bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification, classification, and expression analysis of TCP transcription factors in carrot
Authors: Feng Kai , Hao Jian-Nan , Liu Jie-Xia , Huang Wei , Wang Guang-Long , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Huang Ying , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a crop with rich nutritional value and is one of the most important economical horticulture crops worldwide. The TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) transcription factor (TF) family plays important roles in several physiological processes; However, TCP TFs in carrot are rarely reported. In this study, 36 D. carota TCP (DcTCP) TFs were identified from the carrot genome database. On the basis of phylogenetic relationship with TCP TFs in Arabidopsis, the DcTCP family was divided into two classes, namely class I and class II (including CIN and CYC/TB1 subclass). The number of DcTCP TFs in classes I and II were 22 and 14, respectively. Motif analysis and chromosome location of DcTCP TFs were also conducted. All of the DcTCP genes were distributed on nine chromosomes of carrot. The distribution of TCP TFs in different species indicates that the number of TCP TFs is consistent with plant evolution. Quantitative real-time PCR assay was performed to further understand the expression patterns of DcTCP genes during the development of carrot. The expression levels of DcTCP33 and DcTCP36 increased with the germination of carrot seed. The CIN subclass of DcTCPs (DcTCP1, DcTCP4, and DcTCP5) was primarily expressed in leaf blades, whereas the DcTCP26 gene was mainly expressed in roots. These results can provide potentially useful information about TCP TF identification and help explain the roles of TCP TFs in carrots.
Canadians’ perspectives on how much space nature needs
Authors: Wright Pamela A. , Moghimehfar Farhad , Woodley Alison
Published: April 2019

Determining how much to set aside in a system of protected areas has been widely discussed. In the past, targets that have been set internationally and domestically are best described as politically driven. In recent years, there has been a call to shift towards evidence-based targets for conservation. One element that has been largely missing from this dialogue is public perception of how much to protect. We conducted an online, regionally balanced survey of just over 2000 Canadians to ask about their values for protected areas, including how much they thought was currently and should be protected. Overall, Canadians overwhelmingly agree that protected areas are necessary and think that approximately 50% of land and sea should be protected in Canada and globally. Nation-wide support for a significant increase in the amount of land/sea protected is a new finding in Canada, although consistent with applications of the same survey in other countries. As the timeline for achieving the current 2020 protected area targets approaches, countries are beginning to discuss what targets to set for the next decade. Our findings demonstrate strong public support for significantly scaling up Canada’s conservation targets, consistent with ecological evidence.
Exploiting ergodicity of the logistic map using deep-zoom to improve security of chaos-based cryptosystems
Authors: Machicao Jeaneth , Alves Marcela , Baptista Murilo S. , Bruno Odemir M.
Published: April 2019

This paper explores the deep-zoom properties of the chaotic [Formula: see text]-logistic map, in order to propose an improved chaos-based cryptosystem. This map was shown to enhance the random features of the Logistic map, while at the same time reducing the predictability about its orbits. We incorporate its strengths to security into a previously published cryptosystem to provide an optimal pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) as its core operation. The result is a reliable method that does not have the weaknesses previously reported about the original cryptosystem.
Fabrication and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for application in OLED packaging
Authors: Wu Wen-Tuan , Lee Yen-Hsun , Hsu Ching-Ming
Published: April 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized and surface functionalized by acid or UV/ozone treatments to investigate their potential to serve as a desiccant for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) packaging. Results showed that the functionalized CNTs using UV/ozone surface treatments performed improved water adsorption capability by around 10% attributed to the formation of –OH group on the surface of CNTs. Ca-tests revealed that the Ca sensor packaged with CNTs desiccant in the cell exhibits a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of [Formula: see text]/day, suggesting the functionalized CNTs can be regarded as a highly potential candidate for application in OLED packaging.
Axial modes in terahertz high-harmonic large-orbit gyrotrons
Authors: Yeh Yi Sheng , Zheng Cong-Yuan , Li Li-Jhen , Chiang Po-Yi , Chen Yen-Cheng , Huang Bo-Han , Lo Chi-Chin
Published: April 2019

Terahertz (THz) gyrotrons can operate with a lower applied magnetic field in harmonic operation, but the weakened harmonic interactions in harmonic gyrotrons can introduce serious challenges when mode competition occurs. The use of an axis-encircling electron beam can greatly alleviate mode competition in a harmonic gyrotron. In this paper, we study axial modes for third-harmonic [Formula: see text]-mode large-orbit gyrotrons. Simulation results reveal that the minimum current for oscillation to begin in each axial mode in the gyrotron regime is associated with a specific range of applied magnetic field. To avoid mode competition, tapered applied magnetic fields and waveguide radii are employed to enhance the high-order axial modes and suppress the low-order axial modes. Furthermore, spurious transverse modes in a THz gyrotron are discussed below. A stable third-harmonic [Formula: see text]-mode large-orbit gyrotron at the third-order axial mode is predicted to yield peak output power of 6.5 kW at 768.1 GHz with an efficiency of 10% for a 75-kV, 0.85-A electron beam with an axial velocity spread of 3%.
Fabrication and characterization of flexible transparent electrodes manufactured from silver nanowire
Authors: Shinde Swapnil , Chou Chia-Yuan , Wang Yi-Zhen , Lin Ru-Li , Lin Keh-Moh , Hsiao Wen-Tse , Wu Helen
Published: April 2019

