bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic myopathies: a practical approach
Authors: Lilleker James B , Keh Yann Shern , Roncaroli Federico , Sharma Reena , Roberts Mark
Published: December 2017

Metabolic myopathies are a diverse group of rare genetic disorders and their associated muscle symptoms may be subtle. Patients may present with indolent myopathic features, exercise intolerance or recurrent rhabdomyolysis. Diagnostic delays are common and clinicians need a high index of suspicion to recognise and differentiate metabolic myopathies from other conditions that present in a similar fashion. Standard laboratory tests may be normal or non-specific, particularly between symptomatic episodes. Targeted enzyme activity measurement and next-generation genetic sequencing are increasingly used. There are now specific enzyme replacement therapies available, and other metabolic strategies and gene therapies are undergoing clinical trials. Here, we discuss our approach to the adult patient with suspected metabolic myopathy. We outline key features in the history and examination and discuss some mimics of metabolic myopathies. We highlight some disorders of glycogen and fatty acid utilisation that present in adulthood and outline current recommendations on management.
SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBROUS MATS BY A NOVEL IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUE
Authors: MOGHADAM BENTOLHODA HADAVI , KASAEI SHOHREH , HAGHI A. K.
Published: December 2017

A novel technique based on image processing inspired by the simple assumption for the first time to assess the roughness of nanofibrous mats based on grayscale variations is proposed. The height of a nanofibrous mat in different regions of the surface is simulated by grayscale variations in the image while the relation between grayscale and height is obtained as a linear function. The roughness is obtained by measuring height variations in the surface profile. Statistical roughness parameters of nanofibrous mats are also obtained from direct measurement with roughness profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for comparison of the roughness of nanofibrous mats between direct measurement and proposed method. The AFM is the most suitable surface measuring instrument for roughness measurement on the nanofibrous mat. So that, in this study the relation between the obtained statistical roughness parameters and the AFM result follows a low coefficient of expansion. Therefore, the two methods give results in satisfactorily close agreement. This proposed method not only exhibits all mentioned advantages, but has also been very simple, accurate, and useful for surface roughness prediction in nanofibrous mats.
ELECTROLYTIC DEPOSITION OF TiC PARTICLES/Ag COMPOSITE FILMS AND THEIR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: YUAN LI , QIAN XUZHENG , ZENG CHUNYAN , GAO CHEN , LU YUE
Published: December 2017

TiC particles/Ag composite films were successfully prepared through co-electrodeposition, using the Ag plating solutions with minor addition of TiC particles, followed by heat treatment in vacuum. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nanoindentation tester and four-point probes were used to characterize phase composition, morphologies, mechanical properties and electrical properties of as-fabricated films, respectively. Experimental results show that only TiC and Ag phases are identified for the TiC particles/Ag composite films. TiC particles are incorporated tightly and evenly on the surface of the composite films without obvious agglomeration. TiC particles/Ag composite films maintain good electrical conductivity. Meanwhile, compared to pure silver film without the addition of TiC particles, the indentation hardness ([Formula: see text]) of the TiC/Ag composite film electrodeposited from the plating bath containing 6[Formula: see text]g/L of TiC particles can be improved from 600 [Formula: see text] to 11,000 [Formula: see text].
HIGH TEMPERATURE TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF STIR-CAST Al–TiB2 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES
Authors: PORIA SUSWAGATA , SUTRADHAR GOUTAM , SAHOO PRASANTA
Published: December 2017

This study considers high temperature tribological behavior of Al-TiB2 aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) fabricated through stir cast method. Effect of operating temperature on wear and friction behavior is studied for four different weight percentages of reinforcements using a high-temperature tribo-tester over a temperature range of 50[Formula: see text]C–250[Formula: see text]C under normal load in the range of 25–75[Formula: see text]N. Surface morphology and wear debris are studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies are performed to observe the wear mechanism at high temperature. Increase in the amount of reinforcement improves wear resistance of composites at all temperatures. Friction and rate of wear are found to increase with operating temperature. Formation of oxide layers and softening of the surface are found to play crucial role in controlling the tribological behavior of stir cast Al–TiB2 composites at high operating temperatures.
SCATTERING OF A THIN LAYER OVER A NONLINEAR RADIALLY EXTENDING SURFACE WITH MAGNETO HYDRODYNAMIC AND THERMAL DISSIPATION
Authors: GUL TAZA
Published: December 2017

The recent research is allied with the analysis of a thin layer, spreading over the nonlinear surface of a radially extended sheet. The temperature field has been taken with the accumulation of dissipation term. The similarity variables have been used to transform the basic flow equations into a set of nonlinear differential equations. The thickness of the spreading phenomenon has been taken as a variable. The approximate outcomes of the problem have been achieved using the optimal approach of the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The convergence of the HAM has been computed with numerical method. The impact of the variable thickness parameter [Formula: see text], generalized magnetic parameter [Formula: see text], Eckert number [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the spreading pattern and temperature field has been calculated and discussed. The attention has been paid to the important physical quantities of interest like the skin friction and Nusselt number under the effect of various embedded parameters.
REALIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW ORGANIC THIN FILM SEMICONDUCTOR
Authors: TIFFOUR IMANE , BASSAID SALAH , DEHBI ABDELKADER , BELFEDAL ABDELKADER , MOURAD ABDEL-HAMID I. , ZEINERT ANDREAS
Published: December 2017

