bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological variation, genetic differentiation and phylogeography of the East Asia cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)
Authors: LIU YUNXIANG , QIU YUE , WANG XU , YANG HUAN , HAYASHI MASAMI , WEI CONG
Published: November 2017

The cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis is widely distributed in East Asia, and is noted for its great morphological variability. The variation in this species and its allies has been a long‐standing controversy. The population differentiation, genetic structure and phylogeography of this species are explored based on morphological observations, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses, and comparison of the calling song structure of males. Our results reveal that the abundant intraspecific morphological variations are consistent with high levels of genetic divergence in this species, but incongruence between the morphological variations and genetic divergence is found in a few lineages. Phylogenetic and network analyses indicate that H. maculaticollis is composed of two major lineages – China and Japan. The East China Sea (ECS) land bridge acted as a dispersal corridor for H. maculaticollis during the glacial period. The climatic oscillations in the Pleistocene and the terrain structure of East Asia influenced population differentiation. The divergence time between the two sides of the East China Sea is estimated to be ∼1.05 (95% CI = 0.80–1.30) Ma, which was about the same period during which the sea level increased rapidly during the ‘Ryukyu Coral Sea Stage’ (0.2–1.3 Ma). Populations of H. maculaticollis are structured phylogeographically, with the China populations differentiated into a greater number of highly structured haplogroups. Qinling Mountains and the mountainous regions around the Sichuan Basin are presumed to have been major refugia for H. maculaticollis in glacial periods, and a recent population expansion has been detected for populations distributed in the area to the north of Qinling Mountains. The high degree of haplotype and nucleotide diversity shown in East China populations suggests that the flat terrain with low‐altitude hills are suitable for the survival of H. maculaticollis. The species H. fuscata, treated as an independent species from H. maculaticollis by some researchers based on acoustic analyses of the calling song structure, is confirmed to be a junior synonym of H. maculaticollis based on the results of our analyses of morphological variation, calling song structure and acoustic playback experiments.
The influence of immunosuppressants on direct‐acting antiviral therapy is dependent on the hepatitis C virus genotype
Authors: Frey Alexandra , Piras‐Straub Katja , Walker Andreas , Timm Jörg , Gerken Guido , Herzer Kerstin
Published: November 2017

Background

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have substantially increased sustained virological response rates after liver transplantation, with improved tolerance compared to interferon‐based therapy. The influence of immunosuppressive agents on the efficacy of DAAs has not been clarified.

Methods

Subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicons for genotype (GT) 1b, 2b, 3a, and 4a were treated with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors everolimus and sirolimus or with the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) cyclosporine or tacrolimus, either alone or in combination with selected DAAs. Cell proliferation‐related effects were excluded with MTT assays. HCV replication activity was quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or luciferase assay.

Results

Addition of either mTOR inhibitor to the DAA daclatasvir (DAC) resulted in a 30% increase in antiviral activity compared to DAC alone for HCV GT2a, GT3a, and GT4a (all P ≤ .01). Similar results were obtained using sofosbuvir and ledipasvir. In contrast, addition of either mTOR inhibitor to DAC induced a 30% reduction in antiviral activity in GT1b cells (P ≤ .01 vs DAC alone). Neither CNI affects the antiviral activity of the DAAs in any HCV GT.

Conclusion

For patients with HCV GT2a, GT3a, or GT4a infection, mTOR‐based immunosuppressive therapy may be beneficial. CNI‐based therapy may be more efficacious in GT1b patients, as mTOR inhibitors seem to impair antiviral efficacy of DAAs in HCV GT1b infection.
Compliance between clinical and genetic diagnosis of choroidal hypoplasia in 103 Norwegian Border Collie puppies
Authors: Grosås Siv , Lingaas Frode , Prestrud Kristin Wear , Ropstad Ernst‐Otto
Published: November 2017

Objective

To describe the frequency of the nonhomologous end‐joining factor 1 (NHEJ1) mutation and the compliance between clinical and genetic diagnosis of choroidal hypoplasia (CH) in a group of Norwegian Border Collies.

Animals studied

Border collie puppies in the age from 5 to 8 weeks.

Material and methods

Puppies included in the study had a complete ophthalmological examination. All findings were recorded, and an ECVO scheme form was issued for each puppy. DNA samples were achieved from buccal swabs. Genetic typing was performed for the 7.8‐kb deletion in the gene encoding NHEJ1. Dogs with none, one, or two copies of the mutated allele were classified as free, carriers, and affected, respectively.

Results

103 Border Collie puppies from 16 litters, 52 females and 51 males, were included in the study. Ages ranged from 5.1 to 8.9 weeks. One puppy had clinical findings consistent with CH and optic nerve coloboma compatible with the diagnosis Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). Findings on ophthalmological examination of the remaining puppies were within normal limits. On genetic testing, 85 puppies were clear of the mutation in the NHEJ1 gene, 17 puppies were carriers, and one puppy was genetically affected.

