bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Current Differencing Transconductance Amplifier using a Novel Approach of Transconductance Boosting for High Frequency Applications
Authors: Rai Shireesh Kumar , Pandey Rishikesh , Garg Bharat
Published: May 2019

This paper introduces a novel approach of transconductance boosting for current differencing transconductance amplifier (CDTA). Generally, the variation in the transconductance is achieved by changing the bias current and/or by increasing the aspect ratios of differential pair MOSFETs. These techniques of transconductance variations suffer from several serious drawbacks which include higher power dissipation, limited range of transconductance gain and lower input/output swing. The proposed approach of transconductance boosting overcomes these drawbacks at certain extent and also provides a high value of transconductance gain with acceptable range of bandwidth and power dissipation. It includes two different techniques to make it more effective for transconductance boosting. In the first technique, common source amplifiers have been used between gate and source terminals of the differential pair MOSFETs whereas in the second technique the concept of partial positive feedback is utilized. Using this approach, a new structure of CDTA namely cross-coupled common source current differencing transconductance amplifier I (CCCS-CDTA I) is proposed. To further improve the transconductance gain of CCCS-CDTA I, another structure CCCS-CDTA II is also proposed, in which the differential pair MOSFETs are replaced by two networks of “n” parallel MOSFETs having same aspect ratios. The proposed CCCS-CDTAs are simulated in Mentor Graphics Eldo simulator using TSMC 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m process parameters. To confirm the performance of CCCS-CDTA II, physical layout and post-layout simulation results have been presented using Mentor Graphics Calibre tool. The advantages of proposed CCCS-CDTAs have also been discussed by realizing KHN filters and oscillators.
A 32 nm Read Disturb-free 11T SRAM Cell with Improved Write Ability
Authors: Mansore S. R. , Gamad R. S. , Mishra D. K.
Published: May 2019

Data stability, write ability and leakage power are major concerns in submicron static random access memory (SRAM) cell design. This paper presents an 11T SRAM cell with differential write and single-ended read. Proposed cell offers improved write ability by interrupting its ground connection during write operation. Separate read buffer provides disturb-free read operation. Characteristics are obtained from HSPICE simulation using 32[Formula: see text]nm high-performance predictive technology model. Simulation results show that the proposed cell achieves 4.5[Formula: see text] and 1.06[Formula: see text] higher read static noise margin (RSNM) as compared to conventional 6T (C6T) and PNN-based 10T cells, respectively, at 0.4[Formula: see text]V. Write static noise margin (WSNM) of the proposed design is 1.65[Formula: see text], 1.71[Formula: see text] and 1.77[Formula: see text] larger as compared to those of C6T, PPN-based 10T and PNN-based 10T cells, respectively, at 0.4V. Write “1” delay of the proposed cell is 0.108[Formula: see text] and 0.81[Formula: see text] as those of PPN10T and PNN10T cells, respectively. Proposed circuit consumes 1.40[Formula: see text] lesser read power as compared to PPN10T cell at 0.4[Formula: see text]V. Leakage power of the proposed cell is 0.35[Formula: see text] of C6T cell at 0.4[Formula: see text]V. Proposed 11T cell occupies 1.65[Formula: see text] larger area as compared to that of conventional 6T.
Designing a New Scalable Autoconfiguration Protocol with Optimal Header Selection for Large Scale MANETs
Authors: Samuel Rajula Angelin , Punithavathani D. Shalini
Published: May 2019

Autoconfiguration in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a challenging task to be accomplished in hostile environment. Moreover, a mobile node in MANET is usually configured with a unique IP address for providing better communication and to connect it with an IP network. Essentially, the nodes in wired networks are autoconfigured using a commonly known Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. However, MANET exhibits the intrinsic characteristics (i.e., distributed, dynamic and multi-hop) in nature; hence, it is hard to adopt DHCP server for autoconfiguration of nodes in MANET without applying significant modifications in auto-configuration scheme. This paper proposes an efficient IPV6 Duplicate address Elimination Autoconfiguration protocol for MANETs (IDEAM) which comprises the member and the cluster head (CH) nodes organized in a hierarchical fashion. Further, the proposed protocol considers the global connectivity exhibiting reduced communication overhead among the nodes. Initially, our proposed auto-configuration protocol encourages the Duplicate Address Detection (DAD) operation by selecting a controller node from the prefixed group members using a joining node in the network. In other words, the DAD operation is performed perfectly by a selected controller node on behalf of the new joining node. Thus, our proposed protocol becomes more effective and behaves better in the minimization of overhead by considerably eliminating the DAD messages broadcast in the network. Also, we imposed a new Flower pollination based gray wolf optimization (FPGWO) algorithm for selecting an optimal header among the group members by considering various node parameters (i.e., node location, resources and node density) to avoid unnecessary broadcasting of additional weight messages about each node in the network. The simulation results proved the efficiency of our proposed protocol in terms of scalability and in the minimization of overhead. Also, an effectual method provided by our proposed approach enhances the activity of marginal nodes over the group for healing the network that degrades its performance followed by the splitting and merging operation.
Design and Realization of Current-Fed Single-Input Dual-Output Soft-Switched Resonant Converter
Authors: Reddi Naresh Kumar , Ramteke M. R. , Suryawanshi H. M.
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a new single-input dual-output [SIDO] soft-switched resonant full-bridge converter, which has asymmetrical structures for the isolated multiple outputs. The proposed structure is capable of supplying different loads having dissimilar voltage-current characteristics and independent of each other. This converter features wide range of zero current switching (ZCS) turn-off and automatic load-voltage regulation. In automatic load-voltage regulation, converter maintains constant voltage without the need of change in frequency or duty ratio during load change. First, the modes of converter operation are explained and then design of key parameters have been outlined. A laboratory prototype for 380[Formula: see text]V, 500[Formula: see text]W as main output and 24[Formula: see text]V, 50[Formula: see text]W as auxiliary output for an input voltage range of 40–50[Formula: see text]V was built-up and tested. Experimental results confirm the viability of voltage regulation, ZCS and power efficiency of the proposed converter.
A Multi-Layer Self-Healing Algorithm for WSNs
Authors: Diaz Sergio , Mendez Diego , Kraemer Rolf
Published: May 2019