The main objective of this paper is the realization and characterization of a new organic thin film semiconductor material through the use of an ideal mixture of Acetaminophen/Curcumin utilizing several characterization techniques. From optical analysis, we can conclude that our semiconductor material is comparable and shows good concurrency to the semiconductors applied in technologic applications. In fact, the analysis of the optical measurement (transmittance [Formula: see text] conducting to the optical energy bandgap, [Formula: see text], it was found the optical bandgap is around to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV. In addition, by using the Wemple Didominico model it was found the dispersion energy ED varied from 5[Formula: see text]eV to 7[Formula: see text]eV, the average bandgap [Formula: see text] separated the center of both bands occupied and unoccupied is around 4.5[Formula: see text]eV and the static refractive index [Formula: see text] varies from 1.3 to 2 and it dependent on the compactness and transparency of the material.
INHIBITORY ACTION OF GARLIC EXTRACT IN THE CORROSION OF COPPER UNDER THIN ELECTROLYTE LAYERS
Authors: CHEN ZHENYU , CEN HONGYU , WEI LISHA , CAO YAMIN , GUO XINGPENG
Published: December 2017

The inhibition effects of garlic extract on copper corrosion under a thin electrolyte layer (TEL) were investigated using weight-loss measurements, electrochemical methods and surface analysis. Results showed that the volatile organosulfur compounds of garlic extract, such as diallyl trisulfide and di-2-propenyl disulfide, among others, could adsorb on the surface of copper and have a significant inhibitory effect on copper corrosion. Garlic extract acted as a mixed-type inhibitor for copper under TEL. Surface analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were conducted to illustrate the inhibitive mechanisms of this plant extract under a TEL.
A ZERO-EMISSION ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING BATH
Authors: LIU WANMIN , LIU QILONG , XU LV , QIN MULAN , DENG JIYONG
Published: December 2017

A zero-emission electroless nickel plating bath was investigated, which consisted of nickel hypophosphite, hypophosphorous acid, lithium acetate, citric acid and maleic acid. The bath stability, bath life and plating rate were 68.0[Formula: see text]min, 8 cycles and 13.39[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m/h, respectively. The Ni–P plating layer showed smooth appearance with lots of small continuous nodules, with 12.23[Formula: see text]wt.% phosphorus content. The electrochemical measurements showed that the deposit exhibited excellent corrosion resistance. All of these properties of the zero-emission plating bath and its deposit were better than those of the popular plating solution and its layer. It is most significant that the spent plating bath can be used directly as a raw material to prepare LiFePO4/C materials, which conforms to the concept of circular economy.
INFLUENCE OF Fe/Si THICKNESS RATIO ON STRUCTURAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Fe3Si FILMS FABRICATED BY SPUTTERING
Authors: XIE JING , XIE QUAN , MA RUI , HUANG JIN , ZHANG CHONG
Published: December 2017

The structural and magnetic properties of Fe3Si films fabricated by layered sputtering on Si substrates dependent on the Fe/Si thickness ratio varying from 2:1 to 4:1 were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that over the whole range of the Fe/Si thickness ratio considered, all films consist of the polycrystalline Fe3Si phase. The film produced with the Fe/Si thickness ratio of 3:1 shows relatively high structural quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal that the film layer can be clearly observed and the thickness of the film layer at Fe/Si thickness ratio of 3:1 is the thinnest. From the analysis of the magnetization curves, all of these films exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. The sample at Fe/Si thickness ratio of 3:1 shows a high [Formula: see text] value of [Formula: see text]831[Formula: see text]emu/cm3, which is slightly lower than the bulk value of Fe3Si. The variety of its coercive force [Formula: see text] is associated with the change of grain size [Formula: see text] through [Formula: see text], and the discrepancy between the [Formula: see text] values of these films and the bulk Fe3Si is due to defects pinning magnetic domain. Meanwhile, the electrical resistivity remarkably decreases with the increase of the Fe/Si thickness ratio.
AMORPHOUS Ni/C MICROSPHERES FOR CATALYTIC HYDROGEN GENERATION THROUGH HYDROLYSIS OF AMMONIA BORANE AND ELECTROCHEMICAL OXIDATION OF UREA
Authors: ZHAO HUI , TIAN YANPING , LIU YA , MIAO YUQING
Published: December 2017

The amorphous nickel/carbon microspheres (Ni/C-MSs) were synthesized through dehydration and carbonization of glucose at high temperature and high pressure. The obtained Ni/C-MSs and the Ni/C-800-MSs (calcined at 800[Formula: see text]C) were thoroughly characterized on morphology, composition and catalytic performance. It is found that the Ni/C-MSs showed good catalytic performance for hydrogen generation from aqueous H3NBH3 at room temperature. Urea was oxidized electrocatalytically by Ni/C-800-MSs in alkaline medium, indicating a viable method for wastewater remediation and simultaneous production of valuable hydrogen.
A Characterization of Verifiability and Observability in Contracts
Authors: Dimitri Nicola
Published: December 2017

