bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External electric field effect on the binding energy of a hydrogenic donor impurity in InGaAsP/InP concentric double quantum rings
Authors: Hu Min , Wang Hailong , Gong Qian , Wang Shumin
Published: March 2018

Within the framework of effective-mass envelope-function theory, the ground state binding energy of a hydrogenic donor impurity is calculated in the InGaAsP/InP concentric double quantum rings (CDQRs) using the plane wave method. The effects of geometry, impurity position, external electric field and alloy composition on binding energy are considered. It is shown that the peak value of the binding energy appears in two rings with large gap as the donor impurity moves along the radial direction. The binding energy reaches the peak value at the center of ring height when the donor impurity moves along the axial direction. The binding energy shows nonlinear variation with the increase of ring height. With the external electric field applied along the z-axis, the binding energy of the donor impurity located at z[Formula: see text] decreases while that located at z[Formula: see text] increases. In addition, the binding energy decreases with increasing Ga composition, but increases with the increasing As composition.
Effect of strain on the electronic structure and optical properties of germanium
Authors: Wen Shumin , Zhao Chunwang , Li Jijun , Hou Qingyu
Published: March 2018

The effects of biaxial strain parallel to the (001) plane on the electronic structures and optical properties of Ge are calculated using the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory. The screened-exchange local-density approximation function was used to obtain more reliable band structures, while strain was changed from −4% to [Formula: see text]4%. The results show that the bandgap of Ge decreases with the increase of strain. Ge becomes a direct-bandgap semiconductor when the tensile strain reaches to 2%, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The density of electron states of strained Ge becomes more localized. The tensile strain can increase the static dielectric constant distinctly, whereas the compressive strain can decrease the static dielectric constant slightly. The strain makes the absorption band edge move toward low energy. Both the tensile strain and compressive strain can significantly increase the reflectivity in the range from 7 eV to 14 eV. The tensile strain can decrease the optical conductivity, but the compressive strain can increase the optical conductivity significantly.
Pressure-induced phase transition in titanium alloys
Authors: Murugeswari R. , Rajeswarapalanichamy R. , Benial A. Milton Franklin
Published: March 2018

The structural, elastic, magnetic and electronic properties of titanium-based ferromagnetic (FM) TiX (X = Fe, Co, Ni) alloys are investigated by the first principles calculations based on density functional theory using the Vienna ab initio simulation code. At ambient pressure, all the three alloys TiFe, TiCo and TiNi are highly stable in CsCl structure. The calculated lattice parameters and ground state properties are in good agreement with the available theoretical and experimental results. The density of states explains that these alloys possess the metallic nature at normal and high pressures. A pressure-induced structural phase transitions from CsCl to NaCl phase at 46 GPa and NaCl to ZB phase at 49 GPa in TiFe, CsCl to ZB phase in TiCo at 52 GPa, CsCl to hexagonal phase at 22 GPa and hexagonal to ZB phase at 66 GPa in TiNi are observed. The calculated Debye temperatures of TiX (X = Fe, Co, Ni) alloys are in good agreement with earlier reports. Binding energy shows that the TiCo is the most stable alloy. The magnetic property of TiX (X = Fe, Co, Ni) alloys reveals that TiFe is stable in nonmagnetic phase and the other two alloys, TiCo and TiNi, are stable in FM phase at normal pressure.
Pseudo-Pitchfork Bifurcation of Feasible Regions in Power Systems
Authors: Jiang Chu-Yang , Chiang Hsiao-Dong
Published: March 2018

Local bifurcations occur in power systems, causing changes in power system dynamic behaviors. These local bifurcations include the saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, and structure-induced bifurcation. This paper presents a new type of bifurcation that can occur in the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. This new type of bifurcation, termed pseudo-pitchfork bifurcation, involves bifurcations of the feasible components of the OPF problem and the disappearance of local optimal power flow solutions. The main features of this special type of bifurcation are demonstrated on several power systems with different loading condition parameters and different constraint parameters. Then the computation consideration and physical meaning of the pseudo-pitchfork bifurcation are roughly discussed. It is also demonstrated that a pseudo-pitchfork bifurcation occurring between feasible components can help us interpret the loss or birth of optimal power flow solutions and can lead to powerful numerical methods for computing high-quality optimal power flow solutions.
In Search of Determinism-Sensitive Region to Avoid Artefacts in Recurrence Plots
Authors: Wendi Dadiyorto , Marwan Norbert , Merz Bruno
Published: March 2018