The implementation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is a challenging task due to their intrinsic characteristics, e.g., energy limitations and unreliable wireless links. Considering this, we have developed the Disjoint path And Clustering Algorithm (DACA) that combines topology control and self-healing mechanisms to increase the network lifetime with minimum loss of coverage. Initially, DACA constructs a tree that includes all nodes of the network by using the Collection Tree Protocol (CTP). This tree is an initial communication backbone through which DACA centralizes the information. Then, DACA builds a set of spatial clusters using Kmeans and selects the Cluster Heads (CHs) using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and a multi-objective optimization (MOO) function. Subsequently, DACA reconstructs the tree using only the CHs. In this way, DACA reduces the number of active nodes in the network and saves energy. Finally, DACA finds disjoint paths on the reconstructed tree by executing the N-to-1 multipath discovery protocol. By doing so, the network can overcome communications failures with a low control message overhead. The simulations on Castalia show that DACA considerably extends the network lifetime by having a set of inactive nodes and disjoint paths that support the communication when active nodes die. Besides, DACA still maintains a good coverage of the area of interest despite the inactive nodes. Additionally, we evaluate the shape of the tree (i.e., the average number of hops) and the risk of connection loss of the network.
Enhanced Buck-Boost dc–dc Converter with Positive Output Voltage
Authors: Bonab Hossein Ajdar Faeghi , Banaei Mohamad Reza
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a new transformerless buck-boost converter is presented. The voltage gain of the converter is higher than the classic boost converter, classic buck-boost converter, CUK and SEPIC converters. The proposed converter advantage is buck-boost capability. The proposed converter topology is simple; therefore, the converter control is simple. The converter has one main switch. Hence, the switch with low switching and conduction losses can be used. The stress of the main switch is low; therefore, switch with low on-state resistance can be selected. The principles of the converter and mathematic analyses are presented. The validity of the accuracy of calculations is verified by the experimental results.
Transverse Vibration Response of a Super High-Speed Elevator under Air Disturbance
Authors: Yang Zhe , Zhang Qing , Zhang Ruijun , Zhang Luzhong
Published: May 2019

For a super high-speed elevator running in a hoistway, it will encounter air flows at high speed. The transverse force and pitching moment generated by the air intensify the transverse vibration of the elevator. In this paper, by fully considering the guide rail excitation and air disturbance, the transverse vibration of a super high-speed elevator under different working conditions is examined. Based on the Lagrange principle, a four degree-of-freedom (DOF) model is adopted for the transverse vibration of the elevator. Combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the effects of various parameters corresponding to different working conditions on the aerodynamic forces acting on the transverse surfaces (the surfaces facing the guide rail) of the car is analyzed. Finally, the Newmark-[Formula: see text] method is employed to analyze the effect of air disturbances on the transverse vibration acceleration of the car under different working conditions. The results show that when the car is symmetrically positioned, the aerodynamic characteristics on both transverse surfaces of the car also appear to be symmetric. The operating speed and the distance between the car’s transverse surface and the hoistway wall (DCH) have a minor effect on the transverse vibration of the car, and the car is basically in a state of forced balance in the transverse direction. However, once the car deviates from the symmetric position, the balance will be violated, and the transverse resultant force and moment of the car will increase with the increase in the deviation amount. Among all these factors, the influence of the rotation angle on the elevator’s vibration acceleration is the most significant.
Development of Neural Network Model to Predict Flank Wear and Chipping Failure
Authors: Chelladurai H. , Jain V. K. , Vyas N. S.
Published: May 2019