Reference to the notions of verifiability and observability is widespread in contract theory. This paper is a contribution towards a formalization, and related characterizations, of these two notions. In particular we first define them, through knowledge operators, and then provide characterization results in terms of the relevant state spaces. Since, when referring to a contract, observability typically pertains to parties while verifiability to the court, we define them differently. A main finding of the paper is that for proper contract verifiability to obtain the court must imagine true states and have information processing abilities as good as the parties.
Universal Validity of Einstein Relation and Size-Dependent Viscosity and Surface-Active Characteristics of Nanofluids
Authors: Sukumaran Arya , Das Kishan , Rawat Kamla , Bohidar H. B.
Published: December 2017

In this report, the general validity of the Einstein viscosity relation, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], ratio of solution to solvent viscosity), is examined in nanofluids where monodisperse spherical nanoparticles (polystyrene latex spheres) of size 50–400[Formula: see text]nm were dispersed in water at room temperature, 25[Formula: see text]C. In addition to viscosity, we also measured contact angle, [Formula: see text], and surface free-energy, [Formula: see text], as function of particle concentration and observed that the universal relation [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], remained valid, where [Formula: see text] may be relative viscosity, contact angle or surface free-energy and [Formula: see text] is a shape-dependent constant and is 2.5 in the Einstein limit. Thus, the Einstein relation has a wider validity than is generally thought encompassing both bulk and surface properties of nanofluids. Furthermore, we extend the study to establish an empirical relation between intrinsic viscosity [[Formula: see text]] and Huggins interaction parameter [Formula: see text], with particle size [Formula: see text], which obeyed: [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is in nm, [[Formula: see text]] is in cc/g, [Formula: see text] is in (g/cc)2 and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants of particle size. Identical expressions could be established for contact angle and surface free energy. These remarkable observations have not been reported hitherto.
Walnut Shell-Templated Ceria Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application
Authors: Zamani Asghar , Marjani Ahmad Poursattar , Alimoradlu Khadijeh
Published: December 2017

Ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been produced from cerium nitrate and walnut shell as a worthless agricultural waste by a thermal decomposition method followed by open air calcination. These NPs further were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, particle sizes can be tuned by changing cerium source/biomass ratio. To test the catalytic activity of cerium NPs as a heterogeneous catalyst, we selected three-component synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-amine. Also, the efficiency of CeO2 NPs as a support for palladium NPs and subsequent use in aerobic oxidation of alcohols has been investigated. TEM image of a recovered catalyst indicates the formation of 12 nm sized palladium NPs within the cerium oxide NPs. The catalyst is quite effective for the oxidation of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones under atmospheric pressure of air. Oxidation of secondary aliphatic alcohols is performed in oxygen atmosphere.
Nitrogen Doping of Hexagonal and Cubic Ge2Sb2Te5 Nanocrystals: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Odhiambo Henry , Amolo George , Makau Nicholas , Kiptiemoi Korir , Othieno Herick
Published: December 2017

The effect of nitrogen doping on the structural, electronic and optical properties of hexagonal and cubic Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) has been investigated from first principles. The nitrogen content was set to 10 at.% and 25 at.%, in which it was found that the hexagonal phase becomes more stable, whereas the cubic phase becomes more unstable with increasing nitrogen content. A difference in optical reflectivity of about 8% was calculated for pure hexagonal and cubic phases. Pure GST was found to possess a higher reflectivity contrast in the infrared spectral range, whereas doped GST had a higher reflectivity contrast, which increased with rising nitrogen content, in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range. The optical conductivity was found to fall with increasing nitrogen content, in agreement with experiment and other theoretical studies.
Argo_CUDA: Exhaustive GPU based approach for motif discovery in large DNA datasets
Authors: Vishnevsky Oleg V. , Bocharnikov Andrey V. , Kolchanov Nikolay A.
Published: December 2017

