bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal Morphogenesis, from the Polarized Growth of Hyphae to Complex Reproduction and Infection Structures
Authors: Riquelme Meritxell , Aguirre Jesús , Bartnicki-García Salomon , Braus Gerhard H. , Feldbrügge Michael , Fleig Ursula , Hansberg Wilhelm , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Kämper Jörg , Kück Ulrich , Mouriño-Pérez Rosa R. , Takeshita Norio , Fischer Reinhard
Published: April 2018

Filamentous fungi constitute a large group of eukaryotic microorganisms that grow by forming simple tube-like hyphae that are capable of differentiating into more-complex morphological structures and distinct cell types. Hyphae form filamentous networks by extending at their tips while branching in subapical regions. Rapid tip elongation requires massive membrane insertion and extension of the rigid chitin-containing cell wall. This process is sustained by a continuous flow of secretory vesicles that depends on the coordinated action of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons and the corresponding motors and associated proteins. Vesicles transport cell wall-synthesizing enzymes and accumulate in a special structure, the Spitzenkörper, before traveling further and fusing with the tip membrane. The place of vesicle fusion and growth direction are enabled and defined by the position of the Spitzenkörper, the so-called cell end markers, and other proteins involved in the exocytic process. Also important for tip extension is membrane recycling by endocytosis via early endosomes, which function as multipurpose transport vehicles for mRNA, septins, ribosomes, and peroxisomes. Cell integrity, hyphal branching, and morphogenesis are all processes that are largely dependent on vesicle and cytoskeleton dynamics. When hyphae differentiate structures for asexual or sexual reproduction or to mediate interspecies interactions, the hyphal basic cellular machinery may be reprogrammed through the synthesis of new proteins and/or the modification of protein activity. Although some transcriptional networks involved in such reprogramming of hyphae are well studied in several model filamentous fungi, clear connections between these networks and known determinants of hyphal morphogenesis are yet to be established.
High Salt Cross-Protects Escherichia coli from Antibiotic Treatment through Increasing Efflux Pump Expression
Authors: Zhu Manlu , Dai Xiongfeng
Published: April 2018

Environmental stresses often co-occur when bacteria confront antibiotic treatment. We provide a clear example that a natural stress condition (high salt) can cross-protect bacteria from antibiotic treatment by triggering the bacterial stress response program (elevated AcrAB-TolC efflux pump expression). Our study highlights the importance of taking the co-occurrence of bacterial environmental stresses into consideration when investigating antibiotic susceptibility and applying antimicrobial treatment.
Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Distinct Gene Expression and Heterogeneity in Male and Female Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes
Authors: Walzer Katelyn A. , Kubicki Danielle M. , Tang Xiaohu , Chi Jen-Tsan Ashley
Published: April 2018

Most human deaths that result from malaria are caused by the eukaryotic parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
. The only form of this parasite that is transmitted to the mosquito is the sexual form, called the gametocyte. The production of mature gametocytes can take up to 2 weeks and results in phenotypically distinct males and females, although what causes this gender-specific differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate the first use of microfluidic technology to capture single gametocytes and determine their temporal sex-specific gene expression in an unbiased manner. We were able to determine male or female identity of single cells based on the upregulation of gender-specific genes as early as mid-stage gametocytes. This analysis has revealed strong markers for male and female gametocyte differentiation that were previously concealed in population analyses. Similar single-cell analyses in eukaryotic pathogens using this method may uncover rare cell types and heterogeneity previously masked in population studies.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis TRP75 Interacts with Host Cell Targets Involved in Homeostasis, Cytoskeleton Organization, and Apoptosis Regulation To Promote Infection
Authors: Luo Tian , Mitra Shubhajit , McBride Jere W.
Published: April 2018

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is caused by an obligatory intracellular bacterium, E. chaffeensis, and is one of the most prevalent, life-threatening emerging infectious zoonoses in the United States. The mechanisms through which E. chaffeensis invades and establishes an intracellular niche are not well understood but are dependent on secreted ehrlichial effector proteins. The significance of this study is in addressing how intracellular pathogens, particularly those with small genomes such as
Ehrlichia
, exploit a limited number of secreted effector proteins such as tandem repeat proteins (TRPs) to manipulate complex eukaryotes and to regulate host cell processes through molecular pathogen-host interplay. The results of our studies highlight the broader role of ehrlichial TRPs in promoting infection and help define the mechanisms through which obligately intracellular bacteria modulate host cell function for survival.
Trainees success rates with intubation to suction meconium at birth
Authors: Robinson Marie-Ève , Diaz Ileana , Barrowman Nicholas James , Huneault-Purney Nicole , Lemyre Brigitte , Rouvinez-Bouali Nicole
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To assess the success rate and main reasons for failure of intubation performed by medical trainees to suction meconium below the vocal cords in non-vigorous infants delivered at ≥36 week gestation.

Design

We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 54 residents and nine neonatology fellows in a Canadian level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. Endotracheal intubation to suction meconium was performed using a videolaryngoscope, the video screen being covered during the procedure. All videos were reviewed by two experts blinded to the procedure and to the identity of the trainee.