As an effort to reduce parameter uncertainties in constructing recurrence plots, and in particular to avoid potential artefacts, this paper presents a technique to derive artefact-safe region of parameter sets. This technique exploits both deterministic (incl. chaos) and stochastic signal characteristics of recurrence quantification (i.e. diagonal structures). It is useful when the evaluated signal is known to be deterministic. This study focuses on the recurrence plot generated from the reconstructed phase space in order to represent many real application scenarios when not all variables to describe a system are available (data scarcity). The technique involves random shuffling of the original signal to destroy its original deterministic characteristics. Its purpose is to evaluate whether the determinism values of the original and the shuffled signal remain closely together, and therefore suggesting that the recurrence plot might comprise artefacts. The use of such determinism-sensitive region shall be accompanied by standard embedding optimization approaches, e.g. using indices like false nearest neighbor and mutual information, to result in a more reliable recurrence plot parameterization.
A Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Information Entropy
Authors: Ye Guodong , Pan Chen , Huang Xiaoling , Zhao Zhenyu , He Jianqing
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes an image encryption algorithm based on a chaotic map and information entropy. Unlike Fridrich’s structure, the proposed method contains permutation, modulation, and diffusion (PMD) operations. This method avoids the shortcoming in traditional schemes of strictly shuffling the pixel positions before diffusion encryption. Information entropy is employed to influence the generation of the keystream. The initial keys used in the permutation and diffusion stages interact with each other. As a result, the algorithm acts as an indivisible entity to enhance security. Experimental results and security analyses demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithm as a secure and effective communication method for images.
Rich Sliding Motion and Dynamics in a Filippov Plant-Disease System
Authors: Chen Can , Chen Xi
Published: March 2018

In order to reduce the spread of plant diseases and maintain the number of infected trees below an economic threshold, we choose the number of infected trees and the number of susceptible plants as the control indexes on whether to implement control strategies. Then a Filippov plant-disease model incorporating cutting off infected branches and replanting susceptible trees is proposed. Based on the theory of Filippov system, the sliding mode dynamics and conditions for the existence of all the possible equilibria and Lotka–Volterra cycles are presented. We find that model solutions ultimately approach the positive equilibrium that lies in the region above the infected threshold value [Formula: see text], or the periodic trajectories that lie in the region below [Formula: see text], or the pseudo-attractor [Formula: see text], as we vary the susceptible and infected threshold values. It indicates that the plant-disease transmission is tolerable if the trajectories approach [Formula: see text] or the periodic trajectories lie in the region below [Formula: see text]. Hence an acceptable level of the number of infected trees can be achieved when the susceptible and infected threshold values are chosen appropriately.
The Existence and Bifurcation of Peakon and Anti-Peakon to the n-Degree b-Equation
Authors: Yang Jiaopeng , Li Zongguang , Liu Zhengrong
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study the existence and bifurcation of peakon and anti-peakon to the [Formula: see text]-degree [Formula: see text]-equation with [Formula: see text] and positive integer [Formula: see text]. Using qualitative theory and bifurcation method of dynamical systems, for positive wave speed we confirm the following properties:

(1) When [Formula: see text], the equation has peakon, but no anti-peakon. (2) When [Formula: see text], the equation has not only peakon but also anti-peakon. There is a bifurcation wave speed for peakon and anti-peakon. (3) When [Formula: see text] is even, there exists a maximum wave speed for peakon. (4) When [Formula: see text] is odd, there is no maximum wave speed for peakon.
A Three-Dimensional Pedestrian–Structure Interaction Model for General Applications
Authors: Gao Yan-An , Yang Qing-Shan , Dong Yun
Published: March 2018

A three-dimensional (3D) pedestrian–structure interaction (PSI) system based on the biomechanical bipedal model is presented for general applications. The pedestrian is modeled by a bipedal mobile system with one lump mass and two compliant legs, which comprise damping and spring elements. The continuous gaits of the pedestrian are maintained by a self-driven walking kinetic energy, which is a new driven mechanism for the mobile unit. This self-driven mechanism enables the pedestrian to operate at a varying total energy level, as an important component for further modeling of the crowd-structure dynamic interaction. Numerical studies show that the pedestrian walking on the structure leads to a reduction in the natural frequency, but an increase in the damping ratio of the structure. This model can also reproduce the reaction forces between the feet and structure, similar to those measured in the field. In addition, the proposed model can well describe the 3D pedestrian–structure dynamic interaction. It is recommended for use in further study of more complicated scenarios such as the dynamic interaction between a large scale kinetic crowd and slender footbridge.
In-Plane Free Vibration of Circular and Annular FG Disks
Authors: Yang Y. , Kou K. P. , Lam C. C.
Published: March 2018

The analysis of the in-plane free vibration of the circular and annular FG disks by a meshfree boundary-domain integral equation method is presented in this paper. The material properties of the disks are assumed to vary in the radial direction obeying an exponential law. Based on the two-dimensional linear elastic theory, the motion equations of the FG disks are derived by using the static fundamental solutions. Radial integration method as an efficient tool is adopted to treat the domain integrals which are raised due to the material inhomogeneous and inertial effects. The natural frequencies and associate mode shapes are calculated for the FG disks with combinations of free and clamped boundary conditions. Parametric studies are also conducted to study the effects of the material gradients, radius ratios and boundary conditions on the frequency of the FG disks.
New insights about the self-aggregation of benzoporphyrin derivatives: A theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Cesar Gabriel B. , Pellosi Diogo S. , Vanzin Douglas , Gonçalves Renato S. , Caetano Wilker , Hioka Noboru , Tessaro André L.
Published: March 2018