The development of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) technology has revolutionized the genetic analysis of the basic mechanisms underlying transcription regulation and led to accumulation of information about a huge amount of DNA sequences. There are a lot of web services which are currently available for de novo motif discovery in datasets containing information about DNA/protein binding. An enormous motif diversity makes their finding challenging. In order to avoid the difficulties, researchers use different stochastic approaches. Unfortunately, the efficiency of the motif discovery programs dramatically declines with the query set size increase. This leads to the fact that only a fraction of top “peak” ChIP-Seq segments can be analyzed or the area of analysis should be narrowed. Thus, the motif discovery in massive datasets remains a challenging issue. Argo_Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) web service is designed to process the massive DNA data. It is a program for the detection of degenerate oligonucleotide motifs of fixed length written in 15-letter IUPAC code. Argo_CUDA is a full-exhaustive approach based on the high-performance GPU technologies. Compared with the existing motif discovery web services, Argo_CUDA shows good prediction quality on simulated sets. The analysis of ChIP-Seq sequences revealed the motifs which correspond to known transcription factor binding sites.
The search of CAR, AhR, ESRs binding sites in promoters of intronic and intergenic microRNAs
Authors: Ovchinnikov Vladimir Y. , Antonets Denis V. , Gulyaeva Lyudmila F.
Published: December 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Many exogenous compounds or xenobiotics may affect microRNA expression. It is a well-established fact that xenobiotics with planar structure like TCDD, benzo(a)pyrene (BP) can bind aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) followed by its nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of target genes. Another chemically diverse group of xenobiotics including phenobarbital, DDT, can activate the nuclear receptor CAR and in some cases estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2. We hypothesized that such chemicals can affect miRNA expression through the activation of AHR, CAR, and ESRs. To prove this statement, we used in silico methods to find DRE, PBEM, ERE potential binding sites for these receptors, respectively. We have predicted AhR, CAR, and ESRs binding sites in 224 rat, 201 mouse, and 232 human promoters of miRNA-coding genes. In addition, we have identified a number of miRNAs with predicted AhR, CAR, and ESRs binding sites that are known as oncogenes and as tumor suppressors. Our results, obtained in silico, open a new strategy for ongoing experimental studies and will contribute to further investigation of epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Teleparallel dark energy in a system of D0-branes
Authors: Sharma Umesh Kumar , Sepehri Alireza , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: December 2017

A new model which allows a non-minimal coupling between gravity and quintessence in the configuration of teleparallel gravity was recently proposed by Geng et al. [“Teleparallel” dark energy, Phys. Lett. B 704 (2011) 384–387] and they named it teleparallel dark energy. Now the main problem which arises is to know what is the source of this dark energy? The answer of this question is given by us in [Formula: see text]-theory. This type of dark energy may be produced at three stages in our model. First, one six-dimensional universe is formed by combining and expanding [Formula: see text]-branes. We know that this universe-brane is polarized on two circles and our four-dimensional cosmos and two [Formula: see text]-branes are yielded. At third stage, two [Formula: see text]-branes glued to each other and one [Formula: see text]-brane is formed. This [Formula: see text] connects our universe with another universe, gives its energy to them and causes the production of dark energy. Thus, the [Formula: see text]-brane is unstable and dissolves in our four-dimensional universes and supplies the needed teleparallel dark energy for expansion. These calculations are extended to [Formula: see text]-theory and shown that the amount of teleparallel dark energy which is produced by compactification of universe-branes in [Formula: see text]-theory is more than string theory.
Holographic dark energy models in higher derivative torsion corrected modified teleparallel gravity
Authors: Rani Shamaila , Jawad Abdul
Published: December 2017

We consider the recently proposed higher derivative torsion corrected modified teleparallel gravity and holographic dark energy (HDE) models. We apply the correspondence scheme to construct models in underlying scenario using various scale factor forms. We investigate the reconstructed functions through equation of state (EoS) parameter. It is demonstrated that the EoS parameter provides quintom-like nature of the Universe in most of the cases, i.e. it drives the Universe from vacuum dark energy era toward phantom era of the Universe by crossing the phantom divide line. We also demonstrate that the consistency with the observational data can be achieved.
Non-lightlike ruled surfaces with constant curvatures in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Ali Ahmad Tawfik
Published: December 2017

We study the non-lightlike ruled surfaces in Minkowski 3-space with non-lightlike base curve [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are the tangent, principal normal and binormal vectors of an arbitrary timelike curve [Formula: see text]. Some important results of flat, minimal, II-minimal and II-flat non-lightlike ruled surfaces are studied. Finally, the following interesting theorem is proved: the only non-zero constant mean curvature (CMC) non-lightlike ruled surface is developable timelike ruled surface generated by binormal vector.
Modeling the effect of time delay in budget allocation to control an epidemic through awareness
Authors: Misra A. K. , Rai Rajanish Kumar , Takeuchi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2017

The emergence of any new infectious disease poses much stress on the government to control the spread of such disease. The easy, fast and less expensive way to slow down the spread of disease is to make the population be aware of its spread and possible control mechanisms. For this purpose, government allocates some funds to make public aware through mass media, print media, pamphlets, etc. Keeping this in view, in this paper, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed and analyzed to assess the effect of time delay in providing funds by the government to warn people. It is assumed that susceptible individuals contract infection through the direct contact with infected individuals; however the rate of contracting infection is a decreasing function of funds availability. The proposed model is analyzed using stability theory of delay differential equations and numerical simulations. The model analysis shows that the increase in funds to warn people reduces the number of infected individuals but delay in providing the funds destabilizes the interior equilibrium and may cause stability switches.
Dendritic hierarchical AgCl prepared in the interface of gas–solid as the precursors of the visible-light plasmonic photocatalysts of Ag–AgCl
Authors: Di Andi , Wang Yu , Chen Gang
Published: December 2017