Results

Sixteen videos were available to review between July 2014 and March 2016. Intubation success rate assessed by the reviewers was 6%, compared with 21% as assessed by the trainees. The most common reasons for intubation failure were an improper view of the glottis (87%) and meconium or secretions obscuring the view (67%). 36 % of the time, the trainees identified different reasons for intubation failure than the reviewers.

Conclusion

Success rate of neonatal intubation to suction meconium was much lower than the success rate reported on infants without meconium. Teaching should be geared towards the most common reasons for intubation failure, possibly using video-based teaching.
High prevalence rate of digestive tract bacteria in duodenoscopes: a nationwide study
Authors: Rauwers Arjan W , Voor in ’t holt Anne F , Buijs Jolanda G , de Groot Woutrinus , Hansen Bettina E , Bruno Marco J , Vos Margreet C
Published: April 2018

Objective

Increasing numbers of outbreaks caused by contaminated duodenoscopes used for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures have been reported, some with fatal outcomes. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of reprocessed duodenoscopes in The Netherlands.

Design

All 73 Dutch ERCP centres were invited to sample ≥2 duodenoscopes using centrally distributed kits according to uniform sampling methods, explained by video instructions. Depending on duodenoscope type, four to six sites were sampled and centrally cultured. Contamination was defined as (1) any microorganism with ≥20 colony forming units (CFU)/20 mL (AM20) and (2) presence of microorganisms with gastrointestinal or oral origin, independent of CFU count (MGO).

Results

Sixty-seven out of 73 centres (92%) sampled 745 sites of 155 duodenoscopes. Ten different duodenoscope types from three distinct manufacturers were sampled including 69 (46%) Olympus TJF-Q180V, 43 (29%) Olympus TJF-160VR, 11 (7%) Pentax ED34-i10T, 8 (5%) Pentax ED-3490TK and 5 (3%) Fujifilm ED-530XT8. Thirty-three (22%) duodenoscopes from 26 (39%) centres were contaminated (AM20). On 23 (15%) duodenoscopes MGO were detected, including Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and yeasts. For both definitions, contamination was not duodenoscope type dependent (p values: 0.20 and higher).

Conclusion

In 39% of all Dutch ERCP centres, at least one AM20-contaminated patient-ready duodenoscope was identified. Fifteen per cent of the duodenoscopes harboured MGO, indicating residual organic material of previous patients, that is, failing of disinfection. These results suggest that the present reprocessing and process control procedures are not adequate and safe.
New interventions to treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jenkins David
Published: April 2018

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can be defined as a type of precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) resulting from incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. Symptoms are exertional breathlessness and most patients come to a cardiologist’s attention with a dilated right heart on echocardiography. Patients with suspected CTEPH should be referred for evaluation to a PH specialist centre to confirm the diagnosis. There are now three treatment options available, dependent on the anatomical level of the obstruction: pulmonary endarterectomy surgery, balloon pulmonary angioplasty and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted drugs. All reduce pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance. Current guidelines recommend surgery as the definitive treatment in technically operable patients. The operation involves deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, but the in-hospital mortality is <5% and the 3-year survival is 90%. Large case series have demonstrated dramatic improvement in haemodynamic parameters with significant symptomatic and prognostic benefits. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is the newest treatment that has been refined by Japanese cardiologists over the last 5 years. This technique is designed to target more distal subsegmental lesions in inoperable patients and in experienced centres has been shown to deliver equivalent haemodynamic improvement to surgery with low complication rates, but longer term outcome is still under evaluation. A recent randomised controlled trial has demonstrated a reduction in vascular resistance and increase in walk test distance with the PAH-targeted drug Riociguat in patients with inoperable CTEPH, and this drug is now licensed for these patients. It is likely that some patients will benefit from combinations of treatments.
Role of high-throughput sequencing in the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Rea Bryan , Haun Paul , Emerson Ryan , Vignali Marissa , Farooqi Midhat , Samimi Sara , Elenitsas Rosalie , Kirsch Ilan , Bagg Adam
Published: April 2018

Aims

Substantial clinicopathological overlap exists between cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and benign conditions, leading to diagnostic difficulties. We sought to delineate the utility of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) across a spectrum of histological findings in CTCL and reactive mimics.

Methods

One hundred skin biopsies obtained for clinical concern for CTCL were identified, comprising 25 cases each from four histological categories: ‘definitive CTCL’, ‘atypical lymphoid infiltrate, concerning for CTCL’, ‘atypical lymphoid infiltrate, favour reactive’ or ‘reactive lymphoid infiltrate’. T-cell receptor gamma chain gene (TRG) PCR and T-cell receptor beta chain gene HTS were performed on both skin biopsy and concurrently collected peripheral blood; most peripheral blood samples were also analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

Histologically defined CTCL specimens had significantly higher clonality scores and T-cell fractions via HTS than all other groups (all p<0.002 and p<0.03, respectively). HTS was more diagnostically specific than TRG PCR in skin (100% vs 88%), while diagnostic sensitivity (68% vs 72%) and accuracy (84% vs 80%) were similar. TRG PCR and flow cytometry performed on blood were the least diagnostically useful assays. Some identically sized peaks detected by TRG PCR in concurrent skin and peripheral blood specimens were non-identical by HTS analysis.