The self-aggregation process and its overcoming remain a barrier for the employment of many molecules as photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The B-ring isomer co-produced during the synthesis of the Verteporfin[Formula: see text] (A-ring) is an example. Although both isomers possess similar in vitro/in vivo efficiency, the strong and not well-understood self-aggregation process of the B-ring derivative impairs its clinical use. This paper reports the use of theoretical calculus and its correlation with experimental analysis to find the main differences between the A and B-ring isomers. For that purpose, micelles of Pluronic[Formula: see text] P-123 and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate were chosen as simple membrane models and possible drug delivery system, as in the case of P-123. At physiological pH, the main reason for the high self-aggregation tendency is associated with the higher (22%) molecular volume of the B ring, which increases the van der Waals interactions. However, at mildly acidic conditions, the B ring possesses a shallow dihedral angle between the methyl ester group and the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle that favors the approach of units in the aggregate. These discrepancies directly affect the binding and stability of the isomers in the micelles. However, P-123 micelles were able to readily incorporate and monomerize/stabilize both PS over long periods. NOESY experiments confirmed a deep location of both PS inside P-123 micelles, which justifies their efficiency in preventing the self-aggregation process. These findings may substantiate new studies involving the marginalized B-ring isomers and encourage new development in formulations for their use in PDT.
What Are Optimal Coding Functions for Time-of-Flight Imaging?
Authors: Gupta Mohit , Velten Andreas , Nayar Shree K. , Breitbach Eric
Published: March 2018

The depth resolution achieved by a continuous wave time-of-flight (C-ToF) imaging system is determined by the coding (modulation and demodulation) functions that it uses. Almost all current C-ToF systems use sinusoid or square coding functions, resulting in a limited depth resolution. In this article, we present a mathematical framework for exploring and characterizing the space of C-ToF coding functions in a geometrically intuitive space. Using this framework, we design families of novel coding functions that are based on Hamiltonian cycles on hypercube graphs. Given a fixed total source power and acquisition time, the new Hamiltonian coding scheme can achieve up to an order of magnitude higher resolution as compared to the current state-of-the-art methods, especially in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) settings. We also develop a comprehensive physically-motivated simulator for C-ToF cameras that can be used to evaluate various coding schemes prior to a real hardware implementation. Since most off-the-shelf C-ToF sensors use sinusoid or square functions, we develop a hardware prototype that can implement a wide range of coding functions. Using this prototype and our software simulator, we demonstrate the performance advantages of the proposed Hamiltonian coding functions in a wide range of imaging settings.
Bandits with Knapsacks
Authors: Badanidiyuru Ashwinkumar , Kleinberg Robert , Slivkins Aleksandrs
Published: March 2018

Multi-armed bandit problems are the predominant theoretical model of exploration-exploitation tradeoffs in learning, and they have countless applications ranging from medical trials, to communication networks, to Web search and advertising. In many of these application domains, the learner may be constrained by one or more supply (or budget) limits, in addition to the customary limitation on the time horizon. The literature lacks a general model encompassing these sorts of problems. We introduce such a model, calledbandits with knapsacks, that combines bandit learning with aspects of stochastic integer programming. In particular, a bandit algorithm needs to solve a stochastic version of the well-knownknapsack problem, which is concerned with packing items into a limited-size knapsack. A distinctive feature of our problem, in comparison to the existing regret-minimization literature, is that the optimal policy for a given latent distribution may significantly outperform the policy that plays the optimal fixed arm. Consequently, achieving sublinear regret in the bandits-with-knapsacks problem is significantly more challenging than in conventional bandit problems.

We present two algorithms whose reward is close to the information-theoretic optimum: one is based on a novel “balanced exploration” paradigm, while the other is a primal-dual algorithm that uses multiplicative updates. Further, we prove that the regret achieved by both algorithms is optimal up to polylogarithmic factors. We illustrate the generality of the problem by presenting applications in a number of different domains, including electronic commerce, routing, and scheduling. As one example of a concrete application, we consider the problem of dynamic posted pricing with limited supply and obtain the first algorithm whose regret, with respect to the optimal dynamic policy, is sublinear in the supply.
Pressure Boundaries for Implicit Incompressible SPH
Authors: Band Stefan , Gissler Christoph , Ihmsen Markus , Cornelis Jens , Peer Andreas , Teschner Matthias
Published: March 2018