In this work, ITO/silver nanowire (AgNW)/ITO (IAWI) and IZO/AgNW/IZO (ZAWZ) hybrid electrodes were prepared on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates at low temperature. The physical properties of the flexible electrodes were studied using X-ray diffraction, spectrophotometer, field-emission scanning electron microscope, Hall, and four-point probe resistivity measurements. The Haacke index shows that an electrode has the best optoelectronic properties at an AgNW concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. At this concentration, the sheet resistances of the IAWI and ZAWZ electrodes are 18.6 [Formula: see text]/sq and 16.0 [Formula: see text]/sq, respectively. The bending test results show that the electrical properties of both ITO and IZO films became poor only after 100 bending tests. In contrast, the sheet resistances of the IAWI and ZAWZ electrodes show no obvious change after 1000 bending tests, confirming their excellent flexibility. A hyperspectral technique is developed to characterize the damages within the electrodes caused by the bending test.
Implementation Guidelines of WDSRAM and Comparison with Typical SRAM Using Nanoscale Hierarchical Implementation Model
Authors: Simopoulos Theodoros , Alexiou George Ph. , Haniotakis Themistoklis
Published: April 2019

In this work, we extend the implementation guidelines of the WDSRAM — Write Driver SRAM — through the definition of a hierarchical implementation model which is applied on the material layout memory design level. This model can be used in order to create WDSRAMs of any size, maintaining the memory’s write function speed-up against the typical SRAM implementation model. The post-layout simulation results are presented in comparison with the corresponding results of the typical SRAM and confirm that the WDSRAM write function speed-up is maintained against the typical SRAM when the memory size increases. A brief background knowledge on the WDSRAM function is also provided.
Chiral phase transition within the linear sigma model in the Tsallis nonextensive statistics based on density operator
Authors: Ishihara Masamichi
Published: April 2019

We studied the chiral phase transition for small [Formula: see text] within the Tsallis nonextensive statistics of the entropic parameter [Formula: see text], where the quantity [Formula: see text] is the measure of the deviation from the Boltzmann–Gibbs statistics. We adopted the normalized [Formula: see text]-expectation value in this study. We applied the free particle approximation and the massless approximation in the calculations of the expectation values. We estimated the critical physical temperature, and obtained the chiral condensate, the sigma mass, and the pion mass, as functions of the physical temperature [Formula: see text] for various [Formula: see text]. We found the following facts. The [Formula: see text]-dependence of the critical physical temperature is [Formula: see text]. The chiral condensate at [Formula: see text] is smaller than that at [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-dependence of the pion mass and that of the sigma mass reflect the [Formula: see text]-dependence of the condensate. The pion mass at [Formula: see text] is heavier than that at [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. The sigma mass at [Formula: see text] is heavier than that at [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] at high physical temperature, while the sigma mass at [Formula: see text] is lighter than that at [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] at low physical temperature. The quantities which are functions of the physical temperature [Formula: see text] and the entropic parameter [Formula: see text] are described by only the effective physical temperature defined as [Formula: see text] under the approximations.
Diameters and automorphism groups of inclusion graphs over nilpotent groups
Authors: Ou Shikun , Wong Dein , Wang Zhijun
Published: April 2019

The inclusion graph of a finite group [Formula: see text], written as [Formula: see text], is defined to be an undirected graph that its vertices are all nontrivial subgroups of [Formula: see text], and in which two distinct subgroups [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine the diameter of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is nilpotent, and characterize the independent dominating sets as well as the automorphism group of [Formula: see text].
Cell-filtering-based multi-scale Shannon–Cosine wavelet denoising method for locust slice images
Authors: Mei Shenghan , Liu Xiaochun , Mei Shuli
Published: April 2019

The locust slice images have all the features such as strong self-similarity, piecewise smoothness and nonlinear texture structure. Multi-scale interpolation operator is an effective tool to describe such structures, but it cannot overcome the influence of noise on images. Therefore, this research designed the Shannon–Cosine wavelet which possesses all the excellent properties such as interpolation, smoothness, compact support and normalization, then constructing multi-scale wavelet interpolative operator, the operator can be applied to decompose and reconstruct the images adaptively. Combining the operator with the local filter operator (mean and median), a multi-scale Shannon–Cosine wavelet denoising algorithm based on cell filtering is constructed in this research. The algorithm overcomes the disadvantages of multi-scale interpolation wavelet, which is only suitable for describing smooth signals, and realizes multi-scale noise reduction of locust slice images. The experimental results show that the proposed method can keep all kinds of texture structures in the slice image of locust. In the experiments, the locust slice images with mixture noise of Gaussian and salt–pepper are taken as examples to compare the performances of the proposed method and other typical denoising methods. The experimental results show that the Peak Signal-To-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of the denoised images obtained by the proposed method is greater 27.3%, 24.6%, 2.94%, 22.9% than Weiner filter, wavelet transform method, median and average filtering, respectively; and the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) for measuring image quality is greater 31.1%, 31.3%, 15.5%, 10.2% than other four methods, respectively. As the variance of Gaussian white noise increases from 0.02 to 0.1, the values of PSNR and SSIM obtained by the proposed method only decrease by 11.94% and 13.33%, respectively, which are much less than other 4 methods. This shows that the proposed method possesses stronger adaptability.
Symmetric Wilson systems
Authors: Wojdyłło Piotr
Published: April 2019