Conclusions

HTS, by assessing both clonality and T-cell fractions in skin biopsies, is a powerful tool to aid in the diagnosis of CTCL. It is more specific than TRG PCR in distinguishing definitive CTCL from reactive and indeterminate histology. Identically sized peaks by TRG PCR, typically interpreted to be clonally related, are not always clonally identical by sequencing.
Changes in non-occupational sedentary behaviours across the retirement transition: the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study
Authors: Leskinen Tuija , Pulakka Anna , Heinonen Olli J , Pentti Jaana , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: April 2018

Background

Retirement is a major life transition which may influence health behaviours and time use. Little is known about how sedentary behaviour changes as a result of increased time availability after retirement. The aim of this study was to examine changes in non-occupational sedentary behaviours across the retirement transition. In addition, we examined which preretirement characteristics were associated with these changes.

Methods

The study population consisted of 2011 participants from the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study. Repeated postal survey including questions on sedentary behaviour domains (television viewing, computer use at home, sitting in a vehicle and other sitting) were conducted once a year across the retirement transition, covering on average 3.4 study waves. Linear regression with generalised estimating equations was used for the analyses.

Results

Total sedentary time increased by 73 (95% CI 66 to 80) min/day during the retirement transition. Of the domain-specific sedentary behaviours, television viewing time increased by 28 (95% CI 25 to 32) min/day, computer use at home by 19 (95% CI 17 to 22) min/day and other sitting time by 37 (95% CI 33 to 41) min/day, while time sitting in a vehicle decreased by 6 (95% CI 4 to 9) min/day. Highest increase in total sedentary time was among women and persons who had high occupational sitting time, low physical activity level, sleep difficulties, mental disorders or poor health before retirement (all p values for interaction <0.03).

Conclusion

Total and domain-specific sedentary time, except sitting in a vehicle, increased during the retirement transition.
Standardisation of laboratories engaged in lipid analyses of population health examination surveys
Authors: Alfthan Georg , Sundvall Jouko , Råman Laura , Kuulasmaa Kari , Tolonen Hanna
Published: April 2018

Background

Reliable data on clinical biomarkers are necessary in order to assess the health risks of populations and especially in assessing long-term trends related to disease incidence.

Methods

Ten European laboratories participated in a two-phase quality control exercise of total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) analysis. The European Health Examination Survey Reference Laboratory prepared plasma batches for analysis, and provided target values for them. Two criteria were set for the precision and the systematic error (bias). Three plasma samples were analysed in duplicate on separate days (n=12).

Results

In Round 1, all laboratories met the acceptable criterion (3%) for precision of TC. The mean bias of all laboratories was 0.99% (95% CI 0.03% to 1.95%). Six laboratories measured samples from Round 2. Five laboratories met the goal criterion of 3%; one failed to meet the acceptable criterion of 5%. The mean bias for HDL-C of the three batches of six laboratories was within goal limits (±5% from target) and that of all 10 within acceptable (±10%). The mean bias of all laboratories was 1.1% (95% CI −0.18 to 2.32). In Round 2 four laboratories met the goal criterion and one the acceptable criterion.

Conclusion

The quality control exercise demonstrated that although the majority of the laboratories met the strict criteria for systematic error for TC and HDL-C, standardisation of methods is still needed to improve the accuracy of biomarker measurements of laboratories engaged in population health surveys. A protocol is recommended for obtaining reliable and comparable biomarker data between countries.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched hen eggs consumption enhances microvascular reactivity in young healthy individuals
Authors: Stupin Ana , Rasic Lidija , Matic Anita , Stupin Marko , Kralik Zlata , Kralik Gordana , Grcevic Manuela , Drenjancevic Ines
Published: April 2018

The beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation on the cardiovascular (CV) system is well supported in CV patients; however, the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched functional food in healthy individuals is still not fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs on the microvascular reactivity (primary outcome), blood pressure (BP), and serum lipid profile in young healthy individuals. The control group (N = 16) ate 3 ordinary hen eggs (277 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/day), and the OMEGA-3 group (N = 20) ate 3 omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs containing 259 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/egg daily (α-linolenic acid (ALA), 167 mg/egg; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7 mg/egg; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 84 mg/egg) for 3 weeks (777 mg of omega-3 PUFA/day). Postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) in skin microcirculation assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and arterial BP were measured in all subjects before and after the protocol. PORH was significantly enhanced, and triglycerides, hsCRP, and BP were significantly decreased in the OMEGA-3 group compared with baseline measurements, whereas there was no significant difference in the control group after the protocol when compared with baseline. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that consumption of a mixture of omega-3 PUFA (ALA + EPA + DHA), provided via enriched hen eggs, elicits changes in the microvascular reactivity, BP, and triglyceride level in healthy subjects that are associated with CV benefits, thus suggesting that daily consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs in healthy individuals may potentially contribute to CV risk factor attenuation and disease prevention.
Prediction of drug synergy in cancer using ensemble-based machine learning techniques
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Rana Prashant Singh , Singh Urvinder
Published: April 2018