Conclusions

A good compliance between the clinical diagnosis and the genetic test results was found in all of the puppies examined. The allele frequency of the mutation was 6.3%.
Human case of bubonic plague resulting from the bite of a wild Gunnison's prairie dog during translocation from a plague‐endemic area
Authors: Melman S. D. , Ettestad P. E. , VinHatton E. S. , Ragsdale J. M. , Takacs N. , Onischuk L. M. , Leonard P. M. , Master S. S. , Lucero V. S. , Kingry L. C. , Petersen J. M.
Published: November 2017

Plague is a zoonotic disease (transmitted mainly by fleas and maintained in nature by rodents) that causes severe acute illness in humans. We present a human plague case who became infected by the bite of a wild Gunnison's prairie dog, and a good practical example of the One Health approach that resulted in a rapid public health response. The exposure occurred while the animal was being transported for relocation to a wildlife refuge after being trapped in a plague enzootic area. This is the first report of a human plague case resulting from the bite of a Gunnison's prairie dog. Additionally, we present an observation of a longer incubation period for plague in captive prairie dogs, leading to a recommendation for a longer quarantine period for prairie dogs during translocation efforts.
Dissociation of intramyocellular lipid storage and insulin resistance in trained athletes and type 2 diabetes patients; involvement of perilipin 5?
Authors: Gemmink Anne , Daemen Sabine , Brouwers Bram , Huntjens Peter R. , Schaart Gert , Moonen‐Kornips Esther , Jörgensen Johanna , Hoeks Joris , Schrauwen Patrick , Hesselink Matthijs K. C.
Published: November 2017

Key points

Intramyocellular lipid storage is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity. However, endurance trained athletes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients store similar amounts of lipids in their muscle; the so‐called athlete's paradox.

Compared to T2DM, trained athletes possess higher levels of perilipin 5 (PLIN5), a lipid droplet (LD) coating protein. We examined whether coating LD with PLIN5 affects the pattern of muscle lipid (LD size and number) in relation to the athlete's paradox.

Despite differences in PLIN5 protein content, we observed that coating the LD with PLIN5 could not explain the observed differences in LD size and number between athletes and T2DM. PLIN5‐coated LDs were positively associated with oxidative capacity but not with insulin sensitivity.

We conclude that coating of LDs with PLIN5 cannot causally explain the athlete's paradox.

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) hampers insulin sensitivity, albeit not in endurance‐trained athletes (Trained). Compared to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, Trained subjects have high levels of perilipin 5 (PLIN5). In the present study, we tested whether the fraction of PLIN5‐coated lipid droplets (LDs) is a determinant of skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and contributes to the athlete's paradox. Muscle biopsies were taken from eight Trained, Lean sedentary, Obese and T2DM subjects. Trained, Obese and T2DM subjects were matched for total IMCL content. Confocal images were analysed for lipid area fraction, LD size and number and PLIN5+ and PLIN5– LDs were measured. A stepwise linear regression was performed to identify factors explaining observed variance in glucose infusion rate (GIR). Trained and T2DM subjects stored IMCL differently; Trained subjects had a higher number of LDs compared to T2DM subjects (0.037 ± 0.004 μm−2 vs. 0.023 ± 0.003 μm−2, P = 0.024) that were non‐significantly smaller (0.27 ± 0.01 μm2 vs. 0.32 ± 0.02 μm2, P = 0.197, Trained vs. T2DM). Even though total PLIN5 protein content was almost double in Trained vs. T2DM subjects (1.65 ± 0.21 AU vs. 0.89 ± 0.09 AU, P = 0.004), PLIN5 coating did not affect LD number or size significantly. Of the observed variance in GIR, the largest fraction by far (70.2%) was explained by maximal oxygen uptake. Adding PLIN5 protein content or PLIN5+ LDs increased the explained variance in GIR (74.7% and 80.7% for PLIN5 protein content and PLIN5+ LDs, respectively). Thus, the putative relationship between PLIN5 and insulin sensitivity is at best indirect and is apparent only in conjunction with maximal oxygen uptake. Hence, PLIN5 abundance cannot be causally linked to the athlete's paradox.
Development of a Single-Degree-of-Freedom Mechanical Model for Predicting Strain-Based Brain Injury Responses
Authors: Gabler Lee F. , Joodaki Hamed , Crandall Jeff R. , Panzer Matthew B.
Published: November 2017

