bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversal of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance by novel curcumin analogues in paclitaxel-resistant human breast cancer cells
Authors: Gao Lei , Zhao Peiran , Li Yang , Yang Dawei , Hu Ping , Li Lianzhi , Cheng Yufeng , Yao Hengchen
Published: January 2020

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle for successful cancer chemotherapy, and the main cause of MDR has been attributed to overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In this present study, four P-gp modulators (E,E)-4,6-bis(styryl)-2-(substituted amino)-pyrimidines were evaluated for their activity in a breast cancer cell line overexpressing P-gp (LCC6MDR). The four modulators displayed significantly better P-gp modulating activity compared with the positive control verapamil (RF = 5.4), with a relative fold (RF) increase in activity ranging from 33.3 to 86.0. In contrast to compounds a and c that exhibited lower cytotoxicity, compounds b and d were nontoxic towards both cancer cells and normal cells, with IC50 values greater than 100 μmol/L. The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that after exposure to 2 μmol/L of compounds a, b, c, and d, the mRNA expression level of MDR1 in LCC6MDR cells decreased to 45%, 50%, 38%, and 51%, respectively. However, the Western-blot results indicated that compound c could reverse P-gp mediated MDR, but not via decreases in protein expression. DOX and Rh123 accumulation and efflux results further confirmed that the reversal of MDR activity happens via inhibition of P-gp efflux and increases in intracellular drug accumulation. These results demonstrated that compound c has low toxicity and is an efficient P-gp modulator, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for P-gp-mediated reversal of MDR.
Thermodynamics conditions of matter in the neutrino decoupling region during neutron star mergers
Authors: Endrizzi Andrea , Perego Albino , Fabbri Francesco M. , Branca Lorenzo , Radice David , Bernuzzi Sebastiano , Giacomazzo Bruno , Pederiva Francesco , Lovato Alessandro
Published: January 2020

In this work we investigate the thermodynamics conditions at which neutrinos decouple from matter in neutron star merger remnants by post-processing results of merger simulations. We find that the matter density and the neutrino energies are the most relevant quantities in determining the decoupling surface location. For mean energy neutrinos ($$\sim $$∼ 9, 15 and 24 MeV for $$\nu _e$$νe, $$\bar{\nu }_e$$ν¯e and $$\nu _{\mu ,\tau }$$νμ,τ, respectively) the transition between diffusion and free-streaming conditions occurs around $$10^{11}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$1011gcm-3 for all neutrino species. Weak and thermal equilibrium freeze-out occurs deeper (several $$10^{12}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$1012gcm-3) for heavy-flavor neutrinos than for $$\bar{\nu }_e$$ν¯e and $$\nu _e$$νe ($$\gtrsim 10^{11}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$≳1011gcm-3). Decoupling temperatures are broadly in agreement with the average neutrino energies, with softer equations of state characterized by $$\sim $$∼1 MeV larger decoupling temperatures. Neutrinos streaming at infinity with different energies come from different remnant parts. While low-energy neutrinos ($$ \sim 3~\mathrm{MeV}$$∼3MeV) decouple at $$ \rho \sim 10^{13}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$ρ∼1013gcm-3, $$T \sim 10~\mathrm{MeV}$$T∼10MeV and $$Y_e \lesssim 0.1$$Ye≲0.1 close to weak equilibrium, high-energy ones ($$ \sim 50~\mathrm{MeV}$$∼50MeV) decouple from the disk at $$\rho \sim 10^{9}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$ρ∼109gcm-3, $$T \sim 2~\mathrm{MeV}$$T∼2MeV and $$Y_e \gtrsim 0.25$$Ye≳0.25. The presence of a massive NS or a BH influences the neutrino thermalization. While in the former case decoupling surfaces are present for all relevant energies, the lower maximum density ($$\lesssim 10^{12}\mathrm{g}~\mathrm{cm}^{-3}$$≲1012gcm-3) in BH-torus systems does not allow softer neutrinos to thermalize and diffuse.
Non-commutative deformation of Chern–Simons theory
Authors: Kupriyanov Vladislav G.
Published: January 2020

The problem of the consistent definition of gauge theories living on the non-commutative (NC) spaces with a non-constant NC parameter $$\Theta (x)$$Θ(x) is discussed. Working in the $$\hbox {L}_{\infty }$$L∞ formalism we specify the undeformed theory, 3d abelian Chern–Simons, by setting the initial $$\ell _1$$ℓ1 brackets. The deformation is introduced by assigning the star commutator to the $$\ell _2$$ℓ2 bracket. For this initial set up we construct the corresponding $$\hbox {L}_{\infty }$$L∞ structure which defines both the NC deformation of the abelian gauge transformations and the field equations covariant under these transformations. To compensate the violation of the Leibniz rule one needs the higher brackets which are proportional to the derivatives of $$\Theta $$Θ. Proceeding in the slowly varying field approximation when the star commutator is approximated by the Poisson bracket we derive the recurrence relations for the definition of these brackets for arbitrary $$\Theta $$Θ. For the particular case of su(2)-like NC space we obtain an explicit all orders formulas for both NC gauge transformations and NC deformation of Chern–Simons equations. The latter are non-Lagrangian and are satisfied if the NC field strength vanishes everywhere.
Gravitational instability of exotic compact objects
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Marcianò Antonino , Yunes Nicolás
Published: January 2020