Implicit incompressible SPH (IISPH) solves a pressure Poisson equation (PPE). While the solution of the PPE provides pressure at fluid samples, the embedded boundary handling does not compute pressure at boundary samples. Instead, IISPH uses various approximations to remedy this deficiency. In this article, we illustrate the issues of these IISPH approximations. We particularly derive Pressure Boundaries, a novel boundary handling that overcomes previous IISPH issues by the computation of physically meaningful pressure values at boundary samples. This is basically achieved with an extended PPE. We provide a detailed description of the approach that focuses on additional technical challenges due to the incorporation of boundary samples into the PPE. We therefore use volume-centric SPH discretizations instead of typically used density-centric ones. We further analyze the properties of the proposed boundary handling and compare it to the previous IISPH boundary handling. In addition to the fact that the proposed boundary handling provides physically meaningful pressure and pressure gradients at boundary samples, we show further benefits, such as reduced pressure oscillations, improved solver convergence, and larger possible time steps. The memory footprint of fluid samples is reduced and performance gain factors of up to five compared to IISPH are presented.
2017 SIGMOBILE Outstanding Contributions Award
Authors: Sabharwal Ashutosh
Published: March 2018

Citation: Fundamental contributions to the theory and practice of random access wireless networking.
Card-Stunt as a Service
Authors: Yoo Chungkuk , Hwang Inseok , Kang Seungwoo , Kim Myung-Chul , Kim Seonghoon , Won Daeyoung , Gu Yu , Song Junehwa
Published: March 2018

Excerpted from "Card-stunt as a Service: Empowering a Massively Packed Crowd for Instant Collective Expressiveness" from MobiSys 2017, Proceedings of the 15th Annual ACM International Conference on Mobile Systems, Applications, and Services, with permission. https://dl.acm.org/ citation.cfm?id=3081357 © ACM 2017.

Imagine a densely packed crowd with a common voice, such as people in a candlelight vigil or a protest. We envision an innovation through mobile computing technologies to empower such crowds. We present Card-stunt as a Service (CaaS), a mobile service allowing them to instantly create a massive collective visualization by simply holding their phones up. The key challenge is to achieve instant, infrastructurefree, decimeter-level localization of individuals in a massively packed crowd, within a low latency. CaaS addresses the challenges by mobile visible-light sensing and scalable constrained optimization. Within less than a minute, each person is given individualized pixels so that they can do their part in the overall visualization*.
DNA Nanotechnology-Enabled Interfacial Engineering for Biosensor Development
Authors: Ye Dekai , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai
Published: March 2018

Biosensors represent biomimetic analytical tools for addressing increasing needs in medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, security, and biodefense. Nevertheless, widespread real-world applications of biosensors remain challenging due to limitations of performance, including sensitivity, specificity, speed, and reproducibility. In this review, we present a DNA nanotechnology-enabled interfacial engineering approach for improving the performance of biosensors. We first introduce the main challenges of the biosensing interfaces, especially under the context of controlling the DNA interfacial assembly. We then summarize recent progress in DNA nanotechnology and efforts to harness DNA nanostructures to engineer various biological interfaces, with a particular focus on the use of framework nucleic acids. We also discuss the implementation of biosensors to detect physiologically relevant nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, ions, and other biomarkers. This review highlights promising applications of DNA nanotechnology in interfacial engineering for biosensors and related areas.
Lipid Cell Biology: A Focus on Lipids in Cell Division
Authors: Storck Elisabeth M. , Özbalci Cagakan , Eggert Ulrike S.
Published: March 2018

Cells depend on hugely diverse lipidomes for many functions. The actions and structural integrity of the plasma membrane and most organelles also critically depend on membranes and their lipid components. Despite the biological importance of lipids, our understanding of lipid engagement, especially the roles of lipid hydrophobic alkyl side chains, in key cellular processes is still developing. Emerging research has begun to dissect the importance of lipids in intricate events such as cell division. This review discusses how these structurally diverse biomolecules are spatially and temporally regulated during cell division, with a focus on cytokinesis. We analyze how lipids facilitate changes in cellular morphology during division and how they participate in key signaling events. We identify which cytokinesis proteins are associated with membranes, suggesting lipid interactions. More broadly, we highlight key unaddressed questions in lipid cell biology and techniques, including mass spectrometry, advanced imaging, and chemical biology, which will help us gain insights into the functional roles of lipids.
Electrophysiological Source Imaging: A Noninvasive Window to Brain Dynamics
Authors: He Bin , Sohrabpour Abbas , Brown Emery , Liu Zhongming
Published: March 2018

