bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemic history of hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes in Portugal
Authors: Palladino Claudia , Ezeonwumelu Ifeanyi Jude , Marcelino Rute , Briz Verónica , Moranguinho Inês , Serejo Fátima , Velosa José Fernando , Marinho Rui Tato , Borrego Pedro , Taveira Nuno
Published: August 2018

Any successful strategy to prevent and control HCV infection requires an understanding of the epidemic behaviour among the different genotypes. Here, we performed the first characterization of the epidemic history and transmission dynamics of HCV subtypes in Portugal. Direct sequencing of NS5B was performed on 230 direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA)-treatment naïve patients in Lisbon. Phylogenetic analysis was used for subtyping and transmission cluster identification. Bayesian methods were used to reconstruct the epidemic history of HCV subtypes. Sequences were analysed for resistance-associated substitutions (RAS). The majority of strains were HCV-GT1 (62.6%), GT3 (18.3%, all subtype 3a) and GT4 (16.1%). Among GT1, the most frequent were subtypes 1a (75.5%) and 1b (24.5%). Polyphyletic patterns were found in all but 12 lineages suggesting multiple introductions of the different subtypes in this population. Five distinct epidemics were identified. The first significant HCV epidemic in Portugal occurred between 1930s and 1960s, was caused almost exclusively by GT1b and was likely associated with blood transfusions. Rapid expansion of GT3a occurred in the 1960s and GT1a in the 1980s, associated with intravenous drug use. The most recent epidemics were caused by GT4a and GT4d and seem to be associated with the resurgence of opioid use. The C316N substitution was found in 31.4% of GT1b-patients. Close surveillance of patients bearing this mutation and undergoing dasabuvir-based regimens will be important to determine its impact on treatment outcome.
MicroRNA-224 down-regulates Glycine N-methyltransferase gene expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hung Jung-Hsien , Li Chung-Hsien , Yeh Ching-Hua , Huang Pin-Cheng , Fang Cheng-Chieh , Chen Yen-Fu , Lee Kuo-Jui , Chou Chih-Hung , Cheng Hsin-Yun , Huang Hsien-Da , Chen Marcelo , Tsai Ting-Fen , Lin Anya Maan-Yuh , Yen Chia-Hung , Tsou Ann-Ping , Tyan Yu-Chang , Chen Yi-Ming Arthur
Published: August 2018

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is a tumor suppressor for HCC. It is down-regulated in HCC, but the mechanism is not fully understood. MicroRNA-224 (miR-224) acts as an onco-miR in HCC. This study is the first to investigate miR-224 targeting the coding region of GNMT transcript. The GNMT-MT plasmid containing a miR-224 binding site silent mutation of the GNMT coding sequence can escape the suppression of miR-224 in HEK293T cells. Expression of both exogenous and endogenous GNMT was suppressed by miR-224, while miR-224 inhibitor enhanced GNMT expression. miR-224 counteracts the effects of GNMT on the reduction of cell proliferation and tumor growth. The levels of miR-224 and GNMT mRNA showed a significant inverse relationship in tumor specimens from HCC patients. Utilizing CCl4-treated hepatoma cells and mice as a cell damage of inflammatory or liver injury model, we observed that the decreased expression levels of GNMT were accompanied with the elevated expression levels of miR-224 in hepatoma cells and mouse liver. Finally, hepatic AAV-mediated GNMT also reduced CCl4-induced miR-224 expression and liver fibrosis. These results indicated that AAV-mediated GNMT has potential liver protection activity. miR-224 can target the GNMT mRNA coding sequence and plays an important role in GNMT suppression during liver tumorigenesis.
Estradiol Prevents High Glucose-Induced β-cell Apoptosis by Decreased BTG2 Expression
Authors: Kooptiwut Suwattanee , Kaewin Suchada , Semprasert Namoiy , Sujjitjoon Jatuporn , Junking Mutita , Suksri Kanchana , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai
Published: August 2018

Hyperglycemia stimulates several pathways to induce pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. In our previous study by mRNA analysis, we demonstrated that B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) expression was up-regulated in INS-1 cells cultured under high glucose conditions, but this effect was reversed by estrogen. In the present study, we demonstrated that BTG2 mRNA and protein expressions in both INS-1 cells and mouse pancreatic islets increased under high glucose conditions compared to those cultured under basal glucose conditions, while in the presence of estrogen, the BTG2 mRNA and protein expressions decreased. SiRNA-BTG2 significantly reduced cell apoptosis, cleaved-caspase 3, and Bax, compared to the siRNA-control in INS-1 cultured under high glucose conditions. We further demonstrated that BTG2 promoter activity was activated under high glucose conditions whereas estrogen significantly reduced it. The effects of estrogen on BTG2 expression were inhibited by estrogen receptor inhibitors. Also, under high glucose conditions, p53 and Bax mRNA and protein expressions increased, but they decreased in the presence of estrogen. Again, the effect of estrogen on p53 and Bax expression was inhibited by estrogen receptor inhibitors. Taken together, this study demonstrates that estrogen reduces pancreatic β-cell apoptosis under high glucose conditions via suppression of BTG2, p53, and Bax expressions.
Hamming weight and tight constraints of multi-qubit entanglement in terms of unified entropy
Authors: Kim Jeong San
Published: August 2018