Exotic compact objects with physical surfaces a Planckian distance away from where the horizon would have been are inspired by quantum gravity. Most of these objects are defined by a classical spacetime metric, such as boson stars, gravastars and wormholes. We show that these classical objects are gravitationally unstable because accretion by ordinary and dark matter, and by gravitational waves, forces them to collapse into a black hole by the Hoop conjecture. To avoid collapse, either their surface must be a macroscopic distance away from the horizon, or they must violate the null energy condition.
Bounds on spinning particles in their innermost stable circular orbits around rotating braneworld black hole
Authors: Nucamendi Ulises , Becerril Ricardo , Sheoran Pankaj
Published: January 2020

We study the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) of a spinning test particle moving in the vicinity of an axially symmetric rotating braneworld black hole (BH). We start with the description of the event horizon, static limit surface and ergosphere region of such BH and bring out the effect of tidal charge parameter on ergosphere. It is found that the ISCO of rotating braneworld BH is very sensitive to braneworld BH parameter $$ C $$C (also known as tidal charge parameter) in addition to its rotation parameter. We further discovered that the orbital radius of the spinning test particles changes non-monotonously with the braneworld BH tidal charge parameter. It is found that for rotating brane-world BH the allowed range of the particle spin grows as the tidal charge parameter $$ C $$C decreases, in contrast with the Kerr–Newman BH. We also found the similar behavior of the particle’s spin for the braneworld Reissner–Nordstr$$\ddot{o}$$o¨m ($$ C <0$$C<0) BH in contrast with its counterpart having ($$ C >0$$C>0).
The Hawking effect and the bounds on greybody factor for higher dimensional Schwarzschild black holes
Authors: Barman Subhajit
Published: January 2020

In this work, we have considered a n-dimensional Schwarzschild–Tangherlini black hole spacetime with massless minimally coupled free scalar fields in its bulk and 3-brane. The bulk scalar field equation is separable using the higher dimensional spherical harmonics on $$(n-2)$$(n-2)-sphere. First, using the Hamiltonian formulation with the help of the recently introduced near-null coordinates we have obtained the expected temperature of the Hawking effect, identical for both bulk and brane localized scalar fields. Second, it is known that the spectrum of the Hawking effect as seen at asymptotic future does not correspond to a perfect black body and it is properly represented by a greybody distribution. We have calculated the bounds on this greybody factor for the scalar field in both bulk and 3-brane. Furthermore, we have reaffirmed that these bounds predict a decrease in the greybody factor as the spacetime dimensionality n increases and also reaffirmed that for a large number of extra dimensions the Hawking quanta is mostly emitted in the brane.
Scattering on periodic metric graphs
Authors: Korotyaev Evgeny , Saburova Natalia
Published: January 2020

We consider the Laplacian on a periodic metric graph and obtain its decomposition into a direct fiber integral in terms of the corresponding discrete Laplacian. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the fiber metric Laplacian are expressed explicitly in terms of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the corresponding fiber discrete Laplacian and eigenfunctions of the Dirichlet problem on the unit interval. We show that all these eigenfunctions are uniformly bounded. We apply these results to the periodic metric Laplacian perturbed by real integrable potentials. We prove the following: (a) the wave operators exist and are complete, (b) the standard Fredholm determinant is well-defined and is analytic in the upper half-plane without any modification for any dimension, (c) the determinant and the corresponding S-matrix satisfy the Birman–Krein identity.
Two-fluid scenario in Bianchi type-I universe
Authors: Goswami G. K. , Mishra Meena , Yadav Anil Kumar , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study a Bianchi type-I model of universe filled with barotropic and dark energy (DE) type fluids. The present values of cosmological parameters, such as Hubble constant [Formula: see text], DE and anisotropy energy parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and Equation of State (EoS) parameter for DE [Formula: see text], are statistically estimated in two ways by taking 38 point data set of Hubble parameter [Formula: see text] and 581 point data set of distance modulus of supernovae in the range [Formula: see text]. It is found that the results agree with the Planck result [Planck Collab. (P. A. R. Ade et al.), Astron. Astrophys. 594, A14 (2016)] and more latest result obtained by Amirhashchi and Amirhashchi [H. Amirhashchi and S. Amirhashchi, arXiv:1811.05400v4]. Various physical properties such as age of the universe, deceleration parameter, etc. have also been investigated.
On the quantum equivalence of an antisymmetric tensor field with spontaneous Lorentz violation
Authors: Aashish Sandeep , Panda Sukanta
Published: January 2020

We present an explicit proof that a minimal model of rank-2 antisymmetric field with spontaneous Lorentz violation and a classically equivalent vector field model are also quantum equivalent by calculating quantum effective actions of both theories. We comment on the issues encountered while checking quantum equivalence in curved spacetime.
Generalized quantum spring
Authors: Feng Chao-Jun , Zhai Xiang-Hua , Li Xin-Zhou
Published: January 2020