Linking head kinematics to injury risk has been the focus of numerous brain injury criteria. Although many early forms were developed using mechanics principles, recent criteria have been developed using empirical methods based on subsets of head impact data. In this study, a single-degree-of-freedom (sDOF) mechanical analog was developed to parametrically investigate the link between rotational head kinematics and brain deformation. Model efficacy was assessed by comparing the maximum magnitude of displacement to strain-based brain injury predictors from finite element (FE) human head models. A series of idealized rotational pulses covering a broad range of acceleration and velocity magnitudes (0.1–15 krad/s2 and 1–100 rad/s) with durations between 1 and 3000 ms were applied to the mechanical models about each axis of the head. Results show that brain deformation magnitude is governed by three categories of rotational head motion each distinguished by the duration of the pulse relative to the brain's natural period: for short-duration pulses, maximum brain deformation depended primarily on angular velocity magnitude; for long-duration pulses, brain deformation depended primarily on angular acceleration magnitude; and for pulses relatively close to the natural period, brain deformation depended on both velocity and acceleration magnitudes. These results suggest that brain deformation mechanics can be adequately explained by simple mechanical systems, since FE model responses and experimental brain injury tolerances exhibited similar patterns to the sDOF model. Finally, the sDOF model was the best correlate to strain-based responses and highlighted fundamental limitations with existing rotational-based brain injury metrics.
Operator Bias Errors Are Reduced Using Standing Marker Alignment Device for Repeated Visit Studies
Authors: Hutchinson Laura , Schwartz Joel B. , Morton Amy M. , Davis Irene S. , Deluzio Kevin J. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: November 2017

When optical motion capture is used for motion analysis, reflective markers or a digitizer are typically used to record the location of anatomical landmarks identified through palpation. The landmarks are then used to construct anatomical coordinate systems. Failure to consistently identify landmarks through palpation over repeat tests creates artifacts in the kinematic waveforms. The purpose of this work was to improve intra- and inter-rater reliability in determining lower limb anatomical landmarks and the associated anatomical coordinate systems using a marker alignment device (MAD). The device aids the subject in recreating the same standing posture over multiple tests, and recreates the anatomical landmarks from previous static calibration trials. We tested three different raters who identified landmarks on eleven subjects. The subjects performed walking trials and their gait kinematics were analyzed with and without the device. Ankle kinematics were not improved by the device suggesting manual palpation over repeat visits is just as effective as the MAD. Intra-class correlation coefficients between gait kinematics registered to the reference static trial and registered to follow-up static trials with and without the device were improved between 1% and 33% when the device was used. Importantly, out-of-plane hip and knee kinematics showed the greatest improvements in repeatability. These results suggest that the device is well suited to reducing palpation artifact during repeat visits to the gait lab.
Novel Imaging Technologies in Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vogell Alison , Burley Hannah , Ware Matthew , Wright Valena J. , Georgakoudi Irene , Schnelldorfer Thomas
Published: November 2017

Novel imaging technologies continued to be introduced into the operative setting. In particular, novel image-enhanced laparoscopic techniques are being explored for use in gynecologic operations. This systematic review describes these technologies in four relevant areas of gynecologic surgery. The PubMed database was searched for human, English-language studies, and the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed. An analysis of pooled data from 34 studies that met inclusion criteria was performed. The results suggest that image-enhanced technology may be useful in several common gynecologic procedures. Auto- and drug-enhanced fluorescence laparoscopy allow for increased detection of nonpigmented endometriotic lesions. Using these technologies for peritoneal staging of ovarian malignancy is of uncertain benefit. Drug-enhanced fluorescence laparoscopy for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in patients with uterine or cervical malignancy is feasible, showing a high rate of SLN detection, but a low sensitivity of identifying metastases. Finally, their use in intra-operative visualization of the ureter is promising. The majority of available data was from feasibility studies with limited sample sizes. Nevertheless, the results described in this systematic review support the expectation that these upcoming image-enhanced laparoscopy techniques will play a more important role in the future care of gynecologic patients.
Subsynchronous Vibration Patterns Under Reduced Oil Supply Flow Rates
Authors: Nichols Bradley R. , Fittro Roger L. , Goyne Christopher P.
Published: November 2017

Reduced oil supply flow rates in fluid film bearings can cause cavitation, or lack of a fully developed hydrodynamic film layer, at the leading edge of the bearing pads. Reduced oil flow has the well-documented effects of higher bearing operating temperatures and decreased power losses; however, little experimental data of its effects on system stability and performance can be found in the literature. This study looks at overall system performance through observed subsynchronous vibration (SSV) patterns of a test rig operating under reduced oil supply flow rates. The test rig was designed to be dynamically similar to a high-speed industrial compressor. It consists of a flexible rotor supported by two tilting pad bearings in vintage, flooded bearing housings. Tests were conducted over a number of supercritical operating speeds and bearing loads, while systematically reducing the oil supply flow rates provided to the bearings. A low amplitude, broadband SSV pattern was observed in the frequency domain. During supercritical operation, a distinctive subsynchronous peak emerged from the broadband pattern at approximately half of the running speed and at the first bending mode of the shaft. Under lightly loaded conditions, the amplitude of the subsynchronous peak increased dramatically with decreasing oil supply flow rate and increasing operating speed. Under an increased load condition, the subsynchronous peak was largely attenuated. A discussion on the possible sources of this SSV including self-excited instability and pad flutter forced vibration is provided with supporting evidence from thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) bearing modeling results.
A Tailored Tempering Process for CSC-15B22 Steel Sheet
Authors: Chen Li-Wei , Chen Yung-Hung , Hsu Yuan-Chuan
Published: November 2017