We establish a characterization of multi-qubit entanglement constraints in terms of non-negative power of entanglement measures based on unified-(q, s) entropy. Using the Hamming weight of the binary vector related with the distribution of subsystems, we establish a class of tight monogamy inequalities of multi-qubit entanglement based on the αth-power of unified-(q, s) entanglement for α ≥ 1. For 0 ≤ β ≤ 1, we establish a class of tight polygamy inequalities of multi-qubit entanglement in terms of the βth-power of unified-(q, s) entanglement of assistance. Thus our results characterize the monogamy and polygamy of multi-qubit entanglement for the full range of non-negative power of unified entanglement.
Rhizobacterial community structure in response to nitrogen addition varied between two Mollisols differing in soil organic carbon
Authors: Lian Tengxiang , Yu Zhenhua , Liu Junjie , Li Yansheng , Wang Guanghua , Liu Xiaobing , Herbert Stephen J. , Wu Junjiang , Jin Jian
Published: August 2018

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input to agroecosystem fundamentally alters soil microbial properties and subsequent their ecofunctions such as carbon (C) sequestration and nutrient cycling in soil. However, between soils, the rhizobacterial community diversity and structure in response to N addition is not well understood, which is important to make proper N fertilization strategies to alleviate the negative impact of N addition on soil organic C and soil quality and maintain plant health in soils. Thus, a rhizo-box experiment was conducted with soybean grown in two soils, i.e. soil organic C (SOC)-poor and SOC-rich soil, supplied with three N rates in a range from 0 to 100 mg N kg−1. The rhizospheric soil was collected 50 days after sowing and MiSeq sequencing was deployed to analyze the rhizobacterial community structure. The results showed that increasing N addition significantly decreased the number of phylotype of rhizobacteria by 12.3%, and decreased Shannon index from 5.98 to 5.36 irrespective of soils. Compared to the SOC-rich soil, the increases in abundances of Aquincolaaffiliated to Proteobacteria, andStreptomycesaffiliated to Actinobacteria were greater in the SOC-poor soil in response to N addition. An opposite trend was observed forRamlibacterbelong to Proteobacteria. These results suggest that N addition reduced the rhizobacterial diversity and its influence on rhizobacterial community structure was soil-specific.
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Marinescu George Cătălin , Popescu Roua-Gabriela , Stoian Gheorghe , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: August 2018

Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease with continuously increasing prevalence, rising financial pressure on the worldwide healthcare systems. Recently, the insulin resistance, hallmark of type 2 diabetes, was cured in mice treated with NAD+ precursor β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), no toxic effects being reported. However, NMN has a high price tag, more cost effective production methods are needed. This study proposes a biotechnological NMN production method in Escherichia coli. We show that bicistronic expression of recombinant nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (Nampt) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase in the presence of nicotinamide (NAM) and lactose may be a successful strategy for cost effective NMN production. Protein expression vectors carrying NAMPT gene from Haemophilus ducreyi and PRPP synthetase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with L135I mutation were transformed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. NMN production reached a maximum of 15.42 mg per L of bacterial culture (or 17.26 mg per gram of protein) in these cells grown in PYA8 medium supplemented with 0.1% NAM and 1% lactose.
HbA1c Measured in the First Trimester of Pregnancy and the Association with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Hinkle Stefanie N. , Tsai Michael Y. , Rawal Shristi , Albert Paul S. , Zhang Cuilin
Published: August 2018

We aimed to examine the prospective association between first trimester HbA1c and gestational diabetes (GDM) and explore the utility of HbA1c for prediction of GDM. We used data from a case-control study within the prospective NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort (2009–2013), which enrolled 2,802 women at 12 U.S. clinical centers. HbA1c was measured in GDM cases (n = 107) and matched controls (n = 214) targeted at 8–13, 16–22, 24–29, and 34–37 gestational weeks. We excluded women with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at enrollment (n = 3) or who had a hemoglobin variant (n = 6). At 8–13 gestational weeks, women who later developed GDM had significantly higher HbA1c (5.3[standard deviation 0.3]%; 34[4]mmol/mol) than women without GDM (5.1[0.3]%; 32[3] mmol/mol) (P ≤ 0.001); this difference remained significant throughout pregnancy. Each 0.1% (1 mmol/mol) HbA1c increase at 8–13 weeks was associated with an adjusted 22% increased GDM risk (95% confidence interval 1.09–1.36). First trimester HbA1c significantly improved GDM prediction over conventional risk factors (AUC 0.59 vs 0.65; P = 0.04). In conclusion, women who develop GDM may have impaired glucose homeostasis early in or prior to pregnancy, as indicated by their elevated first trimester HbA1c. First trimester HbA1c may aid in early identification of at risk women.
Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to evaluate the type and thickness of interdigitation zone band in adult Chinese
Authors: Shao Lei , Zhang Qing Lin , Zhou Ling Xiao , Xu Liang , You Qi Sheng , Wei Wen Bin
Published: August 2018