The Wilson orthonormal basis was constructed in 1991 by Daubechies, Jaffard and Journé using combinations of elements of Gabor tight frame with redundancy 2. In 1994, Auscher gave a characterization of the atoms for which the Wilson system is an orthonormal basis. Then, Kutyniok and Strohmer generalized the notion of Wilson system to the lattices whose generator matrix is in Hermite normal form.

In the present publication, we introduce Wilson systems where the time-frequency shifts are combined symmetrically with respect to the origin. Using the arguments from previous papers that work also in this case, we give a full characterization of atoms for which the obtained Wilson systems are orthonormal bases in [Formula: see text] and we generalize these results to different sign sequences and to symplectic lattices of density [Formula: see text].
A curvature operator for a regular tetrahedron shape in LQG
Authors: Mebarki N. , Nemoul O.
Published: April 2019

An alternative approach introducing a 3-dimensional (3D) Ricci scalar curvature quantum operator given in terms of volume and area as well as new edge length operators is proposed. An example of monochromatic 4-valent node intertwiner state (equilateral tetrahedra) is studied and the scalar curvature measure for a regular tetrahedron shape is constructed. It is shown that all regular tetrahedron states are in the negative scalar curvature regime and for the semi-classical limit the spectrum is very close to the Euclidean regime.
Preparation of Graphene/Polyaniline Nanocomposites as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Yin Xianglu , Yu Xiangqian , Wu Wei
Published: April 2019

Graphene/polyaniline (GP) is an efficient, stable and low-cost electrocatalyst for oxidation reduction reaction (ORR). However, complex and demanding conditions such as high temperature hamper the wide application of GP. Here we first report a one-pot hydrothermal method for synthesis of GP nanocomposites with excellent electrocatalytic activity in ORR. The optimum mass ratio of polyaniline to graphene was 4. GP has a specific area of 82.0[Formula: see text]m2[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and porous skeleton with the average pore size of 4.45[Formula: see text]nm. GP exhibits better activity and a nearly four-electron pathway as ORR catalyst in alkaline electrolyte. The onset potential and half-wave potential of GP is about [Formula: see text]0.13[Formula: see text]V and [Formula: see text]0.34[Formula: see text]V, respectively, which is close to that of Pt/C catalyst. The method provides a facile and effective way to obtain GP.
Fringe optimization for structured illumination super-resolution microscope with digital micromirror device
Authors: Yang Xibin , Zhu Qian , Sun Zhenglong , Wen Gang , Jin Xin , Wang Linbo , Liu Jialin , Xiong Daxi , Li Hui
Published: April 2019

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is a promising super-resolution technique for imaging subcellular structures and dynamics due to its compatibility with most commonly used fluorescent labeling methods. Structured illumination can be obtained by either laser interference or projection of fringe patterns. Here, we proposed a fringe projector composed of a compact multi-wavelength LEDs module and a digital micromirror device (DMD) which can be directly attached to most commercial inverted fluorescent microscopes and update it into a SIM system. The effects of the period and duty cycle of fringe patterns on the modulation depth of the structured light field were studied. With the optimized fringe pattern, [Formula: see text] resolution improvement could be obtained with high-end oil objectives. Multicolor imaging and dynamics of subcellular organelles in live cells were also demonstrated. Our method provides a low-cost solution for SIM setup to expand its wide range of applications to most research labs in the field of life science and medicine.
Effects of training, detraining, and retraining on strength, hypertrophy, and myonuclear number in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Psilander Niklas , Eftestøl Einar , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Juvkam Inga , Ekblom Maria M. , Sunding Kerstin , Wernbom Mathias , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Ekblom Björn , Bruusgaard Jo C. , Raastad Truls , Gundersen Kristian
Published: April 2019