Most of the researchers have developed Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to forecast the cutting tool life based on whether it has either a flank wear or a crater wear or a nose wear. In this paper, an attempt has been made to classify the cutting tool wear based on whether it has flank wear, chipped-off cutting edge or a combination of both failures. To obtain the experimental results, both the failures namely flank wear and chipped-off cutting edge have been produced using Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) process. Experiments were carried out using cemented carbide-coated inserts on EN-8 steel and all the responses were acquired by using virtual instruments. The acquired data were analyzed to develop the ANN models to forecast the condition of cutting tool. Vibration and strain data were recorded using accelerometer and strain gauge half-bridge circuit.
Structure and electrochemical properties of C-coated Li2O–V2O5–P2O5 glass-ceramic as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Jingwei , Zhao Shixi , Wu Xia , Yu Lüqiang , Zhao Enlai , Nan Cewen
Published: May 2019

A series of glass cathode materials [Formula: see text]Li2O–50V2O5–(50−[Formula: see text])P2O5 ([Formula: see text], 25, 30, 35 and 40) have been synthesized by a simple melting–quenching method. 30Li2O–50V2O5–20P2O5 glass (LVP30) shows the best cycling performance with a preferable capacity retention after 50 cycles. Then, we prepared a series of carbon-coated LVP30 glass-ceramic cathode materials by carbon coating and heat treatment. The carbon-coated LVP30 samples consist of the crystalline phase V2O3, VO2 and Li2O–V2O5–P2O5 glass. Among the carbon-coated LVP30 samples, LVP30-15C sample exhibits the best cycling and rate performance. It can retain a discharge capacity of 140[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles. This unique glass-ceramic structure can result in good conductivity and structural ductility.
SIGKDD Impact Program 2018
Authors: Sosič Rok , Ghani Rayid , Leskovec Jure
Published: May 2019

The SIGKDD Impact Program was established in 2017. As the SIGKDD community has expanded its reach dramati- cally over the past few years and the KDD conference has grown into a major global event, the aim for the social im- pact program is to focus the power of the community to- wards a broader positive societal impact.

The goal of this program was to support projects that pro- mote data science, increase its impact on society, and help the data science community. The project duration was lim- ited to one year. The total amount of funding provided by the SIGKDD Impact Program in 2018 was $250k, given as unrestricted gifts.

Projects funded in 2018 were required to present a mid- project update of their work and outcomes at the KDD 2018 conference in London in August 2018.
Budding Data Scientists Hackathon
Authors: Chua Hui Xiang , Chua Ee-Ling , Soo Kenneth
Published: May 2019

The "Budding Data Scientists Hackathon" was a pilot program to bring data science into a high school's curriculum in Singapore. Unlike typical hackathons, this hackathon lasted for a few months. A total of seven teams comprising 22 students underwent one week of intensive training workshops and five months of mentoring to work on projects tackling social challenges using data science. The hackathon was made possible with the support of the KDD Impact Program [1].
Diurnal repeated exercise promotes slow-wave activity and fast-sigma power during sleep with increase in body temperature: a human crossover trial
Authors: Aritake-Okada Sayaka , Tanabe Kosuke , Mochizuki Yoshiko , Ochiai Ryuji , Hibi Masanobu , Kozuma Kazuya , Katsuragi Yoshihisa , Ganeko Masashi , Takeda Noriko , Uchida Sunao
Published: May 2019

The effects of exercise on sleep have been explored from various perspectives, but little is known about how the effects of acute exercise on sleep are produced through physiological functions. We used a protocol of multiple daytime sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and examined the subsequent effects on sleep structure, core body temperature (CBT), distal-proximal skin temperature gradient (DPG), and subjective parameters. Fourteen healthy men who did not exercise regularly were evaluated under the baseline (no exercise) and exercise conditions on a within-subject crossover basis. Under the exercise condition, each participant performed a 40-min aerobic workout at 40% of maximal oxygen intake, four times between morning and early evening. We observed a 33% increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS; P = 0.005), as well as increases in slow-wave activity (SWA; P = 0.026), the fast-sigma power/SWA ratio ( P = 0.005), and subjective sleep depth and restorativeness the following morning. Moreover, both CBT and the DPG increased during sleep after exercise ( P = 0.021 and P = 0.047, respectively). Regression analysis identified an increased nocturnal DPG during sleep after exercise as a factor in the increase in SWA. The fast-sigma/SWA ratio correlated with CBT. The performance of acute exercise promotes SWS with nocturnal elevation in the DPG. Both CBT and fast-sigma power may play a role in the specific physiological status of the body after exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used multiple daytime sessions of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to examine the effects on the sleep structure, core body temperature (CBT), distal-proximal skin temperature gradient (DPG), and subjective parameters. Significant increases in slow-wave activity (SWA), CBT, DPG, fast-sigma power, and subjective parameters were observed during the night and the following morning. Nocturnal DPG is a factor in the increased SWA.
Low-intensity exercise induces acute shifts in liver and skeletal muscle substrate metabolism but not chronic adaptations in tissue oxidative capacity
Authors: Fuller Scott E. , Huang Tai-Yu , Simon Jacob , Batdorf Heidi M. , Essajee Nabil M. , Scott Matthew C. , Waskom Callie M. , Brown John M. , Burke Susan J. , Collier J. Jason , Noland Robert C.
Published: May 2019