To study types and thickness of interdigitation zone band in adult Chinese subjects, we conducted a cross-sectional study. The population-based Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3468 individuals with a mean age of 64.6 ± 9.8 years. 263 people (263eyes) with a mean age of 64.8 years were randomly selected cases without macular diseases included in the study. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed including SD-OCT for measurement of the thickness of interdigitation zone band. There are two types of interdigitation zone band; the type1 which can distinguish RPE–BM complex in 170 eyes; and the Type 2 which the two layers merged involved 93 eyes. In type1, the mean thickness of the interdigitation zone band was significantly thicker in the foveal center (16.46 ± 2.92 μm), then nasal macular region (16.19 ± 2.69 μm), temporal macular region (15.73 ± 2.68 . μm), superior region (15.72 ± 2.70 μm), and inferior macular region (14.84 ± 2.63 μm) (P all < 0.05). And the mean thickness of the interdigitation zone band in the foveal center associated with the subfoveal choroidal thickness (P = 0.025) and level of education (P = 0.033). The increase in the thickness of the interdigitation zone band may play a role in the pathophysiologic features of various age-related ocular conditions.
A comparison between scalp- and source-reconstructed EEG networks
Authors: Lai Margherita , Demuru Matteo , Hillebrand Arjan , Fraschini Matteo
Published: August 2018

EEG can be used to characterise functional networks using a variety of connectivity (FC) metrics. Unlike EEG source reconstruction, scalp analysis does not allow to make inferences about interacting regions, yet this latter approach has not been abandoned. Although the two approaches use different assumptions, conclusions drawn regarding the topology of the underlying networks should, ideally, not depend on the approach. The aim of the present work was to find an answer to the following questions: does scalp analysis provide a correct estimate of the network topology? how big are the distortions when using various pipelines in different experimental conditions? EEG recordings were analysed with amplitude- and phase-based metrics, founding a strong correlation for the global connectivity between scalp- and source-level. In contrast, network topology was only weakly correlated. The strongest correlations were obtained for MST leaf fraction, but only for FC metrics that limit the effects of volume conduction/signal leakage. These findings suggest that these effects alter the estimated EEG network organization, limiting the interpretation of results of scalp analysis. Finally, this study also suggests that the use of metrics that address the problem of zero lag correlations may give more reliable estimates of the underlying network topology.
Long-wavelength-sensitive Radical Photoinitiators
Authors: Kabatc Janina
Published: August 2018

This chapter reports the application of different organic compounds as photosensitizers for selected types of co-initiators. These chromophores possess strong absorption bands at wavelengths ranging from 300 to 850 nm and are shown to facilitate photoinitiated radical polymerization of acrylates, for example 2-ethyl-(2-hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol triacrylate (TMPTA) and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), and sometimes also the cationic polymerization of epoxides. The polymerizations are initiated at room temperature by using long-wavelength visible light in the presence of borate salts, aliphatic and aromatic amines, iodonium salts, N-alkoxypyridinium salts, 1,3,5-triazine derivatives and silane compounds acting as co-initiators.
Photosynthesis of Polymeric Particles
Authors: Sangermano M. , Bazzano M.
Published: August 2018

In this chapter, we report the use of photopolymerization for the preparation of polymeric particles. By using emulsion polymerization, which can be activated photochemically rather than thermally, there is the possibility to control the morphology of the particles, going from full particles to polymeric capsules, by promoting a phase separation during polymerization starting from a polymerizing monomer in a dispersed hydrocarbon–monomer mixture. Aerosol photopolymerization was suggested as an alternative to emulsion polymerization. The aerosol technique was proposed either for the synthesis of full particles or polymeric particles with different geometry, by changing the ratio between the good and bad solvent. Both radical and cationic UV-induced polymerization have been exploited in aerosol photopolymerization processes. Finally, some reports on the use of microfluidic devices for the preparation of polymeric particles are also presented, in which the geometry of the devices plays an important role in the synthesis of particles with unusual morphology.
NIR Light for Initiation of Photopolymerization
Authors: Schmitz Christian , Oprych Dennis , Kutahya Ceren , Strehmel Bernd
Published: August 2018

NIR light represents an interesting alternative for initiating both radical and cationic polymerization. It also offers the opportunity to provide non-radiative heat generated by the NIR sensitizer, resulting in initiation of physical processes, such as melting of powder coatings or decreasing the viscosity of liquids, which is needed to improve the spreading on certain substrates. This was concluded from the photophysical data of the NIR absorbers/sensitizers (cyanines). Generation of initiation species such as radicals and acidic cations follows both a phototonic and a thermally activated route, indicating the hybrid function of such photoinitiator systems. Iodonium salts with low coordinating anions function well as co-initiators/acceptors. Alternatively, upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) and upconversion phosphors represent an interesting alternative since these materials possess the capability to convert absorbed NIR laser light either into visible or UV light, resulting in excitation of the respective photoinitiator systems. Computer-to-plate (CtP) technology applying digital imaging of lithographic plates has mostly benefited from development of NIR-sensitized photopolymerization. Pioneering work was additionally pursued to cure both radical- and cationic-polymerizable multifunctional monomers. Formation of acidic cations was probed with Rhodamine B lactone. The curing of powder coatings applying NIR lasers instead of ovens can be seen as a breakthrough in the entire field of coatings. In addition, NIR photopolymerization can be applied for tailor-made synthesis of copolymers exhibiting a small polydispersity following the route of photo ATRP.
Facile dynamic one-step modular assembly based on boronic acid-diol for construction of a micellar drug delivery system
Authors: Zhao Zekai , Zhang Ying , Tian Chunli , Yin Tingjie , Zhang Can
Published: August 2018