Previously trained mouse muscles acquire strength and volume faster than naïve muscles; it has been suggested that this is related to increased myonuclear density. The present study aimed to determine whether a previously strength-trained leg (mem-leg) would respond better to a period of strength training than a previously untrained leg (con-leg). Nine men and 10 women performed unilateral strength training (T1) for 10 wk, followed by 20 wk of detraining (DT) and a 5-wk bilateral retraining period (T2). Muscle biopsies were taken before and after each training period and analyzed for myonuclear number, fiber volume, and cross-sectional area (CSA). Ultrasound and one repetition of maximum leg extension were performed to determine muscle thickness (MT) and strength. CSA (~17%), MT (~10%), and strength (~20%) increased during T1 in the mem-leg. However, the myonuclear number and fiber volume did not change. MT and CSA returned to baseline values during DT, but strength remained elevated (~60%), supporting previous findings of a long-lasting motor learning effect. MT and strength increased similarly in the mem-leg and con-leg during T2, whereas CSA, fiber volume, and myonuclear number remained unaffected. In conclusion, training response during T2 did not differ between the mem-leg and con-leg. However, this does not discount the existence of human muscle memory, since no increase in the number of myonuclei was detected during T1 and no clear detraining effect was observed for cell size during DT; thus, the present data did not allow for a rigorous test of the muscle memory hypothesis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY If a long-lasting intramuscular memory exists in humans, this will affect strength-training advice for both athletes and the public. Based on animal experiments, we hypothesized that such a memory exists and that it is related to the myonuclear number. However, a period of unilateral strength training, followed by detraining, did not increase the myonuclear number. The training response, during a subsequent bilateral retraining period, was not enhanced in the previously trained leg.
Screening the Main Factors Affecting the Wear of the Scraper Conveyor Chute Using the Plackett–Burman Method
Authors: Xia Rui , Li Bo , Wang Xuewen , Yang Zhaojian , Liu Liping
Published: April 2019

The wear of scraper conveyor chute causes both significant economic and environmental losses by shortening the service life. The life of the chute under coal abrasive wear situations is primarily decided by operating conditions and the materials properties. The comprehensive analysis of the influence factors had not been studied before. In this paper, the Plackett‐Burman design (PBD) method was used to screen the main influence factors and a regression equation was developed to predict the wear loss. The steel was tested on a modified pin‐on‐disk apparatus in which coal abrasive was filled in the disk. The influence factors included water content, gangue content, coal particle size, Hardgrove Grindability‐Index (HGI) of the coal, normal load, and scraper chain speed. The results of the investigation suggested that the significance of water content, normal load, and gangue content on wear loss was relatively higher than the HGI of coal, scraper chain speed, and coal particle size. The wear loss increased with the increase of water content, gangue content, normal load, and coal particle size while it decreased as increase in HGI of the coal and scraper chain speed. Based on the significance of the parameters, the regression equations were derived and verified further with a number of test cases. Optical microscope studies revealed the main wear mechanism of the chute was mainly micro‐cutting and corrosive wear and accompanied by fatigue fracture.
Polychromatic CT Data Improvement with One‐Parameter Power Correction
Authors: Ingacheva Anastasia S. , Chukalina Marina V.
Published: April 2019

Standard approaches to tomography reconstruction of the projection data registered with polychromatic emission lead to the appearance of cupping artifacts and irrelevant lines between regions of strong absorption. The main reason for their appearance is the fact that part of the emission with low energy is being absorbed entirely by high absorbing objects. This fact is known as beam hardening (BH). The procedure of processing projection data collected in polychromatic mode is presented; it reduces artifacts relevant to BH and does not require additional calibration experiments. The procedure consists of two steps: the first is to linearize the projection data with one‐parameter power correction, and the second is to reconstruct the images from linearized data. Automatic parameter adjustment is the main advantage of the procedure. The optimization problem is formulated. The system flowchart is presented. The reconstruction with different powers of correction is considered to evaluate the quality reconstruction.
Imaging Biomarkers as Predictors for Breast Cancer Death
Authors: Wu Wendy Yi-Ying , Tabar Laszlo , Tot Tibor , Fann Ching-Yuan , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Ku May Mei-Sheng , Hsu Chen-Yang , Beckmann Kerri R. , Smith Robert A. , Duffy Stephen W. , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: April 2019

Background. To differentiate the risk of breast cancer death in a longitudinal cohort using imaging biomarkers of tumor extent and biology, specifically, the mammographic appearance, basal phenotype, histologic tumor distribution, and conventional tumor attributes.Methods. Using a prospective cohort study design, 498 invasive breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1996 and 1998 were used as the test cohort to assess the independent effects of the imaging biomarkers and other predictors on the risk of breast cancer death. External validation was performed with a cohort of 848 patients diagnosed between 2006 and 2010.Results. Mammographic tumor appearance was an independent predictor of risk of breast cancer death (P=0.0003) when conventional tumor attributes and treatment modalities were controlled. The casting type calcifications and architectural distortion were associated with 3.13-fold and 3.19-fold risks of breast cancer death, respectively. The basal phenotype independently conferred a 2.68-fold risk compared with nonbasal phenotype. The observed deaths did not differ significantly from expected deaths in the validation cohort. The application of imaging biomarkers together with other predictors classified twelve categories of risk for breast cancer death.Conclusion. Combining imaging biomarkers such as the mammographic appearance of the tumor with the histopathologic distribution and basal phenotype, accurately predicted long-term risk of breast cancer death. The information may be relevant for determining the need for molecular testing, planning treatment, and determining the most appropriate clinical surveillance schedule for breast cancer patients.
Immunotherapeutics in Multiple Myeloma: How Can Translational Mouse Models Help?
Authors: Cooke Rachel E. , Koldej Rachel , Ritchie David
Published: April 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is usually diagnosed in older adults at the time of immunosenescence, a collection of age-related changes in the immune system that contribute to increased susceptibility to infection and cancer. The MM tumor microenvironment and cumulative chemotherapies also add to defects in immunity over the course of disease. In this review we discuss how mouse models have furthered our understanding of the immune defects caused by MM and enabled immunotherapeutics to progress to clinical trials, but also question the validity of using immunodeficient models for these purposes. Immunocompetent models, in particular the 5T series and Vk⁎MYC models, are increasingly being utilized in preclinical studies and are adding to our knowledge of not only the adaptive immune system but also how the innate system might be enhanced in anti-MM activity. Finally we discuss the concept of immune profiling to target patients who might benefit the most from immunotherapeutics, and the use of humanized mice and 3D culture systems for personalized medicine.
CD36-Mediated Lipid Accumulation and Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Lead to Podocyte Injury in Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy
Authors: Zhao Jing , Rui Hong-liang , Yang Min , Sun Li-jun , Dong Hong-rui , Cheng Hong
Published: April 2019