Adaptations in hepatic and skeletal muscle substrate metabolism following acute and chronic (6 wk; 5 days/wk; 1 h/day) low-intensity treadmill exercise were tested in healthy male C57BL/6J mice. Low-intensity exercise maximizes lipid utilization; therefore, we hypothesized pathways involved in lipid metabolism would be most robustly affected. Acute exercise nearly depleted liver glycogen immediately postexercise (0 h), whereas hepatic triglyceride (TAG) stores increased in the early stages after exercise (0–3 h). Also, hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α ( PGC-1α) gene expression and fat oxidation (mitochondrial and peroxisomal) increased immediately postexercise (0 h), whereas carbohydrate and amino acid oxidation in liver peaked 24–48 h later. Alternatively, skeletal muscle exhibited a less robust response to acute exercise as stored substrates (glycogen and TAG) remained unchanged, induction of PGC-1α gene expression was delayed (up at 3 h), and mitochondrial substrate oxidation pathways (carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid) were largely unaltered. Peroxisomal lipid oxidation exhibited the most dynamic changes in skeletal muscle substrate metabolism after acute exercise; however, this response was also delayed (peaked 3–24 h postexercise), and expression of peroxisomal genes remained unaffected. Interestingly, 6 wk of training at a similar intensity limited weight gain, increased muscle glycogen, and reduced TAG accrual in liver and muscle; however, substrate oxidation pathways remained unaltered in both tissues. Collectively, these results suggest changes in substrate metabolism induced by an acute low-intensity exercise bout in healthy mice are more rapid and robust in liver than in skeletal muscle; however, training at a similar intensity for 6 wk is insufficient to induce remodeling of substrate metabolism pathways in either tissue.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Effects of low-intensity exercise on substrate metabolism pathways were tested in liver and skeletal muscle of healthy mice. This is the first study to describe exercise-induced adaptations in peroxisomal lipid metabolism and also reports comprehensive adaptations in mitochondrial substrate metabolism pathways (carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid). Acute low-intensity exercise induced shifts in mitochondrial and peroxisomal metabolism in both tissues, but training at this intensity did not induce adaptive remodeling of metabolic pathways in healthy mice.
Ingestion of Lycosome L-tug Formulation of Dark Chocolate Ameliorates Postprandial Hyperlipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Petyaev Ivan M. , Chalyk Natalia E. , Klochkov Victor A. , Pristenskiy Dmitry V. , Chernyshova Marina P. , Kyle Nigel H.
Published: May 2019

Twenty-eight healthy middle-aged volunteers (40-60 years old) with equal gender representation were randomized into 3 study groups to investigate the changes in postprandial glucose and lipids after ingestion of different formulations of dark chocolate (DC). The volunteers from the first group were requested to ingest 100 g of regular DC whereas the individuals from the third group were given 100 g of highly bioavailable lycosome formulated L-tug formulation of DC containing 23.3 mg of lycopene. A second group received a 23.3 mg lycopene capsule, a tomato-derived antioxidant carotenoid as a matching control. Serum specimens were obtained following 30 minutes as well as 1, 2, and 3 hours after study products intake. Ingestion of L-tug DC was accompanied by the reduced postprandial hyperglycemia with maximum difference seen at 3rd hour of the study and reduction of average AUCGluc values by 20% (P<0.05) as compared to regular DC. Moreover, ingestion of L-tug DC was accompanied by a statistically significantly reduced median concentration for postprandial triglycerides (to 390.7 mg⁎hr/dL; 5/95%% CIs: 363.2/405.7 versus regular DC value of 439.5mg⁎hr/dL and a lower range of confidence intervals - 5/95%CIs: 394.0/475.1). A similar tendency was observed in changes of total cholesterol concentration. Ingestion of L-tug DC completely abolished total cholesterol increase seen in volunteers at 3rd hour of postprandial period following intake of the control DC. Ingestion of lycopene alone did not cause any changes in postprandial changes of glucose or serum lipids. The observed postprandial changes can be related to the 56.2 % increase in serum lycopene level which was observed after ingestion of L-tug DC only. Higher serum lycopene levels following the ingestion of L-tug DC resulted in a corresponding increase in serum antioxidant capacity and reduction of oxidized LDL as well as a decline in malonic dialdehyde concentration in the serum of volunteers.
Literature-Based Enrichment Insights into Redox Control of Vascular Biology
Authors: Essack Magbubah , Salhi Adil , Stanimirovic Julijana , Tifratene Faroug , Bin Raies Arwa , Hungler Arnaud , Uludag Mahmut , Van Neste Christophe , Trpkovic Andreja , Bajic Vladan P. , Bajic Vladimir B. , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: May 2019