Drug synergy prediction plays a significant role in the medical field for inhibiting specific cancer agents. It can be developed as a pre-processing tool for therapeutic successes. Examination of different drug–drug interaction can be done by drug synergy score. It needs efficient regression-based machine learning approaches to minimize the prediction errors. Numerous machine learning techniques such as neural networks, support vector machines, random forests, LASSO, Elastic Nets, etc., have been used in the past to realize requirement as mentioned above. However, these techniques individually do not provide significant accuracy in drug synergy score. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper is to design a neuro-fuzzy-based ensembling approach. To achieve this, nine well-known machine learning techniques have been implemented by considering the drug synergy data. Based on the accuracy of each model, four techniques with high accuracy are selected to develop ensemble-based machine learning model. These models are Random forest, Fuzzy Rules Using Genetic Cooperative-Competitive Learning method (GFS.GCCL), Adaptive-Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Dynamic Evolving Neural-Fuzzy Inference System method (DENFIS). Ensembling is achieved by evaluating the biased weighted aggregation (i.e. adding more weights to the model with a higher prediction score) of predicted data by selected models. The proposed and existing machine learning techniques have been evaluated on drug synergy score data. The comparative analysis reveals that the proposed method outperforms others in terms of accuracy, root mean square error and coefficient of correlation.
An all-optical switch based on a surface plasmon polariton resonator
Authors: Pan Zijuan , Lang Peilin , Duan Gaoyan
Published: April 2018

All-optical switch is one of the key parts of optical circuit. We employ a temperature-sensitive resonator to form an optical switch. The resonator deforms under the applied light and adjusts the transmittance of the structure. To our knowledge, this is the first design of an all-optical surface plasmon polariton (SPP) switch based on the heat deformation effect.
Simplifying branched covering surface-knots by an addition of 1-handles with chart loops
Authors: Nakamura Inasa
Published: April 2018

A branched covering surface-knot over an oriented surface-knot [Formula: see text] is a surface-knot in the form of a branched covering over [Formula: see text]. A branched covering surface-knot over [Formula: see text] is presented by a graph called a chart on a surface diagram of [Formula: see text]. For a branched covering surface-knot, an addition of 1-handles equipped with chart loops is a simplifying operation which deforms the chart to the form of the union of free edges and 1-handles with chart loops. We investigate properties of such simplifications.
Symmetry in the composite plate problem
Authors: Colasuonno Francesca , Vecchi Eugenio
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we deal with the composite plate problem, namely the following optimization eigenvalue problem: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a class of admissible densities, [Formula: see text] for Dirichlet boundary conditions and [Formula: see text] for Navier boundary conditions. The associated Euler–Lagrange equation is a fourth-order elliptic PDE governed by the biharmonic operator [Formula: see text]. In the spirit of [S. Chanillo, D. Grieser, M. Imai, K. Kurata and I. Ohnishi, Symmetry breaking and other phenomena in the optimization of eigenvalues for composite membranes, Comm. Math. Phys. 214 (2000) 315–337], we study qualitative properties of the optimal pairs [Formula: see text]. In particular, we prove existence and regularity and we find the explicit expression of [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text] is a ball, we can also prove uniqueness of the optimal pair, as well as positivity of [Formula: see text] and radial symmetry of both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Parallel Volume Integral Equation Method for Two-Dimensional Elastodynamic Analysis
Authors: Lee Jungki , Jeong Hogwan
Published: April 2018

The parallel volume integral equation method (PVIEM) is applied for the analysis of two-dimensional elastic wave scattering problems in an unbounded isotropic solid containing various types of multiple multilayered anisotropic inclusions. It should be noted that the volume integral equation method (VIEM) does not require the use of the Green’s function for the anisotropic inclusion — only the Green’s function for the unbounded isotropic matrix is needed. A detailed analysis of the SH wave scattering problem is presented for various types of multiple multilayered orthotropic inclusions. Numerical results are presented for the elastic fields at the interfaces for square and hexagonal packing arrays of various types of multilayered orthotropic inclusions in a broad frequency range of practical interest. Standard parallel programming was used to speed up computation in the VIEM. The PVIEM enables us to investigate the effects of single/multiple scattering, fiber packing type, fiber volume fraction, single/multiple layer(s), multilayer’s shapes and geometry, isotropy/anisotropy, and softness/hardness of various types of multiple multilayered anisotropic inclusions on displacements and stresses at the interfaces of the inclusions and far-field scattering patterns. Also, powerful capabilities of the PVIEM for the analysis of general two-dimensional multiple scattering problems are investigated.
Generalized Mass-Redistributed Smoothed Finite Element Method (MR-SFEM) for Acoustic and Acoustic-Structural Interaction Problems
Authors: Hao Y. D. , Li G. Y. , Nie X. , Hu Z. H. , Yao W.
Published: April 2018