Recently, it was found that after imposing a helix boundary condition on a scalar field, the Casimir force coming from the quantum effect is linearly proportional to r, which is the ratio of the pitch to the circumference of the helix. This linear behavior of the Casimir force is just like that of the force obeying Hooke’s law on a spring. In this paper, inspired by some complex structures that live in the cells of human body like DNA, protein, collagen, etc., we generalize the helix boundary condition to a more general one, in which the helix consists of a tiny helix structure, and makes up a hierarchy of helix. After imposing this kind of boundary condition on a massless and a massive scalar, we calculate the Casimir energy and force by using the so-called zeta function regularization method. We find that Hooke’s law with the generalized helix boundary condition is not exactly the same as the usual one. In this case, the force is proportional to the cube of r instead. So, we regard it as a generalized Hooke’s law, which is complied by a generalized quantum spring.
Gravitational decoupled solutions of axial string cosmology
Authors: Sharif M. , Ama-Tul-Mughani Qanitah
Published: January 2020

This paper is devoted to formulating exact solutions of axially symmetric spacetime through gravitational decoupling technique. For this purpose, we first evaluate an exact solution in the framework of cosmic strings by assuming some additional constraints on the metric coefficients and extend it to obtain two concrete anisotropic cosmological models. We investigate energy conditions as well as the speed of sound constraint to ensure the physical viability of the developed solutions. It is concluded that both anisotropic models meet all the energy bounds as well as stability criterion. The expanding behavior of the universe is also confirmed through different cosmological parameters.
Ideal balanced pairs
Authors: Asadollahi Javad , Hemat Sara , Vahed Razieh
Published: January 2020

In this paper, ideal balanced pairs in an abelian category will be introduced and studied. It is proved that every ideal balanced pair gives rise to a triangle equivalence of relative derived categories. We define complete ideal cotorsion triplets and investigate their relation with ideal balanced pairs.
A note on Dedekind Criterion
Authors: Jakhar Anuj , Khanduja Sudesh K.
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be an algebraic number field with [Formula: see text] an algebraic integer having minimal polynomial [Formula: see text] over the field [Formula: see text] of rational numbers and [Formula: see text] be the ring of algebraic integers of [Formula: see text]. For a fixed prime number [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the factorization of [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] as a product of powers of distinct irreducible polynomials over [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] monic. In 1878, Dedekind proved a significant result known as Dedekind Criterion which says that the prime number [Formula: see text] does not divide the index [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is coprime with [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]. This criterion has been widely used and generalized. In this paper, a simple proof of Generalized Dedekind Criterion [S. K. Khanduja and M. Kumar, On Dedekind criterion and simple extensions of valuation rings, Comm. Algebra 38 (2010) 684–696] using elementary valuation theory is given.
A combinatorial model for the Menger curve
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Aristotelis , Solecki Sławomir
Published: January 2020

We represent the universal Menger curve as the topological realization [Formula: see text] of the projective Fraïssé limit [Formula: see text] of the class of all finite connected graphs. We show that [Formula: see text] satisfies combinatorial analogues of the Mayer–Oversteegen–Tymchatyn homogeneity theorem and the Anderson–Wilson projective universality theorem. Our arguments involve only 0-dimensional topology and constructions on finite graphs. Using the topological realization [Formula: see text], we transfer some of these properties to the Menger curve: we prove the approximate projective homogeneity theorem, recover Anderson’s finite homogeneity theorem, and prove a variant of Anderson–Wilson’s theorem. The finite homogeneity theorem is the first instance of an “injective” homogeneity theorem being proved using the projective Fraïssé method. We indicate how our approach to the Menger curve may extend to higher dimensions.
Contribution of titanium substitution on improving the electrochemical properties of P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 cathode material for sodium-ion storage
Authors: Cao Zhijie , Li Lijiang , Zhou Chaojin , Ma Xiaobo , Wang Hailong
Published: January 2020

P2-type Na[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]TixO2[Formula: see text] have been synthesized as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, and the effect of Ti substitution on the structural evolution and electrochemical properties of Na[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O2 are investigated in detail. Analysis results indicate that an appropriate substituted amount of Mn with Ti in the MO2 layers effectively stabilize the crystal lattice of these layered electrodes during the Na[Formula: see text] insertion/extraction process, which significantly improves their electrochemical performances between 2.5 and 4.4[Formula: see text]V. The discharge/charge patterns and in situ X-ray diffraction measurements expound the successful suppression of Na[Formula: see text]/vacancy ordering and multiphase transition during the de-sodiation/sodiation process to resist the structure-induced degradation, which provide possible guidelines for exploring high performances sodium-ion batteries.
Uncertain Times: The Reconstruction of China–US Relationship
Authors: CHEN Weixing
Published: January 2020