In cellular physiology and signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play one of the most critical roles. ROS overproduction leads to cellular oxidative stress. This may lead to an irrecoverable imbalance of redox (oxidation-reduction reaction) function that deregulates redox homeostasis, which itself could lead to several diseases including neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. In this study, we focus on the redox effects related to vascular systems in mammals. To support research in this domain, we developed an online knowledge base, DES-RedoxVasc, which enables exploration of information contained in the biomedical scientific literature. The DES-RedoxVasc system analyzed 233399 documents consisting of PubMed abstracts and PubMed Central full-text articles related to different aspects of redox biology in vascular systems. It allows researchers to explore enriched concepts from 28 curated thematic dictionaries, as well as literature-derived potential associations of pairs of such enriched concepts, where associations themselves are statistically enriched. For example, the system allows exploration of associations of pathways, diseases, mutations, genes/proteins, miRNAs, long ncRNAs, toxins, drugs, biological processes, molecular functions, etc. that allow for insights about different aspects of redox effects and control of processes related to the vascular system. Moreover, we deliver case studies about some existing or possibly novel knowledge regarding redox of vascular biology demonstrating the usefulness of DES-RedoxVasc. DES-RedoxVasc is the first compiled knowledge base using text mining for the exploration of this topic.
Curing Opioid Toxicity with Intrathecal Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Pittelkow Thomas P. , Bendel Markus A. , Strand Jacob J. , Moeschler Susan M.
Published: May 2019

Pain is one of the most feared symptoms that concern cancer patients and their families. Despite well-established guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the treatment of cancer pain, nearly half of cancer patients report poorly controlled pain. One of the most serious side effects of systemic oral opioid use is neurotoxicity, which is characterized by altered mental status and systemic neurologic impairments. Treatment strategies are supportive in nature and focused on reducing or changing the offending opioid and correcting any metabolic deficiencies. Herein, we discuss a case of opioid-induced neurotoxicity treated with intrathecal targeted drug delivery (TDD). The timing and implementation of advanced therapies such as intrathecal TDD is not well delineated. More importantly, patients and their oncologic providers are often unaware of this useful tool in treating challenging cancer-associated pain and significantly minimizing systemic opioid side effects. To ensure that patients have comprehensive oncologic care, best-practice guidelines suggest involvement of an interdisciplinary team and coordinated care. Early referral to a pain and palliative specialist may allow for improved patient outcomes and removal of unnecessary barriers to optimal patient care.
Neuroprotective Effects of Anthraquinones from Rhubarb in Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Li Xun , Chu Shifeng , Liu Yinjiao , Chen Naihong
Published: May 2019

Rhubarb is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine; it has been used in China for thousands of years. Rhubarb anthraquinones are the major medicinal ingredients derived from rhubarb including emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, rhein, physcion, and danthron. These different anthraquinone derivatives alone or in combination play a therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases (CNSD), such as cerebral ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and others. We review the experimental studies on these six anthraquinones in the treatment of CNSD by consulting literature published in the last 20 years in PubMed and then give a future perspective on it. In the end of this paper some deficiencies related to these studies also have been pointed out.
Fit Evaluation during Repetition Interaction in Garment Pattern Design
Authors: Zhu Yuxiang , Peng Yanjun
Published: May 2019

We present a novel virtual try‐on solution for fitting evaluation and pattern modification to design various types of garment and speed up the garment design process. In the phase of fit evaluation, we propose a method for producing two‐dimensional (2D) color maps by comparing a 2D triangle mesh panel garment and a 3D triangle mesh garment, which can display the fit evaluation outcome in real time. In the phase of pattern modification, a novel prior condition based on maximum entropy coordinates and a more comprehensive mean value coordinates interpolation algorithm are proposed. By a combination of the two deformation methods, the positions of the internal vertices are updated smoothly. Applying the proposed method to the repetition of the garment design procedure, the experimental results show that it can easily pinpoint the location where it needs to be modified and can achieve arbitrary pattern modification with a smooth mesh update.
Comparison of Uplift Capacity and Nonlinear Failure Surfaces of Single‐Belled Anchor in Homogeneous and Layered Sand Deposits
Authors: Deb Tanaya , Pal Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2019

This experimental study explains the contribution of embedment ratios, diameter ratios, and bell angles to uplift capacities of single‐belled anchors and formation of nonlinear failure surfaces in homogeneous and layered sand deposits. Uplift capacities in both types of sand deposits are increased with higher embedment ratios, lesser diameter ratios, and bell angles. Uplift capacities are higher in layered sand deposit in comparison with homogeneous sand deposit for the same model. Analytical uplift capacities are predicted by the horizontal slice method based on observed failure surfaces. A comparative discussion is made on nonlinear failure surfaces as well as analytical uplift capacities in reference to aforementioned parameters for the variation in sand deposits. The 45° and 63° belled anchors are more effective as uplift‐resistant structures than 72° anchors in both types of sand deposits. Out of 36 analytical data on homogeneous sand and 33 analytical data on layered sand, 94.45% data are within the range of +08.51 to −10.70% and 100% data are within the range of +10.47 to −10.72%, respectively, with respect to the experimental uplift capacities. Four numbers of multiple linear regression models have been developed by observed breakout factors to eliminate the size effect, so the newly developed models are suitable for actual engineering to compare with prototype tests within the suggested imitation of values of variable parameters.
Optimal Packet Length for Free-Space Optical Communications with Average SNR Feedback Channel
Authors: Alnwaimi Ghassan , Boujemaa Hatem , Arshad Kamran
Published: May 2019