A new photocatalyst structure, dendritic hierarchical AgCl assembled by numerous nanoscaled particles, was obtained via simple and effective one-step gas–solid interfacial method for the first time. The macromorphology of the prepared AgCl also displays a dendritic shape as the microperspective. The Ag–AgCl made from the dendritic hierarchical AgCl exhibits a stable photocatalytic performance.
Paramagnetic Gd-Doped Zirconia Nanoparticles for Potential T1-Weighted MRI Imaging
Authors: Atabaev Timur Sh.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, Gd-doped zirconia (ZrO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles were prepared using a facile urea homogeneous precipitation method. The morphology, structural properties and magnetic properties of Gd-doped zirconia nanoparticles (NPs) have been analyzed by field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic properties measurement system (MPMS), respectively. Toxicity analysis suggested that prepared Gd-doped ZrO2 NPs have good biocompatibility. The contrast enhancement ability of prepared Gd-doped ZrO2 NPs was tested by a 1.5T small animal MRI scanner. Obvious image brightening confirmed that prepared Gd-doped ZrO2 NPs can be potentially used for T1-weighted MRI imaging.
Wind-Induced Coupling Vibration Effects of High-Voltage Transmission Tower-Line Systems
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Guifeng , Wang Lulu , Li Jie
Published: December 2017

A three-dimensional finite element model of a 500 kV high-voltage transmission tower-line coupling system is built using ANSYS software and verified with field-measured data. The dynamic responses of the tower-line system under different wind speeds and directions are analyzed and compared with the design code. The results indicate that wind speed plays an important role in the tower-line coupling effect. Under the low wind speed, the coupling effect is less obvious and can be neglected. With increased wind speed, the coupling effect on the responses of the tower gradually becomes prominent, possibly resulting in the risk of premature failure of the tower-line system. The designs based on the quasi-static method stipulated in the current design code are unsafe because of the ignorance of the adverse impacts of coupling vibration on the transmission towers. In practical engineering, when the quasi-static method is still used in design, the results for the design wind speed should be multiplied by the corresponding tower-line coupling effect amplifying coefficient δ.
A Linear Time Algorithm for a Variant of the MAX CUT Problem in Series Parallel Graphs
Authors: Chaourar Brahim
Published: December 2017

Given a graphG=V,E, a connected sides cutU,V\UorδUis the set of edges ofElinking all vertices ofUto all vertices ofV\Usuch that the induced subgraphsGUandGV\Uare connected. Given a positive weight functionwdefined onE, the maximum connected sides cut problem (MAX CS CUT) is to find a connected sides cutΩsuch thatwΩis maximum. MAX CS CUT is NP-hard. In this paper, we give a linear time algorithm to solve MAX CS CUT for series parallel graphs. We deduce a linear time algorithm for the minimum cut problem in the same class of graphs without computing the maximum flow.
Haplotype-Contained PCR Products Analysis by Sequencing with Selective Restriction of Primer Extension
Authors: Wang Liu , Xiao Pengfeng
Published: December 2017

We develop a strategy for haplotype analysis of PCR products that contained two adjacent heterozygous loci using sequencing with specific primers, allele-specific primers, and ddNTP-blocked primers. To validate its feasibility, two sets of PCR products, including two adjacent heterozygous SNPs, UGT1A1⁎6 (rs4148323) and UGT1A1⁎28 (rs8175347), and two adjacent heterozygous SNPs, K1637K (rs11176013) and S1647T (rs11564148), were analyzed. Haplotypes of PCR products, including UGT1A1⁎6 and UGT1A1⁎28, were successfully analyzed by Sanger sequencing with allele-specific primers. Also, haplotypes of PCR products, including K1637K and S1647T, could not be determined by Sanger sequencing with allele-specific primers but were successfully analyzed by pyrosequencing with ddNTP-blocked primers. As a result, this method is able to effectively haplotype two adjacent heterozygous PCR products. It is simple, fast, and irrespective of short read length of pyrosequencing. Overall, we fully hope it will provide a new promising technology to identify haplotypes of conventional PCR products in clinical samples.
Channel Measurements and Modeling at 6 GHz in the Tunnel Environments for 5G Wireless Systems
Authors: Li Shuang-de , Liu Yuan-jian , Lin Le-ke , Sheng Zhong , Sun Xiang-chen , Chen Zhi-peng , Zhang Xiao-jun
Published: December 2017