This study reports a facile and dynamic one-step modular assembly strategy based on boronic acid-diol for constructing focus-responsive micellar drug delivery systems.
The impact of nitrogen gas flushing on the stability of seasonings: volatile compounds and sensory perception of cheese & onion seasoned potato crisps
Authors: Agarwal Deepa , Mui Lim , Aldridge Emma , Mottram Richard , McKinney James , Fisk Ian D.
Published: August 2018

Flavoured potato crisps is the UK's most consumed snack food product. Addition of N2gas flushing extended shelf life by 2 weeks and the addition of seasoning further enhanced the shelf life of the base crisps by 2 weeks under accelerated conditions.
Examining the homeostatic distribution of metals and Zn isotopes in Göttingen minipigs
Authors: Mahan Brandon , Moynier Frédéric , Jørgensen Arne Lund , Habekost Mette , Siebert Julien
Published: August 2018

For the first time, the distribution of Zn isotopes and numerous bio-metals has been measured in minipig organs and blood (anatomical diagram © IPGP).
Preparation of novel two-stage structure MnO micrometer particles as lithium-ion battery anode materials
Authors: Pei Xian-Yinan , Mo Dong-Chuan , Lyu Shu-Shen , Zhang Jian-Hui , Fu Yuan-Xiang
Published: August 2018

MnO micrometer particles with a two-stage structure (composed of mass nanoparticles) were produced via a one-step hydrothermal method using histidine and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as reagents, with subsequent calcination in a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere.
Transition-metal-free base catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 2-ynylphenols for efficient and facile synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]furans
Authors: Liu Yong , Lu Tao , Tang Wei-Fang , Gao Jian
Published: August 2018

An efficient and practical transition-metal-free synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]furans catalyzed by readily accessible base was developed with broad substrates scope.
Coherent nanoscale cobalt/cobalt oxide heterostructures embedded in porous carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Xue-Cheng , She Fa-Shuang , Shen Dong , Liu Chao-Ping , Chen Li-Hua , Li Yu , Deng Zhao , Chen Zhen-Hua , Wang Hong-En
Published: August 2018

Cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are crucial for fuel cells and metal–air batteries.
Effects of calcination and pretreatment temperatures on the catalytic activity and stability of H2-treated WO3/SiO2 catalysts in metathesis of ethylene and 2-butene
Authors: Gayapan Krittidech , Sripinun Sirada , Panpranot Joongjai , Praserthdam Piyasan , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: August 2018

The effects of calcination and pretreatment temperatures of the H2-treated WO3/SiO2 catalysts in metathesis of ethylene and 2-butene to propylene.
Continuous and rapid fabrication of photochromic fibers by facilely coating tungsten oxide/polyvinyl alcohol composites
Authors: Ling Zhongwen , Liu Kang , Zou Qi , Li Qingsong , Zhang Ke-Qin , Cui Zheng , Yuan Wei , Liu Yuqing
Published: August 2018

Photochromic fibers have attracted great attention due to their wide use in areas of military camouflage, safety warnings, anti-counterfeiting, entertainment, etc.
Livin participates in resistance to trastuzumab therapy for breast cancer through ERK1/2 and AKT pathways and promotes EMT-like phenotype
Authors: Li Fan , Zhang Lu , Feng Fan , Zheng Ke , Li YuJing , Wang TieLin , Ren GuoSheng
Published: August 2018

Trastuzumab resistance has emerged as a major issue in anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) therapy for breast cancers.
General patchy ellipsoidal particle model for the aggregation behaviors of shape- and/or surface-anisotropic building blocks
Authors: Li Zhan-Wei , Zhu You-Liang , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: August 2018

We present a general patchy ellipsoidal particle model suitable for conducting dynamics simulations of the aggregation behaviors of various shape- and/or surface-anisotropic colloids, especially patchy ellipsoids with continuously variable shape and tunable patchiness.
Robust synthesis of ultrathin Au–Ag nanowires as a high-surface-area, synergistic substrate for constructing efficient Pt-based catalysts
Authors: Zhang Shumeng , Zhang Lei , Liu Zhaojun , Liu Moxuan , Fan Qikui , Liu Kai , Gao Chuanbo
Published: August 2018

Ultrathin Au–Ag alloy nanowires were synthesized using a novel Ag-halide capping effect for atomic deposition of Pt for catalytic applications.
Linking surface chemistry to photovoltage in Sr-substituted LaFeO3 for water oxidation
Authors: Stoerzinger Kelsey A. , Wang Le , Ye Yifan , Bowden Mark , Crumlin Ethan J. , Du Yingge , Chambers Scott A.
Published: August 2018