Brain activity and connectivity are distributed in the three-dimensional space and evolve in time. It is important to image brain dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution. Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are noninvasive measurements associated with complex neural activations and interactions that encode brain functions. Electrophysiological source imaging estimates the underlying brain electrical sources from EEG and MEG measurements. It offers increasingly improved spatial resolution and intrinsically high temporal resolution for imaging large-scale brain activity and connectivity on a wide range of timescales. Integration of electrophysiological source imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging could further enhance spatiotemporal resolution and specificity to an extent that is not attainable with either technique alone. We review methodological developments in electrophysiological source imaging over the past three decades and envision its future advancement into a powerful functional neuroimaging technology for basic and clinical neuroscience applications.
Design of Materials and Mechanisms for Responsive Robots
Authors: Hawkes Elliot W. , Cutkosky Mark R.
Published: March 2018

As robots move beyond manufacturing applications to less predictable environments, they can increasingly benefit, as animals do, from integrating sensing and control with the passive properties provided by particular combinations and arrangements of materials and mechanisms. This realization is partly responsible for the recent proliferation of soft and bioinspired robots. Tuned materials and mechanisms can provide several kinds of benefits, including energy storage and recovery, increased physical robustness, and decreased response time to sudden events. In addition, they may offer passive open-loop behaviors and responses to external changes in loading or environmental conditions. Collectively, these properties can also increase the stability of a robot as it interacts with the environment and allow the closed-loop controller to reduce the apparent degrees of freedom subject to control. The design of appropriate materials and mechanisms remains a challenging problem; bioinspiration, genetic algorithms, and numerical shape and materials optimization are all applicable. New multimaterial fabrication processes are also steadily increasing the range and magnitude of passive properties available for intrinsically responsive robots.
Soft Micro- and Nanorobotics
Authors: Hu Chengzhi , Pané Salvador , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: March 2018

Micro- and nanorobots can perform a number of tasks at small scales, such as minimally invasive diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, and localized surgery. During the past decade, the field has been transformed in many ways, one of the most significant being a transition from hard and rigid micro- and nanostructures to soft and flexible architectures. Inspired by the dynamics of flexible microorganisms, researchers have focused on developing miniaturized soft components such as actuators, sensors, hinges, joints, and reservoirs to create soft micro- and nanoswimmers. The use of organic structures such as polymers and supramolecular ensembles as functional components has brought more complex features to these devices, such as advanced locomotion strategies and stimulus-triggered shape transformations, as well as other capabilities. A variety of microorganisms and contractile mammalian cells have also been utilized as microengines and integrated with functional synthetic materials, producing bending or deformation of the functional materials to initiate motion. In this review, we consider several types of soft micro- and nanorobots in terms of their architecture and design, and we describe their locomotion mechanisms and applications.
Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Case-Matched Studies
Authors: Chen Ke , Pan Yu , Zhang Bin , Liu Xiao-long , Maher Hendi , Zheng Xue-yong
Published: March 2018

Objective. To present a meta-analysis of high-quality case-matched studies comparing laparoscopic (LH) and open hepatectomy (OH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods. Studies published up to September 2017 comparing LH and OH for HCC were identified. Selection of high-quality, nonrandomized comparative studies (NRCTs) with case-matched design was based on a validated tool (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) since no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were published. Morbidity, mortality, operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, margin distance, recurrence, and survival outcomes were compared. Subgroup analyses were carried out according to the surgical extension (minor or major hepatectomy).Results. Twenty studies with a total of 830 patients (388 in LH and 442 in OH) were identified. For short-term surgical outcomes, LH showed less morbidity (RR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.47~0.65;P<0.01), less mortality (RR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.18~1.00;P=0.05), less blood loss (WMD = −93.21 ml, 95% CI, −157.33~−29.09 ml;P<0.01), shorter hospital stay (WMD = −2.86, 95% CI, −3.63~−2.08;P<0.01), and comparable operation time (WMD = 9.15 min; 95% CI: −7.61~25.90,P=0.28). As to oncological outcomes, 5-year overall survival rate was slightly better in LH than OH (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52~0.84,P<0.01), whereas the 5-year disease-free survival rate was comparable between two groups (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.74~1.06,P=0.18).Conclusion. This meta-analysis has highlighted that LH can be safely performed in selective patients and improves surgical outcomes as compared to OH. Given the limitations of study design, especially the limited cases of major hepatectomy, methodologically high-quality comparative studies are needed for further evaluation.
Some Bounds for the Polar Derivative of a Polynomial
Authors: Somsuwan Jiraphorn , Nakprasit Keaitsuda Maneeruk
Published: March 2018

The polar derivative of a polynomial p(z) of degree n with respect to a complex number α is a polynomial np(z)+α-zp′(z), denoted by Dαp(z). Let 1≤R≤k. For a polynomial p(z) of degree n having all its zeros in z≤k, we investigate a lower bound of modulus of Dαp(z) on z=R. Furthermore, we present an upper bound of modulus of Dαp(z) on z=R for a polynomial p(z) of degree n having no zero in z<k. In particular, our results in case R=1 generalize some well-known inequalities.
Effect of Obesity-Linked FTO rs9939609 Variant on Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Physically Active Men and Women
Authors: West Nathan R. , Dorling James , Thackray Alice E. , Hanson Nicola C. , Decombel Samantha E. , Stensel David J. , Grice Stuart J.
Published: March 2018