The simulation and experimental methods are used to determine the parameters of a tailored tempering process for a lab-scale B-pillar that is made from CSC-15B22 high-strength steel. The finite element software, DEFORM-3D, is used to simulate the tailored tempering process. A segmented hot stamping tool is developed for testing. Results demonstrate that the cooling and heating systems are successful. On the cooled side of the tooling, the cooling rate for the sheet is more than 30 °C/s. The material structure of the sheets is entirely a martensite structure, which results in an ultra-high strength material. The average hardness is measured as HV423, which translates to a tensile strength of 1350 MPa. On the heated side of the tooling, the cooling rate for the sheet is less than the critical cooling rate, the microstructure of the material is ferrite and pearlite, and the average hardness is measured at HV205, which translates to a tensile strength of approximately 660 MPa. The study demonstrates that a tailored tempering process allows production using integrated tooling and produces sheets that have different mechanical properties.
Black hole formation due to collapsing dark matter in a presence of dark energy in the brane-world scenario
Authors: Shah Hasrat Hussain
Published: November 2017

In the last three to four decades, various programs have been studied in order to investigate the final fate of gravitational collapse of massive astronomical objects. In the theoretical context, Black Holes (BHs) are the consequence of final stage of the gravitational collapse. In this work, we investigated the gravitational collapse process of a spherically symmetric star constituted of dark matter (DM), [Formula: see text], and Dark Energy (DE), [Formula: see text] in the context of the brane-world scenario. In our model, we discussed the anisotropy of the pressure in a fluid with Equation of State (EoS) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We briefly discussed various cases of gravitational collapse and it is found that BH can be formed by the gravitational collapse in brane-world regime while in some cases there is only a naked singularity at their end state.
Dephasing assisted transport on a biomimetic ring structure
Authors: Tamascelli Dario , Segati Alessia , Olivares Stefano
Published: November 2017

We address two-level systems (TLSs) arranged in ring configurations affected by static disorder. In particular, we investigate the role of dephasing in the transport of an excitation along the ring. We compare the efficiency of the transfer process on isotropic rings and on biomimetic rings modeled according to the structure of light-harvesting (LH) complexes. Our analysis provides a simple but clear and interesting example of how an interplay between the coherent dynamics of the system and the incoherent action of the environment can enhance the transfer capabilities of disordered lattices.
Systematic study of the completeness of two-dimensional classical ϕ4 theory
Authors: Zarei Mohammad Hossein , Khalili Yahya
Published: November 2017

The completeness of some classical statistical mechanical (SM) models is a recent result that has been developed by quantum formalism for the partition functions. In this paper, we consider a 2D classical [Formula: see text] filed theory whose completeness has been proved in [V. Karimipour and M. H. Zarei, Phys. Rev. A 85 (2012) 032316]. We give a new and general systematic proof for the completeness of such a model where, by a few simple steps, we show how the partition function of an arbitrary classical field theory can be derived from a 2D classical [Formula: see text] model. To this end, we start from various classical field theories containing models on arbitrary lattices and also [Formula: see text] lattice gauge theories. Then we convert them to a new classical field model on a nonplanar bipartite graph with imaginary kinetic terms. After that, we show that any polynomial function of the field in the corresponding Hamiltonian can approximately be converted to a [Formula: see text] term by adding enough numbers of vertices to the bipartite graph. In the next step, we give a few graphical transformations to convert the final nonplanar graph to a 2D rectangular lattice. We also show that the number of vertices which should be added grows polynomially with the number of vertices in the original model.
DETERMINANTS OF FIRM’S INNOVATION-RELATED EXTERNAL KNOWLEDGE SEARCH STRATEGY: THE ROLE OF POTENTIAL ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY AND APPROPRIABILITY REGIME
Authors: KIM CHIGU , LEE CHUL , KANG JINA
Published: November 2017

Firms, especially those in the knowledge-based economy, make increasing use of external knowledge in their innovation processes. To tap into external knowledge sources, the firm follows a search strategy, which is known to be affected by both endogenous and exogenous factors. This study examines the influence of potential absorptive capacity on firms’ external knowledge search strategy. We also propose and test a moderation effect of the appropriability regime on this relationship. Based on a panel dataset of 170 international firms from various industries, we find a curvilinear relationship between the level of a firm’s potential absorptive capacity and the external knowledge search breadth. We also confirm the moderating role of the appropriability regime on this relationship. Our results highlight the role of the endogenous and exogenous factors determining the firm’s use of external knowledge in the innovation process.
Spherical Harmonics Expansion of Fundamental Solutions and Their Derivatives for Homogeneous Elliptic Operators
Authors: Gulizzi Vincenzo , Benedetti Ivano , Milazzo Alberto
Published: November 2017