Perovskite oxides are promising materials for photoabsorbers and electrocatalysts for solar-driven water oxidation.
Compact tunable low‐pass to CFBW bandpass switchable filter using concentric resonators
Authors: Kumar Nagendra , Singh Yatendra Kumar
Published: August 2018

A tunable low‐pass to bandpass switchable filter is presented in this study. The proposed structure consists of two concentric resonators. Along with varactors, outer resonator is also loaded with a PIN diode switch. The switching conditions of the PIN diode – OFF lead to a low‐pass filter (LPF) and ON lead to a bandpass filter. At the ON condition of the switch, the outer resonator behaves as two resonators which are coupled to each other through two ways – inductively coupled through via hole and capacitively coupled through the varactor loaded between the resonators. The coupling coefficients between the two grounded resonators are controlled using varactors to achieve constant fractional bandwidth (CFBW) tunability. The third CFBW tunable band with bandpass characteristic having three transmission zeros across the passband is achieved using inductively coupled inner resonators. A filter is designed, simulated and fabricated. The response shows a tunable LPF having a tuning range of 0.55–1.4 GHz. One tunable CFBW bandpass response with a tuning range of 0.850–1.25 GHz is achieved with a CFBW of 64%. The third tunable band with bandpass filtering behaviour is achieved with a tunable range of 1.04–1.6 GHz with a CFBW of 13.4%.
Review on FRT solutions for improving transient stability in DFIG‐WTs
Authors: Rini Ann Jerin Amalorpavaraj , Kaliannan Palanisamy , Subramaniam Umashankar , Shawky El Moursi Mohammed
Published: August 2018

Fault‐ride‐through (FRT) is an imperative capability in wind turbines (WTs) to ensure grid security and transient stability. However, doubly fed induction generator‐based WTs (DFIG‐WTs) are susceptible to disturbances in grid voltage, and therefore require supplementary protection to ensure nominal operation. The recent amendments in grid code requirements to ensure FRT capability has compelled this study of various FRT solutions. Therefore, for improving FRT capability in pre‐installed WTs, re‐configuration using external retrofit‐based solutions is more suitable and generally adapted. The most relevant external solutions based on retrofitting available are classified as (a) protection circuit and storage‐based methods and (b) flexible alternating current transmission system‐based reactive power injection methods. However, for new DFIG‐WT installations, internal control modification of rotor‐side converter (RSC) and grid‐side converter (GSC) controls are generally preferred. The solutions based on modifications in RSC and GSC control of DFIG‐WT are classified as (a) traditional control techniques and (b) advanced control techniques. This study ensures to curate and compare the FRT solutions available based on external retrofitting‐based solutions and internal control modifications. Also, the future trends in FRT augmentation of DFIG‐WTs are discussed in this study.
Surfactant‐enhanced spectrofluorimetric detection after magnetic nanoparticles‐based micro‐solid‐phase extraction coupled with dispersive liquid–liquid micro‐extraction for determination of ciprofloxacin in human plasma
Authors: Rastegar Hossein , Dadgarnejad Manouchehr , Zolfaghari Fatemeh , Taherimaslak Zohreh , Amoli‐Diva Mitra
Published: August 2018

A sensitive and fast micro‐solid‐phase extraction (μ‐SPE) coupled with dispersive liquid–liquid micro‐extraction (DLLME) was reported before micelle enhanced spectrofluorimetric detection for determination of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in human plasma samples. The DLLME was performed using methanol as disperser and 1‐octanol as extracting solvent. Oleic acid‐modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (as hydrophobic adsorbents) were applied in μ‐SPE step to extract the analyte from DLLME procedure. The method uses the advantageous of high surface area and strong superparamagnetism of these nanoparticles to many avoid labourhood column/cartridge‐passing processes of traditional SPE. The major parameters affecting signal enhancement and analyte recovery were evaluated and optimised. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curve (with calibration equation of If = 2.5826 C + 10.273) was linear in the range 0.5–600 μg L−1 (R 2 = 0.997) with low limit of detection of 0.21 µg L−1 and limit of quantification of 0.63 µg L−1. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions (as relative standard deviation) were in the range of 1.01–1.67% and high recoveries in the range of 93.5–102.4% were obtained. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is easy, low cost, and accurate. In addition, it confirms that choosing extraction solvent was not restricted to the high‐density solvents which can extent the versatility of DLLME.
Joints dynamic identification and modeling based on FRFs data
Authors: Dong Guanhua , Wu Wei , Zhou Jianhui
Published: August 2018

The problem of joints dynamic identification and modeling is discussed in this paper. The theoretical dynamic model of joints is established by FRFs (frequency response functions) data, and formulas for identifying the joints dynamic properties is deduced. The equivalent value of dynamic stiffness is extracted by solving the inconsistent equation using the least square method. The experimental example is provided to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method, the predicted result showing good fitting with experimental results.
Computational study of bacterial depolymerization process of xenobiotic polymer
Authors: Watanabe Masaji , Kawai Fusako
Published: August 2018