The rise of China has shaken, to some extent, the pillars sustaining the US dominance in the world. Facing structural challenges from China, the United States has responded on three levels: political, strategic and policy. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a hard-line approach while attempting to engage China at the structural level. The China–US relationship is entering uncertain times, and the reconstruction of the relationship could take a decade.
Effect of Development Aid on Tax Reform in Recipient-Countries: Does Trade Openness Matter?
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: January 2020

Based on a proposed measure of tax reform in developing countries, this paper examines both how tax reform is influenced by development aid flows, and whether this effect depends on countries’ degree of openness to international trade. Tax reform involves here the change of the tax structure in favor of domestic tax revenue and at the expense of trade tax revenue. Empirical results based on 102 developing countries over the period 1980–2015 suggest that development aid exerts a positive effect on tax reform in developing countries, with relatively less advanced countries enjoying a higher positive effect than advanced developing countries. Additionally, recipient-countries’ degree of trade openness matters for the effect of development aid on tax reform.
First-in-human evaluation of a hand-held automated venipuncture device for rapid venous blood draws
Authors: Leipheimer Josh M. , Balter Max L. , Chen Alvin I. , Pantin Enrique J. , Davidovich Alexander E. , Labazzo Kristen S. , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: January 2020

Obtaining venous access for blood sampling or intravenous (IV) fluid delivery is an essential first step in patient care. However, success rates rely heavily on clinician experience and patient physiology. Difficulties in obtaining venous access result in missed sticks and injury to patients, and typically require alternative access pathways and additional personnel that lengthen procedure times, thereby creating unnecessary costs to healthcare facilities. Here, we present the first-in-human assessment of an automated robotic venipuncture device designed to safely perform blood draws on peripheral forearm veins. The device combines ultrasound imaging and miniaturized robotics to identify suitable vessels for cannulation and robotically guide an attached needle toward the lumen center. The device demonstrated results comparable to or exceeding that of clinical standards, with a success rate of 87% on all participants ([Formula: see text]), a 97% success rate on nondifficult venous access participants ([Formula: see text]), and an average procedure time of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s ([Formula: see text]). In the future, this device can be extended to other areas of vascular access such as IV catheterization, central venous access, dialysis, and arterial line placement.
Reducing Perceived Waiting Time in Theme Park Queues via an Augmented Reality Game
Authors: Zambetta Fabio , Raffe William , Tamassia Marco , Mueller Florian ’Floyd‚ , Li Xiaodong , Quinten Niels , Patibanda Rakesh , Dang Daniel , Satterley Jon
Published: January 2020

Theme parks visits can be very playful events for families, however, waiting in the ride’s queues can often be the cause of great frustration. We developed a novel augmented reality game to be played in the theme park’s queue, and an in-the-wild study with X participants using log data and interviews demonstrated that every minute playing was perceived to the same extent of about 5 minutes of not playing the game. We articulate a design space for researchers and strategies for game designers aiming to reduce perceived waiting time in queues. With our work, we hope to extend how we use games in everyday life to make our lives more playful.
Toward ML-centric cloud platforms
Authors: Bianchini Ricardo , Fontoura Marcus , Cortez Eli , Bonde Anand , Muzio Alexandre , Constantin Ana-Maria , Moscibroda Thomas , Magalhaes Gabriel , Bablani Girish , Russinovich Mark
Published: January 2020

Exploring the opportunities to use ML, the possible designs, and our experience with Microsoft Azure.
Conformal Electrodeposition of Co–Ni to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Three-Dimensional Ordered Macroporous Ni Films
Authors: Wang Guang-Ren , Hung Pei-Sung , Chang Shou-Yi , Yang Jenn-Ming , Tseng Yuan-Chieh , Wu Pu-Wei
Published: January 2020

Three-dimensional ordered macroporous Ni films, known as Ni inverse opals, are fabricated via a template approach in which polystyrene (PS) microspheres (820 nm in diameter) are assembled in closely-packed colloidal crystals via a vertical electrophoresis process, followed by electroplating of Ni into the interstitial voids within the colloidal crystals and the selective removal of PS microspheres. To improve its mechanical strength, a conformal Ni-Co layer (45 ∼ 64 nm) is electrodeposited on the skeletons of the Ni inverse opals by cyclic voltammetry. After coating, from nano-indentation tests, the hardness and reduced elastic modulus are enhanced considerably (172 ∼ 220% for hardness; 72 ∼ 79% for reduced elastic modulus), as compared to those of pristine inverse opals. After an annealing treatment for the interdiffusion of Ni and Co, the sample reveals an even stronger hardness. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the finite thickness of the inverse opals skeletons induces preferential growth of the (111) plane. In short, a combined effect of solid solution alloying, thickening of inverse opals skeletons for greater load bearing, and a predominant (111) plane is responsible for the improved mechanical strength of the Ni inverse opals.
Review—Supercritical Deposition: A Powerful Technique for Synthesis of Functional Materials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Barim Sansim Bengisu , Uzunlar Erdal , Bozbag Selmi Erim , Erkey Can
Published: January 2020