In this work, a unified scheme for computing the fundamental solutions of a three-dimensional homogeneous elliptic partial differential operator is presented. The scheme is based on the Rayleigh expansion and on the Fourier representation of a homogeneous function. The scheme has the advantage of expressing the fundamental solutions and their derivatives up to the desired order without any term-by-term differentiation. Moreover, the coefficients of the series need to be computed only once, thus making the presented scheme attractive for numerical implementation. The scheme is employed to compute the fundamental solution of isotropic elasticity showing that the spherical harmonics expansions provide the exact expressions. Then, the accuracy of the scheme is assessed by computing the fundamental solutions of a generally anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic material.
Apparent Competition
Authors: Holt Robert D. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: November 2017

Most species have one or more natural enemies, e.g., predators, parasites, pathogens, and herbivores, among others. These species in turn typically attack multiple victim species. This leads to the possibility of indirect interactions among those victims, both positive and negative. The term apparent competition commonly denotes negative indirect interactions between victim species that arise because they share a natural enemy. This indirect interaction, which in principle can be reflected in many facets of the distribution and abundance of individual species and more broadly govern the structure of ecological communities in time and space, pervades many natural ecosystems. It also is a central theme in many applied ecological problems, including the control of agricultural pests, harvesting, the conservation of endangered species, and the dynamics of emerging diseases. At one end of the scale of life, apparent competition characterizes intriguing aspects of dynamics within individual organisms—for example, the immune system is akin in many ways to a predator that can induce negative indirect interactions among different pathogens. At intermediate scales of biological organization, the existence and strength of apparent competition depend upon many contingent details of individual behavior and life history, as well as the community and spatial context within which indirect interactions play out. At the broadest scale of macroecology and macroevolution, apparent competition may play a major, if poorly understood, role in the evolution of species’ geographical ranges and adaptive radiations.
The Utility of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Data in Phylogenetics
Authors: Leaché Adam D. , Oaks Jamie R.
Published: November 2017

Resolving the genealogy of life—the phylogenetic relationships that describe the evolutionary history of species—remains one of the great challenges of systematic biology. The recent proliferation of DNA sequencing technologies has sparked a rapid increase in the volume of genetic data being applied to phylogenetic studies. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, ubiquitous genetic markers once considered reserved for population genetic studies, are now being applied in phylogenetics research at deep evolutionary timescales. The potential for SNPs to resolve contentious phylogenetic problems while researchers also investigate population demographics is promising, yet serious challenges remain with respect to data collection, assembly, modeling, and analysis. The low cost and ease of collecting SNPs suggest that they will remain an important source of genetic information for inferring phylogenies across time periods ranging from the Anthropocene to the Cretaceous.
Attached Algae: The Cryptic Base of Inverted Trophic Pyramids in Freshwaters
Authors: Vadeboncoeur Yvonne , Power Mary E.
Published: November 2017

It seems improbable that a thin veneer of attached algae coating submerged surfaces in lakes and rivers could be the foundation of many freshwater food webs, but increasing evidence from chemical tracers supports this view. Attached algae grow on any submerged surface that receives enough light for photosynthesis, but animals often graze attached algae down to thin, barely perceptible biofilms. Algae in general are more nutritious and digestible than terrestrial plants or detritus, and attached algae are particularly harvestable, being concentrated on surfaces. Diatoms, a major component of attached algal assemblages, are especially nutritious and tolerant of heavy grazing. Algivores can track attached algal productivity over a range of spatial scales and consume a high proportion of new attached algal growth in high-light, low-nutrient ecosystems. The subsequent efficient conversion of the algae into consumer production in freshwater food webs can lead to low-producer, high-consumer biomass, patterns that Elton (1927) described as inverted trophic pyramids. Human perturbations of nutrient, sediment, and carbon loading into freshwaters and of thermal and hydrologic regimes can weaken consumer control of algae and promote nuisance attached algal blooms.
Electronic Northern Analysis of Genes and Modeling of Gene Networks Underlying Bovine Milk Fat Production
Authors: Ganguly Bhaskar , Ambwani Tanuj Kumar , Rastogi Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2017

Milk fat is one of the most important economic traits in dairy animals. Yet, the biological machinery involved in milk fat synthesis remains poorly understood. In the present study, expression profiling of 45 genes involved in lipid biosynthesis and secretion was performed using a computational approach to identify those genes that are differentially expressed in mammary tissue. Transcript abundance was observed for genes associated with nine bioprocesses, namely, fatty acid import into cells, xenobiotic and cholesterol transport, acetate and fatty acid activation and intracellular transport, fatty acid synthesis and desaturation, triacylglycerol synthesis, sphingolipid synthesis, lipid droplet formation, ketone body utilization, and regulation of transcription in mammary, skin, and muscle tissue. Relative expression coefficient of the genes was derived based on the transcript abundance across the three tissue types to determine the genes that were preferentially expressed during lactation. 13 genes (ACSS1, ACSS2, ADFP, CD36, FABP3, FASN, GPAM, INSIG1, LPL, SCD5, SPTLC1, SREBF1, and XDH) showed higher expression in the mammary tissue of which 6 (ADFP, FASN, GPAM, LPL, SREBF1, and XDH) showed higher expression during adulthood. Further, interaction networks were mapped for these genes to determine the nature of interactions and to identify the major genes in the milk fat biosynthesis and secretion pathways.
Antiarthritic Activity of Qi‐Wu Rheumatism Granule (a Chinese Herbal Compound) on Complete Freund’s Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Xu Qi , Zhou Yong , Zhang Rong , Sun Zhan , Cheng Lu-feng
Published: November 2017