The standard finite element method (FEM) is known for its “over-stiff” behavior, which leads to the pollution error in acoustic and acoustic-structural problems. In this paper, a generalized mass-redistributed smoothed FEM (MR-SFEM) is proposed to analyze the acoustic and acoustic-structure interaction problems. In the new MR-SFEM, the generalized mass matrix reconstitution technology is used for both the structural and acoustic discretized system based on the SFEM, which can provide a perfect balance of the discretized system matrix both in the structure and acoustic domain. The global equations of acoustic-structural interaction problems are established by coupling the MR-SFEM for the structure and for the acoustic domain. Some numerical examples of acoustic and acoustic-structure interaction problems have been used to assess the present formulation, and the results show that the present method has much better performance in terms of accuracy, convergence, and efficiency than those obtained using the standard FEM, edge-based FEM (ES-FEM), and face-based FEM (FS-FEM).
Fully Legendre Spectral Galerkin Algorithm for Solving Linear One-Dimensional Telegraph Type Equation
Authors: Doha E. H. , Abd-Elhameed W. M. , Youssri Y. H.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we analyze and implement a new efficient spectral Galerkin algorithm for handling linear one-dimensional telegraph type equation. The principle idea behind this algorithm is to choose appropriate basis functions satisfying the underlying boundary conditions. This choice leads to systems with specially structured matrices which can be efficiently inverted. The proposed numerical algorithm is supported by a careful investigation for the convergence and error analysis of the suggested approximate double expansion. Some illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the wide applicability and high accuracy of the proposed algorithm.
Morita invariants of semirings related to a Morita context
Authors: Dey Krishanu , Gupta Sugato , Sardar Sujit Kumar
Published: April 2018

The main purpose of the paper is to consider two Morita equivalent semirings [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] via Morita context [Formula: see text] instead of considering them via the equivalence of the resulting semimodule categories and then to investigate various Morita invariants related to each of the pairs [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text], etc.
Hölder type integral inequalities with different pseudo-operations
Authors: Abbaszadeh Sadegh , Ebadian Ali , Jaddi Mohsen
Published: April 2018

The theory of non-additive measures and relevant nonlinear integrals has recently been developed as a new branch of mathematics with various applications in other sciences. In this area, pseudo-additive measures and pseudo-integrals play important roles as new extensions of measures and integrals. The aim of this paper is to prove Hölder type integral inequalities with different pseudo-operations. Several examples are given to show the inequalities in more tangible forms.
On the doubly connected domination polynomial of a graph
Authors: Akhbari M. H. , Movahedi F. , Arslanov M.
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple graph. A set [Formula: see text] is a doubly connected dominating set of [Formula: see text] if it is a dominating set and both induced subgraphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are connected. In this paper, we introduce the doubly connected domination polynomial of a graph. We investigate some properties of these polynomials for some specific graphs. Also, we compute the doubly connected domination polynomial for some families of graphs such as the friendship graphs and the cactus chains graphs.
Q-homotopy analysis transform method applied to fractional Kundu–Eckhaus equation and fractional massive Thirring model arising in quantum field theory
Authors: Arafa Anas. A. M. , Hagag Ahmed. M. Sh.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, [Formula: see text]-homotopy analysis transform method ([Formula: see text]-HATM) is used to solve fractional Kundu–Eckhaus equation and fractional massive Thirring model. This method is a mixture of Homotopy analysis method (HAM) and Laplace transform method (LTM) when [Formula: see text]. The approximate solutions obtained by [Formula: see text]-HATM are compared with the exact solutions. Numerical results are known through different graphs and tables. The results light the power, efficiency, simplicity, and reliability of the proposed method.
Duality decompositions of some matrix sequence spaces
Authors: Rakbud Jittisak , Samphavat Suchat
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be fixed. For each [Formula: see text], we define the set [Formula: see text] of sequences of infinite complex matrices and the norm [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] analogously to the classical sequence space [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text]-norm as follows: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is referred to as the operator norm on [Formula: see text]. We first study the completeness of sequence space [Formula: see text] equipped with the norm [Formula: see text]. Some duality results are also discussed. The aim of this paper is to show that for the case where [Formula: see text], the dual [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] can be decomposed as an [Formula: see text] direct-sum of its two closed subspaces. This is done by a way analogous to the theorem of Dixmier on decomposing the dual [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text].
Overview of Path-Planning and Obstacle Avoidance Algorithms for UAVs: A Comparative Study
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammadreza , Kumar Manish , Guentert Paul H. , Sarim Mohammad
Published: April 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have recently attracted the attention of researchers due to their numerous potential civilian applications. However, current robot navigation technologies need further development for efficient application to various scenarios. One key issue is the “Sense and Avoid” capability, currently of immense interest to researchers. Such a capability is required for safe operation of UAVs in civilian domain. For autonomous decision making and control of UAVs, several path-planning and navigation algorithms have been proposed. This is a challenging task to be carried out in a 3D environment, especially while accounting for sensor noise, uncertainties in operating conditions, and real-time applicability. Heuristic and non-heuristic or exact techniques are the two solution methodologies that categorize path-planning algorithms. The aim of this paper is to carry out a comprehensive and comparative study of existing UAV path-planning algorithms for both methods. Three different obstacle scenarios test the performance of each algorithm. We have compared the computational time and solution optimality, and tested each algorithm with variations in the availability of global and local obstacle information.
Gastric Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature for Gastric Submucosal Masses Distinction
Authors: Sanei Behnam , Kefayat Amirhosein , Samadi Melika , Goli Parvin , Sanei Mohammad Hossein , Khodadustan Mahsa
Published: April 2018