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) locus are associated with obesity, but lifestyle factors may modulate the obesity risk related to FTO. This study examined the physical activity and dietary patterns of 528 physically active white men and women (mean (SD): 34.9 (9.5) years, 26.6 (4.3) kg·m−2) carrying different risk variants of FTO SNP rs9939609. Sex, age, and anthropometric measurements (stature, body mass, and waist circumference) were self-reported using an online questionnaire, and body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Physical activity and eating behaviour were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), respectively. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were not significantly different between individuals expressing different FTO rs9939609 risk variants (all P≥0.66). The cohort was physically active (4516 (3043) total MET min·week−1), although homozygous risk allele carriers (AA) displayed higher TFEQ cognitive restraint compared with nonrisk allele carriers (TT) (ES = 0.33 and P=0.03). In conclusion, obesity-related parameters were not different in physically active individuals expressing different risk variants of FTO rs9939609, although homozygous risk allele carriers exhibited higher cognitive restraint.
Methane Extraction from Abandoned Mines by Surface Vertical Wells: A Case Study in China
Authors: Hu Shengyong , Zhang Ao , Feng Guorui , Guo Xiangqian , Miu Xuyang , Li Chao , Han Dandan , Wang Jin , Kang Lixun
Published: March 2018

Considerable methane resources exist in abandoned coal mines. However, methane extraction from abandoned mines in China is still in the exploratory stage. This study presents technologies and engineering practices suitable for the extraction of gob methane from abandoned mines using surface vertical wells, including methane drainage systems, well bottom locations, and an intermittent drainage method. Seven surface wells in the Yongan abandoned mine in China were selected for gob methane extraction. Field results showed that the methane volumetric flow rate of a well whose bottom was close to the gob bottom was 2.5 times greater than that of a well with a bottom located in the gob fractured zone. Moreover, intermittent extraction can enable a well to extract methane cyclically at a high volumetric flow rate. A well drilled mistakenly into a coal pillar can be reused through hydraulic fracturing. The overall maximum methane volumetric flow rate, average concentration, and extraction span were 210 m3/h, 83%, and 1100 days, respectively.
The Access to Antenatal and Postpartum Care Services of Migrant Workers in the Greater Mekong Subregion: The Role of Acculturative Stress and Social Support
Authors: Holumyong Charamporn , Ford Kathleen , Sajjanand Siriporn , Chamratrithirong Aphichat
Published: March 2018

The objective of this paper is to determine whether social support and acculturative stress were related to obtaining antenatal and postpartum care for pregnant female migrants, as well as access to health care for migrant children. The study utilized data of 987 migrant workers in Thailand who originated from hill tribes and mountain communities in Myanmar and Cambodia. Regression analysis showed that the language barrier, a crucial factor behind acculturative stress, adversely influenced access to maternal care. Social support reduced the impact of acculturative stress. Migrants with support are more likely to access health care. Based on the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, more sources of support either from friends, family members, or other supporters who are significant could increase health care access. Besides friends and family, the support from the Migrant Health Worker Program and Migrant Health Volunteer Program allowed the formal health sector to utilize the informal social networks to improve care for migrants.
Synthesis of a Novel Gemini Cationic Surfactant and Its Inhibition Behaviour and Mechanism Study on 2024 Al-Cu-Mg Alloy in Acid Solution
Authors: Du Juan , Chen Qiaochu , Liu Qingmao , Hu Xuelan
Published: March 2018

Isopropylamine was taken as a raw material to synthesize a new multi-alkyl multiple quaternary-ammonium salts gemini surfactant bis[2-hydroxy-3-(dodecyldimethylammonio)propyl]-isopropylamine dichloride. The structure of the synthetic product was characterized by1H NMR and FTIR. The surface activity was investigated; the inhibition efficiencies and inhibition mechanism of the synthetic product were studied by weight loss method, electrochemical method, microscopic morphology observation, and adsorption model calculation. The results indicate thatcmcof synthetic product was 9.204 ×10-4 mol/L; when the concentrations were lower thancmc, the inhibition efficiencies rose substantially, which was up to 89.3% with the concentration of 9.204 × 10-4 mol/L; when they were higher thancmc, inhibition efficiencies were basically unchanged; polarization tests showed that the synthesis product could restrain both anodic and cathodic reactions; when the concentrations were lower thancmc, the adsorption of the synthetic product conformed to the Langmuir model, which formed monolayer on the 2024 Al-Cu-Mg alloy surface; when they were higher thancmc, it formed bilayer, so the adsorption of the synthetic product did not conform to the Langmuir model anymore.
Localization and Spatial Discrimination in Children and Adolescents with Moderate Sensorineural Hearing Loss Tested without Their Hearing Aids
Authors: Meuret Sylvia , Ludwig Alexandra Annemarie , Predel Dorothee , Staske Burkhard , Fuchs Michael
Published: March 2018