This study shows an efficient applicability of computational techniques to analyses of microbial depolymerisation process. Microorganisms were cultivated in a culture media in which a polymer was a sole carbon source, and weight distributions before and after cultivation were introduced into inverse analysis for a molecular factor and a time factor of a degradation rate. An inverse problem for two parameter values associated with the time factor was solved numerically. Once the molecular factor and the time factor were given, microbial depolymerization process was simulated.
Ensemble probability distribution for novelty detection
Authors: Qiao Xiaoshuang , Wang Hui , Guo Gongde , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2018

This paper explores a new ensemble approach called Ensemble Probability Distribution Novelty Detection (EPDND) for novelty detection. The proposed ensemble approach provides a metric to characterize different classes. Experimental results on 4 real-world datasets show that EPDND exhibits competitive overall performance to the other two common novelty detection approaches - Support Vector Domain Description and Gaussian Mixed Models in terms of accuracy, recall and F1 scores in many cases.
From Cloud Computing to Fog Computing (C2F): The key technology provides services in health
care big data
Authors: Hayat Malik Babur , Nawaz Cheema Sadaf , Iqbal Iqra , Mahmood Yasar , Ali Majid , Mudasser Ahmad
Published: August 2018

Because of the broad utilization of web-based social networking, data is produces by the fast increment. Big Data is giving the office to accumulate, store, oversee and examine information in colossal volume that is produced through the healthcare system. Cloud Computing is an advancement too that insures the fulfillment of IT requirements in a suitable way by providing the cloud-based environment for medical field. Storage is an immense issue for BD, volume of data is huge, this issue may resolve with the help of cloud computing by providing the storage space for data and processing mechanism as well. This paper presents these thoughts with respects to medicinal services. It tells regarding the points of interest, yet in addition challenges conveyed by Big Data to this field. It additionally talks about the idea of fog computing, some advantages of edge computing on cloud computing and deliberate the architecture of fog computing for healthcare and services provides by that architecture.
Dynamic modeling and control method of a new concept wing-disk aircraft
Authors: Hong Da , Zhu Jihong
Published: August 2018

The research aimed at a new layout wing-disk solar aircraft concept with several wings around the disc fuselage, select coordinates and variables adaptively for the new dynamic subject, and establish dynamic model, using blade element momentum theory and CFD value for correction. Design the flight control strategy and controller constraint relations, put forward the method of control allocation and manipulation, and use nonlinear dynamic inversion control method aimed at the transverse and longitudinal coupling, serious nonlinear characteristics, and adds integral element as a robust dynamic inverse control to deal with the poor performance of previous method, and simulate to validate the control design.
Application of microservice architecture in cloud environment project development
Authors: Zheng Ling , Wei Bo
Published: August 2018

With the development of the information age, business systems are becoming more and more complex. System development and maintenance are facing huge challenges. In response to this problem, aunified application development platform based on the microservice architecture is proposed.Compared with the traditional single-architecture architecture, the microservices architecture can split a large and complex application system into a series of service modules that can be independently developed, tested, deployed, operated, and upgraded. This enables the application expansion and application reduction for a large number of Internet companies. Developing complexity and implementing agile development provide more effective methods. This article through a detailed case analysis - the development of the cloud platform system, describes the specific application of the microservice architecture in the actual project development, and discusses the advantages of the traditional single architecture model for the service architecture to build the system. Through research and analysis, it is concluded that the microservice architecture has certain guiding significance for solving problems that may be encountered in enterprise-level applications.
A novel design of algorithm and framework for decentralized CFAR signal detection without prior information
Authors: Wang Nan , Xu Yunshan , Xia Haibao , Wang Jundi
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a fusion detection algorithm that focuses on decentralized CFAR (Constant False Alarm Rate) signal detection problem without prior information is proposed. In the algorithm, the threshold and test statistic of the detection fusion algorithm derive from the conventional CFAR detection method. At last a framework for decentralized CFAR signal detection is designed corresponding to the fusion algorithm. Simulation results illustrate that an almost optimal detection performance is obtained by the proposed algorithm.
The integration research of pre-multicast method and adaptive routing protocol with random network coding based on the OMNeT++ platform
Authors: Nie Qing , Song Kai , Gao Fei
Published: August 2018

In this paper, both the pre-multicast method and the adaptive routing protocol are proposed. The random network coding with these protocols are not only more stable and reliable, but also improves the utilization of network resources. According to the function of the nodes in the network, this paper establishes the source node model, the intermediate node model and the sink node model based on the OMNeT++ simulation platform. In particular, in this paper, both pre-multicast and adaptive routing modules are combined in the node model. By the simulation, using or not using both pre-multicast module and adaptive routing module in the network transmission module, the network transmission reliability is analyzed. The network performance, such as delay and effective throughput, is evaluated to verify the expected results. Because the designed node models are independent of each other, they can be applied to most real network topologies. Researchers can also modify a module of a model or improve an algorithm to achieve more complex functions according to their own needs.
Deep neural network for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems without cyclic prefix transmission
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Hung , Nguyen Minh-Tuan , Kim Yong-Hwa
Published: August 2018