Schwannomas origin from Schwann cells sheath and generally are benign, slow-growing, and asymptomatic neoplasms which frequently appear in the head and neck. Although gastrointestinal schwannoma is really rare, the most affected organ in GI system is the stomach. Gastric schwannoma forms 0.2% of all gastric tumors. This neoplasm is always detected as a submucosal mass, the same as other gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Although these tumors have almost the same presentations, they are completely different at therapeutic options and prognoses. Hence, it is important to distinguish them apart and make an accurate diagnosis to optimize treatment outcomes. Herein, we report a case of 28-year-old woman with frequent vomiting and abdominal pain caused by 5 × 6 cm schwannoma in the antrum of the stomach. This is a rare case of gastric outlet obstruction due to a massive schwannoma. In addition, all other probable submucosal masses will be discussed at different aspects.
A Report of Two Cases of Hazards Associated with High Flow Arteriovenous Fistula in ESRD Patients
Authors: Shah Vipuj , Navuluri Rakesh , Becker Yolanda , Hammes Mary
Published: April 2018

High flow arteriovenous fistulas are a common clinical entity affecting patients with end-stage renal failure receiving hemodialysis. Given the difficulty in predicting who will develop a high flow arteriovenous fistula the exact prevalence is unclear. We present two cases of patients with high flow arteriovenous fistula that developed clinical cardiac failure at a time point after the fistula was placed with findings of significant cephalic arch stenosis. Both patients required treatment of cephalic arch stenosis with balloon angioplasty with subsequent surgical aneurism resection. Accurate and timely diagnosis of high flow arteriovenous hemodynamics by prospective monitoring of volumetric flow and cardiac function is required to halt this process prior to cardiac compromise.
Nonlinear Electromagnetic Acoustic Testing Method for Tensile Damage Evaluation
Authors: Cai Zhichao , Cheng Hao , Liu Chengcheng
Published: April 2018

This paper describes an approach for measuring material plasticity using contactless electromagnetic acoustic method. Harmonic generation from noncumulative fundamental longitudinal wave in specimen is studied based on numerical method, and the contribution to harmonic generation from tensile damage is shown to be higher than that from a geometric factor; more serious damages increase the amplitude of second harmonics. These two experimental setups (nonlinear piezoelectric method and nonlinear electromagnetic acoustic method) are used to assess the relative nonlinearity parameters of tensile damage of five aluminum alloy specimens along the thickness direction, and the proposed technique is as effective with the traditional nonlinear piezoelectric method. This result demonstrates that the ultrasonic nonlinear parameter can represent tensile damage with ultrasonic nonlinear parameter by noncontact electromagnetic acoustic method.
Oxidative Stress Induces HSP90 Upregulation on the Surface of Primary Human Endothelial Cells: Role of the Antioxidant 7,8‐Dihydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin in Preventing HSP90 Exposure to the Immune System
Authors: Profumo Elisabetta , Buttari Brigitta , Tinaburri Lavinia , D’Arcangelo Daniela , Sorice Maurizio , Capozzi Antonella , Garofalo Tina , Facchiano Antonio , Businaro Rita , Kumar Prashant , Singh Brajendra K. , Parmar Virinder S. , Saso Luciano , Riganò Rachele
Published: April 2018