Podocyte injury critically contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). Recently, lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses have been found to be involved in podocyte injury. This study is to explore their role and relationship in podocyte injury of ORG. In animal experiments, the ORG mice developed proteinuria, podocyte injury, and hypertriglyceridemia, accompanied with deregulated lipid metabolism, renal ectopic lipid deposition, activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and secretion of IL-1β of the kidney. The expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), CD36, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in renal tissue were increased. In in vitro cell experiments, after cultured podocytes were stimulated with leptin, similar to ORG mice, we found aggravated podocyte injury, formatted lipid droplet, increased expression of ADRP and CD36, activated NLRP3 inflammasome, and released IL-1β. In addition, after blocking CD36 with inhibitor sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) or CD36 siRNA, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and release of IL-1β are downregulated, and podocyte injury was alleviated. However, after blocking NLRP3 with MCC950, although podocyte injury was alleviated and release of IL-1β was decreased, there was no change in the expression of CD36, ADRP, and intracellular lipid droplets. Taken together, our study suggests that CD36-mediated lipid accumulation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be one of the potential pathogeneses of ORG podocyte injury.
Primary Pulmonary Malignant Melanoma Found While Evaluating New Onset Cough: A Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Figueroa Rodriguez Fernando , Uddin Ahsan , Nasr Justine
Published: April 2019

Malignant melanoma is a nonepithelial neoplasm of melanocytes. It is tremendously rare for this condition to primarily involve the respiratory tract, accounting only for 0.01% of the lung malignancies. It often presents as a solitary nodule provoking mass effect and/or obstructive symptom. It most commonly affects patients 50 years old and older, with no gender predilection. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice; nevertheless, chemotherapy or radiation might be necessary depending on tumor location and/or metastasis status. Recently, biochemotherapy and immunotherapy have emerged as promising treatment modalities. We present a case of Primary Pulmonary Malignant Melanoma (PPMM) in a 76-year-old male with no previous personal or family history of cancer who presented with new onset nonproductive cough. We also present an analysis with high yield points summarizing clinical features, diagnostic workup, and management of PPMM. Finally, we post a table summarizing all the cases ever reported in English literature.
Quasi‐Matrix and Quasi‐Inverse‐Matrix Projective Synchronization for Delayed and Disturbed Fractional Order Neural Network
Authors: He Jinman , Chen Fangqi , Bi Qinsheng
Published: April 2019

This paper is concerned with the quasi‐matrix and quasi‐inverse‐matrix projective synchronization between two nonidentical delayed fractional order neural networks subjected to external disturbances. First, the definitions of quasi‐matrix and quasi‐inverse‐matrix projective synchronization are given, respectively. Then, in order to realize two types of synchronization for delayed and disturbed fractional order neural networks, two sufficient conditions are established and proved by constructing appropriate Lyapunov function in combination with some fractional order differential inequalities. And their estimated synchronization error bound is obtained, which can be reduced to the required standard as small as what we need by selecting appropriate control parameters. Because of the generality of the proposed synchronization, choosing different projective matrix and controllers, the two synchronization types can be reduced to some common synchronization types for delayed fractional order neural networks, like quasi‐complete synchronization, quasi‐antisynchronization, quasi‐projective synchronization, quasi‐inverse projective synchronization, quasi‐modified projective synchronization, quasi‐inverse‐modified projective synchronization, and so on. Finally, as applications, two numerical examples with simulations are employed to illustrate the efficiency and feasibility of the new synchronization analysis.
Comparison of Three-Dimensional Micro-CT Angiography of Cervical Spinal Cord between Two Contrast Agents
Authors: Liu Yapu , Liu Qi , Yang Zhou , Lin Junyu , Wu Xiuhua , Huang Zucheng , Liu Junhao , Li Rong , Huang Zhiping , Wu Xiaoliang , Zhu Qingan
Published: April 2019