The present study investigated two measures of spatial acoustic perception in children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) tested without their hearing aids and compared it to age-matched controls. Auditory localization was quantified by means of a sound source identification task and auditory spatial discrimination acuity by measuring minimum audible angles (MAA). Both low- and high-frequency noise bursts were employed in the tests to separately address spatial auditory processing based on interaural time and intensity differences. In SNHL children, localization (hit accuracy) was significantly reduced compared to normal-hearing children and intraindividual variability (dispersion) considerably increased. Given the respective impairments, the performance based on interaural time differences (low frequencies) was still better than that based on intensity differences (high frequencies). For MAA, age-matched comparisons yielded not only increased MAA values in SNHL children, but also no decrease with increasing age compared to normal-hearing children. Deficits in MAA were most apparent in the frontal azimuth. Thus, children with SNHL do not seem to benefit from frontal positions of the sound sources as do normal-hearing children. The results give an indication that the processing of spatial cues in SNHL children is restricted, which could also imply problems regarding speech understanding in challenging hearing situations.
Knockdown of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Type 1a Receptor (BMPR1a) in Breast Cancer Cells Protects Bone from Breast Cancer-Induced Osteolysis by Suppressing RANKL Expression
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Ran-Xi , Yuan Wei , Chen Hou-Qing , Tian Dong-Dong , Li Hao , Jiang Xiao , Deng Zhong-Liang , Wang Yang
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and BMP receptors widely participate in osteolytic metastasis of breast cancer, while their role in tumor-stromal interaction is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether BMP receptor type 1a (BMPR1a) can alter the interaction between metastatic cancer cells and osteoclast precursors. Methods: Adenovirus-mediated RNA interference was used to interrupt target genes of human breast cancer cell lines and nude mice were injected intratibially with the cancer cells. Tumor-bearing mice were examined by bioluminescence imaging and microCT. Sections of metastatic legs were measured by a series of staining methods. Murine bone marrow mononuclear cells or RAW264.7 cells were cultured with conditioned media of breast cancer cells. RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were used to test mRNA and protein expressions of target molecules. Results: Expression of BMPR1a of MDA-MB-231-luc cells at tumor-bone interface was apparently stronger than that of cancer cells distant from the interface. Mice injected with BMPR1a-knockdown MDA-MB-231-luc cells showed reduced tumor growth and bone destruction compared with control groups. Knockdown (KD) of BMPR1a of MDA-MB-231-luc cells or MCF-7 cells decreased the level of receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL). Level of RANKL in MDA-MB-231-luc cells or MCF-7 cells was reduced by p38 inhibitor. Compared with control group, knockdown of p38 of breast cancer cells decreased cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis. Conclusion: Knockdown of BMPR1a of breast cancer cells suppresses their production of RANKL via p38 pathway and inhibits cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis, which indicates that BMPR1a might be a possible target in breast cancer-induced osteolytic metastasis.
Translational Challenges in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Heijman Jordi , Guichard Jean-Baptiste , Dobrev Dobromir , Nattel Stanley
Published: March 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options for AF have significant limitations. Basic research has provided information on mechanisms relevant to the management of AF and promises to contribute significantly to future advances, yet many important translational challenges remain. Here, we analyze the therapeutic limitations for which improvement is needed, consider the translational opportunities presented by recent scientific and technological developments, and attempt to look into the future of where these may lead. We first review the limitations of current AF management, with a focus on rhythm control therapy. These include arrhythmia complications, progression to advanced treatment-resistant forms, insufficient effectiveness of available therapeutic options, adverse consequences of therapy, and difficulties in new therapeutic development. The translational challenges in addressing these shortcomings are then addressed, including (1) defining actionable patient-specific arrhythmia mechanisms to enable personalized therapy; (2) identifying and treating key dynamic modulators controlling AF initiation and progression; (3) achieving atrial-restricted targeting of specific molecular arrhythmia mechanisms; and (4) clarifying the response of the substrate to interventions. For each of these, we describe the translational goal and the opportunities created by recent advances in cardiac imaging, computational modeling, rhythm monitoring, ablation technology, and preclinical studies in human samples and animal models. Finally, we consider the prospects for future solutions that might appreciably improve our ability to understand and manage the arrhythmia over the years to come.
Left Ventricular Torsion Associated With Aortic Stiffness in Hypertension
Authors: Gnakamene Jean‐Barthelemy , Safar Michel E. , Levy Bernard I. , Escoubet Brigitte
Published: March 2018

Background

Left ventricular (LV) torsion plays a key role in cardiac efficiency. In hypertension, aortic stiffening augments cardiac afterload. However, little is known about the links between LV regional contraction and aortic stiffness. We, therefore, investigated these relationships and their contribution to LV diastolic function.