Supercritical fluid-based technologies are increasingly being used to develop novel functional nanostructured materials or improve the properties of existing ones. Among these, supercritical deposition (SCD) is an emerging technique to incorporate metals on supports. It has been used to deposit a wide variety of single or multi-metallic morphologies such as highly dispersed species, nanoparticles, nanorods and conformal films on high surface area supports, polymers and crystalline substrates. SCD is also attracting increasing attention for preparation of micro or nano-architectured functional materials in a highly controllable manner for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. Increasing number of studies in the literature demonstrates that materials synthesized using SCD are comparable or superior in performance as compared to their conventional counterparts. In this review, an overview of the fundamentals of the SCD technique is presented. Properties of a wide variety of nanostructured functional materials such as supported nanoparticles and films prepared using SCD for electrochemical applications are summarized. The electrochemical performance of these materials in electrochemical tests and also in fuel cells, electrolyzers and Li-ion batteries are also presented.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on the Electrochemical Behavior of Beta-Sodium Vanadate in Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries Using Several Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Medina Alejandro , Cabello Marta , Alcántara Ricardo , Pérez-Vicente Carlos , Tirado José L.
Published: January 2020

Regarding safety, cost and volumetric capacity, magnesium batteries could be an alternative to lithium ones. However, it is needed to find more suitable electrode materials and electrolyte solutions for developing rechargeable magnesium batteries. In this work, nanobelts of sodium vanadate (NVO) have been prepared and evaluated as electrode material in magnesium battery. Intercalation of magnesium and sodium into NVO has been explored using first-principles calculations. The experimental intercalation of magnesium was studied using both wet and dry electrolyte solutions based on different organic solvents. It is found that the electrochemical behavior strongly depends on the electrolyte solution, and the maximum reversible capacity is around 200–270 mAh g−1 using wet electrolyte. The mechanism of the electrochemical reaction has been studied by using XRD and chemical microanalysis. During the discharge/charge process, magnesium ions are reversibly intercalated/deintercalated, while sodium ions remain in the framework of NVO. The results make sodium vanadate an attractive candidate for an electrode in magnesium batteries.
Investigation of Transport and Kinetic Nonideality in Solid Li-Ion Electrodes through Deconvolution of Electrochemical Impedance Spectra
Authors: Ng Benjamin , Duan Xiting , Liu Fuqiang , Agar Ertan , White Ralph E. , Mustain William E. , Jin Xinfang
Published: January 2020

The development of Li-ion battery management systems (BMSs) is highly dependent on high fidelity computer simulations. In traditional physics-based models (PBMs), Fick’s law coupled with the Butler–Volmer equation has been employed to describe both Li-ion diffusion and solid/liquid interfacial Li-ion intercalation/deintercalation, but this methodology makes the primary assumption that there is no nonideality caused by Li–Li interactions. Such nonideality phenomena are usually described by the activity coefficient (γ) of Li-ions in a solid solution. With the nonideality, the activity of Li-ion species is not equivalent to the concentration of Li-ions. This research has demonstrated, through the deconvolution of electrochemical impedance spectra, that significant nonideality exists in the solid active materials during charge/discharge cycles, and it leads to nonlinear variation of both transport and kinetic parameters of the electrodes. We also show that PBMs with new pre-factors derived from nonequilibrium thermodynamics of concentrated solution theory can make battery-level predictions that are consistent with EIS data. The pre-factors developed in this paper are functions of the activity coefficient of the solid phase. They show a three order-of-magnitude variation for diffusivity in the solid active material and a one-to-two order of magnitude change in the reaction rate constant at the solid/liquid interface. The results presented here could provide baseline parameters for PBMs and improve their accuracy for high-fidelity BMSs.
Growth Mechanisms of Oxide Scales on Two-phase Co/Ni-base Model Alloys between 800 °C and 900 °C
Authors: Weiser Martin , Galetz Mathias C. , Chater Richard J. , Virtanen Sannakaisa
Published: January 2020

Elementary processes during the oxidation of single crystal Co/Ni-base model alloys between 800 °C and 900 °C were investigated in the present study. The influence of the base element (Co or Ni) on the oxidation rate was elucidated by continuous thermogravimetry in synthetic air for 100 h. After exposure, the multilayered oxide scales were characterized by scanning electron microscopy combined with electron probe micro analysis. The substitution of Co by Ni caused reduced oxidation rates at 900 °C. At lower temperatures an inverse trend with Co-rich alloys demonstrating lower mass gains was observed. The development of diffusion-limiting scale sections that lead to overall thinner oxide layers could be proved for the Co-base superalloy without Ni at 800 °C and 850 °C. The growth of AlN as well as the unwanted phase transformation of the γ/γ′ microstructure into Co3W persisted in alloys with high Co levels for all investigated temperatures. Material transport at 900 °C was elucidated by two-stage oxidation experiments in normal oxygen and 18O-enriched atmospheres. Transport of O2 via microchannels could be concluded for all compositions. The provided insights contributed to deeper understanding of essential processes during the formation of barrier layers in the scale.
TRIM32 triggers β-catenin signaling through ubiquitylation of AXIN1 to promote inflammatory factor-induced apoptosis of rat nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Chen Fei , Guo Qunfeng , Chen Qunxiang , Han Zhao , Zhou Xin , Wu Lecheng , Guo Xiang , Ni Bin , Yang Jun
Published: January 2020

