role in inflammation through its alternate splicing and generation of various isoforms, mediating intricate mechanisms of modulation and dysregulation. Initially regarded as a tumor suppressor as its expression shows considerable downregulation within the epithelia in the early phases of many solid cancers, CEACAM1 has been linked lately to the progression of malignancy and metastatic spread as various papers point to its role in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and invasion. We reviewed the literature and discussed the various expression patterns of CEACAM1 in different types of tumors, describing its structure and general biologic functions and emphasizing the most significant findings that link this molecule to poor prognosis. The importance of understanding the role of CEACAM1 in cell transformation stands not only in this adhesion molecule’s value as a prognostic factor but also in its promising premise as a potential new molecular target that could be exploited as a specific cancer therapy.
CT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A New Frontier in Cardiac Imaging
Authors: Seitun Sara , De Lorenzi Cecilia , Cademartiri Filippo , Buscaglia Angelo , Travaglio Nicole , Balbi Manrico , Bezante Gian Paolo
Published: October 2018

The past two decades have witnessed rapid and remarkable technical improvement of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in both image quality and diagnostic accuracy. These improvements include higher temporal resolution, high-definition and wider detectors, the introduction of dual-source and dual-energy scanners, and advanced postprocessing. Current new generation multidetector row (≥64 slices) CT systems allow an accurate and reliable assessment of both coronary epicardial stenosis and myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) imaging at rest and during pharmacologic stress in the same examination. This novel application makes CT the unique noninvasive “one-stop-shop” method for a comprehensive assessment of both anatomical coronary atherosclerosis and its physiological consequences. Myocardial CTP imaging can be performed with different approaches such as static arterial first-pass imaging, and dynamic CTP imaging, with their own advantages and disadvantages. Static CTP can be performed using single-energy or dual-energy CT, employing qualitative or semiquantitative analysis. In addition, dynamic CTP can obtain quantitative data of myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve. The purpose of this review was to summarize all available evidence about the emerging role of myocardial CTP to identify ischemia-associated lesions, focusing on technical considerations, clinical applications, strengths, limitations, and the more promising future fields of interest in the broad spectra of ischemic heart disease.
A Multiobjective Allocation Model for Emergency Resources That Balance Efficiency and Fairness
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Sun Baiqing
Published: October 2018

Efficiency and fairness are two important goals of disaster rescue. However, the existing models usually unilaterally consider the efficiency or fairness of resource allocation. Based on this, a multiobjective emergency resource allocation model that can balance efficiency and fairness is proposed. The object of the proposed model is to minimize the total allocating costs of resources and the total losses caused by insufficient resources. Then the particle swarm optimization is applied to solve the model. Finally, a computational example is conducted based on the emergency relief resource allocation after Ya’an earthquake in China to verify the applicability of the proposed model.
Comparative Performance Analysis of Grid-Connected PV Power Systems with Different PV Technologies in the Hot Summer and Cold Winter Zone
Authors: Li Chong
Published: October 2018

The objective of this paper is to establish the performance of 8 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power systems based on different PV module technologies in Nanjing, China. Nanjing has a hot summer and a cold winter which are considered based on monthly average solar irradiation and ambient temperature specifically for the deployment of grid-connected PV systems. The study focuses on performance assessment of grid-connected PV systems using typical PV modules made of monocrystalline silicon (m-Si), polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), edge-defined film-fed growth silicon (EFG-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film, copper indium selenide (CIS) thin film, heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT), and hydrogenated amorphous silicon single-junction (a-Si:H single-PV) installed on location. The yearly average energy output, PV module and system efficiency, array yield, final yield, reference yield, performance ratio, monthly average array capture losses, and system losses of seven PV module technologies are all analyzed. The results show that grid-connected PV power system performance depends on geographical location, PV module types, and climate conditions such as solar radiation and ambient temperature. In addition, based on energy output and efficiency, the HIT PV power technology can be considered as the best option and CdTe and p-Si as the least suitable options for this area. The monthly average performance ratio of the CdTe technology was higher than those of other technologies over the monitoring period in Nanjing.
Clinical, Genetics, and Bioinformatic Characterization of Mutations Affecting an Essential Region of PLS3 in Patients with BMND18
Authors: Chen Ting , Wu Haiying , Zhang Chenxi , Feng Jiarong , Chen Linqi , Xie Rongrong , Wang Fengyun , Chen Xiuli , Zhou Huiting , Sun Hui , Xiao Fei
Published: October 2018