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is widely used in wired or wireless transmission systems. In the structure of OFDM, a cycle prefix (CP) has been exploited to avoid the effects of inter-symbol interference (ISI) and inter-carrier interference (ICI). This paper proposes a new approach to transmit the signals without CP transmission. Using the deep neural network, the proposed OFDM system transmits data without the CP. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can estimate the CP at the receiver and overcome the effect of ISI.
Cuckoo search algorithm for multi-objective supply chain problem
Authors: Elkazzaz Fathy , Mahmoud Abdelmageed , Maher Ali
Published: August 2018

A meta-heuristic algorithm called, the cuckoo search algorithm is proposed in dealing with the multi-objective supply chain model to find the optimum configuration of a given supply chain problem which minimizes the total cost and the total lead-time. The supply chain problem utilized in this study is taken from literature to show the performance of the proposed model; in addition, the results have been compared to those achieved by the bee colony optimization algorithm and genetic algorithm. Those obtained results indicate that the proposed cuckoo search algorithm is able to get better Pareto solutions (non-dominated set) for the supply chain problem.
Detection of fraudulent users in P2P financial
market
Authors: Wang Hao
Published: August 2018

Financial fraud detection is one of the core technological assets of Fintech companies. It saves tens of millions of money from Chinese Fintech companies since the bad loan rate is more than 10%. HC Financial Service Group is the 3rd largest company in the Chinese P2P financial market. In this paper we illustrate how we tackle the fraud detection problem at HC Financial. We utilize two powerful workhorses in the machine learning field - random forest and gradient boosting decision tree to detect fraudulent users. We demonstrate that by carefully select features and tune model parameters, we could effectively filter out fraudulent users in the P2P market.
Study on malachite green residue detection system
Authors: Shen Tong , Zhou Tong , Wan Ying , Su Yan
Published: August 2018

In this work, a malachite green residue detection system for aquaculture monitoring was established. The system includes a new method based on DNA adapter body of malachite green sensor, a handheld electrochemical detector, and the combination of the two, which constitute a set of high performance, convenient and portable malachite green residue detection system. According to the experimental results, the detection of this system is range from 1.0 x 10-3ng . ml-1 to 10ng . mi-1. Hence, the detection system proposed in this paper can meet the accuracy convenience and quick detection of malachite green residue in aquatic products water.
A two-layer framework for activity recognition with multi-factor activity pheromone matrix
Authors: Xu Liwen , Wang Guoli , Guo Xuemei
Published: August 2018

With rapid population aging and increasingly indoor sensing technologies, mining effective information in sensor data is in need that we can analyse individual behaviour semantics, or even predict intentions. The model for indoor activity recognition (AR) is usually based on statistic while sensor data can impliedly reflect abundant information in order. Behaviour will trigger environment perception sensors. Inspired by information transmission in nature, persistent action keeps activity pheromone accumulating and inactive action keeps it volatilizing along with time shift. Different from statistic model, our framework proposes a method to construct multi factor features named activity pheromone matrix (APM). It has a double-layer model for recognizing daily activities include the high-overlapping. The experimental results show that our method can effectively promote the accuracy of activities recognition compared with the existing statistical models, even the high-overlapping activities in small areas.
A learning-based system for predicting sport injuries
Authors: Liu Guangying , Sun Hua , Bai Wanjian , Li Hongmei , Ren Zhigang , Zhang Zhongde , Yu Lingxia
Published: August 2018

In the big data era, learning-based techniques have attracted more and more attentions in many industry areas. The sport injury prediction is one of the most critical issues in data analysis of soccer teams.However, learning-based methods have not been widely used due to the poor data quality and computational capacity. In this paper, we propose a learning-based model to forecast sport injuries according to the data from various information systems. We first reduce the attributes that have significant impact on the injury risk by using learning-based methods.Then, we provide an algorithm based on the random forest method to prevent the over-fitting problem. We have evaluated the proposed model with the real-world data. The experimental results show that our model works efficiently and achieves low error rates.
An improvement of FP-Growth association rule mining algorithm based on adjacency table
Authors: Yin Ming , Wang Wenjie , Liu Yang , Jiang Dan
Published: August 2018

FP-Growth algorithm is an association rule mining algorithm based on frequent pattern tree (FP-Tree), which doesn’t need to generate a large number of candidate sets. However, constructing FP-Tree requires two scansof the original transaction database and the recursive mining of FP-Tree to generate frequent itemsets. In addition, the algorithm can’t work effectively when the dataset is dense. To solve the problems of large memory usage and low time-effectiveness of data mining in this algorithm, this paper proposes an improved algorithm based on adjacency table using a hash table to store adjacency table, which considerably saves the finding time. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has good performance especially for mining frequent itemsets in dense data sets.
Medical image fusion based on variational and nonlinear structure tensor
Authors: Wang Xiaobei , Nie Rencan , Guo Xiaopeng
Published: August 2018