The dysregulation of ubiquitin ligase is the cause of many human diseases. Tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase whose role in nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis is unclear. The expression of TRIM family protein and β-catenin in 40 NP tissue samples was detected by RT-PCR. Interleukin (IL)-1β or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was used to treat rat NP cells. Knockdown and overexpression of Trim32 were achieved using specific siRNA and recombinant plasmids. Western blotting, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry were used to assess the expression of TRIM32/β-catenin and the apoptosis rate of NP cells. Coimmunoprecipitation was adopted to analyze the possible interactions between AXIN1 and TRIM32. In clinical samples, TRIM32 expression was of positive relevance with the expression of CTNNB1 (β-catenin). In vitro, apoptosis of IL-1β- or TNF-α-treated rat NP cells was induced through upregulated Trim32 expression and activated β-catenin signaling, whereas Trim32 siRNA and inhibition of β-catenin reversed the induction effect of cytokines. Further studies indicated that TRIM32 activated the β-catenin signaling pathway through ubiquitination of AXIN1, thereby regulating apoptosis. Collectively, this study reveals that TRIM32 promotes inflammatory factor-induced apoptosis of rat NP cells, in part by direct degradation of AXIN1 to trigger β-catenin signaling.
Sites and sources of sympathoexcitation in obese male rats: role of brain insulin
Authors: Shi Zhigang , Zhao Ding , Cassaglia Priscila A. , Brooks Virginia L.
Published: January 2020

In males, obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), but the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigate insulin, via an action in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN), and downstream neuropathways, including melanocortin receptor 3/4 (MC3/4R) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and dorsal medial hypothalamus (DMH). We studied conscious and α-chloralose-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet, which causes obesity prone (OP) rats to accrue excess fat and obesity-resistant (OR) rats to maintain fat content, similar to rats fed a standard control (CON) diet. Nonspecific blockade of the ArcN with muscimol and specific blockade of ArcN insulin receptors (InsR) decreased lumbar SNA (LSNA), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in OP, but not OR or CON, rats, indicating that insulin supports LSNA in obese males. In conscious rats, intracerebroventricular infusion of insulin increased MAP only in OP rats and also improved HR baroreflex function from subnormal to supranormal. The brain sensitization to insulin may elucidate how insulin can drive central SNA pathways when transport of insulin across the blood-brain barrier may be impaired. Blockade of PVN, but not DMH, MC3/4R with SHU9119 decreased LSNA, HR, and, MAP in OP, but not OR or CON, rats. Interestingly, nanoinjection of the MC3/4R agonist melanotan II (MTII) into the PVN increased LSNA only in OP rats, similar to PVN MTII-induced increases in LSNA in CON rats after blockade of sympathoinhibitory neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors. ArcN InsR expression was not increased in OP rats. Collectively, these data indicate that obesity increases SNA, in part via increased InsR signaling and downstream PVN MC3/4R.
Postsynaptic integrative properties of dorsal CA1 pyramidal neuron subpopulations
Authors: Masurkar Arjun V. , Tian Chengju , Warren Richard , Reyes Isabel , Lowes Daniel C. , Brann David H. , Siegelbaum Steven A.
Published: January 2020

The population activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons (PNs) segregates along anatomical axes with different behaviors, suggesting that CA1 PNs are functionally subspecialized based on somatic location. In dorsal CA1, spatial encoding is biased toward CA2 (CA1c) and in deep layers of the radial axis. In contrast, nonspatial coding peaks toward subiculum (CA1a) and in superficial layers. While preferential innervation by spatial vs. nonspatial input from entorhinal cortex (EC) may contribute to this specialization, it cannot fully explain the range of in vivo responses. Differences in intrinsic properties thus may play a critical role in modulating such synaptic input differences. In this study we examined the postsynaptic integrative properties of dorsal CA1 PNs in six subpopulations along the transverse (CA1c, CA1b, CA1a) and radial (deep, superficial) axes. Our results suggest that active and passive properties of deep and superficial neurons evolve over the transverse axis to promote the functional specialization of CA1c vs. CA1a as dictated by their cortical input. We also find that CA1b is not merely an intermediate mix of its neighbors, but uniquely balances low excitability with superior input integration of its mixed input, as may be required for its proposed role in sequence encoding. Thus synaptic input and intrinsic properties combine to functionally compartmentalize CA1 processing into at least three transverse axis regions defined by the processing schemes of their composite radial axis subpopulations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is increasing interest in CA1 pyramidal neuron heterogeneity and the functional relevance of this diversity. We find that active and passive properties evolve over the transverse and radial axes in dorsal CA1 to promote the functional specialization of CA1c and CA1a for spatial and nonspatial memory, respectively. Furthermore, CA1b is not a mean of its neighbors, but features low excitability and superior integrative capabilities, relevant to its role in nonspatial sequence encoding.
Role of deep breaths in ultrasonic vocal production of Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Riede Tobias , Schaefer Charles , Stein Amy
Published: January 2020