In this article, a method to enhance data rates of free-space optical (FSO) systems using packet length optimization is proposed. The average signal-to-noise ratio (ASNR) is measured at the receiver and sent back to the transmitter to optimize packet length. In addition, the length of packet is optimized to enhance the average throughput. We concluded that packet length can be reduced at low ASNR. However, packet length should be increased at higher values of received ASNR. For each ASNR, we also choose the optimal modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and optimal packet length to maximize the throughput. Different MCSs are investigated such as 4-pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) with and without channel coding, 8-PAM, 16-PAM, and 32-PAM. The proposed method gives 0.8–1.9 dB gain with respect to conventional FSO with adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) and fixed packet length. This is the first paper to deal with packet length optimization for FSO systems.
Adaptive Backstepping Current Control of Active Power Filter Using Neural Compensator
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Fei Juntao
Published: May 2019

A backstepping‐based adaptive controller with neural compensator is designed for harmonic suppression in a three‐phase active power filter (APF). The fundamental rule of backstepping method is to take some state variables as “virtual controls” and then design intermediate controller. An adaptive neural controller using radial basis function (RBF) is derived to estimate the APF system nonlinearity and strengthen the current’s tracking property and power grid quality. Simulations studies indicate the proposed backstepping‐based adaptive neural controller has good current tracking behavior and increased power quality.
Immunohistochemical Study of NR2C2, BTG2, TBX19, and CDK2 Expression in 31 Paired Primary/Recurrent Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Yao Xiaohui , Zhang Yazhuo , Wu Lijuan , Cheng Rui , Li Chuzhong , Qu Chongxiao , Ji Hongming
Published: May 2019

This study investigated potential markers for predicting nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) invasion and recurrence by high-throughput tissue microarray analyses. We retrospectively studied two groups of patients: 60 nonrecurrent NFPA cases that included noninvasion and invasion subtypes and 43 recurrent cases that included primary NFPA. A total of 31 paired patient samples were evaluated (12 patients with one surgery and 31 who had undergone two operations, with both tumors analyzed). Expressions of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group C member 2 (NR2C2), B cell translocation gene 2, T-box-19 (TBX19), and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in surgically resected specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The relationships between marker expression and clinical characteristics including age, sex, tumor volume, and follow-up time were analyzed. Tumor volume and invasion as well as follow-up time were significantly associated with invasion and recurrence (P < 0.01). Of the 60 nonrecurrent samples, 15/41 and 13/19 showed high NR2C2 expression in the noninvasion and invasion groups, respectively (χ2 =5.287, P = 0.021). NR2C2 was also overexpressed in 43 primary recurrent cases (χ2 =5.433, P = 0.02), whereas CDK2 (χ2 = 11.242, P = 0.001) and TBX19 (χ2 = 4.875, P = 0.027) were downregulated. In the 31 paired samples, NR2C2 was more highly expressed in the recurrent as compared to the primary tumor. High NR2C2 expression was associated with NFPA invasion, recurrence, and progression, while TBX19 and CDK2 were associated with NFPA recurrence.
Development of a Daily Databank of Solar Radiation Components for Moroccan Territory
Authors: Benchrifa Mohammed , Essalhi Hajar , Tadili Rachid , Bargach Mohammed N. , Mechaqrane Abdellah
Published: May 2019

The main objective of this work is to create a daily updated database that includes all components of solar radiation, either energetic or spectral radiation. This will lead us to quantify the Moroccan solar potential and to determine the dimensions of all types of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. Consequently, the obtained database will be the fundamental support for engineers, designers, and all organizations interested in developing solar systems, in different regions throughout Morocco. It will also be a basic tool for researchers in modelling and simulating the new solar systems. Firstly, we used one year’s worth of measurements of the different components of the solar radiation, provided by the National Meteorological Department, to establish the extrapolation equations between the global radiation at the reference site and the global radiation of twenty-eight other sites. As well as with the same measurements, we developed the correlation equations between the global solar radiation and the other solar radiation components. Secondly, from ten years of Fez station’s daily global radiation measurements and through the extrapolation equations, we were able to estimate the global radiation of all Moroccan cities. Then, by using the obtained global radiation data and the correlation equations, we predicted the other components of solar radiation. Subsequently, with a new measurement campaign carried out on several sites, we validated the estimation models by using the usual statistical indicators. In addition, we compared our results with those obtained by other estimation models. The resulting differences for each solar component display the advantage of our model with errors under 6%. To facilitate the use of our results, we compiled them into maps representing the spread of solar radiation across Morocco.
Toward Privacy-Preserving Shared Storage in Untrusted Blockchain P2P Networks
Authors: Rahmadika Sandi , Rhee Kyung-Hyune
Published: May 2019