Methods and Results

The study included normotensive and hypertensive individuals with normal LV ejection. Apical, basal, and global LV rotation rate and LV global longitudinal strain were measured (2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography). Aortic stiffness was calculated from carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, and LV relaxation was calculated from early diastolic mitral annulus motion. The ratio of basal or apical untwist/twist rates was calculated to assess relationships between aortic stiffness and LV torsion parameters. LV twist and untwist rates were greater in hypertensive than normotensive individuals because of increased basal twist (
P
<0.001) and untwist (
P
<0.001) rates. LV relaxation was reduced (early diastolic mitral annulus motion=7.4±1.9 versus 10.4±2.3 cm/s;
P
<0.001). In the whole population, basal untwist rate increased with aortic stiffening (
R
=0.43;
P
<0.001) and LV relaxation (
R
=0.41;
P
=0.001). The ratio of basal untwist/twist rate was positively correlated with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, and in the hypertensive group, was greater than in the control group and positively correlated to carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity(
P
<0.001). Results were independent of age, treatment, mean blood pressure, and indexed LV mass.

Conclusions

In hypertensive individuals, greater basal LV torsion was associated with increased aortic stiffness and improved diastolic function. These changes may compensate for the deleterious effects of aortic stiffening on LV relaxation.
Flow Fields and Agents for Immersive Interaction in Mutator VR: Vortex
Authors: Putnam Lance , Latham William , Todd Stephen
Published: March 2018

This article discusses the challenges in creating Mutator VR: Vortex, a virtual reality experience based on interaction with semi-autonomous, organically inspired agents. The work allows the immersant to morph between a vast number of procedurallygenerated microworlds, each with its own visual elements, sounds, agent dynamics, and user interactions. We outline two methods used for procedural generation that are based fundamentally on integration of different modalities. Curve-based synthesis is used for simultaneous generation of entity sounds and shape and flow grains are employed to determine both agent dynamics and user interaction with the agents.
F2FCrowds: Planning Agent Movements to Enable Face-to-Face Interactions
Authors: Randhavane Tanmay , Bera Aniket , Manocha Dinesh
Published: March 2018

The simulation of human behaviors in virtual environments has many applications. In many of these applications, situations arise in which the user has a face-to-face interaction with a virtual agent. In this work, we present an approach for multi-agent navigation that facilitates a face-to-face interaction between a real user and a virtual agent that is part of a virtual crowd. In order to predict whether the real user is approaching a virtual agent to have a face-to-face interaction or not, we describe a model of approach behavior for virtual agents. We present a novel interaction velocity prediction (IVP) algorithm that is combined with human body motion synthesis constraints and facial actions to improve the behavioral realism of virtual agents. We combine these techniques with full-body virtual crowd simulation and evaluate their benefits by conducting a user study using Oculus HMD in an immersive environment. Results of this user study indicate that the virtual agents using our interaction algorithms appear more responsive and are able to elicit more reaction from the users. Our techniques thus enable face-to-face interactions between a real user and a virtual agent and improve the sense of presence observed by the user.
In Search of the Sharīʿah
Authors: Farooq Mohammad Omar , El-Ghattis Nedal
Published: March 2018

The centrality of Sharīʿah as a term and concept, together with its ubiquitous usage, reflects present Muslim understanding of their religion. Existing research indicates this Sharīʿah-based conception represents a later historical development. However, earlier studies have not documented contemporary understanding and use of the term in the primary sources of Islam. This has important implications regarding the imparting of sacredness according to its traditional conceptualization. Based on comprehensive research and close examination of the Hadith literature in particular, this represents the first work to examine whether and to what extent the term Sharīʿah was used by the Prophet and his companions. The present investigation makes the case for fundamentally re-evaluating the role of the Sharīʿah in understanding Islam, and argues that this is necessary in order for a positive impact on contemporary Muslim societies and their relationship with the rest of the world to occur.
Constitutionality of Article VII of the New York Convention of 1958 under Egyptian and Jordanian Law
Authors: Daradkeh Lafi
Published: March 2018

This article examines the constitutionality of Article VII of the 1958 New York Convention (NY Convention) under Egyptian and Jordanian law. Under Article VII, which provides for the application of the more-favourable-right provision, the winning party in an arbitration can rely on any regime provided by the local legal system to recognize and enforce the arbitral award. In doing so, the winning party can bypass provisions under which the losing party can resist enforcement. This article examines whether Article VII constitutionally provides modes of enforcement by which the winning party can enforce a legal arbitral award as well as providing grounds of refusal by which the losing party can resist enforcement of illegal awards. As such, this article examines the constitutionality of Article VII, and asks whether it balances the interests of the winning party and the losing party under constitutional law in Egypt and Jordan.