Objective. The aim was to study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of QWRG on adjuvant‐induced RA in rats. Methods. The RA rat models were manipulated and subsequently divided into five experimental groups: AIA, DEX, and QWRG groups. The paw volume, body weight, arthritic score, and mechanical nociceptive threshold were assessed. The serum levels of the RF, MDA, ALP, AST, ALT, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐16, and TNF‐α were measured. The proliferative capacity of lymphocytes was evaluated, and the synovial tissue was histopathologically examined. Results. The paw swelling and arthritic scores were relieved, and the variation of relative body weight and mechanical nociceptive threshold had improved in the AIA rats. The serum levels of RF, MDA, ALP, AST, and ALT were alleviated, and the inflammation and cartilage damage were effectively attenuated in the AIA rats. Simultaneously, the inflammation of the synovial cavity was alleviated, and the grading of synovitis reduced by inhibiting the expressions of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐16 in the serum and synovium tissue. Conclusion. Our results suggested that the antiarthritic properties of QWRG may be due to immunodepression and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, which may be a potential candidate for the treatment of RA.
Slip Control of Electric Vehicle Based on Tire‐Road Friction Coefficient Estimation
Authors: Cui Gaojian , Dou Jinglei , Li Shaosong , Zhao Xilu , Lu Xiaohui , Yu Zhixin
Published: November 2017

The real‐time change of tire‐road friction coefficient is one of the important factors that influence vehicle safety performance. Besides, the vehicle wheels’ locking up has become an important issue. In order to solve these problems, this paper comes up with a novel slip control of electric vehicle (EV) based on tire‐road friction coefficient estimation. First and foremost, a novel method is proposed to estimate the tire‐road friction coefficient, and then the reference slip ratio is determined based on the estimation results. Finally, with the reference slip ratio, a slip control based on model predictive control (MPC) is designed to prevent the vehicle wheels from locking up. In this regard, the proposed controller guarantees the optimal braking torque on each wheel by individually controlling the slip ratio of each tire within the stable zone. Theoretical analyses and simulation show that the proposed controller is effective for better braking performance.
Dynamic Consistent NSFD Scheme for a Delayed Viral Infection Model with Immune Response and Nonlinear Incidence
Authors: Xu Jinhu , Geng Yan
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a discrete-time model has been proposed by applying nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme to solve a delayed viral infection model with immune response and general nonlinear incidence. It is shown that the discrete model has equilibria which are exactly the same as those of the original continuous model. Using discrete-time analogue of Lyapunov functionals, the global asymptotic stability of the equilibria of the discrete model is fully determined by the basic reproduction number of the virus and immune response, R0 and R1, with no restriction on the time step size, which implies that the NSFD scheme preserves the qualitative dynamics of the corresponding continuous model.
Sequential Ground Motion Effects on the Behavior of a Base‐Isolated RCC Building
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Pan Xiaolan , Bao Xu
Published: November 2017

The sequential ground motion effects on the dynamic responses of reinforced concrete containment (RCC) buildings with typical isolators are studied in this paper. Although the base isolation technique is developed to guarantee the security and integrity of RCC buildings under single earthquakes, seismic behavior of base‐isolated RCC buildings under sequential ground motions is deficient. Hence, an ensemble of as‐recorded sequential ground motions is employed to study the effect of including aftershocks on the seismic evaluation of base‐isolated RCC buildings. The results indicate that base isolation can significantly attenuate the earthquake shaking of the RCC building under not only single earthquakes but also seismic sequences. It is also found that the adverse aftershock effect on the RCC can be reduced due to the base isolation applied to the RCC. More importantly, the study indicates that disregarding aftershocks can induce significant underestimation of the isolator displacement for base‐isolated RCC buildings.
Social Network Community Detection Using Agglomerative Spectral Clustering
Authors: Narantsatsralt Ulzii-Utas , Kang Sanggil
Published: November 2017