Purpose. Barium sulfate and lead oxide are commonly used for angiographic studies, but there is no report on the comparison of two contrast agents in angiography of cervical spinal cord. This study was aimed to compare the microvascular architecture of cervical spinal cord in rats after angiography with the barium sulfate agent to the lead oxide agent. Methods. Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the barium sulfate group (n=6) and the lead oxide group (n=6). Each rat was perfused under the same protocol using either two contrast agents. The angiography was evaluated with the vascular number at different ranks. The cervical spinal cord samples were scanned using micro-CT with low resolution and high resolution. The microvascular parameters, including ratio of vascular volume to tissue volume (VV/TV), vascular number (V.N), diameter (V.Dm), separation (V.Sp), connectivity density (Conn.D), structure model index (SMI), percentage, and volume of vessels at different diameters were measured. Results. The perfusion was better in the barium sulfate group, with more blood vessel trees of rank II and III visible compared to the lead oxide group. Low-resolution micro-CT analysis showed no difference in microvascular parameters except SMI between the two groups. High-resolution micro-CT analysis results showed that V.N and Conn.D of barium sulfate group were 60% and 290% more than those of the lead oxide group; however, V.Sp was 41% less than the lead oxide group. The percentage of vessels with diameter of 10 μm and 20 μm, and the volume of vessels with diameter of less than 100 μm was higher in the barium sulfate group than in the lead oxide group. The SMI index in the barium sulfate group was higher than that in the lead oxide group at both low resolution and high resolution. Conclusions. Compared with lead oxide, barium sulfate is more suitable for perfusion of cervical spinal cord microvessels, and cheap and nontoxic with high resolution.
Impact of Solvent Evaporation and Curing Protocol on Degree of Conversion of Etch-and-Rinse and Multimode Adhesives Systems
Authors: Carvalho Ceci Nunes , Lanza Marcos Daniel Septímio , Dourado Letícia Gomes , Carvalho Edilausson Moreno , Bauer José
Published: April 2019

Objectives. This study evaluated the effect of air-drying time and light-curing time on the degree of conversion (DC) of three etch-and-rinse adhesive systems: ONE-STEP (OS) and ONE-STEP plus (OSP), Ambar (AMB), and two multimode adhesive systems: All-Bond Universal (ABU) and ScotchBond Universal (SBU) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Materials and Methods. The DC of each adhesive system was analyzed with six experimental different protocols: (1) immediate light curing for 10 s without solvent volatilization; (2) 10 s solvent volatilization with air stream plus 10 s light curing; (3) 60 s solvent volatilization with air stream plus 10 s light curing; (4) immediate light curing for 20 s without solvent volatilization; (5) 10 s solvent volatilization with air stream plus 20 s light curing; and (6) 60 s solvent volatilization with air stream plus 20 s light curing. FTIR spectra were obtained, and the DC was calculated by comparing the ratio of aliphatic/aromatic double carbon bonds before and after light activation (Bluephase 20i). The DC means were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Results. Three-way ANOVA showed statistically significant adhesive, air-drying, and light-cured time (p<0.001). In general, there was a trend of increased DC when the adhesives were dried and cured for longer times, but that was not observed for all the adhesives tested. The acetone-based adhesive systems require an air-drying prior to light activation. The light-curing time of 20 s increases the DC of all materials tested. Conclusion. The results suggested that the DC of the adhesive systems tested was material dependent. In general, the protocol with solvent evaporation for 10 seconds with air syringe plus 20 seconds of light curing finds the high values of DC.
Semidiscretization for a Doubly Nonlinear Parabolic Equation Related to the p(x)-Laplacian
Authors: El Bahja Hamid , El Hachimi Abderrahmane , Alami Idrissi Ali
Published: April 2019

This paper studies a time discretization for a doubly nonlinear parabolic equation related to the p(x)-Laplacian by using Euler-forward scheme. We investigate existence, uniqueness, and stability questions and prove existence of the global compact attractor.
Cytoplasmic HAX1 Is an Independent Risk Factor for Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Trebinska-Stryjewska Alicja , Szafron Lukasz , Rembiszewska Alina , Wakula Maciej , Tabor Sylwia , Sienkiewicz Renata , Owczarek Joanna , Balcerak Anna , Felisiak-Golabek Anna , Grzybowska Ewa A.
Published: April 2019

HAX1 is an antiapoptotic factor involved in the regulation of cell migration and calcium homeostasis, overexpressed in several cancers, including breast cancer. It has been suggested that HAX1 is also implicated in metastasis. Herein we report the results of meta-analysis ofHAX1expression, based on publicly available data, which confirms its significant overexpression in breast cancer and demonstrates copy number gain and prognostic value ofHAX1overexpression for metastatic relapse in ER+ tumors. IHC analysis reported here also reveals its significant overexpression in breast cancer samples from primary tumors, indicating significantly higher HAX1 protein levels in a group of patients who developed distant metastases in a disease course. Moreover, we demonstrate that HAX1 localization is important for the prediction of metastatic relapse and that cytoplasmic but not nuclear HAX1 is an independent risk factor for breast cancer metastasis.
Cytostatic and Antiproliferative Activities of F5 Fraction ofCrinum amabileLeaf Chloroform Extract Showed Its Potential as Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Lim Chung Pin , Yam Mun Fei , Asmawi Mohd. Zaini , Chin Voon Kin , Khairuddin Nurul Hayah , Yong Yoke Keong , Hassan Haniza , Basir Rusliza
Published: April 2019