We have previously demonstrated that human heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), an intracellular self protein, is the target of cellular and humoral autoimmune responses in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. In this study, we evaluated in vitro whether oxidative stress, a feature of atherosclerotic plaque, alters HSP90 expression in endothelial cells, thus inducing surface localization of this molecule and whether the antioxidant compound 7,8‐dihydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin (7,8‐DHMC) is able to prevent oxidative stress‐induced alterations of HSP90 localization. By the use of flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and semiquantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated that exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to the prooxidant compound H2O2 upregulated HSP90 surface expression and reduced its secretion without altering HSP90 gene expression and intracytoplasmic protein levels. Pretreatment of HUVEC with 7,8‐DHMC prevented H2O2‐induced alterations of HSP90 cellular distribution and secretion. Our results suggest that the strong oxidative conditions of atherosclerotic plaques promote the upregulation of HSP90 surface expression on endothelial cells, thus rendering the protein a possible target of autoimmune reactions. The antioxidant 7,8‐DHMC, by preventing oxidative‐stress‐triggered HSP90 surface upregulation, may be useful to counteract possible autoreactive reactions to HSP90.
Exploiting the Concept of Multivalency with 68Ga- and 89Zr-Labelled Fusarinine C-Minigastrin Bioconjugates for Targeting CCK2R Expression
Authors: Summer Dominik , Rangger Christine , Klingler Maximilian , Laverman Peter , Franssen Gerben M. , Lechner Beatrix E. , Orasch Thomas , Haas Hubertus , von Guggenberg Elisabeth , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: April 2018

Cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R) are overexpressed in a variety of malignant diseases and therefore have gained certain attention for peptide receptor radionuclide imaging. Among extensive approaches to improve pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability of minigastrin (MG) based radioligands, the concept of multivalency for enhanced tumour targeting has not been investigated extensively. We therefore utilized fusarinine C (FSC) as chelating scaffold for novel mono-, di-, and trimeric bioconjugates for targeting CCK2R expression. FSC-based imaging probes were radiolabelled with positron emitting radionuclides (gallium-68 and zirconium-89) and characterized in vitro (log⁡D, IC50, and cell uptake) and in vivo (metabolic stability in BALB/c mice, biodistribution profile, and microPET/CT imaging in A431-CCK2R/A431-mock tumour xenografted BALB/c nude mice). Improved targeting did not fully correlate with the grade of multimerization. The divalent probe showed higher receptor affinity and increased CCK2R mediated cell uptake while the trimer remained comparable to the monomer. In vivo biodistribution studies 1 h after administration of the 68Ga-labelled radioligands confirmed this trend, but imaging at late time point (24 h) with 89Zr-labelled counterparts showed a clearly enhanced imaging contrast of the trimeric probe compared to the mono- and dimer. Furthermore, in vivo stability studies showed a higher metabolic stability for multimeric probes compared to the monomeric bioconjugate. In summary, we could show that FSC can be utilized as suitable scaffold for novel mono- and multivalent imaging probes for CCK2R-related malignancies with partly improved targeting properties for multivalent conjugates. The increased tumour accumulation of the trimer 24 h postinjection (p.i.) can be explained by slower clearance and increased metabolic stability of multimeric conjugates.
Low Complexity Pilot Allocation Scheme for a Large OFDM Block with Null Subcarriers
Authors: Kim Janghyun , Yun Unil , Hwang Duckdong , Yoon Eunchul
Published: April 2018

A low complexity pilot allocation scheme is proposed for a large OFDM block with null subcarriers. The proposed scheme allocates pilots to the edge part of the active subcarrier region according to the 2nd order polynomial and to the middle part of the active subcarrier region according to the 1st order polynomial or the comb‐type pilot pattern. To find a parameter of the 2nd order polynomial, the proposed scheme applies exhaustive search of a single parameter by using an integer unit resolution. It is shown by simulation that the proposed scheme is a close‐to‐optimal pilot allocation scheme yielding better symbol error rate (SER) performance than the traditional 3rd and 5th order polynomial‐based schemes although the proposed scheme has lower computation and implementation complexity.
Congenital Partial Absence of Pericardium: A Mimic of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Foo J. S. , Koh C. H. , Sahlén A. , Tang H. C. , Lim C. P.
Published: April 2018

Congenital absence of pericardium is a rare condition with electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and echocardiographic findings which may mimic those of other cardiac conditions. We present a case of a 19-year-old asymptomatic female with incidental cardiomegaly on chest X-ray and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes, which meet the revised task force criteria for definite arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy but subsequently confirmed to have congenital partial absence of pericardium on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
How Much FBMC/OQAM Is Better than FBMC/QAM? A Tentative Response Using the POPS Paradigm
Authors: Khrouf Wafa , Siala Mohamed , Abdelkefi Fatma
Published: April 2018

A major trend of the current research in 5G is to find well time and frequency localized waveforms, dedicated to non‐orthogonal wireless multi‐carrier systems. The ping‐pong optimized pulse shaping (POPS) paradigm was proposed as a powerful technique to generate a family of waveforms, ensuring an optimal signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) at the receiver. In this paper, we derive, for the first time, the analytical expression of the SINR for FBMC/OQAM systems. We then adopt the POPS algorithm in the design of optimum transmit and receive waveforms for FBMC/OQAM, with respect to the SINR criterion. For relatively high dispersions, numerical results show that the optimized waveforms provide a gain of 7 dB, in terms of SINR, compared to the PHYDYAS waveform. They also show that the obtained waveforms offer better out‐of‐band (OOB) emissions with regard to those of the IOTA waveform. Furthermore, we notice that FBMC/OQAM systems present a gain of 4 dB in SINR, compared to FBMC/QAM systems, when both operate at their time‐frequency lattice critical densities. However, FBMC/QAM systems can guarantee, with a reduced computational complexity, a comparable performance to FBMC/OQAM systems, in terms of SINR, when their spectral efficiency is relatively reduced by less than 5%.
Energy-Efficient UAV Communication with Multiple GTs Based on Trajectory Optimization
Authors: Xu Yu , Xiao Lin , Yang Dingcheng , Cuthbert Laurie , Wang Yapeng
Published: April 2018