Community detection has become an increasingly popular tool for analyzing and researching complex networks. Many methods have been proposed for accurate community detection, and one of them is spectral clustering. Most spectral clustering algorithms have been implemented on artificial networks, and accuracy of the community detection is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, this paper proposes an agglomerative spectral clustering method with conductance and edge weights. In this method, the most similar nodes are agglomerated based on eigenvector space and edge weights. In addition, the conductance is used to identify densely connected clusters while agglomerating. The proposed method shows improved performance in related works and proves to be efficient for real life complex networks from experiments.
Low-Power CMOS Integrated Hall Switch Sensor
Authors: Wei Rongshan , Guo Shizhong , Yang Shanzhi
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an integrated Hall switch sensor based on SMIC 0.18 µm CMOS technology. The system includes a front-end Hall element and a back-end signal processing circuit. By optimizing the structure of the Hall element and using the orthogonal coupling and spinning current technology, the offset voltage can be suppressed effectively. The simulation results showed that the Hall switch can eliminate offset voltage greater than 1 mV at 3.3 V supply voltage. Two modes of the Hall switch circuit, the awake mode and the sleep mode, were realized by using clock logic signals without compromising the performance of the Hall switch, thereby reducing power consumption. The test results showed that the operate point and the release point of the switch were within the range of 3–7 mT at 3.3 V supply voltage. Meanwhile, the current consumption is 7.89 µA.
Graphs with Bounded Maximum Average Degree and Their Neighbor Sum Distinguishing Total-Choice Numbers
Authors: Jumnongnit Patcharapan , Nakprasit Kittikorn
Published: November 2017

Let G be a graph and ϕ:V(G)∪E(G)→{1,2,3,…,k} be a k-total coloring. Let w(v) denote the sum of color on a vertex v and colors assigned to edges incident to v. If w(u)≠w(v) whenever uv∈E(G), then ϕ is called a neighbor sum distinguishing total coloring. The smallest integer k such that G has a neighbor sum distinguishing k-total coloring is denoted by tndi∑ (G). In 2014, Dong and Wang obtained the results about tndi∑ (G) depending on the value of maximum average degree. A k-assignment L of G is a list assignment L of integers to vertices and edges with L(v)=k for each vertex v and L(e)=k for each edge e. A total-L-coloring is a total coloring ϕ of G such that ϕ(v)∈L(v) whenever v∈V(G) and ϕ(e)∈L(e) whenever e∈E(G). We state that G has a neighbor sum distinguishing total-L-coloring if G has a total-L-coloring such that w(u)≠w(v) for all uv∈E(G). The smallest integer k such that G has a neighbor sum distinguishing total-L-coloring for every k-assignment L is denoted by Ch∑ ′′(G). In this paper, we strengthen results by Dong and Wang by giving analogous results for Ch∑ ′′(G).
Profiling Energy Efficiency and Data Communications for Mobile Internet of Things
Authors: Sathyamoorthy Peramanathan , Ngai Edith C.-H. , Hu Xiping , Leung Victor C. M.
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a novel power management solution for resource-constrained devices in the context of Internet of Things (IoT). We focus on smartphones in the IoT, as they are getting increasingly popular and equipped with strong sensing capabilities. Smartphones have complex and asynchronous power consumption incurred by heterogeneous components including their on-board sensors. Their interaction with the cloud allows them to offload computation tasks and access remote data storage. In this work, we aim at monitoring the power consumption behaviours of the smartphones, profiling both individual applications and the system as a whole, to make better decisions in power management. We design a cloud orchestration architecture as an epic predictor of behaviours of smart devices by extracting their application characteristics and resource utilization. We design and implement this architecture to perform energy profiling and data analysis on massive data logs. This cloud orchestration architecture coordinates a number of cloud-based services and supports dynamic workflows between service components, which can reduce energy consumption in the energy profiling process itself. Experimental results showed that small portion of applications dominate the energy consumption of smartphones. Heuristic profiling can effectively reduce energy consumption in data logging and communications without scarifying the accuracy of power monitoring.
Conditions Affecting the Performance of Peripheral Vein Cannulation during Hospital Placement: A Case Study
Authors: Ravik Monika , Havnes Anton , Bjørk Ida Torunn
Published: November 2017

Learning practical nursing skills is an important part of the baccalaureate in nursing. However, many newly qualified nurses lack practical skill proficiency required to ensure safe patient care. The invasive skill peripheral vein cannulation (PVC) is particularly challenging to learn and perform. This study explored conditions influencing nursing students’ learning and performance of the technical implementation of a PVC during their clinical placement period. A qualitative and descriptive case study design with two students in Norway practicing PVC during their clinical placement was conducted. One student who mastered the vein cannulation was compared with one student who did not. Data were collected in late 2012 using multiple data sources: semistructured interviews, ad hoc conversations, and video recordings. Video recordings of the two students’ cannula implementations were used to help clarify and validate the descriptions and to identify gaps between what students said and what they did. Thematic analysis of the transcribed text data enabled identifying themes that influenced skill performance. There were two overall themes: individual and contextual conditions influencing the technical implementation of a peripheral vein cannula. These findings were evaluated in terms of Benner’s work on scientific and practical knowledge, defined as “knowing that” and “knowing how.”
Evaluation of Anastomotic Leak after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: Typical Time Point of Occurrence, Mode of Diagnosis, Value of Routine Radiocontrast Agent Studies and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Struecker Benjamin , Andreou Andreas , Chopra Sascha , Heilmann Ann-Christin , Spenke Johanna , Denecke Christian , Sauer Igor Maximilian , Bahra Marcus , Pratschke Johann , Biebl Matthias
Published: November 2017