Medicinal plants have been considered as promising sources of drugs in treating various cancers.Crinum amabile (C. amabile), a plant species from the Amaryllidaceae family, is claimed to be a potential source for cancer chemotherapeutic compounds. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential ofC. amabileas an anticancer agent. Dried leaves ofC. amabilewere serially extracted and our findings showed that chloroform extract (CE) was shown to exhibit cytotoxic effect against all cancer cell lines used. This active extract was further fractionated in which F5 fraction was shown to possess the highest cytotoxicity among all fractions. F5 fraction was then tested in-depth through Annexin V/FITC apoptosis and DNA fragmentation assays to determine its apoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells. Results revealed that F5 fraction only showed induction of cell apoptosis starting at 72-hour treatment while DNA fragmentation was not detected at any of the concentrations and treatment periods tested. Meanwhile, cell proliferation assay revealed that F5 fraction was able to inhibit normal cell proliferation as well as VEGF-induced cell proliferation of normal endothelial cell (HUVECs). In conclusion, F5 fraction fromC. amabileleaf CE was able to exhibit cytostatic effect through antiproliferation activity rather than induction of cell apoptosis and therefore has the potential to be further investigated as an anticancer agent.
Development of the Shaking Table and Array System Technology in China
Authors: Gao Chun-hua , Yuan Xiao-bo
Published: April 2019

Shaking table is important experimental equipment to carry out antiseismic research. Research, conclusion, comparison, and analysis concerning the developmental history, constructional situation, performance index, control algorithm, and experimental technique of the internal shaking table were reviewed and compared. Such functional parameters as internal shaking table’s table‐board size, bearing capacity, working frequency, and maximum acceleration were given. Shaking table’s constructional status quo and developmental trend were concluded. The advantages and disadvantages of different control algorithms were contrastively analyzed. Typical shaking table test, array system tests, and experimental simulation materials were induced and contrasted. Internal existing shaking table and array system test’s structural type, reduced scale, and model‐material selection were provided. Analysis and exposition about the developmental tendency of shaking table’s enlargement, multiple shaking tables array, full digitalization, and network control were made. The developmental direction, comparison of technical features, and relevant research status quo of shaking table with high‐performance were offered. The result can be reference for domestic or overseas shaking table’s design and type selection, control technique, and research on experimental technique.
Cardiac Excrescences of Unusual Origin
Authors: Stuck Jason R. , Makaryus Amgad N.
Published: April 2019

Mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescences (cardiac MICE) are a rare finding that are most often discovered incidentally either upon echocardiography or invasive cardiovascular procedures. In total, less than 50 known cases have been reported since first being discovered over 30 years ago. They are typically benign lesions; however, there has been a reported case of cardiac MICE being responsible for severe cardiopulmonary compromise and another case of the lesion embolizing leading to cerebral infarctions and ultimately death. Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are also uncommon lesions found in the heart though they are not as rare as cardiac MICE. They are also benign and are typically attached to valvular surfaces; however, they also can be found as mobile masses. Just as cardiac MICE, they are capable of causing turbulent flow and thrombus formation and have been reported as the cause of ischemic events due to their ability to embolize. We present a case of cardiac MICE and cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in an individual who initially presented with neurologic symptoms concerning for a cerebrovascular accident. The patient was found to have a left ventricular mass composed of both cardiac MICE and cardiac papillary fibroelastomas.
Decoupling Control Strategy of IPT System Based on Optimal Efficiency Load Tracking
Authors: Hao Wenmei , Zhang Liwei , Xiu Sanmu , Leng Fengyu
Published: April 2019