Propagation measurements of wireless channels performed in the tunnel environments at 6 GHz are presented in this paper. Propagation characteristics are simulated and analyzed based on the method of shooting and bouncing ray tracing/image (SBR/IM). A good agreement is achieved between the measured results and simulated results, so the correctness of SBR/IM method has been validated. The measured results and simulated results are analyzed in terms of path loss models, received power, root mean square (RMS) delay spread, Ricean K-factor, and angle of arrival (AOA). The omnidirectional path loss models are characterized based on close-in (CI) free-space reference distance model and the alpha-beta-gamma (ABG) model. Path loss exponents (PLEs) are 1.50–1.74 in line-of-sight (LOS) scenarios and 2.18–2.20 in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios. Results show that CI model with the reference distance of 1 m provides more accuracy and stability in tunnel scenarios. The RMS delay spread values vary between 2.77 ns and 18.76 ns. Specially, the Poisson distribution best fits the measured data of RMS delay spreads for LOS scenarios and the Gaussian distribution best fits the measured data of RMS delay spreads for NLOS scenarios. Moreover, the normal distribution provides good fits to the Ricean K-factor. The analysis of the abovementioned results from channel measurements and simulations may be utilized for the design of wireless communications of future 5G radio systems at 6 GHz.
Comparison of Repeatability and Agreement between Swept-Source Optical Biometry and Dual-Scheimpflug Topography
Authors: Jung Soyeon , Chin Hee Seung , Kim Na Rae , Lee Kang Won , Jung Ji Won
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To assess the repeatability and agreement of parameters obtained with two biometers and to compare the predictability. Methods. Biometry was performed on 101 eyes with cataract using the IOLMaster 700 and the Galilei G6. Three measurements were obtained per eye with each device, and repeatability was evaluated. The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, central corneal thickness (CCT), and lens thickness (LT) were measured and postoperative predictability was compared. Results. Measurements could not be obtained with the IOLMaster 700 in one eye and in seven eyes with the Galilei G6 due to dense cataract. Both the IOLMaster 700 and Galilei G6 showed good repeatability, although the IOLMaster 700 showed better repeatability than the Galilei G6. There were no statistically significant differences in AL, ACD, steepest K, WTW, and LT (P>0.050), although flattest K, mean K, and CCT differed (P<0.050). The proportion of eyes with an absolute prediction error within 0.5 D was 85.0% for the IOLMaster 700 and was 80.0% for the Galilei G6 based on the SRK/T formula. Conclusions. Two biometers showed high repeatability and relatively good agreements. The swept-source optical biometer demonstrated better repeatability, penetration, and an overall lower prediction error.
Computational FEM Model,PhantomandEx VivoSwine Breast Validation of an Optimized Double-Slot Microcoaxial Antenna Designed for Minimally Invasive Breast Tumor Ablation: Theoretical and Experimental Comparison of Temperature, Size of Lesion, and SWR, Preliminary Data
Authors: Guerrero López Geshel David , Cepeda Rubio Mario Francisco Jesús , Hernández Jácquez José Irving , Vera Hernandez Arturo , Leija Salas Lorenzo , Valdés Perezgasga Francisco , Flores García Francisco
Published: December 2017

Malignant neoplasms are one of the principal world health concerns and breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Advances in cancer detection technologies allow treating it in early stages; however, it is necessary to develop treatments which carry fewer complications and aesthetic repercussions. This work presents a feasibility study for the use of microwave ablation as a novel technique for breast cancer treatment. A microwave applicator design is also being proposed for this purpose. The coupling of the designed antenna was predicted with computer simulation. The standing wave ratio obtained through simulation was 1.87 and the result of experimental validation was 1.04. The optimized antenna has an optimal coupling (SWR = 1.04) so ablation temperatures can be achieved in a relatively short time using low power. Varying the time and power, the heating pattern can be changed to treat different tumors. However, as some discrepancies are still present, a deeper study of the dielectric properties and their variation with temperature is required.
Two-Stage Tissue-Expander Breast Reconstruction: A Focus on the Surgical Technique
Authors: Bellini Elisa , Pesce Marianna , Santi PierLuigi , Raposio Edoardo
Published: December 2017

Objective. Breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women, comprises 18% of all female cancers. Mastectomy is an essential intervention to save lives, but it can destroy one’s body image, causing both physical and psychological trauma. Reconstruction is an important step in restoring patient quality of life after the mutilating treatment. Material and Methods. Tissue expanders and implants are now commonly used in breast reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction allows a better aesthetic result; however, many patients prefer implant reconstruction due to the shorter operation time and lack of donor site morbidity. Moreover, this reconstruction strategy is safe and can be performed in patients with multiple health problems. Tissue-expander reconstruction is conventionally performed as a two-stage procedure starting immediately after mammary gland removal. Results. Mastectomy is a destructive but essential intervention for women with breast cancer. Tissue expansion breast reconstruction is a safe, reliable, and efficacious procedure with considerable psychological benefits since it provides a healthy body image. Conclusion. This article focuses on this surgical technique and how to achieve the best reconstruction possible.
Long‐Term Effects of TCM Yangqing Kangxian Formula on Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via Regulating Nuclear Factor‐κB Signaling
Authors: Li Meng , Li Ya , Li JianSheng , Zhao Peng , Bai Yunping , Feng SuXiang , Liu Xuefang , Wang Yang , Bian Qingqing , Li Junzi
Published: December 2017