Deep breaths are one of three breathing patterns in rodents characterized by an increased tidal volume. While humans incorporate deep breaths into vocal behavior, it was unknown whether nonhuman mammals use deep breaths for vocal production. We have utilized subglottal pressure recordings in awake, spontaneously behaving male Sprague-Dawley rats in five contexts: sleep, rest, noxious stimulation, exposure to a female in estrus, and exposure to an unknown male. Deep breaths were produced at rates ranging between 17.5 and 90.3 deep breaths per hour. While overall breathing and vocal rates were higher in social and noxious contexts, the rate of deep breaths was only increased during the male’s interaction with a female. Results also inform our understanding of vocal-respiratory integration in rats. The rate of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization during the exhalation phase increased with vocal activity. The proportion of deep breaths that were associated with a vocalization (on average 22%) was similar to the proportion of sniffing or eupnea breaths that contain a vocalization. Therefore, vocal motor patterns appear to be entrained to the prevailing breathing rhythm, i.e., vocalization uses the available breathing pattern rather than recruiting a specific breathing pattern. Furthermore, the pattern of a deep breath was different when it was associated with a vocalization, suggesting that motor planning occurs. Finally, deep breaths are a source for acoustic variation; for example, call duration and fundamental frequency modulation were both larger in 22-kHz calls produced following a deep inhalation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The emission of a long, deep, audible breath can express various emotions. The investigation of deep breaths, also known as sighing, in a nonhuman mammal demonstrated the occasional use of deep breaths for vocal production. Similar to the human equivalent, acoustic features of a deep breath vocalization are characteristic.
Evaluation of Informatization Performance of Construction Industrialization EPC Enterprises in China
Authors: Yao Fuyi , Ji Yingbo , Li Hong Xian , Liu Guiwen , Tong Wenjing , Liu Yan , Wang Xiaowei
Published: January 2020

An enormous amount of investment has been spent towards informatization for the construction industrialization engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) enterprises in China; however, the performance output remains uncertain. This paper aims to evaluate the informatization performance of the construction industrialization enterprises in China based on a proposed evaluation framework. The proposed framework entails a hierarchical input and output structure; the input metrics include 4 first‐level and 17 second‐level indicators, and the outputs include 6 first‐level and 27 second‐level indicators as the metrics, respectively. Survey and interview are utilized to collect data, with effective responses from thirty construction industrialization EPC enterprises. The informatization performance of these enterprises is evaluated using an improved D‐FCA method, which incorporates the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation analysis (FCA). The research results indicate that all the surveyed enterprises meet the performance requirement, and 60% of the thirty enterprises show excellent performance, reaching A level, AA level, and AAA level. Furthermore, for those enterprises with DEA scores less than 1, which indicates inefficient use of the resources during the informatization process, strategies are proposed to improve the performance of these enterprises. This study contributes a comprehensive framework to evaluate the informatization performance of construction industrialization enterprises in China. The enterprises studied currently mainly come from some developed areas, and the overall situation for construction industrialization needs to be further studied in future research.
N‐Butanol Extract of Gastrodia elata Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated Macrophages and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant‐ (CFA‐) Induced Arthritis Rats via Inhibition of MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Peng , Hu Yiwen , Huang Changzhao , Wang Xi , Zhang Heng , Zhang Xianping , Dai Houjie , Wang Ruiying , Gao Yan
Published: January 2020

Gastrodia elata is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for centuries to treat rheumatism. Previous studies have confirmed that ethanol extracts of Gastrodia elata have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and the n‐butanol fraction exerts a higher inhibitory effect. However, the in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects of Gastrodia elata have not been evaluated. Thus, we assessed the therapeutic effect of the n‐butanol extract of Gastrodia elata (BGE) on complete Freund’s adjuvant‐ (CFA‐) induced arthritis rats which were separated into six groups (NOR; MODEL; CFA + dexamethasone (DEX); CFA + 25, 50, 100 mg/kg BGE). The paw swelling, joint radiology, and histology were used to analyze the effect of BGE on delaying the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed via ELISA. In addition, the effect of BGE on nitric oxide (NO) production, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2(COX‐2), and inflammatory cytokines were detected in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Lastly, the impacts of BGE on the activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway in CFA rats and LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage were examined by western blot analysis. The results show that BGE can significantly reduce paw swelling without losing the body weight of rats. Imaging assessment confirms that BGE can protect cartilage from destruction, as well as reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial proliferation. Moreover, BGE suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines in serum and inhibits the activation of the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK in CFA rats. BGE was also demonstrated to decrease the production of NO and inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The effect of BGE in LPS‐induced expression leads to reduced p38 and ERK phosphorylation and also downregulates the protein expression of iNOS and COX‐2. Taken together, BGE exhibits a potential therapeutic effect on CFA rats, and its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects were possibly exerted by regulation of ERK/p38MAPK.
A Hybrid Fault-Tolerant Control for Nonlinear Active Suspension Systems Subjected to Actuator Faults and Road Disturbances
Authors: Pang Hui , Liu Xue , Shang Yuting , Yao Rui
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a hybrid fault-tolerant control strategy for nonlinear active suspension subjected to actuator faults and road disturbances. First, an augmented closed-loop system model is established for the nonlinear active suspension system with the actuator faults and road disturbances. Then, based on this model, a hybrid fault-tolerant controller that consists of a nominal state-feedback controller and a robust H∞ observer is proposed to stabilize the control plant under fault-free condition and further compensate for the suspension performance loss under the actuator fault condition. Finally, a half-vehicle active suspension example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid fault-tolerant controller under various running conditions.
Iterative Approximation of Endpoints for Multivalued Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Ullah Kifayat , Ahmad Junaid , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the modified Agarwal-O’Regan-Sahu iteration process (S-iteration) for finding endpoints of multivalued nonexpansive mappings in the setting of Banach spaces. Under suitable conditions, some weak and strong convergence results of the iterative sequence generated by the proposed process are proved. Our results especially improve and unify some recent results of Panyanak (J. Fixed Point Theory Appl. (2018)). At the end of the paper, we offer an example to illustrate the main results.
Gob‐Side Entry Retaining Technology with Advanced Empty Hole Butterfly‐Shaped Weakening in Three‐Soft Coal Seam in China
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2020