Medical image fusion plays an important role in detection and treatment of disease. Although numerous medical image fusion methods have been proposed, most of them decrease the contrast and lose the image information. In this paper, a novel MRI and CT image fusion method is proposed combining rolling guidance filter, structure tensor, and nonsubsampled shearlet transform (NSST). First, the rolling guidance filter and the sum-modified laplacian (SML) operator are introduced in the algorithm to construct the weight maps in non-linear domain, then the fused gradient is firstly obtained by a new weighted structure tensor fusion method, and the fused image is firstly acquired in NSST domain, finally, a new energy functional is defined to constrain the gradient and pixel information of the final fused image close to the pre-fused gradient and the pre-fused image, experimental results show that the proposed method can retain the edge information of source images effectively and preserve the reduction of contrast.
Gray-Edge-HOG feature based cascaded learning for facial landmark detection
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Wang Wentong , Zhao Shuang , Sun Bin
Published: August 2018

Compared with the traditional statistical models, such as the active shape model and the active appearance model, the facial feature point localization method based on deep learning has improved in accuracy and speed, but there still exist some problems. First, when the traditional deep neural network model targets a data set containing different face poses, it only performs the preprocessing through the initialized face alignment, and does not consider the regularity of the distribution of the feature points corresponding to the face pose during feature extraction. Secondly, the traditional deep neural network model does not take into account the feature space differences caused by the different position distribution of the external contour points and internal organ points (such as eyes, nose and mouth), resulting in inconsistent detection accuracy and difficulty of different feature points. In order to solve the above problems this paper proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on grayedge-HOG (GEH) fusion feature.
Take-off characteristics for NACA 4612 aerofoil in a twin-wing configuration with optimum angles of attack
Authors: Witcher Kenneth L. , McAndrew Ian R. , Vishnevskaya Elena
Published: August 2018

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are used generally at low levels and speeds. The research reported in this article investigates the possible use of twin-wing designs for higher altitudes with a focus on the possible lift capable for either short runways or high payloads. The wing aerofoil and unique Angles of Attack, AoA, are set 5o on the upper wing and 10o on the lower. There is a positive upper wing stagger of 50% of the chord length at height separation of 1 chord. These parameters have been established from previous research and this research investigates how they generate lift at take-off and what lift and drag properties exist. It also determines if these parameters are in-line with those for high altitude flight.
Evaluating the impact of NextGen‘s air traffic system on aviation security
Authors: Weiland LV , Wei G
Published: August 2018

Networked Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) opened the gate to digital National Airspace System (NAS) in cyberspace. Air traffic improvements from NextGen system, accompanied by the risk of long-standing cyberattack issue in information technology industry became an increasingly challenging matter to the aviation community and Air Traffic Management (ATM), as cybersecurity challenges in the NextGen system could affect NextGen's principle assurance of safety and security in air transportation. The technological shift of NAS infrastructure from traditional radar-based systems to networking system of systems leads to a review, revision and redefinition of current policies, standards regelations, cultures and norm to reflect and mitigate new risks. Through analysing reports, regulations, standards, practices, recommendations from government and industry, the researchers analyse security impacts to NextGen; the risk of a cybersecurity incidents; and regulations to identify most effective and efficient control measures over information systems in ATM, and direction to further research.
Simulation and modeling of high voltage DC to AC PWM inverter for electrostatic generator
Authors: Motakabber S. M. A. , Wahidur Rahman M. , Ibn Ibrahimy Muhammad
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a single-phase DC to AC inverter for ESG (electrostatic generators) that may be used in the household’s application. The electrostatic generators were developed a while ago and remained abandoned for a long time. Now, as the modern technology advanced, it’s time to utilize the ESG to power generation. A pulse width modulation (PWM) based high voltage DC to AC inverter is a suitable system for converting the EGS high electrostatic DC voltage into standard 50Hz, 220V(rms) AC. The PWM technique is used to control the inverter switches to create a pulse width modulated bi-phase square wave signal. A lowpass LC filter has been utilized to remove the higher harmonic frequencies and which is capable to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) around 3.5%. The proposed model showed the overall system performance in terms of efficiency is 95%. To use ESG, this inverter is an easy and cost-effective electrical device. From the result, it is observed that the output voltage of the proposed inverter is greatly improved compared to the other inverter circuits.
Optimizing the focal laws of ultrasonic arrays for non-destructive evaluation of composite panels with delamination
Authors: Achbal Mariam , Khamlichi Abdellatif , El Khannoussi Fadoua
Published: August 2018

The use of ultrasonic arrays in the field of non-destructive evaluation of composites is a recent technique. This method offers the possibility to achieve fast inspection of components having complex geometries. As compared with the single element transducers, arrays configuration yields more effective detection of defects. However, to achieve adequate imaging by ultrasonic array elements, each element should be excited according to a specific sequence which is called the focal law. At each instant a subset of the array elements is activated and the incident waves are better directed to scattered at the defect. The reflected signals can then be more intensified. In this work, two-dimensional approximation of wave propagation problem was supposed. Array elements with linear geometry and with the elements assumed to be fully coupled with the composite panel were considered. A delamination defect was inserted between the plies of the composite panel at a given depth. The forward model enabling to simulate ultrasonic array data was built by means of the FEM. As each focal position requires a different focal law that fixes a proper protocol of excitation and reception, synthesis of these focal laws was studied. Optimization of signal focalization and reception as function of the delamination extent was achieved.