Objective. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and long‐term effects of YKF and dissect the potential mechanisms. Materials and Methods. IPF rats were given YKF, prednisone, or pirfenidone, respectively, from day 1 to day 42, followed by a 28‐day nonintervention interval through day 70. Forced vital capacity (FVC), histopathology, hydroxyproline (HYP) contents, lung coefficient, blood inflammatory cell populations, inflammatory cytokine levels of the lung tissues, and the expression of proteins involved in nuclear factor‐ (NF‐) κB signaling pathway were evaluated on days 7, 14, 28, 42, and 70. Results. HYP contents, Ashcroft scores, lung coefficient, and pulmonary fibrosis blood cell populations increased significantly in IPF rats, while FVC declined. All the above‐mentioned parameters were improved in treatment groups from day 7 up to day 70, especially in YKF group. The mRNA and protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α significantly decreased, while interferon‐ (IFN‐) γ significantly increased, and phosphorylations of cytoplasm inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase β (IKKβ), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B α (IκBα), and NF‐κB were obviously downregulated in YKF group from day 7 to day 70. Conclusion. YKF has beneficial protective and long‐term effects on pulmonary fibrosis by anti‐inflammatory response and alleviating fibrosis.
A Meta-Analysis about the Screening Role of Pulse Oximetry for Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Du Caiju , Liu Dianmei , Liu Guojing , Wang Huaixin
Published: December 2017

Objective. The opinions about the application of pulse oximetry in diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) were debatable. We performed this meta-analysis to confirm the diagnostic role of pulse oximetry screening for CHD. Methods. Relevant articles were searched in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to April 2017. Data was processed in the MetaDiSc 1.4 software. Pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to explain the diagnostic role of pulse oximetry screening for CHD. I2⩾50% or p<0.05 indicated significant heterogeneity. Area under curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) was calculated to assess its diagnostic accuracy. The robustness of overall results was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated by Deek’s funnel plot. Results. 22 eligible articles were selected. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.69 (0.67–0.72) and 0.99 (0.99-0.99), respectively. The corresponding AUC was 0.9407, suggesting high diagnostic accuracy of pulse oximetry screening for CHD. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the pooled results were robust. Deek’s funnel plot seemed to be symmetrical. Conclusions. Pulse oximetry screening could be used to diagnose CHD. It shows high diagnosis specificity and accuracy.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of Human Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells That Survived Sublethal Heat Shock
Authors: Vinogradov A. E. , Shilina M. A. , Anatskaya O. V. , Alekseenko L. L. , Fridlyanskaya I. I. , Krasnenko A. , Kim A. , Korostin D. , Ilynsky V. , Elmuratov A. , Tsyganov O. , Grinchuk T. M. , Nikolsky N. N.
Published: December 2017

High temperature is a critical environmental and personal factor. Although heat shock is a well-studied biological phenomenon, hyperthermia response of stem cells is poorly understood. Previously, we demonstrated that sublethal heat shock induced premature senescence in human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSC). This study aimed to investigate the fate of eMSC-survived sublethal heat shock (SHS) with special emphasis on their genetic stability and possible malignant transformation using methods of classic and molecular karyotyping, next-generation sequencing, and transcriptome functional analysis. G-banding revealed random chromosome breakages and aneuploidy in the SHS-treated eMSC. Molecular karyotyping found no genomic imbalance in these cells. Gene module and protein interaction network analysis of mRNA sequencing data showed that compared to untreated cells, SHS-survived progeny revealed some difference in gene expression. However, no hallmarks of cancer were found. Our data identified downregulation of oncogenic signaling, upregulation of tumor-suppressing and prosenescence signaling, induction of mismatch, and excision DNA repair. The common feature of heated eMSC is the silence of MYC, AKT1/PKB oncogenes, and hTERT telomerase. Overall, our data indicate that despite genetic instability, SHS-survived eMSC do not undergo transformation. After long-term cultivation, these cells like their unheated counterparts enter replicative senescence and die.
Strong Coupling Constants of Negative Parity Heavy Baryons with π and K Mesons
Authors: Aliev T. M. , Bilmis S. , Savci M.
Published: December 2017

The strong coupling constants of negative parity heavy baryons belonging to sextet and antitriplet representations of SUf(3) with light π and K mesons are estimated within the light cone QCD sum rules. It is observed that each class of the sextet-sextet, sextet-antitriplet, and antitriplet-antitriplet transitions can be described by only one corresponding function. The pollution arising from the positive to positive, positive to negative, and negative to positive parity baryons transitions is eliminated by constructing sum rules for different Lorentz structures. The obtained coupling constants are compared with the ones for the positive parity heavy baryons.
Proportional Retarded Controller to Stabilize Underactuated Systems with Measurement Delays: Furuta Pendulum Case Study
Authors: Ortega-Montiel T. , Villafuerte-Segura R. , Vázquez-Aguilera C. , Freidovich L.
Published: December 2017