The shared storage is essential in the decentralized system. A straightforward storage model with guaranteed privacy protection on the peer-to-peer network is a challenge in the blockchain technology. The decentralized storage system should provide the privacy for the parties since it contains numerous data that are sensitive and dangerous if misused by maliciously. In this paper, we present a model for shared storage on a blockchain network which allows the authorized parties to access the data on storage without having to reveal their identity. Ring signatures combined with several protocols are implemented to disguise the signer identity thereby the observer is unlikely to determine the identity of the parties. We apply our proposed scheme in the healthcare domain, namely, decentralized personal health information (PHI). In addition, we present a dilemma to improve performance in a decentralized system.
Myocardial Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Overexpression Protects against Burn-Induced Cardiac Lipid Accumulation and Injury
Authors: Li Lingfei , Zhang Xingyue , Zhang Qiong , Jia Jiezhi , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Dongxia , Song Huapei , Chen Bing , Hu Jiongyu , Huang Yuesheng
Published: May 2019

Maladaptive cardiac metabolism is a common trigger of cardiac lipid accumulation and cardiac injury under serious burn challenge. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the key enzyme that catalyzes triglyceride hydrolysis; however, its alteration and impact on cardiac function following serious burn injury are still unknown. Here, we found that the cardiac fatty acid (FA) metabolism increased, accompanied by augmented FA accumulation and ATGL expression, after serious burn injury. We generated heterozygous ATGL knockout and heterozygous cardiac-specific ATGL overexpression thermal burn mice. The results demonstrated that partial loss of ATGL could not relieve burn-induced cardiac lipid accumulation and cardiac injury, possibly due to the suppression of cardiac FA metabolism plus insufficient compensatory glucose utilization. In contrast, cardiac-specific overexpression of ATGL alleviated cardiac lipid accumulation and cardiac injury following burn challenge by switching the substrate preference from FA towards increased glucose utilization. The underlying mechanism was possibly related to increased glucose transporter-1 expression and reduced cardiac lipid accumulation induced by ATGL overexpression. Our data first demonstrated that elevated cardiac ATGL expression after serious burn injury is an adaptive, albeit insufficient, response to compensate for the increase in energy consumption and that further overexpression of ATGL is beneficial for ameliorating cardiac injury, indicating its therapeutic potential.
Internal Combustion Engine Fault Identification Based on FBG Vibration Sensor and Support Vector Machines Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Faye , Jiang Mingshun , Zhang Lei , Ji Shaobo , Sui Qingmei , Su Chenhui , Lv Shanshan
Published: May 2019

State monitoring and fault diagnosis of an internal combustion engine are critical for complex machinery safety. In the present study, a high‐frequency vibration system was proposed based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) cantilever sensor and intelligent algorithm. Structural vibration signal containing fault information of engine valves and oil nozzle was identified by FBG sensors and preprocessed using wavelet decomposition and reconstruction. Moreover, vibration energy was taken as fault characteristics. Subsequently, a fault identification model was built based on multiclass υ‐support vector classification (υ‐SVC). Experimental tests on the valve fault and fuel injection advance angle fault were performed and presented to verify the efficacy of the proposed approach. The results here reveal that the proposed method exhibits excellent fault detection performance for ICE fault identification. Furthermore, the proposed method can achieve higher performance than other methods in the fault identification accuracy.
Decision‐Making and Coordination of a Three‐Stage Book Supply Chain considering Big Data Information Cost
Authors: Liu Pan
Published: May 2019

In the Big Data era, Big Data Information (BDI) has been used in the book supply industry. Data Company as an important BDI supplier should be included in a book supply chain. Thus, to explore the investment decision‐making problems of BDI and its effects on the coordination and pricing rules of book supply chain, a three‐stage book supply chain with one book publisher, one retailer, and one Data Company was chosen. Meanwhile, four benefit models about BDI investment were proposed and analyzed in the environments of symmetry information and asymmetric information. A revenue sharing contract was used to achieve book supply chain coordination. Findings: whether the book publisher and the retailer were suitable to invest in BDI, it was influenced by the cost improvement coefficient. With the ascent of the cost improvement coefficient, benefits of supply chain members will reduce, and, in different investment models, their prices show different change trends with the cost improvement coefficient.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of an Apigenin-Maillard Reaction Product in Macrophages and Macrophage-Endothelial Cocultures
Authors: Zhou Qian , Xu Hui , Yu Wenzhe , Li Edmund , Wang Mingfu
Published: May 2019