Background: Data on the typical time point of occurrence of anastomotic leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer are currently scarce. Therefore, the usefulness of routine radiocontrast agent studies (RRCS) for testing proper healing of the anastomosis after esophagectomy remains unclear. Furthermore, preferred available tools to diagnose postoperative AL and therapeutic options are still under debate. Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of 328 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2015. A RRCS has been performed to date in our center on the fifth postoperative day (POD), before returning to normal oral intake. Results: In total, 49 of 328 patients developed AL after esophagectomy (15%). A total of 11 patients (23%) developed AL before the RRCS and 34 patients (69%) after an unremarkable RRCS; and 4 patients (8%) with AL were diagnosed by RRCS, resulting in overall sensitivity of 16%. The median time point of occurrence of AL was POD 9, the majority of AL (84%) occurred between POD 1 and 19. Computed tomography led to the diagnosis of AL in 41% of patients. The most frequent therapy of AL was stenting in 47% of patients. Endoscopic vacuum therapy was used in 4 patients. Conclusions: The majority of AL occurred within the first 3 weeks after esophagectomy without a typical time point. In our series, RRCS on the fifth POD had a low sensitivity of 16%. Therefore, standardized RRCS and fasting till the examination cannot be generally recommended. In case of clinical suspicion of AL, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen with oral contrast agent should be performed, followed by endoscopy. Endoscopic stent placement remains the standard therapy of AL in our center. Endoscopic vacuum therapy evolves as it is an interesting alternative therapeutic option and can be combined with stenting in selected cases.
Evaluation of Serum Nidogen-2 as a Screening and Diagnostic Tool for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Torky Haitham A. , Sherif Ahmed , Abo-Louz Ashraf , Ali Mohamed , Ahmed Ali , Ali Ahmad
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is a relatively common occurrence with the formation of a tumour in the ovaries and is the leading cause of death in the gynecological field. Despite enormous efforts, there are no successful screening methods developed until now to decrease mortality in this regard. Aim: To evaluate nidogen-2 as a new tumour marker combined with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy than carbohydrate antigen (CA-125) and Doppler ultrasound to improve early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Patients and Methods: One hundred and forty-four qualified women with a preliminary diagnosis of adnexal mass were subjected to history, examination, transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and Quantitative assessment of serum level of CA-125 and nidogen-2 followed by the resection of the masses, which were sent for histopathological examination. Results: One-hundred and sixteen cases were benign and 28 cases were malignant. The surgical procedures ranged from limited resection to radical hysterectomy. There was a highly significant correlation between both serum nidogen-2 and CA-125 and the results of histopathological examination (p = 0.0001). Serum nidogen-2 had 91.6% sensitivity, 62% specificity, 37.1% positive predictive value, 97.9% negative predictive value and 68% accuracy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nidogen-2 is a new promising ovarian malignancy biomarker that correlates closely with ultrasound and CA125. It did improve the accuracy of diagnosis, but further studies are needed.
Subungual Solitary Angiokeratoma Simulating a Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cunha Nélia , André Josette , Sass Ursula , Richert Bertrand
Published: November 2017

Subungual angiokeratoma is extremely rare. Only 1 case is reported in the literature, presenting as a longitudinal pigmented band on a toenail. We report a case of a subungual angiokeratoma on a fingernail of a 43-year-old woman, clinically mimicking a squamous cell carcinoma. Medical imaging revealed a soft tissue tumor and erosion of the distal phalanx. Although extremely rare, solitary angiokeratomas may arise in the nail apparatus and should be added to the differential diagnosis of subungual warty tumors.
Fasting, Fats, and Physics: Combining Ketogenic and Radiation Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Klement Rainer Johannes
Published: November 2017

Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay in the treatment of solid tumors and works by physicochemical reactions inducing oxidative stress in cells. Because in practice the efficacy of RT is limited by its toxicity to normal tissues, any strategy that selectively increases the radiosensitivity of tumor cells or boosts the radioresistance of normal cells is a valuable adjunct to RT. In this review, I summarize preclinical and clinical data supporting the hypothesis that ketogenic therapy through fasting and/or ketogenic diets can be utilized as such an adjunct in order to improve the outcome after RT, in terms of both higher tumor control and lower normal-tissue complication probability. The first effect relates to the metabolic shift from glycolysis towards mitochondrial metabolism, which selectively increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impairs adenoside triphosphate (ATP) production in tumor cells. The second effect is based on the differential stress resistance phenomenon describing the reprogramming of normal cells, but not tumor cells, from proliferation towards maintenance and stress resistance when glucose and growth factor levels are decreased and ketone body levels are elevated. Underlying both effects are metabolic differences between normal and tumor cells. Ketogenic therapy is a non-toxic and cost-effective complementary treatment option that exploits these differences and deserves further clinical investigation.