China has a large number of coal resources in “three‐soft” geological conditions. The roof of these coal seams is soft and has low strength. Under this condition, gob‐side entry retaining can be carried out under the guidance of roof leading holes to achieve the goal of nonblasting roof cutting and roadway retaining. In this paper, the technology of void weakening, roof cutting, and pressure relief along gob retaining roadway is investigated. The force model of void is established, and the stress concentration of void and interference effect of stress superposition between holes is simulated by COMSOL numerical simulation software. The influence of different factors on stress distribution surrounding round holes is then studied by orthogonal experiment. The results show that the distribution of the plastic zone in circular holes varies with the lateral pressure ratio. With the increase of lateral pressure ratio, the shape of the plastic zone will gradually change from circular to elliptical, and eventually to butterfly, and the size of the butterfly plastic zone is positively correlated with the aperture. On this basis, the technology of “empty hole weakening + dense pillar” roof cutting and gob‐side entry retaining is presented. The methodology is then applied to an auxiliary air intake roadway of 21309 working face in the Xiangshan Mine. Industrial testing of three‐soft seams using advanced empty hole without blasting roof cutting and gob‐side entry retaining is then successfully carried out. The advanced weakening hole replaces the original blasting cutting technology, omits the blasting cutting link in the existing gob‐side entry retaining technology, shortens the retaining time, solves the problems such as large coal dust concentration and bad construction environment in the blasting process, and provides scientific theoretical basis for the gob‐side entry retaining technology without blasting under such geological conditions.
Pediatric Dental Management of an Uncommon Case of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV A (Morquio A Syndrome): A Case Report of a Three-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Gómez-González Andrea , Rosales-Berber Miguel Ángel , De Ávila-Rojas Paola , Pozos-Guillén Amaury , Garrocho-Rangel Arturo
Published: January 2020

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IV A or Morquio syndrome is an uncommon inherited metabolic condition caused by the deficient intralysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination, skeletal radiographs, and histochemical tests in blood cells or fibroblasts. It is characterized by evident skeletal deformities, poor joint mobility, severe growth deficit, occlusal anomalies, and enamel defects. The aim of the present clinical case report is to describe the general oral management provided to a 6-year-old female patient and its corresponding evolution for more than three years.
Global Asymptotical Stability of Neutral-Type Neural Networks with D-Operator and Mixed Delays
Authors: Yang Qing , Du Bo , Cheng Xiwang
Published: January 2020

In this manuscript, we investigate the stability problems of neutral-type neural networks with D-operator and mixed delays. Some sufficient conditions are obtained for guaranteeing the existence, uniqueness, and global asymptotical stability of periodic solutions to the considered neural networks. Finally, a numerical example is performed to illustrate the theoretical results.
Weighted Multiple-Model Neural Network Adaptive Control for Robotic Manipulators with Jumping Parameters
Authors: Li Jiazhi , Zhang Weicun , Zhu Quanmin
Published: January 2020

This study addresses the tracking control issue for n-link robotic manipulators with largely jumping parameters. Based on radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs), we propose weighted multiple-model neural network adaptive control (WMNNAC) approach. To cover the variation ranges of the parameters, different models of robotic are constructed. Then, the corresponding local neural network controller is constructed, in which the neural network has been used to approximate the uncertainty part of the control law, and an adaptive observer is implemented to estimate the true external disturbance. The WMNNAC strategy with improved weighting algorithm is adopted to ensure the tracking performance of the robotic manipulator system when parameters jump largely. Through the Lyapunov stability theory and the method of virtual equivalent system (VES), the stability of the closed-loop system is proved. Finally, the simulation results of a two-link manipulator verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed WMNNAC strategy.