Chronic inflammation is involved in the progression of various diseases, while dietary flavonoids are reported to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties against age-related diseases. Previously, an apigenin-Maillard reaction product, dimethylglyoxal apigenin (DMA), was identified by us and demonstrated to be antioxidative. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of DMA on advanced glycation end product- (AGE-) induced inflammation in macrophages and macrophage-endothelial cocultures. Results showed that DMA remarkably inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of receptor for AGEs (RAGE), thereby inhibiting the production of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin (IL) 1, IL 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein- (MCP-) 1 in RAW 264.7 cells. In the coculture system which was performed in the Boyden chamber, macrophage infiltration and adhesion to endothelial cells were significantly suppressed by DMA. Further study indicated that DMA decreased AGE-evoked IL 6 and MCP-1 secretion, which might be achieved through RAGE and its downstream-regulated transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 expression in the coculture system. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that DMA, a thermally induced compound, has anti-inflammatory activity in both macrophages and macrophage-endothelial cocultures, offering a promising approach for slowing down the development of chronic diseases.
Measurement Bias Estimation in the Problem of Target Tracking
Authors: Ren Honglin , Lu Zhihua
Published: May 2019

In the problem of target tracking, different types of biases can enter into the measurement collected by sensors due to various reasons. In order to accurately track the target, it is essential to estimate and correct the measurement bias. Considering practical backgrounds, the bias is assumed to be locally stationary Gaussian distributed and an iterative estimation algorithm is proposed. Firstly, a mechanism is established to detect whether the bias switches between different Gaussian distributions. Secondly, the expectation maximization algorithm with the assistance of extended Kalman filtering and smoothing is proposed to iteratively estimate the bias and target state in an offline manner. Simulations show the proposed algorithm can suppress the impact of the measurement bias on target tracking.
A Microfluidic Chip Enables Isolation of Exosomes and Establishment of Their Protein Profiles and Associated Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Dorayappan Kalpana Deepa Priya , Gardner Miranda L. , Hisey Colin L. , Zingarelli Roman A. , Smith Brentley Q. , Lightfoot Michelle D.S. , Gogna Rajan , Flannery Meghan M. , Hays John , Hansford Derek J. , Freitas Michael A. , Yu Lianbo , Cohn David E. , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah
Published: May 2019

Because of limits on specificity and purity to allow for in-depth protein profiling, a standardized method for exosome isolation has yet to be established. In this study, we describe a novel, in-house microfluidic-based device to isolate exosomes from culture media and patient samples. This technology overcomes contamination issues because sample separation is based on the expression of highly specific surface markers CD63 and EpCAM. Mass spectrometry revealed over 25 exosome proteins that are differentially expressed in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) cell lines compared with normal cells—ovarian surface epithelia cells and fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells (FTSEC). Top exosome proteins were identified on the basis of their fold change and statistical significance between groups. Ingenuity pathway analysis identified STAT3 and HGF as top regulator proteins. We further validated exosome proteins of interest (pSTAT3, HGF, and IL6) in HGSOC samples of origin-based cell lines (OVCAR-8, FTSEC) and in early-stage HGSOC patient serum exosome samples using LC/MS-MS and proximity extension assay. Our microfluidic device will allow us to make new discoveries for exosome-based biomarkers for the early detection of HGSOC and will contribute to the development of new targeted therapies based on signaling pathways that are unique to HGSOC, both of which could improve the outcome for women with HGSOC.

Significance:

A unique platform utilizing a microfluidic device enables the discovery of new exosome-based biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
HDAC3 Deficiency Promotes Liver Cancer through a Defect in H3K9ac/H3K9me3 Transition
Authors: Ji Hongjie , Zhou Yongjie , Zhuang Xiang , Zhu Yongjie , Wu Zhenru , Lu Yannrong , Li Shengfu , Zeng Yong , Lu Qing R. , Huo Yanying , Shi Yujun , Bu Hong
Published: May 2019

DNA damage triggers diverse cancers, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the intrinsic link between DNA damage and tumorigenesis remains unclear. Because of its role as an epigenetic and transcriptional regulator, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is essential for DNA damage control and is often aberrantly expressed in human HCC. In this study, we used individual class I HDAC member–deficient mice to demonstrate that K9 in histone H3 (H3K9), which is the critical site for the assembly of DNA damage response complexes, is exclusively targeted by HDAC3. Ablation of HDAC3 disrupted the deacetylation and consequent trimethylation of H3K9 (H3K9me3), the first step in double-strand break repair, and led to the accumulation of damaged DNA. Simultaneously, hyperacetylated H3K9 (H3K9ac) served as a transcriptional activator and enhanced multiple signaling pathways to promote tumorigenesis. Together, these results show that HDAC3 targets the H3K9ac/H3K9me3 transition to serve as a critical regulator that controls both DNA damage repair and the transcription of many tumor-related genes. Moreover, these findings provide novel insights into the link between DNA damage and transcriptional reprogramming in tumorigenesis.

Significance:

These findings show that HDAC3 exclusively regulates H3K9ac in response to DNA damage, and loss of HDAC3 activity shifts the balance from DNA damage control to protumorigenic transcriptional activity.