Wireless communications with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a promising technology offering potential high mobility and low cost. This paper studies a UAV-enabled communication system, in which a fixed-wing UAV is deployed to collect information from a group of distributed ground terminals (GTs). Considering the requirements for quality of service (QoS) (i.e., the throughput of each GT is above a given threshold) and GT scheduling, we maximize the energy efficiency (EE) of the UAV in bits/Joule by optimizing the UAV’s flight trajectory. In this paper, a mixed integer nonconvex optimization problem is formulated. As that is difficult to solve, we divide the formulated problem into two subproblems and apply standard linear programming (LP) and successive convex optimization techniques. We further propose an efficient iterative algorithm that jointly optimizes GT scheduling and the UAV’s trajectory. Moreover, we set two special cases as benchmarks to measure the performance of the proposed design. The numerical results show that our proposed design achieves much better performance than the other two benchmark designs.
Quantum Simulations of Charge Separation at a Model Donor-Acceptor Interface: Role of Delocalization and Local Packing
Authors: Kelley Allen , Patel Kush , Bittner Eric R.
Published: April 2018

Organic Polymer-based photovoltaic systems offer a viable alternative to more standard solid-state devices for light-harvesting applications. In this study, we investigate the electronic dynamics of a model organic photovoltaic (OPV) heterojunction consisting of polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) oligomers and a [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend. Our approach treats the classical molecular dynamics of the atoms within an Ehrenfest mean-field treatment of the π-π⁎ singly excited states spanning a subset of donor and acceptor molecules near the phase boundary of the blend. Our results indicate that interfacial electronic states are modulated by C=C bond stretching motions and that such motions induce avoided crossings between nearby excited states thereby facilitating transitions from localized excitonic configurations to delocalized charge-separated configurations on an ultrafast time-scale. The lowest few excited states of the model interface rapidly mix allowing low frequency C-C out-of-plane torsions to modulate the potential energy surface such that the system can sample both intermolecular charge-transfer and charge-separated electronic configurations on sub-100 fs time scales. Our simulations support an emerging picture of carrier generation in OPV systems in which interfacial electronic states can rapidly decay into charge-separated and current producing states via coupling to vibronic degrees of freedom.
Quantification of the Upper Extremity Motor Functions of Stroke Patients Using a Smart Nine-Hole Peg Tester
Authors: Jobbágy Ákos , Marik Anikó Rita , Fazekas Gábor
Published: April 2018

This paper introduces a smart nine-hole peg tester (s-9HPT), which comprises a standard nine-hole peg test pegboard, but with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) next to each hole. The s-9HPT still supports the traditional nine-hole peg test operating mode, in which the order of the peg placement and removal can be freely chosen. Considering this, the s-9HPT was used in lab research to analyze the traditional procedure and possible new procedures. As this analysis required subjects with similar levels of dexterity, measurement data from 16 healthy subjects (seven females, nine males, 25–80 years old) were used. We consequently found that illuminating the LEDs in various patterns facilitated guided tests of diverse complexity levels. Next, to demonstrate the clinical application of the s-9HPT, the improvement in the hand dexterity of 12 hospitalized stroke patients (45–80 years old, six females and six males) was monitored during their rehabilitation. Here, we used traditional and guided tests validated by healthy subjects. Consequently, improvements were found to be patient specific. At the beginning of rehabilitation, traditional tests suitably indicate improvements, while guided tests are beneficial following improvements in motor functions. Further, the guided tests motivated certain patients, meaning the rehabilitation was more effective for these individuals.
The Car Following Model with Relative Speed in Front on the Three-Lane Road
Authors: Gao Zichu , Zhang Ning , Mannini Livia , Cipriani Ernesto
Published: April 2018

An improved car following model on one road with three lanes is presented in this paper, which considers the relative velocity in front on the main lane and the left and the right adjacent lanes. The stability criterion and neutral stability curve are obtained by linear stability theory. The nonlinear stability analysis is investigated further to get the solution of the modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation and get the three areas of stability, metastability, and unstability. The new LRVD model (left and right lane velocity difference model) with bigger stable area can stabilize middle lane traffic flow better, which is proved by the linear theory, nonlinear theory, and the simulation. The LRVD model shows if drivers on the middle lane pay more attention to more cars in front on the two side lanes on the three-lane road, the middle lane traffic flow is certain to be more stable in real life. On the complex three-lane road, if intelligent traffic management system based on the huge traffic data for drivers is applied in real life, it is very helpful to ensure traffic safety, which is also the trend of transportation development in future.