The inductive power transmission system is applied to urban rail transit. Due to the limitations of the volume and coupling coefficient of the inductive coupling mechanism and the fact that the fluctuation of air gap in its movement will cause the fluctuation of mutual inductance value, DCDC booster link should be added to the side, rectifying side, to improve the output voltage level and stability. At present, most of the existing control strategies are based on the original side information communication. However, in the application of dynamic wireless charging in urban rail transit, the primary and secondary side coils are in the process of relative movement, so it is relatively difficult to establish reliable real-time communication, and it is easy to be interfered by electromagnetic transmission process, resulting in large errors. This paper analyzes the relationship between load and efficiency of IPT system applied to urban rail transit in detail and obtains the optimal load matching strategy of optimal efficiency. At the same time, an independent control strategy is proposed to eliminate the information communication of the primary and secondary sides and realize decoupling control. Finally, a simulation model is built to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Gut Microbiota, and Brain Development: Role of the Brain-Gut Axis
Authors: Niemarkt Hendrik J. , De Meij Tim G. , van Ganzewinkel Christ-jan , de Boer Nanne K.H. , Andriessen Peter , Hütten Matthias C. , Kramer Boris W.
Published: April 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a relatively common disease in very-low-birth-weight infants and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. In survivors, neurodevelopmental impairment is frequently seen. The exact etiology remains largely to be elucidated, but microbiota are considered to play a major role in the development of NEC. Furthermore, emerging evidence exists that the microbiota is also of importance in brain function and development. Therefore, microbiota characterization has not only potential as a diagnostic or even preventive tool to predict NEC, but may also serve as a biomarker to monitor and possibly even as a target to manipulate brain development. Analysis of fecal volatile organic compounds, which shape the volatile metabolome and reflect microbiota function and host interaction, has been shown to be of interest in the diagnosis of NEC and late-onset sepsis. In this review, we discuss evidence of the role of the complex interplay between microbiota, NEC, and brain development, including the brain-gut axis in preterm infants.
oXirisNet Registry: A Prospective, National Registry on the oXiris Membrane
Authors: Villa Gianluca , De Rosa Silvia , Samoni Sara , Neri Mauro , Chelazzi Cosimo , Romagnoli Stefano , Gavagni Mattia , Ronco Claudio , De Gaudio A. Raffaele
Published: April 2019

Worldwide, the widespread use of extracorporeal blood purification therapies (EBPTs) is progressively increasing in everyday clinical practice, particularly in critical care settings. The efficacy of EBPTs on removal of inflammatory mediators is already well established in the literature. Nonetheless, clinical research is particularly cumbersome in this setting, and many clinical trials aiming at exploring the effect of EBPTs on outcomes have failed in demonstrating consistent results regarding 28-day- or hospital-mortality rates. In recent years, data emerging from large registries have been increasingly used to provide real-world evidence on the effectiveness, quality, and safety of EBPTs. The philosophy behind this Italian Registry is a renewal of the concept of “clinical research” in the field of EBPTs applied to critically ill, septic patients with or without acute kidney injury. The platform used for the registry – specifically designed for research purposes and fed by clinical data prospectively observed – promotes good practice with a positive and active interaction with the physician/researcher. This interaction has favorable real-time effects for the specific patient, providing “bed-side clinical feedbacks,” similarly to the decision support system. Examples of these issues are bundles reminders, suggestions for drug adjustment according to the extracorporeal clearance, clinical calculator for body mass index, or mechanical ventilation setting. The platform-physician interaction has additional useful effects on the single utilizing center, providing “mid-term, center-specific clinical feedbacks.” These generally consist of clusters of data taken over a certain period, for example, regarding patients’ outcome, microbiological data, or use of disposable for EBPTs.
Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A
2
, Vascular Inflammation, and Incident Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Akinkuolie Akintunde O. , Lawler Patrick R. , Chu Audrey Y. , Caulfield Michael , Mu Jianying , Ding Bo , Nyberg Fredrik , Glynn Robert J. , Ridker Paul M , Hurt-Camejo Eva , Chasman Daniel I. , Mora Samia
Published: April 2019

Objective—

Inflammation is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). sPLA
2
-IIA (group IIA secretory phospholipase A
2
) plays an integral role in regulating vascular inflammation. Although studies investigated sPLA
2
-IIA in secondary prevention, we prospectively evaluated sPLA
2
-IIA mass and genetic variants with CVD events in a primary prevention population with chronic inflammation.

Approach and Results—

The JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) randomized participants with LDL (low-density lipoprotein) <130 mg/dL and hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) ≥2 mg/L to high-intensity rosuvastatin versus placebo. Baseline and 1-year plasma sPLA
2
-IIA mass was measured (N=11 269 baseline; N=9620 1 year). We also identified genetic variants influencing sPLA
2
-IIA using genome-wide association and examined them with CVD. Three hundred thirteen incident CVD events occurred during follow-up. Baseline sPLA
2
-IIA mass (median, 25th–75th percentile: 3.81, 2.49–6.03 ng/mL) was associated with increased risk of CVD: risk factor–adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI;
P
) per SD increment: 1.22 (1.08–1.38;
P
=0.002). This remained significant (1.18; 1.04–1.35;
P
=0.01) after incrementally adjusting for hsCRP. Similar estimates were observed in rosuvastatin and placebo groups (
P
treatment interaction>0.05). The rs11573156C variant in
PLA2G2A
(encoding sPLA
2
-IIA) had the strongest effect on sPLA
2
-II: median (25th–75th percentile, ng/mL) for CC and GG genotypes: 2.79 (1.97–4.01) and 7.38 (5.38–10.19), respectively; and had nonsignificant trend for higher CVD risk (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.89–1.38;
P
=0.34).

Conclusions—

In the JUPITER population recruited on chronic inflammation, sPLA
2
-IIA mass was associated with CVD risk relating to vascular inflammation not fully reflected by hsCRP. Additional studies, including larger functional genetic and clinical studies, are needed to determine whether sPLA
2
-IIA may be a potential pharmacological target for primary prevention of CVD.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00239681.