Background. Bone mineral density quantitative trait locus 18 (BMND18, OMIM #300910) is a type of early-onset osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) caused by loss-of-function mutations in the PLS3 gene, which encodes plastin-3, a key protein in the formation of actin bundles throughout the cytoskeleton. Here, we report a patient with PLS3 mutation caused BMND18 and evaluated all the reported disease-causing mutations by bioinformatic analysis. Methods. Targeted gene sequencing was performed to find the disease-causing mutation in our patient. Bioinformatic analyses mainly including homology modelling and molecular dynamics stimulation were conducted to explore the impact of the previously reported mutations on plastin-3. Results. Gene sequencing showed a novel nonsense mutation (c.745G > T, p.E249X), which locates at a highly conserved region containing residues p.240–266 (LOOP-1) in the PLS3 gene. Further bioinformatic analyses of the previously reported mutations revealed that LOOP-1 is predicted to physically connect the calponin-homology 1 (CH1) and CH2 domains of the ABD1 fragment and spatially locates within the interface of ABD1 and ABD2. It is crucial to the conformation transition and actin-binding function of plastin-3. Conclusions. This report identified a novel mutation that truncates the PLS3 gene. Moreover, bioinformatic analyses of the previous reported mutations in PLS3 gene lead us to find a critical LOOP-1 region of plastin-3 mutations at which may be detrimental to the integral conformation of plastin-3 and thus affect its binding to actin filament.
Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between the APOE Gene and the Onset of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Authors: Pang Suisui , Li Jia , Zhang Yingyu , Chen Jiajun
Published: October 2018

Purpose. To clarify the relationship between certain genotypes or alleles of the APOE gene and the onset risk of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Methods. The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched to identify all case-control studies and cohort studies published before October 30, 2017, that investigated the association between the APOE gene and the onset of PDD. Manual information retrieval was also performed. All studies that met the quality requirements were included in a meta-analysis performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. The meta-analysis included 17 studies, with a total of 820 patients in the PDD group and 1,922 in the non-PDD group. The influence of the APOE gene on PDD onset was analyzed from three aspects: five genotypes vs. ε3/3, ε2+/ε4+ vs. ε3/3, and ε4+ vs. ε4−. The risk factors for PDD may include the genotypes ε3/4 (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14–1.89) and ε4/4 (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.20–7.14). In patients with PDD, there was no significant difference in the distribution of ε2+ vs. ε3/3 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97–1.87, P=0.07). The risk of PDD was 1.61 times greater in ε4+ compared with ε3/3 (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.24–2.08, P=0.0003). As the results indicated that ε2+ did not play a role as a risk factor or a protective factor, we divided the population into ε4+ and ε4− for the meta-analysis and found that, among patients with Parkinson’s disease, the dementia risk of those with ε4+ was 1.72 times greater than that of those with ε4− (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.41–2.10, P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis in accordance with different geographical regions revealed that ε4+ was a risk factor for PDD in people from all regions. Conclusions. Among the APOE genotypes, ε2+ is neither a risk factor nor a protective factor for PDD, while ε4+ is a risk factor for PDD. The present results are applicable to Asian, European, and American patients with Parkinson’s disease. Regarding the single APOE genotypes, ε3/4 and ε4/4 may be risk factors for PDD; however, further studies with large sample sizes are needed to verify this.