The design and tuning of a simple feedback strategy with delay to stabilize a class of underactuated mechanical systems with dead time are presented. A linear time‐invariant (LTI) model with time delay of fourth order and a Proportional Retarded (PR) controller are considered. The PR controller is shown as an appealing alternative to the application of observer‐based controllers. This paper gives a step forward to obtain a better understanding of the effect of output delays and related phenomena in mechatronic systems, making it possible to design resilient control laws under the presence of uncertain time delays in measurements and obtain an acceptable performance without using a derivative action. The Furuta pendulum is a standard two‐degrees‐of‐freedom benchmark example from the class of underactuated mechanical systems. The configuration under study includes an inherent output delay due to wireless communication used to transmit measurements of the pendulum’s angular position. Our approach offers a constructive design and a procedure based on a combination of root loci and Mikhailov methods for the analysis of stability. Experiments over a laboratory platform are reported and a comparison with a standard linear state feedback control law shows the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Simulation and Analysis of Long-Term CO2 Trapping for the Shenhua CCS Demonstration Project in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Yilian , Yang Guodong , Jiang Fengcheng , Yang Sen , Wang Yongsheng
Published: December 2017

The Shenhua CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) project has achieved its goal of injecting 100,000 tons/year CO2 into the saline aquifers of the Ordos Basin. This study analyzes the geochemical interactions between CO2, formation fluid, and host rock of the major formations in the Ordos Basin, assesses the CO2 trapping capabilities, and predicts the final mineral forms of injected CO2. Reactive transport simulations are performed using a 2D radial model, which represents a homogeneous formation. The results show that 80% of injected CO2 remains as free supercritical gas in each formation after injection, while most of CO2 is sequestrated in different carbonate mineral assemblages after 10,000 years. The CO2 mineral trapping capacities of the Shiqianfeng and Shihezi formations are smaller than the Liujiagou formation. Calcite, dawsonite, and siderite are stable CO2 trapping minerals, while dolomite, ankerite, and magnesite are not. The increase in porosity and permeability of the three formations in the first 100 years agrees with the observation from the Shenhua CCS Project. Also the decrease in porosity and permeability after 100 years shows agreement with other modelling studies using the similar methods. These results are useful for the evaluation of the geochemical process in long-term CO2 geological storage.
Kernel Negative ε Dragging Linear Regression for Pattern Classification
Authors: Peng Yali , Zhang Lu , Liu Shigang , Wang Xili , Guo Min
Published: December 2017

Linear regression (LR) and its variants have been widely used for classification problems. However, they usually predefine a strict binary label matrix which has no freedom to fit the samples. In addition, they cannot deal with complex real-world applications such as the case of face recognition where samples may not be linearly separable owing to varying poses, expressions, and illumination conditions. Therefore, in this paper, we propose the kernel negative ε dragging linear regression (KNDLR) method for robust classification on noised and nonlinear data. First, a technique called negative ε dragging is introduced for relaxing class labels and is integrated into the LR model for classification to properly treat the class margin of conventional linear regressions for obtaining robust result. Then, the data is implicitly mapped into a high dimensional kernel space by using the nonlinear mapping determined by a kernel function to make the data more linearly separable. Finally, our obtained KNDLR method is able to partially alleviate the problem of overfitting and can perform classification well for noised and deformable data. Experimental results show that the KNDLR classification algorithm obtains greater generalization performance and leads to better robust classification decision.
Exemestane Attenuates Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Promoting the Secretion of Interleukin 10
Authors: Wang Ya-Hui , Li Rong-Kun , Fu Ying , Li Jun , Yang Xiao-Mei , Zhang Yan-Li , Zhu Lei , Yang Qin , Gu Jian-Ren , Xing Xin , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: December 2017

Exemestane (EXE) is an irreversible steroidal aromatase inhibitor mainly used as an adjuvant endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women suffering from breast cancer. Besides inhibiting aromatase activity, EXE has multiple biological functions, such as antiproliferation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities which are all involved in hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we investigated the role of EXE during the progress of hepatic fibrosis. The effect of EXE on liver injury and fibrosis were assessed in two hepatic fibrosis rat models, which were induced by either carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or bile duct ligation (BDL). The influence of EXE treatment on activation and proliferation of primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was observedin vitro. The results showed that EXE attenuated the liver fibrosis by decreasing the collagen deposition andα-SMA expressionin vivoand inhibited the activation and proliferation of primary rat HSCsin vitro. Additionally, EXE promoted the secretion of antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10in vivoand in HSC-T6 culture media. In conclusion, our findings reveal a new function of EXE on hepatic fibrosis and prompted its latent application in liver fibrotic-related disease.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Jatrorrhizine Derivatives with Amino Groups Linked at the 3-Position as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Jiang Xiaofei , Zhang Nengling , Xiong Nanqian , Liu Yi , Cao Jianfeng , Qiu ShengXiang
Published: December 2017

Jatrorrhizine was considered as one of the active constituents of Coptis chinensis Franch. Herein, jatrorrhizine derivatives with substituted amino groups linked at the 3-position were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. Jatrorrhizine derivatives inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to a greater extent than the lead compound jatrorrhizine. All these jatrorrhizine derivatives were proved to be potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with submicromolar IC50 values, but less sensitive to butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), which suggests that these jatrorrhizine derivatives are selective for AChE/BuChE. Compound 3g gave the most potent inhibitor activity for AChE (IC50 = 0.301 μM), which is greater than the lead compound jatrorrhizine. All these results demonstrated that these jatrorrhizine derivatives are potential inhibitors for AChE.